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, 20202021

OR

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 001-39384

D8 HOLDINGS CORP.VICARIOUS SURGICAL INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Cayman IslandsDelaware N/A87-2678169
(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)
78 Fourth Avenue  
Unit 1008, 10/F, Champion Tower, 3 Garden RoadWaltham, Massachusetts 02451
Central, Hong KongN/A
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: +852 3973 5500(617) 868-1700

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

Title of each class Trading Symbols Name of each exchange on which registered
Units, each consisting of one Class A ordinary share,common stock, $0.0001 par value and one-half of one redeemable warrantper share DEH.URBOT The New York Stock Exchange
Warrants to purchase one share of Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per shareDEHThe New York Stock Exchange
Redeemable warrants,common stock, each warrant exercisable for one Class A ordinary share at an exercise price of $11.50 per share DEHRBOT WS The New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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 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 (1) has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No

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

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

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

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

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting and non-voting equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant (without admitting that any person whose securities are not included in such calculation is an affiliate) computed by reference to the price at which the Class A common stock was not a public company atlast sold as of June 30, 2020,2021, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, and therefore it cannot calculate the aggregate market value of its voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates at such date. The registrant’s units began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on July 15, 2020 and the registrant’s Class A ordinary shares began separate trading on the New York Stock Exchange on September 4, 2020. The aggregate market value of the registrant’s Class A ordinary shares outstanding, other than shares held by persons who may be deemed affiliates of the registrant, at December 31, 2020, computed by reference to the closing price for the Class A ordinary shares on such date, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, was $350,520,000.approximately $337.6 million.

As of March 26, 2021,9, 2022, the Registrantregistrant had 34,500,000100,639,359 shares of its Class A ordinarycommon stock outstanding and 19,789,860 shares $0.0001 par value per share, and 8,625,000 of its Class B ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value per share,common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTOR SUMMARY ii
   
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS. 1
   
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.1A. RISK FACTORS. 121
   
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.IB. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS. 658
   
ITEM IB. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.2. PROPERTIES. 3758
   
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. 3758
   
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES. 3758
   
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.PART II 37
   
PART II38
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES. 3859
   
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.[RESERVED] 3859
   
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. 3959
   
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK. 4465
   
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA. F-165
   
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. 4566
   
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. 4566
   
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION. 4566
   
PART IIIITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS. 4666
   
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.PART III 46
   
ITEM 11.10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. 5067
   
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.72
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS. 5179
   
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE. 5282
   
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTINGACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. 5386
   
PART IV 54
   
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES. 5488
   
SIGNATURESITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY. 5589
SIGNATURES90

 

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” and “Vicarious Surgical” mean Vicarious Surgical Inc. (formerly D8 Holdings Corp.) and our subsidiaries. On September 17, 2021 (the “Closing Date”), D8 Holdings Corp., a Delaware corporation that was previously a Cayman Islands exempted company (“D8” and after the Business Combination described herein, the “Company”) that migrated to and domesticated (the “Domestication”), consummated the previously announced business combination (the “Business Combination”) pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 15, 2021 (the “Business Combination Agreement”), by and among D8, Snowball Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Merger Sub”), and Vicarious Surgical Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Legacy Vicarious”). Immediately upon the consummation of the Business Combination, the Domestication and the other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement (collectively, the “Transactions”, and such completion, the “Closing”), Merger Sub merged with and into Legacy Vicarious, with Legacy Vicarious surviving the Business Combination as a wholly-owned subsidiary of D8 (the “Merger”). In connection with the Transactions, D8 changed its name to “Vicarious Surgical Inc.” and Legacy Vicarious changed its name to “Vicarious Surgical US Inc.”

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and risk factor summary

SomeSection 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that relate to future events, our future operations or financial performance, or our plans, strategies and prospects. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of our management team. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events or performance, are forward-looking statements. These statements may be preceded by, followed by or include the words “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “plans,” “scheduled,” “anticipates” or “intends” or the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology intended to identify statements about the future, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. The forward-looking statements are based on projections prepared by, and are the responsibility of, our management team. Forward-looking statements contained in this report may constitute “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the federal securities laws. Our forward- looking statementsAnnual Report on Form 10-K include, but are not limited to, statements regarding about:

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

our ability to maintain the listing of our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”);

the success, cost and timing of our product and service development activities;

the commercialization and adoption of our initial products and the success of the Vicarious System and any of our future product and service offerings;

the potential attributes and benefits of the Vicarious System and any of our other product and service offerings once commercialized;

our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval for the Vicarious System and our product and service offerings, and any related restrictions and limitations of any approved product or service offering;

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our business is subject to a variety of U.S. and foreign laws, which are subject to change and could adversely affect our business;

our ability to identify, in-license or acquire additional technology;

our ability to maintain our existing license agreements and manufacturing arrangements;

our ability to compete with other companies currently marketing or engaged in the development of products and services for ventral hernia repair and additional surgical applications, many of which have greater financial and marketing resources than us;

the size and growth potential of the markets for the Vicarious System and any of our future product and service offerings, and the ability of each to serve those markets once commercialized, either alone or in partnership with others;

our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing;

our ability to raise financing in the future;

our financial performance;

our intellectual property rights and how failure to protect or enforce these rights could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition;

economic downturns and political and market conditions beyond our control and their potential to adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations;

the anticipated continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business; and

other factors detailed under the section titled “Risk Factors.”

These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this report, and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. Important factors could cause actual results, performance or our management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentionsachievements to differ materially from those indicated or strategies regardingimplied by forward-looking statements such as those described under the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizationscaption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward- looking statements, but the absencePart I of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward- looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may include, for example, statements about:

our ability to select an appropriate target business or businesses;

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;

our potential ability to obtain additional financing to complete our initial business combination;

our pool of prospective target businesses;

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 (as described herein) or available to us from interest income on the Trust Account balance;

the Trust Account not being subject to claims of third parties; 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. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be thoseother filings that we have anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number ofmake with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The risks uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report. Should oneare not exhaustive. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or morethe extent to which any factor or combination of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect,factors may cause actual results may vary in material respectsto differ materially from those projectedcontained in any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. You should not put undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. We undertake no obligationobligations to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.by law.

 

Summary

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SUMMARY OF RISK FACTORS

The risk factors described below are a summary of Risk Factors

Anthe principal risk factors associated with an investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. The occurrence of one or more of the events or circumstances described in the section titled “Risk Factors,” alone or in combination with other events or circumstances, may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. In that event, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. Such risks include, butus. These are not limited to:the only risks we face. You should carefully consider these risk factors, together with the risk factors set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other reports and documents filed by us with the Securities Exchange Commission.

 

We have a limited operating history on which to assess the prospects for our business, we have not generated any revenue from sales of our products, and have incurred losses since inception. We anticipate that we will continue to incur significant losses for at least the next several years as we develop and commercializes our products and applications.

We may need to raise additional funding to develop and commercialize the Vicarious System and to expand our research and development efforts. This additional financing may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. Failure to obtain this necessary capital when needed may force us to delay, limit or terminate our product commercialization or development efforts or other operations.

We are a recently incorporateddevelopment stage company with no operatinga limited history of operations and no revenues,products with marketing authorization in any jurisdiction, and we cannot assure you that we will ever have no basis on which to evaluatea commercialized product.

Our success depends upon market acceptance of our products, our ability to achievedevelop and commercialize our business objective.products and additional applications and generate revenues, and our ability to identify new markets for our technology.

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Our public shareholdersWe are highly dependent upon the continued contributions of our key personnel. The loss of their services could harm our business, and if we are unable to attract, recruit, train, retain, motivate and integrate key personnel, we may not achieve our goals.

We have no experience in marketing and selling our products and if we are unable to successfully commercialize our products, our business and operating results will be adversely affected.

We expect to generate an increasing portion of our revenue internationally in the future and may become subject to various additional risks relating to our international activities, which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

We rely on limited or sole suppliers for some of the materials and components used in our products, and we may not be afforded an opportunityable to votefind replacements or immediately transition to alternative suppliers, which could have a material adverse effect on our proposed initial business, combination,financial condition, results of operations and even if we hold a vote, holders of our founder shares will participate in such vote, which means we may complete our initial business combination even though a majority of our public shareholders do not support such a combination.reputation.

 

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

If we seek shareholder approval ofdo not successfully develop, optimize and operate our initial business combination,sales and distribution channels or we do not effectively expand and update infrastructure, our initial shareholdersoperating results and management team have agreed to vote in favor of such initial business combination, regardless of how our public shareholders vote.

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

The ability of our public shareholders to exercise redemption rights with respect to a large number of our shares may not allow us to complete the most desirable business combination or optimize our capital structure.

The requirement that we complete our initial business combination within the completion window may give potential target businesses leverage over us in negotiating a business combination and may limit the time we have in which to conduct due diligence on potential business combination targets, in particular as we approach our dissolution deadline, which could undermine our ability to complete our initial business combination on terms that would produce value for our shareholders.

Our search for a business combination, and any target business with which we ultimately consummate a business combination,customer experience may be materially adversely affected by the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the status of debt and equity markets, as well as protectionist legislation in our target markets.negatively impacted.

 

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If we seek shareholder approvalare unable to establish and maintain adequate sales and marketing capabilities or enter into and maintain arrangements with third parties to sell and market our products, our business may be harmed.

The COVID-19 pandemic has and could continue to negatively affect various aspects of our initial business, combination,which could have a material adverse effect on our sponsor, initial shareholders, directors, officers, advisors and their affiliatesbusiness, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. If we are unable to successfully remediate this material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, we may electnot be able to purchase sharesreport our financial condition or public warrants from public shareholders,results of operations accurately or in a timely manner, which may influenceadversely affect investor confidence in us and, as a vote on a proposedresult, materially and adversely affect our business combination and reduce the public “float”value of our Class A ordinary sharescommon stock.

We are subject to extensive government regulation, which could restrict the development, marketing, sale and distribution of our products and technologies and could cause us to incur significant costs.

There is no guarantee that the FDA will grant marketing authorization for our current products or public warrants.any of our future products and technologies, and failure to obtain necessary marketing authorization for our current products and our future products and technologies would adversely affect our ability to grow our business.

 

If a shareholder failswe are unable to receive notice ofprotect our offerintellectual property, our ability to redeemmaintain any technological or competitive advantage over our public shares in connection withcompetitors and potential competitors would be adversely impacted, and our initial business combination, or fails to comply with the procedures for submitting or tendering its shares, such shares may not be redeemed.

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

 

NYSE may delist our securities from trading on its exchange, which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities and subject us to additional trading restrictions.

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

Because of our limited resources and the significant competition for business combination opportunities, it may be more difficult for us to complete our initial business combination. If we have not completed our initial business combination within the completion window, our public shareholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share, or less in certain circumstances, on the liquidation of our trust account, and our warrants will expire worthless.

If the net proceeds of the Public Offering and the sale of the private placement warrants not being held in the trust account are insufficient to allow us to operate for at least the duration of the completion window, it could limit the amount available to fund our search for a target business or businesses and complete our initial business combination, and we will depend on loans from our sponsor, its affiliates or our management team to fund our search and to complete our initial business combination.

Past performance by our management team and their affiliates, including investments and transactions in which they have participated and businesses with which they have been associated, may not be indicative of future performance of an investment in the company.

Unlike some other similarly structured special purpose acquisition companies, our initial shareholders will receive additional Class A ordinary shares if we issue certain shares to consummate an initial business combination.

We may reincorporate in another jurisdiction in connection withneed or may choose to obtain licenses from third parties to advance our initial business combinationresearch or allow commercialization of our current or future products and technologies, and we cannot provide any assurances that we would be able to obtain such reincorporation may result in taxes imposed on shareholders or warrant holders.licenses.

 

Our initial business combinationWe and our structure thereafter may not be tax-efficient to our shareholders and warrant holders. As a result of our business combination, our tax obligationspartners may be more complex, burdensomesued for infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties. If that happens, such litigation would be costly and uncertain.time consuming, and an unfavorable outcome in any such litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

In addition to IP litigation risks (referenced above), we face the risk of product liability claims and may be subject to damages, fines, penalties and injunctions, among other things.

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PART I

 

References in this report to “we,” “us” or the “Company” refer to D8 Holdings Corp. References to our “management” or our “management team” refer to our officers and directors, and references to the “Sponsor” refer to D8 Sponsor LLC, a Cayman Islands limited liability company. References to our “initial shareholders” refer to the holders of Founder Shares.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

The following discussion reflects the business of Vicarious Surgical, as currently embodied by Vicarious Surgical. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to the “Company”, “we,” “us” and “our” generally refer to Vicarious Surgical in the present tense or Vicarious Surgical from and after the Business Combination.

 

IntroductionOverview

 

We arePrior to the Domestication and the Closing, we were a blank check company incorporated on May 6, 2020 as a Cayman Islands exempted company and formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, sharecapital stock exchange, asset acquisition, sharestock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. On September 16, 2021, we incorporated as a Delaware corporation in connection with the Domestication. On September 17, 2021, we completed the Business Combination pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement dated April 15, 2021 that we entered into with Legacy Vicarious. In connection with the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination, we changed our name to “Vicarious Surgical Inc.” and the business of Legacy Vicarious became our business.

We are combining advanced miniaturized robotics, computer science and 3D visualization to build an intelligent and affordable, single-incision surgical robot, called the Vicarious System, that virtually transports surgeons inside the patient to perform minimally invasive surgery, or MIS. With our disruptive next-generation robotics technology, we are seeking to increase the efficiency of surgical procedures, improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Led by a visionary team of engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT, we intend to deliver the next generation in robotic-assisted surgery, designed to solve the shortcomings of open surgery, and current laparoscopic and robot-assisted MIS. We have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenuedeveloped multiple prototypes, and had pre-submission meetings with the FDA to align on our regulatory strategy and plan to file a de novo application with the FDA for ventral hernia procedures as our first indication.

The Vicarious System is uniquely designed to overcome the deficiencies that have limited broad adoption of robot-assisted MIS to date. By fundamentally engineering a better solution, we believe we have created a more capable surgical robot than those currently available on the market, and if approved by the FDA, the Vicarious System will offer surgeons the ability to perform surgical procedures with greater dexterity and greater access to the entire abdomen, with better visibility and sensor-based feedback, through a small single incision in the abdomen. The Vicarious System features proprietary “de-coupled” actuators, which are intended to enable a cascade of benefits, including improved robotic mobility, reduced size, improved functionality and lower materials costs. The Vicarious System is designed to enable surgeons to perform procedures, if approved by the FDA, inside the abdomen with human-equivalent motion, with a full nine degrees of freedom per robotic arm, providing an experience that is more natural, and more akin to the surgeon’s own upper body movements. In surgical procedures conducted on cadavers, the Vicarious System provides exceptional reach within the abdomen, and if approved by the FDA, it will enable the surgeon to enter the abdomen from nearly any angle and work in nearly any direction, without having to triangulate to the surgical area from multiple incisions or to operate only within the limited area directly in front of a single incision. The Vicarious System is designed to provide exceptional visualization, with a high-performance, stereoscopic camera that rotates in three degrees of freedom (yaw, pitch, and roll) to provide the surgeon with stereoscopic imaging of nearly every surface in the abdomen. The Vicarious System also contains 28 sensors per instrument arm, which allows the system to provide real-time feedback to the surgeon on force, motion and other key data that are intended to enhance surgical procedures and patient outcomes.


The Vicarious System is being developed to provide attractive advantages to hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers, or ASCs, which we believe will drive rapid and widespread adoption. Unlike the large footprints of legacy surgical robotic systems that require a construction build-out and a dedicated operating room, the Vicarious System is much smaller and could be easily moved to any operating room throughout a medical facility. We anticipate that, if approved by the FDA, the smaller size and advanced engineering of the Vicarious System and related disposable instruments will be offered at a cost-effective price point compared to existing legacy robotic systems. Hospitals and ASCs would not be required to dedicate permanent space and would reduce expenses relating to sterilization and operating room turnover. We believe that, if approved by the FDA, adoption of the Vicarious System could be facilitated by a streamlined training regimen, where surgeons will be able to develop proficiency much more quickly than for legacy robotic systems. This is due to the design features of the Vicarious System, such as the ease of use and more natural, human-equivalent motion of the Vicarious System, the reduced surgeon burden during setup, and the fact that the Vicarious System would not be confined to a dedicated operating suite and therefore could have more availability for training purposes. In addition, with its increased capability and dexterity, the Vicarious System is designed to enable many procedures to be performed faster and more effectively, with less injury and risk to the patient, significantly reducing overall healthcare costs. Because the Vicarious System had not yet been approved by the FDA or commercialized, the intended advantages of the Vicarious System have not yet been realized and are dependent upon the successful development of the Vicarious System and a timely approval by the FDA.

We estimate that there are 39 million soft tissue abdominal and gynecological surgical procedures performed annually worldwide that could be addressed with the Vicarious System, including ventral hernia, other types of hernia, hysterectomy, cholecystectomy (gall bladder) and certain other gastrointestinal procedures. We intend for ventral hernia procedures to be the first clinical application for the Vicarious System, of which there are estimated to be 4.1 million cases worldwide and 0.9 million in the U.S. We then intend to seek FDA approval to enable the expansion into the other applications addressable by the Vicarious System.

Industry Background

Despite the advancements in manual and robot-assisted MIS over the last 40 years, of the estimated 39 million procedures addressable by the Vicarious System, it is estimated that more than 50% are currently performed by open surgery and less than 5% are performed by existing robot-assisted MIS technologies today. The large incisions required for open surgery, while allowing the surgeon to see with their own eyes and operate with their own hands, create significant trauma to the patient, resulting in long hospitalization and recovery times, high hospitalization costs, as well as significant pain and suffering. Due to the significant trauma to the patient associated with open surgery, 15% to 20% of such surgeries result in tissue or internal organs pushing through the muscle into the abdomen, or incisional hernias, caused by the operation, requiring additional complex surgery to correct. Although there have been significant improvements in MIS procedures over open surgery, the following limitations associated with MIS still exist:

Laparoscopic surgery results in improved patient outcomes, but it presents significant challenges for surgeons, primarily associated with using long, rigid instruments through multiple incisions across the abdominal wall, which introduces the “fulcrum effect” requiring the surgeon to adjust for the inversion and scaling of movements. These laparoscopic instruments are difficult to manipulate, have limited degrees of freedom, limited reach and reduced depth-perception and visibility, which requires significant coordination among the surgical team to perform the procedure.

Multi-port robotic systems introduced in the early 2000s have managed to overcome some of the challenges associated with laparoscopy, but they require multiple incisions. While the wristed robotic instruments provide more dexterity than the long, rigid instruments used in laparoscopy, these robotic systems still require multiple systems and require the surgeon to define the workspace and kinematic motion profile of the robotic system for every procedure, based on where they create the incisions and where they intend to operate. Additionally, these systems are expensive and require a difficult learning-curve for surgeons. In addition, these systems are often underutilized because they have large footprints, limited portability and require extensive setup and longer operating room turnover time.


More recently, single-port surgical robots have been developed, but these systems are limited in that they rely on legacy robotic architecture, and thus require a much larger incision than multi-port robotic systems, have limited motion, strength, and visualization, and can only operate in a small procedural area. Given the relatively large size of the trocar incision required to be made by the surgeon to accommodate existing single-port robotic systems, among other limitations, these existing single-port robots have unfortunately resulted in significantly higher rates of complications with higher levels of injury to the patient, with less capability for the surgeon. For all these reasons, legacy single-port robotic solutions, much like multi-port manual and robotic MIS, have received limited adoption to date.

We believe the slow adoption of robot-assisted surgery, estimated to be less than 5% of the estimated 39 million addressable abdominal soft-tissue surgical procedures performed worldwide annually, has occurred because of several factors, including the following:

Significant Capital Investment. Legacy robotic systems require high upfront acquisition costs and burdensome annual service contracts that are often prohibitively expensive, especially in outpatient settings. We estimate these capital costs to be up to $2.0 million or more per system upfront, plus an additional 10% to 20% annually for maintenance and service contracts.

Low Utilization. In addition to the significant acquisition costs, existing robotic systems create inefficiencies and increase costs to medical facilities considering adoption. Due to their large size and limited portability, existing robotic systems require the construction of a dedicated operating room, occupying valuable real estate within the hospital. Once in place, these robotic systems require extensive set-up and operating room turnover times, which limits the number of procedures that can be performed with the robotic system.

Limited Capabilities. Existing robotic systems have limited capabilities and are ill-suited for many outpatient procedures. Due to their limited degrees of freedom inside the abdomen, they depend on significant, complicated, robotic motion outside the body, and they have limited ability to operate in multiple quadrants, difficulty operating on the “ceiling” of the abdomen, create collisions inside and outside of the patient’s abdomen, and restrict overall access of the operating team to the patient.

Difficult to Use. Existing robotic systems require the surgeon to develop an extensive procedure plan in advance to determine appropriate incision sites and angles for each procedure, in order to avoid collisions inside and outside of the patient’s abdomen. Surgeons must develop this plan with fewer degrees of freedom than they would employ using open surgery, restricting their natural movements. To become proficient at manipulating these legacy robotic systems to perform the procedures they otherwise were trained to perform via open surgery requires extensive training and several dozen procedures on live patients. As these systems are maintained in dedicated, expensive, operating rooms, obtaining access to train on the system becomes a significant impediment to adoption, resulting in more open surgeries.

The Vicarious System

The single-port Vicarious System with advanced, miniaturized robotics and exceptional visualization is designed to address the significant limitations of open surgery and existing single- and multi-port robotic surgical approaches to improve patient outcomes and enhance adoption by hospitals and other medical facilities. The Vicarious System is designed with a fundamentally different architecture, and proprietary “de-coupled actuators,” to overcome many of the limitations of open surgery or existing robot-assisted surgical procedures with a minimally invasive and more capable robotic system. This architecture enables unprecedented dexterity inside the abdomen through an ultra-thin support tube, providing significant improvement over existing legacy robotic systems and minimizing the complications and trauma associated with open surgery. The Vicarious System has not yet been approved by the FDA. We have had pre-submission meetings with the FDA to align on our regulatory strategy and plan to file a de novo application with the FDA for ventral hernia procedures as our first indication.


(1)The Vicarious System is capable of incision sizes as low as 1.2cm. Current disposables require 1.8cm incisions. We are developing and expect to launch disposables requiring 1.5cm incisions.

The Vicarious System consists of the following components:

Camera and Instrument Arms. The Vicarious System has a high performance stereoscopic camera that, when combined with robotic motion, provides full 360-degree viewing capability and is being developed to continuously map the depth of the patient’s body. The camera moves in any direction and, together with the instrument arms, based on cadaver studies, the Vicarious System is capable of operating in nearly every direction within the abdomen, including rotating back and operating around the trocar incision point, unlike any robotic system on the market today. The Vicarious System’s surgical instrument arms each have nine degrees of movement, completely mimicking the degrees of freedom in the surgeon’s own wrists, elbows and shoulders, providing for a more complete and more natural range of motion for the surgeon. While existing robotic systems are limited to operating in a small section directly in front of the rigid instrument, the Vicarious System’s unique ability to operate in nearly every direction is designed to provide significantly more capability to the surgeon, while minimizing the injury and trauma to the patient. The camera and both instrument arms are being developed to enter the abdomen through a single, 1.8 centimeter trocar, which is anticipated to be reduced to a 1.5 centimeter trocar as development continues, that is within the size of conventional MIS trocars. Due to the smaller size of the Vicarious System, it will be able to provide significantly more sensing capability than existing systems, if the Vicarious System receives FDA approval. The Vicarious System features 28 sensors per arm, to provide valuable feedback to the surgeon in real-time, and the sensors will also be capable of providing robust intraoperative data to continually enhance our AI capabilities and enhance surgeon capabilities over the long-term.


Surgeon Console. The Vicarious System surgeon console is designed to provide all the systems necessary for the surgeon to have an effective, immersive experience, visualizing the surgical field and controlling all the motions of the robot, and if approved by the FDA, enabling performance and patient outcomes that are not available on other existing systems. When the surgeon wants to simultaneously engage and react to other activities within the operating room as well as what is going on inside the abdomen, he or she can utilize the 3D surgical screen powered by proprietary software. In addition, visualization can be deeply immersive using a head mounted display that responds to the motion of the surgeon’s own head and allows the surgeon to feel as if he or she is “inside” the patient. Currently, the initial launch of the Vicarious System will not have the ability to utilize a head mounted display for visualization, but we anticipate providing surgeons with this ability as development continues.

Patient Cart. The Vicarious System patient cart is designed to be only 34 inches wide, which could easily pass through the doorways of hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and any standard doorway, alleviating the equipment maneuverability concerns experienced by healthcare providers with competitor surgical robotics systems. Unlike existing robotic systems, the Vicarious System, if approved by the FDA, would not require a dedicated operating room and could be wheeled into or out of any room, or stored in the hall, as the hospital does with other medical devices, significantly expanding accessibility to the system. Further, as most of the robotic motion occurs inside the abdomen in a single port, the Vicarious System does not have multiple, expensive, high-performance robotic arms outside the body, pivoting around the incision point to make small movements inside the body. We believe that these factors, together with the ability to utilize more advanced, sometimes less expensive manufacturing processes, will enable the Vicarious System to be significantly less expensive to build than competitive robotic systems, based on their publicly available data.

Vicarious System Advantages

We believe that to overcome the issues that have limited broad adoption of robot-assisted MIS procedures to date: cost, size, capability, ease of use, fast setup, high throughput, streamlined training, and improved patient outcomes, it is imperative to provide a solution that addresses all these concerns. The Vicarious System, with its advanced engineering and “de-coupled actuators,” which enable a revolutionary approach to the development of surgical robotics, is designed to be uniquely able to significantly improve upon each of these factors. Because of its proprietary engineering advantage, the Vicarious System is designed to offer more degrees of freedom and dexterity with which the surgeon can more naturally operate, and to provide greater visibility, sensing and functionality to the surgeon, all through a small, single port that is designed to offer more capability and fewer challenges than any single or multi-port surgical modality available. Because the Vicarious System had not yet been approved by the FDA or commercialized, the intended advantages of the Vicarious System have not yet been realized and are dependent upon the successful development of the Vicarious System and a timely approval by the FDA.

Decoupled Actuators. Robotic arms are controlled by actuators at each joint. Traditionally, these actuators are “coupled,” meaning that movement of one joint causes movement at each subsequent or prior joint. This coupled motion can be corrected by legacy robots via complicated software to coordinate and eliminate the unwanted motion between these joints that would otherwise be created. However, the software cannot eliminate the exponential buildup of force across these joints caused by this coupled action. This exponential force buildup requires stronger cables and pulleys and other expensive and larger components, which adds significant size, cost, and limits the available mobility of legacy robotic systems. By fundamentally engineering a better solution, we have decoupled the motion between these actuators, reducing cost and integrating components and materials that enable enhanced visibility, flexibility and strength, which in turn are intended to provide significant benefits for surgeons, hospitals, ASCs and patients.


Surgeon Experience

Human Equivalent Motion — Nine Degrees of Freedom. The Vicarious System is the only robotic system, compared to all legacy single- or multi-port solutions, to offer the same nine full degrees of freedom that exist in the natural motion of the surgeon’s own wrists, elbows and shoulders, providing unprecedented dexterity in a robot-assisted MIS. While other legacy robotic systems require the surgeon to conform and limit their movements to what the robot will enable, in cadaver studies, the Vicarious System offers the nearly full range of motion of the surgeon’s own upper body, providing an experience that is more natural, and more akin to what they know best, open surgery, except miniaturized and transformed inside the body.

Expanded Reach Inside the Abdomen. With the full nine degrees of freedom provided by the Vicarious System, as shown in cadaver studies, the surgeon can enter the abdomen from nearly any angle and work in nearly any direction, with more freedom, all through a small single incision. Legacy robotic systems and manual MIS require the surgeon to triangulate to the surgical area and limit the surgeon to performing only in a small section directly in front of the incision. The Vicarious System’s unprecedented reach is designed to enable the surgeon to pivot in nearly any direction during surgery and the surgeon can even pivot backwards and operate near the incision site.

Sensing, Visualization and AI. The surgeon can utilize the 3D screen on the console and eventually the surgeon will have the ability to utilize a head mounted display for visualization. The Vicarious System’s high-performance, stereoscopic camera can rotate in nearly every direction, following the natural motion of the surgeon’s head, and is being developed to provide full 3D mapping. The Vicarious System contains more than two dozen sensors per arm, designed to provide unmatched sensing capability that is being developed to deliver valuable feedback on force, motion and other key data, to the surgeon in real-time. These sensors also will be used to feed our rapidly expanding need for data and AI development, which will be utilized to further enhance surgical procedures and provide a significant link and insight between pre- and peri-operative data and patient outcomes.

Hospital and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Advantages

System Size. Unlike legacy systems that require a construction build-out simply to fit their system into a dedicated operating room, the Vicarious System is designed to be small enough to fit through a single door. This is intended to enable faster set-up and break-down times, allowing the Vicarious System to be used anywhere within the facility.

Training. Because of the more natural motion of the Vicarious System, together with the fact that it is not confined to a dedicated operating suite like most legacy robotic systems, the Vicarious System can be more available for surgeons to practice, and it is expected that surgeons would be able to develop proficiency more quickly and easily than with legacy systems, which could improve surgeon adoption and enhance hospital and ASC return on investment.

Economics/System Cost. If approved by the FDA, we intend to offer the Vicarious System, maintenance and service support at more attractive pricing to existing legacy systems. With its increased capability and dexterity, it is expected that many procedures could be performed faster and more effectively, which could greatly reduce overall hospital costs.

Disposability. Our instruments and accessories have been designed and will be offered at a price that enables them to be used once and then disposed. Hospitals and ASCs will no longer need to dedicate space and expense to ensure these items are properly sterilized and available for re-use.


Patient Outcomes

Enhanced Capability. The Vicarious System will be designed to provide increased visualization and capability to the surgeon, and if the FDA approves the Vicarious System, it is intended to allow the surgeon to more easily perform advanced techniques that are proven in existing clinical use to provide for better patient outcomes.

Smaller Trocar — Fewer Complications. In open surgery, due to the large size of the incision, the incision fails to heal properly 15-20% of the time, a complication requiring additional surgery to fix. Multi-port manual and robot-assisted MIS, while significantly less capable than the Vicarious System is designed to be, utilize small trocars (i.e., 8mm to 12mm), which greatly reduces this risk to approximately 1%. Existing single-port robots utilize at least a 25mm trocar size, which have a failure rate of nearly 10%, beginning to approach the failure rate of open surgery. The Vicarious System, like multi-port MIS, is designed to utilize a small trocar, which could enable superior results with the lowest overall risk. Currently, the Vicarious System utilizes an 18mm trocar, which is anticipated to be reduced to a 15mm trocar as development continues.

Our Strategy

With revolutionary advancements in design, we seek to democratize surgery through widespread access to a more capable and more affordable surgical robotic platform. Our objective is to become the leading provider of surgical robotic platforms for soft tissue surgery. To achieve this objective, we are pursuing the following business strategies, all of which are dependent upon the receipt of FDA clearance:

Drive adoption of the Vicarious System initially in the ventral hernia market. We plan to initially focus our marketing efforts on surgeons and hospitals performing surgical procedures in general surgery, gynecology and other procedures that will benefit from our single incision platform. We believe our innovative system will deliver clinical and economic value that will address the unmet need in today’s surgical operating rooms. Our strategy is to work with key thought leaders in general surgery, gynecology and other specialties who can help provide feedback that will help guide our product roadmap and surgical techniques.

Expand indications. The ability to have universal access to the abdomen with the Vicarious System also presents opportunities of other procedures that we plan to target in the near future. Some of the future indications that are being targeted are inguinal and hiatal hernias, hysterectomy, cholecystectomy (gallbladder), colorectal and other gastrointestinal procedures. We estimate that 39 million of these procedures are performed annually today.

Generate recurring revenue. After the initial installation of the Vicarious System, our goal is to increase the utilization of the Vicarious System by demonstrating the procedural and workflow efficiency of the System. Faster set up and procedure times with the Vicarious System can enable hospitals and ASCs to potentially schedule more procedures, which would in turn drive volume sales of single use components, including the robotic arms, camera and instrument tips.

Demonstrate clinical and financial value proposition. Over 50% of ventral hernia procedures are performed as open surgical procedures in the hospital. We aim to capitalize on the trend of moving procedures from hospitals to ASCs. Additionally, we believe that the Vicarious System can accelerate the ability to perform complex hernia surgeries with an MIS procedure in an ASC as opposed to a hospital. However, ASCs typically do not have significant capital budgets to justify large capital purchases, nor do they have infrastructure budgets to undertake the construction of a dedicated operating suite. The Vicarious System’s value proposition is designed to appeal to these ASCs.

Expand product offerings. We believe that technologies such as virtual reality and AI have the potential to further enhance a surgeon’s capabilities. We plan to develop advanced AI features, such as 3D depth mapping, and automated suturing, to be incorporated into future generations of the Vicarious System.

Commercialization outside U.S. If the FDA clears the Vicarious System for commercialization in the U.S., we intend to seek applicable regulatory clearances or approvals in Asia, Europe and the rest of the world to commercialize the Vicarious System worldwide.


Historical Development of the Vicarious System and Regulatory Pathway

The technology for our robot was developed by Legacy Vicarious founders Adam Sachs, Sammy Khalifa, and Barry Greene between 2009 and 2015. After considerable prototyping and experimentation, the team discovered and patented a cable pathway through the robotic arm to fully de-couple the motion of the robotic device. This series of innovations enabled the first successful prototype of a complete robotic arm that resembles the motion of the surgeon’s body. The founding team went on to take this design and create a full prototype of the device, machining the parts themselves and funding the project out of pocket. After the first fully functioning robotic arm was created, integrated with software designed by the Legacy Vicarious founders, as well as a surgeon input tracking system, the founding team was able to raise outside capital and successfully grow the team in order to continue to drive development and growth.

We have conducted, and continue to conduct, several cadaver studies with the prototype Vicarious System. The goal of each study was to refine the performance of the Vicarious System. In these cadaver studies, the Vicarious System prototype was used to perform several ventral hernia repair procedures, hysterectomy procedures and cholecystectomy procedures. In addition, in these cadaver studies surgeons have used the Vicarious System prototype to perform various techniques for ventral hernia repair, including robotic transabdominal preperitoneal, or rTAPP, retrorectus, and intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair (IPOM) plus. These studies were used to gather insights regarding:

The length of the robotic instruments needed to perform ventral hernia repair;

Field and depth of view of the robotic camera;

User interface elements, such as the clutch pedal, navigation pedals and digital interface elements;

Quality of robotic end-effector motion in response to surgeon hand motion;

Insertion and extraction workflow; and

Reliability of the robotic instruments and camera.

In November 2019, we received FDA Breakthrough Device designation for a prior version of the Vicarious System with a proposed indication for use of ventral hernia repair. The Vicarious System is considered a Class II medical device. We have had pre-submission meetings with the FDA to align on our regulatory strategy and plan to file a de novo application with the FDA for ventral hernia procedures as our first indication.

A preliminary meeting with the FDA was conducted in December 2021 to discuss with the FDA our decision to make two technology changes to the Vicarious System design that was granted Breakthrough Device designation in November 2019. Based on our business activities,these changes, the CompanyFDA has determined that the current Vicarious System design that is planned for the initial limited launch and was submitted to the FDA in the November 2021 FDA pre-submission meeting request is different from the device that was granted Breakthrough Device designation for the device design filed in November 2019. The FDA stated that the Breakthrough Device designation remains active for the prior device design granted Breakthrough Device designation in November 2019. In the future, we may attempt to reincorporate the technologies from such prior device design to leverage the previously granted Breakthrough Device designation. The process of medical device development is inherently uncertain and there is no guarantee that a “shell company”Breakthrough Device designation will be granted to a different device design, and if it were granted, there is no guarantee that such designation will accelerate the timeline for approval or make it more likely that the Vicarious System will be approved.

In February 2022 a pre-submission meeting was held with the FDA to gain alignment on the current Vicarious System. Feedback provided by the FDA indicated that each robotic-assisted surgical system has distinctive kinetics, connections, data transmission and interfaces, including interfaces for the user, patient and environment, the combination of which composes a unique and multifaceted system. Additionally, the FDA indicated that each robotic-assisted surgical system has unique inputs and outputs and must account for uncertainty and instability in different ways. Taken together, these different technological characteristics raise different questions of safety or effectiveness that are not applicable to a predicate device and may pose a significant safety or effectiveness concern for the Vicarious System. For example, the way that a robotic-assisted surgical system is constructed and implemented will have a direct bearing on the safety and effectiveness profile of the device and different robotic-assisted surgical systems are not sufficiently similar to allow for meaningful comparison between the Vicarious System and predicate robotic-assisted surgical systems. The FDA indicated that the evaluation of the complex Vicarious System requires a holistic approach of the performance testing, such as defined undersoftware, bench, animal, human factors and usability, and clinical data to determine how each element establishes the Exchange ActVicarious System’s integration approach to the intended use and more specifically the indicated procedures. Therefore, each robotic-assisted surgical system carries new or different risks and an evaluation of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) becausethese risks will require an independent evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of the Vicarious System due to the technology and the implementation into the clinical care. Based on this feedback, the FDA has determined that a 510(k) submission would likely be found not substantially equivalent to a predicate robotic-assisted surgical system. In accordance with this FDA feedback, we have no operations and nominal assets consisting almost entirely of cash.revised our regulatory roadmap for market clearance, as discussed below.


 

On July 17, 2020, we consummated our initial public offering (the “Public Offering”) of 30,000,000 units. Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share and one-half of one redeemable warrant. Each warrant entitles

Regulatory Roadmap for Market Clearance

Based on the holder thereof to purchase one Class A ordinary share at a price of $11.50 per share. The units were sold at an offering price of $10.00 per unit, generating gross proceeds, before expenses, of $300,000,000. On July 24, 2020, the underwriters exercised the over-allotment option in full and purchased an additional 4,500,000 units, generating additional gross proceeds of $45,000,000. Prior to the consummationoutcome of the Public Offering, on May 14, 2020, the Sponsor received 7,187,500 Class B ordinary shares (the “Founder Shares”) in exchange for a capital contribution of $25,000, or $.003 per share. On June 25, 2020, the Sponsor transferred 15,000 Founder Shares to Robert Kirby and 25,000 Founder Shares to each of Michael Kives, Fred Langhammer and Terry Lundgren, resulting in the Sponsor holding 7,097,500 founder shares. On July 14, 2020, we effected a share capitalization of 1,437,500 Founder Shares resulting in 8,625,000 Class B ordinary shares outstanding, of which the Sponsor now holds 8,535,000 Founder Shares. Of the 8,625,000 Founder Shares outstanding, up to 1,125,000 Founder Shares were subject to forfeiture to the extent that the over-allotment option was not exercised in full by the underwriters, so that the Founder Shares will represent 20.0% of our issued and outstanding shares after the Public Offering. The underwriters exercised their over-allotment option in full on July 24, 2020. As a result, these shares were no longer subject to forfeiture.

Simultaneouslypre-submission meeting with the closingFDA in February 2022, the FDA has determined that there is no legally marketed predicate device. Therefore, we will plan to file a de novo classification request for the proposed initial indication of ventral hernia repair as a regulatory pathway to classify the Public Offering, we consummated the private placement (“Private Placement”) of 8,000,000 warrants (each,Vicarious System. Devices that are classified into Class I or Class II through a “Private Placement Warrant” and collectively, the “Private Placement Warrants”) to the Sponsor, each exercisable to purchase one Class A ordinary share at $11.50 per share, at a price of $1.00 per Private Placement Warrant, generating gross proceeds of $8,000,000. On July 24, 2020, simultaneously with the sale of the over-allotment units, we consummated a private sale of an additional 900,000 Private Placement Warrants to the Sponsor, generating gross proceeds of $900,000. The warrants sold in the Private Placement, or the private placement warrants, are identical to the warrants included in the units sold in the Public Offering, except that the Private Placement Warrants and the ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the Private Placement Warrants, so long as they are held by their initial purchasers or their permitted transferees, (i) will not be redeemable by the Company, (ii) may not (including the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of these warrants), subject to certain limited exceptions, be transferred, assigned or sold until 30 days after the Company completes its initial business combination, (iii)de novo classification request may be exercised by the holders on a cashless basismarketed and (iv)used as predicates for future premarket notification 510(k) submissions, when applicable. Accordingly, we believe that 510(k) filings will be entitled to registration rights.

Uponavailable as a regulatory pathway for the closing of the Public Offering, the closing of the exercise of the over-allotment in full and the Private Placement, $345,000,000 was placed in a trust account with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company acting as trustee (the “Trust Account”). ExceptVicarious System with respect to interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account that may be released to the Company to pay its taxes, if any, the funds held in the Trust Account will not be released from the Trust Account until the earliest of (i) the completion of the Company’s initial business combination, (ii) the redemption of our public shares if we are unable to complete our initial business combination by July 17, 2022, subject to applicable law, or (iii) the redemption of the Company’s public shares properly submitted in connection with a shareholder vote to amend its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to modify the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to provide for the redemption of its public shares in connection with an initial business combination or to redeem 100% of the public shares if the Company has not consummated an initial business combination by July 17, 2022. The proceeds deposited in the Trust Account could become subject to the claims of the Company’s creditors, if any, which could have priority over the claims of its public shareholders.future indications.

 


After the payment of underwriting discounts and commissions (excluding the deferred portion of $12,075,000 in underwriting discounts and commissions, which amount will be payable upon consummation of our initial business combination if consummated), approximately $569,000 in expenses relating to the Public Offering and payment of the promissory note issued to the Sponsor (the “Note”), approximately $1,500,000 of the net proceeds of the Public Offering and Private Placement was not deposited into the Trust Account and was retained by us for working capital purposes. The net proceeds deposited into the Trust Account remain on deposit in the Trust Account earning interest. As of December 31, 2020 there was approximately $345.2 million in investments and cash held in the Trust Account and approximately $1.1 million of cash held outside the Trust Account available for working capital purposes. As of December 31, 2020, no amounts had been withdrawn from the Trust Account to fund the Company’s working capital expenses.

Effecting Our Initial Business Combination

General

We are not presently engaged in, and we will not engage in, any operations for an indefinite period of time. We intend to effectuate our initial business combination using cash held in the Trust Account, our equity, debt orconduct a combination of these as the consideration to be paid in our initial business combination. We may seek to complete our initial business combination withprospective human pivotal clinical investigation under a company or business that may be financially unstable or in its early stages of development or growth, which would subject us to the numerous risks inherent in such companies and businesses.

If our initial business combination is paid for using equity or debt securities, or not all of the funds released from the Trust Account are used for payment of the consideration in connection with our initial business combination or used for redemptions of our Class A ordinary shares, we may apply the balance of the cash released to us from the Trust Account for general corporate purposes, including for maintenance or expansion of operations of the post-transaction company, the payment of principal or interest due on indebtedness incurred in completing our initial business combination, to fund the purchase of other companies or for working capital.

Selection of Target Businesses

We have not selected any specific business combination target and we have not, nor has anyone on our behalf, engaged in any substantive discussions, directly or indirectly, with any business combination target with respect to an initial business combination with us. While we may pursue an initial business combination target in any industry, we intend to focus our search on global and regional consumer brands businesses. Accordingly, there is no current basis for investorsFDA Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) to evaluate the possible merits or riskssafety, effectiveness, and performance of the target business with whichVicarious System to obtain U.S. market clearance for the proposed indication of ventral hernia repair. In addition to conducting a human pivotal clinical investigation, we may ultimately complete our initial business combination. Although our management will assessconduct non-clinical testing activities to verify and validate the risks inherent in a particular target business with which we may combine, we cannot assure you that this assessment will result in our identifying all risks that a target business may encounter. Furthermore, some of those risks may be outside of our control, meaning that we can do nothing to control or reduce the chances that those risks will adversely affect a target business.

The rulessafety, performance, effectiveness, functionality, usability and reliability characteristics of the NYSE require that we must consummate an initial business combination with one or more operating businesses or assets with a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the net assets held in the trust account (excluding the amount of any deferred underwriting discount held in trust) at the time of our signing a definitive agreement in connection with our initial business combination. Our board of directors will make the determination as to the fair market value of our initial business combination. If our board of directors is not able to independently determine the fair market value of our initial business combination (including with the assistance of financial advisors), we will obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm which is a member of FINRA or a valuation or appraisal firmVicarious System with respect to the satisfaction of such criteria. While we consider it likely that our board of directorsintended use and defined requirements. A verification and validation process is expected to provide the necessary data to submit to the FDA for IDE approval.

Non-clinical verification and validation testing will be ableconducted to make an independent determinationverify and validate that the Vicarious System meets all design specifications for its intended use. These tests will include in-vitro, simulated clinical bench testing and cadaver studies, as well as animal studies to support and demonstrate the safety, performance, effectiveness, functionality, usability, and reliability characteristics of the fair market valueVicarious System with respect to the intended use and defined requirements. Cadaver studies, representing realistic dimensions and contours of the human abdominal space, will be used primarily to verify and validate system functionality, performance, and safety relevant to patient anatomy and contexts of use with respect to insertion, access and movement within the abdominal cavity, visualization, manipulating tissue, cutting, and suturing as needed during a simulated ventral hernia repair. Animal studies will be used primarily to demonstrate performance, safety, efficacy, and usability of the system as relevant to a live model with respect to insertion, access and movement within the abdominal cavity, visualization, manipulating tissue, cutting, coagulating, and suturing, during a simulated ventral hernia repair. This testing may also be used to demonstrate that applicable risk mitigation features, including software alarms, alerts, extraction of multi-jointed instrumentation in case of system failure, misuse, or other errors are adequate and perform to specifications. Summative usability testing will be conducted by surgeons, nurses and technicians in a simulated operating room environment to provide objective evidence that the Vicarious System can be used safely and effectively by end users for its intended uses, the device functions as expected and intended, and all risk mitigations implemented are safe and effective. In addition, we will conduct simulated bench-top testing on transparent anatomical models to evaluate, among other things, how the Vicarious System performs in “worst case” scenarios to verify and validate safe anatomical access, instrument/camera angulation and movement at the extremes of various surgical procedures with respect to patient anatomy and dimensions that cannot be readily controlled for when using live animal and human cadaver models.

Future Indications

We plan to expand upon our claims and/or indication for use to address additional unmet clinical needs in different anatomical areas as well as therapeutic procedures. Following the initial business combination, it may be unableclearance for ventral hernia repair under a de novo classification, if obtained by the FDA, we plan to do so if it is less familiar or experiencedsubmit additional 510(k) filings for other indications for use, using the Vicarious System’s first de novo authorization as a predicate, along with other predicate devices with similar cleared indications for use. We have identified several potential future indications and procedures that align well with the Vicarious System’s ability to access and visualize the abdominal cavity. Possible future indications may include but not be limited to inguinal and hiatal hernias, hysterectomy, cholecystectomy (gallbladder), colorectal and other gastrointestinal procedures. We will perform an assessment to determine the appropriate regulatory strategy required to expand claims and obtain applicable regulatory approvals in the United States and in other global markets.


Intellectual Property

General

We strive to protect and enhance the proprietary technology, inventions and improvements that are important to our business by seeking, maintaining and defending our intellectual property, all of which has been developed internally and not in-licensed from third parties. We also rely on trade secrets, know-how, continuing technological innovation and in-licensing opportunities to develop, strengthen and maintain our proprietary position in the field of surgical robotics. Additionally, we intend to rely on regulatory protection afforded through data exclusivity and market exclusivity as well as patent term extensions, where available.

We currently do not rely heavily on technologies from third parties. However, in the future, we may need to rely or be dependent on patented or proprietary technologies that we may license from third parties.

We maintain a particular target or if there is a significant amount of uncertaintypatent portfolio that includes issued U.S. and foreign patents as well as pending U.S. and foreign patent applications, which include claims directed towards our proprietary technology. We intend to pursue additional intellectual property protection to the valueextent we believe it would be beneficial and cost-effective. As of March 1, 2022, we owned approximately six (6) issued U.S. patents, approximately two (2) issued patents in foreign jurisdictions including one (1) in China and one (1) in Japan, and approximately 40 pending patent applications in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, including in Canada, China, Europe, Japan and India. These issued patents and pending patent applications (if they were to issue as patents) are all utility patents and have expected expiration dates ranging between 2035 and 2042. Our patents and patent applications are directed to, among other things, our core technology. This includes the surgical robotic and camera system; sensing capabilities, controls and visualization interfaces; the surgical tools suite; and related technologies.

The term of individual patents may vary based on the countries in which they are obtained. Generally, patents issued for applications filed in the United States are effective for 20 years from the earliest effective non-provisional filing date. In addition, in certain instances, a patent term can be extended to recapture a portion of the target’s assets or prospects.


We anticipate structuring our initial business combination so that the post transaction company in which our public shareholders own shares will own or acquire 100% of the equity interests or assets of the target business or businesses. We may, however, structure our initial business combination such that the post transaction company owns or acquires less than 100% of such interests or assets of the target business in order to meet certain objectives of the target management team or shareholders or for other reasons, but we will only complete such business combination if the post transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the Investment Company Act. Even if the post transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the voting securities of the target, our shareholders prior to the business combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post transaction company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the business combination. For example, we could pursue a transaction in which we issue a substantial number of new shares in exchange for all of the outstanding capital stock, shares or other equity interests of a target. In this case, we would acquire a 100% controlling interest in the target. However,term effectively lost as a result of the issuanceFDA regulatory review period. The restoration period cannot be longer than five years and the total patent term, including the restoration period, must not exceed 14 years following FDA approval. The duration of patents outside of the United States varies in accordance with provisions of applicable local law, but typically is also 20 years from the earliest effective filing date.

In addition to patents and patent applications, we rely on trade secrets and know-how to develop and maintain our competitive position. However, trade secrets can be difficult to protect. We seek to protect our proprietary technology and processes, and obtain and maintain ownership of certain technologies, in part, through confidentiality agreements and invention assignment agreements with our employees, consultants, scientific advisors, contractors and commercial partners. We also seek to preserve the integrity and confidentiality of our data, trade secrets and know-how, including by implementing measures intended to maintain the physical security of our premises and the physical and electronic security of our information technology systems.

Our future commercial success depends, in part, on our ability to obtain and maintain patent and other proprietary protection for commercially important technology, inventions and know-how related to our business; defend and enforce our patents; preserve the confidentiality of our trade secrets; and operate without infringing the valid enforceable patents and proprietary rights of third parties. Our ability to stop third parties from making, using, selling, offering to sell or importing our products will depend on the extent to which we have rights under valid and enforceable patents or trade secrets that cover these activities. Moreover, we may be unable to obtain patent protection for the Vicarious System generally, as well as with respect to certain surgical indications. See the section entitled “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property” for a more comprehensive description of risks related to our intellectual property.


Research and Development

As of March 1, 2022, our research and development programs are generally pursued by our 89 engineering, scientific and technical personnel employed by us in our offices in Massachusetts and California on a full-time basis or as consultants, or through partnerships with industry leaders in manufacturing and design and with researchers in academia. We are also working with subcontractors in developing specific components of our technologies.

The primary objectives of our research and development efforts are to continue to introduce incremental enhancements to the capabilities of the Vicarious System and to advance development.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, we incurred research and development expenses of approximately $22.1 million compared to research and development expenses of approximately $9.8 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

Manufacturing

We are expanding our manufacturing capabilities with the development of a substantialmanufacturing facility, including a clean room, within our new headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts, and has hired key manufacturing personnel. We currently rely, and expect to continue to rely, on third parties for the manufacturing of certain products for preclinical and clinical testing, as well as for commercial manufacturing.

We purchase both custom and off-the-shelf components from a large number of new shares, our shareholders immediately priorsuppliers and subjects them to our initial business combination could own less than a majority of our issuedstringent quality specifications and outstanding shares subsequent to our initial business combination. If less than 100%processes. Some of the equity interests or assets of a target business or businesses are owned or acquired bycomponents necessary for the post transaction company, the portion of such business or businesses that is owned or acquired is what will be taken into account for purposesassembly of the 80%Vicarious System are currently provided to us by sole-sourced suppliers or single-sourced suppliers.

Competition

We face competition in the forms of net assets test described above. If the business combination involves more than one target business, the 80% of net assets test will be basedexisting open surgery, conventional MIS, drug therapies, radiation treatment, and emerging interventional surgical approaches. Our success depends on continued clinical and technical innovation, quality and reliability, as well as educating hospitals, surgeons, and patients on the aggregateresults associated with robotic-assisted surgery using the Vicarious System and our value of all ofproposition relative to other techniques. We also face competition from several companies that have introduced or are developing new approaches and products for the target businesses.

We believe our management team’s significant operating and transaction experience and relationships will provide us with a substantial number of potential initial business combination targets. Over the course of their careers, the members of our management team have developed a broad network of contacts and corporate relationships around the world. This network has grown through the activities of our management team sourcing, acquiring and financing businesses, the reputation of our management team for integrity and fair dealing with sellers, financing sources and target management teams and the experience of our management team in executing transactions under varying economic and financial market conditions.

This network has provided our management team with a flow of referrals that has resulted in numerous transactions which were proprietary or where a limited group of investors were invited to participate in the sale process.MIS market. We believe that the networkentrance or emergence of contactscompetition validates robotic-assisted surgery.

We face competition from larger and relationshipswell-established companies. The companies that have introduced products in the field of robotic-assisted surgery or have made explicit statements about their efforts to enter the field, include, but are not limited to: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.; Johnson & Johnson (including their wholly-owned subsidiaries Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Auris Health, Inc. and Verb Surgical Inc.); Medtronic plc (including their wholly-owned subsidiary Covidien LP); Virtual Incision Corporation; Titan Medical Inc.; Stryker Corporation; and CMR Surgical Ltd. Other companies with substantial experience in industrial robotics could potentially expand into the field of surgical robotics and become a competitor. In addition, research efforts utilizing computers and robotics in surgery are underway at various companies and research institutions. Our ability to generate future revenue may be adversely impacted as competitors announce their intent to enter these markets and as our potential customers anticipate the availability of competing products.

Commercialization

We have not yet established a sales or product distribution infrastructure for the Vicarious System. We plan to access the U.S. market with the Vicarious System through strategic partnerships and will also develop our own focused, specialized sales force or distribution channels once we have commercialized the Vicarious System.


Government Regulation

Our operations are subject to comprehensive federal, state, and local laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we or our research and development partners or affiliates do business. The laws and regulations governing our business and interpretations of those laws and regulations and are subject to frequent change. Our ability to operate profitably will depend in part upon our ability, and that of our research and development partners and affiliates, to operate in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The laws and regulations relating to medical products and healthcare services that apply to our business and that of our partners and affiliates continue to evolve, and we must, therefore, devote significant resources to monitoring developments in legislation, enforcement, and regulation in such areas. As the applicable laws and regulations change, we are likely to make conforming modifications in our business processes from time to time. We cannot provide assurance that a review of our business by courts or regulatory authorities will not result in determinations that could adversely affect our operations or that the regulatory environment will not change in a way that restricts our operations.

FDA Regulation

Medical devices are strictly regulated by the FDA, in the United States. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or the FDCA, a medical device is defined as “an instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, contrivance, implant, in vitro reagent, or other similar or related article, including a component, part or accessory which is, among other things: intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, in man or other animals; or intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals, and which does not achieve its primary intended purposes through chemical action within or on the body of man or other animals and which is not dependent upon being metabolized for the achievement of any of its primary intended purposes.” This definition provides a clear distinction between a medical device and other FDA regulated products such as drugs. If the primary intended use of a medical product is achieved through chemical action or by being metabolized by the body, the product is usually a drug or biologic. If not, it is generally a medical device.

We are currently developing a robotic-assisted surgical system, which is regulated by the FDA as a medical device under the FDCA, as implemented and enforced by the FDA. The FDA regulates the development, testing, manufacturing, labeling, packaging, storage, installation, servicing, advertising, promotion, marketing, distribution, import, export, and post-market surveillance of our medical devices.

Device Premarket Regulatory Requirements

Before being introduced into the U.S. market, each medical device must obtain marketing clearance or approval from the FDA through the premarket notification (or 510(k)) process, the de novo classification process, or the premarket approval, or PMA, process, unless they are determined to be Class I devices or to otherwise qualify for an exemption from one of these available forms of premarket review and authorization by the FDA. Under the FDCA, medical devices are classified into one of three classes — Class I, Class II or Class III — depending on the degree of risk associated with each medical device and the extent of control needed to provide reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. Classification of a device is important because the class to which a device is assigned determines, among other things, the necessity and type of FDA review required prior to marketing the device. Class I devices are those for which reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness can be maintained through adherence to general controls that include compliance with the applicable portions of the FDA’s Quality System Regulation, or the QSR, as well as regulations requiring facility registration and product listing, reporting of adverse medical events, and appropriate, truthful and non-misleading labeling, advertising, and promotional materials. The Class I designation also applies to devices for which there is insufficient information to determine that general controls are sufficient to provide reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of the device or to establish special controls to provide such assurance, but that are not life-supporting or life-sustaining or for a use which is of substantial importance in preventing impairment of human health, and that do not present a potential, unreasonable risk of illness or injury.


Class II devices are those for which general controls alone are insufficient to provide reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness and there is sufficient information to establish “special controls.” These special controls can include performance standards, post-market surveillance requirements, patient registries and FDA guidance documents describing device-specific special controls. While most Class I devices are exempt from the premarket notification requirement, most Class II devices require a premarket notification prior to commercialization in the United States; however, the FDA has the authority to exempt Class II devices from the premarket notification requirement under certain circumstances. As a result, manufacturers of most Class II devices must submit premarket notifications to the FDA under Section 510(k) of the FDCA (21 U.S.C. § 360(k)) in order to obtain the necessary clearance to market or commercially distribute such devices. To obtain 510(k) clearance, manufacturers must submit to the FDA adequate information demonstrating that the proposed device is “substantially equivalent” to a “predicate device” that is already on the market. A predicate device is a legally marketed device that is not subject to PMA, meaning, (i) a device that was legally marketed prior to May 28, 1976 (“preamendments device”) and for which a PMA is not required, (ii) a device that has been reclassified from Class III to Class II or I, or (iii) a device that was found substantially equivalent through the 510(k) process. If the FDA agrees that the device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device identified by the applicant in a premarket notification submission, the FDA will grant 510(k) clearance for the new device, permitting the applicant to commercialize the device. Premarket notifications are subject to user fees, unless a specific exemption applies.

If there is no adequate predicate to which a manufacturer can compare its proposed device, the proposed device is automatically classified as a Class III device. In such cases, a device manufacturer must then fulfill the more rigorous PMA requirements or can request a risk-based classification determination for its device in accordance with the de novo classification process.

Devices that are intended to be life sustaining or life supporting, devices that are implantable, devices that present a potential unreasonable risk of harm or are of substantial importance in preventing impairment of health, and devices that are not substantially equivalent to a predicate device and for which safety and effectiveness cannot be assured solely by the general controls and special controls are placed in Class III. Such devices generally require FDA approval through the PMA process, unless the device is a preamendments device not yet subject to a regulation requiring premarket approval. The PMA process is more demanding than the 510(k) process. For a PMA, the manufacturer must demonstrate through extensive data, including data from preclinical studies and one or more clinical trials, that the device is safe and effective for its proposed indication. The PMA must also contain a full description of the device and its components, a full description of the methods, facilities and controls used for manufacturing, and proposed labeling. Following receipt of a PMA submission, the FDA determines whether the application is sufficiently complete to permit a substantive review. If the FDA accepts the application for review, it has 180 days under the FDCA to complete its review and determine whether the proposed device can be approved for commercialization, although in practice, PMA reviews often take significantly longer, and it can take up to several years for the FDA to issue a final decision. Before approving a PMA, the FDA generally also performs an on-site inspection of manufacturing facilities for the product to ensure compliance with the QSR.

The de novo classification process allows a manufacturer whose novel device is automatically classified into Class III to request down-classification of its device to Class I or Class II, on the basis that the device presents low or moderate risk, as an alternative to following the typical Class III device pathway requiring the submission and approval of a PMA application. Under the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act of 2012, the FDA is required to classify a device within 120 days following receipt of the de novo classification request from an applicant; however, the most recent FDA premarket review goals state that in fiscal year 2021, FDA will attempt to issue a decision within 150 days of receipt on 65% of all de novo classification requests received during the year and on 70% of de novo requests received during fiscal year 2022. If the manufacturer seeks reclassification into Class II, the classification request must include a draft proposal for special controls that are necessary to provide a reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of the medical device. The FDA may reject the classification request if it identifies a legally marketed predicate device that would be appropriate for a 510(k) notification or determines that the device is not low to moderate risk or that general controls would be inadequate to control the risks and special controls cannot be developed. De novo classification requests are subject to user fees, unless a specific exemption applies.


Clinical trials are almost always required to support PMAs and are sometimes required to support 510(k) and de novo classification submissions. All clinical investigations of devices to determine safety and effectiveness must be conducted in accordance with the FDA’s investigational device exemption, or IDE, regulations that govern investigational device labeling, prohibit promotion of investigational devices, and specify recordkeeping, reporting and monitoring responsibilities of study sponsors and study investigators. If the device presents a “significant risk,” as defined by the FDA, the FDA requires the device sponsor to submit an IDE application to the FDA, which must become effective prior to commencing human clinical trials. The IDE will automatically become effective 30 days after receipt by the FDA, unless the FDA denies the application or notifies us that the investigation is on hold and may not begin until the sponsor provides supplemental information about the investigation that satisfies the FDA’s concerns. If the FDA determines that there are deficiencies or other concerns with an IDE that require modification of the study, the FDA may permit a clinical trial to proceed under a conditional approval. In addition, the study must be approved by, and conducted under the oversight of, an institutional review board, or IRB, for each clinical site. If the device presents a non-significant risk to the patient according to criteria established by the FDA as part of the IDE regulations, a sponsor may begin the clinical trial after obtaining approval for the trial by one or more IRBs without separate authorization from the FDA, but must still comply with abbreviated IDE requirements, such as monitoring the investigation, ensuring that the investigators obtain informed consent, and labeling and record-keeping requirements.

Post-Marketing Restrictions and Enforcement

After a device is placed on the market, numerous regulatory requirements apply. These include, but are not limited to:

submitting and updating establishment registration and device listings with the FDA;

compliance with the QSR, which requires manufacturers to follow stringent design, testing, control, documentation, record maintenance, including maintenance of complaint and related investigation files, and other quality assurance controls during the manufacturing process;

unannounced routine or for-cause device facility inspections by the FDA, which may include our suppliers’ facilities; and

labeling regulations, which prohibit the promotion of products for uncleared or unapproved (or “off-label”) uses and impose other restrictions relating to promotional activities;

corrections and removal reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA field corrections or removals if undertaken to reduce a risk to health posed by a device or to remedy a violation of the FDCA that may present a risk to health; and

post-market surveillance regulations, which apply to certain Class II or III devices when necessary to protect the public health or to provide additional safety and effectiveness data for the device.

In addition, under the FDA medical device reporting, or MDR, regulations, medical device manufacturers are required to report to the FDA information that a device has or may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or has malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to death or serious injury if the malfunction of the device or a similar device of such manufacturer were to recur. The decision to file an MDR involves a judgment by the manufacturer. If the FDA disagrees with the manufacturer’s determination, the FDA can take enforcement action.

The medical device reporting requirements also extend to health care facilities that use medical devices in providing care to patients, or “device user facilities,” which include hospitals, ambulatory surgical facilities, nursing homes, outpatient diagnostic facilities, or outpatient treatment facilities, but not physician offices. A device user facility must report any device-related death to both the FDA and the device manufacturer, or any device-related serious injury to the manufacturer (or, if the manufacturer is unknown, to the FDA) within 10 days of the event. Device user facilities are not required to report device malfunctions that would likely cause or contribute to death or serious injury if the malfunction were to recur but may voluntarily report such malfunctions through MedWatch, the FDA’s Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.


The FDA also has the authority to require the recall of commercialized medical device products in the event of material deficiencies or defects in design or manufacture. The authority to require a recall must be based on an FDA finding that there is a reasonable probability that the device would cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Manufacturers may, under their own initiative, recall a product if any distributed devices fail to meet established specifications, are otherwise misbranded or adulterated under the FDCA, or if any other material deficiency is found. The FDA requires that certain classifications of recalls be reported to the FDA within ten working days after the recall is initiated.

The failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements can result in enforcement action by the FDA, which may include any of the following sanctions:

warning letters, fines, injunctions or civil penalties;

recalls, detentions or seizures of products;

operating restrictions;

delays in the introduction of products into the market;

total or partial suspension of production;

delay or refusal of the FDA or other regulators to grant 510(k) clearance, PMA approvals, or other marketing authorization to new products;

withdrawals of marketing authorizations; or

in the most serious cases, criminal prosecution.

To ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, medical device manufacturers are subject to market surveillance and periodic, pre-scheduled and unannounced inspections by the FDA, and these inspections may include the manufacturing facilities of subcontractors.

Breakthrough Device Designation

The 21st Century Cures Act, which was signed into law on December 13, 2016, established and directed FDA to implement the Breakthrough Devices Program. Under the program, device manufacturers may voluntarily request breakthrough designation for devices that provide for more effective treatment or diagnosis of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating human disease or conditions over currently available technology and that meet at least one of the following criteria:

The device represents breakthrough technology;

There are no approved or cleared alternatives for the device;

The device offers significant advantages over existing approved or cleared alternatives; or

Availability of the device is in the best interest of patients.


The goal of the Breakthrough Devices Program is to accelerate the timeline to market for novel devices that will likely provide a benefit to terminally or critically ill patients. A Breakthrough Device designation offers multiple benefits to the device manufacturer, including priority review of the pre-market submission for the device, opportunities to interact directly with FDA’s experts throughout the process, and engagement of FDA senior management.

In November 2019, we received FDA Breakthrough Device designation for a prior version of the Vicarious System with a proposed indication for use of ventral hernia repair. The Vicarious System is considered a Class II medical device. We have had pre-submission meetings with the FDA to align on our regulatory strategy and plan to file a de novo application with the FDA for ventral hernia procedures as our first indication.

A preliminary meeting with the FDA was conducted in December 2021 to discuss with the FDA our decision to make two technology changes to the Vicarious System design that was granted Breakthrough Device designation in November 2019. Based on these changes, the FDA has determined that the current Vicarious System design that is planned for the initial limited launch and was submitted to the FDA in the November 2021 FDA pre-submission meeting request is different from the device that was granted Breakthrough Device designation for the device design filed in November 2019. The FDA stated that the Breakthrough Device designation remains active for the prior device design granted Breakthrough Device designation in November 2019. In the future, we may attempt to reincorporate the technologies from such prior device design to leverage the previously granted Breakthrough Device designation. The process of medical device development is inherently uncertain and there is no guarantee that a Breakthrough Device designation will be granted to a different device design, and if it were granted, there is no guarantee that such designation will accelerate the timeline for approval or make it more likely that the Vicarious System will be approved.

Federal Trade Commission Regulatory Oversight

Our advertising for our products and services is subject to federal truth-in-advertising laws enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, or the FTC, as well as comparable state consumer protection laws. Under the Federal Trade Commission Act, or FTC Act, the FTC is empowered, among other things, to (a) prevent unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce; (b) seek monetary redress and other relief for conduct injurious to consumers; and (c) gather and compile information and conduct investigations relating to the organization, business, practices, and management teamof entities engaged in commerce. The FTC has very broad enforcement authority, and failure to abide by the substantive requirements of the FTC Act and other consumer protection laws can result in administrative or judicial penalties, including civil penalties, injunctions affecting the manner in which we would be able to market services or products in the future, or criminal prosecution.

Healthcare Law and Regulation

If the Vicarious System or our other product candidates are approved in the United States, we will provide us important sourceshave to comply with various U.S. federal and state laws, rules and regulations pertaining to healthcare fraud and abuse, including anti-kickback laws and physician self-referral laws, rules and regulations. Violations of investment opportunities.the fraud and abuse laws are punishable by criminal and civil sanctions, including, in some instances, exclusion from participation in federal and state healthcare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. These laws include the following:

the federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits, among other things, persons from knowingly and willfully soliciting, offering, receiving or providing remuneration, directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, to induce or reward either the referral of an individual for, or the purchase, order or recommendation of, any good or service, for which payment may be made, in whole or in part, under a federal healthcare program such as Medicare and Medicaid;

the federal False Claims Act imposes civil penalties, and provides for civil whistleblower or qui tam actions, against individuals or entities for knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, to the federal government, claims for payment that are false or fraudulent or making a false statement to avoid, decrease or conceal an obligation to pay money to the federal government;


the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, imposes criminal and civil liability for executing a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program or making false statements relating to healthcare matters;

HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act and its implementing regulations, also imposes obligations, including mandatory contractual terms, with respect to safeguarding the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information;

the federal false statements statute prohibits knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up a material fact or making any materially false statement in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services;

the federal transparency requirements under the Physician Payments Sunshine Act require manufacturers of FDA-approved drugs, devices, biologics and medical supplies covered by Medicare or Medicaid to report, on an annual basis, to the Department of Health and Human Services information related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians, teaching hospitals, and certain advanced non-physician health care practitioners and physician ownership and investment interests; and

analogous state and foreign laws and regulations, such as state anti-kickback and false claims laws, may apply to sales or marketing arrangements and claims involving healthcare items or services reimbursed by nongovernmental third-party payors, including private insurers.

Some state laws require pharmaceutical or medical device companies to comply with the relevant industry’s voluntary compliance guidelines and the relevant compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government in addition to requiring drug and device manufacturers to report information related to payments to physicians and other health care providers or marketing expenditures.

State and foreign laws also govern the privacy and security of health information in some circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and often are not preempted by HIPAA, thus complicating compliance efforts. We also may be subject to, or may in the future become subject to, U.S. federal and state, and foreign laws and regulations imposing obligations on how we collect, use, disclose, store and process personal information. Our actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could result in liability or reputational harm and could harm our business. Ensuring compliance with such laws could also impair our efforts to maintain and expand our customer base and thereby decrease our future revenues.

Third-Party Coverage and Reimbursement

In the United States, third-party payors, including government health programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, commercial health insurers and managed care organizations, are responsible for hospital and surgeon reimbursement for covered surgical procedures. Third-party payors generally reimburse hospitals and physicians for surgery when the procedure is considered medically necessary. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, manages the Medicare program and administers the Medicaid program in conjunction with applicable state governments. Many commercial health insurers model their reimbursement methodologies after the Medicare program. As the single largest payor, the Medicare program has a significant impact on other third-party payors’ payment systems.


Generally, reimbursement for professional services performed at a facility by physicians is reported under billing codes issued by the American Medical Association, or AMA, known as Current Procedural Terminology, or CPT, codes. Physician reimbursement under Medicare generally is based on a fee schedule and determined by the relative value of the professional service rendered. In addition, CMS and the National Center for Health Statistics are jointly responsible for overseeing changes and modifications to billing codes used by hospitals to report inpatient procedures, known as ICD-10-PCS codes. Under the Medicare program, CMS generally reimburses hospitals for services provided during an inpatient stay based on a prospective payment system that is determined by a classification system known as Medicare-Severity Diagnostic Related Groupings, or MS-DRGs. MS-DRGs are assigned using a number of factors, including the principal diagnosis, major procedures, discharged status, patient age, and complicating secondary diagnoses, among other things. Hospital outpatient services, reported by CPT codes, are assigned to clinically relevant Ambulatory Payment Classifications used to determine the payment amount for services provided.

Since October 1, 2015, a new family of ICD-10-PCS codes can be used, in conjunction with other applicable procedure codes, to describe various robotic-assisted procedures. An inpatient surgical procedure, completed with or without robotic assistance, continues to be assigned to the clinically relevant MS-DRG.

Third-party payors carefully review and increasingly challenge the prices charged for medical products and surgical services. Reimbursement rates from commercial health insurers vary depending on the procedure performed, the specific payor’s reimbursement policies, contract terms, and other factors. Because both hospitals and physicians may receive the same reimbursement for a surgical procedure, whether it is performed with robotic assistance or not and regardless of actual costs incurred in furnishing the patient care, including for the specific medical products or supplies used during that procedure, hospitals and physicians may decide not to use our products if reimbursement amounts are insufficient to cover any additional costs incurred when purchasing and using our products.

For procedures that would involve assistance from our robotic-assisted surgical system, U.S. health care institutions typically bill various third-party payors, such as government health programs (e.g., Medicare and Medicaid) and commercial health insurance plans, for the primary surgical procedure only. If our robotic-assisted surgical system receives marketing authorization from the FDA, coverage and reimbursement by third-party payors will generally be determined by the medical necessity of the primary surgical procedure. Government health programs and other third-party payors may also consider additional factors when determining coverage and reimbursement, including the designation of the surgical procedure as a covered benefit, the appropriateness of the procedure for the specific patient, guidelines for the procedure established by the relevant professional college or medical society, and a payor determination that the procedure is neither experimental nor investigational. We believe that the procedures we intend to pursue as indications for use for our robotic-assisted surgical system are established surgical procedures that are generally already reimbursable by government health programs, commercial health insurers, and managed care organizations for appropriately selected patients. If hospitals do not obtain sufficient reimbursement from third-party payors for procedures performed with our products, or if government and commercial payors’ policies do not cover surgical procedures performed using our products, we may not be able to generate the revenues necessary to support our business.

In the United States, there have been, and continue to be, a number of legislative initiatives to contain healthcare costs. In March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (collectively, the “ACA”), was enacted. The ACA made changes that have significantly impacted healthcare providers, insurers, and manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. For example, the ACA included a number of provisions designed to generate the revenues necessary to fund health insurance coverage expansion, including, but not limited to, fees or taxes on certain health-related industries, including medical device manufacturers.


There remain judicial and Congressional challenges to certain aspects of the ACA, and as a result certain of its sections have not been fully implemented or effectively repealed. In particular, in December of 2018, a Texas U.S. District Court Judge ruled that the ACA is unconstitutional in its entirety because the individual mandate was repealed by Congress as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, effective January 1, 2019. In December 2019, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the district court’s ruling that the individual mandate in the ACA was unconstitutional but remanded the case to the district court to determine whether other reforms enacted as part of the ACA but not specifically related to the individual mandate or health insurance could be severed from the rest of the ACA so as not to have the law declared invalid in its entirety. On March 2, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the petitions for writs of certiorari to review this case and allocated one hour for oral arguments, which occurred on November 10, 2020. On February 10, 2021, the Department of Justice sent a letter to the U.S. Supreme Court that stated the new administration believes the individual mandate and its tax penalty are constitutional, and if the Court determines that they are not, the provision can be severed from the remainder of the act. With this letter, the Biden administration reversed the Trump administration position that was presented to the Court. The Trump administration had claimed that the tax provision is unconstitutional and could not be separated from the ACA, making the entire ACA unconstitutional as a result. The U.S. Supreme Court held in a 7–2 opinion that the states and individuals that brought the lawsuit challenging the ACA’s individual mandate do not have standing to challenge the law. The U.S. Supreme Court did not reach the merits of the challenge, but the decision ends the case. It is unclear how potential litigation and other efforts to repeal and replace the ACA will affect the implementation of that law, the pharmaceutical and medical device industries more generally, and our business. Additionally, the 2020 federal spending package permanently eliminated, effective January 1, 2020, the ACA-mandated “Cadillac” tax on high-cost employer-sponsored health coverage and medical device tax and, effective January 1, 2021, also eliminates the health insurer tax. In addition, CMS published a final rule that would give states greater flexibility, effective January 1, 2020, in setting benchmarks for insurers in the individual and small group marketplaces, which may have the effect of relaxing the essential health benefits required under the ACA for plans sold through such marketplaces. We continue to evaluate the potential impact of the ACA and its possible repeal or replacement on our business.

In addition, other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted since the ACA was enacted. These changes include aggregate reductions to Medicare payments to providers of up to 2% per fiscal year pursuant to the Budget Control Act of 2011, which began in 2013 and will remain in effect through 2030 unless additional Congressional action is taken. However, the Medicare sequester reductions under the Budget Control Act of 2011 was suspended from May 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pursuant to provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or the CARES Act, which also extended the sequester by one year, through 2030, in order to offset the added expense of the 2020 cancellation. The 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act was subsequently signed into law on December 27, 2020 and extends the CARES Act suspension period to March 31, 2021.

On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was signed into law, which, among other things, further reduced Medicare payments to several types of providers, including hospitals, imaging centers, and cancer treatment centers. The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, enacted on April 16, 2015 (“MACRA”), repealed the formula by which Medicare made annual payment adjustments to physicians and replaced the former formula with fixed annual updates and a new system of incentive payments that began in 2019 and are based on various performance measures and physicians’ participation in alternative payment models, such as accountable care organizations. Individual states in the U.S. have also become increasingly aggressive in passing legislation and implementing regulations designed to control medical product pricing, including price or patient reimbursement constraints and discounts, and require marketing cost disclosure and transparency measures. Most recently, the Biden Administration has indicated that lowering healthcare costs and ensuring equitable patient access to medical care is a priority, but we do not yet know what steps the administration will take or whether such steps will be successful.

We cannot predict the likelihood, nature or extent of government regulation that may arise from future legislation or administrative or executive action, either in the United States or abroad. We expect that additional state and federal health care reform measures will be adopted in the future, any of which could limit the amounts that federal and state governments will pay for health care products and services. Moreover, if we are slow or unable to adapt to changes in existing requirements or the adoption of new requirements or policies, or if we are not able to maintain regulatory compliance, our medical devices may lose any marketing authorization that may have been obtained and we may not achieve or sustain profitability, which would adversely affect our business.


Human Capital

We take pride in our work and value unique backgrounds and experiences. We aim to be inclusive, so that everyone can be their true, authentic self at work every day. To attract and retain top talent, we offer strong compensation and benefits packages that are evolving to meet the changing needs of our employees. Compensation and benefits are paired with talent development programs to retain and develop our team.

As of March 1, 2022, we had 165 employees, 89 of whom were engaged directly in research, development, regulatory and clinical activities, 31 in manufacturing and quality assurance and 45 in marketing, sales, and administrative activities. None of our employee are covered by collective bargaining agreements, and we believe that our relationship with our employees is good.

Safety and Wellness

The safety and wellness of our employees is a top priority for the organization, which we will continue to invest in. In light of COVID-19, we have put in place conservative safety protocols to keep our employees and anyone entering our facility safe, in addition to offering work from home arrangements. To protect employees and guests, our efforts include providing personal protective equipment (“PPE”), instituting mandatory screening before accessing buildings, and maximizing workspaces. In addition, we anticipate that target business combination candidateshave invested heavily in overall employee wellness, and will be broughtcontinue to our attention from various unaffiliated sources, including investment market participants, private equity funds and large business enterprises seeking to divest non-core assets or divisions.do so.

 

Physical, mental, and financial wellness are front and center of our benefits. We provide access to external experts who can assist employees and their families who are not prohibited from pursuinggoing through challenging times. Additionally, we offer multiple incentives and rewards to encourage healthy behaviors. Financially, we provide access to a financial advisory service, access to an initial business combination withonline financial wellness assessment and education service, free webinars, and offers a company that is affiliated with our sponsor, officers or directors, or completing401(k) match.

Legal Proceedings

As of March 1, 2022, we were not a party to any material legal proceedings. From time to time, we may become involved in legal proceedings arising in the business combination through a joint venture or other form of shared ownership with our sponsor, officers or directors. In the event we seek to complete an initial business combination with a target that is affiliated with our sponsor, officers or directors, we, or a committee of independent directors, would obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that is a member of FINRA or a valuation or appraisal firm that such an initial business combination is fair to our company from a financial point of view.

Membersordinary course of our business. Regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us due to defense and settlement costs, diversion of management teamresources, negative publicity and our independent directors directly or indirectly own founder shares and/or private placement warrants following the Public Offeringreputational harm and accordingly, may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is an appropriate business with which to effectuate our initial business combination. Further, each of our officers and directors may have a conflict of interest with respect to evaluating a particular business combination if the retention or resignation of any such officers and directors was included by a target business as a condition to any agreement with respect to our initial business combination.other factors.

 

EachFacilities

Our principal executive offices are currently located at 78 Fourth Avenue, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, consisting of our officers and directors presently has, and any of them in the future may have additional, fiduciary or contractual obligations to at least one other entityapproximately 42,000 square feet. On October 14, 2021, we entered into a lease amendment pursuant to which such officer or directorwe agreed to lease additional space consisting of approximately 30,000 square feet located at 62 Fourth Avenue Waltham, MA 02451. Pursuant to the lease amendment, we also extended the term of the original lease for an additional period of three years and one month. Both leased spaces will expire conterminously on March 31, 2032, with an option to renew for an additional five years until March 31, 2037.

Information Available on the Internet

Our internet address is or will be requiredhttps://www.vicarioussurgical.com, to present a business combination opportunity to such entity. Accordingly, if anywhich we regularly post copies of our officers or directors becomes aware of a business combination opportunity which is suitable forpress releases as well as additional information about us. We also maintain an entity to which he or she has then-current fiduciary or contractual obligations, he or she will honor his or her fiduciary or contractual obligations to present such business combination opportunity to such other entity, subject to their fiduciary duties under Cayman Islands law. Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that we renounce our interest in any corporate opportunity offered to any director or officer unless such opportunity is expressly offered to such person solely in his or her capacityInvestor Relations website as a director or officerroutine channel for distribution of the companyimportant information, including news releases, presentations, and it is an opportunity that we are ablefinancial statements (https://investor.vicarioussurgical.com). We intend to complete onuse our Investor Relations website as a reasonable basis. We do not believe, however, that the fiduciary duties or contractualmeans of complying with our disclosure obligations ofunder Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor our officers or directors will materially affect our abilityInvestor Relations website in addition to complete our initial business combination.


In addition, our sponsor and our officers and directors may sponsor or form other special purpose acquisition companies similar to ours or may pursue other business or investment ventures during the period in which we are seeking an initial business combination. Any such companies, businesses or investments may present additional conflicts of interest in pursuing an initial business combination. However, we do not believe that any such potential conflicts would materially affect our ability to complete our initial business combination.

Redemption Rights for Public Shareholders upon Completion of Our Initial Business Combination

We will provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their public shares upon the completion 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 calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us to pay our taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, subject to the limitations and on the conditions described herein. The amount in the trust account is initially anticipated to be $10.00 per public share. The per share amount we will distribute to investors who properly redeem their shares will not be reduced by the deferred underwriting commissions we will pay to the underwriters. There will be no redemption rights upon the completion of our initial business combination with respect to our warrants. Our sponsor, officers and directors have entered into a letter agreement with us, pursuant to which they have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to their founder shares and any public shares they may acquire during or after the offering in connection with the completion of our initial business combination.

Conduct of Redemptions Pursuant to Tender Offer Rules

If we conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules of the U.S.press releases, Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), we will, pursuant to our amended filings, and restated memorandumpublic conference calls and articles of association: (a) conduct the redemptions pursuant to Rule 13e-4 and Regulation 14E of the Exchange Act, which regulate issuer tender offers; and (b) file tender offer documents with the SEC prior to completing our initial business combination which 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.

Submission ofwebcasts. Our Initial Business Combination to a Shareholder Vote

In the event that we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination, we will distribute proxy materials and, in connection therewith, provide our public shareholders with the redemption rights described above upon completion of the initial business combination.

If we seek shareholder approval, we will complete our initial business combination only if we receive an ordinary resolution under Cayman Islands law, which requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shareholders who attend and vote at a general meeting of the company. A quorum for such meeting will be present if the holders of a majority of issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote at the meeting are represented in person or by proxy. Our initial shareholders will count toward this quorum and, pursuant to that certain letter agreement, our sponsor, officers and directors have agreed to vote their Founder Shares, private placement shares and any public shares purchased during or after the Public Offering (including in open market and privately-negotiated transactions) in favor of our initial business combination. Each public shareholder may elect to redeem their public shares irrespective of whether they vote for or against the proposed transaction or whether they were a public shareholder on the record date for the shareholder meeting held to approve the proposed transaction. Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association require that at least five days’ notice will be given of any such shareholder meeting.

If we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our sponsor, initial shareholders, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase shares or public warrants in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market either prior to or following the completion of our initial business combination. There is no limit on the number of shares our initial shareholders, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase in such transactions, subject to compliance with applicable law and NYSE rules. However, they have no current commitments, plans or intentions to engage in such transactions and have not formulated any terms or conditions for any such transactions. None of the funds in the Trust Account will be used to purchase shares or public warrants in such transactions. If they engage in such transactions, they will not make any such purchases when they are in possession of any material non-public information not disclosed to the seller or if such purchases are prohibited by Regulation M under the Exchange Act. In the event that our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions from public shareholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights, such selling shareholders would be required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their shares. We do not currently anticipate that such purchases, if any, would constitute a tender offer subject to the tender offer rules under the Exchange Act or a going-private transaction subject to the going-private rules under the Exchange Act; however, if the purchasers determine at the time of any such purchases that the purchases are subject to such rules, the purchasers will comply with such rules.


The purpose of any such purchases of shares could be to (i) vote such shares in favor of the business combination and thereby increase the likelihood of obtaining shareholder 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 our initial business combination, where it appears that such requirement would otherwise not be met. The purpose of any such purchases of public warrants could be to reduce the number of public warrants outstanding or to vote such warrants on any matters submitted to the warrantholders for approval in connection with our initial business combination. Any such purchases of our securities may result in the completion of our initial business combination that may not otherwise have been possible. In addition, if such purchases are made, the public “float” of our Class A ordinary shares or public warrants may be reduced and the number of beneficial holders of our securities may be reduced, which may make it difficult to maintain or obtain the quotation, listing or trading of our securities on a national securities exchange.

Limitation on Redemption Upon Completion of Our Initial Business Combination If We Seek Shareholder Approval

If we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that a public shareholder, together with any affiliate of such shareholder or any other person with whom such shareholder 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 more than an aggregate of 20% of the shares sold in the Public Offering without our prior consent (the “Excess Shares”). We believe this restriction will discourage shareholders from accumulating large blocks of shares, and subsequent attempts by such holders to use their ability to exercise their redemption rights against a proposed business combination 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 shareholder holding more than an aggregate of 20% of the shares sold in the Public Offering could threaten to exercise its redemption rights if such holder’s shares are not purchased by us, our sponsor or our management at a premium to the then-current market price or on other undesirable terms. By limiting our shareholders’ ability to redeem no more than 20% of the shares sold in the Public Offering, we believe we will limit the ability of a small group of shareholders to unreasonably attempt to block our ability to complete 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.

However, we would not be restricting our shareholders’ ability to vote all of their shares (including Excess Shares) for or against our initial business combination.Redemption of Public Shares and Liquidation If No Initial Business Combination

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that we will have until July 17, 2022 to complete our initial business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination within such 24-month period, 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 interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to us (less taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining shareholders and our board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) to our obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and in all cases subject to the other requirements of applicable law. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to our warrants, which will expire worthless if we fail to complete our initial business combination by July 17, 2022.


Competition

In identifying, evaluating and selecting a target business for our initial business combination, we may encounter competition from other entities having a business objective similar to ours, including other special purpose acquisition companies, private equity groups and leveraged buyout funds, public companies 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 similar or 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 in connection with our public shareholders who exercise their redemption rights may reduce the resources available to us for our initial business combination and 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 three officers: David Chu, Donald Tang and Robert Kirby. These individuals are not obligated to devote any specific number of hours to our matters but they intend to 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 will devote in any time period will vary 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 completion of our initial business combination.

Available Information

We are required to file Annual Reportsannual reports on Form 10-K, and Quarterly Reportsquarterly reports on Form 10-Q, with the SEC on a regular basis, and are required to disclose certain material events (e.g., changes in corporate control, acquisitions or dispositions of a significant amount of assets other than in the ordinary course of business and bankruptcy) in a Current Reportcurrent reports on Form 8-K.8-K, and all amendments to those reports, will be available to you free of charge through the Investor Relations section of our website as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials have been electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The SEC maintains an Internet websiteinternet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The SEC’s InternetWe include our web site address in this Annual Report on Form 10-K only as an inactive textual reference. Information contained in our website is located at http://www.sec.gov. In addition,does not constitute a part of this report or our other filings with the Company will provide copies of these documents without charge upon request from us in writing at Unit 1008, 10/F, Champion Tower, 3 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong or by telephone at +852 3973 5500.SEC.


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

An investmentCareful consideration should be given to the following risk factors, in addition to the other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the section of titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes, and in other documents that we file with the SEC, in evaluating our company and our business. Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully all of the risks described below, together with the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the prospectus associated with our public offering and the Registration Statement, before making a decision to invest in our securities. If any of the events described in the following eventsrisk factors actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and operating results mayfuture growth prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In that event,affected and the trading price of our securities could decline,decline. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of factors that are described below and you could lose allelsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this section to “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer to Vicarious Surgical Inc. and its subsidiaries following the Business Combination, or part of your investment.to Legacy Vicarious or D8 prior to the Business Combination, as the case may be.

Risks Related to Our Financial Condition and Capital Requirements

 

RISKS RELATING TO OUR SEARCH FOR, AND CONSUMMATION OF OR INABILITY TO CONSUMMATE, A BUSINESS COMBINATIONWe have a limited operating history on which to assess the prospects for our business, we have not generated any revenue from sales of the Vicarious System, and have incurred losses since inception. We anticipate that we will continue to incur significant losses for at least the next several years as we develop and commercializes the Vicarious System for ventral hernia repair and future indications.

 

Since inception, we have devoted substantially all of our financial resources to developing our surgical robot. We have financed our operations primarily through the issuance of equity securities. We have not generated revenue from the sale of the Vicarious System to date and have incurred significant losses. The amount of our future net losses will depend, in part, on future sales and on-going development of the Vicarious System, the rate of our future expenditures and our ability to obtain funding through the issuance of our securities, strategic collaborations or grants. We expect to continue to incur significant losses for at least the next several years as we commercialize the Vicarious System for ventral hernia repair and seeks to develop and commercialize new surgical applications for the Vicarious System, such as gynecological, urological or other general surgical applications. We anticipate that our expenses will increase substantially if and as we:

continue to build our sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure to commercialize our Vicarious System for ventral hernia repair;

continue to develop the Vicarious System;

seek to identify, assess, acquire, license and/or develop other products and technologies or components thereof and subsequent generations of our current products and technologies;

seek to maintain, protect and expand our intellectual property portfolio;

seek to attract and retain skilled personnel; and

support our operations as a public company.


Our public shareholdersability to generate future revenue from the Vicarious System sales depends heavily on our success in many areas, including but not limited to:

launching and commercializing current and future uses for the Vicarious System, either directly or in conjunction with one or more collaborators or distributors;

obtaining and maintaining regulatory authorization with respect to each application for the Vicarious System and maintaining regulatory compliance throughout relevant jurisdictions;

maintaining clinical and economical value for end-users and customers in changing environments;

addressing any competing technological and market developments;

negotiating favorable terms in any collaboration, licensing or other arrangements into which we may enter;

establishing and maintaining distribution relationships with third-parties that can provide adequate (in amount and quality) infrastructure to support market demand for the Vicarious System; and

maintaining, protecting and expanding our portfolio of intellectual property rights, including patents, trade secrets and know-how.

We have incurred significant losses since inception. As such, you cannot rely upon our historical operating performance to make an investment or voting decision regarding us.

Since inception, we have engaged in research and development activities. We have financed our operations primarily through the issuance of equity securities, and have incurred net losses of $35.2 million and $12.9 million in the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Our accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2021 was $66.8 million. We do not know whether or when we will become profitable. Our ability to generate revenue and achieve profitability depends upon our ability to accelerate the commercialization of the Vicarious System in line with the demand from new partnerships and our aggressive business strategy. We may be unable to achieve any or all of these goals.

We may need to raise additional funding to develop and commercialize the Vicarious System and to expand our research and development efforts. This additional financing may not be afforded an opportunityavailable on acceptable terms, or at all. Failure to voteobtain this necessary capital when needed may force us to delay, limit or terminate our product commercialization or development efforts or other operations.

Our operations have consumed substantial amounts of cash since inception. We expect to expend substantial additional amounts to commercialize the Vicarious System for ventral hernia repair and to develop new surgical applications for the Vicarious System. We expect to use the funds received in connection with the Business Combination to scale our operations, develop and commercialize the Vicarious System for ventral hernia repair, develop new surgical applications for the Vicarious System, such as gynecological, urological or other general surgical applications, expand internationally, and for working capital and general corporate purposes. We will require additional capital to develop and commercialize the Vicarious System for abdominal surgeries and to develop the Vicarious System for new surgical applications. In addition, our operating plans may change as a result of many factors that may currently be unknown to us, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned.

We cannot guarantee that future financing will be available in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Moreover, the terms of any future financing may adversely affect the holdings or the rights of our stockholders and the issuance of additional securities, whether equity or debt, by us, or the possibility of such issuance, may cause the market price of our common stock to decline. The incurrence of indebtedness could result in increased fixed payment obligations, and we may be required to agree to certain restrictive covenants, such as limitations on our proposed initialability to incur additional debt, limitations on our ability to acquire, sell or license intellectual property rights and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. We could also be required to seek funds through arrangements with collaborative partners or otherwise at an earlier stage than otherwise would be desirable, and we may be required to relinquish rights to some of our technologies or otherwise agree to terms that are unfavorable to us, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, combination,operating results and even if we hold a vote,prospects. In addition, raising additional capital through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities would cause dilution to holders of our founder shares will participate in such vote, which meansequity securities, and may affect the rights of then-existing holders of our equity securities. Even if we believe that we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans, we may completeseek additional capital if market conditions are favorable or if we have specific strategic considerations.


Risks Related to Our Business and Operations

We are a development stage company with a limited history of operations and no products with marketing authorization in any jurisdiction, and we cannot assure you that we will ever have a commercialized product.

We are a development stage medical device company with a limited operating history, and we currently do not have any products authorized for commercialization in any country or jurisdiction or any source of revenue. We have been engaged in research and product development since our initial business combination even though a majorityinception in 2014 and have invested all of our public shareholderstime and resources in developing our technology and the Vicarious System, which we intend to commercialize initially for ventral hernia repair, followed by subsequent indications. The future success of our business will depend on our ability to obtain regulatory authorization to market our Vicarious System, drive adoption, successfully introduce new surgical applications for the Vicarious System, establish our sales force and distribution network, and control costs, all of which we may be unable to do. We have a limited history of operations upon which you can evaluate our business and our operating expenses are increasing. Our lack of a significant operating history also limits your ability to make a comparative evaluation of us, the Vicarious System and our prospects.

If we do not support such a combination.successfully manage the development and launch of the Vicarious System, we will not meet the long term forecasts we presented to D8 Holdings and our business, operating and financial results and condition could be adversely affected.

 

We aim to launch the Vicarious System initially for use in ventral hernia repair, but to later expand the product to other abdominal surgical applications, including gynecological, urological and general surgery uses. We face risks associated with developing and launching the Vicarious System for the first indication specific use and other surgical applications. We are in the process of developing the Vicarious System, and will need to complete beta testing, verification and validation prior to filing for FDA clearance, which is expected to occur in 2023. If we encounter development or manufacturing challenges or discovers errors during our development cycle, the launch dates of the initial and new surgical applications may choose notbe delayed, which will cause delays in our ability to hold a shareholder voteachieve our forecasted results. The expenses or losses associated with unsuccessful product development or launch activities or lack of market acceptance of the Vicarious System could adversely affect our business or financial condition.

The market for the Vicarious System and the use of robotic-assisted surgical technology is rapidly evolving, and increasingly competitive, as the healthcare industry is undergoing significant structural change, which makes it difficult to approveforecast demand for our initial business combination unlessproducts and technologies.

The market for the business combination would require shareholder approval under applicable law or stock exchange listing requirements. In such case,Vicarious System and the decision as touse of robotic-assisted surgical technology is rapidly evolving, and it is uncertain whether we will seek shareholder approvalachieve and sustain high levels of demand and market adoption. Our future financial performance will depend in part on growth in this market and on our ability to adapt to the changing demands of customers. It is difficult to predict the future growth rate and size of our target market. As a proposed business combinationresult, the addressable market projections provided to D8 Holdings for purposes of considering the Business Combination may not be achieved. Negative publicity concerning the Vicarious System could limit market acceptance of the Vicarious System. If our customers do not perceive the benefits of the Vicarious System, when or if it is authorized for marketing, or if the Vicarious System does not attract new customers, then our market may not develop at all, or it may develop more slowly than we expect. Our success will allow shareholdersdepend to sella substantial extent on the willingness of healthcare organizations to increase their sharesuse of our technology and our ability to usdemonstrate the value of our technology relative to competing products to existing and potential customers. If healthcare organizations do not recognize or acknowledge the benefits of the Vicarious System or if we are unable to reduce healthcare costs or drive positive health outcomes, then the market for our solutions might not develop at all, or it might develop more slowly than we expect.

Because our markets are highly competitive, customers may choose to purchase our competitors’ products or services or may not accept the Vicarious System for ventral hernia repair, which would result in a tender offerreduced ability to generate future revenue.

Robotic-assisted surgery using the Vicarious System is a technology that competes with established and emerging treatment options in both disease management and reconstructive medical procedures. These competitive treatment options include conventional open surgery and minimally invasive approaches. Some of these procedures are widely accepted in the medical community and, in many cases, have a long history of use. Studies could be published that show that other treatment options are more beneficial and/or cost-effective than robotic-assisted surgery. We cannot be certain that physicians will use our products to replace or supplement established treatments or that our products will be competitive with current or future technologies, when or if those products are authorized for marketing.


Additionally, we face or expect to face competition from companies that develop or have developed robotic-assisted surgical systems and products. Companies have introduced products in the field of robotic surgery or have made by us, solelyexplicit statements about their efforts to enter the field including, but not limited to, the following companies: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.; Johnson & Johnson (including their wholly-owned subsidiaries Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Auris Health, Inc. and Verb Surgical Inc.); Medtronic plc (including their wholly-owned subsidiary Covidien LP); Virtual Incision Corporation; Titan Medical Inc.; CMR Surgical Ltd.; and Stryker Corporation. Other companies with substantial experience in industrial robotics could potentially expand into the field of surgical robotics and become competitors. Our ability to generate future revenue may be reduced due to pricing pressure if our discretion,competitors develop and market products that are more effective or less expensive than our future commercial products. If we are unable to compete successfully, our ability to generate future revenue will suffer, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, result of operations, or cash flows.

Our success depends upon market acceptance of the Vicarious System for ventral hernia repair, our ability to develop and commercialize the Vicarious System for ventral hernia repair and additional surgical applications and generate revenues, and our ability to identify new markets for our technology.

We have developed and are engaged in the development of the Vicarious System initially for ventral hernia repair. Achieving physician, patient, and third-party payor acceptance of robotic-assisted surgery as a preferred method of performing surgery is crucial to our success. Our success will depend on the acceptance of the Vicarious System in the United States and global health care markets, when or if it is authorized for marketing in those jurisdictions. We are faced with the risk that the marketplace will not be receptive to the Vicarious System over competing products, including traditional and existing robotic-assisted surgical procedures used in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers, or ASCs, and that we will be based on a variety of factors, such asunable to compete effectively. Factors that could affect our ability to successfully commercialize the timing of the transactionVicarious System for ventral hernia repair and whether the terms of the transaction would otherwise require us to seek shareholder approval. commercialize any potential future products and technologies include:

challenges of developing or acquiring externally-developed technology solutions that are adequate and competitive in meeting the requirements of next-generation design challenges; and

dependence upon hospitals, ASCs, surgeons and other healthcare practitioners’ acceptance of the Vicarious System.

Even if we seek shareholder approval,can prove the holderssafety and effectiveness of our founder sharesthe Vicarious System and they receive marketing authorization, hospitals, ASCs, or surgeons may elect not to use it. In addition, hospitals, ASCs and surgeons may be slow to adopt the Vicarious System because of the perceived liability risks arising from the use of new products and the uncertainty of reimbursement from third-party payors, particularly in light of ongoing healthcare reform initiatives and the evolving healthcare environment.

Broad use of the Vicarious System will participaterequire training of surgical teams. We expect that there will be a learning process involved for surgical teams to become proficient in the vote on such approval. Accordingly, weuse of the Vicarious System. Market acceptance could be delayed due to the time required to complete this training. We may completenot be able to rapidly train surgical teams in numbers sufficient to generate adequate demand for our initial business combination even if holders of a majority of our ordinary sharesproducts. We cannot assure investors that the Vicarious System or any future products and technologies will gain broad market acceptance. If the market for the Vicarious System or any future products and technologies fail to develop or develops more slowly than expected, or do not approve of theachieve or sustain market acceptance, our business combination we complete.

and operating results would be materially and adversely affected.

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If we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination, our initial shareholdersSurgeons, hospitals, ASCs and management teamdistributors may have agreed to vote in favor of such initial business combination, regardless of how our public shareholders vote.

Our initial shareholders will own 20% of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares immediately following the completion of the offering (assuming our initial shareholders do not purchase any units in the offering). Our initial shareholders and management team also may from time to time purchase Class A ordinary shares prior to our initial business combination. Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association providesexisting relationships with other medical device companies that if we seek shareholder approval of an initial business combination, such initial business combination will be approved if we receive an ordinary resolution under Cayman Islands law, which requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shareholders who attend and vote at a general meeting of the company, including the founder shares. As a result, in addition to our initial shareholders’ founder shares, we would need 11,250,001, or 37.5%, of the 34,500,000 public shares sold in the offering to be voted in favor of an initial business combination in order to have our initial business combination approved (assuming all outstanding shares are voted and the over-allotment option is not exercised). Accordingly, if we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination, the agreement by our initial shareholders and management team to vote in favor of our initial business combination will increase the likelihood that we will receive an ordinary resolution, being the requisite shareholder approval for such initial business combination.

Your only opportunity to effect your 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 our initial business combination. Since our board of directors may complete a business combination without seeking shareholder approval, public shareholders may not have the right or opportunity to vote on the business combination, unless we seek such shareholder vote. Accordingly, your only opportunity to effect your investment decision regarding our initial business combination may be limited to exercising your redemption rights within the period of time (which will be at least 20 business days) set forth in our tender offer documents mailed to our public shareholders in which we describe our initial business combination.

The ability of our public shareholders to redeem their shares for cash may make our financial condition unattractive to potential business combination targets, which may make it difficult for us to enter intoestablish new relationships with them, and as a business combination with a target.

Weresult, we may seek to enter into a business combination transaction agreement with a minimum cash requirement for (i) cash consideration to be paid to the target or its owners, (ii) cash for working capital or other general corporate purposes or (iii) the retention of cash to satisfy other conditions. If too many public shareholders exercise their redemption rights, we would not be able to meetsell and market the Vicarious System effectively.

We believe that to sell and market the Vicarious System effectively, when or if the product receives marketing authorization, we must establish relationships with key surgeons, hospitals and ASCs in the field of abdominal surgery. Many of these key surgeons, hospitals and ASCs already have long-standing relationships with large, well-known companies that dominate the medical device industry through collaborative research programs and other relationships. Because of these existing relationships, some of which may be contractually enforced, surgeons, hospitals and ASCs may be reluctant to adopt the Vicarious System, particularly if it competes with or has the potential to compete with products and technologies supported by these existing relationships or through their own collaborative research programs. Even if these surgeons, hospitals and ASCs purchase the Vicarious System, they may be unwilling to enter into collaborative relationships with us to promote joint marketing programs or to provide us with clinical and financial data.


Any failure in our efforts to train surgeons, hospital or ASC staff could result in lower than expected product sales and potential liabilities.

A critical component of our future sales and marketing efforts is the training of a sufficient number of surgeons and hospital staff to properly use the Vicarious System, when or if it is authorized for marketing. We rely on surgeons and hospital staff to devote adequate time to learn to use our future products and technologies. Convincing surgeons, hospital and ASC staff to dedicate the time and resources necessary for adequate training in the use of the Vicarious System will be challenging, and we cannot assure you we will be successful in these efforts. If surgeons, hospital or ASC staff are not properly trained, they may misuse or ineffectively use the Vicarious System. If nurses or other members of the hospital or ASC staff are not adequately trained to assist in using the Vicarious System, surgeons may be unable to use the Vicarious System. Insufficient training may result in unsatisfactory patient outcomes, patient injury and related liability or negative publicity, which could have an adverse effect on our product sales or create substantial potential liabilities.

Robotic-assisted surgical device development is costly and involves continual technological change, which may render the Vicarious System obsolete.

The market for robotic-assisted surgical devices is characterized by rapid technological change, medical advances and evolving industry standards. Any one of these factors could reduce the demand for the Vicarious System, when or if it is authorized for marketing, or require substantial resources and expenditures for research, design and development to avoid technological or market obsolescence.

Our success will depend on our ability to enhance our current technology, services and systems and develop or acquire and market new technologies to keep pace with technological developments and evolving industry standards, while responding to changes in customer needs. A failure to adequately develop or acquire device enhancements or new devices that will address changing technologies and customer requirements adequately, or to introduce such closingdevices on a timely basis, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We might have insufficient financial resources to improve existing devices, advance technologies and develop new devices at competitive prices. Technological advances by one or more competitors or future entrants into the field may result in the Vicarious System becoming non-competitive or obsolete, which may decrease revenues and profits and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

We may encounter significant competition across our existing and future planned products and technologies and in each market in which we sell or plan to sell the Vicarious System from various companies, many of which have greater financial and marketing resources than us. Our primary competitors include Intuitive Surgical, Johnson & Johnson (including their wholly-owned subsidiaries Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Auris Health, Inc. and Verb Surgical Inc.), and Medtronic, which are currently the top manufacturers of robotic-assisted surgical devices.

In addition, our primary competitors, which are well-established medical device manufacturers with significant resources, may engage in aggressive marketing tactics. Competitors may also possess the ability to commercialize additional lines of products, bundle products or offer higher discounts and incentives to customers in order to gain a competitive advantage. If the prices of competing products are lowered as a result, wouldwe may not be able to proceed with the business combination. Furthermore, in no event will we redeem our public shares in an amount that would cause our net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001. Consequently, if accepting all properly submitted redemption requests would cause our net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001 or such greater amount necessary to satisfy a condition as described above, we would not proceed with such redemption and the related business combination and may instead search for an alternate business combination. Prospective targets will be aware of these risks and, thus, may be reluctant to enter into a business combination transaction with us.compete effectively.

 

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The abilityWe are highly dependent upon the continued contributions of our public shareholdersco-founder, Chief Executive Officer and President, Adam Sachs, our co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Sammy Khalifa. The loss of their services could harm our business, and if we are unable to exercise redemption rights with respectattract, recruit, train, retain, motivate and integrate key personnel, we may not achieve our goals.

Our future success depends on our ability to a large numberattract, recruit, train, retain, motivate and integrate key personnel, including our co-founder, Chief Executive Officer and President, Adam Sachs, our co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Sammy Khalifa, as well as our recently expanded management team and our research and development, manufacturing, sales and marketing personnel. Our future business and results of operations depend in significant part upon the continued contributions of Messrs. Sachs and Khalifa. If we were to lose their services or if they fail to perform in their current positions, or if we are not able to attract and retain skilled employees in addition to Messrs. Sachs and Khalifa, this could adversely affect the development and implementation of our shares may not allow usbusiness plan and substantially harm our business. Competition for qualified personnel is intense.

In addition, we rely upon technical and scientific employees or third-party contractors to complete the most desirable business combination or optimizeeffectively establish, manage and grow our capital structure.

At the timebusiness. Consequently, we enter into an agreement forbelieve that our initial business combination, wefuture viability will not know how many shareholders may exercise their redemption rights, and therefore will need to structure the transaction baseddepend largely on our expectationsability to attract and retain highly skilled robotics engineers, artificial intelligence engineers, software engineers, hardware engineers and optical engineers, as well as other managerial, sales, scientific and technical personnel. In order to the number of shares that will be submitted for redemption. If our initial business combination agreement requires us to use a portion of the cash in the trust account to pay the purchase price, or requires us to have a minimum amount of cash at closing, we will need to reserve a portion of the cash in the trust account to meet such requirements, or arrange for third party financing. In addition, if a larger number of shares are submitted for redemption than we initially expected,effectively recruit these personnel, we may need to restructurepay higher compensation or fees to our employees or consultants than we currently expect, and such higher compensation payments may have a negative effect on our operating results. Competition for experienced, high-quality personnel is intense, and we cannot assure investors that we will be able to recruit and retain such personnel. Our growth depends, in particular, on attracting and retaining highly-trained sales personnel with the transactionnecessary technical background and ability to reserveunderstand the Vicarious System at a greater portiontechnical level to effectively identify and sell to potential new customers and develop new uses for the Vicarious System. Because of the cashtechnical and complex nature of the Vicarious System and the dynamic market in which we compete in, any failure to attract, recruit, train, retain, motivate and integrate qualified personnel could materially delay development of the Vicarious System and harm our operating results and growth prospects.

We will need to expand our organization, and we may experience difficulties in recruiting needed additional employees and consultants, which could disrupt our operations.

As our development and commercialization plans and strategies develop, we will need additional managerial, operational, sales, marketing, financial, legal and other resources. The competition for qualified personnel in the trust account or arrange for third party financing. Raising additional third party financing may involve dilutive equity issuances or the incurrence of indebtedness at higher than desirable levels. Furthermore,medical device industry is intense. Due to this dilution would increase to the extent that the anti-dilution provision of the Class B ordinary shares results in the issuance of Class A ordinary shares on a greater than one-to-one basis upon conversion of the Class B ordinary shares at the time of our initial business combination. In addition, the amount of the deferred underwriting commissions payable to the underwriters will not be adjusted for any shares that are redeemed in connection with an initial business combination. The per share amount we will distribute to shareholders who properly exercise their redemption rights will not be reduced by the deferred underwriting commission and after such redemptions, the amount held in trust will continue to reflect our obligation to pay the entire deferred underwriting commissions. The above considerations may limit our ability to complete the most desirable business combination available to us or optimize our capital structure.

The ability of our public shareholders to exercise redemption rights with respect to a large number of our shares could increase the probability that our initial business combination would be unsuccessful and that you would have to wait for liquidation in order to redeem your shares.

If our initial business combination agreement requires us to use a portion of the cash in the trust account to pay the purchase price, or requires us to have a minimum amount of cash at closing, the probability that our initial business combination would be unsuccessful is increased. If our initial business combination is unsuccessful, you would not receive your pro rata portion of the trust account until we liquidate the trust account. If you are in need of immediate liquidity, you could attempt to sell your shares in the open market; however, at such time our shares may trade at a discount to the pro rata amount per share in the trust account. In either situation, you may suffer a material loss on your investment or lose the benefit of funds expected in connection with your exercise of redemption rights until we liquidate or you are able to sell your shares in the open market.

The requirement that we complete our initial business combination by July 17, 2022 may give potential target businesses leverage over us in negotiating a business combination and may limit the time we have in which to conduct due diligence on potential business combination targets, in particular as we approach our dissolution deadline, which could undermine our ability to complete our initial business combination on terms that would produce value for our shareholders.

Any potential target business with which we enter into negotiations concerning a business combination will be aware that we must complete our initial business combination by July 17, 2022. Consequently, such target business may obtain leverage over us in negotiating a business combination, knowing that if we do not complete our initial business combination with that particular target business,intense competition, we may be unable to completeattract and retain the qualified personnel necessary for the development of our initial business combination withor to recruit suitable replacement personnel.

Our management may need to divert a disproportionate amount of our attention away from our day-to-day activities and devote a substantial amount of time to managing these growth activities. We may not be able to effectively manage the expansion of our operations, which may result in weaknesses in our infrastructure, operational mistakes, loss of business opportunities, loss of employees and reduced productivity among remaining employees. Our expected growth could require significant capital expenditures and may divert financial resources from other projects, such as the development of additional surgical applications for the Vicarious System. If our management is unable to effectively manage our growth, our expenses may increase more than expected, our ability to generate and/or grow revenue could be reduced and we may not be able to implement our business strategy. Our future financial performance and our ability to commercialize the Vicarious System and compete effectively will depend, in part, on our ability to effectively manage any target business. This riskfuture growth.


We have no experience in marketing and selling the Vicarious System and if we are unable to successfully commercialize the Vicarious System, our business and operating results will be adversely affected.

We have no experience marketing and selling the Vicarious System, should we receive marketing authorization from the FDA and other regulatory authorities. We currently intend to sell the Vicarious System to hospitals and ASCs. Future sales of the Vicarious System will depend in large part on our ability to effectively market and sell the Vicarious System, successfully manage and expand our sales force, and increase the scope of our marketing efforts. We may also enter into distribution arrangements in the future. Because we have limited experience in marketing and selling the Vicarious System, our ability to forecast demand, the infrastructure required to support such demand and the sales cycle to customers is unproven. If we do not build an efficient and effective marketing and sales force, our business and operating results will be adversely affected.

We expect to generate an increasing portion of our revenue internationally in the future and may become subject to various additional risks relating to our international activities, which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

We intend to generate revenues from international sources as we get closerexpand our sales and marketing opportunities internationally. We have limited experience operating internationally and engaging in international business involves a number of difficulties and risks, including:

the challenges associated with building local brand awareness, obtaining local key opinion leader support and clinical support, implementing reimbursement strategies and building local marketing and sales teams;

required compliance with foreign regulatory requirements and laws, including regulations and laws relating to patient data and medical devices;

trade relations among the United States and those foreign countries in which our future customers, distributors, manufacturers and suppliers have operations, including protectionist measures such as tariffs and import or export licensing requirements, whether imposed by the United States or such foreign countries;

difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations;

difficulties protecting, procuring or enforcing intellectual property rights internationally;

required compliance with anti-bribery laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, data privacy requirements, labor laws and anti-competition regulations;

laws and business practices that may favor local companies;

longer payment cycles and difficulties in enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through certain foreign legal systems;

political and economic instability and war or other military conflict, including the ongoing conflict occurring in Ukraine, which could have a material adverse impact on our sales in Europe and elsewhere; and

potentially adverse tax consequences, tariffs, customs charges, bureaucratic requirements and other trade barriers.

We dedicate significant resources to our international operations and are unable to manage these risks effectively, our business, operating results and financial condition may be adversely affected.

If we experience decreasing prices for our products and technologies and are unable to reduce our expenses, including the per unit cost of producing our products and technologies, there may be a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

We may experience decreasing prices for the Vicarious System upon regulatory authorization due to pricing pressure from managed care organizations and other third-party payors and suppliers, increased market power of our payors as the medical device industry consolidates, and increased competition among suppliers, including manufacturing services providers. If the prices for the Vicarious System decrease and we are unable to reduce our expenses, including the cost of sourcing materials, logistics and the cost to manufacture the Vicarious System, our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows may be adversely affected. To the extent that we engage in sales to large hospital networks, we may be subject to procurement discounts, which could have a negative impact on the prices of our products and technologies.


We may experience manufacturing problems or delays that could limit the growth of our revenue or increase our losses.

We may encounter unforeseen situations that would result in delays or shortfalls in our production as well as delays or shortfalls caused by our outsourced manufacturing suppliers and by other third-party suppliers who manufacture components for the Vicarious System. The FDA has established comprehensive and prescriptive regulations for manufacturers of finished medical devices and device components, which require them to establish and maintain processes and procedures to adequately control device manufacturing operations and environmental conditions that could adversely affect product quality and impact patient safety. Clean room standards are an example of these requirements. Failure of us or our third-party component manufacturers or suppliers to comply with applicable standards and regulatory requirements could delay the production of the Vicarious System.

We or our third-party component manufacturers or suppliers may encounter difficulties in scaling up or maintaining production relating to the timeframe described above.Vicarious System, including:

problems involving production yields;

quality control and assurance;

component or material supply shortages;

import or export restrictions on components, materials or technology;

shortages of qualified personnel; and

compliance with state and federal regulations.

If we are unable to keep up with demand for the Vicarious System, our future revenue could be impaired, market acceptance for the Vicarious System could be adversely affected and our customers might instead purchase our competitors’ products. Our inability to successfully manufacture the Vicarious System would have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

We rely on limited or sole suppliers for some of the materials and components used in the Vicarious System, and may not be able to find replacements or immediately transition to alternative suppliers, which could require us to redesign aspects of the Vicarious System and which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation.

We rely on limited or sole suppliers for certain materials and components that are used in the Vicarious System. While we periodically forecast our needs for such materials and enters into standard purchase orders with them, we do not have long-term contracts with some of these suppliers. If we were to lose such suppliers, or if such suppliers were unable to fulfill our orders or to meet our manufacturing specifications, there can be no assurance that we will be able to identify or enter into agreements with alternative suppliers on a timely basis or on acceptable terms, if at all. Furthermore, if we are required to change the manufacturer of a key component of the Vicarious System, we would be required to verify that the new manufacturer maintains facilities and procedures that comply with quality standards and with all applicable regulations and guidelines, and we may be required to redesign aspects of the Vicarious System to accommodate the new component, which would result in significant delays and additional costs. An interruption in our operations could occur if we encounter delays or difficulties in redesigning the Vicarious System, or securing these materials and components, or if the quality of the materials and components supplied do not meet our requirements, or if we cannot then obtain an acceptable substitute. The time and effort required to redesign the Vicarious System, or to qualify a new supplier and ensure that the new materials and components provide the same or better quality results could result in significant additional costs. Any such interruption could significantly affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation. While we believe that our supplies of components and materials are currently sufficient for us to continue the development of our products and technologies without a disruption to our business, in the event that we must replace one of our suppliers, there can be no assurance that we can maintain this level of inventory in the future.


Acquisitions, joint ventures or strategic alliances could disrupt our business, cause dilution to our stockholders and otherwise harm our business.

We may acquire other businesses or products and technologies, as well as pursue strategic alliances, joint ventures, technology licenses or investments in complementary businesses. We have not engaged in any of these strategic transactions to date, and our ability to do so successfully is unproven. Any of these strategic transactions could be material to our financial condition and operating results and expose us to many risks, including:

disruption in our relationships with customers, distributors, manufacturers or suppliers as a result of such a transaction;

unanticipated liabilities related to acquired companies;

difficulties integrating acquired personnel, technologies and operations into our existing business;

diversion of management’s time and focus away from operating our business to acquisition integration challenges;

increases in our expenses and reductions in our cash available for operations and other uses; and

possible write-offs or impairment charges relating to acquired businesses.

Foreign acquisitions involve unique risks in addition to those mentioned above, including those related to the integration of operations across different cultures and languages, currency risks and the particular economic, political and regulatory risks associated with specific countries.

In addition, the anticipated benefit of any acquisition may not materialize. Future acquisitions or dispositions could result in potentially dilutive issuances of our equity securities, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities or amortization expenses or write-offs of goodwill, any of which could harm our financial condition. We cannot predict the number, timing or size of future joint ventures, strategic alliances or acquisitions, if any, or the effect that any such transactions might have on our operating results.

If we do not successfully develop, optimize and operate our sales and distribution channels or we do not effectively expand and update infrastructure, our operating results and customer experience may be negatively impacted.

If we do not adequately predict market demand or otherwise develop, optimize and operate our sales and distribution channels successfully, it could result in excess or insufficient inventory or fulfillment capacity, increased costs, or immediate shortages in product or component supply, or harm our business in other ways. In addition, if we do not maintain adequate infrastructure to enable us to, among other things, manage our purchasing and inventory, it could negatively impact our operating results.

If we are unable to continue the development of an adequate sales and marketing organization and/or if our direct sales organization is not successful, we may have difficulty achieving market awareness and selling our product and technologies in the future.

We must develop and grow our sales and marketing organization and enter into partnerships or other arrangements to market and sell our products and technologies and/or collaborate with third parties, including distributors and others, to market and sell our products and technologies to develop and maintain the commercial success of the Vicarious System, when or if we are authorized for marketing, and to achieve commercial success for any of our future products and technologies. Developing and managing a direct sales organization is a difficult, expensive and time-consuming process.


To develop our sales and marketing organization to successfully achieve market awareness and sell our products and technologies after they receive appropriate marketing authorization, we must:

continue to recruit and retain adequate numbers of effective and experienced sales and marketing personnel;

effectively train our sales and marketing personnel in the benefits and risks of the Vicarious System;

establish and maintain successful sales, marketing, training and education programs that educate health care professionals so they can appropriately inform their patients about the Vicarious System;

manage geographically dispersed sales and marketing operations; and

effectively train our sales and marketing personnel on the applicable fraud and abuse laws that govern interactions with health care practitioners as well as current and prospective patients and maintain active oversight and auditing measures to ensure continued compliance.

We may not be able to successfully manage our sales force or increase our product sales at acceptable rates.

If we are unable to establish and maintain adequate sales and marketing capabilities or enter into and maintain arrangements with third parties to sell and market the Vicarious System, our business may be harmed.

We cannot guarantee that we will be able to establish and maintain an adequate volume of sales in the future. A substantial reduction in sales could have a material adverse effect on our operating performance. To the extent that we enter into additional arrangements with third parties to perform sales or marketing services in the United States, Europe or other countries, our product margins could be lower than if we directly marketed and sold the Vicarious System. To the extent that we enter into co-promotion or other marketing and sales arrangements with other companies, any revenue received will depend on the skills and efforts of others, and we cannot predict whether these efforts will be successful. In addition, the growth of market acceptance of the Vicarious System by healthcare practitioners outside of the United States will largely depend on our ability to continue to demonstrate the relative safety, effectiveness, reliability, cost-effectiveness and ease of use of the Vicarious System. If we are unable to do so, we may not be able to increase product revenue from our sales efforts in other countries. If we are unable to establish and maintain adequate sales, marketing and distribution capabilities, independently or with others, our future revenue may be reduced and our business may be harmed.

Quality problems could lead to recalls or safety alerts and/or reputational harm and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Quality of our product and technologies and future commercial products and technologies is very important to us and our customers due to the serious and costly consequences of product failure. Our success depends on the quality and reliability of the Vicarious System. Our business exposes us to potential product liability risks that are inherent in the design, manufacture, and marketing of medical devices. While we take measures to ensure that components, products and technologies are manufactured to stringent quality specifications, The Vicarious System incorporates mechanical parts, electrical components, optical components, packaging and computer software, any of which may contain errors or exhibit failures, especially when the finished system is first introduced. In addition, new products or modifications may contain undetected errors or performance problems that, despite testing, are discovered only after marketing authorization and commercial shipment. Because the Vicarious System is being designed to perform complex surgical procedures, due to the serious and costly consequences of product failure, we and our future customers have an increased sensitivity to such defects.

Although the Vicarious System is subject to stringent quality processes and controls, we cannot provide assurance that our system will not experience component aging, errors, performance problems, manufacturing nonconformities, or design defects or that unexpected risks to users or patients will not be discovered during commercial use. If we experience product flaws or performance problems, any or all of the following could occur:

delays in shipments;

loss of revenue;

delay in market acceptance;

diversion of resources;

damage to reputation;


product recalls;

regulatory actions;

increased service or warranty costs; or

product liability claims.

Additionally, the manufacture and production of the Vicarious System requires a highly controlled and clean environment to minimize particles and other yield- and quality-limiting contaminants. Weaknesses in process control or minute impurities in materials may result in defective products. If we are not able to maintain stringent quality controls, or if contamination problems arise, we may experience delays in development and commercialization efforts and may be subject to regulatory enforcement actions, which would harm our business and results of operations.

If we or our third-party component manufacturers or suppliers fail to meet any applicable product quality standards and the Vicarious System is the subject of recalls, safety alerts or other regulatory enforcement actions, our reputation could be damaged, we could lose customers, and our revenue and results of operations could decline.

If we are not able to develop and release new surgical applications for the Vicarious System, or successful enhancements, new features and modifications to the Vicarious System or to achieve adequate clinical utility, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

The markets in which we operate are characterized by rapid technological change, frequent new product and service introductions and enhancements, changing customer demands, and evolving industry standards. The introduction of products embodying new technologies can quickly make existing products obsolete and unmarketable. Additionally, changes in laws and regulations could impact the usefulness of the Vicarious System and could necessitate changes or modifications to the Vicarious System to accommodate such changes. We invest substantial resources in researching and developing new developments to the Vicarious System and enhancing the Vicarious System by incorporating additional features, improving functionality, and adding other improvements to meet customers’ evolving needs. The success of any enhancements, improvements or any new features to the Vicarious System, when or if authorized for marketing by the FDA, depends on several factors, including timely completion, competitive pricing, adequate quality testing, integration with new and existing technologies and third-party partners’ technologies and overall market acceptance. We may not succeed in developing, marketing and delivering on a timely and cost-effective basis enhancements or improvements to the Vicarious System or any new products and technologies that respond to continued changes in market demands or new customer requirements, and any enhancements or improvements to the Vicarious System or any new solutions may not achieve market acceptance or authorization. Since developing the Vicarious System is complex, the timetable for the release of new enhancements is difficult to predict, and we may not offer new updates as rapidly as our customers require or expect. Any new products and technologies that we develop may not be introduced in a timely or cost-effective manner, may contain errors or defects, or may not achieve the broad market acceptance necessary to generate sufficient revenue. Moreover, even if we introduce new products and technologies, we may experience a decline in revenue from the Vicarious System that is not offset by revenue from the new products and technologies. For example, customers may delay making purchases of new products and technologies to permit them to make a more thorough evaluation of these products and technologies or until industry and marketplace reviews become widely available. Customers may also delay purchasing a new product because their existing Vicarious System or other devices continues to meet their needs. Some customers may hesitate to migrate to a new product due to concerns regarding the performance of the new product. In addition, we may have limited time to conduct due diligencelose existing customers who choose a competitor’s products. This could result in a temporary or permanent revenue shortfall and may enter intoadversely affect our initial business, combination on terms that we would have rejected upon a more comprehensive investigation.financial condition and results of operations.

 

The introduction of new products and solutions by competitors, the development of entirely new technologies to replace existing offerings or shifts in healthcare benefits trends could make our future commercial products and technologies obsolete or adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may experience difficulties with industry standards, design or marketing that could delay or prevent our development, introduction or implementation of new products and technologies, enhancements, additional features or capabilities. If customers do not widely purchase and adopt our future products and technologies, we may not be able to realize a return on our investment. If we do not accurately anticipate customer demand or if we are unable to develop, license or acquire new features and capabilities on a timely and cost-effective basis, or if such enhancements do not achieve market acceptance, it could result in adverse publicity, loss of revenue or market acceptance or claims by customers brought against us, each of which could have a material and adverse effect on our reputation, business, results of operations and financial condition.

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Our search forThe COVID-19 pandemic has and could continue to negatively affect various aspects of our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, combination, and any target business with which we ultimately consummate a business combination, may be materially adversely affected by the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the statusfinancial condition, results of debt and equity markets.operations, or cash flows.

 

In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China, whichand it has and is continuing tosince spread throughout China and other parts of the world, including the United States. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared theAny outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” On January 31, 2020, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared acontagious diseases, or other adverse public health emergency for the United States to aid the U.S. healthcare community in responding to COVID-19, and on March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization characterized the outbreak as a “pandemic”. This outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in a widespread health crisis that has and may continue to adversely affect the economies and financial markets worldwide, and the business of any potential target business with which we may consummate a business combination could be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, we may be unable to complete a business combination if continued concerns relating to COVID-19 restrict travel, limit the ability to have meetings with potential investors or the target company’s personnel, vendors and services providers are unavailable to negotiate and consummate a transaction in a timely manner. In addition, countries or supranational organizations in our target markets may develop and implement legislation that makes it more difficult or impossible for entities outside such countries or target markets to acquire or otherwise invest in companies or businesses deemed essential or otherwise vital. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts our search for and ability to consummate a business combination will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of COVID-19 and the actions to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, among others. If the disruptions posed by COVID-19 or other matters of global concern continue for an extensive period of time, and result in protectionist sentiments and legislation in our target markets, our ability to consummate a business combination, or the operations of a target business with which we ultimately consummate a business combination, may be materially adversely affected. In addition, our ability to consummate a transaction may be dependent on the ability to raise equity and debt financing which may be impacted by COVID-19 and other events.

We may not be able to complete our initial business combination by July 17, 2022, 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 may not be able to find a suitable target business and complete our initial business combination by July 17, 2022. Our ability to complete our initial business combination may be negatively impacted by general market conditions, volatility in the capital and debt markets and the other risks described herein. For example, the outbreak of COVID-19 continues to grow both in the U.S. and globally and, while the extent of the impact of the outbreak on us will depend on future developments, it could limit our ability to complete our initial business combination, including as a result of increased market volatility, decreased market liquidity and third-party financing being unavailable on terms acceptable to us or at all. Furthermore, we may be unable to complete a business combination if continued concerns relating to COVID-19 restrict travel, limit the ability to have meetings with potential investors or the target company’s personnel, vendors and services providers are unavailable to negotiate and consummate a transaction in a timely manner. Additionally, the outbreak of COVID-19 may negatively impact businesses we may seek to acquire. If we have not completed our initial business combination by July 17, 2022, 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 interest earned on the funds held in the trust account (less taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any) and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining shareholders and our board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), to our obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and in all cases subject to the other requirements of applicable law.

If we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination, our sponsor, initial shareholders, directors, officers, advisors and their affiliates may elect to purchase shares or public warrants from public shareholders, which may influence a vote on a proposed business combination and reduce the public “float” of our Class A ordinary shares.

If we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase shares or public warrants in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market either prior to or following the completion of our initial business combination, although they are under no obligation to do so. There is no limit on the number of shares our initial shareholders, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase in such transactions, subject to compliance with applicable law and NYSE rules. However, they have no current commitments, plans or intentions to engage in such transactions and have not formulated any terms or conditions for any such transactions. None of the funds in the trust account will be used to purchase shares or public warrants in such transactions. Such purchases may include a contractual acknowledgment that such shareholder, 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 sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions from public shareholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights, such selling shareholders would be required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their shares. The purpose of any such purchases of shares could be to vote such shares in favor of the business combination and thereby increase the likelihood of obtaining shareholder approval of the business combination or 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 our initial business combination, where it appears that such requirement would otherwise not be met. The purpose of any such purchases of public warrants could be to reduce the number of public warrants outstanding or to vote such warrants on any matters submitted to the warrantholders for approval in connection with our initial business combination. Any such purchases of our securities may result in the completion of our initial business combination that may not otherwise have been possible. Any such purchases will be reported pursuant to Section 13 and Section 16 of the Exchange Act to the extent such purchasers are subject to such reporting requirements.

In addition, if such purchases are made, the public “float” of our Class A ordinary shares or public warrants and the number of beneficial holders of our securities may be reduced, possibly making it difficult to obtain or maintain the quotation, listing or trading of our securities on a national securities exchange.

If a shareholder fails to receive notice of our offer to redeem our public shares in connection with our initial business combination, or fails to comply with the procedures for submitting or tendering its shares, such shares may not be redeemed.

We will comply with the proxy rules or tender offer rules, as applicable, when conducting redemptions in connection with our initial business combination. Despite our compliance with these rules, if a shareholder fails to receive our proxy materials or tender offer documents, as applicable, such shareholder may not become aware of the opportunity to redeem its shares. In addition, proxy materials or tender offer documents, as applicable, that we will furnish to holders of our public shares in connection with our initial business combination will describe the various procedures that must be complied with in order to validly tender or submit public shares for redemption. For example, we intend to require our public shareholders seeking to exercise their redemption rights, whether they are record holders or hold their shares in “street name,” to, at the holder’s option, either deliver their share certificates to our transfer agent, or to deliver their shares to our transfer agent electronically prior to the date set forth in the proxy materials or tender offer documents, as applicable. In the case of proxy materials, this date may be up to two business days prior to the scheduled vote on the proposal to approve the initial business combination. In addition, if we conduct redemptions in connection with a shareholder vote, we intend to require a public shareholder seeking redemption of its public shares to also submit a written request for redemption to our transfer agent two business days prior to the scheduled vote in which the name of the beneficial owner of such shares is included. In the event that a shareholder fails to comply with these or any other procedures disclosed in the proxy or tender offer materials, as applicable, its shares may not be redeemed.

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

Since the net proceeds of the offering and the sale of the private placement warrants are intended to be used to complete an initial business combination with a target business that has not been selected, 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 $5,000,000 upon the completion of the offering and the sale of the private placement warrants and have filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, including an audited balance sheet demonstrating this fact, we are exempt from rules promulgated by the SEC to protect investors in blank check companies, such as Rule 419. Accordingly, investors will not be afforded the benefits or protections of those rules. Among other things, this means our units are immediately tradable and we will have a longer period of time to complete our initial business combination than do companies subject to Rule 419. Moreover, if the offering were subject to Rule 419, that rule would prohibit the release of any interest earned on funds held in the trust account to us unless and until the funds in the trust account were released to us in connection with our completion of an initial business combination.

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If we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules, and if you or a “group” of shareholders are deemed to hold in excess of 20% of our Class A ordinary shares, you will lose the ability to redeem all such shares in excess of 20% of our Class A ordinary shares.

If we seek shareholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provides that a public shareholder, together with any affiliate of such shareholder or any other person with whom such shareholder 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 more than an aggregate of 20% of the shares sold in the offering without our prior consent, which we refer to as the “Excess Shares.” However, we would not be restricting our shareholders’ ability to vote all of their shares (including Excess Shares) for or against our initial business combination. Your inability to redeem the Excess Shares will reduce your influence over our ability to complete our initial 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 complete our initial business combination. And as a result, you will continue to hold that number of shares exceeding 20% and, in order to dispose of such shares, would be required to sell your shares in open market transactions, potentially at a loss.

Because of our limited resources and the significant competition for business combination opportunities, it may be more difficult for us to complete our initial business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public shareholders may receive only their pro rata portion of the funds in the trust account that are available for distribution to public shareholders, and our warrants will expire worthless.

We expect to encounter 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 similar or greater technical, human and other resources to ours 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 the offering and the sale of the private placement warrants, 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. Furthermore, we are obligated to offer holders of our public shares the right to redeem their shares for cash at the time of our initial business combination in conjunction with a shareholder vote or via a tender offer. Target companies will be aware that this may reduce the resources available to us for our initial business combination. 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 shareholders may receive only their pro rata portion of the funds in the trust account that are available for distribution to public shareholders, and our warrants will expire worthless.


If the net proceeds of the offering and the sale of the private placement warrants not being held in the trust account are insufficient to allow us to operate at least until July 17, 2022, it could limit the amount available to fund our search for a target business or businesses and complete our initial business combination, and we will depend on loans from our sponsor or management team to fund our search and to complete our initial business combination.

Of the net proceeds of the offering, approximately $1.1 million was available to us outside the trust account as of December 31, 2020 to fund our working capital requirements. We believe that the funds available to us outside of the trust account are sufficient to allow us to operate at least until July 17, 2022; however, we cannot assure you that our estimate is accurate. Of the funds available to us, we could use a portion of the funds available to us to pay fees to consultants to assist us with our search for a target business. We could also use a portion of the funds as a down payment or to fund a “no-shop” provision (a provision in letters of intent or merger agreements designed to keep target businesses from “shopping” around for transactions with other companies or investors on terms more favorable to such target businesses) with respect to a particular proposed business combination, although we do not have any current intention to do so. If we enter into a letter of intent or merger agreement 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.

If we are required to seek additional capital, we would need to borrow funds from our sponsor, management team or other third parties to operate or may be forced to liquidate. Neither our sponsor, members of our management team nor any of their affiliates is under any obligation to advance funds to us in such circumstances. Any such 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. Up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into private placement warrants of the post-business combination entity at a price of $1.00 per warrant at the option of the lender. Such warrants would be identical to the private placement warrants. Prior to the completion of our initial business combination, we do not expect to seek loans from parties other than our sponsor or an affiliate of our sponsor as we do not believe third parties will be willing to loan such funds and provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in our trust account. 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 an estimated $10.00 per share, or possibly less, on our redemption of our public shares, and our warrants will expire worthless.

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 shareholders may be less than $10.00 per share.

Our placing of funds in the trust account may not protect those funds from third party claims against us. Although we will 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 of any kind in or to any monies held in the trust account for the benefit of our public shareholders, 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, fraudulent inducement, breach of fiduciary responsibility or other similar claims, as well as claims challenging the enforceability of the waiver, in each case in order to gain advantage with respect to a claim against our assets, including the funds held in the trust account. If any third party refuses to execute an agreement waiving such claims to the monies held in the trust account, our management will consider whether competitive alternatives are reasonably available to us and will only enter into an agreement with such third party if management believes that such third party’s engagement would be in the best interests of the company under the circumstances. WithumSmith+Brown, PC, our independent registered public accounting firm, and the underwriters of the offering will not execute agreements with us waiving such claims to the monies held in the trust account.


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. 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 our initial business combination within the prescribed timeframe, or upon the exercise of a redemption right in connection with our initial 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 shareholders could be less than the $10.00 per public share initially held in the trust account, due to claims of such creditors. Pursuant to the letter agreement the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which the prospectus forms a part, our sponsor has agreed that it will be liable to us if and to the extent any claims by a third party for services rendered or products sold to us, or a prospective target business with which we have entered into a written letter of intent, confidentiality or other similar agreement or business combination agreement, reduce the amount of funds in the trust account to below the lesser of (i) $10.00 per public share and (ii) the actual amount per public share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account, if less than $10.00 per share due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, less taxes payable, provided that such liability will not apply to any claims by a third party or prospective target business who executed a waiver of any and all rights to the monies held in the trust account (whether or not such waiver is enforceable) nor will it apply to any claims under our indemnity of the underwriters of the offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. However, we have not asked our sponsor to reserve for such indemnification obligations, nor have we independently verified whether our sponsor has sufficient funds to satisfy its indemnity obligations and we believe that our sponsor’s only assets are securities of our company. Therefore, we cannot assure you that our sponsor would be able to satisfy those obligations. As a result, if any such claims were successfully made against the trust account, the funds available for our initial business combination and redemptions could be reduced to less than $10.00 per public share. In such event, we may not be able to complete our initial business combination, and you would receive such lesser amount per share in connection with any redemption of your public shares. None of our officers or directors will indemnify us for claims by third parties including, without limitation, claims by vendors and prospective target businesses.

Our directors may decide not to enforce the indemnification obligations of our sponsor, resulting in a reduction in the amount of funds in the trust account available for distribution to our public shareholders.

In the event that the proceeds in the trust account are reduced below the lesser of (i) $10.00 per share and (ii) the actual amount per public share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account if less than $10.00 per share due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, in each case less taxes payable, and our sponsor asserts that it 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 our sponsor to enforce its indemnification obligations. While we currently expect that our independent directors would take legal action on our behalf against our sponsor to enforce its indemnification obligations to us, it is possible that our independent directors in exercising their business judgment and subject to their fiduciary duties may choose not to do so in any particular instance if, for example, the cost of such legal action is deemed by the independent directors to be too high relative to the amount recoverable or if the independent directors determine that a favorable outcome is not likely. 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 shareholders may be reduced below $10.00 per share.

If, after we distribute the proceeds in the trust account to our public shareholders, we file a bankruptcy or insolvency petition or an involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, a bankruptcy or insolvency 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 shareholders, we file a bankruptcy or insolvency petition or an involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, any distributions received by shareholders 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 or insolvency court could seek to recover some or all amounts received by our shareholders. In addition, 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 of punitive damages, by paying public shareholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of creditors.

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

If, before distributing the proceeds in the trust account to our public shareholders, we file a bankruptcy or insolvency petition or an involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency 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 shareholders. To the extent any bankruptcy claims deplete the trust account, the per-share amount that would otherwise be received by our shareholders 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 required to institute burdensome compliance requirements and our activities may be restricted, which may make it difficult for us to complete our initial 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; and

restrictions on the issuance of securities,

each of which may make it difficult for us to complete our initial business combination. In addition, we may have imposed upon us burdensome requirements, including:

registration as an investment company;

adoption of a specific form of corporate structure; and

reporting, record keeping, voting, proxy and disclosure requirements and other rules and regulations.

In order not to be regulated as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, unless we can qualify for an exclusion, we must ensure that we are engaged primarily in a business other than investing, reinvesting or trading of securities and that our activities do not include investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading “investment securities” constituting more than 40% of our assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. Our business is to identify and complete a business combination and thereafter to operate the post-transaction business or assets for the long term. We do not plan to buy businesses or assets with a view to resale or profit from their resale. We do not plan to buy unrelated businesses or assets or to be a passive investor.

We do not believe that our anticipated principal activities will subject us to the Investment Company Act. To this end, the proceeds held in the trust account may only be invested in United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act having a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. Pursuant to the trust agreement, the trustee is not permitted to invest in other securities or assets. By restricting the investment of the proceeds to these instruments, and by having a business plan targeted at acquiring and growing businesses for the long term (rather than on buying and selling businesses in the manner of a merchant bank or private equity fund), we intend to avoid being deemed an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act. The offering was not intended for persons who are seeking a return on investments in government securities or investment securities. The trust account is intended as a holding place for funds pending the earliest to occur of either: (i) the completion of our initial business combination; (ii) the redemption of any public shares properly submitted in connection with a shareholder vote to amend our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (A) to modify the substance or timing of our obligation to allow redemption in connection with our initial business combination or to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our initial business combination by July 17, 2022 or (B) with respect to any other material provisions relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity; or (iii) absent an initial business combination by July 17, 2022, our return of the funds held in the trust account to our public shareholders as part of our redemption of the public shares. If we do not invest the proceeds as discussed above, we may be deemed to be subject to 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 hinder our ability to complete a business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public shareholders may only receive their pro rata portion of the funds in the trust account that are available for distribution to public shareholders, and our warrants will expire worthless.

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Changes in laws or regulations, or a failure to comply with any laws and regulations, may adversely affect our business, including our ability to negotiate and complete our initial business combination, and results of operations.

We are subject to laws and regulations enacted by national, regional and local governments. In particular, we are required to comply with certain SEC and other legal requirements. 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 investmentsoperations. These impacts to our operations have included, and results of operations. In addition, a failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, as interpreted and applied, could have a material adverse effect on our business, including our ability to negotiate and complete our initial business combination, and results of operations.

If we are unable to consummate our initial business combination by July 17, 2022, our public shareholders may be forced to wait beyond such to 24 months before redemption from our trust account.

If we are unable to consummate our initial business combination by July 17, 2022, the proceeds then on depositagain in the trust account, including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account (less taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), will be used to fund the redemption of our public shares, as further described herein. Any redemption of public shareholders from the trust account will be effected automatically by function of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association prior to any voluntary winding up. If we are required to wind-up, liquidate the trust account and distribute such amount therein, pro rata, to our public shareholders, as part of any liquidation process, such winding up, liquidation and distribution must comply with the applicable provisions of the Companies Law. In that case, investors may be forced to wait beyond 24 months from the closing of the offering before the redemption proceeds of our trust account become available to them, and they receive the return of their pro rata portion of the proceeds from our trust account. We have no obligation to return funds to investors prior to the date of our redemptionfuture include, disruptions or liquidation unless we consummate our initial business combination prior thereto and only then in cases where investors have sought to redeem their Class A ordinary shares. Only upon our redemption or any liquidation will public shareholders be entitled to distributions if we are unable to complete our initial business combination.

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

If we are forced to enter into an insolvent liquidation, any distributions received by shareholders could be viewed as an unlawful payment if it was proved that immediately following the date on which the distribution was made, we were unable to pay our debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. As a result, a liquidator could seek to recover some or all amounts received by our shareholders. Furthermore, our directors may be viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties to us or our creditors and/or may have acted in bad faith, thereby exposing themselves and our company to claims, by paying public shareholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of creditors. We cannot assure you that claims will not be brought against us for these reasons. We and our directors and officers who knowingly and willfully authorized or permitted any distribution to be paid out of our share premium account while we were unable to pay our debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business would be guilty of an offence and may be liable to a fine of $18,293 and to imprisonment for five years in the Cayman Islands.

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We may not hold an annual general meeting until after the consummation of our initial business combination, which could delay the opportunity for our shareholders to appoint directors.

In accordance with NYSE corporate governance requirements, we are not required to hold an annual general meeting until no later than one year after our first fiscal year end following our listing on NYSE. There is no requirement under the Companies Law for us to hold annual or extraordinary general meetings to appoint directors. Until we hold an annual general meeting, public shareholders may not be afforded the opportunity to appoint directors and to discuss company affairs with management. Our board of directors is divided into three classes with only one class of directors being appointed in each year and each class (except for those directors appointed prior to our first annual general meeting) serving a three-year term. In addition, as holders of our Class A ordinary shares, our public shareholders will not have the right to vote on the appointment of directors until after the consummation of our initial business combination.

Because we are neither limited to evaluating a target business in a particular industry sector nor have we selected any target businesses with which to pursue our initial business combination, you will be unable to ascertain the merits or risks of any particular target business’s operations.

Our efforts to identify a prospective initial business combination target will not be limited to a particular industry, sector or geographic region. While we may pursue an initial business combination opportunity in any industry or sector, we intend to capitalizerestrictions on the ability of our management teamemployees’ and customers’ to identifytravel or the ability of us to pursue collaborations and acquireother business transactions, oversee the activities of our third-party manufacturers and suppliers and make shipments of materials. We may also be impacted by the temporary closure of the facilities of suppliers, manufacturers or customers. The COVID-19 pandemic may also continue to have an impact on potential customers, as elective surgeries are increasingly postponed and there is greater focus on areas of care with lower profitability, leading, as a business or businesses that can benefit from our management team’s established global relationshipsconsequence, to lower expenditures on new products and operating experience. Our management team has extensive experience in identifying and executing strategic investments globally and has done so successfully indevices by health care institutions.

In an effort to halt the outbreak of COVID-19, a number of sectors,countries, including consumer brands sectors. Our amendedthe United States, have placed significant restrictions on travel and restated memorandummany businesses have announced extended closures. These travel restrictions and articles of association prohibits us from effectuating a business combination with another blank check company or similar company with nominal operations. Because weclosures have not yet selected any specific target business with respect to a business combination, there is 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. To the extent we complete our initial business combination, weand may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the business operations with which we combine. For example, if we combine with a financially unstable business or an entity lacking an established record of sales or earnings, we may be affected by the risks inherent in the business and operations of a financially unstable or a development stage 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 willfuture 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 a business combination target. Accordingly, any shareholders who choose to remain shareholders following the business combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their securities. Such shareholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value unless they are able to successfully claim that the reduction was due to the breach by our officers or directors of a duty of care or other fiduciary duty owed to them, or if they are able to successfully bring a private claim under securities laws that the proxy solicitation or tender offer materials, as applicable, relating to the business combination contained an actionable material misstatement or material omission.

We may seek business combination opportunities in industries or sectors that may be outside of our management’s areas of expertise.

We will consider a business combination outside of our management’s areas of expertise if a business combination candidate is presented to us and we determine that such candidate offers an attractive business combination opportunity for our company. Although our management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in any particular business combination candidate, we cannot assure you that we will adequately ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors. We also cannot assure you that an investment in our units will not ultimately prove to be less favorable to investors in the offering than a direct investment, if an opportunity were available, in a business combination candidate. In the event we elect to pursue a business combination outside of the areas of our management’s expertise, our management’s expertise may not be directly applicable to its evaluation or operation, and the information contained in the prospectus regarding the areas of our management’s expertise would not be relevant to an understanding of the business that we elect to acquire. As a result, our management may not be able to ascertain or assess adequately all of the relevant risk factors. Accordingly, any shareholders who choose to remain shareholders following our initial business combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their shares. Such shareholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value.

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Although we have identified general criteria and guidelines that we believe are important in evaluating prospective target businesses, we may enter into our initial 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 our initial business combination will not have all of these positive attributes. If we complete our initial business combination with a target that does not meet some or all of these 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 shareholders 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 shareholder approval of the transaction is required by law, or we decide to obtain shareholder approval for business or other reasons, it may be more difficult for us to attain shareholder 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 shareholders may only receive their pro rata portion of the funds in the trust account that are available for distribution to public shareholders, and our warrants will expire worthless.

We are not required to obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm or from a valuation or appraisal firm, and consequently, you may have no assurance from an independent source that the price we are paying for the business is fair to our shareholders from a financial point of view.

Unless we complete our initial business combination with an affiliated entity or our board of directors cannot independently determine the fair market value of the target business or businesses (including with the assistance of financial advisors), we are not required to obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm which is a member of FINRA or from a valuation or appraisal firm that the price we are paying is fair to our shareholders from a financial point of view. If no opinion is obtained, our shareholders 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 proxy materials or tender offer documents, as applicable, related to our initial business combination.

We may issue additional Class A ordinary shares or preferred shares to complete our initial business combination or under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial business combination. We may also issue Class A ordinary shares upon the conversion of the founder shares at a ratio greater than one-to-one at the time of our initial business combination as a result of the anti-dilution provisions contained therein. Any such issuances would dilute the interest of our shareholders and likely present other risks.

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association authorizes the issuance of up to 200,000,000 Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, 20,000,000 Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, and 1,000,000 preferred shares, par value $0.0001 per share. Immediately after the offering, there were 165,500,000 and 11,375,000 authorized but unissued Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, respectively, available for issuance which amount does not take into account shares reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding warrants or shares issuable upon conversion of the Class B ordinary shares. The Class B ordinary shares are automatically convertible into Class A ordinary shares concurrently with or immediately following the consummation of our initial business combination, initially at a one-for-one ratio but subject to adjustment as set forth herein and in our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, including in certain circumstances in which we issue Class A ordinary shares or equity-linked securities related to our initial business combination. Immediately after the offering, there were no preferred shares issued and outstanding.


We may issue a substantial number of additional Class A ordinary shares or preferred shares to complete our initial business combination or under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial business combination. We may also issue Class A ordinary shares upon conversion of the Class B ordinary shares at a ratio greater than one-to-one at the time of our initial business combination as a result of the anti-dilution provisions as set forth therein. However, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide, among other things, that prior to our initial business combination, we may not issue additional shares that would entitle the holders thereof to (i) receive funds from the trust account or (ii) vote on any initial business combination. These provisions of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, like all provisions of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, may be amended with a shareholder vote. The issuance of additional ordinary or preferred shares:

may significantly dilute the equity interest of investors in the offering;

may subordinate the rights of holders of Class A ordinary shares if preferred shares are issued with rights senior to those afforded our Class A ordinary shares;

could cause a change in control if a substantial number of Class A ordinary shares are 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, Class A ordinary shares and/or warrants.

Unlike some other similarly structured special purpose acquisition companies, our initial shareholders will receive additional Class A ordinary shares if we issue certain shares to consummate an initial business combination.

The founder shares will automatically convert into Class A ordinary shares concurrently with or immediately following the consummation of our initial business combination on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment for share sub-divisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like, and subject to further adjustment as provided herein. In the case that additional Class A ordinary shares or equity-linked securities are issued or deemed issued in connection with our initial business combination, the number of Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of all founder shares will equal, in the aggregate, 20% of the total number of Class A ordinary shares outstanding after such conversion (after giving effect to any redemptions of Class A ordinary shares by public shareholders), including the total number of Class A ordinary shares issued, or deemed issued or issuable upon conversion or exercise of any equity-linked securities or rights issued or deemed issued, by the Company in connection with or in relation to the consummation of the initial business combination, excluding any Class A ordinary shares or equity-linked securities exercisable for or convertible into Class A ordinary shares issued, or to be issued, to any seller in the initial business combination and any private placement warrants issued to our sponsor, officers or directors upon conversion of working capital loans; provided that such conversion of founder shares will never occur on a less than one-for-one basis.

Resources could be wasted in researching business combinations that are not completed, which could materially adversely affect subsequent attempts to locate and acquire or merge with another business. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public shareholders may only receive their pro rata portion of the funds in the trust account that are available for distribution to public shareholders, 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, consultants 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 complete 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. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public shareholders may only receive their pro rata portion of the funds in the trust account that are available for distribution to public shareholders, and our warrants will expire worthless.

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We may be a passive foreign investment company, or “PFIC,” which could result in adverse United States federal income tax consequences to U.S. investors.

If we are a PFIC for any taxable year (or portion thereof) that is included in the holding period of a U.S. Holder (as defined in the section of the prospectus captioned “Taxation—United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—General”) of our Class A ordinary shares or warrants, the U.S. Holder may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences and may be subject to additional reporting requirements. Our PFIC status for our current and subsequent taxable years may depend on whether we qualify for the PFIC start-up exception (see the section of the prospectus captioned “Taxation—United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—U.S. Holders—Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules”). Depending on the particular circumstances the application of the start-up exception may be subject to uncertainty, and there cannot be any assurance that we will qualify for the start-up exception. Accordingly, there can be no assurances with respect to our status as a PFIC for our current taxable year or any subsequent taxable year (and, in the case of the startup exception, potentially not until after the two taxable years following our current taxable year). Our actual PFIC status for any taxable year, however, will not be determinable until after the end of such taxable year. Moreover, if we determine we are a PFIC for any taxable year, we will endeavor to provide to a U.S. Holder such information as the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) may require, including a PFIC annual information statement, in order to enable the U.S. Holder to make and maintain a “qualified electing fund” election, but there can be no assurance that we will timely provide such required information, and such election would be unavailable with respect to our warrants in all cases. We urge U.S. investors to consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible application of the PFIC rules.

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

In light of the involvement of our sponsor, officers and directors with other entities, we may decide to acquire one or more businesses affiliated with our sponsor, officers, directors or existing holders. Our directors also serve as officers and board members for other entities. Such entities may compete with us for business combination opportunities. Our sponsor, officers and directors are not currently aware of any specific opportunities for us to complete our initial business combination with any entities with which they are affiliated, and there have been no substantive discussions concerning a business combination with any such entity or entities. 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 such affiliated entity met our criteria for a business and such transaction was approved by a majority of our independent and disinterested directors. Despite our agreement to obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm which is a member of FINRA or a valuation or appraisal firm regarding the fairness to our company from a financial point of view of a business combination with one or more domestic or international businesses affiliated with our sponsor, officers, directors or existing holders, 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 shareholders as they would be absent any conflicts of interest.

Since our sponsor, officers and directors will lose their entire investment in us if our initial business combination is not completed (other than with respect to public shares they may acquire during or after the offering), a conflict of interest may arise in determining whether a particular business combination target is appropriate for our initial business combination.

On May 14, 2020, our sponsor paid $25,000, or approximately $0.003 per share, to cover certain of our offering costs in exchange for 7,187,500 founder shares. On June 25, 2020, our sponsor transferred 15,000 founder shares to Robert Kirby and 25,000 founder shares to each of Michael Kives, Fred Langhammer and Terry Lundgren, resulting in our sponsor holding 7,097,500 founder shares. Prior to the initial investment in the company of $25,000 by the sponsor, the company had no assets, tangible or intangible. On July 14, 2020, we effected a share capitalization of 1,437,500 shares and as a result our sponsor now holds 8,535,000 founder shares. The purchase price of the founder shares was determined by dividing the amount of cash contributed to the company by the number of founder shares issued. The number of founder shares outstanding was determined based on the expectation that the total size of the Public Offering would be a maximum of 34,500,000 units, and therefore that such founder shares would represent 20% of the outstanding shares after the Public Offering. The founder shares will be worthless if we do not complete an initial business combination. In addition, our sponsor purchased an aggregate of 8,900,000 private placement warrants for an aggregate purchase price of $8,900,000, or $1.00 per warrant. The private placement warrants will also be worthless if we do not complete our initial business combination. The personal and financial interests of our officers and directors may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business combination, completing an initial business combination and influencing the operation of the business following the initial business combination. This risk may become more acute as July 17, 2022 nears, which is the deadline for our completion of an initial business combination.

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

Although we have no commitments as of the date of this Form 10-K to issue any notes or other debt securities, or to otherwise incur outstanding debt following the offering, we may choose to incur substantial debt to complete our initial business combination. We and our officers have agreed that we will not incur any indebtedness unless we have obtained from the lender a waiver of any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to the monies held in the trust account. As such, no issuance of debt will affect the per share amount available for redemption from the trust account. Nevertheless, 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 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;

our inability to obtain necessary additional financing if the debt security contains covenants restricting our ability to obtain such financing while the debt security is outstanding;

our inability to pay dividends on our Class A ordinary shares;

using 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 Class A ordinary shares if declared, 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 our strategy and other purposes and other disadvantages compared to our competitors who have less debt.

We may only be able to complete one business combination with the proceeds of the Public Offering and the sale of the private placement warrants, which will cause us to be solely dependent on a single business which may have a limited number of products or services. This lack of diversification may negatively impact our operations locally and profitability.

We may effectuate our initial business combination with a single target business or multiple target businesses simultaneously or within a short period of time. However, we may not be able to effectuate our initial business combination with more than one target business because of various factors,worldwide, including the existence of complex accounting issues and 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. By completing our initial business combination with only a single entity, our lack of diversification may subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory developments. 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 be:

solely dependent upon the performance of a single business, property or asset, or

dependent upon the development or market acceptance of a single or limited number of products, processes or services.

This lack of diversification may subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory risks, any or all of which may have a substantial adverse impact upon the particular industry in which we may operate subsequent to our initial business combination.

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

If we determine to simultaneously acquire several businesses that are owned by different sellers, we will need for each of such sellers to agree that our purchase of its business is contingent onmanufacture, market, sell or distribute the simultaneous closings of the other business combinations, which may make it more difficult for us, and delay our ability, to complete our initial business combination. 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, it could negatively impact our profitability and results of operations.

We may attempt to complete 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 suspected, if at all.

In pursuing our business combination strategy, we may seek to effectuate our initial business combination with a privately held company. Very little public information generally 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 limited information, which may result in a business combination with a company that is not as profitable as we suspected, if at all.

We do not have a specified maximum redemption threshold. The absence of such a redemption threshold may make it possible for us to complete our initial business combination with which a substantial majority of our shareholders do not agree.

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that in no event will we redeem our public shares in an amount that would cause our net tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001. In addition, our proposed initial business combination may impose a minimum cash requirement for (i) cash consideration to be paid to the target or its owners, (ii) cash for working capital or other general corporate purposes or (iii) the retention of cash to satisfy other conditions. As a result, we may be able to complete our initial business combination even though a substantial majority of our public shareholders do not agree with the transaction and have redeemed their sharesVicarious System, when or if we seek shareholder approvalare authorized by the FDA or other regulatory authorities for marketing, and such restrictions and closure have caused or may cause temporary closures of facilities of suppliers, manufacturers or customers. Any disruption in the operations of our initial business combinationemployees, suppliers, customers, manufacturers or access to customers would likely impact our future sales and do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, have entered into privately negotiated agreements to sell their shares to our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors or any of their affiliates. In the event the aggregate cash consideration we would be required to pay for all Class A ordinary shares that are validly submitted for redemption plus any amount required to satisfy cash conditions pursuant to the terms of the proposed business combination exceed the aggregate amount of cash available to us, we will not complete the business combination or redeem any shares, all Class A ordinary shares submitted for redemption will be returned to the holders thereof, and we instead may search for an alternate business combination.

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In order to effectuate an initial business combination, special purpose acquisition companies have, in the recent past, amended various provisions of their charters and other governing instruments, including their warrant agreements. We cannot assure you that we will not seek to amend our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association or governing instruments in a manner that will make it easier for us to complete our initial business combination that our shareholders may not support.

In order to effectuate a business combination, special purpose acquisition companies have, in the recent past, amended various provisions of their charters and governing instruments, including their warrant agreements. For example, special purpose acquisition companies have amended the definition of business combination, increased redemption thresholds and extended the time to consummate an initial business combination and, with respect to their warrants, amended their warrant agreements to require the warrants to be exchanged for cash and/or other securities. Amending our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association will require a special resolution under Cayman Islands law, being the affirmative vote of a majority of at least two-thirds of the shareholders who attend and vote at a general meeting of the company, and amending our warrant agreement will require a vote of holders of at least 50% of the public warrants and, solely with respect to any amendment to the terms of the private placement warrants or any provision of the warrant agreement with respect to the private placement warrants, 50% of the then outstanding private placement warrants.operating results. In addition, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association requires us to provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares for cash if we propose an amendment to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (A) to modify the substance or timing of our obligation to allow redemption in connection with our initial business combination or to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete an initial business combination within 24 months of the closing of the offering or (B) with respect to any other material provisions relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity. To the extent any of such amendments would be deemed to fundamentally change the nature of the securities offered through this registration statement, we would register, or seek an exemption from registration for, the affected securities. We cannot assure you that we will not seek to amend our charter or governing instruments or extend the time to consummate an initial business combination in order to effectuate our initial business combination.

The provisions of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association 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 of not less than two-thirds of our ordinary shares who attend and vote at a general meeting of the company (or 65% of our ordinary shares with respect to amendments to the trust agreement governing the release of funds from our trust account), which is a lower amendment threshold than that of some other special purpose acquisition companies. It may be easier for us, therefore, to amend our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to facilitate the completion of an initial business combination that some of our shareholders may not support.

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that any of its provisions related to pre-business combination activity (including the requirement to deposit proceeds of the offering and the private placement of warrants into the trust account and not release such amounts except in specified circumstances, and to provide redemption rights to public shareholders as described herein) may be amended if approved by special resolution, under Cayman Islands law being the affirmative vote of a majority of at least two-thirds of the shareholders who attend and vote at a general meeting of the company, and corresponding provisions of the trust agreement governing the release of funds from our trust account may be amended if approved by holders of 65% of our ordinary shares. Our initial shareholders, who collectively beneficially own 20% of our ordinary shares upon the closing of the offering, will participate in any vote to amend our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and/or trust agreement and will have the discretion to vote in any manner they choose. As a result, we may be able to amend the provisions of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association which govern our pre-business combination behavior more easily than some other special purpose acquisition companies, and this may increase our ability to complete a business combination with which you do not agree. Our shareholders may pursue remedies against us for any breach of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.

Our sponsor, officers, directors and director nominees have agreed, pursuant to a written agreement with us, that they will not propose any amendment to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (A) to modify the substance or timing of our obligation to allow redemption in connection with our initial business combination or to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our initial business combination by July 17, 2022 or (B) with respect to any other material provisions relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity, unless we provide our public shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their Class A ordinary shares upon approval of any such amendment at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us to pay our taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares. Our shareholders are not parties to, or third-party beneficiaries of, these agreements and, as a result, will not have the ability to pursue remedies against our sponsor, officers, directors or director nominees for any breach of these agreements. As a result, in the event of a breach, our shareholders would need to pursue a shareholder derivative action, subject to applicable law.

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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, whichtravel restrictions could compel us to restructure or abandon a particular business combination.

We have not selected any specific business combination target but intend to target businesses with enterprise values that are greater than we could acquire with the net proceeds of the offering and the sale of the private placement warrants. As a result, if the cash portion of the purchase price exceeds the amount available from the trust account, net of amounts needed to satisfy any redemption by public shareholders, we may be required to seek additional financing to complete such proposed initial business combination. We cannot assure you that such financing will be available on acceptable terms, if at all. To the extent that additional financing proves to be unavailable when needed to complete our initial business combination, we would be compelled to either restructure the transaction or abandon that particular business combination and seek an alternative target business candidate. Further, we may be required to obtain additional financing in connection with the closing of our initial business combination for general corporate purposes, including for maintenance or expansion of operations of the post-transaction businesses, the payment of principal or interest due on indebtedness incurred in completing our initial business combination, or to fund the purchase of other companies. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public shareholders may only receive their pro rata portion of the funds in the trust account that are available for distribution to public shareholders, and our warrants will expire worthless. In addition, even if we do not need additional financing to complete 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 shareholders is required to provide any financing to us in connection with or after our initial business combination.

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

Upon closing of the offering, our initial shareholders own 20% of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares. Accordingly, they may exert a substantial influence on actions requiring a shareholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do not support, including amendments to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. If our initial shareholders purchase any units in the offering or if our initial shareholders purchase any additional Class A ordinary shares in the aftermarket or in privately negotiated transactions, this would increase their control. Neither our initial shareholders nor, to our knowledge, any of our officers or directors, 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 Class A ordinary shares. In addition, our board of directors, whose members were appointed by our sponsor, is and will be divided into three classes, each of which will generally serve for a term for three years with only one class of directors being appointed in each year. We may not hold an annual or extraordinary general meeting to appoint new directors prior to the completion of our initial business combination, in which case all of the current directors will continue in office until at least the completion of the business combination. If there is an annual general meeting, as a consequence of our “staggered” board of directors, only a minority of the board of directors will be considered for appointment and our initial shareholders, because of their ownership position, will have considerable influence regarding the outcome. Accordingly, our initial shareholders will continue to exert control at least until the completion of our initial business combination.

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

The federal proxy rules require that the proxy statement with respect to the vote on an initial business combination include historical and pro forma financial statement disclosure. We will include the same financial statement disclosure in connection with our tender offer documents, whether or not they are required under the tender offer rules. These financial statements may be required to be prepared in accordance with, or be reconciled to, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) or international financial reporting standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”) depending on the circumstances and the historical financial statements may be required to be audited in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“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 financial statements in time for us to disclose such statements in accordance with federal proxy rules and complete our initial business combination within the prescribed time frame.

Compliance obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may make it more difficult for us to effectuatemonitor the quality of our initialthird party manufacturing operations if we are unable to conduct in-person quality audits of those facilities. We are continuing to monitor and assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations. However, we cannot at this time accurately predict what effects these conditions will ultimately have on our operations due to uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the virus, the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, and the length of the travel restrictions and business combination, require substantialclosures imposed by the governments of impacted countries. In addition, a significant outbreak of contagious diseases in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could affect demand for the Vicarious System and managementlikely impact our operating results.

Unfavorable global economic conditions could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our results of operations could be adversely affected by general conditions in the global economy and in the global financial markets, including changes in inflation, interest rates and overall economic conditions and uncertainties. To the extent inflation or other factors increase our business costs, it may not be feasible to offset higher costs through manufacturing efficiencies. An economic downturn could result in a variety of risks to our business, including weakened demand for our future products and technologies and our inability to raise additional capital when needed on acceptable terms, if at all. A weak or declining economy could also result in further constraints on our third-party component manufacturers and suppliers or cause future customers to delay making payments for our products and technologies. Any of the foregoing could harm our business and we cannot anticipate all of the ways in which the current economic climate and financial market conditions could adversely affect our business.


The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources and increase the timedivert management’s attention, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and costs of completing an initial business combination.financial condition.

 

Section 404 ofWe have incurred and will continue to incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company, including costs associated with public company reporting requirements. We will also continue to incur costs associated with corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, requiresas well as rules implemented by the SEC and the NYSE. We expect that we evaluatethe requirements of these rules and reportregulations will continue to increase our legal, accounting, and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming, and costly, and place significant strain on our systempersonnel, systems, and resources. For example, our management team will need to devote substantial time regarding operations as a public company and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. As a result of internal controls beginning with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2021. Onlycomplexity involved in the event we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer or an accelerated filer, and no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, will we be required to complycomplying with the independent registeredrules and regulations applicable to public accounting firm attestation requirement oncompanies, our management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns, which could harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. If we are unable to successfully remediate this material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to report our financial condition or results of operations accurately or in a timely manner, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and, as a result, materially and adversely affect our business and the value of our Class A common stock.

We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. The material weaknesses we identified were as follows:

we did not maintain an effective control environment as we did not maintain a sufficient complement of accounting and financial reporting resources commensurate with our financial reporting requirements.

we did not maintain an effective risk assessment process, which led to improperly designed controls.

we did not maintain appropriate control activities to support the appropriate segregation of duties over the review of account reconciliations and manual journal entries, and safeguarding of assets.

we did not design and implement control related to information technology, including access and change management.

we did not document, thoroughly communicate and monitor controls processes and relevant accounting policies and procedures.

These material weaknesses could result in a misstatement of account balances or disclosures that would result in a material misstatement to our annual or interim financial statements that would not be prevented or detected. Had we performed an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404, additional control deficiencies may have been identified by management, and those control deficiencies could have also represented one or more material weaknesses.

In an effort to remediate the material weaknesses, we have retained an accounting consulting firm to provide additional depth and breadth in our technical accounting and financial reporting capabilities. We have also hired additional qualified accounting and finance personnel to provide needed levels of expertise in our internal accounting function and maintain appropriate segregation of duties. We intend to complete an appropriate risk assessment to identify relevant risks and specify needed objectives. We intend to formalize and communicate our policies and procedures surrounding our financial close, financial reporting and other accounting processes. We intend to further develop and document necessary policies and procedures regarding our internal control over financial reporting, such that we are able to perform a Section 404 analysis of our internal control over financial reporting when and as required following the completion of the Merger. We cannot assure you that these measures will significantly improve or remediate the material weaknesses described above. We also cannot assure you that we have identified all or that we will not have additional material weaknesses in the future. Accordingly, a material weakness may still exist when we report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for purposes of our attestation when required by reporting requirements under the Exchange Act or Section 404 after the Merger. Further, for as long aswhile we remain an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with theinclude an attestation report on internal control over financial reporting issued by our independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement onfirm.

We expect to incur additional costs to remediate these control deficiencies, though there can be no assurance that our efforts will be successful or avoid potential future material weaknesses. If we are unable to successfully remediate our existing or any future material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. The fact thatreporting, or if we are a blank check company makesidentify any additional material weaknesses, the accuracy and timing of our financial reporting may be adversely affected, we may be unable to maintain compliance with securities law requirements regarding timely filing of periodic reports in addition to applicable stock exchange listing requirements, investors may lose confidence in our financial reporting, and our stock price may decline as a result. We also could become subject to investigations by NYSE, the requirementsSEC or other regulatory authorities.


The enactment of legislation implementing changes in the U.S. taxation of international business activities, the adoption of other tax reform policies or changes in tax legislation or policies in jurisdictions outside of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act particularly burdensome on us as comparedUnited States could materially impact our results of operations and financial condition.

We will be subject to other public companies because a target business withincome tax in the numerous international jurisdictions in which we seekintend to completeoperate. Reforming the taxation of international businesses has been a priority for politicians, and a wide variety of potential changes have been proposed. Some proposals, several of which have been enacted, impose incremental taxes on gross revenue, regardless of profitability.

Our ability to use net operating losses to offset future income may be subject to certain limitations.

As of December 31, 2021, we had federal net operating loss carry forwards (“NOLs”) to offset future taxable income of approximately $67.3 million, of which approximately $2.8 million will expire at various dates from 2034 through December 31, 2037, if not utilized. A lack of future taxable income would adversely affect our initial business combinationability to utilize these NOLs. In addition, under Section 382 of the Code, a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” is subject to limitations on its ability to utilize its pre-change NOLs and other pre-change tax attributes (such as research tax credits) to offset post-change taxable income. For these purposes, an ownership change generally occurs where the equity ownership of one or more stockholders or groups of stockholders who owns at least 5% of a corporation’s stock increases its ownership by more than 50 percentage points over its lowest ownership percentage within a three-year period (calculated on a rolling basis). Our existing NOLs may be subject to limitations arising out of previous ownership changes and we may be limited as to the amount that can be utilized each year as a result of such previous ownership changes. In addition, future changes in our stock ownership, including future offerings, as well as other changes that may be outside of our control, could result in additional ownership changes under Section 382 of the Code. Our NOLs may also be impaired under similar provisions of state law. We have not conducted a study to assess whether an ownership change has occurred, whether there have been multiple ownership changes since inception or whether there has been an ownership change as the result of the Business Combination due to the significant complexity and costs associated with such a study. We have recorded a full valuation allowance related to our NOLs and other deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of the ultimate realization of the future benefits of those assets.

In addition to the limitations discussed above under Sections 382 of the Code, the utilization of NOLs incurred in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, are subject to limitations, as modified by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). In general, NOLs generated in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 may offset no more than 80 percent of such year’s taxable income and there is no ability for such NOLs to be carried back to a prior taxable year. The CARES Act modifies this limitation on the deduction of NOLs and provides that NOLs arising in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2021, may be carried back to each of the five taxable years preceding the tax year of such loss, but NOLs arising in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2020 may not be in compliance withcarried back. In addition, the provisionsCARES Act eliminates the limitation on the deduction of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding adequacyNOLs to 80 percent of its internal controls. The developmentcurrent year taxable income for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2021. As a result 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 business combination.

RISKS RELATING TO THE POST-BUSINESS COMBINATION COMPANY

Subsequent to our completion of our initial business combination,limitation, we may be required to pay federal income tax in some future year notwithstanding that we have a net loss for all years in the aggregate.

U.S. taxation of international business activities or the adoption of tax reform policies could materially impact our future financial position and results of operations.

Limitations on the ability of taxpayers to claim and utilize foreign tax credits and the deferral of certain tax deductions until earnings outside of the United States are repatriated to the United States, as well as changes to U.S. tax laws that may be enacted in the future, could impact the tax treatment of future foreign earnings. Should the scale of our international business activities expand, any changes in the U.S. taxation of such activities could increase our worldwide effective tax rate and harm our future financial position and results of operations.


We could be adversely affected by violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other worldwide anti-bribery laws by us or our agents.

We are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”), which prohibits companies and their intermediaries from making payments in violation of law to non-U.S. government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or securing any other improper advantage. Our possible future reliance on independent distributors or strategic partners to sell the Vicarious System internationally demands a high degree of vigilance in enforcing our policy against participation in corrupt activity, because these distributors or strategic partners could be deemed to be our agents, and we could be held responsible for their actions. Other U.S. companies in the medical device and pharmaceutical fields have faced criminal penalties under the FCPA for allowing their agents to deviate from appropriate practices in doing business with such non-U.S. government officials. We are also subject to similar anti-bribery laws in the jurisdictions in which we plan to operate, including the United Kingdom’s Bribery Act of 2010, which also prohibits commercial bribery and makes it a crime for companies to fail to prevent bribery. We have limited experience in complying with these laws and in developing procedures to monitor compliance with these laws by our agents. These laws are complex and far-reaching in nature, and, as a result, we cannot assure investors that we would not be required in the future to alter one or more of our practices to be in compliance with these laws or any changes in these laws or the interpretation thereof.

Any violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our operations, involve significant management distraction, involve significant costs and expenses, including legal fees, and could result in a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, or results of operations. We could also incur severe penalties, including criminal and civil penalties, disgorgement, and other remedial measures.

Risks Related to Health Care Industry Shifts and Changing Regulations

We are subject to extensive government regulation, which could restrict the development, marketing, sale and distribution of our products and technologies and could cause us to incur significant costs.

We and the Vicarious System are subject to extensive pre-market and post-market regulation by the FDA and various other federal, state, local and foreign government authorities. Government regulation of medical devices is meant to assure their safety and effectiveness, and includes requirements for, among other things:

design, development and manufacturing processes;

labeling, content and language of instructions for use and storage;

product testing, pre-clinical studies and clinical trials (if applicable);

regulatory authorization, including but not limited to pre-market clearance or pre-market approval;

establishment registration, device listing and ongoing compliance with the QSR requirements;

advertising and promotion;

marketing, sales and distribution;

conformity assessment procedures;

product traceability and record-keeping procedures;

review of product complaints, complaint reporting, recalls and field safety corrective actions;

post-market surveillance, including reporting of deaths or serious injuries and malfunctions that, if they were to recur, could lead to death or serious injury;

post-market studies (if applicable); and

product import and export.


The laws and regulations to which we and our products, technologies and future commercial products will be subject are complex and subject to periodic changes. Regulatory changes could result in restrictions on our ability to carry on or expand our operations, and may result in higher than anticipated costs or lower than anticipated sales.

Before a new medical device, or a significant modification of a medical device, including a new use of, or claim for, an existing product, can be marketed in the United States, it must first receive either 510(k) clearance or premarket approval (“PMA”) from the FDA, unless an exemption applies. In the 510(k) clearance process, the FDA must determine that a proposed device is “substantially equivalent” to a device legally on the market, known as a “predicate” device, with respect to intended use, technology and safety and effectiveness, in order to clear the proposed device for marketing. Clinical data is sometimes required to support substantial equivalence.

Obtaining marketing authorization for Class II or III medical devices through the 510(k) premarket notification process, the PMA process, or the de novo classification process can be expensive and time-consuming, and entails significant user fees to the FDA, unless an exemption is available. The FDA’s review of premarket notifications for 510(k) clearance usually takes 90 to 180 days and review of de novo classification applications usually takes 120 to 280 days, but both review processes can last longer. In addition, after a device is cleared or authorized under a reclassification order, any modification that could significantly affect the device’s safety or effectiveness, or that would constitute a major change in its intended use, will require a new clearance, or possibly a PMA, depending on the extent of the modification and the associated risks.

In the PMA approval process, the FDA must determine that a proposed device is safe and effective for its intended use based, in part, on extensive data, including but not limited to, technical, pre-clinical, clinical trial, manufacturing and labeling data. The process for obtaining a PMA is more costly and uncertain and approval can take write-downsanywhere from 180 days to, in some cases, more than one year from the time the application is initially filed with the FDA. Modifications to devices that are approved through a PMA application generally require FDA approval of a supplemental PMA application. The Vicarious System and some of our future products and technologies may require PMA approval. In addition, the FDA may require that we obtain a PMA prior to marketing future changes of the Vicarious System. Further, we may not be able to obtain additional 510(k) clearances or write-offs, restructuringPMAs for new products and impairmenttechnologies or for modifications to, or additional indications for, the Vicarious System in a timely fashion or at all. Delays in obtaining future clearances or approvals could adversely affect our ability to introduce new or enhanced products and technologies in a timely manner, which in turn could harm our revenue and future profitability.

In order to conduct a clinical investigation involving human subjects for the purpose of demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of a medical device, if necessary, for a PMA application, 510(k) premarket notification or de novo classification request, a company must, among other things, apply for and obtain institutional review board, or IRB, approval of the proposed investigation. In addition, if the clinical study involves a “significant risk” (as defined by the FDA) to human health, the sponsor of the investigation must also submit and obtain FDA approval of an investigational device exemption, or IDE, application and follow applicable IDE regulations. Unless IDE-exempt, nonsignificant risk devices are still subject to certain abbreviated IDE requirements; however, an IDE application is not required if such abbreviated requirements are met. We may not be able to obtain any necessary FDA and/or IRB approval to undertake clinical trials in the United States for future devices we develop and intend to market in the United States. If we do obtain such approvals, the FDA may find that our studies do not comply with the IDE or other chargesregulations governing clinical investigations or the data from any such trials may not support marketing authorization of the investigational device. Moreover, certainty that clinical trials will meet desired endpoints, produce meaningful or useful data and be free of unexpected adverse effects, or that the FDA will accept the validity of foreign clinical study data (if applicable) cannot be assured, and such uncertainty could preclude or delay marketing authorization resulting in significant financial costs and reduced revenue.

To ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, medical device manufacturers are subject to post-market surveillance and periodic, pre-scheduled and unannounced inspections by the FDA or other regulatory authorities, and these inspections may include the manufacturing facilities of our subcontractors.


We, as well as our third-party manufacturers or suppliers that are regulated by the FDA, is also subject to numerous post-marketing regulatory requirements, which include quality system regulations related to the manufacture of the Vicarious System, labeling regulations and medical device reporting (“MDR”) regulations. The last of these regulations requires us to report to the FDA if our commercial devices cause or contribute to a death or serious injury, or malfunction in a way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if the malfunction recurred. The failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements can result in enforcement actions by the FDA, which may include any of the following sanctions:

untitled letters, warning letters, fines, injunctions, consent decrees and civil penalties;

customer notifications, or orders for repair, replacement or refunds;

voluntary or mandatory recalls, detentions or seizures of products;

operating restrictions, including total or partial suspension of production;

delays in the introduction of products into the market;

delay or refusal of for the FDA to grant 510(k) clearances, PMA approvals or de novo classification orders for new products or new intended uses or modifications to authorized products;

rescission of 510(k) clearance or suspension or withdrawal of PMAs that have already been granted; or

in the most serious cases, criminal prosecution.

The occurrence of any of these events may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

There is no guarantee that the FDA will grant marketing authorization for the Vicarious System or any of our future products and technologies, and failure to obtain necessary marketing authorization for the Vicarious System and our future products and technologies would adversely affect our ability to grow our business.

The Vicarious System and our new or modified products and technologies will require FDA marketing authorization before they may be marketed in the United States. The FDA may refuse our requests for pre-market review of new products and technologies or may not grant marketing authorization for these products and technologies for the indications that are necessary or desirable for successful commercialization. Early stage review may also result in delays or other issues. For example, the FDA has issued guidance intended to explain the procedures and criteria used in assessing whether pre-market review submissions may be accepted for substantive review. Under the “Refuse to Accept” guidance, the FDA conducts an early review against specific acceptance criteria to notify applicants whether a pre-market submission for a device is administratively complete, and if not, such notification will identify the missing element(s). Applicants are given the opportunity to provide the FDA with any information identified as missing. If the information is not provided within a specified time, the submission will not be accepted for FDA review and will be considered abandoned. The FDA may also change its marketing authorization policies, adopt additional regulations or revise existing regulations, or take other actions that may prevent or delay authorization of our products and technologies under development or impact our ability to obtain marketing authorization for modifications to our authorized products in a timely manner. Significant delays in receiving or failure to receive FDA marketing authorization for our new products and technologies would have an adverse effect on our ability to expand our business.

Unsuccessful animal studies, clinical trials or procedures relating to products and technologies under development could have a material adverse effect on our prospects.

The regulatory approval process for new device products, technologies and new indications for existing device products and technologies requires extensive data and procedures, including the development of regulatory and quality standards and, potentially, studies involving animals or human subjects. Based on pre-submission communications with the FDA, we intend to file a de novo classification request for the Vicarious System with respect to ventral hernia procedures, which would require human clinical studies to ensure that the product candidate is safe and effective. Unfavorable or inconsistent data from future animal studies, clinical trials or other studies conducted by us or third parties, or perceptions regarding such data, could adversely affect our ability to obtain necessary device regulatory authorization and the market’s view of our future prospects.


Failure to successfully complete any required studies in a timely and cost-effective manner could have a material adverse effect on our prospects with respect to the Vicarious System or other products and technologies. Because animal studies, clinical trials and other types of scientific studies are inherently uncertain, there can be no assurance that these trials or studies will be completed in a timely or cost-effective manner, be suitable to support marketing authorization or result in a commercially viable product. Clinical trials or other studies may experience significant negativesetbacks even if earlier preclinical or animal studies have shown promising results. Furthermore, preliminary results from animal studies or clinical trials may be contradicted by subsequent clinical analysis. Results from animal studies or clinical trials may also not be supported by actual long-term studies or clinical experience. If preliminary study results are later contradicted, or if initial results cannot be supported by actual long-term studies or clinical experience, our business could be adversely affected. Clinical trials also may be suspended or terminated by us, the FDA, the responsible IRB or other regulatory authorities at any time if it is believed that the trial participants face unacceptable health risks. The FDA may disagree with our interpretation of the data from the animal studies or clinical trials, or may find the design, conduct or results of such studies or trials inadequate to demonstrate safety and effectiveness of the product candidate. The FDA may also require additional pre-clinical studies or clinical trials for ventral hernia or other indications, which could further delay approval of our products and technologies.

Recent initiatives by the FDA to enhance and modernize various regulatory pathways for device products and technologies and its overall approach to safety and innovation in the medical technology industry creates the possibility of changing product development costs, requirements, and other factors and additional uncertainty for our products, technologies and business.

Regulatory requirements may change in the future in a way that adversely affects us. Any change in the laws or regulations that govern pre-market authorization processes or the post-market compliance requirements relating to our current and future product candidates could make it more difficult and costly to obtain marketing authorization for new product candidates, or to produce, market and distribute existing product candidates that receive such authorization.

For example, the FDA and other government agencies have been focusing on the cybersecurity risks associated with certain medical devices and encouraging device manufacturers to take a more proactive approach to assessing the cybersecurity risks of their devices both during development and on a periodic basis after the devices are in commercial distribution. These regulatory efforts could lead to new FDA requirements in the future or additional product liability or other litigation risks if the Vicarious System is considered to be susceptible to third-party tampering. In December 2016, Congress passed the 21st Century Cures Act, which made multiple changes to the FDA’s rules for medical devices as well as for clinical trials, and in August 2017, Congress passed the most recent iteration of the five-year medical device user fee reauthorization package, which affects medical device regulation both pre- and post-approval and could have certain impacts on our business. Since that time, the FDA has announced a series of efforts to modernize and streamline the 510(k) notification and regulatory review process and monitoring post-market safety, and issued a Proposed Rule to formalize the de novo classification process to provide clarity to innovative device developers. Changes in the FDA 510(k) process could make clearance more difficult to obtain, increase delay, add uncertainty and have other significant adverse effects on our ability to obtain and maintain clearance for our product candidates. The negotiation process for the next cycle of medical device user fee programs began in 2020, as those programs must be reauthorized by Congress in mid-2022, and additional regulatory changes or new agency programs may be implemented as a result.

It is unclear at this time whether and how various activities initiated or announced by the FDA to modernize the U.S. medical device regulatory system could affect our business, as some of the FDA’s new medical device safety and innovation initiatives have not been formalized and remain subject to change. For example, a 2018 Medical Device Safety Action Plan included a particular focus on post-market surveillance and how to respond when new safety concerns emerge once a product is on the market. The increased attention that the medical technology industry is receiving from regulators, lawmakers, and other stakeholders creates the possibility of unanticipated regulatory and other potential changes to the Vicarious System and our overall business. In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, for example, the FDA’s device center leadership has exercised a significant amount of enforcement discretion to meet the medical community’s and patients’ needs for remote monitoring and other innovative solutions that involve digital health products and product candidates. The FDA has signaled that some of its policy changes adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic could remain in place after the public health emergency subsides, but it is unclear which policies will be retained or how those policies could impact the medical device industry in the future.


If we fail to obtain regulatory authorizations in other countries for existing product candidates or product candidates under development, we will not be able to commercialize these products and technologies in those countries.

In order for us to market the Vicarious System in countries outside of the United States, we must comply with extensive safety and quality regulations in other countries regarding the quality, safety and efficacy of the Vicarious System. These regulations, such as the requirements for obtaining marketing authorization, including CE mark grant in the European Union, as well as regulatory authorization in the Asia-Pacific region and the time required for regulatory review, vary from country to country. Failure to obtain marketing authorization in any foreign country in which we plan to market the Vicarious System may harm our ability to generate revenue and harm our business. Marketing authorization requirements and processes vary between countries and can involve additional product testing and additional administrative review periods. The time required to obtain marketing authorization in other countries might differ from that required to obtain FDA authorization. The pre-market review and authorization process in other countries may include all of the risks detailed above regarding FDA clearance in the United States, as well as other potential risks relating to delays, refusals, or uncertainties in the application preparation, submission, and review procedures specific to the regulatory processes in such countries. Regulatory authorization of a product in one country does not ensure regulatory authorization in another, but a failure or delay in obtaining marketing authorization in one country may negatively impact the regulatory process in others. Failure to obtain regulatory authorization in other countries or any delay or setback in obtaining such authorization could have the same adverse effects described above regarding FDA authorization in the United States.

If we, our contract manufacturers or our component suppliers are unable to manufacture the Vicarious System in sufficient quantities, on a timely basis, at acceptable costs and in compliance with regulatory and quality requirements, the manufacturing and distribution of our devices could be interrupted, and our product sales and operating results could suffer.

We, our contract manufacturers and our component suppliers are required to comply with the QSR, which is a complex regulatory framework that covers the procedures and documentation of the design, testing, production, control, quality assurance, labeling, packaging, sterilization, storage, distribution and servicing of our devices. We and our contract manufacturers and regulated component suppliers will be subject to periodic unannounced inspections by the FDA and other regulatory authorities to monitor and ensure compliance with post-market regulatory requirements. We cannot assure investors that the FDA or other regulatory authorities will not discover evidence of noncompliance at our facilities or the facilities of our third-party manufacturers or suppliers during a future quality system inspection.

Accordingly, assuming we receive marketing authorization for one or more products, we and our contract manufacturers will continue to expend time, money and effort in all areas of regulatory compliance, including manufacturing, production, product surveillance, and quality control. Failure of us or our third-party manufacturers and component suppliers to adhere to QSR requirements or take adequate and timely corrective action in response to an adverse regulatory inspection finding could delay production of the Vicarious System and lead to fines, difficulties in obtaining regulatory authorizations recalls, enforcement actions, including injunctive relief or consent decrees, or other consequences, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. Any such failure, including the failure of our contract manufacturers, to achieve and maintain the required high manufacturing standards could result in delays or failures in product testing or delivery, cost overruns, increased warranty costs or other problems that could harm our business and prospects.


Our current or future products and technologies may be subject to product recalls even after receiving marketing authorization from the FDA. A recall of the Vicarious System, either voluntarily or at the direction of the FDA, or the discovery of serious safety issues with our future products, could have a significant adverse impact on us.

The FDA and similar governmental bodies in other countries have the authority to require the recall of the Vicarious System and any accessory devices if we or our third-party manufacturers fail to comply with relevant regulations pertaining to, among other things, manufacturing practices, labeling or if new information is obtained concerning deficiencies in the safety or efficacy of the Vicarious System. For example, under the FDA’s MDR regulations, we are required to report to the FDA any incident in which the Vicarious System may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or in which the Vicarious System malfunctioned in a manner likely to cause or contribute to death or serious injury if that malfunction were to recur. Repeated incidents of the same or similar adverse events or product malfunctions may result in a voluntary or mandatory product recall, or administrative or judicial seizure or injunction, when warranted. A government-mandated recall may be ordered if the FDA finds that there is a reasonable probability that the device would cause serious, adverse health consequences or death. A voluntary recall by us could occur as a result of a discovery of any material deficiency in a device, such as manufacturing defects, labeling deficiencies, packaging defects or other failures to comply with applicable regulations. It is possible that the FDA could disagree with our initial classification for a voluntary recall. The FDA requires that reports of corrections or removals of any device be submitted to the FDA within 10 working days after the correction or removal is initiated; however, any recall initiated due to a discovery that a device violates the FDCA must be reported to FDA immediately. If a change to a device addresses a violation of the FDCA, that change would generally constitute a medical device recall and require submission of a recall report to the FDA.

Recalls of the Vicarious System would divert managerial and financial resources and have an adverse effect on our reputation, results of operations and our share price,financial condition, which could cause youimpair our ability to lose someproduce the Vicarious System in a cost-effective and timely manner in order to meet our customers’ demands. We may also be subject to product liability claims, be required to bear other costs, or all of your investment.

Even if we conduct due diligence on a target business with which we combine, we cannot assure you that this diligence will identify all material issuesbe required to take other actions that may be present withinhave a particular target business, that it would be possible to uncover all material issues through a customary amount of due diligence, or that factors outside of the target business and outside of our control will not later arise. As a result of these factors, we may be forced to later write-down or write-off assets, restructure our operations, or incur impairment or other charges that could result in our reporting losses. Even if our due diligence successfully identifies certain risks, unexpected risks may arise and previously known risks may materialize in a manner not consistent with our preliminary risk analysis. Even though these charges may be non-cash items and not have an immediatenegative impact on our liquidity,future sales and our ability to generate profits. Companies are required to maintain certain records of product withdrawals or removals, even if they are not reportable to the factFDA. We may initiate voluntary field actions involving the Vicarious System in the future that we determine do not require notification to the FDA. If the FDA disagrees with our determinations, the FDA could require us to report chargesthose actions as recalls. A future recall, withdrawal, or seizure of this natureany product could contributematerially and adversely affect consumer confidence in our brand, lead to negative market perceptions aboutdecreased demand for the Vicarious System and negatively affect our sales. In addition, the FDA could take enforcement action for failing to report recalls when they were conducted by us or one of our securities.agents.

We may be subject to enforcement action if we engage in improper or off-label marketing or promotion of the Vicarious System, including fines, penalties and injunctions.

The FDA regulates the promotional labeling for our products to ensure that the claims we make are consistent with the relevant marketing authorizations, that there is scientific data to substantiate the claims and that our promotion and advertising is neither false nor misleading. The off-label marketing or false advertising of our products may harm our image in the marketplace, result in injuries that lead to product liability suits, which could be costly to our business, or result in costly investigations and sanctions from the FDA and other regulatory bodies if we are deemed to have engaged in off-label promotion or false advertising. In addition chargesto the FDA, depending on the form of marketing authorization that the Vicarious System and future products and technologies receive, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) may have overlapping authority to oversee the advertising of our products and any related services offered by us. The FTC’s focus would be on ensuring such advertising is truthful and not deceptive under the FTC Act rather than enforcing any of the regulatory requirements in the FDCA and FDA’s implementing regulations.

In September 2020 the FDA issued a proposed rule to revise its regulation governing the types of evidence relevant to determining the “intended use” of a drug or device under the FDCA, which once finalized will have implications for when a manufacturer or distributor has engaged in off-label marketing. Public comments have been solicited, and FDA is expected to publish in the near future a final regulation and justify any additional revisions it may make to this nature may causeregulatory language.


We are subject to federal, state and foreign laws prohibiting “kickbacks” and false or fraudulent claims, and other fraud and abuse laws, transparency laws, and other health care laws and regulations, which, if violated, could subject us to violate net worthsubstantial penalties. Additionally, any challenge to or investigation into our practices under these laws could cause adverse publicity and be costly to respond to, and thus could harm our business.

If we obtain FDA marketing authorization for our Vicarious System, we will be subject to broadly applicable fraud and abuse and other health care laws and regulations that may constrain the business or financial arrangements and relationships through which we market, sell and distribute any products for which we obtain marketing authorization. Restrictions under applicable federal and state health care laws and regulations include the following:

the federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits, among other things, persons from knowingly and willfully soliciting, offering, receiving or providing remuneration, directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, to induce or reward, or in return for, either the referral of an individual for, or the purchase, order or recommendation of, any good or service, for which payment may be made under a federal health care program such as Medicare and Medicaid;

the federal False Claims Act imposes criminal and civil penalties, including civil whistleblower or qui tam actions, against individuals or entities for, among other things, knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented false or fraudulent claims for payment by a federal government program, or making a false statement or record that is material to payment of a false claim or avoiding, decreasing or concealing an obligation to pay money to the federal government;

the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, imposes criminal and civil liability for executing a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program and also imposes obligations, including mandatory contractual terms, with respect to safeguarding the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information;

the federal false statements statute prohibits knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up a material fact or making any materially false statement in connection with the delivery of or payment for health care benefits, items or services;

the federal transparency requirements under the Physician Payments Sunshine Act require manufacturers of FDA-authorized drugs, devices, biologics and medical supplies covered by Medicare or Medicaid to report, on an annual basis, to the Department of Health and Human Services information related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians, teaching hospitals and certain advanced non-physician health care practitioners and physician ownership and investment interests; and

analogous state laws and regulations such as state anti-kickback and false claims laws and analogous non-U.S. fraud and abuse laws and regulations, may apply to sales or marketing arrangements and claims involving healthcare items or services reimbursed by non-governmental third-party payors, including private insurers, and some state laws require medical device companies to comply with the device industry’s voluntary compliance guidelines and the relevant compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government in addition to requiring device manufacturers to report information related to payments to physicians and other healthcare providers or marketing expenditures. State and non-U.S. laws also govern the privacy and security of health information in some circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and often are not preempted by HIPAA, thus complicating compliance efforts.

Efforts to ensure that our business arrangements with third parties comply with applicable health care laws and regulations will involve substantial costs. It is possible that governmental authorities will conclude that our business practices may not comply with current or future statutes, regulations or case law involving applicable fraud and abuse or other covenantshealth care laws and regulations. If our operations are found to whichbe in violation of any of these laws or any other governmental regulations that may apply to us, we may be subject to significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, fines, imprisonment, exclusion of products from government funded health care programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations. If any of the physicians or other health care providers or entities with whom we expect to do business is found to be not in compliance with applicable laws, they may be subject to criminal, civil or administrative sanctions, including exclusions from government funded health care programs.


Health care policy and payment changes may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We cannot predict the likelihood, nature or extent of government regulation that may arise from future legislation or administrative or executive action, either in the United States or abroad. In the United States and in some other jurisdictions, there have been a number of legislative and regulatory changes and proposed changes regarding the health care system that could prevent or delay marketing authorization of our products and technologies or any of our potential future products and technologies, restrict or regulate post-authorization activities, or affect our ability to profitably sell any products and technologies for which we obtain marketing authorization. Increased scrutiny by the U.S. Congress of the FDA’s medical device authorization process may significantly delay or prevent marketing authorization, as well as subject us to more stringent product labeling and post-marketing testing and other requirements. Congress also must reauthorize the FDA’s user fee programs every five years and often makes changes to those programs, in addition to policy or procedural changes that may be negotiated between the FDA and industry stakeholders as part of this periodic reauthorization process. The negotiation process for the next cycle of medical device user fee programs began in 2020 as those programs must be reauthorized by Congress in mid-2022.

In March 2010, Congress passed the ACA, which substantially changed the way health care is financed by both the government and private insurers, and significantly impacts the United States medical device industry. As another example, the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act signed into law on December 27, 2020 incorporated extensive health care provisions and amendments to existing laws.

There remain judicial and Congressional challenges to certain aspects of the ACA, and as a result certain sections of assuming pre-existing debtthe ACA have not been fully implemented or effectively repealed. In particular, in December of 2018, a Texas U.S. District Court Judge ruled that the ACA is unconstitutional in its entirety because the individual mandate was repealed by Congress as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, effective January 1, 2019. In December 2019, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the district court’s ruling that the individual mandate in the ACA was unconstitutional, but remanded the case to the district court to determine whether other reforms enacted as part of the ACA, but not specifically related to the individual mandate or health insurance could be severed from the rest of the ACA so as not to have the law declared invalid in its entirety. On March 2, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the petitions for writs of certiorari to review this case and allocated one hour for oral arguments, which occurred on November 10, 2020. On February 10, 2021, the Department of Justice sent a letter to the U.S. Supreme Court that stated the new administration believes the individual mandate and its tax penalty are constitutional, and if the Court determines that they are not, the provision can be severed from the remainder of the act. With this letter, the Biden administration reversed the Trump administration position that was presented to the Court. The Trump administration had claimed that the tax provision is unconstitutional and could not be separated from the ACA, making the entire ACA unconstitutional as a result. The U.S. Supreme Court held byin a target business7–2 opinion that the states and individuals that brought the lawsuit challenging the ACA’s individual mandate do not have standing to challenge the law. The U.S. Supreme Court did not reach the merits of the challenge, but the decision ends the case. It is unclear how potential litigation and other efforts to repeal and replace the ACA will affect the implementation of that law, the pharmaceutical and medical device industries more generally, and our business. Additionally, the 2020 federal spending package permanently eliminated, effective January 1, 2020, the ACA-mandated “Cadillac” tax on high-cost employer-sponsored health coverage and medical device tax and, effective January 1, 2021, also eliminates the health insurer tax. In addition, CMS published a final rule that would give states greater flexibility, effective January 1, 2020, in setting benchmarks for insurers in the individual and small group marketplaces, which may have the effect of relaxing the essential health benefits required under the ACA for plans sold through such marketplaces. We continue to evaluate the potential impact of the ACA and its possible repeal or by virtuereplacement on our business.

The uncertainty around the future of the ACA, and in particular the impact to reimbursement levels, may lead to uncertainty or delay in the purchasing decisions of our obtaining debt financingfuture customers, which may in turn negatively impact product sales. If there are not adequate reimbursement levels, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.


In addition, other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted since the ACA was enacted. These changes include aggregate reductions to partially financeMedicare payments to providers of up to 2% per fiscal year pursuant to the initial business combination or thereafter. Accordingly, any shareholders who choose toBudget Control Act of 2011, which began in 2013 and will remain shareholders followingin effect through 2030 unless additional Congressional action is taken. However, the business combination could suffer a reduction inMedicare sequester reductions under the valueBudget Control Act of their securities. Such shareholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value unless they are able to successfully claim that the reduction was2011 were suspended from May 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 due to the breachCOVID-19 pandemic, pursuant to provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or the CARES Act, which also extended the sequester by our officers or directorsone year, through 2030, in order to offset the added expense of a duty of care or other fiduciary duty owedthe 2020 cancellation. The 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act was subsequently signed into law on December 27, 2020 and extended the CARES Act suspension period to them, or if they are able to successfully bring a private claim under securities laws that the proxy solicitation or tender offer materials, as applicable, relating to the business combination contained an actionable material misstatement or material omission.

March 31, 2021.

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The officersWe cannot predict whether future health care initiatives will be implemented at the federal or state level or in countries outside of the United States in which we may do business in the future, or the effect any future legislation or regulation will have on us.

Inadequate funding for the FDA and directors of an acquisition candidate may resign upon completionother government agencies could hinder their ability to hire and retain key leadership and other personnel, prevent new products and technologies from being developed or commercialized in a timely manner or otherwise prevent those agencies from performing normal business functions on which the operation of our initial business combination. The loss of a business combination target’s key personnelmay rely, which could negatively impact the operations and profitability of our post-combination business.

 

The roleability of an acquisition candidate’sthe FDA to review and approve or clear new medical device products and technologies can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels, ability to hire and retain key personnel uponand accept the completionpayment of user fees, and statutory, regulatory, and policy changes. Average review times at the FDA have fluctuated in recent years as a result. In addition, government funding of the SEC and other government agencies on which our initial business combination cannotoperations may rely, including those that fund research and development activities, is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable.

Disruptions at the FDA and other agencies may also increase the time necessary for new products and technologies to be ascertained at this time. Although we contemplate thatreviewed and/or authorized by necessary government agencies, which would adversely affect our business. For example, over the last several years, the U.S. government has shut down several times, and certain membersregulatory agencies, such as the FDA and the SEC, have had to furlough critical employees and stop critical activities. Separately, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in March 2020, the FDA announced its intention to temporarily postpone most inspections of an acquisition candidate’s management team will remain associatedforeign manufacturing facilities and products and technologies, as well as to temporarily postpone routine surveillance inspections of domestic manufacturing facilities. Subsequently, on July 10, 2020, the FDA announced its intention to resume certain on-site inspections of domestic manufacturing facilities subject to a risk-based prioritization system.

As of January 29, 2021, the FDA noted it was continuing to ensure timely reviews of applications for medical products and technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic in line with the acquisition candidate following our initial business combination,its user fee performance goals and conducting “mission-critical” domestic and foreign inspections to ensure compliance of manufacturing facilities with FDA quality standards. Utilizing a rating system to assist in determining when and where it is safest to conduct such inspections based on data about the trajectory of SARS-CoV-2 infections in a given state and locality and the rules and guidelines that are put in place by state and local governments, the FDA is either continuing to, on a case-by-case basis, conduct only “mission-critical” inspections, or, where possible to do so safely, resuming prioritized domestic inspections, which generally include pre-approval inspections. Foreign pre-approval inspections that membersare not deemed mission-critical remain postponed, while those deemed mission-critical will be considered for inspection on a case-by-case basis. The FDA will use similar data to inform resumption of prioritized operations abroad as it becomes feasible and advisable to do so, and it has recently resumed inspections in China and plans to also resume such activities in India as soon as possible. The FDA’s assessment of whether an inspection is mission-critical considers many factors related to the managementpublic health benefit of an acquisition candidate will not wishU.S. patients having access to remain in place.

Our managementthe product subject to inspection, including whether the products and technologies are used to diagnose, treat, or prevent a serious disease or medical condition for which there is no other appropriate substitute. Both for-cause and pre-approval inspections can be deemed mission-critical. The FDA may not be able to maintain controlthis pace and delays or setbacks are possible in the future.

Additionally, regulatory authorities outside the United States may adopt similar restrictions or other policy measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. If a prolonged government shutdown or slowdown occurs, or if global health concerns continue to prevent the FDA or other regulatory authorities from conducting their regular inspections or other regulatory activities, it could significantly impact the ability of the FDA to timely review and process regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our future business. Further, following the completion of the Business Combination and in our operations as a public company, future government shutdowns could impact our ability to access the public markets and obtain necessary capital in order to properly capitalize and continue our operations.


Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, our ability to maintain any technological or competitive advantage over our competitors and potential competitors would be adversely impacted, and our business may be harmed.

We rely on patent protection as well as trademark, copyright, trade secret and other intellectual property rights protection and contractual restrictions to protect our proprietary technologies, all of which provide limited protection and may not adequately protect our rights or permit us to gain or keep any competitive advantage. If we fail to obtain, maintain, and protect our intellectual property, third parties may be able to compete more effectively against us, and we may lose our technological or competitive advantage. We may also incur substantial litigation costs in our attempts to defend, enforce recover or restrict the use of our intellectual property.

We cannot assure investors that any of our currently pending or future patent applications will result in granted patents, and we cannot predict how long it will take for such patents to be granted or whether the scope of such patents, if granted, will adequately protect the Vicarious System from competitors. It is possible that, for any of our patents that have been granted or that may be granted in the future, other parties will design alternatives that do not infringe our patents. Further, we cannot assure investors that other parties will not challenge any patents granted to us or that courts or regulatory agencies will hold our patents to be valid or enforceable. We cannot guarantee investors that we will be successful in defending challenges made against our patents. Any successful third-party challenge to our patents could result in the unenforceability or invalidity of such patents, or to such patents being interpreted narrowly or otherwise in a manner adverse to our interests. Our ability to establish or maintain a technological or competitive advantage over our competitors may be diminished because of these uncertainties. For these and other reasons, our intellectual property may not provide us with any competitive advantage. For example:

we or our licensors (should we in-license IP in the future) might not have been the first to make the inventions covered by our pending patent applications or granted patents;

we or our licensors might not have been the first to file patent applications for our inventions. To determine the priority of these inventions, we may have to participate in interference proceedings or derivation proceedings declared by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) that could result in substantial cost to us and may be unsuccessful. No assurance can be given that our patent applications or granted patents (or those of our licensors) will have priority over any other patent or patent application involved in such a proceeding;

other parties may independently develop similar or alternative products and technologies or duplicate any of our products and technologies;

it is possible that our owned or licensed pending patent applications will not result in granted patents in the United States or foreign jurisdictions, and even if such pending patent applications grant as patents, they may not provide a basis for intellectual property protection of commercially viable products and technologies, may not provide us with any competitive advantages, or may be challenged and invalidated by third parties;

we may not develop additional proprietary products and technologies and technologies that are patentable;

the patents of other parties may block us from practicing our technology and thereby have an adverse effect on our business; and

while we apply for patents covering our products and technologies and uses thereof, as we deem appropriate, we may fail to apply for or obtain patents on important products and technologies and uses thereof in a timely fashion or at all, or we may fail to apply for or obtain patents in potentially relevant jurisdictions.


The strength of patents involves complex legal questions and can be uncertain. Even if one or more patents do successfully issue, third parties may challenge the validity, enforceability, inventorship or scope thereof. Such a challenge may result in such patents being narrowed, invalidated or held unenforceable. If the breadth or strength of protection provided by our patents is threatened, it could dissuade companies from collaborating with us to develop, and threaten our ability to commercialize, our technology. Further, if we encounter delays in clinical trials, the period of time during which we could market our products under patent protection would be reduced. Since patent applications in the United States and most other countries are confidential for a period of time after filing, we cannot be certain that we are the first to file any patent application related to our products.

Even if our patent applications issue as patents, they may not issue in a form that will provide us with any meaningful protection, prevent competitors from competing with us or otherwise provide us with any competitive advantage. Our competitors may be able to circumvent our patents by developing similar or alternative technologies or products in a non-infringing manner. The issuance of a target business afterpatent is not conclusive as to its scope, validity or enforceability, and 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.

Wepatents may structure our initial business combination so that the post-transaction company in which our public shareholders own shares will own less than 100% of the equity interests or assets of a target business, but we will only complete such business combination if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interestbe challenged in the target sufficient for us not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. We will not consider any transaction that does not meet such criteria. Even if the post-transaction company owns 50%courts or more of the voting securities of the target, our shareholders prior to the business combination may collectively own a minority interestpatent offices in the post business combination company, depending on valuations ascribed to the targetUnited States and us in the business combination.abroad. For example, we may become involved in opposition, interference, derivation, inter partes review or other proceedings challenging our patent rights, and the outcome of any proceedings are highly uncertain. Such challenges may result in the patent claims of our patents being narrowed, invalidated or held unenforceable, which could pursue a transaction in which we issue a substantial numberlimit our ability to stop or prevent us from stopping others from using or commercializing similar or identical technology and products, or limit the duration of the patent protection of our technology and products. Given the amount of time required for the development, testing and regulatory review of new Class A ordinary shares in exchange for all oftechnology, patents protecting such technology might expire before or shortly after such technology is commercialized. As a result, our patent portfolio may not provide us with sufficient rights to exclude others from commercializing products similar or identical to our products or otherwise provide us with a competitive advantage.

To the outstanding capital stock, sharesextent our intellectual property offers inadequate protection, or other equity interests of a target. In this case,is found to be invalid or unenforceable, we would acquirebe exposed to a 100% interestgreater risk of direct competition. If our intellectual property does not provide adequate coverage over our products and technologies and protection against our competitors’ products and technologies, our competitive position could be adversely affected, as could our business.

The measures that we use to protect the security of our intellectual property and other proprietary rights may not be adequate, which could result in the target. However, as a resultloss of legal protection for, and thereby diminish the issuancevalue of, a substantial number of new Class A ordinary shares, our shareholders immediately prior to such transaction could own less than a majority of our issuedintellectual property and outstanding Class A ordinary shares subsequent to such transaction. In addition, other minority shareholdersrights.

The patenting process is expensive and time-consuming, and we may subsequently combine their holdings resulting in a single person or group obtaining a larger share of the company’s shares than we initially acquired. Accordingly, this may make it more likely that our management will not be able to maintain controlfile and prosecute all necessary or desirable patent applications at a reasonable cost or in a timely manner. In addition, we may not pursue or obtain patent protection in all relevant markets. It is also possible that we will fail to identify patentable aspects of the target business.our research and development output before it is too late to obtain patent protection. Our pending and future patent applications may not result in issued patents that protect our technology or products, in whole or in part. In addition, our existing patents and any future patents we obtain may not be sufficiently broad to prevent others from using our technology or from developing competing products and technologies.

 

WeIf we delay in filing a patent application, and a competitor files a patent application on the same or a similar technology before we do, we may haveface 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 our initial business combination with a prospective target business, our ability to assess the target business’s management may be limited due to a lack of time, resources or information. Our assessment of the capabilities of the target business’s management, therefore, may prove to be incorrect and such management may lack the skills, qualifications or abilities we suspected. Should the target business’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. Accordingly, any shareholders who choose to remain shareholders following the business combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their shares. Such shareholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value unless they are able to successfully claim that the reduction was due to the breach by our officers or directors of a duty of care or other fiduciary duty owed to them, or if they are able to successfully bring a private claim under securities laws that the proxy solicitation or tender offer materials, as applicable, relating to the business combination contained an actionable material misstatement or material omission.


RISKS RELATING TO ACQUIRING AND OPERATING A BUSINESS IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES

If we effect our initial business combination with a company located outside of the United States, we would be subject to a variety of additional risks that may adversely affect us.

If we pursue a target company with operations or opportunities outside of the United States for our initial business combination, we may face additional burdens in connection with investigating, agreeing to and completing such initial business combination, and if we effect such initial business combination, we would be subject to a variety of additional risks that may negatively impact our operations.

If we pursue a target a company with operations or opportunities outside of the United States for our initial business combination, we would be subject to risks associated with cross-border business combinations, including in connection with investigating, agreeing to and completing our initial business combination, conducting due diligence in a foreign jurisdiction, having such transaction approved by any local governments, regulators or agencies and changes in the purchase price based on fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

If we effect our initial business combination with such a company, we would be subject to any special considerations or risks associated with companies operating in an international setting, including any of the following:

costs and difficulties inherent in managing cross-border business operations;

rules and regulations regarding currency redemption;

complex corporate withholding taxes on individuals;

laws governing the manner in which future business combinations may be effected;

exchange listing and/or delisting requirements;

tariffs and trade barriers;

regulations related to customs and import/export matters;

local or regional economic policies and market conditions;

unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;

challenges in managing and staffing international operations;

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;

rates of inflation;

challenges in collecting accounts receivable;

cultural and language differences;

employment regulations;

underdeveloped or unpredictable legal or regulatory systems;

corruption;

protection of intellectual property;

social unrest, crime, strikes, riots and civil disturbances;

regime changes and political upheaval;

terrorist attacks and wars; and

deterioration of political relations with the United States.

secure patent rights. We may not be able to adequately addresspatent the technology at all. Even if we can patent the technology, we may be able to patent only a limited scope of the technology, and the limited scope may be inadequate to protect our products, or to block competitor products that are similar or adjacent to ours. Our earliest patent filings have been published. A competitor may review our published patents and arrive at the same or similar technology advances for our products as we developed. If the competitor files a patent application on such an advance before we do, then we may no longer be able to protect the technology. We may require a license from the competitor, and if the license is not available on commercially-viable terms, then we may not be able to launch our products.


In addition to pursuing patents on our technology, we also rely upon trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights and unfair competition laws and other contractual provisions, to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights. Despite these additional risks.measures, any of our intellectual property rights could be challenged, invalidated, circumvented or misappropriated. In addition, we take steps to protect our intellectual property and proprietary technology by entering into confidentiality agreements and intellectual property assignment agreements with our employees, consultants, corporate partners and, when needed, our advisors. Our suppliers may also have access to the patented technology owned or used by us as well as other proprietary information, and these suppliers are subject to confidentiality provisions under their agreements with us.

Such agreements or provisions may not be enforceable or may not provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets or other proprietary information in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure or other breaches of the agreements, and we may not be able to prevent such unauthorized disclosure. Notwithstanding any such agreements, there is no assurance that our current or former manufacturers or suppliers will not use and/or supply our competitors with our trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information to which these parties gained access or generated from their relationship with us. This could lead to our competitors gaining access to patented or other proprietary information. Moreover, if a party to an agreement with us has an overlapping or conflicting obligation to a third party, our rights in and to certain intellectual property could be undermined. Monitoring unauthorized disclosure is difficult, and we do not know whether the steps we have taken to prevent such disclosure are, or will be, adequate. If we were to enforce a claim that a third party had illegally obtained and was using our trade secrets, it would be expensive and time-consuming, the outcome would be unpredictable, and any remedy may be inadequate. Courts outside the United States may be less willing to protect trade secrets.

In addition, competitors could purchase our products and technologies and attempt to replicate some or all of the competitive advantages we derive from our development efforts, willfully infringe our intellectual property rights, design around our protected technology or develop their own competitive technologies that fall outside of our intellectual property rights. If our intellectual property does not adequately protect our market share against competitors’ products and technologies and methods, our competitive position could be adversely affected, as could our business.

We may need or may choose to obtain licenses from third parties to advance our research or allow commercialization of our current or future products and technologies, and we cannot provide any assurances that we would be able to obtain such licenses.

We may need or may choose to obtain licenses from third parties to advance our research or allow commercialization of our current or future products and technologies, and we cannot provide any assurances that third-party patents do not exist that might be enforced against our current or future products and technologies in the absence of such a license. We may fail to obtain any of these licenses on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Even if we are able to obtain a license, it may be non-exclusive, thereby giving our competitors access to the same technologies licensed to us. If we could not obtain a license, we may be required to expend significant time and resources to develop or license replacement technology. If we are unable to do so, we may be unable to develop or commercialize the affected products and technologies, which could materially harm our business and the third parties owning such intellectual property rights could seek either an injunction prohibiting our sales, or, with respect to our sales, an obligation on our part to pay royalties, damages and/or other forms of compensation.

Licensing intellectual property involves complex legal, business and scientific issues. Disputes may arise between us and our licensors regarding intellectual property subject to a license agreement, including:

the scope of rights granted under the license agreement and other interpretation-related issues;

whether and the extent to which our technology and processes infringe intellectual property of the licensor that is not subject to the licensing agreement;

our right to sublicense patent and other rights to third parties under collaborative development relationships;

our diligence obligations with respect to the use of the licensed technology in relation to our development and commercialization of our products and technologies, and what activities satisfy those diligence obligations; and

the ownership of inventions and know-how resulting from the joint creation or use of intellectual property by our licensors and our partners.


If disputes over licensed intellectual property prevent or impair our ability to maintain the licensing arrangements on acceptable terms, we may be unable to successfully develop and commercialize the affected product, or the dispute may have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

In addition to agreements pursuant to which we in-licenses intellectual property, we may in the future grant licenses under our intellectual property. Like in-licenses, out-licenses are complex, and disputes may arise between us and our licensees, such as the types of disputes described above. Moreover, our licensees may breach their obligations, or we may be exposed to liability due to our failure or alleged failure to satisfy our obligations. Any such occurrence could have an adverse effect on our business.

The licensing and acquisition of third-party intellectual property rights is a competitive practice, and companies that may be more established, or have greater resources than we do, may also be pursuing strategies to license or acquire third-party intellectual property rights that we may consider necessary or attractive for commercializing our technology. More established companies may have a competitive advantage over us due to their larger size, cash resources, or commercialization capabilities. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully complete such initialnegotiations and ultimately acquire the rights to the intellectual property that we may seek to acquire.

We and our partners may be sued for infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties. If that happens, such litigation would be costly and time consuming, and an unfavorable outcome in any such litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our success also depends on our ability to develop, manufacture, market and sell the Vicarious System without infringing the proprietary rights of third parties. Numerous U.S. and foreign-issued patents and pending patent applications owned by third parties exist in the fields in which we are developing the Vicarious System. As part of a business combination,strategy to impede our successful commercialization and entry into new markets, competitors may claim that the Vicarious System infringes their intellectual property rights and may suggest that we enter into license agreements. Such competitors may bring litigation against us or our partners to enforce such claims.

Such claims may or may not be meritorious, but even if such claims are without merit, we completecould incur substantial costs and the attention of our management and technical personnel could be diverted in defending us against or settling such initialclaims. Any adverse ruling by a court or administrative body, or perception of an adverse ruling, may have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business combination,and on our finances. Moreover, third parties making claims against us may be able to obtain injunctive relief against us, which could block our ability to offer the Vicarious System and could result in a substantial award of damages against us. In addition, since we could sometimes agree to indemnify customers, collaborators or licensees, we may have additional liability in connection with any infringement or alleged infringement of third-party intellectual property. Because patent applications can take many years to issue, there may be pending applications, some of which are unknown to us, that may result in issued patents that the Vicarious System or proprietary technologies infringe. Moreover, we may fail to identify issued patents of relevance or incorrectly conclude that an issued patent is invalid or not infringed by our technology or the Vicarious System. There is a substantial amount of litigation involving patent and other intellectual property rights in the medical device space in general and in the robotic surgery field in particular. As we face increasing competition and as our business grows, we will likely face claims of infringement. If a third party claims that we or any of our licensors, customers or collaboration partners infringe a third party’s intellectual property rights, we may have to do any or all of the following:

seek licenses that may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all;

cease commercializing any infringing product or redesign the Vicarious System or processes to avoid infringement where in some cases redesign may not be possible or may require substantial monetary expenditures and time;

pay substantial damages, including treble damages and attorneys’ fees, which we may have to pay if a court decides that the product or proprietary technology at issue infringes upon or violates the third-party’s rights;

pay substantial royalties or fees or grant cross-licenses to our technology; and

defend litigation or administrative proceedings that may be costly whether we win or lose, and which could result in a substantial diversion of our financial and management resources.


Some of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of complex patent litigation more effectively than we can, because they have substantially greater resources. In addition, any uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of any litigation could have a material adverse effect on our ability to raise the funds necessary to continue our operations might suffer, eitheror could otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

We may choose to challenge the patentability of claims in a third party’s U.S. patent by requesting that the USPTO review the patent claims in an ex-parte re-exam, inter partes review or post-grant review proceedings. These proceedings are expensive and may consume time or other resources. We may choose to challenge a third party’s patent in patent opposition proceedings in the European Patent Office, or EPO, or other foreign patent office. The costs of these opposition proceedings could be substantial, and may consume time or other resources. If we fail to obtain a favorable result at the USPTO, EPO or other patent office, then we may be exposed to litigation by a third party alleging that the patent is infringed by our products or proprietary technologies.

During the course of any intellectual property litigation, there could be public announcements of the initiation of the litigation, as well as results of hearings, rulings on motions and other interim proceedings in the litigation. If securities analysts or investors regard these announcements as negative, the perceived value of our products, programs or intellectual property could be diminished. Accordingly, the market price of shares of our common stock may decline. Such announcements could also harm our reputation or the market for our future products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We may be involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our patents or the patents of our licensors, which could be expensive, time-consuming and unsuccessful.

Competitors may infringe our patents or the patents that we license. In the event of infringement or unauthorized use, we may file one or more infringement lawsuits, which can be expensive and time-consuming. An adverse result in any such litigation proceedings could put one or more of our patents at risk of being invalidated, being found to be unenforceable or being interpreted narrowly and could put our patent applications at risk of not issuing. An adverse result could also require us to pay the legal fees of the opposing party. Furthermore, because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, there is a risk that some of our confidential information could be compromised by disclosure during this type of litigation.

Many of our competitors are larger than us and have substantially greater resources. They are, therefore, likely to be able to sustain the costs of complex patent litigation longer than we could. In addition, the uncertainties associated with litigation could have a material adverse effect on our ability to raise any funds necessary to continue our operations, continue our internal research programs, in-license needed technology, or enter into development partnerships that would help us bring the Vicarious System to market.

In addition, patent litigation can be very costly and time-consuming. An adverse outcome in any such litigation or proceedings may expose us or any of our future development partners to loss of our proprietary position, expose us to significant liabilities, or require us to seek licenses that may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all.

If a defendant were to prevail on a legal assertion of invalidity and/or unenforceability, we would lose at least part, and perhaps all, of the patent protection on the technology or process claimed by the patent. In addition, if the breadth or strength of protection provided by our patents or those of our future licensors is threatened, it could dissuade other companies from collaborating with us to license, develop or commercialize current or future products. Such a loss of patent protection could have a material adverse effect on our business.


We may be required to protect our patents through procedures created to attack the validity of a patent at the USPTO. The USPTO hears post-grant proceedings, including PGR, IPR and derivation proceedings. An adverse determination in any such submission or proceeding could reduce the scope or enforceability of, or invalidate, our patent rights, which could adversely affect our competitive position. Because of a lower evidentiary standard in USPTO proceedings compared to the evidentiary standard in United States federal courts necessary to invalidate a patent claim, a third party could potentially provide evidence in a USPTO proceeding sufficient for the USPTO to hold a claim invalid even though the same evidence would be insufficient to invalidate the claim if first presented in a district court action. Accordingly, a third party may attempt to use the USPTO procedures to invalidate our patent claims that would not have been invalidated if first challenged by the third party as a defendant in a district court action. Thus, the America Invents Act (the “AIA”) and its implementation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the enforcement or defense of our issued patents, all of which may adversely impactcould have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.operations and prospects.

 

We may reincorporateOur issued patents could be found invalid or unenforceable if challenged in another jurisdictioncourt, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Any of our intellectual property rights could be challenged or invalidated despite measures we take to obtain patent and other intellectual property protection with respect to our products and proprietary technology. For example, if we or any of our partners were to initiate legal proceedings against a third party to enforce a patent covering the Vicarious System, the defendant in connection withsuch litigation could counterclaim that our initial business combination and such reincorporation may result in taxes imposed on shareholders.

We may, in connection with our initial business combination and subject to requisite shareholder approval by special resolution under the Companies Law, reincorporatepatent is invalid and/or unenforceable. In patent litigation in the jurisdiction in whichUnited States, defendant counterclaims alleging invalidity and/or unenforceability are commonplace. Grounds for a validity challenge could be an alleged failure to meet any of several statutory requirements, including lack of novelty, obviousness or non-enablement, or failure to claim patent eligible subject matter. Grounds for an unenforceability assertion could be an allegation that someone connected with the target companyprosecution of the patent withheld relevant information from the USPTO, or business is located or in another jurisdiction. The transaction may requiremade a shareholder to recognize taxable incomemisleading statement during prosecution either in the jurisdiction inU.S. or abroad. Third parties may also raise similar claims before the USPTO or foreign patent offices, even outside the context of litigation. The outcome following legal assertions of invalidity and unenforceability is unpredictable. With respect to the validity question, for example, we cannot be certain that there is no invalidating prior art of which we and the shareholder ispatent examiner were unaware or was otherwise not considered during prosecution. If a tax resident defendant were to prevail on a legal assertion of invalidity and/or in which its members are resident if it isunenforceability, we would lose at least part, and perhaps all, of the challenged patent. Such a tax transparent entity. loss of patent protection could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We do not intend to make any cash distributions to shareholders to pay such taxes. Shareholders may be subject to withholding taxesclaims that our employees, consultants or independent contractors have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets of their other clients or former employers to us, which could subject us to costly litigation.

As is common in the medical device industry, we engage the services of consultants and independent contractors to assist us in the development of the Vicarious System. Many of these consultants and independent contractors were previously employed at, or may have previously provided or may be currently providing consulting or other taxes with respectservices to, universities or other technology or medical device companies, including our competitors or potential competitors. We may become subject to claims that we, a consultant or an independent contractor, inadvertently or otherwise, used or disclosed trade secrets or other information proprietary to their former employers or their former or current clients. We may similarly be subject to claims stemming from similar actions of an employee, such as one who was previously employed by another company, including a competitor or potential competitor. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. Even if we are successful in defending against these claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to our management team. If we were not successful, we could lose access or exclusive access to valuable intellectual property.

In addition, there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions or other interim proceedings or developments, and, if securities analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, it could have a substantial adverse effect on the price of our common stock. This type of litigation or proceeding could substantially increase our operating losses and reduce our resources available for development activities. We may not have sufficient financial or other resources to adequately conduct such litigation or proceedings. Some of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of such litigation or proceedings more effectively than we can because of their substantially greater financial resources. Uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of patent litigation or other intellectual property related proceedings could adversely affect our ability to compete in the marketplace.


We may be subject to claims challenging the inventorship or ownership of us after the reincorporation.our patents and other intellectual property.

 

We generally enter into confidentiality and intellectual property assignment agreements with our employees, consultants, and contractors. These agreements generally provide that inventions conceived by the party in the course of rendering services to us will be our exclusive property. However, those agreements may reincorporatenot be honored and may not effectively assign intellectual property rights to us. For example, even if we have a consulting agreement in another jurisdictionplace with an academic advisor pursuant to which such academic advisor is required to assign any inventions developed in connection with providing services to us, such academic advisor may not have the right to assign such inventions to us, as it may conflict with his or her obligations to assign all such intellectual property to his or her employing institution.

We may be subject to claims that former employees, collaborators or other third parties have an interest in our initialpatents, trade secrets, or other intellectual property as an inventor or co-inventor. Also, former employees may become employed by competitors who develop similar technology, and could assist the competitor in designing around our patents. While it is our policy to require our employees and contractors who may be involved in the development of intellectual property to execute agreements assigning such intellectual property to us, we may be unsuccessful in executing such an agreement with each party who in fact develops intellectual property that we regard as our own. The assignment agreements entered into by us may not be self-executing or may be breached, and litigation may be necessary to defend against these and other claims challenging inventorship or our ownership of our patents, trade secrets or other intellectual property. If we fail in defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights, such as exclusive ownership of, or right to use, intellectual property that is important to our products. Even if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management and other employees. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, combination,financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

We may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights throughout the world, which could materially, negatively affect our business.

Filing, prosecuting and defending patents on current and future products and technologies in all countries throughout the world would be prohibitively expensive, and many markets outside the United States will likely be smaller than the United States for commercializing the Vicarious System. We may therefore choose to pursue a more limited set of patent filings outside the United States, such that our intellectual property rights in some countries outside the United States may be less extensive than those in the United States, or may not be pursued at all in such countries. In addition, the laws of such jurisdiction may govern some or allforeign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as federal and state laws in the United States. Consequently, regardless of whether we are able to prevent third parties from practicing our future material agreements andinventions in the United States, we may not be able to enforceprevent third parties from practicing our legal rights.

In connection withinventions in all countries outside the United States, or from selling or importing products and technologies made using our initial business combination,inventions in and into the United States or other jurisdictions. Competitors may use our technologies in jurisdictions where we have not pursued and obtained patent protection to develop their own products and technologies, and further, may relocate the home jurisdiction of our business from the Cayman Islandsexport otherwise infringing products and technologies to another jurisdiction. Ifterritories where we determine to do this, the laws of such jurisdiction may govern some or all of our future material agreements. The system of laws and thehave patent protection, but enforcement of existing laws in such jurisdiction mayis not be as certain in implementation and interpretationstrong as it is in the United States. These products and technologies may compete with our products and technologies, and our patents or other intellectual property rights may not be effective or sufficient to prevent them from competing. Even if we pursue and obtain issued patents in particular jurisdictions, our patent claims or other intellectual property rights may not be effective or sufficient to prevent third parties from competing in such jurisdictions. Patent protection must ultimately be sought on a country-by-country basis, which is an expensive and time-consuming process with uncertain outcomes. Accordingly, we may choose not to seek patent protection in certain countries, and we will not have the benefit of patent protection in such countries.


Many companies have encountered significant problems in protecting and defending intellectual property rights in foreign jurisdictions. The inabilitylegal systems of certain countries, particularly certain developing countries, do not favor the enforcement of patents and other intellectual property protection, which could make it difficult for us to stop the infringement of our patents or marketing of competing products and technologies in violation of our proprietary rights generally. Proceedings to enforce or obtain a remedy under any of our future agreementspatent rights in foreign jurisdictions could result in a significant loss of business, business opportunities or capital.

We are subject to changing law and regulations regarding regulatory matters, corporate governance and public disclosure that have increased both oursubstantial costs and the risk of non-compliance.

We are subject to rules and regulations by various governing bodies, including, for example, the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are charged with the protection of investors and the oversight of companies whose securities are publicly traded, and to new and evolving regulatory measures under applicable law. Ourdivert our efforts to comply with new and changing laws and regulations have resulted in and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activitiesother aspects of our business. These proceedings could put our patents at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly and our patent applications at risk of not issuing. Additionally, these proceedings could provoke third parties to compliance activities.assert claims against us. We may not prevail in any lawsuits that we initiate and the damages or other remedies awarded, if any, may not be commercially meaningful. Accordingly, our efforts to enforce our intellectual property rights around the world may be inadequate to obtain a significant commercial advantage from the intellectual property that we develop or license and may adversely impact our business.

 

Moreover, because these laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance becomes available. This evolution mayIn addition, we also face the risk that the Vicarious System will be imported or reimported into markets with relatively higher prices from markets with relatively lower prices, which would result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance mattersa decrease of sales and additional costs necessitated by ongoing revisionsany payments we receive from the affected market. Recent developments in U.S. patent law have made it more difficult to stop these and related practices based on theories of patent infringement.

Patent terms may be inadequate to protect our competitive position on technology for an adequate amount of time.

Patents have a limited lifespan. In the United States, if all maintenance fees are timely paid, the natural expiration of a patent is generally 20 years from its earliest U.S. non-provisional filing date. Various extensions may be available, but the life of a patent, and the protection it affords, is limited. Even if patents covering our products are obtained, once the patent life has expired for a product, we may be open to competition. Given the amount of time required for the development, testing and regulatory review of new products, patents protecting such products might expire before or shortly after such products are commercialized. As a result, our patent portfolio may not provide us with sufficient rights to exclude others from commercializing products similar or identical to our disclosureproducts for a meaningful amount of time, or at all.

Obtaining and governance practices. maintaining our patent protection depends on compliance with various procedural, document submission, fee payment and other requirements imposed by governmental patent agencies, and our patent protection could be reduced or eliminated for non-compliance with these requirements.

The USPTO and various foreign governmental patent agencies require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment and other provisions during the patent process. There are situations in which noncompliance can result in abandonment or lapse of a patent or patent application, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. In such an event, competitors might be able to enter the market earlier than would otherwise have been the case.

Periodic maintenance fees on any issued patent are due to be paid to the USPTO and foreign patent agencies in several stages over the lifetime of the patent. The USPTO and various foreign governmental patent agencies also require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment (such as annuities) and other similar provisions during the patent application process and beyond. While an inadvertent lapse can in many cases be cured by payment of a late fee or by other means in accordance with the applicable rules, there are situations in which noncompliance can result in abandonment or lapse of the patent or patent application, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. Non-compliance events that could result in abandonment or lapse of a patent or patent application include, but are not limited to, failure to respond to official actions within prescribed time limits, non-payment of fees and failure to properly legalize and submit formal documents. In some cases, our licensors may be responsible for these payments or filings, thereby decreasing our control over compliance with these requirements.

If we fail to address and comply with these regulationssuch procedural, documentary, payment and other provisions for any subsequent changes,item of intellectual property, such intellectual property may become abandoned or may lapse.


If our trademarks and trade names are not adequately protected, then we may not be subjectable to penaltybuild name recognition in our markets of interest and our business may be harmed.adversely affected.

 

If our management following our initial business combination is unfamiliar with United States securities laws, theyOur registered or unregistered trademarks or trade names may havebe challenged, infringed, circumvented or declared generic or determined to expend time and resources becoming familiar with such laws, which could lead to various regulatory issues.

Following our initial business combination, our management may resign from their positions as officers or directors of the company and the management of the target business at the time of the business combination will remain in place. Management of the target businessbe infringing on other marks. We may not be familiar with United States securities laws. If new management is unfamiliar with United States securities laws, they may haveable to expend timeprotect our rights to these trademarks and resources becoming familiar with such laws. This could be expensive and time-consuming and could leadtrade names, which we need to various regulatory issues which may adversely affect our operations.

Exchange rate fluctuations and currency policies may cause a target business’ ability to succeed in the international markets to be diminished.

In the event we acquire a non-U.S. target, all revenues and income would likely be received in a foreign currency, and the dollar equivalent of our net assets and distributions, if any, could be adversely affectedbuild name recognition by reductions in the value of the local currency. The value of the currenciespotential partners or customers in our target regions fluctuate and are affected by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions. Any change in the relative valuemarkets of such currency against our reporting currencyinterest. At times, competitors may affect the attractiveness of any target businessadopt trade names or following consummation of our initial business combination, our financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, if a currency appreciates in value against the dollar priortrademarks similar to the consummation of our initial business combination, the cost of a target business as measured in dollars will increase, which may make it less likely that we are able to consummate such transaction.


After our initial business combination, substantially all of our assets may be located in a foreign country and substantially all of our revenue will be derived from our operations in such country. Accordingly, our results of operations and prospects will be subject, to a significant extent, to the economic, political and legal policies, developments and conditions in the country in which we operate.

The economic, political and social conditions, as well as government policies, of the country in which our operations are located could affect our business. Economic growth could be uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy and such growth may not be sustained in the future. If in the future such country’s economy experiences a downturn or grows at a slower rate than expected, there may be less demand for spending in certain industries. A decrease in demand for spending in certain industries could materially and adversely affectours, thereby impeding our ability to find an attractive target business with whichbuild brand identity and possibly leading to consummate our initial business combination and if we effect our initial business combination, the ability of that target business to become profitable.

RISKS RELATING TO OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM

We are dependent upon our officers and directors and their loss could adversely affect our ability to operate.

Our operations are dependent upon a relatively small group of individuals and, in particular, our officers and directors. We believe that our success depends on the continued service of our officers and directors, at least until we have completed our initial business combination.market confusion. In addition, our officers and directors are not required to commit any specified amountthere could be potential trade name or trademark infringement claims brought by owners of time to our affairs and, accordingly, will have conflicts of interest in allocating their time among various business activities, including identifying potential business combinations and monitoringother registered trademarks. Over the related due diligence. We do not have an employment agreement with, or key-man insurance on the life of, any of our directors or officers. The unexpected loss of the services of one or more of our directors or officers could have a detrimental effect on us.

Our ability to successfully effect our initial business combination and to be successful thereafter will be dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel, some of whom may join us following our initial business combination. The loss of key personnel could negatively impact the operations and profitability of our post-combination business.

Our ability to successfully effect our initial business combination is dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel. The role of our key personnel in the target business, however, cannot presently be ascertained. Although some of our key personnel may remain with the target business in senior management or advisory positions following our initial business combination, it is likely that some or all of the management of the target business will remain in place. While we intend to closely scrutinize any individuals we engage after our initial business combination, we cannot assure you that our assessment of these individuals will prove to be correct. These individuals may be unfamiliar with the requirements of operating a company regulated by the SEC, which could cause us to have to expend time and resources helping them become familiar with such requirements.

Our key personnel may negotiate employment or consulting agreements with a target business in connection with a particular business combination, and a particular business combination may be conditioned on the retention or resignation of such key personnel. 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 is the most advantageous.

Our key personnel may be able to remain with our company after the completion 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 completion of the business combination. Such negotiations also could make such key personnel’s retention or resignation a condition to any such agreement. The personal and financial interests of such individuals may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business, subject to their fiduciary duties under Cayman Islands law.

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Our officers and directors will allocate their time to other businesses thereby causing conflicts of interest in their determination as to how much time to devote to our affairs. This conflict of interest could have a negative impact on our ability to complete our initial business combination.

Our officers and directors are not required to, and will not, commit their full time to our affairs, which may result in a conflict of interest in allocating their time between our operations and our search for a business combination and their other businesses. We do not intend to have any full-time employees prior to the completion of our initial business combination. Each of our officers is engaged in other business endeavors for which he may be entitled to substantial compensation, and our officers are not obligated to contribute any specific number of hours per week to our affairs. Our independent directors also serve as officers and board members for other entities. If our officers’ and directors’ other business affairs require them to devote substantial amounts of time to such affairs in excess of their current commitment levels, it could limit their ability to devote time to our affairs which may have a negative impact on our ability to complete our initial business combination.

Our officers and directors presently have, and any of them in the future may have additional, fiduciary or contractual obligations to other entities and, accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.

Following the completion of the offering and until we consummate our initial business combination, we intend to engage in the business of identifying and combining with one or more businesses. Each of our officers and directors presently has, and any of them in the future may have, additional fiduciary or contractual obligations to other entities pursuant to which such officer or director is or will be required to present a business combination opportunity to such entities. Accordingly, they may have conflicts of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented. These conflicts may not be resolved in our favor and a potential target business may be presented to another entity prior to its presentation to us, subject to their fiduciary duties under Cayman Islands law. Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that we renounce our interest in any corporate opportunity offered to any director or officer unless such opportunity is expressly offered to such person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the company and it is an opportunity that we are able to complete on a reasonable basis.

In addition, our sponsor and our officers and directors may sponsor or form other special purpose acquisition companies similar to ours or may pursue other business or investment ventures during the period in which we are seeking an initial business combination. Any such companies, businesses or investments may present additional conflicts of interest in pursuing an initial business combination. However, we do not believe that any such potential conflicts would materially affect our ability to complete our initial business combination.

Our officers, directors, security holders and their respective affiliates may have competitive pecuniary interests that conflict with our interests.

We have not adopted a policy that expressly prohibits our directors, officers, security holders or affiliates from having a direct or indirect pecuniary or financial interest in any investment to be acquired or disposed of by us or in any transaction to which we are a party or have an interest. In fact, we may enter into a business combination with a target business that is affiliated with our sponsor, our directors or officers, although we do not intend to do so. Nor do we have a policy that expressly prohibits any such persons from engaging for their own account in business activities of the types conducted by us. Accordingly, such persons or entities may have a conflict between their interests and ours.

The personal and financial interests of our directors and officers may influence their motivation in timely identifying and selecting a target business and completing a business combination. Consequently, our directors’ and officers’ discretion in identifying and selecting a suitable target business may result in a conflict of interest when determining whether the terms, conditions and timing of a particular business combination are appropriate and in our shareholders’ best interest. If this were the case, it would be a breach of their fiduciary duties to us as a matter of Cayman Islands law and we or our shareholders might have a claim against such individuals for infringing on our shareholders’ rights.

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We may not have sufficient funds to satisfy indemnification claims of our directors and officers.

We have agreed to indemnify our officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by law. However, our officers and directors have agreed to waive any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the trust account and to not seek recourse against the trust account for any reason whatsoever. Accordingly, any indemnification provided will be able to be satisfied by us only if (i) we have sufficient funds outside of the trust account or (ii) we consummate an initial business combination. Our obligation to indemnify our officers and directors may discourage shareholders from bringing a lawsuit against our officers or directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions also may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against our officers and directors, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our shareholders. Furthermore, a shareholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against our officers and directors pursuant to these indemnification provisions.

Our letter agreement with our sponsor, officers and directors may be amended without shareholder approval.

Our letter agreement with our sponsor, officers and directors contain provisions relating to transfer restrictions of our founder shares and private placement warrants, indemnification of the trust account, waiver of redemption rights and participation in liquidating distributions from the trust account. The letter agreement may be amended without shareholder approval (although releasing the parties from the restriction not to transfer the founder shares for 185 days following the date of the prospectus will require the prior written consent of the underwriters). While we do not expect our board to approve any amendment to the letter agreement prior to our initial business combination, it may be possible that our board, in exercising its business judgment and subject to its fiduciary duties, chooses to approve one or more amendments to the letter agreement. Any such amendments to the letter agreement would not require approval from our shareholders and may have an adverse effect on the value of an investment in our securities.

RISKS RELATING TO OUR SECURITIES

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

Our public shareholders will be entitled to receive funds from the trust account only upon the earliest to occur of: (i) our completion of an initial business combination, and then only in connection with those Class A ordinary shares that such shareholder properly elected to redeem, subject to the limitations and on the conditions described herein, (ii) the redemption of any public shares properly submitted in connection with a shareholder vote to amend our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (A) to modify the substance or timing of our obligation to allow redemption in connection with our initial business combination or to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our initial business combination by July 17, 2022 or (B) with respect to any other material provisions relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity, and (iii) the redemption of our public shareslong term, if we are unable to complete an initial business combination by July 17, 2022, subject to applicable law and as further described herein. In no other circumstances will a public shareholder have any right or interest of any kind in the trust account. Holders of warrants will not have any right to the proceeds held in the trust account with respect to the warrants. Accordingly, to liquidate your investment, you may be forced to sell your public shares or warrants, potentially at a loss.

NYSE may delist our securities from trading on its exchange, which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities and subject us to additional trading restrictions.

Our units, Class A ordinary shares and warrants are listed on NYSE. Although we meet the minimum initial listing standards set forth in the NYSE listing standards, we cannot assure you that our securities will continue to be, listed on NYSE in the future or prior to our initial business combination. In order to continue listing our securities on NYSE prior to our initial business combination, we must maintain certain financial, distribution and share price levels. Generally, following the Public Offering, we must maintain a minimum amount in Shareholders’ equity (generally $2,500,000) and a minimum number of holders of our securities (generally 300 public holders). Additionally, in connection with our initial business combination, we will be required to demonstrate compliance with NYSE’s initial listing requirements, which are more rigorous than NYSE’s continued listing requirements, in order to continue to maintain the listing of our securities on NYSE. For instance, our share price would generally be required to be at least $4.00 per share and our Shareholders’ equity would generally be required to be at least $5.0 million. We cannot assure you that we will be able to meet those initial listing requirements at that time.


If NYSE 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 an over-the-counter market. If this were to occur, we could face significant material adverse consequences, including:

a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;

reduced liquidity for our securities;

a determination that our Class A ordinary shares are a “penny stock” which will require brokers trading in our Class A ordinary shares 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 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 we expect that our units and eventually our Class A ordinary shares and warrants will be listed on NYSE, our units, Class A ordinary shares and warrants will qualify as covered securities under the statute. 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 having used these powers to prohibit or restrict the sale of securities issued by blank check companies, other than the State of Idaho, 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 NYSE, our securities would not qualify as covered securities under the statute and we would be subject to regulation in each state in which we offer our securities.

Because we are incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, you may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through the U.S. Federal courts may be limited.

We are an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon our directors or officers, or enforce judgments obtained in the United States courts against our directors or officers.

Our corporate affairs will be governed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Law (as the same may be supplemented or amended from time to time) and the common law of the Cayman Islands. We will also be subject to the federal securities laws of the United States. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from English common law, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are different from what they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a different body of securities laws as compared to the United States, and certain states, such as Delaware, may have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholders derivative action in a Federal court of the United States.


We have been advised by Maples and Calder, our Cayman Islands legal counsel, that the courts of the Cayman Islands are unlikely (i) to recognize or enforce against us judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or any state; and (ii) in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, to impose liabilities against us predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or any state, so far as the liabilities imposed by those provisions are penal in nature. In those circumstances, although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, the courts of the Cayman Islands will recognize and enforce a foreign money judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without retrial on the meritsestablish name recognition based on the principle that a judgment of a competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment debtor an obligation to pay the sum for which judgment has been given provided certain conditions are met. For a foreign judgment to be enforced in the Cayman Islands, such judgment must be finalour trademarks and conclusive and for a liquidated sum, and must not be in respect of taxes or a fine or penalty, inconsistent with a Cayman Islands judgment in respect of the same matter, impeachable on the grounds of fraud or obtained in a manner, or be of a kind the enforcement of which is, contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands (awards of punitive or multiple damages may well be held to be contrary to public policy). A Cayman Islands Court may stay enforcement proceedings if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere.

As a result of all of the above, public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as public shareholders of a United States company.

After our initial business combination, it is possible that a majority of our directors and officers will live outside the United States and all of our assets will be located outside the United States; therefore, investorstrade names, then we may not be able to enforce federal securities lawscompete effectively and our business may be adversely affected.

In addition, if we are unable to establish name recognition based on our trademarks and trade names, then we may not be able to compete effectively and our business may be adversely affected. We may license our trademarks and trade names to third parties, such as distributors. Though these license agreements may provide guidelines for how our trademarks and trade names may be used, a breach of these agreements or their other legal rights.

It is possible that after our initial business combination, a majoritymisuse of our directorstrademarks and officers will reside outsidetradenames by our licensees may jeopardize our rights in, or diminish the goodwill associated with, our trademarks and trade names. Our efforts to enforce or protect our proprietary rights related to trademarks, trade names, trade secrets, domain names, copyrights or other intellectual property may be ineffective and could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

Numerous factors may limit any potential competitive advantage provided by our intellectual property rights.

The degree of future protection afforded by our intellectual property rights is uncertain because intellectual property rights have limitations, and may not adequately protect our business, provide a barrier to entry against our competitors or potential competitors, or permit us to maintain our competitive advantage. Moreover, if a third party has intellectual property rights that cover the practice of our technology, we may not be able to fully exercise or extract value from our intellectual property rights. The following examples are illustrative:

others may be able to develop and/or practice technology that is similar to our technology or aspects of our technology that are not covered by the claims of any patents that have issued, or may issue, from our owned or in-licensed patent applications;

we might not have been the first to make the inventions covered by a pending patent application that we own or license;

we might not have been the first to file patent applications covering an invention and therefore may not be able to obtain or maintain patent protection for the invention;

others may independently develop similar or alternative technologies without infringing our intellectual property rights;

pending patent applications that we own or license may not lead to issued patents;

patents, if issued, that we own or license may not provide us with any competitive advantages, or may be interpreted narrowly or held invalid or unenforceable, as a result of legal challenges by our competitors;

third parties may compete with us in jurisdictions where we do not pursue and obtain patent protection;

we may not be able to obtain and/or maintain necessary or useful licenses on reasonable terms or at all;

third parties may be able to also license the intellectual property that we have licensed nonexclusively;

third parties may assert an ownership interest in our intellectual property and, if successful, such disputes may preclude us from exercising exclusive rights over that intellectual property;

we may not be able to maintain the confidentiality of our trade secrets or other proprietary information;

we may not develop or in-license additional proprietary technologies that are patentable; and

one or more third parties may pursue continuation patent applications with claims directed to our product offerings, and if issued such patents may have an adverse effect on our business.

Should any of these events occur, they could significantly harm our business and results of operations.


Litigation Risks

In addition to IP litigation risks (referenced above), we face the risk of product liability claims and may be subject to damages, fines, penalties and injunctions, among other things.

Our business exposes us to the risk of product liability claims that are inherent in the testing, manufacturing and marketing of medical devices, including those which may arise from the misuse (including system hacking or other unauthorized access by third parties to our systems) or malfunction of, or design flaws in, our products, when or if authorized for marketing. This liability may vary based on the FDA classification associated with our devices and with state law governing product liability standards applied to specification developers and/or manufacturers in a given negligence or strict liability lawsuit. We may be subject to product liability claims if the Vicarious System causes, or merely appears to have caused, an injury. Claims may be made by patients, healthcare providers or others selling the Vicarious System. The risk of product liability claims may also increase if our products are subject to a recall or seizure. Product liability claims may be brought by individuals or by groups seeking to represent a class.

Although we have insurance at levels that we believe to be appropriate, this insurance is subject to deductibles and coverage limitations. Our current product liability insurance may not continue to be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all, and, if available, the coverage may not be adequate to protect us against any future product liability claims. If we are unable to maintain insurance at an acceptable cost or on acceptable terms with adequate coverage or otherwise protect against potential product liability claims, we may be exposed to significant liabilities, which may harm our business. A product liability claim, recall or other claim with respect to uninsured liabilities or for amounts in excess of insured liabilities could result in significant costs and significant harm to our business.

We may be subject to claims against us even if the apparent injury is due to the actions of others or misuse of the United Statesdevice or a partner device. Healthcare providers may use the Vicarious System in a manner inconsistent with the labeling and allthat differs from the manner in which it was used in clinical studies and authorization for use by the FDA. Off-label use of our assets will be located outsidemedical products by healthcare providers is common, and any such off-label use of the United States. AsVicarious System could subject us to additional liability, or require design changes to limit this potential off-label use once discovered. Defending a suit, regardless of merit, could be costly, could divert management attention and might result it may be difficult, or in some cases not possible, for investorsadverse publicity, which could result in the United Stateswithdrawal of, or result in reduced acceptance of, the Vicarious System in the market.

Additionally, we may enter into various agreements where we indemnify third parties for certain claims relating to enforcethe Vicarious System. These indemnification obligations may require us to pay significant sums of money for claims that are covered by these indemnification obligations. We are not currently subject to any product liability claims; however, any future product liability claims against it, regardless of their legal rights, tomerit, may result in negative publicity about us that could ultimately harm our reputation and could have a material adverse effect service of process upon all of our directors or officers or to enforce judgments of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities and criminal penalties on our directorsbusiness, financial condition, or results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Securities and officers under United States laws.to Being a Public Company

 

Provisions in our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may inhibit a takeover of us, which could limit the price investors might be willing to pay in the futureOur outstanding warrants become exercisable for our Class A ordinary shares andcommon stock 30 days after the closing of our Business Combination, which could entrench management.

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association contain provisions that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposals that shareholders may consider to be in their best interests. These provisions include a staggered board of directors and the ability of the board of directors to designate the terms of and issue new series of preferred shares, which may make the removal of management more difficult and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our securities.

We may amend the terms of the warrants in a manner that may be adverse to holders of public warrants with the approval by the holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding public warrants. As a result, the exercise price of your warrants could be increased, the exercise period could be shortened andincrease the number of Class A ordinary shares purchasable upon exercise of a warrant could be decreased, all without your approval.

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 holdereligible for the purpose of (i) curing any ambiguity or to correct any defective provision or mistake, including to conform the provisions of the warrant agreement to the description of the terms of the warrants and the warrant agreement set forthfuture resale in the prospectus, (ii) adjustingpublic market and result in dilution to our stockholders.

Following the provisions relating to cash dividends on ordinary shares as contemplated by and in accordance with the warrant agreement or (iii) adding or changing any provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the warrant agreement as the parties to the warrant agreement may deem necessary or desirable and that the parties deem to not adversely affect the rights of the registered holders of the warrants, provided that the approval by the holders of at least 50% of the then-outstanding public warrants is required to make any change that adversely affects the interests of the registered holders of public warrants. Accordingly, we may amend the terms of the public warrants in a manner adverse to a holder of public warrants if holders of at least 50% of the thenBusiness Combination, there were (i) 17,249,991 outstanding public warrants approve of such amendment. Although our ability to amend the terms of the public warrants with the consent of at least 50% of the then outstanding public warrants is unlimited, examples of such amendments could be amendments to, among other things, increase the exercise price of the warrants, convert the warrants into cash orpurchase 17,249,991 shares shorten the exercise period or decrease the number of Class A ordinary shares purchasable upon exercise of a warrant.

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Our warrant agreement will designate the courts of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by holders of our warrants, which could limit the ability of warrant holders to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with our company.

Our warrant agreement will provide that, subject to applicable law, (i) any action, proceeding or claim against us arising out of or relating in any way to the warrant agreement, including under the Securities Act, will be brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and (ii) that we irrevocably submit to such jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall be the exclusive forum for any such action, proceeding or claim. We will waive any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, these provisions of the warrant agreement will not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal district courts of the United States of America are the sole and exclusive forum. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any of our warrants shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the forum provisions in our warrant agreement. If any action, the subject matter of which is within the scope the forum provisions of the warrant agreement, is filed in a court other than a court of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (a “foreign action”) in the name of any holder of our warrants, such holder shall be deemed to have consented to: (x) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in the State of New York in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce the forum provisions (an “enforcement action”), and (y) having service of process made upon such warrant holder in any such enforcement action by service upon such warrant holder’s counsel in the foreign action as agent for such warrant holder.

This choice-of-forum provision may limit a warrant holder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with our company, which may discourage such lawsuits. Alternatively, if a court were to find this provision of our warrant agreement inapplicable or unenforceable with respect to one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and result in a diversion of the time and resources of our management and board of directors.

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 at any time after they become exercisable and prior to their expiration, at a price of $0.01 per warrant, provided that the closing price of our Class A ordinary shares equals or exceeds $18.00common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share, (as adjusted(ii) 8,900,000 outstanding private placement warrants issued in connection with D8’s initial public offering exercisable for share sub-divisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading-day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which we give proper notice8,900,000 shares of such redemption to the warrants holders and provided certain other conditions are met. We will not redeem the warrants unless an effective registration statement under the Securities Act covering theour Class A ordinarycommon stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share, and (iii) 1,500,000 outstanding private placement warrants issued upon conversion of working capital loans made to D8 exercisable for 1,500,000 shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants is effective and a current prospectus relating to thoseour Class A ordinary shares is available throughoutcommon stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share. The warrants became exercisable 30 days after the 30-day redemption period, except ifclosing of our Business Combination, which occurred on September 17, 2021. In certain circumstances, the warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis andbasis. To the extent such cashless exercise is exempt from registration under the Securities Act. 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 to (i) exercise your warrants and pay the exercise price therefor at a time when it may be disadvantageous for you to do so, (ii) sell your warrants at the then-current market price when you might otherwise wish to hold your warrants or (iii) accept the nominal redemption price which, at the time the outstanding warrants are called for redemption, is likely to be substantially less than the market value of your warrants.


In addition, we have the ability to redeem the outstanding public warrants at any time after they become exercisable and prior to their expiration, at a price of $0.10 per warrant upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption; provided that the closing priceexercised, additional shares of our Class A ordinary shares equals or exceeds $10.00 per share (as adjusted for adjustmentscommon stock will be issued, which will result in dilution to the holders of our Class A common stock and increase the number of shares issuable upon exercise oreligible for resale in the exercise pricepublic market. Sales of a warrant) for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading-day period ending on the third trading day prior to proper noticesubstantial numbers of such redemption and provided that certain other conditions are met, including that holders will be able to exercise their warrants prior to redemption for a number of Class A ordinary shares determined based on the redemption date and the fair market value of our Class A ordinary shares. The value received upon exercise of the warrants (1) may be less than the value the holders would have received if they had been able to exercise their warrants at a later time at which the underlying share price is higher and (2) may not compensate the holders for the value of the warrants, including because the number of ordinary shares received is capped at 0.361 Class A ordinary shares per warrant (subject to adjustment) irrespective of the remaining life of the warrants.

None of the private placement warrants will be redeemable by us so long as they are held by the sponsor or its permitted transferees.

Our warrants may have an adverse effect on the market price of our Class A ordinary shares and make it more difficult to effectuate our initial business combination.

We issued warrants to purchase 17,250,000 Class A ordinary shares as part of the units offered by the prospectus and, simultaneously with the closing of the Public Offering and the closing of the over-allotment, we issued in a private placement an aggregate of 8,900,000 warrants, at $1.00 per warrant. In addition, if the sponsor makes any working capital loans, it may convert those loans into up to an additional 1,500,000 private placement warrants, at the price of $1.00 per warrant. To the extent we issue ordinary shares to effectuate a business transaction, the potential for the issuance of a substantial number of additional Class A ordinary shares 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 Class A ordinary shares and reduce the value of the Class A ordinary shares issued to complete the business transaction. Therefore, our warrants may make it more difficult to effectuate a business transaction or increase the cost of acquiring the target business.

Because each unit contains one-half of one warrant and only a whole warrant may be exercised, the units may be worth less than units of other special purpose acquisition companies.

Each unit contains one-half of one warrant. Pursuant to the warrant agreement, no fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the units, and only whole units will trade. If, upon exercise of the warrants, a holder would be entitled to receive a fractional interest in a share, we will, upon exercise, round down to the nearest whole number the number of Class A ordinary shares to be issued to the warrant holder. This is different from other offerings similar to ours whose units include one ordinary share and one warrant to purchase one whole share. We have 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 one-half of the number of shares compared to units that each contain a whole warrant to purchase one 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 it included a warrant to purchase one whole share.

A provision of our warrant agreement may make it more difficult for us to consummate an initial business combination.

If (i) we issue additional ordinary shares or equity-linked securities for capital raising purposes in connection with the closing of our initial business combination at a Newly Issued Price of less than $9.20 per Class A ordinary share, (ii) the aggregate gross proceeds from such issuances represent more than 60% of the total equity proceeds, and interest thereon, available for the funding of our initial business combination, and (iii) the Market Value of our Class A ordinary shares is below $9.20 per share, then the exercise price of the warrants will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 115% of the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price, and the $18.00 per share redemption trigger prices will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 180% of the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price, and the $10.00 per share redemption trigger price will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price. This may make it more difficult for us to consummate an initial business combination with a target business.

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The grant of registration rights to our initial shareholders and holders of our private placement warrants may make it more difficult to complete our initial business combination, and the future exercise of such rights maypublic market could adversely affect the market price of our Class A ordinary shares.common stock, the impact of which is increased as the value of our stock price increases. However, there is no guarantee that the warrants will remain in the money prior to their expiration, and as such, the warrants may expire worthless.

 

Pursuant to an agreement to be entered into concurrently with


Our warrants are accounted for as liabilities and changes in the issuance and salevalue of our warrants could have a material effect on our financial results.

On April 12, 2021, the Acting Director of the securitiesDivision of Corporation Finance and Acting Chief Accountant of the SEC together issued a statement regarding the accounting and reporting considerations for warrants issued by special purpose acquisition companies entitled “Staff Statement on Accounting and Reporting Considerations for Warrants Issued by Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (“SPACs”)” (the “SEC Statement”). Specifically, the SEC Statement focused on certain settlement terms and provisions related to certain tender offers following a business combination, which terms are similar to those contained in the offering,warrant agreement governing our initial shareholderswarrants. As a result of the SEC Statement, D8 reevaluated the accounting treatment of its public warrants and their permitted transferees can demand that we register the Class A ordinary shares into which founder shares are convertible, holders of our private placement warrants, and their permitted transferees can demanddetermined to classify the warrants as derivative liabilities measured at fair value, with changes in fair value each period reported in earnings.

As a result, included on D8’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 are derivative liabilities related to D8’s warrants. Accounting Standards Codification 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”), provides for the remeasurement of the fair value of such derivatives at each balance sheet date, with a resulting non-cash gain or loss related to the change in the fair value being recognized in earnings in the statement of operations. As a result of the recurring fair value measurement, our financial statements and results of operations may fluctuate quarterly, based on factors that are outside of our control. Due to the recurring fair value measurement, it is expected that we registerwill recognize non-cash gains or losses on the private placement warrants each reporting period and that the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exerciseamount of such gains or losses could be material.

We may face litigation and other risks as a result of the private placement warrants, and holders of securities that may be issued upon conversion of working capital loans may demand that we register such units, shares, warrants or the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of such warrants. We will bear the cost of registering these securities. The registration and availability of such a significant number of securities for tradingmaterial weakness in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our Class A ordinary shares. In addition, the existence of the registration rights may make our initial business combination more costly or difficult to conclude. This is because the shareholders 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 Class A ordinary shares that is expected when the ordinary shares owned by our initial shareholders, holders of our private placement warrants or holders of our working capital loans or their respective permitted transferees are registered.internal control over financial reporting.

 

You will not be permitted to exercise your warrants unless we register and qualify the underlying Class A ordinary shares or certain exemptions are available.

IfFollowing the issuance of the Class A ordinary shares upon exerciseSEC Statement, after consultation with its independent registered public accounting firm, D8’s management and its audit committee concluded that it was appropriate to restate its previously issued audited financial statements as of and for the period ended December 31, 2021. See “— Our warrants are accounted for as liabilities and changes in the value of our warrants could have a material effect on our financial results.” As part of the Restatement, D8 identified a material weakness in its internal controls over financial reporting.

As a result of such material weakness, the Restatement, the change in accounting for the warrants, is not registered, qualifiedand other matters raised or exempt from registrationthat may in the future be raised by the SEC, we face potential for litigation or qualification underother disputes which may include, among others, claims invoking the Securities Actfederal and applicable state securities laws, holderscontractual claims or other claims arising from the Restatement and material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and the preparation of warrantsour financial statements. We can provide no assurance that such litigation or dispute will not be entitled to exercise such warrants and such warrants 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 Class A ordinary shares includedarise in the units.

We arefuture. Any such litigation or dispute, whether successful or not, registering the Class A ordinary shares 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 that, as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 15 business days, after the closing of our initial business combination, we will use our best efforts to file with the SEC a registration statement covering the registration under the Securities Act of the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants and thereafter will use our best efforts to cause the same to become effective within 60 business days following our initial business combination and to maintain a current prospectus relating to the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants until the expiration of the warrants in accordance with the provisions of the warrant agreement. We cannot assure you that we will be able to do so if, for example, any facts or events arise which represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement or prospectus, the financial statements contained or incorporated by reference therein are not current or correct or the SEC issues a stop order.

If the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants are not registered under the Securities Act, under the terms of the warrant agreement, holders of warrants who seek to exercise their warrants will not be permitted to do so for cash and, instead, will be required to do so on a cashless basis in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act or another exemption.

In no event will warrants be exercisable for cash or on a cashless basis, and we will not be obligated to issue any shares to holders seeking to exercise their warrants, unless the issuance of the shares upon such exercise is registered or qualified under the securities laws of the state of the exercising holder, or an exemption from registration or qualification is available.

If our Class A ordinary shares are at the time of any exercise of a warrant not listed on a national securities exchange such that they satisfy the definition of “covered securities” under Section 18(b)(1) of the Securities Act, we may, at our option, not permit holders of warrants who seek to exercise their warrants to do so for cash and, instead, require them to do so on a cashless basis in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act; in the event we so elect, we will not be required to file or maintain in effect a registration statement or register or qualify the shares underlying the warrants under applicable state securities laws, and in the event we do not so elect, we will use our best efforts to register or qualify the shares underlying the warrants under applicable state securities laws to the extent an exemption is not available.

In no event will we be required to net cash settle any warrant, or issue securities (other than upon a cashless exercise as described above) or other compensation in exchange for the warrants in the event that we are unable to register or qualify the shares underlying the warrants under the Securities Act or applicable state securities laws.

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You may only be able to exercise your public warrants on a “cashless basis” under certain circumstances, and if you do so, you will receive fewer Class A ordinary shares from such exercise than if you were to exercise such warrants for cash.

The warrant agreement provides that in the following circumstances holders of warrants who seek to exercise their warrants will not be permitted to do for cash and will, instead, be required to do so on a cashless basis in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act: (i) if the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants are not registered under the Securities Act in accordance with the terms of the warrant agreement; (ii) if we have so elected and the Class A ordinary shares are at the time of any exercise of a warrant not listed on a national securities exchange such that they satisfy the definition of “covered securities” under Section 18(b)(1) of the Securities Act; and (iii) if we have so elected and we call the public warrants for redemption. If you exercise your public warrants on a cashless basis, you would pay the warrant exercise price by surrendering the warrants for that number of Class A ordinary shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of Class A ordinary shares underlying the warrants, multiplied by the excess of the “fair market value” of our Class A ordinary shares (as defined in the next sentence) over the exercise price of the warrants by (y) the fair market value. The “fair market value” is the average reported closing price of the Class A ordinary shares for the 10 trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the notice of exercise is received by the warrant agent or on which the notice of redemption is sent to the holders of warrants, as applicable. As a result, you would receive fewer Class A ordinary shares from such exercise than if you were to exercise such warrants for cash.

GENERAL RISK FACTORS

We are a blank check company with no operating history and no revenues, and you have no basis on which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective.

We are a blank check company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands with no operating results, and we will not commence operations until obtaining funding through the offering. Because we lack an operating history, you have no basis upon which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective of completing our initial business combination. We have no plans, arrangements or understandings with any prospective target business concerning a business combination and may be unable to complete our initial business combination. If we fail to complete our initial business combination, we will never generate any operating revenues.

Past performance by our management team and their affiliates, including investments and transactions in which they have participated and businesses with which they have been associated, may not be indicative of future performance of an investment in the Company.

Information regarding our management team and their affiliates, including investments and transactions in which they have participated and businesses with which they have been associated, is presented for informational purposes only. Any past experience and performance by our management team and their affiliates and the businesses with which they have been associated, is not a guarantee that we will be able to successfully identify a suitable candidate for our initial business combination, that we will be able to provide positive returns to our shareholders, or of any results with respect to any initial business combination we may consummate. You should not rely on the historical experiences of our management team and their affiliates, including investments and transactions in which they have participated and businesses with which they have been associated, as indicative of the future performance of an investment in us or as indicative of every prior investment by each of the members of our management team or their affiliates. The market price of our securities may be influenced by numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, and our shareholders may experience losses on their investment in our securities.

Cyber incidents or attacks directed at us could result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption and/or financial loss.

We depend on digital technologies, including information systems, infrastructure and cloud applications and services, including those of third parties with which we may deal. Sophisticated and deliberate attacks on, or security breaches in, our systems or infrastructure, or the systems or infrastructure of third parties or the cloud, could lead to corruption or misappropriation of our assets, proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data. As an early stage company without significant investments in data security protection, we may not be sufficiently protected against such occurrences. We may not have sufficient resources to adequately protect against, or to investigate and remediate any vulnerability to, cyber incidents. It is possible that any of these occurrences, or a combination of them, could have a material adverse consequenceseffect on our business, results of operations and lead to financial loss.condition.

 

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

 

We 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“emerging growth companies,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 nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholderstockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As a result, our shareholdersstockholders may not have access 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 value of our Class A ordinary sharescommon stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the end of any June 30 before that time,second quarter of a fiscal year, in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the following December 31.last day of such fiscal year. We cannot predict whether investors will find our securities less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result of our reliance on these exemptions, the trading prices of our securities may be lower than they otherwise would be, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the trading prices of our securities may be more volatile.

 


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 registration statement under the 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 whichthat is neithernot an emerging growth company noror is 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.

 

Additionally, we are a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. Smaller reporting companies may take advantage of certain reduced disclosure obligations, including, among other things, providing only two years of audited financial statements. We will remain a smaller reporting company until the last day of the fiscal year in which (1)(i) the market value of our ordinary sharescommon stock held by non-affiliates exceedsis greater than or equal to $250 million as of the prior June 30, or (2)end of that fiscal year’s second fiscal quarter, and (ii) our annual revenues exceededare greater than or equal to $100 million during suchthe last completed fiscal year and the market value of our ordinary sharescommon stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30th.end of that fiscal year’s second fiscal quarter. To the extent we take advantage of such reduced disclosure obligations, it may also make comparison of our financial statements with other public companies difficult or impossible.

 

We cannot predict the impact our dual class structure may have on the stock price of our Class A common stock.

We employcannot predict whether our dual class structure will result in a mail forwarding service,lower or more volatile market price of our Class A common stock or in adverse publicity or other adverse consequences. For example, certain index providers have announced restrictions on including companies with multiple-class share structures in certain of their indexes. Under these policies, our dual class capital structure would make us ineligible for inclusion in certain indices, and as a result, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and other investment vehicles that attempt to passively track those indices will not be investing in our stock. It is unclear what effect, if any, these policies will have on the valuations of publicly traded companies excluded from such indices, but it is possible that they may depress valuations, as compared to similar companies that are included. As a result, the market price of shares of our Class A common stock could be adversely affected.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or if they issue an adverse or misleading opinion regarding our securities, our stock price and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our securities is influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause the price and trading volume of our securities to decline. Further, if any of these analysts issues an adverse or misleading opinion regarding us, our business model, our industry or our stock performance or if our operating results fail to meet analyst expectations, the price of our securities could also decline.


Delaware law and our organizational documents contain certain provisions, including anti-takeover provisions that limit the ability of stockholders to take certain actions and could delay or discourage takeover attempts that stockholders may consider favorable.

The provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”) and our organizational documents contain provisions that could have the effect of rendering more difficult, delaying, or preventing an acquisition that stockholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares. These provisions could also limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock, and therefore depress the trading price of our common stock. Additionally, these provisions could also make it difficult for stockholders to take certain actions, including electing directors who are not nominated by the current members of our board of directors or taking other corporate actions, including effecting changes in our management. Among other things, our organizational documents include provisions regarding:

the ability of our board of directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock;

the ability of our board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock, including “blank check” preferred stock and to determine the price and other terms of those shares, including preferences and voting rights, without stockholder approval, which could be used to significantly dilute the ownership of a hostile acquirer;

limitations on the liability of, and the indemnification of, our directors and officers;

the right of our board of directors to elect a director to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of our board of directors or the resignation, death or removal of a director, which prevents stockholders from being able to fill vacancies on our board of directors;   

the requirement that directors may only be removed from our board of directors for cause and upon the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the total voting power of then outstanding shares of our common stock;   

a prohibition on stockholder action by written consent (except for actions by the holders of our Class B common stock or as required for holders of future series of our preferred stock), which forces stockholder action to be taken at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and could delay the ability of stockholders to force consideration of a stockholder proposal or to take action, including the removal of directors;

the requirement that a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by our board of directors, the chairman of our board of directors, or our chief executive officer, which could delay the ability of stockholders to force consideration of a proposal or to take action, including the removal of directors;

controlling the procedures for the conduct and scheduling of our board of directors and stockholder meetings;

the requirement for the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the total voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of the voting stock, voting together as a single class, to amend, alter, change or repeal certain provisions in our certificate of incorporation (the “Charter”) which could preclude stockholders from bringing matters before annual or special meetings of stockholders and delay changes in our board of directors and also may inhibit the ability of an acquirer to effect such amendments to facilitate an unsolicited takeover attempt;

the ability of our board of directors to amend our amended and restated bylaws (the “Bylaws”), which may allow our board of directors to take additional actions to prevent an unsolicited takeover and inhibit the ability of an acquirer to amend the Bylaws to facilitate an unsolicited takeover attempt; and

advance notice procedures with which stockholders must comply to nominate candidates to our board of directors or to propose matters to be acted upon at a stockholders’ meeting, which could preclude stockholders from bringing matters before annual or special meetings of stockholders and delay changes in our board of directors and also may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of our company.

These anti-takeover provisions as well as certain provisions of Delaware law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if the third party’s offer may be considered beneficial by many of our stockholders. As a result, our stockholders may be limited in their ability to obtain a premium for their shares. If prospective takeovers are not consummated for any reason, we may experience negative reactions from the financial markets, including negative impacts on the price of our common stock. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for our stockholders to elect directors of their choosing and to cause us to take other corporate actions that our stockholders desire.

In addition, the provisions of the Director Nomination Agreement entered into on September 17, 2021 (the “Director Nomination Agreement”) with D8 Sponsor LLC (the “Sponsor”) provide the Sponsor with certain board nomination rights which could also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control.


The provisions of our certificate of incorporation requiring exclusive forum in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and the federal district courts of the United States for certain types of lawsuits may have the effect of discouraging certain lawsuits, including derivative lawsuits and lawsuits against us or our directors, officers or other employees, by limiting plaintiffs’ ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that they find favorable.

Our certificate of incorporation provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, in the event that such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, any other court located in the State of Delaware with subject matter jurisdiction), will be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of us, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer, other employee or stockholder of ours to us or our stockholders, (c) any action asserting a claim against us or our officers or directors arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or the Charter or Bylaws or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, (d) any action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of the Charter or the Bylaws or any provision thereof, (e) any action asserting a claim against us or any current or former director, officer, employee, stockholder or agent of ours governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the law of the State of Delaware or (f) any action asserting an “internal corporate claim” as defined in Section 115 of the DGCL. The Charter also provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the federal district courts of the United States will be the exclusive forum for the resolutions of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. This provision in the Charter does not address or apply to claims that arise under the Exchange Act. Section 27 of the Exchange Act creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder; to the extent these provisions could be construed to apply to such claims, there is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such provisions in connection with such claims, and our stockholders cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any of our securities will be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of the Charter described in the preceding paragraph. These provisions may have the effect of discouraging certain lawsuits, including derivative lawsuits and lawsuits against us and our directors and officers, by limiting plaintiffs’ ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that they find favorable. The enforceability of similar choice of forum provisions in other companies’ certificates of incorporation or bylaws has been challenged in legal proceedings, and it is possible that, in connection with any applicable action brought against us, a court could find the choice of forum provisions contained in the Charter to be inapplicable or unenforceable in such action. Furthermore, if a court were to find these provisions of our certificate of incorporation inapplicable or unenforceable with respect to one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and result in a diversion of the time and resources of our management and board of directors.

Although we are not a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NYSE rules, we might become a “controlled company” in the future, and, as a result, our stockholders may not have certain corporate governance protections that are available to stockholders of companies that are not controlled companies.

If more than 50% of the voting power for the election of our directors is held by an individual, a group or another company, we will become a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance standards. Following the completion of the Business Combination, Adam Sachs, Sammy Khalifa, and Barry Greene held approximately 80.0% of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock. Messrs. Sachs, Khalifa and Greene have no agreement or arrangement to act together with respect to voting of the Class B common stock, and thus they have not formed a “group” for purposes of controlled company status. Although no individual, group or other company will have more than 50% of our voting power, Messrs. Sachs, Khalifa and Greene may in the future decide to act as a group, and this concentration of voting power would cause us to become a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance standards.


As a result, if we become a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance standards, then we will not be subject to the requirements that would otherwise require it to have: (i) a majority of independent directors; (ii) a nominating committee comprised solely of independent directors; (iii) compensation of our executive officers determined by a majority of the independent directors or a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors; and (iv) director nominees selected, or recommended for our board of directors’ selection, either by a majority of the independent directors or a nominating committee comprised solely of independent directors. Each share of Class A common stock initially entitles its holders to one vote on all matters presented to stockholders generally and each share of Class B common stock initially entitles its holders to twenty votes on all matters presented to stockholders generally. Accordingly, Messrs. Sachs, Khalifa and Greene, by virtue of their Class B common stock, hold approximately 80.0% of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock. Accordingly, those owners, if voting in the same manner, will be able to control the election and removal of the directors of our board of directors (subject to the Director Nomination Agreement) and thereby determine corporate and management policies, including potential mergers or acquisitions, payment of dividends, asset sales, amendment of the Charter and Bylaws and other significant corporate transactions of ours for so long as they retain significant ownership of Class B common stock. This concentration of ownership may delay or disruptdeter possible changes in control of us, which may adversely affect the market price of shares of our abilityClass A common stock.

Our principal stockholders and management will exert significant influence over us and their interests may conflict with yours in the future.

Each share of Class A common stock initially entitles its holders to receive mailone vote on all matters presented to stockholders generally and each share of Class B common stock initially entitles its holders to twenty votes on all matters presented to stockholders generally. Accordingly, Messrs. Sachs, Khalifa and Greene, by virtue of their Class B common stock, hold approximately 80.0% of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock. Accordingly, those owners, if voting in a timelythe same manner,

Mail addressed will be able to control the election and removal of the directors of our board of directors (subject to the CompanyDirector Nomination Agreement) and received at its registered office will be forwarded unopened to the forwarding address supplied by Company to be dealt with. Nonethereby determine corporate and management policies, including potential mergers or acquisitions, payment of dividends, asset sales, amendment of the Company, its directors, officers, advisorsCharter and Bylaws and other significant corporate transactions of ours for so long as they retain significant ownership of Class B common stock. This concentration of ownership may delay or service providers (including the organization which provides registered office servicesdeter possible changes in the Cayman Islands) will bear any responsibility for any delay howsoever caused in mail reaching the forwarding address,control of us, which may impair your ability to communicate with us.adversely affect the market price of shares of our Class A common stock.

 

ITEM IB. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

 

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

 

We currently leasemaintain our executive offices at Unit 1008, 10/F, Champion Tower, 3 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong from our Sponsor78 Fourth Avenue, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451. We also occupy manufacturing and the members of our management team.laboratory space located at 62 Fourth Avenue Waltham, MA 02451. We lease office space under operating leases. We consider our current office space adequate for our current operations.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

 

As of December 31, 2020,the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, to theour knowledge, ofwe are not party to and our management, there was no material litigation, arbitration or governmental proceeding pending against us or any members of our management team in their capacity as such, and we and the members of our management team haveproperty is not been subject to any material pending legal proceedings. However, from time to time, we may become involved in legal proceedings or subject to claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business activities. Regardless of the outcome, such proceeding.legal proceedings or claims could have an adverse impact on us because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources, negative publicity and reputational harm, and other factors.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

 

Not applicable.


PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

 

Market Information

 

Our units, Class A ordinary sharescommon stock and public warrants are currently listed on the NYSE under the symbols “DEH.U,“RBOT,“DEH” and “DEH WS”,“RBOT WS,” respectively. We do not intend to list the private placement warrants on any securities exchange.

 

Holders

 

As of December 31, 2020,March 1, 2022, there was one holder of record of our units, one holderwere approximately 77 holders of record of our Class A ordinary shares andcommon stock, three holders of record of our warrants. The numberClass B common stock, one holder of record of the public warrants and two holders of record doesof the private placement warrants.

Such numbers do not include a substantially greater number of “street name” holders or beneficial holders whose units,owners holding our securities through nominee names. There is no public market for our Class B common stock.

Dividends

We have not paid any cash dividends on our Class A ordinary sharescommon stock or Class B common stock to date. The payment of cash dividends in the future will be dependent upon our revenues and warrants are heldearnings, if any, capital requirements and general financial condition. The payment of record by banks, brokers and other financial institutions.any cash dividends will be within the discretion of our board of directors at such time.

 

RecentUnregistered Sales of Unregistered Securities; UseSecurities

Not applicable.

Issuer Purchases of Proceeds from Registered OfferingsEquity Securities

 

Unregistered SalesNot applicable.

 

The sales of the Founder Shares and Private Placement Warrants to our Sponsor and our initial shareholders as described herein were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act, in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act as transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering.

Use of Proceeds

On July 14, 2020, our registration statement on Form S-l (File No. 333-239503) was declared effective by the SEC for the Public Offering pursuant to which we sold an aggregate of 34,500,000 units at an offering price to the public of $10.00 per unit for an aggregate offering price of $345,000,000, with each unit consisting of one Class A ordinary share and one-half of one redeemable Warrant. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Class A ordinary share at a price of $11.50 per share. UBS Securities LLC acted as representative for the underwriters (the “Underwriters”). Our Public Offering did not terminate before all of the securities registered in our registration statement were sold. The Public Offering was consummated on July 17, 2020.

Net proceeds of $345,000,000 from the Public Offering, the closing of the over-allotment and the sale of the Private Placement Warrants, including deferred underwriting discounts of approximately $12,075,000, are held in the Trust Account as of December 31, 2020. We paid $6,900,000 in underwriting discounts and incurred offering costs of approximately $569,000 related to the Public Offering. In addition, the Underwriters agreed to defer approximately $12,075,000 in underwriting discounts, which amount will be payable when and if a business combination is consummated. No payments were made by us to directors, officers or persons owning ten percent or more of our ordinary shares or to their associates, or to our affiliates. There has been no material change in the planned use of proceeds from the Public Offering as described in our final prospectus dated July 14, 2020 which was filed with the SEC.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

As a “smaller reporting company,” we are not required to provide the information called for by this Item.

[RESERVED]

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

References to the “Company,” “D8 Holdings Corp.,” “our,” “us” or “we” refer to D8 Holdings Corp. The following discussion and analysis provides information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the Company’s financial condition andour condensed consolidated results of operations should be read in conjunctionwith theand financial condition. This discussion contains forward-looking statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report. Certain information contained in the discussion and analysis set forth below includes forward-looking statements that involveinvolves numerous risks and uncertainties.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “continue,” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. Such statements include,including, but are not limited to, possible business combinations and the financing thereof, and related matters, as well as all other statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Form 10-K. Factors that might cause or contribute to such a discrepancy include, but are not limited to, those described in our other Securitiesthe “Risk Factors” section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we”, “us”, “our”, and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings.“the Company” are intended to mean the business and operations of Vicarious Surgical Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

Overview

 

We are combining advanced miniaturized robotics, computer science and 3D visualization to build a blank check company incorporatednew category of intelligent and affordable, single-incision surgical robot that virtually transports surgeons inside the patient to perform minimally invasive surgery, or MIS. With our next-generation robotics technology and proprietary human-like surgical robots, we are seeking to improve patient outcomes, as well as the cost and efficacy of surgical procedures. Led by a visionary team of engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT, we intend to deliver the next generation in robotic surgery, designed to solve the shortcomings of both open surgery, as well as current manual and robot-assisted MIS.

We estimate there are over 39 million soft tissue surgical procedures addressable by our technology. Of these procedures, it is estimated that more than 50% are performed using open surgery, and less than 5% are performed by current robot-assisted MIS.


We believe this slow adoption of robot-assisted surgery has occurred because of several factors, including the following:

Significant Capital Investment. Existing robotic systems require a high upfront cost and burdensome annual service contracts that are often prohibitively expensive, especially in outpatient settings. These capital costs are estimated to be up to $2.0 million per system upfront, plus an additional 10-20% annually for maintenance and service contracts.

Low Utilization. In addition to the significant acquisition costs, existing robotic systems create inefficiencies and increase costs to medical facilities considering adoption. Due to their large size and limited portability, existing robotic systems require the construction of a dedicated operating room, occupying valuable real estate within the hospital. Once in place, these robotic systems require extensive set-up and operating room turnover times, which limits the number of procedures that can be performed with the robotic system.

Limited Capabilities. Existing robotic systems have limited capabilities and are ill-suited for many outpatient procedures. Due to their limited degrees of freedom inside the abdomen, they depend on significant, complicated, robotic motion outside the body, and they have limited ability to operate in multiple quadrants, difficulty operating on the “ceiling” of the abdomen, create collisions inside and outside of the patient’s abdomen, and restrict overall access of the operating team to the patient.

Difficult to Use. Existing robotic systems necessitate device-specific training requiring the surgeon to “design the robotic motion” for each procedure. In choosing the incision sites, the surgeon must effectively design the kinematic motion of the robot for every procedure to operate well and avoid collisions inside and outside of the patient’s abdomen. They must design this kinematic motion with fewer degrees of freedom than they would employ using open surgery, restricting their natural movements. To become proficient at manipulating these legacy robotic systems to perform the procedures they otherwise were trained to perform via open surgery requires extensive training and several dozen procedures on live patients. As these systems are maintained in dedicated, expensive, operating rooms, obtaining access to train on the system becomes a significant impediment to adoption, resulting in more open surgeries.

Our single-port system with advanced, miniaturized robotics and advanced visualization is designed to address the significant limitations of open surgery and existing single- and multi-port robotic surgical approaches to improve patient outcomes and enhance adoption by hospitals and other medical facilities. The Vicarious System is designed with a fundamentally different architecture, and proprietary “de-coupled actuators,” to overcome many of the limitations of open surgery or existing robot-assisted surgical procedures with a minimally invasive and more capable robotic system. This architecture enables unprecedented dexterity inside the abdomen through an ultra-thin support tube, providing significant improvement over existing legacy robotic systems and minimizing the complications and trauma associated with open surgery.

Financial Highlights

We are pre-revenue generating as of December 31, 2021.

We incurred a net loss of $35.2 million and $12.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, representing a period-over-period loss of 173%. The 2021 net loss is inclusive of a gain of $3.1 million related to the decrease in the Cayman Islands on May 6, 2020fair value of our warrant obligations due to our stock price decrease during Q4. Our loss from operations prior to the warrant gain and other income and expense items was $38.2 million and $13.0 million for the purposeyears ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, representing a period-over-period loss of effecting194%, which was primarily due to a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share70% increase in our average headcount and a 467% increase in our G&A expenses which was primarily related to expenses associated with our becoming a public company during 2021. Our increase in average headcount was driven almost entirely by our ramp up in R&D personnel for which our average headcount increased by 65% from an average of 51 people in the year ended December 31, 2020 to an average of 84 people for the year ended December 31, 2021.

COVID-19

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the global outbreak of COVID-19 to be a pandemic. We continue to closely monitor the recent developments surrounding the continued spread and potential resurgence of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and is expected to continue to have, an adverse impact on our operations, particularly as a result of preventive and precautionary measures that we, other businesses, and governments are taking. Refer to “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information. We are unable to predict the full impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our future results of operations, liquidity and financial condition due to numerous uncertainties, including the duration of the pandemic, the actions that may be taken by government authorities across the United States. However, COVID-19 is not expected to result in any significant changes in costs going forward. We will continue to monitor the performance of our business and reassess the impacts of COVID-19.


Business Combination

On September 17, 2021, we completed the Business Combination. The Business Combination was approved by D8’s stockholders at its special meeting held on September 15, 2021. The transaction resulted in the combined company being renamed “Vicarious Surgical Inc.,” Legacy Vicarious being renamed “Vicarious Surgical Operating Co.” and the combined company’s Class A common stock and warrants to purchase reorganization or similarClass A common stock commencing trading on the NYSE on September 20, 2021 under the symbol “RBOT” and “RBOT WS”, respectively. As a result of the Business Combination, we received gross proceeds of approximately $142.0 million. On October 6, 2021, Legacy Vicarious changed its name from “Vicarious Surgical Operating Co.” to “Vicarious Surgical US Inc.”

Factors Affecting Results of Operations

The following factors have been important to our business combination with one or more businesses thatand we expect them to impact our results of operations and financial condition in future periods:

Revenue

To date, we have not yet selected (“Business Combination”). Although wegenerated any revenue. We do not expect to generate revenue until at least 2023 and only if it receives FDA approval of our product. Any revenue from initial sales of a new product is difficult to predict and in any event will initially only modestly reduce our continued net losses resulting from our increasing research and development and marketing activities.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development, or R&D, expenses consist primarily of engineering, product development, clinical studies to develop and support our products, regulatory expenses, medical affairs, and other costs associated with products and technologies that are not limitedin development. These expenses include employee compensation, including stock-based compensation, supplies, consulting, prototyping, testing, materials, travel expenses, depreciation and an allocation of facility overhead expenses. Additionally, R&D expenses include costs associated with our clinical studies, including clinical trial design, clinical trial site initiation and study costs, data management, related travel expenses and the cost of products used for clinical trials, internal and external costs associated with our regulatory compliance and quality assurance functions and overhead costs. We expect R&D expenses as a percentage of revenue to a particular industry or sector for purposes of consummating a Business Combination, we intend to focus our searchvary over time depending on the consumer retail sector.level and timing of our new product development efforts, as well as our clinical development, clinical trial and other related activities.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative, or G&A, expenses consist primarily of compensation for personnel, including stock-based compensation, related to executive, finance and accounting, information technology and human resource functions. Other G&A expenses include travel expenses, professional services fees (including legal, audit and tax fees), insurance costs, general corporate expenses and allocated facilities-related expenses. We are an emergingexpect G&A expenses to continue to increase in absolute dollars as we expand our infrastructure to both drive and support the anticipated growth companydue to additional legal, accounting, insurance and as such, we are subject to all of the risksother expenses associated with emerging growth companies.being a public company.

 

Our sponsor is D8 Sponsor LLC, a Cayman Islands limited liability company (the “Sponsor”). Our registration statementSales and Marketing Expenses

Sales and marketing, or S&M, expenses consist primarily of compensation for the initial public offering (the “Initial Public Offering”) was declared effective on July 14, 2020. On July 17, 2020,personnel, including stock-based compensation, related to selling and marketing functions and physician education programs. Other S&M expenses include training, travel expenses, promotional activities, marketing initiatives, market research and analysis, conferences and trade shows, professional services fees and allocated facilities-related expenses. We expect S&M expenses to continue to increase in absolute dollars as we consummated the Initial Public Offeringincrease potential customers’ awareness of 30,000,000 units (the “Units”) at $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of $300.0 million. Each Unit consists of one Class A ordinary share (the “Public Shares”) of the Company, par value $0.0001,our presence and one-half of one redeemable warrant (the “Public Warrants”) of the Company, with each warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Class A Ordinary Shareprepares our sales and marketing function for $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment. On July 24, 2020, the underwriters exercised the over-allotment option in full and purchased an additional 4,500,000 Units (the “Over-Allotment Units”), generating additional gross proceeds of $45.0 million. We incurred total offering costs of approximately $19.5 million in underwriting fees (inclusive of approximately $12.1 million in deferred underwriting fees).

Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, we consummated the private placement (“Private Placement”) of 8,000,000 warrants (each, a “Private Placement Warrant” and collectively, the “Private Placement Warrants”) to our Sponsor, each exercisable to purchase one Class A ordinary share at $11.50 per share,product launch at a price of $1.00 per Private Placement Warrant, generating gross proceeds to the Company of $8.0 million. On July 24, 2020, simultaneously with the sale of the Over-Allotment Units, we consummated a private sale of an additional 900,000 Private Placement Warrants to our Sponsor, generating gross proceeds of $900,000.future, yet undetermined date.

 

39


 

 

UponChange in Fair Value of Warrant Liabilities

Change in fair value of warrant liability represents the closingmark-to-market fair value adjustments to the outstanding public and private placement warrants assumed as part of the Initialconsummation of the Business Combination on September 17, 2021. The change in fair value of our Private Warrants is primarily the result of the change in the underlying stock price of our stock used in the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model while the Public Offering Warrants are marked to market based on their price on the NYSE. The warrant liability was measured at fair value initially on September 17, 2021 and is remeasured at exercise, and for warrants that remain outstanding at the end of the reporting period.

Interest Income

Interest income consists primarily of interest income earned on our cash and cash equivalents.

Interest Expense

Interest expense consists primarily of interest incurred on our outstanding term and equipment loans.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our historical operating results for the periods indicated:

  Year ended
December 31,
       
(in thousands, except for per share amounts) 2021  2020  Change  % Change 
Operating expenses:            
Research and development $22,059  $9,796  $12,263   125%
Sales and marketing  2,961   861   2,100   244%
General and administrative  13,203   2,328   10,875   467%
Total operating expenses  38,223   12,985   25,238   194%
Loss from operations  (38,223)  (12,985)  (25,238)  194%
Other income (expense):                
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities  3,085      3,085   N/M 
Interest income  20   113   (93)  (82)%
Interest expense  (89)  (3)  (86)  2,867%
Loss before income taxes  (35,207)  (12,875)  (22,332)  173%
Provision for income taxes           N/M 
Net loss and comprehensive loss $(35,207) $(12,875) $(22,332)  173%
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted $(0.36) $(0.16) $(0.20)  125%

Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020

Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses increased $12.3 million, or 125%, to $22.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $9.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in research and development expenses was primarily due to increases of $7.9 million of personnel-related expenses, $1.4 million in professional services, $1.3 million in facility expenses, $1.0 million in materials and supplies, $0.3 million in equipment and depreciation costs, $0.1 million for travel and $0.3 million of other operating expense. The increase in personnel-related expense was due primarily to an increase in average headcount of 65%, from an average of 51 people in 2020 to an average of 84 people in 2021.

Sales and Marketing Expenses. Sales and marketing expenses increased $2.1 million, or 244%, from $0.9 million in the year ended 2020 to $3.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in sales and marketing costs was primarily due to increases of $1.6 million in personnel-related expenses, $0.3 million in advertising, $0.1 million in facility expense, and $0.1 million in travel expense. The increase in personnel-related expense was due to an average headcount increase of 50%, from an average of 4 people in 2020 to an average of 6 people in 2021 with the remainder of the increase attributable to increases in wages and benefits.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $10.9 million, or 467%, to $13.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $2.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in general and administrative costs was due to an increase of $4.5 million in personnel-related expenses, an increase of $2.7 million in professional fees, $1.8 million in insurance as a result of becoming a public company, $1.0 million of facilities expenses associated with our expansion and new lease, $0.2 million in computer equipment, $0.1 million in travel and $0.6 million of other expense. The increase in professional fees resulted from consulting, audit and legal fees associated with work performed in the year ended December 31, 2021 to produce public company financial statements for the past two years and with becoming a public company.


Change in Fair Value of Warrant Liabilities. The change in fair value of warrant liabilities during the year ended December 31, 2021 was a $3.1 million gain. The change in fair value of warrant liability resulted from the remeasurement of the public and private placement warrant liabilities between September 17, 2021 and the Private Placement, $345.0 million ($10.00 per Unit)end of the net proceedsreporting period, December 31, 2021.

Interest Income. Interest income decreased by $0.1 million, or 82% during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in interest income was primarily due to a decrease in average short-term investments during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. This was primarily due to having the $1.5 million term loan outstanding for nine months in 2021.

Income Taxes. Our income tax provision consists of the Initial Public Offeringan estimate for U.S. federal and certainstate income taxes based on enacted rates, as adjusted for allowable credits, deductions, uncertain tax positions, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities and changes in tax law. Due to cumulative losses, we maintain a valuation allowance against our U.S. and state deferred tax assets.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

To date, our primary sources of the proceedscapital had been private placements of preferred stock prior to the Private Placement was placed in trust accounts (“Trust Account”), located in the United States with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company acting as trustee, and is invested only in U.S. government securities, within the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act, having a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations, until the earlier of: (i) the completion of a Business Combination or (ii)and recapitalization with D8. We have incurred a net loss in each of our annual periods since our inception. We incurred net losses of $35.2 million and $12.9 million during the distributionyears ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of the Trust Account as described below.December 31, 2021, we held cash and cash equivalents of $173.5 million and had an accumulated deficit of $66.8 million.

 

Our management has broad discretionWe expect net losses to continue in connection with respectour ongoing activities, particularly as we continue to invest in commercialization and new product development. We believe our current cash balance of $173.5 million will be sufficient to support our operations beyond the specific applicationnext twelve months.

We may seek to sell additional common or preferred equity or convertible debt securities, enter into an additional credit facility or another form of the net proceeds of the Initial Public Offering and thethird-party funding or seek other debt financing. The sale of Private Placement Units, although substantially all of the net proceeds are intendedequity and convertible debt securities may result in dilution to be applied generally toward consummating a Business Combination.

If the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within 24 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering, or July 17, 2022 (the “Combination Period”), 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 interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Accountour stockholders and, not previously released to us (less taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish Public Shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any) and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining shareholders and our board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject, in the case of clauses (ii)preferred equity securities or convertible debt, those securities could provide for rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of our common stock. The terms of debt securities issued or borrowings pursuant to a credit agreement could impose significant restrictions on our operations. If we raise funds through collaborations and (iii),licensing arrangements, we might be required to relinquish significant rights to our obligations under Cayman Islands lawplatform technologies or products or grant licenses on terms that are not favorable to provideus. Additional capital may not be available on reasonable terms, or at all.

Cash

Our cash and cash equivalents balance as of December 31, 2021 was $173.5 million. Our future capital requirements may vary from those currently planned and will depend on various factors, including the timing and extent of R&D spending and spending on other strategic business initiatives.

Cash Flows Summary

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020

  Year Ended
December 31,
 
(in thousands) 2021  2020 
Statement of Cash Flows Data:      
Net cash used in operating activities $(33.3) $(12.0)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities $(1.3) $13.2 
Net cash provided by financing activities $192.2  $13.5 


Cash flows for claimsthe Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020

Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $33.3 million, attributable to a net loss of creditors$35.2 million and a net change in all cases subjectour net operating assets and liabilities of $1.0 million and non-cash items that generated a change of $0.9 million. Non-cash items consisted of $3.7 million in stock-based compensation and $0.3 million of depreciation and amortization, partially offset by a $3.1 million gain due to the change in fair value of our warrant liabilities. The $1.0 million change in our net operating assets and liabilities was primarily due to a $3.7 million increase in accrued expenses, a $1.1 million increase in accounts payable, and a $0.8 million increase in deferred rent partially offset by a $4.6 million increase in prepaid and other requirements of applicable law.assets.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations

Our entire activity from May 6, 2020 (inception) throughNet cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2020 was in preparation for an Initial Public Offering, and since our Initial Public Offering, our activity has been limited$12.0 million, attributable to the search for a prospective initial Business Combination. We will not generate any operating revenues until the closing and completion of our initial Business Combination.

For the period from May 6, 2020 (inception) through December 31, 2020, we had a net loss of approximately $161,000, which$12.9 million and a net change in our net operating assets and liabilities of $0.3 million and non-cash items of $0.6 million. Non-cash items consisted of approximately $352,000 of general$0.4 million in stock-based compensation and administrative expenses, including approximately $55,000 of general$0.2 million in depreciation. The $0.3 million change in our net operating assets and administrative expenses with related party, offsetliabilities was primarily due to a $0.2 million increase in accounts payable and a $0.1 million increase in accrued expenses.

Cash flows used in Investing Activities

Net cash provided by approximately $191,000 of net gain from investments held ininvesting activities for the Trust Account.year ended December 31, 2021 was $1.3 million for equipment purchases.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As ofNet cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2020 we had approximately $1.1was $13.2 million in cash and working capital of approximately $1.1 million.

Priorrelated to the completionsales and maturities of short-term investments of $13.3 million, offset by purchases of property and equipment of $0.1 million.

Cash flows provided by Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $192.2 million resulting from $190.4 million of proceeds from the reverse recapitalization and $1.5 million related to proceeds from a term loan, $0.4 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options and warrants, partially offset by $0.2 million of cash used to pay back a portion of the Initial Public Offering, our liquidity needs had been satisfied throughoutstanding term and equipment loans and $0.1 million for other items.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the paymentyear ended December 31, 2020 was $13.5 million and related to proceeds of $25,000 of offering costs by our Sponsor in exchange for$13.5 million from the issuance of the Founder Shares, and a loan of approximately $127,000 pursuant to the Note issued to our Sponsor. We repaid the Note in full on July 17, 2020. Subsequent to the consummation of the Initial Public Offering and Private Placement, our liquidity needs have been satisfied with the proceeds from the consummation of the Private Placement not held in the Trust Account. In addition, in order to finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, our Sponsor may, but is not obligated to, provide the Company Working Capital Loans. To date, there are no Working Capital Loans outstanding.Series A3 convertible preferred stock.

Based on the foregoing, management believes that we will have sufficient working capital and borrowing capacity from our Sponsor or an affiliate of our Sponsor, or our officers and directors to meet our needs through the earlier of the consummation of a Business Combination or one year from this filing. Over this time period, we will be using these funds for paying existing accounts payable, identifying and evaluating prospective initial Business Combination candidates, performing due diligence on prospective target businesses, paying for travel expenditures, selecting the target business to merge with or acquire, and structuring, negotiating and consummating the Business Combination.

Management continues to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and has concluded that the specific impact is not readily determinable as of the date of the financial statements. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 


Related Party Transactions

Founder Shares

On May 14, 2020, our Sponsor paid $25,000, or approximately $0.003 per share, to cover certain offering costs in consideration for 7,187,500 Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 (the “Founder Shares”). On June 25, 2020, our Sponsor transferred 15,000 Founder Shares to Robert Kirby and 25,000 Founder Shares to each of Michael Kives, Fred Langhammer and Terry Lundgren, resulting in the Sponsor holding 7,097,500 Founder Shares. On July 14, 2020, we effected a share capitalization of 1,437,500 Founder Shares resulting in 8,625,000 Class B ordinary shares outstanding, of which the Sponsor now holds 8,535,000 Founder Shares. All shares and the associated amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the share capitalization. Of the 8,625,000 Founder Shares outstanding, up to 1,125,000 Founder Shares were subject to forfeiture to the extent that the over-allotment option was not exercised in full by the underwriters, so that the Founder Shares will represent 20.0% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares after the Initial Public Offering. The underwriters exercised their over-allotment option in full on July 24, 2020. As a result, these shares were no longer subject to forfeiture.

The initial shareholders agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or sell any of their Founder Shares and any Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion thereof until the earlier to occur of: (i) one year after the completion of the initial Business Combination, or (ii) the date on which we complete a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction after the initial Business Combination that results in all of our shareholders having the right to exchange their Class A ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property; except to certain permitted transferees and under certain circumstances (the “lock-up”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) the closing price of Class A ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for share sub-divisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the initial Business Combination or (2) if we consummate a transaction after the initial Business Combination which results in our shareholders having the right to exchange their shares for cash, securities or other property, the Founder Shares will be released from the lock-up.

Private Placement Warrants

On July 17, 2020, simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, we consummated the Private Placement of 8,000,000 Private Placement Warrants to our Sponsor, each exercisable to purchase one Class A ordinary share at $11.50 per share, at a price of $1.00 per Private Placement Warrant, generating gross proceeds to the Company of $8.0 million.  On July 24, 2020, simultaneously with the sale of the Over-Allotment Units, the Company consummated a private sale of an additional 900,000 Private Placement Warrants to our Sponsor, generating additional gross proceeds of $900,000.

Each warrant is exercisable to purchase one Class A ordinary share at $11.50 per share. A portion of the proceeds from the Private Placement Warrants were added to the proceeds from the Initial Public Offering held in the Trust Accounts. If the Company does not complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period, the Private Placement Warrants will expire worthless.

Our Sponsor, officers and directors agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or sell any of their Private Placement Warrants until 30 days after the completion of the initial Business Combination.


Sponsor Loan

On May 14, 2020, our Sponsor agreed to loan us up to $300,000 to cover expenses related to the Initial Public Offering pursuant to a promissory note (the “Note”). We borrowed approximately $127,000 under the Note and fully repaid this Note on July 17, 2020.

Working Capital Loans

In addition, in order to finance transaction costs in connection with a 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 (“Working Capital Loans”). If the Company completes a Business Combination, the Company would repay the Working Capital Loans. In the event that a Business Combination does not close, we may use a portion of proceeds held outside the Trust Accounts to repay the Working Capital Loans but no proceeds held in the Trust Accounts would be used to repay the Working Capital Loans. Except for the foregoing, the terms of such Working Capital Loans, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. The Working Capital Loans would either be repaid upon consummation of a Business Combination or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $1.5 million of such Working Capital Loans may be convertible into private placement warrants at a price of $1.00 per warrant. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had no Working Capital Loans outstanding.

Administrative Support Agreement

Commencing on the date of the final prospectus, we agreed to pay our Sponsor a total of $10,000 per month for office space, utilities, secretarial and administrative support services. Upon completion of the Initial Business Combination or the Company’s liquidation, we will cease paying these monthly fees. We incurred and paid approximately $55,000 in these fees for the period from May 8, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

Other Contractual Obligations

Registration and Shareholder Rights

The holders of Founder Shares, Private Placement Warrants, and securities that may be issued upon conversion of Working Capital Loans, if any, will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to a registration rights agreement dated as of July 14, 2020. These holders are entitled to certain demand and “piggyback” registration rights. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

Underwriting Agreement

We granted the underwriters a 45-day option from the final prospectus relating to the Initial Public Offering to purchase up to 4,500,000 additional Units to cover over-allotments, if any, at the Initial Public Offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters exercised their over-allotment option in full on July 24, 2020.

The underwriters were paid a cash underwriting discount of $0.20 per unit, or $6.9 million in the aggregate, paid upon the closing of the Initial Public Offering. In addition, $0.35 per unit, or approximately $12.1 million in the aggregate, will be payable to the underwriters for deferred underwriting commissions. The deferred fee will become payable to the underwriters from the amounts held in the Trust Account solely in the event that we complete a Business Combination, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement.


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

This management’s discussion and analysis of ourOur consolidated financial condition and results of operations is based on our financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgmentsassumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets liabilities, revenues and expensesliabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our financial statements. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to fair valueas of financial instruments and accrued expenses. We base ourthe consolidated balance sheet date, as well as the reported expenses incurred during the reporting periods. Our management bases its estimates on historical experience known trends and events andon various other factors that we believeassumptions believed to be reasonable, under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.liabilities. Actual results maycould differ from thesethose estimates, under different assumptions or conditions. We have identifiedand such differences could be material to our consolidated financial statements.

While our significant accounting policies are described in the notes to our historical financial statements (see Note 2 of the accompanying financial statements), we believe the following as our critical accounting policies:

Investments Heldpolicy requires significant judgment and estimates in the Trust Accountpreparation of our financial statements:

 

Our portfolio of investments held in the Trust Account is comprised of U.S. government securities, within the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act, with a maturity of 185 days or less, or investments in money market funds that invest in U.S. government securities, or a combination thereof. The investments held in the Trust Account are classified as trading securities. Trading securities are presented on the balance sheetsStock-Based Compensation

We account for all stock-based compensation, including stock options and warrants, at fair value atand recognize stock-based compensation expense for those equity awards, net of actual forfeitures, over the endrequisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of each reporting period. Gains and losses resulting from the change inrespective award.


The fair value of these securitiesour stock options and warrants on the date of grant is included in net gain on investments held in Trust Account indetermined by a Black-Scholes pricing model utilizing key assumptions such as the accompanying statement of operations. The estimated fair values of investments held in the Trust Account are determined using available market information.

Class A Ordinary Shares Subject to Possible Redemption

We account for our Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption in accordance with the guidance in ASC Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” Shares of Class A ordinary shares subject to mandatory redemption (if any) are classified as liability instruments and are measured at fair value. Shares of conditionally redeemable Class A ordinary shares (including Class A ordinary shares that feature redemption rights that are either within the controlvalue of the holder or subject to redemptioncommon stock, expected volatility and expected term. Our estimates of these assumptions are primarily based on the fair value of our stock, historical data, peer company data and judgment regarding future trends. The fair value of our common stock has been determined by our board of directors at each award grant date based upon a variety of factors, including the occurrenceresults obtained from an independent third-party valuation, our financial position and historical financial performance, the status of uncertain events not solelytechnological developments within our control) are classified as temporary equity. At all other times, sharesproposed products, the illiquid nature of Class A ordinary shares are classified as shareholders’ equity. Our Class A ordinary shares features certain redemption rights that are considered to be outsidethe common stock, arm’s length sales of our control and subject to the occurrence of uncertain future events. Accordingly, at December 31, 2020, 32,889,128 shares of Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption are presented as temporary equity, outside of the shareholders’ equity section of the accompanying balance sheets.

Net Loss Per Ordinary Share

We comply with accounting and disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share.” Net loss per ordinary share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period, excluding ordinary shares subject to forfeiture. Weighted average shares were reduced for the effect of an aggregate of 1,125,000 Class B ordinary shares that were subject to forfeiture if the over-allotment option was not exercised by the underwriters. On July 24, 2020, the underwriters exercised their over-allotment option in full; thus, these Founder Shares were no longer subject to forfeiture. We have not consideredcapital stock, including convertible preferred stock, the effect of the warrants soldrights and preferences of the preferred shareholders, and the prospects of a liquidity event, among others, as our common stock is not actively traded. We use the simplified method when calculating the expected term due to insufficient historical exercise data. Our stock is currently publicly traded, the volatility is based on a benchmark of comparable companies within the automotive and energy storage industries. The dividend yield used is zero, as we have never paid any cash dividends and does not anticipate doing so in the Initial Public Offeringforeseeable future. 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

A description of recently issued accounting pronouncements that may potentially impact our financial position and Private Placement to purchase an aggregate of 26,150,000 shares of Class A ordinary shares in the calculation of diluted earnings per ordinary share, since their inclusion would be anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method. As a result, diluted per share is the same as basic loss per ordinary share for the periods presented.

Our statementsresults of operations include a presentationis disclosed in Note 2 “Summary of income per share for ordinary shares subject to redemptionSignificant Accounting Policies – Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements” in a manner similar toour condensed financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Emerging Growth Company

Following the two-class method of income per share. Net income per share, basic and diluted for Class A ordinary shares is calculated by dividing the investment income earned on the Trust Account, net of applicable income franchise taxes, by the weighted average number of shares of Class A ordinary shares outstanding since the initial issuance. Net loss per share, basic and diluted for Class B ordinary shares is calculated by dividing the net income, less income attributable to Class A ordinary shares, by the weighted average number of shares of Class B ordinary shares outstanding for the period.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements, if currently adopted, would have a material impact on our financial statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2020,Business Combination, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangementsbecame an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K and did not have any commitments or contractual obligations.


the JOBS Act

On April 5, 2012,Act. Pursuant to the JOBS Act, was signed into law. The JOBS Act contains provisions that, among other things, relax certain reporting requirements for qualifying public companies. We will qualify as an “emergingemerging growth company” and undercompany is provided the JOBS Act will be allowedoption to comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements based on the effective date for private (not publicly traded) companies. We are electing to delay the adoption ofadopt new or revised accounting standards andthat may be issued by FASB or the SEC either (i) within the same periods as a result, we may not complythose otherwise applicable to non-emerging growth companies or (ii) within the same time periods as private companies. We intend to take advantage of the exemption for complying with new or revised accounting standards onwithin the relevant dates on which adoptionsame time periods as private companies. Accordingly, the information contained herein may be different than the information you receive from other public companies.

We also intend to take advantage of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. As such, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates.

Additionally, we are insome of the process of evaluating the benefits of relying on the other reduced regulatory and reporting requirements provided by the JOBS Act. Subjectof emerging growth companies pursuant to certain conditions set forth in the JOBS Act if,so long as we qualify as an “emergingemerging growth company,” we choose including, but not limited to, rely on such exemptions we may not bebeing required to among other things, (i) provide an auditor’scomply with the auditor attestation report on our systemrequirements of internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404, (ii) provide all404(b) of the compensationSarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure that may be required of non-emerging growth public companies under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, (iii) comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the PCAOBobligations regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements (auditor discussion and analysis) and (iv) disclose certain executive compensation related items such as the correlation between executive compensation, and performanceexemptions from the requirements of holding non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation and comparisons of the CEO’s compensation to median employee compensation. These exemptions will apply for a period of five years following the completion of our Initial Public Offering or until we are no longer an “emerging growth company,” whichever is earlier.golden parachute payments. 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

As of December 31, 2020, we were not subject to any significant market or interest rate risk. On July 17, 2020 and July 24, 2020, the net proceeds of the Initial Public Offering and a portion of the net proceeds of the Over-Allotment, including amounts in the Trust Account, were invested in cash and may be invested in U.S. government securities with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds that meet certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that 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.

We have not engaged in any hedging activities since our inception and we do not expect to engage in any hedging activities with respect to the market risk to which we are exposed.

 


Not applicable.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

 

Index toAudited Consolidated Financial Statements of Vicarious Surgical Inc. (formerly D8 Holdings Corp.)

 

Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement SchedulesNumber
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 34)F-2
Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2021 and 2020F-3
StatementConsolidated Statements of Operations for the period from May 6, 2020 (inception) throughyears ended December 31, 2021 and 2020F-4
StatementConsolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ EquityConvertible Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Stockholders’ Equity/(Deficit) for the period from May 6, 2020 (inception) throughyears ended December 31, 2021 and 2020F-5
StatementConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the period from May 6, 2020 (inception) throughyears ended December 31, 2021 and 2020F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsF-7

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

Not applicable.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Background and Material Weakness

In connection with our evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures covering our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2020 and 2021, we identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. We have concluded that material weaknesses exist in our evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures, including internal control over financial reporting, as we do not have the necessary business processes, personnel and related internal controls to operate in a manner to satisfy the accounting and financial reporting requirements of a public company. These material weaknesses manifested themselves in ways that included the improper segregation of duties relating to the recording of journal entries and the reconciliation of key accounts, as well as the analysis of accounting for certain transactions and accounts.

We are focused on designing and implementing effective internal controls measures to improve our evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures, including internal control over financial reporting, and remediate the material weaknesses. In order to remediate these material weaknesses, we have taken and plan to take the following actions:

the hiring and continued hiring of additional accounting, finance and legal resources with public company experience; and

implementation of additional review controls and processes requiring timely account reconciliation and analyses of certain transactions and accounts.

These actions and planned actions are subject to ongoing evaluation by management and will require testing and validation of design and operating effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting over future periods. We are committed to the continuous improvement of our internal control over financial reporting and will continue to review the internal controls over financial reporting.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based upon their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were not effective as of December 31, 2021 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Securities and Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required.

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Other than the material weakness described above, and the acquisition of D8, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation of such internal control required by Rules 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) under the Exchange Act that occurred during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS.

Not applicable.


PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

Board of Directors and Management

The following table sets forth certain information concerning our executive officers and directors as of March 1, 2022:

NameAgePosition
Executive Officers:
Adam Sachs30Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
Sammy Khalifa32Chief Technology Officer and Director
William Kelly51Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
June Morris72Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary
Non-Employee Directors:
David Styka63Director and Chairman of the Board
Samir Kaul48Director
Philip Liang40Director
Ric Fulop47Director
Dror Berman43Director
Donald Tang38Director
David Ho69Director

Executive Officers

Adam Sachs has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our board of directors since the Closing of the Business Combination in September 2021, and had served as Legacy Vicarious’ President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of Legacy Vicarious’ board of directors, or the Legacy Vicarious Board, since 2014. Mr. Sachs received his B.S. in Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2014. Prior to founding Legacy Vicarious in 2014, from June 2012 to January 2013, Mr. Sachs worked in Manufacturing Design at Apple. Mr. Sachs’ qualifications to serve on our board of directors include his previous board experience serving on the Legacy Vicarious Board, his deep experience founding, managing and directing all aspects of Legacy Vicarious operations for over six years and his extensive experience in robotics, engineering, manufacturing and product development.


Sammy Khalifa has served as our Chief Technology Officer and as a member of our board of directors since the Closing of the Business Combination in September 2021, and had served as Legacy Vicarious’ Chief Technology Officer since 2015 and as a member of the Legacy Vicarious Board since 2018. Prior to working full time at Legacy Vicarious, Mr. Khalifa worked at Apple as a Product Design Engineer from December 2013 to May 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Khalifa worked as a Biomedical Design Engineer at Hemedex, Inc. Mr. Khalifa received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2012. Mr. Khalifa’s qualifications to serve on our board of directors include his previous board experience serving on the Legacy Vicarious Board as well as his extensive experience in robotics, product development and engineering.

William Kelly has served as our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since the Closing of the Business Combination in September 2021, and had served as Legacy Vicarious’ Chief Financial Officer since January 2021. Prior to joining Legacy Vicarious, Mr. Kelly served as Chief Financial Officer at Exosome Diagnostics, a privately held life science company focused on developing and commercializing revolutionary biofluid-based diagnostics, from 2014 to 2018. Before joining Exosome Diagnostics, Inc., Mr. Kelly served as Chief Financial Officer of Repligen Corporation from 2008 to 2014, a global life sciences company that develops and commercializes highly innovative bioprocessing technologies and systems. Mr. Kelly received a B.A. from the College of the Holy Cross and an M.B.A. and M.S. in Accounting from the Graduate School of Professional Accounting at Northeastern University.

June Morris has served as our Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary since the Closing of the Business Combination in September 2021, and had served as Legacy Vicarious’ Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel since February 2021. Prior to joining Legacy Vicarious, Ms. Morris served as Managing Partner and General Counsel of FT Management & Associates, a private consulting firm, from March 2017 until February 2021 and as VP & General Counsel of Northern Power Systems from 2016 to February 2017. Ms. Morris has also served as General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer at Picis Inc., Pegasystems, Sequoia Systems and LISP Machine. Ms. Morris holds an M.P.A. from the Sawyer Graduate School of Management at Suffolk University and a Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University School of Law.

Non-Employee Directors

David Styka has served as the chairman and a member of our board of directors since the Closing of the Business Combination in September 2021, and had served as member of the Legacy Vicarious Board since October 2020. Mr. Styka served as the Chief Financial Officer for Auris Health, a company specializing in robotic medical platform development, from August 2014 till June 2019. In addition to the responsibilities associated with his role of Chief Financial Officer at Auris Health, Mr. Styka was also responsible for investor relations and securing financing for the company. Mr. Styka received his B.A. in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1991. Mr. Styka’s qualifications to serve on our board of directors include his previous board experience serving as a member of the Legacy Vicarious Board, his experience managing companies and his extensive business and finance experience.

Dror Berman has served a member of our board of directors since the Closing of the Business Combination in September 2021, and had served as member of the Legacy Vicarious Board since January 2018. In 2010, Mr. Berman co-founded Innovation Endeavors, a venture fund focused on transformational technologies. At Innovation Endeavors, Mr. Berman oversees investment activities and personnel. Mr. Berman also currently serves on the board of several private companies in connection with his role at Innovation Endeavors. Mr. Berman received his M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2009 and his B.S. in Computer Science from Ben-Gurion University in 2005. Mr. Berman’s qualifications to serve on our board of directors include his previous board experience serving as a member of the Legacy Vicarious Board and his extensive business and finance experience at Innovation Endeavors.


Samir Kaul has served a member of our board of directors since the Closing of the Business Combination in September 2021, and had served as member of the Legacy Vicarious Board since January 2018. Mr. Kaul has been a General Partner at Khosla Ventures, a venture capital firm focusing on technology investing, since February 2006. He has served on the board of directors of Guardant Health, Inc. since April 2014 and currently serves on the boards of directors of several private companies. Previously, Mr. Kaul served as a member of the board of directors of Gevo, Inc. from March 2013 to May 2014 and Amyris, Inc. from May 2006 to May 2012. Mr. Kaul holds a B.S. degree in Biology from the University of Michigan, an M.S. degree in Biochemistry from the University of Maryland and an M.B.A. degree from Harvard Business School. Mr. Kaul’s qualifications to serve on our board of directors include his previous board experience serving as a member of the Legacy Vicarious Board, his wide-ranging experience in technology companies and insight in the management of startup companies and the building of companies from early stage to commercial scale.

Philip Liang has served a member of our board of directors since the Closing of the Business Combination in September 2021, and had served as member of the Legacy Vicarious Board since July 2020. Since December 2016, Mr. Liang has been a managing partner of E15VC, a global technology venture fund. At E15VC, Mr. Liang’s responsibilities include assisting emerging growth companies and investors through the venture capital life cycle. Mr. Liang sits on the board of directors for several of the companies affiliated with E15VC. Mr. Liang received his Master of Science in Media Laboratory from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2006. Mr. Liang’s qualifications to serve on our board of directors include his previous board experience serving as a member of the Legacy Vicarious Board as well as his business and finance experience at E15VC.

Ric Fulop has served a member of our board of directors since the Closing of the Business Combination in September 2021, and had served as member of the Legacy Vicarious Board since June 2020. Mr. Fulop has also served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board of directors of Desktop Metal, Inc. since December 2020. Prior to that, Mr. Fulop served as the Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Desktop Metal from its incorporation in 2015. Prior to the founding of Legacy Desktop Metal, Mr. Fulop was a general partner at North Bridge Venture Partners from 2010 to 2015 and served as a founder of A123 Systems, Inc. from 2001 to 2010. Mr. Fulop currently serves on the board of governors of World Economic Forum Advanced Manufacturing Initiative (nonprofit). Mr. Fulop holds an M.B.A. from the MIT Sloan School of Management. Mr. Fulop’s qualifications to serve on our board of directors include his previous board experience serving as a member of the Legacy Vicarious Board, his experience managing public companies and his extensive business and finance experience.

Donald Tang has served a member of our board of directors since the Closing of the Business Combination in September 2021, and had served as D8’s President and as a member of D8’s board of directors since June 2020. In 2018, he founded Celadon Partners, a private equity firm focused on mispriced opportunities ready for operational or strategic transformation. From 2004 to 2017, Mr. Tang worked at D.E. Shaw & Co., most recently as chief executive officer of D.E. Shaw & Co. (Asia-Pacific). He was the sole D.E. Shaw & Co. partner on the investment side in Asia, and a founding member of the firm’s Asian private equity business. Mr. Tang started his career at Citadel Investment Group in 2003. He is a member of the Harvard Kennedy School Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government Advisory Council, Special Advisor (China) to the Milken Institute and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. Mr. Tang graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in computer science and business administration, and a minor in computational finance. Mr. Tang’s qualifications to serve on our board of directors include his previous board experience serving as a member of D8’s board of directors, his experience managing public companies and his extensive business, finance and private equity experience.

David Ho has served a member of our board of directors since the Closing of the Business Combination in September 2021, and had served as a member of D8’s board of directors since April 2021. Dr. Ho has been employed and has served on the board of directors of Columbia University since January 2020. Dr. Ho is the Founding Scientific Director of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, where he previously served as the CEO, a director and professor at the ADARC from 1990 to December 2019. Dr. Ho is the Clyde and Helen Wu Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Ho serves as a member of the Trustees of Caltech, and was previously a board member of the MIT Corporation for 12 years and Harvard Board of Overseers for 6 years. Dr. Ho has been at the forefront of AIDS research for 40 years, publishing over 450 papers. Dr. Ho’s studies unraveled the nature of HIV replication in vivo and revolutionized society’s basic understanding of the AIDS disease. This knowledge led Dr. Ho to champion combination antiretroviral therapy that resulted in unprecedented control of HIV in patients. Dr. Ho’s research team is now devoting considerable efforts on vaccine and antibody research in order to halt or slow the spread of the AIDS epidemic. Recently, Dr. Ho has been devoting a considerable effort to develop novel strategies to diagnose, treat and prevent Covid-19 infection. Dr. Ho received his degrees from California Institute of Technology and Harvard Medical School (Harvard-MIT Health Science and Technology program). Dr. Ho’s qualifications to serve on our board of directors include his previous board experience serving as a member of D8’s board of directors and his extensive research experience and medical background.


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

Role of Board in Risk Oversight

Our board of directors will have extensive involvement in the oversight of risk management related to us and our business and will accomplish this oversight through the regular reporting to the board of directors by the audit committee. The audit committee will represent our board of directors by periodically reviewing our accounting, reporting and financial practices, including the integrity of our financial statements, the surveillance of administrative and financial controls and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Through its regular meetings with management, including the finance, legal, internal audit and information technology functions, the audit committee will review and discuss all significant areas of our business and summarize for our board of directors all areas of risk and the appropriate mitigating factors. In addition, our board of directors will receive periodic detailed operating performance reviews from management.

Composition of the Board of Directors

Our business and affairs will be managed under the direction of our board of directors. Our board of directors is declassified, and the directors will be elected annually.

Independence of the Board of Directors

NYSE rules generally require that independent directors must comprise a majority of a listed company’s board of directors. Based upon information requested from and provided by each proposed director concerning his or her background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, we have determined that Messrs. Kaul, Berman, Fulop, Liang and Styka and Dr. Ho, representing six of our directors, are “independent” as that term is defined under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing requirements and rules of the NYSE.

Board Committees

The standing committees of our board of directors consist of an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee. Our board of directors may from time to time establish other committees.

Our chief executive officer and other executive officers will regularly report to the non-executive directors and the audit, the compensation and the nominating and corporate governance committees to ensure effective and efficient oversight of our activities and to assist in proper risk management and the ongoing evaluation of management controls. We believe that the leadership structure of our board of directors will provide appropriate risk oversight of our activities.

Audit Committee

Our audit committee consists of Mr. Styka, who serves as the chairperson, and Messrs. Fulop and Berman. Each proposed member of the audit committee qualifies as an independent director under the NYSE corporate governance standards and the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Styka qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K and possesses financial sophistication, as defined under the rules of the NYSE.

The purpose of the audit committee is to prepare the audit committee report required by the SEC to be included in our proxy statement and to assist our board of directors in overseeing and monitoring (1) the quality and integrity of the financial statements, (2) compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (3) our independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications and independence, (4) the performance of our internal audit function and (5) the performance of our independent registered public accounting firm.

Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the audit committee, which is available on our website at https://www.vicarioussurgical.com under Investors — Governance — Governance Documents.


Compensation Committee

Our compensation committee consists of Mr. Kaul, who serves as the chairperson, Mr. Liang and Dr. Ho.

The purpose of the compensation committee is to assist our board of directors in discharging its responsibilities relating to (1) setting our compensation program and compensation of our executive officers and directors, (2) monitoring our incentive and equity-based compensation plans and (3) preparing the compensation committee report required to be included in our proxy statement under the rules and regulations of the SEC.

Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the compensation committee, which is available on our website at https://www.vicarioussurgical.com under Investors — Governance — Governance Documents.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Our nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Mr. Styka, who serves as the chairperson, and Mr. Liang. The purpose of the nominating and corporate governance committee is to assist our board of directors in discharging its responsibilities relating to (1) identifying individuals qualified to become new board of directors members, consistent with criteria approved by our board of directors, (2) reviewing the qualifications of incumbent directors to determine whether to recommend them for reelection and selecting, or recommending that our board of directors select, the director nominees for the next annual meeting of stockholders, (3) identifying members of the board of directors qualified to fill vacancies on any committee of our board of directors and recommending that our board of directors appoint the identified member or members to the applicable committee, (4) reviewing and recommending to our board of directors corporate governance principles applicable to us, (5) overseeing the evaluation of our board of directors and management and (6) handling such other matters that are specifically delegated to the committee by our board of directors from time to time.

Our board of directors have adopted a written charter for the nominating and corporate governance committee, which is available on our website at https://www.vicarioussurgical.com under Investors — Governance — Governance Documents.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, which is available on our website at https://www.vicarioussurgical.com under Investors — Governance — Governance Documents. Our code of business conduct is a “code of ethics,” as defined in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K.

Our Internet website address is provided as an inactive textual reference only. We will make any legally required disclosures regarding amendments to, or waivers of, provisions of our code of ethics on our Internet website.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of our officers currently serves, and in the past year has not served, (i) as a member of the compensation committee or the board of directors of another entity, one of whose officers served on the compensation committee, or (ii) as a member of the compensation committee of another entity, one of whose officers served on the board of directors.


Corporate Governance Guidelines

Our board of directors has adopted corporate governance guidelines in accordance with the corporate governance rules of the NYSE that serve as a flexible framework within which our board of directors and its committees operate. These guidelines cover a number of areas including board membership criteria and director qualifications, director responsibilities, board agenda, meetings of non-management directors, committee responsibilities and assignments, board member access to management and independent advisors, director communications with third parties, director compensation, director orientation and continuing education, evaluation of our chief executive officer, and management succession planning. A copy of our corporate governance guidelines is posted on our website at https://www.vicarioussurgical.com under Investors — Governance — Governance Documents.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our officers, directors and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities 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, 2021, all filing requirements applicable to our officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners were complied with, except that each of Adam Sachs, William Kelly, June Morris, David Styka, Philip Liang, Dror Berman, Barry Greene, Khosla Ventures Seed C, L.P., Innovation Endeavors III LP, Chelvey International Ltd, and Gates Frontier, LLC filed a late Form 3 and/or Form 4 upon the Closing of the Business Combination due to inadvertent administrative delays with respect to the Closing of the Business Combination.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

This section provides an overview of our executive compensation programs, including a narrative description of the material factors necessary to understand the information disclosed in the summary compensation table below.

As of December 31, 2021, our named executive officers, which we refer to as Named Executive Officers, or NEOs, were:

Adam Sachs, Chief Executive Officer and President,

Sammy Khalifa, Chief Technology Officer, and

William Kelly, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

The objective of our compensation program is to provide a total compensation package to each NEO that will enable us to attract, motivate and retain outstanding individuals, align the interests of our executive team with those of our equity holders, encourage individual and collective contributions to the successful execution of our short- and long-term business strategies and reward NEOs for performance. Our board of directors has historically determined the compensation for the NEOs.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table shows information concerning the annual compensation for services provided to Legacy Vicarious prior to the Business Combination in September 2021 and to us for the period thereafter by our NEOs for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021.

Name and Position Year  Salary
($)
  Bonus
($)
  Stock Awards
($)(1)
  Option Awards
($)(2)
  All Other Compensation
($)(3)
  Total
($)
 
Adam Sachs,  2021   267,753   158,999   2,426,343   3,030,414   10,710   5,894,219 
Chief Executive Officer and President  2020   180,000            7,200   187,200 
                             
Sammy Khalifa,  2021   226,203   131,276   1,940,955   2,424,330   7,741   4,730,505 
Chief Technology Officer  2020   160,000            6,400   166,400 
                             
William Kelly,  2021   279,038   108,698   648,172   2,026,454   8,000   3,070,362 
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (4)  2020                   

(1)The amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value for restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards, computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (“ASC 718”). A discussion of our methodology for determining grant date fair value may be found in Note 10 “Stockholders’ Equity” in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


(2)The amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value for option awards, computed in accordance with ASC 718. A discussion of our methodology for determining grant date fair value may be found in Note 10 “Stockholders’ Equity” in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(3)The amounts represent 401(k) matching contributions by us for the periods presented unless described otherwise.

(4)Mr. Kelly commenced employment with us on January 29, 2021.

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2021 Fiscal Year-End

The following table shows information regarding outstanding equity awards held by the NEOs as of December 31, 2021.

  Option Awards Stock Awards 
Name Grant
Date
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
(#)
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
(#)
  Option
Exercise
Price
  Option
Expiration
Date
  Number of
Shares or
Units That
Have
Not Vested
  Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
 
                    
Adam Sachs 11/23/2021 24,360  365,414(1) $12.45   11/22/2031  $    
  11/23/2021              182,707(2) $1,940,348 
Sammy Khalifa 11/23/2021 19,488  292,331(3) $12.45   11/22/2031  $    
  11/23/2021              146,157(4) $1,552,187 
William Kelly 02/25/2021   1,024,263(5) $1.90   02/24/2031  $    
  11/23/2021 6,507  97,618(6)  12.45   11/22/2031  $    
 11/23/2021             48,809(7) $518,352 

(1)Represents an option to purchase 389,774 shares of Class A common stock granted on November 23, 2021. The shares underlying this option vest, subject to continued service, as follows: 24,360 shares vested on December 20, 2021, with the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments over the following 48-month period.

(2)Represents 194,887 RSUs granted on November 23, 2021. The RSUs vest, subject to continued service, as follows: 12,180 of the shares vested on December 20, 2021, with the remainder vesting in equal quarterly installments over the following four-year period.

(3)Represents an option to purchase 311,819 shares of Class A common stock granted on November 23, 2021. The shares underlying this option vest, subject to continued service, as follows: 19,488 shares vested on December 20, 2021, with the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments over the following 48-month period.

(4)Represents 155,900 RSUs granted on November 23, 2021. The RSUs vest, subject to continued service, as follows: 9,743 of the shares vested on December 20, 2021, with the remainder vesting in equal quarterly installments over the following four-year period.

(5)Represents an option to purchase 1,024,263 shares of Class A common stock granted on February 25, 2021. The shares underlying this option vest, subject to continued service, as follows: 256,065 shares vest on January 29, 2022, with the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments over the following 36-month period.


(6)Represents an option to purchase 104,125 shares of Class A common stock granted on November 23, 2021. The shares underlying this option vest, subject to continued service, as follows: 6,507 shares vested on December 20, 2021, with the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments over the following 48-month period.

(7)Represents 52,062 RSUs granted on November 23, 2021. The RSUs vest, subject to continued service, as follows: 3,253 of the shares vested on December 20, 2021, with the remainder vesting in equal quarterly installments over the following four-year period.

Employment Arrangements

In July 2021, Legacy Vicarious entered into employment agreements with our executive officers, including our NEOs, which was assumed by us effective as of the Closing of the Business Combination, the material terms of which are described below.

Adam Sachs

Legacy Vicarious entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Sachs on July 13, 2021, pursuant to which Mr. Sachs will serve as our President and Chief Executive Officer and will report directly to our board of directors or our board of directors’ designee. Mr. Sachs’s service pursuant to the employment agreement will continue until terminated in accordance with its terms.

Under the employment agreement, Mr. Sachs will receive an initial annual base salary of $531,234, which will be subject to increase at the discretion of our board of directors or a subcommittee thereof and will be eligible to receive an annual performance bonus targeted at 75% of Mr. Sachs’s then-current annual base salary. The actual amount of any such bonus will be determined by reference to the attainment of applicable company and/or individual performance objectives, as determined by our board of directors or a subcommittee thereof. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Sachs will also be eligible to participate in customary welfare and fringe benefit plans, provided by us to our employees at the same level as Mr. Sachs.

Pursuant to the terms of the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, and subject to the approval of our board of directors or a subcommittee thereof, in May of each calendar year that Mr. Sachs remains employed by us, Mr. Sachs shall be eligible to receive an annual equity award. Beginning in May 2022, the value of such annual equity award shall be $5,502,700, awarded 50% in restricted stock units (“Annual RSU Award”) with a value of $2,751,350 (the number of restricted stock units determined by reference to the closing market price of a share of our common stock on the day immediately preceding the date of grant) and 50%, or a fair value of $2,751,350, in our stock options to purchase a number of shares of our common stock (“Annual Option Award”) calculated by dividing the fair value of the stock option award by the then current Black-Scholes value of our stock options, at a per share exercise price equal to the Fair Market Value (as defined in the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan) of our common stock on the date of grant. On November 23, 2021, our board of directors granted Mr. Sachs a restricted stock unit award consisting of 194,887 RSUs (“Initial RSU Award”) and a stock option award to purchase 389,774 shares of our common stock (“Initial Option Award”). Provided that Mr. Sachs remains employed by us on the vesting date (except as otherwise provided in such agreement or the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan), (i) the shares and RSUs subject to the Annual RSU Awards and Annual Option Awards shall vest in equal installments on the last day of each successive month thereafter for a period of 48 months, (ii) the RSUs subject to the Initial RSU Award shall vest in 16 equal quarterly installments beginning on September 20, 2021, provided that the initial quarterly vesting installment shall not occur until December 20, 2021, and (iii) the shares subject to the Initial Option Award shall vest in 48 equal monthly installments beginning on September 20, 2021, provided that the initial three months of vesting shall not occur until December 20, 2021.

In the event that Mr. Sachs is terminated without cause or resigns from his position for good reason, he would be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to one year of his then in-effect base salary plus the pro-rata portion of his target bonus, as well as any earned but unpaid annual bonus and payment of an amount equal to COBRA premiums for 12 months. In the event that Mr. Sachs is terminated without cause or resigns from his position for good reason within three months prior to or 12 months following a change in control, he would be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to two times the sum of his then in-effect base salary for 12 months plus the pro-rata portion of his target bonus, as well as any earned but unpaid annual bonus and payment of an amount equal to COBRA premiums for 24 months. In addition, his outstanding equity awards with time-based vesting will be vested in full.


We will reimburse Mr. Sachs for all ordinary and reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses incurred by Mr. Sachs in furtherance of our business in accordance with its policies with respect thereto as in effect from time to time. Mr. Sachs will be subject to our Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation, Non-Disclosure, and Intellectual Property Agreement, which includes a one year post-employment covenant not to compete with us subject to certain limitations, a one year post-employment covenant not to solicit, interfere with or service our customers, clients, vendors or partners or prospective customers, clients, vendors or partners to or for a competing business, and a one year post-employment covenant not to solicit or hire our employees or contractors.

Sammy Khalifa

Legacy Vicarious entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Khalifa on July 13, 2021, pursuant to which Mr. Khalifa will serve as our Chief Technology Officer and will report directly to our Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Khalifa’s service pursuant to the employment agreement will continue until terminated in accordance with its terms.

Under the employment agreement, Mr. Khalifa will receive an initial annual base salary of $425,000, which will be subject to increase at the discretion of our board of directors or a subcommittee thereof and will be eligible to receive an annual performance bonus targeted at 75% of Mr. Khalifa’s then-current annual base salary. The actual amount of any such bonus will be determined by reference to the attainment of applicable company and/or individual performance objectives, as determined by our board of directors or a subcommittee thereof. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Khalifa will also be eligible to participate in customary welfare and fringe benefit plans, provided us to our employees at the same level as Mr. Khalifa.

Pursuant to the terms of the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, and subject to the approval of our board of directors or a subcommittee thereof, in May of each calendar year that Mr. Khalifa remains employed by us, Mr. Khalifa shall be eligible to receive an annual equity award. Beginning in May 2022, the value of such annual equity award shall be $4,402,160, awarded 50% in restricted stock units (“Annual RSU Award”) with a value of $2,201,080 (the number of restricted stock units determined by reference to the closing market price of a share of our common stock on the day immediately preceding the date of grant) and 50%, or a fair value of $2,201,080, in our stock options to purchase a number of shares of our common stock (“Annual Option Award”) calculated by dividing the fair value of the stock option award by the then current Black-Scholes value of our stock options, at a per share exercise price equal to the Fair Market Value (as defined in the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan) of our common stock on the date of grant. On November 23, 2021, our board of directors granted Mr. Khalifa a restricted stock unit award consisting of 155,900 RSUs (“Initial RSU Award”) and a stock option award to purchase 311,819 shares of our common stock (“Initial Option Award”). Provided that Mr. Khalifa remains employed by us on the vesting date (except as otherwise provided in such agreement or the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan), (i) the shares and RSUs subject to the Annual RSU Awards and Annual Option Awards shall vest in equal installments on the last day of each successive month thereafter for a period of 48 months, (ii) the RSUs subject to the Initial RSU Award shall vest in 16 equal quarterly installments beginning on September 20, 2021, provided that the initial quarterly vesting installment shall not occur until December 20, 2021, and (iii) the shares subject to the Initial Option Award shall vest in 48 equal monthly installments beginning on September 20, 2021, provided that the initial three months of vesting shall not occur until December 20, 2021.

In the event that Mr. Khalifa is terminated without cause or resigns from his position for good reason, he would be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to 75% of his then in-effect base salary for 12 months plus the pro-rata portion of his target bonus, as well as any earned but unpaid annual bonus and payment of an amount equal to COBRA premiums for 9 months. In the event that Mr. Khalifa is terminated without cause or resigns from his position for good reason within three months prior to or 12 months following a change in control, he would be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to the sum of his then in-effect base salary for 12 months plus the pro-rata portion of his target bonus, as well as any earned but unpaid annual bonus and payment of an amount equal to COBRA premiums for 12 months. In addition, his outstanding equity awards with time-based vesting will be vested in full.


We will reimburse Mr. Khalifa for all ordinary and reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses incurred by Mr. Khalifa in furtherance of our business in accordance with its policies with respect thereto as in effect from time to time. Mr. Khalifa will be subject to our Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation, Non-Disclosure, and Intellectual Property Agreement, which includes a one year post-employment covenant not to compete with us subject to certain limitations, a one year post-employment covenant not to solicit, interfere with or service our customers, clients, vendors or partners or prospective customers, clients, vendors or partners to or for a competing business, and a one year post-employment covenant not to solicit or hire our employees or contractors.

William Kelly

Legacy Vicarious entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Kelly on July 13, 2021, pursuant to which Mr. Kelly will serve as our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and will report directly to our Chief Executive Officer and our board of directors. Mr. Kelly’s service pursuant to the employment agreement will continue until terminated in accordance with its terms.

Under the employment agreement, Mr. Kelly will receive an initial annual base salary of $350,000, which will be subject to increase at the discretion of our board of directors or a subcommittee thereof and will be eligible to receive an annual performance bonus targeted at 50% of Mr. Kelly’s then-current annual base salary. The actual amount of any such bonus will be determined by reference to the attainment of applicable company and/or individual performance objectives, as determined by our board of directors or a subcommittee thereof. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Kelly will also be eligible to participate in customary welfare and fringe benefit plans, provided by us to our employees at the same level as Mr. Kelly.

Pursuant to the terms of the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, and subject to the approval of our board of directors or a subcommittee thereof, in May of each calendar year that Mr. Kelly remains employed by us, Mr. Kelly shall be eligible to receive an annual equity award. Beginning in May 2022, the value of such annual equity award shall be $1,470,000, awarded 50% in restricted stock units (“Annual RSU Award”) with a value of $735,000 (the number of restricted stock units determined by reference to the closing market price of a share of our common stock on the day immediately preceding the date of grant) and 50%, or a fair value of $735,000, in our stock options to purchase a number of shares of our common stock (“Annual Option Award”) calculated by dividing the fair value of the stock option award by the then current Black-Scholes value of our stock options, at a per share exercise price equal to the Fair Market Value (as defined in the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan) of our common stock on the date of grant. On November 23, 2021, our board of directors granted Mr. Kelly a restricted stock unit award consisting of 52,062 RSUs (“Initial RSU Award”) and a stock option award to purchase 104,125 shares of our common stock (“Initial Option Award”). Provided that Mr. Kelly remains employed by us on the vesting date (except as otherwise provided in such agreement or the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan), (i) the shares and RSUs subject to the Annual RSU Awards and Annual Option Awards shall vest in equal installments on the last day of each successive month thereafter for a period of 48 months, (ii) the RSUs subject to the Initial RSU Award shall vest in 16 equal quarterly installments beginning on September 20, 2021, provided that the initial quarterly vesting installment shall not occur until December 20, 2021, and (iii) the shares subject to the Initial Option Award shall vest in 48 equal monthly installments beginning on September 20, 2021, provided that the initial three months of vesting shall not occur until December 20, 2021.


In the event that Mr. Kelly is terminated without cause or resigns from his position for good reason, he would be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to 75% of his then in-effect base salary for 12 months plus the pro-rata portion of his target bonus, as well as any earned but unpaid annual bonus and payment of an amount equal to COBRA premiums for 9 months. In the event that Mr. Kelly is terminated without cause or resigns from his position for good reason within three months prior to or 12 months following a change in control, he would be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to the sum of his then in-effect base salary for 12 months plus the pro-rata portion of his target bonus, as well as any earned but unpaid annual bonus and payment of an amount equal to COBRA premiums for 12 months. In addition, his outstanding equity awards with time-based vesting will be vested in full.

We will reimburse Mr. Kelly for all ordinary and reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses incurred by Mr. Kelly in furtherance of our business in accordance with its policies with respect thereto as in effect from time to time. Mr. Kelly will be subject to our Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation, Non-Disclosure, and Intellectual Property Agreement, which includes a one year post-employment covenant not to compete with us subject to certain limitations, a one year post-employment covenant not to solicit, interfere with or service our customers, clients, vendors or partners or prospective customers, clients, vendors or partners to or for a competing business, and a one year post-employment covenant not to solicit or hire our employees or contractors.

Employee Benefits

Our NEOs participate in employee benefit programs available to our employees generally, including a tax-qualified 401(k) plan. We do not maintain any executive-specific benefit or perquisite programs.

Director Compensation

Legacy Vicarious’ directors classified as employees received no additional compensation for services as directors on the Legacy Vicarious Board. The following table summarizes the compensation paid to our non-employee directors during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021:

Name Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash
($)(1)
  Stock
Awards
($)(2)
  Option
Awards
($)
  All Other Compensation ($)  Total
($)
 
Dror Berman  12,549   444,577         457,126 
Samir Kaul  14,555   444,577         459,132 
Philip Liang  13,237   444,577         457,814 
Ric Fulop (3)  12,549   119,819   477,790      610,158 
David Styka (4)  27,849   119,819      63,250   210,918 
David Ho  12,177   444,577         456,754 
Donald Tang  10,744   444,577         455,321 

(1)The amounts represent fees earned during 2021 under our Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy.

(2)The amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of RSU awards granted to each director in 2021, computed in accordance with ASC 718. A discussion of the assumptions used in determining grant date fair value may be found in Note 10 “Stockholders’ Equity” in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Each non-employee director was granted 9,624 RSUs for their service on our board of directors following the Business Combination (the “Annual Director RSU Grants”). The Annual Director RSU Grants vest in equal monthly installments over 12 months beginning on September 20, 2021, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date. Messrs. Berman, Kaul, Liang, Ho and Tang were each granted 26,085 RSUs upon their appointment as our directors following the Business Combination (the “Initial Director RSU Grants”). The Initial Director RSU Grants vest in equal monthly installments over 36 months beginning on September 20, 2021, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date.


(3)The amount represents the aggregate grant date fair value of options granted to Mr. Fulop in 2021, computed in accordance with ASC 718. A discussion of the assumptions used in determining grant date fair value may be found in Note 10 “Stockholders’ Equity” in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The amount also represents an option to purchase 409,702 of Class A common stock granted on January 25, 2021. The shares underlying this option vest in equal monthly installments over 48 months beginning on January 25, 2021, subject to Mr. Fulop’s continued service through the applicable vesting date.

(4)On June 2, 2021, Mr. Styka entered into a letter agreement with Legacy Vicarious, which formalized Mr. Styka’s prior agreement to serve as executive chairman of the Legacy Vicarious Board, which commenced on October 18, 2020. Under the terms of the letter agreement, Mr. Styka was eligible to receive an annual director fee of $66,000, payable in equal monthly installments of $5,500. The amount included in the table represents cash payments paid in 2021 pursuant to the letter agreement.

Director Compensation

The non-employee director compensation policy provides annual retainers for members serving on our board of directors and committees as follows:

Position Retainer 
Chairperson of the Board $72,500 
Member of the Board $37,500 
Chairperson of the Audit Committee $15,500 
Member of the Audit Committee $6,300 
Chairperson of the Compensation Committee $13,300 
Member of the Compensation Committee $5,000 
Chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee $9,200 
Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee $3,700 

These fees are payable in arrears in quarterly installments no later than the fifteenth day following the end of each calendar quarter, provided that the amount of such payment will be prorated for any portion of such quarter that a director is not serving on our board of directors, on such committee or in such position. Non-employee directors may elect to receive a restricted stock unit award with a grant date fair value of the retainer amounts in lieu of receiving cash in such amounts. Non-employee directors are also reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses incurred in connection with attending meetings of our board of directors and any committee of the board on which they serve and in connection with other business related to the board. Directors may also be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses in accordance with our travel and other expense policies, as may be in effect from time to time.

In addition, we grant to new non-employee directors upon their initial election to our board of directors a number of restricted stock units (each restricted stock unit relating to one share of Class A common stock) having an aggregate fair market value equal to $301,800, determined by dividing (A) $301,800 by (B) the closing price of Class A common stock on the NYSE on the date of the grant (rounded down to the nearest whole share), on the first business day after the date that the non-employee director is first appointed or elected to our board of directors. Each of these grants shall vest in equal monthly installments over 36 months from the date of the grant, subject to the non-employee director’s continued service as a director on the applicable vesting dates.

Furthermore, each non-employee director, who has been serving on our board of directors for six months as of the date of any annual meetings of stockholders, shall automatically receive a restricted stock unit award having an aggregate grant date fair value of $157,200, determined by dividing (A) $157,200 by (B) the closing price of Class A common stock on the NYSE on the date of the grant (rounded down to the nearest whole share), each year on the first business day after our annual meeting of stockholders. Each of these restricted stock unit awards shall vest in equal monthly installments over 12 months from the date of the grant, subject to the non-employee director’s continued service as a director on the applicable vesting dates.


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

The following table sets forth information known to us regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 1, 2022 by:

each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock;

each of our executive officers and directors; and

all of our executive officers and directors as a group.

Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC, which generally provide that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if he, she or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power over that security, including options and warrants that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days and restricted stock units that vest within 60 days. Shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of options and warrants currently exercisable within 60 days and restricted stock units that vest within 60 days are deemed outstanding solely for purposes of calculating the percentage of total ownership and total voting power of the beneficial owner thereof.

The beneficial ownership of our common stock is based on 100,548,007 shares of our Class A common stock and 19,789,860 shares of our Class B common stock issued and outstanding as of March 1, 2022.

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

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Number of
shares of
Class A
Common Stock
  %  Number of
shares
Class B
Common stock
  %  % of
Total
Voting
Power**
 
Directors and Executive Officers:               
Adam Sachs(1)(2)  69,022   *   11,329,695   57.3%  45.7%
Sammy Khalifa(1)(3)  55,217   *   4,551,668   23.0%  18.3%
William Kelly(1)(4)  338,520   *         * 
June Morris(1)(5)  181,776   *         * 
Dror Berman(6)  13,780,828   13.7%        2.8%
Samir Kaul(7)  20,966,807   20.9%        4.2%
Philip Liang(8)  2,700,329   2.7%        * 
Ric Fulop(1)(9)  133,645   *         * 
David Styka(1)(10)  483,062   *         * 
Donald Tang(11)  8,545,685   8.5%        1.7%
David Ho(12)  10,685   *         * 
All Current Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (11 Individuals)(9)  47,265,576   47.0%  15,881,363   80.3%  73.5%
Five Percent Holders:                    
Adam Sachs(1)(2)  69,022   *   11,329,695   57.3%  45.7%
Sammy Khalifa(1)(3)  55,217   *   4,551,668   23.0%  18.3%
D8 Sponsor LLC(11)  8,535,000   8.5%        1.7%
Khosla Ventures, LLC(7)  20,956,122   20.8%        4.2%
Innovation Endeavors III LP(6)  13,770,143   13.7%        2.8%
Sun Hung Kai Strategic Capital Ltd.(13)  5,148,970   5.1%        1.0%
Gates Frontier, LLC(14)  10,096,043   10.0%        2.0%
Cadin Limited(15)  6,336,190   5.9%        1.3%
Barry Greene, M.D.(1)(16)  18,283   *   3,908,497   19.7%  15.8%

*Indicates beneficial ownership of less than 1%.
**Percentage of total voting power represents voting power with respect to all shares of our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock as a single class. Each share of our Class B common stock is entitled to 20 votes per share and each share of our Class A common stock is entitled to 1 vote per share.
(1)Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each of these individuals is c/o Vicarious Surgical Inc., 78 Fourth Avenue, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451.


(2)Consists of (i) options to purchase 56,842 shares of our Class A common stock exercisable within 60 days of March 1, 2022 held by Mr. Sachs, (ii) 12,180 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon vesting of RSUs within 60 days of March 1, 2022 held by Mr. Sachs, and (iii) 11,329,695 shares of our Class B common stock held by Mr. Sachs.
(3)Consists of (i) options to purchase 45,474 shares of our Class A common stock exercisable within 60 days of March 1, 2022 held by Mr. Khalifa, (ii) 9,743 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon vesting of RSUs within 60 days of March 1, 2022 held by Mr. Khalifa, and (iii) 4,551,668 shares of our Class B common stock held by Mr. Khalifa.

(4)Consists of (i) options to purchase 335,267 shares of our Class A common stock exercisable within 60 days of March 1, 2022 held by Mr. Kelly and (ii) 3,253 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon vesting of RSUs within 60 days of March 1, 2022 held by Mr. Kelly.
(5)Consists of (i) options to purchase 178,558 shares of our Class A common stock exercisable within 60 days of March 1, 2022 held by Ms. Morris and (ii) 3,218 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon vesting of RSUs within 60 days of March 1, 2022 held by Ms. Morris.
(6)Consists of (i) 7,632 shares of our Class A common stock held by Mr. Berman, (ii) 3,053 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon vesting of RSUs within 60 days of March 1, 2022 held by Mr. Berman, and (iii) 13,770,143 shares of our Class A common stock held by Innovation Endeavors III LP (“Innovation Endeavors”). Mr. Berman is a managing partner at Innovation Endeavors, and as such may be deemed to have voting and investment control over the shares held by Innovation Endeavors. The business address of Innovation Endeavors is 1845 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306.
(7)Consists of (i) 7,632 shares of our Class A common stock held by Mr. Kaul, (ii) 3,053 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon vesting of RSUs within 60 days of March 1, 2022 held by Mr. Kaul, (iii) 7,896,787 shares of our Class A common stock held by Khosla Ventures Seed C, LP (“Khosla Ventures Seed C”), and (iv) 13,059,335 shares of our Class A common stock held by Khosla Ventures V, LP (“Khosla Ventures V”). Khosla Ventures Seed Associates C, LLC (“KVA Seed C”) is the general partner of Khosla Ventures Seed C. Khosla Ventures Associates V, LLC (“KVA V”) is the general partner of Khosla Ventures V, LP. Vinod Khosla is the managing member of VK Services, LLC (“VK Services”), which is the sole manager of KVA Seed C and KVA V. Each of KVA Seed C, VK Services and Vinod Khosla may be deemed to possess voting and investment control over such securities held by Khosla Ventures Seed C, and each of KVA Seed C, VK Services and Vinod Khosla may be deemed to have indirect beneficial ownership of such securities held by Khosla Ventures Seed C. Each of KVA V, VK Services and Vinod Khosla may be deemed to possess voting and investment control over such securities held by Khosla Ventures V, and each of KVA V, VK Services and Vinod Khosla may be deemed to have indirect beneficial ownership of such securities held by Khosla Ventures V. Each of KVA Seed C, KVA V, VK Services and Vinod Khosla disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of his or its respective pecuniary interests therein. Mr. Kaul is a General Partner and Managing Director of Khosla Ventures, LLC. Mr. Kaul disclaims any beneficial ownership of the securities held by Khosla Ventures Seed C and Khosla Ventures V other than to the extent of any pecuniary interest he may have therein, directly or indirectly. The business address of each of the reporting persons is 2121 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025.
(8)Consists of (i) 7,632 shares of our Class A common stock held by Mr. Liang, (ii) 3,053 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon vesting of RSUs within 60 days of March 1, 2022 held by Mr. Liang, (iii) 2,389,644 shares of our Class A common stock held by Chelvey International Limited (“Chelvey”), and (iv) 300,000 shares of our Class A common stock held by E15 Fund Advisors (HK) Limited (“E15 Fund Advisors”). Chelvey is an entity affiliated with E15 Fund II, LP (“E15”). Mr. Liang is the managing partner for E15. Shrikant Patnaik is a principal for E15. Each of Messrs. Liang and Patnaik share voting and investment discretion with respect to the shares of our Class A common stock held of record by E15, and as such may be deemed to have voting and investment control over the shares held by E15 and the entities affiliated with E15. Mr. Liang is the managing partner for E15 Fund Advisors, and as such may be deemed to have voting and investment control over the shares held by E15 Fund Advisors and the entities affiliated with E15 Fund Advisors. The business address of E15 is Ogier Global (Cayman) Limited, 89 Nexus way, Camana Bay, Grand Cayman, KY1 — 9009, Cayman Islands. The business address of E15 Fund Advisors is RMS2102 — 03 China Insurance Group Bldg., 141 Des Voeux Rd., Central, Hong Kong.


(9)Consists of (i) options to purchase 128,031 shares of our Class A common stock exercisable within 60 days of March 1, 2022 held by Mr. Fulop, (ii) 4,010 shares of our Class A common stock held by Mr. Fulop, and (iii) 1,604 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon vesting of RSUs within 60 days of March 1, 2022 held by Mr. Fulop.
(10)Consists of (i) options to purchase 477,448 shares of our Class A common stock exercisable within 60 days of March 1, 2022 held by Mr. Styka, (ii) 4,010 shares of our Class A common stock held by Mr. Styka, and (iii) 1,604 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon vesting of RSUs within 60 days of March 1, 2022 held by Mr. Styka.
(11)Consists of (i) 7,632 shares of our Class A common stock held by Mr. Tang, (ii) 3,053 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon vesting of RSUs within 60 days of March 1, 2022 held by Mr. Tang, and (iii) 8,535,000 shares of our Class A common stock held by D8 Sponsor LLC (“D8 Sponsor”). David Chu and Mr. Tang are the managers of D8 Sponsor and share voting and investment discretion with respect to the shares of common stock held of record by the D8 Sponsor. Each of the Messrs. Chu and Tang disclaims any beneficial ownership of the securities held by D8 Sponsor other than to the extent of any pecuniary interest he may have therein, directly or indirectly. The business address of D8 Sponsor is Unit 1008, 10/F, Champion Tower, 3 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong.
(12)Consists of (i) 7,632 shares of our Class A common stock held by Mr. Ho and (ii) 3,053 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon vesting of RSUs within 60 days of March 1, 2022 held by Mr. Ho.

(13)Based on Schedule 13G filed by Sun Hung Kai & Co Ltd. (“SHK”), a publicly traded company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (SEHK: 86), on February 17, 2022. Consists of 5,148,970 shares of our Class A common stock held for the account of Sun Hung Kai Strategic Capital Ltd. (“SHK Strategic Capital”). SHK is the sole shareholder of Shipshape Investments Ltd. (“Shipshape”), which is the sole shareholder of SHK Strategic Capital. As a result of these relationships, each of SHK, Shipshape and SHK Strategic Capital may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the securities reported herein. The business address of each of SHK, Shipshape and SHK Strategic Capital is 42/F Lee Garden One, 33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
(14)Based on Schedule 13G filed by Gates Frontier, LLC on September 24, 2021. Consists of 10,096,043 shares of our Class A common stock held by Gates Frontier, LLC. William H. Gates III is the sole member of Gates Frontier, LLC, and as such may be deemed to have sole voting and dispositive power over the shares held by Gates Frontier, LLC. The business address of Gates Frontier, LLC is 2365 Carillon Point, Kirkland, WA 98033.
(15)Consists of 6,336,190 private placement warrants and 6,336,190 shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of such private placement warrants. Voting and dispositive power over the shares held by Cadin Limited is exercised by an investment committee consisting of Donald Tang, George Ho and Yunhan Shi. Each member has one vote, and the approval of a majority is required to approve an action. Under the so-called “rule of three,” if voting and dispositive decisions regarding an entity’s securities are made by three or more individuals, and voting or dispositive decisions require the approval of a majority of those individuals, then none of the individuals is deemed a beneficial owner of the entity’s securities. The business address of Cadin Limited is Appleby Global Services (Cayman) Limited, PO Box 500, 71 Fort Street, Grand Cayman, KY1-1106, Cayman Islands.

(16)Consists of (i) 18,283 shares of our Class A common stock held by Dr. Greene and (ii) 3,908,497 shares of our Class B common stock held by Dr. Greene.


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

D8

Relationship with Sponsor

Prior to the consummation of D8’s initial public offering, on May 14, 2020, the Sponsor, paid $25,000, or approximately $0.003 per share, to cover certain offering costs in consideration for 7,187,500 Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 (the “D8 Founder Shares”). On June 25, 2020, the Sponsor transferred 15,000 D8 Founder Shares to Robert Kirby and 25,000 D8 Founder Shares to each of Michael Kives, Fred Langhammer and Terry Lundgren, resulting in the Sponsor holding 7,097,500 D8 Founder Shares.

Pursuant to letter agreements dated as of July 14, 2020 and April 9, 2021, (the “Letter Agreements”), the Sponsor, Michael Kives, Fred Langhammer, Terry Lundgren, Robert Kirby and each other director and officer of D8 (the “Insiders”) agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or sell any of their D8 Founder Shares and any D8 Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion thereof (collectively, the “Subject Securities”) until the earlier to occur of: (i) one year after the completion of D8’s initial business combination, or (ii) the date on which D8 completes a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction after the initial business combination that results in all of D8’s shareholders having the right to exchange their Class A ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property; except to certain permitted transferees and under certain circumstances (the “lock-up”). The Letter Agreements further provided that, if (1) the closing price of Class A ordinary shares equaled or exceeded $12.00 per share (as adjusted for share sub-divisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the initial business combination or (2) if D8 consummated a transaction after the initial business combination which resulted in its shareholders having the right to exchange their Class A ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property, the D8 Founder Shares would be released from the lock-up.

In connection with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, D8 entered into a support agreement (the “Sponsor Support Agreement”) with the Sponsor, Michael Kives, Fred Langhammer, Terry Lundgren, Robert Kirby and each other director and officer of D8, pursuant to which, among other things, the Letter Agreements and the lock-up were amended so that the Lock-Up Period (as defined in the Sponsor Support Agreement) applicable to the Subject Securities held by the Insiders will end on the earlier of (a) 180 days after the Closing Date and (b) the date on which the volume weighted average closing sale price of one share of Class A common stock as reported on the NYSE (or the exchange on which the shares of Class A common stock are then listed) is greater than or equal to $12.00 for a period of at least 20 trading days out of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the trading day immediately prior to the date of determination (which shall be equitably adjusted for stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations, reclassifications, combination, exchange of shares or other like change or transaction with respect to Class A common stock occurring on or after the Closing); provided that, the 30 day consecutive trading day period referenced above shall have commenced no earlier than 90 days after the Closing Date.

Private Placement Warrants

Simultaneously with the closing of D8’s initial public offering on July 17, 2020, D8 consummated the private placement of 8,000,000 private placement warrants to the Sponsor (the “private placement warrants”), at a price of $1.00 per private placement warrant, generating gross proceeds of $8.0 million. As a result of the underwriters’ election to fully exercise their over-allotment option in full on July 24, 2020, D8 consummated a private sale of an additional 900,000 private placement warrants to the Sponsor, generating additional gross proceeds of $900,000. Each whole private placement warrant is exercisable to purchase one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment. A portion of the proceeds from the private placement warrants was added to the proceeds from D8’s initial public offering held in D8’s Trust Account. The private placement warrants are identical to the public warrants included in the D8 Units sold in D8’s initial public offering, except that the private placement warrants and the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the private placement warrants, so long as they are held by their initial purchasers or their permitted transferees, (i) will not be redeemable by us, (ii) may not (including the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of these warrants), subject to certain limited exceptions, be transferred, assigned or sold until 30 days after the Closing of the Business Combination, (iii) may be exercised by the holders on a cashless basis and (iv) are entitled to registration rights.

On December 28, 2020, the Sponsor transferred 3,465,160 private placement warrants to Bright Insight Holdings Limited and 5,434,840 private placement warrants to Cadin Limited, resulting in the Sponsor holding no private placement warrants.

Sponsor Loan

On May 14, 2020, the Sponsor agreed to loan D8 up to $300,000 to cover expenses related to the initial public offering pursuant to a promissory note (the “Sponsor Note”). D8 borrowed approximately $127,000 under the Sponsor Note and fully repaid this note on July 17, 2020.


Working Capital Loans

On August 23, 2021, D8 issued a convertible promissory note (the “Bright Insight Note”) in the principal amount of $598,650 to Bright Insight Holdings Limited (the “Bright Insight”) and a convertible promissory note (the “Cadin Note” and together with the Bright Insight Note, the “Notes”) in the principal amount of $901,350 to Cadin Limited (“Cadin”). The Notes did not bear interest and were repayable in full on the earlier of (i) July 17, 2022 and (ii) the effective date of the initial business combination (such earlier date, the “Maturity Date”). Bright Insight and Cadin each had the option, at any time on or prior to the Maturity Date, to convert any amounts outstanding under their respective Note into private placement warrants at a conversion price equal to $1.00 per warrant. We had the right to prepay any outstanding principal amount under the Notes at any time at its election and without penalty; provided, however, that Bright Insight and Cadin would each have a right to first convert such principal balance upon notice of such payment. The Notes were subject to customary events of default, the occurrence of which automatically trigger the unpaid principal balance of the Notes and all other sums payable with regard to the Notes becoming immediately due and payable.

In connection with the Closing of the Business Combination, Bright Insight elected to convert the full principal outstanding of $598,650 on the Bright Insight Note into 598,650 private placement warrants and Cadin elected to convert the full principal outstanding of $901,350 on the Cadin Note into 901,350 private placement warrants. Each whole private placement warrant is exercisable to purchase one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment.

Administrative Support Agreement

Commencing upon consummation of its initial public offering, D8 reimbursed the affiliate of the Sponsor $10,000 per month for office space, utilities, and secretarial and administrative support services provided to members of its management team. D8 incurred and paid approximately $145,000 in these fees for the period from May 8, 2020 through the Closing of the Business Combination. Upon completion of the Business Combination, D8 ceased paying these monthly fees.

D8’s executive offices were located at Unit 1008, 10/F Champion Tower, 3 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong, which office space was leased by an affiliate of the Sponsor.

Underwriting Discount

UBS, as the underwriter of D8’s initial public offering, which provided certain advice to D8 in connection with the Business Combination, received an underwriting commission of $6,037,500 in connection with the Closing of the Business Combination.

PIPE Financing

In connection with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, D8 entered into subscription agreements on April 15, 2021 and September 9, 2021 with certain qualified institutional buyers and accredited investors (the “PIPE Investors”), pursuant to which, among other things, D8 issued and sold in the financing an aggregate of 14,200,000 shares of Class A common stock to the PIPE Investors, for $10.00 per share immediately prior to the Closing, for aggregate gross proceeds of $142.0 million (the “PIPE Financing”). E15 Fund Advisors (HK) Limited (of which (i) Philip Liang has shared voting and investment control over the entity’s shares and (ii) Donald Tang has pecuniary interest but disclaims any beneficial ownership over the entity’s shares) purchased 300,000 shares of Class A common stock, Khosla Ventures V, LP (of which Samir Kaul has shared voting and investment control over the entity’s shares) purchased 333,334 shares of Class A common stock, and Innovation Endeavors III LP (of which Dror Berman has shared voting and investment control over the entity’s shares) purchased 333,333 shares of Class A common stock in the PIPE Financing.

Legacy Vicarious

Series A3 Financing

On July 2, 2020, Legacy Vicarious entered into a Series A3 preferred stock purchase agreement, as amended on November 5, 2020 and December 11, 2020, pursuant to which, from July 2, 2020 through December 11, 2020, Legacy Vicarious issued an aggregate of 4,143,304 shares of Legacy Vicarious Series A3 preferred stock at a purchase price of $3.2862 per share for aggregate consideration of approximately $13.6 million. The outstanding shares of Legacy Vicarious Series A3 preferred stock were exchanged for shares of Class A common stock in connection with the Closing of the Business Combination.


The participants in this preferred stock financing include certain holders of more than 5% of Legacy Vicarious capital stock and entities related to Legacy Vicarious’ directors. The following table sets forth the aggregate number of shares of Legacy Vicarious Series A3 preferred stock issued to these related persons in this preferred stock financing:

Name Shares  Aggregate Purchase Price  Date of Issuance
Khosla Ventures(1)  304,302  $999,997  July 2, 2020
Innovation Endeavors(2)  304,302  $999,997  July 2, 2020
Gates Frontier, LLC(3)  304,302  $999,997  July 2, 2020

(1)Consists of 304,302 shares of Legacy Vicarious Series A3 preferred stock purchased by Khosla Ventures, V, LP. Samir Kaul, General Partner of Khosla Ventures, is a member of our board directors.
(2)Consists of 304,302 shares of Legacy Vicarious Series A3 preferred stock purchased by Innovation Endeavors III, LP. Dror Berman, Partner of Innovation Endeavors, is a member of our board directors.
(3)Consists of 304,302 shares of Legacy Vicarious Series A3 preferred stock purchased by Gates Frontier, LLC.

Investors’ Rights, Voting and Right of First Refusal Agreements

In connection with Legacy Vicarious’ Series A3 preferred stock financing, Legacy Vicarious entered into investors’ rights, voting and right of first refusal and co-sale agreements containing registration rights, information rights, voting rights and rights of first refusal, among other things, with holders of Legacy Vicarious preferred stock. In connection with the Closing of the Business Combination, these agreements were terminated.

Agreements with Vicarious Surgical Stockholders

Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement

At the Closing of the Business Combination, we entered into the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement with the Sponsor, D8’s independent directors and certain Legacy Vicarious stockholders, pursuant to which, among other things, the parties to the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to effect any sale or distribution of any of our equity securities held by any of them (except with respect to shares of Class A common stock acquired in open market transactions or by the Sponsor or D8’s independent directors pursuant to the PIPE Financing) during the lock-up period described therein and were granted certain registration rights with respect to their respective shares of our common stock, in each case, on the terms and subject to the conditions therein.

Director Nomination Agreement

At the Closing of the Business Combination, we entered into the Director Nomination Agreement with the Sponsor, pursuant to which, the Sponsor is entitled to certain rights to nominate two members to serve on our board of directors effective as of the Closing Date, subject to the conditions set forth in the Director Nomination Agreement. The Sponsor’s initial nominees to our board of directors were Donald Tang and David Ho. The Sponsor’s right to nominate one such member to our board of directors shall expire at our 2022 annual meeting of stockholders and the right to nominate the other member to our board of directors shall expire upon the earlier of (i) the first date on which the Sponsor ceases to beneficially own at least 2.5% of our issued and outstanding common stock and (ii) the termination of the Director Nomination Agreement as of the date that is 36 months after the Closing Date.


Indemnification Agreements with Officers and Directors and Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance

In connection with the Closing of the Business Combination, we entered into indemnification agreements with each of our executive officers and directors. The indemnification agreements, the Charter and the Bylaws require us to indemnify our directors to the fullest extent not prohibited by Delaware law. Subject to certain limitations, the Bylaws also require us to advance expenses incurred by our directors and officers. We will also maintain a general liability insurance policy, which covers certain liabilities of our directors and officers arising out of claims based on acts or omissions in their capacities as directors or officers.

Policies and Procedures for Related Party Transactions

We have adopted a written related person transaction policy that sets forth the following policies and procedures for the review and approval or ratification of related person transactions.

A “Related Person Transaction” is a transaction, arrangement or relationship in which we or any of our subsidiaries was, is or will be a participant, the amount of which involved exceeds $120,000, and in which any related person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. Transactions involving compensation for services provided to us or any of our subsidiaries as an employee, consultant or director will not be considered related person transactions under this policy. A “Related Person” is:

any person who is or was an executive officer, director, or director nominee of our at any time since the beginning of our last fiscal year;

a person who is or was an Immediate Family Member (as defined below) of an executive officer, director, director nominee at any time since the beginning of our last fiscal year;

any person who, at the time of the occurrence or existence of the transaction, is the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities (a “Significant Stockholder”); or

any person who, at the time of the occurrence or existence of the transaction, is an Immediate Family Member of a Significant Stockholder of ours.

An “Immediate Family Member” of a person is any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law of such person, or any other person sharing the household of such person, other than a tenant or employee.

We have implemented policies and procedures designed to minimize potential conflicts of interest arising from any dealings we may have with our affiliates and to provide appropriate procedures for the disclosure of any real or potential conflicts of interest that may exist from time to time. Specifically, pursuant to our charter, the audit committee has the responsibility to review related party transactions.

Under the related person transaction policy, the related person in question or, in the case of transactions with a beneficial holder of more than 5% of our voting stock, an officer with knowledge of a proposed transaction, will be required to present information regarding the proposed related person transaction to the audit committee (or to another independent body of the board of directors) for review.

To identify related person transactions in advance, we expect to rely on information supplied by our executive officers, directors and certain significant stockholders. In considering related person transactions, our audit committee is expected to take into account the relevant available facts and circumstances, which may include, but are not limited to:

the related person’s interest in the transaction;

the approximate dollar value of the amount involved in the transaction;

the approximate dollar value of the amount of the related person’s interest in the transaction without regard to the amount of any profit or loss;

whether the transaction was undertaken in the ordinary course of our business;


whether the transaction with the related person is proposed to be, or was, entered into on terms no less favorable to us than terms that could have been reached with an unrelated third party;

the purpose of, and the potential benefits to us of, the transaction; and

any other information regarding the transaction or the related person in the context of the proposed transaction that would be material to investors in light of the circumstances of the particular transaction.

The audit committee will approve only those transactions that it determines are fair to us and in our best interests.

Independence of the Board of Directors

NYSE rules generally require that independent directors must comprise a majority of a listed company’s board of directors. Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning his or her background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, we have determined that Messrs. Kaul, Berman, Fulop, Liang and Styka and Dr. Ho, representing six of our nine directors, are “independent” as that term is defined under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing requirements and rules of the NYSE.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

At the completion of the Business Combination, on September 17, 2021, our board of directors engaged Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. The following is a summary of fees paid to Deloitte for services rendered for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

  2021 
Audit fees (1) $595,631 
Audit-related fees (2)  1,587,471 
Tax fees (2)   
All other fees (2)   
Total $2,183,102 

(1)Audit fees consisted of audit work performed in the preparation of consolidated financial statements, as well as work generally only the independent registered public accounting firm can reasonably be expected to provide, such as quarterly review procedures and the provision of consents in connection with the filing of registration statements and related amendments, as well as other filings.

(2)There were no tax and other related fees in 2021.

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, the audit committee has pre-approved 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).


Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Public Accountant

Consistent with SEC policies regarding auditor independence, the audit committee has responsibility for appointing, setting compensation and overseeing the work of our independent registered public accounting firm. In recognition of this responsibility, the audit committee has established a policy to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm.

Prior to engagement of an independent registered public accounting firm for the next year’s audit, management will submit an aggregate of services expected to be rendered during that year for each of four categories of services to the audit committee for approval.

1. Audit services include audit work performed in the preparation of financial statements, as well as work that generally only an independent registered public accounting firm can reasonably be expected to provide, including comfort letters, statutory audits, and attest services and consultation regarding financial accounting or reporting standards.

2. Audit-Related services are for assurance and related services that are traditionally performed by an independent registered public accounting firm, including due diligence related to mergers and acquisitions, employee benefit plan audits, and special procedures required to meet certain regulatory requirements.

3. Tax services include all services performed by an independent registered public accounting firm’s tax personnel except those services specifically related to the audit of the financial statements, and includes fees in the areas of tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice.

4. Other Fees are those associated with services not captured in the other categories. The Company generally does not request such services from our independent registered public accounting firm.

Prior to engagement, the audit committee pre-approves these services by category of service. The fees are budgeted and the audit committee requires our independent registered public accounting firm and management to report actual fees versus the budget periodically throughout the year by category of service. During the year, circumstances may arise when it may become necessary to engage our independent registered public accounting firm for additional services not contemplated in the original pre-approval. In those instances, the audit committee requires specific pre-approval before engaging our independent registered public accounting firm.

The audit committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members. The member to whom such authority is delegated must report, for informational purposes only, any pre-approval decisions to the audit committee at its next scheduled meeting.


PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

Item 15(a). The following documents are filed as part of this annual report on Form 10-K:

Item 15(a)(1) and (2) See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules” at Item 8 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Other financial statement schedules have not been included because they are not applicable or the information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.

Item 15(a)(3)Exhibits

The following is a list of exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit DescriptionFiled
Herewith
Incorporated
by Reference
Herein from
Form or
Schedule
Filing
Date
SEC File/
Reg.
Number
2.1†Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 15, 2021, by and among Vicarious Surgical Inc. (formerly D8 Holdings Corp.), Snowball Merger Sub, Inc., and Vicarious Surgical Operating Co. (formerly Vicarious Surgical Inc.).Form 8-K (Exhibit 2.1)4/15/2021001-39384
3.1Certificate of Incorporation of Vicarious Surgical Inc.Form 8-K
(Exhibit 3.1)
9/23/2021001-39384
3.2Amended and Restated Bylaws of Vicarious Surgical Inc.Form 8-K (Exhibit 3.2)9/23/2021001-39384
4.1Description of SecuritiesX
4.2Specimen Class A Common Stock CertificateForm 8-K (Exhibit 4.1)9/23/2021001-39384
4.3Warrant Agreement, dated as of July 14, 2020, by and between Vicarious Surgical Inc. (formerly D8 Holdings Corp.) and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company.Form 8-K (Exhibit 4.1)7/17/2020001-39384
10.1Form of Subscription Agreement, by and between Vicarious Surgical Inc. (formerly D8 Holdings Corp.), and the subscriber parties thereto.Form 8-K (Exhibit 10.1)4/15/2021001-39384
10.2.1†Building Lease for the premises located at 78 Fourth Avenue, Waltham, Massachusetts, dated as of January 25, 2021, by and among Vicarious Surgical Inc. and Fourth Avenue LLC.Form S-4/A (Exhibit 10.12)8/2/2021333-257055
10.2.2†Amendment to Lease, dated as of October 14, 2021, by and between Vicarious Surgical US Inc. and Fourth Avenue LLCForm 8-K (Exhibit 10.1)10/20/2021001-39384


10.2.3†Guaranty of Lease between Vicarious Surgical US Inc. and Fourth Avenue LLC dated as of October 14, 2021Form 8-K (Exhibit 10.2)10/20/2021001-39384
10.3+Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2021, by and between Vicarious Surgical Inc. and Adam Sachs.Form S-4/A
(Exhibit 10.13)
7/15/2021333-257055
10.4+Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2021, by and between Vicarious Surgical Inc. and Sammy Khalifa.Form S-4/A
(Exhibit 10.14)
7/15/2021333-257055
10.5+Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2021, by and between Vicarious Surgical Inc. and William Kelly.Form S-4/A
(Exhibit 10.15)
7/15/2021333-257055
10.6+Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2021, by and between Vicarious Surgical Inc. and June Morris.Form S-4/A
(Exhibit 10.16)
7/15/2021333-257055
10.7+Letter Agreement, dated as of June 2, 2021, by and between Vicarious Surgical and David Styka.Form S-4/A
(Exhibit 10.17)
7/15/2021333-257055
10.8+Nonemployee Director Compensation Policy.Form S-4/A
(Exhibit 10.18)
7/15/2021333-257055
10.9+Vicarious Surgical Inc. 2014 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended.Form 8-K (Exhibit 10.9)09/23/2021001-39384
10.10+Vicarious Surgical Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, and forms of agreement thereunder, as amended.X
10.11Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 17, 2021, by and among Vicarious Surgical Inc. (formerly D8 Holdings Corp.), Vicarious Surgical Operating Co. (formerly Vicarious Surgical Inc.) and certain of their securityholders.Form 8-K
(Exhibit 10.11)
09/23/2021001-39384
10.12+Form of Indemnification Agreement.Form 8-K
(Exhibit 10.12)
09/23/2021001-39384
10.13Director Nomination Agreement, dated as of September 17, 2021, by and between Vicarious Surgical Inc. (formerly D8 Holdings Corp.) and D8 Sponsor LLC.Form 8-K
(Exhibit 10.13)
09/23/2021001-39384
21.1List of SubsidiariesForm S-1
(Exhibit 21.1)
10/15/2021333-260281
23.1Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLPX
31.1Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002X
31.2Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002X
32*Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002X
101.INSInline XBRL Instance DocumentX
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema DocumentX
101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase DocumentX
101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase DocumentX
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase DocumentX
101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase DocumentX
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)X

*The certifications furnished in Exhibit 32 attached hereto are deemed to accompany this Annual Report on Form 10-K and will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.

Certain of the exhibits and schedules to this Exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item 601(a)(5). The Registrant agrees to furnish a copy of all omitted exhibits and schedules to the SEC upon its request.

+Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

Not applicable.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

VICARIOUS SURGICAL INC.
Date: March 31, 2022By:/s/ Adam Sachs
Adam Sachs
Chief Executive Officer and President

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 indicated below and on the dates indicated.

SignatureTitleDate
/s/ Adam Sachs

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

March 31, 2022
Adam Sachs
/s/ William KellyChief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)March 31, 2022
William Kelly
/s/ David StykaChairmanMarch 31, 2022
David Styka
/s/ Sammy KhalifaDirectorMarch 31, 2022
Sammy Khalifa
/s/ Samir KaulDirectorMarch 31, 2022
Samir Kaul
/s/ Philip LiangDirectorMarch 31, 2022
Philip Liang
/s/ Ric FulopDirectorMarch 31, 2022
Ric Fulop
/s/ Dror BermanDirectorMarch 31, 2022
Dror Berman
/s/ Donald TangDirectorMarch 31, 2022
Donald Tang
/s/ David HoDirectorMarch 31, 2022
David Ho


INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 34)F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020F-4
Consolidated Statements of Convertible Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Stockholders’ Equity/(Deficit) for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsF-7


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholdersstockholders and the Board of Directors of Vicarious Surgical Inc.

D8 Holdings Corp.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets of D8 Holdings Corp.Vicarious Surgical Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”), as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes inconvertible preferred stock, common stock, and stockholders’ equityequity/(deficit), and cash flows, for each of the two years in the period from May 6, 2020 (inception) throughended December 31, 2020,2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period from May 6, 2020 (inception) throughended December 31, 2020,2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit.audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”)(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 auditaudits 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 auditaudits, 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 auditaudits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our auditaudits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit providesaudits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ WithumSmith+Brown, PCDeloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

March 31, 2022

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.

New York, New York

March 25, 2021


D8 HOLDINGS CORP.

BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2020

Assets   
Current assets:   
Cash $1,097,313 
Prepaid expenses  132,958 
Total current assets  1,230,271 
Investments held in Trust Accounts  345,191,130 
Total Assets $346,421,401 
     
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity    
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable $13,682 
Accrued expenses  112,538 
Total current liabilities  126,220 
Deferred underwriting commissions  12,075,000 
Total liabilities  12,201,220 
     
Commitments and Contingencies    
Class A ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized, 32,889,128 shares subject to possible redemption at $10.01 per share  329,220,171 
     
Shareholders’ Equity:    
Preference shares, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding  - 
Class A ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 1,610,872 shares issued and outstanding (excluding 32,889,128 shares subject to possible redemption)  161 
Class B ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 8,625,000 shares issued and outstanding  863 
Additional paid-in capital  5,160,164 
Accumulated deficit  (161,178)
Total shareholders’ equity  5,000,010 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity $346,421,401 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

F-3


 

D8 HOLDINGS CORP.

STATEMENTVICARIOUS SURGICAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS
OF OPERATIONS

For the Period from May 6, 2020 (inception) through DecemberDECEMBER 31, 2021 and 2020
(in thousands, except share and per sha
re data)

Operating expenses   
General and administrative expenses $297,469 
Administrative fee - related party  54,839 
Loss from operations  (352,308)
Net gain from investments held in Trust Accounts  191,130 
Net loss $(161,178)
     
Weighted average shares outstanding of Class A ordinary shares, basic and diluted  34,312,500 
     
Basic and diluted net income per share, Class A ordinary shares $0.01 
     
Weighted average shares outstanding of Class B ordinary shares, basic and diluted  8,280,711 
     
Basic and diluted net loss per share, Class B ordinary shares $(0.04)
  December 31, 
  2021  2020 
Assets      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents $173,507  $16,867 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  4,867   258 
Total current assets  178,374   17,125 
Restricted cash  1,055   118 
Property and equipment, net  2,250   445 
Other long-term assets     100 
Total assets $181,679  $17,788 
         
Liabilities, Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Equity        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $1,500  $373 
Accrued expenses  4,098   394 
Current portion of equipment loans  47   47 
Current portion of term loan  600    
Total current liabilities  6,245   814 
Deferred rent  1,631   58 
Equipment loans, net of current portion  16   63 
Term loan, net of current portion and issuance costs  675    
Warrant liabilities  90,021    
Total liabilities  98,588   935 
         
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)        
         
Legacy convertible preferred stock (Note 10)      
         
Stockholders’ Equity:        
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020      
Class A Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 300,000,000 and 200,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively; 99,979,207 and 67,640,740 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively  12   7 
Class B Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 22,000,000 and 20,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively; 19,789,860 and 19,572,257 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020     2 
Additional paid-in capital  149,877   48,435 
Accumulated deficit  (66,798)  (31,591)
Total stockholders’ equity  83,091   16,853 
         
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $181,679  $17,788 

TheSee accompanying notes are an integral part ofto these consolidated financial statements.

F-4


 

VICARIOUS SURGICAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020
(in thousands except, per share data)

  Year Ended
December 31,
 
  2021  2020 
Operating expenses:      
Research and development $22,059  $9,796 
Sales and marketing  2,961   861 
General and administrative  13,203   2,328 
Total operating expenses  38,223   12,985 
Loss from operations  (38,223)  (12,985)
Other income (expense):        
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities  3,085    
Interest income  20   113 
Interest expense  (89)  (3)
Loss before income taxes  (35,207)  (12,875)
Provision for income taxes      
Net loss $(35,207) $(12,875)
Net loss per share of Class A and Class B common stock, basic and diluted $(0.36) $(0.16)

 

D8 HOLDINGS CORP.

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the Period from May 6, 2020 (inception) through December 31, 2020

  Ordinary Shares  Additional     Total 
  Class A  Class B  Paid-in  Accumulated  Shareholders’ 
  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital  Deficit  Equity 
Balance -  May 6, 2020 (Inception)  -  $-   -  $-  $-  $-  $- 
Issuance of Class B ordinary shares to Sponsor  -   -   8,625,000   863   24,137   -   25,000 
Sale of units in initial public offering, gross  34,500,000   3,450   -   -   344,996,550   -   345,000,000 
Offering costs  -   -   -   -   (19,543,641)  -   (19,543,641)
Sale of private placement warrants to Sponsor in private placement  -   -   -   -   8,900,000   -   8,900,000 
Shares subject to possible redemption  (32,889,128)  (3,289)  -   -   (329,216,882)  -   (329,220,171)
Net loss  -   -   -   -   -   (161,178)  (161,178)
Balance -  December 31, 2020  1,610,872  $161   8,625,000  $863  $5,160,164  $(161,178) $5,000,010 

TheSee accompanying notes are an integral part ofto these consolidated financial statements.

F-5


 

VICARIOUS SURGICAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK, COMMON STOCK AND
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY/(DEFICIT)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020
(In thousands, except share data)

  Convertible
Preferred Stock
  Class A & B
Common Stock
  Additional
Paid-In
  Accumulated  Total
Stockholders’
 
  Shares Amount  Shares Amount  Capital  Deficit  Equity/(Deficit)
Balance, January 1, 2020  52,885,027 $33,150   17,613,962 $2  $1,196   (18,716) (17,518)
Retroactive application of recapitalization (Note 1)  (52,885,027) (33,150)  52,885,027  5   33,145     33,150 
Adjusted balance, beginning of period       70,498,989  7   34,341   (18,716) 15,632 
Series A-3 financing, net issuance cost of $95       13,665,901  1   13,519     13,520 
Exercise of common stock options       436,950     43     43 
Stock-based compensation            448     448 
Vesting of restricted stock       2,611,157  1   (1)     
Issuance of common stock warrants            85     85 
Net loss               (12,875) (12,875)
Balance, December 31, 2020       87,212,997  9   48,435   (31,591) 16,853 
Reverse recapitalization, net of transaction costs (Note 1)       30,579,972  3   97,311     97,314 
Cashless exercise of warrants       146,577           
Exercise of common stock options       1,558,908     421     421 
Exercise of public warrants       1,370     16     16 
Stock-based compensation            3, 694     3,694 
Vesting of restricted stock       269,243           
Net loss               (35,207) (35,207)
Balance, December 31, 2021    $    119,769,067 $12  $149,877  $(66,798) $83,091 

See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.


 

D8 HOLDINGS CORP.

STATEMENTVICARIOUS SURGICAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS
OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 and 2020
(in thousands)

  Years Ended
December 31,
 
  2021  2020 
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net loss $(35,207) $(12,875)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating        
Operating activities:        
Depreciation  316   157 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets  8    
Stock-based compensation  3,694   448 
Amortization of debt issuance costs  21    
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities  (3,085)   
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  (4,609)  (3)
Accounts payable  1,127   170 
Accrued expenses  3,704   80 
Deferred rent  733    
Other noncurrent assets     (15)
Net cash used in operating activities  (33,298)  (12,038)
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Purchases of property and equipment  (1,289)  (120)
Proceeds from short term investments     13,324 
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities  (1,289)  13,204 
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Repayment of equipment loans  (47)  (48)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs     13,520 
Proceeds from term loan  1,500    
Repayment of term loan  (150)   
Proceeds from reverse recapitalization, net of issuance costs  190,424    
Proceeds from exercise of public warrants  16    
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  421   43 
Net cash provided by financing activities  192,164   13,515 
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  157,577   14,681 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year  16,985   2,304 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year $174,562  $16,985 
         
Reconciliation of restricted cash:        
Cash and cash equivalents  173,507   16,867 
Restricted cash  1,055   118 
  $174,562  $16,985 
Supplemental cash flow information:        
Interest paid $36  $3 
         
Non-cash investing and financing activities:        
Leasehold improvements funded by the landlord $840  $ 
Warrants assumed in acquisition $93,110  $ 
Issuance of warrants recorded as deferred financing costs $  $85 

 

For the Period from May 6, 2020 (inception) through December 31, 2020

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:   
Net loss $(161,178)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:    
General and administrative expenses paid by related parties  16,745 
Net gain from investments held in Trust Accounts  (191,130)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:    
Prepaid expenses  (132,958)
Accounts payable  13,682 
Accrued expenses  27,538 
Net cash used in operating activities  (427,301)
     
Cash Flows from Investing Activities    
Principal deposited in Trust Accounts  (345,000,000)
Net cash used in investing activities  (345,000,000)
     
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:    
Repayment of note payable and advances to related party  (126,762)
Proceeds received from initial public offering, gross  345,000,000 
Proceeds from private placement  8,900,000 
Payment of offering costs  (7,248,624)
Net cash provided by financing activities  346,524,614 
     
Net change in cash  1,097,313 
     
Cash - beginning of the period  - 
Cash - end of the period $1,097,313 
     
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:    
Offering costs paid in exchange for issuance of Class B ordinary shares to Sponsor $25,000 
Offering costs included in accrued expenses $85,000 
Offering costs included in note payable $110,017 
Deferred underwriting commissions in connection with the initial public offering $12,075,000 
Initial value of Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption $285,911,360 
Change in value of Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption $43,308,811 

TheSee accompanying notes are an integral part ofto these consolidated financial statements.


D8 HOLDINGS CORP.

VICARIOUS SURGICAL INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
aS OF AND FOR THE YEARs ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020
(in thousands, except for share and per share data)

NOTE 1. DESCRIPTIONNATURE OF ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Nature of Business

Organization and General

D8 Holdings Corp. (theVicarious Surgical Inc. (“Vicarious” or the “Company”) is a blank check companywas incorporated in the Cayman Islandsstate of Delaware on May 6, 2020. The Company was incorporated for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses that the Company has not yet identified (“Business Combination”). Although the Company1, 2014, and is not limited to a particular industry or geographic region for purposes of consummating a Business Combination, the Company intends to focus its search on the consumer retail sector.headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) ofcurrently developing its virtual reality surgical system using proprietary human-like surgical robots and virtual reality to transport surgeons inside the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), as modified by the Jumpstart our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”).patient to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures.

At December 31, 2020, the Company had not yet commenced operations. All activity for the period from May 6, 2020 (inception) through December 31, 2020 relates to the Company’s formation and its preparation for the initial public offering (“Initial Public Offering”), which is described below, and since the initial public offering, the search for a prospective initial Business Combination. The Company will not generate any operating revenue until after the completion of its initial Business Combination, at the earliest. The Company will generate non-operating income in the form of income earned on investments on investments in the Trust Account (as defined below). The Company has selected December 31 as its fiscal year end.

Financing

The Company’s sponsor is D8 Sponsor LLC, a Cayman Islands limited liability company (“Sponsor”). The registration statement for the Initial Public Offering was declared effective on July 14, 2020. On July 17, 2020, the Company consummated the Initial Public Offering of 30,000,000 units (the “Units”) at $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of $300.0 million (the “Initial Public Offering”). Each Unit consists of one Class A ordinary share (the “Public Shares”) of the Company, par value $0.0001, and one-half of one redeemable warrant (the “Public Warrants”) of the Company, with each whole warrant entitled to purchase one Class A Ordinary Share for $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment. On July 24, 2020, the underwriters exercised the over-allotment option in full and purchased an additional 4,500,000 Units (the “Over-Allotment Units”), generating additional gross proceeds of $45.0 million. The Company incurred total offering costs of approximately $19.5 million in underwriting fees (inclusive of approximately $12.1 million in deferred underwriting fees) (Note 5).

Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the Company consummated the private placement (“Private Placement”) of 8,000,000 warrants (each, a “Private Placement Warrant” and collectively, the “Private Placement Warrants”) to the Sponsor, each exercisable to purchase one Class A ordinary share at $11.50 per share, at a price of $1.00 per Private Placement Warrant, generating gross proceeds to the Company of $8.0 million (Note 4). On July 24, 2020, simultaneously with the sale of the Over-Allotment Units, the Company consummated a private sale of an additional 900,000 Private Placement Warrants to the Sponsor, generating gross proceeds of $900,000.

Trust Account

Upon the closing of the Initial Public Offering and the Private Placement, $345.0 million ($10.00 per Unit) of the net proceeds of the Initial Public Offering and certain of the proceeds of the Private Placement was placed in trust accounts (“Trust Accounts”), located in the United States with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company acting as trustee, and is invested only in U.S. government securities, within the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act, having a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations, until the earlier of: (i) the completion of a Business Combination or (ii) the distribution of the Trust Account as described below.


Initial Business Combination

The Company’s management has broad discretion with respect to the specific application of the net proceeds of the Initial Public Offering and the sale of Private Placement Warrants, although substantially all of the net proceeds are intended to be applied generally toward consummating a Business Combination. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to complete a Business Combination successfully. The Company must complete an initial Business Combination with one or more operating businesses or assets with a fair market value of at least 80% of the net assets held in the Trust Account (as defined below) (excluding the amount of any deferred underwriting discount held in the Trust Account) at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial Business Combination. However, the Company will only complete a Business Combination if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”).

The Company will provide its holders (the “Public Shareholders”) of its Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001, sold in the Initial Public Offering, with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their Public Shares upon the completion of a Business Combination either (i) in connection with a general meeting called to approve the Business Combination or (ii) by means of a tender offer. The decision as to whether the Company will seek shareholder approval of a Business Combination or conduct a tender offer will be made by the Company, solely in its discretion. The Public Shareholders will be entitled to redeem their Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the amount then in the Trust Account (initially anticipated to be $10.00 per Public Share). The per-share amount to be distributed to Public Shareholders who redeem their Public Shares will not be reduced by the deferred underwriting commissions the Company will pay to the underwriters (as discussed in Note 5). These Public Shares were classified as temporary equity upon the completion of the Initial Public Offering in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” In such case, the Company will proceed with a Business Combination if the Company has net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 and the approval of an ordinary resolution. If a shareholder vote is not required by law and the Company does not decide to hold a shareholder vote for business or other legal reasons, the Company will, pursuant to its Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, conduct the redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and file tender offer documents with the SEC prior to completing a Business Combination. If, however, shareholder approval of the transactions is required by law, or the Company decides to obtain shareholder approval for business or legal reasons, the Company will offer to redeem shares in conjunction with a proxy solicitation pursuant to the proxy rules and not pursuant to the tender offer rules. Additionally, each Public Shareholder may elect to redeem their Public Shares irrespective of whether they vote for or against the proposed transaction. If the Company seeks shareholder approval in connection with a Business Combination, the initial shareholders (as defined below) have agreed to vote their Founder Shares (as defined below in Note 4) and any Public Shares purchased during or after the Initial Public Offering in favor of a Business Combination. In addition, the initial shareholders have agreed to waive their redemption rights with respect to their Founder shares and Public Shares in connection with the completion of a Business Combination.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association provide that a Public Shareholder, together with any affiliate of such shareholder or any other person with whom such shareholder is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), will be restricted from redeeming its shares with respect to more than an aggregate of 20% or more of the Class A ordinary shares sold in the Initial Public Offering, without the prior consent of the Company.

The Company’s Sponsor, officers and directors (the “initial shareholders”) have agreed, pursuant to a written agreement with the Company, that they will not propose any amendment to the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association (A) to modify the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to allow redemption in connection with the initial Business Combination or to redeem 100% of its Public Shares if the Company does not complete a Business Combination within 24 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering, or July 17, 2022 (the “Combination Period”) or (B) with respect to any other material provisions relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial Business Combination activity, unless the Company provides the Public Shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their Class A ordinary shares upon approval of any such amendment at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us to pay our taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares.


If the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period, the Company 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 interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company (less taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish Public Shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any) and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the Company’s remaining shareholders and the Company’s board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), to the Company’s obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and in all cases subject to the other requirements of applicable law.

In connection with the redemption of 100% of the Company’s outstanding Public Shares for a portion of the funds held in the Trust Account, each holder will receive a full pro rata portion of the amount then in the Trust Account, plus any pro rata interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay the Company’s taxes payable (less taxes payable and up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses).

The initial shareholders have agreed to waive their liquidation rights with respect to the Founder Shares if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period. However, if the initial shareholders or members of the Company’s management team acquire Public Shares in or after the Initial Public Offering, they will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to such Public Shares if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period. The underwriters have agreed to waive their rights to its deferred underwriting commission (see Note 5) held in the Trust Account in the event the Company does not complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period and, in such event, such amounts will be included with the other funds held in the Trust Account that will be available to fund the redemption of the Public Shares. 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 only $10.00 per share initially held in the Trust Account. In order to protect the amounts held in the Trust Account, the Sponsor has agreed to be liable to the Company if and to the extent any claims by a third party for services rendered or products sold to the Company, or a prospective target business with which the Company has entered into a written letter of intent, confidentiality or other similar agreement or business combination agreement, reduce the amount of funds in the Trust Account to below the lesser of (i) $10.00 per public share and (ii) the actual amount per Public Share held in the Trust Account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account, if less than $10.00 per share due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, less taxes payable. This liability will not apply with respect to any claims by a third party who executed a waiver of any and all rights to the monies held in the Trust Account (whether or not such waiver is enforceable) or to any claims under the Company’s indemnity of the underwriters of the Initial Public Offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Moreover, in the event that an executed waiver is deemed to be unenforceable against a third party, the Sponsor will not be responsible to the extent of any liability for such third-party claims. The Company will seek to reduce the possibility that the Sponsor will have to indemnify the Trust Account due to claims of creditors by endeavoring to have all vendors, service providers (except for the Company’s independent public registered accounting firm), prospective target businesses or other entities with which the Company does business, execute agreements with the Company waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to monies held in the Trust Account.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2020, the Company had approximately $1.1 million in its operating bank account and working capital of approximately $1.1 million.

Prior to the completion of the Initial Public Offering, the Over-Allotment and the Private Placement, the Company’s liquidity needs had been satisfied through the payment of $25,000 in offering costs by the Sponsor in exchange for the issuance of the Founder Shares, and a loan of approximately $127,000 pursuant to the Note issued to the Sponsor (Note 4). The Company repaid the Note in full on July 17, 2020. Subsequent to the consummation of the Initial Public Offering, the Over-Allotment and the Private Placement, the Company’s liquidity needs have been satisfied with the proceeds from the consummation of the Private Placement not held in the Trust Account. In addition, in order to finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, the Sponsor may, but is not obligated to, provide the Company Working Capital Loans (see Note 4). As of December 31, 2020, there were no amounts outstanding under any Working Capital Loan.


Based on the foregoing, management believes that the Company will have sufficient working capital and borrowing capacity from the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor, or certain of the Company’s officers and directors to meet its needs through the earlier of the consummation of a Business Combination or one year from this filing. Over this time period, the Company will be using these funds for paying existing accounts payable, identifying and evaluating prospective initial Business Combination candidates, performing due diligence on prospective target businesses, paying for travel expenditures, selecting the target business to merge with or acquire, and structuring, negotiating and consummating the Business Combination.

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of presentation

The accompanying financial statements are presented in U.S. dollarsprepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). Any reference in these notes to applicable guidance is meant to refer to the authoritative US GAAP.

Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the “Company” and “Vicarious Surgical” refer to the consolidated operations of Vicarious Surgical Inc. References to “D8” refer to the company prior to the consummation of the Business Combination and references to “Legacy Vicarious Surgical” refer to Vicarious Surgical Inc. prior to the consummation of the Business Combination.

On April 15, 2021, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with D8 Holdings Corp (“D8”) to effect a business combination between D8 and the Company with the Company surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of D8 (the “Business Combination”). On September 17, 2021 the Merger Agreement was effected, and each share of Vicarious Surgical Inc. stock was exchanged for 3.29831 shares of D8 common stock. The Company received total proceeds of $77,993 after redemptions. In connection with the Business Combination, D8 entered into subscription agreements with subscribers who agreed to purchase an aggregate of 14,200,000 shares of Class A common stock for a purchase price of $142,000 (the “PIPE”), all of which were issued on the effective date. In total, this provided the Company cash of $190,424, which is net of transaction costs of $29,569.

Legacy Vicarious Surgical was deemed to be the accounting acquirer in the Business Combination. The determination was primarily based on Legacy Vicarious Surgical’s stockholders having a majority of the voting power in the combined Company, Legacy Vicarious Surgical having the ability to appoint a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company, Legacy Vicarious Surgical’s existing management team comprising the senior management of the combined Company, Legacy Vicarious Surgical comprising the ongoing operations of the combined Company and the combined Company assuming Vicarious Surgical’s name. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the Business Combination was treated as the equivalent of Legacy Vicarious Surgical issuing stock for the net assets of D8, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of D8 are stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded.

 While D8 was the legal acquirer in the Business Combination, because Legacy Vicarious Surgical was deemed the accounting acquirer, the historical financial statements of Legacy Vicarious Surgical became the historical financial statements of the combined Company upon the consummation of the Business Combination. As a result, the financial statements included in this report reflect (i) the historical operating results of Legacy Vicarious Surgical prior to the Business Combination; (ii) the combined results of D8 and Legacy Vicarious Surgical following the close of the Business Combination; (iii) the assets and liabilities of Legacy Vicarious Surgical at their historical cost; and (iv) the Legacy Vicarious Surgical’s equity structure for all periods presented, as affected by the recapitalization presentation.


In accordance with guidance applicable to these circumstances, the equity structure has been restated in all comparable periods up to September 17, 2021, to reflect the number of shares of the Company’s common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, issued to Legacy Vicarious Surgical’s stockholders in connection with the Business Combination. As such, the shares and corresponding capital amounts and earnings per share related to Legacy Vicarious Surgical’s outstanding convertible preferred stock and Legacy Vicarious Surgical’s common stock prior to the Business Combination have been retroactively restated as shares reflecting the exchange ratio of 3.29831 established in the Business Combination. Legacy Vicarious Surgical’s convertible preferred stock previously classified as mezzanine was retroactively adjusted, converted into common stock and reclassified to permanent as a result of the reverse recapitalization.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Any reference in these notes to applicable guidance is meant to refer to GAAP as found in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) and Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).

Principles of Consolidation

Emerging growth company

As an emerging growth company,The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company may take advantageand its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accompanying financial statements reflect the application of certain exemptions from varioussignificant accounting policies as described in this note and elsewhere in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting requirements thatperiods presented. Estimates are applicable to other public companies thatused for, but 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 of 2002, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

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 an emerging growth 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 has 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 the Company’s financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted outability to continue as a going concern, depreciation of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used. This may make comparison of the Company’s financial statement with another public company that is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company that has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

Concentrations of credit risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist of a cash account in a financial institution which, at times may exceed the Federal depository insurance coverage of $250,000,property and investments held in Trust Account. At December 31, 2020, the Company had not experienced losses on this account and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such accounts. The Company’s investments held in the Trust Account as of December 31, 2020 is comprised of investments in U.S. Treasury securities with an original maturity of 185 days or less or investments in a money market funds that comprise only U.S. treasury securities money market funds and cash.


Investments Held in the Trust Account

The Company’s portfolio of investments held in the Trust Account is comprised of U.S. government securities, within the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act, with a maturity of 185 days or less, investments in money market funds that invest in U.S. government securities, cash, or a combination thereof. The Company’s investments held in the Trust Account are classified as trading securities. Trading securities are presented on the balance sheets at fair value at the end of each reporting period. Gains and losses resulting from the change inequipment, fair value of these securities is included in gain on Investments Held in Trust Account infinancial instruments, and contingencies. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the accompanying statement ofCompany will continue as a going concern. Management has evaluated whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued. Since its inception, the Company has incurred net losses and negative cash flows from operations. The estimated fair values of investments held in the Trust Account are determined using available market information.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

FairUS GAAP requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is defined as the pricepracticable to estimate that would be received for sale of an asset or paid for transfer ofvalue. US GAAP provides a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy whichthat prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value.for the valuation techniques. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). These tiers include:

Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical instruments in active markets;

Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and

Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions, such as valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

In some circumstances, and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs. The most observable inputs are used, to measure fair value might be categorized within differentwhen available. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy. In those instances,hierarchy are described as follows:

Level 1 — Inputs to the fair value measurement is categorizedvaluation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in its entiretyactive markets that the Company has the ability to access.


Level 2 — Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the fair value hierarchy based onasset or liability; and inputs that are derived from, or corroborated by, observable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3 — Inputs to the lowest level input that isvaluation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

As of December 31, 2020, theThe carrying values of prepaid expenses, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of the instruments. The Company’s investments held in Trust Account are comprised of investments in U.S. Treasury securities with an original maturity of 185 days or less or investments in a money market funds that comprise only U.S. treasury securities and are recognized at fair value. 

The fair value of investments held in Trust Account isPublic Warrants, was determined from their trading value on public markets. The fair value of Private Warrants was calculated using quoted prices in active markets.the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model since these instruments do not have the early redemption feature.

Use of estimates

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 periods.

Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. Accordingly, the actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.


Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of checking accounts and money market funds. The Company considers all short-termhighly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months90 days or less when purchasedat the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

The Company has an agreement to maintain a cash balance of $1,055 and $118 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively as collateral for letters of credit related to the Company’s leases. The balance is classified as long-term on the Company’s balance sheets as the lease periods end beginning in December 2023 through February 2029.

Short-Term Investments

All of the Company’s investments, which consist of certificates of deposit, are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value. There were no cash equivalentsunrealized gains for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. The Company held outside the Trust Accountno other investments as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Off-Balance-Sheet Risk

The Company has no significant off-balance-sheet risk, such as foreign exchange contracts, option contracts, or other foreign hedging arrangements. Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist mainly of cash and cash equivalents. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents principally with accredited financial institutions of high-credit standing.

Warrant Liabilities

The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge its exposures to cash flow, market or foreign currency risks. Management evaluates all of the Company’s financial instruments, including issued Warrants to purchase its Class A common stock, to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives, pursuant to ASC 480 and ASC 815-15. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is re-assessed at the end of each reporting period.

As part of the Business Combination, the Company assumed 17,249,991 Public Warrants that are exercisable to purchase shares of Class A common stock to investors as well as 10,400,000 Private Placement Warrants. All of the Company’s outstanding Warrants are recognized as derivative liabilities in accordance with ASC 815-40. Accordingly, the Company recognizes the warrants as liabilities at fair value and adjusts the warrant liability to fair value at each reporting period. The liabilities are subject to re-measurement at each balance sheet date until exercised, and any change in fair value is recognized in the statement of operations. The fair value of Public Warrants was determined from their trading value on public markets. The fair value of Private Warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model since these instruments do not have the early redemption feature.


 

Offering costsProperty and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or disposed of, the assets and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is included in the determination of net loss. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets.

Offering costs consist legal, accounting, underwriting fees and other costs incurred

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company continually evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate that the estimated remaining useful life of its long-lived assets may warrant revision or that the carrying value of these assets may be impaired. During 2021, in connection with a lease termination, the formationCompany disposed of $24 of fixed assets with accumulated depreciation of $16 incurring an $8 loss on the disposal.

Guarantees and preparationIndemnifications

As permitted under Delaware law, the Company indemnifies its officers, directors, consultants and employees for the Initial Public Offering. These costs were charged to additional paid-in capital upon the completioncertain events or occurrences that happen by reason of the Initial Public Offering.relationship with, or position held at, the Company. Through December 31, 2021, the Company had not experienced any losses related to these indemnification obligations, and no claims were outstanding. The Company does not expect significant claims related to these indemnification obligations and, consequently, concluded that the fair value of these obligations is negligible, and no related liabilities have been established.

Research and Development

Class A Ordinary Shares subject

Research and development costs are expensed in the period incurred. Research and development costs include payroll and personnel expenses, consulting costs, software and webservices, legal, raw materials and allocated overhead such as depreciation and amortization, rent and utilities. Advance payments for goods and services to possible redemptionbe used in future research and development activities are recorded as prepaid expenses and are expensed over the service period as the services are provided or when the goods are consumed.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for its Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption in accordance with the guidance in ASC Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” Shares of Class A ordinary shares subject to mandatory redemption (if any) are classifiedall stock-based compensation, including stock options and warrants issued as liability instruments and are measuredcompensation for services, at fair value. Sharesvalue and recognizes stock-based compensation expense for those equity awards, net of conditionally redeemable Class A ordinary shares (including Class A ordinary shares that feature redemption rights that are either withinactual forfeitures, over the controlrequisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the holder or subjectrespective award.

The fair value of the Company’s stock options and warrants on the date of grant is determined by a Black-Scholes pricing model utilizing key assumptions such as stock price, expected volatility and expected term. The Company’s estimates of these assumptions are primarily based on the fair value of the Company’s stock, historical data, peer company data and judgment regarding future trends. Prior to redemptionbecoming a publicly traded company, the fair value of the Company’s common stock was determined by the Board of Directors at each award grant date based upon a variety of factors, including the occurrenceresults obtained from an independent third-party valuation, the Company’s financial position and historical financial performance, the status of uncertain events not solelytechnological developments within the Company’s control) are classified as temporary equity. At all other times, sharesproposed products, the illiquid nature of Class A ordinary shares are classified as shareholders’ equity. The Company’s Class A ordinary shares feature certain redemption rights that are considered to be outsidethe common stock, arm’s length sales of the Company’s controlcapital stock, including convertible preferred stock, the effect of the rights and subjectpreferences of the preferred shareholders, and the prospects of a liquidity event, among others, as the Company’s common stock is was not actively traded. Since becoming a publicly traded company, the Company uses its publicly traded stock price as the fair value of its common stock.


Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method pursuant to ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, the Company determines deferred tax assets and liabilities on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets to the occurrenceextent that management believes that these assets are more likely than not to be realized in the future. In making such a determination, management considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations.

The Company provides reserves for potential payments of taxes to various tax authorities related to uncertain future events. Accordingly, at December 31, 2020, 32,889,128 sharestax positions. Amounts recognized are based on a determination of Class A ordinary shares subjectwhether a tax benefit taken by the Company in its tax filings or positions is “more likely than not” to possible redemptionbe sustained on audit. The amount recognized is equal to the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be sustained. Interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions are presentedrecorded as temporary equity, outsidea component of the shareholders’ equity section of the Company’s balance sheets.income tax expense.

Net Loss Per share

Net

Basic net loss per ordinary share

The Company complies with accounting and disclosure requirements of ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share.” Net loss per ordinary share attributable to common stockholders is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of ordinarycommon shares outstanding duringfor the period. The Company has not consideredDiluted net loss attributable to common stockholders is computed by adjusting net loss attributable to common stockholders to reallocate undistributed earnings based on the effectpotential impact of the warrants sold in the Initial Public Offering and Private Placement to purchase an aggregate of 26,150,000 shares of Class A ordinary shares in the calculation of diluted earnings per ordinary share, since their inclusion would be anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method. As a result, diluted loss per ordinary share is the same as basicdilutive securities. Diluted loss per share for the periods presented.

The Company’s statement of operations include a presentation of income per share for ordinary shares subjectattributable to redemption in a manner similar to the two-class method of income per share. Net loss per share, basic and diluted for Class A ordinary sharescommon stockholders is calculatedcomputed by dividing the investment income earned on the Trust Account of approximately $191,000 for the period from May 6 (inception), 2020 through December 31, 2020diluted net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of Class A ordinarycommon shares outstanding for the period. Netperiod, including potential dilutive common stock. For purpose of this calculation, outstanding stock options, stock warrants and convertible preferred stock are considered potential dilutive common stock and are excluded from the computation of net loss per share as their effect is anti-dilutive.

Accordingly, in periods in which the Company reports a net loss, such losses are not allocated to such participating securities. In periods in which the Company reports a net loss attributable to common stockholders, diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is the same as basic net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, since dilutive common shares are not assumed to be outstanding if their effect is anti-dilutive.

Comprehensive Loss

There were no differences between net loss and dilutedcomprehensive loss presented in the statements of operations for 2021 and 2020.

Segments

Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is made available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in making decisions regarding resource allocation and assessing performance. The CODM is the Company’s chief executive officer. The Company manages its operations as a single segment for the purposes of assessing performance and making operating decisions. The Company’s singular concentration is focused on the development of its virtual reality surgical system.


Emerging Growth Company Status

The Company is an “emerging growth company,” (“EGC”) as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, (the “JOBS Act”), and may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not EGCs. The Company may take advantage of these exemptions until it is no longer an EGC under Section 107 of the JOBS Act and has elected to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards. As a result of this election, the Company’s financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) standards’ effective dates. The Company may take advantage of these exemptions up until the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of an offering or such earlier time that it is no longer an EGC.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), as amended, with guidance regarding the accounting for and disclosure of leases. The update requires lessees to recognize the liabilities related to all leases, including operating leases on the balance sheet. This update also requires lessees and lessors to disclose key information about their leasing transactions. This update is effective for entities other than public business entities, including emerging growth companies that elected to defer compliance with new or revised financial accounting standards until a company that is not an issuer is required to comply with such standards, for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU No. 2016-02 on the financial statements and related disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326). ASU No. 2016-13 requires measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets. In April 2019, the FASB issued clarification to ASU No. 2016-13 within ASU No. 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments. This update is effective for entities other than public business entities, including emerging growth companies that elected to defer compliance with new or revised financial accounting standards until a company that is not an issuer is required to comply with such standards, for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU No. 2016-13 will have on the financial statements and related disclosures.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. ASU No. 2019-12 eliminates certain exceptions related to the approach for intra-period tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. It also clarifies and simplifies other aspects of the accounting for income taxes. This update is effective for entities other than public business entities, including emerging growth companies that elected to defer compliance with new or revised financial accounting standards until a company that is not an issuer is required to comply with such standards, for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU No. 2019-12 will have on the financial statements and related disclosures.

3. ACQUISITION

On September 17, 2021, the Company and D8 consummated the Business Combination with Legacy Vicarious Surgical surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of D8. Upon the consummation of the Business Combination, each share of Legacy Vicarious Surgical issued and outstanding was exchanged for 3.29831 shares (the “Exchange Ratio”) of the Company’s common stock (the “Merger Consideration”).

Upon the closing of the Business Combination, D8’s certificate of incorporation was amended and restated to, among other things, increase the total number of authorized shares of all classes of capital stock to 143,931,076 shares, of which 124,141,216 were designated as Class A common stock and 19,789,860 were designated as Class B ordinarycommon stock both having a par value of $0.0001 per share.

In connection with the execution of the definitive agreement for the Business Combination, D8 entered into separate subscription agreements (each a “Subscription Agreement”) with a number of investors (each a “Subscriber”), pursuant to which the Subscribers agreed to purchase, and D8 agreed to sell to the Subscribers, an aggregate of 14,200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, for a purchase price of $10.00 per share and an aggregate purchase price of $142,000, in a private placement pursuant to the Subscription Agreements (the “PIPE” financing). The PIPE financing closed simultaneously with the consummation of the Business Combination.


The Business Combination is calculated by dividingaccounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with US GAAP. Under this method of accounting, D8 was treated as the “acquired” company for financial accounting purposes. See Note 1, “Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation” for further details. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the Business Combination was treated as the equivalent of Vicarious Surgical issuing stock for the net lossassets of approximately $161,000, less income attributableD8, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of D8 are stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded.

The following table reconciles the elements of the Business Combination to Class A ordinary shares, by the weighted averagestatement of cash flows and the statement of changes in equity for the year ended December 31, 2021.

  Recapitalization 
Cash - D8’s trust and cash (net of redemptions) $77,993 
Cash - PIPE Financing  142,000 
Less: Transaction costs and advisory fees  (29,569)
Net proceeds from reverse recapitalization  190,424 
Less: Warrant liabilities assumed  (93,110)
Net assets and liabilities assumed in reverse recapitalization $97,314 

The number of shares of Class B ordinarycommon stock issued immediately following the consummation of the Business Combination was as follows:

Number of
Shares
Common stock, outstanding prior to the Business Combination34,500,000
Less: Redemption of D8 shares(26,745,028)
D8 Public Shares7,754,972
D8 Sponsor Shares8,625,000
Shares issued in PIPE financing14,200,000
Business combination and PIPE financing shares30,579,972
Legacy Vicarious Surgical shares (1)88,042,340
Total shares of common stock immediately after Business Combination118,622,312

(1)The number of Legacy Vicarious Surgical shares was determined from the shares of Legacy Vicarious Surgical shares outstanding immediately prior to the closing of the Business Combination converted at the Exchange Ratio of 3.29831. All fractional shares were rounded down.

4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property and equipment, net consist of the following:

  Estimated December 31, 
  Useful Lives 2021  2020 
Machinery and equipment 3 to 5 years $957  $535 
Furniture and fixed assets 3 to 7 years  186   103 
Computer hardware and software 3 years  259   67 
Leasehold improvements  Lesser of lease term or asset life  1,432   24 
Total property and equipment    2,834   729 
           
Less accumulated depreciation    (584)  (284)
           
Property and equipment, net   $2,250  $445 

During 2021, the Company received $840 related to leasehold improvements funded by its landlord. These leasehold improvements are being depreciated over the shorter of the lesser of the lease term or each asset’s life. The $840 amount paid to vendors by the landlord has been included in deferred rent and leasehold improvements and is being amortized as a reduction to rent expense on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.

During 2021, in connection with a lease termination, the Company disposed of $24 of fixed assets with accumulated depreciation of $16 incurring an $8 loss on the disposal which was included in general and administrative expense.

Depreciation expense for the period.years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $316 and $157, respectively. Machinery with a gross value of $232 was acquired for cash of $47 and equipment loans of $185 in 2019. This machinery had accumulated amortization of $155 and $97 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.


5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the inputs the Company utilized to determine such fair value:

  December 31, 2021 
  Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Items
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  Total 
Assets:            
Money market funds $171,196  $     —  $   —  $171,196 
Total assets $171,196  $  $  $171,196 
Liabilities:                
Warrant liabilities - public warrants $37,085  $  $  $37,085 
Warrant liabilities - private warrants    $   52,936   52,936 
Total liabilities $37,085  $  $52,936  $90,021 

  December 31, 2020 
  Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Items
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  Total 
Assets:            
Money market funds $15,768  $       —  $        —  $15,768 
Total assets $15,768  $  $  $15,768 

Money market funds are classified as cash and cash equivalents and short term investments, respectively.

The fair value of the Public Warrants was determined from their value trading on the public markets.

The fair value of Private Warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model. The significant assumptions used in the model were the Company’s stock price, exercise price, expected term, volatility, interest rate, and dividend yield.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized a gain to the statement of operations resulting from a decrease in the fair value of liabilities of approximately $3.1 million presented as change in fair value of warrant liabilities on the accompanying statement of operations.

 

Income taxes

ASC Topic 740 prescribesThe Company estimates the volatility of its warrants based on implied volatility from the Company’s publicly traded Warrants and from historical volatility of select peer companies’ common stock that matches the expected remaining life of the Warrants. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yield curve on the grant date for a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute formaturity similar to the financial statement recognition and measurementexpected remaining life of tax positions taken orthe Warrants. The expected life of the Warrants is assumed to be takenequivalent to their remaining contractual term. The dividend rate is based on the historical rate, which the Company anticipates remaining at zero.


The following table provides quantitative information regarding Level 3 fair value measurement inputs at their measurement:

Private Warrants As of September 17,
2021
  As of September 30,
2021
  As of December 31,
2021
 
Volatility  62.5%  62.5%  60.0%
Stock price $11.57  $14.96  $10.62 
Expected life  5.0 years   5.0 years   4.7 years 
Risk-free rate  0.90%  1.00%  1.2%
Dividend yield  0.00%  0.00%  0.00%

The following table shows the change in number and value of the Warrants since September 17, 2021, the date they were assumed:

  Public  Private  Total 
  Shares  Value  Shares  Value  Shares  Value 
September 17, 2021  17,249,991  $29,670   10,400,000  $63,440   27,649,991  $93,110 
Exercised  (1,370)  (4)        (1,370)  (4)
Change in value    $7,419     $(10,504)    $(3,085)
December 31, 2021  17,248,621  $37,085   10,400,000  $52,936   27,648,621  $90,021 

6. ACCRUED EXPENSES

The following table summarizes the Company’s components of accrued expenses (in thousands):

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2021  2020 
Compensation and benefits related $3,233  $291 
Professional services and other  865   103 
Total accrued expenses $4,098  $394 

7. DEBT

Term Loan

In October 2020, the Company entered into a term loan that provides the Company with borrowings up to $3.5 million that becomes due on April 1, 2024. The loan consists of two tranches; a $1.5 million tranche which became available to the Company upon the close of the loan agreement in October 2020 and was available to the Company to draw through March 31, 2021. The second tranche of $2.0 million becomes available to the Company through September 30, 2021, upon the Company’s successful achievement of a milestone related to the development of the Company’s surgical robot. Although the milestone was achieved, the Company chose not to draw down the $2.0 million tranche.

The term loan is interest-only through September 30, 2021, at which time the Company made the first of 30 equal monthly payments of principal plus interest. Upon receipt of the second tranche, the interest-only window will be extended by six months to March 30, 2022, then followed by twenty-four equal monthly payments of principal plus interest.  The term loan bears interest at a floating rate equal to the Prime Rate, but not less than a minimum rate of 3.25%. In addition, the final payment made at the earlier of the maturity of the loan or its termination is to include a deferred interest payment of 7.5% of the amount borrowed, resulting in a tax return. For those benefitsminimum annual rate of 5.98% to be recognized,paid to the lender. In the event the Company chooses to repay the term loan prior to the first anniversary of the term loan closing, a tax position must be more-likely-than-notprepayment fee of 3% of the outstanding principal balance will apply. The prepayment fee is reduced to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities.2% if paid after the first anniversary date but before the second anniversary date and then is 1% thereafter. The Company’s management determined thatprepayment fee does not apply if the Cayman Islands isCompany and the Company’s only major tax jurisdiction. bank agree to refinance the loan prior to maturity.


The loan has no financial covenants but does contain monthly reporting requirements and gives the lender a first priority lien on all Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. Thereassets. No amounts were no unrecognized tax benefits and no amounts accrued for interest and penaltiesoutstanding as of December 31, 2020. In March of 2021, the Company borrowed the first tranche of $1.5 million. As of December 31, 2021, $1.4 million was outstanding on the term loan.

Deferred Financing Costs

In connection with the term loan, the Company incurred $0.1 million in expenses, inclusive of the warrant expense, which are included in other long-term assets at December 31, 2020 and were then netted against the loan proceeds drawn in March 2021. The Company is amortizing these costs over the life of the borrowing. The Company amortized $21 of deferred financing costs for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Common Stock Warrant

In connection with the term loan, the Company issued the lender a warrant to purchase 254,794 shares of common stock at $0.41 per share.  The common stock warrant was exercisable for 10 years from the date of issuance, was structured to survive a merger or acquisition (except all-cash and/or public stock acquisitions) and allowed for cashless exercise in whole or part.  The fair value of the common stock warrant was $0.33 per share at the grant date, and the Company recorded a total of $85 in deferred financing costs associated with the warrant issuances which are included in other long-term assets at December 31, 2020. At the time of the Company’s recapitalization, the lender elected to cashless exercise the warrants resulting in the net issuance of 146,577 shares of common stock. The remaining warrants were cancelled due to the Company’s decision not to borrow the second tranche.

Equipment Loans

In March 2019, the Company entered into two equipment loans with a vendor for the purchase of manufacturing machinery. The equipment loans had an aggregate principal balance of $185 at inception, with forty-eight equal monthly payments of principal and interest due beginning ninety days after taking possession of the machinery. The equipment loans are collateralized by the underlying machinery. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the equipment loans was $16 and $63, respectively, net of current portion of $47.

The following table represents the future payments required under the noncancellable equipment agreements and includes interest of $4:

Years Ended December 31,   
2022 $50 
2023  17 
Total future equipment payments $67 


8. COMMITMENTS and CONTINGENCIES

The Company leases its office facility under noncancelable operating lease agreements expiring in March of 2032. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $1,447 and $447, respectively.

On January 25, 2021, the Company entered into a twelve-year lease agreement that commences on April 1, 2021 and ends on February 28, 2029, for its new corporate headquarters. Rental payments due over the period of the lease total $9.7 million. On October 14, 2021, the lease was amended to add additional space and was simultaneously extended to end on March 31, 2032. Rental payments due over the period of the lease were amended from $9.7 million to $25.0 million.

In November of 2021, the landlord of the Company’s lease for its previous corporate headquarters, terminated the agreement and the Company and the landlord were disputing amounts due to the parties, if any, in accordance with the terms of the lease agreement. Subsequent to year end, the Company and landlord have agreed to settle their dispute for a payment to the landlord of $118. The Company has recorded this settlement by accruing $118 to general and administrative expense as of December 31, 2021. As the lease has been terminated, the minimum lease payments that would have been due under the agreement have been excluded from the future minimum lease payments table presented below.

The following table presents the future minimum lease payments required under the Company’s noncancellable operating leases at December 31, 2021:

Years Ended December 31,   
2022 $1,644 
2023  2,162 
2024  2,286 
2025  2,358 
2026  2,430 
Thereafter  13,936 
Total future minimum lease payments $24,816 

Legal Proceedings — From time to time, the Company may face legal claims or actions in the normal course of business. At each reporting date, the Company evaluates whether a potential loss amount or a potential range of loss is probable and reasonably estimable under the provisions of the authoritative guidance that addresses accounting for contingencies. The Company expenses as incurred the costs related to its legal proceedings.

9. INCOME TAXES

The Company’s entire pretax loss for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was from its U.S. domestic operations.

The Company recorded a tax loss for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. Therefore, the Company recorded no current or deferred income tax expense or benefit for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

A reconciliation of the Company’s statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate is as follows:

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2021  2020 
Income at US Statutory Rate  21%  21%
State taxes, net of Federal benefit  8%  6%
Permanent differences  0%  (1)%
Change in fair value of warrants  2%  %
Transaction costs  5%  %
Stock-based compensation  (1)%  %
Tax credits  4%  4%
Change in valuation allowance  (39)%  (30)%
   0%  0%


The Company’s deferred tax assets and (liabilities) are as follows:

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2021  2020 
Deferred Tax Assets:      
Net operating loss carryforwards $18,269  $7,602 
Tax credits  2,727   1,244 
Stock based compensation  657   23 
Accruals and reserves  1,065   23 
Depreciation and amortization  56   104 
Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance  22,774   8,996 
Valuation allowance  (22,774)  (8,996)
Net deferred tax assets $  $ 

As of December 31, 2021 and 2020 the Company is in a net deferred tax asset position. The deferred tax assets consist principally of net operating loss carryforwards and research and development tax credits. The future realization of the tax benefits from existing temporary differences and tax attributes, ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income. In assessing the realization of the deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management considers the scheduled reversal of projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. After consideration of all available evidence, both positive and negative, the Company has determined that it was more likely than not that the Company would not recognize the benefits of its federal and state net deferred tax assets. Accordingly, the Company has a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. The change in the valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was an increase of $13.8 million and $3.9 million, respectively.

The Company has incurred losses since inception that would generally be available to reduce future taxable income. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of $67.3 million which includes $2.8 million that expire at various dates from 2034 through 2037, and $64.5 million that have an unlimited carryforward period. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had state net operating loss carryforwards of $65.2 million which includes $65.0 million that expire at various dates from 2035 through 2041, and $0.2 million that have an unlimited carryforward period.

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had U.S. federal and state research and development tax credits of $1.6 million and $1.4 million respectively.

The future realization of the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes may also be limited by the change in ownership rules under Code Section 382. Under Section 382 of the Code, if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change” (as defined in Section 382 of the Code), the corporation’s ability to utilize its net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes to offset income may be limited. The Company has not completed a study to assess whether an ownership change has occurred or whether there have been multiple ownership changes.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in any state and local jurisdiction in which it operates. The Company is subject to tax examination by various taxing authorities. The Company is not currently under examination and is not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from its position.tax positions. To the extent the Company has tax attribute carryforwards, the tax years in which the attribute was generated may still be adjusted upon examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state and local tax authorities to the extent utilized in a future period. As of December 31, 2021, the tax years from 2018 to present remain open to examination by relevant taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. However, to the extent the Company utilizes net operating losses from years prior to 2018, the statute remains open to the extent of the net operating losses or other credits that are utilized.

The calculation and assessment of the Company’s tax exposures generally involve the uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations for federal, state and local jurisdictions. A tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation, on the basis of the technical merits. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has not recorded any liabilities related to uncertain tax positions in its financial statements. Similarly, the Company has not accrued any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2021. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in tax expense in its financial statements.


10. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Authorized Shares

At December 31, 2021, the Company’s authorized shares consisted of 300,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value; and 22,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value; and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value of $0.0001 per share.

Legacy Vicarious Surgical Preferred Stock

In connection with the Business Combination, Legacy Vicarious Surgical’s Convertible Preferred Stock (“Legacy Convertible Preferred Stock”), previously classified as mezzanine was retroactively adjusted, converted into Common Stock, and reclassified to permanent equity as a result of the reverse recapitalization. As of December 31, 2021, there were no Legacy Convertible Preferred Stock authorized, issued or outstanding. The following table summarizes details of Legacy Convertible Preferred Stock authorized, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Business Combination:

  Prior to Business Combination 
  Shares    
Legacy Convertible Preferred Stock Authorized  Issued and Outstanding  Preferred Stock 
Series A Legacy Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value  16,740,853   16,740,853  $6,477 
Series A1 Legacy Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value  26,107,321   26,107,321   16,678 
Series A2 Legacy Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value  10,036,853   10,036,853   9,995 
Series A3 Legacy Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value  18,267,057   13,665,901   13,520 
Total  71,152,084   66,550,928  $46,670 

The following describes the rights and preferences of the Company’s Legacy Convertible Preferred Stock prior to the conversion in the Business Combination:

Voting — The holders of Legacy Series Preferred Stock vote together with all other classes and series of stock as a single class on an as-converted basis. Each share of Legacy Series Preferred Stock entitles the holder to such number of votes per share as shall equal the number of shares of common stock into which the share is consideredthen convertible. The holders of the Legacy Series A1 and A2 Preferred Stock, collectively, are entitled to elect two directors to the Company’s Board of Directors and holders of the Legacy Series A3 Preferred Stock are entitled to elect two directors to the Company’s Board of Directors.

Dividends — Dividends may be declared and paid on Legacy Series Preferred Stock from funds lawfully available as and when determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. Through the date of the conversion and through December 31, 2021, no dividends have been declared.

Liquidation — Upon any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of the Legacy Series Preferred Stock are entitled to first be paid out of assets available for distribution, prior and in preference to any distribution to the holders of the Company’s common stock, the greater of (a) an exempted Cayman Islands companyamount equal to $0.3926 per share for Series A Preferred Stock, $0.6420 per share for Legacy Series A1 Preferred Stock, plus declared but unpaid dividends, $0.9963 per share for Legacy Series A2 Preferred Stock, plus declared but unpaid dividends, $0.9963 per share for Legacy Series A3 Preferred Stock, plus declared but unpaid dividends (b) an amount per share that would have been payable had all shares of the Legacy Series Preferred Stock been converted to shares of Class B common stock immediately prior to any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company.

Conversion — Each holder of Legacy Series Preferred Stock has the right, at their option at any time, to convert any such shares of Legacy Series Preferred Stock into fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class B common stock. The conversion ratio is presentlydetermined by dividing the purchase price by the conversion price, which is equal to $0.3926, $0.6420, $0.9963 and $0.9963 per share for Legacy Series A, A1, A2 and A3 Preferred Stock, respectively. The conversion price is subject to change if certain dilutive events occur. Conversion is mandatory with an initial public offering of the Company’s common stock with a value of at least $40 million of gross proceeds to the Company or upon the election of greater than 50% of the holders of Series Preferred Stock.

Redemption — The Legacy Series Preferred Stock is not subject to income taxesmandatory or income tax filing requirementsoptional redemption other than in connection with a liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up of the Cayman IslandsCompany.


Common Stock

Classes of Common Stock

Class A common stock receive 1 vote per share. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, the holders of shares of Class A common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the board of directors out of funds legally available for such purposes. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, the holders of Class A common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of our debts and other liabilities, subject to prior distribution rights of preferred stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over the Class A common stock, then outstanding, if any.

Class B common stock receives 20 votes per share and converts into Class A at a one-to-one conversion rate per share. Holders of Class B common stock will share ratably together with each holder of Class A common stock, if and when any dividend is declared by the board of directors. Holders of Class B common stock have the right to convert shares of their Class B common stock into fully paid and non-assessable shares of Class A common stock, on a one-to-one basis, at the option of the holder at any time. Upon the occurrence of certain events, holders of Class B common stock automatically convert into Class A common stock, on a one-to-one basis. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, the holders of Class B common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of our debts and other liabilities, subject to prior distribution rights of preferred stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over the Class B common stock, then outstanding, if any.

Restricted Stock Agreements — In 2014, the Company issued 19,789,860 shares of Legacy Class A common stock to the initial founders of the Company at par that contained a repurchase right by the Company at the lesser of the original purchase price of $0.0001 per share or the United States. then current fair value of the share, which lapsed over a four-year period. In 2016 and 2018 these shares were amended with respect to the lapse of the repurchase rights, such that beginning as of January 2018 60% percent of the shares were vested and the remaining shares vest over a thirty-six month period.

As such,of January 30, 2021 the Company’s tax provision was zeroshares were fully vested and on September 17, 2021, in connection with the recapitalization the shares were converted to Class B common stock.

In 2021, subsequent to the recapitalization, the Company issued 749,691 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) of Class A common stock to employees and members of the board of directors. The RSUs vest over a four-year period. The activity for common stock subject to vesting for the periods presented. years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, is as follows:

  Shares Subject to Vesting  Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value 
Balance of unvested shares - January 1, 2020  217,602  $0.05 
Granted  749,692  $12.53 
Vested  (269,243) $2.42 
Balance of unvested shares - December 31, 2021  698,051  $12.54 

The Company’s management does not expect thattotal stock-based compensation related to the RSUs during the years ended December 31, 2021, was $0.8 million. As of December 31, 2021, the total amountunrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested RSUs aggregated $8.4 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of unrecognized tax benefits will materially change over3.3 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of the next twelve months.awards granted and vested during the year ended December 31, 2021 was $6.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2021 was $6.0 million.

Preferred Stock

Preferred stock shares authorized may be issued from time to time in one or more series, with each series terms, voting, dividend, conversion, redemption, liquidation and other rights to be determined by the Board of Directors at the time of issuance.


 


Recent accounting pronouncements

Warrants

Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements, if currently adopted, would have a material effectIn D8’s initial public offering, on the Company’s financial statements.

NOTE 3. INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING

On July 17, 2020 the Company consummated the Initial Public Offeringit sold units at a price of 30,000,000 Units at $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceedsunit, which consisted of $300.0 million. On July 24, 2020, the underwriters exercised the over-allotment option in full and purchased an additional 4,500,000 Over-Allotment Units, generating additional gross proceeds of $45.0 million. The Company incurred total offering costs of approximately $19.5 million in underwriting fees (inclusive of approximately $12.1 million in deferred underwriting fees).

Each Unit consists of one D8 Class A ordinary share, $0.0001 par value, $0.0001 and one-half of onea redeemable warrant. Each whole Public Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Class A ordinary share atwarrant (each a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment (see Note 6).

NOTE 4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Founder Shares

On May 14, 2020, the Sponsor paid $25,000, or approximately $0.003 per share, to cover certain offering costs in consideration for 7,187,500 Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 (the “Founder Shares”“Public Warrant”). On June 25, 2020, the Sponsor transferred 15,000 Founder Shares to Robert Kirby and 25,000 Founder Shares to each of Michael Kives, Fred Langhammer and Terry Lundgren, resulting in the Sponsor holding 7,097,500 Founder Shares. On July 14, 2020, the Company effected a share capitalization of 1,437,500 Founder Shares resulting in 8,625,000 Class B ordinary shares outstanding, of which the Sponsor now holds 8,535,000 Founder Shares. All shares and the associated amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the share capitalization. Of the 8,625,000 Founder Shares outstanding, up to 1,125,000 Founder Shares were subject to forfeiture to the extent that the over-allotment option was not exercised in full by the underwriters, so that the Founder Shares will represent 20.0% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares after the Initial Public Offering. The underwriters exercised their over-allotment option in full on July 24, 2020. As a result, these shares were no longer subject to forfeiture.

The initial shareholders agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or sell any of their Founder Shares and any Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion thereof until the earlier to occur of: (i) one year after the completion of the initial Business Combination, or (ii) the date on which the Company completes a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction after the initial Business Combination that results in all of the Company’s shareholders having the right to exchange their Class A ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property; except to certain permitted transferees and under certain circumstances (the “lock-up”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) the closing price of Class A ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for share sub-divisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the initial Business Combination or (2) if the Company consummates a transaction after the initial Business Combination which results in the Company’s shareholders having the right to exchange their shares for cash, securities or other property, the Founder Shares will be released from the lock-up.

Private Placement Warrants

On July 17, 2020, simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the Companyits initial public offering, D8 consummated the Private Placement of 8,000,000 Private Placement Warrants, to the Sponsor, each exercisable to purchase one D8 Class A ordinary share at $11.50 per share, at a price of $1.00 per Private Placement Warrant, generating gross proceeds to the Company of $8.0 million.Warrant. On July 24, 2020, simultaneously with the sale of the Over-Allotment Units, the CompanyD8’s over-allotment units, D8 consummated a private sale of an additional 900,000 Private Placement Warrants. In connection with the Business Combination, 1,500,000 additional Private Placement Warrants towere issued upon conversion of D8 working capital loans. In connection with the Sponsor, generating additional gross proceedsBusiness Combination, each issued and outstanding D8 Class A ordinary share automatically converted into one share of $900,000.


Class A common stock. Each warrant is exercisable to purchase one share of Class A ordinary sharecommon stock at $11.50 per share. A portion

As of December 31, 2021, the proceeds from theCompany had 17,248,621 Public Warrants and 10,400,000 Private Placement Warrants were added to the proceeds from the Initialoutstanding.

The Public Offering held in the Trust Accounts. If the Company does not complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period, the Private Placement Warrants will expire worthless.

The Sponsor and the Company’s officers and directors agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or sell any of their Private Placement Warrants untilbecame exercisable at $11.50 per share 30 days after the completion of the initialSeptember 17, 2021 Business Combination.

Sponsor Loan

On May 14, 2020, the Sponsor agreed to loan the Company up to $300,000 to cover expenses related to the Initial Public Offering pursuant to a promissory note (the “Note”). The Company borrowed approximately $127,000 under the Note and fully repaid this Note on July 17, 2020.

Working Capital Loans

In addition, in order to finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor, or certain of the Company’s officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan the Company funds as may be required (“Working Capital Loans”). If the Company completes a Business Combination, the Company would repay the Working Capital Loans. In the event that a Business Combination does not close, the Company may use a portion of proceeds held outside the Trust Accounts to repay the Working Capital Loans but no proceeds held in the Trust Accounts would be used to repay the Working Capital Loans. Except for the foregoing, the terms of such Working Capital Loans, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. The Working Capital Loans would either be repaid upon consummation of a Business Combination or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $1.5 million of such Working Capital Loans may be convertible into private placement warrants at a price of $1.00 per warrant. To date, the Company had no borrowings under the Working Capital Loans.

Administrative Support Agreement

Commencing on the date of the final prospectus, the Company has agreed to pay the Sponsor a total of $10,000 per month for office space, utilities, secretarial and administrative support services. The Company incurred and paid approximately $55,000 in these fees for the period from the effective date of the Initial Public Offering through December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, there was no administrative fees outstanding.

NOTE 5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Registration and Shareholder Rights

The holders of Founder Shares, Private Placement Warrants, and securities that may be issued upon conversion of Working Capital Loans, if any, will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to a registration rights agreement dated as of July 14, 2020. These holders are entitled to certain demand and “piggyback” registration rights. However, the registration rights agreement provides that the Company will not permit any registration statement filed under the Securities Act to become effective until the termination of the applicable lock-up period for the securities to be registered. The Company will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

Underwriting Agreement

The Company granted the underwriters a 45-day option from the final prospectus relating to the Initial Public Offering to purchase up to 4,500,000 additional Units to cover over-allotments, if any, at the Initial Public Offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters exercised their over-allotment option in full on July 24, 2020.

The underwriters were paid a cash underwriting discount of $0.20 per unit, or $6.9 million in the aggregate, paid upon the closing of the Initial Public Offering. In addition, $0.35 per unit, or approximately $12.1 million in the aggregate, will be payable to the underwriters for deferred underwriting commissions. The deferred fee will become payable to the underwriters from the amounts held in the Trust Account solely in the event that the Company completes a Business Combination, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement.


Risks and Uncertainties

Management is continuing to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and has concluded that, while it is reasonably possible that the virus could have a negative effect on the Company’s financial position, results of its operations and/or search for a target company, the specific impact is not readily determinable as of the date of these financial statement. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

NOTE 6. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Class A Ordinary Shares — The Company is authorized to issue 200,000,000 Class A ordinary shares with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Holders of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares are entitled to one vote for each share. As of December 31, 2020, there were 34,500,000 Class A ordinary shares issued or outstanding, including 32,889,128 Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption.

Class B Ordinary Shares — The Company is authorized to issue 20,000,000 Class B ordinary shares with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Holders are entitled to one vote for each share of Class B ordinary shares. On May 14, 2020, the Company issued 7,187,500 Class B ordinary shares. On July 14, 2020, the Company effected a share capitalization of 1,437,500 Founder Shares resulting in 8,625,000 Class B ordinary shares outstanding. All shares and the associated amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the share capitalization. Of the 8,625,000 Class B ordinary shares, an aggregate of up to 1,125,000 shares were subject to forfeiture to the Company for no consideration to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part, so that the initial shareholders would collectively own 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding ordinary shares after the Initial Public Offering. The underwriters exercised their over-allotment option in full on July 24, 2020. As a result, these shares were no longer subject to forfeiture.

Holders of the Class A ordinary shares and holders of the Class B ordinary shares will vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s shareholders, except as required by law or stock exchange rule; provided that only holders of the Class B ordinary shares have the right to appoint directors in any election held prior to or in connection with the completion of the initial Business Combination.

The Class B ordinary shares will automatically convert into Class A ordinary shares at the time of the Initial Business Combination on a one-for-one basis (as adjusted). In the case that additional Class A ordinary shares or equity-linked securities are issued or deemed issued in connection with the initial Business Combination, the number of Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of all Founder Shares will equal, in the aggregate, 20% of the total number of Class A ordinary shares outstanding after such conversion (after giving effect to any redemptions of Class A ordinary shares by public shareholders), including the total number of Class A ordinary shares issued, or deemed issued or issuable upon conversion or exercise of any equity-linked securities or rights issued or deemed issued, by the Company in connection with or in relation to the consummation of the initial Business Combination, excluding any Class A ordinary shares or equity-linked securities exercisable for or convertible into Class A ordinary shares issued, or to be issued, to any seller in the initial Business Combination and any private placement warrants issued to the Sponsor, officers or directors upon conversion of Working Capital Loans; provided that such conversion of Founder Shares will never occur on a less than one-for-one basis.

Preference Shares — The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 preference shares with such designations, voting and other rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Company’s board of directors. As of December 31, 2020, there were no preference shares issued or outstanding.


Warrants — The Public Warrants will become exercisable at $11.50 per share on the later of (a) 30 days after the completion of a Business Combination or (b) 12 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering; provided in each case that the Company has an effective registration statement under the Securities Act covering the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of When the warrants and a current prospectus relating to them is available and such shares are registered, qualified or exempt from registration under the securities, or blue sky, laws of the state of residence of the holder (or the Company permits holders to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis under the circumstances specified in the warrant agreement). If and when the warrants becomebecame redeemable by the Company, the Company may exercise its redemption right even if it is unable to register or qualify the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws. The Company is not registering the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants at this time. The Company has agreed that as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 15 business days after the closing of the initial Business Combination, the Company will use its best efforts to filefiled a registration statement with the SEC and have anthat was declared effective registration statementas of October 22, 2021 covering the shares of Class A ordinary sharescommon stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and to maintainis maintaining a current prospectus relating to those shares of Class A ordinary sharescommon stock until the warrants expire, are exercised or are redeemed, as specified in the warrant agreement. If a registration statement covering the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants is not effective by the 60th business day after the closing of the initial Business Combination, warrant holders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statement and during any period when the Company will have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise warrants on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act or another exemption. Notwithstanding the above, if the Company’s Class A ordinary shares are at the time of any exercise of a warrant not listed on a national securities exchange such that they satisfy the definition of a “covered security” under Section 18(b)(1) of the Securities Act, the Company may, at its option, require holders of Public Warrants who exercise their warrants to do so on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act and, in the event the Company so elects, the Company will not be required to file or maintain in effect a registration statement, and in the event the Company does not so elect, the Company will use its best efforts to register or qualify the shares under applicable blue sky laws to the extent an exemption is not available.

The warrants have an exercise price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustments, and will expire five years after the completion of a Business Combination or earlier upon redemption or liquidation. In addition, if (x) the Company issues additional Class A ordinary shares or equity-linked securities for capital raising purposes in connection with the closing of the initial Business Combination at an issue price or effective issue price of less than $9.20 per Class A ordinary share (with such issue price or effective issue price to be determined in good faith by the board of directors and, in the case of any such issuance to the Initial Shareholders or their affiliates, without taking into account any Founder Shares held by the Initial Shareholders or such affiliates, as applicable, prior to such issuance) (the “Newly Issued Price”), (y) the aggregate gross proceeds from such issuances represent more than 60% of the total equity proceeds, and interest thereon, available for the funding of the initial Business Combination on the date of the consummation of the initial Business Combination (net of redemptions), and (z) the volume weighted average trading price of Class A ordinary shares during the 10-trading day period starting on the trading day prior to the day on which the Company consummates its initial Business Combination (such price, the “Market Value”) is below $9.20 per share, then the exercise price of the warrants will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 115% of the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price, the $18.00 per share redemption trigger price will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 180% of the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price (and the $10.00 per share redemption trigger price will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price See “— Redemption of warrants for cash when the price per class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $18.00” and “— Redemption of warrants for Class A ordinary shares when the price per class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $10.00” as described below).

The warrants will expire five years after the completion of a Business Combination or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.

If (x) the Company issues additional shares of Class A ordinary sharescommon stock or equity-linked securities for capital raising purposes in connection with the closing of its initial Business Combination at an issue price or effective issue price of less than $9.20 per share of Class A ordinary sharecommon stock (with such issue price or effective issue price to be determined in good faith by the Company’s board of directors and, in the case of any such issuance to the initial shareholders or their affiliates, without taking into account any Founder Shares held by the initial shareholders or such affiliates, as applicable, prior to such issuance) (the “Newly Issued Price”), (y) the aggregate gross proceeds from such issuances represent more than 60% of the total equity proceeds, and interest thereon, available for the funding of the initial Business Combination on the date of the consummation of our initial business combinationBusiness Combination (net of redemptions), and (z) the volume weighted average trading price of the Class A ordinary sharescommon stock during the 10 trading day period starting on the trading day prior to the day on which the Company consummates the initial Business Combination (such price, the “Market Value”) is below $9.20 per share, the exercise price of the Warrants will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 115% of the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price, and the $18.00 per share redemption trigger prices described below under “Redemption of Warrants when the price per share of Class A ordinary sharecommon stock equals or exceeds $18.00” will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 180% of the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price, and the $10.00 per share redemption trigger price described below under “Redemption of Warrants when the price per share of Class A ordinary sharecommon stock equals or exceeds $10.00” will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price.

Redemption of Warrants when the price per share of Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00. The Company may call the Public Warrants for redemption:

in whole and not in part;
at a price of $0.01 per warrant;
upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption; and
if, and only if, the last reported sale price of Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted) for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the Company sends the notice of redemption to the warrant holders.

Redemption of Warrants when the price per share of Class A common stock equals or exceeds $10.00. The Company may call the Public Warrants for redemption:

in whole and not in part;
at a price of $0.10 per warrant;
upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption; provided that holders will be able to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis prior to redemption and receive that number of shares based on the redemption date and the “fair market value” of the Company’s Class A common stock; and
if, and only if, the last reported sale price of Class A common stock shares equals or exceeds $10.00 per share (as adjusted) for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending three trading days before the Company sends the notice of redemption to the warrant holders.


The Private Placement Warrants are identical to the Public Warrants underlying the Units sold in the Initial Public Offering, except that the Private Placement Warrants and the ordinary shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the Private Placement Warrants, so long as they are held by the Sponsor or its permitted transferees, (i) will not be redeemable by the Company, (ii) may not (including the shares of Class A ordinary sharescommon stock issuable upon exercise of these warrants), subject to certain limited exceptions, be transferred, assigned or sold by the holders until 30 days after the completion of the initial Business Combination, (iii) may be exercised by the holders on a cashless basis and (iv) will be entitled to registration rights. If the Private Placement Warrants are held by holders other than the Sponsor or its permitted transferees, the Private Placement Warrants will be redeemable by the Company and exercisable by the holders on the same basis as the Public Warrants.

11. Stock-based Compensation

 

Redemption2014 Plan — In 2014, the Board of warrantsDirectors approved the adoption of the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”). The 2014 Plan allows for cash when the price peraward of incentive and nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, and other stock-based awards to employees, officers, directors, consultants, and advisors of the Company. Awards may be made under the Plan for up to 19,914,315 shares of Class A ordinary share equalscommon stock. The Board of Directors administers the 2014 Plan and determines the exercise price of options, purchase price for restricted stock, the rates at which awards vest, and the other terms and conditions of the awards. Options and restricted stock generally vest 25% upon the first anniversary of the grant date and at the rate of 6.25% per quarter thereafter over a three-year period for employees or exceeds $18.00:over the service period for nonemployees and expire 10 years from the date of grant. The 2021 Plan replaced the 2014 Plan.

2021 Plan Once— In 2021, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”). The 2021 Plan allows for the award of incentive and nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, and other stock-based awards to employees, officers, directors, consultants, and advisors of the Company. Awards may be made under the Plan for up to 18,384,074 shares of common stock (either Class A or Class B). The Board of Directors administers the 2021 Plan and determines the exercise price of options, purchase price for restricted stock, the rates at which awards vest, and the other terms and conditions of the awards. Options and restricted stock generally vest 25% upon the first anniversary of the grant date and at the rate of 6.25% per quarter thereafter over a three-year period for employees or over the service period for nonemployees and expire 10 years from the date of grant.

The Company grants stock options to employees at exercise prices deemed by the Board of Directors to be equal to the fair value of the common stock at the time of grant. The fair value of the Company’s stock options and warrants becomeon the date of grant is determined by a Black-Scholes pricing model utilizing key assumptions such as common stock price, risk-free interest rate, dividend yield, expected volatility and expected life. The Company’s estimates of these assumptions are primarily based on the fair value of the Company’s stock, historical data, peer company data and judgement regarding future trends. Prior to the Business Combination, the fair value of the Company’s common stock was determined by the Board of Directors at each award grant date based upon a variety of factors, including the results obtained from a third-party valuation, the Company’s financial position and historical financial performance, the status of technological development within the Company’s proposed products, the illiquid nature of the common stock, arm’s-length sales of the Company’s capital stock, including convertible preferred stock, the effect of the rights and preferences of the preferred shareholders, and the prospects of a liquidity event, among others, as the Company’s common stock was not actively traded. Since becoming a publicly traded company, the Company uses its publicly traded stock price as the fair value of its common stock.

During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company granted options to purchase 5,870,433 and 3,415,779 shares, respectively of common stock, to employees and consultants with a fair value of $21.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

  2021  2020 
Risk-free interest rate  0.45% - 1.45%  0.26% - 0.53%
Expected lives, in years  5.20 - 6.11   5.00 - 6.08 
Dividend yield  %  %
Expected volatility  69.66% - 71.02%  67.45% - 70.36%
Fair value of Common Stock $1.90 - $13.05  $1.34 

The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon observed interest rates appropriate for the term of the related stock options. The expected life of employee and non-employee stock options was calculated using the average of the contractual term of the option and the weighted-average vesting period of the option, as the Company does not have sufficient history to use an alternative method to calculate an expected life for employees. The Company does not pay a dividend and is not expected to pay a dividend in the foreseeable future. Expected volatility for the Company’s common stock was determined based on an average of the historical volatility of a peer group of similar public companies.


At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the total gross unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options aggregated $18.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The costs remaining as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.01 and 3.18 years, respectively.

Total stock-based compensation expense related to all of the Company’s stock-based awards granted is reported in the statements of operations as follows:

  2021 2020 
Research and development $975 $335 
Sales and marketing  621  (6)
General and administrative  2,098  119 
Total $3,694 $448 

The Company plans to generally issue previously unissued shares of common stock for the exercise of stock options.

There were 4,506,133 shares available for award under the Plan at December 31, 2021.

The option activity of the Plan for the year ended December 31, 2021, is as follows:

        

Weighted Average

Remaining

 
     Exercise  Contractual Life 
  Options  Price  (in Years) 
          
Outstanding at January 1, 2021  8,890,535  $0.31   7.89 
Granted  5,870,433   5.82   9.41 
Exercised  (1,558,908)  0.28   7.05 
Cancelled, forfeited, or expired  (1,192,292)  1.14   - 
             
Outstanding at December 31, 2021  12,009,768  $2.92   7.76 
Options vested December 31, 2021  4,280,515  $0.50   5.28 
             
Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2021  12,009,768  $2.92   7.76 


The weighted-average grant date fair value for options granted during 2021 and 2020 was $3.62 and $0.25, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, was $13.0 million and $33 thousand respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable at December 31, 2021 and 2020, was $34.7 million and $0.8 million respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020, was $76.4 million and $0.9 million respectively.

Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance

As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company has reserved the following shares of Class A Common Stock for future issuance (in thousands):

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2021  2020 
Common Stock options outstanding  12,010   8,891 
Shares available for issuance under the Plan  4,506   5,699 
Bank warrants  -   254 
Public warrants  17,249   17,250 
Private warrants  10,400   10,400 
Total shares of authorized Common Stock reserved for future issuance  44,165   42,494 

12. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN

The Company maintains the Vicarious Surgical Inc. 401(k) plan, under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, covering all eligible employees. Employees of the Company may callparticipate in the outstanding warrants for redemption (except as described herein with respect to the Private Placement Warrants):

in whole and not in part;

at a price of $0.01 per warrant;

upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption; and

if, and only if, the last reported sales price of Class A ordinary shares equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted) for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the Company sends the notice of redemption to the warrant holders.

401(k) Plan after three months of service and must be 21 years of age. The Company will not redeem the warrants as described above unlessoffers a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the issuancecompany-funded matching contribution which totaled $424 and $223 for each of the Class A ordinaryyears ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

13. Net Loss Per Share

The Company computes basic loss per share using net loss attributable to Vicarious Surgical Inc. common shareholders and the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share include shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and stock-based awards where the conversion of such instruments would be dilutive.

  For the Year Ended
December 31,
 
  2021  2020 
Numerator for basic and diluted net loss per share:      
Net loss $(35,207) $(12,875)
Denominator for basic and diluted net loss per share:        
Weighted average shares  96,690,716   78,736,661 
Net loss per Class A and Class B common stock – basic and diluted $(0.36) $(0.16)

For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 the effect of dilutive securities, including non-vested stock options, restricted stock awards, and common stock warrants is then effective and a current prospectus relating to those Class A ordinary shares is available throughoutwas excluded from the 30-day redemption period. If and whendenominator for the warrants become redeemable bycalculation of diluted net loss per share because the Company it may exercise its redemption right even ifrecognized a net loss for the Company is unable to register or qualifyperiods and their inclusion would be antidilutive. Dilutive securities excluded were 39,658,398 and 52,456,129 shares for the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws.

In no event will the Company be required to net cash settle any Warrants.

Redemption of warrants for Class A ordinary shares when the price per Class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $10.00:   The Company may also redeem the outstanding Public Warrants once they become exercisable:

in whole and not in part;

at $0.10 per warrant;

upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption; provided that holders will be able to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis prior to redemption and receive that number of shares based on the redemption date and the “fair market value” of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares; and

if, and only if, the last reported sale price of the Class A ordinary shares equals or exceeds $10.00 per share (as adjusted) for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending three trading days before the Company sends the notice of redemption to the warrant holders.

If the Company is unable to complete the Initial Business Combination within the combination period and the Company liquidates the funds held in the Trust Account, holders of warrants will not receive any of such funds with respect to their warrants, nor will they receive any distribution from the Company’s assets held outside of the Trust Account with the respect to such warrants. Accordingly, the warrants may expire worthless.


NOTE 7. FAIR VALUE MEASURMENTS

The following table presents information about the Company’s financial assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as ofyears ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, by level within the fair value hierarchy:respectively.

Description Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Other
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Investments held in Trust Account:         
U. S. Treasury securities maturing on January 14, 2021 $172,600,153  $  $ 
U.S. Treasury securities maturing on January 21, 2021  172,496,550                    —            — 
Money Market Funds  94,427         
  $345,191,130  $  $ 

Transfers to/from Levels 1, 2 and 3 are recognized at the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers between levels for the period from May 6, 2020 (inception) through December 31, 2020.

NOTE 8.14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The CompanyManagement has evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet dateoccurring through the date thethat these financial statements were issued. Based upon this review, the Company did not identify anyissued and determined that no subsequent events other than that disclosed above or in the notes to these financial statements have occurred that would have required adjustmentrequire recognition or disclosure in thethese financial statements.


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are 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 Company reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As required by Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2020. Based upon their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15 (e) and 15d-15 (e) under the Exchange Act) were effective.

During the most recently completed fiscal quarter, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

This annual report does not include a report of management’s assessment regarding internal control over financial reporting due to a transition period established by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission for newly public companies. This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. As an emerging growth company, management’s report is not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

45

******

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.F-24 

Directors and Executive Officers

Our directors and executive officers are as follows:

NameAgePosition
David Chu65Chief Executive Officer and Director

Robert Kirby

52Chief Financial Officer
Donald Tang37President and Director
Michael Kives40Director
Fred Langhammer77Director
Terry Lundgren68Director

David Chu, our Chief Executive Officer and Director, is a highly regarded entrepreneur, business builder, designer, and creative executive in the global consumer sector, with extensive experience in brand development and repositioning. Mr. Chu was the founder and chief executive officer of Nautica, and between 1983 and 2003 he led its expansion into a global lifestyle brand with a distribution and license portfolio spanning 100 countries. Starting with outerwear, Mr. Chu led Nautica’s category expansion into sportswear, activewear, women’s wear and children’s wear. He also strategically extended the Nautica product line by augmenting centralized brand management with tightly controlled license agreements, adding fragrances, tailored clothing, dress shirts and accessories. In 2003, Nautica was sold to VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC). Between 2007 and 2009, Mr. Chu was the executive creative director and a board member of Tumi. During his time at Tumi, Mr. Chu successfully repositioned the brand from high quality, functional luggage to a premium lifestyle brand for men and women. In July 2009, Mr. Chu formed a partnership with golfer Jack Nicklaus to develop the Nicklaus brands worldwide. In 2012, Mr. Chu joined Georg Jensen A/S, where he served as the chief executive officer, chief creative officer and chairman of the board; Mr. Chu is currently still a member of the board.

Robert Kirby, our Chief Financial Officer, was the chief operating officer and managing director of Kemnay Advisory Services Inc., a family office advisor, from November 2011 to March 2020, where he was responsible for all investment operations and finance. He brings over twenty-five years of experience as an executive managing the infrastructure and operations of a range of complex investment platforms. Mr. Kirby’s experience spans family offices, hedge funds, private equity funds and broker-dealers, and he has led organizations with operations spanning the United States, Europe, and Asia. From 2005 to 2011 Mr. Kirby was chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Auda, a private equity and hedge fund platform with over $10 billion in advised assets. Before Auda, Mr. Kirby was at Pine Grove Associates, where he was the chief financial officer. From 1998 to 2004, Mr. Kirby was the chief operating officer at Maple Financial USA, where he focused on all investment operations for the US proprietary trading, hedge fund, and securities lending activities. Earlier in his career he was responsible for financial and operational control for fixed income trading at Deutsche Bank (NYSE: DB) and Cantor Fitzgerald. Mr. Kirby holds an MBA from Cornell University and a BS from Rutgers University. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New Jersey and the State of New York.

Donald Tang, our President and Director, has extensive experience as a private equity investor. In 2018, he founded Celadon Partners, a private equity firm focused on mispriced opportunities ready for operational or strategic transformation, with an emphasis on the consumer space. From 2004 to 2017, Mr. Tang worked at D.E. Shaw & Co., most recently as chief executive officer of D.E. Shaw & Co. (Asia-Pacific). He was the sole D.E. Shaw & Co. partner on the investment side in Asia, and a founding member of the firm’s Asian private equity business. Mr. Tang started his career at Citadel Investment Group in 2003. He is a member of the Harvard Kennedy School Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government Advisory Council, Special Advisor (China) to the Milken Institute and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. Donald graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in computer science and business administration, and a minor in computational finance.

Michael Kives, our director, is the founder and chief executive officer of K5 Global, LP, an advisory and investment firm, with clients including Creative Artists Agency, TPG Capital, and Sequoia Capital China, and investments including SpaceX, the Boring Company, and Catalyte, Inc. Prior to founding K5 Global, LP in 2018, Mr. Kives was an agent at Creative Artists Agency for 15 years, where he represented a wide range of talent, including Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Katy Perry, Kate Hudson and Jessica Alba, as well as world and business leaders such as Mikhail Gorbachev and Warren Buffett. Prior to joining Creative Artists Agency in 2003, Mr. Kives worked in the Harlem office of President William J. Clinton, where he served as an interim spokesperson for the President. Mr. Kives then transitioned to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s D.C. office, where he worked alongside Chief of Staff Huma Abedin. Mr. Kives serves on the board of directors of Cirque du Soleil Holdings L.P. and Sherwood Holdings I, Inc. Mr. Kives graduated Phi Beta Kappa with Distinction from Stanford University.

46

Fred Langhammer, our director, is chairman, global affairs, of The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL), a manufacturer and marketer of cosmetics products. Previously, Mr. Langhammer was chief executive officer of The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. from 2000 to 2004, president from 1995 to 2004 and chief operating officer from 1985 to 1999. Mr. Langhammer joined The Estee Lauder Companies in 1975 as president of its operations in Japan. In 1982, he was appointed managing director of its operations in Germany. He was a director of Central European Media Enterprises, Ltd. (Nasdaq: CETV) from December 2009 to March 2014, and was also a director of The Shinsei Bank Limited from 2005 to 2009 and a director of American International Group (NYSE: AIG) from 2006 to 2008. Mr. Langhammer was a director of the Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) from 2005 until 2019. He also serves as chairman emeritus of the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies at Johns Hopkins University and is a senior fellow of the Foreign Policy Association. Mr. Langhammer holds dual citizenship for U.S.A. and Germany. Educated in Germany, Canada and Japan, he speaks fluent Japanese and German. He is also a recipient of the Marco Polo Award, the Ellis Island Award, the Bundesverdienstkreuz and the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Terry Lundgren, our director, served as chairman and chief executive officer of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE: M) for 14 years before retiring as the executive chairman in January 2018. Prior to serving as chairman and chief executive officer of Macy’s Inc., Mr. Lundgren served as president & chief operating officer. From May 1997 to March 2003, Mr. Lundgren served as president and chief merchandising officer of Macy’s, Inc. Previously, Mr. Lundgren also was chairman and chief executive officer of Neiman Marcus. His numerous honors include receiving the National Retail Federation’s Gold Medal Award, considered the retailing industry’s most prestigious recognition.

Mr. Lundgren began his retailing career in 1975 as a trainee with Bullock’s, a Los Angeles-based division of Federated Department Stores Inc., or Federated. Mr. Lundgren was named senior vice president and general merchandising manager of Bullock’s in 1984. In 1987, he was named president and chief executive officer of Bullocks Wilshire, then an upscale chain of specialty department stores owned by Federated.

Mr. Lundgren left Federated after its acquisition by Campeau in 1988, joining Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas, where he served as executive vice president and later as chairman & chief executive officer. He returned to Federated in April of 1994 as chairman & chief executive officer of the Federated Merchandising Group. As chief executive officer, Mr. Lundgren led Federated’s acquisition of The May Department Stores Company in August 2005.

Mr. Lundgren has been presented with many business recognition awards and has served as dinner chairman or as honoree for numerous retail industry organizations and charities, including Carnegie Hall, MoMA, Parsons School and the Fashion Institute of Technology. He has also served on the boards of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the National Retail Federation, the Kraft Heinz Company (Nasdaq: KHC) and the Economic Club of New York. He is currently a board member of the Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG) and Blackrock Long Term Private Capital, and sits on the board of trustees of Carnegie Hall.

Number and Terms of Office of Officers and Directors

Our board of directors consists of five members and is divided into three classes with only one class of directors being appointed in each year, and with each class (except for those directors appointed prior to our first annual general meeting) serving a three-year term. In accordance with NYSE corporate governance requirements, we are not required to hold an annual general meeting until one year after our first fiscal year end following our listing on NYSE. The term of office of the first class of directors will expire at our first annual general meeting. The term of office of the second class of directors, consisting of Messrs. Kives, Langhammer and Lundgren, will expire at the second annual general meeting. The term of office of the third class of directors, consisting of Messrs. Chu and Tang, will expire at the third annual general meeting.


Our officers are appointed by the board of directors and serve at the discretion of the board of directors, rather than for specific terms of office. Our board of directors is authorized to appoint officers as it deems appropriate pursuant to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.

Director Independence

The rules of the NYSE require that a majority of our board of directors be independent within one year of the Public Offering. An “independent director” is defined generally as a person who, in the opinion of the company’s board of directors, has no material relationship with the listed company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the company). Our board of directors has determined that Messrs. Kives, Langhammer and Lundgren are “independent directors” as defined in the NYSE listing standards and applicable SEC rules. Our independent directors will have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present.

Board Committees

Audit Committee

We have an audit committee comprised of Messrs. Kives, Langhammer and Lundgren, each of whom are independent under the NYSE listing standards and applicable SEC rules.

Mr. Kives serves as the Chairman of the audit committee. Each member of the audit committee is financially literate and our board of directors has determined that Mr. Kives qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in applicable SEC rules.

The audit committee is responsible for:

assisting board oversight of (1) the integrity of our financial statements, (2) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (3) our independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications and independence, and (4) the performance of our internal audit function and independent registered public accounting firm; the appointment, compensation, retention, replacement, and oversight of the work of the independent registered public accounting firm and any other independent registered public accounting firm engaged by us;

pre-approving all audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm or any other registered public accounting firm engaged by us, and establishing pre-approval policies and procedures; reviewing and discussing with the independent registered public accounting firm all relationships the firm has with us in order to evaluate their continued independence;

setting clear policies for audit partner rotation in compliance with applicable laws and regulations; obtaining and reviewing a report, at least annually, from the independent registered public accounting firm describing (1) the independent auditor’s internal quality-control procedures and (2) any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the audit firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within the preceding five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the firm and any steps taken to deal with such issues;

meeting to review and discuss our annual audited financial statements and quarterly financial statements with management and the independent auditor, including reviewing our specific disclosures under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”; reviewing and approving any related party transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC prior to us entering into such transaction; and

reviewing with management, the independent registered public accounting firm, and our legal advisors, as appropriate, any legal, regulatory or compliance matters, including any correspondence with regulators or government agencies and any employee complaints or published reports that raise material issues regarding our financial statements or accounting policies and any significant changes in accounting standards or rules promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the SEC or other regulatory authorities.


Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

We have established a nominating and corporate governance committee of the board of directors. The committee is comprised of Messrs. Langhammer and Lundgren. Mr. Langhammer serves as chair of the nominating and corporate governance committee. All members of our nominating and corporate governance committee are independent of and unaffiliated with our sponsor and our underwriters.

Our nominating and corporate governance committee charter details the purpose and responsibilities of the nominating and corporate governance committee, including:

identifying, screening and reviewing individuals qualified to serve as directors, consistent with criteria approved by the board, and recommending to the board of directors candidates for nomination for election at the annual general meeting or to fill vacancies on the board of directors;

developing and recommending to the board of directors and overseeing implementation of our corporate governance guidelines;

coordinating and overseeing the annual self-evaluation of the board of directors, its committees, individual directors and management in the governance of the company; and

reviewing on a regular basis our overall corporate governance and recommending improvements as and when necessary.

The charter also provides that the nominating and corporate governance committee may, in its sole discretion, retain or obtain the advice of, and terminate, any search firm to be used to identify director candidates, and is directly responsible for approving the search firm’s fees and other retention terms.

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, diversity of professional experience, knowledge of our business, integrity, professional reputation, independence, wisdom, and the ability to represent the best interests of our shareholders.

Compensation Committee

We have a compensation committee comprised of Messrs. Langhammer and Lundgren, and Mr. Lundgren is the chair of the compensation committee. All members of our compensation committee are independent of and unaffiliated with our sponsor and our underwriters.

Our compensation committee charter details the principal functions of the compensation committee, including:

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 making recommendations to our board of directors with respect to the compensation, and any incentive compensation and equity based plans that are subject to board approval of all of our other 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 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.


Notwithstanding the foregoing, as indicated above, other than the payment of customary fees we may elect to make to members of our board of directors for director service and payment to an affiliate of our sponsor of $10,000 per month, for up to July 17, 2022, for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support and reimbursement of expenses, no compensation of any kind, including finders, consulting or other similar fees, will be paid to any of our existing shareholders, officers, directors or any of their respective affiliates, prior to, or for any services they render in order to effectuate the consummation of an initial business combination. Accordingly, it is likely that prior to the consummation of an initial business combination, the compensation committee will only be responsible for the review and recommendation of any compensation arrangements to be entered into in connection with such initial business combination.

The charter also provides that the compensation committee may, in its sole discretion, retain or obtain the advice of a compensation consultant, independent legal counsel or other adviser and will be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight 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 NYSE and the SEC.

Code of Business Condcut and Ethics and Committee Charters

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees. We have filed copies of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and our audit committee and compensation committee charters as exhibits to our registration statement in connection with the 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 Business Conduct and Ethics will be provided without charge upon request from us in writing at Unit 1008, 10/F, Champion Tower, 3 Garden Road, Central Hong Kong or by telephone at +852 3973 5500. If we make any amendments to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics other than technical, administrative or other non-substantive amendments, or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions requiring disclosure under applicable SEC or NYSE rules, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website. The information included on our website is not incorporated by reference into the Form S-1 or in any other report or document we file with the SEC, and any references to our website are intended to be inactive textual references only.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our officers, directors and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Officers, directors and ten percent shareholders are required by regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on review of the copies of such forms furnished to us, or written representations that no Forms 5 were required, we believe that, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to our officers and directors were complied with.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

None of our officers or directors have received any cash compensation for services rendered to us. We will pay our Sponsor $10,000 per month for office space, utilities, secretarial and administrative support services provided to members of our management team. In addition, our Sponsor, 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 audit committee will review on a quarterly basis all payments that were made to our sponsor, officers or directors, or our or their affiliates. Any such payments prior to an initial business combination will be made from funds held outside the trust account. Other than quarterly audit committee review of such reimbursements, we do not expect to have any additional controls in place governing our reimbursement payments to our directors and officers for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with our activities on our behalf in connection with identifying and consummating an initial business combination. Other than these payments and reimbursements, no compensation of any kind, including finder’s and consulting fees, will be paid by the company to our sponsor, officers and directors, or any of their respective affiliates, prior to completion of our initial business combination.


After the completion of our initial business combination, directors or members of our management team who remain with us may be paid consulting or management fees from the combined company. All of these fees will be fully disclosed to shareholders, to the extent then known, in the proxy solicitation materials or tender offer materials furnished to our shareholders in connection with a proposed business combination. We have not established any limit on the amount of such fees that may be paid by the combined company to our directors or members of management. It is unlikely the amount of such compensation will be known at the time of the proposed business combination, because the directors of the post-combination business will be responsible for determining officer and director compensation. Any compensation to be paid to our officers will be determined, or recommended to the board of directors for determination, either by a compensation committee constituted solely by independent directors or by a majority of the independent directors on our board of directors.

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 all of our officers and directors may negotiate employment or consulting arrangements to remain with us after our 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 officers and directors that provide for benefits upon termination of employment.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

We have no compensation plans under which equity securities are authorized for issuance.

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of March 26, 2021, by:

each person known by us to be a beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding ordinary shares, on an as-converted basis;

each of our officers and directors; and

all of our officers and directors as a group.

The following table is based on 43,125,000 ordinary shares outstanding at March 26, 2021, of which 34,500,000 were Class A shares and 8,625,000 were Class B shares. Unless otherwise indicated, it is believed that all persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all ordinary shares beneficially owned by them.

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) Number of Class A Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned  Approximate Percentage of Outstanding Class A Ordinary Shares  Number of Class B Ordinary
Shares Beneficially Owned
  Percentage of Outstanding Class B
Ordinary Shares
 
D8 Sponsor LLC(2)(3)        8,535,000   99.0%
David Chu(2)(3)        8,535,000   99.0%
Donald Tang(2)(3)        8,535,000   99.0%
Robert Kirby        15,000      *
Michael Kives        25,000      *
Fred Langhammer        25,000      *
Terry Lundgren        25,000      *
All Directors and Executive Officers of the Company as a Group (Six Individuals)        8,625,000   100.0%
Polar Asset Management Partners Inc.(4)  2,083,180   6.0%      
Glazer Capital, LLC and Paul J. Glazer(5)  2,970,452   8.6%      

 

*Less than one percent.
(1)Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each of the following is Unit 1008, 10/F, Champion Tower, 3 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong.
(2)Interests shown consist solely of founder shares, classified as Class B ordinary shares. Such shares will automatically convert into Class A ordinary shares concurrently with or immediately following the consummation of our initial business combination on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment.
(3)D8 Sponsor LLC, our sponsor, is the record holder of such shares. Messrs. Chu and Tang are the managers of D8 Sponsor LLC and share voting and investment discretion with respect to the ordinary shares held of record by D8 Sponsor LLC. Each of the Messrs. Chu and Tang disclaims any beneficial ownership of the securities held by D8 Sponsor LLC other than to the extent of any pecuniary interest he may have therein, directly or indirectly.


(4)According to a Schedule 13G filed on February 8, 2021, on behalf of Polar Asset Management Partners Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of Ontario, Canada, the Class A ordinary shares reported above are held of record by Polar Asset Management Partners Inc. Polar Asset Management Partners Inc. serves as the investment advisor to Polar Multi-Strategy Master Fund, a Cayman Islands exempted company. Accordingly, Polar Multi-Strategy Master Fund may be deemed to beneficially own the Class A ordinary shares reported above. The business address for this shareholder is 401 Bay Street, Suite 1900, PO Box 19, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2Y4, Canada.
(5)Pursuant to a Schedule 13G filed by such persons as a group with the SEC on February 16, 2021, each of Glazer Capital, LLC and Mr. Glazer may be deemed the beneficial owner of 2,970,452 Class A ordinary shares, as a result of holding directly or indirectly, 2,970,452 Class A ordinary shares, with shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to such Class A ordinary shares. The business address for each of these shareholders is 250 West 55th Street, Suite 30A, New York, New York 10019.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

Founder Shares

On May 14, 2020, the Sponsor paid $25,000, or approximately $0.003 per share, to cover certain of our offering costs in exchange for 7,187,500 Founder Shares. On June 25, 2020, the Sponsor transferred 15,000 Founder Shares to Robert Kirby and 25,000 Founder Shares to each of Michael Kives, Fred Langhammer and Terry Lundgren, resulting in the Sponsor holding 7,097,500 Founder Shares. On July 14, 2020, we effected a share capitalization of 1,437,500 Founder Shares resulting in 8,625,000 Class B ordinary shares outstanding, of which the Sponsor now holds 8,535,000 Founder Shares. All shares and the associated amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the share capitalization.

The Founder Shares are identical to the Public Shares except that the Founder Shares are subject to certain transfer restrictions, as described in more detail below.

The initial shareholders agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or sell any of their Founder Shares and any Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion thereof until the earlier to occur of: (i) one year after the completion of the initial Business Combination, or (ii) the date on which we complete a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction after the initial Business Combination that results in all of our shareholders having the right to exchange their Class A ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property; except to certain permitted transferees and under certain circumstances (the “lock-up”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) the closing price of Class A ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for share sub-divisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the initial Business Combination or (2) if we consummate a transaction after the initial Business Combination which results in our shareholders having the right to exchange their shares for cash, securities or other property, the Founder Shares will be released from the lock-up.

Private Placement Warrants

On July 17, 2020, simultaneously with the closing of the Public Offering, the Company consummated the private placement of 8,000,000 Private Placement Warrants to the Sponsor, each exercisable to purchase one Class A ordinary share at $11.50 per share, at a price of $1.00 per Private Placement Warrant, generating gross proceeds to the Company of $8,000,000. On July 24, 2020, simultaneously with the sale of the over-allotment units, the Company consummated a private sale of an additional 900,000 Private Placement Warrants to the Sponsor, generating additional gross proceeds of $900,000.


A portion of the proceeds from the Private Placement Warrants were added to the proceeds from the Public Offering held in the Trust Account. If the Company does not complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period, the Private Placement Warrants will expire worthless.

The Sponsor and the Company’s officers and directors agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or sell any of their Private Placement Warrants until 30 days after the completion of the initial Business Combination.

Sponsor Loan

On May 14, 2020, the Sponsor agreed to loan the Company up to $300,000 to cover expenses related to the Public Offering pursuant to a promissory note. The Company borrowed approximately $127,000 under the note and fully repaid this note on July 17, 2020.

Working Capital Loans

In addition, in order to finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor, or certain of the Company’s officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan the Company funds as may be required (the “Working Capital Loans”). If the Company completes a Business Combination, the Company would repay the Working Capital Loans. In the event that a Business Combination does not close, the Company may use a portion of proceeds held outside the Trust Account to repay the Working Capital Loans but no proceeds held in the Trust Account would be used to repay the Working Capital Loans. Except for the foregoing, the terms of such Working Capital Loans, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. The Working Capital Loans would either be repaid upon consummation of a Business Combination or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $1.5 million of such Working Capital Loans may be convertible into private placement warrants at a price of $1.00 per warrant. To date, the Company had no borrowings under the Working Capital Loans.

Administrative Support Agreement

The Company has agreed to pay the Sponsor a total of $10,000 per month for office space, utilities, secretarial and administrative support services. Upon completion of the Business Combination or the Company’s liquidation, the Company will cease paying these monthly fees. For the three months ended December 31, 2020 and for the period from May 6, 2020 (inception) through December 31, 2020, the Company incurred and paid approximately $55,000 in such administrative fees.

Registration Rights

The holders of Founder Shares, Private Placement Warrants, and securities that may be issued upon conversion of Working Capital Loans, if any, are entitled to registration rights pursuant to a registration rights agreement signed upon consummation of the Public Offering. These holders will be entitled to certain demand and “piggyback” registration rights. However, the registration rights agreement provides that the Company will not permit any registration statement filed under the Securities Act to become effective until the termination of the applicable lock-up period for the securities to be registered. The Company will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

The firm of WithumSmith+Brown, PC, or Withum, acts as our independent registered public accounting firm. The following is a summary of fees paid to Withum for services rendered.

Audit Fees. Audit fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of our year-end financial statements, reviews of our quarterly financial statements and services that are normally provided by our independent registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory and regulatory filings. The aggregate fees billed by WithumSmith+Brown, PC for audit fees, inclusive of required filings with the SEC for the period from May 6, 2020 (inception) to December 31, 2020 and of services rendered in connection with our initial public offering, totaled $88,065.

Audit-Related Fees. Audit-related fees are fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to performance of the audit or review of our year-end financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” These services include attest services that are not required by statute or regulation and consultation concerning financial accounting and reporting standards. During the period from May 6, 2020 (inception) to December 31, 2020, we did not pay WithumSmith+Brown, PC any audit-related fees.

Tax Fees. Tax fees consist of fees billed for professional services relating to tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice. During the period from May 6, 2020 (inception) to December 31, 2020, we did not pay WithumSmith+Brown, PC any tax fees.

All Other Fees. All other fees consist of fees billed for all other services. During the period from May 6, 2020 (inception) to December 31, 2020, we did not pay WithumSmith+Brown, PC any other fees.


PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

(a)       The following documents are filed as part of this report:

(1)Financial Statements

Reference is made to the Index to Financial Statements of the Company under Item 8 of Part II above.

(2)Financial Statement Schedule

All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the amounts are immaterial, not required, or the required information is presented in the financial statements and notes thereto in Item 8 of Part II above.

(3)Exhibits

We hereby file as part of this report the exhibits listed in the attached Exhibit Index. 

Exhibit  NumberDescription
3.1Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association (Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-39384), filed with the SEC on July 17, 2020).
4.1Specimen Unit Certificate (Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-l (File No. 333-239503), filed with the SEC on June 26, 2020).
4.2Specimen Ordinary Share Certificate (Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-l (File No. 333-239503), filed with the SEC on June 26, 2020).
4.3Specimen Warrant Certificate (Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-l (File No. 333-239503), filed with the SEC on June 26, 2020).
4.4Warrant Agreement between D8 Holdings Corp. and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, dated as of July 14, 2020 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-39384), filed with the SEC on July 17, 2020).
4.5Description of Securities.
10.1Letter Agreement among D8 Holdings Corp, D8 Sponsor LLC. and each of the officers and directors of D8 Holdings Corp., dated as of July 14, 2020 (Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-39384), filed with the SEC on July 17, 2020).
10.2Investment Management Trust Agreement between D8 Holdings Corp. and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, dated as of July 14, 2020 (Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-39384), filed with the SEC on July 17, 2020).
10.3Registration Rights Agreement among D8 Holdings Corp., D8 Sponsor LLC and the holders signatory thereto, dated as of July 14, 2020 (Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-39384), filed with the SEC on July 17, 2020).
10.4Private Placement Warrants Purchase Agreement between D8 Holdings Corp. and D8 Sponsor LLC, dated as of July 14, 2020 (Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-39384), filed with the SEC on July 17, 2020).
10.5Administrative Services Agreement by and among D8 Holdings Corp. and D8 Sponsor LLC, dated as of July 14, 2020 (Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-39384), filed with the SEC on July 17, 2020).
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INSXBRL Instance Document
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF XBRLTaxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRLTaxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRLTaxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

54

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

March 26, 2021

D8 HOLDINGS CORP.
By:/s/ David Chu
Name: David Chu
Title:Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

The undersigned directors and officers of D8 Holdings Corp. hereby constitute and appoint each of David Chu, Donald Tang and Robert Kirby, with the power to act without the others and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, our hue and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power to execute in our name and behalf in the capacities indicated below any and all amendments to this report and to file the same, with all exhibits and other documents relating thereto and hereby ratify and confirm all that such attorney-in-fact, or such attorney-in-fact’s substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated below.

NameTitleDate
/s/ David ChuChief Executive Officer and DirectorMarch 26, 2021
David Chu
/s/ Robert KirbyChief Financial OfficerMarch 26, 2021
Robert Kirby
/s/ Donald TangPresident and DirectorMarch 26, 2021
Donald Tang
/s/ Michael KivesDirectorMarch 26, 2021
Michael Kives
/s/ Fred LanghammerDirectorMarch 26, 2021
Fred Langhammer
/s/ Terry LundgrenDirectorMarch 26, 2021
Terry Lundgren

55

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