UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-K

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20162023

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from               to

 

Commission file number: 001-37513

 

JM GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANYGD CULTURE GROUP LIMITED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DelawareNevada 47-3709051

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)No.)

 

1615 South Congress22F - 810 Seventh Avenue,

Suite 103

Delray Beach, FloridaNew York, NY 

 3344510019
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Issuer’sRegistrant’s telephone number:number, including area code: (561) 900-3672+1-347-2590292

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class: Trading Symbol(s)Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered:
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share GDCThe NASDAQNasdaq Stock Market LLC
Warrants to purchase one-half of one share of Common StockThe NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Units, each consisting of one share of Common Stock and one WarrantThe NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Title of Class

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ☒

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

 Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
   Emerging growth company 
Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company ☒ 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. 

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No

As of June 30, 2016,2023, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the common stock outstanding other than shares held by persons who may be deemed affiliatesnon-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing sales price for the common stock of $9.75,$4.27 as of such date, as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market, was $19,500,000.$12,654,414.

As of March 27, 2017,April 1, 2024, there were 6,562,5007,887,411 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the registrant issued and outstanding.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  PAGE
PART I 
Item 1.BusinessBusiness51
Item 1A.Risk FactorsRisk Factors618
Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments3536
Item 2.1C.CybersecurityProperties3537
Item 3.2.PropertiesLegal Proceedings3537
Item 3.Legal Proceedings37
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures3537
  
PART II 
PART II
Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities3638
Item 6.[Reserved]Selected Financial Data3741
Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations3841
Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk4250
Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data3950
Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure4450
Item 9A.Controls and Procedures4450
Item 9B.Other Information52
Item 9C.Other InformationDisclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections4452
  
PART III 
PART III
Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance4553
Item 11.Executive CompensationExecutive Compensation5058
Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters5060
Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence5161
Item 14.Principal Accounting Fees and Services5262
  
PART IV 
PART IV
Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules5363
Item 16.Form 10–K SummaryForm10-K Summary5467

 

i

Conventions that Apply to this Annual Report

Unless otherwise indicated or the context requires otherwise, references in this annual report (the “Report”) to:

 2“AI Catalysis” are to AI Catalysis Corp., a Neveda company, which is wholly owned by GDC;

 “Citi Profit” are to Citi Profit Investment Holding Limited, a British Virgin Islands company, which is wholly owned by GDC;

“GDC” and the “Company” are to GD Culture Group Limited (formerly known as JM Global Holding Company, TMSR Holding Company Limited and Code Chain New Continent Limited), a Nevada Corporation;

“Highlight HK” are to Highlights Culture Holding Co., Limited, a Hong Kong SAR company, which is wholly owned by Citi Profit;

“Highlight WFOE” are to Shanghai Highlight Entertainment Co., Ltd., a PRC company, which is wholly owned by Highlight HK;

“PRC” or “China” are to the People’s Republic of China, excluding, for the purpose of this report, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau;

“RMB” or “Renminbi” are to the legal currency of China; and

“Shanghai Xianzhui” are to Shanghai Xianzhui Technology Co., Ltd., a joint venture, of which Highlight Entertainment Co. Ltd. owns 73.3333% of the total equity interest;

“we”, “our”, “us” are to the Company and its subsidiaries;

“Yuan Ma” are to Shanghai Yuanma Food and Beverage Management Co., Ltd., a PRC company, which is a variable interest entity for accounting purposes;

“$”, “US$” or “U.S. Dollars” are to the legal currency of the United States.

Unless otherwise indicated, all references to common stock, warrants to purchase common stock, share data, per share data, and related information have been retroactively adjusted, where applicable, in this Report to reflect a 1-to-30 reverse stock split of our common stock which became effective on November 9, 2022 as if they had occurred at the beginning of the earlier period presented.

ii

 

Unless otherwise stated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Report”), references to:

“we,” “us,” “company” or “our company” refer to JM Global Holding Company;
our “sponsor” refer to Zhong Hui Holding Limited, a Republic of Seychelles registered company. The sole director, officer and shareholder of our sponsor is the Chairman of our Board of Directors;
“initial holders” or “initial stockholders” are to our officers, directors and to our sponsor;
“founder shares” are to 1,312,500 shares of our common stock held by our initial stockholders;
our “management” or our “management team” refer to our officers and certain of our directors;
our “public shares” are to shares of our common stock sold as part of the units in our initial public offering (whether they were purchased in such offering or thereafter in the open market);
“public stockholders” refer to the holders of our public shares, which may include our initial holders and members of our management team if and to the extent they purchase public shares, provided that any such holder’s status as a “public stockholder” shall only exist with respect to such public shares;
“private placement” refer to the private placement of 250,000 units purchased by our sponsor, which occurred simultaneously with the completion of our initial public offering, at a purchase price of $10.00 per unit for a total purchase price of $2.5 million;
“placement units” are to the 250,000 units purchased separately by our sponsor in the private placement, each placement unit consisting of one placement share and one warrant to purchase one half of one placement share;
“placement shares” are to an aggregate of 250,000 shares of our common stock included within the placement units purchased separately by our sponsor in the private placement; and
“placement warrants” are to warrants to purchase an aggregate of 125,000 shares of our common stock included within the placement units purchased separately by our sponsor in the private placement.

3

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Report including, without limitation,contains statements under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” includes forward-looking statementsthat may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27Athe federal securities laws. These statements relate to anticipated future events, future results of the Securities Act of 1933operations and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Theseor future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements can be identified by thetheir use of forward-looking terminology including the words “believes,such as “anticipate,“estimates,“believe,“anticipates,“could,“expects,“estimate,“intends,“expect,“plans,“future,” “intend,” “may,” “will,“ought to,“potential,“plan,“projects,“possible,” “potentially,” “predicts,” “continue,“project, or “should,” or, in each case, their negative“will,” “would,” negatives of such terms or other variations or comparable terminology. There can be no assurance that actual results will not materially differ from expectations. Such statements include, but are not limited to, any statements relating to our ability to consummate any acquisition or other business combination and any other statements that are not statements of current or historical facts. These statements are based on management’s current expectations, but actual results may differ materially due to various factors, including, but not limited to:

our ability to complete our initial business combination;  
our success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, our officers, key employees or directors following our initial business combination;
our officers and directors allocating their time to other businesses and potentially having conflicts of interest with our business or in approving our initial business combination, as a result of which they would then receive expense reimbursements;
our potential ability to obtain additional financing to complete our initial business combination;  
our pool of prospective target businesses;  
failure to maintain the listing on, or the delisting of our securities from, Nasdaq or an inability to have our securities listed on Nasdaq or another national securities exchange following our initial business combination;
the ability of our officers and directors to generate a number of potential investment opportunities;  
our public securities’ potential liquidity and trading;  
the lack of a market for our securities;  
the use of proceeds not held in the trust account or available to us from interest income on the trust account balance; or
our financial performance.  

The forward-looking statements contained in this Report are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us. Future developments affecting us may not be those that we have anticipated.similar terms. These forward-looking statements involve a number ofknown and unknown risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and other assumptionsfactors that may cause our actual results, performance or performanceachievements to be materially different from thoseany future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by thesethe forward-looking statements. TheseThe forward-looking statements in this Report include, without limitation, statements relating to:

our goals and strategies;
our future business development, results of operations and financial condition;
our estimates regarding expenses, future revenues, capital requirements and our need for additional financing;
our estimates regarding the market opportunity for our services;
the impact of government laws and regulations;
our ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel;
our failure to comply with regulatory guidelines;
uncertainty in industry demand;
general economic conditions and market conditions in the virtual content production industry;
future sales of large blocks or our securities, which may adversely impact our share price; and
depth of the trading market in our securities.

The preceding list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all of our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties, include, but are not limited to,including those factors described under the headingin Item 1A “Risk Factors.” Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or

You should not unduly rely on any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. WeAlthough we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revisepublicly any forward-looking statements whether as a resultfor any reason after the date of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. These risks and others described under “Risk Factors” may not be exhaustive.

By their nature, forward-lookingthis Report, to conform these statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. We caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and developmentsor to changes in the industry in which we operate may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this Report. In addition, even if our results or operations, financial condition and liquidity, and developments in the industry in which we operate are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this Report, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods.expectations.

 

4

iii

 

 

PART I

 

Item 1. Business

 

IntroductionOverview

 

GD Culture Group Limited (formerly known as JM Global Holding Company, TMSR Holding Company Limited, and Code Chain New Continent Limited), focuses its business on three segments mainly through the Company and two subsidiaries, AI Catalysis and Shanghai Xianzhui: 1) AI-driven digital human creation and customization; 2) Live streaming and e-commerce and 3) Live streaming interactive game. The company has relentlessly been focusing on serving its customers and creating value for them through the continual innovation and optimization of its products and services.

For AI-driven digital human creation and customization sector, the Company uses AI algorithms and software to generate realistic 3D or 2D digital human models. AI algorithms and machine learning models are used to simulate human characteristics, such as facial expressions, body movements, and even speech patterns. These models can be customized to create and personalize lifelike digital representations of humans. Customization may involve adjusting facial features, body proportions, skin textures, hair styles, clothing, and more. Once created and customized, digital humans find applications in a wide range of industries, including gaming, entertainment, advertising, education, and more. Depending on the specific industry and the application scenario, the Company helps the customers to define the objectives to achieve with digital humans, choose the technology for character customization, then create unique aviators and deploy in the chosen platform.

For live streaming and e-commerce sector, the Company applies digital human technology in live streaming e-commerce businesses. Livestream usage is taking off globally. The integration of cutting-edge AI digital human technologies and live streaming platforms will transform the way businesses, sellers and consumers engage in online commerce. Digital anchors can offer long-duration intelligent live broadcasting. It also supports customized avatars that perfectly adapt to different live streaming scenarios. The company has introduced online e-commerce businesses on TikTok under different accounts.

For live streaming interactive game sector, the Company has launched a live-streamed game called “Trible Light.” This game is owned by the company, and we independently operate it. Currently, the game is being livestreamed on TikTok (TikTok account: almplify001). In addition to “Trible Light,” we have also introduced other licensed games on the same TikTok account, providing a diverse gaming experience for the players.

We areaim to generate revenue from: 1) Service revenue and advertising revenue from digital human creation and customization; 2) Products’ sales revenue from social live streaming e-commerce business; and 3) Virtual paid gifts revenue from live streaming interactive gaming.

Our principal executive office is located at 810 Seventh Avenue, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10019, and our telephone number is: +1-347-2590292.


Corporate History and Structure

The following is an organizational chart setting forth our corporate structure as of the date of this Report.

GDC, formerly known as Code Chain New Continent Limited, TMSR Holding Company Limited and JM Global Holding Company, was a blank check company formedincorporated in Delaware on April 201510, 2015. The Company was formed for the purpose of effectingacquiring, through a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, exchangeable share transaction or other similar business combination withtransaction, one or more operating businesses or entities,assets. On June 20, 2018, the Company consummated the reincorporation. As a result, the Company changed its state of incorporation from Delaware to Nevada and implemented a 2-for-1 forward stock split of the Company’s common stock.

Citi Profit is a company formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands in August 2019 and is wholly owned by GDC. It is a holding company with no material operations of its own. 

Highlight HK is a company formed under the laws of Hong Kong SAR in November 2022 and is wholly owned by Citi Profit. It is a holding company with no material operations of its own.

Highlight WFOE or Shanghai Highlight is a company formed under the laws of the PRC in January 2023 and is wholly owned by Highlight HK. It is a holding company with no material operations of its own.

Shanghai Xianzhui is a company formed under the laws of the PRC in August 2023 for social media marketing purposes. It is a joint venture, of which we refer to throughout this Report as our initial business combination. We have generated no revenues to dateHighlight WFOE owns 73.3333% of the total equity interest.

AI Catalysis is a company formed under the laws of Neveda in May 2023, and we do not expect that we will generateis a wholly-owned subsidiary of GDC. It is an operating revenues at the earliest until we consummate our initial business combination.

For our initial business combination we are focused on industries that complement our management team’s background,company focusing on AI-driven digital human creation and customization, live streaming and e-commerce, and live streaming interactive game.


As previously disclosed in the consumer products sectorcurrent reports on Form 8-K of the Company filed on September 19, 2022 and February 28, 2023, on September 16, 2022, Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a then indirect subsidiary of the Company (“Makesi WFOE”), Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd., a PRC company (“Highlight Media”), and the shareholders of Shanghai Highlight (the “Highlight Media Shareholders”) entered into certain Technical Consultation and Services Agreement., Equity Pledge Agreement, Equity Option Agreement, Voting Rights Proxy and Financial Support Agreement, which was assigned by Makesi WFOE to Highlight WFOE on February 27, 2023 (such agreements, as assigned, the “VIE Agreements”). The VIE Agreements established a “Variable Interest Entity” (VIE) structure, pursuant to which the Company treated Highlight Media as a consolidated affiliated entity and consolidated the financial results and balance sheet of Highlight Media in the Company’s consolidated financial statements under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (which may includeof America (“U.S. GAAP”). 

On September 26, 2023, Highlight WFOE entered into a business basedtermination agreement (the “Termination Agreement”) with Highlight Media, the Highlight Media Shareholders and a third party to terminate the VIE Agreements and for the third party to pay the Company $100,000 as consideration to the termination of the VIE Agreements. As a result of such termination, the Company will no longer treat Highlight Media as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidate the financial results and balance sheet of Highlight Media in the United States which has distribution opportunities outsideCompany’s consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.

Reverse Stock Split

On November 4, 2022, the United States). Consumer products include goods and services that are bought for personal and household use and intended for direct use or consumption. We are focused on established products that haveCompany filed a long historyCertificate of consumer demand, are used frequently and must be replaced as opposedAmendment to durable items that people keep forthe Articles of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Amendment”) with the Nevada Secretary of State to effect a long time, such as cars and furniture. These type of products and segments are also easier to manage and operationally forecast, with which our management team and directors have much experience.

We believe our management team has the skills and experience to identify, evaluate and consummate a business combination and is positioned to assist businesses we acquire. Our management team’s network and investing and operating experience do not guarantee a successful initial business combination. The members of our management team are not required to devote any significant amount of time to our business and are concurrently involved with other businesses. There is no guarantee that our current officers and directors will continue in their respective roles, or in any other role, after our initial business combination, and their expertise may only be of benefit to us until our initial business combination is completed. Past performance by our management team is not a guarantee of success with respect to any business combination we may consummate.

We anticipate structuring our initial business combination to acquire 100% of the equity interest or assets of the target business or businesses. However, we may structure our initial business combination to acquire less than 100% of the equity interest or assets of the target business, but only if we (or any entity that is a successor to us in a business combination) acquire a majorityreverse stock split of the outstanding voting securities or assets of the target. We believe that, if we own a majority of the target’s outstanding voting securities, we will not be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the Investment Company Act, since the securities of a majority owned subsidiary that is not itself deemed an investment company are not deemed to be “investment securities” as defined in the Investment Company Act, and since we expect that 60% or more of the value of our total assets (excluding government securities and cash) will be represented by the securities of our target business which we expect will be an operating business. Even if we own a majority interest in the target, our stockholders prior to the business combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post business combination company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the business combination transaction.

Nasdaq rules require that our initial business combination must be with one or more target businesses that together have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balance in the trust account (less any taxes payable on interest) at the time of our signing a definitive agreement in connection with our initial business combination. The fair market value of the target or targets will be determined by our board of directors based upon one or more standards generally accepted by the financial community, such as discounted cash flow valuation or value of comparable businesses. If our board is not independently able to determine the fair market value of the target business or businesses, we will obtain an opinion with respect to the satisfaction of such criteria from an independent investment banking firm that is a member of the Financial Industry Regulating Authority, or FINRA, and reasonably acceptable to Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., or Cantor Fitzgerald, the underwriter of our initial public offering. However, if our securities are not listed on Nasdaq or another securities exchange, we will no longer be required to consummate a business combination with a target whose fair market value equals at least 80% of the balance in the trust account (less any taxes payable on interest).

Business Strategy

We seek to capitalize on the significant consumer products knowledge, experience and contacts of Qi (Jacky) Zhang, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, Tim Richerson, our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and a director, and the financial expertise of Peter Nathanial, our President and a director, to identify, evaluate, acquire and operate a target business. If we elect to pursue an investment outside of the consumer products industry, our management’s expertise related to that industry may not be directly applicable to its evaluation or operation, and the information contained in this Report regarding that industry might not be relevant to an understanding of the business that we elect to acquire.

5

We seek to acquire established consumer product branded businesses that we believe are fundamentally sound but potentially in need of financial, operational, strategic or managerial redirection to maximize value. We do not intend to acquire start-up companies, companies with speculative business plans or companies that are excessively leveraged.

Our acquisition and value creation strategy is to identify, acquire, and after our initial business combination, to build, a diversified consumer products branded company. We are focused on consumer companies that distribute a broad range of products for various customers and end use markets in multiple channels (a few examples are selling these products through retail stores, purchasing online or via a direct selling experience) but also might be limited in geography. We believe our management team has prior and current experience and access to sales channels and consumer markets outside the United States as well that could be helpful in a consumer product business combination.

We have identified the following criteria that we use in evaluating business transaction opportunities. We expect that no individual criterion will entirely determine a decision to pursue a particular opportunity. Further, any particular business transaction opportunity which we ultimately determine to pursue may not meet one or more of these criteria:

Size Of Business.We seek to acquire one or more businesses or entities with an enterprise value of approximately $50,000,000 to $200,000,000, determined in the sole discretion of our officers and directors according to reasonably accepted valuation standards and methodologies. We believe that this market segment provides the greatest number of opportunities for investment and is the market consistent with our sponsor’s previous investment history and where we believe we have the strongest network to identify opportunities.
Established Companies with Proven Track Records.We seek to acquire established companies with consistent historical financial performance. We are typically focused on companies with a history of strong operating and financial results and strong fundamentals. We do not intend to acquire start-up companies or companies with recurring negative free cash flow.
Strong Management Team. We seek to acquire one or more businesses or entities that have strong, experienced management teams or those that provide a platform for us to assemble an effective and experienced management team. We are focused on management teams with a proven track record of driving revenue growth, enhancing profitability and creating value for their stockholders and expect that the operating and financial abilities of our executive team and board will complement their own capabilities.
Strong Competitive Position. We are focused on targets that have a leading, growing or niche market position in their respective category. We expect to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of target businesses relative to their competitors. We seek to acquire a business that demonstrates advantages when compared to their competitors, which may help to protect their market position and profitability.
Companies with Revenue and Earnings Growth or Potential for Revenue and Earnings Growth. We seek to acquire one or more businesses or entities that have achieved or have the potential for significant revenue and earnings growth through a combination of organic growth, new product markets and geographies, expense reduction and increased operating leverage.
Benefit from Being a Public Company.We intend to acquire a company that will benefit from being publicly traded and can effectively utilize the broader access to capital and public profile that are associated with being a publicly traded company.

Significant Activities Since Inception

On July 29, 2015, we consummated our initial public offering of 5,000,000 units, each unit consisting of one shareshares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per shares, of the Company at a ratio of one-for-thirty (30), which became effective at 12:01 a.m. on November 9, 2022. Upon effectiveness of the reverse stock split, every thirty (30) outstanding shares of common stock were combined into and automatically become one share and oneof common stock. The Company’s warrants (OTC Pink: CCNCW) was adjusted so that each warrant is to purchase one-half of one shares of common stock at a price of $86.40 per half share ($172.50 per whole share). The warrants expired on February 5, 2023.

Unless otherwise indicated, all references to common stock, warrants to purchase common stock, share data, per share data, and related information have been retroactively adjusted, where applicable, in this Report to reflect the reverse stock split of our common stock as if they had occurred at the beginning of the earlier period presented.

Name Change

Effective as of January 10, 2023, the Company changed its corporate name from “Code Chain New Continent Limited” to “GD Culture Group Limited” pursuant to a Certificate of Amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation. In connection with the name change, effective as of the opening of trading on January 10, 2023, the Company’s common stock is trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “GDC”.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic did not have a material impact on our business or results of operation during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. However, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact the general economy and our business is highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted. These uncertainties may impede our ability to conduct our operations and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and as a result could adversely affect our stock price and create more volatility.


Recent Regulatory Developments

On January 4, 2022, the Cyberspace Administration of China, or CAC, issued the revised Measures on Cyberspace Security Review (the “Revised Measures”), which came into effect on February 15, 2022. Under the Revised Measures, any “network platform operator” controlling personal information of no less than one million users which seeks to list in a foreign stock exchange should also be subject to cyber security review.

We believe Shanghai Xianzhui is not a “network platform operator” who control over one million personal information as mentioned above, given that: (i) Shanghai Xianzhui does not possess a large amount of personal information in our business operations and (ii) data processed in Shanghai Xianzhui’s business does not have a bearing on national security and thus may not be classified as core or important data by the authorities. As such, we believe Shanghai Xianzhui is not currently subject to the cyber security review by the CAC. However, the definition of “network platform operator” is unclear and it is also unclear on how it will be interpreted and implemented by the relevant PRC governmental authorities. See “Risk factors — Risk Factors Related to Doing Business in China — Shanghai Xianzhui may become subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the PRC regarding privacy, data security, cybersecurity, and data protection. Shanghai Xianzhui may be required to suspend its business, be liable for improper use or appropriation of personal information provided by our customers or face other penalties.”

On July 6, 2021, the relevant PRC governmental authorities made public the Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down Illegal Securities Activities in Accordance with the Law. These opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on overseas listings by China-based companies and proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems to deal with the risks and incidents faced by China-based overseas-listed companies. As these opinions were recently issued, official guidance and related implementation rules have not been issued yet and the interpretation of these opinions remains unclear at this stage. As of the date of this Report, we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, or sanctions regarding listing abroad or offshore offering from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (“CSRC”) or any other PRC governmental authorities. See “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Doing Business in China — The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business activities. We are currently not required to obtain approval from Chinese authorities to list on U.S exchanges, however, if Shanghai Xianzhui or GDC were required to obtain approval in the future and were denied permission from Chinese authorities to list on U.S. exchanges, we will not be able to continue listing on U.S. exchange and the value of our common stock may significantly decline or become worthless, which would materially affect the interest of the investors.”

On February 17, 2023, the CSRC released the Trial Administrative Measures for Administration of Overseas Securities Offerings and Listings by Domestic Companies (the “Trial Measures”) and five supporting guidelines, which came into effect on March 31, 2023. Pursuant to the Trial Measures, domestic companies that seek to offer or list securities overseas, both directly and indirectly, should fulfill the filing procedures and report relevant information to the CSRC. If a domestic company fails to complete the filing procedures or conceals any material fact or falsifies any major content in its filing documents, such domestic company may be subject to administrative penalties by the CSRC, such as order to rectify, warnings, fines, and its controlling shareholders, actual controllers, the person directly in charge and other directly liable persons may also be subject to administrative penalties, such as warnings and fines. As a listed company, we believe that we and all of our PRC subsidiaries are not required to fulfill filing procedures with the CSRC to continue to offer our securities, or continue listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of the Regulation on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Companies by Foreign Investors (“M&A Rules”), other PRC Laws and future PRC laws and regulations, and there can be no assurance that any governmental agency will not take a view that is contrary to or otherwise different from our belief stated herein. See “Risk Factors - Risk Factors Relating to Doing Business in China - The CSRC has released the Trial Measures for Administration of Overseas Securities Offerings and Listings by Domestic Companies (the “Trial Measures”). With such rules in effect, the Chinese government may exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and foreign investment in China-based issuers, which could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to continue to offer our securities to investors and could cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or become worthless.”


We believe that we are currently not required to obtain any permission or approval from the CSRC and the CAC in the PRC to issue securities to foreign investors. However, there is no guarantee that this will continue to be the case in the future in relation to any future offerings of our company or the continued listing of our company’s securities on the Nasdaq Capital Market, or even in the event such permission or approval is required and obtained, it will not be subsequently revoked or rescinded. If we do not receive or maintain the approvals, or we inadvertently conclude that such approvals are not required, or applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change such that we are required to obtain approval in the future, we may be subject to an investigation by competent regulators, fines or penalties, or an order prohibiting us from conducting an offering, and these risks could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value of our securities, significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, or cause such securities to significantly decline in value or become worthless.

Implication of the Holding Foreign Company Accountable Act

The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, or the HFCAA, was enacted on December 18, 2020. The HFCAA states that if the SEC determines that an issuer’s audit reports issued by a registered public accounting firm have not been subject to inspection by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (the “PCAOB”) for three consecutive years beginning in 2021, the SEC shall prohibit such issuer’s securities from being traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States. On March 24, 2021, the SEC adopted interim final rules relating to the implementation of certain disclosure and documentation requirements of the HFCAA. We will be required to comply with these rules if the SEC identifies us as having a “non-inspection” year under a process to be subsequently established by the SEC. If we fail to meet the new rules before the deadline specified thereunder, we could face possible prohibition from trading on a national securities exchange or on the OTC Markets, deregistration from the SEC and/or other risks, which may materially and adversely affect, or effectively terminate, our securities trading in the United States. On December 2, 2021, the SEC issued amendments to finalize rules implementing the submission and disclosure requirements in the HFCAA. The rules apply to registrants that the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in foreign jurisdictions. Furthermore, on June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, and on December 29, 2022, legislation entitled “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023” (the “Consolidated Appropriations Act”) was signed into law by President Biden, which contained, among other things, an identical provision to the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act and amended the HFCAA by requiring the SEC to prohibit an issuer’s securities from trading on any U.S. stock exchanges if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive years instead of three, thus reducing the time period for triggering the prohibition on trading. On August 26, 2022, the CSRC, the Ministry of Finance of the PRC (the “MOF”), and the PCAOB signed a Statement of Protocol (the “Protocol”), governing inspections and investigations of audit firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong, taking the first step toward opening access for the PCAOB to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. Pursuant to the fact sheet with respect to the Protocol disclosed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the PCAOB shall have independent discretion to select any issuer audits for inspection or investigation and has the unfettered ability to transfer information to the SEC. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB determined that the PCAOB was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong and voted to vacate its previous determinations to the contrary. However, should PRC authorities obstruct or otherwise fail to facilitate the PCAOB’s access in the future, the PCAOB will consider the need to issue a new determination. 

Our previous auditor, Enrome LLP, has been inspected by the PCAOB on a regular basis in the audit period. Our current auditor, HTL International, LLC (“HTL”), has been inspected by the PCAOB on a regular basis as well. If it is later determined that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate our auditor completely, investors may be deprived of the benefits of such inspection. Any audit reports not issued by auditors that are completely inspected by the PCAOB, or a lack of PCAOB inspections of audit work undertaken in China that prevents the PCAOB from regularly evaluating our auditors’ audits and their quality control procedures, could result in a lack of assurance that our financial statements and disclosures are adequate and accurate. Moreover, if trading in our securities is prohibited under the HFCAA in the future because the PCAOB determines that it cannot inspect or fully investigate our auditor at such future time, an exchange may determine to delist our securities. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China  — The recent joint statement by the SEC and PCAOB, proposed rule changes submitted by Nasdaq, and the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act all call for additional and more stringent criteria to be applied to emerging market companies.”


Asset Transfer between our Company and our Subsidiaries

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, GDC transferred a total of $2,100,000 to its subsidiary AI Catalysis Corp.

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022, there was no transfer of assets between GDC and its subsidiaries.

Our Products and Services

GDC operates in the following distinct business sectors through the Company and two subsidiaries, AI Catalysis Corp. and Shanghai Xianzhui: 1) AI-driven digital human creation and customization; 2) Live streaming and e-commerce and 3) Live streaming interactive game. The company has relentlessly been focusing on serving its customers and creating value for them through the continual innovation and optimization of its products and services.

1.AI-Driven Digital Human

-Digital Human Creation and Customization

The Company uses AI algorithms and software to generate realistic 3D or 2D digital human models. AI algorithms and machine learning models are used to simulate human characteristics, such as facial expressions, body movements, and even speech patterns. These models can be customized to create and personalize lifelike digital representations of humans. Customization may involve adjusting facial features, body proportions, skin textures, hair styles, clothing, and more.

-Digital Human Technology Application

Once created and customized, digital humans find applications in a wide range of industries, including gaming, entertainment, advertising, education, and more. Depending on the specific industry and the application scenario, the Company helps the customers to define the objectives to achieve with digital humans, choose the technology for character customization, then create unique aviators and deploy in the chosen platform.

The Company currently plans to generate lifelike digital humans for the following key business areas:

Virtual Influencers and Social Media

The Company aims to create digital humans to gain popularity as virtual influencers on social media platforms. These virtual personalities can collaborate with brands and engage with followers, blurring the line between fiction and reality.

A well-thought-out narrative to create digital characters with diversified personal identity, appearance, storytelling, and actions can resonate with its audience and influence them on notable social media platforms. It aims to attract a large following on social media and has the ability to produce responsible content 24/7. The Company also uses open source AI tools to create unconventional digital characters and videos.

Online Marketing and Advertising

Digital humans can be used in marketing campaigns and advertisements to engage with consumers. They can serve as virtual brand ambassadors or spokespersons, providing a more personal and interactive experience. The Company creates customized digital humans to support the clients’ marketing efforts.


2.E-Commerce and Live Streaming

-Digital Human in E-Commerce and Live Streaming

The Company applies digital human technology in live streaming e-commerce businesses. Livestream usage is taking off globally. The integration of cutting-edge AI digital human technologies and live streaming platforms will transform the way businesses, sellers and consumers engage in online commerce. Digital anchors can offer long-duration intelligent live broadcasting. It also supports customized avatars that perfectly adapt to different live streaming scenarios.

-E-Commerce on Social Media Platforms

The company has introduced online e-commerce businesses on TikTok. Our focus is on capturing TikTok’s popular trend by offering carefully selected product choices with smooth delivery. We aim to redefine the online shopping experience by providing a diverse range of products with real-time interaction capabilities. Currently, our product offerings include popular Asian snacks, small home appliances, gardening tools, 3C products, and more. We plan to introduce additional product types, such as Asian branded beauty products, personal care, fashion, and more trending popular items in Asia, to TikTok consumers.

-E-Commerce Live Streaming Businesses

The Company intends to expand its e-commerce offerings on the social media platform into live-streaming. We plan to diversify our livestream hosts by incorporating different styles and personalities. In addition to the real-time improvisation by hosts during each live streaming session, our community interactions generate another form of content. The variety of real-time interactions between viewers and hosts or among viewers creates viewer-generated content, which becomes part of the overall entertainment and social experience offered on our platform. Such content enhances the sense of involvement and makes it more enjoyable to watch live streaming while customers are shopping online.

3.Live Streaming Interactive Game

The Company has launched a live-streamed game called “Trible Light.” This game is owned by the company, and we independently operate it. Currently, the game is being livestreamed on TikTok (TikTok account: almplify001). In addition to “Trible Light,” we have also introduced other licensed games on the same TikTok account, providing a diverse gaming experience for the players.

These interactive live streaming games on the TikTok platform are specifically designed for young game enthusiasts worldwide. They offer real-time and immersive gaming experiences, where viewers can actively participate as players during the livestream. Our livestream hosts enhance the experience by providing commentary, tips, and insights to engage and excite the players. Furthermore, this unique live streaming format allows viewers to gift virtual tokens to their favorite hosts, fostering a sense of community among our gaming audience.

This innovative gaming style is already popular in Asia which offers instant, thrill-packed experiences for TikTok enthusiasts. The game is user-friendly, entertaining, and available whenever players decide to participate. We plan to continuously diversify our game offerings to provide more enjoyable options based on viewers’ preferences. AI Catalysis intends to expand anchor personalities. Currently, the company has collaborated with two hosts - one with a great sense of humor and another with keen gaming insights. The game has gained significant momentum and has captured the attention of many TikTok users.

AI Catalysis plans to diversify its game offerings and collaborate with various TikTok personalities. In both e-commerce and live streaming and live streaming interactive game business sectors, AI Catalysis is committed to serving the TikTok audience 24/7. We also have plans to introduce digital hosts to ensure continuous entertainment.


Revenue Model

We aim to generate revenue from: 1) Service revenue and advertising revenue from digital human creation and customization; 2) Products’ sales revenue from social live streaming e-commerce business; 3) Virtual paid gifts revenue from live streaming interactive gaming.

1.Digital Human Creation and Customization Services

The Company will monetize our services through:

-Services fee for custom avatar creation: to provide customized services to our customers for designing and generating unique digital human avatars. Our target customers are mainly individuals or small and medium-sized businesses (“SMB”) in the consumer industry. For SMB customers, digital humans can be used in advertising and marketing campaigns to create engaging content, or engaging with consumers on social media platforms as a brand ambassador or spokespeople to increase brand visibility and loyalty. We can also provide ongoing maintenance, updates, and support for their digital humans. Based on the scope of work and complexity of the project, the company provides advice, project planning, and strategy development in exchange for consulting fees.

-Advertising partnership fee: When the Company’s own virtual influencers gain a significant following or visibility on the social media platforms, we consider partnering with brands for sponsored content or advertising opportunities related to the digital human work.

-Licensing fee: license the right to clients to use, deploy, or integrate digital human avatars or characters created by the company for a fee. Licensing agreements can vary based on usage, duration, and exclusivity.

2.Social and Live Streaming E-Commerce Gross Merchandise Value

-Product sales: Hosts or influencers showcase products, answer questions from viewers, and encourage viewers to make purchases of the products in real time during live streaming.

-Virtual gifts and tipping: Viewers have the option to send virtual gifts or tips to hosts or influencers during live streams. These virtual gifts are purchased with real money, and the platform and the host/influencers share the revenue generated from virtual gifting.

3.Live Streaming Interactive Gaming

-Virtual paid gifts: Virtual paid gifts from viewers are the main revenue source for the live streaming gaming industry. Virtual gifting is a considerably successful business model that stimulates streamers’ content generation and viewer-streamer interactions. Live streaming platforms earn revenues from sales of paid gifts, and streamers earn a proportion of the received gifts or donations or tips from fans.

Our Customers

AI Catalysis’ main business is conducting virtual human live streams and bullet chat game broadcasts on TikTok, with expected revenue primarily coming from user tips.

Our Suppliers

The Company’s top three suppliers are Lida Global Limited, Shanghai Alliance Information Technology Co., Ltd. and Jinhe Capital Limited.

Employees

As of April 1, 2024, our Company has 8 full-time employees in total.

We have not experienced any significant labor disputes and consider our relationship with our employees to be good. Our employees are not covered by any collective bargaining agreement.

As we continue to expand our business, we believe it is critical to hire and retain top talent. We believe we have the ability to attract and retain high quality talents based on our competitive salaries, annual performance-based bonus system, and equity incentive program for senior employees and executives.


Recent Development

Disposition of Wuge

On September 28, 2022, the Company entered into a termination agreement with Wuge and the shareholders of Wuge, i.e., Wei Xu, former Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board of the Company, and Bibo Lin, former Vice President and Director of the Company, and two entities controlled by Wei Xu, to terminate certain technical consultation and services agreement., equity pledge agreement, equity option agreement, voting rights proxy and financial support agreement, by and among Makesi WFOE, Wuge, and the shareholders of Wuge. As a result, Wuge ceased to be a VIE of Makesi WFOE and operations of Wuge have been designated as discontinued operations. In exchange for such termination, on March 9, 2023, the Company cancelled 133,333 shares of common stock that were issued to the shareholders  of Wuge in January 2020.

Registered Direct Offering (“May 2023 Offering”)

On May 1, 2023, the Company entered into a placement agency agreement, with Univest Securities, LLC, as the placement agent. Pursuant to the placement agency agreement, the placement agent agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to sell the Company’s common stock in a registered direct offering (the “RD Offering”), and a concurrent private placement (the “PIPE Offering”, together with the RD Offering, collectively the “May 2023 Offering”). The placement agent has no obligation to buy any of the securities from us or to arrange for the purchase or sale of any specific number or dollar amount of securities.

In the RD Offering, an aggregate of 310,168 shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share, and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 844,351 shares of common stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”, and the common stock underlying such warrants, the “Pre-Funded Warrant Shares”) are sold to certain purchasers (the “Purchasers”), pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, dated May 1, 2023 (the “RD Securities Purchase Agreement”). The purchase price of each share of common stock is $8.27. The purchase price of each Pre-funded Warrant is $8.269, which equals the price per common stock being sold to the public in the May 2023 Offering, minus $0.001. The RD Offering is being made pursuant to a shelf registration statement (No. 333-254366) on Form S-3, which was declared effective by the SEC on March 26, 2021, and related prospectus supplement.

In connection with the Pre-Funded Warrant Shares, “Pre-funded” refers to the fact that the purchase price of the warrants in the offering includes almost the entire exercise price that will be paid under the Pre-funded Warrants, except for a nominal remaining exercise price of $0.001. The purpose of the Pre-funded Warrants is to enable Purchasers that may have restrictions on their ability to beneficially own more than 4.99% (or, upon election of the holder, 9.99%) of the Company’s outstanding common stock following the consummation of the offering the opportunity to make an investment in the Company without triggering their ownership restrictions, by receiving Pre-funded Warrants in lieu of the Company’s common stock which would result in such ownership of more than 4.99% (or 9.99%), and receive the ability to exercise their option to purchase the shares underlying the Pre-funded Warrants at such nominal price at a later date. In the RD Offering, each Pre-funded Warrant is exercisable for one share of our common stock, with an exercise price equal to $0.001 per share, at any time that the Pre-funded Warrant is outstanding. The Pre-funded Warrants will be exercisable immediately after issuance and will expire five (5) years from the date of issuance. The holder of a Pre-funded Warrant will not be deemed a holder of our underlying common stock until the Pre-funded Warrant is exercised.

In the concurrent PIPE Offering, warrants to purchase up to 1,154,519 shares of common stock (the “Unregistered Warrants”, and the common stock underlying such warrants, the “Unregistered Warrant Shares”) are also sold to the Purchasers, pursuant to a private warrant securities purchase agreement, dated May 1, 2023. The Unregistered Warrants are exercisable immediately after issuance and will expire five (5) years from the date of issuance. The Exercise Price of the Unregistered Warrants is $8.27, subject to adjustment as provided in the form of Unregistered Warrants.


The Company also paid the placement agent a total cash fee equal to 7.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds received in the May 2023 Offering and a non-accountable expense allowance equal to 1% of the aggregate gross proceeds. The placement agent were also reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket accountable expenses incurred in this offering up to $150,000. The placement agent also received warrants to purchase up to 115,452 shares of common stock (equal to 5.0% of the aggregate number of common stocks, Pre-Funded Warrant Shares, and the Unregistered Warrant Shares) at an exercise price of $5.75$9.924 per half share, ($11.50which represents 120% of the offering price of each share of common stock. The placement agent’s warrants will have substantially the same terms as the Unregistered Warrants.

The net proceeds from the May 2023 Offering, after deducting placement agent discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company, are approximately $8.53 million (assuming the Unregistered Warrants are not exercised). The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Amendment to the May 2023 Offering

On May 16, 2023, the Company entered into an amendment to the RD Securities Purchase Agreement with the Purchasers, pursuant to which the purchase price of each share of common stock was increased to $8.35 and the purchase price of each Pre-funded Warrant was increased to $8.349. Concurrently, the Company entered into an amendment to the PIPE Securities Purchase Agreement with the Purchasers, pursuant to which the exercise price of each Unregistered Warrant was increased to $8.35 per whole share)share of common stock. The Company will receive net proceeds of $84,972.60, after deducting placement agent’s 7% cash fee and 1% non-accountable expense allowance, as a result of such amendments. The Company plans to use the net proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes. In addition, as a result of such amendments and pursuant to the placement agency agreement, the Company amended and restated the placement agent’s warrants to increase the exercise price to $10.02 per share.

Software Purchase Agreement dated June 22, 2023

On June 22, 2023, the Company entered into a software purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) with Northeast Management LLC, a seller unaffiliated with the Company (the “Seller”). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company agreed to purchase and the Seller agreed to sell all of Seller’s right, title, and interest in and to the certain software. The purchase price of the software shall be $750,000, payable in the form of issuance of 187,500 shares of common stock of the Company (the “Shares”), valued at $4.00 per share. The Company plans to use the software to develop video games. On June 26, 2023, the Company issued the Shares to the Seller’s designees and the transaction was completed.

Share Purchase Agreement dated June 26, 2023

On June 26, 2023, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) with a buyer unaffiliated with the Company (the “Buyer”). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company agreed to sell and the Buyer agreed to purchase all the issued and outstanding equity interest in TMSR Holdings Limited (“TMSR”), a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong and an indirect subsidiary of Company. The purchase price for the transaction contemplated by the Agreement shall be $100,000. TMSR has a direct wholly-owned subsidiary, Makesi WFOE, and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Yuan Ma. The sale of TMSR will include the sale of Makesi WFOE and Yuan Ma. None of TMSR, Makesi WFOE or Yuan Ma has any assets, employees or operation. The sale of TMSR will not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Termination of the VIE Agreements

As previously disclosed in the current reports on Form 8-K of the Company filed on September 19, 2022 and February 28, 2023, on September 16, 2022, Makesi WFOE, Highlight Media, and the Highlight Media Shareholders entered into certain Technical Consultation and Services Agreement., Equity Pledge Agreement, Equity Option Agreement, Voting Rights Proxy and Financial Support Agreement, which was assigned by Makesi WFOE to Highlight WFOE on February 27, 2023 (such agreements, as assigned, the “VIE Agreements”). The VIE Agreements established a “Variable Interest Entity” (VIE) structure, pursuant to which the Company treated Highlight Media as a consolidated affiliated entity and consolidated the financial results and balance sheet of Highlight Media in the Company’s consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.


On September 26, 2023, Highlight WFOE entered into the Termination Agreement with Highlight Media, the Highlight Media Shareholders and a third party to terminate the VIE Agreements and for the third party to pay the Company $100,000 as consideration to the termination of the VIE Agreements. As a result of such termination, the Company will no longer treat Highlight Media as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidate the financial results and balance sheet of Highlight Media in the Company’s consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.

The Establishment of the Joint Venture

On August 10, 2023, Shanghai Highlight, an indirect subsidiary of the Company, Beijing Hehe Property Management Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Hehe”), and a third party, established Shanghai Xianzhui under the laws of the People’s Republic of China for social media marketing. Shanghai Highlight owned 60% of the equity interest of Shanghai Xianzhui , Beijing Hehe owned 20% of the equity interest of Shanghai Xianzhui and the third party owned the remaining 20% of the equity interest of Shanghai Xianzhui.

Equity Purchase Agreement dated October 27, 2023 and the Amendment to the Equity Purchase Agreement dated November 10, 2023

On October 27, 2023, the Company entered into an equity purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) with Shanghai Highlight and Beijing Hehe, pursuant to which the Shanghai Highlight agreed to purchase the 20% equity interest in Shanghai Xianzhui from Beijing Hehe and the Company agreed to issue 600,000 shares of common stock of the Company, valued at $2.7820 per share, the average closing bid price of the common stock of GDC as of the five trading days immediately preceding the date of the Agreement, to Beijing Hehe or its assigns. The closing of the transaction shall take place within thirty (30) days from the execution of the Agreement. The Agreement is effective for thirty (30) days from the date of the Agreement, which can be extended for additional thirty (30) days upon all parties’ written agreement. The Company or Shanghai Highlight may terminate the Agreement at any time with a three (3) day advance written notice to Beijing Hehe.

On November 10, 2023, the Company entered into an amended and restated equity purchase agreement (the “Amended and Restated Agreement”) that amended and replaced the Original Agreement. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Agreement, Shanghai Highlight agreed to purchase the 13.3333% equity interest in Shanghai Xianzhui from Beijing Hehe and the Company agreed to issue 400,000 shares of common stock of the Company, valued at the Per Share Price, to Beijing Hehe or its assigns.

Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Agreement, the closing of the transaction shall take place within thirty (30) days from the execution of the Amended and Restated Agreement. The Amended and Restated Agreement is effective for thirty (30) days from the date of the Amended and Restated Agreement, which can be extended for additional thirty (30) days upon all parties’ written agreement. The Company or Shanghai Highlight may terminate the Amended and Restated Agreement at any time with a three (3) day advance written notice to Beijing Hehe.

On January 11, 2024, the Company issued the Shares and the transaction is completed. Up to the date of this Report, the Company owns 73.3333% of the total equity interest of Shanghai Xianzhui.

Registered Direct Offering (“November 2023 Offering”)

On November 1, 2023, the Company entered into a placement agency agreement, with Univest Securities, LLC, as the placement agent. Pursuant to the placement agency agreement, the Placement Agent agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to sell the Company’s common stock in a registered direct offering. The Placement Agent has no obligation to buy any of the securities from us or to arrange for the purchase or sale of any specific number or dollar amount of securities.

In the November 2023 Offering, (i) an aggregate of 1,436,253 shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share, (ii) pre-funded warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,876,103 shares of common stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”, and the common stock underlying such warrants, the “Pre-Funded Warrant Shares”), and (iii) registered warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 3,312,356 shares of common stock (the “Registered Warrants”, and the common stock underlying such warrants, the “Registered Warrant Shares”) are sold to certain purchasers (the “Purchasers”), pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, dated October 31, 2023 (the “November 2023 Securities Purchase Agreement”). The purchase price of each share of common stock is $3.019. The purchase price of each Pre-funded Warrant is $3.018, which equals the price per common stock being sold in this November 2023 Offering, minus $0.001. The Pre-funded Warrants will be exercisable immediately after issuance and will expire five (5) years from the date of issuance. The Registered Warrants will be exercisable immediately and will expire five (5) years from the date of issuance.


The November 2023 Offering is being made pursuant to a shelf registration statement (No. 333-254366) on Form S-1 (File No. 333-204995). S-3, which was declared effective by the SEC on March 26, 2021, and related prospectus supplement.

The units were sold in our initial public offering at an offering price of $10.00 per unit, generating grossnet proceeds of $50,000,000 (before underwritingfrom the November 2023 Offering, after deducting placement agent discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses)expenses payable by the Company, are approximately $9.05 million (assuming the Registered Warrants are not exercised). Simultaneously with the consummation of our initial public offering, we completed a private placement of 250,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit, issuedThe Company intends to Zhong Hui Holding Limited, our sponsor, generating gross proceeds of $2,500,000.  A total of $50,000,000 fromuse the net proceeds from our initial public offeringthe November 2023 Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Pursuant to the placement agency agreement, the Company has agreed to pay the Placement Agent a total cash fee equal to 7.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds received in the November 2023 Offering. The Company also agreed to reimburse the Placement Agent certain out-of-pocket accountable expenses incurred in this November 2023 Offering up to $150,000.

In concurrent with the November 2023 Offering, on November 1, 2023, the Company entered into certain warrant exchange agreements (the “Warrant Exchange Agreements”) with certain holders of the Unregistered Warrants, as defined in the section titled “Registered Direct Offering (‘May 2023 Offering’)”, to purchase up to 1,154,519 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Holders”). Pursuant to the Warrant Exchange Agreements, the Holders shall surrender the Unregistered Warrants, and the privateCompany shall cancel the Unregistered Warrants and shall issue to Holders pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 577,260 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Exchange Warrants”). The Exchange Warrants were issued to Holders on November 3, 2023 and the warrant exchange closed on the same day.

Amendment to the November 2023 Offering

On November 17, 2023, the Company entered into an amendment to the November 2023 Securities Purchase Agreement with the Purchasers, pursuant to which Exhibit B to the November 2023 Securities Purchase Agreement (form of Registered Warrants) was deleted and replaced with an amended and restated the Form of Registered Warrant, to remove Section 2(b) Adjustment Upon Issuance of Common Stock and Section 2(e) Other Events. The Registered Warrants that were issued to Purchasers under the November 2023 Securities Purchase Agreement were returned to and cancelled by the Company on November 17, 2023. Concurrently, the Company issued amended and restated Registered Warrants to each Purchaser.

Registered Direct Offering (“March 2024 Offering”)

On March 22, 2024, the Company entered into a placement were placedagency agreement, with Univest Securities, LLC, as the placement agent. Pursuant to the placement agency agreement, the placement agent agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to sell the Company’s common stock in a trust account establishedregistered direct offering. The placement agent has no obligation to buy any of the securities from us or to arrange for the benefitpurchase or sale of our public stockholders. any specific number or dollar amount of securities.

 

The units began trading on July 24, 2015 onIn the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “WYIGU”. Commencing on September 11, 2015, the securities comprising the units began separate trading. The units,March 2024 Offering, an aggregate of 810,277 shares of common stock and warrants are trading on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbols “WYIGU,” “WYIG” and “WYIGW.”were sold to certain purchasers, pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, dated March 22, 2024. The purchase price of each Common Share is $1.144.

 

The March 2024 Offering is being made pursuant to a shelf registration statement (No. 333-254366) on Form S-3, which was declared effective by the SEC on March 26, 2021, and related prospectus supplement.

The net proceeds from the March 2024 Offering, after deducting placement agent discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company, are approximately $830,000. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the March 2024 Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Pursuant to the placement agency agreement, the Company has agreed to pay the placement agent a total cash fee equal to 4.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds received in the March 2024 Offering.

Pursuant to the placement agency agreement, the Company agreed to issue the placement agent warrants to the placement agent to purchase up to 40,514 shares of Common Stock (equal to 5.0% of the aggregate number of Common Shares) at an exercise price of $1.373 per share, which represents 120% of the offering price.


Environmental Matters

As of December 31, 2023, the Company, Shanghai Xianzhui and Ai Catalysis were not subject to any fines or legal action involving non-compliance with any relevant environmental regulation, nor are we aware of any threatened or pending action, including by any environmental regulatory authority.

Governmental Regulations in PRC

Business license

Any company that conducts business in the PRC must have a business license that covers a particular type of work. The Company’s PRC operating company, Shanghai Xianzhui’s business license covers its present business of technology development and consulting, and technical support for digital humans.

Employment laws

Shanghai Xianzhui are subject to laws and regulations governing our relationship with our employees, including: wage and hour requirements, working and safety conditions, citizenship requirements, work permits and travel restrictions. These include local labor laws and regulations, which may require substantial resources for compliance. China’s National Labor Law, which became effective on January 1, 1995, and amended on August 27, 2009, and China’s National Labor Contract Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008, and amended on December 28, 2012, permit workers in both state and private enterprises in China to bargain collectively. The National Labor Law and the National Labor Contract Law provide for collective contracts to be developed through collaboration between the labor union (or worker representatives in the absence of a union) and management that specify such matters as working conditions, wage scales, and hours of work. The laws also permit workers and employers in all types of enterprises to sign individual contracts, which are to be drawn up in accordance with the collective contract.

Intellectual property protection in China

Patent. The PRC has domestic laws for the protection of copyrights, patents, trademarks and trade secrets. The PRC is also signatory to some of the world’s major intellectual property conventions, including:

 6Convention establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO Convention) (June 4, 1980);

 Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (March 19, 1985);

Patent Cooperation Treaty (January 1, 1994); and

The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) (November 11, 2001).

Patents in the PRC are governed by the China Patent Law and its Implementing Regulations, each of which went into effect in 1985. Amended versions of the China Patent Law and its Implementing Regulations came into effect in 1993, 2001 and 2009, respectively.

The PRC is signatory to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, in accordance with which any person who has duly filed an application for a patent in one signatory country shall enjoy, for the purposes of filing in the other countries, a right of priority during the period fixed in the convention (12 months for inventions and utility models, and 6 months for industrial designs).

The Patent Law covers three kinds of patents — patents for inventions, utility models and designs. The Chinese patent system adopts the principle of first to file, which means that a patent may be granted only to the person who first files an application. Consistent with international practice, the PRC allows the patenting of inventions or utility models that possess the characteristics of novelty, inventiveness and practical applicability only. For a design to be patentable it cannot be identical with, or similar to, any design which, before the date of filing, has been publicly disclosed in publications in the country or abroad or has been publicly used in the country, and should not be in conflict with any prior right of another.

Copyright. Copyright in the PRC, including copyrighted software, is principally protected under the Copyright Law of the PRC and related rules and regulations. Under the Copyright Law, the term of protection for copyrighted software is 50 years.

Trademark. Registered trademarks are protected under the Trademark Law of the PRC and related rules and regulations. Trademarks are registered with the Trademark Office of the SAIC. Where registration is sought for a trademark that is identical or similar to another trademark which has already been registered or given preliminary examination and approval for use in the same or similar category of commodities or services, the application for registration of such trademark may be rejected. Trademark registrations are effective for a renewable ten-year period, unless otherwise revoked. The duration of a trademark is 10 years from the date of registration.

Domain names. Domain name registrations are handled through domain name service agencies established under the relevant regulations, and applicants become domain name holders upon successful registration.


 

 

EffectingRegulations on Tax

PRC Corporate Income Tax

The PRC corporate income tax, or CIT, is calculated based on the taxable income determined under the applicable CIT Law and its implementation rules, which became effective on January 1, 2008 and amended on February 24, 2017. The CIT Law imposes a uniform corporate income tax rate of 25% on all resident enterprises in China, including foreign-invested enterprises.

Uncertainties exist with respect to how the CIT Law applies to the tax residence status of The Company and our Initial Business Combinationoffshore subsidiaries. Under the CIT Law, an enterprise established outside of China with a “de facto management body” within China is considered a “resident enterprise,” which means that it is treated in a manner similar to a Chinese enterprise for corporate income tax purposes. Although the implementation rules of the CIT Law define “de facto management body” as a managing body that exercises substantive and overall management and control over the production and business, personnel, accounting books and assets of an enterprise, the only official guidance for this definition currently available is set forth in Circular 82 issued by the State Administration of Taxation, which provides guidance on the determination of the tax residence status of a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise, defined as an enterprise that is incorporated under the laws of a foreign country or territory and that has a PRC enterprise or enterprise group as its primary controlling shareholder. Although the Company does not have a PRC enterprise or enterprise group as our primary controlling shareholder and is therefore not a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise within the meaning of Circular 82, in the absence of guidance specifically applicable to us, we have applied the guidance set forth in Circular 82 to evaluate the tax residence status of The Company and our subsidiaries organized outside the PRC.

 

General

We intendAccording to effectuate our initial business combination using cash from the proceedsCircular 82, a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise will be regarded as a PRC tax resident by virtue of our initial publichaving a “de facto management body” in China and the private placement, our capital stock, debt or a combination of these as the considerationwill be subject to be paid in our initial business combination.

If we pay for our initial business combination using stock or debt securities, or we do not usePRC corporate income tax on its worldwide income only if all of the funds released from the trust account for paymentfollowing criteria are met:

the primary location of the day-to-day operational management is in the PRC;

decisions relating to the enterprise’s financial and human resource matters are made or are subject to approval by organizations or personnel in the PRC;

the enterprise’s primary assets, accounting books and records, company seals, and board and shareholders meeting minutes are located or maintained in the PRC; and

50% or more of voting board members or senior executives habitually reside in the PRC.

We do not believe that we meet any of the purchase priceconditions outlined in connectionthe immediately preceding paragraph.

We believe none of our entities outside of China is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes. However, the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body.” As all of our business combinationmanagement members are based in China, it remains unclear how the tax residency rule will apply to our case. If the PRC tax authorities determine that we or any of our subsidiaries outside of China is a PRC resident enterprise for redemptionsPRC enterprise income tax purposes, then we or purchasessuch subsidiary could be subject to PRC tax at a rate of 25% on its world-wide income, which could materially reduce our net income. In addition, we will also be subject to PRC enterprise income tax reporting obligations. Furthermore, if the PRC tax authorities determine that we are a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes, gains realized on the sale or other disposition of our common stock may be subject to PRC tax, at a rate of 10% in the case of non-PRC enterprises or 20% in the case of non-PRC individuals (in each case, subject to the provisions of any applicable tax treaty), if such gains are deemed to be from PRC sources. It is unclear whether non-PRC shareholders of our company would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence and the PRC in the event that we are treated as a PRC resident enterprise. Any such tax may reduce the returns on your investment in our common stock.


Value-Added Tax and Business Tax

In November 2011, the MOF and the State Administration of Taxation promulgated the Pilot Plan for Imposition of Value-Added Tax to Replace Business Tax. In May and December 2013 and April 2014, the MOF and the State Administration of Taxation promulgated Circular 37, Circular 106 and Circular 43 to further expand the scope of services which are to be subject to Value-Added Tax, or VAT, instead of business tax. Pursuant to these tax rules, from August 1, 2013, VAT will be imposed to replace the business tax in certain service industries, including technology services and advertising services, on a nationwide basis. The VAT rate shall be 17% for sale or importation of goods by a taxpayer. But, unlike business tax, a taxpayer is allowed to offset the qualified input VAT paid on taxable purchases against the output VAT chargeable on the revenue from services provided.

Regulations Relating to Foreign Exchange and Dividend Distribution

Foreign Exchange Regulation

The principal regulations governing foreign currency exchange in China are the Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations. Under the PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, such as profit distributions and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, may be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from State Administration of Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”) by complying with certain procedural requirements. By contrast, approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of foreign currency-denominated loans or foreign currency is to be remitted into China under the capital account, such as a capital increase or foreign currency loans to our PRC subsidiaries.

In November 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Foreign Direct Investment. Pursuant to this circular, the opening of various special purpose foreign exchange accounts, such as pre-establishment expenses accounts, foreign exchange capital accounts and guarantee accounts, the reinvestment of RMB proceeds by foreign investors in the PRC, and remittance of foreign exchange profits and dividends by a foreign-invested enterprise to its foreign shareholders no longer require the approval or verification of SAFE, and multiple capital accounts for the same entity may be opened in different provinces, which was not possible previously. In addition, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Printing and Distributing the Provisions on Foreign Exchange Administration over Domestic Direct Investment by Foreign Investors and the Supporting Documents in May 2013, which specifies that the administration by SAFE or its local branches over direct investment by foreign investors in the PRC shall be conducted by way of registration and banks shall process foreign exchange business relating to the direct investment in the PRC based on the registration information provided by SAFE and its branches.

We typically do not need to use our offshore foreign currency to fund our PRC operations. In the event we need to do so, we will apply to obtain the relevant approvals of SAFE and other PRC government authorities as necessary.

SAFE Circular 37

SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, on July 4, 2014, which replaced the former circular commonly known as “SAFE Circular 75” promulgated by SAFE on October 21, 2005. SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents to register with local branches of SAFE in connection with their direct establishment or indirect control of an offshore entity, for the purpose of overseas investment and financing, with such PRC residents’ legally owned assets or equity interests in domestic enterprises or offshore assets or interests, referred to in SAFE Circular 37 as a “special purpose vehicle.” SAFE Circular 37 further requires amendment to the registration in the event of any significant changes with respect to the special purpose vehicle, such as increase or decrease of capital contributed by PRC individuals, share transfer or exchange, merger, division or other material event. In the event that a PRC shareholder holding interests in a special purpose vehicle fails to fulfill the required SAFE registration, the PRC subsidiaries of that special purpose vehicle may be prohibited from making profit distributions to the offshore parent and from carrying out subsequent cross-border foreign exchange activities, and the special purpose vehicle may be restricted in its ability to contribute additional capital into its PRC subsidiary. Furthermore, failure to comply with the various SAFE registration requirements described above could result in liability under PRC law for evasion of foreign exchange controls.


We have notified substantial beneficial owners of common stock who we know are PRC residents of their filing obligation. However, we may apply the balancenot be aware of the cash releasedidentities of all our beneficial owners who are PRC residents. In addition, we do not have control over our beneficial owners and cannot assure you that all of our PRC resident beneficial owners will comply with SAFE Circular 37. The failure of our beneficial owners who are PRC residents to usregister or amend their SAFE registrations in a timely manner pursuant to SAFE Circular 37 or the failure of future beneficial owners of our company who are PRC residents to comply with the registration procedures set forth in SAFE Circular 37 may subject such beneficial owners or our PRC subsidiaries to fines and legal sanctions. Failure to register or amend the registration may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital to our PRC subsidiaries or receive dividends or other distributions from our PRC subsidiaries or other proceeds from disposal of our PRC subsidiaries, or we may be penalized by SAFE.

Share Option Rules

Under the Administration Measures on Individual Foreign Exchange Control issued by the PBOC on December 25, 2006, all foreign exchange matters involved in employee share ownership plans and share option plans in which PRC citizens participate require approval from SAFE or its authorized branch. Pursuant to SAFE Circular 37, PRC residents who participate in share incentive plans in overseas non-publicly-listed companies may submit applications to SAFE or its local branches for the foreign exchange registration with respect to offshore special purpose companies. In addition, under the Notices on Issues concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Share Incentive Plans of Overseas Publicly-Listed Companies, or the Share Option Rules, issued by SAFE on February 15, 2012, PRC residents who are granted shares or share options by companies listed on overseas stock exchanges under share incentive plans are required to (i) register with SAFE or its local branches, (ii) retain a qualified PRC agent, which may be a PRC subsidiary of the overseas listed company or another qualified institution selected by the PRC subsidiary, to conduct the SAFE registration and other procedures with respect to the share incentive plans on behalf of the participants, and (iii) retain an overseas institution to handle matters in connection with their exercise of share options, purchase and sale of shares or interests and funds transfers.

Regulation of Dividend Distribution

The principal laws, rules and regulations governing dividend distribution by foreign-invested enterprises in the PRC are the Company Law of the PRC, as amended, the Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprise Law and its implementation regulations and the Chinese-foreign Equity Joint Venture Law and its implementation regulations. Under these laws, rules and regulations, foreign-invested enterprises may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profit, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Both PRC domestic companies and wholly-foreign owned PRC enterprises are required to set aside as general reserves at least 10% of their after-tax profit, until the cumulative amount of such reserves reaches 50% of their registered capital. A PRC company is not permitted to distribute any profits until any losses from prior fiscal years have been offset. Profits retained from prior fiscal years may be distributed together with distributable profits from the trust accountcurrent fiscal year. 

Regulations on Mergers & Acquisitions and Overseas Listings

On August 8, 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies, including the CSRC, MOFCOM, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, the SAT, the State Administration of Industry and Commerce and SAFE, adopted the M&A Rules, which became effective on September 8, 2006, and were amended on June 22, 2009. Foreign investors shall comply with the M&A Rules when they purchase equity interests of a domestic company or subscribe the increased capital of a domestic company, and thus changing the nature of the domestic company into a foreign-invested enterprise, when the foreign investors establish a foreign-invested enterprise in the PRC, purchase the assets of a domestic company and operate the assets, or when the foreign investors purchase the assets of a domestic company, establish a foreign-invested enterprise by injecting such assets, and operate the assets. As for general corporate purposes, includingmerger and acquisition of a domestic company with a related party relationship by a domestic company, enterprise or natural person in the name of an overseas company legitimately incorporated or controlled by the domestic company, enterprise of natural person, such merger and acquisition shall be subject to examination and approval of MOFCOM. The parties involved shall not use domestic investment by foreign investment enterprises or other methods to circumvent the requirement of examination and approval.


Pursuant to the Manual of Guidance on Administration for maintenanceForeign Investment Access, which was issued and became effective on December 18, 2008 by MOFCOM, notwithstanding the fact that (i) the domestic shareholder is connected with the foreign investor or expansionnot, or (ii) the foreign investor is the existing shareholder or the new investor, the M&A Rules shall not apply to the transfer of operationsan equity interest in an incorporated foreign-invested enterprise from the domestic shareholder to the foreign investor.

On July 6, 2021, the General Office of acquired businesses, the paymentCentral Committee of principal or interest duethe Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the Opinions. The Opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on indebtedness incurred in consummating our initial business combination,overseas listings by China-based companies. The Opinions proposed to fundtake effective measures, such as promoting the purchaseconstruction of otherrelevant regulatory systems, to deal with the risks and incidents facing China-based overseas-listed companies orand the demand for working capital.cybersecurity and data privacy protection.

 

Nasdaq rules requireOn February 17, 2023, with the approval of the State Council, the CSRC released the Trial Measures and five supporting guidelines, which came into effect on March 31, 2023. According to the Trial Measures, (1) domestic companies that our initial business combinationseek to offer or list securities overseas, both directly and indirectly, should fulfill the filing procedures and report relevant information to the CSRC; if a domestic company fails to complete the filing procedures or conceals any material fact or falsifies any major content in its filing documents, such domestic company may be with onesubject to administrative penalties by the CSRC, such as order to rectify, warnings, fines, and its controlling shareholders, actual controllers, the person directly in charge and other directly liable persons may also be subject to administrative penalties, such as warnings and fines; (2) if the issuer meets both of the following conditions, the overseas offerings and listings shall be determined as an indirect overseas offerings and listings by a domestic company: (i) 50% or more target businesses that together have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balanceissuer’s operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the trust account (less any taxes payable on interest)most recent accounting year is accounted for by domestic enterprises; and; (ii) its major operational activities are carried out in China or its main places of business are located in China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operation and management are mostly Chinese citizens or domiciled in China; and (3) where a domestic company seeks to indirectly offer and list securities in an overseas market, the issuer shall designate a major domestic operating entity responsible for all filing procedures with the CSRC, and where an issuer makes an application for initial public offerings or listings in an overseas market, the issuer shall submit filings with the CSRC within three business days after such application is submitted; if the issuer submits the application documents for offerings or listings in secret or non-public ways overseas, it may submit an explanation at the time of filing, and the application shall be postponed until the application documents are reported to the CSRC within three business days after the application documents are disclosed overseas.

On February 24, 2023, the CSRC, together with the MOF, National Administration of State Secrets Protection and National Archives Administration of China, revised the Provisions issued by the CSRC and National Administration of State Secrets Protection and National Archives Administration of China in 2009. The revised Provisions were issued under the title the “Provisions on Strengthening Confidentiality and Archives Administration of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies,” and came into effect on March 31, 2023 together with the Trial Measures. One of the major revisions to the revised Provisions is expanding their application to cover indirect overseas offering and listing, as is consistent with the Trial Measures. The revised Provisions require that, among other things, (a) a domestic company that plans to, either directly or indirectly through its overseas listed entity, publicly disclose or provide to relevant individuals or entities, including securities companies, securities service providers, and overseas regulators, any documents and materials that contain state secrets or working secrets of government agencies, shall first obtain approval from competent authorities according to law, and file with the secrecy administrative department at the same level; and (b) a domestic company that plans to, either directly or indirectly through its overseas listed entity, publicly disclose or provide to relevant individuals and entities, including securities companies, securities service providers, and overseas regulators, any other documents and materials that, if leaked, will be detrimental to national security or public interest, shall strictly fulfill relevant procedures stipulated by applicable national regulations. Any failure or perceived failure by our signingCompany or our subsidiaries, to comply with the above confidentiality and archives administration requirements under the revised Provisions and other PRC laws and regulations may result in the relevant entities being held legally liable by competent authorities, and referred to the judicial organ to be investigated for criminal liability if suspected of committing a definitive agreementcrime.

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we may be involved in various claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. None of our Company or our subsidiaries is currently a party to any such claims or proceedings which, if decided adversely to the Company, would either, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


Item 1A. Risk Factors

An investment in our shares of common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risk factors, together with the other information contained in this Report, before you decide to buy any of our securities. Any of the following risks could cause our business, results of operations and financial condition to suffer materially, causing the market price of our shares of common stock to decline, in which event you may lose part or all of your investment in our shares of common stock. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently do not deem material may also become important factors that may materially and adversely affect our business.

Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure

We rely on dividends paid by our subsidiaries for our cash needs. Any limitation on the ability of our subsidiaries to make dividend payments to us, or any tax implications of making dividend payments to us, could limit our ability to pay our parent company expenses or pay dividends to holders of our common stock.

We may rely on dividends to be paid by our subsidiaries to fund our cash and financing requirements, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders, to service any debt we may incur and to pay our operating expenses. If any of our subsidiaries incurs debt on its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us.

Under the Nevada Revised Statutes and the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of AI Catalysis, dividends may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting. No distribution may be made if, after giving it effect: (a) AI Catalysis would not be able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business; or (b) AI Catalysis’s total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if AI Catalysis were to be dissolved immediately after the time of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon such dissolution of holders of shares of any class or series of the capital stock of AI Catalysis having preferential rights superior to those receiving the distribution.

Under PRC laws and regulations, our PRC subsidiaries may pay dividends only out of its accumulated profits as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise is required to set aside at least 10% of its accumulated after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a certain statutory reserve fund, until the aggregate amount of such fund reaches 50% of its registered capital.

We expect that revenue, if any, to be generated by our PRC operating subsidiary, Shanghai Xianzhui, will be in Renminbi, which is not freely convertible into other currencies. As a result, any restriction on currency exchange may limit the ability of our PRC operating subsidiary to use its Renminbi revenues to pay dividends to us. The PRC government may continue to strengthen its capital controls, and more restrictions and substantial vetting process may be put forward by SAFE for cross-border transactions falling under both the current account and the capital account. In addition, the Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules provide that a withholding tax rate of up to 10% will be applicable to dividends payable by Chinese companies to non-PRC-resident enterprises unless otherwise exempted or reduced according to treaties or arrangements between the PRC central government and governments of other countries or regions where the non-PRC resident enterprises are incorporated. Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other kinds of payments to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends, or otherwise fund and conduct our business.

Risks Related to Doing Business in China

PRC regulation of loans to, and direct investments in, PRC entities by offshore holding companies may delay or prevent us from using proceeds from future financing activities to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC operating subsidiaries.

In July 2014, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, which replaces the previous SAFE Circular 75. SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents, including PRC individuals and PRC corporate entities, to register with SAFE or its local branches in connection with their direct or indirect offshore investment activities. SAFE Circular 37 is applicable to our initialshareholders who are PRC residents and may be applicable to any offshore acquisitions that we may make in the future.

Under SAFE Circular 37, PRC residents who make, or have prior to the implementation of SAFE Circular 37 made, direct or indirect investments in offshore special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, are required to register such investments with SAFE or its local branches. In addition, any PRC resident who is a direct or indirect shareholder of an SPV, is required to update its registration with the local branch of SAFE with respect to that SPV, to reflect any material change. Moreover, any subsidiary of such SPV in China is required to urge the PRC resident shareholders to update their registration with the local branch of SAFE to reflect any material change. If any PRC resident shareholder of such SPV fails to make the required registration or to update the registration, the subsidiary of such SPV in China may be prohibited from distributing its profits or the proceeds from any capital reduction, share transfer or liquidation to the SPV, and the SPV may also be prohibited from making additional capital contributions into its subsidiaries in China. In February, 2015, SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policy on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13. Under SAFE Notice 13, applications for foreign exchange registration of inbound foreign direct investments and outbound direct investments, including those required under SAFE Circular 37, must be filed with qualified banks instead of SAFE. Qualified banks should examine the applications and accept registrations under the supervision of SAFE. We have used our best efforts to notify PRC residents or entities who directly or indirectly hold shares in GD Culture Group Limited and who are known to us as being PRC residents to complete the foreign exchange registrations. However, we may not be informed of the identities of all the PRC residents or entities holding direct or indirect interest in our company, nor can we compel our beneficial owners to comply with SAFE registration requirements. We cannot assure you that all other shareholders or beneficial owners of ours who are PRC residents or entities have complied with, and will in the future make, obtain or update any applicable registrations or approvals required by, SAFE regulations. Failure by such shareholders or beneficial owners to comply with SAFE regulations, or failure by us to amend the foreign exchange registrations of our PRC subsidiaries, could subject us to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, and limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions or pay dividends to us or affect our ownership structure, which could adversely affect our business combination. However, if our securitiesand prospects.


Furthermore, as these foreign exchange and outbound investment related regulations are not listed on Nasdaqrelatively new and their interpretation and implementation has been constantly evolving, it is unclear how these regulations, and any future regulation concerning offshore or another securities exchange,cross-border investments and transactions, will be interpreted, amended and implemented by the relevant government authorities. For example, we will no longermay be subject to a more stringent review and approval process with respect to our foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and foreign-currency-denominated borrowings, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. We cannot assure you that requirement. There is no current basis for investorswe have complied or will be able to evaluate the possible merits or risks of the target businesscomply with whichall applicable foreign exchange and outbound investment related regulations. In addition, if we may ultimately complete our initial business combination. Although our management will assess the risks inherent indecide to acquire a particular target business with which we may combine,PRC domestic company, we cannot assure you that this assessmentwe or the owners of such company, as the case may be, will be able to obtain the necessary approvals or complete the necessary filings and registrations required by the foreign exchange regulations. This may restrict our ability to implement our acquisition strategy and could adversely affect our business and prospects.

We may finance our subsidiaries by means of loans or capital contributions and finance Shanghai Xianzhui by means of loans. Any capital contributions or loans that we, as an offshore entity, make to our Company’s PRC operating subsidiary, Shanghai Xianzhui, are subject to the above PRC regulations. We may not be able to obtain necessary government registrations or approvals on a timely basis, if at all. If we fail to obtain such approvals or make such registration, our ability to make equity contributions or provide loans to our Company’s PRC subsidiaries, including Shanghai Xianzhui, or to fund their operations may be negatively affected, which may adversely affect their liquidity and ability to fund their working capital and expansion projects and meet their obligations and commitments. As a result, our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business may be negatively affected.

Changes in China’s economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

All of Shanghai Xianzhui’s operations and assets are located in China. Accordingly, Shanghai Xianzhui’s business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be influenced to a significant degree by political, economic and social conditions in China generally and by continued economic growth in China as a whole.

The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the amount of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. Although the Chinese government has implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets and the establishment of improved corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in China is still owned by the government. In addition, the Chinese government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development by imposing industrial policies. The Chinese government also exercises significant control over China’s economic growth through allocating resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy, and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies.

While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. The Chinese government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures may benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations. In addition, in the past the Chinese government has implemented certain measures, including interest rate increases, to control the pace of economic growth. These measures may cause decreased economic activity in China, and since 2012, China’s economic growth has slowed down. Any prolonged slowdown in the Chinese economy may reduce the demand for our products and services and materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Under the Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be classified as a “Resident Enterprise” of China. Such classification will likely result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our identifyingnon-PRC stockholders.

China passed the Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, and its implementing rules, both of which became effective on January 1, 2008. Under the EIT Law, an enterprise established outside of China with “de facto management bodies” within China is considered a “resident enterprise,” meaning that it can be treated in a manner similar to a Chinese enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes. The implementing rules of the EIT Law define de facto management as “substantial and overall management and control over the production and operations, personnel, accounting, and properties” of the enterprise.


On April 22, 2009, the State Administration of Taxation of China issued the Notice Concerning Relevant Issues Regarding Cognizance of Chinese Investment Controlled Enterprises Incorporated Offshore as Resident Enterprises pursuant to Criteria of de facto Management Bodies, or the Notice, further interpreting the application of the EIT Law and its implementation to offshore entities controlled by a Chinese enterprise or group. Pursuant to the Notice, an enterprise incorporated in an offshore jurisdiction and controlled by a Chinese enterprise or group will be classified as a “non-domestically incorporated resident enterprise” if (i) its senior management in charge of daily operations reside or perform their duties mainly in China; (ii) its financial or personnel decisions are made or approved by bodies or persons in China; (iii) its substantial assets and properties, accounting books, corporate stamps, board and stockholder minutes are kept in China; and (iv) all risksof its directors with voting rights or senior management reside in China. A resident enterprise would be subject to an enterprise income tax rate of 25% on its worldwide income and must pay a withholding tax at a rate of 10% when paying dividends to its non-PRC stockholders. Because substantially all of our operations and senior management are located within the PRC and are expected to remain so for the foreseeable future, we may be considered a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes and therefore subject to the PRC enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% on its worldwide income. However, it remains unclear as to whether the Notice is applicable to an offshore enterprise controlled by a Chinese natural person. Therefore, it is unclear how tax authorities will determine tax residency based on the facts of each case.

If the PRC tax authorities determine that we are a target“resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a number of unfavorable PRC tax consequences could follow. First, we may be subject to the enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% on our worldwide taxable income as well as PRC enterprise income tax reporting obligations. In our case, this would mean that income such as non-China source income would be subject to PRC enterprise income tax at a rate of 25%. Currently, we do not have any non-China source income, as we conduct our sales in China. However, under the EIT Law and its implementing rules, dividends paid to us from our PRC subsidiaries would be deemed as “qualified investment income between resident enterprises” and therefore qualify as “tax-exempt income” pursuant to clause 26 of the EIT Law. Second, it is possible that future guidance issued with respect to the new “resident enterprise” classification could result in a situation in which the dividends we pay with respect to our common stock, or the gain our non-PRC shareholders may realize from the transfer of our common stock, may be treated as PRC-sourced income and may therefore be subject to a 10% PRC withholding tax. The EIT Law and its implementing regulations are, however, relatively new and ambiguities exist with respect to the interpretation and identification of PRC-sourced income, and the application and assessment of withholding taxes. If we are required under the EIT Law and its implementing regulations to withhold PRC income tax on dividends payable to our non-PRC shareholders, or if non-PRC stockholders are required to pay PRC income tax on gains on the transfer of their common stock, our business could be negatively impacted and the value of your investment may encounter. Furthermore,be materially reduced. Further, if we were treated as a “resident enterprise” by PRC tax authorities, we would be subject to taxation in both China and such countries in which we have taxable income, and our PRC tax may not be creditable against such other taxes.

We must comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Chinese anti-corruption laws.

We are required to comply with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, which prohibits US companies from engaging in bribery or other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Foreign companies, including some of those risks may be outsideour competitors, are not subject to these prohibitions. The PRC also strictly prohibits bribery of government officials. Certain of our control, meaningsuppliers are owned by the PRC government and our dealings with them are likely to be considered to be with government officials for these purposes. Corruption, extortion, bribery, pay-offs, theft and other fraudulent practices occur from time-to-time in China. It is our policy to prohibit our employees, and to discourage our agents, representatives and consultants, from engaging in such practices. If our competitors engage in these practices, they may receive preferential treatment from personnel of some companies, giving our competitors an advantage in securing business or from government officials who might give them priority in obtaining new licenses, which would put us at a disadvantage. Our employees, agents, representatives and consultants may not always be subject to our control. If any of them violates FCPA or other anti-corruption law, we might be held responsible. We could suffer severe penalties in that we can do nothing to control or reduceevent. In addition, the chances that those risks will adversely impact a target business.

WeUS government may seek to raise additional funds throughhold us liable for successor liability FCPA violations committed by companies in which we invest or which we acquire.


Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations and changes in policies, rules, and regulations in China, which may be quick with little advance notice, could limit the legal protection available to you and us.

The PRC legal system is based on written statutes. Unlike common law systems, it is a private offeringsystem in which legal cases have limited value as precedents. In the late 1970s, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of debtlaws and regulations governing economic matters in general. The legislation over the past three decades has significantly increased the protection afforded to various forms of foreign or equity securitiesprivate-sector investment in China. Shanghai Xianzhui is subject to finance our initial business combination,various PRC laws and regulations generally applicable to companies in China. Since these laws and regulations are relatively new and the PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve, however, the interpretations of many laws, regulations, and rules are not always uniform and enforcement of these laws, regulations, and rules involve uncertainties.

From time to time, we may effectuate an initial business combination usinghave to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce our legal rights. Since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, however, it may be more difficult to evaluate the proceedsoutcome of such offering rather than usingadministrative and court proceedings and the amounts heldlevel of legal protection we enjoy in the trust account. SubjectPRC legal system than in more developed legal systems. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies, internal rules, and regulations that may have retroactive effect and may change quickly with little advance notice. As a result, Shanghai Xianzhui may not be aware of its violation of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. Such uncertainties, including uncertainties over the scope and effect of the contractual, property (including intellectual property), and procedural rights, and any failure to compliance with applicable securities laws, we would consummaterespond to changes in the regulatory environment in China could materially and adversely affect Shanghai Xianzhui’s business and impede Shanghai Xianzhui’s ability to continue its operations. 

Our business may be materially and adversely affected if our PRC subsidiaries declare bankruptcy or become subject to a dissolution or liquidation proceeding.

The Enterprise Bankruptcy Law of the PRC, or the Bankruptcy Law, came into effect on June 1, 2007. The Bankruptcy Law provides that an enterprise will be liquidated if the enterprise fails to settle its debts as and when they fall due and if the enterprise’s assets are, or are demonstrably, insufficient to clear such financing only simultaneously with the consummation ofdebts.

Shanghai Xianzhui holds certain assets that are important to our business combination. In the caseoperations. If Shanghai Xianzhui undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, unrelated third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of an initial business combination funded withthese assets, other than the trust account assets, our tender offer documents or proxy materials disclosing the business combination would disclose the terms of the financing and, only if required by law or Nasdaq, we would seek stockholder approval of such financing. There are no prohibitions onthereby hindering our ability to raise funds privatelyoperate our business, which could materially and adversely affect Shanghai Xianzhui’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

According to SAFE’s Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies for Direct Investment, effective on 17 December 2012, and the Provisions for Administration of Foreign Exchange Relating to Inbound Direct Investment by Foreign Investors, effective May 13, 2013, if any of our PRC subsidiaries undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, prior approval from SAFE for remittance of foreign exchange to our shareholders abroad is no longer required, but we still need to conduct a registration process with the SAFE local branch. It is not clear whether “registration” is a mere formality or involves the kind of substantive review process undertaken by SAFE and its relevant branches in the past.

Given the Chinese government’s significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of the business of Shanghai Xianzhui, the Chinese government may intervene or influence its operations at any time, which could result in a material change in the operations of Shanghai Xianzhui and/or the value of our common stock.

The Chinese government has significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of Shanghai Xianzhui and may intervene or influence their operations at any time as the government deems appropriate to further regulatory, political, and societal goals, which could result in a material change in the operations of Shanghai Xianzhui and/or the value of our common stock.

The Chinese government has recently published new policies that significantly affected certain industries such as the education and Internet industries, and we cannot rule out the possibility that it will in the future release regulations or policies regarding our industry that could adversely affect the business, financial condition, and results of operations of Shanghai Xianzhui. Furthermore, if China adopts more stringent standards with respect to certain areas such as environmental protection or corporate social responsibilities, Shanghai Xianzhui may incur increased compliance costs or become subject to additional restrictions in their operations. Certain areas of the law in China, including intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections, may also not be as effective as in the United States or other countries. In addition, we cannot predict the effects of future developments in the PRC legal system on the business operations of Shanghai Xianzhui, including the promulgation of new laws, or changes to existing laws or the interpretation or enforcement thereof. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections available to us and our investors, including you.


The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business activitiesWe are currently not required to obtain approval from Chinese authorities to list on U.S exchanges, however, if Shanghai Xianzhui or the Company were required to obtain approval in the future and were denied permission from Chinese authorities to list on U.S. exchanges, we will not be able to continue listing on U.S. exchange and the value of our common stock may significantly decline or become worthless, which would materially affect the interest of the investors.

The Chinese government has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through loansregulation and state ownership. Under the current government leadership, the government of the PRC has been pursuing reform policies which have adversely affected China-based operating companies whose securities are listed in the United States, with significant policies changes being made from time to time without notice. There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the laws and regulations governing our business, or the enforcement and performance of our contractual arrangements with borrowers in the event of the imposition of statutory liens, bankruptcy or criminal proceedings. Our ability to operate in China may be harmed by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. The central or local governments of these jurisdictions may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations. Accordingly, government actions in the future, including any decision not to continue to support recent economic reforms and to return to a more centrally planned economy or regional or local variations in the implementation of economic policies, could have a significant effect on economic conditions in China or particular regions thereof, and could require us to divest ourselves of any interest we then hold in Chinese properties.

Given recent statements by the Chinese government indicating an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, any such action could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or become worthless. 

The General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the Opinions on Severely Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities According to Law, or the Opinions, which was made available to the public on July 6, 2021. The Opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities, and the need to strengthen the supervision over overseas listings by Chinese companies. Effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems, will be taken to deal with the risks and incidents of China-concept overseas listed companies. As of the date of this Report, we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, or sanctions from PRC government authorities in connection with our initial business combination.the Opinions.

 

Sources of Acquisition Candidates

Target business candidates are, and have been, brought to our attention from various unaffiliated sources, including investment bankers, attorneys, accountants, venture capital funds, private equity funds, leveraged buyout funds, management buyout funds, brokers and other membersOn June 10, 2021, the Standing Committee of the financial communityNational People’s Congress of China, or the SCNPC, promulgated the PRC Data Security Law, which took effect in September 2021. The PRC Data Security Law imposes data security and corporate executives. These target candidates present solicited or unsolicited proposals. We expect such sources to continue to become aware that we are seekingprivacy obligations on entities and individuals carrying out data activities, and introduces a business combination candidate by a variety of means, including publicly available information relating to our initial public offering, public relationsdata classification and marketing efforts or direct contact by management.

Our officers and directors, as well as their affiliates, may also bring to our attention target business candidates of which they become aware through their contacts. We have engaged, and may in the future engage, on a non-exclusive basis, the services of professional firms or other individuals that specialize in business acquisitions and we have paid, and may in the future pay, a finder’s fee, consulting fee or other compensation to such third partieshierarchical protection system based on the termsimportance of data in economic and social development, and the degree of harm it will cause to national security, public interests, or legitimate rights and interests of individuals or organizations when such data is tampered with, destroyed, leaked, illegally acquired or used. The PRC Data Security Law also provides for a national security review procedure for data activities that may affect national security and imposes export restrictions on certain data an information.

On August 17, 2021, the State Council promulgated the Regulations on the Protection of the transactionSecurity of Critical Information Infrastructure, or the Regulations, which took effect on September 1, 2021. The Regulations supplement and specify the terms and conditionsprovisions on the security of critical information infrastructure as stated in the Cybersecurity Review Measures. The Regulations provide, among others, that protection department of certain industry or sector shall notify the operator of the arrangements with such third parties. Paymentcritical information infrastructure in time after the identification of finder’s fees is customarily tied to completion of a transaction, in which case any such fee will be paid outcertain critical information infrastructure.

On August 20, 2021, the SCNPC promulgated the Personal Information Protection Law of the funds heldPRC, or the Personal Information Protection Law, which took effect on November 1, 2021. As the first systematic and comprehensive law specifically for the protection of personal information in the trust account. However, our agreement with FirsTrust China Ltd., or FT, dated October 30, 2015, providedPRC, the Personal Information Protection Law provides, among others, that we pay FT a monthly fee of $20,000, payable quarterly in advance. Such fee was paid out(i) an individual’s consent shall be obtained to use sensitive personal information, such as biometric characteristics and individual location tracking, (ii) personal information operators using sensitive personal information shall notify individuals of the funds held outsidenecessity of such use and impact on the trust account. On June 10, 2016, we entered intoindividual’s rights, and (iii) where personal information operators reject an individual’s request to exercise his or her rights, the individual may file a termination agreement, pursuant to which the parties mutually agreed to terminate the agreement in exchange forlawsuit with a $60,000 termination fee. In addition, we have entered into, and may in the future enter into, other consulting arrangements pursuant to which we are obligated to make a retainer payment and pay additional fees upon the consummation of our initial business combination. In no event will our initial stockholders or any of our existing officers or directors, or any entity with which they are affiliated, be paid any finder’s fee, consulting fee or other compensation prior to, or for any services they render in order to effectuate, the consummation of our initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is), other than (i) repayment of any loans that our sponsor, management team, their affiliates or other third parties may make to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination (provided that if we do not consummate an initial business combination, we may use working capital held outside the trust account to repay such loaned amounts, but no proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment other than interest earned thereon); and (ii) reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on our behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations. Although some of our officers and directors may enter into employment or consulting agreements with the acquired business following our initial business combination, the presence or absence of any such arrangements will not be used as a criterion in our selection process of an acquisition candidate.People’s Court.

 

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We are not prohibited from pursuing an initial business combination with a company that is affiliated with our sponsor, initial holders, officers, directors or their affiliates. Additionally, we are not prohibited from partnering, submitting joint bids, or enteringOn February 17, 2023, the CSRC released the Trial Measures and five supporting guidelines, which came into any similar transaction with such persons ineffect on March 31, 2023. Pursuant to the pursuit of an initial business combination. If weTrial Measures, domestic companies that seek to offer or list securities overseas, both directly and indirectly, should fulfill the filing procedures and report relevant information to the CSRC. If a domestic company fails to complete an initial business combination withthe filing procedures or conceals any material fact or falsifies any major content in its filing documents, such domestic company may be subject to administrative penalties by the CSRC, such as order to rectify, warnings, fines, and its controlling shareholders, actual controllers, the person directly in charge and other directly liable persons may also be subject to administrative penalties, such as warnings and fines. As a listed company, or we partner with such persons inbelieve that we and all of our pursuit of an initial business combination, we, or a committee of independent directors, would obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that is a member of FINRA and reasonably acceptable to Cantor Fitzgerald, that such an initial business combination is fair to our stockholders from a financial point of view. Generally, such opinion is rendered to a company’s board of directors and investment banking firms may take the view that stockholders may not rely on the opinion. Such view will not impact our decision on which investment banking firm to hire.

Unless we consummate our initial business combination with an affiliated entity, wePRC subsidiaries are not required to obtainfulfill filing procedures with the CSRC to continue to offer our securities, or continue listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of the M&A Rules, other PRC Laws and future PRC laws and regulations, and there can be no assurance that any governmental agency will not take a financial fairness opinion from an independent investment banking firmview that is contrary to or otherwise different from our belief stated herein. See “Risk Factors - Risk Factors Relating to Doing Business in China - The CSRC has released the Trial Measures for Administration of Overseas Securities Offerings and Listings by Domestic Companies (the “Trial Measures”). With such rules in effect, the Chinese government may exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and foreign investment in China-based issuers, which could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to continue to offer our securities to investors and could cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or become worthless.”

As such, the Company’s businesses may be subject to various government and regulatory interference in the provinces in which they operate. The Company could be subject to regulation by various political and regulatory entities, including various local and municipal agencies and government sub-divisions. The Company may incur increased costs necessary to comply with existing and newly adopted laws and regulations or penalties for any failure to comply. The Chinese government may intervene or influence our operations at any time with little advance notice, which could result in a membermaterial change in our operations and in the value of FINRA. Ifour common stock. Any actions by the Chinese government to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or become worthless.

Furthermore, it is uncertain when and whether the Company will be required to obtain permission from the PRC government to list on U.S. exchanges in the future, and even when such permission is obtained, whether it will be denied or rescinded. Although the Company is currently not required to obtain permission from any of the PRC federal or local government to obtain such permission and has not received any denial to list on the U.S. exchange, our operations could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by existing or future laws and regulations relating to its business or industry. As a result, our common stock may decline in value dramatically or even become worthless should we become subject to new requirement to obtain permission from the PRC government to list on U.S. exchange in the future.

Fluctuations in exchange rates could adversely affect our business and the value of our securities.

Changes in the value of the RMB against the U.S. dollar are affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic conditions. Any significant revaluation of the RMB may have a material adverse effect on our revenues and financial condition, and the value of, and any dividends payable on our shares in U.S. dollar terms. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars we receive from our public offering into RMB for our operations, appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on RMB amount we would receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our RMB into U.S. dollars for the purpose of paying dividends on our common stock or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the RMB would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us. In addition, fluctuations of the RMB against other currencies may increase or decrease the cost of imports and exports, and thus affect the price-competitiveness of our products against products of foreign manufacturers or products relying on foreign inputs.

Since July 2005, the RMB is no longer pegged to the U.S. dollar. Although the People’s Bank of China regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market to prevent significant short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate, the RMB may appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the medium to long term. Moreover, it is possible that in the future PRC authorities may lift restrictions on fluctuations in the RMB exchange rate and lessen intervention in the foreign exchange market.

Increases in labor costs in the PRC may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

The currently effective PRC Labor Contract Law, or the Labor Contract Law was first adopted on June 29, 2007 and later amended on December 28, 2012. The PRC Labor Contract Law has reinforced the protection of employees who, under the Labor Contract Law, have the right, among others, to have written employment contracts, to enter into employment contracts with no fixed term under certain circumstances, to receive overtime wages and to terminate or alter terms in labor contracts. Furthermore, the Labor Contract Law sets forth additional restrictions and increases the costs involved with dismissing employees. To the extent that we need to significantly reduce our workforce, the Labor Contract Law could adversely affect our ability to do so in a timely and cost-effective manner, and our results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, for employees whose employment contracts include noncompetition terms, the Labor Contract Law requires us to pay monthly compensation after such employment is terminated, which will increase our operating expenses.

We expect that our labor costs, including wages and employee benefits, will continue to increase. Unless we are able to pass on these increased labor costs to our vehicle buyers by increasing the prices of our products and services, our financial condition and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.


PRC regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents may limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to increase their registered capital or distribute profits to us or otherwise expose us or our PRC resident beneficial owners to liability and penalties under PRC law.

In July 2014, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration over the Overseas Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment by Domestic Residents via Special Purpose Vehicles, or “Circular 37”. According to Circular 37, prior registration with the local SAFE branch is required for Chinese residents to contribute domestic assets or interests to offshore companies, known as Special Purpose Vehicles (“SPVs”). Circular 37 further requires amendment to a PRC resident’s registration in the event of any significant changes with respect to the SPV, such as an increase or decrease in the capital contributed by PRC individuals, share transfer or exchange, merger, division, or other material event. Further, foreign investment enterprises established by way of round-tripping shall complete the relevant foreign exchange registration formalities pursuant to the prevailing foreign exchange control provisions for direct investments by foreign investors, and disclose the relevant information such as actual controlling party of the shareholders truthfully.

We may not be informed of the identities of all the PRC residents or entities holding direct or indirect interest in our company, nor can we compel our beneficial owners to comply with SAFE registration requirements. As a result, we cannot assure you that all of our shareholders or beneficial owners who are PRC residents or entities have complied with, and will in the future make or obtain any applicable registrations or approvals required by, SAFE regulations. Failure by such shareholders or beneficial owners to comply with SAFE regulations, or failure by us to amend the foreign exchange registrations of our PRC subsidiaries, could subject us to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit Highlight WFOE’s ability to make distributions or pay dividends to us or affect our ownership structure, which could adversely affect our business and prospects.

Shanghai Xianzhui may become subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the PRC regarding privacy, data security, cybersecurity, and data protection. Shanghai Xianzhui may be required to suspend its business, be liable for improper use or appropriation of personal information provided by our customers and face other penalties.

Shanghai Xianzhui may become subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the PRC regarding privacy, data security, cybersecurity, and data protection. These laws and regulations are continuously evolving and developing. The scope and interpretation of the laws that are or may be applicable to us are often uncertain and may be conflicting, particularly with respect to foreign laws. In particular, there are numerous laws and regulations regarding privacy and the collection, sharing, use, processing, disclosure, and protection of personal information and other user data. Such laws and regulations often vary in scope, may be subject to differing interpretations, and may be inconsistent among different jurisdictions.

We expect to obtain information about various aspects of our operations as well as regarding our employees and third parties. We also maintain information about various aspects of our operations as well as regarding our employees. The integrity and protection of our customer, employee and company data is critical to our business. Our customers and employees expect that we will adequately protect their personal information. We are required by applicable laws to keep strictly confidential the personal information that we collect, and to take adequate security measures to safeguard such information.

The PRC Criminal Law, as amended by its Amendment 7 (effective on February 28, 2009) and Amendment 9 (effective on November 1, 2015), prohibits institutions, companies and their employees from selling or otherwise illegally disclosing a citizen’s personal information obtained during the course of performing duties or providing services or obtaining such information through theft or other illegal ways. On November 7, 2016, the Standing Committee of the PRC National People’s Congress issued the Cyber Security Law of the PRC, or Cyber Security Law, which became effective on June 1, 2017.

Pursuant to the Cyber Security Law, network operators must not, without users’ consent, collect their personal information, and may only collect users’ personal information necessary to provide their services. Providers are also obliged to provide security maintenance for their products and services and shall comply with provisions regarding the protection of personal information as stipulated under the relevant laws and regulations.

The Civil Code of the PRC (issued by the PRC National People’s Congress on May 28, 2020 and effective from January 1, 2021) provides main legal basis for privacy and personal information infringement claims under the Chinese civil laws. PRC regulators, including the CAC, MIIT, and the Ministry of Public Security have been increasingly focused on regulation in the areas of data security and data protection.


The PRC regulatory requirements regarding cybersecurity are constantly evolving. For instance, various regulatory bodies in China, including the CAC, the Ministry of Public Security and the SAMR, have enforced data privacy and protection laws and regulations with varying and evolving standards and interpretations. In April 2020, the Chinese government promulgated Cybersecurity Review Measures, which came into effect on June 1, 2020. According to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, operators of critical information infrastructure must pass a cybersecurity review when purchasing network products and services which do or may affect national security.

In November 2016, the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress passed China’s first Cybersecurity Law (“CSL”), which became effective in June 2017. The CSL is the first PRC law that systematically lays out the regulatory requirements on cybersecurity and data protection, subjecting many previously under-regulated or unregulated activities in cyberspace to government scrutiny. The legal consequences of violation of the CSL include penalties of warning, confiscation of illegal income, suspension of related business, winding up for rectification, shutting down the websites, and revocation of business license or relevant permits. In April 2020, the CAC and certain other PRC regulatory authorities promulgated the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which became effective in June 2020. Pursuant to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, operators of critical information infrastructure must pass a cybersecurity review when purchasing network products and services which do or may affect national security. On June 10, 2021, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the PRC Data Security Law, which took effect on September 1, 2021. The Data Security Law also sets forth the data security protection obligations for entities and individuals handling personal data, including that no entity or individual may acquire such data by stealing or other illegal means, and the collection and use of such data should not exceed the necessary limits The costs of compliance with, and other burdens imposed by, CSL and any other cybersecurity and related laws may limit the use and adoption of our products and services and could have an adverse impact on our business. On January 4, 2022, thirteen PRC regulatory agencies, namely, the CAC, the NDRC, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of State Security, the MOF, MOFCOM, SAMR, CSRC, the People’s Bank of China, the National Radio and Television Administration, National Administration of State Secrets Protection and the National Cryptography Administration, jointly adopted and published the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021), which became effective on February 15, 2022. The Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021) required that, among others, in addition to “operator of critical information infrastructure” any “operator of network platform” holding personal information of more than one million users which seeks to list in a foreign stock exchange should also be subject to cybersecurity review.

On July 10, 2021, the CAC issued a revised draft of the Measures for Cybersecurity Review for public comments (the “Review Measures”), and on December 28, 2021, the CAC jointly with the relevant authorities published Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021) which took effect on February 15, 2022 and replace the Review Measures, which required that, operators of critical information infrastructure purchasing network products and services, and data processors (together with the operators of critical information infrastructure, the “Operators”) carrying out data processing activities that affect or may affect national security, shall conduct a cybersecurity review, any operator who controls more than one million users’ personal information must go through a cybersecurity review by the cybersecurity review office if it seeks to be listed in a foreign country. We do not know what regulations will be adopted or how such regulations will affect us and our listing on Nasdaq. In the event that the CAC determines that we are subject to these regulations, we may be required to delist from Nasdaq and we may be subject to fines and penalties.

Under the Data Security Law enacted on September 1, 2021 and the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021) implemented on February 15, 2022, given that (i) Shanghai Xianzhui is not an Operator, (ii) Shanghai Xianzhui does not possess more than one million users’ personal information, and (iii) data processed in Shanghai Xianzhui’s business does not have a bearing on national security and thus may not be classified as core or important data by the authorities. However, if the CSRC, CAC or other regulatory agencies later promulgate new rules or explanations requiring that we obtain their approvals for any follow-on offering, we may be unable to obtain such approvals and we may face sanctions by the CSRC, CAC or other PRC regulatory agencies for failure to seek their approval which could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to our investors and the securities currently being offered may substantially decline in value and be worthless.


We cannot assure you that PRC regulatory agencies, including the CAC, would take the same view as we do, not obtainand there is no assurance that we can fully or timely comply with such an opinion,laws. In the event that we are subject to any mandatory cybersecurity review and other specific actions required by the CAC, we face uncertainty as to whether any clearance or other required actions can be timely completed, or at all. Given such uncertainty, we may be further required to suspend our stockholders will be relying onrelevant business, shut down our website, or face other penalties, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The CSRC has released the judgmentTrial Measures for Administration of Overseas Securities Offerings and Listings by Domestic Companies (the “Trial Measures”). With such rules in effect, the Chinese government may exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and foreign investment in China-based issuers, which could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to continue to offer our securities to investors and could cause the value of our boardsecurities to significantly decline or become worthless.

On February 17, 2023, with the approval of directors, who will determine fair market valuethe State Council, the CSRC released the Trial Measures and fairness basedfive supporting guidelines, which came into effect on standards generally acceptedMarch 31, 2023. According to the Trial Measures, (1) domestic companies that seek to offer or list securities overseas, both directly and indirectly, should fulfill the filing procedures and report relevant information to the CSRC; if a domestic company fails to complete the filing procedures or conceals any material fact or falsifies any major content in its filing documents, such domestic company may be subject to administrative penalties by the financial community. The applicationCSRC, such as order to rectify, warnings, fines, and its controlling shareholders, actual controllers, the person directly in charge and other directly liable persons may also be subject to administrative penalties, such as warnings and fines; (2) if the issuer meets both of such standards would involvethe following conditions, the overseas offerings and listings shall be determined as an indirect overseas offerings and listings by a comparison, from a valuation standpoint, of our business combination target to comparable public companies, as applicable, and a comparison of our contemplated transaction with such business combination target to other then-recently announced comparable private and public company transactions, as applicable. The application of such standards and the basis of our board of directors’ determination will be discussed and disclosed in our tender offer or proxy solicitation materials, as applicable, related to our initial business combination.

Selection of a target business and structuring of our initial business combination

Subject to the Nasdaq requirement that our initial business combination must be with onedomestic company: (i) 50% or more target businesses that together have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balanceissuer’s operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the trust account (less any taxes payable on interest)most recent accounting year is accounted for by domestic enterprises; and; (ii) its major operational activities are carried out in China or its main places of business are located in China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operation and management are mostly Chinese citizens or domiciled in China; and (3) where a domestic company seeks to indirectly offer and list securities in an overseas market, the issuer shall designate a major domestic operating entity responsible for all filing procedures with the CSRC, and where an issuer makes an application for initial public offerings or listings in an overseas market, the issuer shall submit filings with the CSRC within three business days after such application is submitted; if the issuer submits the application documents for offerings or listings in secret or non-public ways overseas, it may submit an explanation at the time of our signing a definitive agreement in connection with our initial business combination, our management will have virtually unrestricted flexibility in identifyingfiling, and selecting one or more prospective target businesses, although we will notthe application shall be permitted to effectuate our initial business combination with another blank check company or a similar company with nominal operations. However, if our securitiespostponed until the application documents are not listed on Nasdaq or another securities exchange, we will no longer be subjectreported to the Nasdaq requirement. In any case, we intendCSRC within three business days after the application documents are disclosed overseas.

The Trial Measures, may subject us to consummate our initial business combination only if we (or any entity that is a successor to us in a business combination) will acquire a majority of the outstanding voting securities or assets of the target with the objective of making sure that we are not required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. We believe that, if we own a majority of the target’s outstanding voting securities, we will not be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act since the securities of a majority owned subsidiary that is not itself deemed an investment company are not deemed to be “investment securities” as definedadditional compliance requirements in the Investment Company Act,future, and since we expect that 60% or more of the value of our total assets (excluding government securities and cash) will be represented by the securities of our target business which we expect will be an operating business. We seek to acquire established companies that have demonstrated sound historical financial performance. Although we are not restricted from doing so, we do not intend to acquire start-up companies. To the extent we effect a business combination with a company or business that may be financially unstable or in its early stages of development or growth, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in such company or business. Although our management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, we cannot assure you that we will properly ascertainbe able to get the clearance of filing procedures under the Trial Measures on a timely basis, or assess allat all. Any failure of us to fully comply with new regulatory requirements may significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to continue to offer our securities, cause significant risk factors.

In evaluating a prospective targetdisruption to our business operations, and severely damage our reputation, which would materially and adversely affect our consolidated financial condition and results of operations and cause our securities to significantly decline in value or become worthless. We believe that we conduct an extensive due diligence review which encompasses, among other things, meetings with incumbent management and employees, document reviews, interviews of customers and suppliers, inspection of facilities, as well as a review of financial and other information which will be made available to us.

The timeour PRC subsidiaries are not required to select and evaluate a target business andfulfill filing procedures with the CSRC to structure and completecontinue to offer our initial business combination, and the costs associated with this process, are not currently ascertainable with any degree of certainty. Any costs incurred with respect to the identification and evaluation of a prospective target business with which a business combination is not ultimately completed will result in our incurring losses and will reduce the funds we can use to complete another business combination.

Lack of business diversification

For an indefinite period of time after consummation of our initial business combination, the prospects for our success may depend entirelysecurities, or continue listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, or operate the business. In addition, to date, none of us or our PRC subsidiaries have received any filing or compliance requirements from CSRC for the listing of the Company at Nasdaq Capital Market and all of its overseas offerings. However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of the M&A Rules, other PRC Laws and future performance of a single business. Unlike other entitiesPRC laws and regulations, and there can be no assurance that have the resources to complete business combinations with multiple entities in one or several industries, it is probable that weany PRC governmental agency will not have the resourcestake a view that is contrary to diversifyor otherwise different from our operations and mitigate the risks of being in a single line of business. By consummating a business combination with only a single entity, our lack of diversification may:belief stated herein.

 

subject us to negative economic, competitive and regulatory developments, any or all of which may have a substantial adverse impact on the particular industry in which we operate after our initial business combination, and
cause us to depend on the marketing and sale of a single product or limited number of products or services.

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Limited abilityIf we become directly subject to evaluate the target’s management teamrecent scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity involving U.S.-listed Chinese companies, we may have to expend significant resources to investigate and resolve the matter which could harm our business operations, listing and future offerings and our reputation and could result in a loss of your investment in our common stock, especially if such matter cannot be addressed and resolved favorably.

Although we intend to closely scrutinizeRecently, U.S. public companies that have substantially all of their operations in China, have been the managementsubject of a prospective target business when evaluating a target business, our assessmentintense scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity by investors, financial commentators and regulatory agencies, such as the SEC. Much of the target business’ management mayscrutiny, criticism and negative publicity has centered around financial and accounting irregularities, a lack of effective internal controls over financial accounting, inadequate corporate governance policies or a lack of adherence thereto and, in many cases, allegations of fraud. As a result of the scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity, the publicly traded stock of many U.S. listed Chinese companies has sharply decreased in value and, in some cases, has become virtually worthless. Many of these companies are now subject to shareholder lawsuits and SEC enforcement actions and are conducting internal and external investigations into the allegations. It is not proveclear what effect this sector-wide scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity will have on our Company, our business and listing and future offerings. If we become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are proven to be correct. In addition, the future management may not have the necessary skills, qualificationstrue or abilities to manage a public company. The future role of members of our management team, if any, in the target business cannot presently be stated with any certainty. While it is possible that one or more of our directors will remain associated in some capacity with us following a business combination, it is unlikely that any of them will devote their full efforts to our affairs subsequent to a business combination. Moreover, we cannot assure you that members of our management team will have experience or knowledge relating to the operations of the particular target business.

We cannot assure you that any of our key personnel will remain in senior management or advisory positions with the combined company. The determination as to whether any of our key personnel will remain with the combined company will be made at the time of our initial business combination.

Following a business combination, we may seek to recruit additional managers to supplement the incumbent management of the target business. We cannot assure you thatuntrue, we will have to expend significant resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend the abilityCompany. This situation may be a major distraction to recruit additional managers, or that additional managersour management. If such allegations are not proven to be groundless, our Company and business operations will have the requisite skills, knowledge or experience necessary to enhance the incumbent management.be severely hampered and your investment in our common stock could be rendered worthless.

 

Stockholders mayThe recent joint statement by the SEC and PCAOB, proposed rule changes submitted by Nasdaq, and the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act all call for additional and more stringent criteria to be applied to emerging market companies upon assessing the qualification of their auditors, especially the non-U.S. auditors who are not haveinspected by the ability to approve a business combination

We may not seek stockholder approval before we effect our initial business combination as not all business combinations require stockholder approval under applicable state law. However, we will seek stockholder approvalPCAOB. Although the audit report included in annual report was issued by U.S. auditors who are currently inspected by the PCAOB, if it is required by lawlater determined that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or Nasdaq, or we may decide to seek stockholder approval for business or other reasons. Presented in the table below is a tableinvestigate our auditor completely, investors would be deprived of the types of initial business combinations we may consider and whether stockholder approval is currently required under Delaware law for each such transaction.

Type of TransactionWhether
Stockholder
Approval is
Required
Purchase of assetsNo
Purchase of stock of target not involving a merger with the companyNo
Merger of target into a subsidiary of the companyNo
Merger of the company with a targetYes

Permitted purchases of our securities

If we seek stockholder approval of our business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our initial stockholders, directors, officers or their affiliates may purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions either prior to or following the consummation of our initial business combination. We anticipate that our initial stockholders, directors, officers or their affiliates would approach a limited number of large holders of our securities that have voted against the business combination or sought redemption of their shares, or that have indicated an intention to do so, and engage in direct negotiations for the purchasebenefits of such holders’ positions. All holders approached in this manner would be institutional or sophisticated holders. There is no limit on the number of shares they may acquire. Our initial holders, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates will not make any such purchases when they are in possession of any material nonpublic information not disclosed to the seller or during a restricted period under Regulation M under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, or in transactions which would violate Section 9(a)(2) or Rule 10(b)-5 under the Exchange Act. We cannot currently determine whether our insiders will make such purchases pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan, as it will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to, the timinginspection and size of such purchases. Depending on such circumstances, our insiders may either enter make such purchases pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan or determine that such a plan is not necessary. Although they do not currently anticipate paying any premium purchase price for such public shares, there is no limit on the price they may pay. We will notify stockholders of such purchases, if any, by press release, filing a Form 8-K or by means of a supplement to our proxy statement.

The purpose of such purchases would be to (i) increase the likelihood of obtaining stockholder approval of the business combination or (ii) to satisfy a closing condition in an agreement with a target that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash at the closing of the business combination, where it appears that such requirement would otherwise not be met. This may result in the consummation of a business combination that may not otherwise have been possible.

As a consequence of any such purchases by our initial stockholders, directors, officers or their affiliates, the public “float” of our common stock may be reduceddelisted or prohibited from trading.

On April 21, 2020, SEC Chairman Jay Clayton and PCAOB Chairman William D. Duhnke III, along with other senior SEC staff, released a joint statement highlighting the numberrisks associated with investing in companies based in or have substantial operations in emerging markets including China. The joint statement emphasized the risks associated with lack of beneficial holdersaccess for the PCAOB to inspect auditors and audit work papers in China and higher risks of ourfraud in emerging markets. 

On May 18, 2020, Nasdaq filed three proposals with the SEC to (i) apply minimum offering size requirement for companies primarily operating in “Restrictive Market”, (ii) adopt a new requirement relating to the qualification of management or board of director for Restrictive Market companies, and (iii) apply additional and more stringent criteria to an applicant or listed company based on the qualifications of the company’s auditors.

On May 20, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed the HFCAA requiring a foreign company to certify it is not owned or controlled by a foreign government if the PCAOB is unable to audit specified reports because the company uses a foreign auditor not subject to PCAOB inspection. If the PCAOB is unable to inspect the company’s auditors for three consecutive years, the issuer’s securities may be reduced, which may make it difficultare prohibited to obtain the continued listing of our securitiestrade on Nasdaq or anothera national securities exchange or in connection with our initial business combinationthe over the counter trading market in the U.S. On December 2, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the HFCAA. On December 18, 2020, the HFCAA was signed into law.

 

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Our initial stockholders, officers, directors and/On March 24, 2021, the SEC announced that it had adopted interim final amendments to implement congressionally mandated submission and disclosure requirements of the Act. The interim final amendments will apply to registrants that the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report on Forms 10-K, 20-F, 40-F or their affiliates anticipateN-CSR with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that theyis located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the PCAOB has determined it is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in that jurisdiction. The SEC will identifyimplement a process for identifying such a registrant and any such identified registrant will be required to submit documentation to the SEC establishing that it is not owned or controlled by a governmental entity in that foreign jurisdiction, and will also require disclosure in the registrant’s annual report regarding the audit arrangements of, and governmental influence on, such a registrant.

On June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, and on December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act was signed into law by President Biden, which contained, among other things, an identical provision to the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act and amended the HFCAA by requiring the SEC to prohibit an issuer’s securities from trading on any U.S. stock exchanges if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive years instead of three, thus reducing the time period for triggering the prohibition on trading.

On December 2, 2021, the SEC issued amendments to finalize rules implementing the submission and disclosure requirements in the HFCAA. The rules apply to registrants that the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report with an audit report issued by a registered public stockholdersaccounting firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in foreign jurisdictions.

On December 16, 2021, PCAOB announced the PCAOB Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act determinations (the “PCAOB determinations”) relating to the PCAOB’s inability to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China of the PRC or Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region and dependency of the PRC, because of a position taken by one or more authorities in the PRC or Hong Kong.

On August 26, 2022, the CSRC, the MOF, and the PCAOB signed a Statement of Protocol (the “Protocol”), governing inspections and investigations of audit firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong, taking the first step toward opening access for the PCAOB to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. Pursuant to the fact sheet with whom they may pursue privately negotiated purchases through either direct contactrespect to the Protocol disclosed by the SEC, the PCAOB shall have independent discretion to select any issuer audits for inspection or investigation and has the unfettered ability to transfer information to the SEC.

On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB determined that the PCAOB was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate registered public stockholdersaccounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong and voted to vacate its previous determinations to the contrary. However, should PRC authorities obstruct or otherwise fail to facilitate the PCAOB’s access in the future, the PCAOB will consider the need to issue a new determination.  Our previous auditor, Enrome LLP, has been inspected by the PCAOB on a regular basis in the audit period. Our current auditor, HTL, has been inspected by the PCAOB on a regular basis as well. If it is later determined that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate our receiptauditor completely, investors may be deprived of redemption requeststhe benefits of such inspection. Any audit reports not issued by auditors that are completely inspected by the PCAOB, or votes againsta lack of PCAOB inspections of audit work undertaken in China that prevents the business combination submittedPCAOB from regularly evaluating our auditors’ audits and their quality control procedures, could result in a lack of assurance that our financial statements and disclosures are adequate and accurate. Moreover, if trading in our securities is prohibited under the HFCAA in the future because the PCAOB determines that it cannot inspect or fully investigate our auditor at such future time, an exchange may determine to delist our securities.


However, these recent developments would add uncertainties to our listing and future offerings, and we cannot assure you whether Nasdaq or regulatory authorities would apply additional and more stringent criteria to us after considering the effectiveness of our auditor’s audit procedures and quality control procedures, adequacy of personnel and training, or sufficiency of resources, geographic reach or experience as it relates to the audit of our financial statements. In the event it is later determined that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely the Company’s auditor because of a position taken by an authority in a foreign jurisdiction, then such public stockholders following our mailinglack of proxy materialsinspection could cause trading in connection with our initial business combination. the Company’s securities to be prohibited under the HFCAA, and ultimately result in a determination by a securities exchange to delist the Company’s securities.

The sellersM&A Rules and certain other PRC regulations establish complex procedures for some acquisitions of Chinese companies by foreign investors, which could make it more difficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions in China.

The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Companies by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, adopted by six PRC regulatory agencies in August 2006 and amended in 2009, and some other regulations and rules concerning mergers and acquisitions established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors more time consuming and complex, including requirements in some instances that the MOC be notified in advance of any shares so purchasedchange-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise. For example, the M&A Rules require that MOFCOM be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise, if (i) any important industry is concerned, (ii) such transaction involves factors that impact or may impact national economic security, or (iii) such transaction will lead to a change in control of a domestic enterprise which holds a famous trademark or PRC time-honored brand. Moreover, the Anti-Monopoly Law promulgated by the SCNPC effective in 2008 requires that transactions which are deemed concentrations and involve parties with specified turnover thresholds (i.e., during the previous fiscal year, (i) the total global turnover of all operators participating in the transaction exceeds RMB10 billion and at least two of these operators each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China, or (ii) the total turnover within China of all the operators participating in the concentration exceeded RMB 2 billion, and at least two of these operators each had a turnover of more than RMB 400 million within China) must be cleared by MOFCOM before they can be completed.

Moreover, the Anti-Monopoly Law requires that the MOC shall be notified in advance of any concentration of undertaking if certain thresholds are triggered. In addition, the security review rules issued by the MOC that became effective in September 2011 specify that mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors that raise “national defense and security” concerns and mergers and acquisitions through which foreign investors may acquire de facto control over domestic enterprises that raise “national security” concerns are subject to strict review by the MOC, and the rules prohibit any activities attempting to bypass a security review, including by structuring the transaction through a proxy or contractual control arrangement. In the future, we may grow our initial stockholders, officers, advisors, directors and/or their affiliates would, as partbusiness by acquiring complementary businesses. Complying with the requirements of the sale arrangement, revoke their electionabove-mentioned regulations and other relevant rules to redeemcomplete such sharestransactions could be time consuming, and withdraw their vote againstany required approval processes, including obtaining approval from the business combination. Our sponsor, officers, directors, advisorsMOC or their affiliates will only purchase shares if such purchases comply with Regulation M and the other federal securities laws. Any open market purchases by our sponsor, officers, directors and/its local counterparts may delay or their affiliates who are affiliated purchasers under Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act will only be made to the extent such purchases are able to be made in compliance with Rule 10b-18, which is a safe harbor from liability for manipulation under Section 9(a)(2) and Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act. Rule 10b-18 has certain technical requirements that must be complied with in order for the safe harbor to be available to the purchaser. Our sponsor, officers, directors and/or their affiliates will not make purchases of our shares of common stock if the purchases would violate Section 9(a)(2) or Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act. The terms of such purchases would operate to facilitateinhibit our ability to consummate a proposedcomplete such transactions, which could affect our ability to expand our business combinationor maintain our market share.

If Shanghai Xianzhui fails to maintain the requisite licenses and approvals required under PRC law, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

Foreign investment is highly regulated by potentially reducing the numberPRC government and local authorities. Shanghai Xianzhui is required to obtain and maintain certain licenses or approvals from different regulatory authorities in order to operate their respective current businesses. These licenses and approvals are essential to the operation of shares redeemedtheir businesses, for cash.

Redemption rights for public stockholders upon consummation of our initialexample, the value-added telecommunication business combination

We will provide our stockholders (including our sponsor and its associated parties, with respectcarried out by Shanghai Xianzhui. If Shanghai Xianzhui fails to up to 2,000,000obtain or maintain any of the 3,000,000 shares includedrequired licenses or approvals for its business, we may be subject to various penalties, such as fines and the discontinuation or restriction of its operations. Any such disruption in the units purchased by such parties in our initial public offering) with the opportunity to redeem their shares upon the consummationbusiness operations of our initial business combination at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including any amounts representing interest earned on the trust account, less any interest released to us for working capital purposes or the payment of taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, subject to the limitations described herein. The amount in the trust account is initially anticipated to be $10.00 per public share. The initial holders have each agreed, with respect to their founder shares, placement sharesShanghai Xianzhui could materially and 1,000,000 of the 3,000,000 shares included in the units purchased by our sponsor and its associated parties in our initial public offering, to waive their respective redemption rights in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination.

Manner of Conducting Redemptions

We will provide our stockholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their public shares upon the completion of our initial business combination either in connection with a stockholder meeting called to approve the business combination or by means of a tender offer. The decision as to whether we will seek stockholder approval of a proposed business combination or conduct a tender offer will be made by us, solely in our discretion, and will be based on a variety of factors such as the timing of the transaction and whether the terms of the transaction would require us to seek stockholder approval under the law or stock exchange listing requirement. We intend to conduct redemptions without a stockholder vote pursuant to the tender offer rules of the SEC unless stockholder approval is required by law or by a Nasdaq listing requirement or we choose to seek stockholder approval for business or other legal reasons.

If a stockholder vote is not required and we do not decide to hold a stockholder vote for business or other legal reasons, we will, pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation:

conduct the redemptions pursuant to Rule 13e-4 and Regulation 14E of the Exchange Act, which regulate issuer tender offers, and any limitations (including but not limited to cash requirements) agreed to in connection with the negotiation of terms of the proposed business combination, and
file tender offer documents with the SEC prior to consummating our initial business combination that will contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial business combination and the redemption rights as is required under Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act, which regulates the solicitation of proxies.

If we conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules, our offer to redeem must remain open for at least 20 business days, in accordance with Rule 14e-1(a) under the Exchange Act, and we will not be permitted to consummate our initial business combination until the expiration of the tender offer period. In connection with the consummation ofadversely affect our business, combination, we may redeem pursuant to a tender offer up to that numberfinancial condition and results of shares of common stock (including up to 2,000,000 of the 3,000,000 shares included in the units purchased by our sponsor and its associated parties in our initial public offering) that would permit us to maintain net tangible assets of $5,000,001. However, the redemption threshold may be further limited by the terms and conditions of our proposed initial business combination. For example, the proposed business combination may require: (i) cash consideration to be paid to the target or members of its management team, (ii) cash to be transferred to the target for working capital or other general corporate purposes or (iii) the allocation of cash to satisfy other conditions in accordance with the terms of the proposed business combination. If the aggregate cash consideration we would be required to pay for all shares of common stock that are validly tendered plus the amount of any cash payments required pursuant to the terms of the proposed business combination exceeds the aggregate amount of cash available to us, taking into consideration the requirement that we maintain net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 or such greater amount depending on the terms of our potential business combination, we will not consummate the business combination, we will not purchase any shares of common stock pursuant to the tender offer and any shares of common stock tendered pursuant to the tender offer will be returned to the holders thereof following the expiration of the tender offer.operations.

 

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When we conduct a tender offer to redeem our public shares upon consummation of our initial business combination, in order to comply with the tender offer rules, the offer will be made to all of our stockholders, not just our public stockholders. In connection with any such tender offer, holders of founder shares have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to their founder shares and placement shares.

If, however, stockholder approval of the transaction is required by law or Nasdaq, or we decide to obtain stockholder approval for business or other reasons, we will:

conduct the redemptions in conjunction with a proxy solicitation pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act, which regulates the solicitation of proxies, and not pursuant to the tender offer rules, and
file proxy materials with the SEC.

If we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination, we will distribute proxy materials and, in connection therewith, provide our public stockholders (including our sponsor and its associated parties, with respect to up to 2,000,000 of the 3,000,000 shares included in the units purchased by such parties in our initial public offering) with the redemption rights described above upon consummation of the initial business combination.

If we seek stockholder approval, we will consummate our initial business combination only if a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the business combination. Our sponsor and the other initial holders have agreed to vote their founder shares and placement shares and any public shares held by them in favor of our initial business combination. Our sponsor and initial stockholders currently own 69.5% of our outstanding shares of common stock. Additionally, each public stockholder may elect to redeem its public shares, irrespective of whether it votes for or against the proposed transaction, for cash equal to its pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest but less interest released to us for working capital purposes, to pay taxes or dissolution costs and subject to certain volume limitations, as described below. In addition, holders of founder shares have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to their founder shares and placement shares.

Limitation on redemption upon consummation of a business combination if we seek stockholder approval

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that a public stockholder, together with any affiliate of such stockholder or any other person with whom such stockholder is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), will be restricted from seeking redemption rights with respect to 20.0% or more of the shares sold in our initial public offering. This restriction will not apply to our sponsor or to parties associated with our sponsor that purchased units in our initial public offering. We believe this restriction will discourage stockholders from accumulating large blocks of shares, and subsequent attempts by such holders to use their ability to exercise their redemption rights as a means to force us or our management to purchase their shares at a significant premium to the then-current market price or on other undesirable terms. Absent this provision, a public stockholder holding an aggregate of 20.0% or more of the shares sold in our initial public offering could threaten to exercise its redemption rights if such holder’s shares are not purchased by us or our management at a premium to the then-current market price or on other undesirable terms. By limiting our stockholders’ ability to redeem no more than 20.0% (less one share) of the shares sold in our initial public offering, we believe we will limit the ability of a small number of stockholders to unreasonably attempt to block our ability to consummate our initial business combination, particularly in connection with a business combination with a target that requires as a closing condition that we have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash.

Tendering stock certificates in connection with redemption rights

If we hold a stockholder meeting to approve a potential business combination, we may require our public stockholders seeking to exercise their redemption rights, whether they are record holders or hold their shares in “street name,” to either tender their certificates to our transfer agent up to two business days prior to the vote on the proposal to approve the business combination, or to deliver their shares to the transfer agent electronically using Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System, at the holder’s option. The proxy materials that we will furnish to holders of our public shares in connection with our initial business combination will indicate whether we are requiring public stockholders to satisfy such delivery requirements. Accordingly, a public stockholder would have until two days prior to the vote on the business combination to tender its shares if it wishes to seek to exercise its redemption rights. Given the relatively short exercise period, it is advisable for stockholders to use electronic delivery of their public shares.

There is a nominal cost associated with the above-referenced tendering process and the act of certificating the shares or delivering them through the DWAC System. The transfer agent will typically charge the tendering broker $45.00 and it would be up to the broker whether or not to pass this cost on to the redeeming holder. However, this fee would be incurred regardless of whether or not we require holders seeking to exercise redemption rights to tender their shares. The need to deliver shares is a requirement of exercising redemption rights regardless of the timing of when such delivery must be effectuated.

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The foregoing is different from the procedures historically used by many blank check companies. In orderRisks Related to perfect redemption rights in connection with their business combinations, many blank check companies would distribute proxy materials for the stockholders’ vote on an initial business combination,Our Business and a holder could simply vote against a proposed business combination and check a box on the proxy card indicating such holder was seeking to exercise his redemption rights. After the business combination was approved, the company would contact such stockholder to arrange for him to deliver his certificate to verify ownership. As a result, the stockholder then had an “option window” after the consummation of the business combination during which he could monitor the price of the company’s stock in the market. If the price rose above the redemption price, he could sell his shares in the open market before actually delivering his shares to the company for cancellation. As a result, the redemption rights, to which stockholders were aware they needed to commit before the stockholder meeting, would become “option” rights surviving past the consummation of the business combination until the redeeming holder delivered its certificate. The requirement for physical or electronic delivery prior to the meeting ensures that a redeeming holder’s election to redeem is irrevocable once the business combination is approved.Industry

 

Any request to redeem such shares, once made, may be withdrawn at any time up to the date set forth in the tender offer materials or the date of the stockholder meeting set forth in our proxy materials, as applicable. Furthermore, if a holder of a public share delivers its certificate in connection with an election of redemption rights and subsequently decides prior to the applicable date not to elect to exercise such rights, such holder may simply request that the transfer agent return the certificate (physically or electronically). It is anticipated that the funds to be distributed to holders of our public shares electing to redeem their shares will be distributed promptly after the completion of a business combination.

If the initial business combination is not approved or completed for any reason, then our public stockholders who elected to exercise their redemption rights (including our sponsor and its associated parties, with respect to up to 2,000,000 of the 3,000,000 shares included in the units purchased by such parties in our initial public offering) would not be entitled to redeem their shares for the applicable pro rata share of the trust account. In such case, we will promptly return any certificates delivered by public holders who elected to redeem their shares.

If our initial proposed business combination is not consummated, we may continue to try to consummate a business combination with a different target until July 29, 2017.

Redemption of public shares and liquidation if no initial business combination

Holders of founder shares, and our officers and directors, have agreed that we will have until July 29, 2017 to complete our initial business combination. If we are unable to consummatecontinuously entice TikTok users to participate in our initiallive streaming channels and increase their spending on our platforms, including e-commerce and gaming, it could have significant consequences on our business combination by July 29, 2017, we will distribute the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, pro rata to our public stockholders, by way of redemption and cease all operations except for the purposes of winding upoperational results.

The viability of our affairs, as further described herein.business largely depends on TikTok users engaging with our live streaming channels, which includes our live streaming e-commerce and gaming platforms. Our revenue is generated through product purchases, e-gift or token transactions with our live hosts, and purchase of the in-game items. To increase user spending, we must diversify our e-commerce product catalog, expand the range of live streaming games, increase the frequency of live streaming sessions, and collaborate with key opinion leaders (KOLs) to increase product sales. If we fail to attract new TikTok users or increase their average spending, it could have not consummated a significant negative impact on our business, combination by July 29, 2017, at the discretionfinancial stability, and operational performance.

The success of our board pursuant to the expiration of a tender offer conducted in connection with a failed business combination, we will: (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem all public shares then outstanding at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including any amounts representing interest earnedrelies on the trust account, lessbrand recognition of our subsidiary, AI Catalysis. Failing to maintain and improve this recognition could have consequences for our business prospects.

Our success heavily relies on the market recognition of our brands and reputation. As our subsidiary, AI Catalysis, was recently incorporated in 2023, it lacks significant market familiarity. Therefore, our ability to enhance and maintain brand recognition depends on various factors, some of which are beyond our control. Allocating excessive resources to marketing and promotional efforts could have a significant and negative impact on our business and operational results. Additionally, any negative publicity about our company, products, services, or content offerings could decrease customer and user interest, releasedwhich could adversely affect our business and operational performance.

If we are unable to useffectively implement our growth strategies, it could have a negative impact on our profitability and significantly harm our business and operational results.

Our current strategy for working capital purposes, the payment of taxes or dissolution expenses (although, we expect all or substantially all of the interest released to be used for working capital purposes), divided bybusiness growth involves expanding our product and game offerings, as well as increasing the number of then outstanding public shares,live streamers and their unique styles. This will allow us to increase the frequency of live broadcasts, making it easier for TikTok users to discover our live streams at any time, whether during peak or off-peak hours, and encourage them to make purchases or play games within our live streams.

However, adding new games and recruiting new live streamers requires careful due diligence and numerous steps. This can be challenging, whether recruiting locally in the United States or internationally, as we must ensure they meet our high live streaming standards and can work with our schedules. Similarly, introducing new products on the e-commerce side requires research, quality control, international logistics, listing, video creation, and promotional efforts, all of which redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any),take time. Both aspects of our business are subject to applicable law,external factors that can extend our timelines. Prolonged timelines can impede our business growth and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval ofpotentially reduce our remaining stockholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject (in the case of (ii) and (iii) above) to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law.sales.

 

The initial holders, including our sponsor, have agreed to waive their redemption rights (i) with respect to their founder shares and placement shares in connection with the consummation of a business combination and (ii) with respect to their founder shares and placement shares if we fail to consummate a business combination by July 29, 2017 or if we liquidate prior to July 29, 2017. However, our sponsor and parties associated with it will be entitled to redemption rights on the same terms as other public stockholders with respect to up to 2,000,000 of 3,000,000 public shares which they purchased in our initial public offering; they have waived their redemption rights with respect to the remaining 1,000,000 public shares which they purchased in our initial public offering in connection with the consummation of a business combination.

There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions from us with respect to our founder shares or placement shares if we do not consummate a business combination by July 29, 2017.

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Competition in our business segments poses a significant threat, and if we are unable to compete effectively, we risk losing our market share or failing to gain additional market share, which could adversely affect our profitability.

Currently, the competition among users engaged in live-streaming e-commerce and live-streaming games on TikTok is not particularly intense. This is because the TikTok e-commerce and live-streaming gaming sectors have been operational for less than a year, making them relatively new markets. In comparison to many Asian countries, competition on TikTok is not as fierce at this stage.

However, it is undeniable that more users and capital will increasingly enter these two sectors in the future. We expect that all costsare not only contending with competition from similar ventures on the TikTok platform but also facing competition from e-commerce and expenses associated with implementing our plangaming platforms outside of dissolution, as well as paymentsTikTok, striving to any creditors, will be funded fromcapture market share.

Furthermore, many TikTok users have not yet developed the approximately $ 50.1 million (which includes approximately $100,000 in accrual interest)habit of proceeds fromonline shopping or mobile gaming on the TikTok platform. This factor adds complexity to our initial public offeringefforts in establishing brand recognition.

We have engaged in collaborations with business partners, and the private placement held out of trust as of December 31, 2016, interest income on the balance of the trust account (net of any taxes payable), which will be released to us to fund our working capital requirements,we may pursue further collaborations and any potential loans from our sponsor, management team, their affiliates or other third parties for working capital purposes and to pay expenses to identify an initial business combination, although we cannot assure you that there will be sufficient funds for such purposes or that such loans would be made. If such funds are insufficient, our sponsor has agreed to pay the balance of the amount necessary to complete such liquidation (currently anticipated to be no more than approximately $30,000) and has agreed not to seek repayment for such amounts.

The proceeds depositedstrategic partnerships in the trust account could become subject to the claims of our creditors which would have higher priority than the claims of our public stockholders. We cannot assure you that the actual per-share redemption amount received by stockholders will not be less than the $10.00 per public share initially on deposit in the trust account. Under Section 281(b) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or DGCL, our plan of dissolution must provide for all claims against us to be paid in full or make provision for payments to be made in full, as applicable, if there are sufficient assets. These claims must be paid or provided for before we make any distribution of our remaining assets to our stockholders. While we intend to pay such amounts, if any, we cannot assure you that we will have funds sufficient to pay or provide for all creditors’ claims.

Although we will seek to have all vendors, service providers, prospective target businesses or other entities with which we do business execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the trust account for the benefit of our public stockholders,future. However, there is no guarantee that we will realize the benefits of these collaborations or that they will execute such agreements or even if they execute such agreementsbe successful.

We are actively pursuing strategic partnerships and collaborations with business entities that they would be preventedwe believe will improve our competitiveness and promote business growth. However, the expected revenue and cost synergies from bringing claims against the trust account including butboth current and future collaborations and partnerships may not limited to fraudulent inducement, breach of fiduciary responsibility or other similar claims,materialize as well as claims challenging the enforceability of the waiver, in each case in order to gain an advantage with respect to a claim againstanticipated. Additionally, our assets, including the funds heldinvolvement in the trust account.emerging industry sector, characterized by developing technologies and nascent collaborative networks, introduces greater uncertainties. If any third party refuses to execute an agreement waiving such claims to the monies held in the trust account, our management will perform an analysis of the alternatives available tobusiness collaborations prove unsuccessful, it and will only enter into an agreement withcould have a third party that has not executed a waiver if management believes that such third party’s engagement would be significantly more beneficial to us than any alternative. If we do not obtain a waiver from a third party, we will obtain the written consent of our sponsor before our entering into an agreement with such third party. Examples of possible instances where we may engage a third party that refuses to execute a waiver include the engagement of a third party consultant whose particular expertise or skills are believed by management to be significantly superior to those of other consultants that would agree to execute a waiver or in cases where management is unable to find a service provider willing to execute a waiver and where our sponsor executes a written consent. In addition, there is no guarantee that such entities will agree to waive any claims they may have in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any negotiations, contracts or agreements with us and will not seek recourse against the trust account for any reason. In order to protect the amounts held in the trust account, pursuant to a written agreement, Mr. Zhang, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, has agreed that he will be liable to us if and to the extent any claims by a vendor for services rendered or products sold to us, or a prospective target business with which we have discussed entering into a definitive transaction agreement, reduce the amounts in the trust account to below $10.00 per share, except as to any claims by a third party who executed a waiver of rights to seek access to the trust account and except as to any claims under our indemnity of the underwriter of our initial public offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. In the event that an executed waiver is deemed to be unenforceable against a third party, Mr. Zhang will not be responsible to the extent of any liability for such third party claims. We cannot assure you, however, that Mr. Zhang will be able to satisfy those obligations.

If the proceeds in the trust account are reduced below $10.00 per public share and Mr. Zhang asserts that he is unable to satisfy any applicable obligations or that he has no indemnification obligations related to a particular claim, our independent directors would determine whether to take legal action against Mr. Zhang to enforce his indemnification obligations. While we currently expect that our independent directors would take legal actionnegative impact on our behalf against Mr. Zhang to enforce his indemnification obligations to us, it is possible that our independent directors in exercising their business judgment may choose not to do so in a particular instance. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that due to claims of creditors the actual value of the per-share redemption price will not be less than $10.00 per public share.prospects and operational results.

 

We have access to approximately $50.1 million from the proceeds from our initial public offering and the private placement held out of trust as of December 31, 2016, any amounts representing interest earned on the trust account, less any interest released to us for working capital purposes, the payment of taxes or dissolution expenses, with which to pay any such potential claims (including costs and expenses incurred in connection with our liquidation). If we liquidate and it is subsequently determined that the reserve for claims and liabilities is insufficient, stockholders who received funds from our trust account could be liable for claims made by creditors.

Under the DGCL, stockholders may be held liable forencounter infringement claims by third parties against a corporationfor information on or linked to our platforms, which could disrupt our normal business operations, manage our reputation and cause us to incur substantial legal costs.

When engaging in brand and product promotion on TikTok, we often collaborate with other KOLs on the platform who feature our products or brand in their videos. However, during this process, we cannot guarantee that they will not inadvertently misrepresent our products. Furthermore, if these KOLs engage in any form of misconduct or infringement, it may indirectly impact our brand reputation, and the extent of distributions received by themthis damage is difficult to quantify. Any significant loss has the potential to harm our reputation, result in a dissolution. The pro rata portion offinancial losses, or ultimately affect our trust account distributed to our public stockholders (including our sponsoroperations.

Our reputation and its associated parties, with respect to up to the 3,000,000 shares included in the units purchased by such parties in our initial public offering) upon the redemption of our public shares if we do not consummate our initial business combination by July 29, 2017operations may be consideredadversely impacted by employee misconduct.

There is a liquidation distribution under Delaware law. If the corporation electsrisk of employee misconduct, which includes failure to comply with certain procedures set forthgovernment regulations, engaging in Section 280unauthorized activities, misrepresenting our products in marketing activities, and improper use of the DGCL intended to ensure that it makes reasonable provision for all claims against it, including a 60-day notice period duringproduct/game information. Employee misconduct could damage our reputation, which any third-party claims can be brought against the corporation, a 90-day period during which the corporation may reject any claims brought, and an additional 150-day waiting period before any liquidating distributions are made to stockholders, any liability of stockholders with respect to a liquidating distribution is limited to the lesser of such stockholder’s pro rata share of the claim or the amount distributed to the stockholder, and any liability of the stockholder would be barred after the third anniversary of the dissolution.

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Furthermore, if the pro rata portion ofcould significantly impact our trust account distributed to our public stockholders upon the redemption of our public shares in the event we do not consummate our initial business combination by July 29, 2017 is not considered a liquidation distribution under Delaware law and such redemption distribution is deemed to be unlawful, then pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL, the statute of limitations for claims of creditors could then be six years after the unlawful redemption distribution, instead of three years, as in the case of a liquidation distribution. If we have not consummated a business combination by July 29, 2017, at the discretion of our board, we will: (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem all public shares then outstanding at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including any amounts representing interest earned on the trust account, less any interest released to us for working capital purposes, the payment of taxes or dissolution expenses (although, we expect all or substantially all of such interest released to be used for working capital purposes), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining stockholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. Accordingly, it is our intention to redeem our public shares as soon as reasonably possible following July 29, 2017 and, therefore, we do not intend to comply with those procedures. As such, our stockholders could potentially be liable for any claims to the extent of distributions received by them (but no more) and any liability of our stockholders may extend well beyond the third anniversary of such date.

Because we will not elect to comply with Section 280, Section 281(b) of the DGCL requires us to adopt a plan, based on facts known to us at such time that will provide for our payment of all existing and pending claims or claims that may be potentially brought against us within the subsequent 10 years. However, because we are a blank check company, rather than an operating company, and our operations will be limited to searching for prospective target businesses to acquire, the only likely claims to arise would be from our vendors (such as lawyers, investment bankers, etc.) or prospective target businesses. As described above, pursuant to the obligation contained in our underwriting agreement, we will seek to have all vendors, service providers, prospective target businesses or other entities with which we do business execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the trust account. As a result of this obligation and Mr. Zhang’s indemnification of the trust account against certain claims as previously described in this section, we believe that the claims that could be made against us will be significantly limited and that the likelihood that any claim that would result in any liability extending to the trust account is remote.

If we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, the proceeds held in the trust account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of our stockholders. To the extent any bankruptcy claims deplete the trust account, we cannot assure you we will be able to return $10.00 per share to our public stockholders. Additionally, if we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, any distributions received by stockholders could be viewed under applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy laws as either a “preferential transfer” or a “fraudulent conveyance.” As a result, a bankruptcy court could seek to recover all amounts received by our stockholders. Furthermore, our board may be viewed as having breached its fiduciary duty to our creditors and/or may have acted in bad faith, and thereby exposing itself and our company to claims of punitive damages, by paying public stockholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of creditors.business. We cannot assure you that claims will not be brought against us for these reasons.

Our public stockholders (including our sponsor and its associated parties, with respect to the 3,000,000 shares included in the units purchased by such parties in our initial public offering) will be entitled to receive funds from the trust account only in the event of the redemption of our public shares if we do not consummate a business combination by July 29, 2017 or if they redeem their respective shares for cash upon the consummation of the initial business combination. Also, our management may cease to pursue a business combination prior to July 29, 2017 (our board of directors may determine to liquidate the trust account prior to such expiration if it determines, in its business judgment, that it is improbable within the remaining time to identify an attractive business combination or satisfy regulatory and other business and legal requirements to consummate a business combination). In no other circumstances will a stockholder have any right or interest of any kind to or in the trust account. In the event we seek stockholder approval in connection with our initial business combination, a stockholder’s voting in connection with the business combination alone will not result in a stockholder’s redeeming its shares for an applicable pro rata share of the trust account. Such stockholder must have also exercised its redemption rights described above.

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Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation contains requirements and restrictions relating to our initial public offering that apply to us until the consummation of our initial business combination. These provisions, which cannot be amended without the approval of holders owning 90% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, are as follows:

 if we are unable to consummate our initial business combination by July 29, 2017, we will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the public shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including any amounts representing interest earned on the trust account, less any interest released to us for working capital purposes, the payment of taxes or dissolution expenses (although, we expect all or substantially all of such interest released to be used for working capital purposes), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining stockholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law;
prior to our initial business combination, we may not issue additional shares of capital stock that would entitle the holders thereof to (i) receive funds from the trust account or (ii) vote on any initial business combination;
although we do not currently intend to enter into a business combination with a target business that is affiliated with holders of founder shares, our directors or officers, we are not prohibited from doing so. If we propose to do so, we, or a committee of independent directors, must obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that is a member of FINRA and reasonably acceptable to Cantor Fitzgerald that such a business combination is fair to our stockholders from a financial point of view;
if a stockholder vote on our initial business combination is not required by law or Nasdaq and we do not decide to hold a stockholder vote for business or other reasons, we must offer to redeem our public shares pursuant to Rule 13e-4 and Regulation 14E of the Exchange Act, and will file tender offer documents with the SEC prior to consummating our initial business combination which contain substantially the same financial and other information about our initial business combination and the redemption rights as is required under Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act; and
we may not effectuate our initial business combination with another blank check company or a similar company with nominal operations.

In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that under no circumstances will we redeem our public shares in an amount that would cause our net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001. This notwithstanding, if the effect of any proposed amendment, if adopted, would be either to (i) reduce the amount in the in the trust account available to redeeming stockholders to less than $10.00 per public share, or (ii) delay the date on which a public stockholder could otherwise redeem shares for such per share amount in the trust account, we will provide a right for dissenting public shareholders to redeem public shares if such an amendment is approved.

Competition

In identifying, evaluating and selecting a target business for a business combination, we have encountered, and may continue to encounter, intense competition from other entities having a business objective similar to ours, including other blank check companies, private equity groups and leveraged buyout funds and operating businesses seeking strategic acquisitions. Many of these entities are well established and have extensive experience identifying and effecting business combinations directly or through affiliates. Moreover, many of these competitors possess greater financial, technical, human and other resources than us. Our ability to acquire larger target businesses will be limited by our available financial resources. This inherent limitation gives others an advantage in pursuing the acquisition of a target business. Furthermore, our obligation to pay cash to our public stockholders (including our sponsor and its associated parties, with respect to up to 2,000,000 of the 3,000,000 shares included in the units purchased by such parties in our initial public offering) who exercise their redemption rights may reduce the resources available to us for an initial business combination. In addition, the number of our outstanding warrants, and the future dilution they potentially represent, may not be viewed favorably by certain target businesses. Either of these factors may place us at a competitive disadvantage in successfully negotiating an initial business combination.

Employees

We currently have two executive officers. These individuals are not obligated to devote any specific number of hours to our affairs but they devote as much of their time as they deem necessary to our affairs until we have completed our initial business combination. The amount of time they devote in any time period varies based on whether a target business has been selected for our initial business combination and the stage of the business combination process we are in. We do not intend to have any full time employees prior to the consummation of our initial business combination.

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Periodic Reporting and Financial Information

Our units, common stock and warrants are registered under the Exchange Act and we have reporting obligations, including the requirement that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with the SEC. In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, this Report contains financial statements audited and reported on by our independent registered public accountants.

We will provide stockholders with audited financial statements of the prospective target business as part of the tender offer materials or proxy solicitation materials sent to stockholders to assist them in assessing the target business. In all likelihood, these financial statements will need to be prepared in accordance with GAAP. We cannot assure you that any particular target business identified by us as a potential acquisition candidate will have financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP or that the potential target business will be able to prepare its financial statements in accordance with GAAP. To the extent that this requirement cannot be met, we may not be able to acquireprevent employee misconduct, and the proposed target business. While thismeasures we take to prevent and deter it may limit the pool of potential acquisition candidates, wenot be effective.


We have limited insurance coverage.

We do not believehave insurance coverage. We’ve evaluated the risks associated with potential business disruptions, liabilities, loss or damage to our fixed assets (such as equipment and office furniture), the associated insurance costs, and the challenges of obtaining such coverage on commercially reasonable terms. Based on this assessment, it is not commercially practical for us to secure comprehensive insurance coverage for these risks. These circumstances could adversely impact our financial results.

We may be unable to gain any significant market acceptance for our products and services or be unable to establish a significant market presence.

Our growth strategy for is substantially dependent upon our ability to market our intended products and services successfully to prospective clients. Our intended products and services may not achieve significant market acceptance. If acceptance is achieved, it may not be sustained for any significant period of time. Failure of our intended products and services to achieve or sustain market acceptance could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and the results of our operations.

The e-commerce market witnessed substantial growth over the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the pandemic’s eventual resolution and the return to normalcy, the rate of market expansion is expected to decelerate. It could have a negative impact on our profitability and significantly harm our business and operational results.

The e-commerce market has experienced remarkable growth and transformation over the last two years, driven primarily by the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic reshaped consumer behavior, accelerating the adoption of online shopping, digital payments, and contactless transactions. This surge in e-commerce activity was nothing short of remarkable, with businesses and consumers alike rapidly adapting to this new digital landscape.

During the height of the pandemic, e-commerce became an essential lifeline for many, offering convenience and safety when traditional brick-and-mortar retail faced restrictions and concerns. This growth wasn’t limited to any particular sector; it spanned across industries, from retail giants to small businesses, and it showcased the resilience and adaptability of the e-commerce ecosystem. However, as the world gradually progresses toward a post-pandemic era, the e-commerce landscape is poised for a shift. The exponential growth rates witnessed during the height of the pandemic are likely to decelerate. It could then have a negative impact on our profitability and significantly harm our business and operational results.

There is risk of e-commerce fraud, and if that occurs, it could have a negative impact on our profitability and significantly harm our business and operational results.

Online retailers are subject to risk of e-commerce fraud in 2023.  To mitigate this limitationongoing threat, prioritizing fraud prevention measures is crucial. These measures may include routine security audits, the implementation of an Address Verification Service (AVS), and the use of Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS). E-commerce fraud is evolving, with fraudsters employing more sophisticated methods. The growth in the e-commerce fraud detection and prevention market reflects the increasing urgency in addressing this risk. The e-commerce fraud is a multifaceted risk that demands constant attention. We may need to prevent and to mitigate this persistent threat, protecting our financial interests and the trust of their customers, and if the fraud occurs, it could have a negative impact on our profitability and significantly harm our business and operational results.


Given our significant reliance on the TikTok platform for various business functions, including inventory management, client services, and live streaming channels for both of our e-commerce and livestreaming games, any downtime experienced by TikTok could significantly impact our operations.

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, where businesses heavily depend on various online platforms, the risk of platform downtime looms as a substantial concern.

Our company have cultivated a significant reliance on the TikTok platform, which serves as the backbone for a multitude of our critical business functions. These functions encompass inventory management, client services, and the live streaming channels that underpin both our e-commerce activities and live streaming games. Consequently, any downtime experienced by TikTok, whether due to planned maintenance or unforeseen technical issues, can significantly impact our operations.

AI technologies are constantly evolving. Any flaws or inappropriate usage of AI Technologies could have negative impact on our business and reputation.

AI technologies are constantly evolving. Any flaws or inappropriate usage of AI technologies, whether actual or perceived, whether intended or inadvertent, whether committed by us or by other third parties, could have negative impact on our business, reputation and the general acceptance of AI solutions by society.

The industries in which we operate are characterized by constant changes, including rapid technological evolution, frequent introductions of new solutions, continual shifts in users demands and constant emergence of new industry standards and practices. Thus, our success will depend, in part, on our ability to respond to these changes in a cost-effective and timely manner. We need to constantly anticipate the emergence of new technologies and assess their market acceptance.

Our financial and operating performance may be adversely affected by general economic conditions, natural catastrophic events, epidemics, and public health crises that impact the virtual content production industry.

Our operating results will be material.

We are requiredsubject to evaluatefluctuations based on general economic conditions, in particular those conditions that impact the metaverse industry. Deterioration in economic conditions could cause decreases in both volume and reportreduce and/or negatively impact our short-term ability to grow our revenues. Further, any decreased collectability of accounts receivable or early termination of agreements due to deterioration in economic conditions could negatively impact our results of operations.

Our business is subject to the impact of natural catastrophic events such as earthquakes, floods or power outages, political crises such as terrorism or war, and public health crises, such as disease outbreaks, epidemics, or pandemics in the U.S. and global economies, our markets and business locations.

Similarly, natural disasters, wars (including the potential of war), terrorist activity (including threats of terrorist activity), social unrest and heightened travel security measures instituted in response, and travel-related accidents, as well as geopolitical uncertainty and international conflict, will affect travel volume and may in turn have a material adverse effect on our internal control procedures for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016business and results of operations. In addition, we may not be adequately prepared in contingency planning or recovery capability in relation to a major incident or crisis, and as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. a result, our operational continuity may be adversely and materially affected, which in turn may harm our reputation.

As a “smaller reporting company” under applicable law, we will be subject to lessened disclosure requirements. Such reduced disclosure may make our common stock less attractive to investors.

For as long as we maintain our status asremain an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement on our internal control over financial reporting. A target company may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding adequacy of their internal controls. The development of the internal controls of any such entity to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may increase the time and costs necessary to complete any such acquisition.

We are an “emerging growth company,”“smaller reporting company” as defined in Section 2(a)Rule 405 of the Securities Act and Item 10 of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). As such,Regulation S-K, we are eligiblewill elect to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth“smaller reporting companies” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor internal controls attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the prices of our securities may be more volatile.

In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We intend to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period.

We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of our initial public offering, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.0 billion, or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30th, and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period. References herein to “emerging growth company” shall have the meaning associated with it in the JOBS Act.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the following risk factors and all other information contained in this Report, including the financial statements. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. The risk factors described below are not necessarily exhaustive and you are encouraged to perform your own investigation with respect to us and our business.

We are an early stage company with no operating history and no revenue and, accordingly, you have no basis on which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective.

We are an early stage company with no operating history and no revenue. We will not commence operations until we consummate our initial business combination. Because we lack an operating history, you have no basis upon which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective of acquiring one or more operating businesses in the consumer products industry in the United States. If we fail to complete a business combination, we will never generate any operating revenues.

If the net proceeds of our initial public offering not being held in the trust account and loans from Sponsor are insufficient, it could limit the amount available to complete our initial business combination and we may be unable to continue as a going concern.

Of the net proceeds of our initial public offering and advances, approximately $150,000 (as of December 31, 2016) was available to us outside the trust account to fund our working capital requirements. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we used cash of approximately $387,000 in operating activities. As of December 31, 2016, we had current liabilities of approximately $243,000, primarily representing amounts owed to lawyers, accountants and consultants who have advised us on matters related to a potential business combination. Funds in the trust account are not available for paying these costs absent an initial business combination. There can be no assurances that we will complete a business combination.

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If we are required to seek additional capital, we would need to borrow funds from our sponsor, our management team or other third parties to operate or may be forced to liquidate. To date, we have not received any advances from our sponsor or directors to finance transaction costs in connection with a business combination. Neither our sponsor, members of our management team nor any of their affiliates are under any obligation to advance funds to us in such circumstances. Accordingly, we may not be able to obtain additional financing. Any such loans and advances would be repaid only from funds held outside the trust account or from funds released to us upon completion of our initial business combination. If we are unable to raise additional capital, we may be required to take additional measures to conserve liquidity, which could include, but not necessarily be limited to, suspending the pursuit of a potential transaction. We cannot provide any assurance that new financing will be available to us on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements included herein do not include any adjustments relating to the recovery of the recorded assets or the classification of the liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination because we do not have sufficient funds available to us, we will be forced to cease operations and liquidate the trust account. Consequently, our public shareholders may only receive approximately $10.00 per share on our redemption of our public shares.

Our public stockholders may not be afforded an opportunity to vote on our proposed business combination, unless such vote is required by law or the rules of Nasdaq, which means we may consummate our initial business combination even if a majority of our public stockholders (excluding our sponsor and its associated parties, with respect to the 3,000,000 shares included in the units purchased by such parties in our initial public offering) does not support such a combination.

We may not hold a stockholder vote to approve our initial business combination unless the business combination would require stockholder approval under applicable state law or the rules of Nasdaq or if we decide to hold a stockholder vote for business or other reasons. For example, Nasdaq rules currently allow us to engage in a tender offer in lieu of a stockholder meeting but would still require us to obtain stockholder approval if we were seeking to issue more than 20.0% of our outstanding shares to a target business as consideration in any business combination. Therefore, if we structure a business combination that requires us to issue more than 20.0% of our outstanding shares, we would seek stockholder approval of such business combination. However, except as required by law, the decision as to whether we will seek stockholder approval of a proposed business combination will be made by us, solely in our discretion, and will be based on a variety of factors, such as the timing of the transaction and whether the terms of the transaction would otherwise require us to seek stockholder approval. Accordingly, we may consummate our initial business combination even if holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock (excluding our sponsor and its associated parties, with respect to the 3,000,000 shares included in the units purchased by such parties in our initial public offering) does not approve of the business combination we consummate. 

If we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination, our sponsor and the other initial holders have agreed to vote in favor of such initial business combination, regardless of how our public stockholders vote.

Unlike some other blank check companies in which the founders agree to vote their founder shares in accordance with the majority of the votes cast by the public stockholders in connection with an initial business combination, our sponsor and the other initial holders have agreed to vote those shares and any placement shares and public shares they hold, in favor of our initial business combination. Our sponsor and other initial stockholders, in the aggregate, own 69.5% of our issued and outstanding common stock. Accordingly, if we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination, the necessary stockholder approval will be received, which would not be the case if holders of founder shares agreed to vote their founder shares, placement shares and public shares in accordance with the majority of the votes cast by our public stockholders.

Your ability to affect the investment decision regarding a potential business combination may be limited to the exercise of your right to redeem your shares from us for cash.

At the time of your investment in us, you will not be provided with an opportunity to evaluate the specific merits or risks of any target businesses. Since our board of directors may consummate a business combination without seeking stockholder approval (unless stockholder approval is required by law or Nasdaq rules, or we decide to obtain stockholder approval for business, legal, or other reason), and our sponsor and other initial stockholders own 69.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, public stockholders may not have the right to vote on the business combination. Accordingly, your ability to affect the investment decision regarding a potential business combination may be limited to exercising your redemption rights with respect to a proposed business combination.

The ability of our public stockholders to redeem their shares for cash may make us unattractive to potential business combination targets, which may make it difficult for us to enter into a business combination with a target.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires us to provide all of our stockholders (including our sponsor and its associated parties, with respect to up to 2,000,000 of the 3,000,000 shares included in the units purchased by such parties in our initial public offering) with an opportunity to redeem all of their shares in connection with the consummation of any initial business combination, although each initial holder and each holder of placement units has agreed to waive his, her or its respective redemption rights with respect to founder shares and placement shares held by him, her or it in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination. We may enter into a transaction agreement with a prospective target that requires as a closing condition that we have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash. Consequently, if accepting all properly submitted redemption requests would cause our net tangible assets to be less than the amount necessary to satisfy such a closing condition, or less than the $5,000,001 minimum of tangible net assets which we are required to maintain, we would not proceed with such redemption and the related business combination. Prospective targets would be aware of these risks and, thus, may be reluctant to enter into a business combination transaction with us. Alternatively, we may need to arrange third party financing to help fund our business combination in case a larger percentage of stockholders exercise their redemption rights than we expect. Raising additional funds to cover any shortfall may involve dilutive equity financing or incurring indebtedness at higher than desirable levels. This may limit our ability to effectuate the most attractive business combination available to us.

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Because each warrant is exercisable for only one-half of one share of common stock, the units may be worth less than units of other blank check companies.

Each warrant is exercisable for one-half of one share of common stock. Warrants may be exercised only for a whole number of shares. No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of the warrants. This is different from other companies similar to ours whose units include one share of common stock and one warrant to purchase one whole share. We established the components of the units in this way in order to reduce the dilutive effect of the warrants upon completion of a business combination since the warrants will be exercisable in the aggregate for half of the number of shares compared to units that each contain a warrant to purchase one whole share, thus making us, we believe, a more attractive merger partner for target businesses. Nevertheless, this unit structure may cause our units to be worth less than if each unit included a warrant to purchase one whole share.

The ability of our stockholders to exercise redemption rights may not allow us to consummate the most desirable business combination or optimize our capital structure.

In connection with the consummation of our business combination, we may redeem up to that number of shares of common stock (including up to 2,000,000 of the 3,000,000 shares included in the units purchased by our sponsor and its associated parties in our initial public offering) that would permit us to maintain net tangible assets of $5,000,001. However, we may be required to maintain significantly larger amounts of cash depending upon the terms of the business combination. Accordingly, we may need to arrange third party financing to help fund our business combination in case a larger percentage of stockholders exercises its redemption rights than we expect. Raising additional funds to cover any shortfall may involve dilutive equity financing or incurring indebtedness at higher than desirable levels. This may limit our ability to effectuate the most attractive business combination available to us.

The requirement that we maintain a minimum net worth or retain a certain amount of cash could increase the probability that we will be unable to complete a proposed business combination and that you would have to wait for liquidation in order to redeem your stock.

If, pursuant to the terms of our proposed business combination, we are required to maintain a minimum net worth or retain a certain amount of cash in trust in order to consummate the business combination, the ability of our public stockholders to cause us to redeem their shares in connection with such proposed transaction will increase the risk that we will not meet that condition and, accordingly, that we will not be able to complete the proposed transaction. If we do not complete a proposed business combination, you would not receive your pro rata portion of the trust account until we liquidate or you are able to sell your stock in the open market. If you were to attempt to sell your stock in the open market at that time, the price you receive could represent a discount to the pro rata amount in our trust account. In either situation, you may suffer a material loss on your investment or lose the benefit of funds expected in connection with our redemption until we liquidate.

The requirement that we complete a business combination by July 29, 2017 may give potential target businesses leverage over us in negotiating a business combination and may decrease our ability to conduct due diligence on potential business combination targets as we approach our dissolution deadline, which could undermine our ability to consummate a business combination on terms that would produce value for our stockholders.

Any potential target business with which we enter into negotiations concerning a business combination will be aware that we must consummate a business combination by July 29, 2017. Consequently, such target businesses may obtain leverage over us in negotiating a business combination, knowing that if we do not complete a business combination with it, we may be unable to identify another target business and complete a business combination with any target business. This risk will increase as we get closer to July 29, 2017. Depending upon when we identify a potential target business, we may have only a limited amount of time to conduct due diligence and may enter into a business combination on terms that we might have rejected upon a more comprehensive investigation.

We may not be able to consummate a business combination by July 29, 2017, in which case we would cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up and we would redeem our public shares and liquidate.

We must complete our initial business combination by July 29, 2017. We may not be able to find a suitable target business and consummate a business combination within that time period. If we have not consummated a business combination by July 29, 2017, or earlier, at the discretion of our board pursuant to the expiration of a tender offer conducted in connection with a failed business combination, we will: (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem all public shares then outstanding at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including any amounts representing interest earned on the trust account, less any interest released to us for working capital purposes, the payment of taxes or dissolution expenses (although we expect all or substantially all of such interest to be used for working capital purposes), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining stockholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject (in the case of (ii) and (iii) above) to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law.

If we are unable to complete our initial business combination within the prescribed time frame, our warrants will expire worthless.

Our outstanding warrants may not be exercised until after the completion of our initial business combination and are not entitled to participate in the redemption of the shares of our common stock conducted in connection with the consummation of our business combination. Accordingly, our warrants will expire worthless if we are unable to consummate a business combination by July 29, 2017, or earlier if our board resolves to liquidate and dissolve in connection with a failed business combination.

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If we seek stockholder approval of our business combination, our initial stockholders, directors, officers and their affiliates may elect to purchase shares of common stock from public stockholders, in which case they may influence a vote in favor of a proposed business combination that you do not support.

If we seek stockholder approval of our business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our initial stockholders, directors, officers or their affiliates may purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions either prior to or following the consummation of our initial business combination. Our directors, officers or their affiliates will not make any such purchases when they are in possession of any material non-public information not disclosed to the seller or during a restricted period under Regulation M under the Exchange Act or in a transaction which would violate Section 9(a)(2) or Rule 10(b)-5 under the Exchange Act. Such a purchase would include a contractual acknowledgement that such stockholder, although still the record holder of our shares is no longer the beneficial owner thereof and therefore agrees not to exercise its redemption rights. In the event that our initial stockholders, directors, officers or their affiliates purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions from public stockholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights, such selling stockholders would be required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their shares.

You will not have any rights to, or interest in, funds from the trust account, except under limited circumstances. To liquidate your investment, therefore, you may be forced to sell your shares or warrants, potentially at a loss.

Our public stockholders will be entitled to receive funds from the trust account only upon the earlier to occur of: (i) the consummation of our initial business combination; (ii) the redemption of our public shares if we are unable to consummate a business combination by July 29, 2017, subject to applicable law; or (iii) otherwise upon our liquidation or in the event our board of directors resolves to liquidate the trust account and ceases to pursue the consummation of a business combination prior to July 29, 2017 (our board of directors may determine to liquidate the trust account prior to such expiration if it determines, in its business judgment, that it is improbable within the remaining time that we will be able to identify an attractive business combination or satisfy regulatory and other business and legal requirements to consummate a business combination). In addition, if our plan to redeem our public shares if we are unable to consummate an initial business combination by July 29, 2017 is not consummated for any reason, Delaware law may require that we submit a plan of dissolution to our then-existing stockholders for approval prior to the distribution of the proceeds held in our trust account. In that case, public stockholders may be forced to wait beyond July 29, 2017 before they receive funds from our trust account. In no other circumstances will a public stockholder have any right or interest of any kind in the trust account. Accordingly, to liquidate your investment, you may be forced to sell your public shares or warrants, potentially at a loss.

You will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors of many other blank check companies.

Since we intend to use the net proceeds from our initial public offering to complete an initial business combination with a target business that has not been identified, we may be deemed to be a “blank check” company under the United States securities laws. However, because we have net tangible assets in excess of $5.0 million, we are exempt from rules promulgated by the SEC to protect investors in blank check companies, such as Rule 419 under the Securities Act. Accordingly, investors will not be afforded the benefits or protections of those rules. Among other things, this means that our securities are tradable and that we will have a longer period of time to complete a business combination than would companies subject to Rule 419. Moreover, offerings subject to Rule 419 would prohibit the release of any interest earned on funds held in the trust account to us, except in connection with our consummation of an initial business combination.

If we seek stockholder approval of our business combination and we do not conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules, a stockholder, or a “group” of stockholders (other than our sponsor or parties associated with our sponsor), who are deemed to hold an aggregate of 20.0% or more of our common stock may not redeem any shares they hold that equal or exceed such 20.0% amount.

If we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that a public stockholder, together with any affiliate of such stockholder or any other person with whom such stockholder is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), other than our sponsor or parties associated with our sponsor, will be restricted from seeking redemption rights with respect to an aggregate of 20.0% or more of the shares sold in our initial public offering. We refer to such shares aggregating 20.0% or more of the shares sold in our initial public offering as “Excess Shares”. This restriction will not apply to our sponsor or to parties associated with our sponsor that purchased units in our initial public offering.

Your inability to redeem any Excess Shares will reduce your influence over our ability to consummate a business combination and you could suffer a material loss on your investment in us if you sell Excess Shares in open market transactions. Additionally, you will not receive redemption distributions with respect to the Excess Shares if we consummate our business combination. As a result, you would continue to hold that number of shares exceeding 20.0% (less one share) and, in order to dispose of such shares, would be required to sell them in open market transactions, potentially at a loss.

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Because of our limited resources and the significant competition for business combination opportunities, it may be difficult for us to complete a business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, you may receive only $10.00 per share from our redemption of your shares, and our warrants will expire worthless.

We encounter intense competition from other entities having a business objective similar to ours, including private investors (which may be individuals or investment partnerships), other blank check companies and other entities, domestic and international, competing for the types of businesses we intend to acquire. Many of these individuals and entities are well-established and have extensive experience in identifying and effecting, directly or indirectly, acquisitions of companies operating in or providing services to various industries. Many of these competitors possess greater technical, human and other resources, or more local industry knowledge than we do and our financial resources will be relatively limited when contrasted with those of many of these competitors. While we believe there are numerous target businesses we could potentially acquire with the net proceeds of our initial public offering, our ability to compete with respect to the acquisition of certain target businesses that are sizable will be limited by our available financial resources. This inherent competitive limitation gives others an advantage in pursuing the acquisition of certain target businesses. Any of these obligations may place us at a competitive disadvantage in successfully negotiating a business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may receive only $10.00 per share from our redemption of our shares, and our warrants will expire worthless.

If the net proceeds from our initial public offering and the private placement held out of trust and the interest income earned on the trust account are insufficient to allow us to operate at least until July 29, 2017, we may be unable to complete our initial business combination.

Although we believe that the net proceeds from our initial public offering and the private placement held out of trust and the interest income earned on the trust account will be sufficient to allow us to operate until at least July 29, 2017, we cannot assure you of this. In particular, we currently use a portion of the funds available to us to pay fees to consultants to assist us with our search for a target business, and if we continue to use funds for such purposes or as a down payment on an acquisition or to fund a “no-shop” provision (a provision in letters of intent designed to keep target businesses from “shopping” around for transactions with other companies on terms more favorable to such target businesses) with respect to a particular proposed business combination, we could expend funds available to us more rapidly than we currently expect. It is possible that the amounts demanded for a no-shop provision or down payments will be in excess of funds then available to us, which would impair our ability to close a contemplated transaction. Furthermore, if we entered into a letter of intent where we paid for the right to receive exclusivity from a target business and were subsequently required to forfeit such funds (whether as a result of our breach or otherwise), we might not have sufficient funds to continue searching for, or conduct due diligence with respect to, a target business.

The current low interest rate environment could limit the amount available to fund our search for a target business or businesses and complete our initial business combination since we will depend, in part, on interest earned on the trust account to fund our search, to pay our franchise and income taxes and to complete our initial business combination.

We will depend on interest being earned on the proceeds held in the trust account to provide us with working capital we may need to identify one or more target businesses and to complete our initial business combination, as well as to pay any franchise and income taxes that we may owe. Because of the current low interest rate environment, we may be unable to generate enough interest to fund our needs, thereby reducing funds available to us to identify target businesses and to structure, negotiate or close our initial business combination. If our funds are insufficient, and we are unable to generate funds from other sources, we may be forced to liquidate.

Subsequent to consummation of our initial business combination, we may be required to take write-downs or write-offs, restructuring and impairment or other charges that could have a significant negative effect on our financial condition, results of operations and our stock price, which could cause you to lose some or all of your investment.

Even if we conduct extensive due diligence on a target business with which we combine, we cannot assure you that this examination will uncover all material risks that may be presented by a particular target business, or that factors outside of the target business and outside of our control will not later arise. Even if our due diligence successfully identifies the principal risks, unexpected risks may arise and previously known risks may materialize in a manner not consistent with our preliminary risk analysis. As a result, from time to time following our initial business combination, we may be forced to write-down or write-off assets, restructure our operations, or incur impairment or other charges that could result in our reporting losses. Although these charges may be non-cash items and would not have an immediate impact on our liquidity, the fact that we report charges of this nature could contribute to negative market perceptions about us or our securities. In addition, charges of this nature may cause us to violate net worth or other covenants to which we may be subject as a result of assuming pre-existing debt held by a target business or by virtue of our obtaining post-combination debt financing.

If third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held in the trust account could be reduced and the per-share redemption amount received by stockholders may be less than $10.00 per share.

Placing funds in the trust account may not protect those funds from third party claims against us. Although we intend to seek to have all vendors, service providers, prospective target businesses and other entities with which we do business execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim in or to any monies held in the trust account for the benefit of our public stockholders, such parties may not execute such agreements or, even if they execute such agreements, they may not be prevented from bringing claims against the trust account, including, but not limited to, claims for fraudulent inducement, breach of fiduciary responsibility or other similar claims, as well as claims challenging the enforceability of the waiver. If any third party refuses to execute an agreement waiving claims to the monies held in the trust account, our management will perform an analysis of the alternatives available to it and will only enter into an agreement without a waiver if management believes that such third party’s engagement would be significantly more beneficial to us than any available alternative. If we do not obtain a waiver from a third party, we will obtain the written consent of our sponsor before entering into an agreement with such third party.

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Examples of possible instances where we may engage a third party that refuses to execute a waiver include the engagement of a third party consultant whose particular expertise or skills management believes to be significantly superior to those of other consultants who would execute a waiver or in cases where management is unable to find a service provider willing to execute a waiver and where our sponsor executes a written consent. In addition, there is no guarantee that such entities will agree to waive any claims they may have in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any negotiations, contracts or agreements with us and will not seek recourse against the trust account for any reason. Upon redemption of our public shares, if we are unable to complete a business combination within the required time frame, or upon the exercise of a redemption right in connection with a business combination, we will be required to provide for payment of claims of creditors that were not waived that may be brought against us within the 10 years following redemption. Accordingly, the per-share redemption amount received by public stockholders could be less than the $10.00 per share initially held in the trust account due to claims of such creditors. Pursuant to a written agreement, Qi (Jacky) Zhang, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, has agreed that he will be liable to us if and to the extent any claims by a vendor for services rendered or products sold to us, or a prospective target business with which we discussed entering into a transaction agreement, reduce the amounts in the trust account to below $10.00 per share except as to any claims by a third party who executed a waiver of rights to seek access to the trust account and except as to any claims under our indemnity of the underwriter of our initial public offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Moreover, if an executed waiver is deemed to be unenforceable against a third party, Mr. Zhang will not be responsible to the extent of any liability for such third party claims. We have not independently verified whether Mr. Zhang has sufficient funds to satisfy his indemnity obligations, we have not asked Mr. Zhang to reserve for such indemnification obligations and we cannot assure you that he would be able to satisfy those obligations.

Our directors may decide not to enforce the indemnification obligations of Qi (Jacky) Zhang, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, resulting in a reduction in the amount of funds in the trust account available for distribution to our public stockholders.

If proceeds in the trust account are reduced below $10.00 per public share and Qi (Jacky) Zhang, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, asserts that he is unable to satisfy his obligations or that he has no indemnification obligations related to a particular claim, our independent directors would determine whether to take legal action against Mr. Zhang to enforce his indemnification obligations. While we currently expect that our independent directors would take legal action on our behalf against Mr. Zhang to enforce his indemnification obligations to us, it is possible that our independent directors in exercising their business judgment may choose not to do so in any particular instance. If our independent directors choose not to enforce these indemnification obligations, the amount of funds in the trust account available for distribution to our public stockholders may be reduced below $10.00 per share.

If, after we distribute the proceeds in the trust account to our public stockholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, a bankruptcy court may seek to recover such proceeds, and the members of our board of directors may be viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties to our creditors, thereby exposing the members of our board of directors and us to claims of punitive damages.

If, after we distribute the proceeds in the trust account to our public stockholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, any distributions received by stockholders could be viewed under applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy laws as either a “preferential transfer” or a “fraudulent conveyance.” As a result, a bankruptcy court could seek to recover all amounts received by our stockholders. In addition, by making distributions to public stockholders before making provision for creditors, our board of directors may be viewed as having breached its fiduciary duty to our creditors and/or having acted in bad faith, thereby exposing itself and us to claims for punitive damages.

If, before distributing the proceeds in the trust account to our public stockholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, the claims of creditors in such proceeding may have priority over the claims of our stockholders and the per-share amount that would otherwise be received by our stockholders in connection with our liquidation may be reduced.

If, before distributing the proceeds in the trust account to our public stockholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, the proceeds held in the trust account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of our stockholders. To the extent any bankruptcy claims deplete the trust account, the per-share amount that would otherwise be received by our stockholders in connection with our liquidation may be reduced.

If we are deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we may be subject to burdensome regulatory requirements and our activities may be restricted, which may make it difficult for us to complete a business combination.

If we are deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, our activities may be restricted, including:

restrictions on the nature of our investments;
restrictions on the issuance of securities; and

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restrictions on the incurrence of debt;

each of which may make it difficult for us to complete a business combination.

In addition, we may have to:

register as an investment company;
adopt a specific form of corporate structure; and
file reports, maintain records, and adhere to voting, proxy, disclosure and other requirements.

We do not believe that our anticipated principal activities will subject us to Investment Company Act regulation. The proceeds held in the trust account may be invested by the trustee only in United States government treasury bills with a maturity of 180 days or less or in money market funds investing solely in United States treasury and meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act. Because the investment of the proceeds will be restricted to these instruments, we believe we will meet the requirements for the exemption provided in Rule 3a-1 promulgated under the Investment Company Act. If we were deemed to be subject to the Investment Company Act, compliance with these additional regulatory burdens would require additional expenses for which we have not allotted funds and may make it more difficult to complete our initial business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may only receive $10.00 per share on our redemption, and our warrants will expire worthless.

Changes in laws or regulations, or a failure to comply with any laws and regulations, may adversely affect our business, investments and results of operations.

We are subject to laws and regulations enacted by national, regional and local governments, including in particular, reporting and other requirements under the Exchange Act. Compliance with, and monitoring of, applicable laws and regulations may be difficult, time consuming and costly. Those laws and regulations and their interpretation and application may also change from time to time and those changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, investments and results of operations. In addition, a failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, as interpreted and applied, could result in fines, injunctive relief or similar remedies which could be costly to us or limit our ability to complete an initial business combination or operate the post-combination company successfully.

Our stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against us to the extent of distributions received by them upon redemption of their shares.

Under the DGCL stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against a corporation to the extent of distributions received by them in a dissolution. The pro rata portion of our trust account distributed to our public stockholders upon the redemption of our public shares in the event we do not consummate our initial business combination by July 29, 2017 may be considered a liquidation distribution under Delaware law. If a corporation complies with certain procedures set forth in Section 280 of the DGCL intended to ensure that it makes reasonable provision for all claims against it, including a 60-day notice period during which any third-party claims can be brought against the corporation, a 90-day period during which the corporation may reject any claims brought, and an additional 150-day waiting period before any liquidating distributions are made to stockholders, any liability of stockholders with respect to a liquidating distribution is limited to the lesser of such stockholder’s pro rata share of the claim or the amount distributed to the stockholder, and any liability of the stockholder would be barred after the third anniversary of the dissolution. However, it is our intention to redeem our public shares as soon as reasonably possible following July 29, 2017 if we do not consummate an initial business combination and, therefore, we do not intend to comply with those procedures.

Because we will not be complying with Section 280, Section 281(b) of the DGCL requires us to adopt a plan, based on facts known to us at such time that will provide for our payment of all existing and pending claims or claims that may be potentially brought against us within the 10 years following our dissolution. However, because we are a blank check company, rather than an operating company, and our operations will be limited to searching for prospective target businesses to acquire, the only likely claims to arise would be from our vendors (such as lawyers or investment bankers) or prospective target businesses. If our plan of distribution complies with Section 281(b) of the DGCL, any liability of stockholders with respect to a liquidating distribution is limited to the lesser of such stockholder’s pro rata share of the claim or the amount distributed to the stockholder, and any liability of the stockholder would likely be barred after the third anniversary of the dissolution. We cannot assure you that we will properly assess all claims that may be potentially brought against us. As such, our stockholders could potentially be liable for any claims to the extent of distributions received by them (but no more) and any liability of our stockholders may extend beyond the third anniversary of such date. Furthermore, if the pro rata portion of our trust account distributed to our public stockholders upon the redemption of our public shares if we do not consummate our initial business combination by July 29, 2017 is not considered a liquidation distribution under Delaware law and such redemption distribution is deemed to be unlawful, then pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL, the statute of limitations for claims of creditors could then be six years after the unlawful redemption distribution, instead of three years, as in the case of a liquidation distribution.

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We have not registered the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants under the Securities Act or any state securities laws at this time, and such registration may not be in place when an investor desires to exercise warrants, thus precluding such investor from being able to exercise its warrants and causing such warrants to expire worthless.

We have not registered the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants under the Securities Act or any state securities laws at this time. However, under the terms of the warrant agreement, we have agreed to use our best efforts to file a registration statement under the Securities Act covering such shares and maintain a current prospectus relating to the common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants, and to use our best efforts to take such action as is necessary to register or qualify for sale, in those states in which the warrants were initially offered by us, the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants, to the extent an exemption is not available. We cannot assure you that we will be able to do so. If the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants are not registered under the Securities Act, we will be required to permit holders to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis under the circumstances specified in the warrant agreement. However, except as specified in the warrant agreement, in no event will we be required to issue cash, securities or other compensation in exchange for the warrants if we are unable to register or qualify the shares underlying the warrants under the Securities Act or applicable state securities laws. If the issuance of the shares upon exercise of the warrants is not so registered or qualified, the warrant holder will not be entitled to exercise such warrant and such warrant may have no value and expire worthless. In such event, holders who acquired their warrants as part of a purchase of units will have paid the full unit purchase price solely for the shares of common stock included in the units. If and when the warrants become redeemable by us, we may exercise our redemption right even if we are unable to register or qualify the underlying shares of common stock for sale under all applicable state securities laws.

The grant of registration rights to our initial stockholders and purchasers of placement units may make it more difficult to complete our initial business combination, and the future exercise of such rights may reduce the market price of our common stock.

Pursuant to an agreement entered into concurrently with the issuance and sale of the securities in our in initial public offering, our initial holders, purchasers of placement units and their permitted transferees can demand that we register the founder shares, placement units, the placement shares and placement warrants included in the placement units, and the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the placement warrants. These registration rights will be exercisable at any time commencing upon the date that such shares are released from transfer restrictions. We will bear the cost of registering these securities. If such persons exercise their registration rights in full, there will be an additional 1,312,500 shares of common stock and up to 125,000 shares of common stock issuable on exercise of the placement warrants eligible for trading in the public market. The registration and availability of such a significant number of securities for trading in the public market may reduce the market price of our common stock. In addition, the existence of the registration rights may make our initial business combination more costly or difficult to conclude because the stockholders of the target business may increase the equity stake they seek in the combined entity or ask for more cash consideration to offset the negative impact on the market price of our common stock that is expected when the securities owned by our initial stockholders are registered.

Because we are not limited to any particular industry or any specific target businesses with which to pursue a business combination, you will be unable to ascertain the merits or risks of any particular target business’ operations.

We seek to consummate a business combination with an operating company in the consumer products industry in the United States, but may also pursue acquisition opportunities in other business sectors or geographic regions, except that we are not, under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, permitted to effectuate a business combination with another blank check company or similar company with nominal operations. Because we have not yet entered into a definitive agreement with any specific target business with respect to a business combination, you have no basis to evaluate the possible merits or risks of any particular target business’s operations, results of operations, cash flows, liquidity, financial condition or prospects. If we consummate our initial business combination, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the business operations of the entity with which we combine. Because we may seek to acquire businesses that potentially need financial, operational, strategic or managerial redirection, we may be affected by the risks inherent in the business and operations of a financially or operationally unstable entity. Although our officers and directors will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, we cannot assure you that we will properly ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors or that we will have adequate time to complete due diligence. Furthermore, some of these risks may be outside of our control and leave us with no ability to control or reduce the chances that those risks will adversely impact a target business. We also cannot assure you that an investment in our units will ultimately prove to be more favorable to investors than a direct investment, if such opportunity were available, in an acquisition target.

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We may seek investment opportunities in sectors outside of our industry focus (which may or may not be outside of our management’s area of expertise).

Although we currently intend to consummate a business combination in the consumer products industry in the United States, we will consider a business combination outside this industry if a business combination candidate is presented to us and we determine that such candidate offers an attractive investment opportunity for our company. If we elect to pursue an investment outside of the consumer products industry, our management’s expertise in that industry would not be directly applicable to its evaluation or operation, and the information contained herein regarding the consumer products industry might not be relevant to an understanding of the business that we elect to acquire.

Although we have identified general criteria and guidelines that we believe are important in evaluating prospective target businesses, we may enter into a business combination with a target that does not meet such criteria and guidelines and, as a result, the target business with which we enter into our initial business combination may not have attributes entirely consistent with our general criteria and guidelines.

Although we have identified general criteria and guidelines for evaluating prospective target businesses, it is possible that a target business with which we enter into a business combination will not have all of these positive attributes. If we consummate a business combination with a target that does not meet some or all of these criteria or guidelines, such combination may not be as successful as a combination with a business that does meet all of our general criteria and guidelines. In addition, if we announce a prospective business combination with a target that does not meet our general criteria and guidelines, a greater number of stockholders may exercise their redemption rights, which may make it difficult for us to meet any closing condition with a target business that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash. In addition, if stockholder approval of the transaction is required by law or Nasdaq, or we decide to obtain stockholder approval for business or other reasons, it may be more difficult for us to obtain stockholder approval of our initial business combination if the target business does not meet our general criteria and guidelines. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may only receive $10.00 per share on our redemption, and our warrants will expire worthless.

We are not required to obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that is a member of FINRA and, consequently, you may have no assurance from an independent source that the price we are paying for the target in our initial business combination is fair to our stockholders from a financial point of view.

Unless we consummate our initial business combination with an affiliated entity, we are not required to obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that is a member of FINRA that the price we are paying is fair to our stockholders from a financial point of view. If we do not obtain an opinion, our stockholders will be relying on the judgment of our board of directors, who will determine fair market value based on standards generally accepted by the financial community. Such standards used will be disclosed in our tender offer documents or proxy solicitation materials, as applicable, related to our initial business combination.

We may issue additional common or preferred shares to complete our initial business combination or under an employee incentive plan after consummation of our initial business combination, which would dilute the interest of our stockholders and likely present other risks.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 15,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share. There are 5,812,500 shares of common stock and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock that are authorized, available for issuance and not reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding warrants. We may issue a substantial number of additional shares of common or preferred stock to complete our initial business combination or under an employee incentive plan after consummation of our initial business combination. The issuance of additional shares of common or preferred stock:

may significantly dilute the equity interest of our existing investors;
may subordinate the rights of holders of common stock if preferred stock is issued with rights senior to those afforded our common stock;
could cause a change in control if a substantial number of shares of common stock is issued, which may affect, among other things, our ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards, if any, and could result in the resignation or removal of our present officers and directors; and
may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our units, common stock and/or warrants.

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Resources could be wasted in researching acquisitions that are not consummated, which could materially adversely affect subsequent attempts to locate another target business and consummate our initial business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may only receive $10.00 per share from our redemption of our shares and our warrants will expire worthless.

We anticipate that the investigation of each specific target business and the negotiation, drafting, and execution of relevant agreements, disclosure documents, and other instruments will require substantial management time and attention and substantial costs for accountants, attorneys and others. If we decide not to complete a specific initial business combination, the costs incurred up to that point for the proposed transaction likely would not be recoverable. Furthermore, if we reach an agreement relating to a specific target business, we may fail to consummate our initial business combination for any number of reasons including those beyond our control. Any such event will result in a loss to us of the related costs incurred, which could materially adversely affect subsequent attempts to locate and acquire or merge with another business due to a reduction in the funds available for expenses for relating to such efforts. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may only receive $10.00 per share from our redemption of their shares and our warrants will expire worthless.

We are dependent upon our officers and directors; the loss of any one or more of them could adversely affect our ability to complete a business combination.

Our operations depend upon the background, experience and contacts of our officers and directors. We believe that our success depends on the continued service of our officers and directors, at least until we have consummated a business combination. We do not have an employment agreement with, or key-man insurance on the life of, any of our directors or officers. In addition, our executive officers and directors are not required to, and do not, commit their full time to our affairs, which may result in a conflict of interest in allocating their time between our operations and the search for a business combination and their other business commitments. We do not intend to have any full-time employees prior to the consummation of our business combination. Each of our officers and directors is engaged in other business endeavors and is not obligated to contribute any specific number of hours per week to our affairs. If our officers’ and directors’ other business commitments require them to devote substantial amounts of time in excess of their current commitment levels, it could limit their ability to devote time to our affairs which make it more difficult for us to identify an acquisition target and consummate our business combination.

Our success following our initial business combination likely will depend upon the efforts of management of the target business. The loss of any of the key personnel of the target’s management team could make it more difficult to operate the target profitably.

Although some of our key personnel may remain with the target business in senior management or advisory positions following a business combination, we can offer no assurance that any will do so. Moreover, as a result of the existing commitments of our key personnel, it is likely that we will retain some or all of the management of the target business to conduct its operations. The departure of any key members of the target’s management team could thus make it more difficult to operate the post-combination business profitably. Moreover, to the extent that we will rely upon the target’s management team to operate the post-combination business, we will be subject to risks regarding their managerial competence. While we intend to closely scrutinize the skills, abilities and qualifications of any individuals we retain after a business combination, our ability to do so may be limited due to a lack of time, resources or information. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that our assessment of these individuals will prove to be correct and that they will have the skills, abilities and qualifications we expect.

Our key personnel may negotiate employment or consulting agreements with a target business in connection with our initial business combination. These agreements may provide for them to receive compensation following our initial business combination and, as a result, may cause them to have conflicts of interest in determining whether a particular business combination would be advantageous to us.

Our key personnel may decide to remain with the company after the consummation of our initial business combination only if they are able to negotiate employment or consulting agreements in connection with the business combination. Such negotiations would take place simultaneously with the negotiation of the business combination and could provide for such individuals to receive compensation in the form of cash payments and/or our securities for services they would render to us after the consummation of our initial business combination. The personal and financial interests of such individuals may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business and cause them to have conflicts of interest in determining whether a particular business combination would be advantageous to us. However, we believe the ability of such individuals to remain with us after the consummation of our initial business combination will not be the determining factor in our decision as to whether or not we will proceed with any potential business combination. There is no certainty, however, that any of our key personnel will remain with us after the consummation of our initial business combination. We cannot assure you that any of our key personnel will remain in senior management or advisory positions with us. The determination as to whether any of our key personnel will remain with us will be made at the time of our initial business combination.

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Our officers and directors are now and may in the future become affiliated with entities engaged in business activities similar to those intended to be conducted by us and, accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.

We are in the business of identifying and combining with one or more businesses or entities, with a focus on consumer products businesses. Our officers and directors are now and may in the future become affiliated with entities that are in the consumer products industries or entities engaged in the business of acquiring other entities or businesses. In each case, our officers and directors’ existing directorships or other responsibilities may give rise to contractual or fiduciary obligations that take priority over any obligation owed to us. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the doctrine of corporate opportunity, or any other analogous doctrine, will not apply to us or any of our officers or directors or in circumstances that would conflict with any fiduciary duties or contractual obligations to other entities they may have. Accordingly, business opportunities that may be attractive to the entities described above will not be presented to us unless such entities have declined to accept such opportunities. As a result, our officers and directors may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented. We cannot assure you that these conflicts will be resolved in our favor or that a potential target business would not be presented to another entity prior to its presentation to us.

We may engage in a business combination with one or more target businesses that have relationships with entities that may be affiliated with our executive officers, directors or existing stockholders, which may raise potential conflicts of interest.

We may decide to acquire one or more businesses or entities affiliated with holders of founder shares, or our officers and directors. Our officers and directors also serve as officers and board members of other entities. Such entities may compete with us for business combination opportunities. Although we will not be specifically focusing on, or targeting, any transaction with any affiliated entities, we would pursue such a transaction if we determined that the targeted affiliated entity met our criteria for a business combination and the transaction was approved by a majority of our disinterested directors. Despite our agreement to obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that is a member of FINRA and that is reasonably acceptable to Cantor Fitzgerald regarding the fairness to our stockholders from a financial point of view of a business combination with one or more businesses or entities affiliated with our officers, directors or holders of founder shares, potential conflicts of interest still may exist and, as a result, the terms of the business combination may not be as advantageous to our public stockholders as they would be absent any conflicts of interest. Additionally, were we successful in consummating such a transaction, conflicts could invariably arise from the interest of the holder of founder shares or its affiliate in maximizing its returns, which may be at odds with the strategy of the post-business combination company or not in the best interests of the public stockholders of the post-business combination company. Any or all of such conflicts could materially reduce the value of your investment, whether before or after our initial business combination.

We may have a limited ability to assess the management of a prospective target business and, as a result, may effect our initial business combination with a target business whose management may not have the skills, qualifications or abilities to manage a public company.

When evaluating the desirability of effecting a business combination with a prospective target business, our ability to assess the target business’ management may be limited due to a lack of time, resources or information. Our assessment of the capabilities of the target’s management, therefore, may prove to be incorrect and such management may lack the skills, qualifications or abilities we expected. Should the target’s management not possess the skills, qualifications or abilities necessary to manage a public company, the operations and profitability of the post-combination business may be negatively impacted.

The officers and directors of an acquisition candidate may resign upon consummation of a business combination. The loss of an acquisition target’s key personnel could negatively impact the operations and profitability of our post-combination business.

The role of an acquisition candidate’s key personnel upon the consummation of our initial business combination cannot be ascertained at this time. Although we contemplate that certain members of an acquisition candidate’s management team will remain associated with us following our initial business combination, it is possible that members of the management of an acquisition candidate will not wish to remain in place. The loss of an acquisition target’s key personnel could negatively impact the operations and profitability of our post-combination business.

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Since holders of founder shares and placement units will lose some of their investment in us if we do not consummate a business combination, and since certain of our officers and directors have significant financial interests in us, a conflict of interest may arise in determining whether a particular acquisition target is appropriate for our initial business combination.

Holders of founder shares currently own 1,312,500 shares of our common stock which will be worthless if we do not consummate our initial business combination. Our sponsor, an affiliate of our Chairman of the Board, purchased 250,000 placement units at a price of $10.00 per unit ($2,500,000 in the aggregate) in a private placement that occurred simultaneously with the completion of our initial public offering. These placement units and their component securities are subject to a lockup provisions. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to the founder shares, placement shares or placement warrants which will expire worthless if we do not consummate a business combination by July 29, 2017. If we do not consummate a business combination, our sponsor will realize a loss on the placement shares it purchased. As a result, the personal and financial interests of certain of our officers and directors, directly or as members of our sponsor, in consummating an initial business combination, along with their flexibility in identifying and selecting a prospective acquisition candidate, may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business combination and completing an initial business combination that is not in the best interests of our stockholders. Consequently, the discretion of our officers and directors in identifying and selecting a suitable target business combination may result in a conflict of interest when determining whether the terms, conditions and timing of a particular initial business combination are appropriate and in the best interest of our public stockholders.

We may issue notes or other debt securities, or otherwise incur substantial debt, to complete a business combination, which may adversely affect our financial condition and the value of our stockholders’ investment in us.

Although we have no commitments as of the date of this Report to issue any notes or other debt securities, or otherwise to incur debt, we may choose to incur substantial debt in order to complete our initial business combination. The incurrence of debt could have a variety of negative effects, including:

default and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenues after an initial business combination are insufficient to meet our debt service obligations;
acceleration of our obligations to repay the indebtedness, even if we make all principal and interest payments when due, if we breach covenants that require the maintenance of financial ratios or reserves without a waiver or renegotiation of that covenant;
our immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any, if the debt is payable on demand and the lender demands payment;
our inability to obtain necessary additional financing if any debt we incur contains covenants restricting our ability to obtain additional financing while the debt is outstanding;
prohibitions of, or limitations on, our ability to pay dividends on our common stock;
use of a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay principal and interest on our debt, which will reduce the funds available for dividends on our common stock if declared, as well as for expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;
limitations on our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our business and in the industry in which we operate;
increased vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions and adverse changes in government regulation; and
limitations on our ability to borrow additional amounts for expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution of growth strategies and other purposes and other disadvantages compared to our competitors who have less debt.

We do not have a policy with respect to how much debt we may incur. To the extent that the amount of our debt increases, the impact of the effects listed above may also increase.

We may be able to complete a business combination with only one business, which would result in our success being dependent solely on a single business which may have a limited number of products or services. This lack of diversification may harm our operations and profitability.

We are not limited as to the number of businesses we may acquire in our initial business combination. However, we may not be able to effectuate a business combination with more than one target business because of various factors, including the limited amount of the net proceeds of our initial public offering. By consummating an initial business combination with only a single entity, our lack of diversification may subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory risks particular to the industry area in which the acquired business operates. Further, we would not be able to diversify our operations or benefit from the possible spreading of risks or offsetting of losses, unlike other entities which may have the resources to complete several business combinations in different industries or different areas of a single industry. Accordingly, the prospects for our success may:

solely depend upon the performance of a single business, property or asset, or
depend upon the development or market acceptance of a single or limited number of products, processes or services.

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We may attempt to consummate business combinations with multiple prospective targets simultaneously, which may hinder our ability to consummate an initial business combination and give rise to increased costs and risks that could negatively impact our operations and profitability.

If we determine to acquire several businesses simultaneously that are owned by different sellers, we will need each seller to agree that our purchase of its business is contingent on the simultaneous closings of the other business combinations, which may make it more difficult for us, and delay our ability, to complete the initial business combination. In addition, we would face complex accounting issues in connection with such business combination, including the requirement that we prepare and file pro forma financial statements with the SEC that present operating results and the financial condition of several target businesses as if they had been operated on a combined basis. With multiple business combinations, we could also face additional risks, including additional burdens and costs with respect to possible multiple negotiations and due diligence investigations (if there are multiple sellers) and the additional risks associated with the subsequent assimilation of the operations and services or products of the acquired companies in a single operating business. If we are unable to adequately address these risks, we may be unable to operate the combined business successfully, and you could lose some or all of your investment in us.

Our ability to consummate an attractive business combination may be impacted by the market for initial public offerings.

Our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to any particular industry or geographic region, although it is very likely that our target will want to be a public reporting company. If the market for initial public offerings is limited, we believe there will be a greater number of attractive target businesses open to being acquired by us as a means to achieve publicly held status. Alternatively, if the market for initial public offerings is robust, we believe that there will be fewer attractive target businesses amenable to being acquired by us to become a public reporting company. Accordingly, during periods with strong public offering markets, it may be more difficult for us to complete an initial business combination.

We may attempt to consummate our initial business combination with a private company about which little information is available, which may result in a business combination with a company that is not as profitable as we expected, or not at all.

In pursuing our acquisition strategy, we may seek to effectuate our initial business combination with a privately held company. By definition, very little public information exists about private companies, and we could be required to make our decision on whether to pursue a potential initial business combination on the basis of the information developed during our due diligence examination, which may be limited. As a result, we could acquire a company that is not as profitable as we expected, or not at all. Furthermore, the relative lack of information about a private company may hinder our ability to properly assess the value of such a company which could result in our overpaying for that company.

If we effect our initial business combination with a business located outside of the United States, we would be subject to a variety of additional risks that could result in us being unable to operate the business successfully.

We may effect an initial business combination with a business located outside of the United States. If we do, we would be subject to any special considerations or risks associated with businesses operating in the target’s home jurisdiction, including any of the following:

rules and regulations or currency conversion or corporate withholding taxes on individuals;
tariffs and trade barriers;
regulations related to customs and import/export matters;
longer payment cycles;
tax issues, such as tax law changes and variations in tax laws as compared to the United States;
currency fluctuations and exchange controls;
challenges in collecting accounts receivable;
cultural and language differences;
employment regulations;
crime, strikes, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist attacks and wars; and
deterioration of political relations with the United States.

We may not be able to adequately address these additional risks. If we are unable to do so, we may be unable to operate the acquired business successfully.

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If we effect our initial business combination with a business located outside of the United States, the laws applicable to such business will likely govern all of our material agreements and we may not be able to enforce our legal rights.

If we effect our initial business combination with a business located outside of the United States, the laws of the country in which such business operates will govern almost all of the material agreements relating to its operations. The target business may not be able to enforce any of its material agreements or enforce remedies for breaches of those agreements in that jurisdiction. The system of laws and the enforcement of existing laws in such jurisdiction may not be as certain in implementation and interpretation as in the United States. The inability to enforce or obtain a remedy under any of our future agreements could result in a significant loss of business, business opportunities or capital. Additionally, if we acquire a business located outside of the United States, it is likely that substantially all of our assets would be located outside of the United States and some of our officers and directors might reside outside of the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for investors in the United States to enforce their legal rights, to effect service of process upon our directors or officers or to enforce judgments of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities and criminal penalties of our directors and officers under federal securities laws.

We may not be able to maintain control of a target business after our initial business combination. We cannot provide assurance that, upon loss of control of a target business, new management will possess the skills, qualifications or abilities necessary to profitably operate such business.

We anticipate structuring our initial business combination to acquire 100% of the equity interest or assets of the target business or businesses. However, we may structure our initial business combination to acquire less than 100% of the equity interest or assets of the target business, but only if we (or any entity that is a successor to us in a business combination) acquire a majority of the outstanding voting securities or assets of the target. Even if we own a majority interest in the target, our stockholders prior to the business combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post business combination company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the business combination transaction. For example, we could pursue a transaction in which we issue a substantial number of new shares of common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding capital stock of a target. In this case, we would acquire a 100% interest in the target. However, as a result of the issuance of a substantial number of new shares of common stock, our stockholders immediately prior to such transaction could own less than a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock subsequent to such transaction. In addition, other minority stockholders may subsequently combine their holdings resulting in a single person or group obtaining a larger share of the company’s stock than we initially acquired. Accordingly, this may make it more likely that we will not be able to maintain our control of the target business.

The exercise price for the public warrants is higher than in many similar blank check company offerings in the past, and, accordingly, the warrants are more likely to expire worthless.

The exercise price of the warrants is higher than is typical in many similar blank check companies. Historically, the exercise price of a warrant was generally a fraction of the purchase price of the units in the initial public offering. The exercise price for our public warrants is $5.75 per one half share, or $11.50 per full share. As a result, the warrants are less likely to ever be in the money and more likely to expire worthless.

In order to effectuate a business combination, blank check companies have, in the recent past, amended various provisions of their charters and modified governing instruments. We cannot assure you that we will not seek to amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or governing instruments in a manner that will make it easier for us to consummate a business combination that our stockholders may not support.

In order to effectuate a business combination, blank check companies have, in the recent past, amended various provisions of their charters and modified governing instruments. For example, blank check companies have amended the definition of initial business combination, increased redemption thresholds and extended the term during which the company must consummate its initial public offering. We cannot assure you that we will not seek to amend our charter or governing instruments in order to effectuate our initial business combination. However, if the effect of the proposed amendments would be either to (i) reduce the amount in the trust account available to redeeming stockholders to less than $10.00 per share, or (ii) delay the date on which a stockholder could otherwise redeem shares for the per share amount in the trust account, and if such amendments are approved by holders owning at least 90% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, dissenting public stockholders will have the right to redeem their public shares.

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Provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that relate to our pre-business combination activity (and corresponding provisions of the agreement governing the release of funds from our trust account) may be amended with the approval of holders owning 90% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock. Our sponsor and other initial stockholders, in the aggregate, own 69.5% of our outstanding common stock. Accordingly, these parties may exert a substantial and decisive influence on actions requiring a stockholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do not support, including amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. It may be easier for us, therefore, to amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to facilitate the consummation of an initial business combination that our stockholders may not support.

Many blank check companies have a provision in their charter which prohibits the amendment of certain of its provisions, including those which relate to a company’s pre-business combination activity, without approval by a certain percentage of the company’s stockholders. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that provisions related to pre-business combination activity may be amended if approved by holders owning 90% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, and corresponding provisions of the trust agreement governing the release of funds from our trust account may be amended if approved by holders owning 90% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock (in each case including all shares held by the initial holders, holders of placement units, our officers and our directors); provided, however, that if the effect of any proposed amendment, if adopted, would be either to (i) reduce the amount in the trust account available to redeeming stockholders to less than $10.00 per share, or (ii) delay the date on which a public stockholder could otherwise redeem shares for such per share amount in the trust account, we will provide a right for dissenting public stockholders to redeem public shares if such an amendment is approved. Our sponsor and other initial stockholders, in the aggregate, own shares equal to 69.5% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. Accordingly, these parties may exert a substantial and decisive influence on actions requiring a stockholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do not support, including amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation.

We may be unable to obtain additional financing to complete our initial business combination or to fund the operations and growth of a target business, which could compel us to restructure or abandon a particular business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may only receive $10.00 per share on our redemption.

Because of the size of our initial business combination, the obligation to repurchase for cash a significant number of shares from stockholders who elect redemption in connection with our initial business combination, or the terms of negotiated transactions to purchase shares in connection with our initial business combination, we may be required to seek additional financing or to abandon the proposed business combination. We may be unable to obtain any necessary financing on acceptable terms, if at all. The current economic environment has made it especially difficult for companies to obtain acquisition financing. To the extent that additional financing proves to be unavailable when needed to consummate our initial business combination, we would be compelled to either restructure or abandon the transaction and seek an alternative target business candidate. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may only receive $10.00 per share on our redemption. In addition, even if we do not need additional financing to consummate our initial business combination, we may require such financing to fund the operations or growth of the target business. The failure to secure additional financing could have a material adverse effect on the continued development or growth of the target business. None of our officers, directors or stockholders is required to provide any financing to us after a business combination.

Our sponsor and other initial stockholders control a substantial interest in us and thus may exert a substantial influence on actions requiring a stockholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do not support.

Our sponsor and other initial stockholders, in the aggregate, own shares equal to 69.5% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. Accordingly, these parties may exert a substantial and decisive influence on actions requiring a stockholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do not support, including amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Our sponsor and other initial stockholders are not restricted from purchasing common stock in the aftermarket or in privately negotiated transactions, which would increase their control. Our sponsor and other initial stockholders do not have any current intention to purchase additional securities. Factors that would be considered in making such additional purchases would include consideration of the current trading price of our common stock. In addition, our board of directors, whose members were elected by our initial holders, is divided into three classes with only one class of directors being elected in each year and each class serving a three-year term. As a consequence of our “staggered” board of directors, only a minority of the board of directors will be considered for election and our initial stockholders, because of their ownership position, will have considerable influence regarding the outcome. Accordingly, you should anticipate that our sponsor and other initial stockholders will continue to exert control at least until the consummation of our initial business combination.

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We may amend the terms of the warrants in a manner that may be adverse to holders with the approval by the holders of at least 90% of the then outstanding warrants.

Our warrants are issued in registered form under a warrant agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent, and us. The warrant agreement provides that the terms of the warrants may be amended without the consent of any holder to cure any ambiguity or correct any defective provision, but requires the approval by the holders of at least 90% of the then outstanding warrants to make any change that adversely affects the interests of the registered holders. Accordingly, we may amend the terms of the warrants in a manner adverse to a holder if holders of at least 90% of the then outstanding warrants approve of such amendment. Although our ability to amend the terms of the warrants with the consent of at least 90% of the then outstanding warrants is unlimited, examples of such amendments could be amendments to, among other things, increase the exercise price of the warrants, shorten the exercise period or decrease the number of shares of our common stock purchasable upon exercise of a warrant. Our sponsor owns warrants equal to 61.9% of our issued and outstanding warrants. Accordingly, our sponsor may exert a substantial and decisive influence on actions relating to a vote to amend the terms of the warrants, as set forth above.

We may redeem your unexpired warrants prior to their exercise at a time that is disadvantageous to you, thereby making your warrants worthless.

We have the ability to redeem outstanding warrants (excluding any placement warrants held by our sponsor or its permitted transferees) at any time after they become exercisable and prior to their expiration, at $0.01 per warrant, provided that the last reported sales price (or the closing bid price of our common stock in the event the shares of our common stock are not traded on any specific trading day) of the common stock equals or exceeds $24.00 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading-day period ending on the third business day prior to the date we send proper notice of such redemption, provided that on the date we give notice of redemption and during the entire period thereafter until the time we redeem the warrants, we have an effective registration statement under the Securities Act covering the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and a current prospectus relating to them is available. If and when the warrants become redeemable by us, we may exercise our redemption right even if we are unable to register or qualify the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws. Redemption of the outstanding warrants could force you: (i) to exercise your warrants and pay the exercise price therefor at a time when it may be disadvantageous for you to do so, (ii) to sell your warrants at the then-current market price when you might otherwise wish to hold your warrants or (iii) to accept the nominal redemption price which, at the time the outstanding warrants are called for redemption, is likely to be substantially less than the market value of your warrants.

Our management’s ability to require holders of our warrants to exercise such warrants on a cashless basis will cause holders to receive fewer shares of common stock upon their exercise of the warrants than they would have received had they been able to exercise their warrants for cash.

If we call our public warrants for redemption, our management will have the option to require any holder that wishes to exercise its warrant (including any warrants held by our sponsor, officers, directors or their permitted transferees) to do so on a “cashless basis.” If our management chooses to require holders to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis, the number of shares of common stock received by a holder upon exercise will be fewer than it would have been had such holder exercised his warrant for cash. This will have the effect of reducing the potential “upside” of the holder’s investment in our company.

Our warrants may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and make it more difficult to effectuate a business combination.

We issued warrants to purchase 2,500,000 shares of common stock as part of the units offered in our initial public offering. In addition, we sold 250,000 placement units to our sponsor, with each unit consisting of one placement share and a placement warrant to purchase one half of a share of common stock. In addition, our sponsor, members of our management team or their affiliates or other third parties may loan us amounts for working capital purposes or to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination (although they are under no obligation to advance funds or invest in us), any portion or all of which may be converted, at their option, into additional warrants of the post-business combination entity at $0.50 per warrant, up to a maximum of 1,000,000 warrants for $500,000 in possible loans.

To the extent we issue shares of common stock to effect a business combination, the potential for the issuance of a substantial number of additional shares of common stock upon exercise of these warrants could make us a less attractive acquisition vehicle to a target business. Such warrants, when exercised, will increase the number of issued and outstanding shares of our common stock and reduce the value of the shares of common stock issued to complete the business combination. Therefore, our warrants may make it more difficult to effectuate a business combination or increase the cost of acquiring the target business.

The placement warrants and any warrants to be issued to our sponsor, members of our management team, their affiliates or other third parties upon conversion of up to $500,000 in possible working capital loans are or would be identical to the warrants sold as part of the units in our initial public offering except that, so long as they are held by our sponsor, or its permitted transferees, (a) they will not be redeemable by us, (b) they (including the common stock issuable upon exercise of these warrants) may not, subject to certain limited exceptions, be transferred, assigned or sold by the holders until 30 days after the consummation of our initial business combination and (c) they may be exercised by the holders on a cashless basis.

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A market for our securities may not develop, which would adversely affect the liquidity and price of our securities.

The price of our securities may vary significantly due to one or more potential business combinations, general market and economic conditions and forecasts, our general business condition and the release of our financial reports. An active trading market for our securities may never develop or, if developed, may not be sustained. You may be unable to sell your securities unless a market for such securities can be established or sustained.

Nasdaq may delist our securities from trading which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities and subject us to additional trading restrictions.

Our securities are listed on Nasdaq. However, we cannot assure you that our securities will continue to be listed on Nasdaq in the future or prior to a business combination. In order to continue listing our securities on Nasdaq prior to a business combination, we must maintain certain financial, distribution and stock price levels. Generally, we must maintain a minimum amount in stockholders’ equity (generally $2,500,000), a minimum number of public stockholders (generally 300 public holders), and a minimum number of shares held by non-affiliates (500,000 shares). Additionally, in connection with our business combination, it is likely that Nasdaq may require us to file a new initial listing application and meet its initial listing requirements which are more rigorous than Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements. We cannot assure you that we will be able to meet those initial listing requirements at that time. If Nasdaq delists our securities from trading on its exchange and we are not able to list our securities on another national securities exchange, we expect our securities could be quoted on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board or the “pink sheets.” If this were to occur, there could be material adverse consequences, including:

a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;
reduced liquidity for our securities;
a determination that our common stock is a “penny stock” which will require brokers trading in our common stock to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our securities;
a limited amount of, or no, news and analyst coverage; and
a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.

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

Purchases of common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions by our initial holders, directors, officers or their affiliates may make it difficult for us to continue to list our common stock on Nasdaq or another national securities exchange.

If our initial holders, directors, officers or their affiliates purchase shares of our common stock in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, it would reduce the public “float” of our common stock and the number of beneficial holders of our common stock, which may make it difficult to maintain the listing or trading of our common stock on a national securities exchange if we determine to apply for such listing in connection with the business combination. If the number of our public holders falls below 300 or if the total number of shares held by non-affiliates is less than 500,000, we will be non-compliant with Nasdaq’s continued listing rules and our common stock could be de-listed. If our common stock were de-listed, we could face the material consequences set forth in the immediately preceding risk factor.

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Because we must furnish our stockholders with target business financial statements, we may lose the ability to complete an otherwise advantageous initial business combination with some prospective target businesses.

If we hold a stockholder vote to approve our initial business combination, the federal proxy rules require that a proxy statement with respect to a vote on a business combination meeting certain financial significance tests include historical and/or pro forma financial statement disclosure in periodic reports. If we make a tender offer for our public shares, we will include the same financial statement disclosure in our tender offer documents that is required under the tender offer rules. These financial statements must be prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, and the historical financial statements must be audited in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), or PCAOB. These financial statement requirements may limit the pool of potential target businesses we may acquire because some targets may be unable to provide such statements in time for us to disclose such statements in accordance with federal proxy rules and consummate our initial business combination within the prescribed time frame.

The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources and divert management’s attention.

As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes Oxley Act”), the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the listing requirements of NASDAQ and other applicable securities rules and regulations. Compliance with these rules and regulations increase our legal and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and increase demand on our systems and resources, particularly after we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. In order to maintain and, if required, improve our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting to meet this standard, significant resources and management oversight may be required. As a result, management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns, which could adversely affect our business and operating results. We may need to hire more employees in the future or engage outside consultants to comply with these requirements, which will increase our costs and expenses.

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

We are an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirementsability to include only two years of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensationaudited financial statements and stockholder approvalonly two years of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As a result,related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations disclosure. Because of these lessened regulatory requirements, our stockholders may not have accesswould be left without information or rights available to certain information they may deem important. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if the market valuestockholders of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of any June 30 before that time, in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the following December 31. We cannot predict whether investors will find our securities less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions.more mature companies. If some investors find our securitiescommon stock less attractive as a result, of our reliance on these exemptions, the trading prices of our securities may be lower than they otherwise would be, there may be a less active trading market for our securitiescommon stock and the trading prices of our securitiesstock price may be more volatile.

 

Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such an election to opt out is irrevocable. We have elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, we, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of our financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accountant standards used. 

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ComplianceAny cybersecurity-related attack, significant data breach or disruption of the information technology systems, infrastructure, network, third-party processors or platforms on which we rely could damage our reputation and adversely affect our business and financial results.

Our operations rely on information technology systems for the use, storage and transmission of sensitive and confidential information with respect to our customers, our employees and other third parties. A malicious cybersecurity-related attack, intrusion or disruption by either an internal or external source or other breach of the systems on which our platform and products operate, and on which our employees conduct business, could lead to unauthorized access to, use of, loss of or unauthorized disclosure of sensitive and confidential information, disruption of our services, viruses, worms, spyware, or other malware being served from our platform, networks, or systems; and resulting regulatory enforcement actions, litigation, indemnity obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Actand other possible liabilities, as well as negative publicity, which could damage our reputation, impair sales and harm our business. Cyberattacks and other malicious internet-based activity continue to increase, and cloud-based platform providers of products and services have been and are expected to continue to be targeted. In addition to traditional computer “hackers,” malicious code (such as viruses and worms), phishing, employee theft or misuse and denial-of-service attacks, sophisticated nation-state and nation-state supported actors now engage in attacks (including advanced persistent threat intrusions). Cyberattacks may makealso gain publishing access to our customers’ accounts on our platform, using that access to publish content without authorization.

As of December 31, 2023, we have not identified any risks from known cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. We plan to develop and implement information securities policies and incident response plans to evaluate, identify, and handle material risks associated with cybersecurity threats.

However, it more difficultis not feasible, as a practical matter, for us to effectuateentirely mitigate these risks. If our security measures are compromised as a result of third-party action, employee, customer, or user error, malfeasance, stolen or fraudulently obtained log-in credentials or otherwise, our reputation would be damaged, our data, information or intellectual property, or those of our customers and our customers’ consumers, may be destroyed, stolen or otherwise compromised, our business combination, require substantial financialmay be harmed and management resources,we could incur significant liability. We have not always been able in the past, and increasemay be unable in the timefuture to anticipate or prevent techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to or compromise of our systems because they change frequently and costs of completingare generally not detected until after an acquisition.

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requiresincident has occurred. We also cannot be certain that we evaluate and report onwill be able to prevent vulnerabilities in our system of internal controls beginning with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2017. As long as we maintain our status as an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement on our internal control over financial reporting. The factsoftware or address vulnerabilities that we are a blank check company makes compliance withmay become aware of in the requirementsfuture.

Risks Related to Our Securities

The price of our common stock could be subject to rapid and substantial volatility. Such volatility, including any stock run-ups, may be unrelated to our actual or expected operating performance and financial condition or prospects, making it difficult for prospective investors to assess the Sarbanes-Oxley Act particularly burdensome on us as compared to other public companies because a target company with which we seek to completerapidly changing value of our business combination may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding adequacy of its internal controls. The development of the internal control of any such entity to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may increase the time and costs necessary to complete any such acquisition.

Provisionscommon stock. Volatility in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and Delaware lawcommon stock price may inhibit a takeover ofsubject us which could limit the price investors might be willing to pay in the futuresecurities litigation.

The market for our common stock may have, when compared to seasoned issuers, significant price volatility and we expect that the price of our shares of common stock may continue to be more volatile than that of a seasoned issuer for the indefinite future. As a relatively small-capitalization company with a relatively small public float, we may experience greater share price volatility, extreme price run-ups, lower trading volume, and less liquidity than large-capitalization companies. In particular, our common stock may be subject to rapid and substantial price volatility, low volumes of trades, and large spreads in bid and ask prices. Such volatility, including any stock run-ups, may be unrelated to our actual or expected operating performance and financial condition or prospects, making it difficult for prospective investors to assess the rapidly changing value of our common stock.

In addition, if the trading volumes of our common stock are low, persons buying or selling in relatively small quantities may easily influence the price of our common stock. This low volume of trades could also cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate greatly, with large percentage changes in price occurring in any trading day session. Holders of our common stock may also not be able to readily liquidate their investment or may be forced to sell at depressed prices due to low volume trading. Broad market fluctuations and general economic and political conditions may also adversely affect the market price of our common stock. As a result of this volatility, investors may experience losses on their investment in our common stock. A decline in the market price of our common stock also could adversely affect our ability to issue additional common stock or other securities and our ability to obtain additional financing in the future. No assurance can be given that an active market in our common stock will develop or be sustained. If an active market does not develop, holders of our common stock may be unable to readily sell the shares they hold or may not be able to sell their shares at all. 

In addition, in the past, plaintiffs have often initiated securities class action litigation against a company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. We may, in the future, be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and liabilities to the Company and could entrench management.divert our management’s attention and resources.


We will need additional capital in the future. If additional capital is not available, we may not be able to continue to operate our business pursuant to our business plan or we may have to discontinue our operations entirely. Raising additional capital by issuing shares may cause dilution to existing shareholders.

 

Our amendedWe are currently authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of common stock. As of April 1, 2024, we had 7,887,411 shares of common stock issued and restated certificateoutstanding.

We will require additional capital in the future. We have incurred losses in each year since our inception. If we continue to use cash at our historical rates of incorporation contains provisionsuse we will need significant additional financing, which we may seek through a combination of private and public equity offerings, debt financings and collaborations and strategic and licensing arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interest will be diluted, and the terms of any such offerings may include liquidation or other preferences that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposalsadversely affect the then existing shareholders rights. Debt financing, if available, would result in increased fixed payment obligations and may involve agreements that stockholdersinclude covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions such as incurring debt or making capital expenditures. If we raise additional funds through collaboration, strategic alliance or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may considerhave to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams or product candidates, or grant licenses on terms that are not favorable to us. 

Future sales of our common stock could reduce the market price of the common stock.

Substantial sales of our common stock may cause the market price of our common stock to decline. Sales by us or our security holders of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the perception that these sales may occur in the future, could cause a reduction in the market price of our common stock. 

The issuance of any additional shares of our common stock or any securities that are exercisable for or convertible into our common stock, may have an adverse effect on the market price of the common stock and will have a dilutive effect on our existing shareholders and holders of common stock.

We do not know whether a market for the common stock will be in their best interests. These provisions includesustained or what the trading price of the common stock will be and as a staggeredresult it may be difficult for you to sell your shares.

Although our common stock trade on Nasdaq, an active trading market for the common stock may not be sustained. It may be difficult for you to sell your shares without depressing the market price for the common stock. As a result of these and other factors, you may not be able to sell your shares. Further, an inactive market may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling common stock, or may impair our ability to enter into strategic partnerships or acquire companies or products by using our shares as consideration.

We have no plans to pay dividends on our shares, and you may not receive funds without selling the shares.

We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock, nor do we expect to pay any cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain any additional future earnings to finance our operations and growth and, therefore, we have no plans to pay cash dividends on our common stock at this time. Any future determination to pay cash dividends on our common stock will be at the discretion of our board of directors and the ability of thewill be dependent on our earnings, financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, any contractual restrictions, and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant. Accordingly, you may have to designatesell some or all of the terms of and issue new series of preferred shares whichin order to generate cash from your investment. You may make more difficultnot receive a gain on your investment when you sell the removal of managementshares and may discourage transactionslose the entire amount of your investment.

A possible “short squeeze” due to a sudden increase in demand of our common stock that otherwise couldlargely exceeds supply may lead to additional price volatility.

Historically there has not been a large short position in our common stock. However, in the future investors may purchase shares of our common stock to hedge existing exposure or to speculate on the price of our common stock. Speculation on the price of our common stock may involve payment oflong and short exposures. To the extent an aggregate short exposure in our common stock becomes significant, investors with short exposure may have to pay a premium to purchase shares for delivery to share lenders at times if and when the price of our common stock increases significantly, particularly over prevailing market pricesa short period of time. Those purchases may in turn, dramatically increase the price of our common stock. This is often referred to as a “short squeeze.” A short squeeze could lead to volatile price movements in our common stock that are not directly correlated to our business prospects, financial performance or other traditional measures of value for our securities.the Company or its common stock.

 

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In the event that our common stocks are delisted from Nasdaq, U.S. broker-dealers may be discouraged from effecting transactions in our common stocks because they may be considered penny stocks and thus be subject to the penny stock rules.

The SEC has adopted a number of rules to regulate “penny stock” that restricts transactions involving stock which is deemed to be penny stock. Such rules include Rules 3a51-1, 15g-1, 15g-2, 15g-3, 15g-4, 15g-5, 15g-6, 15g-7, and 15g-9 under the Exchange Act. These rules may have the effect of reducing the liquidity of penny stocks. “Penny stocks” generally are equity securities with a price of less than $5.00 per share (other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or quoted on Nasdaq if current price and volume information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system). Our common stocks could be considered to be a “penny stock” within the meaning of the rules. The additional sales practice and disclosure requirements imposed upon U.S. broker-dealers may discourage such broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our common stocks, which could severely limit the market liquidity of such common stocks and impede their sale in the secondary market. 

A U.S. broker-dealer selling a penny stock to anyone other than an established customer or “accredited investor” (generally, an individual with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or an annual income exceeding $200,000, or $300,000 together with his or her spouse) must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and must receive the purchaser’s written consent to the transaction prior to sale, unless the broker-dealer or the transaction is otherwise exempt. In addition, the “penny stock” regulations require the U.S. broker-dealer to deliver, prior to any transaction involving a “penny stock”, a disclosure schedule prepared in accordance with SEC standards relating to the “penny stock” market, unless the broker-dealer or the transaction is otherwise exempt. A U.S. broker-dealer is also required to disclose commissions payable to the U.S. broker-dealer and the registered representative and current quotations for the securities. Finally, a U.S. broker-dealer is required to submit monthly statements disclosing recent price information with respect to the “penny stock” held in a customer’s account and information with respect to the limited market in “penny stocks”.

The market for “penny stocks” has suffered in recent years from patterns of fraud and abuse. Such patterns include (i) control of the market for the security by one or a few broker-dealers that are often related to the promoter or issuer; (ii) manipulation of prices through prearranged matching of purchases and sales and false and misleading press releases; (iii) “boiler room” practices involving high-pressure sales tactics and unrealistic price projections by inexperienced sales persons; (iv) excessive and undisclosed bid-ask differentials and markups by selling broker-dealers; and (v) the wholesale dumping of the same securities by promoters and broker-dealers after prices have been manipulated to a desired level, resulting in investor losses. Our management is aware of the abuses that have occurred historically in the penny stock market. Although we do not expect to be in a position to dictate the behavior of the market or of broker-dealers who participate in the market, management will strive within the confines of practical limitations to prevent the described patterns from being established with respect to our securities.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None.

 

Item 2.     Properties


 

We do not own any real estate or other physical properties materially

Item 1C. Cybersecurity

To meet our business objectives, we rely on both internal information technology (IT) systems and networks, and those of third parties and their vendors, to process and store sensitive data, including confidential research, business plans, financial information, intellectual property, and personal data of ours and our customers that may be subject to legal protection, and promote the continuity of our Company’s business operations. In the ordinary course of our business, we receive, process, use, store, and share digitally certain data, including user data as well as confidential, sensitive, proprietary, and personal information.

Maintaining the integrity and availability of our IT systems and this information, as well as appropriate limitations on access and confidentiality of such information, is important to our operation. operations and business strategy. We plan to develop and implement information securities policies and incident response plans to evaluate, identify, and handle material risks associated with cybersecurity threats.

As of December 31, 2023, we have not identified any risks from known cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition.  However, we face certain ongoing cybersecurity threats that, if realized, are reasonably likely to materially affect us. Additional information on cybersecurity risks we face is discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”

Item 2. Properties

Facilities

Our current executive office is located at 1615 South Congress810 Seventh Avenue, Suite 103, Delray Beach, Florida 33445.22nd Floor, New York, NY 10019. The costrent for this space is included inapproximately $31,000 per month. The term of the $5,000 per-month fee an independent third party charges us for generallease is five years and administrative services, although in the future, our affiliates or affiliates of our officers, directors or sponsor, may take over the provision of these services for amounts not exceeding $5,000 a month.five months, starting from September 22, 2023. We consider our current office space adequate for our current operations.

 

Intellectual Properties

We entered into a software purchase agreement with Northeast Management LLC, a seller unaffiliated with us. Pursuant to the software purchase agreement, we purchased all of the seller’s right, title, and interest in and to the software, Tribal Light. We have used and plan to continue using the software to develop video games. We operate the game through interactive live stream, facilitating real-time engagement between players and viewers through interactive features embedded within the live streaming platform.

We have the right to use the two domains: gdculturegroup.com and aicatalysis.com.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

 

To the knowledge of our management, there is no litigation currently pending or contemplated against us, any of our officers or directors in their capacity as such or against any of our property.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

35

 

 


PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

(a) Market Information

 

Our units, common stock and warrants are eachis traded on the NASDAQNasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “WYIGU,” “WYIG” and “WYIGW, respectively. Our units commenced public trading on July 24, 2015, and our common stock and warrants commenced public trading on September 11, 2015.symbol “GDC”.

  

The table below sets forth, for the calendar quarter indicated, the high and low bid prices of our units, common stock and warrants as reported on the Nasdaq for the period of July 24, 2015 through December 31, 2016(b) Holders

 

  Units  Common Stock  Warrants 
  Low  High  Low  High  Low  High 
Year Ended December 31, 2015                  
July 24, 2015 through September 30, 2015 $9.50  $10.41  $9.50  $10.41  $0.30  $0.50 
October 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 $9.50  $9.90  $9.50  $9.90  $0.12  $0.40 
Year Ended December 31, 2016                        
January 1, 2016 through March 31, 2016 $9.52  $9.85  $9.42  $9.60  $-  $- 
April 1, 2016 through June 30, 2016 $9.79  $9.90  $9.55  $9.78  $-  $- 
July 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016 $9.87  $10.00  $9.75  $10.00  $-  $- 
October 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016 $9.95  $10.15  $9.85  $10.00  $-  $- 

On March 27, 2017, our common stock had a closing price of $9.96, our units had a closing price of $10.57 and our warrants had no trading activity.

(b)Holders

On March 27, 2017,April 1, 2024, there were 6 holders of record of our units, 2are approximately 336 holders of record of our common stock and 1 holder of record of our warrants.stock.

 

(c) Dividends

 

We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock to date and do not intend to pay cash dividends prior to the completion of our initial business combination. The payment of cash dividends in the future will be dependent upon our revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements and general financial condition subsequent to completion of our initial business combination. The payment of any cash dividends subsequent to our initial business combination will be within the discretion of our board of directors at such time.foreseeable future. In addition, our board of directors is not currently contemplating and does not anticipate declaring any stock dividends in the foreseeable future. Further, if we incur any indebtedness in connection with our business combination, our ability to declare dividends may be limited by restrictive covenants we may agree to in connection therewith.

 

(d) Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans.

 

None.We established our 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan was approved by our board of directors on December 12, 2019 and was approved by our stockholders at our annual meeting in 2019. The purpose of the Plan is to grant stock and options to purchase our common stock to our employees, directors and key consultants. The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the Plan, is 3,000,000 shares.

 

The following summary briefly describes the principal features of the Plan and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Plan.

Administration. Our Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors will administer the Plan. The Committee will have the authority to determine the terms and conditions of any agreements evidencing any Awards granted under the Plan and to adopt, alter and repeal rules, guidelines and practices relating to the Plan. Our Compensation Committee will have full discretion to administer and interpret the Plan and to adopt such rules, regulations and procedures as it deems necessary or advisable.

Eligibility. Current or prospective employees, directors, officers, advisors or consultants of the Company or its affiliates are eligible to participate in the Plan. Our Compensation Committee has the sole and complete authority to determine who will be granted an award under the Plan, however, it may delegate such authority to one or more officers of the Company under the circumstances set forth in the Plan.


Number of Shares Authorized. The Plan provides for an aggregate of Three Million (3,000,000) common stock to be available for awards. If an award is forfeited or if any option terminates, expires or lapses without being exercised, the common stock subject to such award will again be made available for future grant. Shares of common stock that are used to pay the exercise price of an option or that are withheld to satisfy the Participant’s tax withholding obligation will not be available for re-grant under the Plan.

Each common stock subject to an option or a stock appreciation right will reduce the number of common stock available for issuance by one share, and each common stock underlying an award of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock bonus awards and performance compensation awards will reduce the number of common stock available for issuance by one share.

If there is any change in our corporate capitalization, the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion may make substitutions or adjustments to the number of shares reserved for issuance under our Plan, the number of shares covered by awards then outstanding under our Plan, the limitations on awards under our Plan, the exercise price of outstanding options and such other equitable substitution or adjustments as it may determine appropriate.

The Plan has a term of ten years and no further awards may be granted under the Plan after that date.

Awards Available for Grant. Our Compensation Committee may grant awards of con-qualified stock options, incentive (qualified) stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock bonus awards, performance compensation awards (including cash bonus awards) or any combination of the foregoing.

Options. Our Compensation Committee will be authorized to grant options to purchase common stock that are either “qualified,” meaning they are intended to satisfy the requirements of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) Section 422 for incentive stock options, or “non-qualified,” meaning they are not intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code. Options granted under the Plan will be subject to the terms and conditions established by our Compensation Committee. Under the terms of the Plan, the exercise price of the options will be set forth in the applicable Award agreement. Options granted under the Plan will be subject to such terms, including the exercise price and the conditions and timing of exercise, as may be determined by our Compensation Committee and specified in the applicable award agreement. The maximum term of an option granted under the Plan will be ten years from the date of grant (or five years in the case of a qualified option granted to a 10% stockholder).

Stock Appreciation Rights. Our Compensation Committee will be authorized to award stock appreciation rights (or SARs) under the Plan. SARs will be subject to the terms and conditions established by our Compensation Committee. An SAR is a contractual right that allows a participant to receive, either in the form of cash, shares or any combination of cash and shares, the appreciation, if any, in the value of a share over a certain period of time. An Option granted under the Plan may include SARs and SARs may also be awarded to a participant independent of the grant of an option. SARs granted in connection with an option shall be subject to terms similar to the option corresponding to such SARs. SARs shall be subject to terms established by our Compensation Committee and reflected in the award agreement.

Restricted Stock. Our Compensation Committee will be authorized to award restricted stock under the Plan. Our Compensation Committee will determine the terms of such restricted stock awards. Restricted stock is common stock that generally is non-transferable and subject to other restrictions determined by our Compensation Committee for a specified period. Unless our Compensation Committee determines otherwise or specifies otherwise in an award agreement, if the participant terminates employment or services during the restricted period, then any unvested restricted stock is forfeited.

Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Our Compensation Committee will be authorized to award restricted stock unit awards. Our Compensation Committee will determine the terms of such restricted stock units. Unless our Compensation Committee determines otherwise or specifies otherwise in an award agreement, if the participant terminates employment or services during the period of time over which all or a portion of the units are to be earned, then any unvested units will be forfeited.


Stock Bonus Awards. Our Compensation Committee will be authorized to grant awards of unrestricted common stock or other awards denominated in common stock, either alone or in tandem with other awards, under such terms and conditions as our Compensation Committee may determine.

Performance Compensation Awards. Our Compensation Committee will be authorized to grant any award under the Plan in the form of a performance compensation award by conditioning the vesting of the award on the attainment of specific levels of performance of the Company and/or one or more affiliates, divisions or operational units, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Compensation Committee.

Transferability. Each award may be exercised during the participant’s lifetime only by the participant or, if permissible under applicable law, by the participant’s guardian or legal representative and may not be otherwise transferred or encumbered by a participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Our Compensation Committee, however, may permit awards (other than incentive stock options) to be transferred to family members, a trust for the benefit of such family members, a partnership or limited liability company whose partners or stockholders are the participant and his or her family members or anyone else approved by it.

Amendment. The Plan has a term of ten years. Our Board may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time; however, stockholder approval to amend the Plan may be necessary if the law or the rules of the national exchange so requires. No amendment, suspension or termination will impair the rights of any participant or recipient of any Award without the consent of the participant or recipient.

Change in Control. Except to the extent otherwise provided in an award agreement or as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, in the event of a change in control, all outstanding options and equity awards (other than performance compensation awards) issued under the Plan will become fully vested and performance compensation awards will vest, as determined by our Compensation Committee, based on the level of attainment of the specified performance goals.

(e) Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

None.The Company cancelled 133,333 shares of common stock on March 9, 2023. See “Part I – Item 1. Business – Recent Business Development – Disposition of Wuge.”

 

The Company issued (i) unregistered warrants to purchase up to 1,154,519 shares of common stock in a private placement concurrent with registered direct offering on May 4, 2023, which were exchanged for pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 577,260 shares of common stock on November 3, 2023 and (ii) warrants to the placement agent to purchase up to 115,452 shares of common stock on May 16, 2023. See “Part I – Item 1. Business – Recent Business Development – May 2023 Offering.”

The Company issued 187,500 shares of common stock on June 26, 2023. See “Part I – Item 1. Business – Recent Business Development – Software Purchase Agreement dated June 22, 2023.”

The Company issued 400,000 shares of common stock on January 11, 2024. See “Part I – Item 1. Business – Recent Business Development – Equity Purchase Agreement dated October 27, 2023 and the Amendment to the Equity Purchase Agreement dated November 10, 2023.”

The Company issued warrants to purchase up to 331,236 shares of common stock to the placement agent of a registered direct offering on November 3, 2023. See “Part I – Item 1. Business – Recent Business Development – November 2023 Offering.”   

The Company issued warrants to purchase up to 40,514 shares of common stock to the placement agent of a registered direct offering on March 26, 2024. See “Part I – Item 1. Business – Recent Business Development – March 2024 Offering.”   


(f) Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

None. 

36

 

None.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data[Reserved]

 

The following table sets forth selected historical information derived from our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this Report as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and for year ended December 31, 2016 and the period from April 2015 (inception) through December 31, 2015. You should read the following selected financial data in conjunction with “Management’sItem 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”Operations 

The following discussion and analysis of the results of our operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with our financial statements, and the related notes appearingto those financial statements that are included elsewhere in this Report.

  December 31 
  2016  2015 
Balance Sheet Data:      
Cash $150,306  $623,044 
Cash and Investments held in Trust Account $50,109,326  $50,023,363 
Total Assets $50,275,212  $50,834,774 
Common stock subject to possible redemption (at redemption value) $40,000,000  $40,000,000 
Total stockholders’ equity $10,032,143  $10,623,279 

  For the Year Ended December 31,
2016
  For the period from April 10, 2015 (date of inception) to December 31,
2015
 
Cash Flow Data:      
Net cash used in operating activities $(386,775) $(156,377)
Net cash used in investing activities $(85,963) $(50,023,363)
Net cash provided by financing activities $-  $50,082,784 
         
Statement of Operations Data:        
Operating expenses:        
General and administrative expenses $627,579  $257,568 
Loss from operations $(627,579) $(257,568)
Other Income:        
Interest income $85,963  $23,363 
Net loss attributable to common stockholders $(541,616) $(234,205)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders $(0.21) $(0.11)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding        
Basic and diluated  2,562,500   2,091,409 

All monetary figures are presented in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

37

 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Form 10-K including, without limitation, statements under “Management’sOur Management’s Discussion and Analysis contains not only statements that are historical facts, but also statements that are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are, by their very nature, uncertain and risky. These risks and uncertainties include international, national, and local general economic and market conditions; our ability to sustain, manage, or forecast growth; our ability to successfully make and integrate acquisitions; new product development and introduction; existing government regulations and changes in, or the failure to comply with, government regulations; adverse publicity; competition; the loss of Financial Conditionsignificant customers or suppliers; fluctuations and Results of Operations” regarding the Company’s financial position,difficulty in forecasting operating results; change in business strategy or development plans; business disruptions; the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the plansability to protect technology; the risk of foreign currency exchange rate; and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this Form 10-K, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend” and similar expressions, as they relateother risks that might be detailed from time to us or the Company’s management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailedtime in our filings with the SEC.

 

The following discussionAlthough the forward-looking statements in this Report reflect the good faith judgment of our management, such statements can only be based on facts and analysisfactors currently known by them. Consequently, and because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, the actual results and outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in the forward-looking statements. You are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this report as we attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations shouldand prospects.

Overview

GD Culture Group Limited, formerly known as JM Global Holding Company, TMSR Holding Company Limited and Code Chain New Continent Limited, is a Nevada corporation and a holding company. The Company currently conducts its operations on virtual content production (the “Virtual Content Production”) through the Company and two subsidiaries, AI Catalysis and Shanghai Xianzhui. The Company focuses its business mainly on 1) AI-driven digital human creation and customization; 2) Live streaming and e-commerce and 3) Live streaming interactive game. The company has relentlessly been focusing on serving its customers and creating value for them through the continual innovation and optimization of its products and services. The Company’s current subsidiaries, Citi Profit, Highlight HK, Highlight WFOE, and previous subsidiaries, TMSR Holdings Limited (“TMSR HK”) and Makesi WFOE are holding companies with no material operations.

For AI-driven digital human sector, the Company uses AI algorithms and software to generate realistic 3D or 2D digital human models. AI algorithms and machine learning models are used to simulate human characteristics, such as facial expressions, body movements, and even speech patterns. These models can be readcustomized to create and personalize lifelike digital representations of humans. Customization may involve adjusting facial features, body proportions, skin textures, hair styles, clothing, and more. Once created and customized, digital humans find applications in conjunctiona wide range of industries, including gaming, entertainment, advertising, education, and more. Depending on the specific industry and the application scenario, the Company helps the customers to define the objectives to achieve with digital humans, choose the technology for character customization, then create unique aviators and deploy in the chosen platform.


For live streaming and e-commerce sector, the Company applies digital human technology in live streaming e-commerce businesses. Livestream usage is taking off globally. The integration of cutting-edge AI digital human technologies and live streaming platforms will transform the way businesses, sellers and consumers engage in online commerce. Digital anchors can offer long-duration intelligent live broadcasting. It also supports customized avatars that perfectly adapt to different live streaming scenarios. The company has introduced online e-commerce businesses on TikTok.

For live streaming interactive game sector, the Company has launched a live-streamed game called “Trible Light.” This game is owned by the company, and we independently operate it. Currently, the game is being livestreamed on TikTok (TikTok account: almplify001). In addition to “Trible Light,” we have also introduced other licensed games on the same TikTok account, providing a diverse gaming experience for the players.

We aim to generate revenue from: 1) Service revenue and advertising revenue from digital human creation and customization; 2) Products’ sales revenue from social live streaming e-commerce business; and 3) Virtual paid gifts revenue from live streaming interactive gaming.

Our principal executive office is located at 810 Seventh Avenue, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10019, and our telephone number is: +1-347-2590292.

Discontinued Business

Prior to September 28, 2022, we also conducted business through Sichuan Wuge Network Games Co., Ltd. (“Wuge”) and Makesi WFOE. Makesi WFOE had a series of contractual arrangement with Wuge that established a VIE structure. For accounting purposes, Makesi WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Wuge. Accordingly, under U.S. GAAP, GDC treated Wuge as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Wuge’s financial statements prior to September 28, 2022. Wuge focused its business on research, development and application of Internet of Things (IoT) and electronic tokens Wuge digital door signs. On September 28, 2022, Makesi WFOE entered into a termination agreement with Wuge and the shareholders of Wuge to terminate the VIE agreements and to cancel the shares previously issued to the shareholders of Wuge, based on the average closing price of $0.237 per share of the Company during the 30 trading days immediately prior to the date of the termination agreement. As a result of such termination, the Company no longer treats Wuge as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Wuge in the Company’s consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.

Prior to June 26, 2023, we had a subsidiary TMSR Holdings Limited (“TMSR HK”), which owns 100% equity interest in Makesi WFOE. Makesi WFOE had a series of contractual arrangement with Yuan Ma that established a VIE structure. For accounting purposes, Makesi WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Yuan Ma. Accordingly, under U.S. GAAP, GDC treated Yuan Ma as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Yuan Ma’s financial results in GDC’s consolidated financial statements prior to June 26, 2023. On June 26, 2023, GDC entered into a share purchase agreement with a buyer unaffiliated with the Company. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company agreed to sell and the buyer agreed to purchase all the issued and outstanding equity interest in TMSR HK. The purchase price for the transaction contemplated by the Agreement was $100,000. The sale of TMSR HK did not have any material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


Prior to September 26, 2023, we also conducted business through Highlight Media. We had a series of contractual arrangement with Highlight Media through one of our subsidiaries, Highlight WFOE. For accounting purposes, Highlight WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Highlight Media. Accordingly, under U.S. GAAP, GDC treated Highlight Media as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Highlight Media’s financial results in GDC’s financial statements prior to September 26, 2023. Highlight Media was an integrated marketing service agency, focusing on enterprise brand management, crisis public relations, intelligent public opinion monitoring, media PR, financial and economic we-media operation, digital face application, large-scale exhibition services and other businesses. On September 26, 2023, Highlight WFOE entered into a termination agreement with Highlight Media and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Report. Certain information containedshareholders of Highlight Media to terminate the VIE Agreements and sold the interest in the discussionVIE Agreements for a purchase price of $100,000. As a result of such termination, the Company no longer treats Highlight Media as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and analysis set forth below includes forward-lookingbalance sheet of Highlight Media in the Company’s consolidated financial statements that involve risksunder U.S. GAAP.

Recent Development

Change of Auditor

On October 9, 2023, the Company notified its independent registered public accounting firm, Enrome LLP, its decision to dismiss Enrome LLP as the Company’s auditor. On October 12, 2023, the Audit Committee and uncertainties.the Board of Directors of the Company approved the appointment of HTL as its new independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Company’s financial statements.

 

OverviewInvestment in Shanghai Xianzhui

On August 10, 2023, Highlight WFOE, Beijing Hehe Property Management Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Hehe”), and a third party, established Shanghai Xianzhui under the laws of the People’s Republic of China for social media marketing. Highlight WFOE owned 60% of the equity interest of Shanghai Xianzhui, Beijing Hehe owned 20% of the equity interest of Shanghai Xianzhui and the third party owned the remaining 20% of the equity interest of Shanghai Xianzhui.

 

We are a blank check company formedOn October 27, 2023, the Company entered into an equity purchase agreement with Highlight WFOE and Beijing Hehe, which was amended on November 10, 2023 (such equity purchase agreement, as amended, the “Agreement” for the purpose of effectingthis section “Investment in Shanghai Xianzhui”), pursuant to which the Highlight WFOE agreed to purchase 13.3333% equity interest in Shanghai Xianzhui from Beijing Hehe and the Company agreed to issue 400,000 shares of common stock of the Company, valued at $2.7820 per share, the average closing bid price of the common stock of GDC as of the five trading days immediately preceding the date of the Agreement, to Beijing Hehe or its assigns. On January 11, 2024, the Company issued the 400,000 shares of its common stock to Beijing Hehe and the transaction was completed. Up to the date of this Report, the Company owns 73.3333% of the total equity interest of Shanghai Xianzhui.

Registered Direct Offering

On May 4, 2023, the Company issued (i) 310,168 shares of common stock, (ii) registered pre-funded warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to 844,351 shares of common stock and (iii) unregistered warrants to purchase up to 1,154,519 shares of common stock in a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. We consummated our initial public offering on July 29, 2015. We are currently in the process of evaluating and identifying targets for a business combination. We are evaluating acquisition opportunities and, at any given time, may be in various stages of due diligence or preliminary discussions with respect to a number of potential acquisitions. From time to time, we may enter into non-binding letters of intent, but we are currently not subject to any definitive agreement with respect to any business combination. However, we cannot assure you that we will identify any suitable target candidates or, if identified, that we will be able to complete the acquisition of such candidates on favorable terms or at all. While we currently intend to consummate our initial business combination with a target business in the consumer products industry in the United States, we are not limited to a particular industry or geographic region. We intend to effectuate our initial business combination using cash from the proceeds of our initial publicregistered direct offering and thea concurrent private placement, which were exchanged for pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 577,260 shares of common stock on November 3, 2023. See “Part I – Item 1. Business – Recent Business Development – May 2023 Offering.”


On November 3, 2023, the Company issued (i) 1,436,253 shares of common stock, (ii) registered pre-funded warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to 1,876,103 shares of common stock and (iii) registered warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 3,312,356 shares of common stock in a registered direct offering. See “Part I – Item 1. Business – Recent Business Development – November 2023 Offering.”

On March 26, 2024, the Company issued 810,277 shares of common stock in a registered direct offering. See “Part I – Item 1. Business – Recent Business Development – March 2024 Offering.”

Key Factors that Affect Operating Results

Competition

E-commerce and live streaming is a competitive industry. Our competition varies and includes content creators on TikTok and other social media platform. Each of these competitors competes with us based on quality of content, activeness and responsiveness on the social placement, units, our capital stock, debtproduct selection, product quality, customer service, price, store format, location, or a combination of these as the considerationfactors. Some of these competitors may have been in business longer, may have more experience, or may have greater financial or marketing resources than us. As competition intensifies, our results of operations may be negatively impacted through a loss of sales and decrease in market share.

Retention of Key Management Team Members

Our management team comprises executives with extensive experience in technology and content creation. The management team has led us to be paidtake leaps in our initial business combination.

deploying AI technology in live-steaming, e-commerce, gaming and other sectors. The issuanceloss of additional sharesany of our stock in akey executive team member might affect our business combination:

may significantly dilute the equity interest of investors inand our initial public  offering;
may subordinate the rights of holders of common stock if preferred stock is issued with rights senior to those afforded our common stock;
could cause a change in control if a substantial number of shares of our common stock is issued, which may affect, among other things, our ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards, if any, and could result in the resignation or removal of our present officers and directors;
may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of us by diluting the stock ownership or voting rights of a person seeking to obtain control of us; and
may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock and/or warrants.

Similarly, if we issue debt securities, it could result in:

default and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenues after an initial business combination are insufficient to repay our debt obligations;
acceleration of our obligations to repay the indebtedness even if we make all principal and interest payments when due if we breach certain covenants that require the maintenance of certain financial ratios or reserves without a waiver or renegotiation of that covenant;

our immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any, if the debt security is payable on demand and the lender demands payment;
limitations on our ability to obtain additional financing if the debt security contains covenants restricting our ability to incur debt;
our inability to pay dividends on our common stock due to covenants limiting or prohibiting dividends;
using a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay principal and interest on our debt, which will reduce, or possibly eliminate, the funds available for use as dividends on our common stock, expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;
limitations on our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our business and in the industry in which we operate; and

of operation.

38

 

As indicatedOur Ability to Grow Market Presence and Penetrate New Markets

We are still in an early development stage. We intend to expand our presence on social media to increase the accompanying financial statements, at December 31, 2016,market presence. If we had approximately $150,000cannot grow market presence and penetrate new markets in cash. We expect to incur significant costs in the pursuitan effective and cost-efficient way, our results of our acquisition plans. We cannot assure you that our plans to complete our initial business combinationoperation will be successful.negatively impacted.

 

ResultsImpact of Operationsthe COVID-19 Pandemic

WeThe COVID-19 pandemic did not have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues to date. Fora material impact on our business or results of operation during the year ended December 31, 2016, we had2023 and 2022. However, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact the general economy and our business is highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted. These uncertainties may impede our ability to conduct our operations and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and as a net lossresult could adversely affect our stock price and create more volatility.


Results of $541,616. For the period from April 10, 2015 (inception) throughOperations

Year Ended December 31, 2015, we had a net loss of $234,205 and incurred costs of $1,862,816 related to our initial public offering which have been charged to stockholders’ equity.2023 vs. December 31, 2022

 

           Percentage 
  2023  2022  Change  Change 
Operating expenses  11,990,934   414,151   11,576,783   2,795.3%
Loss from operations  (11,990,934)  (414,151)  (11,576,783)  2,795.3%
Other income, net  104,419   -   104,419   100.0%
Loss before income tax from continuing operations  (11,886,515)  (414,151)  (11,472,364)  2,770.1%
Provision for income taxes  327,822   -   327,822   100.0%
Loss from continuing operations  (12,214,337)  (414,151)  (11,800,186)  2,849.2%
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  (1,825,130)  -   (1,825,130)  (100.0)%
Loss from continuing operations attributable to GD Culture Group Limited  (10,389,207)  (414,151)  (9,975,056)  2,408.6%
Discontinued operations:                
Loss from discontinued operations  (2,132,049)  (26,347,195)  24,215,146   (91.9)%
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes  (362)  (4,060,609)  4,060,247   (100.0)%
Net Loss  (14,346,748)  (30,821,955)  16,475,207   (53.5)%

Operating Expenses

The Company’s entire activity from April 10, 2015 (inception) through July 29, 2015, was in preparation for our initial public offering, which was consummated on July 29, 2015. Since that date, we have engaged in a search for a target for a business combination. Our operating costs since thenexpenses include our search for an initial business combinationselling and are largely associated with our governancemarketing (“S&M”) expenses, general and public reporting, consulting fees,administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, research and state franchise taxes ofdevelopment (“R&D”) expenses. S&M expenses increased to approximately $628,000$4.7 million for the year 2016 and $244,000ended December 31, 2023, compared to nil for the year 2015. Investment income ofended December 31, 2022. The increase was mainly due to the Company increased inputs on digital human and e-commerce live streaming marketing and advertising to improve its brand reputation, attract a large following on social media. G&A expenses increased by approximately $86,000 and $23,000$4.8 million from approximately $0.4 million for the year 2016ended December 31, 2022 to approximately $5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was mainly due to the combined impact of (i) the reduction of impairment of prepaid and 2015, respectively, representsother current assets, (ii) the realized and unrealized appreciation on our investment in U.S. treasury bills since our initial public offering. We may need to raise additional capital through loans or additional investments from our sponsor, stockholders, officers, directors, or third parties. In order to fund transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination, our sponsor, membersexpansion of our management teamadministrative associated personnel cost, and (iii) increase in operating and lease expenses for offices. R&D expenses increased to approximately $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to nil for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was mainly due to the Company increased inputs on research and development about our artificial intelligence based digital human application, to create unconventional digital characters and customize digital humans to support the clients’ marketing efforts.

Other Income, Net

The Company’s other income increased by approximately $104 thousand during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to nil for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was mainly due to the gain from disposal of subsidiaries.

Loss from Continuing Operations

As a result of the foregoing, loss from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 was approximately $12.2 million, an increase of approximately 2,849.2%, from approximately loss from continuing operations of $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.


Net Loss

The Company’s net loss decreased by approximately $16.5 million, or their affiliates or59.4%, to approximately $14.3 million net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023, from approximately $30.8 million net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was mainly due to the combined impact of (i) increase in digital human and e-commerce live streaming marketing and advertising, (ii) the expansion of our administrative associated personnel cost, (iii) increase in operating and lease expenses for offices, (iv) increase in researching and development about our artificial intelligence based digital human application and (v) the reduction of impairment of goodwill and prepaid and other third parties may loan us additionalcurrent assets.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that can significantly impact the amounts provided any such loans will not have any claimthe Company reports as assets, liabilities, revenue, costs and expenses and the related disclosures. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that it believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The Company’s actual results could differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions. The Company has identified the following key accounting estimates:

Convertible Notes Receivable

The Company evaluated the terms of the DigiTrax Convertible Notes and the Liquid Convertible Notes (as defined in Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements) according to ASC 320 “Investments — Debt Securities” and concluded that the convertible notes should be classified as an available-for-sale security and measured at fair value. To evaluate the fair value of the available-for-sale security, the Company used the valuation methodology of income approach, which is determined by the future cash flow forecast. The fair value changes of these notes were recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income on the proceeds heldaccompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the year ended as of the reporting period.

Lease

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Leases that transfer substantially all of the benefits and risks incidental to the ownership of assets are accounted for as finance leases as if there was an acquisition of an asset and incurrence of an obligation at the inception of the lease. All other leases are accounted for as operating leases. The Company has no significant finance leases.

The Company recognizes lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets on the balance sheet for leases. Operating lease right- of-use assets (the “ROU”) are disclosed as non-current assets in the trust account unless such proceedsCompany’s consolidated balance sheets. Current maturities of operating lease liabilities are releasedclassified as operating lease liabilities - current, and operating lease liabilities that will be due in more than one year are disclosed as non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities are initially recognized based on the present value of future lease payments at lease commencement. The operating lease right-of-use asset also includes any lease payments made prior to us upon completionlease commencement and the initial direct costs incurred by the lessee and is recorded net of anany lease incentives received. As the interest rates implicit in most of the leases are not readily determinable, the Company uses the incremental borrowing rates based on the information available at lease commencement to determine the present value of the future lease payments. Operating lease expenses are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Most leases have initial business combination. If weterms ranging from 1 to 5.5 years. The Company’s lease agreements did not include non-lease components. Lease expense for fixed lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company’s lease agreements do not consummate an initial business combination, we may use a portioncontain any significant residual value guarantees or restricted covenants.


The Company evaluates the carrying value of any working capital held outsideROU assets if there are indicators of impairment and reviews the trust account to repay such loaned amounts; however, no proceeds from the trust account may be used for such repayment, other than interest income earned thereon. If such funds are insufficient to repay the loan amounts, the unpaid amounts would be forgiven. Any part or all of such loans may be converted into additional warrants at $0.50 per warrant (a maximum of 1,000,000 warrants if up to $500,000 is loaned and that amount is converted into warrants)recoverability of the post-business combination entity atrelated asset group.

The Company reassesses of a contract is or contains a leasing arrangement and re-measures ROU assets and liabilities upon modification of the option of such parties.contract. The warrants would be identical to the placement warrants issued to our sponsor. None of our sponsors, stockholders, officers or directors, or third parties, are under any obligation to advance us funds, or to invest in us. Accordingly, we may not be able to obtain additional financing. If we are unable to raise additional capital, we may be required to take additional measures to conserve liquidity, which could include, but not necessarily be limited to, curtailing operations, suspending the pursuit of our business plan,Company will derecognize ROU assets and reducing overhead expenses. We cannot provide any assurance that new financing will be available to us on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. 

We are an emerging growth company as definedliabilities, with difference recognized in the JOBS Act. As an emerging growth company, we have elected, pursuant to Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act, to take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Securities Act Section 7(a)(2)(B) for complying with new or revised accounting standards. We will therefore delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until those standards apply to private companies. We may take advantage of this extended transition period until the earlier of the date we (i) are no longer an “emerging growth company” or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period provided in Securities Act Section 7(a)(2)(B). As such, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates.

Upon the issuance of a new or revised accounting standard that applies to our financial statements and has a different effective date for public and private companies, we will disclose the date on which adoption is required for non-emerging growth companies and the date on which we will adopt the recently-issued accounting standard.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2016, we had cash of $150,306. Until the consummation of our initial public offering on July 29, 2015, the Company’s only source of liquidity was an initial purchase of our shares of common stock and a series of advances made by an affiliate of the Company. These advances are non-interest bearing and unsecured.

On July 29, 2015, we consummated our initial public offering of 5,000,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit. Simultaneously with the consummation of our initial public offering, we consummated the private sale of 250,000 placement units to our sponsor. Each private placement unit consists of one share of common stock and one warrant to purchase one-half of one share of common stock at a price of $5.75 per half share, at a price of $10.00 per unit ($2,500,000 in the aggregate). We received net proceeds from the our initial public offering and the private placement of approximately $50,650,000, net of the underwriting commissions and fees of $1,250,000 and offering costs and other expenses of approximately $600,000. $50,000,000 of the proceeds of our initial public offering and the private placement have been deposited in the trust account and are not available to us for operations (except amounts designated to pay taxes and working capital from the interest accrued). At December 31, 2016, we had approximately $150,000 of cash available outside of the trust account to fund our activities to search for an initial business combination.

As of December 31, 2016, $50,109,326 was held in the Trust Account and we had cash outside of trust of $ 150,036 and $19,922 in accounts payable, $82,647 of accrued franchise taxes and $140,500 in due to affiliates. As of December 31, 2015, $50,023,363 was held in the trust account and we had cash outside of trust of $623,044 and $211,495 in accounts payable, accrued expenses and due to affiliates. Through December 31, 2016, the Company had not withdrawn any funds from interest earnedincome statement on the trust proceeds. Furthermore, no amounts are payable tocontract termination.  

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2021, the underwriters of our initial public offering in the eventFASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2021-08), which clarifies that an acquirer of a business combination.

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2016, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as definedshould recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K and did not have any commitments or contractual obligations. We have not guaranteed any debt or commitments of other entities or entered into any options on non-financial assets.

Contractual Obligations

We do not have any long term debt, capital lease obligations, operating lease obligations or purchase obligations.

Critical Accounting Policies

Basis of presentation

The accompanying financial statements have been prepareda business combination in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the accounting and disclosure rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Development stage company

Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Company complies with the reporting requirements of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-10, which eliminated certain financial reporting requirements of companies previously identified as “Development Stage Entities” (Topic 915). The amendments in this ASU simplify accounting guidance by removing all incremental financial reporting requirements for development stage entities. The amendments also reduce date maintenance and, for those entities subject to audit, audit costs by eliminating the requirements for development stage entities to present inception-to-date information in the statements of income, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity. Early application of each of the amendments is permitted for any annual reporting periods or interim period for which the entity’s financial statements have not yet been issued (public business entities) or made available for issuance (other entities). Upon adoption, entities will no longer present or disclose any information required by Topic 915. For public business entities, thosenew amendments are effective for annual reporting periodsfiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, and2023, including interim periods therein.

Net loss per common share

within those fiscal years. The Company complies with accounting and disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share.” Net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss applicableamendments should be applied prospectively to common stockholders bybusiness combinations occurring on or after the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. At December 31, 2016, the Company did not have any dilutive securities and other contracts that could, potentially, be exercised or converted into common stock and then share in the earnings of the Company. As a result, diluted loss per common share is the same as basic loss per common share for the periods presented.

The preparation of interim financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at theeffective date of the interim financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We have identified the following as our critical accounting policies:

Concentration of credit risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist of cash accounts in a financial institution which, at times may exceed the Federal depository insurance coverage of $250,000.amendments, with early adoption permitted. The Company has not experienced losses on these accountsevaluated and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such accounts.

Fair value of financial instruments

The fair valueconcluded that there’s no impact of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify asnew guidance on the consolidated financial instruments under FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” approximates the carrying amounts represented in the accompanying balance sheets, primarily due to their short-term nature.

Use of estimates

statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Company will adopt ASU 2021-08 since January 1, 2024.

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Income taxes

The Company complies with the accounting and reporting requirements of FASB ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” which requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in future taxable or deductible amounts, based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

FASB ASC Topic 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. There were no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2016. No amounts were accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2016. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from its position. The Company is subject to income tax examinations by major taxing authorities since inception.

The Company may be subject to potential examination by U.S. federal, U.S. states or foreign jurisdiction authorities in the areas of income taxes. These potential examinations may include questioning the timing and amount of deductions, the nexus of income among various tax jurisdictions and compliance with U.S. federal, U.S. state and foreign tax laws. The Company’s management does not expect that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will materially change over the next twelve months.

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company did not have any cash equivalents as of December 31, 2016.

Cash and securities held in Trust Account

At December 31, 2016, the assets held in the trust account were held in cash and U.S. Treasury Bills.

Deferred offering costs

Deferred offering costs consist of legal, underwriter and accounting fees incurred through the balance sheet date that are directly related to our initial public offering and that were charged to stockholders’ equity upon the completion of our initial public offering on July 29, 2015. Offering costs amounting to $1,862,816 were charged to stockholders’ equity upon completion of our initial public offering.

Accrued expenses and due to affiliate

Accrued expenses represents amounts the Company owes to its vendors, for which service has been provided but the Company has not paid for and state franchise tax. At December 31, 2016, there were approximately $4,000 of accrued travel expenses and $39,000 accrued state franchise tax in the Company’s accrued expenses. Due to affiliate represents entity costs and offering costs paid by an affiliate on behalf of the Company. These advances are non-interest bearing, unsecured and payable on demand.

Redeemable Common Stock

As discussed in Note 4, 4,000,000 of the 5,000,000 shares of common stock sold as part of the units in our initial public offering contain a redemption feature which allows for the redemption of common stock under the Company’s liquidation or tender offer/stockholder approval provisions. In accordance with ASC 480, redemption provisions not solely within the control of the Company require the security to be classified outside of permanent equity. Ordinary liquidation events, which involve the redemption and liquidation of all of the entity’s equity instruments, are excluded from the provisions of ASC 480. Although the Company did not specify a maximum redemption threshold, its charter provides that in no event will it redeem its public shares in an amount that would cause its net tangible assets (stockholders’ equity) to be less than $5,000,001.

Accordingly, at December 31, 2016, 4,000,000 of the 5,000,000 public shares were classified outside of permanent equity at its redemption value.

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Going concern

In August 2014,June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Disclosure2022-03, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Uncertainties aboutEquity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions”, which clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an Entity’s Ability to Continueequity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The amendments also clarify that an entity cannot, as a Going Concern” (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 providesseparate unit of account, recognize and measure a contractual sale restriction. This guidance on management’s responsibility in evaluating whether therealso requires certain disclosures for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions. The new guidance is substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and about related footnote disclosures. For each reporting period, management will be required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one yearbe applied prospectively with any adjustments from the adoption of the amendments recognized in earnings and disclosed on the date the financial statements are issued. The amendments in ASU 2014-15 areof adoption. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods endingfiscal years beginning after 15 December 15, 2016, and for annual and2023, including interim periods thereafter.within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has adoptedevaluated and concluded that there’s no impact of the methodologies prescribed by ASU 2014-15, and does not anticipate thatnew guidance on the adoption of ASU 2014-15 will have a material effect on itsconsolidated financial position or results of operations.

Recently issued accounting standards

statements. The Company complies withwill adopt ASU 2022-03 since January 1, 2024.

In December 2023, the reporting requirementsFASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09), which requires disclosure of FASB ASU No. 2014-10, which eliminated certain financial reporting requirements of companies previously identified as “Development Stage Entities” (Topic 915). The amendments in this ASU simplify accounting guidance by removing all incremental financial reporting requirements for development stage entities. The amendments also reduce date maintenanceincome tax information within the rate reconciliation and for those entities subject to audit, audit costs by eliminating the requirements for development stage entities to present inception-to-date information in the statementsexpanded disclosures of income cash flows, and stockholders’ equity. Upon adoption, entities will no longer present or disclose any information required by Topic 915. For private entities and emerging growth companies under the JOBS Act, the amendments aretaxes paid, among other disclosure requirements. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual reporting periodsfiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company has elected early adoption and the methodologies prescribed by ASU 2014-10 in the accompanying financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 provides guidance on management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. For each reporting period, management will be required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the date the financial statements are issued. The amendments in ASU 2014-15 are effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016 and for annual and interim periods thereafter.2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has adopted the methodologies prescribed by ASU 2014-15, andCompany’s management does not anticipate thatbelieve the adoption of ASU 2014-152023-09 will have a material effectimpact on its financial position or results of operations.statements and disclosures.

 

Management doesWe do not believe that anyother recently issued but not yet effective accounting pronouncements,standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on our consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and comprehensive loss and statements of cash flows.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company has funded working capital and other capital requirements primarily by equity contributions. Cash is required to repay debts and pay salaries, office expenses and other operating expenses. As of December 31, 2023, our net working capital was approximately $8.7 million.

We believe that current levels of cash and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet its anticipated cash needs for at least the next twelve months from the date the consolidated financial statements to be issued. However, it may need additional cash resources in the future if it experiences changed business conditions or other developments, and may also need additional cash resources in the future if it wishes to pursue opportunities for investment, acquisition, strategic cooperation or other similar actions. If it is determined that the cash requirements exceed the Company’s financial statements.amounts of cash and cash equivalents on hand, the Company may seek to issue debt or equity securities or obtain additional credit facility.

 


The following summarizes the key components of the Company’s cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. 

  For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
  2023  2022 
Net cash used in operating activities $(13,240,484) $(886,221)
Net cash used in investing activities  (5,217,314)  (12,493,352)
Net cash provided by financing activities  23,088,425   - 
Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents  155,783   (819,659)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents $4,786,410  $(14,199,222)

As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had cash in the amount of $5,175,518 and $389,108, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, $211,222 and $215,880 were deposited with various financial institutions located in the PRC, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, $4,964,296 and $173,228 were deposited with one financial institution located in the United States, respectively.

Operating activities

Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $13.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to approximately $0.9 million net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 was approximately $14.3 million, as compared to $30.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities decreased by $28.8 million, mainly due to the reduction of impairment of prepaid and other current assets and goodwill for approximately $24.6 million and reduction of loss from disposal of discontinued operations or subsidiaries of $4.2 million and changes in operating assets and liabilities decreased approximately $0.5 million, mainly caused by the decrease of $2.2 million of change in customer deposits and $0.3 million of change in deferred tax liability, partially net off by the increase of approximately $1 million of change in other payable-related parties, the increase of approximately $1.2 million of change in prepaid and other current assets and the increase of approximately $0.3 million of change in other assets.

Investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to approximately $12.5 million net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022. Net cash used in investing activities was decreased by approximately $7.3 million, mainly due to the decrease of the net cash impact from the disposal of discontinued operations or subsidiaries amounted to approximately $12.9 million, partially offset by purchase of intangible assets with the amount of $2.9 million and investment in convertible notes of Liquid Marketplace Corp and DigiTrax Entertainment Inc. with the amount of $2.5 million.

Financing activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $23.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to nil net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022. Net cash provided by financing activities was mainly due to approximately $12.5 million of issuance of common stock, $5.1 million proceeds from issuance of pre-funded warrants and contribution by noncontrolling  interest shareholder with the amount of $5.5 million.


Risks

Credit Risk

Credit risk is one of the most significant risks for the Company’s business.

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and accounts receivable. Cash held at major financial institutions located in the PRC are not insured by the government. While we believe that these financial institutions are of high credit quality, it also continually monitors their credit worthiness.

Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and derived from revenue earned from customers, thereby exposed to credit risk. Credit risk is controlled by the application of credit approvals, limits and monitoring procedures. The Company manages credit risk through in-house research and analysis of the Chinese economy and the underlying obligors and transaction structures. To minimize credit risk, the Company normally require prepayment from the customers prior to begin production or delivery products. The Company identifies credit risk collectively based on industry, geography and customer type. This information is monitored regularly by management.

In measuring the credit risk of our sales to our customers, the Company mainly reflects the “probability of default” by the customer on its contractual obligations and considers the current financial position of the customer and the exposures to the customer and its likely future development.

Liquidity Risk

The Company is also exposed to liquidity risk which is risk that it is unable to provide sufficient capital resources and liquidity to meet its commitments and business needs. Liquidity risk is controlled by the application of financial position analysis and monitoring procedures. When necessary, the Company will turn to other financial institutions and the owners to obtain short-term funding to meet the liquidity shortage.

Inflation Risk

The Company is also exposed to inflation risk Inflationary factors, such as increases in raw material and overhead costs, could impair our operating results. Although we do not believe that inflation has had a material impact on our financial position or results of operations to date, a high rate of inflation in the future may have an adverse effect on our ability to maintain current levels of gross margin and operating expenses as a percentage of sales revenue if the selling prices of our products do not increase with such increased costs.

Foreign Currency Risk

A majority of the Company’s operating activities and a significant portion of the Company’s assets and liabilities are denominated in RMB, which is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. All foreign exchange transactions take place either through the Peoples’ Bank of China (“PBOC”) or other authorized financial institutions at exchange rates quoted by PBOC. Approval of foreign currency payments by the PBOC or other regulatory institutions requires submitting a payment application form together with suppliers’ invoices and signed contracts. The value of RMB is subject to changes in central government policies and to international economic and political developments affecting supply and demand in the China Foreign Exchange Trading System market. 


Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The net proceeds of our initial public offering and the sale of the private placement warrants held in the trust account are invested in U.S. government treasury bills with a maturity of 180 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, we believe there will be no associated material exposure to interest rate risk.

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Disclosure in response to this Item is not required for a smaller reporting company. 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

Reference is made to Pages F-1 through F-18F-37 comprising a portion of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Index to Financial Statements

Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmF-2
Financial Statements:
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015F-3
Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 and for the period from April 10, 2015 (inception) to December 31, 2015F-4
Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the period from April 10, 2015 (inception) to December 31, 2016F-5
Statement of Cash Flows for the period from April 10, 2015 (inception) to December 31, 2016F-6
Notes to Financial StatementsF-7

 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

 

None.On October 9, 2023, the Company notified its independent registered public accounting firm, Enrome LLP, its decision to dismiss Enrome LLP as the Company’s auditor. The report of Enrome LLP on the financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and the related statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. The decision to change the independent registered public accounting firm was recommended and approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company. Since the engagement of Enrome LLP in September 2022 and through October 9, 2023, the date of dismissal, (a) there were no disagreements with Enrome LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Enrome LLP, would have caused it to make reference thereto in its reports on the financial statements for such years and (b) there were no “reportable events” as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

     

On October 12, 2023, the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors of GD Culture Group Limited (the “Company”) approved the appointment of HTL as its new independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Company’s financial statements. During the two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and any subsequent interim periods through the date hereof prior to the engagement of HTL, neither the Company, nor someone on its behalf, has consulted HTL regarding:

(i)either: the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and either a written report was provided to the Company or oral advice was provided that the new independent registered public accounting firm concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or

(ii)any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement as defined in paragraph 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K or a reportable event as described in paragraph 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive OfficerOfficers, President and Chief Financial Officer (the “Certifying Officer”Officers”), we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on the foregoing, our Certifying OfficerOfficers concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of the end of the period covered by this Report.

 


Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Certifying Officer,Officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

 

As required by the SEC rules and regulations for the implementation of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our consolidated financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

(1)

(1)pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of our company,

(2)provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors, and

(3)provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

A “material weakness” is defined under the SEC rules as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by our internal controls. As a result of its review, management concluded that we had material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting process consisting of the assets of our company,following:

 

(2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors, and

Inadequate U.S. GAAP expertise. The current accounting staff is inexperienced in applying U.S. GAAP standard as they are primarily engaged in ensuring compliance with PRC accounting and reporting requirement for our consolidated operating entities, and thus require substantial training. The current staff’s accounting skills and understanding as to how to fulfill the requirements of U.S. GAAP-based reporting, including subsidiary financial statements consolidation, are inadequate.

 

(3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.


 

No formal plan to provide applicable training for our financial and accounting staff to enhance our understanding of U.S. GAAP and internal control over financial reporting.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect errors or misstatements in our consolidated financial statements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree or compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2016.2023. In making these assessments, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013). Based on our assessments and those criteria, management determined that we maintained effectiveour internal control over financial reporting was not effective at December 31, 2016.2023 due to the material weaknesses identified by our management as described above.

 

Management Plan to Remediate Material Weaknesses

We plan to engage outside consultant to supplement efforts to improve our internal control over financial reporting;

We plan to acquire applicable training for our financial and accounting staff to enhance our understanding of U.S. GAAP and internal control over financial reporting

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

 

44

None.

Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

Not applicable.


 

 

PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

DirectorsThe following table sets forth the name, age and Executive Officers

Asposition of each of our executive officers and directors as of the date of this Report, our directors and officers are as follows:report:

  

Name Age TitlePosition
Qi (Jacky) ZhangXiao Jian Wang 4235 Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of the Board, of Directorsand Director
Tim RichersonZihao Zhao 5629 Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Director
Peter NathanialLu Cai 4933 Chief Operating Officer
Shuang Zhang54Vice President and Director
Kurt Jetta, PhDMingyue Cai (1)(2)(3) 5546 Director, Chairman of the Compensation Committee
Dongliang QuShuaiheng Zhang (1)(2)(3) 3660 Director, Chairman of the Audit Committee 
Arthur B. DrogueYi Zhong (1)(2)(3) 7132 Director, Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

(1)Member of our Audit Committee
Xiaoguang Liu 
52(2)Member of our Compensation Committee
 
Director(3)Member of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

Qi (Jacky)Business Experience and Directorships

The following describes the backgrounds of the director. Our board of directors has determined that (a) other than Messrs. Xiao Jian Wang and Shuang Zhang, all of our directors are independent directors as defined under the Nasdaq Stock Market’s listing standards governing members of boards of directors, and (b) the members of our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are independent under applicable SEC rules.

Mr. Xiao Jian Wang

Mr. Xiao Jian Wang was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of the Board and a director of the Company, effective April 21, 2023. Mr. Wang was the Vice President of Business Development at Foregrowth Inc. in Vancouver, Canadam, where he formulated and executed comprehensive business plans, achieving defined sales targets and driving market expansion, conducted training sessions for financial advisors, equipping them with in-depth knowledge of compliance requirements, market insights, and product features, and conducted extensive research and due diligence on potential alternative investment opportunities, resulting in successful acquisitions and partnerships. Prior to that, Mr. Wang was a Private Banking Consultant and an Interbank Commercial Paper Trader at China Minsheng Bank in Chongqing, China. Mr. Wang received his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree from University of British Columbia in 2012.

Ms. Zihao Zhao

Mr. Zihao Zhao was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective April 21, 2023. Mr. Zhao was a senior audit assistant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, PWC, Shanghai from 2016 to 2019. Mr. Wang received his Bachelor of Science in Taxation degree from Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance in 2016.


Ms. Lu Cai

Ms. Lu Cai was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company, effective February 9, 2023. Ms. Lu Cai, has over 10 years of extensive experience in financial management and consulting. Since July 2020, Ms. Lu Cai has been Chairmanthe Chief Executive Officer of our BoardBeijing Boda Shengshi Financial Consulting Co., Ltd, a firm that offers initial public offering and pre-marketing consulting services in China. From July 2017 to May 2020, Ms. Lu Cai was a Vice President of Directors since inception. Mr.SINO-TONE Beijing Consulting Co., Ltd, a consulting firm based in Beijing, China. Ms. Lu Cai graduated from Beijing Foreign Studies University.

Ms. Shuang Zhang

Ms. Shuang Zhang was appointed as the Vice President and a director of the Company, effective October 4, 2022. Ms. Shuang Zhang, co-founded Highlight Media in 2016 and has been a senior management member of Nanjing Joymain Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“Nanjing Joymain”), a health care consumer product company that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes high-tech health care consumer products through its direct sales channels in China, since June 2009, including holding positions as Global Chief Executive Officer since November 2012 and Executive President and Vice Chairman since December 2012. From June 2009 to October 2012, he was the President of Nanjing Joymain China District. Mr. Zhang is also the Global Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of JM Ocean Avenue International Corporation Limited (“JM Ocean Avenue”), a global direct sales company that offers consumer products in the nutritional supplement, personal care, and lifestyle categories in over 30 countries. From 2003 to 2009, Mr. Zhang was an entrepreneur and involved in a number of health care and consumer products’ development companies with distribution through direct sales channels in China. . Previously, from 1995 to 2003, Mr. Zhang held various positions and was promoted2017. During her tenure as a branch manager by the end of his tenure at Hangzhou City Commercial Bank. Mr. Zhang holds an MBA degree from the Business School of Nanjing Normal University. We believe Mr. Zhang is well qualified to serve as Chairman due to his more than 16 years of experience in business management and health care and consumer product development and marketing.

45

Tim Richerson has been our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and a director since inception. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Zhang managed the planning, creation and publication of books about the company history of industry leaders in China, published in top financial publications in China. From 2015 to 2016, Ms. Zhang was the director of HopRocket, a members-onlypublic relations at Ctrip, an online travel company. He previouslycompany in China. From 2004 to 2015, Ms. Zhang was the Presidenteditor-in-chief of Global OperationsChina Business News, responsible for editing, performance, and quality control. Ms. Zhang received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Heilongjiang University in China in 1991 and her Master of Business Administration degree from the Antai College of Management and Economics of Shanghai Jiaotong University.

Mr. Mingyue Cai

Mr. Cai was appointed as a director at JM Ocean Avenue, serving in such capacities from August 2014 through June 2015. Mr. Richerson started his career at Beecham Products in 1984 and then spent over a decade at Playtex Products, Inc. In 1998, Mr. Richerson was Senior Vice President & General Manager of Rexall Sundown (then a Nasdaq-listed company), a manufacturer and distributor of health-related consumer products in the Vitamin, Diet and Sports Nutrition categories with multiple brands and sales channels, and then company President from 2000 to 2002. During that time, Rexall was sold to Royal Numico in 2000 for $1.8 billion. During his tenure he was also a member of the Numico North American ManagementNominating and Corporate Governance Committee, which included representatives from General Nutrition Centers (GNC)the Compensation Committee, and Unicity, also Royal Numico-owned companies. During that time he wasthe Audit Committee of the Company on the Associate Member Advisory Board with the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. In 2003, he cofounded the Alan James Group, (a branded consumer products company), which was purchased by Interleukin Genetics (NASDAQ:ILI), a genetics-based personalized health company, in 2006, and served as Interleukin’s Chief Executive officer until 2007.February 25, 2020. Mr. RichersonCai has been a partner in GT Development which develops, owns and operates commercial real estate, since November 2004. Mr. Richerson also served as a consultant to Burnham Financial Group from February 2013 through August 2014. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri and is a prior member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO). We believe Mr. Richerson is well qualified to serve as director due to his more than 30 years of business experience in the areas of consumer products and marketing.

Peter Nathanial has been our President and a director since inception. Since January 2010, he has been a member of Impala Partners LLC, a boutique financial advisory, restructuring and investment firm. Prior to this, from January 2007 to December 2009, Mr. Nathanial served as the Group Chief Risk Officer at The Royal Bank of Scotland, based in Edinburgh. From 1991 to 2006 he held management positions at Citigroup in New York and internationally, including Zurich from 1993 to 1995, Moscow from 1995 to 1998, Warsaw from 1998 to 2000, and New York from 2000 to 2006. Mr. Nathanial serves on Advisory Boards and Boards of Directors and non-for profit organizations around the world including; Digital MR (UK) — member of the advisory board since January 2010; LITUS (Belgium) — member of the international advisory board, since March 2015; International Friends of Elepap — director since October 2014, and member of the International Advisory Council to the President of Cyprus, since May 2014. He is a former Member of the President’s Council of the International Crisis Group from January 2007 to July 2009, and from July 2012 to November 2012 served as an Expert Special Advisor to the International Monetary Fund. Mr. Nathanial was educated in Australia and holds a BA from Macquarie University. We believe Mr. Nathanial is well qualified to serve as director due to his extensive experience in the banking, private equity and risk management.

Kurt Jetta, Ph.D., one of our directors since July 2015, is currently the Chief Executive Officer and Lead Product Developer for TABS Group, Inc., a technology-enabled retail and consumer analytics firm, which he founded in 1998. In the 17 years since inception TABS Group, Inc. has gone from a one-man operation to 25 employees and 50+ retainer clients. Prior to TABS Group, from 1996 to 1998, Dr. Jetta was the CEO of Binky-Griptight, a supplier of baby accessory products in the US market. Dr. Jetta is also a Board Member for the Delray Beach Boys & Girls Club. Dr. Jetta has a B.S. in Statistics from North Carolina State University, an M.B.A. in Marketing from The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and a doctorate in Economics from Fordham University. We believe Dr. Jetta is well qualified to serve as one of our directors due to his extensive operational experience in running TABS Group, as well as his deep educational background in marketing and economics.

Dongliang Qu, one of our directors since July 2015, is currently a partner at Jiangsu Zhongmeng Law Firm, a position he has held since August 2009; he is also the Executive Director of Nanjing Zhongmeng Intellectual Property Agency, an affiliate of Jiangsu Zhongmeng Law Firm that provides trademark, copyright, patent related, corporate and legal services. From October 2005 to July 2009, Mr. Qu was the Director of Intellectual Property at Jiangsu Ninghai Trademark Agency. Mr. Qu specializes in intellectual property and corporate laws. Mr. Qu’s legal practice encompasses intellectual property applications, complex trademark disputes, unfair competition, and intellectual property infringement matters. He has successfully represented a number of corporations in China in defending their intellectual property rights and trademark. Mr. Qu holds a bachelor degree from Nanjing University with a major in law and a bachelor degree from Southeast University with a major in electrical engineering and automation. We believe Mr. Qu is well qualified to serve as one of our directors due to his extensive experience as a practicing attorney.

46

Arthur B. Drogue, our director since July 2016, has served as a Director of the Spar Group (Nasdaq: SGRP), a company that provides retail services to the consumer goods industry, since January 2013 and as a Director of Ruiz Foods, a privately held Mexican frozen foods company, since November 2011. Mr. Drogue has also served as the Chairman of Apollo Food Group dba Yasso, a private frozen Greek yogurt company, since December 2013 and as the Chairman of Cheating Gourmet, a private frozen seafood and frozen meat company, since January 2016. Mr. Drogue has served as Co-Founder and Partner of The Resource Team, a consulting practice focused on the consumer goods industry, since November 2011. Mr. Drogue served as the Interim Chief Operating Officer of Unreal Candy Company, a start-up confections company, from October 2012 to July 2013. Mr. Drogue served as an Operating Partner of the Raptor Consumer Fund, a private fund that invests in early stage companies in the consumer goods industry, from January 2011 to January 2015. Mr. Drogue was a Senior Vice President at Unilever NV (NYSE: UL) from 2000 until 2010. His previous professional experience includes senior management positionsYitu Safety Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., a PRC company engages in artificial intelligence development and application. From November 2009 to August 2017, he was an administrative director at Best Foods (Vice President of Sales, U.S.Rugao Port Group Co., from 1999Ltd., a PRC company that focuses on port logistics, industrial park construction and timber, coal and ore trade. From June 2004 to 2000)October 2009, Mr. Cai worked as a manager at Shanghai Rishan Environmental Protection Technology Co., Sunbeam (Vice President of Sales, North America, from 1998 to 1999)Ltd., Nabisco (Vice Presidenta PRC company that distribute and then Senior Vice President, Sales, from 1991 to 1998), Northeastern Organization Inc. (from 1989 to 1991),retail environmentally friendly cleaning products. Mr. Cai has a bachelor’s degree in administrative management.

Mr. Shuaiheng Zhang

Mr. Shuaiheng Zhang was appointed as a director and General Mills (NYSE: GIS) (various positions, including Director of Operations and Strategic Planning, from 1969 to 1989). Mr. Drogue graduated with a B.A. from Stetson University. We believe that Mr. Drogue is well qualified to serve as a member of the Board dueNominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Audit Committee of the Company, effective February 9, 2023. Mr. Shuaiheng Zhang, has more than 40 years of working experience in management. Since September 2019, Mr. Shuaiheng Zhang has been the general manager at Sunwoda Huizhou New Energy Co., Ltd., a high-tech enterprise with research and development, design, production and sale of lithium-ion battery cell and module and a wholly owned subsidiary of Sunwoda Electronic Co., Ltd., a company listed on the Growth Enterprise Market of Shenzhen Stock Exchange since 2011. From October 1994 to July 2013, Mr. Shuaiheng Zhang was the general manager and vice chairman of the board at Shenzhen SEG Co., Ltd., a company listed on the main board of Shenzhen Stock Exchange that are engaged in development of electronic information industry and electronic product trading market. From July 2013 to December 2015, Mr. Shuaiheng Zhang was the vice general manager at Shenzhen SI Semiconductors Co., Ltd., a power semiconductor device manufacturer. From December 2015 to September 2019, Mr. Shuaiheng Zhang was the general manager and chairman of the board of Shenzhen SEG Longyan Energy Technology CO., Ltd., a subsidiary of Shenzhen SEG Co., Ltd. Mr. Shuaiheng Zhang received his extensive experience servingbachelor degree In mechanical engineering from Xidian University and his master degree in computer science from Tsinghua University.


Mr. Yi Zhong

Mr. Yi Zhong was appointed as a director and senior officer of public and private companies.

Xiaoguang Liu, our director since August 2016, has served as a professor in the Tianjin University of Science and Technology since October 2009. From April 2006 until August 2009, Dr. Liu served as a post-doctoral associate in the Department of Biology of Texas A&M University and from March 2002 until January 2006 he served as a post-doctoral associate in the Department of Medicine of the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Liu received his bachelor degree from Jiangxi Agricultural University, his master degree from Zhejiang Agricultural University and his doctorate from the University of Arizona. We believe Dr. Liu is well qualified to serve as a member of the Board because his clinicalNominating and technical background adds to,Corporate Governance Committee, the Compensation Committee, and rounds out the experienceAudit Committee of the Board.Company, effective February 17, 2023. Mr. Yi Zhong, is experienced in fund in management. Since 2014, Mr. Yi Zhong has been a fund manager at Huajian Securities in Shenzhen China, where he managed long-short equity portfolio, analyzed market trends, economic data and company financials to make investment decisions. From 2013 to 2017, Mr. Yi Zhong was a fund manager assistant at Hongouruibo Investment Fund in Shenzhen China, where Mr. Yi Zhong participated in the management of a global equity portfolio, developed and implemented investment strategies that effectively balance risk and reward. Mr. Yi Zhong received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Toronto. 

 

Number and TermsNo Classification of Office of Officers and Directors

 

OurIn accordance with our existing charter, our board of directors is divided into threetwo classes with only one class of directors being elected in each year and each class serving a three-year term. The term of office of the(except for those directors appointed prior to our first class of directors, consisting of Messrs. Drogue and Liu, will expire at our 2019 annual meeting of stockholders. The termstockholders) serving a two-year term.

As discussed above, in connection with the Business Combination, our board of officedirectors has been reconstituted and comprised of six members. Our board of directors believes it is in the best interests of the second classCompany for the board of directors consisting of Messrs. Jetta and Qu, will expire at our 2017to have no separate classification, such that each director serves a one-year term until the next annual meeting of stockholders. The termstockholders or until such director’s successor is elected or qualified.

Director Independence

Nasdaq listing standards require that a majority of officeour board of directors be independent as long as we are not a controlled company. We anticipate that a majority of our board of directors will be independent as of the third classclosing of the Business Combination. An “independent director” is defined under the Nasdaq rules generally as a person other than an officer or employee of the company or its subsidiaries or any other individual having a relationship which in the opinion of the company’s board of directors, consistingwould interfere with the director’s exercise of Messrs.independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. We anticipate that our board of directors will determine that Mr. Mingyue Cai, Mr. Shuaiheng Zhang Richerson and Nathanial,Mr. Yi Zhong are “independent directors” as defined in the Nasdaq listing standards and applicable SEC rules. Our independent directors will expirehave regularly scheduled meetings at our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders.

which only independent directors are present.

47

Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight

 

The board of directors does not have a lead independent director. Currently Mr. Xiao Jian Wang serves as our Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board.

Committees of the Board of Directors

 

The standing committees of our board of directors currently consists of an Audit Committee

Subject to phase-in rules and a limited exception,Compensation Committee, and after the rulesBusiness Combination will also consist of Nasdaqa Nominating and Section 10ACorporate Governance Committee. Each of the Exchange Act require that the audit committee of a listed company be comprised solely of independent directors. We have established an audit committee ofcommittees will report to the board of directors whichas they deem appropriate and as the board may request.


Audit Committee

Our Audit Committee currently consists of Messrs. Jetta, QuMr. Shuaiheng Zhang, Mr. Yi Zhong and Drogue. Messrs. Jetta, Qu and Drogue meetMr. Mingyue Cai, with Mr. Shuaiheng Zhang serving as the independent director standard under Nasdaq’s listing standards and under Rule 10A-3(b)(1)chairman of the Exchange Act. Dr. Jetta servesAudit Committee. We believe that each of these individuals qualify as Chairmanindependent directors according to the rules and regulations of the SEC with respect to audit committee membership. We also believe that Mr. Shuaiheng Zhang qualifies as our audit committee.“audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K. Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee, which is attached as an exhibit to this Report.

 

The audit committee’s duties, which are specified in our Audit Committee Charter, include, but are not limited to:

 

reviewing and discussing with management and the independent auditor our annual audited financial statements, and recommending to the board whether the audited financial statements should be included in our Form 10-K;
  
discussing with management and the independent auditor significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of our financial statements;
  
discussing with management major risk assessment and risk management policies;

 
monitoring the independence of the independent auditor;
  
verifying the rotation of the lead (or coordinating) audit partner having primary responsibility for the audit and the audit partner responsible for reviewing the audit as required by law;
  
reviewing and approving all related-party transactions;
  
inquiring and discussing with management our compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
  
pre-approving all audit services and permitted non-audit services to be performed by our independent auditor, including the fees and terms of the services to be performed;
  
appointing or replacing the independent auditor;
  
determining the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditor (including resolution of disagreements between management and the independent auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work;
  
establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or reports which raise material issues regarding our financial statements or accounting policies; and
approving reimbursement of expenses incurred by our management team in identifying potential target businesses.

Compensation Committee

 

Financial Expert on AuditOur Compensation Committee

The audit committee will at all times be composed exclusively currently consists of independent directors who are “financially literate”Mr. Mingyue Cai, Mr. Shuaiheng Zhang, and Mr. Yi Zhong, with Mr. Mingyue Cai serving as defined under Nasdaq’s listing standards. The Nasdaq listing standards define “financially literate” as being able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including a company’s balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement.

In addition, we must certify to the NASDAQ Capital Market that the committee has, and will continue to have, at least one member who has past employment experience in finance or accounting, requisite professional certification in accounting, or other comparable experience or background that results in the individual’s financial sophistication. We have determined that Dr. Jetta satisfies Nasdaq’s definition of financial sophistication and also qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined under rules and regulationschairman of the SEC.

48

Compensation Committee

Committee. We have established a compensation committeeanticipate that each of the board of directors. The members of our Compensation Committee are Messrs. Jetta and Qu. Mr. Qu serves as chairmanwill be independent under the applicable Nasdaq listing standards. Our board of the compensation committee. We havedirectors has adopted a compensation committeewritten charter for the Compensation Committee, which details the principal functions of the compensation committee, including:is attached as an exhibit to this Report.


 

The compensation committee’s duties, which are specified in our Compensation Committee Charter, include, but not limited to:

reviewing and approving on an annual basis the corporate goals and objectives relevant to our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, evaluating our Chief Executive Officer’s performance in light of such goals and objectives and determining and approving the remuneration (if any) of our Chief Executive Officer’s based on such evaluation;
  
reviewing and approving the compensation of all of our other executive officers;
  
reviewing our executive compensation policies and plans;
  
implementing and administering our incentive compensation equity-based remuneration plans;
  
assisting management in complying with our proxy statement and annual report disclosure requirements;
  
approving all special perquisites, special cash payments and other special compensation and benefit arrangements for our executive officers and employees;
  
producing a report on executive compensation to be included in our annual proxy statement; and
  
reviewing, evaluating and recommending changes, if appropriate, to the remuneration for directors.

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

 

The charter also provides that the compensation committee may, in its sole discretion, retain or obtain the advice of a compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviserOur Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will be directly responsible for, the appointment, compensation and oversightamong other matters: (1) identifying individuals qualified to become members of the work of any such adviser. However, before engaging or receiving advice from a compensation consultant, external legal counsel or any other adviser, the compensation committee will consider the independence of each such adviser, including the factors required by Nasdaq and the SEC.

Director Nominations

We do not have a standing nominating committee, though we intend to form a corporate governance and nominating committee as and when required to do so by law or NASDAQ rules. In accordance with Rule 5605(e)(2) of the NASDAQ rules, a majority of the independent directors may recommend a director nominee for selection by the board of directors. Theour board of directors, believes thatconsistent with criteria approved by our board of directors; (2) overseeing the independent directors can satisfactorily carry out the responsibilityorganization of properly selecting or approving director nominees without the formation of a standing nominating committee. The directors who shall participate in the consideration and recommendation of director nominees are Dr. Jetta, Mr. Qu, Mr. Drogue and Mr. Liu. In accordance with Rule 5605(e)(1)(A) of the NASDAQ rules, Dr. Jetta, Mr. Qu, Mr. Drogue and Mr. Liu are independent. As there is no standing nominating committee, we do not have a nominating committee charter in place.

Theour board of directors will also consider director candidates recommended for nomination byto discharge the board’s duties and responsibilities properly and efficiently; (3) identifying best practices and recommending corporate governance principles; and (4) developing and recommending to our stockholders during such times as they are seeking proposed nominees to stand for election at the next annual meeting of stockholders (or, if applicable, a special meeting of stockholders). Our stockholders that wish to nominate a director for election to the Board should follow the procedures set forth in our bylaws.

We have not formally established any specific, minimum qualifications that must be met or skills that are necessary for directors to possess. In general, in identifying and evaluating nominees for director, the board of directors considers educational background, diversitya set of professional experience, knowledgecorporate governance guidelines and principles applicable to us.

Our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee currently consists of Mr. Shuaiheng Zhang, Mr. Yi Zhong and Mr. Mingyue Cai, with Mr. Yi Zhong serving as the chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. We anticipate that each of the members of our business, integrity, professional reputation, independence, wisdom,Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will be independent under the ability to representapplicable Nasdaq listing standards. Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the best interests ofCorporate Governance and Nominating Committee, which is available on our stockholderscorporate website at www.ccnctech.com.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

None of our executive officers currently serves, and in the past year has not served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our board of directors.

 

Delinquent Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting ComplianceReports

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more than ten percent of our common stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. These reporting persons are also required to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely upon a review of such Forms, we believe that during the year ended December 31, 2016 there were no delinquent filers.2023, Mr. Xiao Jian Wang, Mr. Zihao Zhao, Ms. Lu Cai, Mr. Mingyue Cai, Mr. Shuaiheng Zhang and Mr. Yi Zhong did not file the required Section 16 reports on time. In particular, Mr. Xiao Jian Wang failed to timely file a Form 3 in connection with his appointment as the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of the Board and a director of the Company on April 21, 2023. Mr. Zihao Zhao failed to timely file a Form 3 in connection with his appointment as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company on April 21, 2023. Ms. Lu Cai failed to timely file a Form 3 in connection with her appointment as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company on February 9, 2023. Mr. Mingyue Cai failed to timely file a Form 3 in connection with his appointment as a director of the Company on February 25, 2020. Mr. Shuaiheng Zhang failed to timely file a Form 3 in connection with his appointment as a director of the Company on February 9, 2023. Mr. Yi Zhong failed to timely file a Form 3 in connection with his appointment as a director of the Company on February 17, 2023.

 

Code of Ethics

 

We have adopted a codeCode of ethicsEthics that applies to all of our employees, including our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and principal accounting officer. Our Code of Ethics is attached as an exhibit to this Report. If we amend or grant a waiver of one or more of the provisions of our Code of Ethics, we intend to satisfy the requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding the disclosure of amendments to or waivers from provisions of our Code of Ethics that apply to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer by posting the required information on our website at the above address.


Item 11. Executive Compensation

The following table provides disclosure concerning all compensation paid for services to GDC in all capacities for our fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 provided by (i) each person serving as our principal executive officer (“PEO”), (ii) each person serving as our principal financial officer (“PFO”) and (iii) our two most highly compensated executive officers other than our PEO and PFO whose total compensation exceeded $100,000 (collectively with the PEO, referred to as the “named executive officers” in this Executive Compensation section).

Summary Compensation Table 
Name and Principal Position Fiscal
Year
  Salary
($)
  Bonus
($)
  Stock
Awards
($)
  Option
Awards
($)
  Other
Compensation
($)
  Total
($)
 
                      
Xiao Jian Wang (1) 2023   34,725   65,275   -   -   -   100,000 
(CEO, President, Chairman of the Board, and Director) 2022   -   -   -   -   -   - 
                            
Zihao Zhao(2) 2023   20,833   -   -   -   -   20,833 
(CFO) 2022          -          -          -          -   -   - 
                            
Cai Lu (3) 2023   -   -   -   -          -   - 
(COO) 2022   -   -   -   -   -   - 
                            
Shuang Zhang (4) 2023   -   -   -   -   -   - 
(Vice President and Director) 2022   7,500   -   -   -   -   7,500 
                            
Hongxiang Yu (5) 2023   -   -   -   -   -   - 
(Former CEO, President and Chairman of the Board) 2022   7,500   -   -   -   -   7,500 
                            
Wei Xu (6) 2023   7,500   -   -   -   -   7,500 
(Former CEO, President and Chairman of the Board) 2022   10,000   -   -   -   -   10,000 
                            
Tingjun Yang (7) 2023   -   -   -   -   -   - 
(Former CEO) 2022   -   -   -   -   -   - 
                            
Yi Li (8) 2023   -   -   -   -   -   - 
(Former CFO) 2022   30,000   -   -   -   -   30,000 
                            
Jianan Liang (9) 2023   -   -               - 
(Former COO) 2022   7,500   -   -   -       7,500 
                            
Tianxiang Zhu (10) 2023   -   -   -   -       - 
(Former COO) 2022   15,000   -   -   -       15,000 
                            
Bibo Lin (11) 2023   -   -   -   -       - 
(Former Vice President and Former director) 2022   7,500   -   -   -       7,500 

(1)Mr. Xiao Jian Wang was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of the Board and a director of the Company, effective April 21, 2023.

(2)Mr. Zihao Zhao was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective April 21, 2023.

(3)Ms. Cai Lu was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer on February 9, 2023.

(4)Mr. Shuang Zhang was appointed as the Vice President and a director of the Company, effective October 4, 2022.


(5)Mr. Hongxiang Yu was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of the Board and a director of the Company, effective October 4, 2022. On April 21, 2023, Mr. Yu tendered his resignation as the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of the Board and a director of the Company.

(4)Mr. Shuang Zhang was appointed as the Vice President and a director of the Company, effective October 4, 2022.

(6)Mr. Wei Xu was appointed as a director of the Company on January 3, 2020, as the Co-Chairman of the Board on February 25, 2020, as the President on October 29, 2020, and the CEO on January 21, 2022. On October 4, 2022, Mr. Xu tendered his resignation as the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of the Company.

(7)Mr. Tingjun Yang was appointed as the CEO of the Company on September 7, 2021. On January 21, 2022, Mr. Yang tendered his resignation as Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

(8)Ms. Yi Li was appointed as the CFO of the Company on April 25, 2019. On April 21, 2023, Mr. Li tendered his resignation as the CFO of the Company

(9)  Mr. Jianan Liang was appointed as the COO of the Company on March 17, 2021. On April 5, 2022, Mr. Liang tendered his resignation as the COO of the Company.
(10)Mr. Tianxiang Zhu was appointed as the COO and a director of the Company on April 5, 2022. On November 10, 2022, Mr. Tianxiang Zhu tendered his resignation as the Chief Operating Officer and a director of the Company.

(11)Mr. Bibo Lin was appointed as the Vice President of the Company on February 25, 2020 and as the director on March 30, 2021. On October 4, 2022, Mr. Lin tendered his resignation as the Vice President and a director of the Company.

Grants of Plan Based Awards in the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2023

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, no shares of common stock were granted to our officers and directors. directors under the plan.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

None.

Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment, Change-in-Control Arrangements

We have filed copies of our code of ethics, our audit committee charter and our compensation committee charter as exhibits to our registration statement in connectionentered into employment agreements with our initial public offering. You may review these documents by accessing our public filings at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, a copy of the code of ethics will be provided without charge upon request to us.

49

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Noneeach of our executive officers, or directors has received any cash (or non-cash) compensation for services rendered to us. Our sponsors, executive officers and directors, or any of their respective affiliates, will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on our behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations. Our independent directors will review on a quarterly basis all payments that were made to our sponsors, officers, directors or our or their affiliates.

Afterrespectively, (each an “Employment Agreement,” collectively, the completion of our initial business combination, directors or members of our management team who remain with us may be paid consulting, management or other fees from the combined company. All of“Employment Agreements”). Under these fees will be fully disclosed to stockholders, to the extent then known, in the tender offer materials or proxy solicitation materials furnished to our stockholders in connection with a proposed business combination. It is unlikely the amount of such compensation will be known at the time, because the directors of the post-combination business will be responsible for determining executive and director compensation. Any compensation to be paid to our officers will be determined by our compensation.

We do not intend to take any action to ensure that members of our management team maintain their positions with us after the consummation of our initial business combination, although it is possible that some or allagreements, each of our executive officers and directorsis employed for a specified time period. We may negotiateterminate employment for cause, at any time, without advance notice or consulting arrangementsremuneration, for certain acts of the executive officer, such as conviction or plea of guilty to remaina crime, or misconduct or a failure to perform agreed duties. The executive officer may resign at any time with us after the initial business combination. The existence or terms of any such employment or consulting arrangements to retain their positions with us may influence our management’s motivation in identifying or selecting a target business but we do not believe that the ability of our management to remain with us after the consummation of our initial business combination will be a determining factor in our decision to proceed with any potential business combination. We are not party to any agreements with our executive officers and directors that provide for benefits upon termination of employment.three-month advance written notice.

 

The officers also agreed to enter into additional confidential information and invention assignment agreements and are subject to certain non-compete and non-solicitation restrictions for a period one year following termination. 


Director Compensation

The following table represents compensation earned by our non-executive directors in 2023.

NameFees
earned
in cash
($)
Stock
awards
($)
Option
awards
($)
All other
compensation
($)
Total
($)
Mingyue Cai  (1)$    -    -    -    -$    -
Junhong He (2)$----$-
Jing Zhang (3)$----$-
Shuaiheng Zhang (4)--
Yi Zhong (5)--

(1)Mr. Mingyue Cai was appointed as a director of the Company on February 25, 2020.
(2)Ms. Junhong He was appointed as a director of the Company on September 15, 2022. Ms. He resigned from her position on February 17, 2023.
(3)Ms. Jing Zhang was appointed as a director of the Company on September 15, 2022. Ms. Zhang resigned from her position on February 9, 2023.  

(4)Mr. Shuaiheng Zhang was appointed as a director of the Company on February 9, 2023.

(5)Mr. Yi Zhong was appointed as a director of the Company on February 17, 2023.

Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 25, 2016April 1, 2024 based on information obtained from the persons named below, with respect to the beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock, by:

 

each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock;
each of our executive officers and directors that beneficially owns shares of our common stock; and
all our executive officers and directors as a group.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock beneficially owned by them.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) Number of Shares Beneficially Owned  Approximate Percentage of Outstanding Common Stock 
       
Zhong Hui Holding Limited (our sponsor)(2)  4,496,500   68.5%
Qi (Jacky) Zhang(2)  4,496,500   68.5%
Tim Richerson  30,000   * 
Peter Nathanial  30,000   * 
Dr. Kurt Jetta  3,000   * 
Dongliang Qu  3,000   * 
Arthur B. Drogue  0   * 
Xiaoguang Liu  0   * 
All directors and executive officers as a group (7 individuals)  4,562,500   69.5%

*Less than 1 percent.

(1)Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each of the following entities or individuals is 1615 South Congress Avenue, Suite 103, Delray Beach, Florida 33445.
(2)These shares represent (i) the founder shares held by our sponsor and (ii) 3,000,000 shares included in 3,000,000 units purchased by our sponsor in our initial public offering. Mr. Zhang owns 100% of our sponsor, Zhong Hui Holding Limited.

The percentage ownership information shown in the table above does not include thebelow is based on that there were 7,887,411 shares of common stock underlyingoutstanding as of April 1, 2024. Unless otherwise noted, the private placement warrants held by our sponsor because these securities are not exercisable within 60 daysbusiness address of this Report.each of the following entities or individuals is 810 Seventh Avenue, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10019.

 

50
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
 
  Percent
of Class
 
Directors and Named Executive Officers      
Xiao Jian Wang, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board  -   - 
Zihao Zhao, Chief Financial Officer  -   - 
Lu Cai, Chief Operating Officer  -   - 
Shuang Zhang, Vice President and Director  90,000   1.14 %
Mingyue Cai, Director  -   - 
Shuaiheng Zhang, Director  -   - 
Yi Zhong, Director  -   - 
All officers and directors as a group (7 persons):  90,000   1.14%
         
5% Beneficial Owner        
None     

Changes in Control

There has been no change in control during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.


 

 

Changes in Control

N/A

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

In April 2015, our sponsor, Zhong Hui Holding Limited, which is an affiliateExcept for the employment agreements previously entered into between us and certain of our Chairman ofnamed executive officers, and the Board, purchased an aggregate of 1,504,688 founder shares for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.017 per share. In June 2015, our sponsor transferred 164,063 founder shares to each of Tim Richerson, our Chief Executive Officer, and Peter Nathanial, our President, as well as 3,000 founder shares to each of Messrs. Jetta and Qu, our independent directors. On September 8, 2015, our sponsor forfeited 192,188 founder shares because the underwriter’s overallotment option was not exercised. In January 2016, Messrs. Nathanial and Richerson transferred an aggregate of 268,126 founder shares to our sponsor.

Our sponsor purchased 250,000 placement units, at a price of $10.00 per unit ($2,500,000 in the aggregate) in a private placement that occurred simultaneously with the completionrelated party transaction described below, none of our initial public offering. The placement warrants are identicaldirectors or named executive officers, nor any person who owned of record or was known to the warrants sold in our initial public offering, except that if held by our sponsor or its permitted assigns, they (a) may be exercised for cash or on a cashless basis, (b) are not subject to being called for redemption and (c) they (including the common stock issuable upon exercise of these warrants) may not, subject to certain limited exceptions, be transferred, assigned or sold by the holders until 30 days after the consummation of our initial business combination. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to our founder shares, placement shares or warrants, which will expire worthless if we do not complete an initial business combination. Including founder shares, placement units and 3,000,000 units purchased by our sponsor in our initial public offering, holders of founder shares and purchasers of placement units own 69.5%beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding Shares of our common stock.stock, nor any associate or affiliate of such persons or companies, has any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction, or in any proposed transaction, which has materially affected or will affect us.

 

The placement units were sold in a private placement pursuantOther payable – related parties:

Name of related party Relationship Nature December 31,
2023
  December 31,
2022
 
Shanghai Highlight Asset Management Co. LTD(1) A company in which the then shareholder hold shares Advances $-  $195,732 
Zihao Zhao Chief Finance Officer Accrued compensations  20,833   - 
Total     $20,833  $195,732 

(1)In connection with the disposal of Highlight Media on September 26, 2023, the balance of other payable -related parties as of December 31, 2022 was settled as well.

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded compensation expenses to Section 4(2) or Regulation D of the Securities Actits officers amounted to $120,833 and were exempt from registration requirements under the federal securities laws. As such, the holders of the placement warrants included in the placement units will be able to exercise such placement warrants even if, at the time of exercise, an effective registration statement and a current prospectus relatingnil, for their services provided to the common stock issuable upon exercise of such warrants is not available. Our placement units and the underlying securities will become freely tradable only after they are registered.

Our sponsor purchased 3,000,000 units in our initial public offering. Our sponsor has agreed that it will not seek redemption of 1,000,000 shares included in such units. The remaining 2,000,000 shares included in such units could be redeemed on the same terms as the public shares.

Other than (i) repayment of loans made to us prior to the consummation of our initial public offering by our sponsor to cover offering-relating and organization expenses, (ii) repayment of any loans that our sponsor, management team, their affiliates or other third parties may have made to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination (provided that if we do not consummate an initial business combination, we may use working capital held outside the trust account to repay such loaned amounts, but no proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment other than interest earned thereon); and (iii) reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on our behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations, no compensation or fees of any kind, including finder’s fees, consulting fees or other similar compensation, will be paid to our initial stockholders, officers, directors or any of their respective affiliates, prior to or with respect to our initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is). The audit committee will approve such payments.

As of the date of the consummation of our initial public, our sponsor had loaned us $140,500, and one of our executive officers had loaned us $50,250, which were used for a portion of the expenses of our initial public offering. These loans were non-interest bearing, unsecured and repaid upon the completion of such offering. As of the date of this report, we repaid the $50,250 owed to the executive officer and the $140,500 is still outstanding.

Qi (Jacky) Zhang, the Chairman of our Board of Directors has agreed that, if the trust account is liquidated without the consummation of a business combination, he will indemnify us to the extent any claims by a third party for services rendered or products sold to us, or any claims by a prospective target business with which we have discussed entering into a transaction agreement, reduce the amount of funds in the trust account to below $10.00 per public share, except for any claims by any third party who executed a waiver of any and all rights to seek access to the trust account, regardless of whether such waiver is enforceable, and except for claims arising from our obligation to indemnify the underwriter of our initial public offering pursuant to the underwriting agreement for such offering. We have not independently verified whether Mr. Zhang has sufficient funds to satisfy his indemnity obligations, we have not asked Mr. Zhang to reserve for such obligations and he may not be able to satisfy those obligations. We believe the likelihood of Mr. Zhang having to indemnify the trust account is limited because we will endeavor to have all third parties that provide products or services to us and prospective target businesses execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to monies held in the trust account.

Company.

51

 

In order to fund working capital requirements and finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination, our sponsor, management team, their affiliates and other third parties may (but are not obligated to) loan us additional funds to fund our working capital requirements and transaction costs. The loans will be interest free. If we consummate an initial business combination, we would repay such loaned amounts. If we do not consummate an initial business combination, we may use a portion of any working capital held outside the trust account to repay such loaned amounts; however, no proceeds from the trust account may be used for such repayment, other than interest income earned thereon. If such funds are insufficient to repay the loan amounts, the unpaid amounts would be forgiven. Any part or all of such loans may be converted into additional warrants at $0.50 per warrant (a maximum of 1,000,000 warrants if up to $500,000 is loaned and that amount is converted into warrants) of the post-business combination entity at the option of our sponsor. The warrants would be identical to the placement warrants issued to our sponsor.Director Independence

 

After our initial business combination, members of our management team who remain with us may be paid consulting, management or other fees from the combined company with any and all amounts being fully disclosed to our stockholders, to the extent then known, in the tender offer or proxy solicitation materials, as applicable, furnished to our stockholders. It is unlikely the amount of such compensation will be known at the time of distribution of such tender offer materials or at the time of a stockholder meeting held to consider our initial business combination, as applicable, as it will be up to the directors of the post-combination business to determine executive and director compensation.

All ongoing and future transactions between us and any member of our management team or his or her respective affiliates will be on terms believed by us at that time, based upon other similar arrangements known to us, to be no less favorable to us than are available from unaffiliated third parties. It is our intention to obtain estimates from unaffiliated third parties for similar goods or services to ascertain whether such transactions with affiliates are on terms that are no less favorable to us than are otherwise available from such unaffiliated third parties. If a transaction with an affiliated third party were found to be on terms less favorable to us than with an unaffiliated third party, we would not engage in such transaction.

Upon the completion of our initial public offering, we entered into a registration rights agreement with respect to the founder shares, placement shares, placement warrants and warrants which may be issued upon any conversion of working capital loans from our sponsor. These holders will be entitled to make up to three demands, excluding short form registration demands. In addition, these holders will have “piggy-back” registration rights allowing them to include their securities in other registration statements filed by us. We will bear the costs and expenses of filing any such registration statements.

Director Independence

NASDAQNasdaq listing standards require that a majority of our board of directors be independent. An “independent director” is defined generally as a person other than an officer or employee of the company or its subsidiaries or any other individual having a relationship which in the opinion of the company’s board of directors, would interfere with the director’s exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Our board of directors has determined that Dr. Jetta, Mr. Qu,Shuaiheng Zhang, Mr. DrogueMingyue Cai and Mr. LiuYi Zhong are “independent directors” as defined in the NASDAQNasdaq listing standards and applicable SEC rules. Our independent directors have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present.

 


Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

HTL was appointed by the Company to serve as its independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal years ended December 31, 2023. During the period from October 11, 2022 to October 9, 2023, Enrome LLP, (“Enrome”) served as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company. The following is a summary of fees paid or to be paid to WithumSmith+Brown, PC,HTL or Withum,Enrome for services rendered.

 

Audit FeesFees.. Audit fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of our year-end financial statements and services that are normally provided by WithumFriedman in connection with regulatory filings. The aggregate fees billed Withumby WWC, P.C. for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements, review of the financial information included in our Forms 10-Q for the respective periods and other required filings with the SEC for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled nil and $105,000, respectively. The aggregate fees billed or to be billed by Enrome for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements, review of the financial information included in our Forms 10-Q for the respective periods and other required filings with the SEC for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled $40,500 and $140,000, respectively. The aggregate fees billed or to be billed by HTL for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements, review of the financial information included in our Forms 10-Q for the respective periods and other required filings with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 totaled $50,000 and $61,000, respectively.2023 was $20,000. The above amounts include interim procedures and audit fees, as well as attendance at audit committee meetings.

 

Audit-Related FeesFees.. Audit-related services consist of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” These services include attest services that are not required by statute or regulation and consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards. During the year ended December 31, 20162023 and 2015,2022, we did not pay WithumHTL, Enrome or WWC, P.C. for consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards.

 

Tax Fees. We did not pay WithumHTL, Enrome or WWC, P.C. for tax planning and tax adviceservices for the yearyears ended December 31, 20162023 and 2015.2022.

 

All Other Fees. We did not pay WithumEnrome or WWC, P.C. for other services for the yearyears ended December 31, 20162023 and 2015.2022.

Pre-Approval Policy

 

Our audit committee was formed upon the consummation of our initial public offering. As a result, the audit committee did not pre-approve all of the foregoing services, although any services rendered prior to the formation of our audit committee were approved by our board of directors. Since the formation of our audit committee, and on a going-forward basis, the audit committee has and will pre-approve all auditing services and permitted non-audit services to be performed for us by our auditors, including the fees and terms thereof (subject to the de minimis exceptions for non-audit services described in the Exchange Act which are approved by the audit committee prior to the completion of the audit).

 

52

 

 

PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a)The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
  
(1)Financial Statements
  
(2)Financial Statements Schedule

 

All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the amounts are immaterial and not required, or the required information is presented in the financial statements and notes thereto in is Item 15 of Part IV below.

 

(3)Exhibits

 

We hereby file as part of this Report the exhibits listed in the attached Exhibit Index. Exhibits which are incorporated herein by reference can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington D.C. 20549. Copies of such material can also be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates or on the SEC website atwww.sec.gov. www.sec.gov.

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number 53Description of Document
3.1 Articles of Incorporation, filed as exhibit 3.1 to the registration statement on Form S-1 filed on May 10, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference
3.2Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, filed as exhibit 3.2 to the registration statement on Form S-1 filed on May 10, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference
3.3Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation, filed as exhibit 3.1 to the current report on Form 8-K filed on May 18, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference
3.4Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, filed as exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on November 8, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference
3.5Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, filed as exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on January 10, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
3.6Second Amended and Restated Bylaws, filed as exhibit 3.2 to the current report on Form 8-K filed on January 10, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
4.1*Description of Securities
4.2Form of Registered Warrant, filed as exhibit 4.1 to the current report on Form 8-K filed on February 18, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference
4.3Form of Investor Warrant, filed as exhibit 4.2 to the current report on Form 8-K filed on February 18, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference
4.4Form of Lock-up Agreement, filed as exhibit 4.4 to the current report on Form 8-K filed on February 18, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference
4.5Form of Placement Agent Warrant, filed as exhibit 4.3 to the current report on Form 8-K filed on February 18, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference
4.6Form of Pre-funded Warrants, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the current report on Form 8-K filed on May 4, 2023 and incorporate herein by reference
4.7Form of Unregistered Warrant, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the current report on Form 8-K filed on May 17, 2023 and incorporate herein by reference
4.8Form of Placement Agent Warrant, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the current report on Form 8-K filed on May 17, 2023 and incorporate herein by reference
4.9Form of Pre-funded Warrants, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the current report on Form 8-K filed on November 3, 2023 and incorporate herein by reference
4.10Form of Amended and Restated Form of Registered Warrants, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the current report on Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2023 and incorporate herein by reference


 

  

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.10.1 DescriptionTermination Agreement dated February 23, 2022, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on February 24, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference
1.110.2 UnderwritingShare Purchase Agreement by and among Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Yuanma Food and Beverage Management Co., Ltd. and the shareholders of Shanghai Yuanma Food and Beverage Management Co., Ltd., dated July 23, 2015,April 14, 2022, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on April 14, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference
10.3Technical Consultation and Service Agreement, by and between Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Yuanma Food and Beverage Management Co., Ltd., dated June 21, 2022, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on June 27, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference
10.4Equity Pledge Agreement, by and among Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Yuanma Food and Beverage Management Co., Ltd. and the shareholders of Shanghai Yuanma Food and Beverage Management Co., Ltd., dated June 21, 2022, filed as exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on June 27, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference
10.5Equity Option Agreement, by and among Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Yuanma Food and Beverage Management Co., Ltd. and the shareholders of Shanghai Yuanma Food and Beverage Management Co., Ltd., dated June 21, 2022, filed as exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on June 27, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference
10.6Voting Rights Proxy and Financial Support Agreement, by and among Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Yuanma Food and Beverage Management Co., Ltd. and the shareholders of Shanghai Yuanma Food and Beverage Management Co., Ltd., dated June 21, 2022, filed as exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on June 27, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference
10.7Share Purchase Agreement by and among Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd. and the shareholders of Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd., dated September 16, 2022, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on September 19, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference
10.8Technical Consultation and Service Agreement, by and between Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd., dated September 16, 2022, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on October 5, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference
10.9Equity Pledge Agreement, by and among Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd. and the shareholders of Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd., dated September 16, 2022, filed as exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on October 5, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference
10.10Equity Option Agreement, by and among Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd. and the shareholders of Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd., dated September 16, 2022, filed as exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on October 5, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference
10.11Voting Rights Proxy and Financial Support Agreement, by and among Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd. and the shareholders of Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd., dated September 16, 2022, filed as exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on October 5, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference


10.12Agreement to Assign Technical Consultation and Service Agreement, by and between Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd., dated February 27, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on February 27, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
10.13Agreement to Assign Equity Pledge Agreement, by and among Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd. and the shareholders of Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd.,  dated February 27, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on February 27, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
10.14Agreement to Assign Equity Option Agreement, by and among Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd. and the shareholders of Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd., dated February 27, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on February 27, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
10.15Agreement to Assign Voting Rights Proxy and Financial Support Agreement, by and among Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd. and the shareholders of Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd., dated February 27, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on February 27, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
10.16Termination Agreement by and among Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Sichuan Wuge Network Games Co., Ltd. and the shareholders of Sichuan Wuge Network Games Co., Ltd., dated September 28, 2022, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on September 30, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference
10.17Employment Agreement between the Company and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (1)Yi Li dated April 25, 2019, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the current report on Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference
3.110.18 CertificateEmployment Agreement between the Company and Xiangtian Zhu, dated April 5, 2022, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Incorporation. (2)the Company filed on April 5, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference
3.210.19 AmendedEmployment Agreement between the Company and Restated CertificateHongxiang Yu, dated October 4, 2022, filed as exhibit 10.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Incorporation. (1)the Company filed on October 5, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference
3.310.20 Bylaws. (2)Employment Agreement between the Company and Shuang Zhang, dated October 4, 2022, filed as exhibit 10.6 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on October 5, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference
4.110.21 Specimen Unit Certificate. (2)Employment Agreement between the Company and Lu Cai, dated February 9, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on February 9, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
4.210.22 Specimen Common Stock Certificate. (2)Director Offer Letter to Junhong He, dated September 19, 2022, filed as exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on September 19, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference
4.310.23 Specimen Warrant Certificate. (2)Director Offer Letter to Jing Zhang, dated September 19, 2022, filed as exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on September 19, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference
4.410.24 WarrantDirector Offer Letter to Shuaiheng Zhang, dated February 9, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on February 9, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
10.25Director Offer Letter to Yi Zhong, dated February 17, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on February 17, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference


10.26Form of Placement Agency Agreement, dated July 23, 2015, between Continental Stock Transfer & TrustMay 1, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on May 4, 2023 and the Company. (1)incorporated herein by reference
4.510.27 UnitForm of RD Securities Purchase Option, dated July 29, 2015, between the Registrant and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (1)
10.1Investment Management Trust Account Agreement dated July 23, 2015, between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and the Company. (1)
10.2Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 23, 2015, between the Company and certain security holders. (1)Purchasers, dated May 1, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on May 4, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
10.310.28 Placement Unit SubscriptionForm of PIPE Securities Purchase Agreement dated May 4, 2015, among the Company and Zhong Hui Holding Limited. (2)
10.4Letter Agreement, dated July 23, 2015, by and amongbetween the Company and certain security holders, officers and directorsPurchasers, dated May 1, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company. (1)Company filed on May 4, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
10.510.29 Form of Indemnity Agreement. (2)
10.6LetterAmendment to RD Securities Purchase Agreement dated July 23, 2015, by and among the Company and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (1)
10.7Consulting Agreement, dated as of October 30, 2015, by and between the Company and FirsTrust China Ltd.(3)certain Purchasers, dated May 16, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on May 17, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
14.110.30 Form of Amendment to PIPE Securities Purchase Agreement between the Company and certain Purchasers, dated May 16, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on May 17, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
10.31Employment agreement between GD Culture Group Limited and Xiao Jian Wang, dated April 21, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on April 21, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
10.32Employment agreement between GD Culture Group Limited and Zihao Zhao, dated April 21, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on April 21, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
10.33Software Purchase Agreement, dated June 22, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on June 27, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
10.34Share Purchase Agreement, dated June 26, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on June 28, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
10.35Termination Agreement, dated September 26, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on September 26, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
10.36Placement Agency Agreement, dated November 1, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on November 3, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
10.37Form of Securities Purchase Agreement between the Company and certain Purchasers, dated October 31, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on November 3, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
10.38Form of Amendment to the Securities Purchase Agreement, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on November 17, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
10.39Warrant Exchange Agreement, dated November 1, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on November 3, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
10.40Amended and Restated Equity Purchase Agreement, dated November 10, 2023, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on November 13, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference
10.41Placement Agency Agreement, dated March 22, 2024, filed as exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on March 26, 2024 and incorporated herein by reference
10.42Form of Securities Purchase Agreement between the Company and certain Purchasers, dated March 22, 2024, filed as exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on March 26, 2024


14.1Code of Business and Ethics. (2)Ethics, filed as exhibit 14.1 to the registration statement on Form S-1 filed on June 16, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference
31.1

19.1*

 Insider Trading Policies
21.1*List of Subsidiaries
23.1*Consent of Enrome LLP
23.2*Consent of HTL International, LLC
31.1Certification of the Chief Executive Officer andrequired by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a).*
31.2Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a).*
32.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer andrequired by 18 U.S.C. 1350.*
32.2Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. 1350*1350.*
101.INS97.1* XBRL Instance Document*Policy Relating to Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation
101.SCH99.1 Form of Audit Committee Charter, filed as exhibit 99.1 to the registration statement on Form S-1 filed on June 16, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference
99.2Form of Compensation Committee Charter, filed as exhibit 99.2 to the registration statement on Form S-1 filed on June 16, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference
101.INSInline XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema*Schema Document.
101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase*Linkbase Document.
101.LAB101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase*Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.PRE101.LAB Inline XBRL DefinitionTaxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document*Document.
101.DEF101.PRE Inline XBRL DefinitionTaxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document*

* Filed herewith

** Furnished herewith

(1)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on July 29, 2015.Document.
(2)104Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form S-1, filed with the Commission on June 16, 2015.
(3)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K, filed with the Commission on March 28, 2016.

Item 16.Form 10-K Summary

Not applicable.

 54Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

*Filed herewith

**Furnished herewith

Item 16. Form 10–K Summary

None.


 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - HTL International, LLC (PCAOB ID: 7000)F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Enrome LLP (PCAOB ID: 6907)F-4
Consolidated Financial Statements: 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20162023 and December 31, 20152022F-3F-6
StatementConsolidated Statements of Operations forand Comprehensive Loss For the yearyears ended December 31, 20162023 and for2022F-7
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity For the period from April 10, 2015 (inception) toyears ended December 31, 20152023 and 2022F-4F-8
Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the period from April 10, 2015 (inception) to December 31, 2016F-5
StatementConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows forFor the period from April 10, 2015 (inception) toyears ended December 31, 20162023 and 2022F-6F-10
Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsF-7F-11

  

F-1

F-1

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
GD Culture Group Limited

JM Global Holding Company

 

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetssheet of JM Global Holding CompanyGD Culture Group Limited (the “Company”), and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015,2023, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders’shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 20162023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial positions of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from April 10, 2015 (inception) toyear ended December 31, 2015. 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on thesethe Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our auditsaudit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the auditsaudit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. Our audits included considerationmisstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An

Our audit includesincluded performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. AnOur audit also includes assessingincluded evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statement presentation.statements. We believe that our audits provideaudit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee that: (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements, and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Accounting for Convertible Notes Receivable

The Company entered into purchase agreements for convertible notes receivable in an aggregate amount of $2,500,000 during the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company evaluated the terms of the convertible notes according to ASC 320 “Investments — Debt Securities” and concluded that the convertible notes should be classified as an available-for-sale security and measured at fair value.

F-2

We identified the accounting for convertible notes receivable as a critical audit matter due to the material balance on the balance sheet and significant judgement and assumptions were used by the Management regarding the classification and valuation of the convertible notes receivable during the year, which in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence relating to Management’s assessment of the likelihood that the Company’s intent and ability to hold the convertible notes receivable till maturity, as well as the likelihood of collection in the near term.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following:

-We obtained an understanding of the Management’s process in evaluation of the classification and the fair value of the convertible notes receivable, and reviewed the terms of convertible notes purchase agreements which was consistent with the accounting memo prepared by the Management.

-To test the fair value of the convertible notes receivable, our audit procedures included evaluating the assumptions underlying the fair value calculation prepared by the Management, obtaining an understanding of the investee’s business activities and evaluated their intent and ability to hold the convertible notes to maturity without early conversion or redemption. Evaluating the reasonableness of Management’s assessment related to the likelihood of collection in the near term involved consideration of whether the factors in the assessment were consistent with (i) the current and past performance of the investees, (ii) external market and industry data, and (iii) evidence obtained in other areas of the audit.

-We also evaluated the financial statements disclosures included in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

/s/ HTL International, LLC
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2023.
Houston, Texas
April 2, 2024

F-3

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To:The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
GD Culture Group Limited

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of GD Culture Group Limited and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022, and the related consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of JM Global Holdingthe Company as of December 31, 2016 and 2015,2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2016 and for the period from April 10, 2015 (inception) to December 31, 2015,2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.America (“U.S. GAAP”).

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) related to accounts or disclosures that were material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

F-4

Goodwill-Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd. (“Highlight Media”)

As described in Note 3 and Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company acquired Highlight Media. The goodwill arising on this acquisition amounted to $2.12 million as of December 31,2022.

Management assessed goodwill for potential impairment as of December 31 2022 by comparing the carrying amount of the cash-generating unit to which goodwill has been allocated with the recoverable amount determined by assessing the value-in-use (“VIU”) by preparing a discounted cash flow forecast. Preparing a discounted cash flow forecast involves the exercise of significant management judgement, in particular in forecasting revenue growth and operating profit and in determining an appropriate discount rate

Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired. The Company has elected to perform quantitative assessment. In the quantitative assessment, the Company’s evaluation of goodwill for impairment involves the comparison of the fair value of Highlight Media to the carrying value. The Company used the discounted cash flow model to estimate fair value, which requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to discount rates and forecasts of future revenues and operating margins. Changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value, the amount of any goodwill impairment charge. Based on the quantitative assessment performed, if it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than its carrying amount. During the year ended December 31, 2022, no impairment charge on goodwill arising on this acquisition of Highlight Media was recognized based on the quantitative assessment performed.

We identified goodwill impairment for the Highlight Media as a critical audit matter because it is the material to the consolidated financial statements of the Company and certain significant judgments in respect of the assumption made which are inherently uncertain and could be subject to management bias made by management to estimate the fair value of the Highlight Media and the difference between its fair value and carrying value. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists, when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s estimates and assumptions related to selection of the discount rate and forecasts of future revenue and operating margin.

Our audit procedures relating to the discount rate and forecasts of future revenue and operating margin used by management to estimate the fair value of the Highlight Media included the following, among others:

We evaluated management’s ability to accurately forecast future revenues and operating margins by comparing actual results to management’s forecasts.
We evaluated the reasonableness of the (1) valuation methodology and (2) discount rate by:

a.Testing the source information underlying the determination of the discount rate and the mathematical accuracy of the calculation;
b.Developing a range of independent estimates and comparing those to the discount rate selected by management.

/s/ Enrome LLP
Certified Public Accountants
PCAOB ID: 6907

We have served as the Company’s auditor since September 23,2022.

Singapore
March 31, 2023

F-5

GD CULTURE GROUP LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

  December 31,  December 31, 
  2023  2022 
ASSETS      
CURRENT ASSETS      
Cash and cash equivalents $5,175,518  $389,108 
Accounts receivable, net  -   194,520 
Other receivables, net  9,459   1,026,293 
Convertible notes receivable  2,602,027   - 
Prepaid and other current assets  1,290,890   - 
Total current assets  9,077,894   1,609,921 
         
EQUIPMENT, NET  12,511   502 
         
RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS  1,561,058   - 
         
OTHER ASSETS        
Goodwill  -   2,190,485 
Intangible assets, net  3,307,949   - 
Other assets  250,740   - 
Total other assets  3,558,689   2,190,485 
Total assets $14,210,152  $3,800,908 
         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
CURRENT LIABILITIES        
Accounts payable $-  $127,475 
Other payables and accrued liabilities  23,338   2,099 
Other payable - related parties  20,833   195,732 
Lease liabilities - current  358,998   - 
Taxes payable  -   8,478 
Total current liabilities  403,169   333,784 
         
OTHER LIABILITIES        
Lease liabilities – non-current  1,317,678   - 
Deferred tax liabilities  327,822   - 
Total other liabilities  1,645,500   - 
Total liabilities  2,048,669   333,784 
         
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES  -   - 
         
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively  -   - 
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 5,453,416 and 1,844,877(1) shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively  545   184 
Additional paid-in capital  77,530,221   60,124,087 
Statutory reserves  -   4,467 
Accumulated deficit  (69,358,225)  (56,841,074)
Accumulated other comprehensive income  175,306   179,460 
Total GD Culture Group Limited shareholders’ equity  8,347,847   3,467,124 
Noncontrolling interest  3,813,636   - 
Total shareholders’ equity  12,161,483   3,467,124 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $14,210,152  $3,800,908 

(1)Giving retroactive effect to the 1-for-30 reverse stock split effective on November 9, 2022.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-6

GD CULTURE GROUP LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

  For the years ended
December 31,
 
  2023  2022 
       
OPERATING EXPENSES      
Selling and marketing expenses  4,682,804   - 
General and administrative expenses  5,235,630   414,151 
Research and development expenses  2,072,500   - 
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES  11,990,934   414,151 
         
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS  (11,990,934)  (414,151)
         
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)        
Interest income  4,500   - 
Interest expense  (81)  - 
Gain from disposal of subsidiaries  100,000   - 
TOTAL OTHER INCOME, NET  104,419   - 
         
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS  (11,886,515)  (414,151)
         
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES  327,822   - 
         
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS  (12,214,337)  (414,151)
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interest  (1,825,130)  - 
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to shareholders of common stock  (10,389,207)  (414,151)
         
Discontinued operations:        
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes  (2,132,049)  (26,347,195)
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes  (362)  (4,060,609)
         
NET LOSS  (14,346,748)  (30,821,955)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  (1,825,130)  - 
Net loss attributable to shareholders of common stock  (12,521,618)  (30,821,955)
         
Other comprehensive gain or loss        
- Foreign currency translation adjustment  48,655   (46,397)
- Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments, net of tax  102,027   - 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE GAIN (LOSS), net of tax  150,682   (46,397)
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, net of tax $(14,196,066) $(30,868,352)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  (1,670,294)  - 
Comprehensive loss attributable to shareholders of common stock  (12,525,772)  (30,868,352)
         
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON STOCKS        
Basic and diluted  3,227,302   1,531,316 
         
Loss per share from continuing operations        
Basic and diluted $(3.22) $(0.27)
Loss per share from discontinued operations        
Basic and diluted $(0.66) $(19.86)
Loss per share available to common stockholders        
Basic and diluted $(3.88) $(20.13)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-7

GD CULTURE GROUP LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the year ended December 31, 2023

  Attributable to GD Culture Group Limited Shareholders       
              Additional  Accumulated Deficit  Accumulated Other  Total GD Culture Group Limited  Non  Total 
  Preferred Stock  Common Stock  Paid-in  Statutory     Comprehensive  Shareholders’  controlling  Shareholders’ 
  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital  Reserves  Unrestricted  Income  Equity  Interest  Equity 
BALANCE, January 1, 2023  -   -   1,844,877  $184  $60,124,087  $4,467  $(56,841,074) $179,460   3,467,124  $-  $3,467,124 
Reclassification of statutory reserves due to disposal          -           -   -   -   -   (4,467)  4,467   -   -   -   - 
Net loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   (12,521,618)  -   (12,521,618)  (1,825,130)  (14,346,748)
Issuance of common stock for cash, net of offering costs  -   -   2,590,772   259   12,515,193   -   -   -   12,515,452   -   12,515,452 
Issuance of common stock for acquisition right, title, and interest in and to the certain software  -   -   187,500   19   749,981   -   -   -   750,000   -   750,000 
The cancellation of the common stock  -   -   (133,333)  (13)  (947,987)  -   -   -   (948,000)  -   (948,000)
Contribution by noncontrolling interest shareholder  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   5,483,930   5,483,930 
Issuance of 1,876,103 pre-funded warrants for cash, net of offering costs  -   -   -   -   5,089,043   -   -   -   5,089,043   -   5,089,043 
Exercise of pre-funded warrants  -   -   963,600   96   (96)  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Fair value changes of on available-for-sale investments  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   102,027   102,027   -   102,027 
Foreign currency translation  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (106,181)  (106,181)  154,836   48,655 
BALANCE, December 31, 2023  -  $-   5,453,416  $545  $77,530,221  $-  $(69,358,225) $175,306  $8,347,847  $3,813,636  $12,161,483 

F-8

GD CULTURE GROUP LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the year ended December 31, 2022

              Additional  Stock  Accumulated Deficit  Accumulated Other    
  Preferred Stock  Common Stock  Paid-in  Subscription  Statutory     Comprehensive    
  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital  Receivable  Reserves  Unrestricted  Income  Total 
BALANCE, January 1, 2022  -   -   1,543,793   154   83,038,827   (25,165,728)  -   (26,019,119)  225,857   32,079,991 
Net loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (30,821,955)  -   (30,821,955)
Issuance of common stock for acquisition Yuan Ma  -   -   256,000   26   7,679,974   -   -   -   -   7,680,000 
Issuance of common stock for acquisition Highlight Media  -   -   300,000   30   2,249,970   -   4,467   -   -   2,254,467 
The cancellation of the common stock  -   -   (254,916)  (26)  (32,844,684)  -   -   -   -   (32,844,710)
Stock subscription receivable from issuance of common stock  -   -   -   -   -   25,165,728   -   -   -   25,165,728 
Foreign currency translation  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (46,397)  (46,397)
BALANCE, December 31, 2022             -  $          -   1,844,877  $184  $60,124,087  $-  $4,467  $(56,841,074) $179,460  $3,467,124 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-9

GD CULTURE GROUP LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

  For the years ended
December 31,
 
  2023  2022 
       
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
Net Loss $(14,346,748) $(30,821,955)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:        
Depreciation of equipment  1,679   718 
Amortization of intangible assets  345,155   - 
Lease expenses of right-of-use assets  106,159   - 
Impairment of prepaid and other current assets  -   20,082,123 
(Gain)/loss from the disposal of discontinued operations or subsidiaries  (99,638)  4,060,609 
Impairment of goodwill  2,070,753   6,590,339 
         
Change in operating assets and liabilities        
Accounts receivable  97,804   (158,392)
Other receivables  (14,283)  1,540 
Other receivable - related party  -   189,320 
Inventories  -   (2,946)
Prepaid and other current assets  (1,291,192)  (66,823)
Other assets  (250,740)  - 
Accounts payable  (127,297)  291,234 
Other payables and accrued liabilities  10,457   227,636 
Customer deposits  68,531   (2,116,847)
Lease liabilities  9,459   - 
Taxes payable  (8,478)  (484)
Other payable - related parties  (139,927)  837,717 
Deferred tax liability  327,822   - 
         
Net cash used in operating activities  (13,240,484)  (886,211)
         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:        
Net increase in cash from acquisition of Highlight Media  -   215,880 
Net increase (decrease) in cash from disposal of discontinued operations or subsidiaries  199,980   (12,702,666)
Purchase of intangible assets  (2,903,104)  - 
Purchase of equipment  (14,190)  (6,566)
Purchase of convertible notes  (2,500,000)  - 
         
Net cash used in investing activities  (5,217,314)  (12,493,352)
         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:        
Proceeds from issuance of common stock  12,515,452   - 
Proceeds from issuance of pre-funded warrants  5,089,043   - 
Contribution by noncontrolling interest shareholder  5,483,930   - 
         
Net cash provided by financing activities  23,088,425   - 
         
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGE ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  155,783   (819,659)
         
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  4,786,410   (14,199,222)
         
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR  389,108   14,588,330 
         
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR $5,175,518  $389,108 
         
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:        
Cash paid for income tax $-  $- 
Cash paid for interest $-  $1,022 
         
NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS OF INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES        
Issuance of common stock for acquisition right, title, and interest in and to the certain software $750,000  $- 
Issuance of common stock for acquisition of Yuan Ma $-  $7,680,000 
Issuance of common stock for acquisition of Highlight Media $-  $2,250,000 
The cancellation of the common stock $948,000  $32,844,710 
Exercise of pre-funded warrants $96  $- 
Fair value changes of convertible notes receivable $102,027  $- 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-10

GD CULTURE GROUP LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 – Nature of business and organization

 

GD Culture Group Limited (“GDC” or the “Company”), formerly known as Code Chain New Continent Limited, TMSR Holding Company Limited and JM Global Holding Company, is a Nevada corporation and a holding company. The Company currently conducts its operations on virtual content production (the “Virtual Content Production”) through the Company and two subsidiaries, AI Catalysis corp. (“AI Catalysis”) and Shanghai Xianzhui Technology Co., Ltd. (“SH Xianzhui”). The Company focuses its business mainly on: 1) AI-driven digital human creation and customization; 2) Live streaming and e-commerce, and, 3) Live Streaming Interactive Game. The Company has relentlessly been focusing on serving its customers and creating value for them through the continual innovation and optimization of its products and services. Currently, the Company’s subsidiaries, Citi Profit Investment Holding Limited (“Citi Profit BVI”), Highlights Culture Holding Co., Limited (“Highlight HK”), Shanghai Highlight Entertainment Co., Ltd. (“Highlight WFOE”) are holding companies with no material operations.

SH Xianzhui was incorporated by Highlight WFOE and other two shareholders on August 10, 2023. SH Xianzhui is principally engaged in the provision of social media marketing agency service. Highlight WFOE owns 73.3333% of the total equity interest of SH Xianzhui. On October 27, 2023, the Company entered into an equity purchase agreement with Highlight WFOE and Beijing Hehe Property Management Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Hehe”), which was amended on November 10, 2023 (such equity purchase agreement, as amended, the “Agreement” for purpose of this section “Investment in JV”), pursuant to which the Highlight WFOE agreed to purchase 13.3333% equity interest in SH Xianzhui from Beijing Hehe and the Company agreed to issue 400,000 shares of common stock of the Company, valued at $2.7820 per share, the average closing bid price of the common stock of GDC as of the five trading days immediately preceding the date of the Agreement, to Beijing Hehe or its assigns. On January 11, 2024, the Company issued the 400,000 shares of its common stock to Beijing Hehe and the transaction was completed. Up to the date of the financial statements were issued, the Company owns 73.3333% of the total equity interest of SH Xianzhui.

AI Catalysis is a Nevada corporation, incorporated on May 18, 2023. AI Catalysis is expected to bridge the realms of the internet, media, and artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies. Positioned at the crossroads of traditional and streaming media, AI Catalysis plans to elevate the experience of media with AI-based interactive and smart content, aiming to transform the whole media landscape. At present, AI Catalysis primarily focused on the application of AI digital human technology with the sectors of e-commerce and entertainment to improve the interaction experiences online. AI Catalysis strives to deliver stable interactive livestreaming products to AI Catalysis’ users. AI Catalysis foresees future expansion to a variety of business sectors with AI applications in different scenarios. AI Catalysis plans to enter into the livestreaming market with a focus on e-commerce and livestreaming interactive game.

Prior to September 28, 2022, the Company also conducted business through Sichuan Wuge Network Games Co., Ltd. (“Wuge”). Makesi WFOE had a series of contractual arrangement with Wuge that established a variable interest entity (the “VIE”) structure. For accounting purposes, Makesi WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Wuge. Accordingly, under U.S. GAAP, GDC treated Wuge as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Wuge’s financial statements prior to September 28, 2022. Wuge focused its business on research, development and application of Internet of Things (IoT) and electronic tokens Wuge digital door signs. On September 28, 2022, Makesi WFOE entered into a termination agreement with Wuge and the shareholders of Wuge to terminate the VIE Agreements and to cancel the shares previously issued to the shareholders of Wuge, based on the average closing price of $0.237 per share of the Company during the 30 trading days immediately prior to the date of the termination agreement. As a result of such termination, the Company no longer treats Wuge as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Wuge in the Company’s consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.

F-11

Prior to June 26, 2023, the Company had a subsidiary TMSR HK, which owns 100% equity interest in Makesi WFOE. Makesi WFOE had a series of contractual arrangement with Shanghai Yuanma Food and Beverage Management Co., Ltd. (“Yuanma”) that established a VIE structure. For accounting purposes, Makesi WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Yuanma. Accordingly, under U.S. GAAP, GDC treated Yuanma as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Yuanma’s financial results in GDC’s financial statements prior to June 26, 2023. On June 26, 2023, GDC entered into a share purchase agreement with a buyer unaffiliated with the Company. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company agreed to sell, and the buyer agreed to purchase all the issued and outstanding equity interest in TMSR HK. The sale of TMSR HK did not have any material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Prior to September 26, 2023, the Company also conducted business through Shanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd. (“Highlight Media”). Highlight WFOE had a series of contractual arrangement with Highlight Media. For accounting purposes, Highlight WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Highlight Media. Accordingly, under U.S. GAAP, GDC treated Highlight Media as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Highlight Media’s financial results in GDC’s financial statements prior to September 26, 2023. Highlight Media was an integrated marketing service agency, focusing on enterprise brand management, crisis public relations, intelligent public opinion monitoring, media PR, financial and economic we-media operation, digital face application, large-scale exhibition services and other businesses. On September 26, 2023, Highlight WFOE entered into a termination agreement with Highlight Media and the shareholders of Highlight Media to terminate the VIE Agreements and sold the interest in the VIE Agreements. As a result of such termination, the Company no longer treats Highlight Media as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Highlight Media in the Company’s consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the activities of GDC and each of the following entities:

NameBackgroundOwnership
Citi Profit BVI●  A British Virgin Island company Incorporated in April 2019100% owned by the Company
TMSR HK

●  A Hong Kong company

●  Incorporated in April 2019

●  Disposed on June 26, 2023

100% owned by Citi Profit BVI
Highlight HK

●  A Hong Kong company

●  Incorporated in November 2022

100% owned by Citi Profit BVI
Makesi WFOE

●  A PRC limited liability company and deemed a wholly foreign owned enterprise (WFOE)

●  Incorporated in December 2020

●  Disposed on June 26, 2023

100% owned by TMSR HK
Highlight WFOE

●  A PRC limited liability company and deemed a wholly foreign owned enterprise (WFOE)

●  Incorporated in January 2023

100% owned by Highlight HK
Yuanma

●  A PRC limited liability company

●  Acquired on June 21, 2022

●  Disposed on June 26, 2023

VIE of Makesi WFOE
Wuge

●  A PRC limited liability company

●  Acquired on January 3, 2023

●  Disposed on September 28, 2022

VIE of Makesi WFOE
Highlight Media

●  A PRC limited liability company

●  Acquired on September 16, 2022

●  Disposed on September 26, 2023

VIE of Highlight WFOE
AI Catalysis

●  A Nevada company

●  Incorporated in May 2023

100% owned by the Company
SH Xianzhui

●  A PRC limited liability company

●  Incorporated in August 2023

73.3333% owned by Highlight WFOE

F-12

Contractual Arrangements

Wuge, Yuanma and Highlight Media were controlled through contractual agreements in lieu of direct equity ownership by the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Such contractual arrangements consist of a series of five agreements, consulting services agreement, equity pledge agreement, call option agreement, voting rights proxy agreement, and operating agreement (collectively the “Contractual Arrangements”).

Material terms of each of the VIE agreements with Wuge are described below. The VIE agreements with Wuge were terminated and the Company disposed Wuge as of September 28, 2022.

Technical Consultation and Services Agreement.

Pursuant to the technical consultation and services agreement between Wuge and Tongrong Technology (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd., a then indirect subsidiary of the Company (“Tongrong WFOE”), dated January 3, 2020, Tongrong WFOE has the exclusive right to provide consultation services to Wuge relating to Wuge’s business, including but not limited to business consultation services, human resources development, and business development. Tongrong WFOE exclusively owns any intellectual property rights arising from the performance of this agreement. Tongrong WFOE has the right to determine the service fees based on Wuge’s actual operation on a quarterly basis. This agreement will be effective as long as Wuge exists. Tongrong WFOE may terminate this agreement at any time by giving 30 days’ prior written notice to Wuge.

Equity Pledge Agreement.

Under the equity pledge agreement among Tongrong WFOE, Wuge and the shareholders of Wuge dated January 3, 2020, the shareholders of Wuge pledged all of their equity interests in Wuge to Tongrong WFOE to guarantee Wuge’s performance of relevant obligations and indebtedness under the technical consultation and services agreement. In addition, the shareholders of Wuge will complete the registration of the equity pledge under the agreement with the competent local authority. If Wuge breaches its obligation under the technical consultation and services agreement, Tongrong WFOE, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the pledged equity interests. This pledge will remain effective until all the guaranteed obligations are performed or the shareholders of Wuge cease to be shareholders of Wuge.

Equity Option Agreement.

Under the equity option agreement among Tongrong WFOE, Wuge and the shareholders of Wuge dated January 3, 2020, each of the shareholders of Wuge irrevocably granted to Tongrong WFOE or its designee an option to purchase at any time, to the extent permitted under PRC law, all or a portion of his equity interests in Wuge. Also, Tongrong WFOE or its designee has the right to acquire any and all of its assets of Wuge. Without Tongrong WFOE’s prior written consent, Wuge’s shareholders cannot transfer their equity interests in Wuge and Wuge cannot transfer its assets. The acquisition price for the shares or assets will be the minimum amount of consideration permitted under the PRC law at the time of the exercise of the option. This pledge will remain effective until all options have been exercised.

Voting Rights Proxy and Financial Support Agreement.

Under the voting rights proxy and financial support agreement among Tongrong WFOE, Wuge and the shareholders of Wuge dated January 3, 2020, each Wuge Shareholder irrevocably appointed Tongrong WFOE as its attorney-in-fact to exercise on such shareholder’s behalf any and all rights that such shareholder has in respect of his equity interests in Wuge, including but not limited to the power to vote on its behalf on all matters of Wuge requiring shareholder approval in accordance with the articles of association of Wuge. The proxy agreement is for a term of 20 years and can be extended by Tongrong WFOE unilaterally by prior written notice to the other parties.

On January 11, 2021, Makesi WFOE entered into a series of assignment agreements with Tongrong WFOE, Wuge and the shareholders of Wuge, pursuant to which Tongrong WFOE assign all its rights and obligations under the VIE agreements to Makesi WFOE. The VIE agreements and the assignment agreements granted Makesi WFOE with the power, rights and obligations equivalent in all material respects to those it would possess as the sole equity holder of Wuge, including absolute rights to control the management, operations, assets, property and revenue of Wuge. The assignment did not have any impact on Company’s consolidated financial statements.

On September 28, 2022, Makesi WFOE terminated the VIE agreements with Wuge and the shareholders of Wuge.

Material terms of each of the VIE agreements with Yuanma are described below. The Company disposed TMSR HK, Makesi WFOE and Yuanma on June 26, 2023.

F-13

Technical Consultation and Services Agreement.

Pursuant to the technical consultation and services agreement between Makesi WFOE and Yuanma dated June 21, 2022, Makesi WFOE has the exclusive right to provide consultation services to Yuanma relating to Yuanma’s business, including but not limited to business consultation services, human resources development, and business development. Makesi WFOE exclusively owns any intellectual property rights arising from the performance of this agreement. Makesi WFOE has the right to determine the service fees based on Yuanma’s actual operation on a quarterly basis. This agreement will be effective for 20 years and can be extended by Makesi WFOE unilaterally by prior written notice to the other parties. Makesi WFOE may terminate this agreement at any time by giving a 30 days’ prior written notice to Yuanma. If any party breaches the agreement and fails to cure within 30 days from the written notice from the non-breach party, the non-breach party may (i) terminate the agreement and request the breaching party to compensate the non-breaching party’s loss or (ii) request special performance by the breaching party and the breaching party to compensate the non-breaching party’s loss.

Equity Pledge Agreement.

Under the equity pledge agreement among Makesi WFOE, Yuanma and Yuanma Shareholders dated June 21, 2022, Yuanma Shareholders pledged all of their equity interests in Yuanma to Makesi WFOE to guarantee Yuanma’s performance of relevant obligations and indebtedness under the technical consultation and services agreement. In addition, Yuanma Shareholders will complete the registration of the equity pledge under the agreement with the competent local authority. If Yuanma breaches its obligation under the technical consultation and services agreement, Makesi WFOE, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the pledged equity interests. This pledge will remain effective until all the guaranteed obligations are performed or the Yuanma Shareholders cease to be shareholders of Yuanma.

Equity Option Agreement.

Under the equity option agreement among Makesi WFOE, Yuanma and Yuanma Shareholders dated June 21, 2022, each of Yuanma Shareholders irrevocably granted to Makesi WFOE or its designee an option to purchase at any time, to the extent permitted under PRC law, all or a portion of his equity interests in Yuanma. Also, Makesi WFOE or its designee has the right to acquire any and all of its assets of Yuanma. Without Makesi WFOE’s prior written consent, Yuanma’s shareholders cannot transfer their equity interests in Yuanma and Yuanma cannot transfer its assets. The acquisition price for the shares or assets will be the minimum amount of consideration permitted under the PRC law at the time of the exercise of the option. This pledge will remain effective until all options have been exercised.

Voting Rights Proxy and Financial Support Agreement.

Under the voting rights proxy and financial support agreement among Makesi WFOE, Yuanma and Yuanma Shareholders dated June 21, 2022, each Yuanma Shareholder irrevocably appointed Makesi WFOE as its attorney-in-fact to exercise on such shareholder’s behalf any and all rights that such shareholder has in respect of his equity interests in Yuanma, including but not limited to the power to vote on its behalf on all matters of Yuanma requiring shareholder approval in accordance with the articles of association of Yuanma. The proxy agreement is for a term of 20 years and can be extended by Makesi WFOE unilaterally by prior written notice to the other parties.

On June 26, 2023, the Company sold all the issued and outstanding equity interest in TMSR HK.

Material terms of each of the VIE agreements with Highlight Media are described below. The VIE agreements with Highlight Media were terminated and the Company disposed Highlight Media as of September 26, 2023.

F-14

Technical Consultation and Services Agreement.

Pursuant to the technical consultation and services agreement between Highlight Media and Makesi WFOE dated September 16, 2022, Makesi WFOE has the exclusive right to provide consultation services to Highlight Media relating to Highlight Media’s business, including but not limited to business consultation services, human resources development, and business development. Makesi WFOE exclusively owns any intellectual property rights arising from the performance of this agreement. Makesi WFOE has the right to determine the service fees based on Highlight Media’s actual operation on a quarterly basis. This agreement will be effective as long as Highlight Media exists. Makesi WFOE may terminate this agreement at any time by giving a 30 days’ prior written notice to Highlight Media.

Equity Pledge Agreement.

Under the equity pledge agreement among Makesi WFOE, Highlight Media and the shareholders of Highlight Media dated September 16, 2022, the shareholders of Highlight Media pledged all of their equity interests in Highlight Media to Makesi WFOE to guarantee Highlight Media’s performance of relevant obligations and indebtedness under the technical consultation and services agreement. In addition, the shareholders of Highlight Media will complete the registration of the equity pledge under the agreement with the competent local authority. If Highlight Media breaches its obligation under the technical consultation and services agreement, Makesi WFOE, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the pledged equity interests. This pledge will remain effective until all the guaranteed obligations are performed or the shareholders of Highlight Media cease to be shareholders of Highlight Media.

Equity Option Agreement.

Under the equity option agreement among Makesi WFOE, Highlight Media and the shareholders of Highlight Media dated September 16, 2022, each of the shareholders of Highlight Media irrevocably granted to Makesi WFOE or its designee an option to purchase at any time, to the extent permitted under PRC law, all or a portion of his equity interests in Highlight Media. Also, Makesi WFOE or its designee has the right to acquire any and all of its assets of Highlight Media. Without Makesi WFOE’s prior written consent, Highlight Media’s shareholders cannot transfer their equity interests in Highlight Media and Highlight Media cannot transfer its assets. The acquisition price for the shares or assets will be the minimum amount of consideration permitted under the PRC law at the time of the exercise of the option. This pledge will remain effective until all options have been exercised.

Voting Rights Proxy and Financial Support Agreement.

Under the voting rights proxy and financial support agreement among Makesi WFOE, Highlight Media and the shareholders of Highlight Media dated September 16, 2022, each Highlight Media Shareholder irrevocably appointed Makesi WFOE as its attorney-in-fact to exercise on such shareholder’s behalf any and all rights that such shareholder has in respect of his equity interests in Highlight Media, including but not limited to the power to vote on its behalf on all matters of Highlight Media requiring shareholder approval in accordance with the articles of association of Highlight Media. The proxy agreement is for a term of 20 years and can be extended by Makesi WFOE unilaterally by prior written notice to the other parties.

On February 27, 2023, Highlight WFOE entered into a series of assignment agreements with Makesi WFOE, Highlight Media and Highlight Shareholders, pursuant to which Makesi WFOE assign all its rights and obligations under the VIE agreements to Highlight WFOE. The VIE agreements and the assignment agreements grant Highlight WFOE with the power, rights and obligations equivalent in all material respects to those it would possess as the sole equity holder of Highlight Media, including absolute rights to control the management, operations, assets, property and revenue of Highlight Media. The assignment does not have any impact on Company’s consolidated financial statements.

On September 26, 2023, Highlight WFOE terminated the VIE agreements with Highlight Media and the shareholders of Highlight Media.

As of the date of this report, the Company primary operations are focused on the live streaming market with focus on e-commerce and live streaming interactive game in the United States through its subsidiaries AI Catalysis and SH Xianzhui. All Wuge digital door signs business and Highlight Media enterprise brand management service have been disposed.

F-15

Note 2 – Summary of significant accounting policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, if the Company does not complete a business combination by July 29, 2017, then the Company will cease all operations except for the purpose of winding down and liquidating. This mandatory liquidation and subsequent dissolution raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty

/s/ WithumSmith+Brown, PC

New York, New York

March 27, 2017

F-2

JM GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY

Balance Sheets

  December 31,
2016
  December 31,
2015
 
       
ASSETS      
CURRENT ASSETS:      
Cash $150,306  $623,044 
Prepaid assets  15,580   188,367 
Total current assets  165,886   811,411 
         
Trust account  50,109,326   50,023,363 
         
Total assets $50,275,212  $50,834,774 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
         
CURRENT LIABILITIES:        
Accounts payable $19,922  $27,707 
Accrued expenses  82,647   43,288 
Due to affiliates  140,500   140,500 
Total current liabilities  243,069   211,495 
         
Common stock subject to possible redemption: 4,000,000 shares (at a redemption value of approximately $10 per share) at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively  40,000,000   40,000,000 
Commitments and contingencies        
         
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:        
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding        
Common stock, $0.0001 par value,  15,000,000 shares authorized; 2,562,500 shares issued and outstanding (excluding 4,000,000 shares subject to redemption) at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively  256   256 
Additional paid-in capital  10,807,708   10,857,228 
Accumulated deficit  (775,821)  (234,205)
Total stockholders’ equity  10,032,143   10,623,279 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $50,275,212  $50,834,774 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

F-3

JM GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY

Statement of Operations

  For the Year Ended December 31,
2016
  For the period from April 10, 2015 (date of inception) to December 31,
2015
 
       
Revenue $-  $- 
         
Operating expenses  627,579   257,568 
         
Loss from operations  (627,579)  (257,568)
         
Interest income  85,963   23,363 
Net loss attributable to common stock (excluding shares subject to possible redemption) $(541,616) $(234,205)
         
Basic and diluted net loss per share $(0.21) $(0.11)
         
Weighted average number of common stock outstanding        
Basic and diluted  (excluding shares subject to possible redemption)  2,562,500   2,091,409 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

F-4

JM GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY

Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

For the period from April 10, 2015 (inception) to December 31, 2016

  Common Stock  Additional     Total 
  Number of     Paid-in  Accumulated  Stockholders’ 
  Shares  Amount  Capital  Deficit  Equity 
                
Sale of common stock to initial stockholder
on April 22, 2015 at $0.01662 per share
  1,504,688  $150  $24,850  $-  $25,000 
                     
Sale of common stock on July 29, 2015
 at $10.00 per share
  5,250,000   525   52,499,475   -   52,500,000 
                     
Underwriters’ discount and offering expenses  -   -   (1,862,816)  -   (1,862,816)
                     
Proceeds from sale of underwriter options  -   -   100   -   100 
                     
Common stock subject to possible redemption  (4,000,000)  (400)  (39,999,600)  -   (40,000,000)
                     
Forfeiture of 192,188 shares of common stocks  as a result of no over-allotment option exercised  (192,188)  (19)  19   -   - 
                     
Common stock issuable to Firstrust at $9.76 per share  -   -   195,200   -   195,200 
                     
Net loss  -   -   -   (234,205)  (234,205)
                     
Balance, December 31, 2015  2,562,500   256   10,857,228   (234,205)  10,623,279 
                     
Cancellation of Common stock issuable to Firstrust      -   (65,066)  -   (65,066)
                     
Stock-based compensation recorded for options issued to a director by the sponsor          15,546   -   15,546 
                     
Net loss  -   -   -   (541,616)  (541,616)
                     
Balance, December 31, 2016  2,562,500  $256  $10,807,708  $(775,821) $10,032,143 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

F-5

JM GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY

Statements of Cash Flows

  Year Ended December 31,
2016
  For the period from April 10, 2015 (inception) to December 31,
2015
 
       
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net loss $(541,616) $(234,205)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:        
Common stock issuable for consulting fees  97,600   32,533 
Stock-based compensation for director fees  15,546   - 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities        
Increase in prepaid expenses  10,121   (25,700)
Increase in accounts payable  (7,785)  27,707 
Increase in accrued expenses  39,359   43,288 
Net cash used in operating activities  (386,775)  (156,377)
         
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Proceeds deposited in Trust Account  -   (50,000,000)
Interest income reinvested in Trust Account  (85,963)  (23,363)
Net cash used in investing activities  (85,963)  (50,023,363)
         
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Proceeds from issuance of common stock to initial stockholder  -   25,000 
Proceeds from sale of units in Private Placement  -   2,500,000 
Proceeds from sale of units in Public Offering, net of offering expenses paid  -   48,137,184 
Proceeds from sale of underwriter options  -   100 
Proceeds from due to affiliates, net  -   140,500 
Net cash provided by financing activities  -   50,802,784 
         
Net change  in cash  (472,738)  623,044 
Cash, beginning of period  623,044   - 
         
Cash, end of period $150,306  $623,044 
         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASHFLOW INFORMATION        
Non-cash investing and financing activities        
Cancellation of common stock issued for future services included in   unamortized prepaid expenses $65,066  $- 
Common stock issuable for consulting services  -  $195,200 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

F-6

JM GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2016

1. DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Organization and General

JM Global Holding Company (the “Company,” “we” or “us”) is a blank check company incorporated in Delaware on April 10, 2015. The Company was formed for the purpose of acquiring, through a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, exchangeable share transaction or other similar business transaction, one or more operating businesses or assets (“Business Combination”). The Company has neither engaged in any operations nor generated any operating revenue to date. The Company’s sponsor is Zhong Hui Holding Limited, a Seychelles limited company (the “Sponsor”). The Company has selected December 31 as its fiscal year end.

Financing

The registration statement for the Company’s initial public offering (the “Public Offering”) (as described in Note 3) was declared effective by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on July 23, 2015. The Sponsor purchased, simultaneously with the closing of the Public Offering on July 29, 2015, 250,000 units at $10.00 per unit in a private placement for an aggregate price of $2,500,000. Each unit purchased is substantially identical to the units sold in the Public Offering, except that the Sponsor has agreed that it will not seek redemption of the stock contained within such units. In addition, the Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 3,000,000 units in the Public Offering. The Sponsor has agreed that it will not seek redemption of 1,000,000 shares of the 3,000,000 shares purchased in the Public Offering. In the event that the Company is unable to complete its initial Business Combination within 24 months from the closing of the Public Offering, the non-redeemable 1,000,000 Sponsor shares will be entitled to the liquidation rights described in the “Business Combination” section.

Upon the closing of the Public Offering and the private placement, $50,000,000 was placed in a trust account (the “Trust Account”), with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company acting as trustee.

Going Concern

None of our Sponsor, stockholders, officers or directors, or third parties, are under any obligation to advance us funds, or to invest in us. Accordingly, we may not be able to obtain additional financing. If we are unable to raise additional capital, we may be required to take additional measures to conserve liquidity, which could include, but not necessarily be limited to, curtailing operations, suspending the pursuit of our business plan, and reducing overhead expenses. We cannot provide any assurance that new financing will be available to us on commercially acceptable terms, if at all.

Additionally, the Company has until July 29, 2017 to complete its initial business combination. If the Company has not completed its initial business combination by that time, the Company will distribute the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, pro rata, to our public shareholders by way of redemption and cease all operations except for purposes of the winding up of our affairs.

These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that may result should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. 

F-7

JM GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2016

1. DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS (continued)

Trust Account

An amount equal to 100% of the gross proceeds of the Public Offering received on July 29, 2015 is held in a Trust Account invested in U.S. government securities meeting the conditions of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), having a maturity of 180 days or less or any open-ended investment company that holds itself out as a money market fund selected by the Company meeting the conditions of paragraphs (c)(2), (c)(3) and (c)(4) of Rule 2a-7 of the 1940 Act, as determined by the Company until the earlier of (i) the consummation of a Business Combination or (ii) the distribution of the Trust Account.

Other than the withdrawal of interest to pay taxes or for working capital, if any, none of the funds held in trust may be released until the earlier of: (i) the completion of the Business Combination; or (ii) the redemption of 100% of the outstanding public shares included in the units sold in the Public Offering if the Company is unable to complete the Business Combination within 24 months from the closing of the Public Offering.

Business Combination

The Company’s management has broad discretion with respect to the specific application of the net proceeds of the Public Offering and the private placement, although substantially all of the net proceeds of the Public Offering and the private placement are intended to be generally applied toward consummating a Business Combination. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully effect a Business Combination.

The Company, after signing a definitive agreement for the acquisition of one or more target businesses or assets, may decide to not submit the transaction for stockholder approval, unless otherwise required by law. The Company will proceed with a Business Combination if it is approved by the board of directors. In the event that the Company is required to seek stockholder approval in connection with its initial Business Combination, the Company will proceed with a Business Combination only if a majority of the aggregate outstanding shares that are voted in favor of the Business Combination. In connection with such a vote, the Company will provide its stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their shares of common stock upon the consummation of its initial Business Combination at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including any amounts representing interest earned on the Trust Account, less any interest released to the Company for working capital purposes or the payment of taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding shares of common stock that were sold as part of the Units in the Public Offering, which the Company refers to as its public shares, subject to the limitations described within the registration statement and any limitations (including but not limited to cash requirements) agreed to in connection with the negotiation of terms of a proposed Business Combination. These shares of common stock, excluding the 1,000,000 non-redeemable shares of the 3,000,000 shares purchased in the Public Offering by the Sponsor, are recorded at a redemption value and classified as temporary equity upon the completion of the Public Offering, in accordance with ASC Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity”. However, in no event will the Company redeem its public shares in an amount that would cause its net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001.

F-8

JM GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2016

1. DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS (continued)

The Company has until 24 months from the closing of the Public Offering (the “Combination Period”) to consummate its initial Business Combination. If the Company is unable to complete its initial Business Combination within 24 months from the closing of the Public Offering the Company will (i) cease all operations except for the purposes of winding up of its affairs; (ii) distribute the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including a portion of the interest earned thereon which was not previously used for working capital, but net of any taxes,pro rata to its public stockholders by way of redemption of its public shares (which redemption would completely extinguish such holders’ rights as stockholders, including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any); and (iii) as promptly as possible following such redemption, dissolve and liquidate the balance of its net assets to its remaining stockholders, as part of its plan of dissolution and liquidation; in the event of such distribution, it is possible that the per-share value of the residual assets remaining available for distribution (including Trust Account assets) will be less than the initial public offering price per Unit in the Public Offering.

Section 102(b)(1) of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”) permits emerging growth companies to delay complying with new or revised financial accounting standards that do not yet apply to private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act). The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of its financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

F-9

JM GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2016

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of presentation

The accompanying financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) andfor information pursuant to the accounting and disclosure rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC’SEC”).

 

Net loss per common sharePrinciples of Consolidation

 

The Company complies with accounting and disclosure requirementsconsolidated financial statements of FASB ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share.” Net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. At December 31, 2016, the Company did not have any dilutive securitiesinclude the accounts of GDC and other contracts that could, potentially, be exercised or converted into common stockits wholly owned subsidiaries and then share in the earnings of the Company. As a result, diluted loss per common share is the same as basic loss per common share for the periods presented.VIEs. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation.

 

ConcentrationUse of credit riskEstimates and Assumptions

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist of cash accounts in a financial institution which, at times may exceed the Federal Depository Insurance Corporation coverage of $250,000. The Company has not experienced losses on these accounts and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such accounts.

Fair value of financial instruments

The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” approximates the carrying amounts represented in the accompanying balance sheets, primarily due to their short-term nature.

F-10

JM GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2016

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Use of estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosuredisclosures of contingent assets and liabilities atas of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.periods presented. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements include the useful lives of intangible assets and equipment, impairment of long-lived assets, collectability of receivables, fair value of convertible notes, discount rate used to measure present value of lease liabilities and valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from thosethese estimates.

 

Income taxesForeign Currency Translation and Transactions

 

The reporting currency of the Company complies withis the accounting and reporting requirementsU.S. dollar. The PRC subsidiaries of FASB ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” which requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assetsthe Company conduct its businesses in the local currency, Renminbi (RMB), as its functional currency. Assets and liabilities are computed for differences betweentranslated at the financialunified exchange rate as quoted set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board at the end of the period. The statement of operations accounts are translated at the average translation rates and tax basesthe equity accounts are translated at historical rates. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the results of assets and liabilities that will result in future taxable or deductible amounts, based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company has a deferred tax assets of approximately $328,000 and $84,000 related to the net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $890,000 and $260,000, respectively (which begin to expire in 2035) and start-up costs. Management has determined that a full valuation allowance of their deferred tax assets is appropriate at this time.operations as incurred.

 

FASB ASC Topic 740 prescribes a recognition thresholdTranslation adjustments included in accumulated other comprehensive income amounted to $73,279 and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. There were no unrecognized tax benefits$179,460 as of December 31, 20162023 and 2015. No2022, respectively. The balance sheets amounts, were accrued forwith the paymentexception of interest and penaltiesshareholders’ equity at December 31, 20162023 and 2015.2022 were translated at 7.10 RMB and 6.38 RMB to $1.00, respectively. The shareholders’ equity accounts were stated at their historical rate. The average translation rates applied to statements of operations accounts for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were 7.08 RMB and 6.73 RMB to $1.00, respectively. Cash flows are also translated at average translation rates for the periods, therefore, amounts reported on the statements of cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the consolidated balance sheets.

The PRC government imposes significant exchange restrictions on fund transfers out of the PRC that are not related to business operations. These restrictions have not had a material impact on the Company is currentlybecause it has not aware ofengaged in any issues under reviewsignificant transactions that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from its position. The Company isare subject to income tax examinations by major taxing authorities since inception.the restrictions.

 

The Company may be subject to potential examination by U.S. federal, U.S. states or foreign jurisdiction authorities in the areas of income taxes. These potential examinations may include questioning the timing and amount of deductions, the nexus of income among various tax jurisdictions and compliance with U.S. federal, U.S. state and foreign tax laws. The Company’s management does not expect that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will materially change over the next twelve months.

F-16

 

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers all short-termCash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and demand deposits placed with commercial banks or other financial institutions and highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and with an original maturitymaturities from the date of purchase of three months or less when purchasedless. All cash and cash equivalents are unrestricted as to withdrawal and use.

Prepaid and other current assets

Prepaid and other current assets are advances paid to outside vendors for future inventory or services purchases. The Company has legally binding contracts with its vendors, which require any outstanding prepayments to be returned to the Company when the contract ends.

Convertible Notes Receivable

The Company evaluated the terms of the DigiTrax Convertible Notes and the Liquid Convertible Notes (as defined in Note 13) according to ASC 320 “Investments — Debt Securities” and concluded that the convertible notes should be classified as an available-for-sale security and measured at fair value. To evaluate the fair value of the available-for-sale security, the Company used the valuation methodology of income approach, which is determined by the future cash equivalents. flow forecast. The fair value changes of the convertible notes receivable were recorded as other comprehensive income.

Equipment

Equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method after consideration of the estimated useful lives of the assets and estimated residual value. The estimated useful lives and residual value are as follows:

Useful Life

Estimated

Residual

Value

Office equipment and furnishing5 years5%

The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets sold or otherwise retired are eliminated from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to earnings as incurred, while additions, renewals and betterments, which are expected to extend the useful life of assets, are capitalized. The Company also re-evaluates the periods of depreciation to determine whether subsequent events and circumstances warrant revised estimates of useful lives.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets represent software that are stated at cost, less accumulated amortization. Research and development costs associated with internally developed patents are expensed when incurred. Amortization expense is recognized on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The software has finite useful lives and is amortized using a straight-line method that reflects the estimated pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are to be consumed. The Company amortizes the cost of software, over their useful life using the straight-line method. The Company also re-evaluates the periods of amortization to determine whether subsequent events and circumstances revised estimates of useful lives. The estimated useful life is as follows:

Useful Life
Software5 years

F-17

Lease

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Leases that transfer substantially all of the benefits and risks incidental to the ownership of assets are accounted for as finance leases as if there was an acquisition of an asset and incurrence of an obligation at the inception of the lease. All other leases are accounted for as operating leases. The Company has no significant finance leases.

The Company recognizes lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets on the balance sheet for leases. Operating lease right- of-use assets (the “ROU”) are disclosed as non-current assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Current maturities of operating lease liabilities are classified as operating lease liabilities - current, and operating lease liabilities that will be due in more than one year are disclosed as non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities are initially recognized based on the present value of future lease payments at lease commencement. The operating lease right-of-use asset also includes any lease payments made prior to lease commencement and the initial direct costs incurred by the lessee and is recorded net of any lease incentives received. As the interest rates implicit in most of the leases are not readily determinable, the Company uses the incremental borrowing rates based on the information available at lease commencement to determine the present value of the future lease payments. Operating lease expenses are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Most leases have initial terms ranging from 1 to 5.5 years. The Company’s lease agreements did not include non-lease components. Lease expense for fixed lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any significant residual value guarantees or restricted covenants.

The Company evaluates the carrying value of ROU assets if there are indicators of impairment and reviews the recoverability of the related asset group.

The Company reassesses of a contract is or contains a leasing arrangement and re-measures ROU assets and liabilities upon modification of the contract. The Company will derecognize ROU assets and liabilities, with difference recognized in the income statement on the contract termination.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration paid of an acquisition over the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiary at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment at least annually, more often when circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. In accordance with ASC 350 IntangiblesGoodwill and Other, the Company may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. In the qualitative assessment, the Company considers factors such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance of the reporting unit, and other specific information related to the operations, business plans and strategies of the reporting unit, including consideration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the qualitative assessment, if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is performed. The Company may also bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to perform the quantitative impairment test. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered to be impaired. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value is recognized as impairment. Application of a goodwill impairment test requires significant management judgment, including the identification of reporting units, allocation of assets, liabilities and goodwill to reporting units, and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit.

F-18

Impairment for Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets, including equipment, intangible assets and ROU assets with finite lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances (such as a significant adverse change to market conditions that will impact the future use of the assets) indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable individually or as a group at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of the other assets and liabilities. The Company assesses the recoverability of the assets (or group of assets) based on the undiscounted future cash flows the assets (or group of assets) are expected to generate and recognize an impairment loss when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset (or group of assets) plus net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset (or group of assets), if any, are less than the carrying value of the asset (or group of assets). If an impairment is identified, the Company would reduce the carrying amount of the asset (or group of assets) to its estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flows approach or, when available and appropriate, to comparable market values. The carrying amount of the asset (or the long-lived assets in the asset group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying amounts) is reduced to the extent not lower than the fair value of the asset. The adjusted carrying amounts after an impairment charge represent the new cost basis and is depreciated over their remaining useful lives.

Fair value measurement

The accounting standard regarding fair value of financial instruments and related fair value measurements defines financial instruments and requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments held by the Company. The Company considers the carrying amount of cash, accounts receivable, other receivables, accounts payable, other payables and accrued liabilities to approximate their fair values because of their short term nature.

The accounting standards define fair value, establish a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosures of fair value measurement and enhance disclosure requirements for fair value measures. The three levels are defined as follow:

Level 1 inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the assets or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instruments.

Level 3 inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the carrying values of cash, accounts receivable, other receivables, accounts payable, other payables and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of the instruments. Fair value of convertible notes receivable has been discussed in Note 21.

Revenue recognition

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606) using the modified retrospective method for contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. This did not result in an adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption of this new guidance as the Company’s revenue, other than retainage revenues, was recognized based on the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for satisfying the performance obligations. However, the impact of the Company’s retainage revenue was not material as of the date of adoption, and as a result, did not result in an adjustment.

The core principle underlying the revenue recognition ASC 606 is that the Company will recognize revenue to represent the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in such exchange. This will require the Company to identify contractual performance obligations and determine whether revenue should be recognized at a point in time or over time, based on when control of goods and services transfers to a customer. The Company’s revenue streams are primarily recognized at a point in time.

F-19

The ASC 606 requires the use of a new five-step model to recognize revenue from customer contracts. The five-step model requires that the Company (i) identify the contract with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, including variable consideration to the extent that it is probable that a significant future reversal will not occur, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the respective performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies the performance obligation. The application of the five-step model to the revenue streams compared to the prior guidance did not result in significant changes in the way the Company records its revenue. Upon adoption, the Company evaluated its revenue recognition policy for all revenue streams within the scope of the ASC 606 under previous standards and using the five-step model under the new guidance and confirmed that there were no differences in the pattern of revenue recognition except its retainage revenues.

An entity will also be required to determine if it controls the goods or services prior to the transfer to the customer in order to determine if it should account for the arrangement as a principal or agent. Principal arrangements, where the entity controls the goods or services provided, will result in the recognition of the gross amount of consideration expected in the exchange. Agent arrangements, where the entity simply arranges but does not control the goods or services being transferred to the customer, will result in the recognition of the net amount the entity is entitled to retain in the exchange.

The Company, as a principal, provides services to clients under separate contracts, generating revenue. The pricing terms specified in the contracts are fixed. An obligation to perform is identified in contracts with clients. Revenue is recognized over the period in which the services are earned.

Payments received prior to the relevant criteria for revenue recognition are met, are recorded as customer deposits.

The Company did not have any cash equivalentsrevenue streams from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with U.S. GAAP for income taxes. The charge for taxation is based on the results for the fiscal year as adjusted for items, which are non-assessable or disallowed. It is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred taxes is accounted for using the asset and liability method in respect of temporary differences arising from differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and the corresponding tax basis used in the computation of assessable tax profit. In principle, deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilized. Deferred tax is calculated using tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, except when it is related to items credited or charged directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Current income taxes are provided for in accordance with the laws of the relevant taxing authorities.

An uncertain tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. Penalties and interest incurred related to underpayment of income tax are classified as income tax expense in the period incurred. The Company incurred no such penalties and interest for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s PRC tax returns filed for 2023 remain subject to examination by any applicable tax authorities.

F-20

Interest

Interest income is mainly generated from bank deposits and other interest earning financial assets and is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective interest method.

Net Loss per Common Stock

Basic loss per share is computed by dividing loss available to common stockholders of the Company by the weighted average common stocks outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share takes into account the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stocks were exercised and converted into common stocks. 

In May 2023 and November 2023 in connection with the placement agency agreements (see Note 17), the Company issued and sold pre-funded warrants exercisable for an aggregate of 844,351 and 1,876,103 shares of common stock, at the exercise price of $8.35 and $3.019 per share, of which $8.349 and $3.018 was pre-funded and paid to the Company upon issuance of the pre-funded warrants, respectively. The remaining exercise price of the pre-funded warrants is $0.001 per share. The pre-funded warrants are exercisable by the holders at any time and do not expire. On November 1, 2023, in connection with the Warrant Exchange Agreements (see Note 17), the holders of May 2023 Unregistered Warrants (as defined in Note 17) surrendered the May 2023 Unregistered Warrants, and the Company cancelled the May 2023 Unregistered Warrants and issued to these holders pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 577,260 shares of the Company’s common stock with no consideration.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, 1,807,951 pre-funded warrants representing 1,807,951 shares of the Company’s common stock were exercised for no consideration. The remaining pre-funded warrants are immediately exercisable after issuance and do not expire. As the remaining shares underlying the pre-funded warrants are issuable for nominal consideration of $0.001 per share, 1,489,763 in common stocks underlying the unexercised pre-funded warrants were considered outstanding for purposes of the calculation of loss per share as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.2023.

 

Cash8,134,043 and securities held in Trust Account9,079,348 of outstanding warrants (excluding the Pre-funded Warrants and Exchange Warrants) which are equivalent to convertible of 3,904,879 and 4,539,674 common stocks were excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation due to its antidilutive effect for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Nil and 824,000 of outstanding options were excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation due to its antidilutive effect for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, substantially allComprehensive Loss

Comprehensive loss is defined as the changes in equity of the assets held inCompany during a year from transactions and other events and circumstances excluding transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Accumulated other comprehensive income of the Trust Account were held in U.S. Treasury Bills.Company includes the foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains or loss on available-for-sale investments.

 

Reclassification

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on net loss or and financial position.

F-11

F-21

 

 

JM GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANYRecently Accounting Pronouncements

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2021-08), which clarifies that an acquirer of a business should recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 201615, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments should be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the effective date of the amendments, with early adoption permitted. The Company has evaluated and concluded that there’s no impact of the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted ASU 2021-08 since January 1, 2024.

 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Deferred offering costs

Deferred offering costs consistedIn June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of legal, underwriter and accounting fees incurredEquity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions”, which clarifies that were directly related toa contractual restriction on the Public Offering and that were charged to stockholders’sale of an equity upon the completion of the Public Offering on July 29, 2015. Deferred offering costs amounting to $1,862,816 were charged to stockholders’ equity upon completion of the Offering.

Accrued expenses and due to affiliate

Accrued expenses represents amount the Company owes to its vendors, for which service has been provided but the Company hassecurity is not paid for and state franchise tax. At December 31, 2016 there was approximately $83,000 accrued for state franchise tax in the Company’s accrued expenses. At December 31, 2015, there were approximately $4,000 of accrued travel expenses and $39,000 accrued state franchise tax in the Company’s accrued expenses. Due to affiliate represents entity costs and offering costs paid by an affiliate on behalf of the Company. These advances are non-interest bearing, unsecured and payable on demand. 

Redeemable common stock

As discussed in Note 4, 4,000,000 of the 5,000,000 shares of common stock sold asconsidered part of the units in the Public Offering contain a redemption feature which allows for the redemptionunit of common stock under the Company’s liquidation or tender offer/stockholder approval provisions. In accordance with ASC 480, redemption provisions not solely within the controlaccount of the Company require theequity security to be classified outside of permanent equity. Ordinary liquidation events, which involve the redemption and, liquidation of all of the entity’s equity instruments, are excluded from the provisions of ASC 480. Although the Company didtherefore, is not specify a maximum redemption threshold, its charter providesconsidered in measuring fair value. The amendments also clarify that in no event will it redeem its Public Shares in an amount that would cause its net tangible assets (stockholders’ equity) to be less than $5,000,001.

Accordingly, at December 31, 2016 and 2015, 4,000,000 of the 5,000,000 Public Shares were classified outside of permanent equity at its redemption value.

Recently issued accounting standards

The Company complies with ASU 2014-15, “Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continueentity cannot, as a Going Concern” (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 providesseparate unit of account, recognize and measure a contractual sale restriction. This guidance on management’s responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about a company’s abilityalso requires certain disclosures for equity securities subject to continue as a going concern and about related footnote disclosures. For each reporting period, managementcontractual sale restrictions. The new guidance is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one yearbe applied prospectively with any adjustments from the adoption of the amendments recognized in earnings and disclosed on the date the financial statements are issued. The amendments in ASU 2014-15 areof adoption. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods endingfiscal years beginning after 15 December 15, 2016, and for annual and2023, including interim periods thereafter.within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has evaluated and concluded that there’s no impact of the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted ASU 2022-03 since January 1, 2024.

In December 2023, the methodologies prescribed byFASB issued ASU 2014-15,2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09), which requires disclosure of incremental income tax information within the rate reconciliation and expanded disclosures of income taxes paid, among other disclosure requirements. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company’s management does not believe the adoption of ASU 2014-152023-09 will not have a material effectimpact on its financial position or results of operations.statements and disclosures.

 

ManagementThe Company does not believe that anyother recently issued but not yet effective accounting pronouncements,standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and comprehensive loss and statements of cash flows.

Note 3 – Business Combination and Restructuring

 

Highlight Media

On September 16, 2022, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement with Highlight Media and all the shareholders of Highlight Media (“Highlight Media Shareholders”). Pursuant to the share purchase agreement, the Company agreed to issue an aggregate of 9,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Highlight Media Shareholders, in exchange for Highlight Media Shareholders’ agreement to enter into, and their agreement to cause Highlight Media to enter into, certain VIE agreements (“VIE Agreements”) with Makesi WFOE the Company’s indirectly owned subsidiary, through which Makesi WFOE shall have the right to control, manage and operate Highlight Media in return for a service fee equal to 100% of Highlight Media’s net income (the “Acquisition”). On September 16, 2022, Makesi WFOE entered into a series of VIE Agreements with Highlight Media and the Highlight Media Shareholders. The VIE Agreements are designed to provide Makesi WFOE with the power, rights and obligations equivalent in all material respects to those it would possess as the sole equity holder of Highlight Media, including absolute rights to control the management, operations, assets, property and revenue of Highlight Media. Highlight Media, founded in 2016, is an integrated marketing service agency, focusing on enterprise brand management, crisis public relations, intelligent public opinion monitoring, media PR, financial and economic we-media operation, digital face application, large-scale exhibition services and other businesses. The Acquisition closed on September 29, 2022.

On February 27, 2023, Highlight WFOE entered into a series of assignment agreements (the “Assignment Agreements”) with Makesi WFOE, Highlight Media and Highlight Shareholders, pursuant to which Makesi WFOE assign all its rights and obligations under the VIE Agreements to Highlight WFOE (the “Assignment”). The VIE Agreements and the Assignment Agreements grant Highlight WFOE with the power, rights and obligations equivalent in all material respects to those it would possess as the sole equity holder of Highlight Media, including absolute rights to control the management, operations, assets, property and revenue of Highlight Media. The Assignment does not have any impact on Company’s consolidated financial statements.

F-22

The Company’s acquisition of Highlight Media was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805 Business Combinations. The Company has allocated the purchase price of Highlight Media based upon the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date. Other current assets and current liabilities were valued using the cost approach. Management of the Company is responsible for determining the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, equipment, and intangible assets identified as of the acquisition date and considered a number of factors including valuations from independent appraisers. Acquisition-related costs incurred for the acquisitions are not material and have been expensed as incurred in general and administrative expenses.

The following table summarizes the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, which represents the net purchase price allocation at the date of the acquisition of Highlight Media based on a valuation performed by an independent valuation firm engaged by the Company:

Total consideration at fair value $2,250,000 
  Fair Value 
Cash $47,498 
Other current assets  107,828 
Equipment  1,205 
Other noncurrent assets  - 
Goodwill  2,121,947 
Total asset  2,278,478 
Accounts payable  14,170 
Taxes Payable  363 
Other Payable  13,945 
Total liabilities  28,478 
Net asset acquired $2,250,000 

Approximately $2.1 million of goodwill arising from the acquisition consists largely of synergies expected from combining the operations of the Company and Highlight Media. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Note 4 – Variable Interest Entity

Wuge

On January 3, 2020, Tongrong WFOE entered into contractual arrangements with Wuge and its shareholders. The significant terms of these contractual arrangements are summarized in “Note 1 - Nature of business and organization” above. As a result, the Company classified Wuge as VIE.

On January 11, 2021, Makesi WFOE entered into a series of assignment agreements with Tongrong WFOE, Wuge and the shareholders of Wuge, pursuant to which Tongrong WFOE assign all its rights and obligations under the VIE agreements to Makesi WFOE. The VIE agreements and the assignment agreements granted Makesi WFOE with the power, rights and obligations equivalent in all material respects to those it would possess as the sole equity holder of Wuge, including absolute rights to control the management, operations, assets, property and revenue of Wuge. The assignment did not have any impact on Company’s consolidated financial statements.

On September 28, 2022, Makesi WFOE entered into a termination agreement with Wuge and the shareholders of Wuge to terminate the VIE agreements and to cancel the shares previously issued to the shareholders of Wuge, based on the average closing price of $0.237 per share of the Company during the 30 trading days immediately prior to the date of the termination agreement. As a result of such termination, the Company no longer treats Wuge as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Wuge in the Company’s consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.

F-23

Yuanma

On June 21, 2022, Makesi WFOE entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Yuanma and its shareholders. The significant terms of these contractual arrangements are summarized in “Note 1 - Nature of business and organization” above. As a result, the Company classified Yuanma as VIE.

On June 26, 2023, GDC entered into a share purchase agreement with a buyer unaffiliated with the Company. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company agreed to sell and the buyer agreed to purchase all the issued and outstanding equity interest in TMSR HK, which hold 100% of the equity interests in Makesi WFOE. The purchase price for the transaction contemplated by the Agreement was $100,000. The sale of TMSR HK included the sale of Makesi WFOE and Yuanma, which has any material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Highlight Media

On September 16, 2022, Makesi WFOE entered into contractual arrangements with Highlight Media and its shareholders. The significant terms of these contractual arrangements are summarized in “Note 1 - Nature of business and organization” above. As a result, the Company classifies Highlight Media as VIE.

On February 27, 2023, Highlight WFOE entered into a series of assignment agreements with Makesi WFOE, Highlight Media and Highlight Shareholders, pursuant to which Makesi WFOE assign all its rights and obligations under the VIE agreements to Highlight WFOE. The VIE agreements and the assignment agreements granted Highlight WFOE with the power, rights and obligations equivalent in all material respects to those it would possess as the sole equity holder of Highlight Media, including absolute rights to control the management, operations, assets, property and revenue of Highlight Media. The assignment did not have any impact on Company’s consolidated financial statements.

On September 26, 2023, Highlight WFOE entered into a termination agreement with Highlight Media and the shareholders of Highlight Media to terminate the VIE Agreements and sell the interest in the VIE Agreements for a purchase price of $100,000. As a result of such termination, the Company no longer treats Highlight Media as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Highlight Media in the Company’s consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.

A VIE is an entity that has either a total equity investment that is insufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, or whose equity investors lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, such as through voting rights, right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity or obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity. The variable interest holder, if any, that has a controlling financial interest in a VIE is deemed to be the primary beneficiary and must consolidate the VIE. Highlight WFOE is deemed to have a controlling financial interest and be the primary beneficiary of Highlight Media and Makesi WFOE is deemed to have a controlling financial interest and be the primary beneficiary of Wuge and Yuanma because Highlight WFOE and Makesi WFOE have both of the following characteristics:

(1)The power to direct activities at Highlight Media, Wuge and Yuanma that most significantly impact such entity’s economic performance, and

(2)The obligation to absorb losses of, and the right to receive benefits from Highlight Media, Wuge and Yuanma that could potentially be significant to such entity.

Accordingly, the accounts of Highlight Media, Wuge and Yuanma are consolidated in the accompanying financial statements pursuant to ASC 810-10, Consolidation. In addition, Wuge’s financial positions and results of operations are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements prior to September 28, 2022, Yuanma’s financial positions and results of operations are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements prior to June 26, 2023 and Highlight Media’s financial positions and results of operations are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements prior to September 26, 2023.

F-24

As of December 31, 2023, the Company did not have any VIE operations. The operations results from VIE operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 have been reflected in discontinued operations as disclosed in Note 20.

Note 5 – Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash at banks represents cash balances maintained at commercial banks. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not have any cash equivalents. The Company maintains bank accounts in the United States and institutions in PRC.

  December 31,  December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Cash at Banks $5,175,518  $389,108 

Note 6 – Prepaid and Other Current Assets

Prepaid and other current assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2023:

  December 31, 
  2023 
Prepayments of digital human services $797,500 
Prepayments of live streaming services  487,587 
Other prepayments  5,803 
Total Prepaid and other current assets $1,290,890 

Note 7 – Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consisted of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

  December 31,
2023
  December 31,
2022
 
Accounts receivable $       -  $197,640 
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts  -   (3,120)
Total accounts receivable, net $-  $194,520 

Movement of the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:

  December 31,
2023
  December 31,
2022
 
Beginning balance $3,120  $- 
Addition  -   3,120 
Disposal of Highlight Media  (3,120)  - 
Ending balance $-  $3,120 

F-25

Note 8 – Other Receivables

Other receivables as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 consisted of the following:

  December 31,
2023
  December 31,
2022
 
Receivable from disposal of Wuge $-  $948,000 
Others  9,459   78,293 
Total other receivables, net $9,459  $1,026,293 

The balance of $948,000 on December 31, 2022 is the consideration required to be received upon disposal of Wuge. It was settled on March 9, 2023 by cancellation of 133,333 shares of the Company’s common stock, after giving effect to the reverse stock split which became effective on November 9, 2022, that were previously issued to Wuge shareholders.

Note 9 – Equipment, net

Equipment, net consisted of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

  December 31,
2023
  December 31,
2022
 
Office equipment and furniture $14,190  $10,039 
Less: accumulated depreciation  (1,679)  (9,537)
Total $12,511  $502 

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 amounted to $1,679 and $718, respectively.

Note 10 – Intangible Assets, net

Intangible assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2023:

  December 31,
2023
 
Software $3,653,104 
Subtotal  3,653,104 
Less: accumulated amortization  (345,155)
Total $3,307,949 

The Company’s intangible assets include a software of $750,000 purchased from a third party by issuance of 180,000 of the Company’s common stock (as disclosed in Note 17) and software of $2,903,104 purchased by the Company in cash. The Company amortizes its software over their estimated useful lives and reviews these assets for impairment.

Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $345,155.

Note 11 – Goodwill

In connection with the disposal of Highlight Media and Wuge, the goodwill recognized from acquisition of Highlight Media and Wuge were impaired in full. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by business units for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:

  Highlight Media  Wuge  Total 
Balance as of December 31, 2021 $-  $6,590,339  $6,590,339 
Goodwill acquired through acquisition  2,190,485   -   2,190,485 
Goodwill impairments  -   (6,590,339)  (6,590,339)
Balance as of December 31, 2022 $2,190,485  $-  $2,190,485 
Goodwill impairments  (2,190,485)  -   (2,190,485)
Balance as of December 31, 2023 $-  $-  $- 

F-26

Note 12 – Related Party Transactions

Other payable – related parties:

Name of related party Relationship Nature December 31,
2023
  December 31,
2022
 
Shanghai Highlight Asset Management Co. LTD(1) A company in which the then shareholder hold shares Advances $-  $195,732 
Zihao Zhao Chief Finance Officer Accrued compensations  20,833   - 
Total     $20,833  $195,732 

(1)In connection with the disposal of Highlight Media on September 26, 2023, the balance of other payable -related parties as of December 31, 2022 was settled as well.

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded compensation expenses to its officers amounted to $120,833 and nil, for their services provided to the Company.

Note 13 – Convertible Notes Receivable

The Company’s convertible notes receivable consisted of the following as of December 31, 2023:

  December 31,
2023
 
Convertible notes receivable $2,602,027 
Total $2,602,027 

On June 1, 2023 and August 17, 2023, the Company purchased two convertible notes issued by DigiTrax Entertainment Inc. (the “DigiTrax”) for an aggregated of $1,000,000 (the “DigiTrax Convertible Notes”). Each DigiTrax Convertible Note will be due on one year after the original issuance (the “DigiTrax Convertible Note Maturity Date”). The Company has the right to receive interest on the aggregate unconverted and then outstanding principal amount of these notes at the rate of 10% per annum. Accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable on conversion, repayment, redemption, maturity or default. At any time (after six months) after the issuance until the notes are no longer outstanding, the notes shall be convertible, in whole or part, into shares of common stock of DigiTrax at a price of $1.4 per share. In the event DigiTrax consummates a public offering of any capital stock and is able to receive gross proceeds of at least $10,000,000 (“Qualified Offering”) prior to the DigiTrax Convertible Note Maturity Date and there’s no event of default, all then outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest under the DigiTrax Convertible Notes should convert into the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of DigiTrax common stock based on the lesser of (i) $1.4 per share, or (ii) seventy percent (70%) of the price per share of DigiTrax common stock that is subject to the Qualified Offering.

On June 2, 2023 and August 17, 2023, the Company purchased two convertible notes issued by Liquid Marketplace Corp. (the “Liquid”) for an aggregated of $1,500,000 (the “Liquid Convertible Notes”). Each Liquid Convertible Note will be due on one year after the original issuance (the “Liquid Convertible Note Maturity Date”). The Company has the right to receive interest on the aggregate unconverted and then outstanding principal amount of these notes at the rate of 8% per annum. Accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable on conversion, repayment, redemption, maturity or default. At any time after the issuance until the notes are no longer outstanding, the notes shall be convertible, in whole or part, into shares of common stock of Liquid at a price of $0.25 per share. In the event Liquid consummates a public offering of any capital stock and is able to receive gross proceeds of at least $10,000,000 (“Qualified Offering”) prior to the Liquid Convertible Note Maturity Date and there’s no event of default, all then outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest under the Liquid Convertible Notes should convert into the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Liquid common stock based on the lesser of (i) $0.25 per share, or (ii) seventy percent (70%) of the price per share of Liquid common stock that is subject to the Qualified Offering.

F-27

The Company evaluated the terms of the DigiTrax Convertible Notes and the Liquid Convertible Notes according to ASC 320 and concluded that these notes should be classified as an available-for-sale security and measured at fair value.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded unrealized gains on the fair value changes of these notes amounted to $102,027 in other comprehensive income in relation to above convertible notes in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. As of December 31, 2023, the outstanding balance of the convertible notes were $2,602,027.

Note 14 – Leases

Leases are classified as operating leases or finance leases in accordance with ASC 842 Leases. The Company’s operating leases mainly related to the rights to use building and office facilities. For leases with terms greater than 12 months, the Company records the related asset and liability at the present value of lease payments over the term. Certain leases include rental escalation clauses, renewal options and/or termination options, which are factored into the Company’s determination of lease payments when appropriate.

 F-12December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
Weighted average remaining lease term: 
Operating lease4.81 yearsN/A
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating lease7.56%N/A

The balances for the operating leases where the Group is the lessee are presented as follows within the consolidated balance sheets:

  December 31,
2023
  December 31,
2022
 
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net      
Operating lease $1,561,058  $         - 
         
Lease liabilities        
Current portion of operating lease liabilities  358,998   - 
Non-current portion of operating lease liabilities  1,317,678   - 
  $1,676,676  $- 

Future lease payments under operating leases as of December 31, 2023 were as follows:

  Operating Leases 
    
FY2024 $412,267 
FY2025  386,829 
FY2026  394,566 
FY2027  402,457 
FY2028  410,506 
Total lease payments $2,006,625 
Less: imputed interest  329,949 
Present value of lease liabilities (1) $1,676,676 

(1)Present value of future operating lease payments consisted of current portion of operating lease liabilities and non-current portion of operating lease liabilities, amounting to $358,998 and $1,317,678, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023.

F-28

 

 

JM GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2016Note 15 – Taxes

 

3. PUBLIC OFFERINGIncome tax

United States

GDC was organized in the state of Delaware in April 2015. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, GDC’s net operating loss carry forward for United States income taxes was approximately $6.3 million and $4.6 million, respectively. The net operating loss carry forwards are available to reduce future years’ taxable income through year 2039. Management believes that the realization of the benefits from these losses appears uncertain due to the Company’s operating history and continued losses in the United States. Accordingly, the Company has provided a 100% valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset to reduce the asset to zero. Management reviews this valuation allowance periodically and makes changes accordingly.

 

On December 22, 2017, the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (“The 2017 Tax Act”) was enacted in the United States. Under the provisions of the Act, the U.S. corporate tax rate decreased from 34% to 21%. The 2017 Tax Act imposed a global intangible low-taxed income tax (“GILTI”), which is a new tax on certain off-shore earnings at an effective rate of 10.5% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 (increasing to 13.125% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025) with a partial offset for foreign tax credits. The Company determined that there is no impact of GILTI for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, which the Company believes that it will be imposed a minimum tax rate of 10.5% and to the extent foreign tax credits are available to reduce its US corporate tax, which may result in no additional US federal income tax being due.

British Virgin Islands

Citi Profit BVI is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and are not subject to tax on income or capital gains under current British Virgin Islands law. In addition, upon payments of dividends by these entities to their shareholders, no British Virgin Islands withholding tax will be imposed.

Hong Kong

TMSR HK and Highlight HK are incorporated in Hong Kong and are subject to Hong Kong Profits Tax on the taxable income as reported in its statutory financial statements adjusted in accordance with relevant Hong Kong tax laws. TMSR and Highlight HK are subject to Hong Kong profit tax at a rate of 8.25% for assessable profits on the first HK$2 million and 16.5% for any assessable profits in excess of HK$2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The Company did not make any provisions for Hong Kong profit tax as there were no assessable profits derived from or earned in Hong Kong since inception. Under Hong Kong tax law, TMSR HK is exempted from income tax on its foreign-derived income and there are no withholding taxes in Hong Kong on remittance of dividends.

PRC

Makesi WFOE, Highlight WFOE, Highlight Media, Yuanma and SH Xianzhui are governed by the income tax laws of the PRC and the income tax provision in respect to operations in the PRC is calculated at the applicable tax rates on the taxable income for the periods based on existing legislation, interpretations and practices in respect thereof. Under the Enterprise Income Tax Laws of the PRC (the “EIT Laws”), Chinese enterprises are subject to income tax at a rate of 25% after appropriate tax adjustments.

F-29

The current and deferred components of income tax expenses from continuing operations appearing in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss are as follows:

  December 31,  December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Current tax $-  $- 
Deferred tax  327,822   - 
Total $327,822  $        - 

The principal components of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

  December 31,  December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Deferred tax assets      
Net operating losses carried forward $6,295,697  $4,574,581 
Lease liability  352,102   - 
Valuation allowance  (6,647,799)  (4,574,581)
Deferred tax assets, net $-  $- 
Deferred tax liabilities        
Right - Of - Use assets $327,822  $- 
Deferred tax liabilities, net $327,822  $- 

Value added tax

Enterprises or individuals who sell commodities, engage in repair and maintenance or import and export goods in the PRC are subject to a value added tax in accordance with PRC laws. The VAT standard rates changed to 6% to 13% of the gross sales prices starting in April 2019. A credit is available whereby VAT paid on the purchases of semi-finished products or raw materials used in the production of the Company’s finished products can be used to offset the VAT due on sales of the finished products and services.

Taxes payable consisted of the following:

  December 31,
2023
  

December 31,
2022

 
VAT taxes payable $      -  $8,478 
         
Total $-  $8,478 

Note 16 – Concentration of Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash deposits. Accounts at each institution are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had $4,458,402 and nil in excess of the FDIC insured limit, respectively.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, $211,222 and $215,880 were deposited with various financial institutions located in the PRC, respectively. While management believes that these financial institutions are of high credit quality, it also continually monitors their credit worthiness.

F-30

Note 17 – Equity

Statutory Reserves and Restricted Net Assets

In accordance with the PRC Regulations on Enterprises with Foreign Investment, an enterprise established in the PRC with foreign investment is required to make appropriations to certain statutory reserves, namely a general reserve fund, an enterprise expansion fund, a staff welfare fund and a bonus fund, all of which are appropriated from net profit as reported in its PRC statutory accounts. A foreign invested enterprise is required to allocate at least 10% of its annual after-tax profits to a general reserve fund until such fund has reached 50% of its respective registered capital. Appropriations to the enterprise expansion fund and staff welfare and bonus funds are at the discretion of the board of directors for the foreign invested enterprises. For other subsidiaries incorporated in the PRC, the general reserve fund was appropriated based on 10% of net profits as reported in each subsidiary’s PRC statutory accounts. General reserve and statutory surplus funds are restricted to set-off against losses, expansion of production and operation and increasing registered capital of the respective company. Staff welfare and bonus fund and statutory public welfare funds are restricted to capital expenditures for the collective welfare of employees. The reserves are not allowed to be transferred to the Company in terms of cash dividends, loans or advances, nor are they allowed for distribution except under liquidation. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the PRC statutory reserve funds amounted to nil and $4,467, respectively.

In addition, under PRC laws and regulations, the Company’s PRC subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to transfer their net assets to the Company in the form of dividend payments, loans or advances. Amounts of net assets restricted include paid up capital and statutory reserve funds of the Company’s PRC totaling $1,083,267 and $492,315 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Furthermore, cash transfers from the Company’s PRC subsidiaries to the Company’s subsidiaries outside of the PRC are subject to the PRC government control of currency conversion. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the ability of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to the Company, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency denominated obligations.

Common Stock

On April 14, 2022, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the “April 2022 SPA”) with Yuan Ma, and Yuanma Shareholders. Yuanma Shareholders are Wei Xu, the then Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Company, and Jiangsu Lingkong Network Joint Stock Co., Ltd., which was controlled by Wei Xu. Pursuant to the April 2022 SPA, the Company agreed to issue an aggregate of 7,680,000 shares of common stock of the Company, valued at $1.00 per share, to the Yuanma Shareholders, in exchange for Yuanma Shareholders’ agreement to enter into and to cause Yuan Ma to enter into VIE Agreements with Makesi WFOE, the Company’s indirectly owned subsidiary, to establish a VIE structure (the “Yuan Ma Acquisition”). On June 13, 2022, the Company held a special meeting of stockholders and approved the issuance of the 7,680,000 shares of common stock to Wei Xu. On June 21, 2022, pursuant to the April 2022 SPA, Makesi WFOE entered into a series of VIE Agreements with Yuan Ma and Yuanma Shareholders, and the 7,680,000 shares of common stock were issued to Wei Xu and the transaction contemplated in the April 2022 SPA was completed.

On September 16, 2022, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the “September 2022 SPA”) with Highlight Media, and all the shareholders of Highlight Media (“Highlight Media Shareholders”).

Pursuant to the September 2022 SPA, the Company agreed to issue an aggregate of 9,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company, valued at $0.25 per share, to the Highlight Media Shareholders, in exchange for Highlight Media’s and Highlight Media Shareholders’ agreement to enter into the VIE Agreements with Makesi WFOE, to establish a VIE (variable interest entity) structure (the “Highlight Media Acquisition”). On September 29, 2022. the common stock of the Company were issued to the Highlight Media Shareholders. The Highlight Media Acquisition was completed.

F-31

On November 4, 2022, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Amendment”) with the Nevada Secretary of State to effect a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per shares, of the Company at a ratio of one-for-thirty (30), which became effective at 12:01 a.m. on November 9, 2022 (the “Reverse Stock Split”). Upon effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split, every thirty (30) outstanding shares of common stock were combined into and automatically become one share of common stock. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split and all such fractional interests will be rounded up to the nearest whole number of shares of common stock. The authorized shares prior to and following the Reverse Stock Split will remain the same at 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per shares, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per shares. The Reverse Stock Split does not alter the par value of the Company’s common stock or modify any voting rights or other terms of the common stock.

On May 1, 2023, the Company entered into a placement agency agreement (the “May 2023 Placement Agency Agreement”), with Univest Securities, LLC (the “Placement Agent” or “Univest”), pursuant to which, the Placement Agent agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to sell the Company’s common stock in a registered direct offering (the “May 2023 RD Offering”), and a concurrent private placement (the “May 2023 PIPE Offering”, together with the RD Offering, collectively the “May 2023 Offering”). The Placement Agent has no obligation to buy any of the securities from the Company or to arrange for the purchase or sale of any specific number or dollar amount of securities.

On May 4, 2023, the Company sold an aggregate of 310,168 shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share, and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 844,351 shares of common stock are sold to certain purchasers (the “May 2023 Offering Purchasers”), pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, dated May 1, 2023, as amended on May 16, 2023 (the “May 2023 Securities Purchase Agreement”). The purchase price of each share of common stock is $8.35. The purchase price of each pre-funded warrant is $8.349, which equals the price per share of common stock being sold to the public in this offering, minus $0.001. The pre-funded warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 844,351 shares of common stock were exercised in full in May 2023.

In connection with the May 2023 Offering, the Company paid Univest a total cash fee equal to 7.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds received in the offering. The net proceeds from the May 2023 Offering, after deducting Placement Agent discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company, are approximately $8.5 million (assuming the warrants are not exercised). The Company used the net proceeds from the Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

On June 22, 2023, the Company entered into a software purchase agreement with Northeast Management LLC, a seller unaffiliated with the Company. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company agreed to purchase, and the seller agreed to sell all of seller’s right, title, and interest in and to the certain software. The purchase price of the software shall be $750,000, payable in the form of issuance of 187,500 shares of common stock of the Company, valued at $4.00 per share. The Company plans to use the software to develop video games. On June 26, 2023, the Company issued the shares to the seller’s designees and the transaction was completed.

On November 1, 2023, the Company entered into a placement agency agreement (the “November 2023 Placement Agency Agreement”), with Univest, pursuant to which, Univest agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to sell the Company’s common stock in a registered direct offering and a concurrent private placement (the “November 2023 Offering”). Univest has no obligation to buy any of the securities from the Company or to arrange for the purchase or sale of any specific number or dollar amount of securities.

F-32

Pursuant to the November 2023 Offering, (i) an aggregate of 1,436,253 shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share, (ii) pre-funded warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,876,103 shares of common stock (the “November 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants”, and the common stock underlying such warrants, the “November 2023 Pre-Funded Warrant Shares”), and (iii) registered warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 3,312,356 shares of common stock (the “November 2023 Registered Warrants”, and the common stock underlying such warrants, the “November 2023 Registered Warrant Shares”) are sold to certain purchasers (the “November 2023 Offering Purchasers”), pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, dated October 31, 2023 (the “October 2023 Securities Purchase Agreement”). The purchase price of each common stock is $3.019. The purchase price of each November 2023 Pre-funded Warrant is $3.018, which equals the price per common stock being sold in the November 2023 Offering, minus $0.001. The November 2023 Pre-funded Warrants will be exercisable immediately after issuance and will expire five (5) years from the date of issuance. The November 2023 Registered Warrants will be exercisable immediately and will expire five (5) years from the date of issuance.

The total proceeds from the November 2023 Offering was approximately $10.0 million. Offering costs of approximately $1.0 million, consisting of approximately $0.7 million underwriting commissions and $0.3 million other professional fees, were charged into additional paid-in capital. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

In November and December 2023, holders of 963,600 of the November 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants exercised their option to purchase 963,600 shares of the Company’s common stock, leaving 912,503 of November 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants are still outstanding.

The May 2023 Offering and the November 2023 Offering were being made pursuant to a shelf registration statement (No. 333-254366) on Form S-3, which was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 26, 2021, and related prospectus supplement.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the total outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock was 5,453,416 and 1,844,877, respectively.

Warrants and Options

On July 29, 2015, the Company sold 5,000,00010,000,000 units at a purchase price of $10.00$5.00 per unit (“Public Units”) in the Public Offering.its initial public offering (the “IPO”). Each Public Unit consists of one share of the Company’s common stock, $0.0001 par value, and one common stock purchase warrant. The Company did not register the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants at the time of thewarrant (the “Public Warrants”). Each Public Offering. However, the Company has agreed to use its best efforts to file and have an effective registration statement covering the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants, to maintain a current prospectus relating to those shares of common stock until the earlier of the date the warrants expire or are redeemed and, the date on which all of the warrants have been exercised and to qualify the resale of such shares under state blue sky laws, to the extent an exemption is not available. Each warrant will entitleWarrants entitled the holder to purchase one-half of one share of common stock at an exercise price of $5.75$2.88 per half share ($11.505.75 per whole share). Warrants may be exercised only for a whole number of shares of common stock. No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of the warrants. The warrants will becomePublic Warrants became exercisable on the later of (a) 30 days after the consummation of its initial Business Combination or (b) 12 months fromwith China Sunlong on February 6, 2018. The Public Warrants expired on February 5, 2023.

The sponsor of the Company purchased, simultaneously with the closing of the Public Offering. The warrants will expireIPO on July 29, 2015, 500,000 units (“Private Units”) at 5:00 p.m., New York time, five years after$5.00 per unit in a private placement for an aggregate price of $2,500,000. Each Private Unit consists of one share of the consummation of its initial Business Combination or earlier upon redemption or liquidation. OnCompany’s common stock, $0.0001 par value, and one warrant (the “Private Warrants”). Each Private Unit purchased is substantially identical to the exercise of any warrant, the warrant exercise price will be paid directly to us and not placedunits sold in the Trust Account. The warrants will be redeemable byIPO. Therefore, the Company at a price of $0.01 per warrant upon 30 days prior written notice after the warrants become exercisable, only500,000 Private Warrants included in the event that the last sale price of the common stock equals or exceeds $24.00 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period endingPrivate Units became exercisable on the third business day prior to the dateFebruary 6, 2018 and expired on which notice of redemption is given.February 5, 2023.

 

The Company paid an upfront underwriting discount of $1,250,000 (approximately 2.5% of the gross proceeds of the Public Offering) to the underwriters at the closing of the Public Offering. The amount was charged to the additional paid in capital account.

The Company sold to the underwriter (and/or its designees), for $100, as additional compensation, an option (“the Option”) to purchase up to a total of 400,000800,000 units exercisable at $10.00$5.00 per unit (or an aggregate exercise price of $4,000,000) upon the closing of the Public Offering. Since the option is notIPO. The Option became exercisable until the earliest on the closing the initial Business Combination on February 6, 2018 and expired on February 5, 2023.

F-33

After the option will effectively represent1-for-30 reverse stock split effective on November 9, 2022, all options, warrants and other convertible securities of the rightCompany outstanding immediately prior to the reverse stock split were adjusted by dividing the number of shares of common stock into which the options, warrants and other convertible securities are exercisable or convertible by thirty (30) and multiplying the exercise or conversion price thereof by thirty (30), all in accordance with the terms of the plans, agreements or arrangements governing such options, warrants and other convertible securities and subject to rounding to the nearest whole share.

On February 18, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “February 2021 Securities Purchase Agreement”) with certain purchasers, pursuant to which, on February 22, 2021, the Company sold (i) 138,889 shares of common stock, (ii) registered warrants (the “February 2021 Registered Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of up to 400,00054,646 shares of common stock and 400,000(iii) unregistered warrants (the “February 2021 Unregistered Warrants”) to purchase up to 84,244 shares (the “Warrant Shares”) of common stock in a registered direct offering (the “February 2021 Registered Direct Offering”) and a concurrent private placement (the “February 2021 Private Placement,” and together with the February 2021 Registered Direct Offering, the “February 2021 Offering”). The terms of the February 2021 Offering were previously reported in a Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 18, 2021 and the closing of the Offering was reported in a Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 22, 2021.

The February 2021 Registered Warrants have a term of five years and are exercisable immediately at an exercise price of $201.60 per share, subject to adjustments thereunder, including a reduction in the exercise price, in the event of a subsequent offering at a price less than the then current exercise price, to the same price as the price in such offering (a “Price Protection Adjustment”).

The February 2021 Unregistered Warrants have a term of five and one-half years and are first exercisable on the date that is the earlier of (i) six months after the date of issuance or (ii) the date on which the Company obtains stockholder approval approving the sale of the securities sold under the February 2021 Securities Purchase Agreement, to purchase an aggregate of up to 84,244 shares of common stock. The February 2021 Unregistered Warrants have an exercise price of $201.60 per share, subject to adjustments thereunder, including (x) a Price Protection Adjustment and (y) in the event the exercise price is more than $183.00, a reduction of the exercise price to $183.00, upon obtaining such stockholder approval.

The Company paid the Placement Agent a cash fee of $2,310,000, including $2,000,000 in commission which was equal to eight percent (8.0%) of the aggregate gross proceeds raised in February 2021 Offering, $250,000 in non-accountable expense which was equal to one percent (1%) of the aggregate gross proceeds raised in the February 2021 Offering, and $60,000 in accountable expenses. Additionally, the Company issued to the Placement Agent warrants to purchase 200,000up to 6,945 shares of common stock (the “February 2021 Placement Agent Warrants”), with a term of five years first exercisable six months after the date of issuance and at $11.50an exercise price of $180.00 per full share for an aggregate maximum amountshare.

Pursuant to the February 2021 Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company is required to hold a meeting of $6,300,000. The units issuable upon exerciseour stockholders not later than April 29, 2021 to seek such approval as may be required from our stockholders (the “Stockholder Approval”), in accordance with applicable law, the applicable rules and regulations of this option are identicalthe Nasdaq Stock Market, our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the Nevada Revised Statutes with respect to those issuedthe issuance of the securities in the PublicOffering, including the Warrants sold in the Private Placement, so that the issuance by us of shares of common stock in excess of the 231,802 shares (19.99% of the shares of common stock outstanding as of February 17, 2021, the date prior to entering into the February 2021 Securities Purchase Agreement) in the aggregate (the “Issuable Maximum”), will be in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rules 5635(a) and 5635(d) as described herein, and investors in the Offering will be able to exercise the Warrants prior to six months after the closing of the Offering. (See Note 5).

 

F-13

F-34

 

 

JM GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2016On April 29, 2021, the Company held a special meeting of stockholders and approved the issuance of shares of common stock in excess of the 231,802 shares. The exercise price of the Unregistered Warrants was reduced to $183.00.

 

4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

FounderOn May 1, 2023, pursuant to the May 2023 Placement Agency Agreement as described above, Pre-Funded warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 844,351 shares

of common stock are sold to May 2023 Offering Purchasers. The purchase price of each Pre-funded Warrant is $8.349. In April 2015,connection with the Sponsor purchased 1,504,688 sharesPre-Funded Warrant Shares, “Pre-funded” refers to the fact that the purchase price of the warrants in the offering includes almost the entire exercise price that will be paid under the Pre-funded Warrants, except for a nominal remaining exercise price of $0.001. The purpose of the Pre-funded Warrants is to enable Purchasers that may have restrictions on their ability to beneficially own more than 4.99% (or, upon election of the holder, 9.99%) of the Company’s outstanding common stock following the consummation of the offering the opportunity to make an investment in the Company without triggering their ownership restrictions, by receiving Pre-funded Warrants in lieu of the Company’s common stock (the “Founder Shares”which would result in such ownership of more than 4.99% (or 9.99%), and receive the ability to exercise their option to purchase the shares underlying the Pre-funded Warrants at such nominal price at a later date. In the RD Offering, each Pre-funded Warrant is exercisable for $25,000, or $0.01662one share of our common stock, with an exercise price equal to $0.001 per share, which included an aggregate of 192,188 Founder Shares that were subject to forfeiture by the Sponsor to the extentat any time that the overallotment option wasPre-funded Warrant is outstanding. The Pre-funded Warrants will be exercisable immediately after issuance and will expire five (5) years from the date of issuance. The holder of a Pre-funded Warrant will not exercised bybe deemed a holder of our underlying common stock until the underwriter. Pre-funded Warrant is exercised.

In June 2015, our Sponsor transferred 164,063 Founder Sharesconnection with the May 2023 Offering, unregistered warrants to each of Tim Richerson, our Chief Executive Officer, and Peter Nathanial, our President, as well as 3,000 Founder Sharespurchase up to each of Messrs. Jetta and Qu, our independent directors. These 334,126 Founder Shares were not subject to forfeiture in the event the underwriter’s overallotment option was not exercised in full. The Founder Shares are identical to the1,154,519 shares of common stock included(the “May 2023 Unregistered Warrants”) are also sold to the May 2023 Offering Purchasers. The May 2023 Unregistered Warrants are exercisable immediately after issuance and will expire five (5) years from the date of issuance. The Exercise Price of the May 2023 Unregistered Warrants is $8.35 per share, subject to adjustment as provided in the Units sold in the Public Offering, except that (1) the founder shares are subject to certain transfer restrictions, as described in more detail below, and (2) our initial stockholders have agreed: (i) to waive their redemption rights with respect to their founder shares in connectionform of May 2023 Unregistered Warrants.

In concurrent with the consummationNovember 2023 Offering, on November 1, 2023, the Company entered into certain warrant exchange agreements (the “Warrant Exchange Agreements” with May 2023 Offering Purchasers. Pursuant to the Warrant Exchange Agreements, the holders of a Business CombinationMay 2023 Unregistered Warrants shall surrender the May 2023 Unregistered Warrants, and (ii)the Company shall cancel the May 2023 Unregistered Warrants and shall issue to waive their redemption rights with respectthese holders pre-funded warrants to their founderpurchase up to 577,260 shares if we fail to complete our Business Combination within 24 months from the closing of the Public Offering. However, our initial stockholders will be entitled to redemption rights with respect to any public shares they hold by way of public market purchase if we fail to consummate a Business Combination within such time period. If we submit our initial Business Combination to our public stockholders for a vote, our initial stockholders have agreed to vote their shares and any public shares held in favor of our initial Business Combination. The initial stockholders own founder shares equal to 20.0% of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Exchange Warrants”). The Exchange Warrants were issued to holders on November 3, 2023 and outstanding shares (not including the placement shares).warrant exchange closed on the same day.

 

On September 8, 2015, the Sponsor forfeited 192,188 Founder Shares since the overallotment was not exercised, so that the initial stockholders owned 20.0%The Placement Agent of the Company’s issued and outstandingMay 2023 Offering also received warrants to purchase up to 115,452 shares of common stock (not includingat an exercise price of $10.02 per share (the “May 2023 Placement Agent Warrants”), which represents 120% of the placement shares).May 2023 Offering price of each share of common stock. The Placement Agent’s warrants will have substantially the same terms as the May 2023 Unregistered Warrants.

 

Our initial stockholders have agreedIn connection with the November 2023 Offering, 1,876,103 shares of the November 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants and 3,312,356 shares of the November 2023 Registered Warrants were sold to November 2023 Offering Purchasers. Each November 2023 Pre-funded Warrant is exercisable for one share of the Company’s common stock, with an exercise price equal to $0.001 per share, at any time that the November 2023 Pre-funded Warrant is outstanding. The November 2023 Pre-funded Warrants will be exercisable immediately after issuance and will expire five (5) years from the date of issuance. The holder of a November 2023 Pre-funded Warrant will not to transfer, assign or sell anybe deemed a holder of their Founder Sharesthe Company’s underlying common stock until one year after our initial Business Combination (the “lock up”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, ifNovember 2023 Pre-funded Warrant is exercised. The November 2023 Registered Warrants will be exercisable immediately and will expire five (5) years from the last saledate of issuance. The exercise price of ourthe November 2023 Registered Warrants is $3.019, subject to adjustment as provided in the form of November 2023 Registered Warrants. As of December 31, 2023, 963,600 of the November 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants were exercised, leaving 912,503 of November 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants are still outstanding.

The Placement Agent of the November 2023 Offering also received warrants purchase up to 331,236 shares of common stock equals or exceeds $12.00(equal to 5.0% of the aggregate number of common stocks, and shares of common stock underlying the November 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants, and the number of shares of common stock underlying the November 2023 Registered Warrants) at an exercise price of $3.623 per share (as adjusted(the “November 2023 Placement Agent Warrants”), which represents 120% of November 2023 Offering price, for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations andan aggregate purchase price of one hundred U.S. dollars (US$100), which warrant shall be exercisable at any time during the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 dayssix (6) months after our initial Business Combination, or if we consummate a transaction after our initial Business Combination which results in our stockholders having the right to exchange their shares for cash or property, the Founder Shares will be released from the lock-up.

The Sponsor purchased an aggregatecommencement of 3,000,000 unitssales in the Public Offering.November 2023 Offering through the fifth (5th) anniversary of issuance. The Sponsor has agreed that it willPlacement Agent’s Warrants are not seek redemption of 1,000,000 shares included in such units.covered by the shelf registration statement (No. 333-254366) on Form S-3, which was declared effective by the SEC on March 26, 2021, and related prospectus supplement.

 

F-14

F-35

 

The summary of warrant activity is as follows:

  Warrants  

Exercisable

Into Number of

  Weighted Average Exercise  Average Remaining Contractual 
  Outstanding  Shares  Price  Life 
December 31, 2022  4,539,674   151,323   172.5   0.10 
Granted  7,056,758   7,056,758  $3.73   4.80 
Expired  164,675   5,488  $172.5   0.10 
Exercised  1,807,951   1,807,951   0.001   - 
December 31, 2023  9,623,806   5,394,642  $19.45   4.54 

The summary of option activity is as follows:

  Options  

Exercisable

Into Number of

  Weighted Average Exercise  Average Remaining Contractual 
  Outstanding  Shares  Price  Life 
December 31, 2022  824,000   27,467  $150.00   0.10 
Granted  -   -  $-   - 
Expired  824,000   27,467  $150.00   0.10 
Exercised  -   -   -   - 
December 31, 2023  -   -  $-   - 

Note 18 – Commitments and Contingencies

 

JM GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANYContingencies

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2016

4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)

Private placement

In July 2015,From time to time, the Sponsor purchased 250,000 placement units, each consisting of one share of common stock and one warrant to purchase one-half of one share of common stock at a price of $5.75 per half share, at a price of $10.00 per unit ($2,500,000 in the aggregate,) in a private placement that occurred simultaneously with the completion of the Public Offering. In addition, possible working capital loans by our Sponsor, management team, their affiliates and other third partiesCompany may be converted into warrants of the post-business combination entity at a price of $0.50 per warrant (a maximum of 1,000,000 warrants if up to $500,000 is loaned and that amount is converted into warrants). The placement warrants, and the loan warrants, if any, are (or will be) identical to the warrants sold in the Public Offering, except that, if held by our Sponsor or its permitted assigns, they (a) may be exercised for cash or on a cashless basis; (b) are not subject to being called for redemption and (c) they (including the common stock issuable upon exercise of these warrants) may not, subject to certain limited exceptions,legal proceedings, claims and disputes that arise in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcomes of these legal proceedings cannot be transferred, assigned or sold by the holders until 30 days after the consummation of our initial Business Combination. The Sponsors have agreed that the warrants purchased will not be sold or transferred until 30 days following consummation of a Business Combination, subject to certain limited exceptions. Ifpredicted, the Company does not completebelieve these actions, in the aggregate, will have a Business Combination, then the proceeds will be partmaterial adverse impact on its financial position, results of the liquidating distribution to the public stockholders and the warrants issued to the initial stockholders will expire worthless.operations or liquidity.

Note 19 – Segment Reporting

 

The private placement warrantsCompany follows ASC 280, Segment Reporting, which requires that companies disclose segment data based on how management makes decision about allocating resources to segments and the common shares issuable upon exercise of the private placement warrants will not be transferable, assignable or salable until 30 days after the consummation of our initial Business Combination and the placement warrants will be non-redeemable so long as they are held by our Sponsor or its affiliates or designees. If the private placement warrants are held by someone other than the Sponsor, or its respective permitted transferees, the private placement warrants will be redeemable by us and exercisable by such holders on the same basisevaluating their performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker, who has been identified as the warrants included inCompany’s chief executive officer, evaluates performance and determines resource allocations based on a number of factors, the Units sold in the Public Offering.primary measure being income from operations.

 

Due to Affiliates

For the period from April 10, 2015 (inception) through December 31, 2016, the Company’s Sponsor advanced to us a total, net of repayments, of $140,500 which has been used for the payment of costs associated with the Public Offering. These advances are non-interest bearing,unsecured and due on demand. Total amounts due to the sponsor were $140,500 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

For the period from April 10, 2015 (inception) through December 31, 2016, an officer of the Company advanced us approximately $53,000 for expenses related to the Public Offering. These advances were repaid as of December 31, 2016.

In order to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial Business Combination, our Sponsor or an affiliate of our Sponsor or certain of our officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. If we consummate an initial Business Combination, we would repay such loaned amounts. In the event that the initial Business Combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the Trust Account to repay such loaned amounts but no proceeds from our Trust Account would be used for such repayment, other than the interest income earned thereon. Up to $1,000,000 of such loans may be convertible into warrants of the post Business Combination entity at a price of $0.50 per warrant at the option of the lender. The warrants would be identical to the placement warrants. The terms of such loans by our Sponsors, officers and directors, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans.

F-15

JM GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2016

5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The underwriter was entitled to an underwriting discount of two and a half percent (2.5%), which was paid in cash.

The Company sold to the underwriter (and/or its designees), for $100, as additional compensation, an option to purchase up to a total of 400,000 units exercisable at $10.00 per unit (or an aggregate exercise price of $4,000,000) upon the closing of the Public Offering. Since the option is not exercisable until the earliest on the closing of our initial Business Combination, the option will effectively represent the right to purchase up to 400,000 shares of common stock and 400,000 warrants to purchase 200,000 shares at $11.50 per full share for an aggregate maximum amount of $6,300,000. The units issuable upon exercise of this option are identical to those offered in the Public Offering. This option may be exercised during the five-year period from the date of the Public Offering commencing on the later of the consummation of an initial Business Combination and the one-year anniversary of the date of the Public Offering. The Company accounts for the fair value of the unit purchase option, net of the receipt of the $100 cash payment, as an expense of the Public Offering resulting in a charge directly to stockholders’ equity. The Company estimates the fair value of this unit purchase option is approximately $2.02 per unit (for a total fair value of approximately $669,114) using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of the unit purchase option granted to the underwriter is estimated as of the date of grant using the following assumptions: (1) expected volatility of 11.15%, (2) risk-free interest rate of 1.36% and (3) expected life of 5 years. Because the Company’s units do not have a trading history, the volatility assumption is based on information currently available to management. The volatility assumption was calculated using the average volatility of exchange-traded funds tracking various indices, which are representative of the sectors on which the company intends to focus for the initial business transaction, including: Fidelity Select Consumer Staples Portfolio, Rydex Consumer Products Fund, Icon Consumer Staples, Putnam Global Consumer Fund, and Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF. The Company believes that the volatility estimate is a reasonable benchmark to use in estimating the expected volatility of the units. Although an expected life of five years was used in the calculation, if the Company does not consummate a Business Combination within the prescribed time period and it liquidates, the option will become worthless. The unit purchase option may be exercised for cash or on a “cashless” basis, at the holder’s option, such that the holder may use the appreciated value of the unit purchase option (the difference between the exercise prices of the unit purchase option and the underlying warrants and the market price of the Units and underlying shares of common stock) to exercise the unit purchase option without the payment of cash.

6. TRUST ACCOUNT

A total of $50,000,000, which includes $47,500,000 of the net proceeds from the Public Offering and $2,500,000 from the sale of the Private Warrants, has been placed in the Trust Account. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the balance in the Trust Account was $50,109,326 and $50,023,363, respectively.

As of December 31, 2016,2023, the Company’s Trust Account consistedremain business segment and operations is Virtual Content Production. The Company’s consolidated results of $49,940,597 in U.S. Treasury Bills, $5,400 in accrued interestoperations and $163,329 in cash. As of December 31, 2015,consolidated financial position from continuing operations are almost all attributable to Virtual Content Production; accordingly, management believes that the Company’s Trust Account consisted of $49,994,122 in U.S. Treasury Bills, $21,485 in accrued interest and $7,756 in cash. The Company classifies its U. S. Treasury and equivalent securities as held-to-maturity in accordance with FASB ASC 320 “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities”. Held-to-maturity securities are those securities which the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. Held-to-maturity treasury securities are recorded at amortized cost on the accompanying December 31, 2016 and 2015consolidated balance sheets and adjusted forstatement of operations provide the amortization or accretion of premiums or discounts.relevant information to assess Virtual Content Production’s performance.

 

F-16

F-36

 

 

JM GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2016Note 20 – Discontinued Operations

 

6. TRUST ACCOUNT (continued)

The carrying amount, excluding interest income, gross unrealized holding gainsfollowing depicts the result of operations for the discounted operations of Highlight Media and fair value of held-to-maturity securities atWuge for the years ended December 31, 20162023 and 2015 are as follows: 2022, respectively.

  

For the Years Ended
December 31,

 
  2023  2022 
REVENUES      
Enterprise brand management services $165,993  $153,304 
Wuge digital door signs  -   7,616,615 
TOTAL REVENUES  165,993   7,769,919 
         
COST OF REVENUES        
Enterprise brand management services  88,658   97,770 
Wuge digital door signs  -   5,527,950 
TOTAL COST OF REVENUES  88,658   5,625,720 
GROSS PROFIT  77,335   2,144,199 
         
OPERATING EXPENSES        
Selling, general and administrative  2,209,894   8,225,301 
Provision for doubtful accounts  -   20,085,243 
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES  2,209,894   28,310,544 
         
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS  (2,132,559)  (26,166,345)
         
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)        
Interest income  49   65,274 
Interest expense  (248)  (1,022)
Other income, net  709   70,831 
Total other income, net  510   135,083 
         
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES  (2,132,049)  (26,031,262)
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES  -   315,933 
         
NET LOSS  (2,132,049)  (26,347,195)

 

  Held-To-Maturity Carrying
Amount
  Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Gains
  Fair Value 
December 31, 2016 U.S. Treasury Securities $49,940,597  $5,400  $49,945,997 
               
December 31, 2015 U.S. Treasury Securities $49,994,122  $21,485  $50,015,607 

7. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company complies with ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement”, for its financial assetsNote 21 – Assets and liabilities that are re-measured and reportedLiabilities Measured at fair value at each reporting period, and non-financial assets and liabilities that are re-measured and reported at fair value at least annually. Fair Value

 

The following tables presentpresents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities that arewere measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 20162023 and 2015,2022 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques the Company utilized to determine such fair value. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable such as quoted prices, interest rates and yield curves. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability, and includes situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability:

 

  Description Total Value  Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Other
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Assets:              
December 31, 2016 Cash and securities held in Trust Account $50,109,326  $50,109,326  $-  $     - 
                   
December 31, 2015��Cash and securities held in Trust Account $50,023,363  $50,023,363  $-  $- 
  December 31,
2023
  

Quoted Prices

In Active

Markets

(Level 1)

  

Significant

Other

Observable

Inputs

(Level 2)

  

Significant

Other

Unobservable

Inputs

(Level 3)

 
Assets            
Notes receivable - DigiTrax Convertible Notes $1,048,219  $     —  $     —  $1,048,219 
Notes receivable - Liquid Convertible Notes  1,553,808         1,553,808 
Total $2,602,027  $  $  $2,602,027 

 

F-17

F-37

 

 

JM GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company evaluated the DigiTrax Convertible Notes and the Liquid Convertible Notes according to ASC 320 and concluded that these note receivables should be classified as available-for-sale security and measured at fair value. To evaluate the fair value of the available-for-sale security, the Company used the valuation methodology of income approach, which is determined by the future cash flow forecast. The interest accrued on these notes were recorded as interest income on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, while increasing the fair value of these notes at each reporting date. As a result of the unobservable inputs, the available-for-sale security was classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 20162023.

 

8. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITYThere were no assets/liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2022.

 

Common stockThere were no transfers among the three hierarchies for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Note 22 – Subsequent events

 

On October 30, 2015,January 11, 2024, the Company entered into a twelve-month consulting agreement (the “Agreement”) with FirsTrust China Ltd. (the “Consultant”), pursuantissued the 400,000 shares of its common stock to which the Consultant agreed to provide advisory services relating to potential business combination transactionsBeijing Hehe and the Company agreedtransaction is completed. Up to pay the Consultant a monthly feedate of $20,000, payable quarterly in advance. In addition,the consolidated financial statements were issued, the Company agreedowns 73.3333% of the total equity interest of SH Xianzhui.

On February 15, 2024 and March 19, 2024, holders of 513,841 of the November 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants exercised their option to issue to the Consultant 20,000 restrictedpurchase 513,841 shares of the Company’s common stock, uponleaving 398,662 of November 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants still outstanding.

In March 2024, the closing of the Company’s initial Business Combination. The Company estimated the fair value of the shares issuable to the Consultant to be $195,200 and has expensed on a pro-rata basis over the term of the contract. The Consultant is entitled to piggy-back registration rights relating to such shares similar to the piggy-back registration rights granted to the Company’s initial stockholders. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded $150,134 in its consulting expenses.

On June 10, 2016, the Company and the Consultant entered into a terminationplacement agency agreement (the “March 2024 Placement Agency Agreement”), with Univest, pursuant to which, Univest agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to sell the Company’s common stock in a registered direct offering and a concurrent private placement (the “March 2024 Offering”). Univest has no obligation to buy any of the securities from the Company and Consultant mutually agreedor to terminatearrange for the Agreement in exchange for a $60,000 termination fee. Further, the Consultant agreed that the Company shall have no further obligations to the Consultant, including but not limited to the Company’s obligation to issue shares to the Consultant upon the closingpurchase or sale of the Company’s initial business combination. Accordingly, the Company wrote off the unamortized $65,066 prepaid consulting expenses.any specific number or dollar amount of securities.

 

The Company is authorizedPursuant to issue 15,000,000the March 2024 Offering, an aggregate of 810,277 shares of common stock with aof the Company, par value of $0.0001 per share. Holdersshare, were sold to certain purchasers (the “March 2024 Offering Purchasers”), pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, dated March 22, 2024 (the “March 2024 Securities Purchase Agreement”) at a price of $1.144 per common stock, for aggregated proceeds of approximately $0.9 million. The Company paid Univest a cash fee equal to 4.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds raised in the March 2024 Offering. The Company also issued warrants to Univest to purchase up to 40,514 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $1.373 per share, (the “March 2024 Placement Agent Warrants”). The March 2024 Placement Agent Warrants and the common stock underlying the March 2024 Placement Agent Warrants were not registered under the Securities Act, pursuant to the registration statement of March 2024 Offering. The March 2024 Placement Agent Warrants were issued pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder.

On March 26, 2024, holders of 865,376 November 2023 Registered Warrants exercised their options to purchase 709,877 shares of the Company’s common stock are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock. At December 31, 2016, there were 6,562,500 shares of common stock issued and outstanding (including 4,000,000 shares of common stock subject to redemption).

Preferred stock

The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. At December 31, 2016, there were no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding. The rights privileges, restrictions and conditions of the preferred shares have not been determined.

Options

In July 2016, the board of directors of the Company appointed two new directors. In August, the Sponsor has granted an option to each of the two new directors to acquire 6,000 shares of common stock at a price of $9.79 per share exercisable commencing six months after closing of the initial Business Combination and expiring five years from the closing of the initial Business Combination. The Company estimates the fair value of the purchase options at $15,546 using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and recorded $15,546 as compensation expenses accordingly for the year ended December 31, 2016.

F-18

F-38

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.authorized on April 2, 2024.

 

March 28, 2017JM Global Holding CompanyGD CULTURE GROUP LIMITED
  
 By:/s/ Tim RichersonXiao Jian Wang
  

Name: Tim Richerson

Xiao Jian Wang
Title:Chief Executive Officer, President and

Chairman of the Board
(Principal Executive Officer)

By:/s/ Zihao Zhao
Name: Zihao Zhao
Title:Chief Financial Officer


(Principal ExecutiveFinancial Officer and
Principal FinancialAccounting Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Name Position Date
     
/s/ Tim RichersonXiao Jian Wang Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial OfficerChairman of the Board of Directors March 28, 2017April 2, 2024
Tim RichersonXiao Jian Wang (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)  
     
/s/ Qi (Jacky) ZhangZihao Zhao Chairman of the Board of DirectorsChief Financial Officer March 28, 2017April 2, 2024
Qi (Jacky)Zihao Zhao(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ Shuang ZhangVice President and DirectorApril 2, 2024
Shuang Zhang    
     
/s/ Peter NathanialYi Zhong President and Director March 28, 2017April 2, 2024
Peter NathanialYi Zhong    
     
/s/ Kurt JettaShuaiheng Zhang Director March 28, 2017April 2, 2024
Kurt JettaShuaiheng Zhang    
     
/s/ Dongliang QuMingyue Cai Director March 28, 2017April 2, 2024
Dongliang Qu
/s/ Arthur B. DrogueDirectorMarch 28, 2017
Arthur B. Drogue
/s/ Xiaoguang LiuDirectorMarch 28, 2017
Xiaoguang LiuMingyue Cai    

 

 

5568

 

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