As of June 17, 2022, the registrant had 117,436,081 shares of its common
stock, par value $0.00001 per share, outstanding.
PART
I
Item 1.
Business.
Introduction
The
information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and
related notes in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplemental Data” of this Report.
Our
logo and some of our trademarks and tradenames are used in this Report. This Report also includes certain trademarks, tradenames and
service marks that are the property of others. Solely for convenience, trademarks, tradenames and service marks referred to in this Report
may appear without the ®, ™ and SM symbols. References to our trademarks, tradenames and service marks are not intended to
indicate in any way that we will not assert to the fullest extent under applicable law our rights or the rights of the applicable licensors
if any, nor that respective owners to other intellectual property rights will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law,
their rights thereto. We do not intend the use or display of other companies’ trademarks and trade names to imply a relationship
with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies.
The
market data and certain other statistical information used throughout this Report are based on independent industry publications, reports
by market research firms or other independent sources that we believe to be reliable sources. Industry publications and third-party research,
surveys and studies generally indicate that their information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, although they do
not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. We are responsible for all of the disclosures contained in this Report,
and we believe these industry publications and third-party research, surveys and studies are reliable. While we are not aware of any
misstatements regarding any third-party information presented in this Report, their estimates, in particular, as they relate to projections,
involve numerous assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and are subject to change based on various factors, including those
discussed under the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Report. These and other factors could cause our future
performance to differ materially from our assumptions and estimates. Some market and other data included herein, as well as the data
of competitors as they relate to NextPlay Technologies, Inc., is also based on our good faith estimates.
Our
fiscal year ends on February 28th (or 29th during leap years). Interim results are presented on a quarterly basis for the quarters ended
May 31, August 31, and November 30th, the first quarter, second quarter and third quarter, respectively, with the quarter ending February
28th/29th being referenced herein as our fourth quarter. Fiscal 2022 means the year ended February 28, 2022, whereas fiscal 2021 means
the year ended February 28, 2021.
Corporate,
Organizational and Business Information
Executive
Offices and Telephone Number
Our
principal executive offices are located at 1560 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway, Suite 130, Sunrise, Florida 33323 and our telephone number
is (954) 888-9779. Additional information about us is available on our website at https://www.nextplaytechnologies.com The information
on our website is not incorporated herein by reference.
Organizational
History
The
Company was originally incorporated in the State of Nevada in on December 29, 2005 under the name Maximus Exploration Corporation (“Maximus”),
and was a reporting “shell company” as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
On
October 9, 2008, Maximus, a reporting shell company, entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “2008 Exchange Agreement”)
with Extraordinary Vacation Group, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maximus (“EXVG”), and EXVUSA, a wholly-owned subsidiary
of EXVG. Pursuant to the 2008 Exchange Agreement, EXVG exchanged 100% of its shares in EVUSA for 13 million shares of common stock of
Maximus, resulting in EXVG becoming the majority shareholder of Maximus through a reverse merger. EXVG then proceeded to dividend 13
million shares of Maximus common stock to the stockholders of EXVG, on a pro rata basis. As a result of these transactions, EVUSA became
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maximus. Maximus then amended its Certificate of Incorporation to change its name to Next 1 Interactive,
Inc. (“Next 1”). After consummation of the transaction, Next 1 conducted all of its business through EVUSA, its wholly-owned
subsidiary.
On
June 22, 2015, the Company changed its name to Monaker Group, Inc. (“Monaker”).
On
July 23, 2020, Monaker entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (as amended, the “2020 Exchange Agreement”) with HotPlay Enterprise
Limited (“HotPlay”) and the shareholders of HotPlay, pursuant to which the HotPlay shareholders agreed to exchange 100% of
the outstanding capital shares of HotPlay (making HotPlay a wholly-owned subsidiary of Monaker through a reverse merger following the
closing of the transactions contemplated therein) for 52 million shares of Monaker’s common stock (the “HotPlay Shares”),
subject to various closing conditions. The acquisition of HotPlay contemplated by the 2020 Share Exchange closed on June 30, 2021, at
which time Monaker acquired 100% of the outstanding capital shares of HotPlay. The HotPlay acquisition was accounted for as a reverse
acquisition, with HotPlay being deemed the acquiring company for accounting purposes. After consummation of the transaction, Monaker
changed its name to NextPlay Technologies, Inc., and the Company altered its business plan to focus on the travel, cryptocurrency, and
an in-game advertising industries.
On
November 16, 2020, the Company acquired 100% of Longroot pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) entered into
between the Company and Dr. Jason Morton (“Morton”) on November 2, 2020, and for certain limited purposes set forth therein,
Longroot. Pursuant to the SPA, the Company purchased, 100% of Longroot, in consideration for (a) $1,650,000 in cash; (b) 200,000 shares
of restricted common stock valued at $2.14 per share for a total value of $428,000, as well as 150,000 shares of restricted common stock
valued at $3.00 per share, for a total value of $450,000.
On
January 15, 2021, the Company entered into a Founding Investment and Subscription Agreement (the “Investment Agreement”)
with Reinhart Interactive TV AG, a company organized in Switzerland (“Reinhart”), and Jan C. Reinhart, the founder of Reinhart
(“Founder”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay the Founder 10,000,000 Swiss Francs (approximately $10.8 million
U.S. Dollars) as compensation for the purchase of 51% of the ownership of Reinhart. The transaction closed on March 31, 2021, at which
time Reinhart became a majority owned subsidiary of the Company.
On
April 1, 2021, the Company entered into a Bill of Sale for Common Stock, effective March 22, 2021 (the “Bill of Sale”), with
certain third parties (the “Initial Sellers”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to purchase 2,191,489 shares (the “Initial
IFEB Shares”) of authorized and outstanding Class A Common Stock (the “Class A Stock”) of International Financial Enterprise
Bank, Inc., a Puerto Rico corporation licensed as an Act 273-2012 international financial entity headquartered in San Juan Puerto Rico
(“IFEB”), which Initial IFEB Shares total approximately 57.06% of the outstanding Class A Stock of IFEB. The purchase price
of the Initial IFEB Shares was $6,400,000, which amount was paid to the Initial Sellers on April 1, 2021.
On
May 6, 2021, in anticipation of the acquisition of the IFEB Shares, and control of IFEB, the Company and IFEB entered into a Preferred
Stock Exchange Agreement, which was amended by a First Amendment to Preferred Stock Exchange Agreement entered into May 10, 2021 and
effective May 6, 2021 (as amended by the first amendment, the “Original Preferred Exchange Agreement”), pursuant to which
the Company agreed to exchange 1,950,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for 5,850 shares of cumulative, non-compounding,
non-voting, non-convertible, perpetual Series A Preferred shares of IFEB. Notwithstanding the terms of the Bill of the Sale, and the
payment by the Company of the aggregate purchase price pursuant thereto, the transfer of the Initial IFEB Shares to the Company and the
Company’s acquisition of control of IFEB was subject to review of the Company’s financial viability, as well as other matters,
by OCIF, which approval of OCIF was received in June 2021, but which acquisition did not close until July 21, 2021.
Separately,
on July 21, 2021, the Company entered into, and closed the transactions contemplated by, a Share Exchange Agreement with various other
holders of shares of Class A Common Stock of IFEB (the “Additional Sellers” and the “IFEB Exchange Agreement”).
Pursuant to the IFEB Exchange Agreement, the Additional Sellers exchanged an aggregate of 1,648,614 of the outstanding Class A Common
Stock of IFEB, representing 42.94% of such outstanding Class A Common Stock of IFEB, in consideration for an aggregate of 1,926,750 restricted
shares of the Company’s common stock (the “IFEB Common Shares”), with each one share of Class A Common Stock of IFEB
being exchanged for 1.168 restricted shares of common stock of the Company, based on an agreed upon value of $2.50 per share for each
share of Company common stock and $2.92 per share for each share of Class A Common Stock of IFEB. As a result of the closing of both
transactions, we acquired control of 100% of IFEB as of July 21, 2021. The name of IFEB was subsequently changed to NextBank International,
Inc. (“NextBank”).
On March 30, 2022, the Company
acquired certain assets from Go Game Pte Ltd. pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement, including a casual games tournament and gamification
platform, a perpetual license to the goPay payment platform, and a range of casual game assets that can be leveraged to distribute the
HotPlay In-Game Advertising platform and reward solutions throughout. As consideration for the purchase, the Company agreed to pay the
seller $5,000,000, $2,750,000 of which has already been paid and the remainder of which is payable in monthly installments through March
31, 2023.
On May 5, 2022, the Company
completed the acquisition of certain assets of Fighter Base Publishing, Inc. (“Fighter Base”) and Token IQ, Inc. (“Token
IQ”), both of which entities are owned and controlled by Mark Vange, the Company’s Chief Technology Officer, pursuant to Intellectual
Property Purchase Agreements executed in August 2021. Both of the acquisitions were contingent upon approval of the Company’s stockholders,
which was obtained at the Special Meeting of Stockholders of the Company held on January 28, 2022, and certain other closing conditions.
As consideration for the acquisitions, the Company issued 1,666,666 shares of Company common stock to Fighter Base and 1,250,000 shares
of Company common stock to Token IQ.
Segment
Reporting
Accounting
Standards Codification 280-10 “Segment Reporting” established standards for reporting information about operating segments
in annual consolidated financial statements and required selected information about operating segments in interim financial reports issued
to stockholders. It also established standards for related disclosures about products, services, and geographic areas. Operating segments
are defined as components of the enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the
chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.
An
operating segment component has the following characteristics:
| a. | It
engages in business activities from which it may recognize revenues and incur expenses (including
revenues and expenses relating to transactions with other components of the same public entity). |
| b. | Its
operating results are regularly reviewed by the public entity’s chief operating decision
maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance. |
| c. | Its
discrete financial information is available. |
The
Company has three operating segments consisting of
| (i) | Media
Division, which consists of HotPlay and Reinhart/Zappware, |
| (ii) | FinTech
Division, which consists of Longroot and NextBank, and |
| (iii) | Travel Division, which includes NextTrip holdings and Extraordinary Vacations USA.
The Company’s chief operating decision makers are considered to be the Co-Chief Executive Officers. The chief operating decision makers allocate resources and assesses performance of the business and other activities at the single operating segment level. |
See
below, as well as Note 12 Business Segment Reporting, for additional details regarding each segment unit.
Overview
NextPlay
Technologies, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, “NextPlay,” “we,” “our,” “us,”
or the “Company”) is building a technology solutions company, offering games, in-game advertising, digital asset products
and services, connected TV and travel booking services to consumers and corporations within a growing worldwide digital ecosystem. NextPlay’s
engaging products and services utilize innovative advertising technology (“AdTech”), Artificial Intelligence (“AI”),
and financial technology (“FinTech”) solutions to leverage the strengths and channels of its existing and acquired technologies.
NextPlay
is organized into 3 divisions: (i) NextMedia, the Company’s Interactive Digital Media Division (the “Media Division”);
(ii) NextFinTech, the Company’s Finance and Technology (“FinTech”) Division; and (iii) NextTrip, the Company’s
Travel Division.
Media
Division
In the Media Division, NextPlay
closed its acquisition of HotPlay and its In-Game Advertising (“IGA”) platform on June 30, 2021 and acquired a 51% interest
in Reinhart on June 23, 2021. Reinhart owns 100 percent of Zappware, a 20-year-old interactive Digital TV solutions company based in Belgium.
The acquisition of Reinhart gives NextPlay potential reach into tens of millions of households with its IGA, Video Game, FinTech, and
Travel products.
Additionally, on March 30,
2022, NextPlay entered into an asset purchase agreement, pursuant to which it acquired certain assets of goPlay, a casual games tournament
and gamification platform that also includes a perpetual license to the goPay payment platform, and a range of casual game assets that
can be leveraged to distribute the HotPlay IGA and reward solutions throughout.
The Media Division provides
multiple products and services focused on the In Game Advertising, In Game Rewards, Gamification, Competitive Gaming Tournaments and Connected
TV Middleware solutions that collectively provide a feature rich gaming monetization platform that can be deployed at the Business-to-Business
(“B2B”) or Business-to-Consumer (“B2C”) level by targeting game developers, game publishers and Telco operators.
In addition to the various
monetization platform components briefly described above, the Media Division’s Game Studio develops a range of casual games that
are integrated with the In Game Advertising (“IGA”), In Game Rewards and goPlay gamification platform to enable developers,
publishers, operators and brands alike to engage with and monetize their audience via the various go to market channels available to them
through our offering or their own channels.
These products and services are explained in
more detail below.
The HotPlay In-Game
Advertising and Rewards platform comprises multiple separate but related products that enable advertisements and rewards to
be inserted in game, between game and post-game that allow brands to engage their audience in a relevant and inobtrusive fashion.
| ● | The
In Game Advertising Software Developer Kits, available for games built on both the Unity
game platform and JavaScript games, is a library that enables Developers to embed our technology
within any Unity of JavaScript game that they are developing. |
| ● | Once
embedded, the flexible Developer Portal allows the Developer’s to easily configure,
map and dynamically manage the In Game Advertising components to the respective “hostable”
objects within the game. |
| ● | The
In Game Advertising Ad Portal allows advertisers and brands to deliver their campaigns and
assign in game ads to the various “hostable” objects in the game within which
the ads are to be deployed. These ads can either be traditional display ads, either with
or without target links to click through, or digital coupon rewards that are automatically
downloaded to the user’s digital wallet for redemption at some point in the future.
The Ad Portal allows the advertisers to select their campaign target criteria in terms of
demographic, region and impression or conversion targets and monitor the progress and generate
campaign reports as the campaign plays out. |
| ● | The
HotPlay Redemption mobile application is a digital wallet that is used to collect the HotPlay
IGA rewards issued throughout the game via the HotPlay IGA platform. These rewards can be
purely digital, such as NFT based rewards, or digital to physical coupons that can be redeemed
at competing stores and outlets participating in the campaigns. |
| ● | The
goPlay platform is both a gamification platform that encourages users to compete against
each other via tournaments and challenges, plus a reward platform that rewards users for
their continued loyalty and continuous game play by offering rewards for specific challenges
and repeat visits to the platform. This provides brands with an opportunity to establish
a longer, more dynamic, and continuous relationship with their consumers. |
|
● |
In addition to the gamification platform, the goPlay assets purchased by the Companyalso include an e-payment solution and gateway to multiple payment providers that allow users to make in game purchases of either digital or physical goods. We intend to extend this e-payment solution in the future to support crypto-currency payments aligned with the vision and roadmap for our FinTech offerings and solutions. |
The HotPlay Games Studio is
a game development studio that develops a range of casual games that include the HotPlay IGA platform features by default. The studio
provides us with an in-house capability to deploy our own range of casual games, plus the range of games available through the goPlay
asset purchase agreement, providing a comprehensive portfolio of games that can be monetized by game publishers, operators and brands
alike.
The “TV as a Service”
(“TVaaS”) platform available to NextPlay through Zappware is a complete end-to-end solution that includes media source ingest
(satellite, terrestrial and digital), encoding and transcoding, packaging, protection, delivery, playback and analytics that provide Telco
Operators with a one-stop shop for their digital media processing and delivery capabilities.
In addition to the core digital media delivery platform, the TVaaS
solution also provides a client side Set Top Box (“STB”) and SMART TV middleware platform, associated application framework
and corresponding, supporting Content Management System, that allows Operators to white label their own solutions on top of the Zappware
platform to promote their own content through their existing partners and channels.
FinTech
Division
The FinTech Division is developing
an integrated digital financial platform (the “NextFinTech Platform”) offering mobile banking, investments into alternative
assets, and insurance, to businesses and individuals, subject to regulatory approval.
The Company completed the
acquisition of International Financial Enterprise Bank in July 2021, and subsequently renamed it NextBank International, Inc. (“NextBank”).
Prior to the acquisition, NextBank generated revenue through the origination and selling of real estate loans in the United States and
continues to do so. NextBank typically receives an origination fee when issuing a loan and maintains a spread on the interest after the
loans are sold. Currently, the Company is digitizing the bank and is configuring NextBank to grow with the rapid expansion of the digital
asset industry, developing products and services that appeal to companies that are venturing into that industry. NextBank recently launched
the first release of its mobile application in April 2022 and is migrating to DataPro’s core banking system to widen its capabilities
and reach its scalability goals.
The Company, in accordance
with Thailand’s foreign ownership laws, holds an indirect control of Longroot (Thailand) Company Limited (“Longroot”).
Longroot is approved and regulated by the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (“Thai SEC”) to operate as an Initial Coin
Offering Portal (“ICO Portal”). The ICO Portal enables Longroot to crypto-securitize assets and conduct issuances of such
assets. Through the ICO Portal, Longroot provides financial advisory and token structuring services, and assists projects with regulatory
approval and fundraising through sale of tokens. Longroot plans to crypto-securitize an array of high-quality alternative assets, such
as video games and insurance. Management believes that these assets will create significant opportunities to accelerate the products
and services within the FinTech division’s asset management business and plans to offer users the opportunity to invest in such
assets via the NextFinTech Platform.
Effective November 16, 2021,
the Labuan Financial Services Authority (the “Labuan FSA”)approved the Company’s application to carry on general insurance
and reinsurance business, subject to certain conditions including (i) payment of a $15,000 annual license fee, (ii) submission of evidence
reflecting paid up capital amounting to MYR $10.0 mil (approximately to $2,390,000 US), (iii) submission of proof of registration as a
member of Labuan International Insurance Association, and (iv) submission of a Management Services Agreement with the appointed insurance
manager, (v) submission of a Letter of Undertaking, and (vi) submission of constituent documents to the Registration of Company Unit.
The conditions are to be met within 3 months of November 29, 2021, the date Labuan FSA issued a letter confirming the conditional approval.
In May 2022, the Company received a permission letter from Labuan FSA to extend the establishment until August 31, 2022. The Company
plans to use the general insurance license to issue primary insurance products and the reinsurance license to issue crypto-securitized
insurance in collaboration with Longroot.
On October 14, 2021, “Longroot
Inc.” (a subsidiary of the Company) changed its name to “Next Fintech Holdings, Inc.” The Company plans to use Next
Fintech Holdings, Inc. as the holding company for the FinTech division.
Travel
Division
Our
Travel Division currently offers booking solutions for both business and leisure. We provide travel technology solutions with a primary
emphasis on alternative lodging rental (“ALR”) properties. Our proprietary Booking Engine, branded as NextTrip ConNextions,
provides travel distributors access to a sizeable inventory of ALR properties allowing them to combine ALR with traditional components
of travel (air, car, cruise, etc.).
Our
industry-leading platform assists property managers in booking, and broadening the market for, their homes. Our Travel Division serves
three major constituents: (1) property managers, (2) travelers, and (3) other travel/lodging distributors. Property managers integrate
their detailed property listings into the Company’s Booking Engine with the goal of reaching a broad audience of travelers seeking
ALRs, through distribution channels they could not access otherwise.
All
of the Company’s ALRs, also commonly referred to as Vacation Rentals are:
| (i) | Controlled
by Property Management Companies. This is a key point of differentiation for the Company,
as the sole focus of Property Management Companies is to rent and service their properties,
unlike an individual homeowner who often rents out their property on a casual or part-time
basis. We believe working with property managers results in four key benefits: |
|
► |
All properties are Instantly
Bookable (all Property Management Company inventory is integrated into the Company’s Booking Engine allowing for instant confirmations); |
|
|
|
|
► |
Higher levels of service
for renters (property managers are full-time operators); |
|
|
|
|
► |
Higher Quality Assurance
(property managers generally have an incentive to eliminate trouble properties); and |
|
|
|
|
► |
Certified Rentable (most
property managers are licensed and bonded requiring them to ensure properties are “legal to rent” and are further responsible
for paying required taxes on behalf of homeowners. |
| (ii) | Exclusively
Individual Units. Our vacation homes and residential resort units are never shared, nor
do we rent rooms in homes like other ALR companies. All ALR inventory is fully furnished,
privately owned residential properties, including homes, condominiums, apartments, villas
and cabins that property managers rent to the public on a nightly, weekly or monthly basis. |
We
believe that the Company’s B2B ALR offerings are timely in addressing traditional travel distributors’ needs to protect their
client base by allowing them seamless access to ALR products. With the rapid growth of companies like Airbnb, we believe that traditional
travel companies are realizing that not having access to this high demand vacation rental inventory means risking the loss of their consumers
to other ALR sites. By connecting to the Company’s Booking Engine, travel distributors can sell ALR inventory alongside their existing
travel products (i.e., air/car/hotel/cruise/tour bookings). This solves a key issue by allowing the customers of traditional travel distributors
to complete their entire vacation package booking on their website versus forcing them to go to an ALR website and potentially lose the
entire booking.
Direct
to Consumer Websites
The
Company has established a direct-to-consumer presence though a number of websites.
These
sites include NextTripBusiness.com, our corporate travel management platform focused on small to medium-sized business, that provides
companies the ability to book travel, manage travel expenses, and process employee expense reports. A differentiating feature of our
NextTripBusiness.com solution is the ability for corporate travelers to book ALR properties as part of their travel itinerary. Beyond
access to our ALR inventory, NextTrip Journeys, provides personalized concierge tours and activities at destinations around the world.
Our online marketplaces are discussed in greater detail below.
The
Company identifies and sources ALR properties which it consolidates through its Booking Engine, allowing for instantly bookable properties
being packaged alongside other travel products; this is its distinguishing niche. The ALRs are owned and leased by third parties and
are available to rent through the Company’s websites as well as through other distributors. The Company’s services include
critical elements such as technology, an extensive film library, trusted brands and established partnerships that enhance product offerings
and reach. We believe that consumers are quickly adopting video for researching and educating themselves prior to purchases, and the
Company has carefully amassed video content, key industry relationships and a prestigious travel brand as cornerstones for the development
and deployment of core-technology on both proprietary and partnership platforms.
The
Company sells travel services to leisure and corporate customers around the world. Our primary focus is to incorporate ALR options into
our current offerings of scheduling, pricing and availability information for booking reservations for airlines, hotels, rental cars,
as well as other travel products such as sightseeing tours, shows and event tickets, and theme park passes. The Company sells these travel
services both individually and as components of dynamically-assembled packaged travel vacations and trips. In addition, the Company provides
content that presents travelers with information about travel destinations, maps and other travel details. In December 2020, the Company
introduced its corporate travel platform under the NextTrip brand. This platform allows our users to search large travel suppliers of
alternative lodging inventories and combine ALR with their air and car booking.
In March 2018, the Company
introduced Travelmagazine.com, an online travel publication with the aim of giving travelers around the world inspiration for future travel
destinations and trips. The publication offers written articles, videos, and podcasts created by staff writers and worldwide content providers.
Moving forward, we intend to incorporate the Metaverse into Travelmagazine.com, allowing tourist boards, destination management companies,
and other travel suppliers to showcase their products by allowing travelers to virtually explore destinations around the world. This strategy
aligns with our goal to make Travelmagazine.com a central hub of content for travelers who are looking to get detailed information on
destinations all around the world. The website is expected to generate revenue through advertising by from tourist boards, travel suppliers,
and NextTrip.
The
Company sells its ALR travel inventory through various distribution channels. The primary distribution channel is through its B2B channel
partners, which include sales via (i) other travel companies’ websites and (ii) networks of third-party travel agents. Secondary
distribution is planned to occur through the Company’s own websites at Nexttripjourneys.com and NextTripbusiness.com. Additionally,
we offer high end ALR products along with specialty travel products and services via NextTripjourneys.com, targeting high value inventory
to customers with complex or high-end travel needs.
The Company’s core travel
related holdings have been streamlined into four key platforms: the Company’s Booking Engine branded as NextTrip ConNextions, Nexttripbusiness.com,
NextTripJourneys.com and TravelMagazine.com.
|
Ø |
The Company’s Booking
Engine, branded as NextTrip ConNextions is the Company’s proprietary technology and platform providing access to more than
3.2 million instantly bookable vacation rental homes, villas, chalets, apartments, condos, resort residences, and castles. This ALR
product can be accessed by other travel distributors using the Company’s API. |
|
|
|
|
Ø |
NextTripbusiness.com is
targeted at small to midsized businesses offering them an enterprise-travel solution for business travel to meetings, conferences,
conventions or even vacation travel and gives the companies lower costs, better expense control and in the future the option for
a “self-branded” website. The website was launched in August 2021, and continues to be updated with features requested
by our corporate travel customers. |
|
|
|
|
Ø |
NextTripJourneys.com is
the Company’s leisure product website. The travel services and products currently offer high-end personalized land tour
packages, cruise vacations, and specialized ALRs that cannot be booked on a real-time basis. These ALRs tend to be sourced from
owners and managers who have not invested in a reservation management system and/or the owner or manager prefers to personally vet
the customer before accepting a booking; typically, because the ALR is a high value property. In fall 2022, the Company
will launch a packages product focused on key leisure destinations around the world. The packages product will provide
customers discounted travel by combining air and hotel into a single package price. Additionally, the Company expects to
offer a travel agent portal in late 2022 to allow third-party agencies access to our packages, tours, and cruise
inventory. |
|
|
|
|
Ø |
Travelmagazine.com, an
online travel publication with the aim of giving travelers around the world inspiration for future travel destinations and trips.
The publication offers written articles, videos, and podcasts. Moving forward, we plan for Travelmagazine.com to become a central
hub of information for travelers who are looking to get detailed information on destinations all around the world. |
Travel
Products and Services
The
Company’s concentration on ALRs is driven by contracts with vacation home (including timeshare) unit owners and managers that make
their properties available to consumers and to other travel portals (Distributors) for nightly or extended stays. In addition, we offer
travelers activities and tours through NextTripJourneys.com. Therefore, not only can we assist a traveler with identifying a destination
and the lodging at the destination, but we can provide options of activities while at the destination. We also provide the means for
making arrangements for airline tickets, car rentals and lodging. In summary, we offer travelers the complete travel package made easy
or... Travel Made EasyTM.
The
average ALR search and booking takes a few hours while the average vacation planning process typically involves the consumer visiting
up to seven travel websites and spending over 10 hours to book their vacation (according to Susan Ho, Founder of Journy). We believe
the NextTripBusiness.com and NextTripJourneys.com websites using the above features should reduce ALR/Vacation planning time from hours
to minutes and with the convenience of one site (truly “Travel Made Easy”).
Products
and Services for Property Owners and Managers
Listings. Property
owners and managers are able to list a property, with no initial upfront fees, and provide those listings to us at a negotiated preferential
rate for traveler bookings generated on our websites. Listings that are ‘real-time online bookable’ properties will be managed
by the property owner or manager through an application program interface (“API”), which will provide real-time updates to
each property and immediately notify the property owner or manager of all information regarding bookings, including modifications and
cancellations. Information such as content, descriptions and images are provided to us through that API.
Listings
that are “request-accept” properties will require communication and approval from the property owner or manager and will
not be managed through an API (as discussed above). We will provide a set of tools for the property owner or manager that will enable
them to manage an availability calendar, reservations, inquiries and the content of the listing. These tools will allow the property
owner or manager to create the listing by uploading photographs, text descriptions or lists of amenities, a map showing the location
of the property, and property availability, all of which can be updated throughout the term of the listing. Each listing will provide
travelers the ability to use email or other methods to contact property owners and managers.
The
listings include tools and services to help property owners and managers run their vacation rental businesses more efficiently: responding
to and managing inquiries, preparing and sending rental quotes and payment invoices, allowing travelers to book online and, enter into
rental agreements, and processing online payments. Property owners and managers who elect to process online payments will be subject
to a transaction fee.
Redistribution
of Listings. We make selected, online bookable properties available to online travel agencies as well as channel
partners (jointly referred to as “Distributors”). We are compensated for these services by receiving a commission that is
added to the negotiated net rate for each booking.
Products
and Services for Travelers
Search
Tools and Ability to Compare. Our online marketplace NextTripJourneys.com provide travelers with tools to search for and filter
several travel products including air, car, accommodations (including ALRs) and activities based on various criteria, such as destination,
travel dates, type of property, number of bedrooms, amenities, price, or keywords.
Traveler
Login. Travelers are able to create accounts on our website(s) that give them access to their booking activity through
the website.
Travel
Blog. Travel guides, videos and pictures as well as travel articles can be accessed through Travelmagazine.com.
Security. We
use a combination of technology and human review to evaluate the content of listings and to screen for inaccuracies or fraud with the
goal of providing only accurate and trustworthy information to travelers. Our company is Payment Card Industry (“PCI”) compliant
to ensure the safety and security of our customer credit card data.
Communication. Travelers
who create an account on our website will receive regular communications, including notices about places of interest, special offers,
new listings, and an email newsletter. The newsletter will be available to any traveler who agrees to receive it and offers introductions
to new destinations and vacation rentals, as well as tips and useful information when staying in vacation rentals.
Mobile
Websites and Applications. We provide versions of our websites formatted for web browsers, smart-phones and tablets
so that property owners, managers and travelers can access our websites and tools from mobile devices.
To date, we have focused on
developing our booking engine and establishing relationships with suppliers to increase the size of our instantly bookable inventory.
The booking engine has produced little revenue to date because, among other reasons, of the limited number of widely-used distribution
partners with which we have been able to establish relationships. We are finalizing certification with established, widely-used distribution
partners to make our inventory available through their distribution channels. The success of the booking engine will depend on users of
those distribution partners booking properties supplied by our booking engine, and on our ability to expand the number of such distribution
partners that utilize our booking engine.
The
Company has completed integrating several distributors for the booking of our ALR products and the Company continues to integrate suppliers
of ALR products. We now have more than 3.2 million properties listed on our booking engine.
Competition
Media
Division
With the large global
gamer population, the rising trend of digital advertising, and growing interest in the Metaverse, HotPlay expects increasing competition
as companies seek to deliver in-game advertising that do not disrupt game play. Currently, HotPlay competes directly with:
| ● | games that manually insert native advertisements in the form
of: |
| ○ | static in-game ads that could not be changed once games are
released; or |
| ○ | campaigns where brands integrate advertising content with gameplay,
requiring high upfront investment and development effort; |
| ● | games created specifically to promote a brand; and |
| ● | in-game advertising platforms that deliver native impression
ads, typically in the form of in-game billboards |
Given HotPlay’s ability
to deliver fungible ads that do not disrupt gameplay and that requires a lower integration effort, management believes that the HotPlay
Platform compares favorably with those direct competitors.
HotPlay also competes indirectly with other advertising
platforms that deliver in-game advertisements in forms that disrupt gameplay, such as platforms delivering impression ads, click through
ads, and rewarded video ads.
The market for platforms offering
a game portfolio and tournament features is also highly competitive with the continuing rise of e-sports and need for platforms and service
providers to increase engagement with their users. Several businesses including e-commerce and streaming businesses have recently included
casual games to their portfolio. HotPlay competes directly with these businesses and service providers offering white-labeled solutions
to such businesses. However, management believes that the integration of non-disruptive advertising and real-world rewards allows HotPlay
to compete favorably with these direct competitors.
On this front, HotPlay also competes indirectly
with e-sports platforms and game streaming platforms that offer different categories of games such as mid-core and hard-core games.
Reinhart Interactive TV
competes directly with other end-to-end TV as a service (“TVaaS”) providers offering media content delivery solutions to
telco companies as well as telecommunication companies that implement their own solutions. We also compete indirectly with other
media content providers such as Over the Top (“OOT”) platforms and video streaming platforms.
FinTech
Division
The
market for fundraising via regulated ICOs in Thailand is still in an early stage. Under the Thai SEC’s Thai Royal Decree, any offering
of digital assets must be made through an ICO Portal approved by the Thai SEC. The ICO Portal is responsible for carrying out due diligence
on an issuer and conducting the actual offering. There are currently seven Thai SEC approved ICO Portals, and Longroot competes directly
with them in Thailand. With the increased acceptance of cryptocurrencies and adoption of blockchain technology, our management believes
that there will be more ICO Portals approved, increasing the number of direct competitors.
As
Longroot does not limit its offerings to the Thai market, it also competes directly with financial institutions that facilitate financing
through the sale of regulatory compliant digital assets globally.
The
market for fundraising via the sale of digital assets backed by tangible assets is still at a nascent stage. However, as many regulators
worldwide become increasingly accepting of token offerings, management believes that regulatory compliant token offerings will become
more commonplace. While this could result in more business opportunities for Longroot, it is also likely to translate to an increase
in competition.
Longroot
also competes indirectly with companies facilitating more traditional avenues of raising funds, such as investment banks that underwrite
initial public offerings or bond issuances, and commercial banks offering direct loans to businesses. However, management believes that
the advantages of digital assets offerings, such as the ability to securitize alternative assets, provide a high degree of flexibility
on deal structure, and the reliability offered by blockchain technology could give Longroot a competitive advantage.
The
banking industry is highly competitive and NextBank competes directly with other traditional banks and digital banks for deposits and
origination of loans. Management believes that NextBank is able to compete effectively through the provision of concierge services for
depositors, and the ability to originate loans and disburse funds, without compromising on the required due diligence, more quickly than
its competitors.
The
FinTech market is growing rapidly, with new entrants constantly entering the market. As NextFintech adopts a FinTech model, offers card
services, and builds products to support the growing digital asset industry, NextBank expects to compete directly with crypto-focused,
blockchained based financial services companies and digital payment companies. However, through the combination of traditional banking
and financial technology, and the undertaking of new initiatives in a regulatory compliant manner, Management believes that NextBank
is well-positioned to execute a growth strategy to achieve our mission of creating a diversified financial solution for the global economy.
Travel
Division
The
market to provide listing, searching, and marketing services whether they are for ALR, activities and tours, airline bookings, car rentals
or hotel stays is highly competitive and fragmented with limited barriers to entry. Each of the ALR services that we provide to property
owners, managers and travelers is currently offered by competitors. Furthermore, ALRs are not typically marketed exclusively through
any single channel, and many of our listing agreements are not exclusive, potentially allowing our competitors to aggregate a set of
listings like ours. We believe we will compete primarily based on the quantity, quality, and nature of the properties offered on our
websites. The majority of ALRs that will be offered in our marketplace reflect a whole house or property rather than a room. In addition,
we anticipate that we will benefit from the quality of the direct relationships we have with property owners and managers, the global
diversity of the ALRs available on our websites, the quality of our websites, the tools provided to our property owners and managers,
the strength of our brands, and the success of our marketing programs and price.
Our
principal competitors in the travel space include:
| ● | Other
vacation and short-term rental listing websites, such as TripAdvisor.com, HomeAway.com, VRBA.com,
Booking.com and Airbnb.com; |
| ● | Websites
that list both rooms to rent as well as ALRs, such as Airbnb.com, Booking.com, HomeAway.com
and VRBO.com; |
| ● | Professional
property managers who charge a percentage of booking revenue for their services, such as
Wyndham Worldwide Corp. and InterHome, AG; |
| ● | Hotels
that offer large rooms and amenities common in ALRs, such as Hyatt Vacation Clubs and Four
Seasons Resorts; |
| ● | Websites
that aggregate listings from property managers who advertise and take bookings on behalf
of property managers, such as Perfect Places, Inc., Atraveo and E-Domizil; |
| ● | Online
travel websites, such as those operated by Expedia.com, Hotels.com, Kayak.com, Booking.com,
Orbitz.com, Priceline.com and Travelocity.com, that have traditionally provided comprehensive
travel services and may expand or are now expanding into the ALR category; |
| ● | Timeshare
exchange companies, such as Interval International, Inc. and RCI, LLC; |
| ● | Large
Internet companies, such as Craigslist, Inc., eBay Inc., Google Inc., MSN.com and Yahoo!,
which provide vacation rental listing or search services in addition to a wide variety of
other products or services; and |
| ● | Offline
publishers of classified vacation rental listings, including regional newspapers and travel-related
magazines. |
Research
and Development
Media
Division
We
have developed proprietary systems based on patent pending technologies to create, maintain and operate our media based websites, services
and platforms. These technologies comprise systems developed by internal and third-party designers, developers and engineers and software
acquired, licensed or open-sourced from outside developers and companies. Our systems are designed to serve our internal game studio,
other third-party game developers and advertisers at both the Business-to-Business (“B2B”) and Business-to-Consumer (“B2C”)
level via a range of business models, including recurring license fees, Cost-per-mille (“CPM”), Cost-per-action (“CPA”)
and revenue share advertising models.
FinTech
Division
NextBank has focused on identifying
and implementing technology solutions, such as updated core banking systems and transaction security, compliance and monitoring systems,
and is moving rapidly to integrate with payment providers and exchanges. After launching the first release of its mobile banking app in
April 2022, NextBank is working on fortifying security and scalability, adding features and capabilities, and expanding supported platforms
to include all popular mobile and desktop devices.
Longroot
has put considerable resources into researching technology solutions, such as suitable blockchain protocols and third-party security
services, and has developed a proprietary system that serves its clients and internal operations, while complying with the rules of the
Thai SEC. Its systems are designed to onboard investors on to the ICO Portal Platform in a compliant manner, offer access to information
related to individual ICOs, such as their prospectus, and participate in ICOs.
Costs
associated with our research and development were included as capitalized development costs or, included in several expenses including
technology and development, salaries, and benefits and in general and administrative expenses.
Travel
Division
We
have developed proprietary systems to create, maintain and operate our websites. This technology consists of systems developed by internal
and third-party designers, developers and engineers and software acquired or licensed from outside developers and companies. Our systems
are designed to serve other property distributors, property owners, managers, and travelers in an automated and scalable fashion.
Technology
and Infrastructure
Media
Division
Our
websites and platforms are hosted using cloud services distributed globally across multiple regions. Our systems have been designed to
automatically scale on demand at both the B2B and B2C levels to maintain an extremely high level of availability, regardless of end user
demand. Industry leading cloud based security system are in place to protect our platforms from unauthorized access and data breaches.
Where possible, the services have been designed in a cloud agnostic manner to minimize the dependency on any single cloud provider and
facilitate deployment across multiple cloud providers, as necessary.
FinTech
Division
NextBank
is transitioning to Datapro’s core banking system in order to enhance its capabilities and support its growth and scalability goals.
Datapro develops and deploys advanced software solutions specifically designed to meet the changing needs of financial institutions worldwide.
With a singular focus on the banking/financial services sector, Datapro uses cutting edge technologies and hands-on expertise to simplify
all banking processes from data management and customer relationship functions to national/international regulatory compliance.
To
further enhance compliance and transaction monitoring, NextBank is using Ocean Systems’ software. Ocean Systems, Inc. (“OSI”)
is a software development company specializing in Compliance and Electronic Funds Transfer (“EFT”) applications for the financial
and banking industry. They provide compliance solutions related to bank payment systems concerning Automated Clearing House (“ACH”),
Wire Transfers, Automated Teller Machine (“ATM”), and Point of Sale (“POS”).
NextBank is committed to
adhering to the highest level of security. Leveraging Amazon Web Services’ (“AWS”) infrastructure allows security
configurations to be tightened. Strengthening NextBank’s network security enables stable scalability. Additionally, NextBank
uses EnCirca, a registrar that provides supports domain name registrations and provides trademark protections services, as its
registrar. They are one of only a small handful of registrars authorized to host .Bank domains. As the leading Internet Corporation
for Assigned Names and Numbers (“ICANN”) registrar for the .Bank extension, EnCirca is well-equipped to offer
state-of-the-art technology services for hosting secure websites and email.
Longroot
Thailand’s proprietary ICO Portal Platform is built upon a number of innovations that allow it to serve investors, issuers, and
the Longroot Thailand internal team in a secure and compliant manner. The platform leverages the Ethereum network, giving investors and
issuers access to an ecosystem of services, such as secondary markets, exchanges, custodians, insurers, and decentralized finance services.
The
platform also includes an integrated Securities Tokenization Offering technology. Not only does the technology allow Longroot Thailand
to tokenize assets that are fully compliant with Thailand’s Royal Decree on Digital Assets Businesses, we believe that it will
also allow Longroot Thailand to conduct similar offerings in other jurisdictions in the future, thereby enabling Longroot Thailand to
expand its operations.
The
infrastructure has a high level of reliability and is designed to allow Longroot Thailand to scale efficiently while maintaining the
security levels required of a financial services operator. The platform is hosted using a combination of third-party data centers powered
by Google Cloud Platform (“GCP”) and associated security services provided by other third parties. The high level of redundancy
provided by GCP and designed into its infrastructure helps ensure that Longroot Thailand can reliably serve clients globally, 24x7. Longroot
Thailand also uses security methods to ensure the integrity of its networks and protection of confidential data collected and stored
on its servers. Longroot Thailand has developed internal policies and procedures to protect the information of investors and issuers
that it collects and uses as part of its normal operations. Access to its networks, and the servers and databases, on which confidential
data is stored, is protected by industry standard firewall technology.
Travel
Division
Our
websites are hosted using cloud services distributed globally across multiple regions. Our systems architecture has been designed to
manage increases in traffic on our websites through additional computing power without making software changes. Our cloud services provide
our online marketplace with scalable and redundant Internet connectivity and redundant power and cooling to our hosting environments.
We use security methods to ensure the integrity of our networks and protection of confidential data collected and stored on our servers,
and we have developed and use internal policies and procedures to protect the personal information of our property owners, managers and
travelers using our websites that we collect and use as part of our normal operations. Access to our networks, and the servers and databases,
on which confidential data is stored, is protected by industry standard firewall and encryption technology. Physical access to our servers
and related equipment is secured by limiting access to the data center to operations personnel only. Costs associated with our web hosting
operation are included in general and administrative costs.
Intellectual
Property
The
Company currently holds a wide range of intellectual property relating to software and products across its different divisions. This
includes patent pending products, copyrights, registered and unregistered trademarks, trade secrets, industrial designs, registered domain
names, and other forms of intellectual property rights.
Media
Division
The
Media Division intellectual property includes the HotPlay in-game advertising platform, which consists of the game developer portal,
advertiser portal, redemption application, and Software Development Kit (“SDK”), artificial intelligence powered video game
development technology, and proprietary casual games, as well as Zappware’s digital TV platform.
At the Media Division, the
Company has filed patent protection for HotPlay’s in-game advertising technology and Make It Games’ Artificial Intelligence
animation technology.
FinTech
Division
The
FinTech division intellectual property includes the NextBank mobile banking platform, Longroot’s ICO Portal, Token IQ’s securities
token offering technology, and products and services designed to support the digital asset industry.
At
the FinTech division, the Company has filed patent protection for Token IQ’s security token offering technology.
Travel
Division
The
Travel division intellectual property includes the travel management platform and property management solution for alternative lodging
properties, the content of our websites, our registered domain names, our registered and unregistered trademarks, contracts with third
party property managers and distributors.
The Company believes that
its intellectual property is an essential asset of its business and gives us a competitive advantage. We rely on a combination of trademark,
copyright and trade secret laws in the United States and internationally, as well as contractual provisions, to protect our proprietary
technology and our brands. We also rely on copyright laws to protect the appearance and design of our sites and applications, although
to date we have not registered for copyright protection on any particular content. We have registered numerous Internet domain names related
to our business in order to protect our proprietary interests. We generally enter into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements
with our employees and contractors, and confidentiality with third parties. The Company also files patent applications to protect innovations
arising from our research and development.
These
efforts we have taken to protect our intellectual property may not be sufficient or effective and we may not receive approval on our
pending patents. It may be possible for other parties to copy or otherwise obtain and use content of its platform and brand names without
authorization.
Employees
On average, we employed approximately
250 full-time employees throughout the reporting period. Additionally, we use independent contractors and temporary personnel to supplement
our workforce, particularly in the software development and technology tasks. Our employees are not represented by a labor union, and
we consider our employee relations to be very good. Competition for qualified personnel in our industry has historically been intense,
particularly for software engineers, developers, and other technical staffs.
Employee
Development, Attraction and Retention: The development, attraction and retention of employees is a critical success factor for the
Company and its operating units for succession planning and sustaining our core value drivers. To support the advancement of our employees,
we offer training and development programs encouraging advancement from within and strive to fill our team with strong and experienced
management talent. We leverage both formal and informal programs to identify, foster, and retain top talent at both the corporate and
operating unit level.
Diversity
and Inclusion: The Company believes that its rich culture of inclusion and diversity enables it to create, develop and fully leverage
the strengths of its workforce to exceed customer expectations and meet its growth objectives. The Company places a high value on inclusion,
engaging employees in our programs staffed by employees with diverse backgrounds, experiences or characteristics who share a common interest
in professional development, improving corporate culture and delivering sustained business results.
Sources
and Availability of Raw Materials
Our
products do not require the consumption of physical raw materials. Our products mainly involve cost of rendering of services, such as
employees, contractors, amortization of intangible assets and etc.
Dependence
on One or a Few Customers
In
Fiscal year 2022, we did not depend on one or a few customers.
Government
Regulation
Our
operations are subject to, and affected by, various government regulations, as well as foreign and U.S. federal, state and local government
authorities. Our providers, distributors, etc. are also subject to periodic renewal and ongoing regulatory requirements. The rules, regulations,
policies and procedures affecting our businesses are constantly subject to change. The following descriptions are summaries in nature,
and do not purport to describe all present and proposed laws and regulations affecting our businesses.
We
operate several internet websites, which we use to distribute information about and supplement our programs. Internet services are now
subject to regulation in the United States relating to the privacy and security of personally identifiable user information and acquisition
of personal information from children under the age of 13, including the federal Child Online Protection Act (“COPA”) and
the federal Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act (“CAN-SPAM”), amongst other privacy related
rules and regulations. In addition, a majority of states have enacted laws that impose data security and security breach obligations.
Additional federal and state laws and regulations may be adopted with respect to the Internet or other online services, covering such
issues as user privacy, child safety, data security, advertising, pricing, content, copyrights and trademarks, access by persons with
disabilities, distribution, taxation and characteristics and quality of products and services. In addition, to the extent we offer products
and services to online consumers outside the United States, the laws and regulations of foreign jurisdictions, including, without limitation,
consumer protection, privacy, advertising, data retention, intellectual property, and content limitations, may impose additional compliance
obligations on us.
Thailand
is in the process of introducing a Personal Data Protection Act (“PDPA”), which all companies in Thailand that handle personal
data will be required to adhere to, once implemented. This means that employers, businesses, and individuals that collect and process
personal data would have to review and ensure that their data policies, particularly those pertaining to the rights of the data subjects
and the obligations of data controllers, are in line with the PDPA’s provision once it comes to effect.
Longroot
Thailand’s operations are subject to, and affected by, various government regulations. The rules, regulations, policies and
procedures affecting its businesses are constantly subject to change. Longroot Thailand is regulated under the Thai SEC Royal Decree
on Digital Assets Businesses that requires all ICOs in Thailand to be conducted by a Thai SEC approved ICO Portal. As an ICO Portal,
Longroot Thailand is also responsible for carrying out due diligence on issuers. The decree was only recently introduced in 2018,
and is subject to amendment. Longroot Thailand will need to constantly monitor the regulations as they evolve to remain in
compliance.
Longroot
Thailand is also regulated under the Thailand Anti-Money Laundering Office (“AMLO”), and is required to adhere to the Anti-Money
Laundering Act and Counter-Terrorism and Proliferation of Weapon of Mass Destruction Financing Act of Thailand. As such, Longroot Thailand
carries out Know Your Customer (“KYC”) checks on all issuers, investors and its internal team before onboarding them to help
ensure compliance.
There
are several business taxes levied by the Thai central government under the principal tax law, Revenue Code, such as Corporate Income
Tax, Value Added Tax, Specific Business Tax, Customs Duties, Excise Tax and Stamp Duties. Hotplay Thailand and Longroot Thailand have
a duty to assess their own income and ensure the right amount of taxes are paid to the government authorities and to correct to avoid
additional tax penalty after the government inspection.
Blockchain
technologies and digital currencies, are increasingly becoming subject to governmental regulation, both in the US and internationally.
Blockchain technologies and cryptocurrency are under review with a number of US and foreign governmental agencies. Other governmental
or quasi-governmental regulatory bodies have shown an interest in regulating or investigating companies engaged in digital currency related
business. For instance, in early March 2021, the SEC chairperson nominee expressed an intent to focus on investor protection issues raised
by cryptocurrencies. Presently, except as otherwise discussed in this Report, we do not believe any regulatory body in a foreign jurisdiction
in which we operate, US or State regulatory body has taken any action or position adverse to our blockchain and digital currency related
activities; however, future changes to existing regulations or entirely new regulations may affect our business in ways it is not presently
possible for us to predict with any reasonable degree of reliability.
NextBank
provides traditional banking services and the origination and sale of loans and receivables financing, among other types of lending services,
as an International Financial Entity (“IFE”) under license by the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of
Puerto Rico (“OCIF”). Pursuant to its authorization to operate as an IFE, the International Financial Center Regulatory Act
of Puerto Rico, as amended (the “IFE Act”), it will be only allowed to perform banking transactions (accepting deposits,
making loans, etc.) with any person or entity not considered domestic (in Puerto Rico) (with the exception of the investments in stocks,
notes or bonds from the local government) including a range of transactions enumerated in its charter and other transactions for which
prior approval is required from the OCIF. The minimum capitalization of the IFE will be $5 million. As provided in the IFE Act, at least
$0.25 million must be fully paid-in at the time the license to operate as an international financial entity is issued by the Commissioner.
The capital of the IFE must satisfy the adequacy criteria required in a safe and sound financial institution, in the manner provided
by federal and state banking statutes and verification of which used by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Other
Regulations
We
are also subject to various local, state, and federal regulations, including, without limitation, regulations promulgated by federal
and state environmental, health and labor agencies.
Recent
Material Events
Appointment
and departure of Executive Officers and Directors of the Company
Effective
upon the Closing of the HotPlay Share Exchange, resignations of Mr. Pasquale “Pat” LaVecchia, Mr. Doug Checkeris, Mr. Rupert
Duchesne, Mr. Robert “Jamie” Mendola, Jr. and Ms. Alexandra C. Zubko became effective and such persons were deemed to have
resigned from the board of directors of the Company. In addition, Mr. Simon Orange, a then member of the board of directors, resigned
as a director of the Company effective on June 30, 2021. Mr. William Kerby and Mr. Donald P. Monaco, remained as members of the board
of directors following the closing.
In
connection with the closing of the HotPlay Share Exchange, and pursuant to the terms thereof, the Company’s board of directors
approved the increase in the number of directors from eight to nine and upon closing of the HotPlay Share Exchange, each of Mr. J. Todd
Bonner, Ms. Nithinan Boonyawattanapisut (the spouse of Mr. Bonner), Mr. Komson Kaewkham, Mr. Athid Nanthawaroon, Mr. Yoshihiro Obata,
Ms. Stacey Riddell, and Ms. Carmen L. Diges were appointed to serve as members of the board of directors of the Company, joining William
Kerby and Donald Monaco who remained on the board of directors following the closing.
Mr.
J. Todd Bonner and Mr. Donald Monaco were appointed as Co-Chairpersons of the board of directors following the closing. Certain of the
new members of the board of directors were also appointed as members of the committee of the board of directors, as discussed in further
detail elsewhere in this Report.
The
board of Directors determined that Mr. Komson Kaewkham, Mr. Yoshihiro Obata, Ms. Stacey Riddell, and Ms. Carmen L. Diges, were “independent”
pursuant to the rules of the Nasdaq Capital Market.
On
November 9, 2021, Stacey Riddell resigned as a member of the Company’s board of directors. Ms. Riddell’s resignation was
not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.
On
November 23, 2021, the Company’s board of directors appointed Farooq Moosa as an independent director of the Company to fill the
vacant board seat resulting from Ms. Riddell’s resignation.
On December 9, 2021, the
Company’s board of directors appointed Edward Terrence Gardner, Jr. as an independent director of the Company, following the appointment,
the board is now composed of 10 members.
Change
in Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”)
On
January 3, 2022, Nithinan “Jess” Boonyawattanapisut, Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company, assumed the role of the Company’s
PEO, thereby replacing William Kerby, the Company’s other Co-Chief Executive Officer, who stepped down from the PEO role.
Ms.
Boonyawattanapisut’s assumption of the Company’s PEO role was based on various considerations, including her familiarity with the
Company’s financial statements and operations post-acquisition of HotPlay.
Significant
Business and Asset Acquisitions
Reinhart
Interactive TV AG and Zappware N.V.
On
January 15, 2021, we entered into a Founding Investment and Subscription Agreement with Reinhart Interactive TV AG, a company organized
in Switzerland, and Jan C. Reinhart, the founder of Reinhart. The Investment Agreement contemplated the Company acquiring 51% of the
ownership of Reinhart, in consideration for 10 million Swiss Francs (approximately $10.8 million US). Consideration was paid by cash
and the transaction was closed on June 23, 2021.
More
information regarding this transaction is disclosed in Note 4 - Acquisitions and Dispositions.
NextBank
International (formerly IFEB)
On
April 1, 2021, we entered into a Bill of Sale for Common Stock, effective March 22, 2021, with certain third parties, pursuant to which
the Company agreed to purchase 2,191,489 shares, the IFEB Shares, of authorized and outstanding Class A Common Stock of IFEB, a Puerto
Rico corporation licensed as an Act 273-2012 international financial entity headquartered in San Juan Puerto Rico, which IFEB Shares
totaled approximately 57.16% of the outstanding Class A Common Stock of IFEB. The purchase price of the IFEB Shares was $6.4 million,
which amount was paid to the sellers on April 1, 2021.
Separately,
on July 21, 2021, the Company entered into, and closed the transactions contemplated by, a Share Exchange Agreement with various other
holders of shares of Class A Common Stock of IFEB (the “Additional Sellers” and the “IFEB Exchange Agreement”).
Pursuant to the IFEB Exchange Agreement, the Additional Sellers exchanged an aggregate of 1,648,614 of the outstanding Class A Common
Stock of IFEB, representing 42.94% of such outstanding Class A Common Stock of IFEB, in consideration for an aggregate of 1,926,750 restricted
shares of the Company’s common stock (the “IFEB Common Shares”), with each one share of Class A Common Stock of IFEB
being exchanged for 1.168 restricted shares of common stock of the Company, based on an agreed upon value of $2.50 per share for each
share of Company common stock and $2.92 per share for each share of Class A Common Stock of IFEB.
As
a result of the closing of both transactions, we acquired control of 100% of IFEB as of July 21, 2021.
More
information regarding this transaction is disclosed in Note 4 - Acquisitions and Dispositions.
Go
Game Asset Purchase
On
June 30, 2021, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Go Game SPA”) with David Ng, an individual
(the “Seller”). Pursuant to the Go Game SPA, the Company agreed to acquire a 37% interest in the capital stock of Go
Game Pte Ltd, a Singapore private limited company (“Go Game”), a mobile game publisher and technology company, representing
an aggregate of 686,868 shares of Go Game’s Class B Preferred shares (the “Initial Go Game Shares”). The
Go Game SPA also included an option whereby the Company could acquire additional shares of Go Game, as described in greater detail below.
Pursuant to the Go Game SPA, the aggregate consideration to be paid for the Initial Go Game Shares was: (i) 6,100,000 shares
of Series D Preferred Stock (representing $6.1 million of value, based on an aggregate liquidation preference of $6.1 million),
and (ii) $5 million in cash, with $1.25 million paid on June 30, 2021, $1.25 million payable on or before July 31, 2021,
and $2.5 million payable on or before September 30, 2021.
Pursuant
to the Go Game SPA, the Company was also granted an option (the “Go Game Option”), to purchase up to an additional 259,895 shares
of Go Game’s Class B Preferred shares from the Seller (the “Option Shares”) (representing 14% of Go Game’s
outstanding Class B Preferred shares, or 51% with the Initial Go Game Shares). The Go Game Option was subject to the Seller’s
acquisition of the Option Shares subsequent to the date of the Go Game SPA. The Go Game Option was to be exercisable from time to time
after the date that the shareholders of the Company approved the issuance of shares of common stock upon conversion of the Series D Preferred
Stock and in connection with the Go Game Option (the “Approval Date”), and prior to January 1, 2022. The per share consideration
due in connection with an exercise of the Go Game Option was to be equal to $70 million, divided by the then number of outstanding
shares of Go Game ($37.71 per share at the time the agreement was entered into) (the “Call Option Price”). The Call
Option Price was to be satisfied by the issuance of shares of Company common stock valued based on the greater of (a) $2.35 per
share and (b) 85% of the average of the closing prices of the Company’s common stock for the prior thirty days (the “30-Day
Average”). The Seller agreed not to transfer the Option Shares from the date acquired through the exercise or expiration of the
Go Game Option. Upon issuance of any shares of common stock upon exercise of the Go Game Option, the Seller agreed to enter into a lock-up
agreement restricting any sales or transfers of any shares of common stock of the Company for a period of 18 months following the issuance
date.
We
agreed, pursuant to the Go Game SPA, that, upon our purchase of the Initial Go Game Shares, we would appoint the Seller to the board
of directors of the Company, and that we would continue to nominate the Seller as a board nominee for appointment on the board of directors
at each subsequent shareholder meeting of the Company, subject to certain exceptions, until the earlier of (i) Seller’s death;
(ii) Seller’s resignation from the board of directors; (iii) the date that Seller is no longer qualified to serve as a member of
the board of directors; (iv) the date the board of directors, acting in good faith, determines that the continued appointment of Seller
to the board of directors would violate the fiduciary duties of such members of the board of directors; (v) the third anniversary of
the acquisition of the Initial Go Game Shares; and (vi) the date that the Seller holds less than 2 million shares of Company
common stock (including shares of common stock issuable upon conversion shares of Series D Preferred Stock held by Seller).
As
of November 30, 2021, the second payment of $1.25 million, originally payable on or before July 31, 2021 and the third payment of
$2.5 million originally payable on or before September 30, 2021 had not been paid and the shares of Series D Preferred Stock had
not been issued, and such payments remained on hold subject to the completion of due diligence and further negotiation by the parties.
Total payments made to the Seller as of November 30, 2021 were $1,250,000.
On
March 30, 2022, the Company, Go Game and the Seller entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”),
which amended and restated in its entirety the Go Game SPA, whereby Go Game agreed to sell and assign to the Company, and the Company
agreed to purchase and assume from Go Game, substantially all the assets and certain liabilities related to the goPlay platform (the
“Go Game Assets”), together with a perpetual license to the goPay payment gateway (the “goPay License”).
The
consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Closing”) occurred on or about April
4, 2022, following the execution of the Asset Purchase Agreement on March 30, 2022.
As
consideration for the Go Game Assets and the receipt of the goPay License, the Company agreed to pay $5,000,000 (the “Purchase
Price”) as follows:
|
(i) |
A cash payment of $1,250,000,
which was paid previously by the Company to Go Game/Seller following the execution of the Go Game SPA; |
|
|
|
|
(ii) |
A cash payment of $1,500,000
at closing by wire transfer of immediately available funds; and |
|
|
|
|
(iii) |
A cash payment of $2,250,000,
which shall be payable monthly by the Company to Go Game with simple interest thereon at the rate of 12.0% per annum until March
31, 2023. |
No
stock consideration of Go Game or the Company is being exchanged, as was previously contemplated under the Go Game SPA.
In
the event the Company defaults on its monthly cash payment obligations under (iii) above, the Company agrees that the Seller shall be
given the absolute right to demand for the return by way of assigning, transferring, and delivering to Seller all of the Company’s
right, title, ownership and interest in certain games and source code for goPay (without taking away the perpetual licensing right).
For
a period of six months following the closing, Go Game will provide transitional assistance to the Company to integrate the goPlay platform
and associated game titles, together with the goPay payment gateway, at no additional charge.
The
goPay License allows the Company to exploit the goPay payment gateway to enhance the products and service offerings of the Company. The
goPay License does not allow the Company to exploit and sublicense the goPay technology as a stand-alone product.
Prior
to the Closing, Go Game was engaged in discussions with potential customers of the goPlay platform. At the Closing, the Company and Go
Game entered into a revenue share agreement (the “Revenue Share Agreement”), pursuant to which Go Game shall refer such potential
customers and any other potential customers to the Company, in exchange for a right to receive 50% of net revenues attributable to such
sales.
In
addition, the Company and the Seller entered into a restrictive covenant agreement (the “Restrictive Covenant Agreement”)
whereby Seller will agree to refrain from competing with the Company and soliciting the Company’s employees at the time of the
closing and for a period of time thereafter in order to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests and goodwill in connection
with the Asset Purchase Agreement.
Fighter
Base Technologies Asset Purchase
On May 2, 2022, the
Company completed the acquisition of certain of the assets of Fighter Base Publishing Inc. (“FBP”), an entity owned and controlled by Mark Vange, the
Company Chief Technology Officer, pursuant to that Intellectual Property Purchase Agreement entered into by and between the Company
and FBP on August 19, 2021. As consideration for the assets of FBP, the Company issued FBP 1,666,667
shares of Company common stock.
The assets purchased from
FBP include the AI-powered video development platform of Make It Games (“MIG”), previously a wholly owned division
of FBP. The platform includes proprietary technology that enables developers to create video games powered by AI. The technology
supports the training of virtual characters to be more lifelike in appearance and behavior. Proprietary AI animation tools help program
game or film characters to fully animate themselves, saving as much as 70% of the typical time and cost of animation.
Token
IQ Asset Purchase
On May 2, 2022, the
Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the assets of Token IQ Inc. (“Token IQ”), an entity owned and controlled
by Mark Vange, the Company Chief Technology Officer, pursuant to that Intellectual Property Purchase Agreement entered into by and
between the Company and Token IQ on August 19, 2021. As consideration for the assets of Token IQ, the Company issued Token IQ
1,250,000 shares of Company common stock.
The
assets purchased from Token IQ focus on the digital assets industry, allowing the Company to provide its customers with KYC related services,
as well as a solution to replace their digital assets should they lose access to, or control of, their digital assets, amongst other
things. The foundational intellectual property purchased from Token IQ is designed to reconcile legal and regulatory requirements around
digital assets, including KYC, Anti-money laundering and shareholder rights enforcement, all common pain points within the crypto markets
today.
Financings
May
2021 Underwritten Offering
On
May 13, 2021, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement (the “May 2021 Underwriting Agreement”) with Kingswood,
as representatives of the underwriters named therein (the “Underwriters”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell to
the Underwriters in a firm commitment underwritten public offering (the “May 2021 Offering”) an aggregate of 3,230,000 shares
of the Company’s common stock at a public offering price of $2.50 per share. The Company also granted the underwriters a 45-day
option to purchase up to an additional 484,500 shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, if any, which over-allotment option was
exercised in full. The May 2021 Offering (including the sale of the over-allotment shares) closed on May 18, 2021. The net proceeds to
the Company from the May 2021 Offering, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, were approximately
$8.5 million.
Kingswood
acted as sole book-running managers for the May 2021 Offering. The Company paid the Underwriters a cash fee equal to 6% of the aggregate
gross proceeds received by the Company in connection with the May 2021 Offering, paid the Underwriters a non-accountable expense allowance
equal to 1% of the aggregate gross proceeds received by the Company in connection with the May 2021 Offering, and reimbursed certain
expenses of the Underwriters.
November
Registered Direct Offering
On
November 1, 2021, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain institutional
investors (the “Purchasers”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell, in a registered direct offering, an
aggregate of 18,987,342 shares (the “Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, together with warrants to purchase an
aggregate of 14,240,508 shares of Common Stock (the “Warrants”), at a combined price of $1.58 per Share and accompanying
three quarters of a Warrant. The net proceeds to the Company from the offering, after deducting placement agent fees and expenses and
estimated offering expenses (excluding proceeds to the Company, if any, from the future exercise of the Warrants) were approximately
$27.85 million.
The
offering closed on November 3, 2021. The Shares, Warrants and shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants were offered
pursuant to a prospectus supplement, filed with the SEC on November 3, 2021, to the Company’s effective shelf registration statement
on Form S-3 (File No. 333-257457), which was initially filed with the SEC on June 25, 2021, was amended on September 24, 2021 and October
27, 2021, and was declared effective on October 29, 2021.
Each
whole Warrant sold in the offering will be exercisable for one share of common stock at an initial exercise price of $1.97 per share
(the “Initial Exercise Price”), the closing sales price of the Company’s common stock on October 29, 2021 (the last
trading day prior to the date that the Purchase Agreement was entered into). The Warrants may be exercised commencing six months after
the issuance date (the “Initial Exercise Date”) and terminating on the fifth anniversary of the Initial Exercise Date. The
Warrants are exercisable for cash; provided, however that they may be exercised on a cashless exercise basis if, at the time of exercise,
there is no effective registration statement registering, or no current prospectus available for, the issuance or resale of the shares
of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants. The exercise of the Warrants will be subject to a beneficial ownership limitation,
which will prohibit the exercise thereof, if upon such exercise the holder of the Warrants, its affiliates and any other persons or entities
acting as a group together with the holder or any of the holder’s affiliates would hold 4.99% (or, upon election of a purchaser
prior to the issuance of any shares, 9.99%) of the number of shares of the common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to
the issuance of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrant held by the applicable holder, provided that the holders
may increase or decrease the beneficial ownership limitation (up to a maximum of 9.99%) upon 61 days advance notice to the Company, which
61 day period cannot be waived.
The
Warrants also include certain anti-dilution rights, which provide that if at any time the Warrants are outstanding, the Company issues
or enters into any agreement to issue, or is deemed to have issued or entered into an agreement to issue (which includes the issuance
of securities convertible or exercisable for shares of common stock), securities for consideration less than the then current exercise
price of the Warrants, the exercise price of such Warrants will be automatically reduced to the lowest price per share of consideration
provided or deemed to have been provided for such securities; provided, however, that unless and until the Company has received stockholder
approval to reduce the exercise price of the Warrants below $1.97 per share (the “Floor Price”), no such adjustment to the
exercise price may be made. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to obtain stockholder
approval within 90 days from the date of the prospectus supplement to remove the Floor Price of the Warrants. Until such shareholder
approval is obtained, the Company has agreed to hold a special meeting of its stockholders every three months thereafter, for so long
as the Warrants remain outstanding, to obtain such stockholder approval.
If
the Company fails for any reason to deliver shares of common stock upon the valid exercise of the Warrants, subject to its receipt of
a valid exercise notice and the aggregate exercise price, by the time period set forth in the Warrants, the Company will be required
to pay the applicable holder, in cash, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $1,000 of shares subject to such exercise
(as calculated in the Warrant), $10 per trading day (increasing to $20 per trading day on the third trading day after such liquidated
damages begin to accrue) for each trading day that such shares are not delivered. The Warrants also include customary buy-in rights in
the event the Company fails to deliver shares of common stock upon exercise thereof within the time periods set forth in the Warrant.
EF
Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC (“EFH”), agreed to act as placement agent for the offering on a “reasonable
best efforts” basis. Pursuant to the placement agency agreement entered into with EFG, the Company paid EFH an aggregate cash fee
equal to 6.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the offering, a non-accountable expense reimbursement of 1.0% of the aggregate gross
proceeds in the offering, and $50,000 for the reimbursement of certain of the EFH’s expenses.
At
The Market Offering Agreement Facility
On March 4, 2022, the Company
entered into an At The Market Offering Agreement (the “ATM Agreement”) with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC (the “Agent”),
to create an at-the-market equity program under which the Company may, from time to time, offer and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate gross
offering price of up to $20 million (the “Shares”) to or through the Agent (the “ATM Offering”).
Any
Shares sold to or through the Agent will be issued pursuant to a prospectus dated October 29, 2021 and a prospectus supplement dated
March 4, 2022 filed with the SEC (the “Prospectus Supplement”), in connection with one or more offerings of the Shares pursuant
to the Prospectus Supplement. Subject to the terms and conditions of the ATM Agreement, the Agent will use its commercially reasonable
efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices and applicable state and federal law, rules and regulations to sell the
Shares from time to time, based upon the Company’s instructions. Sales of the Shares, if any, under the ATM Agreement may be made
in transactions that are deemed to be “at the market offerings” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the “Securities Act”), including sales made by means of ordinary brokers’ transactions (including directly
on the Nasdaq Capital Market), at market prices or as otherwise agreed between the Company and the Agent. The Agent is not under any
obligation to purchase any of the Shares on a principal basis pursuant to the ATM Agreement, except as otherwise agreed by the Agent
and the Company in writing pursuant to a separate terms agreement. The Company has no obligation to sell any of the Shares and may at
any time suspend offers under the ATM Agreement or terminate the ATM Agreement. As compensation for services provided, if any, the Agent
will be entitled to a commission at a fixed commission rate equal to 3.0% of the gross sales price of any Shares sold in the ATM Offering.
Note
Purchase Agreements: Streeterville Capital, LLC
November
2020 Note Purchase Agreement
On
November 23, 2020, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “November 2020 Note Purchase Agreement”) with
Streeterville Capital, LLC (“Streeterville”), pursuant to which the Company sold Streeterville a Secured Promissory Note
in the original principal amount of $5,520,000 (the “November 2020 Streeterville Note”). Streeterville paid consideration
of an initial cash purchase price of $3,500,000 for the note and issued the Company a promissory note in the amount of $1,500,000 (the
“November 2020 Investor Note”). The associated debt issuance costs of the note were $370,000 for total amount due $3,870,000.
In addition to the $370,000 of debt issuance costs, the Company paid $245,000 for advisory fees, resulting in net proceeds to the Company
of $3,255,000.
The
November 2020 Investor Note, in the principal amount of $1,500,000, evidenced the amount payable by Streeterville to the Company as partial
consideration for the acquisition by the Company of the November 2020 Streeterville Note. The November 2020 Investor Note accrued interest
at the rate of 10% per annum, payable in full on November 23, 2021, subject to a 30-day extension exercisable at the option of Streeterville
and could be prepaid at any time. The amount of the Investor Note has been offset against the amount of the November 2020 Streeterville
Note in the balance sheet as of February 28, 2021, as both notes have substantially similar terms, and the Investor Note was provided
in consideration for the acquisition of a portion of the November 2020 Streeterville Note. The November 2020 Investor Note was subsequently
funded in full in January 2021.
On
November 4, 2021, upon completion of the November 2021 registered direct offering (discussed above), the Company completely paid off
the November 2020 Streeterville Note in the amount of $3,100,807.
March
2021 Note Purchase Agreement
On
March 22, 2021, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement dated March 23, 2021 (the “March 2021 Note Purchase Agreement”) with
Streeterville, pursuant to which the Company sold Streeterville a Secured Promissory Note in the original principal amount of $9,370,000
(the “March 2021 Streeterville Note”). Streeterville paid consideration of (a) $7,000,000 in cash; and (b) issued
the Company a promissory note in the amount of $1,500,000 (the “March 2021 Investor Note”), in consideration for the March
2021 Streeterville Note, which included an original issue discount of $850,000 (the “OID”) and reimbursement of Streeterville’s
transaction expenses of $20,000. A total of $700,000 of the OID was fully earned upon issuance and the remaining $150,000 was not fully
earned until the March 2021 Investor Note was fully-funded by Streeterville, which occurred on May 26, 2021. Also on May 26, 2021, Streeterville
funded the March 2021 Investor Note (in the amount of $1.5 million) in full.
The
March 2021 Streeterville Note bore interest at a rate of 10% per annum and matures 12 months after its issuance date (i.e., on March
23, 2022). From time to time, beginning six months after issuance, Streeterville had the right to redeem a portion of the March 2021
Streeterville Note, not to exceed $2.125 million. In the event we did not pay the amount of any requested redemption within three trading
days, an amount equal to 25% of such redemption amount was to be added to the outstanding balance of the March 2021 Streeterville Note.
Under certain circumstances, the Company had the right to defer the redemption payments up to three times, for 30 days each, provided
that upon each such deferral the outstanding balance of the March 2021 Streeterville Note would increase by 2%. Subject to the terms
and conditions set forth in the March 2021 Streeterville Note, the Company could prepay all or any portion of the outstanding balance
of the March 2021 Streeterville Note at any time subject to a prepayment penalty equal to 10% of the amount of the outstanding balance
to be prepaid. For so long as the March 2021 Streeterville Note remained outstanding, the Company agreed to pay to Streeterville 20%
of the gross proceeds that the Company received from the sale of any of its common stock or preferred stock, which payments were applied
towards and reduced the outstanding balance of the March 2021 Streeterville Note, which percentage would increase to 30% upon the occurrence
of, and continuance of, an event of default under the March 2021 Streeterville Note (each an “Equity Payment”). The outstanding
balance of the March 2021 Streeterville Note would have automatically increased by 10% each time that we failed to pay an Equity Payment.
Additionally, in the event we failed to timely pay any such Equity Payment, Streeterville had the right to seek an injunction which would
prevent us from issuing common or preferred stock until or unless we pay such Equity Payment.
The
March 2021 Note Purchase Agreement required that we complete the purchase of the Reinhart Interactive TV AG equity interests discussed
below (the “Reinhart Interest”), within ten days of the date of the sale of the March 2021 Streeterville Note, and that the
Company pledge the Reinhart Interest to Streeterville pursuant to a pledge agreement thereafter, both of which were timely completed.
The
Company made a required equity payment of $1,857,250 to Streeterville under the March 2021 Streeterville Note on May 26, 2021, with funds
raised through a May 2021 underwritten offering, which represented approximately 20% of the funds raised in such offering. On November
4, 2021, the Company paid down the outstanding balance of the March 2021 Streeterville Note, with funds raised through the November 2021
registered direct offering (discussed above).
October
2021 Note Purchase Agreement
On
October 22, 2021, the Company entered into the Note Purchase Agreement (the “October 2021 Note Purchase Agreement”) with
Streeterville, pursuant to which the Company sold Streeterville a Secured Promissory Note in the original principal amount of $1,665,000
(the “October 2021 Streeterville Note”). Streeterville paid consideration of $1,500,000, which represents the original principal
amount less a $150,000 OID, which was fully earned upon issuance, and a total of $15,000 to cover Streeterville’s professional
fees and transaction expenses.
The
October 2021 Streeterville Note bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum and matures 12 months after its issuance date (i.e., on October
22, 2022). From time to time, beginning six months after issuance, Streeterville may redeem any portion of the October 2021 Streeterville
Note, up to a maximum amount of $375,000 per month. In the event the Company fails to pay the amount of any requested redemption within
three trading days, an amount equal to 25% of such redemption amount is added to the outstanding balance of the October 2021 Streeterville
Note. Under certain circumstances, the Company may defer the redemption payments up to three times, for 30 days each, provided that upon
each such deferral, the outstanding balance of the October 2021 Streeterville Note is increased by 2%. Subject to the terms and conditions
set forth in the October 2021 Streeterville Note, the Company may prepay all or any portion of the outstanding balance of the October
2021 Streeterville Note at any time subject to a prepayment penalty equal to 10% of the amount of the outstanding balance to be prepaid.
For so long as the October 2021 Streeterville Note remains outstanding, the Company has agreed to pay to Streeterville 20% of the gross
proceeds that the Company receives from the sale of any of its common stock or preferred stock within ten days of receiving such amount,
which payments will be applied towards and will reduce the outstanding balance of the October 2021 Streeterville Note, which percentage
increases to 30% upon the occurrence of, and continuance of, an event of default under the October 2021 Streeterville Note (each an “Equity
Payment”). Each time that the Company fails to pay an Equity Payment, the outstanding balance of the October 2021 Streeterville
Note automatically increases by 10%. Additionally, in the event the Company fails to timely pay any such Equity Payment, Streeterville
may seek an injunction which would prevent the Company from issuing common or preferred stock until or unless the Company paid all past-due
Equity Payments.
Pursuant
to the October 2021 Streeterville Note, the Company provided Streeterville a right of first refusal to purchase any promissory note,
debenture, or other debt instruments which the Company proposes to sell, other than sales to officers or directors of the Company and/or
sales to the government. Each time, if ever, that the Company provides Streeterville such right, and Streeterville does not exercise
such right to provide such funding, the outstanding balance of the October 2021 Streeterville Note increases by 3%, unless the proceeds
from such sale(s) are used to repay the October 2021 Streeterville Note in full. Each time, if ever, that the Company fails to comply
with the terms of the right of first refusal, the outstanding balance of the October 2021 Streeterville Note increases by 10%. Additionally,
upon each major default described in the October 2021 Streeterville Note (i.e., the failure to pay amounts under the October 2021 Streeterville
Note when due or to observe any covenant under the Note Purchase Agreement (other than the requirement to make Equity Payments)), the
outstanding balance of the October 2021 Streeterville Note may be increased, at Streeterville’s option, by 15%, and for each
other default, the outstanding balance of the October 2021 Streeterville Note may be increased, at Streeterville’s option, by 5%,
provided such increase can only occur three times each as to major defaults and minor defaults, and that such aggregate increase cannot
exceed 30% of the balance of the October 2021 Streeterville Note immediately prior to the first event of default.
The
October 2021 Note Purchase Agreement and the October 2021 Streeterville Note contain customary events of default, including if the Company
undertakes a fundamental transaction (including consolidations, mergers, and certain changes in control of the Company), without Streeterville’s
prior written consent. As described in the October 2021 Streeterville Note, upon the occurrence of certain events of default (mainly
our entry into bankruptcy), the outstanding balance of the October 2021 Streeterville Note will become automatically due and payable.
Upon the occurrence of other events of default, Streeterville may declare the outstanding balance of the October 2021 Streeterville Note
immediately due and payable at such time or at any time thereafter. After the occurrence of an event of default (and upon written notice
from Streeterville), interest on the October 2021 Streeterville Note will accrue at a rate of 22% per annum, or if lesser, the maximum
rate permitted under applicable law. The October 2021 Note Purchase Agreement prohibits Streeterville from shorting our stock through
the period that Streeterville holds the October 2021 Streeterville Note.
As
of February 28, 2022, the remaining principal balance of Streeterville Notes was $4,053,737, plus accrued interest of $653,587.
On
May 5, 2022, the Company and Streeterville entered into a Standstill Agreement, pursuant to which Streeterville agreed that it will not
seek to redeem any portion of the October 2021 Streeterville Note before September 18, 2022. As consideration for such agreement, the
outstanding balance of the October 2021 Streeterville Note was increased by approximately $87,639, resulting in an updated outstanding
balance of approximately $1,840,913 as of such date. Pursuant to Standstill Agreement, in the event of a default by the Company under
the October 2021 Streeterville Note, the Standstill Agreement shall terminate immediately. Except as provided herein, the Standstill
Agreement does not impact or alter the terms of the October 2021 Streeterville Note or the October 2021 Purchase Agreement, both of which
remain in full force and effect.
More
information regarding this transaction is disclosed in Note 9 – Notes Payable.
May
2022 Streeterville Note Purchase
On
May 5, 2022 (the “Effective Date”), the Company entered into a new Note Purchase Agreement (the “May 2022 Note Purchase
Agreement”) with Streeterville, pursuant to which the Company sold Streeterville a Secured Promissory Note in the original
principal amount of $2,765,000 (the “May 2022 Streeterville Note”). Streeterville paid consideration of $2,500,000, which
amount represents the original principal amount less a $250,000 OID, which was fully earned upon issuance, and a total of $15,000 to
cover Streeterville’s professional fees and transaction expenses incurred in connection with the transaction.
The
May 2022 Streeterville Note bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum and matures 12 months after its issuance date (i.e., on
May 5, 2023). From time to time, beginning six months after issuance, Streeterville may redeem any portion of the May 2022 Note, up to
a maximum amount of $625,000 per month. In the event the Company fails to pay the amount of any requested redemption within three trading
days, an amount equal to 25% of such redemption amount is added to the outstanding balance of the May 2022 Note. Under certain circumstances,
the Company may defer the redemption payments up to three times, for 30 days each, provided that upon each such deferral, the outstanding
balance of the May 2022 Note is increased by 2%.
Subject
to the terms and conditions set forth in the May 2022 Note, the Company may prepay all or any portion of the outstanding balance of the
May 2022 Note at any time subject to a prepayment penalty equal to (i) 5% of the amount of the outstanding balance to be prepaid if such
prepayment is made on or before six months from the Effective Date and (ii) 10% of the amount of the outstanding balance to be prepaid
if such prepayment is made after six months from the Effective Date. For so long as the May 2022 Note remains outstanding, the Company
has agreed to pay to Streeterville 20% of the gross proceeds that the Company receives from the sale of any of its common stock or preferred
stock within ten days of receiving such amount, which payments will be applied towards and will reduce the outstanding balance of the
May 2022 Note, which percentage increases to 30% upon the occurrence of, and continuance of, an event of default under the May 2022 Note
(each an “Equity Payment”). Each time that the Company fails to pay an Equity Payment, the outstanding balance of the May
2022 Note automatically increases by 10%. Additionally, in the event the Company fails to timely pay any such Equity Payment, Streeterville
may seek an injunction which would prevent the Company from issuing common or preferred stock until or unless the Company paid all past-due
Equity Payments.
Additionally,
upon each major default described in the May 2022 Note (including, without limitation, the failure to pay amounts under the May 2022
Note when due or to observe any covenant under the May 2022 Purchase Agreement (other than the requirement to make Equity Payments)), the
outstanding balance of the May 2022 Note may be increased, at Streeterville’s option, by 15%, and for each other default, the outstanding
balance of the May 2022 Note may be increased, at Streeterville’s option, by 5%, provided such increase can only occur three times
each as to major defaults and minor defaults, and that such aggregate increase cannot exceed 30% of the balance of the May 2022 Note
immediately prior to the first event of default.
The
May 2022 Purchase Agreement and the May 2022 Note contain customary events of default, including if the Company undertakes a fundamental
transaction (including consolidations, mergers, and certain changes in control of the Company), without Streeterville’s prior written
consent. Pursuant to the May 2022 Note, upon the occurrence of certain events of default (mainly our entry into bankruptcy), the outstanding
balance of the May 2022 Note will become automatically due and payable. Upon the occurrence of other events of default, Streeterville
may declare the outstanding balance of the May 2022 Note immediately due and payable at such time or at any time thereafter. After the
occurrence of an event of default (and upon written notice from Streeterville), interest on the May 2022 Note will accrue at a rate of
22% per annum, or if lesser, the maximum rate permitted under applicable law. The May 2022 Purchase Agreement prohibits Streeterville
from shorting our stock through the period that Streeterville holds the May 2022 Note.
The
May 2022 Purchase Agreement also provides for cross-indemnification by the parties in the event that they incur loss or damage related
to, among other things, a breach of applicable representations, warranties, or covenants under the May 2022 Purchase Agreement.
In
connection with the May 2022 Purchase Agreement and the May 2022 Note, the Company entered into a Security Agreement with Streeterville,
pursuant to which the obligations of the Company are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company.
IDS
Settlement
On
August 15, 2019, the Company entered into an Intellectual Property Purchase Agreement (“and the “IP Purchase Agreement”)
with IDS Inc. (“IDS”). Pursuant to the IP Purchase Agreement, the Company purchased certain proprietary technology from IDS
for the reservation and booking of air travel, hotel accommodations, car rentals, and ancillary products, services, and amenities, integration
of the same with the providers of such products and services, associated functions, including website addresses, patents, trademarks,
copyrights and trade secrets relating thereto, and all goodwill associated therewith (collectively, the “IP Assets”). In
consideration for the purchase, the Company issued IDS 1,968,000 shares of restricted common stock (the “IDS Shares”) valued
at $2.50 per share, or $4.9 million in aggregate.
On
April 27, 2020, the Company filed a verified complaint for injunctive relief against IDS and TD Assets Holding, LLC (“TD Asset”),
Navarro McKown, Aaron McKown and Ari Daniels (“Daniels”), which parties are affiliated with IDS, in the Circuit Court of
the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit in and for Broward County, Florida (Case No. CACE-20-007088). Pursuant to the complaint, the Company
alleged causes of action against the defendants, including IDS, based on among other things, fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, aiding
and abetting fraud, rescission, and breach of contract, and sought a temporary and permanent injunction against the defendants, requiring
such persons to return the 1,968,000 IDS Shares issued pursuant to the terms of the IP Purchase Agreement and preventing such persons
from selling or transferring any IDS Shares, sought damages from the defendants, rescission of the IP Purchase Agreement, attorneys fees
and other amounts. The defendants subsequently filed various counterclaims against the Company.
The
complaint was filed because of IDS’ failure to deliver the IP Assets, certain other actions of IDS and the other of the defendants
which the Company alleged constituted fraud. The Company sought to unwind the IP Purchase Agreement and sought damages for the Company
due to IDS’ and the other defendants’ breaches thereunder. IDS, through its counsel, sent a letter threatening to bring a
shareholders’ derivative action and/or direct suit against the Company. In response to such letter, the Company’s board of
directors empowered the governance committee to conduct an internal investigation into the claims. The results of the investigation,
conducted by several law firms, were presented to the Company’s board and the board concluded that no fraudulent activities occurred.
The investigation concluded in October 2020.
On
April 29, 2020, the Company filed a Verified Motion for Temporary Injunction (the “Injunction Motion”). Defendants IDS, TD
Assets, and Ari Daniels filed an answer, affirmative defenses, and counterclaims (the “Answer and Counterclaim”). The Answer
and Counterclaim included alleged breach of contract and tort claims against the Company. On September 17, 2020, the Company moved to
strike the affirmative defenses and dismiss the counterclaims. On October 15, 2020, defendants IDS, TD Assets, and Ari Daniels filed
an amended Answer and Counterclaim, including alleged breach of contract, tort, and federal securities claims against the Company, Mr.
William Kerby, our Chief Executive Officer and an employee of the Company.
On
July 27, 2020, the Company entered into a confidential settlement agreement with certain of the defendants in the IDS matter, Navarro
Hernandez, P.L., Aaron M. McKown, and Jeffery S. Bailey. The settlement provided for mutual releases of the parties and amounts payable
from such parties to the Company in four tranches, in consideration for such settlement, of which all such payments have been timely
paid pursuant to the terms of the settlement.
The
remaining parties to the litigation subsequently attempted to mediate pursuant to a court ordered mediation in February 2021.
Effective
on May 18, 2021, the Company, IDS, TD Asset and Ari Daniels, the principal of IDS, entered into an Amendment to Intellectual Property
Purchase Agreement (the “IP Purchase Amendment”). Pursuant to the IP Purchase Amendment, the parties amended the IP Purchase
Agreement, with the Company agreeing to make a payment to IDS in the amount of $2.85 million (the “Payment”), payable by
way of an initial payment of $0.5 million, and twelve monthly payments of approximately $0.2 million (collectively, the “Required
Payments”), with such monthly payments beginning 30 days after the initial payment, which is due seven days after the date of the
IP Purchase Amendment. Such monthly payments may be pre-paid at any time without penalty. At the Company’s option, any portion
of the amount due may be paid to IDS by a party separate from the Company (either a related party of the Company or a third-party) (a
“Paying Party”), for the benefit of the Company, which shall be treated for all purposes as a payment by the Company. As
consideration for such Paying Party making such payment on behalf of the Company, IDS agreed to transfer the Paying Party a number of
the IDS Shares equal to the amount of the cash payment(s) made by a Paying Party multiplied by 0.6888 as to the first $0.5 million payment,
and 0.691 as to the monthly payments (as applicable, the “Applicable Portion” of the IDS Shares). Upon each payment of amounts
due to IDS pursuant to the terms of the IP Agreement Amendment, as discussed above, by the Company (instead of a Paying Party), IDS agreed
to transfer the portion of the IDS Shares equal to the Applicable Portion, to the Company.
Pursuant
to the IP Purchase Amendment, on May 19, 2021, the Company made the initial payment of $0.5 million. Thereafter, the first 344,400 shares
of common stock repurchased by the Company were returned to treasury and cancelled.
On
September 27, 2021, the Court entered the Agreed Order. The Court ordered that:
| (i) | the
Company resume the monthly payment on or before September 28, 2021 (which payment has not
been made due to failure of IDS to provide required documents); |
| (ii) | $24,583.33
shall be paid monthly to one of IDS’ counsel and the balance of each payment shall
be paid to the IDS Defendants; and |
| (iii) | $20,000
of the 12th monthly payments shall be withheld pending further order of the court; and |
| (iv) | NextPlay
(formerly Monaker) was awarded its fees and costs associated with the filing of the Motion. |
As of February 28, 2022 and
through the filing date of this Report, IDS still has not provided any of the necessary documents in order for the stock transfers.
Item
1A. Risk Factors
In
addition to the other information in this Annual Report, readers should carefully consider the following important factors. These factors,
among others, in some cases have affected, and/or in the future could affect, our financial condition and results of operations and could
cause our future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements that appear in this Annual
Report or that we have made or will make elsewhere.
Risks
Related to Our Business Generally
We
need additional capital which may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all, which raises questions about our ability
to continue as a going concern.
As
of February 28, 2022, we had an accumulated deficit of $39.2 million. Net loss for the year ended February 28, 2022, amounted to $40.4
million. Our NextMedia division generated gross profits of $4.8 million, our NextFinTech division generated gross profits of $1.1 million
and our NextTrip division generated gross profits of $0.02 million for the year ended February 28, 2022, and as of February 28, 2022,
we had working capital of $6.3 million.
We
are subject to all the substantial risks inherent in the development of a new business enterprise within extremely competitive industries.
Due to the absence of a long-standing operating history and the emerging nature of the markets in which we compete, we anticipate operating
losses until we can successfully implement our business strategy, which includes all associated revenue streams. Our revenue model is
new and evolving, and we cannot be certain that it will be successful. Our future operating results depend on many factors, including,
without limitation, demand for our products, the level of competition, and the ability of our officers to manage our business and growth.
As a result of the emerging nature of the markets in which we compete, we may incur operating losses until such time as we can develop
a substantial and stable revenue base. Additional development expenses may delay or negatively impact the ability of the Company to generate
profits. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that our business model will be successful or that we can sustain revenue growth, achieve,
or sustain profitability, or continue as a going concern. Furthermore, due to our relatively small size and market footprint, we may be
more susceptible to issues affecting the cryptocurrency, gaming, banking and global travel industries in general, such as COVID-19, contractions
in the cryptocurrency, gaming, banking and global travel industries, or regulatory changes, as compared to larger competitors.
We
currently have a monthly cash requirement of approximately $1,500,000. We believe that in the aggregate, we could require several millions
of dollars to support and expand the marketing and development of our products, repay debt obligations, provide capital expenditures
for additional equipment and development costs, payment obligations, office space and systems for managing the business, and cover other
operating costs until our planned revenue streams from all products are fully implemented and begin to offset our operating costs. We
require additional funding in the future and if we are unable to obtain additional funding on acceptable terms, or at all, it will negatively
impact our business, financial condition, and liquidity. As of February 28, 2022, we had $27.5 million of current liabilities.
We
have experienced liquidity issues due to, among other reasons, our limited ability to raise adequate capital on acceptable terms. We
have historically relied upon the sale of our securities and the issuance of promissory notes to fund our operations and have devoted
significant efforts to reduce that exposure. We anticipate that we will need to obtain additional funding to support the operations and
to continue to repay our outstanding debt for the foreseeable future. If we are unable to achieve operational profitability or are not
successful in securing other forms of financing, we will have to evaluate alternative actions to reduce our operating expenses and conserve
cash.
These
conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for the next twelve months. The financial statements
included elsewhere in this Report have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course
of business. Accordingly, such financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability of assets and classification
of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. The financial statements included
elsewhere in this Report also include a going concern footnote from our auditors.
In
the event we are unable to raise adequate funding in the future for our operations and to pay our outstanding debt obligations, we may
be forced to scale back our business plan and/or liquidate some or all of our assets or may be forced to seek bankruptcy protection,
which could result in the value of our outstanding securities declining in value or becoming worthless.
Global
pandemics, such as COVID-19 have had, and could in the future have, a material adverse impact our business, operating results, and liquidity.
Our
business and operations have been, and could in the future be, adversely affected by health epidemics, such as the global COVID-19
pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to control its spread have curtailed the movement of people, goods and services worldwide,
including in the regions in which the Company and our clients and partners operate, and are significantly impacting economic
activity and financial markets. Many marketers have decreased or paused their advertising spending as a response to the economic uncertainty,
decline in business activity, and other COVID-related impacts, which have negatively impacted, and may continue to negatively
impact, our revenue and results of operations. The COVID-19 pandemic, and governmental responses thereto, have also had an unprecedented
effect on the global travel industry. The ability to travel has been curtailed through border closures, mandated testing, mandated travel
restrictions and limited operations of hotels and airlines, which has resulted in unprecedented levels of cancellations and limited new
travel bookings in our NextTrip division and may be further limited through additional voluntary or mandated closures of travel-related
businesses. In addition, our clients’, advertisers’ and partners’ businesses or cash flows have been and may continue
to be negatively impacted by COVID-19, which has and may continue to lead them to seek adjustments to payment terms or delay making payments
or default on their payables, any of which may impact the timely receipt and/or collectability of our receivables.
The
duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic are still uncertain and difficult to predict. The pandemic could continue to impede global
economic activity for an extended period, even as restrictions have been lifted in many jurisdictions and vaccines are now widely available
in the United States and in many other jurisdictions. We also cannot predict the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our partners
and their business and operations, or the ways that the pandemic may fundamentally alter the industries in which we operate. Moreover,
any additional COVID-related measures, restrictions or changes in laws or regulations, whether in the United States or other countries,
may exacerbate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and
liquidity position.
We
currently anticipate an increase in year-over-year revenue for our fiscal 2023 year as compared to fiscal year 2022 (ended February 28,
2022). However, the ultimate extent of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the industries in which we operate and overall economic
activity is constantly changing and impossible to predict currently. Furthermore, we do not currently anticipate future revenues will
be sufficient to support or operating expenses in the near term.
Economic
downturns and market conditions beyond our control could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our
business depends on the overall demand for advertising, video games, financial services, travel and other technology offerings. Economic
downturns or unstable market conditions may cause advertisers to decrease or pause their advertising budgets, which could reduce spend
though our IGA and real-time rewards platform. Similarly, economic downturns could also decrease the amount of disposable income gamers
have available for the purchase of our video game offerings, customers have to invest in cryptocurrencies, and/or that our customers
have to travel. Additionally, as described above, public health crises may disrupt the operations of our customers and partners for an
unknown period of time, including as a result of travel restrictions and/or business shutdowns, all of which could negatively impact
their business and results of operations, including cash flows. Economic downturns and less than optimal market conditions could adversely
affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We
have a limited operating history in certain of the industries that we currently operate in and have incurred significant operating losses
since inception. We may never become profitable or, if achieved, be able to sustain profitability.
There
is no significant operating history upon which to base any assumption as to the likelihood that certain of our business endeavors will
prove successful, and we may never achieve profitable operations. We currently expect to incur net losses for the foreseeable future.
Even if we do achieve profitability, there can be no guarantee that we will be able to sustain profitability. As a result of the acquisition
of HotPlay in 2021 (and subsequent acquisitions), our business model has changed significantly in the last year, and we have limited
experience in certain of the industries that we now operate in. If we are unsuccessful in infiltrating and selling our products and services
in the industries that we operate in, it will have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We
have significant indebtedness, which could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
We currently have significant
indebtedness. As of February 28, 2022, we had total current liabilities of $27.5 million. Risks relating to our indebtedness include,
without limitation:
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increasing our vulnerability
to general adverse economic and industry conditions; |
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requiring us to dedicate
a portion of our cash flow from operations to principal and interest payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability
of cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and investments and other general corporate purposes; |
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making it more difficult
for us to optimally capitalize and manage the cash flow for our businesses; |
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limiting our flexibility
in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our businesses and the markets in which we operate; |
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possibly placing us at
a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and |
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limiting our ability to
borrow additional funds or to borrow funds at rates or on other terms that we find acceptable. |
Our
obligations under the October 2021 and May 2022 Streeterville Notes are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially
all of our assets.
On
October 22, 2021 and May 5, 2022, we entered into Note Purchase Agreements with Streeterville, pursuant to which we sold Streeterville
the October 2021 and May 2022 Streeterville Notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $2,765,000. The October 2021 and May 2022 Streeterville
Notes all bear interest at a rate of 10% per annum and mature 12 months from their date of issuance. For so long as any of the notes
remain outstanding, we have agreed to pay to Streeterville 20% of the gross proceeds that we receive from the sale of our common stock
or preferred stock within ten days of receiving such amount, which payments will be applied towards and will reduce the outstanding balance
of the notes, which percentage increases to 30% upon the occurrence of, and continuance of, an event of default under the Streeterville
Note.
In
connection with issuance of the October 2021 and May 2022 Streeterville Notes, we entered into Security Agreements with Streeterville,
pursuant to which our obligations to Streeterville under the notes are secured by substantially all of our assets. As such, Streeterville
may enforce its security interests over our assets and/or our subsidiaries that secure the repayment of such obligations, take control
of our assets and operations, force us to seek bankruptcy protection or force us to curtail or abandon our current business plans and
operations. If that were to happen, any investment in the Company could become worthless.
Our
ability to service our indebtedness will depend on our ability to generate cash and/or raise additional capital in the future.
Our
ability to make payments on our indebtedness will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future and/or raise additional capital.
Our ability to generate cash is subject to general economic and market conditions and financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory
and other factors that are beyond our control. We may continue to not generate sufficient cash to fund our working capital requirements,
capital expenditure, debt service and other liquidity needs, and we may not be able to obtain additional financing on terms favorable
to us (if at all), either of which could result in our inability to comply with financial and other covenants contained in our debt agreements,
our being unable to repay or pay interest on our indebtedness, and our inability to fund our other liquidity needs. If we are unable
to service our debt obligations, fund our other liquidity needs, and maintain compliance with our financial and other covenants, we could
be forced to curtail our operations, our creditors could accelerate our indebtedness and exercise other remedies and we could be required
to pursue one or more alternative strategies, such as selling assets or refinancing or restructuring our indebtedness. However, such
alternatives may not be feasible or adequate.
We
have agreed to hold meetings of our stockholders every 90 days for purposes of removing the Floor Price of certain Warrants, which may
be time consuming and expensive.
On
November 3, 2021, we sold Warrants (the “2021 Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of 14,240,508 shares of common stock, together
with 18,987,342 shares of our common stock, to certain accredited investors in a registered direct offering. Each 2021 Warrant has an
initial exercise price of $1.97 per share (the Floor Price), and may be exercised commencing six months after the issuance date and terminating
on the fifth anniversary thereof. The 2021 Warrants provide that if at any time the 2021 Warrants are outstanding, we issue or enter
into any agreement to issue, or are deemed to have issued or entered into an agreement to issue, certain securities for consideration
less than the then current exercise price of the 2021 Warrants, the exercise price of such 2021 Warrants will be automatically reduced
to the lowest price per share of consideration provided or deemed to have been provided for such securities; provided, however, that
unless and until we have received stockholder approval to reduce the exercise price of the 2021 Warrants below the Floor Price, no such
adjustment to the exercise price may be made.
We
have agreed to hold a special meeting of our stockholders every 90 days for the life of the 2021 Warrants to obtain stockholder approval
of the removal of the Floor Price, which stockholder approval may never be obtained. Holding stockholder meetings is expensive and requires
significant time and efforts of our management. If stockholder approval is not obtained during the life of the 2021 Warrants, such expenses
and diversion of management’s time and efforts could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business, and operations.
Our
long-term success depends, in part, on our ability to continue to expand our operations outside of the United States and, as a result,
our business is susceptible to risks associated with international operations.
We
currently conduct business throughout the world and expect that international sales (including in emerging markets in Asia and elsewhere)
will account for a significant portion of our total revenues and profits in the near term. We are making significant investments to continue
to build our international operations and to expand globally, which may include acquiring international businesses and conducting business
in jurisdictions where we do not currently operate. Managing a global organization is difficult, time consuming and expensive, and any
international expansion efforts that we undertake may not be profitable in the near or long term or otherwise be successful. In addition,
conducting international operations subjects us to risks that include, amongst other things:
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the cost and resources
required to localize our services, which requires the translation of our websites and their adaptation for local practices and legal
and regulatory requirements; |
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adjusting the products
and services we provide in foreign jurisdictions, as needed, to better address the needs of local owners, managers, distributors
and travelers, and the threats of local competitors; |
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being subject to foreign
laws and regulations, including those laws governing Internet activities, email messaging, collection and use of personal information,
ownership of intellectual property, taxation and other activities important to our online business practices, which may be less developed,
less predictable, more restrictive, and less familiar, and which may adversely affect financial results in certain regions; |
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competition with companies
that understand the local market better than we do or who have pre-existing relationships with property owners, managers, distributors
and travelers in those markets; |
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legal uncertainty regarding
our liability for the transactions and content on our websites, including uncertainty resulting from unique local laws or a lack
of clear precedent of applicable law; |
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lack of familiarity with,
and the burden of complying with, a wide variety of other foreign laws, legal standards and foreign regulatory requirements, including
invoicing, data collection and storage, financial reporting and tax compliance requirements, which are subject to unexpected changes; |
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laws and business practices
that favor local competitors or prohibit or limit foreign ownership of certain businesses; |
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adapting to variations
in foreign payment forms; |
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difficulties in managing
and staffing international operations and establishing or maintaining operational efficiencies; |
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difficulties in establishing
and maintaining adequate internal controls and security over our data and systems; |
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currency exchange restrictions
and fluctuations in currency exchange rates; |
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potentially adverse tax
consequences, which may be difficult to predict, including the complexities of foreign value added tax systems and restrictions on
the repatriation of earnings; |
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increased financial accounting
and reporting burdens and complexities and difficulties in implementing and maintaining adequate internal controls; |
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political, social and economic
instability abroad, war, terrorist attacks and security concerns in general; |
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the potential failure of
financial institutions internationally; |
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varying effects of global
pandemics and epidemics, including COVID-19 on different countries; |
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reduced or varied protection
for intellectual property rights in some countries; and |
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higher telecommunications
and Internet service provider costs. |
Operating
in international markets also requires significant management attention and financial resources. We cannot guarantee that our international
expansion efforts in any or multiple territories will be successful. The investment and additional resources required to establish operations
and manage growth in other countries may not produce desired levels of revenue or profitability and could instead result in increased
costs.
We
are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
Because
we conduct a significant portion of our business outside the United States but report our results in U.S. dollars, we face exposure to
adverse movements in currency exchange rates, which may cause our revenue and operating results to differ materially from expectations.
In addition, fluctuation in our mix of U.S. and foreign currency denominated transactions may contribute to this effect as exchange rates
vary. Moreover, as a result of these exchange rate fluctuations, revenue, cost of revenue, operating expenses and other operating results
may differ materially from expectations when translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars upon consolidation. For example, if
the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to foreign currencies our non-U.S. revenue would be adversely affected when translated into U.S.
dollars. Conversely, a decline in the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies would increase our non-U.S. revenue when translated
into U.S. dollars. We may enter into hedging arrangements in order to manage foreign currency exposure but such activity may not completely
eliminate fluctuations in our operating results.
We
may be adversely affected by the effects of inflation.
Inflation
has the potential to adversely affect our liquidity, business, financial condition and results of operations by increasing our overall
cost structure, particularly if we are unable to achieve commensurate increases in the prices we charge our customers. The existence
of inflation in the economy has resulted in, and may continue to result in, higher interest rates and capital costs, shipping costs,
supply shortages, increased costs of labor, weakening exchange rates and other similar effects. As a result of inflation, we have experienced
and may continue to experience, cost increases. Although we may take measures to mitigate the impact of this inflation, if these measures
are not effective, our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity could be materially adversely affected. Even
if such measures are effective, there could be a difference between the timing of when these beneficial actions impact our results of
operations and when the cost of inflation is incurred.
We
are currently operating in a period of economic uncertainty and capital markets disruption, which has been significantly impacted by
geopolitical instability due to the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Our business, financial condition and results
of operations could be materially adversely affected by any negative impact on the global economy and capital markets resulting from
the conflict in Ukraine or any other geopolitical tensions.
U.S.
and global markets are experiencing volatility and disruption following the escalation of geopolitical tensions and the start of the
military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. On February 24, 2022, a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops was reported.
Although the length and impact of the ongoing military conflict is highly unpredictable, the conflict in Ukraine could lead to market
disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices, credit and capital markets, as well as supply chain interruptions.
We are continuing to monitor the situation in Ukraine and globally and assessing its potential impact on our business.
Additionally,
the recent military conflict in Ukraine has led to sanctions and other penalties being levied by the United States, European Union and
other countries against Russia. Additional potential sanctions and penalties have also been proposed and/or threatened. Russian military
actions and the resulting sanctions could adversely affect the global economy and financial markets and lead to instability and lack
of liquidity in capital markets, potentially making it more difficult for us to obtain additional funds.
Although
our business has not been materially impacted by the ongoing military conflict between Russian and Ukraine to date, it is impossible
to predict the extent to which our operations, or those of our suppliers and manufacturers, will be impacted in the short and long term,
or the ways in which the conflict may impact our business. The extent and duration of the military action, sanctions and resulting market
disruptions are impossible to predict, but could be substantial. Any such disruptions may also magnify the impact of other risks described
in this Report.
We
currently rely on a small number of third-party service providers to host and deliver a significant portion of our products and services,
and any interruptions or delays in services from these third parties could impair the delivery of our products and services and harm
our business.
We
rely on third-party service providers for numerous products and services, including payment processing services, data center services,
web hosting services, online gaming platforms, insurance products for customers and travelers and some customer service functions. We
rely on these companies to provide uninterrupted services and to provide their services in accordance with all applicable laws, rules
and regulations.
We
use a combination of third-party data centers to host our websites and core services. We do not control the operation of any of the third-party
data center facilities we use. These facilities may be subject to break-ins, computer viruses, denial-of-service attacks, sabotage, acts
of vandalism and other misconduct. They are also vulnerable to damage or interruption from power loss, telecommunications failures, fires,
floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and similar events. We currently do not have a comprehensive disaster recovery plan in place.
As a result, the occurrence of any of these events, a decision by our third-party service providers to close their data center facilities
or to terminate their contracts with us without adequate notice or other unanticipated problems could result in loss of data as well
as a significant interruption in our products and services and harm to our reputation and brand.
Furthermore,
we depend on continuous and uninterrupted access to the Internet through third-party bandwidth providers to operate our business. If
we lose the services of one or more of our bandwidth providers for any reason, or if their services are disrupted, we could experience
disruption in our products and services or we could be required to retain the services of a replacement bandwidth provider, which could
harm our business and reputation.
If
these companies experience difficulties and are not able to provide services in a reliable and secure manner, if they do not operate
in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations and, with respect to payment and card processing companies, if they are unable
to effectively combat the use of fraudulent payments on our websites or games, our results of operations and financial positions could
be materially and adversely affected. In addition, if such third-party service providers were to cease operations or face other business
disruption either temporarily or permanently, or otherwise face serious performance problems, we could suffer increased costs and delays
until we find or develop an equivalent replacement, any of which could have an adverse impact on our business and financial performance.
Currently
pending or future litigation or governmental proceedings could result in material adverse consequences, including judgments or settlements.
From
time to time, we are involved in lawsuits, regulatory inquiries, and may be involved in governmental and other legal proceedings arising
out of the ordinary course of our business. Many of these matters raise difficult and complicated factual and legal issues and are subject
to uncertainties and complexities. The timing of the final resolutions to these types of matters is often uncertain. Additionally, the
possible outcomes or resolutions to these matters could include adverse judgments or settlements, either of which could require substantial
payments, adversely affecting our results of operations and liquidity.
Changes
in our effective tax rate could harm our future operating results.
We
are subject to federal and state income taxes in the United States and in various foreign jurisdictions. Our provision for income taxes
and our effective tax rate are subject to volatility and could be adversely affected by several circumstances, including:
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earnings being lower than
anticipated in countries that have lower tax rates and higher than anticipated in countries that have higher tax rates; |
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effects of certain non-tax-deductible
expenses; |
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changes in the valuation
of our deferred tax assets and liabilities; |
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transfer pricing adjustments,
including the effect of acquisitions on our intercompany research and development cost sharing arrangement and legal structure; |
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adverse outcomes resulting
from any tax audit; |
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our ability to utilize
our net operating losses and other deferred tax assets; and |
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changes in accounting principles
or changes in tax laws and regulations, or the application of the tax laws and regulations, including possible U.S. changes to the
deductibility of expenses attributable to foreign income, or the foreign tax credit rules. |
Significant
judgment is required in the application of accounting guidance relating to uncertainty in income taxes. If tax authorities challenge
our tax positions and any such challenges are settled unfavorably, it could adversely impact our provision for income taxes.
The
industries in which we participate are highly competitive, and we may be unable to compete successfully with our current or future competitors.
The
advertising, gaming, communications, FinTech, digital assets, and travel industries are all highly competitive. Our NextMedia business
competes with companies that sell advertising, as well as with companies that provide social, media, and communication products and services
that are designed to engage users on mobile devices and online. We face significant competition in every aspect of our NextMedia business,
including from companies that facilitate communication and the sharing of content and information, companies that enable marketers to
display advertising, companies that distribute video and other forms of media content, and companies that provide development platforms
for applications developers. Additionally, we have seen, and expect to continue to see, new competitors enter the market for mobile games
and existing competitors to allocate more resources to developing and marketing competing mobile games and applications.
The
digital assets industry is highly innovative, rapidly evolving, and characterized by healthy competition, experimentation, changing customer
needs, frequent introductions of new products and services, and subject to uncertain and evolving industry and regulatory requirements.
Our NextFinTech business competes with other FinTech companies, including a number of companies operating both within the United States
and abroad, and both those that focus on traditional financial services and those that focus on digital assets-based services. We expect
competition in this sector to further intensify in the future as existing and new competitors introduce new products or enhance existing
products.
Our
NextTrip division is also subject to intense competition. The market to provide listing, search and marketing services for the ALR industry
is very competitive and highly fragmented. In addition, the barriers to entry are low and new competitors may enter. There are thousands
of vacation rental listing websites that compete directly with us for listings, travelers, or both, such as Booking.com, HomeAway.com,
Airbnb, and TripAdvisor. Many of these competitors offer free or heavily discounted listings or focus on a particular geographic location
or a specific type of rental property. Some of them also aggregate property listings obtained through various sources, including the
websites of property managers some of whom will also market their properties on our websites. Competitors also operate websites directed
at the wider fragmented travel lodging market, such as Airbnb and HomeAway, by listing either rooms or the owner’s primary home.
We also compete with online travel agency websites, such as Expedia, Hotels.com, Kayak, Priceline, Booking.com, Orbitz and Travelocity,
which have traditionally provided comprehensive travel services and some of whom are now expanding into the vacation rental category.
In
addition, many of our current or potential competitors are larger, have longer operating histories, and have greater financial, technical,
marketing, research and development, and other resources than we do. Many of our current and potential competitors enjoy substantial
competitive advantages, such as greater name recognition in their markets, longer operating histories and larger marketing budgets, as
well as substantially greater financial, technical and other resources. Many of our competitors offer products and services directed
at more specific markets than those we target, enabling these competitors to focus a greater proportion of their efforts and resources
on these markets. As a result, our competitors may be able to respond more quickly and effectively than we can to new or changing opportunities
and technologies. Furthermore, because of these advantages, existing and potential partners, customers, clients, and distributors might
accept our competitors’ offerings, even if they may be inferior to ours. For all of these reasons, we may not be able to compete
successfully against our current and future competitors. Any material decrease in demand for
our products or services may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our failure to
be current in our filings with the SEC could pose significant risks to our business, which could, individually or in the aggregate, materially
and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Despite
our efforts, we were unable to file this Report with the SEC on or before the applicable filing deadline. We may face various consequences
as a result, as further discussed below, which could, individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse affect on our financial
condition and results of operations.
Under
the Exchange Act, the Company (as a reporting company) is required to file certain periodic and current reports with the SEC in order
to provide investors important financial and business information related to the Company. Examples of these reports include the annually
filed Form 10-K and the quarterly filed Form 10-Q. Periodic reports help investors to make informed investment decisions about the purchase
or sale of a reporting company’s securities. The timely and complete submission of periodic reports provides investors with information
to help them make informed investment decisions. The SEC’s Divisions of Enforcement and Corporation Finance jointly established
the Delinquent Filings Program in 2004 to encourage reporting companies that are delinquent in filing their periodic reports to submit
their periodic reports or rectify deficient periodic reports. If a reporting company identified as a delinquent filer fails to submit
its periodic reports, Section 12(k) of the Exchange Act gives the SEC the authority to suspend trading in a security for up to 10 trading
days if the SEC believes that a suspension is required to protect investors and the public interest. A trading suspension by the SEC halts
the trading in a security on all trading platforms. In addition, Section 12(j) gives the SEC the authority to revoke, or suspend for up
to twelve months, an issuer’s securities registration if, after an administrative hearing, the SEC finds that an issuer violated
the Exchange Act by failing to file its periodic reports.
Additionally,
issuers who have not timely filed their periodic reports lose their eligibility to offer and sell their securities under a Form S-3 Registration
statement, which can make it more difficult for companies to raise funds in a timely and cost effective manner, or at all. Pursuant to
Form S-3, unless relief is provided by the SEC, the loss of eligibility to use Form S-3 extends for a period of 12 months from the delinquent
filing. As a result, unless we are able to obtain relief from the SEC, we will not be able to register any new securities on certain registration
statements under the Securities Act, such as Forms S-3, until we have filed all reports required under the Exchange Act for a continuous
period of 12 months. Should we wish to register the offer and sale of our securities to the public prior to the time we are eligible to
use Form S-3, both our transaction costs and the amount of time required to complete the transaction could increase, making it more difficult
to execute any such transaction successfully and potentially harming our financial condition.
Our
failure to timely file this Report SEC could have additional adverse impacts on our ability to, among other things, (i) access our ATM
Offering facility; (ii) continue to have our common stock listed for quotation on the Nasdaq Capital Market; (iii) consummate certain
strategic transactions; (iv) attract and retain key employees, or (v) raise funds in the public markets, and any of these events could
materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our
common stock may be delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market if we cannot satisfy Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements.
On
January 26, 2022, the Company received a notification letter (the “Notice”) from the Listing Qualifications Department of
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that, because the closing bid price for the Company’s
common stock was below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive trading days, the Company is not currently in compliance with the minimum bid
price requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market, as set forth in Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum
Bid Price Requirement”). The notification has no immediate effect on the listing of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Capital
Market, and, therefore, the Company’s listing remains fully effective.
In
accordance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 58I0(c)(3)(A), the Company has a period of 180 calendar days from January 26, 2022, or until
July 25, 2022, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. If at any time before July 25, 2022, the closing bid price
of the Company’s common stock closes at or above $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, Nasdaq will provide
written notification that the Company has achieved compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, and the matter would be resolved.
If the Company does not regain compliance during the compliance period ending on July 25, 2022, then Nasdaq may grant the Company a second
180 calendar day grace period to regain compliance, provided the Company (i) meets the continued listing requirement for market value
of publicly-held shares and all other initial listing standards for the Nasdaq Capital Market, other than the minimum closing bid price
requirement, and (ii) the Company notifies Nasdaq of its intent to cure the deficiency.
The
Company intends to continue actively monitoring the closing bid price for the Company’s common stock between now and July 25, 2022
and will consider available options to resolve the deficiency and regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. If the Company
does not regain compliance within the allotted compliance period, including any extensions that may be granted by Nasdaq, Nasdaq will
provide notice that the Company’s common stock will be subject to delisting. The Company would then be entitled to appeal that determination
to a Nasdaq hearings panel. There can be no assurance that the Company will regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement
during the 180 days compliance period, secure a second period of 180 calendar days to regain compliance, or maintain compliance with
the other Nasdaq listing requirements.
If
our common stock is delisted from Nasdaq, it could come within the definition of “penny stock” as defined in the Exchange
Act and would then be covered by Rule 15g-9 of the Exchange Act. That Rule imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers
who sell securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. For transactions covered by Rule 15g-9, the
broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to
the transaction prior to the sale. Consequently, Rule 15g-9, if it were to become applicable, would affect the ability or willingness
of broker-dealers to sell our securities, and accordingly would affect the ability of stockholders to sell their securities in the public
market. These additional procedures could also limit our ability to raise additional capital in the future.
If
we do not successfully implement our acquisition strategies, the businesses and/or assets that we have acquired or invested in do not
perform as expected, or we are unable to effectively integrate acquired businesses, our operating results and prospects could be harmed.
We
face competition within our industry for acquisitions of businesses, technologies and assets, and, in the future, such competition may
become more intense. As such, even if we are able to identify an acquisition that we would like to consummate, we may not be able to
complete the acquisition on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, because of such competition. Furthermore, if we enter into negotiations
that are not ultimately consummated, those negotiations could result in the diversion of management time and significant out-of-pocket
costs. Even if we are able to complete such acquisitions, we may additionally expend significant amounts of cash or incur substantial
debt to finance them, which indebtedness could result in restrictions on our business and use of available cash. In addition, we may
finance or otherwise complete acquisitions by issuing equity or convertible debt securities, which could result in dilution of our existing
stockholders. If we fail to evaluate and execute acquisitions successfully, we may not be able to realize their benefits.
Any
businesses that we acquire or invested in, or those that we have already acquired or invested in, may not perform as well as we expect.
If the companies we have invested in do not perform well, our investments could become impaired and our financial results could be negatively
impacted. Failure to manage and successfully integrate acquired businesses and technologies could materially harm our business, financial
condition or operating results. Additionally, we rely heavily on the representations and warranties provided to us by the sellers of
acquired companies and assets, including as they relate to creation, ownership and rights in intellectual property, existence of open-source
software and compliance with laws and contractual requirements. If any of these representations and warranties are inaccurate or breached,
such inaccuracy or breach could result in costly litigation and assessment of liability for which there may not be adequate recourse
against such sellers, in part due to contractual time limitations and limitations of liability.
Some
members of our senior management team have limited experience in the day-to-day operations of the industries in which our businesses
operate.
Some
members of our senior management team have limited experience with respect to certain of the industries in which we operate, including
commercial banking (NextBank) and ICOs (Longroot), and may have limited experience in other industries and markets which we may choose
to enter. Our management team relies on the knowledge and talent of the employees in our operating subsidiaries to successfully
operate these businesses on a day-to-day basis. We may not be able to retain, hire or train personnel as quickly or efficiently
as we need or on terms that are acceptable to us. An inability to efficiently operate our businesses would have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial conditions, results of operations, and prospects.
Our
future success depends on the continuing efforts of our key employees and our ability to attract, hire, retain and motivate highly skilled
employees in the future.
Our
future success depends on the continuing efforts of certain of our key employees including, without limitation, Nithinan Boonyawattanapisut
(our Co-Chief Executive Officer and a director), William Kerby (our Co-Chief Executive Officer and a director), Sirapop “Kent”
Taepakdee (our Chief Financial Officer), Timothy Sikora (our Chief Information Officer), Andrew Greaves (our Chief Operating Officer),
and Mark Vange (our Chief Technology Officer). We rely on the leadership, knowledge and experience that our executive officers provide.
We also rely in large part on our ability to attract and retain high-quality operating personnel, as well as skilled technical and marketing
personnel. The market for talent in our areas of operation is intensely competitive. As a result, we may incur significant costs to attract
and retain employees, including significant expenditures related to salaries and benefits and compensation expenses related to equity
awards.
Employee
turnover, including changes in our management team, could disrupt our business. All of our employees may terminate his or her employment
with us at any time for any reason. The loss of one or more of our executive officers, or our inability to attract and retain highly
skilled employees, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks
Related to Our NextMedia Business
We
rely on relationships with developers to provide an extensive game portfolio and sufficient advertising spaces.
Our
ability to sell advertising depends on establishing developers’ interest in integrating their mobile games with our platform. To
provide sufficient inventory of advertising space, we need to maintain good relationships with developers and ensure our software does
not impact any performance or weaken the security of the games that it integrates with. If our relationship with developers terminates
for any reason, or if the commercial terms of our relationships are changed or do not continue to be renewed on favorable terms, we would
need to qualify new developers, which could adversely impact our revenue and its business. Furthermore, in the event that game engines
or other software frameworks that are used commonly by developers offer built-in features for advertising and rewards similar to the
way we do, this could result in increased competition as developers may choose those options over ours.
We
depend on servers and networks to operate our games and advertising. If we were to lose functionality in any of these areas for any reason,
our businesses may be negatively impacted.
We
rely on the continuous operation of servers, some of which are owned and operated by third parties. Although we strive to maintain more
than sufficient server capacity, and provide for active redundancy in the event of limited hardware failure, any broad-based catastrophic
server malfunction, a significant service-disrupting attack or intrusion by hackers that circumvents security measures, a failure of
disaster recovery service or the failure of a company on which we are relying for server capacity to provide that capacity for whatever
reason would likely degrade or interrupt the functionality of our software and products with online features, and could prevent the operation
of such software and products altogether, any of which could result in the loss of sales.
We
also rely on platforms and networks operated by third parties, such as the Apple Appstore and Google Play store, for the sale and digital
delivery of downloadable games. An extended interruption to any of these services could adversely affect our ability to operate our NextMedia
business, which could result in a loss of revenue and otherwise negatively impact our business.
Our
products and internal systems rely on software and hardware that is highly technical, and any errors, bugs, or vulnerabilities in these
systems, or failures to address or mitigate technical limitations in such systems, could adversely affect our business.
Our
products and internal systems rely on software and hardware that is highly technical and complex. Additionally, our products and internal
systems depend on the ability of such software and hardware to store, retrieve, process, and manage immense amounts of data. The software
and hardware on which we rely may contain errors, bugs, or vulnerabilities, and our systems are subject to certain technical limitations
that may compromise our ability to meet our objectives. Some errors, bugs, or vulnerabilities inherently may be difficult to detect and
may only be discovered after the code has been released for external or internal use. Errors, bugs, vulnerabilities, design defects,
or technical limitations within the software and hardware on which we rely have in the past led to, and may in the future lead to, outcomes
including a negative experience for users and marketers who use such products; compromised ability of such products to perform in a manner
consistent with our terms, contracts, or policies; delayed product introductions or enhancements; targeting, measurement, or billing
errors; compromised ability to protect user data and/or our intellectual property; or reductions in our ability to provide some or all
of our related services. In addition, any errors, bugs, vulnerabilities, or defects in our systems or the software and hardware on which
we rely, failures to properly address or mitigate the technical limitations in our systems, or associated degradations or interruptions
of service or failures to fulfill commitments to our users, have in the past led to, and may in the future lead to, outcomes including
damage to our reputation, loss of users, loss of marketers, loss of revenue, regulatory inquiries, litigation, or liability for fines,
damages, or other remedies, any of which could adversely affect our business and financial results.
The
products or services we release may contain defects, bugs or errors.
Our
products and services are extremely complex software programs and are difficult to develop and distribute. We have quality controls in
place to detect defects, bugs or other errors in their products and services before they are released. Nonetheless, these quality controls
are subject to human error, overriding, and resource or technical constraints. Our quality controls and preventative measures may not
be effective in detecting all defects, bugs or errors in our products and services before they have been released into the marketplace.
In such an event, the technological reliability and stability of our products and services could be below our standards and the standards
of our players, and our reputation, brand and sales could be adversely affected. In addition, we could be required to, or may find it
necessary to, offer a refund for the product or service, suspend the availability or sale of the product or service or expend significant
resources to cure the defect, bug or error, each of which could significantly harm our business and operating results.
Our
business partners may be unable to honor their obligations to us, or their actions may put us at risk.
We
rely on various business partners, including third-party service providers, vendors, licensing partners, development partners, and licensees
in many areas of our business. Their actions may put our business, reputation and brand at risk. In many cases, our business partners
may be given access to sensitive and proprietary information in order to provide services and support to their teams, and they may misappropriate
such information and engage in unauthorized use of it. In addition, the failure of these third parties to provide adequate services and
technologies, or their failure to adequately maintain or update their services and technologies, could result in a disruption to our
business operations. Further, disruptions in the financial markets, economic downturns including related to the COVID-19 pandemic, poor
business decisions, or reputational harm may adversely affect our partners and they may not be able to continue honoring their obligations
to us or could cease their arrangements with us. Alternative arrangements and services may not be available to us on commercially reasonable
terms, if it all, or we may experience business interruptions upon a transition to an alternative partner or vendor. If we lose one or
more significant business partners, our business could be harmed and our financial results could be materially affected.
We
derive a significant portion of our revenues from advertisements, and if any events occur that negatively impact our relationships with
advertisers, our advertising revenues and operating results would be negatively impacted.
We
derive a significant portion of our revenues though advertisements and in-game offers. We must maintain good relationships with advertisers
to ensure a sufficient inventory of advertisements and offers. Online advertising, including through mobile games and other mobile applications,
is an intensely competitive industry. Many large companies, such as Amazon, Facebook and Google, invest significantly in data analytics
to make their websites and platforms more attractive to advertisers. If our relationship with any advertising partners terminates for
any reason, or if the commercial terms of our relationships are changed or do not continue to be renewed on favorable terms, we would
need to qualify new advertising partners, which could negatively impact our revenues, at least in the short term.
In
addition, Internet-connected devices and operating systems controlled by third parties increasingly contain features that allow
device users to disable functionality that allows for the delivery of advertising on their devices. Device and browser manufacturers
may include or expand these features as part of their standard device specifications.
Failure
to launch a product for a major client, may adversely affect our growth.
We
have an agreement in place with one of Southeast Asia’s largest retailers to develop a gamified virtual store for their e-commerce
business. The virtual store is planned to be integrated with a casual game owned by us, and we intend to deliver native ads and coupons
to both the virtual store and the integrated casual game. We believe that the launch of this product is critical, and such launch is
expected to lead to significant growth of the Company, given the retailer’s reputation and existing large customer base. However,
the virtual store may fail to launch due to our failure to deliver or the retailer prematurely terminating the agreement. We believe
that any such failure to launch could have an adverse impact on our near-term growth prospects.
HotPlay’s
Go-to-market (“GTM”) strategy and timeline dependent on ability to recruit key development roles in FY23.
The
current timeline for commercial launch of the HotPlay IGA product is dependent on us filling several open senior positions within the
HotPlay development team by the end of FY23, within the budget allocated to do so. Given the current global competitive climate for software
developers and the rising costs associated with hiring these resources, amongst other things, there is a risk that we may not be able
to recruit the necessary resources in the required timeframe to be able to deliver on the HotPlay revenue forecasts for FY23. If we are
unable to do so, our operating results may suffer.
Zappware’s
TVaaS service dependency on encoding hardware availability
Zappware’s
TvaaS media platform is dependent on our ability to source the necessary encoding hardware for each new Telco Operator onboarded. The
current global shortage of microchips is impacting the manufacturing, and as a result, the availability of this type of hardware for
both PaaS and TVaaS providers globally. This could result in delays to the commercial launch of the TVaaS platform for each new client
included in our revenue forecast, which in turn could negatively impact the revenues returned for the Zappware portion of the NextMedia
business unit in FY23.
Risks
Related to Our NextFinTech Business
Although
Longroot is a licensed ICO Portal in Thailand, it has not yet closed any offerings, and there can be no assurances that it will.
Longroot
recently received its license to serve as an ICO Portal in Thailand, and has not yet closed any offerings. There can be no assurances
that Longroot will close any offerings in the near future, if ever, or if it does, that any such offerings will be profitable. If Longroot
is engaged to provide any such services, it could face claims from any dissatisfied clients and could incur liabilities in rendering
any such services, which could damage our reputation and adversely affect other parts of our business. This risk is exacerbated by the
fact that our management has limited ICO, and may not successfully or efficiently manage Longroot,
which is subject to significant regulatory oversight and reporting obligations under Thai securities laws.
Acceptance
and/or widespread use of digital assets is uncertain.
Currently,
there is a relatively small use of digital assets in the retail and commercial marketplace for goods or services. In comparison, there
is a relatively large use by speculators contributing to price volatility. Furthermore, although security tokens are increasingly being
adopted by institutions, these are still at a nascent stage. There is no guarantee that digital assets will gain widespread adoption
and a lack of acceptance or decline in acceptances could have a material adverse effect on our NextFinTech business, prospects or operations.
Digital
Asset exchanges and other trading venues are relatively new.
Digital
asset market prices depend, directly or indirectly, on the prices set on exchanges and other trading venues, which are new and, in most
cases, largely unregulated as compared to established, regulated exchanges for securities, commodities or currencies. When digital asset
exchanges or other trading venues are involved in fraud or experience security failures or other operational issues, such events could
result in a reduction in digital asset prices, impact the success of our NextFinTech business, and have a material adverse effect on
our business, prospects and operations.
There
are cyber security risks related to digital asset trading.
Trading
platforms and third-party service providers may be vulnerable to hacking or other malicious activity. As with any computer code generally,
flaws in digital asset codes may be exposed to such negative activities. Several errors and defects have been found previously, including
those that disabled some functionality for users of digital asset trading platforms and exposed such users’ personal information.
Flaws in and exploitations of the source code allowing malicious actors to take or create money have previously occurred. Any of the
above events affecting us may adversely affect our operations and results of operations.
We
depend on third party cryptographic and algorithmic protocols governing the issuance of and transactions in digital assets.
Digital
assets issued by us depend on the infrastructure of third party cryptographic and algorithmic protocols. The growth of this industry
in general, and the use of digital assets in particular, is subject to a high degree of uncertainty, and the slowing or stopping of the
development or acceptance of developing protocols may occur and is unpredictable. Furthermore, the occurrence of security or cryptography
issues might adversely affect our ability to operate in the industry.
Our
tokens might be used for illegal or improper purposes, which could expose us to additional liability and harm our business.
Our
tokens remain susceptible to potentially illegal or improper uses, as criminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to engage
in illegal activities involving internet services, such as money laundering, terrorist financing, drug trafficking, human trafficking,
illegal online gaming, romance and other online scams, prohibited sales of pharmaceuticals, fraudulent sale of goods or services, piracy
of software, movies, music and other copyrighted or trademarked goods, unauthorized uses of credit and debit cards or bank accounts and
similar misconduct. Tokenholders may also encourage, promote, facilitate or instruct others to engage in illegal activities. If the measures
we have taken are too restrictive and inadvertently screen proper transactions, this could diminish customer experience which could harm
our business.
The
performance of digital assets is dependent on the performance of the issuer and underlying asset, which is inherently unpredictable and
may result in reputational damage should they underperform.
Longroot
helps raise capital for issuers primarily via the sale of digital assets backed by an underlying business or asset. Prior to conducting
the actual fund raise, Longroot conducts extensive due diligence on the issuer and underlying business or asset to determine the feasibility
of the project. However, there can be no assurances that the digital asset will perform well, regardless of the amount of due diligence
and other actions taken by Longroot. The performance of the digital asset after issuance depends on various factors, such as market conditions,
management and performance of the business or asset, and market acceptance. Many of these factors are beyond our control, and may result
in the digital asset underperforming, leading to reputational damage, which may negatively impact our ability to gain clients.
Developing
NextBank into a comprehensive FinTech solution provider involves a high risk of complexity, may require substantial resources and costs,
and is subject to obtaining regulatory approval.
NextBank
is in the process of developing a range of products and technologies to support the digital asset industry, and aims to become a comprehensive
FinTech solution provider. The development of such technologies involves a high level of complexity, requires sophisticated security
implementations, and integration with third-party tools. Furthermore, the implementation and launch of certain products may be subject
to regulatory approvals from the Office of the Commission of Financial Institutions (“OCIF”) or regulators in other jurisdictions.
We may not be able to successfully develop and/or implement the products, which may negatively affect our ability to generate revenue
and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
The
NextBank mobile application development has, to date, been partially developed by Ukrainian developers, which has been impacted by the
ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The
NextBank mobile application development has, to date, been partially developed by Ukrainian developers. Since the beginning of the ongoing
conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the rate of development by the affected developers has slowed down. We have since increased our
development capacity by hiring developers in other countries in order to mitigate this concern. However, no assurances can be provided
that we will be able to hire enough developers elsewhere to complete the development of our mobile application in accordance with our
timeline, and given the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing conflict, there is still a risk that our development capacity may continue
to be negatively affected while the conflict is ongoing.
NextBank’s
ability to originate loans in subject to risk associated with economic and market conditions.
NextBank
currently generates most of its revenue through the origination and subsequent sale of loans issued to real estate developers in the
United States. Poor economic and market conditions, including a potential recession, may negatively impact market sentiment, decreasing
the demand for housing development and purchases, which would adversely affect our operating income and results of operations. Although
NextBank is currently planning to expand the profile of the loan recipients to mitigate this risk, such actions may not fully mitigate
the risk in times of economic downturn.
NextBank
uses correspondent banks and is subject to risk associated with termination of such relationships, which may negatively impact its operations.
NextBank
currently relies on correspondent relationships with banks in the U.S. to clear transactions directly through the Federal Reserve System
and provide services to a portion of our clients. We intend to further expand the network of banks we have correspondent relationships
with to provide a range of services such as multi-currency accounts. In such a relationship, the correspondent banks are liable for regulatory
compliance of NextBank. There is a risk that current and future correspondent banks may terminate the relationship due to regulatory
concerns or simply for convenience. This may limit our ability to provide services to certain clients and could negatively impact our
operating income.
Risks
Related to Our NextTrip Business
If
we are unable to introduce new or upgraded products, services or features that distributors, travelers or property owners and managers
recognize as valuable, we may fail to drive additional travelers to the websites of our distributors, drive additional travelers to our
websites, retain existing property owners and managers, attract new property owners and managers, retain existing distributors, and/or
attract new distributors. Our efforts to develop new and upgraded services and products could require us to incur significant costs.
In
order to attract travelers to our distributors, as well as our own online marketplace, while retaining, and attracting new, distributors,
property owners and managers, we will need to continue to invest in the development of new products, services and features that both
add value for travelers, distributors, property owners and managers and differentiate us from our competitors. The success of new products,
services and features depends on several factors, including the timely completion, introduction and market acceptance of the product,
service or feature. If travelers, distributors, property owners or managers do not recognize the value of our new services or features,
they may choose not to utilize our products or list on our online marketplace.
The
development and delivery of new or upgraded products, services or features involves inherent hazards and difficulties, and is costly.
Efforts to enhance and improve the ease of use, responsiveness, functionality and features of our existing websites have inherent risks,
and we may not be able to manage these product developments and enhancements successfully. We may not succeed in developing new or upgraded
products, services or features or new or upgraded products, services or features may not work as intended or provide value. In addition,
some new or upgraded products, services or features may be difficult for us to market and may also involve unfavorable pricing. Even
if we succeed, we cannot guarantee that our property owners and managers will respond favorably.
In
addition to developing our own improvements, we may choose to license or otherwise integrate applications, content and data from third
parties. The introduction of these improvements imposes costs on us and creates a risk that we may be unable to continue to access these
technologies and content on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. In the event we fail to develop new or upgraded products, services
or features, the demand for our services and ultimately our results of operations may be adversely affected.
If
we are unable to attract and maintain a critical mass of ALR listings and travelers, whether due to competition or other factors,
our marketplace will become less valuable to property owners and managers and to travelers, and it could decrease our ability to generate
revenue and net income in the future.
We
anticipate that moving forward, most of our NextTrip division revenue will be generated when ALRs are booked by either customers to our
website or by customers to distributors we provide ALRs to. Our revenue will be the difference between the funds received from our customers
and distributors versus the net amount owed to the property owner/manager at the time of booking. Accordingly, our success primarily
depends on our ability to attract owners, managers and travelers to NextTrip.com, NextTripVacations.com, Maupintour.com and to distributors.
If property owners and managers choose not to market their ALRs through our websites, or instead list them with a competitor, we may
be unable to offer a sufficient supply and variety of ALRs to attract travelers to our websites. Similarly, our volume of new and renewal
listings may suffer if we are unable to attract travelers to our websites or, to the distributors. As a result of any of these events,
the perceived usefulness of our online marketplace and the relationships with distributors may decline, and, consequently, it could significantly
decrease our ability to generate revenue and net income in the future.
Our
revenues and results of operations are subject to the ability of our distributors and partners to integrate our ALRs with their websites,
and the timing of such integrations.
The
integration of our ALRs with our distributors’ and partners’ websites is complicated and may involve various software components
and application program interfaces (“APIs”). The timing of the integration of our distributors’ ability to access our
ALR offerings stored in our Booking Engine is significantly dependent on the ability of such distributors to implement processes, procedures
and in some cases, software or systems to integrate with our API, which will enable them to list our ALRs on their websites. We have
little to no control over those processes, or the timing of such integrations.
Our
NextTrip division’s future revenues and results of operations are substantially dependent on the timing of those integrations and
in some cases the willingness of our distributors and partners to undertake additional steps and processes in order to provide us what
we need, and in the form that we need, to implement such integrations. The failure of our partners and/or distributors to undertake the
actions required so that we can successfully integrate our offerings, and/or any delay in such integrations, may have a negative effect
on our revenues and results of operations. The actions of our partners and distributors, and/or their ability to undertake such actions,
may further be limited by the effects of COVID-19.
If
we are not able to maintain and enhance our NextTrip brand and the brands associated with our websites, our reputation and business may
suffer.
It
is important for us to maintain and enhance our brand identity in order to attract and retain property owners, managers, distributors
and travelers. The successful promotion of our brands will depend largely on our marketing and public relations efforts. We expect that
the promotion of our brands will require us to make substantial investments, and, as our market becomes more competitive, these branding
initiatives may become increasingly difficult and expensive. In addition, we may not be able to successfully build our NextTrip brand
identity without losing value associated with, or decreasing the effectiveness of, our other brand identities. If we do not successfully
maintain and enhance our brands, we could lose traveler traffic, which could, in turn, cause property owners and managers to terminate
or elect not to renew their listings with us. In addition, our brand promotion activities may not be successful or may not yield revenue
sufficient to offset their cost, which could adversely affect our reputation and business.
We
may be subject to liability for the activities of our property owners and managers, which could harm our reputation and increase our
operating costs.
We
may receive complaints related to certain activities on our websites, including disputes over the authenticity of an ALR listing. We
may be subject to claims of liability for unauthorized use of credit card and/or bank account information, identity theft, phishing attacks,
potential breaches of system security, libel, and infringement of third-party copyrights, trademarks or other intellectual property rights.
Fraud may be purported by owners or managers listing properties which either do not exist or are significantly not as described in the
listing. The methods used by perpetrators of fraud constantly evolve and are complex. Moreover, our trust and security measures may not
detect all fraudulent activity. Consequently, we expect to receive complaints from travelers and requests for reimbursement of their
rental fees, as well as actual or threatened related legal action against us in the usual course of business.
We
may also be subject to claims of liability based on events that occur during travelers’ stays at ALRs, including those related
to robbery, injury, death, and other similar incidents. These types of claims could increase our operating costs and adversely affect
our business and results of operations, even if these claims do not result in liability, as we incur costs related to investigation and
defense. The available terms and conditions of our websites specifically state that we are exempt from any liability to travelers relating
to these matters. However, the enforceability of these terms varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and the laws in this area are
consistently evolving. If we are subject to liability or claims of liability relating to the acts of our property owners or managers,
or due to fraudulent listings, we may be subject to negative publicity, incur additional expenses and be subject to liability, any of
which could harm our business and our operating results.
Regulatory
Risks Relating to Our Operations
Our
business is subject to complex and evolving U.S. and foreign laws and regulations regarding privacy, data protection, content, competition,
and consumer protection. Many of these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and could result in claims,
changes to our business practices, monetary penalties, increased cost of operations, or declines in user growth or engagement, or otherwise
harm our business.
We
are subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States and abroad that involve matters central to our business, including
privacy, data protection and personal information, rights of publicity, content, intellectual property, advertising, marketing, distribution,
data security, data retention and deletion, data localization and storage, data disclosure, electronic contracts and other communications,
competition, consumer protection, product liability, telecommunications, e-commerce, taxation, economic or other trade prohibitions or
sanctions, anti-corruption and political law compliance, securities law compliance, and online payment services. The introduction of
new products, expansion of our activities in certain jurisdictions, or other actions that we may take may subject us to additional laws,
regulations, or other government scrutiny. In addition, foreign data protection, privacy, content, competition, and other laws and regulations
can impose different obligations or be more restrictive than those in the United States.
These
U.S. federal and state and foreign laws and regulations, which in some cases can be enforced by private parties in addition to government
entities, are constantly evolving and can be subject to significant change. As a result, the application, interpretation, and enforcement
of these laws and regulations are often uncertain, particularly in the new and rapidly evolving industries in which we operate, and may
be interpreted and applied inconsistently from country to country and inconsistently with our current policies and practices. Proposed
or new legislation and regulations could also significantly affect our business. These laws and regulations, as well as any associated
claims, inquiries, or investigations or any other government actions, may in the future lead to unfavorable outcomes including increased
compliance costs, delays or impediments in the development of new products, negative publicity and reputational harm, increased operating
costs, diversion of management time and attention, and remedies that harm our business, including fines or demands or orders that we
modify or cease existing business practices.
Compliance
with the E.U. General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act (“PDPA”),
the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), and other regulatory and legislative privacy requirements will require significant
operational resources and modifications to our business practices, and any compliance failures may have a material adverse effect on
our business, reputation, and financial results.
We
are engaged in ongoing privacy compliance and oversight efforts, including efforts to comply with the GDPR, the PDPA and other regulatory
and legislative requirements around the world, including the CCPA. These compliance and oversight efforts will increase demand on our
systems and resources, and will require significant investments, including investments in compliance processes, personnel, and technical
infrastructure. Our privacy compliance and oversight efforts will require significant time and attention from management and our board
of directors. In addition, regulatory and legislative privacy requirements are constantly evolving and can be subject to significant
change and uncertain interpretation. If we are unable to successfully implement and comply with the mandates of the GDPR, the PDPA, CCPA,
or other applicable regulatory or legislative requirements, or if we are found to be in violation of such requirements, we may be subject
to regulatory or governmental investigations or lawsuits, which may result in significant monetary fines, judgments, or other penalties,
and we may also be required to make additional changes to our business practices. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect
on our business, reputation, and financial results.
Our
processing, storage, use and disclosure of personal data will expose us to risks of internal or external security breaches and could
give rise to liabilities as a result of governmental regulation, conflicting legal requirements or differing views of personal privacy
rights.
We
collect and use personally identifiable information in certain sectors of our business. The security of data when engaging in electronic
commerce is essential in maintaining consumer and supplier confidence in our services. Substantial or ongoing security breaches whether
instigated internally or externally on our systems or other internet-based systems could significantly harm our future business. It is
possible that advances in computer circumvention capabilities, new discoveries or other developments, including our own acts or omissions,
could result in a compromise or breach of customer transaction data.
There
are risks of security breaches both on our own systems and on third party systems which store our information as we increase the types
of technology that we use to operate our marketplace, such as mobile applications. We cannot guarantee that our, or our partners’,
security measures will prevent security breaches or attacks. A party that is able to circumvent our security systems could misappropriate
confidential or proprietary information, cause an interruption in our operations, damage our computers or those of our users, or otherwise
damage our reputation and business. We may need to expend significant resources to protect against security breaches or to address problems
caused by breaches, and reductions in website availability and response time could cause loss of substantial business volumes during
the occurrence of any such incident. Security breaches could result in negative publicity, damage our reputation, expose us to risk of
loss or litigation and possible liability and subject us to regulatory penalties and sanctions. Security breaches could also cause customers
and potential customers to lose confidence in our security, which would have a negative effect on the value of our brand.
In
our processing transactions, we expect to receive a large volume of personally identifiable data. We could be adversely affected if legislation
or regulations are expanded to require changes in our business practices or if governing jurisdictions interpret or implement their legislation
or regulations in ways that negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our
business, products, and distribution are subject to increasing regulation in key territories. If we do not successfully respond to these
regulations, our business could be negatively impacted.
The
video game industry continues to evolve, and new and innovative business opportunities are often subject to new attempts at regulation.
As such, legislation is continually being introduced, and litigation and regulatory enforcement actions are taking place, which may affect
the way in which we, and other industry participants, may offer our content and features, and distribute and advertise products. These
laws, regulations, and investigations are related to protection of minors, gambling, consumer privacy, accessibility, advertising, taxation,
payments, intellectual property, distribution, and antitrust, among others.
For
example, many foreign countries have laws that permit governmental entities to restrict or prohibit marketing or distribution of interactive
entertainment software products because of the content therein (and similar legislation has been introduced from time to time at the
federal and state levels in the United States, including legislation that attempts to impose additional taxes based on content). In addition,
certain jurisdictions have laws that restrict or prohibit marketing or distribution of interactive entertainment software products with
random digital item mechanics, or subject such products to additional regulation and oversight, such as reporting to regulators. Also,
our games could in the future become subject to gambling-related rules and regulations and expose us to civil and criminal penalties.
Further, the growth and development of electronic commerce and virtual items and currency may prompt calls for more stringent consumer
protection laws that may impose additional burdens or limitations on operations of companies conducting business through the Internet
and mobile devices. Also, existing laws or new laws regarding the marketing of in-app purchases, regulation of currency, banking institutions,
unclaimed property, and money laundering may be interpreted to cover virtual currency or goods.
The
adoption and enforcement of legislation that restricts the marketing, content, business model, or sales of our products in countries
in which we do business may harm our sales, as the products they we offer to customers and the size of the potential audience for such
products may be limited. We may be required to modify certain product development processes or products or alter marketing strategies
to comply with regulations, which could be costly or delay the release of products. In addition, the laws and regulations affecting our
products vary by territory and may be inconsistent with one another, imposing conflicting or uncertain restrictions. Failure to comply
with any applicable legislation may also result in government-imposed fines or other penalties, as well as harm to our reputation.
Change
in government regulations relating to the Internet could negatively impact our business.
We
rely on consumers’ access to significant levels of Internet bandwidth for the digital delivery of our content and the functionality
of our games with online features. Changes in laws or regulations that adversely affect the growth, popularity or use of the Internet,
including laws impacting net neutrality, could impair our consumers’ online experiences, decrease the demand for our products and
services or increase their cost of doing business. Given uncertainty around these rules relating to the Internet, including changing
interpretations, amendments, or repeal of those rules, coupled with the potentially significant political and economic power of local
Internet service providers and the level of Internet bandwidth access our products and services require, we could experience discriminatory
or anti-competitive practices that could impede our growth, cause us to incur additional expenses, or otherwise negatively impact our
business.
Regulatory
changes or actions may restrict the use of digital assets in a manner that adversely affects our business, prospects or operations.
As
digital assets have grown in both popularity and market size, governments around the world have reacted differently, with certain governments
deeming them illegal while others have allowed their use and trade. Thailand, where our subsidiary Longroot Thailand is regulated, is
the first country to approve a legal ICO portal for issuers. Under Thai SEC regulation, all digital asset issuance in Thailand must be
approved by the Thai SEC and carried out via an approved ICO Portal such as ours. Governments may in the future take regulatory actions
that prohibit or severely restrict the right to acquire, own, hold, sell, use or trade digital assets or to exchange digital assets for
fiat currency. Similar actions by governments or regulatory bodies could impact our ability to continue to operate in the digital asset
space and such actions could affect Longroot Thailand’s ability to continue as a going concern, which could have a material adverse
effect on our business, prospects or operations.
In
addition, the Thai SEC is authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of a market emergency, including, for example, the retroactive
implementation of speculative position limits or higher margin requirements, the establishment of daily price limits and the suspension
of trading. The regulation of digital assets both inside and outside Thailand is a rapidly changing area of law and is subject to modification
by government and judicial action. Digital assets also currently face an uncertain regulatory landscape in various jurisdictions. Various
foreign jurisdictions may, in the near future, adopt laws, regulations or directives that affect digital assets and its users, particularly
digital asset operators and service providers that fall within such jurisdictions’ regulatory scope. Such laws, regulations or
directives may conflict with those of Thailand and may negatively impact the acceptance of digital assets by users, merchants and service
providers outside of Thailand. The effect of any future domestic or foreign regulatory change on our digital assets related activities
is unable to be predicted.
Furthermore,
a large proportion of the digital assets we plan to issue are likely to be classified as securities. This will subject our digital asset
activities to securities regulations in different jurisdictions, which could limit our business activities, such as restricting issuances
to non-retail investors only. This may negatively impact our profitability. Furthermore, compliance with existing laws and regulations
will involve significant amounts of time, including that of our management and dedicated compliance personnel, all of which might negatively
impact our results of operations.
Regulatory
changes or actions may alter the nature of the Company’s ownership of Longroot Thailand or restrict the use of cryptocurrencies
in a manner that adversely affects Longroot Thailand’s business, prospects or operations.
As
cryptocurrencies have grown in both popularity and market size, governments around the world have reacted differently to cryptocurrencies,
with certain governments deeming them illegal while others have allowed their use and trade. Thailand, where Longroot Thailand is regulated,
is the first country to approve a legal ICO portal for issuers. Under Thai SEC regulation, all crypto token issuances in Thailand must
be approved by the Thai SEC and carried out via an approved ICO Portal such as Longroot Thailand. Governments may in the future take
regulatory actions that prohibit or severely restrict the right to acquire, own, hold, sell, use or trade cryptocurrencies or to exchange
cryptocurrencies for fiat currency. Similar actions by governments or regulatory bodies could impact the ability of Longroot Thailand
to continue to operate and such actions could affect the ability of Longroot Thailand to continue as a going concern, which could have
a material adverse effect on the business, prospects or operations of the Company.
Furthermore,
tokens issued by Longroot Thailand may be classified as securities depending on the nature of the token and the regulatory frameworks
of the respective jurisdictions. Longroot Thailand’s activities may be subject to securities regulations in different jurisdictions,
which could limit its business activity, such as limits on the personnel it can issue tokens to, and this may negatively impact Longroot
Thailand’s profitability. In addition, compliance with existing laws and regulations, will involve significant amounts of time,
including that of Longroot Thailand’s senior leaders and that of dedicated compliance personnel, all of which might negatively
impact Longroot Thailand’s results of operations.
Next
Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements. Regulatory changes or actions may alter the requirement of the capital.
Under
capital adequacy guidelines, we must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of our assets, liabilities,
and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Our capital amounts and classification are also
subject to qualitative components, risk weightings and other factors. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital
adequacy require us to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of common equity; (i) Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and (ii) Tier
1 capital to average assets.
NextBank
faces risk of non-compliance and enforcement actions related to Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering, customer due diligence,
and combating the financing of terrorism statues and regulations.
NextBank
is regulated by OCIF and has to comply with strict regulations including Bank Secrecy Act, and anti-money laundering (“AML”),
customer due diligence (“CDD”), and combating the financing of terrorism (“CTF”). Although NextBank uses its
best efforts to keep up to date with regulatory requirements and implements strict internal policies to maintain compliance, there is
a risk of non-compliance. If NextBank fails to comply with such regulations, it may face enforcement actions from one or more of the
regulators that enforce such regulations, which may result in fines, penalties, or even the revocation of our license, and could have
a material negative impact on our results of operations.
Unfavorable
changes in, or interpretations of, government regulations or taxation of the evolving alternative ALRs, Internet and e-commerce industries
could harm our operating results.
We
have contracted for ALRs in markets throughout the world, in jurisdictions which have various regulatory and taxation requirements that
can affect our operations or regulate the rental activity of property owners and managers. Compliance with laws and regulations of different
jurisdictions imposing different standards and requirements is very burdensome because each region has different regulations with respect
to licensing and other requirements for ALRs. Our online marketplaces are accessible by property owners, managers and travelers in many
states and foreign jurisdictions. Our efficiencies and economies of scale depend on generally uniform treatment of property owners, managers
and travelers across all jurisdictions. Compliance requirements that vary significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction impose added
costs and increased liabilities for compliance deficiencies. In addition, laws or regulations that may harm our business could be adopted,
or interpreted in a manner that affects our activities, including but not limited to the regulation of personal and consumer information
and real estate licensing requirements. Violations or new interpretations of these laws or regulations may result in penalties, negatively
impact our operations and damage our reputation and business.
In
addition, regulatory developments may affect the ALR industry and the ability of companies like us to list those vacation rentals online.
For example, some municipalities have adopted ordinances that limit the ability of property owners and managers to rent certain properties
for fewer than 30 consecutive days and other cities may introduce similar regulations. Some cities also have fair housing or other laws
governing whether and how properties may be rented, which they assert apply to ALR. Many homeowners, condominium and neighborhood associations
have adopted rules that prohibit or restrict short-term vacation rentals. In addition, many of the fundamental statutes and regulations
that impose taxes or other obligations on travel and lodging companies were established before the growth of the Internet and e-commerce,
which creates a risk of these laws being used in ways not originally intended, that could burden property owners and managers or otherwise
harm our business. These and other similar new and newly interpreted regulations could increase costs for, or otherwise discourage, owners
and managers from listing their property with us, which could harm our business and operating results.
We
are subject to anti-bribery, anti-corruption and similar laws and non-compliance with such laws could subject us to criminal penalties
or significant fines and harm our business and reputation.
We are
subject to anti-bribery and similar laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, the U.S. domestic bribery
statute contained in 18 U.S.C. § 201, the USA PATRIOT Act, U.S. Travel Act, the U.K. Bribery Act 2010 and Proceeds of Crime
Act 2002, and possibly other anti-corruption, anti-bribery and anti-money laundering laws in countries in which we conduct business.
Anti-corruption laws have been enforced with great rigor in recent years and are interpreted broadly. Such laws prohibit companies and
their employees and their agents from making or offering improper payments or other benefits to government officials and others in the
private sector. Noncompliance with these laws could subject us to investigations, sanctions, settlements, prosecution, other enforcement
actions, disgorgement of profits, significant fines, damages, other civil and criminal penalties or injunctions, suspension and/or debarment
from contracting with specified persons, the loss of export privileges, reputational harm, adverse media coverage, and other collateral
consequences. Any investigations, actions and/or sanctions could have a material negative impact on our business, financial condition
and results of operations.
Risks
Related to Our Intellectual Property
If
we do not adequately protect our intellectual property, our ability to compete could be impaired.
Our
success is heavily dependent upon our intellectual property and other proprietary rights. To protect our intellectual property and other
proprietary rights, we rely on a combination of copyright, trademark, patent and trade secret laws, contractual provisions and our user
policy and restrictions on disclosure. Upon discovery of potential infringement of our intellectual property, we promptly take action
we deem appropriate to protect our rights. We also enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees and consultants and seek
to control access to and distribution of our proprietary information in a commercially prudent manner. The efforts we have taken to protect
our intellectual property may not be sufficient or effective, and, despite these precautions, it may be possible for other parties to
copy or otherwise obtain and use the content of our websites and products without authorization. We may be unable to prevent competitors
from acquiring domain names or trademarks that are similar to, infringe upon or diminish the value of our domain names, service marks
and our other proprietary rights. Even if we do detect violations and decide to enforce our intellectual property rights, litigation
may be necessary to enforce our rights, and any enforcement efforts we undertake could be time-consuming, expensive, distracting and
result in unfavorable outcomes. A failure to protect our intellectual property in a cost-effective and meaningful manner could have a
material adverse effect on our ability to compete.
Effective
trademark, copyright and trade secret protection may not be available in every country in which our products and services are offered,
either in person or over the Internet. Further, the laws of certain countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent as
the laws of the United States and, therefore, in certain jurisdictions, including in certain of the countries that we operate in, we
may be unable to protect their proprietary technology adequately against unauthorized third-party copying, infringement or use, which
could adversely affect our competitive position. In addition, the legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability and scope
of protection of intellectual property rights are uncertain and still evolving.
Certain
of our products, and particularly those offered by our NextMedia division, are subject to the threat of piracy and unauthorized copying,
and inadequate intellectual property laws and other protections could prevent us from enforcing or defending our proprietary technologies.
Further, the use of unauthorized “cheat” programs or the use of other unauthorized software modifications by users could
impact multiplayer gameplay or lead to reductions in microtransactions in our games.
Piracy
is a persistent problem for us, and policing the unauthorized sale, distribution and use of products is difficult, expensive, and time-consuming.
Further, the laws of some countries in which our products are, or may be, distributed either do not protect products and intellectual
property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States, or are poorly enforced. In addition, although we take steps to make
the unauthorized sale, distribution and use of our products more difficult and to enforce and police our rights, as do the operators
of other platforms on which many of their games are played, these efforts may not be successful in controlling the piracy of products
in all instances.
In
addition, “cheating” programs or other unauthorized software tools and modifications that enable consumers to cheat in games
could negatively impact the volume of microtransactions or purchases of downloadable content. In addition, vulnerabilities in the design
of our products or the platforms upon which they run could be discovered after their release, which may result in lost revenues from
paying consumers or increased cost of developing technological measures to respond to these, either of which could negatively impact
our business.
We
may be subject to claims that we violated intellectual property rights of others, which are extremely costly to defend and could require
us to pay significant damages and limit our ability to operate.
Companies
in the Internet and technology industries, and other patent and trademark holders seeking to profit from royalties in connection with
grants of licenses, own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets and frequently enter into litigation based
on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. There may be intellectual property rights held by
others, including issued or pending patents and trademarks, that cover significant aspects of our technologies, content, branding or
business methods. Any intellectual property claims against us, regardless of merit, could be time-consuming and expensive to settle or
litigate and could divert our management’s attention and other resources. These claims also could subject us to significant liability
for damages and could result in our having to stop using technology, content, branding or business methods found to be in violation of
another party’s rights. We might be required or may opt to seek a license for rights to intellectual property held by others, which
may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If we cannot license or develop technology, content, branding or business
methods for any allegedly infringing aspect of our business, we may be unable to compete effectively. Even if a license is available,
we could be required to pay significant royalties, which could increase our operating expenses. We may also be required to develop alternative
non-infringing technology, content, branding or business methods, which could require significant effort and expense and be inferior.
Any of these results could harm our operating results.
Our
ability to acquire and maintain licenses to intellectual property may affect our revenue and profitability.
While
most of the intellectual property we use in our games is created by us, we also acquire rights to third-party intellectual property.
Proprietary licenses typically limit our use of intellectual property to specific uses and for specific time periods, and include other
contractual obligations with which we must comply. Competition for these licenses is intense. If we were unable to obtain and remain
in compliance with the terms of these licenses or obtain additional licenses on reasonable economic terms, our revenue and profitability
may be adversely impacted. In addition, use of these intellectual properties generally requires that we pay a royalty to the licensor,
which decreases our profitability.
We
use open-source software in connection with certain of our games and services, which may pose particular risks to our proprietary software,
products, and services, and which could have a negative impact on our business.
We
use open-source software in connection with some of the games and services we offer. Some open-source software licenses require users
who distribute open-source software as part of their software to publicly disclose all or part of the source code to such software or
make available any derivative works of the open-source code on unfavorable terms or at no cost. The terms of various open-source licenses
have not been interpreted by courts, and there is a risk that such licenses could be construed in a manner that imposes unanticipated
conditions or restrictions on our use of the open-source software. Were it to be determined that our use was not in compliance with a
particular license, we may be required to release proprietary source code, pay damages for breach of contract, re-engineer games or products,
discontinue distribution in the event re-engineering cannot be accomplished on a timely basis, or take other remedial action that may
divert resources away from their game or technology development efforts, any of which could negatively impact our business.
Risks
Related to Our Securities
The
price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, and investors could lose all or part of their investments.
The
market price of our common stock is likely to be volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to, among other things,
the risk factors described herein and other factors beyond our control. Factors affecting the trading price of our common stock could
include, without limitation:
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variations in our operating
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changes in the estimates
of our operating results or changes in recommendations by any securities analysts that elect to follow our common stock; |
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announcements of technological
innovations, new products, services or service enhancements, strategic alliances or agreements by us or by our competitors; |
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marketing and advertising
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threatened or actual litigation; |
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changes in our management; |
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market conditions in the
industries in which we operate and the economy as a whole; |
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sales of shares of our
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global pandemics and epidemics,
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adoption or modification
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Furthermore,
the stock markets have experienced price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity
securities of many companies. These fluctuations often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those
companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations and general economic, political and market conditions, such as recessions, interest
rate changes or international currency fluctuations, may negatively affect the market price of our common stock regardless of our actual
operating performance. Each of these factors, among others, could harm the value of our common stock.
In
the past, many companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities class action
litigation; and we have previously been the target of this type of litigation. Securities litigation against us, regardless of the merits
or outcome, could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention from other business concerns, which could materially
harm our business.
Stockholders
may be diluted significantly through our efforts to obtain financing and satisfy obligations through the issuance of additional shares
of our common stock or securities convertible into, or exercisable for, shares of our common stock.
Our
board of directors has authority, without action or vote of our stockholders, to issue all or part of our authorized but unissued shares
of common stock. In the past we have, and in the future we may, raise additional capital by selling shares of our common stock or securities
convertible into, or exercisable for, shares of our common stock, possibly at a discount to the market price of such securities. These
actions will result in dilution of the ownership interests of existing stockholders, which may further dilute common stock book value,
and that dilution may be material. Such issuances may also serve to enhance existing management’s ability to maintain control of
the Company because the shares may be issued to parties or entities committed to supporting existing management.
The
ownership of our capital stock is highly concentrated, which may prevent other stockholders from influencing significant corporate decisions
and may result in conflicts of interest that could cause our stock price to decline.
As
of May 30, 2022, Nithinan Boonyawattanapisut (our Co-Chief Executive Officer and a director) and her spouse, J. Todd Bonner (Chairman
of our board of directors) beneficially own, together with entities controlled by them, approximately 26% of our issued and outstanding
shares of common stock. In addition, Tree Roots Entertainment Group Co Ltd. (“Tree Roots”), and entity controlled by Jwanwat
Ahriyavraromp and Pornsinee Chalermrattawongz, beneficially owns approximately 25% of our outstanding common stock as of May 30, 2022.
Accordingly, Ms. Boonyawattanapisut and Mr. Bonner (together), and Mr. Ahriyavraromp and Mrs. Chalermrattawongz (through their control
of Tree Roots), exert substantial influence over the Company and the outcome of corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, including
the election of directors, any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or any other significant
corporate transactions. These stockholders may also delay or prevent a change of control of the Company, even if such a change of control
would benefit other stockholders of the Company. The significant concentration of stock ownership may adversely affect the trading price
of our common stock due to investors’ perception that conflicts of interest may exist or arise.
Nevada
law and our Articles of Incorporation authorize us to issue shares of stock, which shares may cause substantial dilution to our existing
stockholders.
We have authorized capital
stock consisting of 500,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.00001 per share; 3,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred stock, par
value $0.01 per share; 10,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, par value $0.00001 per share; 3,828,500 shares of Series C Preferred
Stock, par value $0.00001 per share; and 6,100,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock, par value $0.00001 per share. As of February 28,
2022, we had 108,360,020 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, and no preferred stock issued and outstanding. As a result, our
board of directors can issue a large number of additional shares of common stock without stockholder approval, and if additional shares
are issued, it could cause substantial dilution to our then stockholders.
Additionally,
shares of preferred stock may be issued by our board of directors without stockholder approval with voting powers, and such preferences
and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and powers as determined by our board of directors, which may be greater
than the shares of common stock currently outstanding. The issuance of shares of preferred stock, depending on the rights, preferences
and privileges attributable to shares thereof, could reduce the voting rights and powers of our common stock and the portion of our assets
allocated for distribution to common stockholders in a liquidation event, and could also result in dilution in the book value per share
of our outstanding common stock. The preferred stock could also be utilized, under certain circumstances, as a method for raising additional
capital or discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company, to the detriment of our current stockholders.
If
we fail to maintain effective internal controls, it could adversely affect our financial position and lower our stock price.
We
are subject to reporting and other obligations under the Exchange Act, including the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. These provisions
require annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. We also operate in a complex
environment and expect these obligations, together with our rapid growth and expansion through acquisitions, to place significant demands
on our management and administrative resources, including accounting and tax resources. If we are unable to conclude that our internal
control over financial reporting is effective, our investors could lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial
reports.
If
securities analysts and other industry experts do not publish research or publish negative research about our business, our stock price
and trading volume could decline.
The
trading market for our common stock depends in part on the research, reports and other media that securities analysts and other industry
experts publish about us or our business. If security analysts do not cover our stock, downgrade our stock or publish negative research
about our business, our stock price could decline. If analysts do not cover us in the future or fail to publish reports on us regularly,
we could lose visibility in the stock market and demand for our stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price or trading volume
to decline. If one or more industry analysts publish negative statements about our business, our stock price could decline.
Provisions
in our amended and restated articles of incorporation limiting the liability of management to stockholders.
We
have adopted provisions, and will maintain provisions, to our amended and restated articles of incorporation that limit the liability
of our directors, and provide for indemnification by us of our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Nevada law.
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation and Nevada law provide that directors have no personal liability to third parties
for monetary damages for actions taken as a director, except for breach of duty of loyalty, acts or omissions not in good faith involving
intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law, unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases, or transactions from
which the director derived improper personal benefit. Such provisions limit the stockholders’ ability to hold directors liable
for breaches of fiduciary duty and reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers.
Certain
of our outstanding warrants include anti-dilutive rights.
Certain
of our outstanding warrants include anti-dilution rights, which provide that if at any time while such warrants are outstanding, we issue
or enter into an agreement to issue, or are deemed to have issued or entered into an agreement to issue (which includes the issuance
of securities convertible or exercisable for shares of our common stock), securities for consideration less than the then current exercise
price of such warrants, the exercise price of such warrants shall be automatically reduced to the lowest price per share of consideration
provided or deemed to have been provided for such securities. As of May 31, 2022, there were warrants to purchase an aggregate of 14,430,908
shares of our common stock that include the foregoing anti-dilution provisions outstanding, consisting of (i) 2021 Warrants to purchase
14,240,508 shares of common stock, which 2021 Warrants currently have an exercise price of $1.97 per share (the “Floor Price”),
and (ii) warrants to purchase 190,400 shares of common stock that we issued to certain institutional investors on October 2, 2018 (the
“2018 Warrants”), which 2018 Warrants currently have an exercise price of $2.00 per share. Unless and until we received shareholder
approval to reduce the exercise price of the 2021 Warrants below the Floor Price, no such adjustment to the exercise price of the 2021
Warrants may be made. Although we have not received stockholder approval to remove the Floor Price of the 2021 Warrants to date, we have
agreed to hold special meetings of our stockholders every three months, for so long as the
2021 Warrants remain outstanding, to obtain such stockholder approval. Pursuant to the terms of the 2018 Warrants, the exercise
price thereof may not be reduced below $0.57 per share. Adjustments to the exercise price of the 2018 Warrants are not subject to approval
by our stockholders.
In
the event that shareholder approval of removal of the Floor Price is obtained during the term of the 2021 Warrants, the subsequent
sale of any shares in this offering at a price below $1.97 per share will result in an automatic reduction of the exercise price of the
2021 Warrants to a price equal to the lowest price at which such shares are sold. In the event that any such sale occurs prior to shareholder
approval of removal of the Floor Price, the exercise price of the 2021 Warrants will be reduced to the lowest price of any such prior
sales effective immediately upon receipt of shareholder approval. Additionally, the sale of any shares in this offering at a price below
$2.00 per share will result in an automatic reduction of the exercise price of the 2018 Warrants to a price equal to the lowest price
at which such shares are sold, subject to a floor of $0.57 per share.
You
will experience further dilution if we issue additional equity securities in the future.
In
order to raise additional capital, we may in the future offer additional shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into
or exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock. We cannot assure you that we will be able to sell shares or other securities in
any other offering at a price per share that is equal to or greater than the price per share paid by investors in this offering, and
investors purchasing shares or other securities in the future could have rights superior to existing stockholders. To the extent that
outstanding warrants are exercised, investors purchasing our common stock in this offering will experience further dilution.
Sales
of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market could cause our stock price to fall.
Future
sales of substantial amounts of our common stock (including in this offering), or securities convertible or exchangeable into shares
of our common stock, into the public market, including shares of our common stock issued upon exercise of options and warrants, or the
perception that those sales could occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock and our ability to raise
capital in the future. Additionally, the market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales by, or the perceived possibility
of sales by, our existing stockholders of shares of our common stock in the market after this offering. These sales might also make it
more difficult for us to sell equity securities at a time and price that we deem appropriate.
We
do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future.
We
have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable
future. Investors should not rely on an investment in us if they require income generated from dividends paid on our capital stock. Because
we do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock, any income derived from our common stock would only come from a rise in the market
price of our common stock, which is uncertain and unpredictable.
Item
1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item
2. Properties
The
Company leases its office space and certain office equipment under non-cancellable operating leases are located as follows.
Location | |
Commencement
date | |
Expiration
date | |
Lease
term (Year) | | |
Total
payment for FYE2022 (in million $) | | |
Right-of-use
assets value as of Feb 28, 2022 (in million $) | |
Sawgrass, Florida | |
March 2021 | |
July 2028 | |
| 7 | | |
0.14 | | |
1.0 | |
San Juan, Puerto Rico | |
September 2021 | |
September 2026 | |
| 5 | | |
0.04 | | |
0.3 | |
Thailand | |
September 2021 | |
October 2024 | |
| 3 | | |
0.06 | | |
0.4 | |
Switzerland | |
April 2021 | |
March 2026 | |
| 5 | | |
0.07 | | |
0.3 | |
Belgium | |
May 2022 | |
April 2029 | |
| 9 | | |
0.18 | | |
1.2 | |
Item
3. Legal Proceedings
From
time to time, we may become party to litigation or other legal proceedings that we consider to be a part of the ordinary course of our
business.
Such
current litigation or other legal proceedings, if any, are described in, and incorporated by reference in, this “Item 3. Legal
Proceedings” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K from, “Part II—Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”
in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies”, under the heading “Legal
Matters”. However, assessment of the current litigation, if any, or other legal claims could change in light of the discovery of
facts not presently known to the Company or by judges, juries or other finders of fact, which are not in accord with management’s
evaluation of the possible liability or outcome of such litigation or claims.
Additionally,
the outcome of litigation is inherently uncertain. If one or more legal matters were resolved against the Company in a reporting period
for amounts in excess of management’s expectations, the Company’s financial condition and operating results for that reporting
period could be materially adversely affected. The Company settled certain matters subsequent to the year ended February 28, 2022, that
did not individually or in the aggregate have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or operating results except
as disclosed in this Report.
Item
4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not
applicable.