UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||
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For the fiscal year ended
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| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||
Commission file number:
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
| (State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
(
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a
well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not
required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
(1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days. Yes ☐
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has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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. (Check one)
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
| ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ||
| Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
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has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial
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issued its audit report.
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pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing
reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is a shell company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Yes ☐
No
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting
stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the last business day of the registrants most recently completed second fiscal quarter,
based on the price at which the common equity was last sold on the OTC Markets on June 30, 2023 was approximately $
The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, outstanding as of July 15, 2024, was .
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Form 10-K”) for DarkPulse, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the exhibits attached hereto contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward looking statements concern the Company’s anticipated results and developments in the Company’s operations in future periods, planned development of the Company’s technology, plans related to its business and other matters that may occur in the future. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Such forward-looking statements include, among others, those statements including the words “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “believes” and similar language. Our actual results may differ significantly from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section “Risk Factors.” We undertake no obligation to publicly release any revisions to the forward-looking statements or reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. These factors include among others:
| · | The impact of conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine on our operations; | |
| · | Geo-political events, such as the crisis in Ukraine, government responses to such events and the related impact on the economy both nationally and internationally; | |
| · | Our ability to raise sufficient capital and continue to fund operating expenses; | |
| · | Our ability to get our technology to work in accordance with our technical specifications; | |
| · | Our ability to attract customers to our products once they are developed; | |
| · | Our ability to generate sales of our products once they are developed; | |
| · | Our ability to attract and retain the necessary personnel with the expertise needed to ensure that we can operate the Company effectively; | |
| · | Actions or inactions of third-party contractors and vendors; | |
| · | Our ability to successfully patent and protect our intellectual property; and | |
| · | General economic conditions. |
This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect our forward-looking statements. Some of the important risks and uncertainties that could affect forward-looking statements are described further under the sections titled “Business”, “Risk Factors”, and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis.” Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We disclaim any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.
We qualify all the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K by the foregoing cautionary statements.
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PART I
| ITEM 1. | BUSINESS |
As used in this Form 10-K, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” and the “Company” refer to DarkPulse, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries.
Organization
DarkPulse, Inc. (“DPI” or “Company”) is a technology-security company incorporated in 1989 as Klever Marketing, Inc. (“Klever”). Its’ wholly-owned subsidiary, DarkPulse Technologies Inc. (“DPTI”), originally started as a technology spinout from the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada. The Company’s security and monitoring systems will initially be delivered in applications for border security, pipelines, the oil and gas industry and mine safety. Current uses of fiber optic distributed sensor technology have been limited to quasi-static, long-term structural health monitoring due to the time required to obtain the data and its poor precision. The Company’s patented BOTDA dark-pulse sensor technology allows for the monitoring of highly dynamic environments due to its greater resolution and accuracy.
University of New Brunswick
In December 2010, DPTI entered into an Assignment Agreement with the University, pursuant to which the University sold, transferred, and assigned to us Patents in exchange for the issuance of a debenture to the University in the amount of C$1,500,000 (Canadian dollars). In April 2017, DPTI issued the Debenture. The Patents and the Debenture were initially recorded in our accounts at $1,491,923, based upon the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar on December 16, 2010, the date of the original debenture. In addition to the repayment of principal and interest, the Debenture requires DPTI to pay the University a 2% royalty on sales of any and all products or services which incorporate the Patents for a period of five years commencing on April 24, 2018, as well as to reimburse the University for its patent-related costs.
On February 1, 2024, our board of directors approved entering into the Amendment No. 01 to Convertible Debenture (Secured) Term Debenture with the University pursuant to which, effective January 17, 2024, section (c) of the recitals of the Convertible Debenture (Secured) Term Debenture effective April 24, 2017 was amended to the following:
“(c) the date that is seven (7) years from the Issue Date; or”
Section 3.1 of the Debenture is amended to the following:
3.1 Payback on the Principal Sum will commence over a four (4) year period upon the earlier of the following (each a “Payback Period”): (a) three (3) years following the Payor achieving a positive earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for two (2) consecutive quarters; or (b) the date that is seven (7) years from the Issue Date.
Section 3.2 of the Debenture is amended to the following:
“3.2 The Payor shall be required to pay the Payee, in quarterly installments over a four (4) year period commencing from the start of the Payback Period, the following:
(a) Ninety-Three Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Canadian Dollars ($93,750.00 CDN); and
(b) interest accrued on the Principal Sum on a declining balance; and
(c) all costs associated with protecting the Technology.”
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Our Operating Units
The Company’s subsidiaries consist of Remote Intelligence, LLC, a company headquartered in Pennsylvania who provides unmanned aerial drone and unmanned ground crawler (UGC) services to a variety of clients from industrial mapping and ecosystem services, to search and rescue, to pipeline security; Wildlife Specialists, LLC, a company headquartered in Pennsylvania who provides clients with comprehensive wildlife and environmental assessment, planning, and monitoring services; TerraData Unmanned, PLLC, a company headquartered in Florida who custom manufactures NDAA compliant drones and unmanned ground crawlers to meet the needs of its customers; and TJM Electronics West, Inc., a company headquartered in Arizona who is a U.S. manufacturer and tester of advanced electronics, cables and sub-assemblies specializing in advanced package and complex CCA and hardware.
TerraData Unmanned
Comprised of a team with more than 30 years cumulative experience in the unmanned industry, TerraData Unmanned (“TerraData”) custom manufactures National Defense Authorization Act (“NDAA”) compliant drones and unmanned ground crawlers to meet the needs of its customers. TerraData has successfully delivered a custom drone platform per a customer’s specifications which exceeds current industry offering by more than 30 minutes. The team has manufactured, and successfully flight tested a Quad Copter drone with 1.5KG payload capabilities that delivers more than 60 minutes of continuous flight. This cutting-edge design is a combination of proprietary software and hardware. The custom platform offers NDAA compliant autopilot, communications links, Technical Standard Orders (“TSO”) certified GPS unit and ground control station. Future designs include integrating Real-Time Kinematic (“RTK”) for mapping, methane detectors, and true terrain following capabilities. There are also improvements scheduled that are intended to further extend the endurance and provide over 4KG of payload capacity, not including batteries. TerraData has also announced the research, development and successful testing of an autonomous crawler soon to be released to the market with methane and multi gas detection capabilities. Working seamlessly with its partners at DarkPulse and its subsidiary companies, TerraData can custom design, build and operate a system to meet our customers' needs 24 hours a day 365 days a year around the globe.
Acquisitions
On August 9, 2021, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Optilan Guernsey Limited and Optilan Holdco 2 Limited, pursuant to which we purchased from the sellers all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Optilan HoldCo 3 Limited, a private company incorporated in England and Wales (“Optilan”), for £1.00. In connection with the acquisition, the Company acquired $14,828,459 in assets and assumed liabilities totaling $25,179,320. As a result of the transaction, Optilan became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
On August 30, 2021, we closed two separate Membership Interest Purchase Agreements with RI and WS pursuant to which we agreed to pay to the majority stockholder of each of RI and WS an aggregate of 15,000,000 shares of our Common Stock, $500,000 to be paid on the closing date, and an additional $500,000 to be paid 12 weeks from closing date in exchange for 60% ownership of each of RI and WS. As a result of the transactions, RI and WS each became subsidiaries of the Company with the respective non-controlling interests recoded on the consolidated balance sheets.
On September 8, 2021, we entered into and closed the Stock Purchase Agreement with TJM and TJM’s stockholders, pursuant to which we agreed to purchase all of the equity interests in TJM in exchange for $450,000, subject to adjustments as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement. As a result of the transaction, TJM became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
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Effective October 1, 2021, we entered into and closed the Membership Purchase Agreement with TerraData and Justin Dee, the sole stockholder of TerraData, pursuant to which we agreed to purchase 60% of the equity interests in TerraData in exchange for 3,725,386 shares of our Common Stock and $400,000, subject to adjustments as defined in the Membership Purchase Agreement, to be paid within 12 weeks of closing. As a result of the transaction, TerraData became a subsidiary of the Company.
On December 1, 2023, we entered into the Sale Agreement with Optilan (UK) Limited (in liquidation) incorporated and registered in England and Wales with company number 02715788, and Colin Hardman, Christopher Allen and Gregory Andrew Palfrey, as joint liquidators of the Optilan all of Evelyn Partners LLP. Under thea, we intended to purchase from Optilan for $65,000 all right, title, and interest in the following: (1) shares in Optilan India PVT (India), (2) shares in Optilan Communications & Security Systems Ltd (Turkey), and (3) the “Applicable Intellectual Property Rights,” as defined in the agreement. The closing of this agreement never occurred and Optilan India PVT (India) and Optilan Communications & Security Systems Ltd (Turkey) were never acquired by us.
Liquidation/winding up of Optilan (UK) Limited
On May 3, 2023, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, a creditor of Optilan (UK) Limited, filed a petition to wind up (“Winding up Petition”) Optilan (UK) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company’s Subsidiary, Optilan HoldCo 3 Limited, and the matter was due to be heard in the Portsmouth Combined Court Centre on June 28, 2023.
On June 28, 2023, the High Court of Justice in the United Kingdom issued a winding-up order for the liquidation and winding up of the affairs of Optilan (UK) Limited (“Optilan Liquidation”). In conjunction with the order, the court appointed the Official Receiver’s Office (“OR”) to take the appointment as liquidator of Optilan (UK) Limited and take control of Optilan (UK) Limited’s assets.
At the same time the court appointed the OR to take the appointment as liquidator of Optilan (UK) Limited. The OR has taken control of Optilan (UK) Limited’s assets. To date the ORs Office has initiated contact with Optilan but we still wait to receive details of the individual who will be taking the role of OR.
On July 3, 2023, Optilan (UK) Limited received a letter from The Insolvency Service, an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade located in the U.K. Pursuant to the letter of The Insolvency Services, the Company was required to provide information relating to Optilan (UK) Limited to the Official Receiver’s Office (a government body of Plymouth, the United Kingdom) and attend an interview with staff of the Official Receiver’s Office to review the prospect of recovering the assets of Optilan (UK) Limited for the benefit of creditors. The interview was scheduled for July 18, 2023.
On July 18, 2023, the interview was held between the Official Receiver’s Office (“OR”) and the CEO at time of dissolution. The OR office requested a list of assets, bank account information and amounts along with any contracts held by Optilan (UK) Limited to begin the liquidation process.
On August 9, 2023, Evelyn Partners was appointed Joint Liquidator.
There are no new claims against Optilan (UK) Limited as of July 15, 2024 and Evelyn Partners continue to liquidate the company’s assets.
The Company is an Unsecured creditor of Optilan (UK) Limited and is at risk of losing any repayment of obligations due from Optilan (UK) Limited because there are several intercompany relationships between the Company and Optilan (UK) Limited, the financial impact of any future claims and liabilities may not be known for several months. The Company has approximately $19.4 million intercompany payables due from Optilan (UK), which will increase the Company liabilities for any obligations not repaid. The Company expects the remaining assets held by Optilan (UK) Limited to be fully impaired and reported as Loss on Deconsolidation during the second quarter of 2023 as a result of the winding-up order for liquidation. At the time of this filing the Company is still evaluating the full effects of the winding-up order for liquidation and the material adverse effects it will have on the Company’s continued operations and ability to meet future obligations.
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Global System Dynamics, Inc.
On December 14, 2022, we entered into a Business Combination Agreement (the “BCA”) by, between, and among our company, Global System Dynamics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“GSD”), and Zilla Acquisition Corp, a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of GSD (the “Merger Sub”). Pursuant to the terms of the BCA, a business combination between us and GSD will be effected through the merger of Merger Sub with and into DarkPulse, with DarkPulse surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of GSD).
On August 8, 2023, we entered into Amendment No. 1 to the BCA pursuant to which the “Termination Date,” as defined in the BCA was amended from “August 9, 2023” to “February 9, 2024.” No other changes were made to the BCA.
On January 23, 2024, the BCA was terminated by mutual consent of the parties thereto. Although, as the Sponsor of GSD, the Company still owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock of GSD, all legal rights the Company had under the BCA have been terminated.
Our Business
We offer a full suite of engineering, installation and security management solutions to industries and governments. Coupled with our patented BOTDA technology, we provide our customers a comprehensive data stream of critical metrics for assessing the health and security of their infrastructure. Our comprehensive system provides for rapid, precise analysis and responsive activities predetermined by the end-user customer. These responses include the use of “smart” AI platformed cameras, facial recognition technologies and multiple drone platforms. Our User Interface (UI) is cloud based which offers end-users access to their systems on any device located anywhere in the world. Additional programming of the UI is being completed within a game engine that will also offer access via Virtual Reality headsets, allowing end-users to virtually inspection their assets.
Historically, distributed sensor systems have been too costly, slow and limited in their capabilities to attain widespread use. In addition, Brillouin-based sensors have been plagued with temperature and strain cross-sensitivity, i.e. the inability to distinguish between temperature and strain change along the same fiber. The loss of spatial resolution with an increase in fiber length has also limited the use of distributed sensor systems. Due to these shortcomings, existing technologies are unable to succeed within today’s dynamic environments, and needs for more advanced sensor technologies have remained unsatisfied.
By contrast to existing technologies, our BOTDA technology is a distributed-fiber sensing system, based on dark-pulse Brillouin scattering, which reports in real-time on conditions such as temperature, stress, strain corrosion and structural health monitoring of Critical Infrastructure/Key Resources including Bridges, Buildings, Roadways pipelines and mining installations.
Our BOTDA technology’s differentiators from and advantages over existing technologies:
| · | Real-time Reporting: Higher data acquisition speeds allowing for structural monitoring of dynamic systems; | |
| · | Cost to Customer: Significantly lower acquisition and operating costs; | |
| · | Precision: A greater magnitude of precision and spatial resolution than other systems currently available; | |
| · | Applications: Wider range of capabilities than other systems currently available; | |
| · | Power Consumption: Lower power consumption than existing systems allowing for off-grid installations; | |
| · | Integration: Capable of integrating with existing systems; and | |
| · | Central station monitoring/cloud based GUI. |
We believe that these key advantages should allow us not only to enter existing markets, but more importantly, to open new market opportunities with new applications. We intend to leverage new applications to target clients that have been unable to make use of distributed fiber optic technology to date.
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Revenue
The Company’s revenues are generated primarily from the sales of our services, which consist primarily of advanced technology solutions for integrated communications and security systems, as well as habitat management. The Company’s sales of products are primarily generated from our TJM subsidiaries.
Our Market
Current uses of fiber optic distributed sensor technology have been limited to quasi-static, long-term structural health monitoring due to the time required to obtain the data and its poor precision. Our BOTDA technology allows for the monitoring of highly dynamic environments due to its magnitude of increased resolution and greater accuracy. The resulting high speed, real-time monitoring capabilities of our BOTDA technology should satisfy a broad range of existing and emerging requirements. Use of our BOTDA technology by our customers should result in lower production costs with increased sensing capabilities that can integrate with existing technology and be upgraded cost effectively.
Due to the characteristics of the fiber used in fiber optic sensing, the uses of our BOTDA technology are wide ranging. Optical fiber is hard-wearing, which allows it to be used in environments where other technologies fail (for example, at temperatures ranging from -40°C to 300°C and 1000psi). Additionally, our BOTDA sensors allow for live sensing due to the speed at which the analysis takes place.
Our management team is continually identifying markets in which our BOTDA technology may be readily applied. Once these markets (as described below) have been addressed, our technology may be adapted and applied to new markets.
Structural Monitoring
| · | Buildings and Skyscrapers; | |
| · | Bridges, Tunnels and Dams; and | |
| · | Roads and Railway tracks. |
Temperature Sensing
| · | Fire Alarm and Environment control; | |
| · | Low cost and maintenance; | |
| · | Long life span; and | |
| · | Ability to withstand harsh working environment. |
Security & Defense
| · | National Border Protection; and | |
| · | Protection of Military and other sensitive installations. |
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Consulting Services:
| · | Consulting (as stand-alone or presales); | |
| · | Post sales deployment and Support; and | |
| · | Managed services (monitoring, etc.). |
Additional Potential Markets:
| · | Monitoring of composite structures in aircraft; | |
| · | Dynamic stress monitoring of runways; | |
| · | Dynamic ship hull stress monitoring, especially with a view to double-hull oil tankers; | |
| · | Smart grid and power conservation applications based on cooling and/or heat proximity – for instance, computer rooms, cell towers for heat soak; | |
| · | Monitor low temperatures as part of control systems; | |
| · | Monitoring of temperatures in extreme refrigeration environments; | |
| · | Avalanche early warning systems; and | |
| · | Sea defense monitoring. |
Marketing
We utilize our BOTDA technology as the foundation of our ongoing marketing initiatives. Most notably, the greater magnitude of increased capabilities of our BOTDA technology versus existing bright-pulsing technologies. Existing bright-pulse Brillouin-based sensors have historically been plagued with temperature and strain cross-sensitivity, i.e. the inability to distinguish between temperature and strain change along the same fiber. The loss of spatial resolution with an increase in fiber length is also a limiting factor for the use of distributed sensor systems. Because of these shortcomings, existing bright-pulse Brillouin-based technologies are unable to succeed within today’s dynamic environments, which coincides with our BOTDA technology’s increased capabilities over bright-pulse systems. Our marketing initiatives include daily, broad-based social media engagement, management of our website, email campaigns, national television commercials, magazine ads, and other ongoing initiatives designed to increase awareness of our products and services and drive conversion and adoption rates.
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Competition
The overall optical sensing market is projected to reach USD $3.47 billion by 2023 from USD $1.13 billion in 2016, at a CAGR of 15.47% between 2017 and 2023.[1] We are active in the optical sensing market, including Oil & Gas pipeline health monitoring, Infrastructure, National Border Security applications, and the mining industry. We believe that fiber sensing applications which incorporate our BOTDA technology may provide significant competitive advantages over structural health monitoring applications offered by the long-term leaders in the field, such as Schlumberger, Hewlett-Packard, and Yokogawa, which collectively account for a significant portion of industry sales. These companies, as well as others, have numerous differences in feature sets and functionality, but all share certain basic attributes: a bright-pulse technology as the core of their systems architecture. An architecture designed using bright-pulsing technology has limited sensing capabilities and resolutions of one meter allowing for mostly long-term quasi-static deployments.
However, we utilize our BOTDA technology allowing for multiple applications into those markets unavailable to companies using bright-pulse technology. While many of the companies using bright-pulse technology have attempted to incorporate various sensing techniques into a legacy technology, none have been able to offer the order of magnitude resolutions offered by our patented dark-pulse based BOTDA technology. This magnitude in resolution coupled with our BOTDA technology’s increased data collection speeds allows our technology to be installed into areas of the market that our competitors cannot. Our future financial condition and operating results depend on our ability to provide a high-quality solution as well as increased distribution of the solutions in each of the markets in which we compete or intend to compete within.
The markets for our products and services are highly competitive and we are confronted by aggressive competition. These markets are characterized by frequent product introductions and rapid technological advances. Our financial condition and operating results can be adversely affected by these and other industry-wide downward pressures on gross margins. Principal competitive factors important to us include price, product features, relative price and performance, product quality and reliability, marketing and distribution capability, service and support and corporate reputation.
Intellectual Property
Our policy is to protect our technology by, among other things, patents, trade secret protection and copyrights. We have taken security measures to protect our trade secrets and proprietary know-how, to the greatest extent possible. Our means of protecting our proprietary rights may not prove to be adequate and our competitors may independently develop technology or products that are similar to ours or that compete with ours. Trade secret, patent and copyright laws afford only certain protections for our technology and products. The laws of many countries do not protect our proprietary rights to as great an extent as do the laws of the United States. Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. Third parties may also design around our proprietary rights, which may render our protected technology and products less valuable, if the design around is favorably received in the marketplace.
In addition, any of our products or technology covered by patents or other intellectual property rights, could cause us to be subject to various legal actions. Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others, or to defend against claims of infringement, invalidity, misappropriation, or other claims.
Through DPTI’s April 2017 Intellectual Property agreement with the University, DPTI was sold, transferred, and assigned U.S. Patent Nos. 7,245,790, 8,643,829, and 9,534,965, each of which are related to our BOTDA dark-pulse technology. In addition, Canadian Patent No. 2,502,275 was also assigned.
__________
[1] https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/optical-sensing-market-197592599.html
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Suppliers
We currently rely on a full-time, dedicated, external team of experienced professionals for the coding and maintenance of our products. We believe we have mitigated the associated risks of managing an external team of software and engineering development professionals by incorporating internal management and oversight, as well as appropriate systems, protocols, controls, and procedures and ensuring that we have access to additional qualified professionals to provide like or complementary services.
Government Regulation
Government regulation is not of significant concern for our business nor is government regulation expected to become an impediment to the business in the near- or mid-term as management is currently unaware of any planned or anticipated government regulation that would have a material impact on our business. Our management believes it currently possesses all requisite authority to conduct our business as described in this report.
Employees
As of July 15, 2024, we had three full-time employees and no part-time employees.
| ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS |
Readers should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below.
Our failure to successfully address the risks and uncertainties described below would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and/or results of operations, and the trading price of our common stock may decline and investors may lose all or part of their investment. We cannot assure you that we will successfully address these risks or other unknown risks that may affect our business.
As an enterprise engaged in the commercialization of new technology, our business is inherently risky. Our common shares are considered speculative during the development of our business operations. Prospective investors should consider carefully the risk factors set out below.
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Summary Risk Factors
The following summarizes certain principal factors that make an investment in our Company speculative or risky, all of which are more fully described in the “Risk Factors” section herein. This summary should be read in conjunction with the “Risk Factors” section and should not be relied upon as an exhaustive summary of the material risks facing the Company.
| · | If we default on the Secured Debenture, the secured holder could take possession of our assets, including our patents and other intellectual property. | |
| · | Our stockholders have limited voting power compared to the holder of our Series A Preferred Stock. | |
| · | We have a limited operating history in an evolving and highly volatile industry, which makes it difficult to evaluate future prospects and may increase the risk that we will not be successful. | |
| · | We face intense and increasing competition and, if we do not compete effectively, our competitive positioning and our operating results will be harmed. | |
| · | Our operating results may fluctuate due to market forces out of our control that impact demand for our products and services. | |
| · | Cyberattacks and security breaches of our systems, or those impacting customers or third parties, could adversely impact our brand and reputation and our business, operating results and financial condition. | |
| · | Any significant disruption in our technology could adversely impact our brand and reputation and our business, operating results, and financial condition. | |
| · | Certain large customers provide a significant share of our revenue and the termination of such agreements or reduction in business with such customers could harm our business. If we were to lose or were unable to renew these and other client contracts at favorable terms, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected. | |
| · | There is no assurance that we will achieve profitability or that our revenue and business models will be successful. | |
| · | We will require additional capital to support business growth, and this capital might not be available or may require stockholder approval to obtain. | |
| · | You may experience dilution of your ownership interests because of the future issuance of additional shares of our common or preferred stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our common or preferred stock. | |
| · | The future development and growth of our technology and product offerings are subject to a variety of factors that are difficult to predict and evaluate and may be in the hands of third parties to a substantial extent. If our product offerings do not grow as expected, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected. | |
| · | Our intellectual property rights are valuable, and any inability to protect them could adversely impact our business, operating results, and financial condition. |
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RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS
Our former wholly-owned subsidiary, Optilan (UK) Limited, is in liquidation. As an unsecured creditor, we are at risk of losing significant repayment obligations due from Optilan (UK) Limited.
On May 3, 2023, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, a creditor of Optilan (UK) Limited, filed a petition to wind up (“Winding up Petition”) Optilan (UK) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company’s Subsidiary, Optilan HoldCo 3 Limited, and the matter was due to be heard in the Portsmouth Combined Court Centre on June 28, 2023.
On June 28, 2023, the High Court of Justice in the United Kingdom issued a winding-up order for the liquidation and winding up of the affairs of Optilan (UK) Limited (“Optilan Liquidation”). In conjunction with the order, the court appointed the Official Receiver’s Office (“OR”) to take the appointment as liquidator of Optilan (UK) Limited and take control of Optilan (UK) Limited’s assets.
At the same time the court appointed the OR to take the appointment as liquidator of Optilan (UK) Limited. The OR has taken control of Optilan (UK) Limited’s assets. To date the ORs Office has initiated contact with Optilan but we still wait to receive details of the individual who will be taking the role of OR.
On July 3, 2023, Optilan (UK) Limited received a letter from The Insolvency Service, an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade located in the U.K. Pursuant to the letter of The Insolvency Services, the Company was required to provide information relating to Optilan (UK) Limited to the Official Receiver’s Office (a government body of Plymouth, the United Kingdom) and attend an interview with staff of the Official Receiver’s Office to review the prospect of recovering the assets of Optilan (UK) Limited for the benefit of creditors. The interview was scheduled for July 18, 2023.
On July 18, 2023, the interview was held between the OR and the CEO at time of dissolution. The OR office requested a list of assets, bank account information and amounts along with any contracts held by Optilan (UK) Limited to begin the liquidation process.
On August 9, 2023, Evelyn Partners was appointed Joint Liquidator.
There are no new claims as of April 16, 2024 against Optilan (UK) Limited and Evelyn Partners continue to liquidate the company’s assets.
We are an unsecured creditor of Optilan (UK) Limited and are at risk of losing any repayment of obligations due from Optilan (UK) Limited because there are several intercompany relationships between the Company and Optilan (UK) Limited, the financial impact of any future claims and liabilities may not be known for several months. We have approximately $19.4 million intercompany payables due from Optilan (UK), which will increase our liabilities for any obligations not repaid. We expect the remaining assets held by Optilan (UK) Limited to be fully impaired and reported as Loss on Deconsolidation during the second quarter of 2023 as a result of the winding-up order for liquidation. We are still evaluating the full effects of the winding-up order for liquidation and the material adverse effects it will have on our continued operations and ability to meet future obligations. In the event we lose the repayment obligations of Optilan (UK) Limited, our financial condition could be materially adversely effected.
We may be adversely affected by natural disasters, pandemics, and other catastrophic events, and by man-made problems such as war or terrorism, that could disrupt our business operations, and our business continuity and disaster recovery plans may not adequately protect us from a serious disaster.
Natural disasters or other catastrophic events may also cause damage or disruption to our operations, international commerce, and the global economy, and could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition. Our business operations are subject to interruption by natural disasters, fire, power shortages, and other events beyond our control.
In addition, our global operations expose us to risks associated with public health crises, such as pandemics and epidemics, which could harm our business and cause its operating results to suffer.
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Further, war, acts of terrorism, labor activism and other geopolitical unrest could cause disruptions in our business or the businesses of its partners or the economy as a whole. In the event of a natural disaster, including a major earthquake, blizzard, or hurricane, or a catastrophic event such as a fire, power loss, or telecommunications failure, we may be unable to continue our operations and may endure system interruptions, reputational harm, delays in development of our products and services, lengthy interruptions in service, breaches of data security, and loss of critical data, all of which could have an adverse effect on our future operating results.
Escalating global tensions, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, could negatively impact us.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine could led to disruption, instability and volatility in global markets and industries that could negatively impact our operations. The U.S. government and other governments in jurisdictions in which we operate have imposed severe sanctions and export controls against Russia and Russian interests and threatened additional sanctions and controls. The impact of these measures, as well as potential responses to them by Russia, is currently unknown and they could adversely affect our business, partners or customers.
If we default on the Secured Debenture, the secured holder could take possession of our assets, including our patents and other intellectual property.
The Secured Debenture issued April 24, 2017, is secured by our assets, which includes our patents and other intellectual property. In the event that we default on the obligations in the Debenture, the secured holder could take possession of our assets, including our patents and other intellectual property. If this were to occur, investors would likely lose all of their investment.
Several of the convertible notes issued by us are in litigation with uncertain outcomes.
We have issued several convertible notes which are currently the subject of litigation (See “Legal Proceedings”). The outcomes of each of these matters is uncertain and we may be required to both expend large sums of resources on both defending against and pursuing our causes of action in each of these proceedings. In addition, there is no certainty that any outcome will be in favor of us and we may be required to pay settlements or judgments the amounts of which may be material to us. In the event that we do not achieve favorable outcomes to each of the outstanding legal proceedings with convertible note holders, it could have a material adverse effect on us and our operations may fail.
Our future growth depends significantly on our marketing efforts, and if our marketing efforts are not successful, our business and results of operations will be harmed.
We have dedicated some, and intend to significantly increase, resources to marketing efforts. Our ability to attract and retain customers depends in large part on the success of these marketing efforts and the success of the marketing channels we use to promote our products and services. Our marketing channels include, but are not limited to, social media, traditional media such as the press, online affiliations, search engine optimization, search engine marketing, and offline partnerships.
While our goal remains to increase the strength, recognition and trust in our brand by increasing our customer base and expanding our products and services, if any of our current marketing channels becomes less effective, if we are unable to continue to use any of these channels, if the cost of using these channels was to significantly increase or if we are not successful in generating new channels, we may not be able to attract new customers in a cost-effective manner or increase the use of our products and services. If we are unable to recover our marketing costs through increases in the size, value or other product selection and utilization, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and future prospects.
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Our stockholders have limited voting power compared to the holder of our Series A Preferred Stock.
Our CEO, Dennis O’Leary, is the sole holder of our Series A Preferred Stock, will control a majority of the voting power of our Company. For so long as Mr. O’Leary holds all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock, he is expected to hold a majority of our outstanding voting power and he will control the outcome of matters submitted to a stockholder vote, including the appointment of all directors of the Company.
Our management controls all corporate activities and can approve all transactions, including mergers, without the approval of other stockholders.
Our CEO, Dennis O’Leary, owns 100 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock that gives him the right to a majority of the voting power of the Company. Therefore, our management effectively controls all corporate activities and can approve transactions, including possible mergers, issuance of shares and compensation levels, without the approval of other stockholders. The decisions of our management may not be consistent with or in the best interests of other stockholders.
This capital structure may have anti-takeover effects preventing a change in control transaction that the minority owners of our Common Stock might consider in their best interest.
The ability of our management to control our business may limit or eliminate minority stockholders’ ability to influence corporate affairs.
Our CEO, Dennis O’Leary, owns 100 shares of Series A Preferred Stock that gives him the right to a majority of the voting power of our Company. Because of this beneficial stock ownership, Mr. O’Leary is in a position to continue to elect our entire board of directors, decide all matters requiring stockholder approval, including potential mergers or business changes, and determine our policies. The interests of our management may differ from the interests of our minority stockholders with respect to the issuance of shares, business transactions with or sales to other companies, selection of officers and directors and other business decisions. Our minority stockholders have no way of overriding decisions made by our management. This level of control may also have an adverse impact on the market value of our shares because our management may institute or undertake transactions, policies or programs that may result in losses, may not take any steps to increase our visibility in the financial community and/or may sell sufficient numbers of shares to significantly decrease our price per share.
We have made and expect to continue to make acquisitions that could disrupt our operations and harm our operating results.
Our growth depends upon market growth, our ability to enhance our existing products, and our ability to introduce new products on a timely basis. We intend to continue to address the need to develop new products and enhance existing products through acquisitions of other companies, product lines, technologies, and personnel. Acquisitions involve numerous risks, including the following:
| · | Difficulties in integrating the operations, systems, technologies, products, and personnel of the acquired companies, particularly companies with large and widespread operations and/or complex products; | |
| · | Diversion of management’s attention from normal daily operations of the business and the challenges of managing larger and more widespread operations resulting from acquisitions; | |
| · | Potential difficulties in completing projects associated with in-process research and development intangibles; | |
| · | Difficulties in entering markets in which we have no or limited direct prior experience and where competitors in such markets have stronger market positions; | |
| · | Initial dependence on unfamiliar supply chains; | |
| · | Insufficient revenue to offset increased expenses associated with acquisitions; and | |
| · | The potential loss of key employees, customers, distributors, vendors and other business partners of the companies we acquire following and continuing after announcement of acquisition plans. |
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Acquisitions may also cause us to:
| · | Issue common stock that would dilute our current shareholders’ percentage ownership; | |
| · | Use a substantial portion of our cash resources or incur debt; | |
| · | Significantly increase our interest expense, leverage and debt service requirements if we incur additional debt to pay for an acquisition; | |
| · | Assume liabilities; | |
| · | Record goodwill and non-amortizable intangible assets that are subject to impairment testing on a regular basis and potential periodic impairment charges; | |
| · | Incur amortization expenses related to certain intangible assets; | |
| · | Incur tax expenses related to the effect of acquisitions on our intercompany research and development cost sharing arrangement and legal structure; | |
| · | Incur large and immediate write-offs and restructuring and other related expenses; and | |
| · | Become subject to intellectual property or other litigation. |
Mergers and acquisitions are inherently risky and subject to many factors outside of our control, and no assurance can be given that our previous or future acquisitions will be successful and will not materially adversely affect our business, operating results, or financial condition. Failure to manage and successfully integrate acquisitions could materially harm our business and operating results. Prior acquisitions could result in a wide range of outcomes, from successful introduction of new products and technologies to a failure to do so. Even when an acquired company has already developed and marketed products, there can be no assurance that product enhancements will be made in a timely fashion or that pre-acquisition due diligence will have identified all possible issues that might arise with respect to such products.
From time to time, we have made acquisitions that resulted in charges in an individual quarter. These charges may occur in any particular quarter, resulting in variability in our quarterly earnings. In addition, our effective tax rate for future periods is uncertain and could be impacted by mergers and acquisitions. Risks related to new product development also apply to acquisitions.
Acquisitions, joint ventures or other strategic transactions create certain risks and may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Acquisitions, partnerships and joint ventures are part of our growth strategy. We evaluate and expect in the future to evaluate potential strategic acquisitions of, and partnerships or joint ventures with, complementary businesses, services or technologies. We may not be successful in identifying acquisition, partnership and joint venture targets. In addition, we may not be able to successfully finance or integrate any businesses, services or technologies that we acquire or with which we form a partnership or joint venture.
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We may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates or complete acquisitions in the future, which could adversely affect our future growth; or businesses that we acquire may not perform as well as expected or may be more difficult or expensive to integrate and manage than expected, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. In addition, the process of integrating these acquisitions may disrupt our business and divert our resources.
In addition, acquisitions outside our current operating jurisdictions often involve additional or increased risks including, for example:
| · | managing geographically separated organizations, systems and facilities; | |
| · | integrating personnel with diverse business backgrounds and organizational cultures; | |
| · | complying with foreign regulatory requirements; | |
| · | fluctuations in exchange rates; | |
| · | enforcement and protection of intellectual property in some foreign countries; | |
| · | difficulty entering new foreign markets due to, among other things, customer acceptance and business knowledge of these new markets; and | |
| · | general economic and political conditions. |
These risks may arise for a number of reasons: we may not be able to find suitable businesses to acquire at affordable valuations or on other acceptable terms; we may face competition for acquisitions from other potential acquirers; we may need to borrow money or sell equity or debt securities to the public to finance acquisitions and the terms of these financings may be adverse to us; changes in accounting, tax, securities or other regulations could increase the difficulty or cost for us to complete acquisitions; we may incur unforeseen obligations or liabilities in connection with acquisitions; we may need to devote unanticipated financial and management resources to an acquired business; we may not realize expected operating efficiencies or product integration benefits from an acquisition; we could enter markets where we have minimal prior experience; and we may experience decreases in earnings as a result of non-cash impairment charges.
We cannot ensure that any acquisition, partnership or joint venture we make will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Because of the unique difficulties and uncertainties inherent in technology development, we face a risk of business failure.
Potential investors should be aware of the difficulties normally encountered by companies developing new technology and the high rate of failure of such enterprises. The likelihood of success must be considered in light of the problems, expenses, difficulties, complications and delays encountered in connection with the development of new technology with limited personnel and financial means. These potential problems include, but are not limited to, unanticipated technical problems that extend the time and cost of product development, or unanticipated problems with the operation of our technology or that with which we are licensing that also extend the time and cost of product development.
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Successful technical development of our products does not guarantee successful commercialization.
We may successfully complete the technical development for one or all of our product development programs, but still fail to develop a commercially successful product for a number of reasons, including among others the following:
| · | Competing products; | |
| · | Ineffective distribution and marketing; | |
| · | Lack of sufficient cooperation from our partners; and | |
| · | Demonstrations of the products not aligning with or meeting customer needs. |
Our success in the market for the products we develop will depend largely on our ability to prove our products’ capabilities. Upon demonstration, our products and/or technology may not have the capabilities they were designed to have or that we believed they would have. Furthermore, even if we do successfully demonstrate our products’ capabilities, potential customers may be more comfortable doing business with a larger, more established, more proven company than us. Moreover, competing products may prevent us from gaining wide market acceptance of our products. Significant revenue from new product investments may not be achieved for a number of years, if at all.
If we do not effectively manage our growth and the associated demands on our operational, risk management, sales and marketing, technology, compliance and finance and accounting resources, our business may be adversely impacted.
To effectively manage and capitalize on our growth, we must continue to expand our information technology and financial, operating, and administrative systems and controls, and continue to manage headcount, capital, and processes efficiently. Our continued growth could strain our existing resources, and we could experience ongoing operating difficulties in managing our business as we expand across numerous jurisdictions, including difficulties in hiring, training, and managing an employee base. Failure to scale and preserve our company culture with growth could harm our future success, including our ability to retain and recruit personnel and to effectively focus on and pursue our corporate objectives. If we do not adapt to meet these evolving challenges, or if our management team does not effectively scale with our growth, we may experience erosion to our brand, the quality of our products and services may suffer, and our company culture may be harmed. Moreover, the failure of our systems and processes could undermine our ability to provide accurate, timely, and reliable reports on our financial and operating results, including the financial statements provided herein, and could impact the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. In addition, our systems and processes may not prevent or detect all errors, omissions, or fraud, though we have experienced no such material errors, omissions or fraud in the past. For example, our employees may fail to identify transaction errors or fraudulent information provided by our customers. Any of the foregoing operational failures could lead to noncompliance with laws, loss of operating licenses or other authorizations, or loss of relationships that could substantially impair or even suspend company operations.
We intend to continue to develop our technology. Successful implementation of this strategy may require significant expenditure before any substantial associated revenue is generated and we cannot guarantee that these increased investments will result in corresponding and offsetting revenue growth. Our growth may not be sustainable and depends on our ability to retain existing customers, attract new customers, expand product offerings, and increase processed volumes and revenue from both new and existing customers.
A customer’s use of our services may decrease for a variety of reasons, including the customer’s level of satisfaction with our products and services, the expansion of business to offer new products and services, the effectiveness of our support services, the pricing of our products and services, the pricing, range and quality of competing products or services, the effects of global economic conditions, regulatory limitations, trust, or perception and interest in our products and services. Furthermore, the complexity and costs associated with switching to a competitor may not be significant enough to prevent a customer from switching service providers, especially for larger customers.
Any failure by us to retain existing customers, attract new customers, and increase revenue from both new and existing customers could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. These efforts may require substantial financial expenditures, commitments of resources, developments of our processes, and other investments and innovations.
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We face intense and increasing competition and, if we do not compete effectively, our competitive positioning and our operating results will be harmed.
We operate in a rapidly changing and highly competitive industry, and our results of operations and future prospects depend on, among other things:
| · | the growth of our customer base; | |
| · | our ability to acquire customers at a lower cost, and | |
| · | our ability to increase our overall value to each of our customers while they use our products and services. |
Despite the barriers to enter the markets we serve, we expect our competition to continue to increase. In addition to established enterprises, we may also face competition from early-stage companies attempting to capitalize on the same, or similar, opportunities as we are. Some of our current and potential competitors have longer operating histories, significantly greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources, and a larger customer base than we do. This allows them, among others, to potentially offer more competitive pricing or other terms or features, a broader range of products, or a more specialized set of specific products or services, as well as respond more quickly than we can to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer preferences.
Our existing or future competitors may develop products or services that are similar to our products and services or that achieve greater market acceptance than our products and services. This could attract new customers away from our services and reduce our market share in the future. Additionally, when new competitors seek to enter our markets, or when existing market participants seek to increase their market share, these competitors sometimes undercut, or otherwise exert pressure on, the pricing terms prevalent in that market, which could adversely affect our market share and/or ability to capitalize on new market opportunities.
Cyberattacks and security breaches of our systems, or those impacting our customers or third parties, could adversely impact our brand and reputation and our business, operating results and financial condition.
Our business involves the collection, storage, processing and transmission of confidential information, customer, employee, service provider and other personal data, as well as information required to access customer assets. Any actual or perceived security breach of our or our third-party partners may:
| · | harm our reputation and brand; | |
| · | result in our systems or services being unavailable and interrupt our operations; | |
| · | result in improper disclosure of data and violations of applicable privacy and other laws; | |
| · | result in significant regulatory scrutiny, investigations, fines, penalties, and other legal, regulatory and financial exposure; | |
| · | cause us to incur significant remediation costs; | |
| · | lead to theft or irretrievable loss of our or our customers’ assets; | |
| · | reduce customer confidence in, or decreased use of, our products and services; | |
| · | divert the attention of management from the operation of our business; | |
| · | result in significant compensation or contractual penalties from us to our customers or third parties as a result of losses to them or claims by them; and | |
| · | adversely affect our business and operating results. |
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Further, any actual or perceived breach or cybersecurity attack directed at other similar institutions, whether or not we are directly impacted, could lead to a general loss of customer confidence in the use of our technology, which could negatively impact us including the market perception of the effectiveness of our security measures and technology infrastructure.
An increasing number of organizations, including large businesses, technology companies and financial institutions, as well as government institutions, have disclosed breaches of their information security systems, some of which have involved sophisticated and highly targeted attacks, including on their websites, mobile applications, and infrastructure. Attacks upon systems across a variety of industries are increasing in their frequency, persistence, and sophistication, and, in many cases, are being conducted by sophisticated, well-funded, and organized groups and individuals, including state actors. The techniques used to obtain unauthorized, improper, or illegal access to systems and information (including customers’ personal data and digital assets), disable or degrade services, or sabotage systems are constantly evolving, may be difficult to detect quickly, and often are not recognized or detected until after they have been launched against a target. These attacks may occur on our systems or those of its third-party service providers or partners. Certain types of cyberattacks could harm us even if our systems are left undisturbed. For example, attacks may be designed to deceive employees and service providers into releasing control of our systems to a hacker, while others may aim to introduce computer viruses or malware into our systems with a view to stealing confidential or proprietary data. Additionally, certain threats are designed to remain dormant or undetectable until launched against a target and we may not be able to implement adequate preventative measures.
Although we do not have a past history of material security breaches or cyberattacks, and do not believe we are a target of such breaches or attacks, we have developed systems and processes designed to protect the data we manage, prevent data loss and other security breaches, and effectively respond to known and potential risks. We expect to continue to expend significant resources to bolster these protections, but there can be no assurance that these security measures will provide absolute security or prevent breaches or attacks. Threats can come from a variety of sources, including criminal hackers, hacktivists, state-sponsored intrusions, industrial espionage, and insiders. Certain threat actors may be supported by significant financial and technological resources, making them even more sophisticated and difficult to detect. As a result, our costs and the resources it devotes to protecting against these advanced threats and their consequences may increase over time.
Although we maintain insurance coverage that we believe is adequate for our business, it may be insufficient to protect us against all losses and costs stemming from security breaches, cyberattacks, and other types of unlawful activity, or any resulting disruptions from such events. Outages and disruptions of our systems, including any caused by cyberattacks, may harm our reputation and our business, operating results, and financial condition.
We may incur significant liability as a result of ongoing disputes.
We are a party to multiple legal disputes the resolutions of which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We may be subject to various other legal proceedings, arbitrations, and regulatory investigation matters as further described in “Legal Proceedings”. If any of these matters are resolved unfavorably to us, our business and results of operations may be adversely affected.
We have a limited operating history in an evolving and highly volatile industry, which makes it difficult to evaluate our future prospects and may increase the risk that we will not be successful.
Because we have a limited history operating our business at our current scale and scope, it is difficult to evaluate our current business and future prospects, including our ability to plan for and model future growth. For example, recently launched services require substantial resources and there is no guarantee that such expenditures will result in profit or growth of our business. The rapidly evolving nature of the market in which we operate, substantial uncertainty concerning how these markets may develop, and other economic factors beyond our control, reduces our ability to accurately forecast quarterly or annual revenue. Failure to manage our current and future growth effectively could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
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Adverse economic conditions may adversely affect our business.
Our performance is subject to general economic conditions, and their impact on the industries in which we operate, as well as our customers. The United States and other key European and other international economies have experienced cyclical downturns from time to time in which economic activity declined resulting in lower consumption rates, restricted credit, reduced profitability, weaknesses in financial markets, bankruptcies, and overall uncertainty with respect to the economy. The impact of general economic conditions on our business is highly uncertain and dependent on a variety of factors, including market activity, global economic trends, and other events beyond our control. Geopolitical developments, such as trade wars and foreign exchange limitations can also increase the severity and levels of unpredictability globally and increase the volatility of global financial markets. To the extent that conditions in the general economic markets materially deteriorate, our ability to attract and retain customers may suffer.
The nature of our business involves significant risks and uncertainties that may not be covered by insurance or indemnity.
We develop and sell products where insurance or indemnification may not be available, including:
| · | Designing and developing products using advanced technologies in intelligence and homeland security applications that are intended to operate in high demand, high risk situations; and | |
| · | Designing and developing products to collect, distribute and analyze various types of information. |
Certain products may raise questions with respect to issues of privacy rights, civil liberties, intellectual property, trespass, conversion and similar concepts, which may raise new legal issues. Indemnification to cover potential claims or liabilities resulting from a failure of technologies developed or deployed may be available in certain circumstances but not in others. We are not able to maintain insurance to protect against all operational risks and uncertainties. Substantial claims resulting from an accident, failure of our product, or liability arising from our products in excess of any indemnity or insurance coverage (or for which indemnity or insurance is not available or was not obtained) could harm our financial condition, cash flows, and operating results. Any accident, even if fully covered or insured, could negatively affect our reputation among our customers and the public, and make it more difficult for us to compete effectively.
Material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting may, until remedied, cause errors in our financial statements or cause our filings with the SEC to not be timely.
We believe that material weaknesses exist in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, including those related to (i) our internal audit functions and (ii) a lack of segregation of duties within accounting functions. If our internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures are not effective, there may be errors in our financial statements that could require a restatement or our filings may not be timely made with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). We intend to implement additional corporate governance and control measures to strengthen our control environment as we are able, but we may not achieve our desired objectives. Moreover, no control environment, no matter how well designed and operated, can prevent or detect all errors or fraud. We may identify material weaknesses and control deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting in the future that may require remediation and could lead investors losing confidence in our reported financial information, which could lead to a decline in our stock price.
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Being a public company is expensive and administratively burdensome.
As a public reporting company, we are subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and other federal securities laws, rules and regulations related thereto, including compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Complying with these laws and regulations requires the time and attention of our Board of Directors and management team, and increases our expenses.
Among other things, we are required to:
| · | Maintain and evaluate a system of internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the related rules and regulations of the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; | |
| · | Prepare and distribute periodic reports in compliance with our obligations under federal securities laws; | |
| · | Institute a more comprehensive compliance function, including with respect to corporate governance; and | |
| · | Involve, to a greater degree, our outside legal counsel and accountants in the above activities. |
The costs of preparing and filing annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC and furnishing audited reports to stockholders are expensive and much greater than that of a privately-held company, and compliance with these rules and regulations may require us to hire additional financial reporting, internal controls and other finance personnel, and will involve a material increase in regulatory, legal and accounting expenses and the attention of management. There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the applicable regulations in a timely manner, if at all. In addition, being a public company makes it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance. In the future, we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain this coverage.
If we fail to establish and maintain an effective system of internal control, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately or to prevent fraud. Any inability to report and file our financial results accurately and timely could harm our reputation and adversely impact the trading price of our common stock.
Effective internal control is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and prevent fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, we may not be able to manage our business as effectively as we would if an effective control environment existed, and our business and reputation with investors may be harmed. As a result, our small size and any current internal control deficiencies may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operation and access to capital. We have not performed an in-depth analysis to determine if historical un-discovered failures of internal controls exist, and may in the future discover areas of our internal control that need improvement.
Public company compliance may make it more difficult to attract and retain officers and directors.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act and new rules subsequently implemented by the SEC have required changes in corporate governance practices of public companies. As a public company, we expect these new rules and regulations to increase our compliance costs in 2023 and beyond and to make certain activities more time consuming and costly. As a public company, we also expect that these new rules and regulations may make it more difficult and expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance in the future and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our Board of Directors or as executive officers.
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Delaware law and our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws will contain certain provisions, including anti-takeover provisions that limit the ability of stockholders to take certain actions and could delay or discourage takeover attempts that stockholders may consider favorable.
Our Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws contains provisions that could have the effect of rendering more difficult, delaying, or preventing an acquisition deemed undesirable by our board and therefore depress the trading price of our Common Stock. In addition, as a Delaware corporation, we will generally be subject to provisions of Delaware law, including the DGCL. These provisions could also make it difficult for stockholders to take certain actions, including electing directors who are not nominated by the current members of our board or taking other corporate actions, including effecting changes in management.
Such provisions, alone or together, could delay or prevent hostile takeovers and changes in control or changes in our board or management.
Any provision of our Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control could limit the opportunity for stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our stock and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our Common Stock.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION
If we do not obtain additional financing or sufficient revenues, our business will fail.
Our current operating funds are less than necessary to fulfill our operating costs and we will need to obtain additional financing in order to continue our business operations. Although we are generating revenues, we are not generating net income.
We will require additional financing to execute our business plan through raising additional capital and/or generating greater revenues.
Obtaining additional financing is subject to a number of factors, including acceptance of our BOTDA technology and current financial condition as well as general market conditions.
These factors affect the timing, amount, terms or conditions of additional financing unavailable to us. If additional financing is not arranged, we will face the risk of going out of business. Our management is currently engaged in actively pursuing multiple financing options in order to obtain the capital necessary to execute our business plan.
The most likely source of future funds presently available to us is through the additional sales of equity or through convertible debt instruments. Any sales of share capital or conversion of convertible debt will most likely result in dilution to existing shareholders.
There is no history upon which to base any assumption as to the likelihood we will prove successful, and we can provide investors with no assurance that we will generate any operating revenues or achieve profitable operations. If we are unsuccessful in addressing these risks, our business will most likely fail.
We might require additional capital to support business growth, and this capital might not be available or may require stockholder approval to obtain.
We have funded our operations since inception primarily through equity financings, convertible notes, and revenue generated by our products and services. We intend to continue to make investments in our business to respond to business challenges, including developing new products and services, enhancing our operating infrastructure, expanding our international operations, and acquiring complementary businesses and technologies, all of which may require us to secure additional funds.
Additional financing may not be available on terms favorable to us, if at all. If we incur additional debt, the debt holders may have rights senior to holders of our common stock to make claims on our assets, and the terms of any debt could restrict our operations.
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Our only existing commitment for financing is pursuant to Equity Financing Agreement with GHS Investments LLC but our ability to make puts is subject to certain conditions which may limit our ability to make puts or the amount of each put. In the event we are unable to make puts or obtain other commitments for financing, our business will fail.
On July 10, 2023, we entered the Second Amended Equity Financing Agreement with GHS, pursuant to which GHS agreed to purchase up to $30,000,000 in shares of our Common Stock, from time to time over the course of 12 months. On January 30, 2024, we and GHS entered into the Amendment No. 1 to the EFA pursuant to which the Contract Period was amended to 24 months.
The EFA grants us the right, from time to time at our sole discretion (subject to certain conditions) during the Contract Period (as defined in the EFA), to direct GHS to purchase shares of Common Stock on any business day (a “Put”), provided that at least five Trading Days (as defined in the EFA) have passed since the most recent Put. No Put will be made in an amount less than $10,000 or greater than $1,000,000. In no event is the Company entitled to make a Put or is GHS entitled to purchase that number of shares of Common Stock of the Company, which when added to the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned (as such term is defined under Section 13(d) and Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), by GHS, would exceed 4.99% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on such date, as determined in accordance with Rule 13d-1(j) of the Exchange Act. The purpose of the limitation is to prevent GHS from controlling the Company so that is it not an “affiliate,” as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The beneficial ownership limitation does not prevent GHS from selling some or all of the shares it acquires and then acquiring additional shares so that it is able to sell shares in excess of the 4.99% beneficial ownership limitation while never holding more than 4.99% of our outstanding shares. From August 2021 until February 9, 2024, GHS has purchased and sold 2,272,007,223 and 2,055,590,956 shares of our Common Stock, respectively.
Due to these limitations, we may be unable to make Puts sufficient to finance our business operations. In the event we are unable to make Puts or obtain other commitments for financing, our business will fail.
We need to continue as a going concern if our business is to succeed.
Our independent registered public accounting firm reports (from two separate independent registered public accounting firms) on our audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, each indicate that there are a number of factors that raise substantial risks about our ability to continue as a going concern. Such factors identified in the report are our accumulated deficit since inception, our failure to attain profitable operations, the excess of liabilities over assets, and our dependence upon obtaining adequate additional financing to pay our liabilities. If we are not able to continue as a going concern, investors could lose their investments.
There is no assurance that we will achieve or maintain profitability or that our revenue and business models will be successful.
Our ability to achieve and maintain profitability is based on numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control. We may not be able to generate sufficient revenue to maintain profitability in the short or long-term. Our revenue growth may slow, or our revenue may decline for a number of other reasons, including reduced demand for our offerings, increased competition, a decrease in the growth or size of the industries in which we operate, in the usage our technologies generally, or any failure to capitalize on growth opportunities.
We are continually refining our revenue and business model and have shifted our focus to the development and commercialization of our products and services. There is no assurance that these efforts will be successful or that we will generate revenues commensurate with our efforts and expectations or become or stay profitable. We may be forced to make significant changes to our revenue and business model to compete with our competitors’ offerings, and even if such changes are undertaken, there is no guarantee that they will be successful or profitable. Additionally, we will need to hire, train, and integrate qualified personnel to meet and further such changes to our business objectives at potentially significant additional expense. Failure to successfully implement revenue and business models or manage related expenses could cause us to be unprofitable and have an adverse effect on pour business, operating results and financial condition.
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We may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates
We are potentially exposed to adverse as well as beneficial movements in currency exchange rates. An increase in the value of the dollar could increase the real cost to our customers of our products in those markets outside the U.S. where we sell in dollars, and a weakened dollar could increase the cost of local operating expenses from sources outside the United States, and overseas capital expenditures. We also conduct certain investing and financing activities in local currencies. Therefore, changes in exchange rates could harm our financial condition and results of operations.
We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results.
We could experience significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. You should not rely on period-to-period comparisons of our operating results as an indication of our future performance. Factors that may cause fluctuations in our quarterly operating results include, but are not limited to, the following:
| · | a change in the volume of our customers use of our products and services and generally; | |
| · | planned and unplanned increases in marketing, sales and other operating expenses that we may incur to grow and expand our customer base and operations, and to remain competitive; | |
| · | the success, or lack of success, in new marketing approaches we have recently undertaken or plan to undertake, which have not been previously or fully tested; | |
| · | the continued market acceptance of our products and services in a highly competitive environment; | |
| · | system disruptions, outages and other performance problems or interruptions on our products and technology, or breaches of data or system security, including ransomware or other major cyber-attacks, which, if extended or severe, may harm our credibility and reputation in the market; | |
| · | our failure to provide adequate customer service; | |
| · | our ability to successfully, and in a timely manner, continue development, improvement and feature-enhancement of our products and services, including our intellectual property, data analytics, proprietary technology and customer support functions; | |
| · | the timing and success of new product and service introductions, and new product and service features or enhancements, by us and our subsidiaries, or our competitors, or other changes in the competitive landscape of the markets in which we operate; | |
| · | the success of our expansion into new markets, products and services, or ones in which we are in the early stages; | |
| · | changes in the adoption and use of our technologies and the public perception of them; | |
| · | changes in the legislative or regulatory environment, scope or focus of regulatory investigations and inquiries, or interpretations of regulatory requirements, or outright prohibition of certain activities; | |
| · | disputes with our customers, adverse litigation and regulatory judgments, enforcement actions, settlements or other related costs and the reputational impact and public perception of such occurrences, including in emerging industries, or emerging components of industries; | |
| · | the timing and amount of non-cash expenses, such as stock-based compensation and asset impairment; | |
| · | changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles; and | |
| · | general economic conditions in either domestic or international markets |
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Our operating results may fall below the expectations of market analysts and investors in some future periods, which could cause the market price of our Common Stock to decline substantially.
Changes in U.S. and foreign tax laws, as well as the application of such laws, could adversely impact our financial position and operating results.
We are subject to complex income and non-income tax laws and regulations in the United States and a variety of foreign jurisdictions. Both the United States and foreign jurisdictions may revise corporate income tax and other non-income tax laws which could impact the amount of tax due in such jurisdiction.
Our determination of our corporate income tax liability is subject to review and may be challenged by applicable U.S. and foreign tax authorities. Any adverse outcome of such challenge could harm our operating results and financial condition. The determination of our worldwide provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities requires significant judgment and, in the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is complex and uncertain. Moreover, as a multinational business, we have subsidiaries that engage in many intercompany transactions in a variety of tax jurisdictions where the ultimate tax determination is complex and uncertain. Our existing corporate structure and intercompany arrangements have been implemented in a manner we believe is in compliance with current prevailing tax laws. Furthermore, as we operate in multiple taxing jurisdictions, the application of tax laws can be subject to diverging and sometimes conflicting interpretations by tax authorities of these jurisdictions. It is not uncommon for taxing authorities in different countries to have conflicting views with respect to, among other things, the characterization and source of income or other tax items, the manner in which the arm’s-length standard is applied for transfer pricing purposes, or with respect to the valuation of intellectual property. The taxing authorities of the jurisdictions in which we operate may challenge our tax treatment of certain items or the methodologies we use for valuing developed technology or intercompany arrangements, which could impact our worldwide effective tax rate and harm our financial position and operating results.
We are also subject to non-income taxes, such as payroll, sales, use, value-added, net worth, property, and goods and services taxes in the United States and various foreign jurisdictions. A change in the tax law could impact tax positions which could result in an increased exposure related to such tax liabilities. Such changes could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.
In addition, under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” (as defined under Sections 382 and 383 of the Code and applicable Treasury Regulations) is subject to limitations on its ability to utilize its pre-change NOLs and certain other tax attributes to offset post-change taxable income or taxes.
We have not performed a study to determine whether its NOLs are currently subject to Section 382 limitations. We may also experience a future ownership change under Section 382 of the Code that could affect our ability to utilize its NOLs to offset our income.
If our estimates or judgment relating to our critical accounting policies prove to be incorrect, our operating results could be adversely affected.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, as provided in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”. The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets, liabilities, and equity, and the amount of revenue and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Significant estimates and judgments involve the identification of performance obligations in revenue recognition, evaluation of tax positions, inter-company transactions, and the valuation of stock-based awards and the fiat reserves we hold, among others. Our operating results may be adversely affected if our assumptions change or if actual circumstances differ from those in our assumptions, which could cause our operating results to fall below the expectations of analysts and investors, resulting in a decline in the trading price of our Common Stock.
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Business metrics and other estimates are subject to inherent challenges in measurement, and our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected by real or perceived inaccuracies in those metrics.
We regularly review business metrics and other measures to evaluate growth trends, measure our performance, and makes strategic decisions. These metrics are calculated using internal company data and have not been validated by an independent third party. While these numbers are based on what we currently believe to be reasonable estimates for the applicable period of measurement, there are inherent challenges in such measurements. If we fail to maintain an effective analytics platform, our calculations may be inaccurate, and we may not be able to identify those inaccuracies.
We are subject to changes in financial reporting standards or policies, including as a result of choices made by us, which could materially adversely affect our reported results of operations and financial condition and may have a corresponding material adverse impact on capital ratios.
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which are periodically revised or expanded. Accordingly, from time to time we are required to adopt new or revised accounting standards issued by recognized bodies. It is possible that future accounting standards and financial reporting standards or policies, including as a result of choices made by us, which we are required to adopt, could change the current accounting treatment that applies to our consolidated financial statements and that such changes could have a material adverse effect on our reported results of operations and financial condition, and may have a corresponding material adverse effect on capital ratios.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR EMPLOYEES AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
We are heavily reliant on Dennis O’Leary, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and the departure or loss of Dennis O’Leary could disrupt our business.
We depend heavily on the continued efforts of Dennis O’Leary, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and director. Mr. O’Leary is essential to our strategic vision and day-to-day operations and would be difficult to replace. Although we have an employment agreement with Mr. O’Leary, we cannot be certain that he will desire to continue with us for the necessary time it will to complete the product development and initial sales channel development. The departure or loss of Mr. O’Leary, or the inability to hire and retain a qualified replacement, could negatively impact our ability to manage our business.
If we are unable to recruit and retain key management, technical and sales personnel, our business would be negatively affected.
For our business to be successful, we need to attract and retain highly qualified technical, management and sales personnel. The failure to recruit additional key personnel when needed with specific qualifications and on acceptable terms or to retain good relationships with our partners might impede our ability to continue to develop, commercialize and sell our products. To the extent the demand for skilled personnel exceeds supply, we could experience higher labor, recruiting and training costs in order to attract and retain such employees. We face competition for qualified personnel from other companies with significantly more resources available to them and thus may not be able to attract the level of personnel needed for our business to succeed.
In the event of employee or service provider misconduct or error, our business may be adversely impacted.
Employee or service provider misconduct or error could subject us to legal liability, financial losses, and regulatory sanctions, and could seriously harm our reputation and negatively affect our business. Such misconduct could include engaging in improper or unauthorized transactions or activities, misappropriation of customer funds, and misappropriation of information, failing to supervise other employees or service providers, or improperly using confidential information.
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Employee or service provider errors could expose us to the risk of material losses even if the errors are detected. Although we have implemented processes and procedures and provide trainings to our employees and service providers to reduce the likelihood of misconduct and error, these efforts may not be successful. Moreover, the risk of employee or service provider error or misconduct may be even greater for novel products and services.
This can lead to high risk of confusion among employees and service providers, particularly in a fast growth company like ours, with respect to compliance obligations particularly including confidentiality, data access, and conflicts. It is not always possible to deter misconduct and the precautions we take to prevent and detect this activity may not be effective in all cases. If we were found not to have met our regulatory oversight and compliance and other obligations, we could be subject to regulatory sanctions, financial penalties and restrictions on our activities for failure to properly identify, monitor and respond to potentially problematic activity, which could seriously damage our reputation. Our employees, contractors, and agents could also commit errors that subject us to financial claims for negligence, as well as regulatory actions, or result in financial liability. Further, allegations by regulatory or criminal authorities of improper transactions could affect our brand and reputation.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMMON STOCK
You may experience dilution of your ownership interests because of the future issuance of additional shares of our common or preferred stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our common or preferred stock.
We are authorized to issue an aggregate of 20,000,000,000 shares of common stock and 2,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock. In the future, we may issue our authorized but previously unissued equity securities, resulting in the dilution of the ownership interests of our present stockholders. We may issue additional shares of our common stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our common stock in connection with hiring or retaining employees, future acquisitions, future sales of our securities for capital raising purposes, or for other business purposes. The future issuance of any such additional shares of our common stock may create downward pressure on the trading price of the common stock. We will need to raise additional capital in the near future to meet our working capital needs, and there can be no assurance that we will not be required to issue additional shares, warrants or other convertible securities in the future in conjunction with these capital raising efforts, including at a price (or exercise or conversion prices) below the price an investor paid for stock.
Because the SEC imposes additional sales practice requirements on brokers who deal in our shares that are penny stocks, some brokers may be unwilling to trade them. This means that investors may have difficulty reselling their shares and may cause the price of the shares to decline.
Our shares qualify as penny stocks and are covered by Section 15(g) of the Exchange Act which imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker/dealers who sell our securities in this offering or in the aftermarket. In particular, prior to selling a penny stock, broker/dealers must give the prospective customer a risk disclosure document that: contains a description of the nature and level of risk in the market for penny stocks in both public offerings and secondary trading; contains a description of the broker/dealers’ duties to the customer and of the rights and remedies available to the customer with respect to violations of such duties or other requirements of Federal securities laws; contains a brief, clear, narrative description of a dealer market, including “bid” and “ask” prices for penny stocks and the significance of the spread between the bid and ask prices; contains the toll free telephone number for inquiries on disciplinary actions established pursuant to section 15(A)(i); defines significant terms used in the disclosure document or in the conduct of trading in penny stocks; and contains such other information, and is in such form (including language, type size, and format), as the SEC requires by rule or regulation. Further, for sales of our securities, the broker/dealer must make a special suitability determination and receive from you a written agreement before making a sale to you. Because of the imposition of the foregoing additional sales practices, it is possible that brokers will not want to make a market in our shares. This could prevent reselling of shares and may cause the price of the shares to decline.
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We do not expect to declare or pay any dividends.
We have not declared or paid any dividends on our common stock since our inception, and we do not anticipate paying any such dividends for the foreseeable future.
Volatility of Stock Price.
Our common shares are currently quoted on the OTC Markets under the symbol “DPLS.” In the future, the trading price of our common shares may be subject to wide fluctuations. Trading prices of the common shares may fluctuate in response to a number of factors, many of which will be beyond our control. In addition, the stock market in general, and the market for technology companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of such companies. Market and industry factors may adversely affect the market price of the common shares, regardless of our operating performance. Readers should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below before deciding whether to invest in shares of our common stock.
Our failure to successfully address the risks and uncertainties described below would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and/or results of operations, and the trading price of our common stock may decline and investors may lose all or part of their investment. We cannot assure you that we will successfully address these risks or other unknown risks that may affect our business.
As an enterprise engaged in the development of new technology, our business is inherently risky. Our common shares are considered speculative during the development of our new business operations. Prospective investors should consider carefully the risk factors set out herein. The market price of our common stock has fluctuated significantly.
Being a public company is expensive and administratively burdensome.
As a public reporting company, we are subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and other federal securities laws, rules and regulations related thereto, including compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Complying with these laws and regulations requires the time and attention of our Board of Directors and management team, and increases our expenses.
Among other things, we are required to:
| · | Maintain and evaluate a system of internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the related rules and regulations of the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; | |
| · | Prepare and distribute periodic reports in compliance with our obligations under federal securities laws; | |
| · | Institute a more comprehensive compliance function, including with respect to corporate governance; and | |
| · | Involve, to a greater degree, our outside legal counsel and accountants in the above activities. |
The costs of preparing and filing annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC and furnishing audited reports to stockholders are expensive and much greater than that of a privately-held company, and compliance with these rules and regulations may require us to hire additional financial reporting, internal controls and other finance personnel, and will involve a material increase in regulatory, legal and accounting expenses and the attention of management. There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the applicable regulations in a timely manner, if at all. In addition, being a public company makes it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance. In the future, we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain this coverage.
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If we fail to establish and maintain an effective system of internal control, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately or to prevent fraud. Any inability to report and file our financial results accurately and timely could harm our reputation and adversely impact the trading price of our common stock.
Effective internal control is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and prevent fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, we may not be able to manage our business as effectively as we would if an effective control environment existed, and our business and reputation with investors may be harmed. As a result, our small size and any current internal control deficiencies may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operation and access to capital. We have not performed an in-depth analysis to determine if historical un-discovered failures of internal controls exist, and may in the future discover areas of our internal control that need improvement.
Public company compliance may make it more difficult to attract and retain officers and directors.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act and rules subsequently implemented by the SEC have required changes in corporate governance practices of public companies. As a public company, we expect these rules and regulations to increase our compliance costs in 2024 and beyond and to make certain activities more time consuming and costly. As a public company, we also expect that these rules and regulations may make it more difficult and expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance in the future and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified people to serve on our Board of Directors or as executive officers.
You could lose all of your investment.
An investment in our securities is speculative and involves a high degree of risk. Potential investors should be aware that the value of an investment in the Company may go down as well as up. In addition, there can be no certainty that the market value of an investment in the Company will fully reflect its underlying value. You could lose your entire investment.
The ability of our Board of Directors to issue additional stock may prevent or make more difficult certain transactions, including a sale or merger of the Company.
Our Board of Directors is authorized to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock with powers, rights and preferences designated by it. Shares of voting or convertible preferred stock could be issued, or rights to purchase such shares could be issued, to create voting impediments or to frustrate persons seeking to effect a takeover or otherwise gain control of the Company. The ability of the Board of Directors to issue such additional shares of preferred stock, with rights and preferences it deems advisable, could discourage an attempt by a party to acquire control of the Company by tender offer or other means. Such issuances could therefore deprive stockholders of benefits that could result from such an attempt, such as the realization of a premium over the market price for their shares in a tender offer or the temporary increase in market price that such an attempt could cause. Moreover, the issuance of such additional shares of preferred stock to persons friendly to the Board of Directors could make it more difficult to remove incumbent officers and directors from office even if such change were to be favorable to stockholders generally.
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Our stock may be traded infrequently and in low volumes, so you may be unable to sell your shares at or near the quoted bid prices if you need to sell your shares.
Until our common stock is listed on a national securities exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq, we expect our common stock to remain eligible for quotation on the OTC Markets, or on another over-the-counter quotation system. In those venues, however, the shares of our common stock may trade infrequently and in low volumes, meaning that the number of persons interested in purchasing our common shares at or near bid prices at any given time may be relatively small or non-existent. An investor may find it difficult to obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of our common stock or to sell his or her shares at or near bid prices or at all. In addition, if we fail to meet the criteria set forth in SEC regulations, various requirements would be imposed by law on broker-dealers who sell our securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. Consequently, such regulations may deter broker-dealers from recommending or selling our common stock, which may further affect the liquidity of our common stock. This would also make it more difficult for us to raise capital.
There currently is no active public market for our common stock and there can be no assurance that an active public market will ever develop. Failure to develop or maintain a trading market could negatively affect the value of our common stock and make it difficult or impossible for you to sell your shares.
There is currently no active public market for shares of our common stock and one may never develop. Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Markets. The OTC Markets is a thinly traded market and lacks the liquidity of certain other public markets with which some investors may have more experience. We may not ever be able to satisfy the listing requirements for our common stock to be listed on a national securities exchange, which is often a more widely-traded and liquid market. Some, but not all, of the factors which may delay or prevent the listing of our common stock on a more widely-traded and liquid market include the following: our stockholders’ equity may be insufficient; the market value of our outstanding securities may be too low; our net income from operations may be too low; our common stock may not be sufficiently widely held; we may not be able to secure market makers for our common stock; and we may fail to meet the rules and requirements mandated by the several exchanges and markets to have our common stock listed. Should we fail to satisfy the initial listing standards of the national exchanges, or our common stock is otherwise rejected for listing, and remains listed on the OTC Markets or is suspended from the OTC Markets, the trading price of our common stock could suffer and the trading market for our common stock may be less liquid and our common stock price may be subject to increased volatility, making it difficult or impossible to sell shares of our common stock.
Our common stock is subject to the “penny stock” rules of the SEC and the trading market in the securities is limited, which makes transactions in the stock cumbersome and may reduce the value of an investment in the stock.
Rule 15g-9 under the Exchange Act establishes the definition of a “penny stock,” for the purposes relevant to us, as any equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require: (a) that a broker or dealer approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks; and (b) the broker or dealer receive from the investor a written agreement to the transaction, setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased.
In order to approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must: (a) obtain financial information and investment experience objectives of the person and (b) make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks are suitable for that person and the person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to be capable of evaluating the risks of transactions in penny stocks.
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The broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prescribed by the SEC relating to the penny stock market, which, in highlight form: (a) sets forth the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination; and (b) confirms that the broker or dealer received a signed, written agreement from the investor prior to the transaction. Generally, brokers may be less willing to execute transactions in securities subject to the “penny stock” rules. This may make it more difficult for investors to dispose of our common stock and cause a decline in the market value of our common stock.
Disclosure also has to be made about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading and about the commissions payable to both the broker or dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and remedies available to an investor in cases of fraud in penny stock transactions. Finally, monthly statements have to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks.
Our stock price may be volatile.
The market price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate widely in price in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:
| · | The impact of conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine on our operations; | |
| · | Geo-political events, such as the crisis in Ukraine, government responses to such events and the related impact on the economy both nationally and internationally; | |
| · | Changes in our industry; | |
| · | Competitive pricing pressures; | |
| · | Our ability to obtain working capital financing; | |
| · | Additions or departures of key personnel; | |
| · | Sales of our common stock; | |
| · | Our ability to execute our business plan; | |
| · | Operating results that fall below expectations; | |
| · | Loss of any strategic relationship; | |
| · | Regulatory developments; and | |
| · | Economic and other external factors. |
In addition, the securities markets have from time-to-time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
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Offers or availability for sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock may cause the price of our common stock to decline.
If our stockholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, including upon the expiration of any statutory holding period under Rule 144, or issued upon the conversion of preferred stock or exercise of warrants, it could create a circumstance commonly referred to as an "overhang" and in anticipation of which the market price of our common stock could fall. The existence of an overhang, whether or not sales have occurred or are occurring, also could make more difficult our ability to raise additional financing through the sale of equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate.
Offers or availability for sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock may cause the price of our common stock to decline.
If our stockholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, including upon the expiration of any statutory holding period under Rule 144, or issued upon the conversion of preferred stock or exercise of warrants, it could create a circumstance commonly referred to as an "overhang" and in anticipation of which the market price of our common stock could fall. The existence of an overhang, whether or not sales have occurred or are occurring, also could make more difficult our ability to raise additional financing through the sale of equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate.
RISKS RELATED TO GOVERNMENT REGULATION
Legislative and regulatory actions taken now or in the future may increase our costs and impact our business, governance structure, financial condition or results of operations.
Federal, state and international regulatory agencies frequently adopt changes to their regulations or change the way existing regulations are applied. Regulatory or legislative changes to laws applicable to the industries in which we operate, if enacted or adopted, may impact the profitability of our business activities, require more oversight or change certain of our business practices, including the ability to offer new products and services and to continue offering our current products and services, and could expose us to additional costs, including increased compliance costs. These changes also may require us to invest significant management attention and resources to make any necessary changes to operations to comply and could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.
The regulatory environment to which we are subject gives rise to various licensing requirements, legal and financial compliance costs and management time, and non-compliance could result in monetary and reputational damages, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our existing, or obtain additional, required regulatory licenses, certifications and regulatory approvals in the countries where we provide services or want to expand to. Furthermore, where we have obtained such regulatory licenses, certifications and regulatory approvals, there are costs and potential product changes involved in maintaining such regulatory licenses, certifications, and approvals, and we could be subject to fines or other enforcement action if we are found to violate disclosure, reporting, anti-money laundering, capitalization, corporate governance or other requirements of such licenses. These factors could impose substantial additional costs and involve considerable delay to the development or provision of our products or services, or could require significant and costly operational changes or prevent us from providing any products or services in a given market.
If we are unable to commit sufficient resources to regulatory compliance, this could lead to delays and errors and may force us to choose between prioritizing compliance matters over administrative support for business activities, or may ultimately force us to cease offering certain products or services globally or in certain jurisdictions. Any delays or errors in implementing regulatory compliance could lead to substantial monetary damages and fines, public reprimands, a material adverse effect on our reputation, regulatory measures in the form of cease and desists orders, increased regulatory compliance requirements or other potential regulatory restrictions on our business, enforced suspension of operations and in extreme cases, withdrawal of regulatory licenses or authorizations to operate particular businesses, or criminal prosecution in certain circumstances.
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We are and may continue to be subject to litigation, including individual and class action lawsuits, as well as regulatory audits, disputes, inquiries, investigations and enforcement actions by regulators and governmental authorities.
We have been and may from time to time become subject to material claims, arbitrations, individual and class action lawsuits, government and regulatory investigations, inquiries, actions or requests and other proceedings alleging violations of laws, rules, and regulations, both foreign and domestic, involving competition and antitrust law, intellectual property, privacy, data protection, information security, anti-money laundering, counter terrorist financing, sanctions, anti-corruption, accessibility claims, securities, tax, labor and employment, payment network rules, commercial disputes, services, and other matters.
The laws, rules and regulations affecting our business are subject to ongoing interpretation by the courts and governmental and supervisory authorities, and the resulting uncertainty in the scope and application of these laws, rules and regulations increases the risk that we will be subject to private claims, governmental and regulatory actions alleging violations of those laws, rules, and regulations.
The scope, determination, and impact of claims, lawsuits, government and regulatory investigations, enforcement actions, disputes, and proceedings to which we are subject cannot be predicted with certainty, and may result in:
| · | substantial payments to satisfy judgments, fines, or penalties; | |
| · | substantial outside counsel legal fees and costs; | |
| · | additional compliance and licensure requirements; | |
| · | loss or non-renewal of existing licenses or authorizations, or prohibition from or delays in obtaining additional licenses or authorizations, required for our business; | |
| · | loss of productivity and high demands on employee time; | |
| · | civil or criminal sanctions or consent decrees; | |
| · | termination of certain employees, including members of our management team; | |
| · | barring of certain employees from participating in our business in whole or in part; | |
| · | orders that restrict our business or prevent us from offering certain products or services; | |
| · | changes to our business model and practices; | |
| · | delays to planned transactions, product launches or improvements; and | |
| · | damage to our brand and reputation. |
Any such matters can have an adverse impact, which may be material, on our business, operating results, or financial condition because of legal costs, diversion of management resources, reputational damage, and other factors.
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RISKS RELATED TO OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Our intellectual property rights are valuable, and any inability to protect them could adversely impact our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our business depends in large part on our proprietary technology and our brand. We rely on, and expect to continue to rely on, a combination of trademark, trade dress, domain name, copyright, and trade secret and laws, as well as confidentiality and license agreements with our employees, contractors, consultants, and third parties with whom we have relationships, to establish and protect our brand and other intellectual property rights.
Our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights may not be sufficient or effective. Our proprietary technology and trade secrets could be lost through misappropriation or breach of our confidentiality and license agreements, and any of our intellectual property rights may be challenged, which could result in them being narrowed in scope or declared invalid or unenforceable. There can be no assurance that our intellectual property rights will be sufficient to protect against others offering products, services, or technologies that are substantially similar to ours and that compete with our business.
As we grow, we will seek to obtain and protect our intellectual property rights in an increasing number of countries, a process that can be expensive and may not always be successful. For example, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and various foreign governmental intellectual property agencies require compliance with a number of procedural requirements to complete the trademark application process and to maintain issued trademarks, and noncompliance or non-payment could result in abandonment or lapse of a trademark or trademark application, resulting in partial or complete loss of trademark rights in a relevant jurisdiction. Further, intellectual property protection may not be available to us in every country in which our products and services are available. We may also agree to license our intellectual property to third parties as part of various agreements. Those licenses may diminish our ability, though, to counter-assert our intellectual property rights against certain parties that may bring claims against us.
In the future we may be sued by third parties for alleged infringement of their proprietary rights.
In recent years, there has been considerable patent, copyright, trademark, domain name, trade secret and other intellectual property development activity, as well as litigation, based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property, including by large financial institutions. Furthermore, individuals and groups can purchase patents and other intellectual property assets for the purpose of making claims of infringement to extract settlements from companies like ours. We use of third-party intellectual property rights also may be subject to claims of infringement or misappropriation.
We cannot guarantee that our internally developed or acquired/licensed technologies and content do not or will not infringe the intellectual property rights of others. From time to time, our competitors or other third parties may claim that we are infringing upon or misappropriating their intellectual property rights, and we may be found to be infringing upon such rights. Any claims or litigation could cause us to incur significant expenses and, if successfully asserted against us, could require that we pay substantial damages or ongoing royalty payments, prevent us from offering our products or services or using certain technologies, force us to implement expensive work-arounds, or impose other unfavorable terms. Our exposure to damages resulting from infringement claims could increase and this could further exhaust our financial and management resources. Further, during the course of any litigation, we may make announcements regarding the results of hearings and motions, and other interim developments. If securities analysts and investors regard these announcements as negative, the market price of our Common Stock may decline. Even if intellectual property claims do not result in litigation or are resolved in our favor, these claims, and the time and resources necessary to resolve them, could divert the resources of our management and require significant expenditures. Any of the foregoing could prevent us from competing effectively and could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
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| ITEM 1B. | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
None.
| ITEM 1C. | CYBERSECURITY |
The identification, detection, prevention and remediation of known or potential IT security vulnerabilities, including those arising from third-party hackers, hardware or software, is extremely costly and time consuming. The Company does not have the manpower, expertise or financial resources to effectively identify, detect, prevent or remediate cybersecurity risks. No assurance or guarantee whatsoever can be given that the Company will not be damaged by the exploitation of its cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we did not identify any cybersecurity threats that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. However, we may not be aware of all vulnerabilities or might not accurately assess the risks of incidents, and such preventative measures cannot provide absolute security and may not be sufficient in all circumstances or mitigate all potential risks.
| ITEM 2. | PROPERTIES |
On August 15, 2021 the Company entered into an updated Commercial Lease Agreement with the lessor for the lease of 2640 West Medtronic way, Tempe, Arizona 85281. The term of the lease is for 60 months and the monthly rent is $16,000 per month for a total annual rent of $192,000.
On January 31, 2022, we executed a lease for our national headquarters to be located at 815 Walker Street, Suite 1155, Houston, Texas 77002. We occupy approximately 4,224 sq. ft., in the Mellie Esperson Building. The lease term is for 10 years commencing March 1, 2022.
| ITEM 3. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
Carebourn Capital, L.P. v. DarkPulse, Inc.
On or about January 29, 2021, Carebourn Capital, L.P. (“Carebourn”) commenced an action against the Company in Minnesota State Court. Carebourn alleged that the Company was in breach of certain securities purchase agreements and convertible promissory notes sold to Carebourn on or about July 17, 2018 and July 24, 2018.
On or about August 31, 2021, the Company answered Carebourn’s complaint and interposed affirmative defenses, including that Carebourn was an unregistered “dealer,” as such term is defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) and, therefore, all contracts between the parties arising from or related to the securities purchase agreements and convertible promissory notes sold to Carebourn on or about July 17, 2018 and July 24, 2018 were void pursuant to the Exchange Act. The Company also asserted counterclaims against Carebourn under the Minnesota Securities Act.
On or about April 21, 2023, the State Court ruled in the Company’s favor on its motion for partial summary judgment on its Exchange Act defense, holding that (i) Carebourn is a “dealer” under the Exchange Act in violation of the mandatory registration requirement imposed thereby, and (ii) all contracts between the parties are void.
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On or about November 17, 2023, the State Court ruled in the Company’s favor on its motion for summary judgment on its Minnesota Securities Act counterclaims against Carebourn and awarded damages for Carebourn’s violation of Minn. Stat. § 80A.76(d) in the amount of $124,012.91, attorney’s fees in the amount of $239,923.33 and costs in the amount of $23,757.24 (or a total award in the amount of $387,693.48).
On or about March 25, 2024, the Minnesota Appellate Court entered an Order, noting that Minn. R. Civ. App. P. 104.01 provides that appeals must be taken within 60 days of the date of the final judgment and, therefore, it appears that Carebourn failed to timely take its appeal. The Appellate Court requested the parties submit informal briefing in response to two questions: (a) Did the time to appeal the December 27, 2024 amended judgment expire on February 26, 2024; and (b) If the answer to (a) is yes, must this appeal be dismissed as untimely. On or about April 4, 2024, DarkPulse filed its informal briefing in response with the Appellate Court. The Company is currently awaiting a decision from the Appellate Court.
As of the date hereof, Carebourn has refused to voluntarily satisfy the final judgment. Accordingly, the Company intends to exercise all legal rights and remedies available to it to collect the amounts awarded.
DarkPulse intends to continue to exercise all legal rights and remedies available to it to collect the amounts awarded should Carebourn fail to voluntarily pay the same.
More Capital, LLC v. DarkPulse, Inc. et al
On or about June 29, 2021, More Capital, LLC (“More”) commenced an action against the Company in Minnesota State Court. More alleged that the Company was in breach of a certain securities purchase agreement and convertible promissory note sold to More on or about August 20, 2018.
On or about September 3, 2021, the Company answered More’s complaint and interposed affirmative defenses, including that More was an unregistered “dealer,” as such term is defined in the Exchange Act and, therefore, all contracts between the parties arising from or related to the securities purchase agreement and convertible promissory note sold to More on or about August 20, 2018 were void pursuant to the Exchange Act. The Company also asserted counterclaims against More under the Minnesota Securities Act.
On or about December 11, 2023, the Minnesota State Court ruled in the Company’s favor on its motion for summary judgment on its (a) Exchange Act defense, holding that (1) More is a “dealer” under the Exchange Act in violation of the mandatory registration requirement imposed thereby, and (ii) all contracts between the parties are void, and (b) Minnesota Securities Act counterclaims against More and awarded damages for More’s violation of Minn. Stat. § 80A.76(d) in the amount of $300,809.39, attorney’s fees in the amount of $110,029.00 and costs in the amount of $210.25 (or a total award in the amount of $412,048.64).
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On or about March 25, 2024, the Minnesota Appellate Court entered an Order, noting that Minn. R. Civ. App. P. 104.01 provides that appeals must be taken within 60 days of the date of the final judgment and, therefore, it appears that More failed to timely take its appeal. The Appellate Court requested the parties submit informal briefing in response to two questions: (a) Did the time to appeal the December 27, 2024 amended judgment expire on February 26, 2024; and (b) If the answer to (a) is yes, must this appeal be dismissed as untimely. On or about April 4, 2024, DarkPulse filed its informal briefing in response with the Appellate Court. The Company is currently awaiting a decision from the Appellate Court.
As of April 1, 2024, the final judgment had not yet been satisfied by More, nor had a judgment been entered that stayed enforcement of that judgment. Accordingly, the Company took actions to enforce and collect the judgment including, inter alia, serving garnishment summons on More’s banks.
As of the date hereof, More has refused to voluntarily satisfy the final judgement. Accordingly, the Company intends to exercise all legal rights and remedies available to it to collect the amounts awarded.
Carebourn Capital et al v. Standard Registrar and Transfer et al
On or about May 20, 2022, Carebourn and More (together with Carebourn, the “Noteholders”) commenced an action against the Company, certain members of the Company’s executive team and board of directors and Standard Registrar and Transfer Company, Inc., the Company’s transfer agent, in the United States District Court for the District of Utah. The Noteholders’ complaint alleged various causes of action arising from certain securities purchase agreements and convertible promissory notes the Company sold to the Noteholders.
On or about November 23, 2022, the Company and the members of the Company’s executive team and board of directors named in this action moved to dismiss the Noteholders’ complaint.
On or about February 21, 2023, the Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss in part and stayed the action pending resolution of the motion for summary judgment brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission against Carebourn in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.
On or about November 1, 2023, the Noteholders moved to dismiss the action.
On or about November 2, 2023, the Company moved for sanctions against the Noteholders and their counsel of record.
On or about December 4, 2023, the Court entered an order granting dismissal of the Noteholders’ claims with prejudice. The Court acknowledged that notwithstanding its dismissal of the Noteholders’ claims, the Court continues to retain jurisdiction over the Noteholders because of DarkPulse’s pending motion for sanctions against the Noteholders and their attorneys.
On May 22, 2024, the Court scheduled oral arguments on the Company’s sanction motion on July 2, 2024 and the oral arguments were held. The Court has yet to render a decision.
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DarkPulse, Inc. v. FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC, and Eli Fireman
On or about December 31, 2021, the Company commenced an action against FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC (“FirstFire”) and its control person, Eli Fireman (“Fireman,” and together with FirstFire, the “FirstFire Defendants”), in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
On or about May 5, 2022, the Company amended its complaint against the FirstFire Defendants. The amended complaint alleges that the FirstFire Defendants were liable to the Company for rescission of certain convertible promissory notes and transitions effected thereunder and damages pursuant to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”).
On or about January 17, 2023, the Court granted the FirstFire Defendants’ motion to dismiss the Company’s operative pleading. Later on the same day, the Company appealed the Court’s decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (“Second Circuit”).
Oral arguments were held before the Second Circuit on the Company’s appeal on December 11, 2023.
On March 28, 2024, the Second Circuit issued its decision and found that the District Court (a) properly found that the Delaware forum-selection clause was enforceable but, thereafter, (b) improperly made a ruling on the merits of the Company’s claims for relief. As a result, the Second Circuit affirmed the District Court’s decision in part, vacated in part and remanded the case back to the District Court for transferring to the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.
As of the date hereof, this action has not yet transferred to the Delaware Court. The Company remains committed to actively litigating its claims for relief under RICO.
DarkPulse, Inc., et al v. Crown Bridge Partners, LLC, et al
On or about September 23, 2022, the Company, Social Life Network, Inc. and Redhawk Holdings Corp. commenced an action against Crown Bridge Partners, LLC (“Crown Bridge”) and its control persons, Soheil Ahdoot and Sepas Ahdoot (collectively, the “Crown Bridge Defendants”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaint alleges that the Crown Bridge Defendants are liable to each of the plaintiffs for damages pursuant to RICO.
On or about September 29, 2023, the Court granted the Crown Bridge Defendants’ motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ complaint.
On October 23, 2023, the plaintiffs appealed the Court’s decision to the Second Circuit.
As of the date hereof, the appeal is fully briefed.
The Company remains committed to actively litigating its claims for relief under RICO.
In addition to the foregoing Legal Proceedings, we are also actively investigating potential legal claims, including but not limited to stock fraud, market manipulation, and/or defamation, against certain Twitter accounts, websites, and social media channels. The investigation is ongoing and should potential claims be identified, we will evaluate commencing formal litigation proceedings.
From time to time, we may become involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. We are not currently involved in any pending legal proceeding or litigation and, to the best of our knowledge, no governmental authority is contemplating any proceeding to which we are a party or to which any of our properties is subject, which would reasonably be likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
| ITEM 4. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES |
Not applicable.
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PART II
| ITEM 5. | MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES |
Our Common Stock is currently quoted on the OTC Markets, which is sponsored by OTC Markets Group, Inc. The OTC Markets is a network of security dealers who buy and sell stock. The dealers are connected by a computer network that provides information on current “bids” and “asks,” as well as volume information. Our shares are quoted on the OTC Markets under the symbol “DPLS.”
The table below sets forth for the periods indicated the quarterly high and low bid prices as reported by OTC Markets. Limited trading volume has occurred during these periods. These quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down, or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
| 2024 | High | Low | ||||||
| First Quarter | $ | 0.0130 | $ | 0.0008 | ||||
| Second Quarter | $ | 0.0053 | $ | 0.0008 | ||||
| 2023 | High | Low | ||||||
| First Quarter | $ | 0.0108 | $ | 0.0032 | ||||
| Second Quarter | $ | 0.0120 | $ | 0.0030 | ||||
| Third Quarter | $ | 0.0054 | $ | 0.0014 | ||||
| Fourth Quarter | $ | 0.0022 | $ | 0.0008 | ||||
| 2022 | High | Low | ||||||
| First Quarter | $ | 0.0890 | $ | 0.0252 | ||||
| Second Quarter | $ | 0.0589 | $ | 0.0190 | ||||
| Third Quarter | $ | 0.0455 | $ | 0.0189 | ||||
| Fourth Quarter | $ | 0.0230 | $ | 0.0078 | ||||
Our common stock is considered to be penny stock under rules promulgated by the SEC. Under these rules, broker-dealers participating in transactions in these securities must first deliver a risk disclosure document which describes risks associated with these stocks, broker-dealers’ duties, customers’ rights and remedies, market and other information, and make suitability determinations approving the customers for these stock transactions based on financial situation, investment experience and objectives. Broker-dealers must also disclose these restrictions in writing, provide monthly account statements to customers, and obtain specific written consent of each customer. With these restrictions, the likely effect of designation as a penny stock is to decrease the willingness of broker-dealers to make a market for the stock, to decrease the liquidity of the stock and increase the transaction cost of sales and purchases of these stocks compared to other securities.
The number of shareholders of record of the Company's common stock as of April 16, 2024 was approximately 954. An additional number of stockholders are beneficial holders of our Common Stock in “street name” through banks, brokers and other financial institutions that are the record holders.
We have not paid any cash dividends to date and we do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. It is the present intention of management to utilize any available funds for the development of our business.
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Equity Compensation Plan Information
As of December 31, 2023, there were no securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, there were no purchases made by or on behalf of the issuer or any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined in § 240.10b-18(a)(3) of Regulation S-K of shares or other units of any class of our equity securities that are registered by us pursuant to section 12 of the Exchange Act.
| ITEM 6. | [RESERVED] |
| ITEM 7. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contain certain forward-looking statements. Historical results may not indicate future performance. Our forward-looking statements reflect our current views about future events; are based on assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Factors that may cause differences between actual results and those contemplated by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the “Risk Factors” section. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, including any changes that might result from any facts, events, or circumstances after the date hereof that may bear upon forward-looking statements. Furthermore, we cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance, or achievements
Critical Accounting Policies
The following discussions are based upon our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions reflected in these financial statements include, but are not limited to, assumptions used to calculate derivative liabilities, revenue recognition and impairment of long-lived assets. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, known trends and other market-specific or other relevant factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates when there are changes in circumstances, facts and experience. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill
The Company accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360-10-35, Property, Plant and Equipment, Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets. This accounting standard requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.
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Indefinite-lived intangible assets established in connection with business combinations consist of the tradename. The impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
The Company accounts for goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an entity over the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. ASC 350 requires that goodwill and other intangibles with indefinite lives be tested for impairment annually or on an interim basis if events or circumstances indicate that the fair value of an asset has decreased below its carrying value. This guidance simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by removing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. The quantitative impairment test calculates any goodwill impairment as the difference between the carrying amount of a reporting unit and its fair value, but not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. It is our practice, at a minimum, to perform a qualitative or quantitative goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter every year. The Company has one reporting unit it evaluates during its impairment test.
In determining the fair value of the reporting unit, management estimated the price that would be received to sell the reporting unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. This includes reviewing market comparables such as revenue multipliers and assigning certain assets and liabilities to the reporting units, such as the respective working capital deficits of each entity and debt obligations that would need to be assumed by a market participant buyer in an orderly transaction. The Company calculated the carrying amounts of the reporting unit by utilizing the entities’ assets and liabilities at December 31, 2023, including the carrying value of the identifiable intangible assets and goodwill assigned to the respective reporting unit.
Refer to Note 1 for impairment records in 2023 upon the Optilan UK Liquidation.
Revenue Recognition
The Company’s revenues are generated primarily from the sale of our services, which consist primarily of advanced technology solutions for integrated communications and security systems, as well as habitat management. The Company’s sales of products are primarily generated from our TJM subsidiaries. Sales of products and services are separate from one another. At contract inception, we assess the goods and services promised in the contract with customers and identify a performance obligation for each. To determine the performance obligation, we consider all products and services promised in the contract regardless of whether they are explicitly stated or implied by customary business practices. The timing of satisfaction of the performance obligation is not subject to significant judgment. We measure revenue as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for transferring goods and services. We recognize service revenues as the performance obligations are met, which is generally as milestones are satisfied over time. We generally recognize product revenues at the time of shipment, provided that all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.
The Company recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that the Company determines are within the scope of ASC 606, we perform the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) we satisfy a performance obligation. The five-step model is applied to contracts when it is probable that we will collect the consideration we are entitled to in exchange for the goods or services transferred to the customer. At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC 606, we assess the goods or services promised within each contract and determine those that are performance obligations and assess whether each promised good or service is distinct. We then recognize revenue in the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.
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The Company considers each individual sale of service contract to be its own performance obligation. Services in the contract are highly interdependent and interrelated, and the successful completion of each milestone is necessary for the overall success of the contract. Therefore, each milestone is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contract, and not distinct and ultimately not individual performance obligations.
The Company records revenue over time using the output measure as it is the most faithful depiction of an entity’s performance because it directly measures the value of the goods and services transferred to the customer. The Company utilizes the Right to Invoice for these contracts, as the pricing structure is based on various milestones that are specified in the contract. These milestones include Construction Phase Plan, Start of the construction phase, installation phase, site surveys, fiber splicing, recoveries, and closeouts. There are specified payments associated with these milestones in the contract, and the value allocated is commensurate with work done. In the event that there are advances such as upfront retainers and not based on the value, those are recorded as contract liabilities.
In accordance with ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedient, which is to (1) clarify the objective of the collectability criterion for applying paragraph 606-10-25-7; (2) permit an entity to exclude amounts collected from customers for all sales (and other similar) taxes from the transaction price; (3) specify that the measurement date for noncash consideration is contract inception; (4) provide a practical expedient that permits an entity to reflect the aggregate effect of all modifications that occur before the beginning of the earliest period presented when identifying the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, determining the transaction price, and allocating the transaction price to the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations; (5) clarify that a completed contract for purposes of transition is a contract for which all (or substantially all) of the revenue was recognized under legacy GAAP before the date of initial application, and (6) clarify that an entity that retrospectively applies the guidance in Topic 606 to each prior reporting period is not required to disclose the effect of the accounting change for the period of adoption. The amendments of this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. There was no impact as a result of adopting this ASU on the financial statements and related disclosures. Based on the terms and conditions of the product arrangements, the Company believes that its products and services can be accounted for separately as its products and services have value to the Company’s customers on a stand-alone basis. When a transaction involves more than one product or service, revenue is allocated to each deliverable based on its relative fair value; otherwise, revenue is recognized as products are delivered or as services are provided over the term of the customer contract.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company evaluates the embedded conversion feature within its convertible debt instruments under ASC 815-15 and ASC 815-40 to determine if the conversion feature meets the definition of a liability and, if so, whether to bifurcate the conversion feature and account for it as a separate derivative liability. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the statements of operations. For stock-based derivative financial instruments, the Company uses a lattice model, in accordance with ASC 815-15, Derivative and Hedging, to value the derivative instruments at inception and on subsequent valuation dates. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within 12 months after the balance sheet date.
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Business Overview
DarkPulse, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company” or “DarkPulse”), is a technology focused on the manufacture, sale, installation, and monitoring of laser sensing systems based on its patented BOTDA dark-pulse sensor technology. The Company develops, markets, and distributes a full suite of engineering, monitoring, installation and security management solutions for critical infrastructure/key resources to both industries and governments. Coupled with our patented BOTDA technology, DarkPulse provides its customers a comprehensive data stream of critical metrics for assessing the health and security of their infrastructure. Our systems provide rapid, precise analysis and responsive activities predetermined by the end-user customer. The Company’s activities since inception have consisted of developing various solutions, obtaining patents and trademarks related to its technology, raising capital, acquisition of companies deemed to expand global operations and/or capabilities, creating key partnerships to expand our suite of products and services. Our activities have evolved to a sales-focused mission since the successful completion of our BOTDA system.
Headquartered in Houston, DarkPulse is a globally-based technology company with presence through its subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, India, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Turkey, Azerbaijan, United States and Canada. In addition to the Company’s BOTDA systems, through a series of strategic acquisitions the Company offers the manufacture, sale, installation, and monitoring of laser sensing systems, oil and gas pipeline leak detection, physical security services, telecommunications and satellite communications services, artificial intelligence-based camera systems, railway monitoring services, drone and rover systems, and Big Data as a Service (“BDaaS”). The Company is focused on expanding services through acquisitions and partnerships to address global infrastructure and critical environmental resource challenges.
DarkPulse offers a full suite of engineering and environmental solutions that provide safety and security infrastructure projects. The sensing and monitoring capabilities offered by DarkPulse operate in the air, land, sea. Our patented technology provides rapid, precise analysis to protect and safeguard oil and gas pipelines above or below ground, physical security countermeasures, mining operations, and other critical infrastructure/key resources subject to vulnerability or risk. Our patented dark-pulse based BOTDA distributed fiber sensing system is best in class. The Company is able to monitor areas in around critical infrastructure buried or above ground including pipelines 100km or more in length and/ or localized pipes as small as eight CM DIA, detecting internal anomalies before catastrophic failure. We are developing an intelligent rock bolt to prevent causalities and fatalities in mining operations and include a real time sensor system that can detect the location and movement of personnel and equipment throughout a mining operation. We monitor airflow, air quality, temperature, seismic events, etc. Our sensors cover extended areas, protecting an area from intrusion by detecting events at any location along the sensing cable. Working safely every day is our first core value and employees at DarkPulse and our subsidiary companies are recognized experts in their fields, providing comprehensive services for all our clients' needs.
Our Subsidiaries
Our subsidiaries consist of DarkPulse UK Ltd,, a company headquartered in, United Kingdom whose focus is in engineering, telecommunications, energy, rail, critical network infrastructure, pipeline integrity systems, renewables and security; Remote Intelligence, Limited Liability Company, a company headquartered in Pennsylvania who provides unmanned aerial drone and unmanned ground crawler (UGC) services to a variety of clients from industrial mapping and ecosystem services, to search and rescue, to pipeline security; Wildlife Specialists, Limited Liability Company, a company headquartered in Pennsylvania who provides clients with comprehensive wildlife and environmental assessment, planning, and monitoring services; TerraData Unmanned, PLLC, a company headquartered in Florida who custom manufactures NDAA compliant drones and unmanned ground crawlers to meet the needs of its customers; DarkPulse Electronics Manufacturing Inc., a company headquartered in Arizona who is a U.S. manufacturer of advanced electronics, cables and sub-assemblies specializing in advanced package and complex CCA and hardware.
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Change in Ownership in Previously Consolidated Subsidiary Results in Deconsolidation in the Current Period
On June 28, 2023, the county court at Portsmouth, England made a winding up order raised by a (non-related party) creditor against the Company's subsidiary Optilan (UK) Limited. The subsidiary on that date ceased conducting further business and the director’s powers terminated. The consolidation of subsidiaries owned by Optilan (UK) Limited was no longer under its control as defined by ASC 810 (Consolidation). This compulsory liquidation resulted in a combined “Loss on Deconsolidation” of Optilan (UK) Limited and its subsidiaries in the amount of $1,642,795.
The subsidiaries of Optilan (UK) Limited are solvent and continue to operate. The Company will retain no measurable residual value nor direct or indirect investment in Optilan, its subsidiaries or its assets. The Company will have no continuing involvement with Optilan (UK) Limited, including its subsidiaries, and will not be owned or controlled by any related party of the Company.
Recent Events
Liquidation/winding up of Optilan (UK) Limited
On May 3, 2023, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, a creditor of Optilan (UK) Limited, filed a petition to wind up (the “Winding up Petition”) Optilan (UK) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company’s Subsidiary, Optilan HoldCo 3 Limited, and the matter was due to be heard in the Portsmouth Combined Court Centre on June 28, 2023.
On June 28, 2023, the High Court of Justice in the United Kingdom issued a winding-up order for the liquidation and winding up of the affairs of Optilan (UK) Limited (the “Optilan Liquidation”). In conjunction with the order, the court appointed the Offical Receiver’s Office (the “OR”) to take the appointment as liquidator of Optilan (UK) Limited and take control of Optilan (UK) Limited’s assets.
At the same time the court appointed the OR to take the appointment as liquidator of Optilan (UK) Limited. The OR has taken control of Optilan (UK) Limited’s assets. To date the ORs Office has initiated contact with Optilan but we still wait to receive details of the individual who will be taking the role of OR.
On July 3, 2023, Optilan (UK) Limited received a letter from The Insolvency Service, an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade located in the U.K. Pursuant to the letter of The Insolvency Services, the Company was required to provide information relating to Optilan (UK) Limited to the Official Receiver’s Office (a government body of Plymouth, the United Kingdom) and attend an interview with staff of the Official Receiver’s Office to review the prospect of recovering the assets of Optilan (UK) Limited for the benefit of creditors. The interview was scheduled for July 18, 2023.
On July 18, 2023, the interview was held between the Official Receiver’s Office (“OR”) and the CEO at time of dissolution. The OR office requested a list of assets, bank account information and amounts along with any contracts held by Optilan (UK) Limited to begin the liquidation process.
On August 9, 2023, Evelyn Partners was appointed Joint Liquidator.
There are no new claims against Optilan (UK) Limited and Evelyn Partners continue to liquidate the company’s assets.
The Company is an Unsecured creditor of Optilan (UK) Limited and is at risk of losing any repayment of obligations due from Optilan (UK) Limited because there are several intercompany relationships between the Company and Optilan (UK) Limited, the financial impact of any future claims and liabilities may not be known for several months. The Company has approximately $19.4 million intercompany payables due from Optilan (UK), which will increase the Company liabilities for any obligations not repaid. The Company expects the remaining assets held by Optilan (UK) Limited to be fully impaired during the second quarter of 2023 as a result of the winding-up order for liquidation. At the time of this filing the Company is still evaluating the full effects of the winding-up order for liquidation and the material adverse effects it will have on the Company’s continued operations and ability to meet future obligations.
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Year Ended December 31, 2023 Accounting Analysis
The Company performed an analysis of the trade receivables related to Optilan (UK) Limited and determined that an additional $2,422,457 may not be collectible pursuant to Optilan Liquidation. The Company recorded a bad debt provision for this amount.
As a result of Optilan Liquidation as described in Note 1, management determined that certain events and circumstances occurred that indicated that the carrying amount of the Company’s reporting unit may not be recoverable. The qualitative assessment was primarily due to the customer contracts held by Optilan (UK) Limited and the associated revenue projections by the UK subsidiary that is subject to the potential winding up. As such, the Company compared the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying amounts and recorded an impairment loss of $ 2,037,670 pertaining to impairment and goodwill in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company recorded impairment of the indefinite-lived intangible asset of $356,260, and impairment of goodwill of $ 1,681,410. The Company has one reporting unit which was evaluated in the impairment test noted above. As a result of the impairment, the Company had a carrying value of $0 pertaining to goodwill and intangible assets as of December 31, 2023.
Optilan (UK) Limited became subject to the control of a government and was appointed an administrator. In this situation, when the parent ceases to have a financial interest in a subsidiary and does not retain an investment in that subsidiary, the parent should deconsolidate the subsidiary and recognize a gain or loss on deconsolidation in accordance with ASC 810-10-40-5.
In addition, ASC 810-10-40-3A states when a parent deconsolidates a subsidiary or derecognizes a group of assets, the parent no longer controls the subsidiary's assets and liabilities or the group of assets. The parent therefore shall derecognize the assets, liabilities, and equity components related to that subsidiary or group of assets. The equity components will include any noncontrolling interest as well as amounts previously recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. If the subsidiary or group of assets being deconsolidated or derecognized is a foreign entity (or represents the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which it resides), then the amount of accumulated other comprehensive income that is reclassified and included in the calculation of gain or loss shall include any foreign currency translation adjustment related to that foreign entity.
Upon the liquidation, on June 28, 2023, the Company derecognized Optilan UK’s assets and liabilities and recorded a loss on consolidation of $1,624,795, which was recognized in other income (expenses) in the consolidated statements of operations.
Included in the loss on consolidation of $1,642,795 are the gains on intercompany receivables and payables and currency translation adjustment $12,721,532 and $1,545,008 respectively, offset by the net loss on impairment of investments of $12,623.
In addition, the allowance of $2,422,457 was recorded against receivables that have been deemed uncollectible.
Financings
On May 27, 2022 we entered an Equity Financing Agreement (the “2022 EFA”) and Registration Rights Agreement (the “RRA”) with GHS, pursuant to which GHS agreed to purchase up to $70,000,000 in shares of our Common Stock, from time to time over the course of 24 months after effectiveness of a registration statement on Form S-1 of the underlying shares of Common Stock.
The RRA provides that we shall (i) use our best efforts to file with the SEC a registration statement within 45 days of the date of the GHS Registration Rights Agreement; and (ii) have the registration statement declared effective by the SEC within 30 days after the date the GHS registration statement is filed with the SEC, but in no event more than 90 days after the registration statement is filed.
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Below is a table of all puts made by the Company under the 2022 EFA during 2023:
| Date of Put | Number of Common Shares Issued | Total Proceeds, Net of Discounts | Effective Price per Share | Net Proceeds | ||||||||||||
| 1/12/2023 | 64,130,435 | $ | 400,000 | $ | 0.006237 | $ | 370,975 | |||||||||
| 1/24/2023 | 77,733,861 | 400,000 | $ | 0.005146 | 370,975 | |||||||||||
| 2/3/2023 | 61,173,706 | 300,000 | $ | 0.004904 | 277,975 | |||||||||||
| 2/17/2023 | 75,447,571 | 300,000 | $ | 0.003976 | 277,975 | |||||||||||
| 3/1/2023 | 83,113,044 | 324,000 | $ | 0.003898 | 300,295 | |||||||||||
| 3/16/2023 | 93,165,852 | 254,232 | $ | 0.002729 | 235,410 | |||||||||||
| 3/30/2023 | 65,465,384 | 166,903 | $ | 0.002549 | 154,195 | |||||||||||
| 4/11/2023 | 67,462,162 | 203,554 | $ | 0.003017 | 188,279 | |||||||||||
| 587,692,015 | $ | 2,348,689 | $ | 2,176,079 | ||||||||||||
On January 17, 2023, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 11,441,647 shares of Common Stock in exchange for $100,000.
On April 28, 2023 we entered an Equity Financing Agreement, which was superseded by the Amended Equity Financing Agreement dated June 13, 2023, which was then superseded by the Second Amended Equity Financing Agreement dated July 10, 2023, as amended (the “EFA”), and Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with GHS, pursuant to which GHS agreed to purchase up to $30,000,000 in shares of our Common Stock, from time to time over the course of 24 months after effectiveness of a registration statement on Form S-1 of the underlying shares of Common Stock.
The Registration Rights Agreement provides that we shall (i) use our best efforts to file with the SEC a registration statement within 15 days of the date of the Registration Rights Agreement; and (ii) have the registration statement declared effective by the SEC within 30 days after the date the registration statement is filed with the SEC, but in no event more than 90 days after the registration statement is filed.
Below is a table of all puts made by the Company under the EFA during 2023:
| Date of Put | Number of Common Shares Issued | Total Proceeds, Net of Discounts | Effective Price per Share | Net Proceeds | ||||||||||||
| 4/28/2023 | 91,796,875 | $ | 235,000 | $ | 0.002560 | $ | 208,550 | |||||||||
| 6/26/2023 | 44,583,334 | 214,000 | $ | 0.004800 | 141,020 | |||||||||||
| 7/3/2023 | 51,442,308 | 274,058 | $ | 0.004200 | 257,020 | |||||||||||
| 7/10/2023 | 28,593,750 | 91,500 | $ | 0.003200 | 85,094 | |||||||||||
| 11/14/2023 | 18,997,442 | 25,180 | $ | 0.001325 | 22,392 | |||||||||||
| 11/22/2023 | 29,685,620 | 34,717 | $ | 0.001169 | 31,262 | |||||||||||
| 12/1/2023 | 51,275,586 | 47,973 | $ | 0.000936 | 43,590 | |||||||||||
| 12/11/2023 | 87,136,216 | 108,019 | $ | 0.001240 | 99,433 | |||||||||||
| 12/27/2023 | 67,522,014 | 57,909 | $ | 0.000858 | 52,830 | |||||||||||
| 471,033,145 | $ | 1,088,356 | $ | 941,191 | ||||||||||||
Prior to the sales being made, GHS agreed to purchase the shares without an effective registration statement in place, and, as such, the shares were restricted.
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Going Concern Uncertainty
As shown in the accompanying financial statements, we generated net losses of $21,723,043 and $35,517,505 during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and net cash used in operating activities of $(5,653,215) and $(21,738,542), respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s current liabilities exceeded its current assets by $18,126,281 and has an accumulated deficit of $67,376,221. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $11,912 of cash. Lastly, the Optilan Liquidation no longer raises serious concerns about the viability of the Optilan (UK) Limited entities. Optilan (UK) Limited and its subsidiaries have been deconsolidated and are no longer under the control of DarkPulse, Inc.
We will require additional funding to finance the growth of our operations and achieve our strategic objectives. These factors, as relative to capital raising activities, create substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern. We are seeking to raise additional capital and are targeting strategic partners in an effort to accelerate the sales and marketing of our products and begin generating revenues. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the success of future capital offerings or alternative financing arrangements, expansion of our operations and generating sales. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern. Management is actively pursuing additional sources of financing sufficient to generate enough cash flow to fund its operations; however, management cannot make any assurances that such financing will be secured.
Foreign Currency Risk
In general, the Company is a net receiver of currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Accordingly, changes in exchange rates, and in particular a strengthening of the U.S. dollar, will negatively affect the Company’s net sales and gross margins as expressed in U.S. dollars. There is a risk that the Company will have to adjust local currency product pricing due to competitive pressures when there has been significant volatility in foreign currency exchange rates.
Results of Operations
For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Revenues
The Company’s revenues are generated primarily from the sale of our services, which consist primarily of advanced technology solutions for integrated communications and security systems, as well as habitat management. The Company’s sales of products are primarily generated from our TJM subsidiaries.
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The Company’s future revenues will be derived from the following, among other things.
| · | promote adoption if our patented technology through agency and distribution agreements; | |
| · | cross-selling existing customer with products from other subsidiaries; | |
| · | provide a wide array of diverse services, including enhanced or additional services that may become available in the future due to, among other things, advances in technology or improvements in our infrastructure; | |
| · | pursue acquisitions of additional assets, in each case if available at attractive prices; and | |
| · | market our products and services to new customers. |
While the Company recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services, the Company also maintains multiple contracts for future material revenues, including part of framework contracts that will be recognized during future reporting periods.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, total revenues were $2,020,971 compared to $9,100,255 for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $7,079,284. The decrease was primarily due to lower revenues achieved by Optilan, Wildlife, Remote and TJM Electronics West, Inc given capital and resources restraints. The breakdown of revenues by entity for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:
| Years Ended | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Optilan | $ | 1,583,435 | $ | 7,514,687 | ||||
| Wildlife | – | 842,811 | ||||||
| TJM | 329,400 | 560,406 | ||||||
| Remote Intelligence | – | 140,490 | ||||||
| TerraData | 82,639 | 41,861 | ||||||
| DarkPulse | 25,497 | – | ||||||
| $ | 2,020,971 | $ | 9,100,255 | |||||
Cost of Revenues and Gross Margin
For the year ended December 31, 2023, cost of revenues was $2,446,756 compared to $14,543,529 for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $12,096,773. The decrease was attributable to lower revenues from Optilan, Remote Intelligence, Wildlife Specialists, and TJM Electronics West, Inc.
Gross (loss) profit for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $(425,785) with a gross profit of (21)% compared to $(5,443,274) for the year ended December 31, 2022 with a (60)% gross margin.
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Operating Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for year ended December 31, 2023 decreased by $2,932,841, or 59%, to $2,033,861 from $4,966,702 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease primarily consisted of decreases in advertising costs, insurance and information technology expenses of operations that have been shuttered.
Salaries, wages and payroll taxes for year ended December 31, 2023 decreased by $4,827,266, or 65%, to $2,630,225 from $7,457,491 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease primarily consisted of reduced headcount at each subsidiary. Furthermore, the Company reduced accrued payroll which it was determined was no longer payable.
Professional fees for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased by $608,454, or 16%, to $3,109,717 from $3,718,171 for the year ended December 31, 2022 due to decreased audit and legal fees in 2023.
Depreciation and amortization for year ended December 31, 2023 decreased by $1,045,258, or 67%, to $523,147 from $1,568,405 for the year ended December 31, 2022. This decrease is primarily due to the sale of some subsidiary property, plant and equipment.
During the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded $6,948,350 and $12,222,598, respectively, in impairment on the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets.
During the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded $5,248,218 and $0, respectively, in bad debt expense.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a gain on forgiveness of payables of ($312,685).
Other Income (Expense)
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we had other expense of ($803,740) compared to other expense of ($453,549) in 2022. The increase is due to the loss on deconsolidation of ($1,642,146) partially offset by a $1,484,799 gain on forgiveness of debt.
Net Loss
As a result of the above, we reported a net loss of $21,723,043 and $35,517,505 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We require working capital to fund the continued development and commercialization of our proprietary fiber optic sensing devices, and for operating expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we had $ 3,297,272 in cash proceeds from our equity financings compared to $24,276,308 in 2022.
As of December 31, 2023, we had cash of $11,912 compared to $2,060,332 as of December 31, 2022. We currently do not have sufficient cash to fund our operations for the next 12 months and we will require working capital to complete development, testing and marketing of our products and to pay for ongoing operating expenses. We anticipate adding consultants for technology development and the corresponding operations of the Company, but this will not occur prior to obtaining additional capital. Management is currently in the process of looking for additional investors. Currently, loans from banks or other lending sources for lines of credit or similar short-term borrowings are not available to us. We have been able to raise working capital to fund operations through the issuances of convertible notes or obtained through the issuance of our restricted common stock. As of December 31, 2023, our current liabilities exceeded our current assets by $18,126,281.
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Several of our significant operating subsidiaries have borrowed funds from DarkPulse. The terms of the instruments governing the indebtedness of these borrowers or borrowing groups may restrict our ability to access their accumulated cash. In addition, our ability to access the liquidity of these and other subsidiaries may be limited by tax, legal and other considerations.
Our executive officers and our Board of Directors review our sources and potential uses of cash in connection with our annual budgeting process and whenever circumstances warrant. Generally speaking, our principal funding source is cash from financing activities, and our principal cash requirements include loans to our operating subsidiaries, operating expenses, and capital expenditures,
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in operating activities was $5,653,214 resulting from our net loss of $21,723,043, partially offset by non-cash charges of $15,517,077 primarily driven by our bad debt expense and goodwill impairment. In 2022, we had cash used in operating activities of $21,738,542 resulting from our net loss of $35,517,505, partially offset by non-cash charges of $13,307,813, including our goodwill impairment.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we had net cash used in investing activities of $215,475, including a joint venture investment of $113,125, and purchase of property and equipment of $102,350.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we had net cash used in investing activities of $5,045,405, including the issuance of our note receivable and investment with the SPAC totaling $2,549,248, joint venture investment of $103,505 and purchase of property and equipment of $2,074,627.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash provided by financing activities was $3,632,387 which was primarily comprised of proceeds from the sale of common stock of $3,502,272 and proceeds from convertible notes of $145,000 less net repayments of loans of $14,885.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash provided by financing activities was $24,165,801 which was primarily comprised of proceeds from the sale of common stock of $24,276,308, net of costs of $1,934,200, less net repayments of loans of $110,507.
Factors That May Affect Future Results
Management’s Discussion and Analysis contains information based on management’s beliefs and forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including but not limited to, our ability to obtain the equity funding or borrowings necessary to market and launch our products, our ability to successfully serially produce and market our products; our success establishing and maintaining collaborative licensing and supplier arrangements; the acceptance of our products by customers; our continued ability to pay operating costs; our ability to meet demand for our products; the amount and nature of competition from our competitors; the effects of technological changes on products and product demand; and our ability to successfully adapt to market forces and technological demands of our customers.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our consolidated financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity capital expenditures or capital resources.
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. This ASU requires entities to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The update will generally result in the recognition of contract assets and contract liabilities at amounts consistent with those recorded by the acquiree immediately before the acquisition date rather than at fair value. The Company expects that there would be no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon the adoption of this ASU.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, which simplifies the guidance on the issuer’s accounting for convertible debt instruments by removing the separation models for convertible debt with a cash conversion feature and convertible instruments with a beneficial conversion feature. As a result, entities will not separately present in equity an embedded conversion feature in such debt and will account for a convertible debt instrument wholly as debt, unless certain other conditions are met. The elimination of these models will reduce reported interest expense and increase reported net income for entities that have issued a convertible instrument that is within the scope of ASU 2020-06. ASU 2020-06 is applicable for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company adopted ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2022 and the adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
| ITEM 7A. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
Not applicable.
| ITEM 8. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA |
The financial statements of the Company are included beginning on page F-1 immediately following the signature page to this Form 10-K.
| ITEM 9. | CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE |
On June 28, 2024, the Board of Directors of Darkpulse, Inc. (the “Company”) approved the engagement of Boladale Lawal & Co (‘BLC’) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, effective immediately, and dismissed Fruci & Associates II, PLLC (“Fruci”), on June 26, 2024 as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.
Fruci never issued an audit opinion on our financial statements, and during the course of their engagement there were no disagreements with Fruci on any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope and procedures which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of With, would have caused Fruci to make reference to the matter in their audit opinion, if issued. There were no reportable events (as that term is described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K) during the period Fruci was engaged as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.
| ITEM 9A. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have established disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and, as such, is accumulated and communicated to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Dennis O’Leary, who serves as our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Mr. O’Leary, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act, as of December 31, 2023. Based on his evaluation, Mr. O’Leary concluded that, due to a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as described below, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2023. In light of the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting, we completed substantive procedures, including validating the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used for accounting prior to filing this Form 10-K.
These additional procedures have allowed us to conclude that, notwithstanding the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K fairly present, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
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Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting for the Company. Due to limited resources, management conducted an evaluation of internal controls based on criteria established in 2013 Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). The results of this evaluation determined that our internal control over financial reporting was ineffective as of December 31, 2023, due to material weaknesses. A material weakness in internal control over financial reporting is defined as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. A significant deficiency is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those responsible for oversight of our financial reporting.
Management’s assessment identified the following material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting:
| · | The small size of our company limits our ability to achieve the desired level of separation of duties to achieve effective internal controls over financial reporting. We do not have a separate CEO and CFO, to review and oversee our financial policies and procedures, which does achieve a degree of separation. However, until such time as we are able to hire a controller, we do not believe we meet the full requirement for separation. | |
| · | We do not have an audit committee. | |
| · | We have not achieved the desired level of documentation of our internal controls and procedures. This documentation will be strengthened through utilizing a third-party consulting firm to assist management with its internal control documentation and further help to limit the possibility of any lapse in controls occurring. | |
| · | We have not achieved the desired level of corporate governance to ensure that our accounting for all of our contractual and other agreements is in accordance with all of the relevant terms and conditions. |
As a result of the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting described above, our management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, our internal control over financial reporting was not effective based on the criteria in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the COSO.
We will continue to follow the standards for the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) for internal control over financial reporting to include procedures that:
| · | Pertain to the maintenance of records in reasonable detail accurately that fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; | |
| · | Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the Board of Directors; and | |
| · | Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. |
Despite the material weaknesses in financial reporting noted above, we believe that our financial statements included in this report fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the years presented in all material respects.
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Changes in Internal Controls
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
We have taken limited steps to meet our Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Section 404 compliance requirements and implement procedures to assure financial reports are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and therefore fairly represent the results and condition of the Company. We are not materially compliant with the Section 404 requirements due to economic constraints.
| ITEM 9B. | OTHER INFORMATION |
During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, no
director or officer
| ITEM 9C. | DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS |
Not applicable to the Company.
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PART III
| ITEM 10. | DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
Executive Officers and Directors
The following table sets forth the name, age, and position of each executive officer and director of the Company:
| Director's Name | Age | Position | ||
| Dennis O’Leary | 61 | Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary & Treasurer | ||
| Dr. Anthony Brown | 50 | Director | ||
| Craig Atkin | 41 | Director and Chief Commercial Officer of Optilan |
Dennis M. O’Leary, Chairman, CEO, President, CFO. Mr. O’Leary was appointed as the DarkPulse’s Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer and Chairman of the Board in April 2018. Mr. O’Leary is a serial entrepreneur with significant international experience having founded Sulu Electric Power and Light Corp (Philippines), a firm with expertise in utility scale power generation and solar energy. In 2010, Mr. O’Leary co-founded DarkPulse Technologies Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of DarkPulse, which is developing specialized devices that monitor activities along national borders and provide structural health and safety monitoring of oil and gas pipelines. He holds extensive start-up experience including multiple exit strategies. Mr. O’Leary is an Ambassador for the Province of New Brunswick, Canada, and a Research Member of the NATO Science and Technology Organization. He served as a member of the Board at Arizona State University’s School of Engineering, Global Resolve as Chair of the Impact Committee. His previous employment includes the NYPD where he worked as a member of the Manhattan North Tactical Narcotics Team, which prosecuted establishments involved in the illegal distribution of narcotics. He was a member of a joint taskforce working with the DEA and USINS in the execution of warrants related to narcotics trafficking. While at the NYPD, he was assigned to the Department of Justice as a member of the FBI’s investigative team with internal designation C14. He is a licensed private pilot with turbine experience. Mr. O’Leary was appointed as a Director due to his extensive experience in the industries in which DarkPulse operates. Mr. O’Leary is not, and has not been during the past five years, the director of any other public companies.
Dr. Anthony Brown, Director. Dr. Brown has served as a Director of DarkPulse since April 2019. He is a physicist and scientist with extensive experience in the development of Brillouin scattering-based distributed fiber optic sensing. In 2010, Dr. Brown co-founded DarkPulse Technologies, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of DarkPulse. Dr. Brown has more than 25 years of research and lecturing experience gained at the University of New Brunswick (“UNB”), focusing primarily on the development of Brillouin scattering-based distributed fiber optic sensor technology. From 2001 to 2012, Dr. Brown served as an assistant professor and research associate at UNB. During Dr. Brown’s tenure at UNB, he was instrumental in developing numerous patents in the field of fiber optic sensing. From 2012 to 2015, Dr. Brown served as an Adjunct Professor at UNB. From 2013 through the present, Dr. Brown has served as a data scientist for Xplornet Communications, Inc. From 2018 through the present, Dr. Brown has served as a consultant for DarkPulse. Dr. Brown received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from UNB in 1995, and a PhD in Physics from UNB in 2001. Dr. Brown was appointed as a Director due to his extensive experience in the development of Brillouin scattering-based distributed fiber optic sensing. Dr. Brown is not, and has not been during the past five years, the director of any other public companies.
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Craig Atkin, Director. Mr. Atkin has served as a Director of DarkPulse since June 2023. He is also the Chief Commercial Officer of Optilan. Mr. Atkin has an engineering background with a first class honours degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Project Management. With over 20 years’ experience across energy, security, communications and technology sectors in both operational and leadership roles. His previous role was the management of two power stations within the UK for a multinational energy company. Mr. Atkin has also worked in conventional, renewable and offshore wind environments. He is experienced working and leading international teams and large scale projects. Mr. Atkin is commercially-experienced across contract setup and negotiation, M&A and operational works. Mr. Atkin was appointed as a Director due to his experience with Optilan. Mr. Atkin is not, and has not been during the past five years, the director of any other public companies.
Jason Keith, Former CEO, Optilan – On July 4, 2023, Optilan (UK) received an official letter that all employees’ contracts were terminated as of June 28, 2023. At that time Mr. Keith’s tenure as CEO of Optilan expired.
Legal Proceedings
Besides the disclosure below, during the past ten years there have been no events under any bankruptcy act, no criminal proceedings and no judgments, injunctions, orders or decrees material to the evaluation of the ability and integrity of any of our directors or executive officers, and none of these persons has been involved in any judicial or administrative proceedings resulting from involvement in mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity, any judicial or administrative proceedings based on violations of federal or state securities, commodities, banking or insurance laws or regulations, or any disciplinary sanctions or orders imposed by a stock, commodities or derivatives exchange or other self-regulatory organization.
Liquidation/winding up of Optilan (UK) Limited
On May 3, 2023, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, a creditor of Optilan (UK) Limited, filed a petition to wind up (“Winding up Petition”) Optilan (UK) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company’s Subsidiary, Optilan HoldCo 3 Limited, and the matter was due to be heard in the Portsmouth Combined Court Centre on June 28, 2023.
On June 28, 2023, the High Court of Justice in the United Kingdom issued a winding-up order for the liquidation and winding up of the affairs of Optilan (UK) Limited (“Optilan Liquidation”). In conjunction with the order, the court appointed the Official Receiver’s Office (“OR”) to take the appointment as liquidator of Optilan (UK) Limited and take control of Optilan (UK) Limited’s assets.
At the same time the court appointed the OR to take the appointment as liquidator of Optilan (UK) Limited. The OR has taken control of Optilan (UK) Limited’s assets. To date the ORs Office has initiated contact with Optilan but we still wait to receive details of the individual who will be taking the role of OR.
On July 3, 2023, Optilan (UK) Limited received a letter from The Insolvency Service, an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade located in the U.K. Pursuant to the letter of The Insolvency Services, the Company was required to provide information relating to Optilan (UK) Limited to the Official Receiver’s Office (a government body of Plymouth, the United Kingdom) and attend an interview with staff of the Official Receiver’s Office to review the prospect of recovering the assets of Optilan (UK) Limited for the benefit of creditors. The interview was scheduled for July 18, 2023.
On July 18, 2023, the interview was held between the Official Receiver’s Office (“OR”) and the CEO at time of dissolution. The OR office requested a list of assets, bank account information and amounts along with any contracts held by Optilan (UK) Limited to begin the liquidation process.
| 53 |
On August 9, 2023, Evelyn Partners was appointed Joint Liquidator.
There are no new claims against Optilan UK Ltd as of April 16, 2024 and Evelyn partners continue to liquidate the company’s assets.
We are an unsecured creditor of Optilan (UK) Limited and are at risk of losing any repayment of obligations due from Optilan (UK) Limited because there are several intercompany relationships between the Company and Optilan (UK) Limited, the financial impact of any future claims and liabilities may not be known for several months. We have approximately $19.4 million intercompany payables due from Optilan (UK), which will increase our liabilities for any obligations not repaid. We expect the remaining assets held by Optilan (UK) Limited to be fully impaired and reported as Loss on Deconsolidation during the second quarter of 2023 as a result of the winding-up order for liquidation. We are still evaluating the full effects of the winding-up order for liquidation and the material adverse effects it will have on our continued operations and ability to meet future obligations.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships between any of our directors and executive officers.
Audit Committee
We currently do not have a functioning Audit Committee. Our management is currently reviewing our SEC filings and relying on outside experts to assist with this process.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors, executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file with the Commission reports regarding initial ownership and changes in ownership. Directors, executive officers, and greater than 10% stockholders are required by the Commission to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
We are not aware of any common stock transactions during the year ended December 31, 2023 for which either Forms 3, 4, or 5 were required to be filed.
Code of Ethics
We have not adopted a formal, written code of ethics due to a small number of members of management. We plan to adopt a Code of Ethics during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.
| 54 |
| ITEM 11. | EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
Summary Compensation for Named Executive Officers
The following table shows the executive compensation paid to our named executive officers for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
| Name and Principal Position | Year Ended Dec 31, | Salary | Total | |||||||||
| Dennis O’Leary | 2023 | $ | 165,000 | (1) | $ | 137,500 | ||||||
| Chairman/CEO and Director | 2022 | $ | 270,000 | $ | 270,000 | |||||||
| (1) | All of this amount was accrued and unpaid. |
O’Leary Employment Agreement
On June 22, 2022, our Board of Directors, with Dennis O’Leary abstaining, approved the Employment Agreement dated effective April 1, 2022 with Mr. O’Leary, our Chief Executive Officer. The term of the agreement is three years from the April 1, 2022, subject to termination. The agreement may be terminated upon the death or disability of Mr. O’Leary or for “Cause,” as defined in the agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. O’Leary is entitled to an annual salary of $300,000, which may accrue and be paid once we have available funds. Any accrued and unpaid base salary may also be converted subject to mutual agreement of the Company and Mr. O’Leary. Also, pursuant to the agreement, Mr. O’Leary was issued 100 shares of Series A Super Voting Preferred Stock.
Summary Compensation for Directors
The following table shows the executive compensation paid to our directors (excluding named executive officers) for the year ended December 31, 2023.
| Name and Principal Position | Salary | Total | ||||||
| Dr. Anthony Brown, Director | $ | – | $ | – | ||||
| Craig Atkin, Director | $ | – | $ | – | ||||
| Carl Eckel, Director | $ | 10,000 | (1) | $ | 10,000 | |||
| (1) | All of this amount was accrued and unpaid. |
Equity Awards
As of December 31, 2023, there were no outstanding equity awards.
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| ITEM 12. | SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS |
Principal Shareholders
The table below sets forth information as to our directors, named executive officers, and executive officers and each person owning of record or was known by the Company to own beneficially shares of stock greater than 5% of the 8,152,368,952 (8,152,280,717 common plus 88,235 preferred) shares as of April 16, 2024. The table includes preferred stock that is convertible into common stock and information as to the ownership of the Company's Stock by each of its directors, named executive officers, and executive officers and by the directors and executive officers as a group. There were no stock options outstanding as of April 16, 2024. Except as otherwise indicated, all shares are owned directly, and the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to shares shown as beneficially owned by them. The address for each of our directors, named executive officers, and executive officers is 815 Walker Street, Suite 1155, Houston, Texas 77002.
| Name and Position |
Shares of Common Stock Owned |
Shares of Series D Preferred Stock Owned(1) |
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership(2) |
Percentage of Beneficial Ownership |
| Dennis O’Leary, CEO and Director | – | 67,647 | 135,294 | * |
| Dr. Anthony Brown, Director | – | 5,882 | 11,764 | * |
| Craig Atkin, Director | – | – | – | – |
| Bill Bayliss, CEO, Optilan | – | – | – | – |
| Total named executive officers, executive officers, and directors (four persons) | – | 73,529 | 147,058 | * |
*Less than 1%
| (1) | Each share of Series D Preferred Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into two shares of our Common Stock. | |
| (2) | Under Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act, a beneficial owner of a security includes any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or otherwise has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of shares; and (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares. Certain shares may be deemed to be beneficially owned by more than one person (if, for example, persons share the power to vote or the power to dispose of the shares). In addition, shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by a person if the person has the right to acquire the shares (for example, upon exercise of an option) within 60 days of the date as of which the information is provided. In computing the percentage ownership of any person, the amount of shares outstanding is deemed to include the number of shares beneficially owned by such person (and only such person) by reason of these acquisition rights. As a result, the percentage of outstanding shares of any person as shown in the above table does not necessarily reflect the person’s actual ownership or voting power with respect to the number of shares of common stock actually outstanding on the date of this report. |
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| ITEM 13. | CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE |
For transactions with our executive officers, please see the disclosure under “Item 11. Executive Compensation.” above.
Director Independence
We are not currently subject to listing requirements of any national securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system which has requirements that a majority of the board of directors be “independent” and, as a result, we are not at this time required to have our Board of Directors comprised of a majority of “independent directors.”
We currently have not established any committees of the Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors may designate from among its members an executive committee and one or more other committees in the future. We do not have a nominating committee or a nominating committee charter. Further, we do not have a policy with regard to the consideration of any director candidates recommended by security holders. To date, other than as described above, no security holders have made any such recommendations. The entire Board of Directors performs all functions that would otherwise be performed by committees. Given the present size of our board it is not practical for us to have committees. If we are able to grow our business and increase our operations, we intend to expand the size of our board and allocate responsibilities accordingly.
| ITEM 14. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES |
Audit Fees. Consists of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audits of our financial statements, reviews of our interim financial statements included in quarterly reports, services performed in connection with filings with the SEC, and related other services that were provided by Boyle CPA (“Boyle”) and Mazars USA LLP (“Mazars”), our previous independent registered public accounting firms, and Fruci & Associates II, PLLC (“Fruci”), our current independent registered public accounting firm, in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
The following is a summary of the fees incurred by the Company to Urish, Mazars, and Fruci for professional services rendered for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
| Service | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Audit Fees | $ | 519,183 | $ | 286,641 | ||||
| Audit-Related Fees | – | – | ||||||
| Total | $ | 591,183 | $ | 286,641 | ||||
Tax Fees. Consists of fees billed for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. These services include assistance regarding federal, state and local tax compliance and consultation in connection with various transactions. There were no tax fees incurred by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Board of Directors Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditors
The Board of Directors may pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent auditors. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services as allowed by law or regulation. Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specifically approved amount. The independent auditors and management are required to periodically evaluate the extent of services provided by the independent auditors in accordance with this pre-approval and the fees incurred to date. The Board of Directors may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis.
The Board of Directors pre-approved 100% of the Company’s 2023 and 2022 audit fees, audit-related fees and all other fees.
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| ITEM 15. | EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES |
Exhibits
The following exhibits are included as part of this Form 10-K:
| 58 |
| 59 |
| 16.1 | Letter from Boyle CPA Dated January 28, 2022 Regarding Change in Certifying Accountant | 8-K | 000-18730 | 16.1 | 1/28/22 | |||||||
| 16.2 | Letter from Urish Popeck & Co., LLC Dated January 4, 2023 Regarding Change in Certifying Accountant | 8-K | 000-18730 | 16.1 | 1/4/23 | |||||||
| 21.1 | List of Subsidiaries | S-1/A | 333-276114 | 21.1 | 12/18/23 | |||||||
| 23.1 | Consent of Boladale Lawal & Co., independent registered public accounting firm | X | ||||||||||
| 23.2 | Consent of Mazars USA LLP, independent registered public accounting firm | X | ||||||||||
| 23.3 | Consent of Attorney | S-1/A | 333-276114 | 23.3 | 2/9/24 | |||||||
| 31.1 | Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Principal Executive Officer | X | ||||||||||
| 31.2 | Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Principal Financial and Accounting Officer | X | ||||||||||
| 32.1 | Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer | X | ||||||||||
| 101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | |||||||||||
| 101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |||||||||||
| 101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |||||||||||
| 101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |||||||||||
| 101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |||||||||||
| 101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |||||||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL, and included in exhibit 101). |
____________
| * | Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
| ITEM 16. | FORM 10-K SUMMARY |
None.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| DARKPULSE, INC. | |||
| Dated: July 15, 2024 | By: | /s/ Dennis M. O’Leary | |
| Dennis M. O’Leary | |||
| Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | |||
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on this 15th day of July 2024.
| Signature | Title | |||
|
/s/ Dennis M. O’Leary Dennis M. O’Leary |
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer, and Principal Accounting Officer | July 15, 2024 | ||
|
/s/ Dr. Anthony Brown |
Director | July 15, 2024 | ||
| Dr. Anthony Brown | ||||
|
/s/ Craig Atkin |
Director | July 15, 2024 | ||
| Craig Atkin |
| 61 |
DARKPULSE, INC.
Index to Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022
and for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Boladale Lawal &
Co., Lagos, Nigeria, PCAOB ID |
F-2 – F-3 |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(Mazars USA LLP, Fort Washington, PA., PCAOB ID |
F-4 – F-5 |
| Audited Consolidated Balance Sheets | F-6 |
| Audited Consolidated Statements of Operations | F-7 |
| Audited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss | F-8 |
| Audited Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit | F-9 |
| Audited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | F-10 |
| Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statement | F-11 |
| F-1 |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
DARKPULSE, INC.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Darkpulse, Inc (the ‘Company’) as of December 31, 2023, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders’ equity/ (deficit) and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Going Concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 3, the Company suffered an accumulated deficit of $(67,376,221), net loss of $(21,273,043) and a negative working capital of $(18,126,281). The Company is dependent on obtaining additional working capital funding from the sale of equity and/or debt securities to execute its plans and continue operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. These financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
| F-2 |
Critical Audit Matters
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. Communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements taken as a whole and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Revenue Recognition:
The Company recognizes revenue upon transfer of control of promised services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those services.
Significant judgment is exercised by the Company in determining revenue recognition for customer agreements, and include the pattern of delivery (i.e., timing of when revenue is recognized) for each distinct performance obligation.
The related audit effort in evaluating management’s judgments in determining revenue recognition for customer agreements up to the date of liquidation required a high degree of auditor judgment
The procedures performed to address the matter included.
| · | We gained an understanding of internal controls related to revenue recognition. | |
| · | We evaluated management’s significant accounting policies for reasonableness | |
| · | We Obtained and reviewed revenue contract agreements for each sample selected | |
| · | We check the reasonableness of the terms in the customer agreement and evaluated the appropriateness of management’s application of their accounting policies, along with their use of estimates, in the determination of revenue recognition conclusions. | |
| · | We tested the mathematical accuracy of management’s calculations of revenue and the associated timing of revenue recognized in the financial statements. |
Going Concern Uncertainty – See also Going Concern Uncertainty explanatory paragraph above:
As described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has significant operating losses and a working capital deficiency. Furthermore, the company lost majority of its revenue as a result of the discontinuation of the subsidiary (Optilan UK). The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on obtaining additional working capital funding from the sale of equity and/or debt securities to execute its plans and continue operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The procedures performed to address the matter included.
| · | We inquired of executive officers, and key members of management, of the Company regarding factors that would have an impact on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, | |
| · | We evaluated management’s plan for addressing the adverse effects of the conditions identified, including assessing the reasonableness of forecasted information and underlying assumptions by comparing to actual results of prior periods and actual results achieved to date, and utilizing our knowledge of the entity, its business and management in considering liquidity needs and the Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flow, | |
| · | We assessed the possibility of raising additional debt or credit, | |
| · | We evaluated the completeness and accuracy of disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. |
Impairment:
During the year 2023, the company recognised an impairment loss of $6,948,349 on the balance of Goodwill and other intangible assets recognized on acquisition of Optilan the UK subsidiary company. Management determined that certain events and circumstances occurred that resulted into the liquidation of the subsidiary company (Optilan Uk) as a result, the carrying amount of the Company’s reporting is not recoverable and full impairment was recognised.
Also, during the year, company recognized bad debt expenses of $5,248,218 as a result of impairment on trade and other receivables from which a material amount of $2,422,457 is the effect of doubt on the recoverability of the account receivables from Optilan (UK) customers due to the liquidation.
We considered the computation of the impairment charged on Goodwill and other intangible assets and bad debt written off on account receivables as a critical audit matter because it required an estimation and significant judgement by management.
The procedures performed to address the matter included.
| · | We reviewed the company impairment assessment memo | |
| · | We reviewed the primary events and circumstances that resulted into the liquidation of the subsidiary. | |
| · | We circularized the independent legal advisor and other related parties | |
| · | We inquired from the management about the possibility of contingent liabilities on the disputed contract. | |
| · | We reviewed the bad debt schedule and board approval on bad debt written off. | |
| · | We evaluated the adequacy of the Company’s disclosures in the financial statements related to the impairment. |
(Chartered Accountants)
(PCAOB ID 6993)
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2024.
July 15, 2024
| F-3 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of DarkPulse, Inc.
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of DarkPulse, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders’ (deficit) equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Substantial Doubt about the Company’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 3 to the financial statements, the Company has incurred significant operating losses and negative cash flows. The Company also has an accumulated deficit of approximately $46.6 million at December 31, 2022. The Company is dependent on obtaining additional working capital funding from the sale of equity and/or debt securities to execute its plans and continue operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans regarding those matters are also described in Note 3. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
| F-4 |
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Revenue Recognition
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company recognizes revenue from the sale of services, which consist primarily of advanced technology solutions for integrated communications and security systems. At contract inception, the Company assesses the goods and services promised in the contract with customers and identifies a performance obligation for each, in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. To determine the performance obligation, the Company considers all products and services promised in the contract. Revenue is recognized over time using the input measure as it most accurately represents the value of goods and services transferred to the customer.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:
| · | We reviewed the underlying agreements and contracts and assessed the terms to determine if the performance obligation was met and for the correct amount. | |
| · | We recalculated the mathematical accuracy of the revenue. | |
| · | We tested the contract costs to ensure they are being properly recorded. | |
| · | We assessed the adequacy of any loss provisions by reviewing the Company’s estimated costs to complete contracts and to ensure it is sufficient. | |
| · | We recalculated the margins on contracts to ensure they are consistent over the entire term of the contract and its related performance obligation. |
Impairment Analysis
As discussed in Note 8 to the financial statements, management performed their annual impairment analysis during the year ended December 31, 2022. As disclosed by management, the determination of fair value using the income approach requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including forecasted revenue growth rates and discount rates. The determination of fair value using the market multiples approach requires the use of revenue multiples, as applicable, based on operating data from guideline publicly traded companies. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a non-cash impairment charge is recorded in an amount equal to that difference with the loss not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. Additionally, intangible assets subject to amortization were also reviewed for impairment. An impairment on the intangible assets shall be recognized only if the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposal of the asset. An impairment loss shall be measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value.
As a result of the annual impairment assessment, the Company concluded that there was impairment to the intangible assets and goodwill in the aggregate of approximately $12.2 million.
| F-5 |
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the impairment analyses is a critical audit matter are the significant judgment by management when developing the fair value measurements of the reporting unit, which in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence related to management's significant assumptions related to forecasted revenue growth rates, discount rates, and revenue multiples, as applicable. In addition, the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included, among others (1) testing management’s process for developing the fair value estimates of the reporting units, (2) evaluating the allocation of assets and liabilities to the reporting units, (3) evaluating the appropriateness of the income and market approaches, (4) testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used in the income and market multiple approaches, and (5) evaluating the significant assumptions used by management related to forecasted revenue growth rates, discount rates, and revenue multiples, as applicable. Evaluating management’s assumptions related to forecasted revenue growth rates involved evaluating whether the assumptions used by management were reasonable considering (1) the current and past performance of the reporting unit, (2) the actions necessary to achieve future forecasts, (3) the consistency with external market data, and (4) whether these assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the income approach and the discount rates, as well as the selection and calculation of revenue multiples, as applicable.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:
| · | We evaluated and recomputed the methodology used in connection with the Company’s impairment analysis, including review of the appropriate accounting literature, valuation model, significant assumptions used, and the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used; | |
| · | With the assistance of our valuation specialists, we assessed the significant assumptions used by management relating to forecasted revenue growth rates, discount rates, and revenue multiples as applicable.; | |
| · | We assessed the appropriate interpretation and application used by management of the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification for the impairment analysis including topics ASC 350 - Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, ASC 360 - Property, Plant, and Equipment, and ASC 820 – Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures; | |
| · | We evaluated the reasonableness of the Company’s projections of future cash flows by comparing the assumptions used in the projections to actual results and other information deemed necessary as well as tested the mathematical accuracy of the calculations; | |
| · | We evaluated the adequacy of the Company’s disclosures in the financial statements related to the impairment. |
/s/
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2023.
June 23, 2023
| F-6 |
DARKPULSE, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
| December 31 | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | ||||||||
| Inventory | ||||||||
| Due from related party | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||||||
| Contract assets | ||||||||
| TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
| NON-CURRENT ASSETS: | ||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | $ | |||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | ||||||||
| Patents, net | ||||||||
| Notes receivable, related party | ||||||||
| Investment in related party | ||||||||
| Joint venture | ||||||||
| Goodwill | ||||||||
| Other assets, net | ||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | ||||||||
| TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ | $ | ||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT | ||||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | $ | ||||||
| Contract liabilities | ||||||||
| Loss provision for contracts in progress | ||||||||
| Convertible notes, net | ||||||||
| Notes payable, current | ||||||||
| Derivative liability | ||||||||
| Loan payable, current | ||||||||
| Loan payable, related party | ||||||||
| Secured debenture, current | ||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities - current | ||||||||
| Other current liabilities | ||||||||
| TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
| NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||||||||
| Secured debenture | ||||||||
| Loan payable | ||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities - non-current | ||||||||
| TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | ||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||
| STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT: | ||||||||
| Series A Super Voting preferred stock - par value $; shares designated, shares issued and outstanding at both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||
| Convertible preferred stock - Series D, par value $, shares designated, shares issued and outstanding as of both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||
| Common stock, par value $, shares authorized, and shares issued as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, | ||||||||
| Treasury stock at cost, shares at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||
| Common Stock to be issued | ||||||||
| Non-controlling interests | ||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT | $ | $ | ||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
| F-7 |
DARKPULSE, INC.
Consolidated Statement of Operations
| Years Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| REVENUES | $ | $ | ||||||
| COST OF REVENUES | ||||||||
| GROSS PROFIT (LOSS) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| OPERATING EXPENSES: | ||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | ||||||||
| Salaries, wages and payroll taxes | ||||||||
| Professional fees | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
| Bad debt expense | ||||||||
| Impairment expense | ||||||||
| Gain on forgiveness of payables | ( | ) | ||||||
| TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||
| OPERATING LOSS | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): | ||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Loss on deconsolidation | ( | ) | ||||||
| Change in fair market of derivative liabilities | ||||||||
| Loss on equity investment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Gain on the forgiveness of debt | ||||||||
| Foreign currency exchange rate variance | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests | ||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Darkpulse, Inc. | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Net loss per share - basic and diluted | $ | ) | $ | ) | ||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted | ||||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
| F-8 |
DARKPULSE, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
| Years Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| NET LOSS | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| COMPREHENSIVE LOSS | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
| F-9 |
DARKPULSE, INC.
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Deficit
For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
| Preferred stock | Common stock | Additional | Non- | Accumulated other | Total stockholders’ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series A | Series D | Common stock | to be issued | Treasury stock | paid-in | Controlling | comprehensive | Accumulated | (deficit) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | capital | Interests | loss | deficit | equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of convertible notes | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of preferred shares | – | – | – | – | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issued for cash | – | – | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common shares returned and cancelled | – | – | ( | ) | ( | ) | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issue for TerraData acquisition | – | – | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency adjustment | – | – | – | – | – | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | – | – | – | – | – | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issued for cash, net of fees | – | – | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for legal settlement | – | – | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock to be issued | – | – | – | ( | ) | – | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency adjustment | – | – | – | – | – | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | – | – | – | – | – | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
| F-10 |
DARKPULSE, INC.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
| Year Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
| Gain on forgiveness of payables and liabilities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Change in fair market of derivative liabilities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets | ||||||||
| Loss on equity investment | ||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for legal settlement | ||||||||
| Bad debt expense | ||||||||
| Loss on deconsolidation | ||||||||
| Operating lease expense | ||||||||
| Gain on forgiveness of debt | ( | ) | ||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | ( | ) | ||||||
| Inventory | ( | ) | ||||||
| Contract assets | ( | ) | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | ||||||||
| Contract liabilities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Loss provision for contracts in progress | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | ( | ) | ||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Other current liabilities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Other assets | ||||||||
| Other liabilities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Investment in related party | ( | ) | ||||||
| Investment in joint venture | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Issuance of note receivable, related party | ( | ) | ||||||
| Advances to related party | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of fees | ||||||||
| Proceeds from convertible notes | ||||||||
| Net repayments of loan payable | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | ||||||||
| Net change in cash | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Effect of exchange rate on cash | ||||||||
| Cash at beginning of year | ||||||||
| Cash at end of year | $ | $ | ||||||
| Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | ||||||||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Cash paid for income taxes | $ | $ | ||||||
| Non-cash financing and investing activities: | ||||||||
| Stock issued for acquisition of TerraData | $ | $ | ||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
| F-11 |
DARKPULSE, INC.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
NOTE 1 – BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
Organization and Description of Business
DarkPulse, Inc. (“DPI” or “Company”) is a technology-security company incorporated in 1989 as Klever Marketing, Inc. (“Klever”). Its’ wholly-owned subsidiary, DarkPulse Technologies Inc. (“DPTI”), originally started as a technology spinout from the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada. The Company’s security and monitoring systems will initially be delivered in applications for border security, pipelines, the oil and gas industry and mine safety. Current uses of fiber optic distributed sensor technology have been limited to quasi-static, long-term structural health monitoring due to the time required to obtain the data and its poor precision. The Company’s patented BOTDA dark-pulse sensor technology allows for the monitoring of highly dynamic environments due to its greater resolution and accuracy.
The Company’s subsidiaries consist of DarkPulse UK, Ltd which concentrates on the sale and engineering of distributed fiber optic sensors; Optilan HoldCo 3 Limited, a company headquartered in Coventry, United Kingdom (“Optilan”) whose has ceased its business operations; Remote Intelligence, LLC, a company headquartered in Pennsylvania who provides unmanned aerial drone and unmanned ground crawler (UGC) services to a variety of clients from industrial mapping and ecosystem services, to search and rescue, to pipeline security; Wildlife Specialists, LLC, a company headquartered in Pennsylvania who provides clients with comprehensive wildlife and environmental assessment, planning, and monitoring services; TerraData Unmanned, PLLC, a company headquartered in Florida who custom manufactures NDAA compliant drones and unmanned ground crawlers to meet the needs of its customers; and DarkPulse Manufacturing formerly TJM Electronics West, Inc., a company headquartered in Arizona who is a U.S. manufacturer and tester of advanced electronics, cables and sub-assemblies specializing in advanced package and complex CCA and hardware.
Liquidation/winding up of Optilan (UK) Limited
On May 3, 2023, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, a creditor of Optilan (UK) Limited, filed a petition to wind up (“Winding up Petition”) Optilan (UK) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company’s Subsidiary, Optilan HoldCo 3 Limited, and the matter was due to be heard in the Portsmouth Combined Court Centre on June 28, 2023.
On June 28, 2023, the High Court of Justice in the United Kingdom issued a winding-up order for the liquidation and winding up of the affairs of Optilan (UK) Limited (“Optilan Liquidation”). In conjunction with the order, the court appointed the Official Receiver’s Office (“OR”) to take the appointment as liquidator of Optilan (UK) Limited and take control of Optilan (UK) Limited’s assets.
At the same time the court appointed the OR to take the appointment as liquidator of Optilan (UK) Limited. The OR has taken control of Optilan (UK) Limited’s assets. To date the ORs Office has initiated contact with Optilan but we still wait to receive details of the individual who will be taking the role of OR.
On July 3, 2023, Optilan (UK) Limited received a letter from The Insolvency Service, an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade located in the U.K. Pursuant to the letter of The Insolvency Services, the Company was required to provide information relating to Optilan (UK) Limited to the Official Receiver’s Office (a government body of Plymouth, the United Kingdom) and attend an interview with staff of the Official Receiver’s Office to review the prospect of recovering the assets of Optilan (UK) Limited for the benefit of creditors. The interview occurred July 18, 2023.
The Company is an Unsecured creditor of Optilan
(UK) Limited and is at risk of losing any repayment of obligations due from Optilan (UK) Limited because there are several intercompany
relationships between the Company and Optilan (UK) Limited, the financial impact of any future claims and liabilities may not be known
for several months. The Company has approximately $
On August 9, 2023, Evelyn Partners was appointed Joint Liquidator.
| F-12 |
NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A summary of the significant accounting policies consistently applied in the preparation of the accompanying financial statements are as follows:
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 include the accounts of DarkPulse Inc. and its subsidiaries:
DarkPulse Technologies Inc. (“DPTI”), a New Brunswick, Canada corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary, incorporated December 16, 2010.
DPTI owns 100% of DarkPulse Technology Holdings Inc., a New York corporation, incorporated July 6, 2017.
On August 9, 2021, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Optilan Guernsey Limited and Optilan Holdco 2 Limited (the “Sellers”), pursuant to which the Company purchased from the Sellers all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Optilan HoldCo 3 Limited, a private company incorporated in England and Wales (“Optilan”) for £1.00. In connection with the acquisition, the Company acquired $14,828,459 in assets and assumed liabilities totaling $25,179,320. In 2023, Optilan was deemed insolvent by the entered liquidation. See Note 1.
On
August 30, 2021, the Company closed two separate Membership Interest Purchase Agreements with Remote Intelligence, Limited Liability
Company, a Pennsylvania limited liability company (“RI”) and Wildlife Specialists, LLC, a Pennsylvania limited
liability company (“WS”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay to the majority shareholder of each of RI
and WS an aggregate of
shares of the Company’s Common Stock and $
On September
8, 2021, the Company entered into and closed the Stock Purchase Agreement with TJM Electronics West, Inc., an Arizona corporation (“TJM”),
and TJM’s shareholders, pursuant to which we agreed to purchase all of the equity interests in TJM in exchange for $
Effective
October 1, 2021 the Company entered into and closed the Membership Purchase Agreement with TerraData Unmanned, PLLC, a Florida
limited liability company (“TerraData”), and Justin Dee, the sole shareholder of TerraData, pursuant to which the
Company agreed to purchase
The Company evaluates its relationships with other entities to identify whether they are variable interest entities (“VIE”) as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”), and to assess whether it is the primary beneficiary of such entities. If the determination is made that the Company is the primary beneficiary, then that entity is consolidated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions reflected in these financial statements include, but are not limited to, assumptions used to calculate derivative liabilities, revenue recognition and impairment of long-lived assets. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, known trends and other market-specific or other relevant factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates when there are changes in circumstances, facts and experience. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
| F-13 |
Cash
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents. The Company places its cash with high credit quality financial institutions. The Company’s account at this institution is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000. To reduce its risk associated with the failure of such a financial institution, the Company evaluates at least annually the rating of the financial institution in which it holds deposits.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable and contract assets include amounts billed to customers under the terms and provisions of the contracts. Most billings are determined based on contractual terms. As is common practice in the industry, the Company classifies all accounts receivable and contract assets, including retainage, as current assets. The contracting cycle for certain long-term contracts may extend beyond one year, and accordingly, collection of retainage on those contracts may extend beyond one year. Contract assets include amounts billed to customers under retention provisions in construction contracts. Such provisions are standard in the Company’s industry and usually allow for a portion of progress billings on the contract price, typically 5-10%, to be withheld by the customer until after the Company has completed work on the project. Billings for such retention balances at each balance sheet date are finalized and collected after project completion. Generally, unbilled amounts will be billed and collected within one year. The Company determined that there are no material amounts due past one year and no material amounts billed but not expected to be collected within one year. Also, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 in January 2023 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Each month, the Company reviews its
receivables on a customer-by-customer basis and evaluates whether an allowance for doubtful accounts is necessary based on any known
or perceived collection issues. Any balances that are eventually deemed uncollectible are written off against the allowance after
all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022,
the Company determined that the allowance for doubtful accounts was $
Accounts
receivable includes retainage amounts for the portion of the contract price earned by us for work performed but held for payment by the
customer as a form of security until we reach certain construction milestones or complete the project. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022,
retainage receivable was $
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company’s reporting currency is US Dollars. The accounts of one of the Company’s subsidiaries is maintained using the appropriate local currency, British Pound (“GBP”) as the functional currency, as well as the Turkish lira, Emiraes Dirham, Azerbajani Manat and Indian Rupee. The accounts of one of the Company’s subsidiaries is maintained using the appropriate local currency, Canadian Dollar (“CAD”) as the functional currency. All assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. Dollars at balance sheet date, shareholders' equity is translated at historical rates and revenue and expense accounts are translated at the average exchange rate for the year or the reporting period. The translation adjustments are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, captioned as accumulated other comprehensive (loss) gain. Transaction gains and losses arising from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the statements of operations as foreign currency exchange variance.
| F-14 |
The
relevant translation rates are as follows: for the year ended December 31, 2023 a closing rate at
The
relevant translation rates are as follows: for the year ended December 31, 2022 a closing rate at
Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill
The Company accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360-10-35, Property, Plant and Equipment, Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets. This accounting standard requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets established in connection with business combinations consist of the tradename. The impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
The Company accounts for goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an entity over the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. ASC 350 requires that goodwill and other intangibles with indefinite lives be tested for impairment annually or on an interim basis if events or circumstances indicate that the fair value of an asset has decreased below its carrying value. This guidance simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by removing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. The quantitative impairment test calculates any goodwill impairment as the difference between the carrying amount of a reporting unit and its fair value, but not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. It is our practice, at a minimum, to perform a qualitative or quantitative goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter every year. The Company has one reporting unit it evaluates during its impairment test.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, management
determined that certain events and circumstances occurred that indicated that the carrying amount of the Company’s reporting unit
may not be recoverable. The qualitative assessment was primarily due to underperformance of the Company’s subsidiaries as compared
to the Company’s initial projections at the time of each respective acquisition. Specifically, in 2022 the Company determined that
certain revenue targets would not be achieved and anticipated costs to complete projects were higher than forecasted. As such, the Company
compared the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying amounts and recorded an impairment loss of $
During the year ended December 31, 2023, as a
result of Optilan Liquidation as described in Note 1, management determined that certain events and circumstances occurred that indicated
that the carrying amount of the Company’s reporting unit may not be recoverable. The qualitative assessment was primarily due to
the customer contracts held by Optilan (UK) Limited and the associated revenue projections by the UK subsidiary that is subject to the
potential winding up. As such, the Company compared the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying amounts and recorded an impairment
loss of $
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is based on the estimated service lives of the depreciable assets and is calculated using the straight-line method. Expenditures that increase the value or productive capacity of assets are capitalized. Fully depreciated assets are retained in the property and equipment, and accumulated depreciation accounts until they are removed from service. When property and equipment are retired, sold or otherwise disposed of, the asset’s carrying amount and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in operations. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
| F-15 |
The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are generally as follows:
| Years | ||
| Office furniture and fixtures | ||
| Plant and equipment | ||
| Leasehold Improvements | ||
| Motor vehicles |
Revenue Recognition
The Company’s revenues are generated primarily from the sale of our services, which consist primarily of advanced technology solutions for integrated communications and security systems, as well as habitat management. The Company’s sales of products are primarily generated from our TJM subsidiaries. Sales of products and services are separate from one another. At contract inception, we assess the goods and services promised in the contract with customers and identify a performance obligation for each. To determine the performance obligation, we consider all products and services promised in the contract regardless of whether they are explicitly stated or implied by customary business practices. The timing of satisfaction of the performance obligation is not subject to significant judgment. We measure revenue as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for transferring goods and services. We recognize service revenues as the performance obligations are met, which is generally as milestones are satisfied over time. We generally recognize product revenues at the time of shipment, provided that all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.
The Company recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that the Company determines are within the scope of ASC 606, we perform the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) we satisfy a performance obligation. The five-step model is applied to contracts when it is probable that we will collect the consideration we are entitled to in exchange for the goods or services transferred to the customer. At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC 606, we assess the goods or services promised within each contract and determine those that are performance obligations and assess whether each promised good or service is distinct. We then recognize revenue in the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.
The Company considers each individual sale of service contract to be its own performance obligation. Services in the contract are highly interdependent and interrelated, and the successful completion of each milestone is necessary for the overall success of the contract. Therefore, each milestone is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contract, and not distinct and ultimately not individual performance obligations.
The Company records revenue over time using the input measure as it is the most faithful depiction of an entity’s performance because it directly measures the value of the goods and services transferred to the customer. The Company utilizes the Right to Invoice for these contracts, as the pricing structure is based on various milestones that are specified in the contract. These milestones include Construction Phase Plan, Start of the construction phase, installation phase, site surveys, fiber splicing, recoveries, and closeouts. There are specified payments associated with these milestones in the contract, and the value allocated is commensurate with work done. In the event that there are advances such as upfront retainers and not based on the value, those are recorded as contract liabilities.
| F-16 |
In accordance with ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedient, which is to (1) clarify the objective of the collectability criterion for applying paragraph 606-10-25-7; (2) permit an entity to exclude amounts collected from customers for all sales (and other similar) taxes from the transaction price; (3) specify that the measurement date for noncash consideration is contract inception; (4) provide a practical expedient that permits an entity to reflect the aggregate effect of all modifications that occur before the beginning of the earliest period presented when identifying the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, determining the transaction price, and allocating the transaction price to the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations; (5) clarify that a completed contract for purposes of transition is a contract for which all (or substantially all) of the revenue was recognized under legacy GAAP before the date of initial application, and (6) clarify that an entity that retrospectively applies the guidance in Topic 606 to each prior reporting period is not required to disclose the effect of the accounting change for the period of adoption. The amendments of this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. There was no impact as a result of adopting this ASU on the financial statements and related disclosures. Based on the terms and conditions of the product arrangements, the Company believes that its products and services can be accounted for separately as its products and services have value to the Company’s customers on a stand-alone basis. When a transaction involves more than one product or service, revenue is allocated to each deliverable based on its relative fair value; otherwise, revenue is recognized as products are delivered or as services are provided over the term of the customer contract.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues consists primarily of materials and overhead costs incurred internally and amounts incurred to contract manufacturers to produce our products, airtime and other implementation costs incurred to install our products and train customer personnel, and customer service and third-party original equipment manufacturer costs to provide continuing support to our customers. Cost of revenues also includes direct labor attributable to revenue service arrangements.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial
instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents.
The Company has not experienced any losses related to its cash and does not believe that it is subject to unusual credit risk beyond
the normal credit risk associated with commercial banking relationships. As of December 31, 2022, one customer accounted for
As of December 31, 2023,
one customer accounted for
Leases
The Company accounts for its leases under ASC 842, Leases. Under this guidance, arrangements meeting the definition of a lease are classified as operating or financing leases and are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as both a right of use asset and lease liability, calculated by discounting fixed lease payments over the lease term at the rate implicit in the lease or the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. Lease liabilities are increased by interest and reduced by payments each period, and the right of use asset is amortized over the lease term. For operating leases, interest on the lease liability and the amortization of the right of use asset result in straight-line rent expense over the lease term. For finance leases, interest on the lease liability and the amortization of the right of use asset results in front-loaded expense over the lease term. Variable lease expenses are recorded when incurred.
In calculating the right of use asset and lease liability, the Company has elected to combine lease and non-lease components. The Company excludes short-term leases having initial terms of 12 months or less from the new guidance as an accounting policy election and recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company evaluates the embedded conversion feature within its convertible debt instruments under ASC 815-15 and ASC 815-40 to determine if the conversion feature meets the definition of a liability and, if so, whether to bifurcate the conversion feature and account for it as a separate derivative liability. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the statements of operations. For stock-based derivative financial instruments, the Company uses a lattice model, in accordance with ASC 815-15, Derivative and Hedging, to value the derivative instruments at inception and on subsequent valuation dates. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within 12 months after the balance sheet date.
| F-17 |
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company measures its financial assets and liabilities in accordance with the requirements of FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. As defined in FASB ASC 820, the fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The Company utilized the market data of similar entities in its industry or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable. The Company classifies fair value balances based on the observability of those inputs. FASB ASC 820 established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurement) as follows:
Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments such as exchange-traded derivatives, marketable securities and listed equities.
Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date and includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility factors, and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Instruments in this category generally include non-exchange-traded derivatives such as commodity swaps, interest rate swaps, options and collars.
Level 3 – Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value.
The Company’s derivative liability is a Level 3 liability measured at fair value on a recurring basis. See Note 10.
Equity Investments
The Company uses the equity method to account for investments in which it has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee’s operating and financial policies, or in which its holds a partnership or limited liability company interest in an entity with specific ownership accounts, unless it has virtually no influence over the investee’s operating and financial policies. The Company follows the guidance in ASC 323-10-30-2, Joint Ventures, which prescribes the use of the equity method for investments in joint ventures where the Company has significant influence. Equity method investments are recorded at cost and are adjusted to recognize (1) the Company’s share, based on percentage ownership or other contractual basis, of the investee’s net income or loss after the date of investment, (2) amortization of the recorded investment that exceeds the Company’s share of the book value of the investee’s net assets, (3) additional contributions made and dividends received, and (4) impairments resulting from other-than-temporary declines in fair value. Gain (loss) on equity investment includes realized gains or losses upon the sale of the investment and are included as other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss).
Per ASC 323-10-30-2, Joint Ventures are accounted for using the equity method, in which the Company initially records its investment at cost, including transaction costs. Under the equity method, an investment in common stock and in-substance common stock is presented on the balance sheet of an investor as a single amount. However, any difference between the cost of the investment and the underlying equity in net assets of an investee — commonly referred to as a basis difference — should be accounted for as if the investee were a consolidated subsidiary.
| F-18 |
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the provision of ASC 740-10, (“ASC 740-10”) which requires, among other things, an asset and liability approach to calculating deferred income taxes. The asset and liability approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is provided to offset any net deferred tax assets for which management believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred asset will not be realized.
The Company follows the provision of ASC 740-10 related to Accounting for Uncertain Income Tax Positions. When tax returns are filed, there may be uncertainty about the merits of positions taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. In accordance with the guidance of ASC 740-10, the benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions.
Tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefit associated with tax positions taken that exceed the amount measured as described above should be reflected as a liability for uncertain tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.
The Company believes its tax positions are all more likely than not to be upheld upon examination. As such, the Company has not recorded a liability for uncertain tax benefits.
The Company has adopted ASC 740-10-25, Definition of Settlement which provides guidance on how an entity should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits and provides that a tax position can be effectively settled upon the completion and examination by a taxing authority without being legally extinguished. For tax positions considered effectively settled, an entity would recognize the full amount of tax benefit, even if the tax position is not considered more likely than not to be sustained based solely on the basis of its technical merits and the statute of limitations remains open. The federal and state income tax returns of the Company are subject to examination by the IRS and state taxing authorities, generally for three years after they are filed.
The Company's U.S. subsidiaries were incorporated in 2017, and tax returns have not yet been filed. The Company does not anticipate a tax liability for the years 2023 and 2022, however may be subject to certain penalties. The Company has filed tax returns in Canada for the year ended December 31, 2018, and they are still subject to audit.
Non-controlling Interests
Non-controlling interests are classified as a separate component of equity in the Company's consolidated balance sheets and statements of changes in stockholders’ equity. Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests are reflected separately from consolidated net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and statements of changes in stockholders’ equity. Any change in ownership of a subsidiary while the controlling financial interest is retained is accounted for as an equity transaction between the controlling and non-controlling interests. In addition, when a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained non-controlling equity investment in the former subsidiary will be initially measured at fair value and the difference between the carrying value and fair value of the retained interest will be recorded as a gain or loss. The Company has non-controlling interests via its subsidiaries TerraData, Remote Intelligence and Wildlife Specialists.
During
the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded a loss of $
| F-19 |
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss includes net loss well as other changes in stockholders’ equity that result from transactions and economic events other than those with stockholders. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s only element of other comprehensive loss was foreign currency translation.
Stock-based Compensation
Stock-based compensation is accounted for based on the requirements of the Share-Based Payment Topic of ASC 718 which requires recognition in the consolidated financial statements of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments over the period the employee or director is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively, the vesting period). The ASC also requires measurement of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award based on the grant-date fair value of the award.
Pursuant to ASC Topic 718, for share-based payments to consultants and other third-parties, compensation expense is determined at the “measurement date.” The expense is recognized over the vesting period of the award. Until the measurement date is reached, the total amount of compensation expense remains uncertain. The Company initially records compensation expense based on the fair value of the award at the reporting date. Further, ASC Topic 718, provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718, such as the repricing of share options, which would revalue those options and the accounting for the cancellation of an equity award whether a replacement award or other valuable consideration is issued in conjunction with the cancellation. If not, the cancellation is viewed as a replacement and not a modification, with a repurchase price of $0.
The Company accounts for earnings per share pursuant to ASC 260, Earnings per Share, which requires disclosure on the financial statements of "basic" and "diluted" earnings (loss) per share. Basic earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus common stock equivalents (if dilutive) related to stock options and warrants for each year. In periods where the Company has a net loss, all dilutive securities are excluded. Potentially dilutive items outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
| Years Ended | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Convertible notes | ||||||||
| Series D preferred stock | ||||||||
| F-20 |
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. This ASU requires entities to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The update will generally result in the recognition of contract assets and contract liabilities at amounts consistent with those recorded by the acquiree immediately before the acquisition date rather than at fair value. The Company expects that there would be no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon the adoption of this ASU.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, which simplifies the guidance on the issuer’s accounting for convertible debt instruments by removing the separation models for convertible debt with a cash conversion feature and convertible instruments with a beneficial conversion feature. As a result, entities will not separately present in equity an embedded conversion feature in such debt and will account for a convertible debt instrument wholly as debt, unless certain other conditions are met. The elimination of these models will reduce reported interest expense and increase reported net income for entities that have issued a convertible instrument that is within the scope of ASU 2020-06. ASU 2020-06 is applicable for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company adopted ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2022 and the adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASC 326). This standard replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. CECL requires an estimate of credit losses for the remaining estimated life of the financial asset using historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts and generally applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities, and some off-balance sheet credit exposures such as unfunded commitments to extend credit. Financial assets measured at amortized cost will be presented at the net amount expected to be collected by using an allowance for credit losses. The Company adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2023 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards could have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements. As new accounting pronouncements are issued, the Company will adopt those that are applicable
NOTE 3 – LIQUIDITY AND GOING CONCERN
The
Company generated net losses of $
The Company will require additional funding during the next twelve months to finance the growth of its current operations and achieve its strategic objectives. These factors, as well as the uncertain conditions that the Company faces relative to capital raising activities, create substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company is seeking to raise additional capital principally through private placement offerings and is targeting strategic partners in an effort to finalize the development of its products and begin generating revenues. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the success of future capital offerings or alternative financing arrangements or expansion of its operations. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. Management is actively pursuing additional sources of financing sufficient to generate enough cash flow to fund its operations for twelve months from the issuance date of these consolidated financial statements. However, management cannot make any assurances that such financing will be secured.
| F-21 |
NOTE 4 – REVENUE
The following table is a summary of the Company’s timing of revenue recognition for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Years Ended | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Services and products transferred at a point in time | $ | $ | ||||||
| Services and products transferred over time | ||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | $ | ||||||
The Company disaggregates revenue by source and geographic destination to depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.
Revenue by source consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Years Ended | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Products | $ | |||||||
| Services | ||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | $ | ||||||
Revenue by geographic destination consisted of the following for the for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Years Ended | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| North America | $ | $ | ||||||
| United Kingdom | ||||||||
| Rest of world | ||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | $ | ||||||
| F-22 |
Contracts
Contract revenue is recognized over time using the cost-to-cost measure of progress for fixed price contracts. The cost-to-cost measure of progress best depicts the continuous transfer of control of goods or services to the customer. The contractual terms provide that the customer compensates the Company for services rendered.
Contract costs include all direct materials, labor and subcontracted costs, as well as indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs and the costs of capital equipment. The cost estimation and review process for recognizing revenue over time under the cost-to- cost method is based on the professional knowledge and experience of the Company’s project managers, engineers and financial professionals. Management reviews estimates of total contract transaction price and total project costs on an ongoing basis. Changes in job performance, job conditions and management’s assessment of expected variable consideration are factors that influence estimates of the total contract transaction price, total costs to complete those contracts and profit recognition. Changes in these factors could result in revisions to revenue and costs of revenue in the period in which the revisions are determined on a prospective basis, which could materially affect the Company’s consolidated results of operations for that period. Provisions for losses on uncompleted contracts are recorded in the period in which such losses are determined.
Performance Obligations
A performance obligation is a contractual promise to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606. The transaction price of a contract is allocated to distinct performance obligations and recognized as revenue when or as the performance obligations are satisfied. The Company’s contracts often require significant integrated services and, even when delivering multiple distinct services, are generally accounted for as a single performance obligation. Contract amendments and change orders are generally not distinct from the existing contract due to the significant integrated service provided in the context of the contract and are accounted for as a modification of the existing contract and performance obligation. The majority of the Company’s performance obligations are completed within one year.
When more than one contract is entered into with a customer on or close to the same date, the Company evaluates whether those contracts should be combined and accounted for as a single contract as well as whether those contracts should be accounted for as more than one performance obligation. This evaluation requires significant judgment and is based on the facts and circumstances of the various contracts, which could change the amount of revenue and profit recognition in a given period depending upon the outcome of the evaluation.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had backlog of approximately $7,079,000. During the year ended December 31, 2022, there was approximately $4,200,000 in revenue recognized pertaining to backlog as of December 31, 2021.
Contract Assets and Liabilities
The Company bill its customers based on contractual terms, including, milestone billings based on the completion of certain phases of the work. Sometimes, billing occurs after revenue recognition, resulting in unbilled revenue, which is accounted for as a contract asset. Sometimes the Company receives advances payments from our customers before revenue is recognized, resulting in deferred revenue, which is accounted for as a contract liability.
Contract assets in the consolidated balance sheets represents costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, which arise when revenue has been recorded but the amount has not been billed.
| F-23 |
Contract assets consist of the following:
| Schedule of contract assets and liabilities | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts | $ | $ | ||||||
| Total contract assets | $ | $ | ||||||
Contract liabilities consist of the following:
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts | $ | $ | ||||||
| Total contract liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||
Contract assets and liabilities on December 31, 2023 are $
The following table is a summary of the Company’s activity of contract liabilities related to contracts with customers.
| Rollforward of contract liabilities | ||||
| Total | ||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | |||
| Additions through advance billings to or payments from vendors | ||||
| Revenue recognized from current period advance billings to or payments from vendors | ( | ) | ||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | ||||
| Deconsolidation | ( | ) | ||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | |||
Variable Consideration
Transaction pricing for the Company’s contracts may include variable consideration, such as unapproved change orders, claims, incentives and liquidated damages. Management estimates variable consideration for a performance obligation utilizing estimation methods that best predict the amount of consideration to which the Company will be entitled. Variable consideration is included in the estimated transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. Management’s estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in transaction price are based on past practices with the customer, specific discussions, correspondence or preliminary negotiations with the customer, legal evaluations and all other relevant information that is reasonably available. The effect of a change in variable consideration on the transaction price of a performance obligation is typically recognized as an adjustment to revenue on a cumulative catch-up basis. To the extent unapproved change orders, claims and liquidated damages reflected in transaction price are not resolved in the Company’s favor, or to the extent incentives reflected in transaction price are not earned, there could be reductions in, or reversals of, previously recognized revenue.
| F-24 |
NOTE 5 – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable consisted of the following:
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Accounts receivable | $ | $ | ||||||
| Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | $ | $ | ||||||
NOTE 6 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Property and equipment | $ | $ | ||||||
| Leasehold improvements | ||||||||
| Property and equipment at cost | ||||||||
| Less - accumulated depreciation | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Property and equipment, net | $ | $ | ||||||
Depreciation
expenses was $
| F-25 |
NOTE 7 - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
The following is a summary of activity of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Goodwill | ||||
| Balances at December 31, 2021 | ||||
| Impairment | ( | ) | ||
| Foreign exchange translation | ( | ) | ||
| Balances at December 31, 2022 | $ | |||
| Impairment of goodwill | ( | ) | ||
| Foreign currency translation | ||||
| Balances at December 31, 2023 | $ | |||
Intangible Assets, Net
In connection with the Optilan acquisition, the Company recognized an intangible asset, a trade name, of $4,033,638. The trade name has a useful life of 25 years.
During the Company’s impairment analysis at December 31, 2022 (see Note 2), the Company recorded impairment of the trade name of $2,703,456.
The following is a summary of intangible assets, net:
| Summary of intangible assets | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Trade name per business combination | $ | $ | ||||||
| Impairment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Less: accumulated amortization | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Foreign exchange translation | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Intangible assets, net | $ | $ | ||||||
Amortization expense was $
| F-26 |
Patents - Intrusion Detection Intellectual Property
The Company relies on patent laws and restrictions on disclosure to protect its intellectual property rights. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company held three U.S. and foreign patents on its intrusion detection technology, which expire in calendar years 2025 through 2034 (depending on the payment of maintenance fees).
The DPTI issued patents cover a System and Method for Brillouin Analysis, a System and Method for Resolution Enhancement of a Distributed Sensor, and a Flexible Fiber Optic Deformation System Sensor and Method. Maintenance of intellectual property rights and the protection thereof is important to our business. Any patents that may be issued may not sufficiently protect the Company's intellectual property and third parties may challenge any issued patents. Other parties may independently develop similar or competing technology or design around any patents that may be issued to the Company. The Company cannot be certain that the steps it has taken will prevent the misappropriation of its intellectual property, particularly in foreign countries where the laws may not protect proprietary rights as fully as in the United States. Further, the Company may be required to enforce its intellectual property or other proprietary rights through litigation, which, regardless of success, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management's attention. Additionally, there may be existing patents of which the Company is unaware that could be pertinent to its business, and it is not possible to know whether there are patent applications pending that the Company's products might infringe upon, since these applications are often not publicly available until a patent is issued or published.
For the
years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had patent amortization costs on its intrusion detection technology totaling $
The DPTI issued patents cover a System and Method for Brillouin Analysis, a System and Method for Resolution Enhancement of a Distributed Sensor, and a Flexible Fiber Optic Deformation System Sensor and Method. Maintenance of intellectual property rights and the protection thereof is important to our business. Any patents that may be issued may not sufficiently protect the Company's intellectual property and third parties may challenge any issued patents. Other parties may independently develop similar or competing technology or design around any patents that may be issued to the Company. The Company cannot be certain that the steps it has taken will prevent the misappropriation of its intellectual property, particularly in foreign countries where the laws may not protect proprietary rights as fully as in the United States. Further, the Company may be required to enforce its intellectual property or other proprietary rights through litigation, which, regardless of success, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management's attention. Additionally, there may be existing patents of which the Company is unaware that could be pertinent to its business, and it is not possible to know whether there are patent applications pending that the Company's products might infringe upon, since these applications are often not publicly available until a patent is issued or published.
The following is a summary of the DPTI patents as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Patents | $ | $ | ||||||
| Less: accumulated amortization | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Patents, net | $ | $ | ||||||
| F-27 |
Future expected amortization of patents is as follows:
| As of December 31, | ||||
| 2024 | ||||
| 2025 | ||||
| 2026 | ||||
| 2027 | ||||
| Thereafter | ||||
| Total patents | $ | |||
NOTE 8 – JOINT VENTURE
On September 9, 2022, the Company entered into
a Joint Venture Agreement with Neural Signals Inc, (“NSI”), for the purpose of developing, marketing and selling products
and services based on the patents issued to NSI. The parties established the Joint Venture, Neural Logistics Inc., under a separate entity
to conduct business. The Company has
During the year ended
December 31, 2023, the Company contributed $
NOTE 9 – ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consists of the following as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accrued liabilities | ||||||||
| Total accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | $ | ||||||
| F-28 |
NOTE 10 – DEBT
Convertible Notes
The Company uses the Black-Scholes Model to calculate the derivative value of its convertible debt. The valuation result generated by this pricing model is necessarily driven by the value of the underlying common stock incorporated into the model. The values of the common stock used were based on the price at the date of issue of the debt security as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. In 2023 management determined the expected volatility of 106.90%, a risk-free rate of interest of 5.48%, and contractual lives of the debt of three months. In 2022 management determined the expected volatility of 140.30%, a risk-free rate of interest of 4.73%, and contractual lives of the debt of three months. Management made the determination to use an expected life rather than contractual life for the calculations for the matured debt as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
On
August 7, 2023, the Company entered into a convertible note for a principal of $
On
September 29, 2023, the Company entered into a convertible note for a principal of $
On
December 4, 2023, the Company entered into a convertible note for a principal of $
As
of December 31, 2023 and, 2022, there was $
The summary of convertible notes are:
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Principal Outstanding | $ | $ | ||||||
| Less: unamortized debt discount | ( | ) | ||||||
| Convertible notes, net | $ | $ | ||||||
The table below details the Company's outstanding convertible notes and related derivative liability:
| Outstanding convertible notes and derivative liability | Face Amount | Derivative Liability | ||||||||||||||
| 12/31/2023 | 12/31/2022 | 12/31/2023 | 12/31/2022 | |||||||||||||
| 1800 Diagonal Lending | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Carebourn | ||||||||||||||||
| Carebourn | ||||||||||||||||
| More Capital | ||||||||||||||||
| EMA | ||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| F-29 |
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, change in fair value of the derivative liability was $167,582 and $227,286, respectively. The following is a summary of the derivative liability:
| Derivative | ||||
| Liability | ||||
| Balances at December 31, 2021 | $ | |||
| Change in fair value | ( | ) | ||
| Balances at December 31, 2022 | ||||
| Loss on issuance of debt | ||||
| Issuance of convertible note - 1800 Diagonal Lending | ||||
| Change in fair value | ( | ) | ||
| EMA settlement | ( | ) | ||
| Balances at December 31, 2023 | $ | |||
Notes Payable
On July
14, 2021, the Company entered a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “GS SPA”) with GS Capital Partners, LLC pursuant
to which the Company issued to the Lender a 6% Redeemable Note in the principal amount of $
Loans Payable
The Company’s RI and WS subsidiaries have various loans including Small Business Association (“SBA”) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL’) loans, lines of credit and other advances. The loans bear interest with varying rates up to 9.25% per annum. The following is a summary of the loans payable at December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| RI - line of credit | $ | $ | ||||||
| RI - Short-term loans | ||||||||
| WS - line of credit | ||||||||
| WS - Short-term loans | ||||||||
| Loans payable, current | $ | $ | ||||||
| RI - SBA EIDL | $ | $ | ||||||
| RI - long-term loans | ||||||||
| WS - SBA EIDL | ||||||||
| WS - long-term loans | ||||||||
| Loans payable, non-current | $ | $ | ||||||
| F-30 |
NOTE 11 – SECURED DEBENTURE
DPTI issued a convertible Debenture to the University (see Note 1) in exchange for the Patents assigned to the Company, in the amount of Canadian $1,500,000, or US $1,491,923 on December 16, 2010, the date of the Debenture. On April 24, 2017 DPTI issued a replacement secured term Debenture in the same CAD 1,500,000 amount as the original Debenture. The interest rate is the Bank of Canada Prime overnight rate plus 1% per annum. The Debenture had an initial required payment of CAD 42,000 (US$33,385) due on April 24, 2018 for reimbursement to the University of its research and development costs, and this has been paid. Interest-only maintenance payments are due annually starting after April 24, 2018. Payment of the principal begins on the earlier of (a) three years following two consecutive quarters of positive earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, (b) six years from April 24, 2017, or (c) in the event DPTI fails to raise defined capital amounts or secure defined contract amounts by April 24 in the years 2018, 2019, and 2020. The Company has raised funds in excess of the amount required for 2020, 2019 and 2018. Beginning in 2023, The principal repayment amounts will be due quarterly over a six year period in the amount of Canadian Dollars 62,500. Based on the exchange rate between the Canadian Dollar and the U.S. Dollar on December 31, 2018, the quarterly principal repayment amounts will be US$48,447. The Debenture is secured by the Patents assigned by the University to DPTI by an Assignment Agreement on December 16, 2010. DPTI has pledged the Patents, and granted a lien on them pursuant to an Escrow Agreement dated April 24, 2017, between DPTI and the University.
The Debenture was initially recorded at the $1,491,923 equivalent US Dollar amount of Canadian 1,500,000 as of December 16, 2010, the date of the original Debenture. The liability is being adjusted quarterly based on the current exchange value of the Canadian dollar to the US dollar at the end of each quarter. The adjustment is recorded as unrealized gain or loss in the change of the value of the two currencies during the quarter. The Debenture also includes a provision requiring DPTI to pay the University a 2% royalty on sales of any and all products or services which incorporate the Patents for a period of five years from April 24, 2018. To date, no royalties have been paid.
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded
interest expense of $
As
of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the outstanding balance of the debenture liability
totaled $
Future minimum required payments over the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
| Period ending December 31, | ||||
| 2023 | $ | |||
| 2024 | ||||
| 2025 | ||||
| 2026 | ||||
| 2027 | ||||
| Thereafter | ||||
| Total | $ | |||
| F-31 |
NOTE 12 – LEASES
The following was included in our balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| December 31, | ||||||||
| Operating leases | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| ROU operating lease assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||
| Current portion of operating lease | $ | $ | ||||||
| Operating lease, net of current portion | ||||||||
| Total operating lease liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||
The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate at December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
| December 31, | ||||||||
| Operating leases | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Weighted average remaining lease term (years) | ||||||||
| Weighted average discount rate | ||||||||
Operating Leases
On January
12, 2021, the Company’s newly acquired subsidiary entered into an operating lease agreement to rent office space in Mumbai, India.
This three-year agreement commenced January 12, 2021 with an annual rent of approximately $
On May 27,
2021, the Company’s newly acquired subsidiary entered into an operating lease agreement to rent office space in Warwick, United
Kingdom. This ten-year agreement commenced May 27, 2021 with an annual rent of approximately $
On August
31, 2021, the Company’s newly acquired subsidiary entered into an operating lease agreement to rent office space in Tempe, Arizona.
This five-year agreement commenced August 31, 2021 with an annual rent of approximately $
On
October 20, 2021, the Company’s newly acquired subsidiary entered into an operating lease agreement to rent office space in Warwick,
United Kingdom. This ten-year agreement commenced October 20, 2021 with an annual rent of approximately $
On March 9, 2022, the Company entered into an
operating lease agreement to rent office space in Houston, Texas. This ten-year agreement commenced March 9. 2022 with an annual rent
of approximately $
On June 28, 2023, the Company recognized a gain on deconsolidation of $1,642,146 related to Optilan (UK) and its subsidiaries leases.
| F-32 |
The following table reconciles future minimum operating lease payments to the discounted lease liability as of December 31, 2023:
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||
| 2024 | ||||
| 2025 | ||||
| 2026 | ||||
| 2027 and later | ||||
| Total lease payments | ||||
| Less imputed interest | ( | ) | ||
| Total lease obligations | ||||
| Less current lease obligations | ( | ) | ||
| Long-term lease obligations | $ |
NOTE 13 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Preferred Stock
In accordance with the Company’s bylaws, the Company has authorized a total of shares of preferred stock, par value $ per share, for all classes. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022 respectively, there were and total preferred shares issued and outstanding for all classes.
Common Stock
In accordance with the Company’s bylaws, the Company has authorized a total of shares of common stock, par value $ per share. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were and common shares issued, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were and common shares outstanding, respectively.
2022 Transactions
On May 27, 2022 we entered an Equity Financing Agreement (the “EFA”) and Registration Rights Agreement (the “RRA”) with GHS, pursuant to which GHS agreed to purchase up to $70,000,000 in shares of our Common Stock, from time to time over the course of 24 months after effectiveness of a registration statement on Form S-1 (the “Registration Statement”) of the underlying shares of Common Stock.
The RRA provides that we shall (i) use our best efforts to file with the SEC a Registration Statement within 45 days of the date of the GHS Registration Rights Agreement; and (ii) have the Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC within 30 days after the date the GHS Registration Statement is filed with the SEC, but in no event more than 90 days after the GHS Registration Statement is filed.
2023 Transactions
On April 28, 2023 the Company entered into an Equity Financing Agreement with GHS, to which GHS agreed to Purchase $30,000,000 in shares of our Common Stock over the course of 12 months at 92% of the current market price.
On June 13, 2023 the Company entered into an Amendment to the 2023 Equity Financing Agreement with GHS, to which GHS agreed to Purchase $30,000,000 in shares of our Common Stock over the course of 12 months at 92% of the current market price.
| F-33 |
On July 10,2023 the Company entered into a Second Amendment to the 2023 Equity Financing Agreement with GHS, to which GHS agreed to purchase up to $30,000,000 in shares of our Common Stock over the course of 12 months at 92% of the current market price.
On September 5, 2023, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $100,000.
The RRA provides that we shall (i) use our best efforts to file with the SEC a Registration Statement within 45 days of the date of the GHS Registration Rights Agreement; and (ii) have the Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC within 30 days after the date the GHS Registration Statement is filed with the SEC, but in no event more than 90 days after the GHS Registration Statement is filed.
The below table of puts from 1/12/2023 through 4/11/2023 were made by the Company under the 2022 EFA during 2023. The put from 4/28/2023 was made under the EFA dated 4/28/2023. The puts from 6/26/2023 and 7/3/2023 were made by the Company under the Amended EFA dated June 13, 2023. The 7/10/2023 put was made by the Company under the Second Amended EFA dated July 10, 2023.
| Date of Put | Number of Common Shares Issued | Total Proceeds, Net of Discounts | Effective Price per Share | Net Proceeds | ||||||||||
| 1/12/2023 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||
| 1/17/2023* | $ | |||||||||||||
| 1/24/2023 | $ | |||||||||||||
| 2/3/2023 | $ | |||||||||||||
| 2/17/2023 | $ | |||||||||||||
| 3/1/2023 | $ | |||||||||||||
| 3/16/2023 | $ | |||||||||||||
| 3/30/2023 | $ | |||||||||||||
| 4/11/2023 | $ | |||||||||||||
| 4/28/2023 | $ | |||||||||||||
| 6/26/2023 | $ | |||||||||||||
| 7/3/2023 | $ | |||||||||||||
| 7/10/2023 | $ | |||||||||||||
| 9/5/2023* | $ | |||||||||||||
| 11/7/2023* | $ | |||||||||||||
| 11/8/2023* | $ | |||||||||||||
| 11/14/2023 | $ | |||||||||||||
| 11/22/2023 | $ | |||||||||||||
| 11/29/2023* | $ | |||||||||||||
| 11/30/2023* | $ | |||||||||||||
| 12/1/2023* | $ | |||||||||||||
| 12/1/2023 | $ | |||||||||||||
| 12/11/2023 | $ | |||||||||||||
| 12/27/2023 | $ | |||||||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| F-34 |
In January 2023, the Company entered into a settlement
of a dispute between certain stockholders in which the Company decided, during the period ended June 30, 2023, to issue shares to settle
the dispute. In January 2023, the Company issued shares of common stock to the individuals. The fair value of $
Stock Options
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had outstanding stock options.
NOTE 14 – INCOME TAXES
The domestic and foreign components of loss before (benefit) provision for income taxes were as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Domestic: | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Foreign: | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total income (loss) before income taxes | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 differs from the amount which would be expected as a result of applying the statutory tax rates to the losses before income taxes due primarily to the valuation allowance to fully reserve net deferred tax assets.
The following table summarizes the significant differences between statutory rates for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Statutory tax rate: | ||||||||
| U.S. | ||||||||
| State taxes | ||||||||
| Foreign rate differential | ||||||||
| Goodwill impairment | - | - | ||||||
| NOLs carryforward adjustment | ||||||||
| Other | - | - | ||||||
| Change in valuation allowance: | - | - | ||||||
| F-35 |
The Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Deferred Tax (Liabilities): | ||||||||
| Net operating losses | $ | $ | ||||||
| Intangible assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Right of use asset | ||||||||
| Stock based compensation | ||||||||
| Property and equipment | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Less: Valuation allowance | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Deferred tax assets (liabilities) | $ | $ | ||||||
The Company
has approximately $
The Company
records a tax valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that it will not be able to recover the value of its deferred tax assets.
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company calculated its estimated annualized effective tax rate at
The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. The Company recognizes interest accrued on uncertain tax positions as well as interest received from favorable tax settlements within interest expense. The Company recognizes penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits within selling, general and administrative expenses. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had no uncertain tax positions.
The Company does not anticipate any significant changes to the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months. The Company files income tax returns in New Brunswick, Canada, and the U.S. federal, New York, and Delaware and the UK jurisdictions. Tax years 2012 to current remain open to examination by Canadian authorities; the tax year 2020 remains open to examination by U.S. authorities.
| F-36 |
NOTE 15 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Potential Royalty Payments
The Company, in consideration of the terms of the debenture to the University of New Brunswick, shall pay to the University a two percent royalty on sales of any and all products or services, which incorporate the Company's patents for a period of five years from April 24, 2018.
Legal Matters
Carebourn Capital, L.P. v. DarkPulse, Inc.
On or about January 29, 2021, Carebourn Capital, L.P. (“Carebourn”) commenced an action against the Company in Minnesota State Court. Carebourn alleged that the Company was in breach of certain securities purchase agreements and convertible promissory notes sold to Carebourn on or about July 17, 2018 and July 24, 2018.
On or about August 31, 2021, the Company answered Carebourn’s complaint and interposed affirmative defenses, including that Carebourn was an unregistered “dealer,” as such term is defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) and, therefore, all contracts between the parties arising from or related to the securities purchase agreements and convertible promissory notes sold to Carebourn on or about July 17, 2018 and July 24, 2018 were void pursuant to the Exchange Act. The Company also asserted counterclaims against Carebourn under the Minnesota Securities Act.
On or about April 21, 2023, the State Court ruled in the Company’s favor on its motion for partial summary judgment on its Exchange Act defense, holding that (i) Carebourn is a “dealer” under the Exchange Act in violation of the mandatory registration requirement imposed thereby, and (ii) all contracts between the parties are void.
On or about November 17, 2023, the State Court ruled in the Company’s favor on its motion for summary judgment on its Minnesota Securities Act counterclaims against Carebourn and awarded damages for Carebourn’s violation of Minn. Stat. § 80A.76(d) in the amount of $124,012.91, attorney’s fees in the amount of $239,923.33 and costs in the amount of $23,757.24 (or a total award in the amount of $387,693.48).
On or about March 23, 2024, Carebourn appealed the final judgment entered by the State Court against Carebourn and in favor of the Company.
On or about March 25, 2024, the Minnesota Appellate Court entered an Order, noting that Minn. R. Civ. App. P. 104.01 provides that appeals must be taken within 60 days of the date of the final judgment and, therefore, it appears that Carebourn failed to timely take its appeal. The Appellate Court requested the parties submit informal briefing in response to two questions: (a) Did the time to appeal the December 27, 2024 amended judgment expire on February 26, 2024; and (b) If the answer to (a) is yes, must this appeal be dismissed as untimely. On or about April 4, 2024, DarkPulse filed its informal briefing in response with the Appellate Court. The Company is currently awaiting a decision from the Appellate Court.
As of the date hereof, Carebourn has refused to voluntarily satisfy the final judgment. Accordingly, the Company intends to exercise all legal rights and remedies available to it to collect the amounts awarded.
DarkPulse intends to continue to exercise all legal rights and remedies available to it to collect the amounts awarded should Carebourn fail to voluntarily pay the same.
| F-37 |
More Capital, LLC v. DarkPulse, Inc. et al
On or about June 29, 2021, More Capital, LLC (“More”) commenced an action against the Company in Minnesota State Court. More alleged that the Company was in breach of a certain securities purchase agreement and convertible promissory note sold to More on or about August 20, 2018.
On or about September 3, 2021, the Company answered More’s complaint and interposed affirmative defenses, including that More was an unregistered “dealer,” as such term is defined in the Exchange Act and, therefore, all contracts between the parties arising from or related to the securities purchase agreement and convertible promissory note sold to More on or about August 20, 2018 were void pursuant to the Exchange Act. The Company also asserted counterclaims against More under the Minnesota Securities Act.
On or about December 11, 2023, the Minnesota State Court ruled in the Company’s favor on its motion for summary judgment on its (a) Exchange Act defense, holding that (1) More is a “dealer” under the Exchange Act in violation of the mandatory registration requirement imposed thereby, and (ii) all contracts between the parties are void, and (b) Minnesota Securities Act counterclaims against More and awarded damages for More’s violation of Minn. Stat. § 80A.76(d) in the amount of $300,809.39, attorney’s fees in the amount of $110,029.00 and costs in the amount of $210.25 (or a total award in the amount of $412,048.64).
On or about March 23, 2024, More appealed the final judgment entered by the State Court against More and in favor of the Company.
On or about March 25, 2024, the Minnesota Appellate Court entered an Order, noting that Minn. R. Civ. App. P. 104.01 provides that appeals must be taken within 60 days of the date of the final judgment and, therefore, it appears that More failed to timely take its appeal. The Appellate Court requested the parties submit informal briefing in response to two questions: (a) Did the time to appeal the December 27, 2024 amended judgment expire on February 26, 2024; and (b) If the answer to (a) is yes, must this appeal be dismissed as untimely. On or about April 4, 2024, DarkPulse filed its informal briefing in response with the Appellate Court. The Company is currently awaiting a decision from the Appellate Court.
As of April 1, 2024, the final judgment had not yet been satisfied by More, nor had a judgment been entered that stayed enforcement of that judgment. Accordingly, the Company took actions to enforce and collect the judgment including, inter alia, serving garnishment summons on More’s banks.
As of the date hereof, More has refused to voluntarily satisfy the final judgement. Accordingly, the Company intends to exercise all legal rights and remedies available to it to collect the amounts awarded.
Carebourn Capital et al v. Standard Registrar and Transfer et al
On or about May 20, 2022, Carebourn and More (together with Carebourn, the “Noteholders”) commenced an action against the Company, certain members of the Company’s executive team and board of directors and Standard Registrar and Transfer Company, Inc., the Company’s transfer agent, in the United States District Court for the District of Utah. The Noteholders’ complaint alleged various causes of action arising from certain securities purchase agreements and convertible promissory notes the Company sold to the Noteholders.
On or about November 23, 2022, the Company and the members of the Company’s executive team and board of directors named in this action moved to dismiss the Noteholders’ complaint.
On or about February 21, 2023, the Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss in part and stayed the action pending resolution of the motion for summary judgment brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission against Carebourn in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.
| F-38 |
On or about November 1, 2023, the Noteholders moved to dismiss the action.
On or about November 2, 2023, the Company moved for sanctions against the Noteholders and their counsel of record.
On or about December 4, 2023, the Court entered an order granting dismissal of the Noteholders’ claims with prejudice. The Court acknowledged that notwithstanding its dismissal of the Noteholders’ claims, the Court continues to retain jurisdiction over the Noteholders because of DarkPulse’s pending motion for sanctions against the Noteholders and their attorneys.
On May 22, 2024, the Court scheduled oral arguments on the Company’s sanction motion on July 2, 2024.
DarkPulse, Inc. v. FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC, and Eli Fireman
On or about December 31, 2021, the Company commenced an action against FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC (“FirstFire”) and its control person, Eli Fireman (“Fireman,” and together with FirstFire, the “FirstFire Defendants”), in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
On or about May 5, 2022, the Company amended its complaint against the FirstFire Defendants. The amended complaint alleges that the FirstFire Defendants were liable to the Company for rescission of certain convertible promissory notes and transitions effected thereunder and damages pursuant to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”).
On or about January 17, 2023, the Court granted the FirstFire Defendants’ motion to dismiss the Company’s operative pleading. Later on the same day, the Company appealed the Court’s decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (“Second Circuit”).
Oral arguments were held before the Second Circuit on the Company’s appeal on December 11, 2023.
On March 28, 2024, the Second Circuit issued its decision and found that the District Court (a) properly found that the Delaware forum-selection clause was enforceable but, thereafter, (b) improperly made a ruling on the merits of the Company’s claims for relief. As a result, the Second Circuit affirmed the District Court’s decision in part, vacated in part and remanded the case back to the District Court for transferring to the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.
As of the date hereof, this action has not yet transferred to the Delaware Court. The Company remains committed to actively litigating its claims for relief under RICO.
DarkPulse, Inc., et al v. Crown Bridge Partners, LLC, et al
On or about September 23, 2022, the Company, Social Life Network, Inc. and Redhawk Holdings Corp. commenced an action against Crown Bridge Partners, LLC (“Crown Bridge”) and its control persons, Soheil Ahdoot and Sepas Ahdoot (collectively, the “Crown Bridge Defendants”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaint alleges that the Crown Bridge Defendants are liable to each of the plaintiffs for damages pursuant to RICO.
On or about September 29, 2023, the Court granted the Crown Bridge Defendants’ motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ complaint.
On October 23, 2023, the plaintiffs appealed the Court’s decision to the Second Circuit.
As of the date hereof, the appeal is fully briefed.
The Company remains committed to actively litigating its claims for relief under RICO.
| F-39 |
NOTE 16 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company follows subtopic 850-10 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification for the identification of related parties and disclosure of related party transactions. Pursuant to Section 850-10-20 the related parties include a) affiliates of the Company; b) Entities for which investments in their equity securities would be required, absent the election of the fair value option under the Fair Value Option Subsection of Section 825-10-15, to be accounted for by the equity method by the investing entity; c) trusts for the benefit of employees, such as pension and profit-sharing trusts that are managed by or under the trusteeship of management; d) principal owners of the Company; e) management of the Company; f) other parties with which the Company may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests; and g) Other parties that can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the transacting parties or that have an ownership interest in one of the transacting parties and can significantly influence the other to an extent that one or more of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests. The financial statements shall include disclosures of material related party transactions, other than compensation arrangements, expense allowances, and other similar items in the ordinary course of business. However, disclosure of transactions that are eliminated in the preparation of consolidated or combined financial statements is not required in those statements. The disclosures shall include: a) the nature of the relationship(s) involved; b) a description of the transactions, including transactions to which no amounts or nominal amounts were ascribed, for each of the periods for which income statements are presented, and such other information deemed necessary to an understanding of the effects of the transactions on the financial statements; c) the dollar amounts of transactions for each of the periods for which income statements are presented and the effects of any change in the method of establishing the terms from that used in the preceding period; and d) amounts due from or to related parties as of the date of each balance sheet presented and, if not otherwise apparent, the terms and manner of settlement.
During
the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, certain executives of the Company received $
Remote Intelligence and Wildlife Specialists Loan Payables
RI has a
loan payable with the former majority shareholder, who is a shareholder in the Company after the acquisition of 60% of RI’s membership
interests. The loan is unsecured, non-interest bearing and due on demand. As of both year ended 2023 and 2022, the outstanding balance
was $
WS has a
loan payable with the former majority shareholder, who is a shareholder in the Company after the acquisition of 60% of WS’s membership
interests. The loan is unsecured, non-interest bearing and due on demand. As of both year ended 2023 and 2022, the outstanding balance
was $
SPAC Transaction
On October
12, 2022, the Company entered into and closed the Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company purchased shares
of Class B Common Stock (the “Class B Common Stock”) and Private Placement Warrants, each of which is
exercisable to purchase one share of Class A Common Stock (the “Warrants,” together, with the Class B Common Stock, the “Securities”)
of Gladstone Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (NASDAQ: GLEE) (the “SPAC”), from Gladstone Sponsor, LLC (“Original
Sponsor”) for $
As of December
31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company’s $
In addition to the payment of the Purchase Price,
the Company also assumed the following obligations: (i) responsibility for all of SPAC’s public company reporting obligations,
(ii) the right to provide an extension payment and extend the deadline of the SPAC to complete an initial business combination from 15
months from August 9, 2021 to 18 months for an additional $1,150,000, and (iii) all other obligations and liabilities of the Original
Sponsor related to the SPAC. The principal balance of this note shall be payable by GSD on the earlier to occur of: (i) the date
on which GSD consummates its initial business combination (the “Business Combination”) and (ii) the date that the winding
up of GSD is effective. The note does not bear interest. On February 7, 2023 and March 9, 2023, GSD issued a non-convertible promissory
note in the aggregate principal amount of $
| F-40 |
As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022,
the outstanding note receivable was $
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company
has $
NOTE 17 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On January 8, 2024 the Company issued 52,162,997 shares to a third party in exchange for cash in accordance with its equity agreement.
On January 23, 2024, the BCA was terminated by mutual consent of the parties thereto. Although, as the Sponsor of GSD, the Company still owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock of GSD, all legal rights the Company had under the BCA have been terminated.
On February 12, 2024, February 13, 2024 and February 14, 2024 the Company executed a convertible note from a third party, into 36,363,636, 32,786,885 and 42,117,347 shares respectively, in accordance with its Securities Purchase Agreement.
On February 28, 2024, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 178,571,428 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $100,000.
On March 28, 2024 the Company issued 27,777,777 shares to a third party of in accordance with the Securities Purchase Agreement Dated November 30, 2023.
On April 9, 2024 the court dismissed both Carebourn and Moore’s appeal that concluded the original judgment case in which DarkPulse won its counterclaims. The Company is now actively enforcing the judgments.
On May 2, 2024, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 104,166,667 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $50,000.
On May 20, 2024 the company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreements with investors for the purchase of 288,888,889 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $130,000.
On May 23, 2024 the company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 22,222,222 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $10,000.
On June 9, 2024 the company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 48,888,888 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $22,000.
On June 18, 2024 the company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 22,222,222 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $10,000.
On July 1, 2024 the company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 111,111,111 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $50,000.
On July 9, 2024 the company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 111,111,111 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $50,000.
On July 12, 2024 the company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 33,333,333 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $15,000.
| F-41 |
Exhibit 10.3
AMENDMENT NO. 01 TO CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURE (SECURED) TERM DEBENTURE
Dated for reference the 17th day of January, 2024 (the “Amendment”)
BETWEEN:
THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, 3 Bailey Drive, Room 215, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5A3 (hereinafter the “Payee”)
AND:
DARK PULSE TECHNOLOGIES INC., having its principal place of business at 4400 N Scottsdale Road, Suite 9-720, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85251 (hereinafter the “Payor”)
(Individually a “Party” and collectively the “Parties”)
WHEREAS the Parties have entered into a Convertible Debenture (Secured) Term Debenture effective April 24, 2017 (the “Debenture”);
AND WHEREAS the Parties wish to amend certain terms of the Debenture.
NOW THEREFORE the Parties hereby agree as follows:
| 1. | Modification of section (c) of the recitals of the Debenture |
Effective January 17, 2024, section (c) of the recitals of the Debenture is hereby deleted in its entirety and is replaced with the following:
(c) the date that is seven (7) years from the Issue Date; or
| 2. | Modification of Section 3.1 of the Debenture |
Effective January 17, 2024, section 3.1 of the Debenture is hereby deleted in its entirety and is replaced with the following:
| 3.1 | Payback on the Principle Sum will commence over a four (4) year period upon the earlier of the following (each a “Payback Period”): | |
| (a) three (3) years following the Payor achieving a positive earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for two (2) consecutive quarters; or | ||
| (b) the date that is seven (7) years from the Issue Date. |
| 1 |
| 3. | Modification of Section 3.2 of the Debenture |
Effective January 17, 2024, section 3.2 of the Debenture is hereby deleted in its entirety and is replaced with the following:
| 3.2 | The Payor shall be required to pay the Payee, in quarterly installments over a four (4) year period commencing from the start of the Payback Period, the following: | |
| (a) Ninety-Three Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Canadian Dollars ($93,750.00 CDN); and | ||
| (b) interest accrued on the Principal Sum on a declining balance; and | ||
| (c) all costs associated with protecting the Technology. |
| 4. | In all other respects, the Debenture shall remain in full force and effect subject to the terms and conditions thereof. | |
| 5. | Capitalized terms not otherwise defined are as defined in the Debenture. | |
| 6. | This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original copy of this Amendment and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement. The exchange of copies of this Amendment and of signature pages by electronic transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Amendment as to the Parties and may be used in lieu of the original Amendment for all purposes. Signatures of the Parties transmitted by electronic transmission shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes. |
[Signatures on the following page]
| 2 |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties have signed this Amendment as of the date set out above.
| THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK | DARK PULSE TECHNOLOGIES INC. | |
| /s/ David MaGee | /s/ Dennis O'Leary | |
| Name: David MaGee | Name: Dennis O'Leary | |
| Title: Vice-President (Research) | Title: Director | |
| 3 |
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To The Shareholders and Board of Directors of Darkpulse, Inc.
We consent to the use in the Form 10-K Annual Report Pursuant to section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 of our report dated July 15, 2024, of the consolidated financial statements of Darkpulse, Inc. as of December 31, 2023, for the year ended December 31, 2023. The report for Darkpulse, Inc. includes an explanatory paragraph about the existence of substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.
/S/ Boladale lawal
BOLADALE LAWAL & CO
Chartered Accountant
PCAOB No:6993
Lagos, Nigeria
July 15, 2024
Exhibit 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the use in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of our report dated June 23, 2023, on the consolidated financial statements of DarkPulse, Inc. as of December 31, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2022. The report for DarkPulse, Inc. includes an explanatory paragraph about the existence of substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. We also consent to the reference to our Firm under the caption “Experts” in the Registration Statement.
/s/ Mazars USA LLP
Fort Washington, PA
July 15, 2024
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Dennis M. O’Leary, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of DarkPulse, Inc. |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the small business issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
| 4. | The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a – 15(f) and 15d – 15(f) for the Registrant and have: |
| a. | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the small business issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
| b. | Designed such disclosure control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting got be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| c. | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and | |
| d. | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s issuer’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
| a. | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the small business issuer’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
| b. | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s issuer’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: July 15, 2024
By: /s/ Dennis M. O’Leary
Dennis M. O’Leary
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President,
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Executive Officer and
Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Dennis M. O’Leary, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of DarkPulse, Inc. |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the small business issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
| 4. | The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a – 15(f) and 15d – 15(f) for the Registrant and have: |
| a. | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the small business issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
| b. | Designed such disclosure control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting got be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| c. | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and | |
| d. | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s issuer’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
| a. | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the small business issuer’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
| b. | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s issuer’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: July 15, 2024
By: /s/ Dennis M. O’Leary
Dennis M. O’Leary
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President,
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Executive Officer and
Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
AND PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
In connection with the Annual Report of DarkPulse, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2023 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Dennis M. O’Leary, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.
By: /s/ Dennis M. O’Leary
Dennis M. O’Leary
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President,
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Executive Officer and
Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Date: July 15, 2024
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Common stock par value | $ 0.0001 | $ 0.0001 |
| Common stock shares authorized | 20,000,000,000 | 20,000,000,000 |
| Common stock shares issued | 8,100,117,720 | 6,427,395,360 |
| Treasury stock shares | 100,000 | 100,000 |
| Series A Preferred Stock [Member] | ||
| Preferred stock par value | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
| Preferred stock shares authorized | 100 | 100 |
| Preferred stock shares issued | 100 | 100 |
| Preferred stock shares outstanding | 100 | 100 |
| Series D Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] | ||
| Preferred stock par value | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
| Preferred stock shares authorized | 100,000 | 100,000 |
| Preferred stock shares issued | 88,235 | 88,235 |
| Preferred stock shares outstanding | 88,235 | 88,235 |
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations - $ / shares |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Income Statement [Abstract] | ||
| Net loss per share - basic | $ (0.00) | $ (0.01) |
| Net loss per share - diluted | $ (0.00) | $ (0.01) |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic | 7,411,100,872 | 5,713,495,965 |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted | 7,411,100,872 | 5,713,495,965 |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Income Statement [Abstract] | ||
| NET LOSS | $ (21,723,043) | $ (35,517,505) |
| OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | ||
| Foreign currency translation | (115,454) | (853,439) |
| COMPREHENSIVE LOSS | $ (21,838,497) | $ (36,370,944) |
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Deficit - USD ($) |
Preferred Stock Series A [Member] |
Preferred Stock Series D [Member] |
Common Stock [Member] |
Common Stock To Be Issued [Member] |
Treasury Stock, Common [Member] |
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] |
Noncontrolling Interest [Member] |
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] |
Retained Earnings [Member] |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning balance, value at Dec. 31, 2021 | $ 0 | $ 883 | $ 519,782 | $ 0 | $ (1,000) | $ 20,248,703 | $ 2,358,227 | $ (284,463) | $ (11,276,490) | $ 11,565,642 |
| Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2021 | 0 | 88,235 | 5,197,821,885 | 0 | 100,000 | |||||
| Conversion of convertible notes | ||||||||||
| Issuance of preferred shares | $ 1 | (1) | ||||||||
| [custom:IssuanceOfPreferredSharesShares] | 100 | |||||||||
| Common stock issued for cash | $ 125,975 | 24,150,333 | 24,276,308 | |||||||
| Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues | 1,259,746,466 | |||||||||
| Common shares returned and cancelled | $ (3,390) | 3,390 | ||||||||
| Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares | (33,898,377) | |||||||||
| Common stock issue for TerraData acquisition | $ 373 | 199,627 | 200,000 | |||||||
| Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions | 3,725,386 | |||||||||
| Foreign currency adjustment | (853,439) | (853,433) | ||||||||
| Net loss | (238,661) | (35,278,844) | (35,517,505) | |||||||
| Ending balance, value at Dec. 31, 2022 | $ 1 | $ 883 | $ 642,740 | $ (1,000) | 44,602,052 | 2,119,566 | (1,137,902) | (46,555,334) | (328,994) | |
| Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2022 | 100 | 88,235 | 6,427,395,360 | 0 | 100,000 | |||||
| Common stock issued for cash, net of fees | $ 137,573 | 3,364,699 | 3,502,272 | |||||||
| [custom:CommonStockIssuedForCashNetOfFeesShares] | 1,375,722,360 | |||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for legal settlement | $ 29,700 | 1,960,200 | 1,989,900 | |||||||
| [custom:IssuanceOfCommonStockForLegalSettlementShares] | 297,000,000 | |||||||||
| Foreign currency adjustment | (115,454) | (115,454) | ||||||||
| Net loss | (902,156) | (20,820,887) | (21,723,043) | |||||||
| Common Stock to be issued | (11,667) | 205,000 | (193,333) | (115,454) | ||||||
| Ending balance, value at Dec. 31, 2023 | $ 1 | $ 883 | $ 798,346 | $ 205,000 | $ (1,000) | $ 49,733,618 | $ 1,217,410 | $ (1,253,356) | $ (67,376,221) | $ (16,675,319) |
| Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2023 | 100 | 88,235 | 8,100,117,720 | 0 | 100,000 |
Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($) |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] | ||
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent | $ (20,820,887) | $ (35,278,844) |
Insider Trading Arrangements |
3 Months Ended |
|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
| Insider Trading Arrangements [Line Items] | |
| Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted | false |
| Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted | false |
| Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated | false |
| Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated | false |
BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION |
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION | NOTE 1 – BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
Organization and Description of Business
DarkPulse, Inc. (“DPI” or “Company”) is a technology-security company incorporated in 1989 as Klever Marketing, Inc. (“Klever”). Its’ wholly-owned subsidiary, DarkPulse Technologies Inc. (“DPTI”), originally started as a technology spinout from the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada. The Company’s security and monitoring systems will initially be delivered in applications for border security, pipelines, the oil and gas industry and mine safety. Current uses of fiber optic distributed sensor technology have been limited to quasi-static, long-term structural health monitoring due to the time required to obtain the data and its poor precision. The Company’s patented BOTDA dark-pulse sensor technology allows for the monitoring of highly dynamic environments due to its greater resolution and accuracy.
The Company’s subsidiaries consist of DarkPulse UK, Ltd which concentrates on the sale and engineering of distributed fiber optic sensors; Optilan HoldCo 3 Limited, a company headquartered in Coventry, United Kingdom (“Optilan”) whose has ceased its business operations; Remote Intelligence, LLC, a company headquartered in Pennsylvania who provides unmanned aerial drone and unmanned ground crawler (UGC) services to a variety of clients from industrial mapping and ecosystem services, to search and rescue, to pipeline security; Wildlife Specialists, LLC, a company headquartered in Pennsylvania who provides clients with comprehensive wildlife and environmental assessment, planning, and monitoring services; TerraData Unmanned, PLLC, a company headquartered in Florida who custom manufactures NDAA compliant drones and unmanned ground crawlers to meet the needs of its customers; and DarkPulse Manufacturing formerly TJM Electronics West, Inc., a company headquartered in Arizona who is a U.S. manufacturer and tester of advanced electronics, cables and sub-assemblies specializing in advanced package and complex CCA and hardware.
Liquidation/winding up of Optilan (UK) Limited
On May 3, 2023, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, a creditor of Optilan (UK) Limited, filed a petition to wind up (“Winding up Petition”) Optilan (UK) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company’s Subsidiary, Optilan HoldCo 3 Limited, and the matter was due to be heard in the Portsmouth Combined Court Centre on June 28, 2023.
On June 28, 2023, the High Court of Justice in the United Kingdom issued a winding-up order for the liquidation and winding up of the affairs of Optilan (UK) Limited (“Optilan Liquidation”). In conjunction with the order, the court appointed the Official Receiver’s Office (“OR”) to take the appointment as liquidator of Optilan (UK) Limited and take control of Optilan (UK) Limited’s assets.
At the same time the court appointed the OR to take the appointment as liquidator of Optilan (UK) Limited. The OR has taken control of Optilan (UK) Limited’s assets. To date the ORs Office has initiated contact with Optilan but we still wait to receive details of the individual who will be taking the role of OR.
On July 3, 2023, Optilan (UK) Limited received a letter from The Insolvency Service, an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade located in the U.K. Pursuant to the letter of The Insolvency Services, the Company was required to provide information relating to Optilan (UK) Limited to the Official Receiver’s Office (a government body of Plymouth, the United Kingdom) and attend an interview with staff of the Official Receiver’s Office to review the prospect of recovering the assets of Optilan (UK) Limited for the benefit of creditors. The interview occurred July 18, 2023.
The Company is an Unsecured creditor of Optilan (UK) Limited and is at risk of losing any repayment of obligations due from Optilan (UK) Limited because there are several intercompany relationships between the Company and Optilan (UK) Limited, the financial impact of any future claims and liabilities may not be known for several months. The Company has approximately $19.4 million intercompany payables due from Optilan (UK), which will increase the Company liabilities for any obligations not repaid. At the time of this filing the Company is still evaluating the full effects of the winding-up order for liquidation and the material adverse effects it will have on the Company’s continued operations and ability to meet future obligations.
On August 9, 2023, Evelyn Partners was appointed Joint Liquidator.
|
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A summary of the significant accounting policies consistently applied in the preparation of the accompanying financial statements are as follows:
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 include the accounts of DarkPulse Inc. and its subsidiaries:
DarkPulse Technologies Inc. (“DPTI”), a New Brunswick, Canada corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary, incorporated December 16, 2010.
DPTI owns 100% of DarkPulse Technology Holdings Inc., a New York corporation, incorporated July 6, 2017.
On August 9, 2021, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Optilan Guernsey Limited and Optilan Holdco 2 Limited (the “Sellers”), pursuant to which the Company purchased from the Sellers all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Optilan HoldCo 3 Limited, a private company incorporated in England and Wales (“Optilan”) for £1.00. In connection with the acquisition, the Company acquired $14,828,459 in assets and assumed liabilities totaling $25,179,320. In 2023, Optilan was deemed insolvent by the entered liquidation. See Note 1.
On August 30, 2021, the Company closed two separate Membership Interest Purchase Agreements with Remote Intelligence, Limited Liability Company, a Pennsylvania limited liability company (“RI”) and Wildlife Specialists, LLC, a Pennsylvania limited liability company (“WS”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay to the majority shareholder of each of RI and WS an aggregate of shares of the Company’s Common Stock and $1,000,000 in exchange for 60% ownership of each of RI and WS.
On September 8, 2021, the Company entered into and closed the Stock Purchase Agreement with TJM Electronics West, Inc., an Arizona corporation (“TJM”), and TJM’s shareholders, pursuant to which we agreed to purchase all of the equity interests in TJM in exchange for $450,000.
Effective October 1, 2021 the Company entered into and closed the Membership Purchase Agreement with TerraData Unmanned, PLLC, a Florida limited liability company (“TerraData”), and Justin Dee, the sole shareholder of TerraData, pursuant to which the Company agreed to purchase 60% of the equity interests in TerraData in exchange for shares of the Company’s Common Stock and $400,000.
The Company evaluates its relationships with other entities to identify whether they are variable interest entities (“VIE”) as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”), and to assess whether it is the primary beneficiary of such entities. If the determination is made that the Company is the primary beneficiary, then that entity is consolidated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions reflected in these financial statements include, but are not limited to, assumptions used to calculate derivative liabilities, revenue recognition and impairment of long-lived assets. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, known trends and other market-specific or other relevant factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates when there are changes in circumstances, facts and experience. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents. The Company places its cash with high credit quality financial institutions. The Company’s account at this institution is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000. To reduce its risk associated with the failure of such a financial institution, the Company evaluates at least annually the rating of the financial institution in which it holds deposits.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable and contract assets include amounts billed to customers under the terms and provisions of the contracts. Most billings are determined based on contractual terms. As is common practice in the industry, the Company classifies all accounts receivable and contract assets, including retainage, as current assets. The contracting cycle for certain long-term contracts may extend beyond one year, and accordingly, collection of retainage on those contracts may extend beyond one year. Contract assets include amounts billed to customers under retention provisions in construction contracts. Such provisions are standard in the Company’s industry and usually allow for a portion of progress billings on the contract price, typically 5-10%, to be withheld by the customer until after the Company has completed work on the project. Billings for such retention balances at each balance sheet date are finalized and collected after project completion. Generally, unbilled amounts will be billed and collected within one year. The Company determined that there are no material amounts due past one year and no material amounts billed but not expected to be collected within one year. Also, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 in January 2023 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Each month, the Company reviews its receivables on a customer-by-customer basis and evaluates whether an allowance for doubtful accounts is necessary based on any known or perceived collection issues. Any balances that are eventually deemed uncollectible are written off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company determined that the allowance for doubtful accounts was $0 and $3,320,983, respectively. The allowance pertaining to Optilan UK was derecognized upon the Optilan Liquidation.
Accounts receivable includes retainage amounts for the portion of the contract price earned by us for work performed but held for payment by the customer as a form of security until we reach certain construction milestones or complete the project. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, retainage receivable was $0 and $824,777, respectively. The retainage pertaining to Optilan UK was derecognized upon the Optilan Liquidation.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company’s reporting currency is US Dollars. The accounts of one of the Company’s subsidiaries is maintained using the appropriate local currency, British Pound (“GBP”) as the functional currency, as well as the Turkish lira, Emiraes Dirham, Azerbajani Manat and Indian Rupee. The accounts of one of the Company’s subsidiaries is maintained using the appropriate local currency, Canadian Dollar (“CAD”) as the functional currency. All assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. Dollars at balance sheet date, shareholders' equity is translated at historical rates and revenue and expense accounts are translated at the average exchange rate for the year or the reporting period. The translation adjustments are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, captioned as accumulated other comprehensive (loss) gain. Transaction gains and losses arising from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the statements of operations as foreign currency exchange variance.
The relevant translation rates are as follows: for the year ended December 31, 2023 a closing rate at 1.2197 US$: GBP, average rate at 1.2384 US$:GBP, and closing rate of 1.27 US$:CAD.
The relevant translation rates are as follows: for the year ended December 31, 2022 a closing rate at 1.20582 US$: GBP, average rate at 1.23710 US$:GBP and for the Optilan acquisition closing rate at 1.375103 US$: CAD.
Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill
The Company accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360-10-35, Property, Plant and Equipment, Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets. This accounting standard requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets established in connection with business combinations consist of the tradename. The impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
The Company accounts for goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an entity over the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. ASC 350 requires that goodwill and other intangibles with indefinite lives be tested for impairment annually or on an interim basis if events or circumstances indicate that the fair value of an asset has decreased below its carrying value. This guidance simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by removing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. The quantitative impairment test calculates any goodwill impairment as the difference between the carrying amount of a reporting unit and its fair value, but not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. It is our practice, at a minimum, to perform a qualitative or quantitative goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter every year. The Company has one reporting unit it evaluates during its impairment test.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, management determined that certain events and circumstances occurred that indicated that the carrying amount of the Company’s reporting unit may not be recoverable. The qualitative assessment was primarily due to underperformance of the Company’s subsidiaries as compared to the Company’s initial projections at the time of each respective acquisition. Specifically, in 2022 the Company determined that certain revenue targets would not be achieved and anticipated costs to complete projects were higher than forecasted. As such, the Company compared the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying amounts and recorded an impairment loss of $12,222,598 pertaining to impairment and goodwill in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company recorded impairment of the indefinite-lived intangible asset of $2,703,456, and impairment of goodwill of $9,519,143. The Company has one reporting unit which was evaluated in the impairment test noted above. Refer to Note 7.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, as a result of Optilan Liquidation as described in Note 1, management determined that certain events and circumstances occurred that indicated that the carrying amount of the Company’s reporting unit may not be recoverable. The qualitative assessment was primarily due to the customer contracts held by Optilan (UK) Limited and the associated revenue projections by the UK subsidiary that is subject to the potential winding up. As such, the Company compared the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying amounts and recorded an impairment loss of $6,948,349 pertaining to impairment and goodwill and intangible assets in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company has one reporting unit which was evaluated in the impairment test noted above. As a result of the impairment, the Company had a carrying value of $0 pertaining to goodwill and intangible assets as of December 31, 2023.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is based on the estimated service lives of the depreciable assets and is calculated using the straight-line method. Expenditures that increase the value or productive capacity of assets are capitalized. Fully depreciated assets are retained in the property and equipment, and accumulated depreciation accounts until they are removed from service. When property and equipment are retired, sold or otherwise disposed of, the asset’s carrying amount and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in operations. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are generally as follows:
Revenue Recognition
The Company’s revenues are generated primarily from the sale of our services, which consist primarily of advanced technology solutions for integrated communications and security systems, as well as habitat management. The Company’s sales of products are primarily generated from our TJM subsidiaries. Sales of products and services are separate from one another. At contract inception, we assess the goods and services promised in the contract with customers and identify a performance obligation for each. To determine the performance obligation, we consider all products and services promised in the contract regardless of whether they are explicitly stated or implied by customary business practices. The timing of satisfaction of the performance obligation is not subject to significant judgment. We measure revenue as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for transferring goods and services. We recognize service revenues as the performance obligations are met, which is generally as milestones are satisfied over time. We generally recognize product revenues at the time of shipment, provided that all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.
The Company recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that the Company determines are within the scope of ASC 606, we perform the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) we satisfy a performance obligation. The five-step model is applied to contracts when it is probable that we will collect the consideration we are entitled to in exchange for the goods or services transferred to the customer. At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC 606, we assess the goods or services promised within each contract and determine those that are performance obligations and assess whether each promised good or service is distinct. We then recognize revenue in the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.
The Company considers each individual sale of service contract to be its own performance obligation. Services in the contract are highly interdependent and interrelated, and the successful completion of each milestone is necessary for the overall success of the contract. Therefore, each milestone is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contract, and not distinct and ultimately not individual performance obligations.
The Company records revenue over time using the input measure as it is the most faithful depiction of an entity’s performance because it directly measures the value of the goods and services transferred to the customer. The Company utilizes the Right to Invoice for these contracts, as the pricing structure is based on various milestones that are specified in the contract. These milestones include Construction Phase Plan, Start of the construction phase, installation phase, site surveys, fiber splicing, recoveries, and closeouts. There are specified payments associated with these milestones in the contract, and the value allocated is commensurate with work done. In the event that there are advances such as upfront retainers and not based on the value, those are recorded as contract liabilities.
In accordance with ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedient, which is to (1) clarify the objective of the collectability criterion for applying paragraph 606-10-25-7; (2) permit an entity to exclude amounts collected from customers for all sales (and other similar) taxes from the transaction price; (3) specify that the measurement date for noncash consideration is contract inception; (4) provide a practical expedient that permits an entity to reflect the aggregate effect of all modifications that occur before the beginning of the earliest period presented when identifying the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, determining the transaction price, and allocating the transaction price to the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations; (5) clarify that a completed contract for purposes of transition is a contract for which all (or substantially all) of the revenue was recognized under legacy GAAP before the date of initial application, and (6) clarify that an entity that retrospectively applies the guidance in Topic 606 to each prior reporting period is not required to disclose the effect of the accounting change for the period of adoption. The amendments of this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. There was no impact as a result of adopting this ASU on the financial statements and related disclosures. Based on the terms and conditions of the product arrangements, the Company believes that its products and services can be accounted for separately as its products and services have value to the Company’s customers on a stand-alone basis. When a transaction involves more than one product or service, revenue is allocated to each deliverable based on its relative fair value; otherwise, revenue is recognized as products are delivered or as services are provided over the term of the customer contract.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues consists primarily of materials and overhead costs incurred internally and amounts incurred to contract manufacturers to produce our products, airtime and other implementation costs incurred to install our products and train customer personnel, and customer service and third-party original equipment manufacturer costs to provide continuing support to our customers. Cost of revenues also includes direct labor attributable to revenue service arrangements.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents. The Company has not experienced any losses related to its cash and does not believe that it is subject to unusual credit risk beyond the normal credit risk associated with commercial banking relationships. As of December 31, 2022, one customer accounted for 38% of gross accounts receivable.
As of December 31, 2023, one customer accounted for 39% of gross accounts receivable.
Leases
The Company accounts for its leases under ASC 842, Leases. Under this guidance, arrangements meeting the definition of a lease are classified as operating or financing leases and are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as both a right of use asset and lease liability, calculated by discounting fixed lease payments over the lease term at the rate implicit in the lease or the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. Lease liabilities are increased by interest and reduced by payments each period, and the right of use asset is amortized over the lease term. For operating leases, interest on the lease liability and the amortization of the right of use asset result in straight-line rent expense over the lease term. For finance leases, interest on the lease liability and the amortization of the right of use asset results in front-loaded expense over the lease term. Variable lease expenses are recorded when incurred.
In calculating the right of use asset and lease liability, the Company has elected to combine lease and non-lease components. The Company excludes short-term leases having initial terms of 12 months or less from the new guidance as an accounting policy election and recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company evaluates the embedded conversion feature within its convertible debt instruments under ASC 815-15 and ASC 815-40 to determine if the conversion feature meets the definition of a liability and, if so, whether to bifurcate the conversion feature and account for it as a separate derivative liability. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the statements of operations. For stock-based derivative financial instruments, the Company uses a lattice model, in accordance with ASC 815-15, Derivative and Hedging, to value the derivative instruments at inception and on subsequent valuation dates. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within 12 months after the balance sheet date.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company measures its financial assets and liabilities in accordance with the requirements of FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. As defined in FASB ASC 820, the fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The Company utilized the market data of similar entities in its industry or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable. The Company classifies fair value balances based on the observability of those inputs. FASB ASC 820 established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurement) as follows:
Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments such as exchange-traded derivatives, marketable securities and listed equities.
Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date and includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility factors, and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Instruments in this category generally include non-exchange-traded derivatives such as commodity swaps, interest rate swaps, options and collars.
Level 3 – Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value.
The Company’s derivative liability is a Level 3 liability measured at fair value on a recurring basis. See Note 10.
Equity Investments
The Company uses the equity method to account for investments in which it has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee’s operating and financial policies, or in which its holds a partnership or limited liability company interest in an entity with specific ownership accounts, unless it has virtually no influence over the investee’s operating and financial policies. The Company follows the guidance in ASC 323-10-30-2, Joint Ventures, which prescribes the use of the equity method for investments in joint ventures where the Company has significant influence. Equity method investments are recorded at cost and are adjusted to recognize (1) the Company’s share, based on percentage ownership or other contractual basis, of the investee’s net income or loss after the date of investment, (2) amortization of the recorded investment that exceeds the Company’s share of the book value of the investee’s net assets, (3) additional contributions made and dividends received, and (4) impairments resulting from other-than-temporary declines in fair value. Gain (loss) on equity investment includes realized gains or losses upon the sale of the investment and are included as other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss).
Per ASC 323-10-30-2, Joint Ventures are accounted for using the equity method, in which the Company initially records its investment at cost, including transaction costs. Under the equity method, an investment in common stock and in-substance common stock is presented on the balance sheet of an investor as a single amount. However, any difference between the cost of the investment and the underlying equity in net assets of an investee — commonly referred to as a basis difference — should be accounted for as if the investee were a consolidated subsidiary.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the provision of ASC 740-10, (“ASC 740-10”) which requires, among other things, an asset and liability approach to calculating deferred income taxes. The asset and liability approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is provided to offset any net deferred tax assets for which management believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred asset will not be realized.
The Company follows the provision of ASC 740-10 related to Accounting for Uncertain Income Tax Positions. When tax returns are filed, there may be uncertainty about the merits of positions taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. In accordance with the guidance of ASC 740-10, the benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions.
Tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefit associated with tax positions taken that exceed the amount measured as described above should be reflected as a liability for uncertain tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.
The Company believes its tax positions are all more likely than not to be upheld upon examination. As such, the Company has not recorded a liability for uncertain tax benefits.
The Company has adopted ASC 740-10-25, Definition of Settlement which provides guidance on how an entity should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits and provides that a tax position can be effectively settled upon the completion and examination by a taxing authority without being legally extinguished. For tax positions considered effectively settled, an entity would recognize the full amount of tax benefit, even if the tax position is not considered more likely than not to be sustained based solely on the basis of its technical merits and the statute of limitations remains open. The federal and state income tax returns of the Company are subject to examination by the IRS and state taxing authorities, generally for three years after they are filed.
The Company's U.S. subsidiaries were incorporated in 2017, and tax returns have not yet been filed. The Company does not anticipate a tax liability for the years 2023 and 2022, however may be subject to certain penalties. The Company has filed tax returns in Canada for the year ended December 31, 2018, and they are still subject to audit.
Non-controlling Interests
Non-controlling interests are classified as a separate component of equity in the Company's consolidated balance sheets and statements of changes in stockholders’ equity. Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests are reflected separately from consolidated net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and statements of changes in stockholders’ equity. Any change in ownership of a subsidiary while the controlling financial interest is retained is accounted for as an equity transaction between the controlling and non-controlling interests. In addition, when a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained non-controlling equity investment in the former subsidiary will be initially measured at fair value and the difference between the carrying value and fair value of the retained interest will be recorded as a gain or loss. The Company has non-controlling interests via its subsidiaries TerraData, Remote Intelligence and Wildlife Specialists.
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded a loss of $902,156 and $238,661 respectively, attributable to non-controlling interests.
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss includes net loss well as other changes in stockholders’ equity that result from transactions and economic events other than those with stockholders. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s only element of other comprehensive loss was foreign currency translation.
Stock-based Compensation
Stock-based compensation is accounted for based on the requirements of the Share-Based Payment Topic of ASC 718 which requires recognition in the consolidated financial statements of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments over the period the employee or director is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively, the vesting period). The ASC also requires measurement of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award based on the grant-date fair value of the award.
Pursuant to ASC Topic 718, for share-based payments to consultants and other third-parties, compensation expense is determined at the “measurement date.” The expense is recognized over the vesting period of the award. Until the measurement date is reached, the total amount of compensation expense remains uncertain. The Company initially records compensation expense based on the fair value of the award at the reporting date. Further, ASC Topic 718, provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718, such as the repricing of share options, which would revalue those options and the accounting for the cancellation of an equity award whether a replacement award or other valuable consideration is issued in conjunction with the cancellation. If not, the cancellation is viewed as a replacement and not a modification, with a repurchase price of $0.
The Company accounts for earnings per share pursuant to ASC 260, Earnings per Share, which requires disclosure on the financial statements of "basic" and "diluted" earnings (loss) per share. Basic earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus common stock equivalents (if dilutive) related to stock options and warrants for each year. In periods where the Company has a net loss, all dilutive securities are excluded. Potentially dilutive items outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. This ASU requires entities to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The update will generally result in the recognition of contract assets and contract liabilities at amounts consistent with those recorded by the acquiree immediately before the acquisition date rather than at fair value. The Company expects that there would be no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon the adoption of this ASU.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, which simplifies the guidance on the issuer’s accounting for convertible debt instruments by removing the separation models for convertible debt with a cash conversion feature and convertible instruments with a beneficial conversion feature. As a result, entities will not separately present in equity an embedded conversion feature in such debt and will account for a convertible debt instrument wholly as debt, unless certain other conditions are met. The elimination of these models will reduce reported interest expense and increase reported net income for entities that have issued a convertible instrument that is within the scope of ASU 2020-06. ASU 2020-06 is applicable for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company adopted ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2022 and the adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASC 326). This standard replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. CECL requires an estimate of credit losses for the remaining estimated life of the financial asset using historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts and generally applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities, and some off-balance sheet credit exposures such as unfunded commitments to extend credit. Financial assets measured at amortized cost will be presented at the net amount expected to be collected by using an allowance for credit losses. The Company adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2023 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards could have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements. As new accounting pronouncements are issued, the Company will adopt those that are applicable
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| Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
| LIQUIDITY AND GOING CONCERN | NOTE 3 – LIQUIDITY AND GOING CONCERN
The Company generated net losses of $21,723,043 and $35,517,505 during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and net cash used in operating activities of $5,653,214 and $21,738,542, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s current liabilities exceeded its current assets by $18,126,281 and an accumulated deficit of $67,376,221. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $11,912 of cash.
The Company will require additional funding during the next twelve months to finance the growth of its current operations and achieve its strategic objectives. These factors, as well as the uncertain conditions that the Company faces relative to capital raising activities, create substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company is seeking to raise additional capital principally through private placement offerings and is targeting strategic partners in an effort to finalize the development of its products and begin generating revenues. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the success of future capital offerings or alternative financing arrangements or expansion of its operations. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. Management is actively pursuing additional sources of financing sufficient to generate enough cash flow to fund its operations for twelve months from the issuance date of these consolidated financial statements. However, management cannot make any assurances that such financing will be secured.
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| REVENUE | NOTE 4 – REVENUE
The following table is a summary of the Company’s timing of revenue recognition for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
The Company disaggregates revenue by source and geographic destination to depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.
Revenue by source consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Revenue by geographic destination consisted of the following for the for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Contracts
Contract revenue is recognized over time using the cost-to-cost measure of progress for fixed price contracts. The cost-to-cost measure of progress best depicts the continuous transfer of control of goods or services to the customer. The contractual terms provide that the customer compensates the Company for services rendered.
Contract costs include all direct materials, labor and subcontracted costs, as well as indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs and the costs of capital equipment. The cost estimation and review process for recognizing revenue over time under the cost-to- cost method is based on the professional knowledge and experience of the Company’s project managers, engineers and financial professionals. Management reviews estimates of total contract transaction price and total project costs on an ongoing basis. Changes in job performance, job conditions and management’s assessment of expected variable consideration are factors that influence estimates of the total contract transaction price, total costs to complete those contracts and profit recognition. Changes in these factors could result in revisions to revenue and costs of revenue in the period in which the revisions are determined on a prospective basis, which could materially affect the Company’s consolidated results of operations for that period. Provisions for losses on uncompleted contracts are recorded in the period in which such losses are determined.
Performance Obligations
A performance obligation is a contractual promise to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606. The transaction price of a contract is allocated to distinct performance obligations and recognized as revenue when or as the performance obligations are satisfied. The Company’s contracts often require significant integrated services and, even when delivering multiple distinct services, are generally accounted for as a single performance obligation. Contract amendments and change orders are generally not distinct from the existing contract due to the significant integrated service provided in the context of the contract and are accounted for as a modification of the existing contract and performance obligation. The majority of the Company’s performance obligations are completed within one year.
When more than one contract is entered into with a customer on or close to the same date, the Company evaluates whether those contracts should be combined and accounted for as a single contract as well as whether those contracts should be accounted for as more than one performance obligation. This evaluation requires significant judgment and is based on the facts and circumstances of the various contracts, which could change the amount of revenue and profit recognition in a given period depending upon the outcome of the evaluation.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had backlog of approximately $7,079,000. During the year ended December 31, 2022, there was approximately $4,200,000 in revenue recognized pertaining to backlog as of December 31, 2021.
Contract Assets and Liabilities
The Company bill its customers based on contractual terms, including, milestone billings based on the completion of certain phases of the work. Sometimes, billing occurs after revenue recognition, resulting in unbilled revenue, which is accounted for as a contract asset. Sometimes the Company receives advances payments from our customers before revenue is recognized, resulting in deferred revenue, which is accounted for as a contract liability.
Contract assets in the consolidated balance sheets represents costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, which arise when revenue has been recorded but the amount has not been billed.
Contract assets consist of the following:
Contract liabilities consist of the following:
Contract assets and liabilities on December 31, 2023 are $0 upon the deconsolidation related to the Optilan liquidation.
The following table is a summary of the Company’s activity of contract liabilities related to contracts with customers.
Variable Consideration
Transaction pricing for the Company’s contracts may include variable consideration, such as unapproved change orders, claims, incentives and liquidated damages. Management estimates variable consideration for a performance obligation utilizing estimation methods that best predict the amount of consideration to which the Company will be entitled. Variable consideration is included in the estimated transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. Management’s estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in transaction price are based on past practices with the customer, specific discussions, correspondence or preliminary negotiations with the customer, legal evaluations and all other relevant information that is reasonably available. The effect of a change in variable consideration on the transaction price of a performance obligation is typically recognized as an adjustment to revenue on a cumulative catch-up basis. To the extent unapproved change orders, claims and liquidated damages reflected in transaction price are not resolved in the Company’s favor, or to the extent incentives reflected in transaction price are not earned, there could be reductions in, or reversals of, previously recognized revenue.
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ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE |
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| Receivables [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE | NOTE 5 – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable consisted of the following:
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PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET |
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| PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET | NOTE 6 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
Depreciation expenses was $508,935 and $1,331,972 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
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GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS |
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| Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS | NOTE 7 - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
The following is a summary of activity of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Intangible Assets, Net
In connection with the Optilan acquisition, the Company recognized an intangible asset, a trade name, of $4,033,638. The trade name has a useful life of 25 years.
During the Company’s impairment analysis at December 31, 2022 (see Note 2), the Company recorded impairment of the trade name of $2,703,456.
The following is a summary of intangible assets, net:
Amortization expense was $34,070 and $161,346 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Patents - Intrusion Detection Intellectual Property
The Company relies on patent laws and restrictions on disclosure to protect its intellectual property rights. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company held three U.S. and foreign patents on its intrusion detection technology, which expire in calendar years 2025 through 2034 (depending on the payment of maintenance fees).
The DPTI issued patents cover a System and Method for Brillouin Analysis, a System and Method for Resolution Enhancement of a Distributed Sensor, and a Flexible Fiber Optic Deformation System Sensor and Method. Maintenance of intellectual property rights and the protection thereof is important to our business. Any patents that may be issued may not sufficiently protect the Company's intellectual property and third parties may challenge any issued patents. Other parties may independently develop similar or competing technology or design around any patents that may be issued to the Company. The Company cannot be certain that the steps it has taken will prevent the misappropriation of its intellectual property, particularly in foreign countries where the laws may not protect proprietary rights as fully as in the United States. Further, the Company may be required to enforce its intellectual property or other proprietary rights through litigation, which, regardless of success, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management's attention. Additionally, there may be existing patents of which the Company is unaware that could be pertinent to its business, and it is not possible to know whether there are patent applications pending that the Company's products might infringe upon, since these applications are often not publicly available until a patent is issued or published.
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had patent amortization costs on its intrusion detection technology totaling $14,212 and $75,087, respectively. Patents costs are being amortized over the remaining life of each patent, which is from 7 to 16 years.
The DPTI issued patents cover a System and Method for Brillouin Analysis, a System and Method for Resolution Enhancement of a Distributed Sensor, and a Flexible Fiber Optic Deformation System Sensor and Method. Maintenance of intellectual property rights and the protection thereof is important to our business. Any patents that may be issued may not sufficiently protect the Company's intellectual property and third parties may challenge any issued patents. Other parties may independently develop similar or competing technology or design around any patents that may be issued to the Company. The Company cannot be certain that the steps it has taken will prevent the misappropriation of its intellectual property, particularly in foreign countries where the laws may not protect proprietary rights as fully as in the United States. Further, the Company may be required to enforce its intellectual property or other proprietary rights through litigation, which, regardless of success, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management's attention. Additionally, there may be existing patents of which the Company is unaware that could be pertinent to its business, and it is not possible to know whether there are patent applications pending that the Company's products might infringe upon, since these applications are often not publicly available until a patent is issued or published.
The following is a summary of the DPTI patents as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Future expected amortization of patents is as follows:
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JOINT VENTURE |
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Dec. 31, 2023 | |
| Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] | |
| JOINT VENTURE | NOTE 8 – JOINT VENTURE
On September 9, 2022, the Company entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with Neural Signals Inc, (“NSI”), for the purpose of developing, marketing and selling products and services based on the patents issued to NSI. The parties established the Joint Venture, Neural Logistics Inc., under a separate entity to conduct business. The Company has 50% ownership in NSI. The Company determined that the investment was accounted for as an equity investment under ASC 323-10-30-2.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company contributed $113,124 to the joint venture and recorded a loss on the equity investment of $159,849. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company contributed $103,505 to the joint venture and recorded a loss on the equity investment of $51,753.
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ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES |
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| ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES | NOTE 9 – ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consists of the following as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
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DEBT |
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| Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DEBT | NOTE 10 – DEBT
Convertible Notes
The Company uses the Black-Scholes Model to calculate the derivative value of its convertible debt. The valuation result generated by this pricing model is necessarily driven by the value of the underlying common stock incorporated into the model. The values of the common stock used were based on the price at the date of issue of the debt security as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. In 2023 management determined the expected volatility of 106.90%, a risk-free rate of interest of 5.48%, and contractual lives of the debt of three months. In 2022 management determined the expected volatility of 140.30%, a risk-free rate of interest of 4.73%, and contractual lives of the debt of three months. Management made the determination to use an expected life rather than contractual life for the calculations for the matured debt as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
On August 7, 2023, the Company entered into a convertible note for a principal of $57,750. The note bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum and matures after one year. Following 180 days from the note, the noteholder may convert at a discount of 39%. The Company has reserved a sufficient number of shares of common stock for issuance upon full conversion of the note in accordance with the terms.
On September 29, 2023, the Company entered into a convertible note for a principal of $57,750, which was funded on October 4, 2023. The note bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum and matures after one year. Following 180 days from the note, the noteholder may convert at a discount of 39%. The Company has reserved a sufficient number of shares of common stock for issuance upon full conversion of the note in accordance with the terms (see Note 15).
On December 4, 2023, the Company entered into a convertible note for a principal of $51,150, which was funded on December 7, 2023. The note bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum and matures after one year. Following 180 days from the note, the noteholder may convert at a discount of 39%. The Company has reserved a sufficient number of shares of common stock for issuance upon full conversion of the note in accordance with the terms.
As of December 31, 2023 and, 2022, there was $166,650 and $378,263 of convertible debt principal outstanding. During the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, $12,025 and $0 of the debt discount was amortized.
The summary of convertible notes are:
The table below details the Company's outstanding convertible notes and related derivative liability:
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, change in fair value of the derivative liability was $167,582 and $227,286, respectively. The following is a summary of the derivative liability:
Notes Payable
On July 14, 2021, the Company entered a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “GS SPA”) with GS Capital Partners, LLC pursuant to which the Company issued to the Lender a 6% Redeemable Note in the principal amount of $2,000,000 (the “GS Note”). The purchase price of the GS Note is $1,980,000. The GS Note matures on July 14, 2022 upon which time all accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable. Interest accrues on the GS Note at 6% per annum until the GS Note becomes due and payable. The GS Note is subject to various “Events of Default,” which are disclosed in the GS Note. Upon the occurrence of an “Event of Default,” the interest rate on the GS Note will be 18%. The GS Note is not convertible into shares of the Company’s Common Stock and is not dilutive to existing or future shareholders and the Company used a portion of the proceeds of the GS Note to retire convertible debt. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, $1,923,868 and $2,000,000 remains outstanding. As of December 31, 2023, the GS Note is in default.
Loans Payable
The Company’s RI and WS subsidiaries have various loans including Small Business Association (“SBA”) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL’) loans, lines of credit and other advances. The loans bear interest with varying rates up to 9.25% per annum. The following is a summary of the loans payable at December 31, 2023 and 2022:
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SECURED DEBENTURE |
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| Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SECURED DEBENTURE | NOTE 11 – SECURED DEBENTURE
DPTI issued a convertible Debenture to the University (see Note 1) in exchange for the Patents assigned to the Company, in the amount of Canadian $1,500,000, or US $1,491,923 on December 16, 2010, the date of the Debenture. On April 24, 2017 DPTI issued a replacement secured term Debenture in the same CAD 1,500,000 amount as the original Debenture. The interest rate is the Bank of Canada Prime overnight rate plus 1% per annum. The Debenture had an initial required payment of CAD 42,000 (US$33,385) due on April 24, 2018 for reimbursement to the University of its research and development costs, and this has been paid. Interest-only maintenance payments are due annually starting after April 24, 2018. Payment of the principal begins on the earlier of (a) three years following two consecutive quarters of positive earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, (b) six years from April 24, 2017, or (c) in the event DPTI fails to raise defined capital amounts or secure defined contract amounts by April 24 in the years 2018, 2019, and 2020. The Company has raised funds in excess of the amount required for 2020, 2019 and 2018. Beginning in 2023, The principal repayment amounts will be due quarterly over a six year period in the amount of Canadian Dollars 62,500. Based on the exchange rate between the Canadian Dollar and the U.S. Dollar on December 31, 2018, the quarterly principal repayment amounts will be US$48,447. The Debenture is secured by the Patents assigned by the University to DPTI by an Assignment Agreement on December 16, 2010. DPTI has pledged the Patents, and granted a lien on them pursuant to an Escrow Agreement dated April 24, 2017, between DPTI and the University.
The Debenture was initially recorded at the $1,491,923 equivalent US Dollar amount of Canadian 1,500,000 as of December 16, 2010, the date of the original Debenture. The liability is being adjusted quarterly based on the current exchange value of the Canadian dollar to the US dollar at the end of each quarter. The adjustment is recorded as unrealized gain or loss in the change of the value of the two currencies during the quarter. The Debenture also includes a provision requiring DPTI to pay the University a 2% royalty on sales of any and all products or services which incorporate the Patents for a period of five years from April 24, 2018. To date, no royalties have been paid.
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded interest expense of $66,813 and $36,307, respectively.
As of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the outstanding balance of the debenture liability totaled $1,099,250 and $1,090,827, respectively.
Future minimum required payments over the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
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LEASES |
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| LEASES | NOTE 12 – LEASES
The following was included in our balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate at December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Operating Leases
On January 12, 2021, the Company’s newly acquired subsidiary entered into an operating lease agreement to rent office space in Mumbai, India. This three-year agreement commenced January 12, 2021 with an annual rent of approximately $50,000.
On May 27, 2021, the Company’s newly acquired subsidiary entered into an operating lease agreement to rent office space in Warwick, United Kingdom. This ten-year agreement commenced May 27, 2021 with an annual rent of approximately $85,000 with the first six months rent free.
On August 31, 2021, the Company’s newly acquired subsidiary entered into an operating lease agreement to rent office space in Tempe, Arizona. This five-year agreement commenced August 31, 2021 with an annual rent of approximately $192,000.
On October 20, 2021, the Company’s newly acquired subsidiary entered into an operating lease agreement to rent office space in Warwick, United Kingdom. This ten-year agreement commenced October 20, 2021 with an annual rent of approximately $200,000 with the first six months rent free.
On March 9, 2022, the Company entered into an operating lease agreement to rent office space in Houston, Texas. This ten-year agreement commenced March 9. 2022 with an annual rent of approximately $81,000 with the first twelve months rent free.
On June 28, 2023, the Company recognized a gain on deconsolidation of $1,642,146 related to Optilan (UK) and its subsidiaries leases.
The following table reconciles future minimum operating lease payments to the discounted lease liability as of December 31, 2023:
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STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) |
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| STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) | NOTE 13 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Preferred Stock
In accordance with the Company’s bylaws, the Company has authorized a total of shares of preferred stock, par value $ per share, for all classes. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022 respectively, there were and total preferred shares issued and outstanding for all classes.
Common Stock
In accordance with the Company’s bylaws, the Company has authorized a total of shares of common stock, par value $ per share. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were and common shares issued, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were and common shares outstanding, respectively.
2022 Transactions
On May 27, 2022 we entered an Equity Financing Agreement (the “EFA”) and Registration Rights Agreement (the “RRA”) with GHS, pursuant to which GHS agreed to purchase up to $70,000,000 in shares of our Common Stock, from time to time over the course of 24 months after effectiveness of a registration statement on Form S-1 (the “Registration Statement”) of the underlying shares of Common Stock.
The RRA provides that we shall (i) use our best efforts to file with the SEC a Registration Statement within 45 days of the date of the GHS Registration Rights Agreement; and (ii) have the Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC within 30 days after the date the GHS Registration Statement is filed with the SEC, but in no event more than 90 days after the GHS Registration Statement is filed.
2023 Transactions
On April 28, 2023 the Company entered into an Equity Financing Agreement with GHS, to which GHS agreed to Purchase $30,000,000 in shares of our Common Stock over the course of 12 months at 92% of the current market price.
On June 13, 2023 the Company entered into an Amendment to the 2023 Equity Financing Agreement with GHS, to which GHS agreed to Purchase $30,000,000 in shares of our Common Stock over the course of 12 months at 92% of the current market price.
On July 10,2023 the Company entered into a Second Amendment to the 2023 Equity Financing Agreement with GHS, to which GHS agreed to purchase up to $30,000,000 in shares of our Common Stock over the course of 12 months at 92% of the current market price.
On September 5, 2023, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $100,000.
The RRA provides that we shall (i) use our best efforts to file with the SEC a Registration Statement within 45 days of the date of the GHS Registration Rights Agreement; and (ii) have the Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC within 30 days after the date the GHS Registration Statement is filed with the SEC, but in no event more than 90 days after the GHS Registration Statement is filed.
The below table of puts from 1/12/2023 through 4/11/2023 were made by the Company under the 2022 EFA during 2023. The put from 4/28/2023 was made under the EFA dated 4/28/2023. The puts from 6/26/2023 and 7/3/2023 were made by the Company under the Amended EFA dated June 13, 2023. The 7/10/2023 put was made by the Company under the Second Amended EFA dated July 10, 2023.
In January 2023, the Company entered into a settlement of a dispute between certain stockholders in which the Company decided, during the period ended June 30, 2023, to issue shares to settle the dispute. In January 2023, the Company issued shares of common stock to the individuals. The fair value of $1,989,900, or $ per share, was included in professional fees in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023. As part of this transaction $280,536 of accrued liabilities have been reversed.
Stock Options
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had outstanding stock options.
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INCOME TAXES |
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| Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| INCOME TAXES | NOTE 14 – INCOME TAXES
The domestic and foreign components of loss before (benefit) provision for income taxes were as follows:
The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 differs from the amount which would be expected as a result of applying the statutory tax rates to the losses before income taxes due primarily to the valuation allowance to fully reserve net deferred tax assets.
The following table summarizes the significant differences between statutory rates for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
The Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
The Company has approximately $26,485,942 of federal and state net operating loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2023. Of the $26.4 million of NOL's, $4.8 million will begin to expire in 2023 while $15.9 million will not expire but will be limited to 80% utilization. The company also has net operating losses in the UK of $22,085,338 and $636,852 of net operating loss carryforwards in Canada which will begin to expire in 2038.
The Company records a tax valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that it will not be able to recover the value of its deferred tax assets. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company calculated its estimated annualized effective tax rate at 0% and 0%, respectively, for both the United States, Canada and the UK. The Company had no income tax expense on its losses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. The Company recognizes interest accrued on uncertain tax positions as well as interest received from favorable tax settlements within interest expense. The Company recognizes penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits within selling, general and administrative expenses. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had no uncertain tax positions.
The Company does not anticipate any significant changes to the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months. The Company files income tax returns in New Brunswick, Canada, and the U.S. federal, New York, and Delaware and the UK jurisdictions. Tax years 2012 to current remain open to examination by Canadian authorities; the tax year 2020 remains open to examination by U.S. authorities.
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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
12 Months Ended |
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Dec. 31, 2023 | |
| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | NOTE 15 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Potential Royalty Payments
The Company, in consideration of the terms of the debenture to the University of New Brunswick, shall pay to the University a two percent royalty on sales of any and all products or services, which incorporate the Company's patents for a period of five years from April 24, 2018.
Legal Matters
Carebourn Capital, L.P. v. DarkPulse, Inc.
On or about January 29, 2021, Carebourn Capital, L.P. (“Carebourn”) commenced an action against the Company in Minnesota State Court. Carebourn alleged that the Company was in breach of certain securities purchase agreements and convertible promissory notes sold to Carebourn on or about July 17, 2018 and July 24, 2018.
On or about August 31, 2021, the Company answered Carebourn’s complaint and interposed affirmative defenses, including that Carebourn was an unregistered “dealer,” as such term is defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) and, therefore, all contracts between the parties arising from or related to the securities purchase agreements and convertible promissory notes sold to Carebourn on or about July 17, 2018 and July 24, 2018 were void pursuant to the Exchange Act. The Company also asserted counterclaims against Carebourn under the Minnesota Securities Act.
On or about April 21, 2023, the State Court ruled in the Company’s favor on its motion for partial summary judgment on its Exchange Act defense, holding that (i) Carebourn is a “dealer” under the Exchange Act in violation of the mandatory registration requirement imposed thereby, and (ii) all contracts between the parties are void.
On or about November 17, 2023, the State Court ruled in the Company’s favor on its motion for summary judgment on its Minnesota Securities Act counterclaims against Carebourn and awarded damages for Carebourn’s violation of Minn. Stat. § 80A.76(d) in the amount of $124,012.91, attorney’s fees in the amount of $239,923.33 and costs in the amount of $23,757.24 (or a total award in the amount of $387,693.48).
On or about March 23, 2024, Carebourn appealed the final judgment entered by the State Court against Carebourn and in favor of the Company.
On or about March 25, 2024, the Minnesota Appellate Court entered an Order, noting that Minn. R. Civ. App. P. 104.01 provides that appeals must be taken within 60 days of the date of the final judgment and, therefore, it appears that Carebourn failed to timely take its appeal. The Appellate Court requested the parties submit informal briefing in response to two questions: (a) Did the time to appeal the December 27, 2024 amended judgment expire on February 26, 2024; and (b) If the answer to (a) is yes, must this appeal be dismissed as untimely. On or about April 4, 2024, DarkPulse filed its informal briefing in response with the Appellate Court. The Company is currently awaiting a decision from the Appellate Court.
As of the date hereof, Carebourn has refused to voluntarily satisfy the final judgment. Accordingly, the Company intends to exercise all legal rights and remedies available to it to collect the amounts awarded.
DarkPulse intends to continue to exercise all legal rights and remedies available to it to collect the amounts awarded should Carebourn fail to voluntarily pay the same.
More Capital, LLC v. DarkPulse, Inc. et al
On or about June 29, 2021, More Capital, LLC (“More”) commenced an action against the Company in Minnesota State Court. More alleged that the Company was in breach of a certain securities purchase agreement and convertible promissory note sold to More on or about August 20, 2018.
On or about September 3, 2021, the Company answered More’s complaint and interposed affirmative defenses, including that More was an unregistered “dealer,” as such term is defined in the Exchange Act and, therefore, all contracts between the parties arising from or related to the securities purchase agreement and convertible promissory note sold to More on or about August 20, 2018 were void pursuant to the Exchange Act. The Company also asserted counterclaims against More under the Minnesota Securities Act.
On or about December 11, 2023, the Minnesota State Court ruled in the Company’s favor on its motion for summary judgment on its (a) Exchange Act defense, holding that (1) More is a “dealer” under the Exchange Act in violation of the mandatory registration requirement imposed thereby, and (ii) all contracts between the parties are void, and (b) Minnesota Securities Act counterclaims against More and awarded damages for More’s violation of Minn. Stat. § 80A.76(d) in the amount of $300,809.39, attorney’s fees in the amount of $110,029.00 and costs in the amount of $210.25 (or a total award in the amount of $412,048.64).
On or about March 23, 2024, More appealed the final judgment entered by the State Court against More and in favor of the Company.
On or about March 25, 2024, the Minnesota Appellate Court entered an Order, noting that Minn. R. Civ. App. P. 104.01 provides that appeals must be taken within 60 days of the date of the final judgment and, therefore, it appears that More failed to timely take its appeal. The Appellate Court requested the parties submit informal briefing in response to two questions: (a) Did the time to appeal the December 27, 2024 amended judgment expire on February 26, 2024; and (b) If the answer to (a) is yes, must this appeal be dismissed as untimely. On or about April 4, 2024, DarkPulse filed its informal briefing in response with the Appellate Court. The Company is currently awaiting a decision from the Appellate Court.
As of April 1, 2024, the final judgment had not yet been satisfied by More, nor had a judgment been entered that stayed enforcement of that judgment. Accordingly, the Company took actions to enforce and collect the judgment including, inter alia, serving garnishment summons on More’s banks.
As of the date hereof, More has refused to voluntarily satisfy the final judgement. Accordingly, the Company intends to exercise all legal rights and remedies available to it to collect the amounts awarded.
Carebourn Capital et al v. Standard Registrar and Transfer et al
On or about May 20, 2022, Carebourn and More (together with Carebourn, the “Noteholders”) commenced an action against the Company, certain members of the Company’s executive team and board of directors and Standard Registrar and Transfer Company, Inc., the Company’s transfer agent, in the United States District Court for the District of Utah. The Noteholders’ complaint alleged various causes of action arising from certain securities purchase agreements and convertible promissory notes the Company sold to the Noteholders.
On or about November 23, 2022, the Company and the members of the Company’s executive team and board of directors named in this action moved to dismiss the Noteholders’ complaint.
On or about February 21, 2023, the Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss in part and stayed the action pending resolution of the motion for summary judgment brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission against Carebourn in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.
On or about November 1, 2023, the Noteholders moved to dismiss the action.
On or about November 2, 2023, the Company moved for sanctions against the Noteholders and their counsel of record.
On or about December 4, 2023, the Court entered an order granting dismissal of the Noteholders’ claims with prejudice. The Court acknowledged that notwithstanding its dismissal of the Noteholders’ claims, the Court continues to retain jurisdiction over the Noteholders because of DarkPulse’s pending motion for sanctions against the Noteholders and their attorneys.
On May 22, 2024, the Court scheduled oral arguments on the Company’s sanction motion on July 2, 2024.
DarkPulse, Inc. v. FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC, and Eli Fireman
On or about December 31, 2021, the Company commenced an action against FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC (“FirstFire”) and its control person, Eli Fireman (“Fireman,” and together with FirstFire, the “FirstFire Defendants”), in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
On or about May 5, 2022, the Company amended its complaint against the FirstFire Defendants. The amended complaint alleges that the FirstFire Defendants were liable to the Company for rescission of certain convertible promissory notes and transitions effected thereunder and damages pursuant to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”).
On or about January 17, 2023, the Court granted the FirstFire Defendants’ motion to dismiss the Company’s operative pleading. Later on the same day, the Company appealed the Court’s decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (“Second Circuit”).
Oral arguments were held before the Second Circuit on the Company’s appeal on December 11, 2023.
On March 28, 2024, the Second Circuit issued its decision and found that the District Court (a) properly found that the Delaware forum-selection clause was enforceable but, thereafter, (b) improperly made a ruling on the merits of the Company’s claims for relief. As a result, the Second Circuit affirmed the District Court’s decision in part, vacated in part and remanded the case back to the District Court for transferring to the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.
As of the date hereof, this action has not yet transferred to the Delaware Court. The Company remains committed to actively litigating its claims for relief under RICO.
DarkPulse, Inc., et al v. Crown Bridge Partners, LLC, et al
On or about September 23, 2022, the Company, Social Life Network, Inc. and Redhawk Holdings Corp. commenced an action against Crown Bridge Partners, LLC (“Crown Bridge”) and its control persons, Soheil Ahdoot and Sepas Ahdoot (collectively, the “Crown Bridge Defendants”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaint alleges that the Crown Bridge Defendants are liable to each of the plaintiffs for damages pursuant to RICO.
On or about September 29, 2023, the Court granted the Crown Bridge Defendants’ motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ complaint.
On October 23, 2023, the plaintiffs appealed the Court’s decision to the Second Circuit.
As of the date hereof, the appeal is fully briefed.
The Company remains committed to actively litigating its claims for relief under RICO.
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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
12 Months Ended |
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Dec. 31, 2023 | |
| Related Party Transactions [Abstract] | |
| RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | NOTE 16 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company follows subtopic 850-10 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification for the identification of related parties and disclosure of related party transactions. Pursuant to Section 850-10-20 the related parties include a) affiliates of the Company; b) Entities for which investments in their equity securities would be required, absent the election of the fair value option under the Fair Value Option Subsection of Section 825-10-15, to be accounted for by the equity method by the investing entity; c) trusts for the benefit of employees, such as pension and profit-sharing trusts that are managed by or under the trusteeship of management; d) principal owners of the Company; e) management of the Company; f) other parties with which the Company may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests; and g) Other parties that can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the transacting parties or that have an ownership interest in one of the transacting parties and can significantly influence the other to an extent that one or more of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests. The financial statements shall include disclosures of material related party transactions, other than compensation arrangements, expense allowances, and other similar items in the ordinary course of business. However, disclosure of transactions that are eliminated in the preparation of consolidated or combined financial statements is not required in those statements. The disclosures shall include: a) the nature of the relationship(s) involved; b) a description of the transactions, including transactions to which no amounts or nominal amounts were ascribed, for each of the periods for which income statements are presented, and such other information deemed necessary to an understanding of the effects of the transactions on the financial statements; c) the dollar amounts of transactions for each of the periods for which income statements are presented and the effects of any change in the method of establishing the terms from that used in the preceding period; and d) amounts due from or to related parties as of the date of each balance sheet presented and, if not otherwise apparent, the terms and manner of settlement.
During the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, certain executives of the Company received $120,000 and $270,000, respectively, in Directors fees from Optilan for being members of Optilan’s Board of Directors.
Remote Intelligence and Wildlife Specialists Loan Payables
RI has a loan payable with the former majority shareholder, who is a shareholder in the Company after the acquisition of 60% of RI’s membership interests. The loan is unsecured, non-interest bearing and due on demand. As of both year ended 2023 and 2022, the outstanding balance was $226,247.
WS has a loan payable with the former majority shareholder, who is a shareholder in the Company after the acquisition of 60% of WS’s membership interests. The loan is unsecured, non-interest bearing and due on demand. As of both year ended 2023 and 2022, the outstanding balance was $135,500.
On October 12, 2022, the Company entered into and closed the Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company purchased shares of Class B Common Stock (the “Class B Common Stock”) and Private Placement Warrants, each of which is exercisable to purchase one share of Class A Common Stock (the “Warrants,” together, with the Class B Common Stock, the “Securities”) of Gladstone Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (NASDAQ: GLEE) (the “SPAC”), from Gladstone Sponsor, LLC (“Original Sponsor”) for $1,500,000 (the “Purchase Price”). The SPAC subsequently changed its name to Global Systems Dynamics, Inc. (“GSD”).
As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company’s $1,500,000 investment in GSD was accounted for as cost.
In addition to the payment of the Purchase Price, the Company also assumed the following obligations: (i) responsibility for all of SPAC’s public company reporting obligations, (ii) the right to provide an extension payment and extend the deadline of the SPAC to complete an initial business combination from 15 months from August 9, 2021 to 18 months for an additional $1,150,000, and (iii) all other obligations and liabilities of the Original Sponsor related to the SPAC. The principal balance of this note shall be payable by GSD on the earlier to occur of: (i) the date on which GSD consummates its initial business combination (the “Business Combination”) and (ii) the date that the winding up of GSD is effective. The note does not bear interest. On February 7, 2023 and March 9, 2023, GSD issued a non-convertible promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of $167,894 ($83,947 per month) to the Company in connection with the extension of the termination date for the GSD’s initial business combination.
As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the outstanding note receivable was $0 and $1,049,248, respectively. On January 24,2024 the SPAC was terminated and the outstanding note receivable was determined to be uncollectible, therefore, written off as bad debt as of December 31, 2023.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company has $0 and $318,025, respectively, owed from GSD and included as due from related party on the consolidated balance sheet. These advances were made to pay for certain expenses on behalf of the SPAC, as well as $120,000 in accrued management fees. The advances are unsecured, non-interest bearing and due on demand. On January 24,2024 the SPAC was terminated and the outstanding due from related party was determined to be uncollectible, therefore, written off as bad debt as of December 31, 2023.
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SUBSEQUENT EVENTS |
12 Months Ended |
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Dec. 31, 2023 | |
| Subsequent Events [Abstract] | |
| SUBSEQUENT EVENTS | NOTE 17 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On January 8, 2024 the Company issued 52,162,997 shares to a third party in exchange for cash in accordance with its equity agreement.
On January 23, 2024, the BCA was terminated by mutual consent of the parties thereto. Although, as the Sponsor of GSD, the Company still owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock of GSD, all legal rights the Company had under the BCA have been terminated.
On February 12, 2024, February 13, 2024 and February 14, 2024 the Company executed a convertible note from a third party, into 36,363,636, 32,786,885 and 42,117,347 shares respectively, in accordance with its Securities Purchase Agreement.
On February 28, 2024, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 178,571,428 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $100,000.
On March 28, 2024 the Company issued 27,777,777 shares to a third party of in accordance with the Securities Purchase Agreement Dated November 30, 2023.
On April 9, 2024 the court dismissed both Carebourn and Moore’s appeal that concluded the original judgment case in which DarkPulse won its counterclaims. The Company is now actively enforcing the judgments.
On May 2, 2024, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 104,166,667 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $50,000.
On May 20, 2024 the company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreements with investors for the purchase of 288,888,889 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $130,000.
On May 23, 2024 the company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 22,222,222 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $10,000.
On June 9, 2024 the company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 48,888,888 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $22,000.
On June 18, 2024 the company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 22,222,222 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $10,000.
On July 1, 2024 the company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 111,111,111 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $50,000.
On July 9, 2024 the company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 111,111,111 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $50,000.
On July 12, 2024 the company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with an investor for the purchase of 33,333,333 shares of Common Stock for a total consideration of $15,000.
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| Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation | Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 include the accounts of DarkPulse Inc. and its subsidiaries:
DarkPulse Technologies Inc. (“DPTI”), a New Brunswick, Canada corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary, incorporated December 16, 2010.
DPTI owns 100% of DarkPulse Technology Holdings Inc., a New York corporation, incorporated July 6, 2017.
On August 9, 2021, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Optilan Guernsey Limited and Optilan Holdco 2 Limited (the “Sellers”), pursuant to which the Company purchased from the Sellers all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Optilan HoldCo 3 Limited, a private company incorporated in England and Wales (“Optilan”) for £1.00. In connection with the acquisition, the Company acquired $14,828,459 in assets and assumed liabilities totaling $25,179,320. In 2023, Optilan was deemed insolvent by the entered liquidation. See Note 1.
On August 30, 2021, the Company closed two separate Membership Interest Purchase Agreements with Remote Intelligence, Limited Liability Company, a Pennsylvania limited liability company (“RI”) and Wildlife Specialists, LLC, a Pennsylvania limited liability company (“WS”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay to the majority shareholder of each of RI and WS an aggregate of shares of the Company’s Common Stock and $1,000,000 in exchange for 60% ownership of each of RI and WS.
On September 8, 2021, the Company entered into and closed the Stock Purchase Agreement with TJM Electronics West, Inc., an Arizona corporation (“TJM”), and TJM’s shareholders, pursuant to which we agreed to purchase all of the equity interests in TJM in exchange for $450,000.
Effective October 1, 2021 the Company entered into and closed the Membership Purchase Agreement with TerraData Unmanned, PLLC, a Florida limited liability company (“TerraData”), and Justin Dee, the sole shareholder of TerraData, pursuant to which the Company agreed to purchase 60% of the equity interests in TerraData in exchange for shares of the Company’s Common Stock and $400,000.
The Company evaluates its relationships with other entities to identify whether they are variable interest entities (“VIE”) as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”), and to assess whether it is the primary beneficiary of such entities. If the determination is made that the Company is the primary beneficiary, then that entity is consolidated.
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| Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates
The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions reflected in these financial statements include, but are not limited to, assumptions used to calculate derivative liabilities, revenue recognition and impairment of long-lived assets. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, known trends and other market-specific or other relevant factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates when there are changes in circumstances, facts and experience. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
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| Cash | Cash
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents. The Company places its cash with high credit quality financial institutions. The Company’s account at this institution is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000. To reduce its risk associated with the failure of such a financial institution, the Company evaluates at least annually the rating of the financial institution in which it holds deposits.
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| Accounts Receivable | Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable and contract assets include amounts billed to customers under the terms and provisions of the contracts. Most billings are determined based on contractual terms. As is common practice in the industry, the Company classifies all accounts receivable and contract assets, including retainage, as current assets. The contracting cycle for certain long-term contracts may extend beyond one year, and accordingly, collection of retainage on those contracts may extend beyond one year. Contract assets include amounts billed to customers under retention provisions in construction contracts. Such provisions are standard in the Company’s industry and usually allow for a portion of progress billings on the contract price, typically 5-10%, to be withheld by the customer until after the Company has completed work on the project. Billings for such retention balances at each balance sheet date are finalized and collected after project completion. Generally, unbilled amounts will be billed and collected within one year. The Company determined that there are no material amounts due past one year and no material amounts billed but not expected to be collected within one year. Also, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 in January 2023 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Each month, the Company reviews its receivables on a customer-by-customer basis and evaluates whether an allowance for doubtful accounts is necessary based on any known or perceived collection issues. Any balances that are eventually deemed uncollectible are written off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company determined that the allowance for doubtful accounts was $0 and $3,320,983, respectively. The allowance pertaining to Optilan UK was derecognized upon the Optilan Liquidation.
Accounts receivable includes retainage amounts for the portion of the contract price earned by us for work performed but held for payment by the customer as a form of security until we reach certain construction milestones or complete the project. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, retainage receivable was $0 and $824,777, respectively. The retainage pertaining to Optilan UK was derecognized upon the Optilan Liquidation.
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| Foreign Currency Translation | Foreign Currency Translation
The Company’s reporting currency is US Dollars. The accounts of one of the Company’s subsidiaries is maintained using the appropriate local currency, British Pound (“GBP”) as the functional currency, as well as the Turkish lira, Emiraes Dirham, Azerbajani Manat and Indian Rupee. The accounts of one of the Company’s subsidiaries is maintained using the appropriate local currency, Canadian Dollar (“CAD”) as the functional currency. All assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. Dollars at balance sheet date, shareholders' equity is translated at historical rates and revenue and expense accounts are translated at the average exchange rate for the year or the reporting period. The translation adjustments are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, captioned as accumulated other comprehensive (loss) gain. Transaction gains and losses arising from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the statements of operations as foreign currency exchange variance.
The relevant translation rates are as follows: for the year ended December 31, 2023 a closing rate at 1.2197 US$: GBP, average rate at 1.2384 US$:GBP, and closing rate of 1.27 US$:CAD.
The relevant translation rates are as follows: for the year ended December 31, 2022 a closing rate at 1.20582 US$: GBP, average rate at 1.23710 US$:GBP and for the Optilan acquisition closing rate at 1.375103 US$: CAD.
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| Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill | Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill
The Company accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360-10-35, Property, Plant and Equipment, Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets. This accounting standard requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets established in connection with business combinations consist of the tradename. The impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
The Company accounts for goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an entity over the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. ASC 350 requires that goodwill and other intangibles with indefinite lives be tested for impairment annually or on an interim basis if events or circumstances indicate that the fair value of an asset has decreased below its carrying value. This guidance simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by removing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. The quantitative impairment test calculates any goodwill impairment as the difference between the carrying amount of a reporting unit and its fair value, but not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. It is our practice, at a minimum, to perform a qualitative or quantitative goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter every year. The Company has one reporting unit it evaluates during its impairment test.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, management determined that certain events and circumstances occurred that indicated that the carrying amount of the Company’s reporting unit may not be recoverable. The qualitative assessment was primarily due to underperformance of the Company’s subsidiaries as compared to the Company’s initial projections at the time of each respective acquisition. Specifically, in 2022 the Company determined that certain revenue targets would not be achieved and anticipated costs to complete projects were higher than forecasted. As such, the Company compared the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying amounts and recorded an impairment loss of $12,222,598 pertaining to impairment and goodwill in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company recorded impairment of the indefinite-lived intangible asset of $2,703,456, and impairment of goodwill of $9,519,143. The Company has one reporting unit which was evaluated in the impairment test noted above. Refer to Note 7.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, as a result of Optilan Liquidation as described in Note 1, management determined that certain events and circumstances occurred that indicated that the carrying amount of the Company’s reporting unit may not be recoverable. The qualitative assessment was primarily due to the customer contracts held by Optilan (UK) Limited and the associated revenue projections by the UK subsidiary that is subject to the potential winding up. As such, the Company compared the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying amounts and recorded an impairment loss of $6,948,349 pertaining to impairment and goodwill and intangible assets in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company has one reporting unit which was evaluated in the impairment test noted above. As a result of the impairment, the Company had a carrying value of $0 pertaining to goodwill and intangible assets as of December 31, 2023.
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| Property and Equipment | Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is based on the estimated service lives of the depreciable assets and is calculated using the straight-line method. Expenditures that increase the value or productive capacity of assets are capitalized. Fully depreciated assets are retained in the property and equipment, and accumulated depreciation accounts until they are removed from service. When property and equipment are retired, sold or otherwise disposed of, the asset’s carrying amount and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in operations. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are generally as follows:
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| Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition
The Company’s revenues are generated primarily from the sale of our services, which consist primarily of advanced technology solutions for integrated communications and security systems, as well as habitat management. The Company’s sales of products are primarily generated from our TJM subsidiaries. Sales of products and services are separate from one another. At contract inception, we assess the goods and services promised in the contract with customers and identify a performance obligation for each. To determine the performance obligation, we consider all products and services promised in the contract regardless of whether they are explicitly stated or implied by customary business practices. The timing of satisfaction of the performance obligation is not subject to significant judgment. We measure revenue as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for transferring goods and services. We recognize service revenues as the performance obligations are met, which is generally as milestones are satisfied over time. We generally recognize product revenues at the time of shipment, provided that all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.
The Company recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that the Company determines are within the scope of ASC 606, we perform the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) we satisfy a performance obligation. The five-step model is applied to contracts when it is probable that we will collect the consideration we are entitled to in exchange for the goods or services transferred to the customer. At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC 606, we assess the goods or services promised within each contract and determine those that are performance obligations and assess whether each promised good or service is distinct. We then recognize revenue in the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.
The Company considers each individual sale of service contract to be its own performance obligation. Services in the contract are highly interdependent and interrelated, and the successful completion of each milestone is necessary for the overall success of the contract. Therefore, each milestone is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contract, and not distinct and ultimately not individual performance obligations.
The Company records revenue over time using the input measure as it is the most faithful depiction of an entity’s performance because it directly measures the value of the goods and services transferred to the customer. The Company utilizes the Right to Invoice for these contracts, as the pricing structure is based on various milestones that are specified in the contract. These milestones include Construction Phase Plan, Start of the construction phase, installation phase, site surveys, fiber splicing, recoveries, and closeouts. There are specified payments associated with these milestones in the contract, and the value allocated is commensurate with work done. In the event that there are advances such as upfront retainers and not based on the value, those are recorded as contract liabilities.
In accordance with ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedient, which is to (1) clarify the objective of the collectability criterion for applying paragraph 606-10-25-7; (2) permit an entity to exclude amounts collected from customers for all sales (and other similar) taxes from the transaction price; (3) specify that the measurement date for noncash consideration is contract inception; (4) provide a practical expedient that permits an entity to reflect the aggregate effect of all modifications that occur before the beginning of the earliest period presented when identifying the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, determining the transaction price, and allocating the transaction price to the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations; (5) clarify that a completed contract for purposes of transition is a contract for which all (or substantially all) of the revenue was recognized under legacy GAAP before the date of initial application, and (6) clarify that an entity that retrospectively applies the guidance in Topic 606 to each prior reporting period is not required to disclose the effect of the accounting change for the period of adoption. The amendments of this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. There was no impact as a result of adopting this ASU on the financial statements and related disclosures. Based on the terms and conditions of the product arrangements, the Company believes that its products and services can be accounted for separately as its products and services have value to the Company’s customers on a stand-alone basis. When a transaction involves more than one product or service, revenue is allocated to each deliverable based on its relative fair value; otherwise, revenue is recognized as products are delivered or as services are provided over the term of the customer contract.
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| Cost of Revenues | Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues consists primarily of materials and overhead costs incurred internally and amounts incurred to contract manufacturers to produce our products, airtime and other implementation costs incurred to install our products and train customer personnel, and customer service and third-party original equipment manufacturer costs to provide continuing support to our customers. Cost of revenues also includes direct labor attributable to revenue service arrangements.
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| Concentration of Credit Risk | Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents. The Company has not experienced any losses related to its cash and does not believe that it is subject to unusual credit risk beyond the normal credit risk associated with commercial banking relationships. As of December 31, 2022, one customer accounted for 38% of gross accounts receivable.
As of December 31, 2023, one customer accounted for 39% of gross accounts receivable.
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| Leases | Leases
The Company accounts for its leases under ASC 842, Leases. Under this guidance, arrangements meeting the definition of a lease are classified as operating or financing leases and are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as both a right of use asset and lease liability, calculated by discounting fixed lease payments over the lease term at the rate implicit in the lease or the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. Lease liabilities are increased by interest and reduced by payments each period, and the right of use asset is amortized over the lease term. For operating leases, interest on the lease liability and the amortization of the right of use asset result in straight-line rent expense over the lease term. For finance leases, interest on the lease liability and the amortization of the right of use asset results in front-loaded expense over the lease term. Variable lease expenses are recorded when incurred.
In calculating the right of use asset and lease liability, the Company has elected to combine lease and non-lease components. The Company excludes short-term leases having initial terms of 12 months or less from the new guidance as an accounting policy election and recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
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| Derivative Financial Instruments | Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company evaluates the embedded conversion feature within its convertible debt instruments under ASC 815-15 and ASC 815-40 to determine if the conversion feature meets the definition of a liability and, if so, whether to bifurcate the conversion feature and account for it as a separate derivative liability. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the statements of operations. For stock-based derivative financial instruments, the Company uses a lattice model, in accordance with ASC 815-15, Derivative and Hedging, to value the derivative instruments at inception and on subsequent valuation dates. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within 12 months after the balance sheet date.
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| Fair Value of Financial Instruments | Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company measures its financial assets and liabilities in accordance with the requirements of FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. As defined in FASB ASC 820, the fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The Company utilized the market data of similar entities in its industry or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable. The Company classifies fair value balances based on the observability of those inputs. FASB ASC 820 established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurement) as follows:
Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments such as exchange-traded derivatives, marketable securities and listed equities.
Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date and includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility factors, and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Instruments in this category generally include non-exchange-traded derivatives such as commodity swaps, interest rate swaps, options and collars.
Level 3 – Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value.
The Company’s derivative liability is a Level 3 liability measured at fair value on a recurring basis. See Note 10.
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| Equity Investments | Equity Investments
The Company uses the equity method to account for investments in which it has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee’s operating and financial policies, or in which its holds a partnership or limited liability company interest in an entity with specific ownership accounts, unless it has virtually no influence over the investee’s operating and financial policies. The Company follows the guidance in ASC 323-10-30-2, Joint Ventures, which prescribes the use of the equity method for investments in joint ventures where the Company has significant influence. Equity method investments are recorded at cost and are adjusted to recognize (1) the Company’s share, based on percentage ownership or other contractual basis, of the investee’s net income or loss after the date of investment, (2) amortization of the recorded investment that exceeds the Company’s share of the book value of the investee’s net assets, (3) additional contributions made and dividends received, and (4) impairments resulting from other-than-temporary declines in fair value. Gain (loss) on equity investment includes realized gains or losses upon the sale of the investment and are included as other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss).
Per ASC 323-10-30-2, Joint Ventures are accounted for using the equity method, in which the Company initially records its investment at cost, including transaction costs. Under the equity method, an investment in common stock and in-substance common stock is presented on the balance sheet of an investor as a single amount. However, any difference between the cost of the investment and the underlying equity in net assets of an investee — commonly referred to as a basis difference — should be accounted for as if the investee were a consolidated subsidiary.
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| Income Taxes | Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the provision of ASC 740-10, (“ASC 740-10”) which requires, among other things, an asset and liability approach to calculating deferred income taxes. The asset and liability approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is provided to offset any net deferred tax assets for which management believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred asset will not be realized.
The Company follows the provision of ASC 740-10 related to Accounting for Uncertain Income Tax Positions. When tax returns are filed, there may be uncertainty about the merits of positions taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. In accordance with the guidance of ASC 740-10, the benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions.
Tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefit associated with tax positions taken that exceed the amount measured as described above should be reflected as a liability for uncertain tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.
The Company believes its tax positions are all more likely than not to be upheld upon examination. As such, the Company has not recorded a liability for uncertain tax benefits.
The Company has adopted ASC 740-10-25, Definition of Settlement which provides guidance on how an entity should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits and provides that a tax position can be effectively settled upon the completion and examination by a taxing authority without being legally extinguished. For tax positions considered effectively settled, an entity would recognize the full amount of tax benefit, even if the tax position is not considered more likely than not to be sustained based solely on the basis of its technical merits and the statute of limitations remains open. The federal and state income tax returns of the Company are subject to examination by the IRS and state taxing authorities, generally for three years after they are filed.
The Company's U.S. subsidiaries were incorporated in 2017, and tax returns have not yet been filed. The Company does not anticipate a tax liability for the years 2023 and 2022, however may be subject to certain penalties. The Company has filed tax returns in Canada for the year ended December 31, 2018, and they are still subject to audit.
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| Non-controlling Interests | Non-controlling Interests
Non-controlling interests are classified as a separate component of equity in the Company's consolidated balance sheets and statements of changes in stockholders’ equity. Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests are reflected separately from consolidated net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and statements of changes in stockholders’ equity. Any change in ownership of a subsidiary while the controlling financial interest is retained is accounted for as an equity transaction between the controlling and non-controlling interests. In addition, when a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained non-controlling equity investment in the former subsidiary will be initially measured at fair value and the difference between the carrying value and fair value of the retained interest will be recorded as a gain or loss. The Company has non-controlling interests via its subsidiaries TerraData, Remote Intelligence and Wildlife Specialists.
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded a loss of $902,156 and $238,661 respectively, attributable to non-controlling interests.
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| Comprehensive Loss | Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss includes net loss well as other changes in stockholders’ equity that result from transactions and economic events other than those with stockholders. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s only element of other comprehensive loss was foreign currency translation.
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| Stock-based Compensation | Stock-based Compensation
Stock-based compensation is accounted for based on the requirements of the Share-Based Payment Topic of ASC 718 which requires recognition in the consolidated financial statements of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments over the period the employee or director is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively, the vesting period). The ASC also requires measurement of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award based on the grant-date fair value of the award.
Pursuant to ASC Topic 718, for share-based payments to consultants and other third-parties, compensation expense is determined at the “measurement date.” The expense is recognized over the vesting period of the award. Until the measurement date is reached, the total amount of compensation expense remains uncertain. The Company initially records compensation expense based on the fair value of the award at the reporting date. Further, ASC Topic 718, provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718, such as the repricing of share options, which would revalue those options and the accounting for the cancellation of an equity award whether a replacement award or other valuable consideration is issued in conjunction with the cancellation. If not, the cancellation is viewed as a replacement and not a modification, with a repurchase price of $0.
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| Loss Per Common Share |
The Company accounts for earnings per share pursuant to ASC 260, Earnings per Share, which requires disclosure on the financial statements of "basic" and "diluted" earnings (loss) per share. Basic earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus common stock equivalents (if dilutive) related to stock options and warrants for each year. In periods where the Company has a net loss, all dilutive securities are excluded. Potentially dilutive items outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
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| Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements | Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. This ASU requires entities to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The update will generally result in the recognition of contract assets and contract liabilities at amounts consistent with those recorded by the acquiree immediately before the acquisition date rather than at fair value. The Company expects that there would be no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon the adoption of this ASU.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, which simplifies the guidance on the issuer’s accounting for convertible debt instruments by removing the separation models for convertible debt with a cash conversion feature and convertible instruments with a beneficial conversion feature. As a result, entities will not separately present in equity an embedded conversion feature in such debt and will account for a convertible debt instrument wholly as debt, unless certain other conditions are met. The elimination of these models will reduce reported interest expense and increase reported net income for entities that have issued a convertible instrument that is within the scope of ASU 2020-06. ASU 2020-06 is applicable for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company adopted ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2022 and the adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASC 326). This standard replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. CECL requires an estimate of credit losses for the remaining estimated life of the financial asset using historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts and generally applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities, and some off-balance sheet credit exposures such as unfunded commitments to extend credit. Financial assets measured at amortized cost will be presented at the net amount expected to be collected by using an allowance for credit losses. The Company adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2023 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards could have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements. As new accounting pronouncements are issued, the Company will adopt those that are applicable
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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables) |
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of estimated useful lives |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of anti dilutive shares |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
REVENUE (Tables) |
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of timing of revenue |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of revenue by source |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of revenue by geographic destination |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability, and Receivable [Table Text Block] |
Contract liabilities consist of the following:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| REVENUES (Details - Rollforward of Contract Liabilities) |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Tables) |
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Receivables [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of accounts receivable |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Tables) |
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of property and equipment, net |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables) |
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of changes in carrying amount of goodwill |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details - Intangible assets) |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of patents |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of future amortization of intangible assets |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES (Tables) |
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payables and Accruals [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of accounts payable and accrued expenses |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DEBT (Tables) |
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of convertible notes |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding convertible notes and derivative liability |
|
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| Schedule of derivative liability |
|
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| Schedule of loans payable |
|
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SECURED DEBENTURE (Tables) |
12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of future minimum required payments |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LEASES (Tables) |
12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Leases | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of operating leases |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of future minimum operating lease payments |
|
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STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Tables) |
12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of equity financing agreement |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
INCOME TAXES (Tables) |
12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of provision for income taxes |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of statutory rate |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Details Narrative) |
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
|
|---|---|
| Optilan [Member] | |
| Intercompany payable | $ 19,400,000 |
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details - Estimated useful lives) |
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 | |
| Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |
| Estimated useful life | 4 |
| Plant And Equipment [Member] | |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |
| Estimated useful life | 4-8 |
| Leasehold Improvements [Member] | |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |
| Estimated useful life | 10 |
| Motor Vehicles [Member] | |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |
| Estimated useful life | 3 |
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details - Antidilutive shares) - shares |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||
| Antidilutive shares | 210,258,437 | 66,004,165 |
| Convertible Notes [Member] | ||
| Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||
| Antidilutive shares | 210,081,967 | 65,827,695 |
| Series D Preferred Stock [Member] | ||
| Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||
| Antidilutive shares | 176,470 | 176,470 |
LIQUIDITY AND GOING CONCERN (Details Narrative) - USD ($) |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | ||
| Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest | $ 21,723,043 | $ 35,517,505 |
| Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities | 5,653,214 | 21,738,542 |
| Working capital deficit | 18,126,281 | |
| Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) | 67,376,221 | $ 46,555,334 |
| Cash | $ 11,912 | |
REVENUE (Details - Timing of revenue recognition) - USD ($) |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
| Total revenue | $ 2,020,971 | $ 9,100,255 |
| Transferred at Point in Time [Member] | ||
| Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
| Total revenue | 788,179 | 3,843,276 |
| Transferred over Time [Member] | ||
| Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
| Total revenue | $ 1,232,792 | $ 5,256,979 |
REVENUE (Details - Revenue by source) - USD ($) |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
| Total revenue | $ 2,020,971 | $ 9,100,255 |
| Product [Member] | ||
| Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
| Total revenue | 329,400 | 560,407 |
| Service [Member] | ||
| Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
| Total revenue | $ 1,691,571 | $ 8,539,849 |
REVENUE (Details - Revenue by geographic destination) - USD ($) |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
| Total revenue | $ 2,020,971 | $ 9,100,255 |
| North America [Member] | ||
| Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
| Total revenue | 437,536 | 1,585,568 |
| UNITED KINGDOM | ||
| Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
| Total revenue | 1,583,435 | 5,894,060 |
| Rest Of World [Member] | ||
| Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
| Total revenue | $ 0 | $ 1,620,627 |
REVENUE (Details - Contract assets and liabilities) - USD ($) |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
Dec. 31, 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |||
| Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts | $ 0 | $ 1,439,844 | |
| Total contract assets | 0 | 1,439,844 | |
| Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts | 0 | 2,215,212 | |
| Total contract liabilities | $ 0 | $ 2,215,212 | $ 6,019,371 |
REVENUES (Details - Rollforward of Contract Liabilities) - USD ($) |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
Dec. 31, 2021 |
|
| Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |||
| Contract liabilities | $ 0 | $ 2,215,212 | $ 6,019,371 |
| Deferred Revenue, Additions | 3,710,528 | ||
| Deferred Revenue, Revenue Recognized | $ (7,514,687) | ||
| Deconsolidation of revenue | $ (2,215,212) | ||
REVENUE (Details Narrative) |
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
|
|---|---|
| Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
| Contract with Customer, Liability | $ 0 |
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Details) - USD ($) |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Receivables [Abstract] | ||
| Accounts receivable | $ 868,948 | $ 6,273,276 |
| Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts | 0 | (3,320,983) |
| Accounts receivable, net | $ 868,948 | $ 2,952,293 |
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Details) - USD ($) |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
| Property and equipment at cost | $ 1,139,804 | $ 3,989,355 |
| Less - accumulated depreciation | (396,522) | (2,055,484) |
| Property and equipment, net | 743,282 | 1,933,871 |
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] | ||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
| Property and equipment at cost | 1,092,870 | 3,942,421 |
| Leasehold Improvements [Member] | ||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
| Property and equipment at cost | $ 46,934 | $ 46,934 |
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Details Narrative) - USD ($) |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] | ||
| Depreciation expense | $ 508,935 | $ 1,331,972 |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details - Goodwill) - USD ($) |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
| Impairment | $ 6,462,153 | $ 17,088,501 |
| Impairment | (6,948,349) | (9,519,143) |
| Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) | 306,196 | (1,107,205) |
| Impairment | $ 0 | $ 6,462,153 |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details - Intangible assets) - USD ($) |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
| Trade name per business combination | $ 4,033,638 | $ 4,033,638 |
| Impairment | (3,059,716) | (2,703,456) |
| Less: accumulated amortization | (195,416) | (161,346) |
| Foreign exchange translation | (778,506) | (778,506) |
| Intangible assets, net | $ 0 | $ 390,330 |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details - Patents) - USD ($) |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Less: accumulated amortization | $ (195,416) | $ (161,346) |
| Patents, net | 253,663 | 267,875 |
| DPTI [Member] | ||
| Patents | 904,269 | 904,269 |
| Less: accumulated amortization | (650,606) | (636,394) |
| Patents, net | $ 253,663 | $ 267,875 |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details - Future amortization of patents) |
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
|
|---|---|
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| 2024 | $ 51,028 |
| 2025 | 51,028 |
| 2026 | 51,028 |
| 2027 | 51,028 |
| Thereafter | 49,551 |
| Total patents | $ 253,663 |
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details Narrative) - USD ($) |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
| Amortization of Intangible Assets | $ 34,070 | $ 161,346 |
| Amortized over the remaining life | 7 to 16 | |
| Patents [Member] | ||
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
| Amortization of Intangible Assets | $ 14,212 | $ 75,087 |
JOINT VENTURE (Details Narrative) - USD ($) |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
Sep. 09, 2022 |
|
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Contributed joint venture | $ 113,125 | $ 103,505 | |
| Loss on equity investment | 159,849 | 56,781 | |
| Neural Signals Inc [Member] | |||
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Contributed joint venture | 113,124 | 103,505 | |
| Loss on equity investment | $ 159,849 | $ 51,753 | |
| Neural Signals Inc [Member] | |||
| Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | |||
| Ownership percentage | 50.00% | ||
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES (Details) - USD ($) |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Payables and Accruals [Abstract] | ||
| Accounts payable | $ 13,721,561 | $ 8,677,648 |
| Accrued liabilities | 1,941,711 | 2,058,725 |
| Total accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ 15,663,272 | $ 10,736,373 |
DEBT (Details - Convertible debt) - USD ($) |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 04, 2023 |
Sep. 29, 2023 |
Aug. 07, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||
| Principal Outstanding | $ 166,650 | $ 51,150 | $ 57,750 | $ 57,750 | $ 378,263 |
| Less: unamortized debt discount | (45,725) | 0 | |||
| Convertible notes, net | $ 120,925 | $ 378,263 |
DEBT (Details - Convertible notes and derivative liability) - USD ($) |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 04, 2023 |
Sep. 29, 2023 |
Aug. 07, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Term Debt [Line Items] | |||||
| Convertible notes payable | $ 166,650 | $ 51,150 | $ 57,750 | $ 57,750 | $ 378,263 |
| Derivative liability, fair value | 108,958 | 306,467 | |||
| Diagonal Lending 1800 [Member] | |||||
| Short-Term Debt [Line Items] | |||||
| Convertible notes payable | 166,650 | 0 | |||
| Derivative liability, fair value | 108,958 | 0 | |||
| Carebourn 1 [Member] | |||||
| Short-Term Debt [Line Items] | |||||
| Convertible notes payable | 0 | 90,228 | |||
| Derivative liability, fair value | 0 | 71,410 | |||
| Carebourn 2 [Member] | |||||
| Short-Term Debt [Line Items] | |||||
| Convertible notes payable | 0 | 162,150 | |||
| Derivative liability, fair value | 0 | 128,331 | |||
| More Capital [Member] | |||||
| Short-Term Debt [Line Items] | |||||
| Convertible notes payable | 0 | 72,488 | |||
| Derivative liability, fair value | 0 | 57,369 | |||
| E M A [Member] | |||||
| Short-Term Debt [Line Items] | |||||
| Convertible notes payable | 0 | 53,397 | |||
| Derivative liability, fair value | $ 0 | $ 49,357 |
DEBT (Details - Derivative liabilities) - USD ($) |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
| Beginning balance | $ 306,467 | $ 533,753 |
| Change in fair value | 167,582 | 227,286 |
| Loss on issuance of debt | 17,928 | |
| Issuance of convertible note - 1800 Diagonal Lending | 58,939 | |
| EMA settlement | (106,794) | |
| Ending balance | $ 108,958 | $ 306,467 |
DEBT (Details - Loans payable) - USD ($) |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| Loans payable, current | $ 570,487 | $ 472,700 |
| Loans payable, non-current | 291,968 | 328,508 |
| RI Line Of Credit [Member] | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| Loans payable, current | 153,358 | 99,971 |
| RI Short Term Loans [Member] | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| Loans payable, current | 46,544 | 43,899 |
| WS Line Of Credit [Member] | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| Loans payable, current | 218,616 | 200,000 |
| WS Short Term Loans [Member] | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| Loans payable, current | 151,970 | 128,830 |
| RI SBA EIDL [Member] | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| Loans payable, non-current | 102,597 | 102,597 |
| RI Long Term Loans [Member] | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| Loans payable, non-current | 65,533 | 86,041 |
| WS SBA EIDL [Member] | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| Loans payable, non-current | 26,307 | 26,307 |
| WS Long Term Loans [Member] | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| Loans payable, non-current | $ 97,532 | $ 113,564 |
DEBT (Details Narrative) - USD ($) |
12 Months Ended | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 04, 2023 |
Sep. 29, 2023 |
Aug. 07, 2023 |
Jul. 14, 2021 |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
| Convertible note for principal amount | $ 51,150 | $ 57,750 | $ 57,750 | $ 166,650 | $ 378,263 | |
| Interest rate | 10.00% | 10.00% | 10.00% | |||
| Debt conversion converted instrument discount rate | 39.00% | 39.00% | 39.00% | |||
| GS SPA Note [Member] | ||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
| Debt face amount | $ 2,000,000 | |||||
| Maturity date | Jul. 14, 2022 | |||||
| Debt interest rate | 6.00% | |||||
| Debt outstanding | 1,923,868 | 2,000,000 | ||||
| Convertible Debt [Member] | ||||||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||||||
| Convertible debt outstanding | 166,650 | 378,263 | ||||
| Amortization of debt discount | $ 12,025 | $ 0 | ||||
SECURED DEBENTURE (Details) - USD ($) |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| Total | $ 1,099,250 | $ 1,090,827 |
| Secured Debt [Member] | ||
| Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
| 2023 | 183,208 | |
| 2024 | 183,208 | |
| 2025 | 183,208 | |
| 2026 | 183,208 | |
| 2027 | 183,208 | |
| Thereafter | 183,208 | |
| Total | $ 1,099,250 |
SECURED DEBENTURE (Details Narrative) - USD ($) |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
| Interest expense | $ 66,813 | $ 36,307 |
| Debenture liability | $ 1,099,250 | $ 1,090,827 |
LEASES (Details - Balance sheet) - USD ($) |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Assets | ||
| ROU operating lease assets | $ 496,685 | $ 2,724,226 |
| Liabilities | ||
| Current portion of operating lease | 80,400 | 512,373 |
| Operating lease, net of current portion | 496,335 | 2,547,524 |
| Total operating lease liabilities | $ 576,735 | $ 3,059,897 |
LEASES (Details - Other information) |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Leases | ||
| Weighted average remaining lease term (years) | 7 years 9 months | 7 years 3 months |
| Weighted average discount rate | 6.00% | 6.00% |
LEASES (Details - Future minimum operating lease payments) - USD ($) |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Leases | ||
| 2024 | $ 82,597 | |
| 2025 | 84,726 | |
| 2026 | 86,853 | |
| 2027 and later | 393,495 | |
| Total lease payments | 736,650 | |
| Less imputed interest | (159,915) | |
| Total lease obligations | 576,735 | $ 3,059,897 |
| Less current lease obligations | (80,400) | (512,373) |
| Long-term lease obligations | $ 496,335 | $ 2,547,524 |
LEASES (Details Narrative) - USD ($) |
Mar. 09, 2022 |
Oct. 20, 2021 |
Aug. 31, 2021 |
May 27, 2021 |
Jan. 12, 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leases | |||||
| Annual rent | $ 81,000 | $ 200,000 | $ 192,000 | $ 85,000 | $ 50,000 |
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Details) - USD ($) |
12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 27, 2023 |
Dec. 11, 2023 |
Dec. 01, 2023 |
Nov. 30, 2023 |
Nov. 29, 2023 |
Nov. 22, 2023 |
Nov. 14, 2023 |
Nov. 08, 2023 |
Nov. 07, 2023 |
Sep. 05, 2023 |
Jul. 10, 2023 |
Jul. 03, 2023 |
Jun. 26, 2023 |
Apr. 28, 2023 |
Apr. 11, 2023 |
Mar. 30, 2023 |
Mar. 16, 2023 |
Mar. 01, 2023 |
Feb. 17, 2023 |
Feb. 03, 2023 |
Jan. 24, 2023 |
Jan. 17, 2023 |
Jan. 12, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
|
| Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of shares sold | 1,375,722,360 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total proceeds, net of discounts | $ 3,822,044 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Proceeds | $ 3,502,272 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity Financing Agreement [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of shares sold | 67,522,014 | 87,136,216 | 33,333,333 | 27,777,777 | 55,555,555 | 29,685,620 | 18,997,442 | 33,333,333 | 55,555,555 | 100,000,000 | 28,593,750 | 51,442,308 | 44,583,334 | 91,796,875 | 67,462,162 | 65,465,384 | 93,165,852 | 83,113,044 | 75,447,571 | 61,173,706 | 77,733,861 | 11,441,647 | 64,130,435 | |
| Total proceeds, net of discounts | $ 57,909 | $ 108,019 | $ 30,000 | $ 25,000 | $ 50,000 | $ 34,717 | $ 25,180 | $ 30,000 | $ 50,000 | $ 100,000 | $ 91,500 | $ 274,058 | $ 214,000 | $ 235,000 | $ 203,554 | $ 166,903 | $ 254,232 | $ 324,000 | $ 300,000 | $ 300,000 | $ 400,000 | $ 100,000 | $ 400,000 | |
| Effective price per share | $ 0.000858 | $ 0.001240 | $ 0.000900 | $ 0.000900 | $ 0.000900 | $ 0.001169 | $ 0.001325 | $ 0.000900 | $ 0.000900 | $ 0.001000 | $ 0.003200 | $ 0.004200 | $ 0.004800 | $ 0.002560 | $ 0.003017 | $ 0.002549 | $ 0.002729 | $ 0.003898 | $ 0.003976 | $ 0.004904 | $ 0.005146 | $ 0.008740 | $ 0.006237 | |
| Net Proceeds | $ 52,830 | $ 99,433 | $ 30,000 | $ 25,000 | $ 50,000 | $ 31,262 | $ 22,392 | $ 30,000 | $ 50,000 | $ 100,000 | $ 85,094 | $ 257,020 | $ 141,020 | $ 208,550 | $ 188,279 | $ 154,195 | $ 235,410 | $ 300,295 | $ 277,975 | $ 277,975 | $ 370,975 | $ 100,000 | $ 370,975 | |
| Equity Financing Agreement One [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of shares sold | 51,275,586 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total proceeds, net of discounts | $ 47,973 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Effective price per share | $ 0.000936 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Proceeds | $ 43,590 |
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Details Narrative) - USD ($) |
1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|---|
Jan. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||
| Common stock, shares authorized | 20,000,000,000 | 20,000,000,000 | |
| Common stock par value | $ 0.0001 | $ 0.0001 | |
| Common stock, shares issued | 8,100,117,720 | 6,427,395,360 | |
| Common stock, shares outstanding | 8,100,117,720 | 6,427,395,360 | |
| Stock options | 0 | 0 | |
| Stock Issued For Settlement Of Dispute [Member] | |||
| Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||
| Number of shares issued other | 297,000,000 | ||
| Number of value issued other | $ 1,989,900 | ||
| Share price | $ 0.0067 | ||
| Preferred Stock [Member] | |||
| Class of Stock [Line Items] | |||
| Preferred stock - shares authorized | 2,000,000 | 2,000,000 | |
| Preferred stock - par value | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 | |
| Preferred stock - shares issued | 88,335 | 88,335 | |
| Preferred stock - shares outstanding | 88,335 | 88,335 | |
INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
| Domestic: | $ (11,676,768) | $ (13,141,019) |
| Foreign: | (7,133,368) | (22,376,486) |
| Total income (loss) before income taxes | $ (18,810,136) | $ (35,517,505) |
INCOME TAXES (Details - Income tax rate) |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
| U.S. | 21.00% | 21.00% |
| State taxes | 1.36% | 1.36% |
| Foreign rate differential | 1.26% | 1.26% |
| Goodwill impairment | (7.33%) | (7.33%) |
| NOLs carryforward adjustment | 3.61% | 3.61% |
| Other | (0.22%) | (0.22%) |
| Change in valuation allowance: | (19.67%) | (19.67%) |
| Effective Income tax rate | 0.00% | 0.00% |
INCOME TAXES (Details - Deferred taxes) - USD ($) |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Deferred Tax (Liabilities): | ||
| Net operating losses | $ 8,964,470 | $ 9,033,067 |
| Intangible assets | (736,905) | (441,543) |
| Right of use asset | 84,170 | 84,256 |
| Stock based compensation | 424,681 | 424,681 |
| Property and equipment | 497,037 | 248,362 |
| Other | 11,077 | 8,227 |
| Less: Valuation allowance | (9,244,530) | (9,357,049) |
| Deferred tax assets (liabilities) | $ 0 | $ 0 |
INCOME TAXES (Details Narrative) - USD ($) |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | ||
| Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration | $ 4,800,000 | |
| Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Not Subject to Expiration | $ 15,900,000 | |
| Effective tax rate | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Uncertain tax positions | $ 0 | $ 0 |
| Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member] | ||
| Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | ||
| Operating loss carryforwards | 22,085,338 | |
| Canada Revenue Agency [Member] | ||
| Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | ||
| Operating loss carryforwards | 636,852 | |
| Federal And State [Member] | ||
| Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] | ||
| Operating loss carryforwards | $ 26,485,942 | |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details Narrative) - USD ($) |
12 Months Ended | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mar. 09, 2023 |
Oct. 12, 2022 |
Oct. 12, 2022 |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Dec. 31, 2022 |
|
| Purchase price | $ 1,500,000 | $ 1,500,000 | |||
| [custom:NonConvertiblePromissoryNote] | $ 167,894 | ||||
| [custom:DueFromRelatedPartyCurrent-0] | 0 | 318,025 | |||
| Purchase Agreement [Member] | |||||
| Purchase price | $ 1,500,000 | ||||
| Purchase Agreement [Member] | Common Class B [Member] | |||||
| Stock purchased, shares | 2,623,120 | ||||
| Purchase Agreement [Member] | Private Placement Warrants [Member] | |||||
| Warrants purchased, shares | 4,298,496 | ||||
| Remote Intelligence [Member] | |||||
| Loans payable | 226,247 | 226,247 | |||
| Wildlife Specialists [Member] | |||||
| Loans payable | 135,500 | 135,500 | |||
| SPAC [Member] | |||||
| Loans payable | 0 | 1,049,248 | |||
| Optilan [Member] | |||||
| Noninterest Expense Directors Fees | $ 120,000 | $ 270,000 | |||