Table of Contents



UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-K/A

(Amendment No. 1)FORM10-K

 

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

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

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20202022

or

 

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

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: 001-39048

 

Apex Technology Acquisition CorporationAvePoint, Inc.


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

83-4461709

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

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

533 Airport Blvd
Suite 400
Burlingame, CA 94010
94010

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

525 Washington Blvd, Suite 1400

Jersey City, NJ 07310

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(201) 793-1111

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (619) 736-6855code)

 

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

 

Title of Each Classeach class

 

Trading Symbol(s)symbol

 

Name of Each Exchangeeach exchange on Which Registeredwhich registered

Class A 

Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share

 APXT

AVPT

 

The Nasdaq StockGlobal Select Market LLC

Redeemable

Warrants, each whole warrant exercisable for one share of Class A Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share

 APXTW

AVPTW

 

The Nasdaq StockGlobal Select Market LLC

Units, each consisting of one share of Class A Common Stock and one-half of one Redeemable WarrantAPXTUThe Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

 

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 Exchange Act.

Yes  ☐    No  ☒

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  ☒    No  ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    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,”filer”, “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer ☒

Non-accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller 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. ☐

 

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes      No  

 


The

As of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the Class ARegistrant’s voting and non-voting common stock outstanding, other than shares held by persons who may be deemed affiliatesnon-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference toRegistrant was $419,868,677.90 based on the closing salessale price for the Class A common stock on June 30, 2020, as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market, was approximately $358,400,000.

by Nasdaq. As of March 8, 2021,31, 2023, there were 35,810,000191,399,177 shares of Class A common stock and 8,750,000 sharesoutstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of Class B common stockdefinitive Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Proxy Statement) to be delivered to stockholders in connection with the registrant issued and outstanding.Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 16, 2023, are incorporated by reference into Part III.



 


 

AVEPOINT, INC.

FORM 10-K

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Apex Technology Acquisition Corp (the “Company,” “we”, “our” or “us”) is filing this Amendment No. 1 to its Annual Report on Form 10-K, or this Amendment, to amend our Annual Report on Form 10-K forFor the year endedFiscal Year Ended December 31, 2020, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, on March 9, 2021, or the Original Filing, to restate our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. We are also restating the financial statement as of September 19, 2019; as of December 31, 2019 and for the period April 5, 2019 (inception) to December 31, 2019; and as of and for the periods ended September 30, 2019, March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020 and September 30 , 2020, in the accompanying financial statements included in this Annual Report, including describing the restatement and its impact on previously reported amounts. Restatement Background2022

On April 12, 2021, the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC Staff”) issued a public statement entitled “Staff Statement on Accounting and Reporting Considerations for Warrants issued by Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (“SPACs”)” (the “SEC Staff Statement”). In the SEC Staff Statement, the SEC Staff expressed its view that certain terms and conditions common to SPAC warrants may require the warrants to be classified as liabilities on the SPAC’s balance sheet as opposed to being treated as equity. Since their issuance on September 19, 2019 at the time of the Company’s initial public offering, our warrants were accounted for as equity within our balance sheet, and after discussion and evaluation, including with our independent auditors, we have concluded that our warrants should have been presented as liabilities with subsequent fair value remeasurement.

Therefore, the Company, in consultation with the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (the “Audit Committee”), concluded that its previously issued audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 should be restated because of a misapplication in the guidance around accounting for our outstanding warrants to purchase common stock (the “warrants”) and should no longer be relied upon.

Historically, the warrants were reflected as a component of equity as opposed to liabilities on the balance sheet and the statement of operations did not include the subsequent non-cash changes in estimated fair value of the warrants, based on our application of Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (“ASC 815-40”). The views expressed in the SEC Staff Statement were not consistent with the Company’s historical interpretation of the specific provisions within its warrant agreement and the Company’s application of ASC 815-40 to the warrant agreement. We reassessed our accounting for the warrants issued on September 19, 2019, in light of the SEC Staff Statement. Based on this reassessment, we determined that the warrants should be classified as liabilities measured at fair value upon issuance, with any subsequent changes in fair value reported in our Statement of Operations each reporting period.

The change in accounting for the warrants did not have any impact on our liquidity, cash flows, revenues or costs of operating our business and the other non-cash adjustments to the previously reported Financial Statements or in any of the periods included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in this filing. The change in accounting for the warrants does not impact the amounts previously reported for the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, investments held in trust account, operating expenses or total cash flows from operations.

Items Amended

This Amendment presents the Original Filing, amended and restated with modifications as necessary to reflect the restatement. The following items in the Original Filing have been amended: Item 1, Business, Item 1A, Risk Factors, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, and Item 9A, Controls and Procedures.

In addition, new certifications by the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer are filed as exhibits (in Exhibits 31.1 and 32.2) to this Amendment.

Except as described above, this Amendment does not amend, update or change any other items or disclosures contained in the Original Filing, and accordingly, this Amendment does not reflect or purport to reflect any information or events occurring after the original filing date or modify or update those disclosures affected by subsequent events. Accordingly, this Amendment should be read in conjunction with the Original Filing and the Company’s other filings with the SEC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 PAGEPage
PART IFORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS3

PART I.

4

Item 1. Business

Business41
Item 1A.Risk Factors1715
Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments4228
Item 2. PropertiesProperties2842
Item 3.Legal Proceedings4228
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures4228

PART II.

29
PART II

Item 5.

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

4329

Item 6. Reserved

Selected Financial Data3043

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

4331
Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures Aboutabout Market Risk4844
Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data4845
Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure4879
Item 9A.Controls and Procedures4879
Item 9B.Other Information4981
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections83
PART IIIIII.83
Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance5083
Item 11.Executive Compensation5383
Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters5483
Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence5583
Item 14.Principal Accounting Fees and Services5783
PART IV.84
PART IV
Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules5884
Item 16.Form 10-K Summary86
 
58Signatures87

 

i

2

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Amendment,Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Annual Report”) of AvePoint, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as the “Company,” “AvePoint,” “we," “us” and “our”) includes estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives, and expected operating results that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, 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”). Forward-looking statements, as well as descriptions of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially, may appear throughout this Annual Report, including without limitation, statements underin the headingfollowing sections: “Business” (Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report), “Risk Factors” (Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report), “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” includes forward-looking statements within the meaningOperations” (Part II, Item 7 of Section 27Athis Annual Report), and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” (Part II, Item 7A of the Securities Act (as defined below) and Section 21E of the Exchange Act (as defined below). These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words “believes,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “potential,” “projects,” “predicts,” “continue,” or “should,” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. There can be no assurance that actual results will not materially differ from expectations. Such statements include, but are not limited to, any statements relating to our ability to consummate any acquisition or other business combination and any other statements that are not statements of current or historical facts. These statements are based on management’s current expectations, but actual results may differ materially due to various factors, including, but not limited to: 

______our ability to complete our initial business combination, including the AvePoint Business Combination (as defined below);

______our success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, our officers, key employees or directors following our initial business combination;

______our officers and directors allocating their time to other businesses and potentially having conflicts of interest with our business or in approving our initial business combination, as a result of which they would then receive expense reimbursements;

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

______our pool of prospective target businesses;

______failure to maintain the listing on, or the delisting of our securities from, Nasdaq or an inability to have our securities listed on Nasdaq or another national securities exchange following our initial business combination;

______the ability of our officers and directors to generate a number of potential investment opportunities;

______our public securities’ potential liquidity and trading;

______the lack of a market for our securities;

______the use of proceeds not held in the trust account or available to us from interest income on the trust account balance; or

______our financial performance.

The forward-looking statements contained in this Amendment are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us. Future developments affecting us may not be those that we have anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.Annual Report). These risks and uncertainties also include, but are not limited to, those factors described underfrom time to time in the heading “Risk Factors.Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,Should one“project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. However, the absence of these words or moresimilar expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. All statements that address operating performance, events, or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to volume growth, sales, earnings, and statements expressing general views about future operating results — are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and are based on the beliefs of, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to, our management. Our management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made. However, caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements because such statements speak only as of the date when made. Readers should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in the context of these risks and uncertainties. The important factors referenced above may not contain all of the factors that are important to investors.

In addition, we cannot assure you that we will realize the results or uncertainties materialize,developments we expect or should any ofanticipate or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the consequences or affect us or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may varyoperations in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements.the way we expect. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a resultbecause of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. These risksby law. All written and others described under “Risk Factors” may not be exhaustive.oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements as well as other cautionary statements that are made from time to time in our other SEC filings and public communications.

3

PART I

Item 1

 

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risksITEM 1. BUSINESS

Company Overview

AvePoint provides a cloud-native software platform that organizations rely on to optimize IT operations, manage critical data and uncertainties becausesecure the digital workplace. As companies globally embrace the new normal of hybrid work, they relatemust build and deliver a new, seamless workplace experience for knowledge workers, centered around an extensive portfolio of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions and productivity applications aimed at improving collaboration across the organization.

The adoption of this portfolio of solutions – what has been generally described as the “digital transformation” – is a substantial and ongoing challenge for most organizations, which for decades had used only a small number of multi-purpose on-premises applications to eventsdrive business outcomes. However, to build and deliver an efficient digital workplace today, companies must manage this range of applications – and the associated explosive growth and sprawl of data – with a platform offering that is well governed, fit for purpose, easy to use and built on automation.

AvePoint’s Confidence Platform empowers organizations – of all sizes, in all regions, and across all industries – to optimize and secure the solutions that most commonly establish and underpin the digital workplace. As our customers seek to rapidly reduce costs, improve productivity and make more informed business decisions, they depend on our platform for data-driven insights, critical business intelligence and ongoing operational value through automation.

Platform Overview

The AvePoint Confidence Platform delivers a comprehensive set of SaaS solutions, empowering users in a variety of technology roles – including IT operations, development operations and cybersecurity – to monitor and secure the digital workplace.

Built on top of Platform-as-a-Service (“PaaS”) architecture, the AvePoint Confidence Platform offers modularity and combines cloud services architecture with tailored, industry-specific functionality to address critical operational challenges and the ongoing management of data, as organizations leverage a variety of third-party cloud vendors, including Microsoft, Salesforce, Google, AWS, Box, DropBox and others. To drive modernization efforts, the platform also provides extensions to the functionality of existing cloud services as well as new applications, all while leveraging the common underlying SaaS services for data, process, user experience and integration.

The AvePoint Confidence Platform, and the applications that it powers, is organized into three interconnected “suites” of functionality—each targeting a core set of business drivers and customer needs. Those suites are:

The Control Suite efficiently ensures the sustainability and operational capacity of the digital workplace by providing a ready-made framework for automated governance and policy enforcement. This allows infrastructure and operations teams to protect business-critical information across collaborative workspaces.

The Resilience Suite enables organizations to efficiently and effectively comply with data protection regulations, preserve critical records, and ensure business continuity. This provides regulatory, audit, and risk management teams with the assurance that the organization is meeting its compliance obligations.

The Modernization Suite transforms legacy data to allow it use by modern SaaS platforms and transforms legacy business processes into modern end-user business applications. It empowers modernization and change management teams to drive digital transformation across the organization, and to measure and accelerate the impact of this transformation on employee experience and engagement.

Built with security and scale in mind, AvePoint’s cloud-native platform is available across 14 global data centers. Our multi-tenant architecture is designed to immediately provide customers the latest enhancements and upgrades, and the platform is ISO 27001:2013 and ISO 27017:2015 certified and has received SOC 2 Type II accreditation and FedRAMP (Moderate) Authorization.

4

PART I

Item 1

Within each suite are a number of products addressing critical customer needs. Our products are typically licensed according to the number of users, while some include a consumption-based component. Lastly, because our platform is built upon a common data engine and common data layer, the purchase of products from multiple suites provides an incremental benefit to customers in the form of more intelligent and relevant data insights and automation.

The Control Suite contains products which offer the following capabilities:

o

Operationalize collaborative workspaces: centralize the management of SaaS solutions and productivity applications, with the flexibility to configure and delegate control for different end-users;

o

Regulatory compliance automation: Implement, enforce, and prove that access and configuration policies across collaborative workspaces comply with internal or regulatory requirements;

o

Access and risk management: gain insight into who has access to critical data and where the company is at risk; and

o

Cost optimization: maximize the return on SaaS subscription investments through real-time management and allocation of entitlements;

The Resilience Suite contains products which offer the following capabilities:

o

Backup-as-a-Service: support workloads in cloud infrastructure-as-a-Service and PaaS, including protection against ransomware, accidental deletions and user error in a variety of SaaS applications, as well as support for a range of on-premises workloads;

o

Data classification: automate data tagging, classification and protection to prevent loss;

o

Storage optimization: archive stale content from active systems to reduce costs and improve workspace quality and user experience; and

o

Records management: ensure content compliance and proper records retention with process automation.

The Modernization Suite contains products which offer the following capabilities:

o

Data modernization and restructuring: seamlessly move and transform legacy data to allow its use by modern SaaS platforms, and ensure that unstructured data can be easily restructured to reflect ongoing changes in the business;

o

Process modernization: transform manual processes with built-in data insights and process automation for Line of Business and role-based applications; and

o

Workforce transformation measurement: enable employees to thrive in the digital workplace by ensuring organizational leaders understand employee engagement and sentiment.

Our Growth Strategy

Our aggressive pursuit of the large market opportunity we see includes the following growth strategies:

Expand our Platform Opportunity. We have built a differentiated platform that enables organizations to integrate modern applications, and our goal is to continually invest in technologies that improve the digital workplace experience. We will introduce new and adjacent products to extend our current operational and data management story and to improve the functionality of existing products and features. We also have invested and will continue to invest in opportunities beyond the Microsoft ecosystem.

Growour Customer Base. The market we are targeting is rapidly growing and largely unpenetrated. We sell to organizations of all sizes, in all regions of the world, and across a broad array of industries. While historically we primarily focused on larger, more highly regulated enterprises, the offering of our platform as a SaaS solution makes it more accessible to and in demand from small and medium-sized organizations. We intend to drive new customer growth by leveraging our global partner ecosystem and through the expansion of our direct sales force.

Increase Customer Lifetime Value with Customer Success. We constantly seek to increase customer satisfaction, decrease time to value, reduce customer churn and set up successful land and expand opportunities. To do so, we have made significant investments in our customer success program and in technology which provides additional telemetry to enhance our understanding of how our customers use our solutions, which we believe will deepen our relationships with existing customers.

Grow and Cultivate our Partner and Channel Network. We believe that building and cultivating strategic relationships with partners will enable us to penetrate those markets in which we previously lacked presence and those in which we have a presence that can be expanded. Our partner and channel network today touches all aspects of our business, but we believe there is a particular opportunity with our small and mid-sized customers and prospects.

Opportunistically Pursue Strategic Acquisitions. Acquisitions are an important growth driver for our business. We completed four acquisitions in 2022, and we expect to continue acquiring businesses and technologies or entering into joint ventures and strategic alliances as part of our long-term business strategy. This may include acquiring complementary products, technologies, and/or businesses that reduce the time or costs required to develop new technologies, incorporate enhanced functionality into and complement our existing product offerings, augment our engineering workforce, improve our internal business and operating systems, and enhance our technological capabilities.

5

PART I

Item 1

Sales, Marketing and Customers

Sales

Our global go-to-market strategy allows us to efficiently sell to and serve the needs of organizations across market segments and geographies. This strategy, which combines the expertise of our highly-trained direct sales force with the leverage of valuable indirect routes to the market, including our strong partner ecosystem, has created a powerful and differentiated go-to-market approach. In addition, our increased investments in our customer success program positions us to continue expanding within our existing customer base, which we believe remains a significant growth opportunity.

Our direct sales force is organized by geography and customer size.

In addition, we employ a number of indirect routes to market, which include the following:

Channel Ecosystem. We leverage the resources of our partner and channel community across customers of all segments. We expect that partner sourced revenue will account for a growing portion of our revenue for the foreseeable future.
Partner Marketplaces. AvePoint is transactable in more than 100 marketplaces around the world through our distribution and marketplace partners. We leverage marketplaces to create operational efficiencies with automation in procurement and provisioning, and to grow and scale our acquisition of the small business market, primarily through managed service providers (“MSPs”).
Microsoft Partnership. We are a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, ranking in the global top 5 in Microsoft’s IP-Co-Sell program. Microsoft sellers are incentivized to develop a pipeline, share sales leads, and accelerate sales of AvePoint solutions, and we plan to continue adding to the number of co-sell ready solutions currently available.

These collective efforts are supported by our customer success team, which employs a proactive relationship-focused approach designed to ensure that our valued customers get the care they need to rapidly deploy, and receive value from, their technology investment in us.

Marketing

Our global marketing organization focuses on enhancing the AvePoint brand and building awareness and demand generation through multi-platform campaigns that leverage our expertise, content, technical resources and customer stories. We rely on multiple marketing and sales automation tools to efficiently identify and market to the correct individuals at target companies using product and industry specific criteria.

Customers

We sell to organizations of all sizes, in all regions of the world, and across a broad array of industries. Our customers are located in more than 100 countries and, as of December 31, 2022, numbered more than 17,000.

We classify our customer base by size and geography:

Small Business (SMB) segment. Companies with fewer than 500 user seats.

Mid-Market segment. Companies with greater than 500 but fewer than 5,000 user seats.
Enterprise segment. Companies with greater than 5,000 user seats.
Geography. Classification is based on the customer’s billing address and is divided into (1) North America; (2) Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (“EMEA”); and (3) Asia-Pacific (“APAC”).

6

PART I

Item 1

Research And Development

We constantly seek to develop new offerings, drive improvements to our existing offerings, and enhance support of our existing customer deployments. We leverage agile development methodologies and work with the latest technologies, resulting in a dynamic, state of the art, automated software development process that has allowed us to quickly deliver high-quality products and services and adapt to market changes and new requirements. We believe delivering and expanding product functionality is critical to enhancing the success of existing customers while new product development further reinforces our breadth of solutions.

Intellectual Property

We rely on a combination of trade secrets, copyrights, and trademarks to establish and protect our intellectual property rights. We also rely on contractual protections, such as license, assignment, and confidentiality agreements, and technical measures. We pursue the registration of domain names, trademarks, and service marks in the United States and in various jurisdictions outside the United States. We control access to and use of our proprietary technology and other confidential information through the use of internal and external controls, including contractual protections with employees, contractors, customers, and partners, and our software is protected by U.S. and international intellectual property laws. We require our employees, consultants, and other third parties to enter into confidentiality and proprietary rights agreements and control access to software, documentation, and other proprietary information. Our policy is to require employees and independent contractors to sign agreements assigning to us any inventions, trade secrets, works of authorship, developments, and other processes generated by them on our behalf and agreeing to protect our confidential information. In addition, we generally enter into confidentiality agreements with our vendors and customers.

Competition

While certain companies offer products with features similar to those embedded in our individual solutions and with which we compete in certain tactical use cases, we do not believe that any company offers the same breadth of functionalities that we offer in a single integrated platform. Unlike traditional vendors primarily focused on data management, data governance, or migration, we address a spectrum of SaaS solutions and productivity applications for the digital workplace.

The standalone point solutions we frequently encounter often fail to meet the needs of our customers, due to limitations in breadth of functionality, ease of use, scalability, rigor of security protocols, integration with third-party applications and data sources, time to value and total cost of ownership.

Seasonality

Our quarterly revenue fluctuates and does not necessarily grow sequentially when measuring any one fiscal quarter’s revenue against another (e.g. comparing the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal year 2021 against the first fiscal quarter of fiscal year 2022). Historically, our third and fourth quarters have been our highest revenue quarters, however those results are not necessarily indicative of future quarterly revenue or full year results. Higher third and fourth quarter revenue is driven primarily by increased sales resulting from our customers’ fiscal year ends. Additionally, new product and service introductions (including the timing of those introductions) can significantly impact revenue. Revenue can also be affected when customers anticipate a product introduction. Our operating expenses have generally increased sequentially due to increases in personnel in connection with the expansion of our business.

7

PART I

Item 1

Human Capital Resources

The success of our people is the success of our Company, making our talent strategy a core focus of our operations. We received accolades from multiple publications around the world designating us as a “best place to work” in 2022. Our key human capital objectives in managing our business includes attracting and developing top talent, engaging our team in an environment where they thrive, and integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into our core operating practices.

Our values are long-held beliefs that guide the behaviors of our global teams and are foundational to our present and future success. These are not ‘statements on a wall’ but a true representation of how we act as a team:

Agility: We value quick, informed decision-making to meet and exceed customer expectations. We subscribe to a growth mindset, which contributes to our entrepreneurial and learning spirit.

Passion: Drive and energy are contagious here; we are not just going through the motions. We do things that are impactful and, as a result, amplify our customers’ success.
Teamwork: We are invested in the success of our colleagues, partners, customers, and communities. We do this by promoting global collaboration and taking pride in helping, sharing, mentoring, and coaching each other.

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Employees

As of December 31, 2022, we had 2,187 employees globally. A large percentage of our employees have technical and professional backgrounds and undergraduate and/or advanced degrees. Our professional staff includes programmers, data and computer scientists, electrical and mechanical engineers, software and hardware specialists, project managers, sales and marketing professionals, attorneys, and CPAs. None of our employees are represented by a labor union with respect to their employment. We are not aware of any employment circumstances that mayare likely to disrupt our work efforts. See the section titled “Risk Factors” (Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report) for a discussion of the risks related to the loss of key personnel or may not occurour inability to attract and retain qualified personnel.

Recruitment and Internal Mobility

We want to attract a pool of diverse and exceptional candidates and support their career growth once they join our team. We seek to hire based on talent rather than solely on educational pedigree, and have provided many job openings, including in our local communities, for capable workers from various backgrounds to learn valuable skills in critical operations such as business development, sales, customer support, and customer service. In our evaluation and career development efforts, we also emphasize internal mobility opportunities for employees to drive professional development. Our goal is a long-term, upward-bound career for every employee, which we believe also drives our retention efforts. Our talent acquisition team uses internal and external resources to recruit highly skilled and talented workers, and we encourage and incentivize employee referrals for open positions.

Rewards

We strive to provide globally a competitive suite of pay, comprehensive benefits, and services. We incentivize performance through a combination of competitive base pay, performance-based cash incentives and long-term incentives in the future.form of equity. We caution youbelieve this combination fosters a strong sense of ownership, aligns the interests of employees with our stockholders, and increases stockholder value and our overall success.

8

PART I

Item 1

Environmental, Social and Governance Matters

We recognize the importance of environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) matters and how they impact our stakeholders. We believe appropriately responding to ESG issues is an important component of corporate social responsibility and comprehensive fiscal management. In light of the continued importance surrounding ESG matters, we are active in establishing and improving programs, practices and policies to maximize the benefit to AvePoint, our stockholders, our employees, and the communities we impact. We believe that forward-looking statementsstrong ESG programs and practices are critical to attracting the best talent, executing on our strategies, maintaining a robust supplier and channel partner base, and innovating to meet our consumers’ evolving expectations.

AvePoint’s policies, practices and programs include engagement with external stakeholders to understand their priorities and obtain their feedback, coordination of relevant company projects and initiatives, and alignment with AvePoint’s strategies and implementation. In 2022, in furtherance of its commitment to ESG matters, AvePoint designated the Board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to oversee ESG matters, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee approved the charter for an ESG committee within AvePoint with the involvement of internal stakeholders.

In 2023, we expect to continue to explore, and report on, our efforts to expand on ESG opportunities. Our future ESG disclosures will be informed by an internal ESG prioritization assessment to be undertaken in 2023, which will assess topics based on their potential impact to both business value creation and environmental and societal impact more broadly.

To that end, AvePoint is committed to transparent reporting on ESG matters and, therefore, has provided additional disclosure below related to the goals and relevant metrics of our ESG program to allow our stakeholders to be informed about our progress.

1. Environmental

Workplace Practices

Across our twenty-five offices, we strive to reduce our environmental footprint, operate more efficiently, and engage our personnel in social initiatives that directly impact their lives. To fulfill our aim of integrating environmental sustainability into everything we do, we have implemented numerous projects across our operations, including a company-wide paperless campaign and a computer recycling project, to reduce energy consumption and the use of non-renewable resources in our workplaces. Our Jersey City headquarters and our Arlington and Chicago offices are LEED certified, and our Singapore office is a Green Mark Platinum building. In addition, our Japan office takes many steps to maximize its energy efficiency, including:

Maintenance and inspection to maintain efficient operation and performance of facilities using BEMS data;

Operation with appropriate indoor temperature and humidity settings;

Introduction of LEDs in common areas;

Replacement of heat sources and air conditioners with high-efficiency equipment;

Implementation of energy conservation meetings among operators, management companies, and construction companies; and

Donation of carbon credits to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government under the cap-and-trade system (4,000 t-CO2)

Cloud Computing for the Good of All

AvePoint was an early mover to transition from traditional on-premises software solutions to software-as-a-service and hybrid deployments. Not only does cloud computing help meet the business needs of our customers, but it also has tremendous benefits to the environment, including greater energy efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and reduced carbon footprints.

In addition to many of AvePoint’s own workers saving resources by working remotely, our software supports customers in offering remote opportunities to their workforces, which helps them to reduce the environmental impacts of commuting and energy usage and waste production at physical worksites.

Looking forward, AvePoint is actively researching additional methods to reduce its carbon footprint and create a more sustainable future for the company and the communities we serve.

9

PART I

Item 1

2. Social

As a global company, we have a tremendous opportunity – and responsibility – to do good. We strive to exemplify our core values of agility, passion and teamwork every day to ensure the success of our customers, partners, and stakeholders as well as make a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. To do this, we are committed to creating and empowering access to a variety of opportunities:

Philanthropy

As a global organization, AvePoint strives to create pathways to success for individuals and communities through education. At the heart of our work—volunteering, partnerships, donations, and advocacy—is the vision of a world where everyone, no matter where they live, which resources they have, or what challenging circumstances they face, has a path to self-reliance and resilience. Our partners range from organizations that advance education for underrepresented minorities across our industry, to those that champion public policies aimed at fostering innovation and growth. AvePoint is proud to support education as not guaranteesonly the great equalizer, but as the single most impactful catalyst to improving one’s trajectory. In 2022, we continued our partnership with Girls Who Code, an organization that is committed to building the largest pipeline of future performancefemale engineers and has engaged over 500,000 girls, women, and nonbinary individuals through in-person programming. We also partnered with StepNow, an organization dedicated to equipping young people with the necessary tools to step into adulthood in the United Kingdom, to provide youth with a 1-week internship in our London offices to learn more about working in the technology field.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Allyship

AvePoint is proud to employ talent from many different backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Diversity and inclusion drive our success and is at the core of how we hire, communicate and collaborate to deliver value and excellence. AvePoint is committed to fostering an environment where people can bring their whole selves to work and feel a sense of belonging. Through our employee resource groups, internal mobility opportunities across the countries in which we operate, and external partnerships with underrepresented minority networks, we continue to work toward creating a workforce that represents the diversity of our customers and communities. Through our IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Allyship) Committee, in 2022 we launched our newest employee resource group dedicated to driving greater awareness and connection with military veterans. Our employee resource groups also led the Company’s support of causes including The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ youth, and The National Center for Children and Families, a nonprofit child and family welfare agency with a commitment to serving poor, disadvantaged, abused neglected and abandoned children, youth and their families. 

Supporting Agents of Change: Our Talent

AvePoint is committed to investing in our people and nurturing a growth mindset across our organization. Our talent development philosophy builds upon the idea that business growth and success come from a culture of collaboration and creativity, and that our actual resultspeople should feel empowered to craft their careers, make an impact, and own their futures. Our portfolio of operations, financial conditionlearning and liquidity,development programs equips our leaders and developmentsmanagers with the skills and confidence to lead high-performing teams, and supports our individual contributors with the tools and resources to contribute impactfully in their roles from the moment they join AvePoint.

3. Corporate Governance

Social Responsibility Support from the Top

At AvePoint, our corporate governance practices support our core values of agility, passion, and teamwork.These practices provide a framework for the proper operation of our company, consistent with our stockholders’ best interests and the requirements of law. 

AvePoint is committed to managing our affairs consistent with the highest principles of business ethics and the corporate governance requirements of both federal law and Nasdaq, including the following:

A majority of our board members are independent of AvePoint and its management;

All members of our three board committees—the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Nominating and Governance Committee—are independent;

We have a clear code of business conduct to which all employees, officers and directors must adhere; and

The charters of our board committees clearly establish their respective roles and responsibilities.

10

PART I

Item 1

In 2022, in support of these priorities, AvePoint:

Adopted formal Independence Standards for its Board and the Board’s Audit Committee;

Completed a full review of its Corporate Governance policies;

Updated its Code of Conduct to include additional key policies and methods of reporting violations; and

Introduced a more robust and user-friendly platform for whistleblowers and other reporting.

Earning the World’s Trust

As a global company which is responsible to employees, stockholders and customers, our vision for AvePoint is to build an environment in which we earn trust and confidence every day through enabling collaboration and innovation through our commitment to privacy, security, and transparency.

Commitment to powering proactive data security programs

AvePoint understands the importance of security and operational risk management and is committed to providing organizations with relevant metrics which help them make decisions that are proactive rather than reactive. When done in conjunction with policies, education and measurement, organizations can balance collaboration and transparency with data protection and privacy. We seek to earn trust not just with robust security and privacy practices, but with the way we operate and organize our business.

Aligning to clear privacy principles

AvePoint has a policy of transparency regarding our data collection, use, retention and sharing practices. It is our commitment to implement appropriate technical security measures to protect all AvePoint stakeholders and manage third party risk. AvePoint uses this foundation and discipline to develop market-leading privacy and security products and deliver world class customer service. Our software, processes and services have obtained industry-leading security and privacy certifications, including System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type II, ISO 27001:2013 – Information Security, ISO 27017:015-Cloud Security, Information Security Registered Assessors (IRAP) Program, FedRAMP, and more. We have also implemented a rigorous program to assess our own vendors and suppliers.

Advancing cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a central challenge as companies around the world embark on the digital transformation. Ransomware attacks have become one of the top security threats for organizations, especially as increased collaboration can lead to more vulnerabilities. The cost to recover stolen data can be millions of dollars, in addition to substantial reputational damage. AvePoint Ransomware Detection, and its Ransomware Warranty for MSP, which primarily serves small business clients, gives assurance that companies will be protected.

Strengthening our offerings by first strengthening ourselves

AvePoint has built a resilient, scalable and secure IT environment by investing in complementary industry leading technology and security solutions, in addition to utilizing our own software platform. In addition, AvePoint has built a corporate culture in which privacy and security are enablers of productivity, collaboration and trust; we balance the free flow of information with the risk of inappropriate access and/or disclosure; and we implement a risk-based approach to privacy and security that will allow us to maintain not only legal and regulatory compliance in the industryjurisdictions in which we operate, but also to facilitate business and innovation at AvePoint.

11

PART I

Item 1

Compliance with Material Government Regulations

We are subject to many U.S. federal and state and foreign laws and regulations that involve matters central to our business, including laws and regulations that involve data privacy and data protection, intellectual property, advertising, marketing, health and safety, competition, consumer protection, taxation, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering and corruption, economic or other trade prohibitions or sanctions, environmental protection regulations, and securities law compliance. Our business may also be affected by the adoption of any new or existing laws or regulations or changes in laws or regulations that adversely affect our business. Many relevant laws and regulations are still evolving and may be interpreted, applied, created or amended in a manner that could harm our business, and new laws and regulations may be enacted, including in connection with the restriction or prohibition of certain content or business activities.

We are subject to certain U.S. federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding data privacy and the collection, storage, sharing, use, processing, disclosure and protection of personal information and other data from users, employees or business partners, including the GDPR, CCPA, and VCDPA. These laws expand the rights of individuals to control how their personal data is processed, collected, used and shared, create new regulatory and operational requirements for processing personal data, increase requirements for security and confidentiality and provide for significant penalties for non-compliance. There are also a number of legislative proposals recently enacted or pending before the U.S. Congress, various state legislatures and foreign governments concerning content regulation and data protection that could affect us. These and other laws and regulations that may be enacted, or new interpretation of existing laws and regulations, may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies and to incur substantial costs in order to comply.

In addition, we are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended (the “FCPA”). The FCPA prohibits corporations and individuals from engaging in improper activities to obtain or retain business or to influence a person working in an official capacity. It prohibits, among other things, providing, directly or indirectly, anything of value to any foreign government official, or any political party or official thereof, or candidate for political influence to improperly influence such person. Similar laws exist in other countries, such as the UK, that restrict improper payments to persons in the public or private sector. Many countries have laws prohibiting these types of payments within the respective country. Historically, technology companies have been the target of FCPA and other anti-corruption investigations and penalties. We are further subject to U.S. and foreign laws and regulations that restrict our activities in certain countries and with certain persons. These include the economic sanctions regulations administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and the export control laws administered by the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry.

The foregoing description does not include an exhaustive list of the laws and regulations governing or impacting our business. See the discussion contained in the “Risk Factors” section (Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report) for information regarding how actions by regulatory authorities or changes in legislation and regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this Amendment. In addition, even if our results or operations, financial condition and liquidity, and developments in the industry in which we operate are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this Amendment, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods.

ii

Unless otherwise stated in this Amendment, or the context otherwise requires, references to:

“Amendment” are to Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020;

______“AvePoint” are to AvePoint, Inc.have a Delaware corporation;

______“AvePoint Business Combination” are to the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement (as defined below);

______

“AvePoint Registration Statement” are to the Form S-4 filed with the SEC (as defined below) on February 4, 2021, as amended;

______“Board of Directors” or “Board” are to the board of directors of the Company;

______“Business Combination Agreement,” are to the Business Combination Agreement, dated as of November 23, 2020, as it may be amended, by and among the Company, AvePoint, and the other parties thereto;

______“Cantor” are to Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., the representative of the underwriters in our initial public offering (as defined below);

______“common stock” are to our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock, collectively;

______“Continental” are to Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, trustee of our trust account (as defined below and warrant agent of our public warrants (as defined below);

______“Exchange Act” are to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;

______“DGCL” are to the Delaware General Corporation Law;

______“founder shares” are to shares of our Class B common stock initially purchased by our sponsor in a private placement prior to our initial public offering, and the shares of our Class A common stock issued upon the conversion thereof as described herein;

______“GAAP” are to the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America;

______“IFRS” are to the International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board;

______“initial public offering” are to that was consummated by the Company on September 19, 2019;

______“initial stockholders” are to our sponsor and any other holders of our founder shares (or their permitted transferees);

______“Investment Company Act” are to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;

______“JOBS Act” are to the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012;

______“letter agreement” are to a letter agreement that our sponsor, officers and directors have entered into with us as of September 16, 2019;

______“management” or our “management team” are to our officers and directors;

______“Merger Sub 1” are to Athena Technology Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation;

______“Merger Sub 2” are to Athena Technology Merger Sub 2, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company;

______“Merger Subs” are to Merger Sub 1 and Merger Sub 2;

______“PCOAB” are to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States);

iii

______“placement units” are to the units sold to our sponsor and Cantor, each placement unit consisting of one placement share and one-half of one placement warrant;

______“placement shares” are to the shares of our common stock included within the placement units sold to our sponsor and Cantor in the private placement;

______“placement warrants” are to the warrants issued to our sponsor in a private placement simultaneously with the closing of our initial public offering;

______“public shares” are to shares of our Class A common stock sold as part of the units (as defined below) in our initial public offering (whether they were purchased in such offering or thereafter in the open market);

______“public stockholders” are to the holders of our public shares, including our initial stockholders and management team to the extent our initial stockholders and/or members of our management team purchase public shares, provided that each initial stockholder’s and member of our management team’s status as a “public stockholder” shall only exist with respect to such public shares;

______“public warrants” are to our redeemable warrants sold as part of the units in our initial public offering (whether they were purchased in our initial public offering or thereafter in the open market) and to any placement warrants or warrants issued upon conversion of working capital loans that are sold to third parties that are not initial purchasers or executive officers or directors (or permitted transferees) following the consummation of our initial business combination;

______“Registration Statement” are to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC (as defined below) on August 15, 2019, as amended;

______“SEC” are to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission;

______“Securities Act” are to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended;

______“sponsor” are to Apex Technology Sponsor LLC, a Delaware limited liability company;

______“trust account” are to the trust account in which an amount of $350,000,000 ($10.00 per unit) from the net proceeds of the sale of the units and placement units in the initial public offering was placed following the closing of the initial public offering.

______“units” are to the units sold in our initial public offering, which consist of one public share and one-half of one public warrant;

______“warrants” are to our redeemable warrants, which includes the public warrants as well as the placement warrants to the extent they are no longer held by the initial purchasers of the placement warrants or their permitted transferees;

______“we,” “us,” “Apex”, “Company” or “our Company” are to Apex Technology Acquisition Corporation; and

______“Withum” are to WithumSmith+Brown, PC, our independent registered public accounting firm.

iv

RISK FACTORS SUMMARY

The following is a summary of risks, uncertainties and other factors related to our Company. You should carefully consider all of the risk factors presented in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and all other information contained in this Amendment including the financial statements.

we are a blank check Company with no revenue or basis to evaluate our ability to select a suitable business target;

we may not be able to select an appropriate target business or businesses and complete our initial business combination in the prescribed time frame;

our expectations around the performance of a prospective target business or businesses may not be realized;

we may not be successful in retaining or recruiting required officers, key employees or directors following our initial business combination;

our officers and directors may have difficulties allocating their time between the Company and other businesses and may potentially have conflicts of interest with our business or in approving our initial business combination;

we may not be able to obtain additional financing to complete our initial business combination or reduce the number of shareholders requesting redemption;

we may issue our shares to investors in connection with our initial business combination at a price that is less than the prevailing market price of our shares at that time;

you may not be given the opportunity to choose the initial business target or to vote on the initial business combination;

our warrants are being accounted for as a warrant liability and are being recorded at fair value upon issuance with changes in fair value each period reported in earnings, which may have an adverse effect on the market price of our securities;

trust account funds may not be protected against third party claims or bankruptcy;

we have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting;

an active market for our public securities’ may not develop and you will have limited liquidity and trading;

the availability to us of funds from interest income on the trust account balance may be insufficient to operate our business prior to the business combination; and

our financial performance following a business combination with an entity may be negatively affected by their lack an established record of revenue, cash flows and experienced management.

For risks relating to AvePoint and the AvePoint Business Combination, please see the AvePoint Registration Statement.

v

PART I

Item 1. Business

Overview

We are a blank check company formed on April 5, 2019 as a Delaware corporation for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Throughout this Amendment we will refer to this as our “initial business combination.” While our efforts to identify a target business have spanned many industries and regions worldwide, we have focused our search for prospects within the software and internet technology industries. Our ability to locate a potential target is and has been subject to the uncertainties discussed elsewhere in this Report.

Initial Public Offering

On September 19, 2019, the Company consummated the initial public offering of 35,000,000 units. In addition to one share of our public shares, each unit also consists of one-half of one public warrant. Each whole public warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment. The units were sold at an offering price of $10.00 per unit, generating gross proceeds of $350,000,000. The Company had granted Cantor, the representative of the several underwriters in the initial public offering, a 45-day option to purchase up to 4,575,000 additional units to cover over-allotments. On September 19, 2019, Cantor partially exercised the option and purchased an additional 4,500,000 units at $10.00 per unit and forfeited the option to exercise the remaining 75,000 units.

Simultaneously with the closing of the initial public offering, the Company consummated the sale of 810,000 placement units at a price of $10.00 per placement unit in a private placement to the sponsor and Cantor, generating gross proceeds of $8,100,000. The sponsor purchased 657,500 placement units and Cantor purchased 152,500 placement units. Each placement unit consists of one placement share and one-half of one placement warrant. Each whole placement warrant is exercisable to purchase one public share at a price of $11.50 per share. The proceeds from the placement units were added to the proceeds from the initial public offering held in the trust account.

A total of $350,000,000 from the net proceeds of the sale of the units in the initial public offering and the sale of the placement units was placed in the trust account.

Our units, public shares and public warrants are each traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “APXTU,” “APXT” and “APXTW,” respectively. Our units commenced public trading on September 17, 2019, and our public shares and public warrants commenced separate public trading on November 5, 2019.

AvePoint Business Combination

On November 23, 2020, we entered into the Business Combination Agreement with the Merger Subs and AvePoint, pursuant to which Merger Sub 1 will be merged with and into AvePoint (the “First Merger”), with AvePoint surviving the First Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and promptly following the First Merger, AvePoint will be merged with and into Merger Sub 2 (the “Second Merger,” together with the First Merger, the “Mergers”, and together with the other transactions related thereto, the “Proposed Transactions”), with Merger Sub 2 surviving the Second Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Surviving Company”).

Upon the consummation of the Mergers, the aggregate consideration to be paid to AvePoint equityholders will be (i) an amount in cash of approximately $262 million (the “Aggregate Cash Consideration”) and (ii) 143,261,093 shares of our public shares (such aggregate amount, the “Aggregate Stock Consideration”). The Aggregate Cash Consideration may be subject to downward adjustment based on the Cash Election (as defined below) and any cutback due to redemptions by stockholders of Apex and any such adjustment shall be offset by an equivalent increase in the Aggregate Stock Consideration based on a value of $10.00 per public share. AvePoint’s stockholders who hold shares of Series C Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 (“AvePoint Preferred Stock”) and certain named executives (the “Named Executives”) will receive an aggregate amount of $135 million and $35 million in cash, (subject to deduction for certain expenses) respectively, from the Aggregate Cash Consideration and will receive the balance of their consideration in public shares from the Aggregate Stock Consideration. All holders of shares of common stock of AvePoint, par value $0.001 per share (“AvePoint Common Stock”) other than the Named Executives will receive an aggregate amount of between $75 million and approximately $92 million in cash (subject to deduction for certain expenses) based on an election (“Cash Election”) from the balance of the Aggregate Cash Consideration and will receive the remainder of their consideration in public shares from the Aggregate Stock Consideration. Each outstanding option to purchase AvePoint Common Stock (“AvePoint Options”) other than certain options held by the Named Executives will be converted into or replaced with an option to purchase public shares from the Aggregate Stock Consideration based on the exchange ratio set forth in the Business Combination Agreement. The holders of AvePoint Preferred Stock, AvePoint Common Stock and AvePoint Options may be entitled to receive up to an additional 3,000,000 public shares contingent upon the achievement of certain milestones set forth in the Business Combination Agreement (the “Contingent Consideration”).


The obligations of AvePoint and Apex to consummate the Proposed Transactions, including the Mergers, are subject to the satisfaction or waiver (where permissible) at or prior to the Closing (as defined below) of various conditions, including, among other things: (i) the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Apex and AvePoint, respectively; (ii) the performance by Apex and AvePoint, respectively, of its covenants and agreements; (iii) the absence of any material adverse effect that is continuing with respect to Apex or AvePoint, respectively, between the date of the Business Combination Agreement and the date of the Closing, (iv) the approval of AvePoint’s and Apex’s stockholders; (v) the effectiveness of the AvePoint Registration Statement and the submission by Apex of the supplemental listing application to the Nasdaq Stock Market; (vi) the receipt of requisite government approvals, including approval related to the Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended; (vii) the consummation by Apex of the Private Placements (as defined below); (viii) Apex having at least $5,000,001 of net tangible assets following the exercise of redemption rights provided in accordance with the organizational documents of Apex; and (ix) as a condition to AvePoint’s obligations, the total cash and cash equivalents of Apex at the Effective Time, after giving effect to the Merger and the Private Placements, being no less than $300 million.on our business.

 

Simultaneously with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement on November 23, 2020, the Named Executives entered into the Named Executive Equity Agreements (the “Named Executive Equity Agreements”) pursuant to which the Named Executives will contribute shares of AvePoint Common Stock to Apex immediately prior to the Effective Time in exchange for a portion of the Aggregate Cash Consideration.

In connection with the closing of the AvePoint Business Combination (the “Closing”), certain key stockholders of AvePoint (the “Key AvePoint Stockholders”) will enter into agreements (the “Lock-Up Agreements”) providing that they will not, subject to certain exceptions, sell or transfer any public shares or securities convertible into or exercisable for public shares held by them immediately after the effective time of the First Merger (the “Effective Time”) until 180 days after the Closing (the “Lock-Up Period”).

Simultaneously with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement on November 23, 2020, each of the sponsor, Jeff Epstein and Brad Koenig entered into the Insider Letter Agreement (the “Insider Letter Agreement”) providing that such parties will not, subject to certain exceptions, sell or transfer certain public shares held by the Sponsor on behalf of Jeff Epstein and Brad Koenig immediately prior to the Effective Time (“Apex Founder Lock-Up Shares”) until 12 months after the Closing and will not sell or transfer 50% of the Apex Founder Lock-Up Shares until 24 months after the Closing.

Simultaneously with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement on November 23, 2020, the Key AvePoint Stockholders entered into the Stockholder Support Agreement (the “Stockholder Support Agreement”) pursuant to which the Key AvePoint Stockholders agreed to vote all of their shares of AvePoint Common Stock and AvePoint Preferred Stock in favor of the approval and adoption of the Business Combination Agreement and the Proposed Transactions.

Simultaneously with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement on November 23, 2020, the sponsor entered into the Sponsor Support Agreement (the “Sponsor Support Agreement”) pursuant to which the sponsor agreed to vote all of public shares in favor of the approval of the Business Combination Agreement and the Proposed Transactions and certain other proposals for approval by the stockholders of Apex as set forth in the Business Combination Agreement.

Pursuant to the Sponsor Support Agreement, the sponsor agreed to deposit 2,916,700 public shares (“Sponsor Earn-Out Shares”) into escrow and that such shares will be subject to the vesting upon the occurrence, any time prior to or as of the seventh anniversary of the Closing, of either: (i), the closing price of public shares is greater than or equal to $15.00 (as adjusted for share splits, share capitalization, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) over any 20 trading days within any 30 trading day period; or (ii) Apex consummates a change of control transaction.

Simultaneously with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement on November 23, 2020, Apex entered into separate subscription agreements (collectively, the “Subscription Agreements”) with a number of investors (collectively, the “PIPE Investors”), pursuant to which the PIPE Investors agreed to purchase an aggregate of 14,000,000 public shares (the “PIPE Shares”), at a purchase price of $10.00 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $140,000,000, in one or more private placement transactions (the “Private Placements”). The closing of the Private Placements pursuant to the Subscription Agreements is contingent upon, among other customary closing conditions, the concurrent consummation of the Proposed Transactions. The purpose of the Private Placements is to raise additional capital for use by the combined company following the Closing.

In connection with the Closing, that certain registration rights agreement dated September 16, 2019 will be amended and restated and Apex, certain persons and entities holding securities of Apex prior to the Closing (the “Initial Holders”) and certain persons and entities receiving public shares pursuant to the AvePoint Business Combination (the “New Holders” and together with the Initial Holders, the “Reg Rights Holders”) shall enter into an amended and restated registration rights agreement at the Closing (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, Apex will agree that, within 15 business days after the Closing, Apex will file with the SEC (at Apex’s sole cost and expense) a registration statement registering the resale of certain securities held by or issuable to the Reg Rights Holders (the “Resale Registration Statement”), and Apex shall use reasonable best efforts to have the Resale Registration Statement declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof. In certain circumstances, the New Holders can demand up to two underwritten offerings, and all of the Reg Rights Holders will be entitled to piggyback registration rights.

Other than as specifically discussed, this Amendment does not assume the closing of the AvePoint Business Combination.


Our Mission

Our purpose is to complete a business combination with a leading software or internet company, like AvePoint, that is valued between $650 million and $2 billion. We seek to effectively employ our management team’s industry skills and experience as well as their extensive personal network to add substantial value to any acquired company. These benefits include the following:

______Expertise in growing successful software and internet companies: Our management team has demonstrated consistent prowess in building, investing, nurturing and leading software and internet companies. We believe they can spot unique ideas or disruptive business models and grow them from local sensation to global ubiquity. We believe we can also recruit top talent and use that intellectual capital to great competitive advantage;

______Ability to mentor and support exceptional executives: Our Co-Chief Executive Officers, directors and advisors have served on more than 30 public and 100 private boards of directors in North America, Europe and Asia, both within and outside the software and internet sectors. They have overseen more than 200 acquisitions, taken companies public, thrived amid complex governance dilemmas and enhanced their companies’ global growth; and

______Maximizing the value of becoming a publicly traded entity: As a public entity, we believe we offer a wide range of advantages to stakeholders. These include but are not limited to: working with management and shareholders who aspire to have their company become a public entity and generate substantial wealth creation; transitioning from a private to a public entity may include broader access to debt and equity providers; provision of liquidity for employees and potential acquisitions; and expansion of branding in the marketplace.

Acquisition Criteria

Our intent has been to seek potential target companies globally. We have used a broad and global network of professional contacts that has been developed by our management team and advisors over many years. This network encompasses private equity firms, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs.

The maturity and judgment skills accumulated by our management team and advisors has guided our acquisition process. When candidate companies are being evaluated, we use the following, non-exclusive criteria listed below for determining opportunities.

______Size: We have targeted entities whose enterprise value is between $650 million and $2 billion. These companies have an international following, and we believe offer long-term risk-adjusted return potential;

______Focus: The software industry and internet sector are domains in which we have an accomplished track record and “pattern recognition” knowledge. Our management team and advisors’ multifaceted expertise in assessing a target’s technology and their potential for disruption have been key in evaluating business transaction candidates swiftly and adequately;

______Management’s maturity: We have sought companies with proven and accomplished management teams which are eager to march forward together with and benefit from our management team’s expertise. We have devoted significant resources to analyzing and reaching alignment among a target’s management and its stakeholders, a paramount element to successful execution of any business plan;

______Operational maturity: We have targeted companies that have the requisite compliance, financial controls and reporting processes in place and are ready for the regulatory constraints of a public entity;

______Emerging Growth: We have invested in software or internet companies that are on what we believe to be a promising growth path, driven by a sustainable competitive advantage, resulting in strong unit economics;

______Strategic Initiatives: We have sought management teams with the interest and ability to execute on strategic opportunities, including acquisitions of companies that enhances shareholder value;

______Benefit from being public: We are committed to working with management and shareholders who aspire to have their company become a public entity and generate substantial wealth creation. The benefits of transitioning from a private to a public entity may include a broader access to debt and equity providers, liquidity for employees and potential acquisitions, and expanded branding in the marketplace;


______Reputation and market acceptance: We have sought companies with a sizable market share in their segment and the opportunity to achieve market leadership. They should also have defensible proprietary technology and intellectual property rights; and

______Appropriate valuations: We are rigorous, disciplined, and valuation-centric investors, with a keen understanding of market value. We expect to enter into a business combination only if it pairs significant upside potential with limited downside risks.

These criteria are not intended to be exhaustive. Any evaluation relating to the merits of a particular initial business combination may be based, to the extent relevant, on these general guidelines as well as other considerations, factors and criteria that our management team may deem relevant. In the event that we decide to enter into our initial business combination with a target business, such as AvePoint, that does not meet the above criteria and guidelines, we will disclose that the target business does not meet the above criteria in our stockholder communications related to our initial business combination, which, as discussed in this Amendment, would be in the form of proxy solicitation materials or tender offer documents that we would file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

We may need to obtain additional financing either to complete our initial business combination or because we become obligated to redeem a significant number of our public shares upon completion of our initial business combination. We intend to acquire a company with an enterprise value significantly above the net proceeds of our initial public offering and the sale of the placement units. Depending on the size of the transaction or the number of public shares we become obligated to redeem, we may potentially utilize several additional financing sources, including but not limited to the issuance of additional securities to the sellers of a target business, debt issued by banks or other lenders or the owners of the target, a private placement to raise additional funds, or a combination of the foregoing. 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. In addition, following our initial business combination, if cash on hand is insufficient to meet our obligations or our working capital needs, we may need to obtain additional financing.

Our Search for Business Combination Opportunities

Nasdaq rules require that we must complete one or more business combinations having an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the value of the assets held in the trust account (excluding the deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on the interest earned on the trust account) 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, we will obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions with respect to the satisfaction of such criteria. While we consider it unlikely that our board of directors will not be able to make an independent determination of the fair market value of our initial business combination, it may be unable to do so if it is less familiar or experienced with the business of a particular target or if there is a significant amount of uncertainty as to the value of a target’s assets or prospects.

We anticipate structuring our initial business combination either (i) in such a way so that the post-transaction company in which our public stockholders own shares will own or acquire 100% of the equity interests or assets of the target business or businesses, or (ii) in such a way so 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 stockholders, or for other reasons. However, we will only complete an initial 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. Even if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the voting securities of the target, our stockholders prior to the initial business combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post-transaction company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the initial 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 of a target. In this case, we would acquire a 100% controlling interest in the target. However, as a result of the issuance of a substantial number of new shares, our stockholders immediately prior to our initial business combination could own less than a majority of our outstanding shares subsequent to our initial business combination. If less than 100% of the equity interests or assets of a target business or businesses are owned or acquired by the post-transaction company, the portion of such business or businesses that is owned or acquired is what will be taken into account for purposes of Nasdaq’s 80% fair market value test. If the initial business combination involves more than one target business, the 80% fair market value test will be based on the aggregate value of all of the transactions and we will treat the target businesses together as the initial business combination for purposes of a tender offer or for seeking stockholder approval, as applicable. Based on the valuation analysis of our management and board of directors, we have determined that the fair market value of AvePoint was substantially in excess of 80% of the funds in the trust account and that the 80% test was therefore satisfied.


Our Business Combination Process

We are not prohibited from pursuing an initial business combination with a company that is affiliated with our sponsor, officers or directors. While AvePoint is not affiliated with our sponsor, officers or directors, in the event we do not consummate the AvePoint Business Combination and seek to complete our initial business combination with a company that is affiliated with our sponsor, officers or directors, we, or a committee of independent directors, will obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions that our initial business combination is fair to our company from a financial point of view.

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 were to be included by a target business as a condition to any agreement with respect to our initial business combination.

Certain of our officers and directors presently have 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. Accordingly, if any of our officers or directors becomes aware of a business combination opportunity which is suitable for 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 opportunity to such entity. We believe, however, that the fiduciary duties or contractual obligations of our officers or directors will not materially affect our ability to complete our initial business combination. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides 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 our company and such opportunity is one we are legally and contractually permitted to undertake and would otherwise be reasonable for us to pursue, and to the extent the director or officer is permitted to refer that opportunity to us without violating another legal obligation.

Our officers have agreed not to become an officer or director of any other special purpose acquisition company with a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act, until we have entered into a definitive agreement regarding our initial business combination, such as the Business Combination Agreement, or we have liquidated the trust account.

Our Management Team

Members of our management team are not obligated to devote any specific number of hours to our matters but they devote as much of their time as they, in the exercise of their respective business judgement, deem necessary to our affairs and intend to continue doing so until we have completed our initial business combination. The amount of time that any member of our management team devotes in any time period may vary based on whether a target business has been selected for our initial business combination and the current stage of the business combination process. We do not have an employment agreement with any member of our management team.

We believe our management team’s operating and transaction experience and relationships with companies provides us with a substantial number of potential 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 in the software and internet technology industry. This network has grown through the activities of our management team sourcing, acquiring and financing businesses, our management team’s relationships 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.

Status as a Public Company

We believe our structure makes us an attractive business combination partner to target businesses. As a public company, we offer a target business, like AvePoint, an alternative to the traditional initial public offering through a merger or other business combination with us. Following an initial business combination, such as the AvePoint Business Combination, we believe the target business would have greater access to capital and additional means of creating management incentives that are better aligned with stockholders’ interests than it would as a private company. A target business can further benefit by augmenting its profile among potential new customers and vendors and aid in attracting talented employees. In a business combination transaction with us, the owners of the target business may, for example, exchange their shares of stock in the target business for our shares of Class A common stock (or shares of a new holding company) or for a combination of our shares of Class A common stock and cash, allowing us to tailor the consideration to the specific needs of the sellers. See “AvePoint Business Combination” above for more information regarding such exchange in the AvePoint Business Combination.


Although there are various costs and obligations associated with being a public company, we believe target businesses, such as AvePoint, will find this method a more expeditious and cost effective method to becoming a public company than the typical initial public offering. The typical initial public offering process takes a significantly longer period of time than the typical business combination transaction process, and there are significant expenses in the initial public offering process, including underwriting discounts and commissions, marketing and road show efforts that may not be present to the same extent in connection with an initial business combination with us.

Furthermore, once a proposed initial business combination is completed, the target business will have effectively become public, whereas an initial public offering is always subject to the underwriters’ ability to complete the offering, as well as general market conditions, which could delay or prevent the offering from occurring or could have negative valuation consequences. Following an initial business combination, such as the AvePoint Business Combination, we believe the target business would then have greater access to capital and an additional means of providing management incentives consistent with stockholders’ interests and the ability to use its shares as currency for acquisitions. Being a public company can offer further benefits by augmenting a company’s profile among potential new customers and vendors and aid in attracting talented employees.

While we believe that our structure and our management team’s backgrounds make us an attractive business partner, some potential target businesses may view our status as a blank check company, such as our lack of an operating history and our ability to seek stockholder approval of any proposed initial business combination, negatively.

 

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a)the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of the Securities2012 (“JOBS Act as modified by the JOBS Act.”). As such,an emerging growth company, we are eligibleexempt from certain requirements related to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm 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 fromincluding the requirements of holdingto hold a non-bindingnonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approvalto provide information relating to the ratio of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the pricestotal compensation of our securities may be more volatile.Chief Executive Officer to the median of the annual total compensation of all of our employees, each as required by the Investor Protection and Securities Reform Act of 2010, which is part of the Dodd-Frank Act.

 

In addition, Section 107102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act alsoexempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company”a company can choose not to take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B)and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies, and any such election to not take advantage of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies.extended transition period is irrevocable. We intend towill take advantage of the benefits of thisthe extended transition period.period emerging growth company status permits.

 

During the extended transition period, it may be difficult or impossible to compare our financial results with the financial results of another public company that complies with public company effective dates for accounting standard updates because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

We will remain an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act until the earlierearliest of (1)(a) December 31, 2024, (b) the last daydate of theour fiscal year (a) following September 19, 2024, (b) in which we have a total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion, or (c) inthe date on which we are deemed to be a large“large accelerated filer, which meansfiler” under the market valuerules of our Class A common stock that isthe SEC with at least $700.0 million of outstanding securities held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30th, and (2)or (d) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period.previous three years. The next determination date as to whether we have satisfied the criteria set forth in the foregoing (b), (c), and (d) is the last day of our second fiscal quarter in 2023.

12

PART I

Item 1

 

Financial PositionInformation About Our Executive Officers

Name

Age

Position

Xunkai Gong

60

Executive Chairman and Director

Tianyi Jiang

48

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Brian Michael Brown

50

Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Secretary, and Director

James Caci

58

Chief Financial Officer

Xunkai Gong was appointed as our Executive Chairman in July of 2021. Prior to that, Mr. Gong had served as Legacy AvePoint’s Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer alongside Dr. Jiang since 2008. Before that, Mr. Gong had served as Legacy AvePoint’s Chief Executive Officer since Legacy AvePoint’s incorporation in 2001. Mr. Gong holds a master’s degree in computer engineering from the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a master’s degree in computer science from Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College at Baton Rouge, and a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Dalian University of Technology.

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Tianyi Jiang was appointed as our Chief Executive Officer and a director in July of 2021. Prior to that, Dr. Jiang served as Legacy AvePoint’s Co-Chief Executive Officer alongside Mr. Gong from 2008 to 2021 and as a director since 2005. Dr. Jiang holds doctorate and master’s degrees in Data Mining from New York University in addition to a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Cornell University.

Brian Michael Brown was appointed as our Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Secretary of the Board of Directors (the "Board"), and a director in July of 2021. From 2004 until July of 2021, Mr. Brown served as Legacy AvePoint’s General Counsel, Chief Operating Officer, and a director. Mr. Brown holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University.

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James Caci was appointed as our Chief Financial Officer in August of 2021. From April 2020 to August of 2021, Mr. Caci held the position of Chief Financial Officer at Brand Value Accelerator, LLC, an industry leading digital commerce services firm. From March 2016 to April 2020, Mr. Caci served as the Chief Financial Officer of Nicopure Labs. From 2010 to 2013, Mr. Caci served as Chief Financial Officer of Legacy AvePoint. Mr. Caci brings more than 25 years of experience leading the strategic finance operations at both public and privately held SaaS and IT service companies. Mr. Caci holds a bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University and is a certified public accountant.

Additional information regarding our Executive Officers is set forth in the Proxy Statement, which was filed with the SEC on March 24, 2023.

13

PART I

Item 1

 

With fundsCorporate Information

Our principal executive offices are located at 525 Washington Blvd, Suite 1400, Jersey City, NJ 07310, and our telephone number is (201) 793-1111. Our principal operating offices are located at Riverfront Plaza, West Tower, 901 E Byrd St, Suite 900, Richmond, VA 23219 and our telephone number for that office is (804) 372-8080. All correspondence should be directed to our principal operating offices in Richmond, Virginia.

“AvePoint,” the “A” logo, the “Pyramid” logo, “DocAve,” “MaivenPoint,” and all other names, logos, and icons identifying AvePoint and/or AvePoint's products and services and our other registered and common law trade names, trademarks, and service marks are property of AvePoint, Inc. This Annual Report contains additional trade names, trademarks, and service marks of others, which are the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this Annual Report may appear without the ® or ™ symbols but those references are not intended to indicate that AvePoint will not assert, to the fullest extent under the applicable law, our rights to these trademarks, service marks, and trade names.

Available Information

Our Internet address is https://www.avepoint.com/. At our Investor Relations website, https://ir.avepoint.com/, we make available in our trust account for an initial business combination in the amountfree of $338,708,320 (as of December 31, 2020), after payment of $13,150,000 of deferred underwriting fees, before fees and expenses associated with our initial business combination, we offer a target business, such as AvePoint,charge a variety of options suchinformation for investors. Our goal is to maintain the Investor Relations website as creating a liquidity event for its owners, providing capital for the potential growth and expansion of its operationsportal through which investors can easily find or strengthening its balance sheet by reducing its debt or leverage ratio. Because we are ablenavigate to complete our initial business combination using our cash, debt or equity securities, or a combination of the foregoing, we have the flexibility to use the most efficient combination that will allowpertinent information about us, to tailor the consideration to be paid to the target business to fit its needs and desires. However, other than with regard to the Private Placements described above, we haveincluding, but not taken any steps to secure third party financing and there can be no assurance it will be available to us.limited to:

 

Effecting Our Initial Business Combination

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 from the proceeds of our initial public offering and the private placement of the placement units, the proceeds of the sale of our shares in connection with our initial business combination (pursuant to backstop agreements we may enter into or otherwise), shares issued to the owners of the target, debt issued to bank or other lenders or the owners of the target, or a combination of the foregoing. We may seek to complete our initial business combination with 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 common stock, 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.

We may seek to raise additional funds through a private offering of debt or equity securities in connection with the completion of our initial business combination, and we may effectuate our initial business combination using the proceeds of such offering rather than using the amounts held in the trust account. In addition, we intend to target businesses larger than we could acquire with the net proceeds of our initial public offering and the sale of the placement units, and may as a result be required to seek additional financing to complete such proposed initial business combination. Subject to compliance with applicable securities laws, we would expect to complete such financing only simultaneously with the completion of our initial business combination. In the case of an initial business combination funded with assets other than the trust account assets, our proxy materials or tender offer documents disclosing the initial business combination would disclose the terms of the financing and, only if required by law, we would seek stockholder approval of such financing. There are no prohibitions on our ability to raise funds privately, or through loans in connection with our initial business combination. At this time, we are not a party to any arrangement or understanding with any third party with respect to raising any additional funds through the sale of securities or otherwise.

See “AvePoint Business Combination” above for more information regarding the financing of and agreements related to the AvePoint Business Combination.

Sources of Target Businesses

Target business candidates are brought to our attention from various unaffiliated sources, including investment bankers and investment professionals. Target businesses are brought to our attention by such unaffiliated sources as a result of being solicited by us by calls or mailings. These sources also introduce us to target businesses in which they think we may be interested on an unsolicited basis, since many of these sources will have read our public filings and know what types of businesses we are targeting. Our officers and directors, as well as our sponsor and their affiliates, also bring to our attention target business candidates that they become aware of through their business contacts as a result of formal or informal inquiries or discussions they may have, as well as attending trade shows or conventions. In addition, we receive a number of proprietary deal flow opportunities that would not otherwise necessarily be available to us as a result of the business relationships of our officers and directors and our sponsor and their affiliates. While we do not presently anticipate engaging the services of professional firms or other individuals that specialize in business acquisitions on any formal basis, we may engage these firms or other individuals in the future, in which event we may pay a finder’s fee, consulting fee, advisory fee or other compensation to be determined in an arm’s length negotiation based on the terms of the transaction. We will engage a finder only to the extent our management determines that the use of a finder may bring opportunities to us that may not otherwise be available to us or if finders approach us on an unsolicited basis with a potential transaction that our management determines is in our best interest to pursue. Payment of finders’ fees is customarily tied to completion of a transaction, in which case any such fee will be paid out of the funds held in the trust account. In no event, however, will our sponsor or any of our existing officers, directors or advisors be paid any finder’s fee, reimbursement, consulting fee, monies in respect of any payment of a loan or other compensation by the company prior to, or in connection with any services rendered for any services they render in order to effectuate, the completion of our initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is). None of our sponsor, executive officers, directors or advisors, or any of their respective affiliates, will be allowed to receive any compensation, finder’s fees or consulting fees from a prospective business combination target in connection with a contemplated initial business combination except as set forth herein.

We pay an affiliate of our sponsor a total of $15,000 per month for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support and to reimburse our sponsor and our officers, directors and advisors for any out-of-pocket expenses related to identifying, investigating and completing an initial business combination. Some of our officers and directors may enter into employment or consulting agreements with the post-transaction company following our initial business combination. The presence or absence of any such fees or arrangements will not be used as a criterion in our selection process of an initial business combination candidate.

We are not prohibited from pursuing an initial business combination with a target that is affiliated with our sponsor, officers or directors or making the initial business combination through a joint venture or other form of shared ownership with our sponsor, officers or directors. While AvePoint is not affiliated with our sponsor, officers or directors, in the event we do not consummate the AvePoint Business Combination and we seek to complete our 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 or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions that such an initial business combination is fair to our company from a financial point of view. We are not required to obtain such an opinion in any other context.

If any of our officers or directors becomes aware of an initial business combination opportunity that falls within the line of business of any entity to which he or she has pre-existing fiduciary or contractual obligations, he or she may be required to present such business combination opportunity to such entity prior to presenting such business combination opportunity to us. Our officers and directors currently have certain relevant fiduciary duties or contractual obligations that may take priority over their duties to us.


Selection of a Target Business and Structuring of our Initial Business Combination

Nasdaq rules require that we must complete one or more business combinations having an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the value of the assets held in the trust account (excluding the deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on the interest earned on the trust account) at the time of our signing a definitive agreement in connection with our initial business combination. The fair market value of our initial business combination will be determined by our board of directors based upon one or more standards generally accepted by the financial community, such as discounted cash flow valuation, a valuation based on trading multiples of comparable public businesses or a valuation based on the financial metrics of M&A transactions of comparable businesses. If our board of directors is not able to independently determine the fair market value of our initial business combination, we will obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions with respect to the satisfaction of such criteria. While we consider it unlikely that our board of directors will not be able to make an independent determination of the fair market value of our initial business combination, it may be unable to do so if it is less familiar or experienced with the business of a particular target or if there is a significant amount of uncertainty as to the value of a target’s assets or prospects. We do not intend to purchase multiple businesses in unrelated industries in conjunction with our initial business combination. Subject to this requirement, our management has virtually unrestricted flexibility in identifying and selecting one or more prospective target businesses, although we are not permitted to effectuate our initial business combination with another blank check company or a similar company with nominal operations.

Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file that material with or furnish it to the SEC at www.sec.gov.

Announcements of investor conferences, speeches, presentations, and events at which our executives talk about our products, services, and competitive strategies.

Press releases on quarterly earnings, product and service announcements, legal developments, and national and international news.

Corporate governance information including our articles of incorporation, bylaws, governance guidelines, committee charters, code of ethics and business conduct, whistleblower “open door” policy for reporting accounting and legal allegations, global corporate social responsibility initiatives, and other governance-related policies.

Other news and announcements that we may post from time to time that investors might find useful or interesting, including with respect to our business strategies, financial results, and metrics for investors.

 

In any case,addition to these channels, we will only complete an initial business combination in whichuse social media to communicate to the public. It is possible that the information we own or acquire 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquire a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it notpost on social media could be deemed to be requiredmaterial to register as an investment company underinvestors. We encourage investors, the Investment Company Act. Ifmedia, and others interested in AvePoint to review the information we own or acquire less than 100% ofpost on the equity interests or assets of a target business or businesses, the portion of such business or businesses that are owned or acquired by the post-transaction company is what will be taken into account for purposes of Nasdaq’s 80% fair market value test.

To the extent we effectsocial media channels listed on our initial business combination with a company or business that may be financially unstable or in its early stages of development or growth we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in such company or business. Although our management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, we cannot assure you that we will properly ascertain or assess all significant risk factors.

In evaluating a prospective business target, such as AvePoint, we have conducted, and will continue to conduct a thorough due diligence review, which encompasses, among other things, meetings with incumbent management and employees, document reviews, interviews of customers and suppliers, inspection of facilities, as well as a review of financial and other information that will be made available to us.Investor Relations website.

 

The time required to select and evaluate a target business and to structure and completeinformation found on our initial business combination, and the costs associatedmain website or our Investor Relations website is not part of this or any other report we file with, this process, are not currently ascertainable with any degree of certainty. Any costs incurred with respector furnish to, the identification and evaluationSEC, for the purposes of a prospective target business with which our initial business combination is not ultimately completed will result in our incurring losses and will reduce the funds we can use to complete another business combination.

LackSection 18 of Business Diversification

For an indefinite period of time after the completion of our initial business combination, the prospects for our success may depend entirely on the future performance of a single business. Unlike other entities that have the resources to complete business combinations with multiple entities in one or several industries, it is probable that we will not have the resources to diversify our operations and mitigate the risks of being in a single line of business. In addition, we intend to focus our search for an initial business combination in a single industry. By completing our initial business combination with only a single entity, our lack of diversification may:

______subject us to negative economic, competitive and regulatory developments, any or all of which may have a substantial adverse impact on the particular industry in which we operate after our initial business combination, and

______cause us to depend on the marketing and sale of a single product or limited number of products or services.


Limited Ability to Evaluate the Target’s Management Team

Although we have closely scrutinized the management of a prospective target business, including the management of AvePoint, when evaluating the desirability of effecting our initial business combination with that business, and plan to continue to do so if the AvePoint Business Combination is not consummated and we seek other business combination opportunities, our assessment of the target business’ management may not prove to be correct. In addition, the future management may not have the necessary skills, qualifications or abilities to manage a public company. Furthermore, the future role of members of our management team, if any, in the target business cannot presently be stated with any certainty. The determination as to whether any of the members of our management team will remain with the combined company will be made at the time of our initial business combination. While it is possible that one or more of our directors will remain associated in some capacity with us following our initial business combination, including the AvePoint Business Combination in which Jeff Epstein will serve as a director and Brad Koenig will serve as an observer of the combined company post-Closing, it is unlikely that any of them will devote their full efforts to our affairs subsequent to our initial business combination. Moreover, we cannot assure you that members of our management team will have significant experience or knowledge relating to the operations of the particular target business.

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

Following an initial business combination, we may seek to recruit additional managers to supplement the incumbent management of the target business. We cannot assure you that we will have the ability to recruit additional managers, or that additional managers will have the requisite skills, knowledge or experience necessary to enhance the incumbent management.

Stockholders May Not Have the Ability to Approve Our Initial Business Combination

We may conduct redemptions without a stockholder vote pursuant to the tender offer rules of the SEC. However, we will seek stockholder approval if it is required by law or applicable stock exchange rule, or we may decide to seek stockholder approval for business or other legal reasons. Presented in the table below is a graphic explanation of the types of initial business combinations we may consider and whether stockholder approval is currently required under Delaware law for each such transaction.

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

Under Nasdaq’s listing rules, stockholder approval would be required for our initial business combination if, for example:

______we issue shares of Class A common stock that will be equal to or in excess of 20% of the number of shares of our Class A common stock then outstanding;

______any of our directors, officers or substantial stockholders (as defined by Nasdaq rules) has a 5% or greater interest (or such persons collectively have a 10% or greater interest), directly or indirectly, in the target business or assets to be acquired or otherwise and the present or potential issuance of common stock could result in an increase in outstanding common shares or voting power of 5% or more; or

______the issuance or potential issuance of common stock will result in our undergoing a change of control.

See “AvePoint Business Combination” above for more information regarding the requisite approvals needed in the AvePoint Business Combination.


Permitted Purchases of our Securities

If we seek stockholder 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 stockholders, 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 stockholders, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase in such transactions, subject to compliance with applicable law and Nasdaq rules. In connection with the Private Placements, each of Brad Koenig and Jeff Epstein agreed to purchase 50,000 shares of Apex Common Stock. There are currently no other commitments, plans or intentions by our initial stockholders, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates to engage in such transactions and have not formulated any terms or conditions for any such transactions. If they engage in such transactions, they will not make any such purchases when they are in possession of any material nonpublic information not disclosed to the seller or if such purchases are prohibited by Regulation M under the Exchange Act. 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 transactionotherwise subject to the going-private rulesliabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Exchange Act; however, if the purchasers determine at the timeSecurities Act except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing, and you should not consider any information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website as part of any such purchases that the purchases are subjectthis Annual Report or in deciding whether to such rules, the purchasers will comply with such rules. Any such purchases will be reported pursuant to Section 13 and Section 16purchase our common stock.

2021 Consummation of the Exchange ActApex Business Combination

Apex and Legacy AvePoint Business Combination

AvePoint, Inc. (“Legacy AvePoint”) was incorporated as a New Jersey corporation on July 24, 2001, was redomiciled as a Delaware corporation in 2006, and changed its name to “AvePoint Operations, Inc.” in June 2021.

On July 1, 2021 (the “Closing Date”), Legacy AvePoint and certain members of Apex Technology Acquisition Corporation (“Apex”) the parties to the extent such purchasers are subject to such reporting requirements. NoneBusiness Combination Agreement consummated the transactions contemplated thereby (the “Apex Business Combination”) and a number of the funds held in the trust account will be used to purchase shares or public warrants in such transactions prior to completion of our initial business combination.

The purpose of any suchqualified institutional buyers and accredited investors consummated their respective purchases of shares could be to vote suchas contemplated by the Subscription Agreements, with Apex being renamed “AvePoint, Inc.” On July 2, 2021, shares in favor of the initial business combination and thereby increase the likelihood of obtaining stockholder approval of the initial 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. In addition, if such purchases are made, the public “float” of our shares of Class A common stock or 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.

Our sponsor, officers, directors and/or their affiliates anticipate that they may identify the stockholders with whom our sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates may pursue privately negotiated purchases by either the stockholders contacting us directly or by our receipt of redemption requests submitted by stockholders following our mailing of proxy materials in connection with our initial business combination. To the extent that our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors or their affiliates enter into a private purchase, they would identify and contact only potential selling stockholders who have expressed their election to redeem their shares for a pro rata share of the trust account or vote against our initial business combination, whether or not such stockholder has already submitted a proxy with respect to our initial business combination. Our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors or their affiliates will only purchase shares if such purchases comply with Regulation M under the Exchange Act and the other federal securities laws.

Any purchases by our sponsor, officers, directors and/or their affiliates who are affiliated purchasers under Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act will only be made to the extent such purchases are able to be made in compliance with Rule 10b-18, which is a safe harbor from liability for manipulation under Section 9(a)(2) and Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act. Rule 10b-18 has certain technical requirements that must be complied with in order for the safe harbor to be available to the purchaser. Our sponsor, officers, directors and/or their affiliates will not make purchases of common stock ifwere officially listed under the purchases would violate Section 9(a)(2) or Rule 10b-5 ofticker “AVPT” on the Exchange Act. Any such purchases will be reported pursuant to Section 13 and Section 16 of the Exchange Act to the extent such purchases are subject to such reporting requirements.

See “AvePoint Business Combination” above for more information regarding such purchases in the AvePoint Business Combination.

Redemption Rights for Public Stockholders upon Completion of our Initial Business Combination

We will provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their shares of Class A common stock 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 as of two business days priorNasdaq Global Select Market. Subsequent to the consummation of the initial business combination, such as the AvePointApex Business Combination, including interest earned on July 26, 2021, Legacy AvePoint’s successor by merger AvePoint US LLC merged with and into AvePoint, Inc. with AvePoint, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “AvePoint,” the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to "Company," “we,” “us to pay ,” or “our taxes, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, subject to the limitations described herein. The amount in the trust account as of December 31, 2020 is approximately $10.05 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. 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 any founder shares and (along with Cantor) placement shares and any public shares held by them in connection with the completion of our initial business combination.”) surviving.

 


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We will provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their shares of Class A common stock upon the completion of our initial business combination either (i) in connection with a stockholder meeting called to approve the initial business combination, as in the AvePoint Business Combination, or (ii) by means of a tender offer if the AvePoint Business Combination is not consummated. The decision as to whether we will seek stockholder approval of a proposed initial business combination or conduct a tender offer will be made by us, solely in our discretion, and will be based on a variety of factors such as the timing of the transaction and whether the terms of the transaction would require us to seek stockholder approval under the law or stock exchange listing requirement. Under Nasdaq rules, asset acquisitions and stock purchases would not typically require stockholder approval while direct mergers with our company where we do not survive and any transactions where we issue more than 20% of our outstanding common stock or seek to amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation would require stockholder approval. If we structure an initial business combination with a target company in a manner that requires stockholder approval, we will not have discretion as to whether to seek a stockholder vote to approve the proposed initial business combination. We may conduct redemptions without a stockholder vote pursuant to the tender offer rules of the SEC unless stockholder approval is required by law or stock exchange listing requirements or we choose to seek stockholder approval for business or other legal reasons. So long as we obtain and maintain a listing for our securities on Nasdaq, we are required to comply with such rules.PART I

Item 1A

 

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

______conduct the redemptions pursuant to Rule 13e-4 and Regulation 14E of the Exchange Act, which regulate issuer tender offers, and

______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.

Upon the public announcement of our initial business combination, we or our sponsor will terminate any plan established in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 to purchase shares of our Class A common stock in the open market if we elect to redeem our public shares through a tender offer, to comply with Rule 14e-5 under the Exchange Act.

In the event we conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules, our offer to redeem will remain open for at least 20 business days, in accordance with Rule 14e-1(a) under the Exchange Act, and we will not be permitted to complete our initial business combination until the expiration of the tender offer period. In addition, the tender offer will be conditioned on public stockholders not tendering more than a specified number of public shares which are not purchased by our sponsor, which number will be based on the requirement that we will only redeem our public shares so long as (after such redemption) our net tangible assets will be at least $5,000,001 either immediately prior to or upon consummation of our initial business combination and after payment of underwriters’ fees and commissions (so that we are not subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules) or any greater net tangible asset or cash requirement which may be contained in the agreement relating to our initial business combination. If public stockholders tender more shares than we have offered to purchase, we will withdraw the tender offer and not complete the initial business combination.

If, however, stockholder approval of the transaction is required by law or stock exchange listing requirement, or we decide to obtain stockholder approval for business or other legal reasons, we will, pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation:

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

______file proxy materials with the SEC.

In the event that we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination, we will distribute proxy materials and, in connection therewith, provide our public stockholders with the redemption rights described above upon completion of the initial business combination.ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 


If we seek stockholder approval, we will complete our initial business combination only ifCertain factors may have a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the initial business combination. A quorum for such meeting will consist of the holders present in person or by proxy of shares of outstanding capital stock of the company representing a majority of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock of the company entitled to vote at such meeting. Our initial stockholders will count toward this quorum and pursuant to the letter agreement, our sponsor, officers and directors have agreed to vote their founder shares and placement shares and any public shares purchased (including in open market and privately negotiated transactions) in favor of our initial business combination. For purposes of seeking approval of the majority of our outstanding shares of common stock voted, non-votes will have nomaterial adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. You should consider carefully the approval of our initial business combination once a quorum is obtained. As a result,risks and uncertainties described below, in addition to our initial stockholders’ founder shares and placement shares, we would need only 12,720,001, or 36.3%, of the 35,000,000 public shares sold in our initial public offering to be voted in favor of an initial business combination (assuming all outstanding shares are voted) in order to have our initial business combination approved. We intend to give approximately 30 days (but not less than 10 days nor more than 60 days) prior written notice of any such meeting, if required, at which a vote shall be taken to approve our initial business combination. These quorum and voting thresholds, and the voting agreements of our initial stockholders, may make it more likely that we will consummate our initial business combination. Each public stockholder may elect to redeem its public shares irrespective of whether they vote for or against the proposed transaction.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we will only redeem our public shares so long as (after such redemption) our net tangible assets will be at least $5,000,001 either immediately prior to or upon consummation of our initial business combination and after payment of underwriters’ fees and commissions (so that we are not subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules) or any greater net tangible asset or cash requirement which may be contained in the agreement relating to our initial business combination. For example, the proposed initial business combination may require: (i) cash consideration to be paid to the target or its equityholders, as is the case with the AvePoint Business Combination (ii) cash to be transferred to the target for working capital or other general corporate purposes or (iii) the retention of cash to satisfy other conditions in accordance with the terms of the proposed initial business combination. In the event the aggregate cash consideration we would be required to pay for all shares of Class A common stock that are validly submitted for redemption plus any amount required to satisfy cash conditions pursuant to the terms of the proposed initial business combination exceed the aggregate amount of cash available to us, we will not complete the initial business combination or redeem any shares, and all shares of Class A common stock submitted for redemption will be returned to the holders thereof.

See “AvePoint Business Combination” above for more information regarding the requisite approvals needed in the AvePoint Business Combination.

Limitation on Redemption upon Completion of our Initial Business Combination if we Seek Stockholder Approval

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our initial business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that a public stockholder, together with any affiliate of such stockholder or any other person with whom such stockholder is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), will be restricted from seeking redemption rights with respect to more than an aggregate of 15% of the shares sold in our initial public offering, which we refer to as the “Excess Shares.” Such restriction shall also be applicable to our affiliates. We believe this restriction will discourage stockholders from accumulating large blocks of shares, and subsequent attempts by such holders to use their ability to exercise their redemption rights against a proposed initial 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 stockholder holding an aggregate of 15% of the shares sold in our initial public offering could threaten to exercise its redemption rights if such holder’s shares are not purchased by us or our management at a premium to the then-current market price or on other undesirable terms. By limiting our stockholders’ ability to redeem no more than 15% of the shares sold in our initial public offering without our prior consent, we believe we will limit the ability of a small group of stockholders to unreasonably attempt to block our ability to complete our initial business combination, particularly in connection with an initial 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 stockholders’ ability to vote all of their shares (including Excess Shares) for or against our initial business combination.

See “AvePoint Business Combination” above for more information regarding the requisite approvals needed in the AvePoint Business Combination.

Tendering Stock Certificates in Connection with Redemption Rights

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


There is a nominal cost associated with the above-referenced tendering process and the act of certificating the shares or delivering them through the DWAC System. The transfer agent will typically charge the tendering broker $80.00 and it would be up to the broker whether or not to pass this cost on to the redeeming holder. However, this fee would be incurred regardless of whether or not we require holders seeking to exercise redemption rights to tender their shares. The need to deliver shares is a requirement of exercising redemption rights regardless of the timing of when such delivery must be effectuated.

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

If our initial business combination is not approved or completed for any reason, then our public stockholders who elected to exercise their redemption rights would not be entitled to redeem their shares for the applicable pro rata share of the trust account. In such case, we will promptly return any certificates delivered by public holders who elected to redeem their shares.

If our proposed initial business combination is not completed, we may continue to try to complete an initial business combination with a different target until September 19, 2021.

Redemption of Public Shares and Liquidation if no Initial Business Combination

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we have until September 19, 2021 to complete our initial business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination by September 19, 2021, 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 to pay our taxes (less 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 stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining stockholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) above to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other 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 September 19, 2021.

Our sponsor, officers and directors have entered into a letter agreement with us, pursuant to which they have waived their rights to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to any founder shares and) along with Cantor) placement shares held by them if we fail to complete our initial business combination by September 19, 2021. However, if our sponsor, officers or directors acquire public shares, they will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to such public shares if we fail to complete our initial business combination by September 19, 2021.

Our sponsor, officers and directors have agreed, pursuant to a written agreement with us, that they will not propose any amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (i) 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 September 19, 2021 or (ii) with respect to any other provision relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity, unless we provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their shares of Class A common stock 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. However, we will only redeem our public shares so long as (after such redemption) our net tangible assets will be at least $5,000,001 either immediately prior to or upon consummation of our initial business combination and after payment of underwriters’ fees and commissions (so that we are not subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules). If this optional redemption right is exercised with respect to an excessive number of public shares such that we cannot satisfy the net tangible asset requirement (described above), we would not proceed with the amendment or the related redemption of our public shares at such time.

If we do not consummate the AvePoint Business Combination or any other initial business combination by the deadline set forth in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, we expect that all costs and expenses associated with implementing our plan of dissolution, as well as payments to any creditors, will be funded from amounts remaining out of the approximately $197,628 of proceeds held outside the trust account (as of December 31, 2020), although we cannot assure you that there will be sufficient funds for such purpose. We will depend on sufficient interest being earned on the proceeds held in the trust account to pay any tax obligations we may owe. However, if those funds are not sufficient to cover the costs and expenses associated with implementing our plan of dissolution, to the extent that there is any interest accrued in the trust account not required to pay taxes on interest income earned on the trust account balance, we may request the trustee to release to us an additional amount of up to $100,000 of such accrued interest to pay those costs and expenses.


If we were to expend all of the net proceeds of our initial public offering and the sale of the placement units, other than the proceeds deposited in the trust account, and without taking into account interest, if any, earned on the trust account, the per-share redemption amount received by stockholders upon our dissolution would be approximately $10.00. The proceeds deposited in the trust account could, however, become subject to the claims of our creditors which would have higher priority than the claims of our public stockholders. We cannot assure you that the actual per-share redemption amount received by stockholders will not be substantially less than $10.00. Under Section 281(b) of the DGCL, our plan of dissolution must provide for all claims against us to be paid in full or make provision for payments to be made in full, as applicable, if there are sufficient assets. These claims must be paid or provided for before we make any distribution of our remaining assets to our stockholders. While we intend to pay such amounts, if any, we cannot assure you that we will have funds sufficient to pay or provide for all creditors’ claims.

Although we have sought and will continue to seek to have all vendors, service providers (other than our independent auditor), prospective target businesses or other entities with which we do business execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the trust account for the benefit of our public stockholders, there is no guarantee that they will execute such agreements or even if they execute such agreements that they would 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 an 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 perform an analysis of the alternatives available to it and will only enter into an agreement with a third party that has not executed a waiver if management believes that such third party’s engagement would be significantly more beneficial to us than any alternative. 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. Withum, our independent registered public accounting firm, and Cantor, the underwriters of the offering, will not execute agreements with us waiving such claims to the monies held in the trust account.

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. 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 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 our initial public 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 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. None of our officers or directors will indemnify us for claims by third parties including, without limitation, claims by vendors and prospective target businesses.

In the event that the proceeds in the trust account are reduced below (i) $10.00 per public share or (ii) such lesser amount per public share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account, due to reductions in value of the trust assets, in each case net of the amount of interest which may be withdrawn to pay taxes, and our sponsor asserts that it is unable to satisfy its indemnification obligations or that it 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 may choose not to do so 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. We have not asked our sponsor to reserve for such indemnification obligations and we cannot assure you that our sponsor would be able to satisfy those obligations. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that due to claims of creditors the actual value of the per-share redemption price will not be less than $10.00 per public share.

We seek to reduce the possibility that our Sponsor has to indemnify the trust account due to claims of creditors by endeavoring to have all vendors, service providers (other than our independent auditor), prospective target businesses or other entities with which we do business execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to monies held in the trust account. Our Sponsor will also not be liable as to any claims under our indemnity of the underwriters of our initial public offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. We have access to up to approximately $197,628 of the proceeds held outside the trust account (as of December 31, 2020) with which to pay any such potential claims (including costs and expenses incurred in connection with our liquidation, currently estimated to be no more than approximately $100,000). In the event that we liquidate and it is subsequently determined that the reserve for claims and liabilities is insufficient, stockholders who received funds from our trust account could be liable for claims made by creditors.


Under the DGCL, stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against a corporation to the extent of distributions received by them in a dissolution. The pro rata portion of our trust account distributed to our public stockholders upon the redemption of our public shares in the event we do not complete our initial business combination by September 19, 2021 may be considered a liquidating distribution under Delaware law. Delaware law provides that if a corporation complies with certain procedures set forth in Section 280 of the DGCL intended to ensure that it makes reasonable provision for all claims against it, including a 60-day notice period during which any third-party claims can be brought against the corporation, a 90-day period during which the corporation may reject any claims brought, and an additional 150-day waiting period before any liquidating distributions are made to stockholders, any liability of stockholders with respect to a liquidating distribution is limited to the lesser of such stockholder’s pro rata share of the claim or the amount distributed to the stockholder, and any liability of the stockholder would be barred after the third anniversary of the dissolution.

Furthermore, if the pro rata portion of our trust account distributed to our public stockholders upon the redemption of our public shares in the event we do not complete our initial business combination by September 19, 2021, is not considered a liquidating distribution under Delaware law and such redemption distribution is deemed to be unlawful (potentially due to the imposition of legal proceedings that a party may bring or due to other circumstances that are currently unknown), then pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL, the statute of limitations for claims of creditors could then be six years after the unlawful redemption distribution, instead of three years, as in the case of a liquidating distribution. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination by September 19, 2021, 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 to pay our taxes (less 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 stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining stockholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) above to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. Accordingly, it is our intention to redeem our public shares as soon as reasonably possible following September 19, 2021 and, therefore, we do not intend to comply with those procedures. As such, our stockholders could potentially be liable for any claims to the extent of distributions received by them (but no more) and any liability of our stockholders may extend well beyond the third anniversary of such date.

Because we are complying with Section 280, Section 281(b) of the DGCL requires us to adopt a plan, based on facts known to us at such time that will provide for our payment of all existing and pending claims or claims that may be potentially brought against us within the subsequent 10 years. However, because we are a blank check company, rather than an operating company, and our operations are limited to searching for prospective target businesses to acquire, the only likely claims to arise would be from our vendors (such as lawyers, investment bankers, and auditors) or prospective target businesses. As described above, pursuant to the obligation contained in our underwriting agreement, we have sought and will continue to seek to have all vendors, service providers (other than our independent auditor), prospective target businesses or other entities with which we do business execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the trust account. As a result of this obligation, the claims that could be made against us are significantly limited and the likelihood that any claim that would result in any liability extending to the trust account is remote. Further, our sponsor may be liable only to the extent necessary to ensure that the amounts in the trust account are not reduced below (i) $10.00 per public share or (ii) such lesser amount per public share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account, due to reductions in value of the trust assets, in each case net of the amount of interest withdrawn to pay taxes and will not be liable as to any claims under our indemnity of the underwriters of our initial public offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. In the event that an executed waiver is deemed to be unenforceable against a third party, our sponsor will not be responsible to the extent of any liability for such third-party claims.

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

Our public stockholders will be entitled to receive funds from the trust account only upon the earlier to occur of: (i) the completion of our initial business combination, (ii) the redemption of any public shares properly tendered in connection with a stockholder vote to amend any provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (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 September 19, 2021 or (B) with respect to any other provision relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity, and (iii) the redemption of all of our public shares if we are unable to complete our business combination by September 19, 2021, subject to applicable law. In no other circumstances will a stockholder have any right or interest of any kind to or in the trust account. In the event we seek stockholder approval in connection with our initial business combination, a stockholder’s voting in connection with the initial business combination alone will not result in a stockholder’s redeeming its shares to us for an applicable pro rata share of the trust account. Such stockholder must have also exercised its redemption rights as described above. These provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, like all provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, may be amended with a stockholder vote.


Competition

In identifying, evaluating and selecting a target business for our initial business combination, such as AvePoint, we have encountered, and may continue to encounter intense competition from other entities having a business objective similar to ours, including other blank check companies, private equity groups and leveraged buyout funds, and operating businesses seeking strategic business combinations. Many of these entities are well established and have extensive experience identifying and effecting business combinations directly or through affiliates. Moreover, many of these competitors possess greater financial, technical, human and other resources than we do. Our ability to acquire larger target businesses is limited by our available financial resources. This inherent limitation gives others an advantage in pursuing the initial business combination of a target business. Furthermore, our obligation to pay cash in connection with our public stockholders 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.

Facilities

Our executive offices are located at 533 Airport Blvd, Suite 400, Burlingame, CA 94010, and our telephone number is (619) 736-6855. Our executive offices are provided to us by our sponsor. We pay an affiliate of our sponsor a total of $15,000 per month for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support. We consider our current office space adequate for our current operations.

Employees

We currently have two officers. These individuals are not obligated to devote any specific number of hours to our matters but they devote as much of their time as they deem necessary and intend to continue doing so, in the exercise of their respective business judgement, to our affairs until we have completed our initial business combination. The amount of time they 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 initial 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, including the AvePoint Business Combination. We do not have an employment agreement with any member of our management team.

Periodic Reporting and Financial Information

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

We will provide stockholders with audited financial statements of the prospective target business, such as AvePoint, as part of the tender offer materials or proxy solicitation materials sent to stockholders to assist them in assessing the target business. In all likelihood, these financial statements will need to be prepared in accordance with, or reconciled to, GAAP or IFRS, depending on the circumstances, and the historical financial statements may be required to be audited in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. These financial statement requirements may limit the pool of potential targets we may conduct an initial business combination with because some targets may be unable to provide such statements in time for us to disclose such statements in accordance with federal proxy rules and complete our initial business combination within the prescribed time frame. We cannot assure you that any particular target business identified by us as a potential business combination candidate will have financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP or that the potential target business will be able to prepare its financial statements in accordance with the requirements outlined above. To the extent that these requirements cannot be met, we may not be able to acquire the proposed target business. While this may limit the pool of potential business combination candidates, we do not believe that this limitation will be material.

We are required to evaluate our internal control procedures for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020 as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Only in the event we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer or an accelerated filer, and no longer an emerging growth company, will we be required to have our internal control procedures audited. A target company may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding adequacy of their internal controls. The development of the internal controls of any such entity to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may increase the time and costs necessary to complete any such business combination.

We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following September 19, 2024, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion, or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our shares of Class A common stock that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30th, and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period.


Item 1A. Risk Factors.

You should carefully consider all of the following risk factors and all of the other information contained in this Amendment,Annual Report, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the financial statements.only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of, or that we currently believe are not material, may also become important factors that adversely affect our business. If any of the following risks occur,actually occurs, our business, financial condition, or results of operations, mayand future prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the trading price of our securitiescommon stock could decline, and you could lose allpart or partall of your investment. The risk factors described below are not necessarily exhaustive and you are encouraged to perform your own investigation with respect to us and our business. For risks relating to AvePoint and the AvePoint Business Combination, please see the AvePoint Registration Statement.

 

Risks RelatingRelated to Restatement of Our Previously Issued Financial Statements

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

 

Our success depends on our technology partners. In particular, our technical advantages are highly dependent on our partnership with Microsoft and other major software providers. Should Microsoft or these other providers acquire competitors that heavily overlap with our capabilities, or develop competing features, we may lose customer acquisition momentum and fail to secure renewals or growth targets.

On April 12, 2021, the SEC Staff issued the SEC Staff Statement, wherein the SEC Staff expressed its view that certain terms

The significant majority of our customers choose to integrate their products and conditions commonservices with, or as an enhancement of, third-party solutions such as infrastructure, platforms or applications, in particular from Microsoft. The functionality and popularity of our products and services depend largely on our ability to SPAC warrants may require the warrants to be classified as liabilitiesintegrate our platform with third-party solutions, in particular Microsoft’s Azure, SharePoint, and Office 365. We are dependent on the SPAC’s balance sheet as opposed to being treated as equity. Specifically, the SEC Staff Statement focused on certain settlement termstechnology partner solutions for several major categories of our offerings, including data management, migration, governance, protection and provisions related to certain tender offers following a business combination, which terms are similar to those contained in the warrant agreement governing our warrants.backup. As a result, our customers’ satisfaction with our products are highly dependent on their perception of, and satisfaction with, our third-party providers and their respective offerings. We will continue to depend on various third-party relationships to sustain and grow our business. Third-party providers may change the SEC Staff Statement, we reevaluatedfeatures of their solutions, alter their governing terms, or end the accounting treatmentsolutions’ availability altogether. They may restrict our ability to add, customize or integrate systems, functionality and customer experiences. Any such changes could limit or terminate our ability to use these third-party solutions and provide our customers with the full range of our warrants,products and pursuantservices. Our business would be negatively impacted if we fail to the guidanceretain these relationships for any reason, including due to third parties’ failure to support or secure their technology or integrations; errors, bugs, or defects in ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”), determined the warrants should be classified as derivative liabilities measured at fair value on our balance sheet, with anytheir technology; or changes in fair valueour products and services. Any such failure, as well as a prolonged disruption, a cybersecurity event or any other negative event affecting our third-party providers and leading to be reported each period in earnings oncustomer dissatisfaction, could harm our statementrelationship with our customers, our reputation and brand, our revenue, our business, and our results of operations.

 

AsStrategic technology partners and third parties may not be successful in building integrations, co-marketing our products and services to provide significant volume and quality of lead referrals or continue to work with us as their respective products evolve. Identifying, negotiating and documenting relationships with additional strategic technology partners require significant resources. Integrating third-party technology can be complex, costly and time-consuming. Third parties may be unwilling to build integrations. We may be required to devote additional resources to develop integrations for our own products. Strategic technology partners or providers of solutions with which we have integrations may decide to compete with us or enter into arrangements with our competitors, resulting in such partners or providers withdrawing support for our integrations. Our agreements with our partners are generally non-exclusive, meaning our partners may offer products from several different companies to their customers. Specifically, Microsoft and other major platform providers could end partnerships, cease marketing our offerings, with limited or no notice and with little or no penalty, or decide to purchase strong competition, or incorporate our capabilities into native solutions. Any of these developments would negatively impact our business.

Microsoft and other cloud platform providers may furthermore introduce functionality that competes with our products and services, as a result of an acquisition, or their own development. Additionally, we rely heavily on our early access to preview Microsoft technology, which enables our product strategy and development teams to anticipate future opportunities as well as validate our current direction. While Microsoft introduces competitive features as a premium option, some customers will choose a simpler first-party solution to their problem, even at a greater cost to them. Microsoft and other cloud providers may also choose to make it difficult for third party providers like us to continue making the recurring fair value measurement,necessary application programming interface (“API”) calls to provide their solutions, as illustrated by an increase in API “throttling” in recent years or API quotas provided by Salesforce.

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Although we typically receive significant advance notice of new product releases from Microsoft, Microsoft does not always preview our financial statementstechnology with us or other partners and, as a result, it is possible that we may fluctuate quarterly, based on factors,not receive advance notice of changes in features and functionality of new technologies with which are outsideour products will need to interoperate. If this was to happen, there could be an increased risk of product incompatibility. Any failure of our control. Dueproducts and services to operate effectively with solutions could result in customer dissatisfaction and harm to our business, and could reduce the recurring fair value measurement,demand for our products and services. If we expectare unable to respond to these changes or failures in a cost-effective manner, our products and services may become less marketable, less competitive, or obsolete, and the results of our operations may be negatively impacted.

We have a strategic technology partnership with Microsoft for the collaboration to co-sell and co-market our products and services to new customers. If our relationships with our strategic technology partners, such as Microsoft, are disrupted or if the co-sell and co-market program was ended for any reason, we may receive less revenue and incur costs to form other revenue-generating strategic technology partnerships.

We have experienced strong growth in recent periods, and our recent growth rates may not be indicative of our future growth.

We have experienced strong growth in recent periods. In future periods, we may not be able to sustain revenue growth consistent with recent history, or at all. We believe our revenue growth and our ability to manage such growth depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, our ability to do the following:

Effectively recruit, integrate, train and motivate a large number of new employees, including our sales force, technical solutions professionals, customer success managers and engineers, while retaining existing employees, maintaining the beneficial aspects of our corporate culture and effectively executing our business plan;

Attract new customers and retain and increase sales to existing customers;

Maintain and expand our relationships with our partners, including effectively managing existing channel partnerships and cultivating new ones;

Successfully implement our products and services, increase our existing customers’ use of our products and services, and provide our customers with excellent customer support and the ability of our partners to do the same;

Develop our existing products and services and introduce new products or new functionality to our products and services;

Expand into new market segments and internationally;

Earn revenue share and customer referrals from our partner ecosystem;

Improve our key business applications and processes to support our business needs;

Enhance our internal controls to ensure timely and accurate reporting of all of our operations and financial results;

Protect and further develop our strategic assets, including our intellectual property rights; and

Make sound business decisions considering the scrutiny associated with operating as a public company.

We may not accomplish any of these objectives and, as a result, it is difficult for us to forecast our future revenue or revenue growth. If our assumptions are incorrect or change in reaction to changes in our market, or if we are unable to maintain consistent revenue or revenue growth, we may not be able to maintain similar growth rates in the future. You should not rely on our revenue for any prior periods as any indication of our future revenue or revenue growth.

Furthermore, these activities will require significant investments and allocation of valuable management and employee resources, and our growth will continue to place significant demands on our management and our operational and financial infrastructure. There are no guarantees we will be able to grow our business in an efficient or timely manner, or at all. Moreover, if we do not effectively manage the growth of our business and operations, the quality of our software could suffer, which could negatively affect the AvePoint brand, results of operations and overall business.

Our future revenue and operating results will be harmed if we are unable to acquire new customers, expand sales to our existing customers, or develop new functionality for our products and services that achieves market acceptance.

To continue to grow our business, it is important that we will recognize non-cash gainscontinue to acquire new customers to purchase and use our products and services. Our success in adding new customers depends on numerous factors, including our ability to: (1) offer compelling products and services, (2) execute our sales and marketing strategy, (3) attract, effectively train and retain new sales, marketing, professional services, and support personnel in the markets we pursue, (4) develop or lossesexpand relationships with partners, IT consultants, systems integrators resellers and other third parties, strengthening our network, (5) expand into new geographies, including internationally, and market segments, (6) efficiently onboard new customers on to our product offerings, and (7) provide additional paid services that fulfill the needs and complement the capabilities of our customers and their partners.

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Our future success also depends, in part, on our warrants each reporting periodability to sell additional products, more functionality and/or adjacent services to our current customers, and the success rate of such endeavors is difficult to predict and, especially with regard to any new products or lines of business that thewe may introduce from time to time. Our ability to increase sales to existing customers depends on several factors, including their experience with implementing and using our products and services, their ability to integrate our products and services with other technologies, and our pricing model. Sales to existing customers may require increasingly costly marketing and sales efforts that are targeted at senior management, and if these efforts are not successful, our business and operating results may suffer.

In addition, as an increasing amount of such gains or losses could be material.

Warrants that are accounted for asour business may move to our cloud-based products and services and the use of consumption-based pricing models may represent a warrant liability will be recorded at fair value upon issuance with changes in fair value each period reported in earnings, which may have an adverse effect on the market pricegreater share of our common stock and/revenue, our revenue may be less predictable or more variable than our historical revenue from perpetual or time period-based subscription pricing models. Moreover, a consumption-based subscription pricing model may ultimately result in lower total cost to our customers over time or may makecause our customers to limit usage in order to stay within the limits of their existing subscriptions, reducing overall revenue or making it more difficult for us to consummate an initial business combination.compete in our markets.

Our ability to predict the rate of customer renewals and the impact these renewals will have on our revenue or operating results is limited.

We accountOur ability to maintain or increase revenue depends in part on our ability to retain existing customers, in particular that our customers renew their subscriptions with us on the same or more favorable terms. Our customers have no obligation to renew their contracts for AvePoint products after the 17,905,000 warrants issued in connection withexpiration of either the initial public offering (includingor renewed subscription period, and in the 17,500,000 warrants soldnormal course of business, some customers elect not to renew. Our customers may renew for fewer elements of our products, for shorter renewal terms or on different pricing terms, including lower-cost offerings of our products. Our customers’ renewal rates may decline or fluctuate as parta result of a number of factors, including their level of satisfaction with our pricing or our products and their ability to continue their operations and spending levels, mix of customer base, decreases in the number of users at our customers, competition, pricing increases or changes, and deteriorating general economic conditions, including as a result of the units inCOVID-19 pandemic or the initial public offeringmilitary conflict between Russia and the 405,000 private placement warrants) in accordance with the guidance contained in Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (ASC 815-40). Such guidance provides that because the warrantsUkraine. If our customers do not meetrenew their subscriptions for our products on similar pricing terms, our revenue may decline and our business could suffer. In addition, over time the criteriaaverage term of our contracts could change based on renewal rates or for equity treatment thereunder, each warrantother reasons. Further, acquisitions of our customers may lead to the cancellation of our contracts with such customers or by the acquiring companies, thereby reducing the number of our existing and potential customers.

If we fail to adapt and respond effectively to rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards, and changing customer needs or preferences, our products and services may become less competitive.

The market in which we operate is characterized by the exponential growth in data generated and managed by enterprises, rapid technological advances, changes in customer requirements, including customer requirements driven by changes to legal, regulatory and self-regulatory compliance mandates, frequent new product introductions and enhancements and evolving industry standards in computer hardware and software technology. As a result, we must be recorded as a liability. Accordingly, we will classify each warrant as a liability at its fair value. This liability is subjectcontinually change and improve our products in response to re-measurement at each balance sheet date. With each such remeasurement,changes in operating systems, application software, computer and communications hardware, networking software, data center architectures, programming tools and computer language technology. Moreover, the warrant liability will be adjusted to fair value, with the change in fair value recognizedtechnology in our statement of operationsproducts is especially complex because it needs to effectively identify and therefore our reported earnings. Therespond to a user’s data retention, security and governance needs, while minimizing the impact of changes in fair value on earnings may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock. In addition, potential targets may seek a SPAC that does not have warrants that are accounted for as a warrant liability, which may make it more difficult for us to consummate an initial business combination with a target business.

We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020.database and file system performance. If we are unable to develop and sell new technology, features, and functionality for our products and services that satisfy our customers and that keep pace with rapid technological and industry change, our revenue and operating results could be harmed. If new technologies emerge that deliver competitive solutions at lower prices, more efficiently, more conveniently, or more securely, they could adversely impact our ability to compete. Our products and services must also integrate with a variety of network, hardware, mobile, and software platforms and technologies. We need to continuously modify and enhance our platform to adapt to changes and innovation in these technologies. If businesses widely adopt new technologies in areas covered by our products and services, we would have to develop new functionality for our products and services to work with such new technologies. This development effort may require significant engineering, marketing and sales resources, all of which would affect our business and operating results.

Any failure of our products and services to operate effectively with future technologies could reduce the demand for our products and services. We cannot guarantee that it will be able to anticipate future market needs and opportunities, extend our technological expertise and develop new products or expand the functionality of our current products in a timely and cost-effective manner, or at all. Even if we can anticipate, develop and introduce new products and expand the functionality of our current products, there can be no assurance that enhancements or new products will achieve widespread market acceptance. If we fail to anticipate market requirements or stay abreast of technological changes, we may be unable to successfully introduce new products, expand the functionality of our current products or convince our existing and potential customers of the value of our products in light of new technologies. Accordingly, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be harmed.

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Our success with SMB customers depends in part on our resale and distribution partnerships. Our business would be harmed if we fail to maintain or expand partner relationships.

We leverage the sales and referral resources of resale and referral partners through a variety of programs, and we rely on distribution partners especially for our SMB market acquisition. We expect that sales to partners will account for a substantial portion of our revenue for the foreseeable future. Our ability to achieve revenue growth and expand our SMB acquisition in the future will depend in part on our success in maintaining successful relationships with our partners. Our agreements with our partners are generally non-exclusive, meaning our partners may offer customers the products of several different companies. If our partners do not effectively market and sell our software, choose to use greater efforts to market and sell their own products or those of others, or fail to meet the needs of our customers, our ability to grow our business, sell our software and maintain an effective systemour reputation may be harmed. Our contracts with our partners generally allow us to terminate our agreements for any reason. The loss of internal controla substantial number of our partners, the possible inability to replace them, the failure to recruit additional partners or the removal of our products and services from several major distribution partner’s resale platforms could harm our results of operations. If we are unable to effectively utilize, maintain and expand these relationships, our revenue growth would slow, we would need to devote additional resources to the development, sales, and marketing of our products and services, and our financial results and future growth prospects would be harmed.

Unfavorable conditions in our industry or the global economy, or reductions in IT spending, could limit our ability to grow our business and negatively affect our results of operations.

Our results of operations may vary based on the impact of changes in our industry or the global economy on it or our customers. The revenue growth and potential profitability of our business depend on our current and prospective customers’ ability and willingness to invest money in information technology services, which in turn is dependent upon their overall economic health. Current or future economic uncertainties or downturns could harm our business and results of operations. Negative conditions in the global economy or individual markets, including changes in gross domestic product growth, financial and credit market fluctuations, political turmoil, natural catastrophes, warfare and terrorist attacks on the United States, Europe, Australia, the Asia Pacific region or elsewhere, could cause a decrease in business investments, including spending on IT and negatively affect our business. Continuing uncertainty in the global economy makes it extremely difficult for us and our customers to forecast and plan future business activities accurately, and could cause our customers to reevaluate decisions to purchase our products and services or to delay their purchasing decisions, which could lengthen our sales cycles.

To the extent our products and services are perceived by our existing and potential customers as costly, or too difficult to launch or migrate to, it would negatively affect our growth. Our revenue may be disproportionately affected by delays or reductions in general IT spending. Competitors may respond to market conditions by lowering prices and attempting to lure away our customers. In addition, consolidation in certain industries may result in reduced overall spending on our products and services. We have a significant number of customers in the financial services, the public sector and the pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries. A substantial downturn in any of these industries, or a reduction in public sector spending, may cause enterprises to react to worsening conditions by reducing their capital expenditures in general or by specifically reducing their spending on information technology. Customers may delay or cancel information technology projects, choose to focus on in-house development efforts or seek to lower their costs by renegotiating maintenance and support agreements. To the extent purchases of licenses for our software are perceived by our existing and potential customers to be discretionary, our revenue may be disproportionately affected by delays or reductions in general information technology spending. We cannot predict the timing, strength, or duration of any economic slowdown, instability or recovery, generally or within any particular industry. If the economic conditions of the general economy or markets in which we operate worsen from present levels, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be harmed.

Failure to effectively develop and expand our marketing and sales capabilities could harm our ability to increase our customer base and achieve broader market acceptance of our products and services. If we are not able to generate traffic to our website through digital marketing, our ability to attract new customers may be impaired.

Our ability to increase our customer base and achieve broader market acceptance of our products and services will depend on our ability to expand our marketing and sales operations. We plan to continue expanding our sales force and strategic partners, both domestically and internationally. We also have dedicated, and plans to further dedicate, significant resources to sales and marketing programs, including search engine and other online advertising. The effectiveness of our online advertising may continue to vary due to competition for key search terms, changes in search engine use, and changes in search algorithms used by major search engines and other digital marketing platforms. Another major investment is in marketing technology to better connect our systems and data among sales, product, and marketing, in order to create a more seamless user experience. Our business and operating results will be harmed if our sales and marketing efforts do not generate a corresponding increase in revenue. We may not achieve anticipated revenue growth from expanding our sales force if we are unable to hire, develop, and retain talented sales personnel, if our new sales personnel are unable to achieve desired productivity levels in a reasonable period of time, or if our sales and marketing programs are not effective.

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If the cost of marketing our products and services over financial reporting,search engines or other digital marketing platforms increases, our business and operating results could be harmed. Competitors also may bid on the search terms that we use to drive traffic to our website. Such actions could increase our marketing costs and result in decreased traffic to our website. Furthermore, search engines and digital marketing platforms may change their advertising policies from time to time. If these policies delay or prevent us from advertising through these channels, it could result in reduced traffic to our website and subscriptions to our products and services. New search engines and other digital marketing platforms may develop, particularly in certain jurisdictions, that reduce traffic on existing search engines and digital marketing platforms. If we are not able to achieve prominence through advertising or otherwise, it may not achieve significant traffic to our website through these new platforms and our business and operating results could be harmed.

We depend on third-party data hosting and transmission services. Increases in cost, interruptions in service, latency, or poor service from our third-party data center providers could impair the delivery of our platform. This could result in customer dissatisfaction, damage to our reputation, loss of customers, limited growth, and reduction in revenue.

We currently serve the majority of our SaaS offerings from third-party data center hosting facilities in different geographical locations that are operated by Microsoft. Our products and services, in particular SaaS offerings, are deployed to multiple data centers within these geographies, with additional geographies available for disaster recovery. Our operations depend, in part, on our third-party providers’ protection of these facilities from natural disasters, power or telecommunications failures, criminal acts, or similar events. If any third-party facility’s arrangement is terminated, or our service lapses, we could experience interruptions in our platform, latency, as well as delays and additional expenses in arranging new facilities and services.

A significant portion of our operating costs are from our third-party data hosting and transmission services. If the costs for such services increase due to vendor consolidation, regulation, contract renegotiation or otherwise, we may not be able to accurately reportincrease the fees for our products and services to cover the changes. As a result, our operating results may be significantly worse than forecasted. Our failure to achieve or maintain sufficient and performant data transmission capacity could significantly reduce demand for our products and services.

Seasonal or singular events may significantly increase the traffic on our own and the used third-party’s servers and the usage volume of our products. Despite precautions taken at the used data centers, spikes in usage volume, a natural disaster, an act of terrorism, vandalism or sabotage, closure of a facility without adequate notice, or other unanticipated problems (such as the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine) could result in lengthy interruptions or performance degradation of our platform. Our own and third party data centers may also be subject to national or local administrative actions, changes in government regulations, including, for example, the impact of global economic and other sanctions like those levied in response to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, changes to legal or permitting requirements and litigation to stop, limit or delay operations. Any damage to, or failure of, the systems of our third-party providers could result in interruptions to our products and services. Even with current and planned disaster recovery arrangements, our business could be harmed. If we experience damage or interruption, our insurance policies may not adequately compensate us for any losses that we may incur. These factors in turn could further reduce our revenue, subject us to liability, cause us to issue credits, or cause customers to terminate their subscriptions, any of which could harm our business. If we incur such losses or liabilities, we might be unable to recover significant amounts from our third-party providers (even if they were primarily or solely responsible) because of restrictive liability and indemnification terms.

If there are interruptions or performance problems associated with our technology or infrastructure, our existing customers may experience service outages, and our new customers may experience delays in using our products and services.

Our continued growth depends, in part, on the ability of our existing and potential customers to access our products and services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without interruption or performance degradation. We have experienced, and may in the future experience, disruptions, outages, and other performance problems with our infrastructure. These can be due to a variety of factors, including infrastructure changes, introductions of new functionality, human or software errors, capacity constraints, denial-of-service attacks, or other security-related incidents, any of which may be recurring. As we continue to add customers, expand geographically, and enhance our products’ and/or services’ functionality, the additional scale may increase complexity and our average uptime for future periods may decrease. We may not be able to identify the cause or causes of these performance problems promptly. If our products and services are unavailable or if our customers are unable to access our products and services within a reasonable amount of time, our business would be harmed. Any outage of our products and services would impair the ability of our customers to engage in their own business operations, which would negatively impact our brand, reputation and customer satisfaction. We provide service credits to our customers for downtime they experience using our SaaS products. Any downtime or malfunction could require us to issue a significant amount of service credits to customers. Issuing a significant amount of service credits would negatively impact our financial position.

We depend on services from various third parties to maintain our infrastructure and any disruptions to these services, including from causes outside our control, would significantly impact our products and services. In the future, these services may not be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Loss of any of these services could decrease our products’ and/or services’ functionality until we develop equivalent technology or, if equivalent technology is available from another party, we identify, obtain and integrate it into our infrastructure. If we do not accurately predict our infrastructure capacity requirements, our customers could experience service shortfalls. We may also be unable to address capacity constraints, upgrade our systems, and develop our technology and network architecture to accommodate actual and anticipated technology changes.

Any of the above circumstances or events may harm our reputation, cause customers to terminate their agreements with us, impair our ability to grow our customer base, subject us to financial liabilities, and otherwise harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

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Risks Related to Our Operations and Financial Condition

Our operations will continue to increase in complexity as we grow, which will create management challenges.

Our business has experienced strong growth and is complex. This growth is expected to continue, and our operations will be increasingly complex. To manage this growth, we will make substantial investments to improve our operational, financial, and management controls as well as our reporting systems and procedures. We may not be able to implement and scale improvements to our systems and processes in a timely or efficient manner or in a manner that does not negatively affect our operating results. For example, we may not be able to effectively monitor certain extraordinary contract requirements or individually negotiated provisions as the number of customers continues to grow. Our systems and processes may not prevent or detect all errors, omissions, or fraud. We may have difficulty managing improvements to our systems, processes and controls or in connection with third-party software. This could impair our ability to provide our products and services to our customers, causing us to lose customers, limiting products and services to less significant updates, or increasing technical support costs. If we are unable to manage this complexity, our business, operations, operating results and financial condition may suffer.

As our customer base continues to grow, we will need to expand our services and other personnel and maintain and enhance our partnerships to provide a high level of customer service. Extended stay-at-home, business closure, and other restrictive orders may impact our ability to identify, hire, and train new personnel.

We will also need to manage our sales processes as our sales personnel and partner network continue to grow and become more complex, and as we continue to expand into new geographies and market segments. If we do not effectively manage this increasing complexity, the quality of our platform and customer service could suffer, and we may not be able to adequately address competitive challenges. These factors could impair the ability to attract and retain customers and expand customers’ use of our products and services.

If we fail to maintain or grow our brand recognition, our ability to expand our customer base will be impaired and our financial condition may suffer.

We believe enhancing the AvePoint brand and maintaining our reputation in the information technology industry will be critical for the continued acceptance of our existing and future products and services, attracting new customers to our products and services, and retaining existing customers. The importance of brand recognition will increase as competition in our market increases. Successfully maintaining our brand will depend largely on the effectiveness of our marketing efforts, the ability to provide high-quality, innovative, reliable and useful products and services to meet the needs of our customers at competitive prices, the ability to be responsive to customer concerns and provide high quality customer support, training and professional services, the ability to maintain our customers’ trust, the ability to continue to develop new functionality and products, and the ability to successfully differentiate our products and services.

Additionally, partners’ performance may affect the AvePoint brand and reputation if customers do not have a positive experience. Brand promotion activities may not generate customer awareness or yield increased revenue. Even if they do, any increased revenue may not offset the expenses incurred in building our brand. Furthermore, independent industry analysts may provide reviews of our products and services, as well as other products available in the market, and perception of our products and services in the marketplace may be significantly influenced by these reviews. If these reviews are negative, or less positive than reviews about other products available in the market, the AvePoint brand may be harmed. Furthermore, negative publicity relating to events or activities attributed to employees, partners or others associated with any of these parties, may tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. Damage to reputation and loss of brand equity may reduce demand for our products and harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. Any attempts to rebuild our reputation and restore the value of our brand may be costly and time consuming, and such efforts may not ultimately be successful. If we fail to successfully promote and maintain our brand, we may fail to attract enough new customers or retain existing customers to realize a sufficient return on our brand-building efforts, and our business could suffer.

If we fail to offer high quality support, our business and reputation could suffer.

Our customers have historically relied on our personnel for support related to our products, in particular SaaS products. High-quality support will continue to be important for the renewal and expansion of agreements with our existing customers. The importance of high-quality support will increase as we expand our business and pursue new customers. If we do not help our customers quickly resolve issues and provide effective ongoing support, our ability to sell new products and services to existing and new customers could suffer and our reputation with existing or potential customers could be harmed.

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If our products and services do not effectively interoperate with our customers existing or future IT infrastructures or do not operate as effectively when accessed through mobile devices, customers may not be satisfied, which could harm our business.

Our success will depend in part on the interoperability of our products and services with third-party operating systems, applications, data, web browsers and devices that hawse have not developed and does not control. Due to the continuing rapid growth of the use of mobile devices in business operations, this also includes third-party mobile devices and mobile operating systems. Any changes in such operating systems, applications, data, web browsers or devices that degrade the functionality of our products and services or give preferential treatment to competitive services could harm the adoption and usage of our products and services. We may not be successful in adapting our products and services to operate effectively with these operating systems, applications, data or devices. Effective mobile functionality is a part of our long-term development and growth strategy. If customers have difficulty accessing and using our products and services (including on mobile devices) or if our products and services cannot connect a broadening range of applications, data and devices, then customer growth and retention may be harmed and our business and operating results could be harmed.

Being a global company may create a variety of operational challenges.

Our international operations will involve a variety of risks, including:

Changes in a country’s or region’s political or economic conditions;

Economic uncertainty around the world and adverse effects arising from economic interdependencies across countries and regions;

The need to adapt and localize products and services for specific countries;

Greater difficulty in receiving payments from different geographies, including difficulties associated with currency fluctuations, transfer of funds, longer payment cycles and collecting accounts receivable, especially in emerging markets;

Potential changes in trade relations arising from policy initiatives implemented by the current administration or by a successor administration;

Compliance with foreign laws and regulations and the risks and costs of non-compliance with such laws and regulations;

Unexpected changes in laws, regulatory requirements, taxes, or trade laws;

More stringent regulations relating to privacy and data security and the unauthorized use of, or access to, commercial and personal information, particularly in Europe;

Differing labor regulations, especially in Europe, where labor laws are generally more advantageous to employees as compared to the United States, including deemed hourly wage and overtime regulations in these locations;

Challenges inherent in efficiently managing an increased number of employees over large geographic distances (including in a work-from-home environment), including the need to implement appropriate systems, policies, benefits, and compliance programs;

Difficulties in managing a business in new markets with diverse cultures, languages, customs, legal systems, alternative dispute systems, and regulatory systems;

Increased travel, real estate, infrastructure, and legal compliance costs associated with international operations;

Currency exchange rate fluctuations and the resulting effect on revenue and expenses, and the cost and risk of entering into hedging transactions if we elect to do so in the future;

Limitations on the ability to reinvest earnings from operations in one country to fund the capital needs of our operations in other countries;

Laws and business practices favoring local competitors or general preferences for local vendors;

limited or insufficient intellectual property protection or difficulties enforcing our intellectual property;

Political instability or terrorist activities;

Exposure to liabilities under anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended (the “FCPA”), the U.S. domestic bribery statute contained in 18 U.S.C. § 201, the U.S. Travel Act, the UK Bribery Act of 2010, the UK Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, and similar laws and regulations in other jurisdictions;

Compliance with laws and regulations for foreign operations, import and export control laws, tariffs, trade barriers, economic sanctions and other regulatory or contractual limitations on the ability to sell our software in certain foreign markets, and the risks and costs of non-compliance;

Heightened risks of unfair or corrupt business practices in certain geographies and of improper or fraudulent sales arrangements that may impact financial results and result in restatements of financial statements and irregularities in financial statements; and

Adverse tax burdens and foreign exchange controls that could make it difficult to repatriate earnings and cash.

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In addition, certain of our customer or resellers may operate in, or have dealings with, countries subject to sanctions or embargos imposed by the U.S. government, foreign governments, or the United Nations or other international organizations. In particular, on February 24, 2022, Russian troops began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and, as of the date hereof, the countries remain in active armed conflict. Around the same time, the U.S., the U.K., the E.U., and several other nations announced a broad array of new or expanded sanctions, export controls, and other measures against Russia, Russian-backed separatist regions in Ukraine, and certain banks, companies, government officials, and other individuals in Russia and Belarus, as well as a number of Russian Oligarchs. The U.S. or other countries could also institute broader sanctions on Russia and others supporting Russia’s economy or military efforts. The ongoing conflict and the rapidly evolving measures in response could be expected to have a negative impact on the economy and business activity globally (including in the countries in which the Company invests), and therefore are expected to result in adverse consequences to the Russian economy and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. The severity and duration of the conflict and its impact on global economic and market conditions are impossible to predict, and as a result, present material uncertainty and risk with respect to our operations, and our ability to achieve our objectives. Similar risks will exist to the extent that any service providers, vendors or certain other parties have material operations or assets in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, or the immediate surrounding areas. Sanctions could also result in Russia taking counter measures or retaliatory actions which could adversely impact our business or the business of our partners, including, but not limited to, cyberattacks targeting private companies, individuals or other infrastructure upon which our business and the business of our partners may rely.

Any of these risks could harm our international operations, reduce our revenue from outside the United States or increase our operating costs, harming our business, results of operations and financial condition and growth prospects. There can be no assurance that all of our employees, independent contractors and partners will comply with the formal policies we will implement, or applicable laws and regulations. Violations of laws or key control policies by employees, independent contractors and partners could result in delays in revenue recognition, financial reporting misstatements, fines, penalties or the prohibition of the importation or exportation of our software and services and could harm our business and results of operations. If we invest substantial time and resources to expand our international operations and is unable to do so successfully, our business and operating results will suffer.

We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which could negatively our revenue and earnings.

We conduct a significant number of transactions and hold cash in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. Changes in the values of major foreign currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar may significantly affect our total assets, revenue, operating results and cash flows, which are reported in U.S. Dollars.

We may acquire or invest in companies, which may divert managements attention and result in additional dilution to stockholders. We may be unable to integrate acquired businesses and technologies successfully or achieve the expected benefits of such acquisitions.

We may evaluate and consider potential strategic transactions, including acquisitions of, or investments in, businesses, technologies, services, products, and other assets in the future. An acquisition, investment or business relationship may result in unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. In particular, we may encounter difficulties assimilating or integrating the businesses, technologies, products, personnel, or operations of the acquired companies. Key personnel of the acquired companies may choose not to work for us, their software may not be easily adapted, or we may have difficulty retaining the customers of any acquired business due to changes in ownership, management, or otherwise. We may also experience difficulties integrating personnel of the acquired company into our business and culture. Acquisitions may also disrupt our business, divert our resources and require significant management attention that would otherwise be available for development of our existing business. The anticipated benefits of any acquisition, investment, or business relationship may not be realized or we may be exposed to unknown risks or liabilities.

We intend to continue investing in research and development, and to the extent such research and development investments do not translate into new products or material enhancements to our products, or if we do not use those investments efficiently, our business and results of operations would be harmed.

A key element of our strategy will be to invest significantly in our research and development efforts to develop new products and enhance our existing products to address additional applications and markets. If we do not spend our research and development budget efficiently or effectively on compelling innovation and technologies, our business may be harmed and we may not realize the expected benefits of our strategy. Moreover, research and development projects can be technically challenging and expensive. The nature of these research and development cycles may cause us to experience delays between the time we incur expenses associated with research and development and the time we are able to offer compelling products and generate revenue, if any, from such investment. Additionally, anticipated customer demand for a product or service being developed could decrease after the development cycle has commenced, and we would nonetheless be unable to avoid substantial costs associated with the development of any such product or service. If we expend a significant amount of resources on research and development and our efforts do not lead to the successful introduction or improvement of products that are competitive in our current or future markets, it would harm our business and results of operations.

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If our products and services fail to perform properly, or if we fail to develop enhancements to resolve performance issues, we could lose customers, become subject to performance or warranty claims, or incur significant costs.

Our operations will be dependent upon our ability to prevent system interruption. The applications underlying our products and services are inherently complex and may contain material defects or errors, which may cause disruptions in availability or other performance problems. Also, our software will be installed and used in a variety of computing environments with different operating system management software, and equipment and networking configurations, which may cause errors or failures of our software or other aspects of the computing environment into which it is deployed. In addition, deployment of our software into computing environments may expose undetected errors, compatibility issues, failures or bugs in our software. While we have not historically experienced any defects, errors, disruptions in service, cyber-attacks, or other performance problems with our software that materially influenced our sales performance, there is no assurance that such defects, problems or events will not occur in the future, whether in connection with the day-to-day operation, upgrades or otherwise. Any of these occurrences could result in loss of customers, lost or delayed market acceptance and sales of our products and services, delays in payment by customers, injury to our reputation and brand, legal claims, including warranty and service claims, diversion of resources, including through increased service and warranty expenses or financial concessions, and increased insurance costs.

We may discover defects in our products and services that could result in data unavailability, unauthorized access, loss, corruption, or other harm to our customers’ data. Despite testing we may not be able to detect and correct defects or errors before release. Consequently, we or our customers may discover defects or errors after our products and services have been deployed. We expect to implement bug fixes and upgrades as part of our regularly scheduled system maintenance. If we do not complete this maintenance according to schedule or if customers are otherwise dissatisfied with the frequency and/or duration of our maintenance services and related system outages, customers could terminate their contracts, delay or withhold payment, or cause us to issue credits, make refunds, or pay penalties. The costs incurred or delays resulting from the correction of defects or errors in our software or other performance problems may be substantial and could harm our operating results. Moreover, customers could incorrectly implement or inadvertently misuse our software, which could result in customer dissatisfaction and adversely impact the perceived utility of our products as well as our brand. Any of these real or perceived errors, compatibility issues, failures or bugs in our software could result in negative publicity, reputational harm, loss of or delay in market acceptance, loss of competitive position or claims by customers for losses sustained by them. In such an event, we may be required, or may choose, for customer relations or other reasons, to expend additional resources in order to help correct the problem.

Risks Related to Data Privacy and Cybersecurity

To the extent our security measures are compromised, our products and services may be perceived as not being secure. This may result in customers curtailing or ceasing their use of our products and services, our reputation being harmed, the incurrence of significant liabilities, and harm to our results of operations and growth prospects.

Our operations may, in some cases, involve the storage, transmission and other processing of customer data or information. Cyberattacks and other malicious internet-based activity continue to increase, and cloud-based platform providers of services are expected to continue to be targeted. Threats include traditional computer “hackers,” malicious code (such as viruses and worms), phishing attacks, employee theft or misuse and denial-of-service attacks. Sophisticated nation-states and nation-state supported actors now engage in such attacks, including advanced persistent threat intrusions. The growth in state sponsored cyber activity, including the increased rate of cyberattacks arising from the Russia-Ukraine crisis and the risk that these cyberattacks could spread globally, showcases the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and could dramatically expand the global threat landscape. While no single company can thwart a nation state attack, we work to implement and continuously improve security-aware software development, operational management, and threat-mitigation practices that are essential to the strong protection of services and data. AvePoint has decades-long experience building enterprise software and running online services around the world. We implement a robust defense-in-depth security strategy based on the principle of “assume breach.” We work to continuously strengthen threat detection, response, and defense, conduct continuous security monitoring, and practice security incident response to validate and improve the security of our software and services. Rigorous third-party audits verify that we adhere to strict security controls such as the ones contained in the ISO/IEC 27001 standard mandate. We are audited once a year for ISO/IEC 27001 compliance by a third-party accredited certification body, which provides independent validation that security controls are in place and operating effectively.

We have security measures in place designed to protect us and our customers’ confidential and sensitive information and prevent data loss, but such measures cannot provide absolute security and may not be effective to prevent a security breach, including as a result of employee error, theft, misuse or malfeasance, third-party actions, unintentional events or deliberate attacks by cyber criminals, any of which may result in someone obtaining unauthorized access to our customers’ data, our data, our intellectual property and/or other confidential or sensitive business information. Importantly, the scope of our internal information controls and security measures is limited to the scope of our information security management system (“ ISMS”). All of the legal entities (and each of their respective employees) within our global corporate structure are contractually bound to the ISMS, but failure by any of our subsidiaries or affiliates (or employees thereof) to abide by the terms and conditions imposed by our ISMS could result in increased vulnerabilities, decreased integrity of our assets, and ultimately, liability, loss of business, and loss of customer confidence.

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The ISMS applies to the use of information, network resources, and electronic and computing devices to conduct business or interact with internal networks and business systems, whether owned or leased by us, our employees, or a third party. All employees, contractors, consultants, as well as our affiliates and subsidiaries are responsible for exercising good judgment regarding appropriate use of information, electronic devices, and network resources in accordance with the ISMS, as well as local laws and regulation. While we have policies and procedures to address global compliance with the ISMS, our employees and agents could violate these policies and applicable law, for which we may be ultimately held responsible. We are taking further steps to assess globally managed departmental systems to ensure ISMS standards are maintained. Based on the results of that analysis, if, as, and when necessary, we will subsequently implement a remediation plan that will include tools, training, and education to ensure (A) repeatable procedures are being implemented that protect the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of assets from threats and vulnerabilities in accordance with the ISMA standards and protocols, and (B) that vulnerability testing is being performed, measured, and documented across our global operations landscape. 

Outside of the ISMS and the internal security measures and data protections we have developed (and continue to improve), third parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees, contractors or users to disclose information, including user names and passwords, to gain access to our customers’ data, our data or other confidential or sensitive information, and we may be the target of email scams that attempt to acquire personal information or our assets. Because techniques used to sabotage or obtain unauthorized access to systems change frequently and generally are not recognized until successfully launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques, react in a timely manner whichor implement adequate preventative measures. We devote significant financial and personnel resources to implement and maintain security measures; however, such resources may adversely affect investor confidence in usnot be sufficient, and materiallyas cyber-security threats develop, evolve and adversely affectgrow more complex over time, it may be necessary to make significant further investments to protect our businessdata and operating results.

Following the issuance of the SEC Staff Statement,infrastructure. If our management and our audit committee concluded that, in light of the SEC Staff Statement, it was appropriate to restate our previously issued audited financial statements as of and for the period ended December 31, 2020 (the “Restatement”). In connection with the foregoing development andsecurity measures are compromised as a result of third-party action, employee or customer error, malfeasance, stolen or fraudulently obtained log-in credentials, or otherwise, our reputation and business could be damaged and we could incur significant liability. As we rely on third-party and public-cloud infrastructure, it depends in part on third-party security measures to protect against unauthorized access, cyberattacks, and the Restatement,mishandling of customer data. A cybersecurity event could have significant costs, including regulatory enforcement actions, litigation, litigation indemnity obligations, remediation costs, network downtime, increases in insurance premiums, and reputational damage. Many companies that provide cloud-based services have reported a significant increase in cyberattack activity since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. These risks, as well as the number and frequency of cybersecurity events globally, may also be heightened during times of geopolitical tension or instability between countries, including, for example, the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, from which a number of recent cybersecurity events have been alleged to have originated.

We store confidential company information and sensitive data, including personal information of our customers and employees, which may in turn contain third-party personal or other confidential information. If the security of this information is compromised or is otherwise accessed without authorization, our reputation may be harmed, and we may be exposed to liability and loss of business.

We may in some cases transmit or store personal and other confidential information of our partners, customers, and third parties (e.g. if the customer uses our products to create backups of their information) on storage space owned or provided by us. While we have in the past taken, and intend to take, steps to protect personal information and other confidential information that we have access to, including information we may obtain through our customer support services or customer usage of our products, we will not proactively monitor (or may not even be able to access) the content that our customers upload or process otherwise or the information provided to us through the use of our products and services. Therefore, we will not control the substance of the content on our storage space owned or provided by us, which may include personal or other confidential information.

We will also use third-party service providers and sub-processors to help us deliver services to our customers. Such service providers and sub-processors may store personal information and/or other confidential information. Such information may be the target of unauthorized access or subject to security breaches as a result of third-party action, employee error, malfeasance or otherwise. Many companies that provide these services have reported a significant increase in cyberattack activity since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Any of these could result in the loss of information, litigation, indemnity obligations, damage to our reputation and other liability or harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or sabotage systems change frequently and generally are not identified until they are launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. Even if such a data breach did not arise out of our action or inaction, or if it were to affect one or more of our competitors or customers’ competitors, rather than us, the resulting concern could negatively affect our customers and our business. Concerns regarding data privacy and security may cause some customers to stop using our products and services and fail to renew their subscriptions. In addition, failures to meet our customers’ expectations with respect to security and confidentiality of their data and information could damage our reputation and affect our ability to retain customers, attract new customers, and grow our business.

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Our potential failure to comply with legal or contractual requirements around the security of personal information could lead to significant fines and penalties, as well as claims by customers, affected data subjects, or other stakeholders. These proceedings or violations could force us to spend money in defense or settlement of these proceedings, result in the imposition of monetary liability or injunctive relief, divert management’s time and attention, increase our costs of doing business, and harm our reputation and the demand for our platform. If credit card information is stored in our systems or transmitted, stored or otherwise processed via our products and services and our security measures fail to protect credit card information adequately, we could be liable to our partners, the payment card associations, our customers or affected credit card holders. We could be subject to fines and face regulatory or other legal action, and our customers could end their relationships with us. The limitations of liability in our contracts may not be enforceable or adequate or would otherwise protect us from any such liabilities or damages with respect to any particular claim.

Insurers could deny coverage as to any future claim. We seek to cap the liability to which we are exposed in the event of losses or harm to our customers, including those resulting from security incidents, but we cannot be certain that we will obtain these caps or that these caps, if obtained, will be enforced in all instances. The successful assertion of one or more large claims against us, or changes in insurance policies, including premium increases or the imposition of large deductible or co-insurance requirements, could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Furthermore, the cybersecurity insurance we maintain may be inadequate or may not be available in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. In addition, our policy may not cover our remediation expenses or any claim against us for loss of data or other indirect or consequential damages. Defending any suit based on or related to any data loss or system disruption, regardless of its merit and available insurance coverage, could be costly and divert management’s attention.

We will also be subject to federal, state, and foreign laws regarding cybersecurity and the protection of data. Many jurisdictions have enacted laws requiring companies to notify individuals of security breaches involving certain types of personal information. Our agreements with certain customers and partners will require us to notify them of certain security incidents. Some jurisdictions and customers require us to safeguard personal information or confidential information using specific measures. If we fail to observe these requirements, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be harmed.

Successful cyberattacks or data breaches at other technology companies, service providers, retailers, and other participants within our industry, whether or not we are impacted, could lead to a general loss of customer confidence that could negatively affect us, including harming the market perception of the effectiveness of our security measures, which could result in reduced use of our products and services.

Our industry is prone to cyber-attacks by third parties seeking unauthorized access to our data or users' data or to disrupt our and our counterparts’ within the industry respective ability to provide service. Our products and services (and those of our partners and competitors within the industry) involve the collection, storage, processing, and transmission of a large amount of data. Any failure by those institutions and participants in our industry to prevent or mitigate security breaches and improper access to or disclosure of data or user data, including personal information, content, or payment information from users, or information from marketers, could result in the loss, modification, disclosure, destruction, or other misuse of such data, which could indirectly harm our business and reputation and diminish our competitive position within the market generally. In addition, computer malware, viruses, social engineering (such as spear phishing attacks), scraping, and general hacking continue to be prevalent in our industry, and while we anticipate that such events may occur on our systems in the future, the impact on those within our industry has already adversely impacted the market’s perception of the effectiveness of our and our partners’ security measures and countermeasures. Such breaches and attacks on our counterparts within the industry and within our market may cause, among other things, interruptions to the provision of service, degradation of the user experience, the loss of user confidence and trust in our products, or result in financial harm to us.

Risks Related to Intellectual Property

We will rely on third-party proprietary and open source software for our products and services. The inability to obtain third-party licenses for such software, obtain them on favorable terms, or adhere to the license terms for such software or any errors or failures caused by such software could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Some of our offerings will include software or other intellectual property licensed from third parties. It may be necessary in the future to renew licenses relating to various aspects of these applications or to seek new licenses for existing or new applications. Necessary licenses may not be available on acceptable terms or under open source licenses permitting redistribution in commercial offerings, if at all. The inability to obtain certain licenses or other rights or to obtain such licenses or rights on favorable terms could result in delays in product releases until equivalent technology can be identified, licensed or developed, if at all, and integrated into our products and services, which could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. Third parties may allege that additional licenses are required for our use of their software or intellectual property, which it may be unable to obtain on commercially reasonable terms or at all. The inclusion in our offerings of software or other intellectual property licensed from third parties on a non-exclusive basis could limit our ability to differentiate our offerings from those of our competitors. Failure to properly adhere to the license terms for software or other intellectual property might have negative effects, such as revocation of the license grant, penalties, added license fees or other liabilities. To the extent that our products and services depend upon the successful operation of third-party software, any undetected errors or defects in such third-party software could impair the functionality of our products and services, delay new feature introductions, result in a failure of products and services, and injure our reputation.

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A significant portion of our products will incorporate open source software, and we expect to incorporate open source software into other offerings or products in the future. Such open source software is generally licensed by its authors or other third parties under open source licenses. Little legal precedent governs the interpretation of these licenses; therefore, the potential impact of these terms on our business is unknown and may result in unanticipated obligations regarding our technologies. If a distributor of open source software were to allege that we had not complied with our license, we could be required to incur significant legal expenses. In addition, if the license terms for the open source code change we may be forced to re-engineer our software or incur additional costs. If we combine our proprietary software with open source software or utilizes open source software in a certain manner, under some open source licenses, we could be in breach of the license if we did not release the source code of our proprietary software. Releasing the source code could substantially help competitors develop products that are similar to or better than ours and could help malevolent actors detect security weaknesses to develop and deploy attacks, including malware, against our products and systems.

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, the value of our brands and other intangible assets may be diminished, and our business may be adversely affected.

We rely and expect to continue to rely on a combination of confidentiality, assignment, and license agreements with our employees, consultants, and third parties with whom we have relationships, as well as trademark, copyright, patent, trade secret, and domain name protection laws, to protect our proprietary rights. Third parties may knowingly or unknowingly infringe our proprietary rights, third parties may challenge proprietary rights held by us, and pending and future trademark and patent applications may not be approved. In addition, effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which we operate or intend to operate our business. In any or all of these cases, we may be required to expend significant time and expense in order to prevent infringement or to enforce our rights. Although we have generally taken measures to protect our proprietary rights, there can be no assurance that others will not offer products or concepts that are substantially similar to ours and compete with our business.

Our management has identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and we may identify additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, which may result in material misstatements of our financial statements or cause us to fail to meet our periodic reporting obligations.

As a public company, our management is required to maintain internal control over financial reporting and to report any material weaknessweaknesses in such internal control. Prior to the consummation of the Business Combination, we were a private company with limited accounting and financial reporting personnel and other resources with which to address our internal controls over financial reporting.

and procedures. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis. We determined that we had material weaknesses in internal control because we did not maintain effective controls related to: (i) the completeness and accuracy of financial accounting, reporting and disclosures, (ii) the identification, review and accounting for nonroutine transactions and/or events and (iii) segregation of duties with respect to the processing of financial transactions. With the oversight of senior management and our audit committee, we implemented actions under a remediation plan which include (A) the hiring of personnel with technical accounting and financial reporting experience to further bolster our ability to assess judgmental areas of accounting and provide an appropriate level of oversight of activities related to internal control over financial reporting and (B) the engagement of external consultants in the assistance of the evaluation of complex accounting matters. We are implementing additional actions under a remediation plan which include, but are not limited to, (I) the implementation of improved accounting and financial reporting procedures and controls to improve the completeness and accuracy of our financial accounting, reporting and disclosures and (II) the establishment of formalized internal controls to review and maintain segregation of duties between control operators. We have continued the implementation of this plan and believe the measures described above will remediate the material weaknesses identified and strengthen our internal control over financial reporting. We are committed to continuing to improve our internal control processes and will continue to diligently and vigorously review our financial reporting controls and procedures.

 

26

Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and prevent fraud. We

While we continue to evaluate stepsimplement our plan to remediate the material weakness. These remediation measures mayweaknesses described above, we cannot predict the success of such plan or the outcome of our assessment of these plans at this time. If our steps are insufficient to remediate the material weaknesses successfully and otherwise establish and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, the reliability of our financial reporting, investor confidence in us, and the value of our common stock could be time consumingmaterially and costly and there isadversely affected. We can give no assurance that the implementation of this plan will remediate these initiatives will ultimately have the intended effects.

If we identify any newdeficiencies in internal control or that additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting will not be identified in the future, any such newly identified material weaknessfuture. Our failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could limitresult in errors in our ability to prevent or detect a misstatement of our accounts or disclosuresfinancial statements that could result in a material misstatementrestatement of our annual or interim financial statements. In such case, we may be unablestatements, causing us 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 cannot assure you that the measures we have taken to date, or any measures we may take in the future, will be sufficient to avoid potential future material weaknesses.


Risks Related to Our Business and Corporate Structure

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 with no operating results. 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 with one or more target businesses. We may be unable to complete our initial business combination. If we fail to completemeet our initial business combination, we will never generate any operating revenues.

There are risks related to the software and internet technology industries to which we may be subject.

Business combinations with companies with operations in the software and internet technology industries entail special considerations and risks. If we are successful in completing a business combination with a target business with operations in the software and internet technology industries, we will be subject to, and possibly adversely affected by, the following risks, including but not limited to:reporting obligations.

 

______if we do not develop successful new products or improve existing ones, our business will suffer;

______we may invest in new lines of business that could fail to attract or retain users or generate revenue;

______we will face significant competition and if

As a public company, we are obligated to develop and maintain proper and effective internal control over financial reporting in order to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We may not able to maintain or improvecomplete our market share, our business could suffer;

______disruption or failureanalysis of our networks, systems, platform or technology that frustrate or thwartinternal control over financial reporting in a timely manner, these internal controls may not be determined to be effective, and our users’ ability to access our productsindependent registered public accounting firm may issue an adverse opinion, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and, services, may cause our users, advertisers, and partners to cut back on or stop using our products and services altogether, which could seriously harm our business;

______mobile malware, viruses, hacking and phishing attacks, spamming, and improper or illegal use of our products could seriously harm our business and reputation;

______if we are unable to successfully grow our user base and further monetize our products, our business will suffer;

______if we are unable to protect our intellectual property,as a result, the value of our brand and other intangible assets may be diminished, and our business may be seriously harmed;

common stock.

______we may be subject to regulatory investigations and proceedings in the future, which could cause us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices in a way that could seriously harm our business; and

______components used in our products may fail as a result of a manufacturing, design, or other defect over which we have no control, and render our devices inoperable.

 

AnyOur management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP. We are in the very early stages of the foregoing could have an adverse impact on our operations following a business combination. However, our efforts in identifying prospective target businesses will not be limitedcostly and challenging process of compiling the system and processing documentation necessary to perform the software and internet technology industries. Accordingly, if we acquire a target business in another industry, these risks will likely not affect us and we will be subject to other risks attendant with the specific industry in which we operate or target business which we acquire, none of which can be presently ascertained.


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

Since the net proceeds of our initial public offering and the sale of the placement units are intended to be used to complete an initial business combination with a target business that has not been identified, we may be deemed to be a “blank check” company under the United States securities laws. However, because we have net tangible assets in excess of $5,000,000, we are exempt from rules promulgated by the SEC to protect investors in blank check companies, such as Rule 419. Accordingly, investors are not afforded the benefits or protections of those rules. Among other things, this means that we have a longer period of time to complete our business combination than do companies subject to Rule 419. Moreover, if our initial public 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.

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

We are an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being requiredevaluation needed to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation(“SOX”). In addition to our remediation efforts described under the heading “our management has identified material weaknesses in our periodic reportsinternal control over financial reporting and proxywe may identify additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, which may result in material misstatements of our financial statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As a result, our stockholders may not have access to certain information they may deem important. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although circumstances couldor cause us to fail to meet our periodic reporting obligations,” we may need to undertake various costly and time-consuming actions, such as implementing new internal controls and procedures and hiring accounting or internal audit staff, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may not be able to complete our evaluation, testing and any required remediation in a timely manner. If we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, we could lose that status earlier, including ifinvestor confidence in the market valueaccuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which would cause the price of our common stock to decline, and we may be subject to investigation or sanctions by the SEC.

We may be required, pursuant to Section 404 of SOX, to furnish a report by management on, among other things, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 at the time we file our next Annual Report on Form 10-K. This assessment will need to include disclosure of any material weaknesses identified by our management in our internal control over financial reporting, including the existing material weakness, if not remediated. We are also required to disclose changes made in our internal control and procedures on a quarterly basis.

Additionally, the existence of any material weakness, including our existing material weaknesses identified by management previously, or significant deficiency requires management to devote significant time and incur significant expense to remediate any such material weaknesses or significant deficiencies and management may not be able to remediate any such material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in a timely manner. The existence of any material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting could also result in errors in our financial statements that could require us to restate our financial statements, cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and cause shareholders to lose confidence in our reported financial information, all of which could materially and adversely affect our business and stock price.

27

PART I

Items 1B, 2, 3, and 4

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

We and our subsidiaries are obligated under various non-cancelable operating leases for office space. The initial terms of the leases expire on various dates through 2030. As of December 31, 2022, we had approximately 244,725 square feet of leased office space across the United States, Australia, China, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

The table below shows a summary of the square footage of our office and other facilities owned and leased domestically and internationally as of December 31, 2022:

(Square feet in thousands)
LocationOwnedLeasedTotal
U.S.  — 53.7 53.7
International  16.4 191.0 207.4
Total  16.4 244.7 261.1

Our Principal Offices

Our principal corporate headquarters are located in Jersey City, New Jersey, United States, and consist of approximately 15,467 square feet under a lease that expires in 2030. Our principal operating offices are located in Richmond, Virginia, United States, where we lease approximately 11,965 square feet under a lease that expires in 2027.

Use of Facilities

We use our principal corporate headquarters primarily for our executive management, information technology, human resources, and marketing, as well as for certain of data privacy and security teams. We use our principal operating headquarters for our finance, accounting, legal, general administration, certain information technology, support, data privacy and security, and sales teams. Our other facilities across the globe are used for some or all of the aforementioned operating purposes, as well as for research and development, customer support, data storage, accounts receivable and payable, and other administrative and operational purposes.

Additional Space

We believe that our current facilities are adequate to meet our needs for the immediate future and that suitable additional space will be available to accommodate any expansion of our operations as needed.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the normal course of our business, we may be involved in various claims, negotiations, and legal actions. Except for such claims that arise in the normal course of business, as of and for the fiscal quarter and the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, we are not a party to any material asserted, ongoing, threatened, or pending claims, suits, assessments, proceedings, or other litigation for which a material claim is reasonably possible, probable, or estimable.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

28

PART II

Item 5

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

Market Information

Our common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (the “Nasdaq”) under the symbol “AVPT,” and our public warrants began trading on the Nasdaq under the symbol “AVPTW” on July 2, 2021. Prior to the consummation of the Apex Business Combination on July 1, 2021, Apex Units, Apex Public Shares, and Apex Public Warrants were each traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “APXTU,” “APXT,” and “APXTW,” respectively. Apex Units commenced public trading on September 17, 2019, and Apex’s Public Shares and Public Warrants commenced separate public trading on November 5, 2019. In connection with the closing of the Apex Business Combination, each Apex Unit was separated into its components, which consisted of one share of Class A common stock and one-half of one warrant, and such Units no longer exist. As of December 31, 2022, there were 189,467,338 shares of our common stock, including treasury shares, issued and outstanding held of record by 27 holders, and 17,905,000 warrants outstanding held of record by two holders.

Current Stockholder and Common Stock Information

On March 31, 2023, just prior to the date of this Annual Report, there were 191,399,177 shares of common stock issued and outstanding held of record by twenty-seven holders, and 17,905,000 warrants outstanding held of record by two holders. This figure does not include a substantially greater number of beneficial holders of our common stock and public warrants whose shares (or warrants to purchase shares) are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700banks, brokers, and other financial institutions.

Dividend Policy

We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business and, therefore, we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends is at the discretion of our Board, subject to compliance with covenants in current and future agreements governing our and our subsidiaries’ indebtedness, and will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, and other factors that our Board may deem relevant. Except as noted in “Item 7.Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” below, there are currently no contractual restrictions on our ability to pay dividends in cash or shares.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

See “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” (Part III, Item 12 of this Annual Report) and “Note16 — Stock-Based Compensation” (Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report) for more information.

29

PART II

Items 5 and 6

Issuer Purchaser of Equity Securities

On March 17, 2022, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program (the “Share Repurchase Program”) for us to buy back shares of our common stock. Under the Share Repurchase Program, we have the authority to buy up to a maximum of $150 million of our common stock shares via acquisitions in the open market or privately negotiated transactions. The Share Repurchase Program will remain open for a period of three years from the date of authorization. Purchases made pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program will be conducted in compliance with Exchange Act Rule 10b-18 (or pursuant to a plan implemented in response to Exchange Act Rule 10b5-1(c) for parties that frequently have access to material nonpublic information, such as our executive officers and directors) and all other applicable legal, regulatory, and internal policy requirements, including our Insider Trading Policy. We are not obligated to make purchases of, nor are we obligated to acquire any June 30 beforeparticular amount of, common stock under the Share Purchase Program. The Share Repurchase Program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

The following table presents information with respect to common stock shares repurchased under the Share Repurchase Program during the period from October 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022:

PeriodTotal number of shares purchased(1)Average price paid per share(2)Cumulative number of shares purchasedMaximum remaining dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the Share Repurchase Program(3)
October 1, 2022 - October 31, 2022NilNil3,970,037$130,445,253
November 1, 2022 - November 30, 2022NilNil3,970,037$130,445,253
December 1, 2022 - December 31, 202276,149$4.88924,046,186$130,072,946

(1) All shares reported herein were purchased pursuant to the publicly announced Share Repurchase Program.

(2) Average price paid per share includes costs associated with the repurchases.

(3) The maximum remaining dollar value of shares that time,may yet be purchased under the Share Repurchase Program is reduced by the aggregate price paid for share purchases in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the following December 31. We cannot predict whether investors will find our securities less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our securities less attractiveaddition to any fees, commissions, or other costs that may arise as a result of the purchases.

ITEM 6. RESERVED

30

PART II

Item 7

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows of our relianceCompany as of and for the periods presented below. The MD&A should be read in conjunctionwith the other sections of this Form 10-K, including our audited, consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, and the discussion of risk factors that may affect future results in Item 1.A. Risk Factors.

2022 Business Highlights

Total ARR increased 27% year-over-year to $201.7 million as of December 31, 2022. On an FX adjusted basis, total ARR increased 32% year-over-year;

Total revenue increased 21% year-over-year to $232.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. On a constant currency basis, total revenue increased 29% year-over-year;
SaaS revenue increased 37% year-over-year to $117.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. On a constant currency basis, SaaS revenue increased 46% year-over-year;
Completed the acquisition of four companies during 2022, further enhancing the Company's talent, product offerings, and distribution capabilities with a strong focus in the digital workplace and EdTech markets; and

Announced a 100 million SGD international research and development hub in Singapore to support the growing demand for our SaaS solutions.

Overview

AvePoint provides a cloud-native platform that organizations rely on to optimize IT operations, manage critical data and secure the digital workplace. As companies around the world embrace the new normal of hybrid work, they must build and deliver a new, seamless workplace experience for knowledge workers, centered around an extensive portfolio of SaaS solutions and productivity applications aimed at improving collaboration across the organization.

The adoption of this portfolio of solutions – what has been generally described as the “digital transformation” – is a substantial and ongoing challenge for most organizations, which for decades had previously relied upon only a small number of multi-purpose on-premises applications to drive business outcomes. However, to build and deliver an efficient digital workplace today, companies must address this abundance of applications and the associated explosive growth and sprawl of data with a platform offering that is well governed, fit for purpose, easy to use and built on automation.

AvePoint’s Confidence Platform empowers organizations – of all sizes, in all regions, and across all industries – to optimize and secure the solutions that most commonly establish and underpin the digital workplace. As our customers seek to rapidly reduce costs, improve productivity and make more informed business decisions, they depend on our platform for data-driven insights, critical business intelligence and ongoing operational value through automation.

The 2021 Business Combination

On November 23, 2020, Legacy AvePoint and the members of the Apex Group entered into the Business Combination Agreement, and following a series of subsequent mergers, on July 26, 2021, we became the successor to an SEC-registered and Nasdaq-listed company.

31

PART II

Item 7

Key Business Metrics

Our management reviews the following key business metrics to measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, formulate business plans, make strategic decisions, and effectively allocate resources. We disclose key business metrics within the MD&A and elsewhere in this Annual Report to enable investors to evaluate progress against our growth strategies, provide transparency into performance trends, and reflect the continued evolution of our products and services. Our key business metrics are fundamentally interconnected and indicative of how customers use our products and services. However, increases or decreases in our key business metrics may not correspond with increases or decreases in our revenue.

The chart below illustrates certain of our key business metrics, each described in more detail below, as of the end of or for the periods presented. Our key business metrics are further discussed in the section titled “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” (Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report).

  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 

Total ARR ($ in mil)

 $201.7  $159.2 

Core TTM dollar-based net retention rate (1)

  105%  110%

(1) On an FX adjusted basis, Core TTM dollar-based net retention rate was 108% and 109% for 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Annual Recurring Revenue

We calculate annual recurring revenue (“ARR”) at the end of a particular period as the annualized sum of contractually obligated Annual Contract Value (“ACV”) from SaaS, term license and support, and maintenance revenue sources, with the exception of migration products, from all active customers.

As of December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021, total ARR was $201.7 million and $159.2 million, respectively, representing growth of 27%. Growth in ARR is driven by both new business and the expansion of existing business.

ARR should be viewed independently of revenue and deferred revenue and is not intended to be combined with, or to replace, either of those items. ARR is not a forecast and the active contracts at the end of a reporting period used in calculating ARR may or may not be extended or renewed by our customers.

Beginning in 2023, the Company will include migration products in the calculation of ARR. For 2022 and 2021, ARR from these exemptions,products totaled $13.0 million and $8.0 million, respectively.

Core TTM Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate

We use a TTM dollar-based net retention rate to evaluate our ability to expand our revenue with our Core customer base, which are those with a contract duration exceeding three months.

Core TTM Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate” as of a period end is calculated by starting with the tradingARR from the cohort of all Core customers as of 12 months prior to such period end (the “Prior Period ARR”). We then calculate the ARR from these same Core customers as of the current period end (the “Current Period ARR”). Current Period ARR includes any expansion and is net of contraction or attrition over the last 12 months but excludes ARR from new customers in the current period. We then divide the total Current Period ARR by the total Prior Period ARR to arrive at the Core TTM Dollar-Based Net Retention Rate.

Beginning in 2023, the Company plans to report this metric for its entire base of customers. For 2022 and 2021, this metric was 103% and 110%, respectively.

32

PART II

Item 7

Components of Results of Operations

Revenue

We generate revenue from four primary sources: SaaS, term license and support, services, and maintenance.

SaaS revenue sources are generated from our cloud-based solutions. Term license and support revenue sources are generated from the sales of on-premises or hybrid licenses which include a distinct support component. Both SaaS and term license and support revenue sources are primarily billed annually. SaaS and term license and support are generally sold per user license or based upon the amount of data protected.

Services revenue includes revenue generated from implementation, training, consulting, migration, license customization and managed services. These revenues are recognized by applying a measure of progress, such as labor hours, to determine the percentage of completion of each contract. These offerings are not inherently recurring in nature and as such are subject to more period-to-period volatility than other elements of our business. Services revenue from managed services are recognized ratably or on a straight-line basis over the contract term.

Maintenance revenue is a result of selling ongoing support for perpetual licenses. It also includes recurring professional services such as Technical Account Management. Maintenance revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the maintenance agreement, which is typically one year.

We expect SaaS revenue will continue to increase as a percentage of total revenue, as our focus on increasing revenues from this offering remains a strategic priority.

Cost of Revenue

Cost of SaaS and cost of term license and support consists of all direct costs to deliver and support our SaaS and term license and support products, including salaries, benefits and related expenses, allocated overhead, and third-party hosting fees related to our cloud services. We recognize these expenses as they are incurred. We expect that these costs will increase in absolute dollars but may fluctuate as a percentage of SaaS and term license and support revenue from period to period.

Cost of maintenance consists of all direct costs to support our perpetual license products, including salaries, benefits, stock-based compensation and related expenses and allocated overhead. We recognize these expenses as they are incurred. We expect that cost of maintenance will decrease in absolute dollars as maintenance revenue declines but may fluctuate as a percentage of maintenance revenue.

Cost of services consists of salaries, benefits, stock-based compensation and related expenses for our services organization, allocated overhead and IT necessary to provide services for our customers. We recognize these expenses as they are incurred.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

Gross profit is revenue less cost of revenue, and gross margin is gross profit as a percentage of revenue.

Gross profit has been and will continue to be affected by various factors, including the mix of our revenue, the costs associated with third-party cloud-based hosting services for our cloud-based subscriptions, and the extent to which we expand our customer support and services organizations. We expect that our gross margin will fluctuate from period to period depending on the interplay of these various factors but should increase in the long term as SaaS revenue continues to increase as a percentage of total revenue.

Sales and Marketing

Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of personnel-related expenses for sales, marketing and customer success personnel, stock-based compensation expense, sales commissions, marketing programs, travel-related expenses, and allocated overhead costs. We focus our sales and marketing efforts on creating sales leads and establishing and promoting our brand. Incremental sales commissions for new customer contracts are deferred and amortized ratably over the estimated period of our relationship with such customers. We plan to continue our investment in sales and marketing by hiring additional sales and marketing personnel, executing our go-to-market strategy globally, and building our brand awareness.

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel-related expenses for finance, legal and compliance, human resources, and IT personnel, as well as, stock-based compensation expense, external professional services, allocated overhead costs and other administrative functions. Our general and administrative expenses have increased as a result of operating as a public company, including costs to comply with the rules and regulations applicable to companies listed on a national securities exchange, costs related to compliance and reporting obligations pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, and increased expenses for insurance, investor relations, and professional services.

Research and Development

Research and development expenses consist primarily of personnel-related expenses incurred for our engineering and product and design teams, as well as stock-based compensation expense and allocated overhead costs. We have a research and development presence in the United States, China, Singapore and Vietnam. This provides a strategic advantage, allowing us to invest efficiently in both new product development and increasing our existing product capabilities. We believe delivering expanding product functionality is critical to enhancing the success of existing customers while new product development further reinforces our breadth of software solutions.

Other Income (Expense), net

Other income (expense), net consists primarily of fair value adjustments on earn-out and warrant liabilities and realized gain/loss for securities. Other income (expense), net also consists of foreign currency remeasurement gains/losses and interest income on corporate funds invested in money market instruments and highly liquid short-term investments.

Income Taxes

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. (federal and state) and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Tax laws, regulations, administrative practices, principles, and interpretations in various jurisdictions may be subject to significant change, with or without notice, due to economic, political, and other conditions. The foreign jurisdictions in which we operate have different statutory tax rates than those of the United States. Accordingly, our effective tax rate could be affected by the relative proportion of foreign to domestic income, use of foreign tax credits, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, applicability of any valuation allowances, and changes in tax laws in jurisdictions in which we operate.

33

PART II

Item 7

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes our historical consolidated statement of operations data for the periods indicated. The period-to-period comparison of operating results is not necessarily indicative of results for future periods.

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Total revenue

 $232,339  $191,909 

Total cost of revenue(1)

  65,123   52,664 

Gross profit

  167,216   139,245 

Operating expenses:

        

Sales and marketing(1)

  109,805   100,512 

General and administrative(1)

  64,874   59,221 

Research and development(1)

  30,519   31,765 

Depreciation and amortization

  3,084   1,238 

Total operating expenses

  208,282   192,736 

Loss from operations

  (41,066)  (53,491)

Other income (expense), net

  7,416   20,703 

Loss before income taxes

  (33,650)  (32,788)

Income tax expense

  5,038   457 

Net loss

 $(38,688) $(33,245)

(1)

Stock-based compensation for the periods was included in the following line items:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Cost of revenue

 $2,640  $3,477 

Sales and marketing

  11,393   15,906 

General and administrative

  19,398   24,063 

Research and development

  3,787   16,062 

Total stock-based compensation

 $37,218  $59,508 

34

PART II

Item 7

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021

Revenue

The components of AvePoint's revenue during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

  

Year Ended

         
  

December 31,

  

Change

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

Amount

  

%

 
  

(in thousands, except percentages)

 

Revenue:

                

SaaS

 $117,180  $85,580  $31,600   36.9%

Term license and support

  57,214   50,970   6,244   12.3%

Services

  41,283   31,919   9,364   29.3%

Maintenance

  15,868   21,022   (5,154)  (24.5)%

Perpetual license

  794   2,418   (1,624)  (67.2)%

Total revenue

 $232,339  $191,909  $40,430   21.1%

Total revenue increased 21.1% to $232.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily as a result of an increase in SaaS revenue. SaaS revenue growth comprised approximately 78% of the net increase year over year. For the year ended December 31, 2022, SaaS revenue increased 36.9% to $117.2 million, as we continued to see strong customer demand for these and our term license and services offerings.

The increases were partially offset by a decrease in maintenance revenue, which decreased 24.5% to $15.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Our revenue from perpetual license and maintenance offerings is expected to continue declining as we shift away from the sale of perpetual licenses and towards SaaS licenses. Without material perpetual license sales, there will be limited opportunities to sell maintenance contracts to new customers. Existing maintenance customers have transitioned and will continue to transition to SaaS and term licenses, which will continue the decline in maintenance revenue.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, total revenue increased 29% year over year on a constant currency basis. Within total revenue, SaaS revenue increased 46% year over year on a constant currency basis.

Revenue by geographic area during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:

  

Year Ended

         
  

December 31,

  

Change

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

Amount

  

%

 
  

(in thousands, except percentages)

 

North America

 $102,025  $83,034  $18,991   22.9%

EMEA

  71,635   58,285   13,350   22.9%

APAC

  58,679   50,590   8,089   16.0%

Total

 $232,339  $191,909  $40,430   21.1%

From the year ended December 31, 2021 to the year ended December 31, 2022, North America revenues increased by $19.0 million, driven by a $21.1 million increase in SaaS, term license and support, and services revenues, partially offset by a $2.1 million decrease in maintenance and perpetual license revenue. EMEA revenues increased by $13.4 million, driven by an $15.6 million increase in SaaS, term license and support, and services revenue, partially offset by a $2.2 million decrease in maintenance and perpetual license revenue. APAC revenues increased by $8.1 million, driven by a $10.6 million increase in SaaS, term license and support, and services revenue, partially offset by a $2.5 million decrease in maintenance and perpetual license revenue.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, North America total revenue increased 23% on a constant currency basis, EMEA total revenue increased 38% on a constant currency basis, and APAC total revenue increased 28% on a constant currency basis. For the year ended December 31, 2022, North America SaaS revenue increased 39% on a constant currency basis, EMEA SaaS revenue increased 48% on a constant currency basis, and APAC SaaS revenue increased 57% on a constant currency basis.

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PART II

Item 7

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to our financial results determined in accordance with GAAP, we disclosed non-GAAP cost of revenue, non-GAAP sales and marketing expense, non-GAAP general and administrative expense, non-GAAP research and development expense, non-GAAP operating income and non-GAAP operating margin.

We believe these non-GAAP measures aid investors by providing additional insight into our operational performance and help clarify trends affecting our business. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to understand and compare operating results across accounting periods, for internal budgeting and forecasting purposes, and to evaluate financial performance.

Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to operating income, operating margin or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP as measures of performance. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.

Cost of Revenue, Gross Profit, and Gross Margin

Cost of revenue, gross profit, and gross margin during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

  

Year Ended

         
  

December 31,

  

Change

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

Amount

  

%

 
  

(in thousands, except percentages)

 

Cost of revenue:

                

SaaS

 $26,617  $19,039  $7,578   39.8%

Term license and support

  1,969   950   1,019   107.3%

Services

  35,629   30,726   4,903   16.0%

Maintenance

  908   1,949   (1,041)  (53.4)%

Total cost of revenue

 $65,123  $52,664  $12,459   23.7%

Gross profit

  167,216   139,245   27,971   20.1%

Gross margin

  72.0%  72.6%      
            

GAAP cost of revenue

 $65,123  $52,664  $12,459   23.7%

Stock-based compensation expense

  (2,640)  (3,477)  837   (24.1)%

Non-GAAP cost of revenue

 $62,483  $49,187  $13,296   27.0%

Non-GAAP gross profit

  169,856   142,722   27,134   19.0%

Non-GAAP gross margin

  73.1%  74.4%      

Cost of revenue expenses increased 23.7% to $65.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, driven by an $8.8 million increase from higher aggregated hosting costs resulting from increased SaaS revenue and a $4.9 million increase in personnel costs primarily due to higher headcount. Within personnel costs, a one-time expense of $0.2 million was associated with the Company's reduction in workforce announced in December of 2022, primarily related to severance and compensation benefits.

36

Operating Expenses

Sales and Marketing

Sales and marketing expenses during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

  

Year Ended

         
  

December 31,

  

Change

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

Amount

  

%

 
  

(in thousands, except percentages)

 

Sales and marketing

 $109,805  $100,512  $9,293   9.2%

Percentage of revenue

  47.3%  52.4%      
            

GAAP sales and marketing

 $109,805  $100,512  $9,293   9.2%

Stock-based compensation expense

  (11,393)  (15,906)  4,513   (28.4)%

Non-GAAP sales and marketing

 $98,412  $84,606  $13,806   16.3%

Non-GAAP percentage of revenue

  42.4%  44.1%      

Sales and marketing expenses increased 9.2% to $109.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to an increase of $10.0 million in personnel costs from higher headcount as well as increasing employee compensation which includes commissions, and also from a $1.2 million increase in travel costs, which have risen as business shifts to a more normalized pre-pandemic state. Within personnel costs, a one-time expense of $1.9 million was associated with the Company's reduction in workforce announced in December of 2022, primarily related to severance and compensation benefits.

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

  

Year Ended

         
  

December 31,

  

Change

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

Amount

  

%

 
  

(in thousands, except percentages)

 

General and administrative

 $64,874  $59,221  $5,653   9.5%

Percentage of revenue

  27.9%  30.9%      
            

GAAP general and administrative

 $64,874  $59,221  $5,653   9.5%

Stock-based compensation expense

  (19,398)  (24,063)  4,665   (19.4)%

Non-GAAP general and administrative

 $45,476  $35,158  $10,318   29.3%

Non-GAAP percentage of revenue

  19.6%  18.3%      

General and administrative expenses increased 9.5% to $64.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.

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PART II

Item 7

The year over year increase was partially due to an increase of $4.8 million in personnel costs as a result of increased headcount and overall costs to support the growth in our business. Within personnel costs, a one-time expense of $0.5 million was associated with the Company's reduction in workforce announced in December of 2022, primarily related to severance and compensation benefits. Of the remaining increase, professional services increased $1.4 million primarily due to increased legal fees relating to acquisitions.

Research and Development

Research and development expenses during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

  

Year Ended

         
  

December 31,

  

Change

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

Amount

  

%

 
  

(in thousands, except percentages)

 

Research and development

 $30,519  $31,765  $(1,246)  (3.9)%

Percentage of revenue

  13.1%  16.6%     

 

            

GAAP research and development

 $30,519  $31,765  $(1,246)  (3.9)%

Stock-based compensation expense

  (3,787)  (16,062)  12,275   (76.4)%

Non-GAAP research and development

 $26,732  $15,703  $11,029   70.2%

Non-GAAP percentage of revenue

  11.5%  8.2%      

Research and development expenses decreased 3.9% to $30.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Stock-based compensation contributed a decrease of $12.3 million year over year, primarily as a result of a one-time compensation expense related to existing stock-based compensation awards to a group of AvePoint's international employees. The primary driver of the offsetting increase resulted from $8.9 million higher compensation costs for research and development personnel as the Company seeks to expand development of new offerings and improvements to existing offerings. Within personnel costs, a one-time expense of $0.5 million was associated with the Company's reduction in workforce announced in December of 2022, primarily related to severance and compensation benefits.

Income Tax Provision

Income tax provision during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:

  

Year Ended

         
  

December 31,

  

Change

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

Amount

  

%

 
  

(in thousands, except percentages)

 

Income tax expense

 $5,038  $457  $4,581   1,002.4%

Our income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $5.0 million as compared to $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The effective tax rate, which equals the income tax provision divided by income from continuing operations, was (15.0)% for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to (1.4)% for the year ended December 31, 2021. The change in effective tax rates for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, was primarily due to the mix of pre-tax income (loss) results by jurisdictions taxed at different rates than 21%, a permanent item recorded for the executive compensation limitation and changes in the valuation allowance in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions.

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PART II

Item 7

Non-GAAP Operating Income and Non-GAAP Operating Margin

Non-GAAP operating income and non-GAAP operating margin are non-GAAP financial measures that our management uses to assess our overall performance. We define non-GAAP operating income as GAAP operating income plus stock-based compensation and the amortization of acquired intangible assets. We define non-GAAP operating margin as non-GAAP operating income divided by revenue. We believe non-GAAP operating income and non-GAAP operating margin provide our management and investors consistency and comparability with our past financial performance and facilitate period-to-period comparisons of operations, as these metrics eliminate the effects of stock-based compensation, which has had historical volatility from period to period due to marked-to-market securities, and of acquired intangible assets, which are unrelated to current operations and are neither comparable to the prior period nor predictive of future results. The elimination of the effect of variability caused by stock-based compensation expense and the amortization of acquired intangible assets, both of which are non-cash expenses, provides a better representation as to the overall operating performance of the company. We use non-GAAP financial measures (a) to evaluate our historical and prospective financial performance and trends as well as our performance relative to our peers, (b) to set and approve spending budgets, (c) to allocate resources, (d) to measure operational profitability and the accuracy of forecasting, and (e) to assess financial discipline over operational expenditures.

GAAP operating margin for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was (17.7)% and (27.9)% respectively. Non-GAAP operating margin for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was (1.2)% and 3.1%, respectively. The reduction in non-GAAP operating margin was primarily attributable to higher personnel costs across the organization, increased Azure costs to support the growth in SaaS revenue, returning to a more normalized post-COVID travel routine and the full-year inclusion of expenses related to becoming a publicly traded company. The following table presents a reconciliation of non-GAAP operating income from the most comparable GAAP measure, operating income, for the periods presented:

  

Year Ended

 
  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  (in thousands, except percentages) 

GAAP operating loss

 $(41,066) $(53,491)

GAAP operating margin

  (17.7)%  (27.9)%

Add:

        

Stock-based compensation

  37,218   59,508 

Amortization of acquired intangible assets

  955    

Non-GAAP operating (loss) income

 $(2,893) $6,017 

Non-GAAP operating margin

  (1.2)%  3.1%

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2022, we had an accumulated deficit of $416.9 million, $227.2 million in cash and cash equivalents and $2.6 million in short-term investments.

Our short-term liquidity needs primarily include working capital for sales and marketing, research and development, and continued innovation. Our long-term capital requirements will depend on many factors, including our growth rate, levels of revenue, the expansion of sales and marketing activities, market acceptance of our platform, the results of business initiatives, and the timing of new product introductions. Refer to “Note 13 - Commitments and Contingencies” for more information regarding the purchase commitments.

We also maintain a loan and security agreement with HSBC Venture Bank USA, Inc. (“HSBC”) as lender for a revolving line of credit of up to $30.0 million, with an additional $20.0 million accordion feature for additional capital we may draw at our request. Borrowings under the line bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.5%. The line carries an annual unused fee of 0.5%. The line will mature on April 7, 2023. We are required to maintain a specified adjusted quick ratio and a minimum annual recurring revenue tested by HSBC each quarter. We pledged, assigned and granted the HSBC a security interest in all shares, future proceeds and assets (except for excluded assets, including material intellectual property) as a security for the performance of the loan and security agreement obligations. As of December 31, 2022, we are compliant with all covenants under the line and had no borrowings outstanding under the line of credit.

We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, our cash flows from operating activities, and our borrowing capacity under our credit facility with HSBC, described below, will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure needs and debt service obligations for at least the next twelve months. In the future, we may attempt to raise additional capital through the sale of additional equity or debt financing. The sale of additional equity would be dilutive to our stockholders. Additional debt financing could result in increased debt service obligations and more restrictive financial and operational covenants.

Cash Flows

The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated.

  

Year Ended

 
  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  (in thousands) 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 $(774) $5,030 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (21,452)  (3,377)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  (17,148)  198,617

 

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PART II

Item 7

OperatingActivities
Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $0.8 million, reflecting our net loss of $38.7 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $46.2 million and net cash outflows of $8.3 million from changes in our operating assets and liabilities. The main considerations for non-cash items were stock-based compensation, which reflects ongoing compensation charges for the entity’s equity- and pre-merger liability-classified awards, operating lease right-of-use asset expense and mark to market adjustments on earnout and warrant liabilities. The main considerations of changes in operating assets and liabilities that resulted in cash outflows related to an increase in deferred contract costs and operating lease liabilities. This was partially offset by cash inflows related to an increase in deferred revenue that is partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable as a result of the business growth, and an increase in accrued expenses primarily due to personnel related expenses.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2021, was  $5.0 million, reflecting our net loss of $33.2 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $39.9 million and net cash outflows of $1.6 million from changes in our operating assets and liabilities. The primary drivers for non-cash items were stock-based compensation, which reflects ongoing compensation charges for the entity’s equity- and pre-merger liability-classified awards, mark to market adjustments on earnout and warrant liabilities and changes in deferred tax assets as a result of timing differences in tax related to stock option awards. The primary drivers of changes in operating assets and liabilities related to an increase in accounts receivable due primarily to timing of payments from customers and an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets primarily related to prepaid insurance in Q3 2021 and an estimated tax payment in Q2 2021, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses primarily due to billings related to professional services and an increase in deferred revenue due to continued increases in sales of our SaaS offerings which result in increased up-front payments.
Investing Activities
Net cash  used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $21.5 million, consisting of $18.6 million in acquisitions and $3.9 million of purchases of property and equipment, as well as $183.5 million in maturities of short-term investments and $180.9 million in the purchase of investments.
Net cash  used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021, was $3.4 mill ion, consisting of $2.5 million of purchases of property and equipment and $1.4 million of purchases of short-term investments.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $17.1 million. The primary driver of cash flows from financing activities was due to $19.9 million in purchases of common stock, partially offset by $2.8 million of proceeds from the exercising of stock options.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021, was  $198.6 million. The primary driver of cash flows from financing activities was a result of the Apex Business Combination, which resulted in a $441.6 million cash inflow, net of issuance costs paid immediately prior to the merger, partially offset by $130.9 million of cash outflows to Legacy AvePoint's preferred stockholders and $106.2 million of cash outflows to Legacy AvePoint's common stockholders. Other cash flows from financing activities included $7.5 million of cash outflows to holders of Legacy AvePoint options, $3.0 million of cash outflows for Apex Business Combination transaction costs paid directly by us, and $1.6 million of cash outflows related to Legacy AvePoint's purchase of pre-Apex Business Combination Apex shares, which are now recorded as treasury stock. These cash outflows were partially offset by $5.6 million of cash inflows from the proceeds collected upon exercise of stock options.

40

PART II

Item 7

Indebtedness

Credit Facility

We maintain a line of credit under a Loan Agreement, as amended (the “Amended Loan Agreement”) with HSBC, as the lender. See “Note 10 Line of Credit” in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report.

The Amended Loan Agreement provides for a revolving line of credit of up to $30.0 million, with an additional $20.0 million accordion feature for additional capital we may draw at our request. Borrowings under the line bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.5%. The line carries an unused fee of 0.5% per year. Any proceeds of borrowings under the Amended Loan Agreement will be used for general corporate purposes.

On a consolidated basis with our subsidiaries, we are required to maintain a specified adjusted quick ratio, tested by HSBC each quarter. Pursuant to the Amended Loan Agreement, we pledged, assigned, and granted HSBC a security interest in all shares of our subsidiaries, future proceeds, and certain assets as security for our obligations under the Amended Loan Agreement. Our line of credit under the Amended Loan Agreement will mature on April 7, 2023.

To date, we are in compliance with all covenants under the Amended Loan Agreement. We have not at any time, including as of and for the fiscal year ending as of December 31, 2022, borrowed under the Amended Loan Agreement. The description of the Amended Loan Agreement is qualified in its entirety by the full text of such agreement, a copy of which is attached as an exhibit to our Annual Report.

Leasing Obligations

We are obligated under various non-cancelable operating leases for office space. The initial terms of the leases expire on various dates through 2030. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, total rent expense for facilities amounted to $6.8 million and $6.4 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, letters of credit have been issued in the amount of $0.9 million as security for operating leases. The letters of credit are secured by certificates of deposit.

Operating Segment Information

We operate in one segment. Our products and services are sold throughout the world, through direct and indirect sales channels. Our chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) is our Chief Executive Officer. The CODM makes operating performance assessment and resource allocation decisions on a global basis. The CODM does not receive discrete financial information about asset allocation, expense allocation, or profitability by product or geography. See “Note 18  Segment Information” (Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report) for more information.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We also make estimates and assumptions on the reported revenue generated and reported expenses incurred during the reporting periods. Our estimates are based on our historical experience and on various other factors that our management believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

While our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in the section titled “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” (Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report), we believe the following critical accounting policies are most important to understanding and evaluating our reported financial results.

41

PART II

Item 7

Revenue Recognition

We derive revenue from four primary sources: SaaS, term license and support, services, and maintenance. Many of our contracts with customers include multiple performance obligations. Judgment is required in determining whether each performance obligation is distinct. Our products and services generally do not require a significant amount of integration or interdependency; therefore, our products and services are generally not combined. We allocate the transaction price for each contract to each performance obligation based on the relative standalone selling price (“SSP”) for each performance obligation within each contract.

We use judgment in determining the SSP for products and services. For substantially all performance obligations except term licenses, we are able to establish the SSP based on the observable prices of our securities may be lower than they otherwise would be, there may be a less active trading marketproducts or services sold separately in comparable circumstances to similar customers. We typically establish an SSP range for our securitiesproducts and services which is reassessed on a periodic basis or when facts and circumstances change. Term licenses are sold only as a bundled arrangement that includes the rights to a term license and support. In determining the SSP of license and support in a term license arrangement, we apply observable inputs using the value relationship between support and term license, the value relationship between support and perpetual licenses, the average economic life of our products, software renewals rates and the trading pricesprice of the bundled arrangement in relation to the perpetual licensing approach. Using a combination of the relative fair value method or the residual value method, the SSP of the performance obligations in an arrangement is allocated to each performance obligation within a sales arrangement.

Company Earn-Out Shares
In evaluation of the Company Earn-Out Shares and Company Earn-Out RSUs, management determined that the Company Earn-Out Shares represent derivatives to be marked to market at each reporting period, while the Company Earn-Out RSUs represent equity under ASC 718. Refer to "Note 16 — Stock-Based Compensation" for more information regarding the Company Earn-Out RSUs.

In order to capture the market conditions associated with the Company Earn-Out Shares, the Company applied an approach that incorporated a Monte Carlo simulation, which involved random iterations that took different future price paths over the Sponsor Earn-Out Shares’ contractual life based on the appropriate probability distributions. The fair value was determined by taking the average of the fair values under each Monte Carlo simulation trial. The Monte Carlo model requires highly subjective assumptions including the expected volatility of the price of our securities may be more volatile.common stock, and the expected term of the earn-out shares.

 

Further, Economic Conditions, Challenges, and Risks

The markets for software and cloud-based services are dynamic and highly competitive. Our competitors are developing new software while also deploying competing cloud-based services for consumers and businesses. Customer preferences evolve rapidly, and choices in hardware, products, and devices can and do influence how users access services in the cloud, and in some cases, the user’s choice of which suite of cloud-based services to use. We must continue to evolve and adapt to keep pace with this changing environment. The investments we are making in infrastructure, research and development, marketing, and geographic expansion will continue to increase our operating costs and may decrease our operating margins.

Our success is highly dependent on our ability to attract and retain qualified employees. We hire a mix of university and industry talent worldwide. We compete for talented individuals globally by offering an exceptional working environment, broad customer reach, scale in resources, the ability to grow one’s career across many different products and businesses, and competitive compensation and benefits. Aggregate demand for our software, services, and devices is correlated to global macroeconomic and geopolitical factors, which remain dynamic. In 2022, Russia initiated significant military action against Ukraine. In response, the U.S. and certain other countries imposed significant sanctions and export controls against Russia, Belarus and certain individuals and entities connected to Russian or Belarusian political, business, and financial organizations, and the U.S. and certain other countries could impose further sanctions, trade restrictions, and other retaliatory actions should the conflict continue or worsen. It is not possible to predict the broader consequences of the conflict, including related geopolitical tensions, and the measures and retaliatory actions taken by the U.S. and other countries in respect thereof as well as any counter measures or retaliatory actions by Russia or Belarus in response, including, for example, potential cyberattacks or the disruption of energy exports, is likely to cause regional instability, geopolitical shifts, and could materially adversely affect global trade, currency exchange rates, regional economies and the global economy. The situation remains uncertain, and while it is difficult to predict the impact of any of the foregoing, the conflict and actions taken in response to the conflict could increase our costs, disrupt our supply chain, reduce our sales and earnings, impair our ability to raise additional capital when needed on acceptable terms, if at all, or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

42

PART II

Item 7

Our international operations provide a significant portion of our total revenue and expenses. Many of these revenue and expenses are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. As a result, changes in foreign exchange rates may significantly affect revenue and expenses. Refer to the section titled “Risk Factors” (Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report) for a discussion of these factors and other risks.

Seasonality

Our quarterly revenue fluctuates and does not necessarily grow sequentially when measuring any one fiscal quarter’s revenue with another (e.g. comparing the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal year 2021 with the first fiscal quarter of fiscal year 2022). Historically, our third and fourth quarters have been our highest revenue quarters, however those results are not necessarily indicative of future quarterly revenue or full year results. Higher third and fourth quarter revenue is driven primarily by increased sales resulting from our customers’ fiscal year ends. Additionally, new product and service introductions (including the timing of those introductions) can significantly impact revenue. Revenue can also be affected when customers anticipate a product introduction. Our operating expenses have generally increased sequentially due to increases in personnel in connection with the expansion of our business.

Emerging Growth Company Accounting Election

Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can electchoose not to opt outtake advantage of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies, butand any such an election to opt outnot take advantage of the extended transition period 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, aswill be 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 comparisonleast until June 30, 2023. As a result, we have elected to avail ourselves of our financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period and will take advantage of the benefits of the extended transition period emerging growth company status permits. During the extended transition period, it may be difficult or impossible to compare our financial results with the financial results of another public company that complies with public company effective dates for accounting standard updates because of the potential differences in accountantaccounting standards used.

 

IfWe will remain an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act until the earliest of (a) December 31, 2024, (b) the last date of our fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion, (c) the date on which we are deemed to be an investment companya “large accelerated filer” 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 in securities and that our activities do not include investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading “investment securities” constituting more than 40% of our total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. Our business will be to identify and complete an initial 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 principal activities 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 180 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 trust account is intended as a holding place for funds pending the earliest to occur of: (i) the completion of our initial business combination; (ii) the redemption of any public shares properly submitted in connection with a stockholder vote to amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (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 September 19, 2021 or (B) with respect to any other provision relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity; or (iii) absent an initial business combination by September 19, 2021, our return of the funds held in the trust account to our public stockholders 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 an initial business combination or may result in our liquidation. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share on the liquidation of our trust account and our warrants will expire worthless.

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

Our initial stockholders may exert a substantial influence on actions requiring a stockholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do not support.

Our initial stockholders own shares representing approximately 21.5% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock (including the placement shares). Accordingly, they may exert a substantial influence on actions requiring a stockholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do not support, including amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and approval of major corporate transactions. If our initial stockholders purchase any additional shares of common stock in the aftermarket or in privately negotiated transactions, this would increase their control. Factors that would be considered in making such additional purchases would include consideration of the current trading price of our Class A common stock. In addition, our board of directors, whose members were elected by our initial stockholders, is divided into three classes, each of which generally serves for a term of three years with only one class of directors being elected in each year. As a consequence of our “staggered” board of directors, not all directors will be considered for election at our annual meetings of stockholders prior to the consummation of our initial business combination and our initial stockholders, because of their ownership position, will have considerable influence regarding the outcome. Accordingly, our initial stockholders will continue to exert control at least until the completion of our initial business combination.


Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and Delaware law may inhibit a takeover of us, which could limit the price investors might be willing to pay in the future for our Class A common stock and could entrench management.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation contains provisions that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposals that stockholders 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 are also subject to anti-takeover provisions under Delaware law, which could delay or prevent a change of control. Together these provisions 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.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in our name, actions against our directors, officers, other employees or stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar actions may be brought only in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware and, if brought outside of Delaware, the stockholder bringing the suit will be deemed to have consented to service of process on such stockholder’s counsel, which may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors, officers, other employees or stockholders.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in our name, actions against our directors, officers, other employees or stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar actions may be brought only in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware and, if brought outside of Delaware, the stockholder bringing the suit will be deemed to have consented to service of process on such stockholder’s counsel except any action (A) as to which the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery within ten days following such determination), (B) which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery, (C) for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction, or (D) any action arising under the Securities Act, as to which the Court of Chancery and the federal district court for the District of Delaware shall have concurrent jurisdiction. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the forum provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or any of our directors, officers, other employees or stockholders, which may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims, although our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the exclusive forum provision will be applicable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. 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. As a result, the exclusive forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.

Risks Related to Our Initial Business Combination

If the AvePoint Business Combination is not consummated, our public stockholders may not be afforded an opportunity to vote on our proposed initial business combination, which means we may complete our initial business combination even if a majority of our public stockholders do not support such a combination.

If the AvePoint Business Combination is not consummated and we seek to enter into a business combination with other target companies, we may choose not to hold a stockholder vote to approve our initial business combination unless the initial business combination would require stockholder approval under applicable law or stock exchange listing requirements or if we decide to hold a stockholder vote for business or other legal reasons. Except as required by law, the decision as to whether we will seek stockholder approval of a proposed initial business combination or will allow stockholders to sell their shares to us in a tender offer will be made by us, solely in our discretion, and will be based on a variety of factors, such as the timing of the transaction and whether the terms of the transaction would otherwise require us to seek stockholder approval. Accordingly, we may complete our initial business combination even if holders of a majority of our public shares do not approve of the initial business combination we complete.


If we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination, after approval of our board, our initial stockholders have agreed to vote in favor of such initial business combination, regardless of how our public stockholders vote.

Pursuant to the letter agreement, our sponsor, officers and directors have agreed to vote their founder shares and placement shares, as well as any public shares purchased after our initial public offering (including in open market and privately negotiated transactions), in favor of our initial business combination. As a result, in addition to our initial stockholders’ founder shares and placement shares, we would need only 12,720,001, or 36.3%, of the 35,000,000 public shares sold in our initial public offering to be voted in favor of an initial business combination (assuming all outstanding shares are voted) in order to have our initial business combination approved. Our initial stockholders own shares representing approximately 21.5% of our outstanding shares of common stock. Accordingly, if we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination, after approval of our board, the agreement by our initial stockholders to vote in favor of our initial business combination will increase the likelihood that we will receive the requisite stockholder approval for such initial business combination.

Your only opportunity to affect the investment decision regarding a potential business combination will be limited to the exercise of your right to redeem your shares from us for cash, unless we seek stockholder approval of the initial business combination.

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. Although we are seeking stockholder approval of the AvePoint Business Combination, if such transaction is not consummated and we seek to enter into a business combination with other target companies, our Board of Directors may complete such business combination without seeking stockholder approval. Under such circumstances, public stockholders may not have the right or opportunity to vote on the initial business combination, unless we seek such stockholder vote. Accordingly, if we do not seek stockholder approval, your only opportunity to affect the investment decision regarding a potential 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 stockholders in which we describe our initial business combination.

The ability of our public stockholders 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 an initial business combination with a target.

We may seek to enter into an initial business combination agreement with a prospective target that requires as a closing condition that we have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash. In particular, the Business Combination Agreement provides for an aggregate cash consideration of $300 million in cash, including funds in the trust account and from any equity financing as a closing condition for the AvePoint Business Combination, and we may have to satisfy a higher minimum cash closing condition if the AvePoint Business Combination is not consummated and we seek to enter into a business combination with other target companies. Under those circumstances, if too many public stockholders exercise their redemption rights, we would not be able to meet such closing condition and, as a result, would not be able to proceed with the initial business combination. Furthermore, we will only redeem our public shares so long as (after such redemption) our net tangible assets will be at least $5,000,001 either immediately prior to or upon consummation of our initial business combination and after payment of underwriters’ fees and commissions (so that we are not subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules) or any greater net tangible asset or cash requirement which may be contained in the agreement relating to our initial business combination. 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 closing condition, each 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 an initial business combination with us.

The ability of our public stockholders 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.

At the time we enter into an agreement for our initial business combination (including the Business Combination Agreement), we will not know how many stockholders may exercise their redemption rights, and therefore will need to structure the transaction based on our expectations as 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, we may need to restructure the transaction to reserve a greater portion of the cash 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, this dilution would increase to the extent that the anti-dilution provision of the Class B common stock result in the issuance of Class A shares on a greater than one-to-one basis upon conversion of the Class B common stock at the time of our business combination. The above considerations may limit our ability to complete the most desirable business combination available to us or optimize our capital structure. 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 stockholders who properly exercise their redemption rights will not be reduced by the deferred underwriting commission and after such redemptions, the per-share value of shares held by non-redeeming stockholders will reflect our obligation to pay the deferred underwriting commissions.


The ability of our public stockholders 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 stock.

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 stock in the open market; however, at such time our stock 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 our redemption until we liquidate or you are able to sell your stock in the open market.

The requirement that we complete our initial business combination within the prescribed time frame may give potential target businesses leverage over us in negotiating an initial business combination and may decrease our ability to conduct due diligence on potential business combination targets as we approach our dissolution deadline, which could undermine our ability to complete our initial business combination on terms that would produce value for our stockholders.

Any potential target business with which we enter into negotiations concerning an initial business combination will be aware that we must complete our initial business combination by September 19, 2021. Consequently, such target business may obtain leverage over us in negotiating an initial business combination, knowing that if we do not complete our initial business combination with that particular target business, we may be unable to complete our initial business combination with any target business. This risk will increase as we get closer to the timeframe described above. In addition, we may have limited time to conduct due diligence and may enter into our initial business combination on terms that we would have rejected upon a more comprehensive investigation.

We may not be able to complete our initial business combination within the prescribed time frame, in which case we would cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up and we would redeem our public shares and liquidate, in which case our public stockholders may only receive $10.00 per share, or less than such amount in certain circumstances, and our warrants will expire worthless.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we must complete our initial business combination by September 19, 2021. We may not be able to complete the AvePoint Business Combination or find another suitable target business and complete our initial business combination by such date. If we have not completed our initial business combination by such date, 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 to pay our taxes (less 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 stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining stockholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) above to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. In such case, our public stockholders may only receive $10.00 per share, and our warrants will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, our public stockholders may receive less than $10.00 per share on the redemption of their shares.

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

If we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination (such as the AvePoint 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 or a combination thereof 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. 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 a purchase may include a contractual acknowledgement that such stockholder, although still the record holder of our shares is no longer the beneficial owner thereof and therefore agrees not to exercise its redemption rights. In the event that our sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions from public stockholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights, such selling stockholders would be required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their shares. The purpose of such purchases could be to vote such shares in favor of the initial business combination and thereby increase the likelihood of obtaining stockholder approval of the initial 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 warrant holders 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 common stock or public warrants and the number of beneficial holders of our securities may be reduced, possibly making it difficult to maintain the quotation, listing or trading of our securities on a national securities exchange.

If a stockholder 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 tendering its shares, such shares may not be redeemed.

We will comply with the tender offer rules or proxy rules, as applicable, when conducting redemptions in connection with our initial business combination. Despite our compliance with these rules, if a stockholder fails to receive our tender offer or proxy materials, as applicable, such stockholder 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 redeem public shares. For example, we may require our public stockholders seeking to exercise their redemption rights, whether they are record holders or hold their shares in “street name,” to either tender their certificates to our transfer agent prior to the date set forth in the tender offer documents mailed to such holders, or up to two business days prior to the vote on the proposal to approve the initial business combination in the event we distribute proxy materials, or to deliver their shares to the transfer agent electronically. In the event that a stockholder fails to comply with these or any other procedures, its shares may not be redeemed.

If we seek stockholder 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 stockholders are deemed to hold 15% or more of our Class A common stock, you will lose the ability to redeem all such shares in excess of 15% of our Class A common stock.

If we seek stockholder 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 certificate of incorporation provides that a public stockholder, together with any affiliate of such stockholder or any other person with whom such stockholder is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act), will be restricted from seeking redemption rights with respect to an aggregate of 15% or more of the shares sold in our initial public offering without our prior consent, which we refer to as the “Excess Shares.” However, we would not be restricting our stockholders’ 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 15% and, in order to dispose of such shares, would be required to sell your stock 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 stockholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share on our redemption of our public shares, or less than such amount in certain circumstances, and our warrants will expire worthless.

We have encountered and expect to continue to encounter intense competition from other entities having a business objective similar to ours, including private investors (which may be individuals or investment partnerships), other blank check companies and other entities competing for the types of businesses we intend to acquire. Many of these individuals and entities are well-established and have extensive experience in identifying and effecting, directly or indirectly, acquisitions of companies operating in or providing services to various industries. Many of these competitors possess greater technical, human and other resources or more industry knowledge than we do, and our financial resources are relatively limited when contrasted with those of many of these competitors. While we believe there are numerous target businesses we could potentially acquire with the net proceeds of our initial public offering and the sale of the placement units, our ability to compete with respect to the acquisition of certain target businesses that are sizable is limited by our available financial resources. This inherent competitive limitation gives others an advantage in pursuing the acquisition of certain target businesses. Furthermore, because we are obligated to pay cash for the shares of Class A common stock which our public stockholders redeem in connection with our initial business combination, target companies will be aware that this may reduce the resources available to us for our initial business combination. This may place us at a competitive disadvantage in successfully negotiating an initial business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share on the liquidation of our trust account and our warrants will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, our public stockholders may receive less than $10.00 per share upon our liquidation.


If the net proceeds of our initial public offering and the sale of the placement units not being held in the trust account are insufficient to allow us to operate until September 19, 2021, we may be unable to complete our initial business combination, in which case our public stockholders may only receive $10.00 per share, or less than such amount in certain circumstances, and our warrants will expire worthless.

The funds available to us outside of the trust account may not be sufficient to allow us to operate until September 19, 2021, assuming that our initial business combination is not completed during that time. We believe that the funds available to us outside of the trust account as of December 31, 2020 of $197,628 are sufficient to allow us to operate until September 19, 2021; however, we cannot assure you that our estimate is accurate. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share on the liquidation of our trust account and our warrants will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, our public stockholders may receive less than $10.00 per share upon our liquidation.

If the net proceeds of our initial public offering and the sale of the placement units not being held in the trust account are insufficient, 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 for an initial business combination, to pay our taxes and to complete our initial business combination. If we are unable to obtain these loans, we may be unable to complete our initial business combination.

Of the net proceeds of our initial public offering and the sale of the placement units, only approximately $197,628 (as of December 31, 2020) will be available to us outside the trust account to fund our working capital requirements. 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 in addition to the $0 loans outstanding as of December 31, 2020 or may be forced to liquidate. None of our sponsor, members of our management team nor any of their affiliates is under any obligation to advance additional funds to us in such circumstances. Any such additional 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 units, at a price of $10.00 per unit at the option of the lender, upon consummation of our initial business combination. The units would be identical to the placement units. 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 obtain these loans, we may be unable to complete our initial business combination. 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 stockholders may only receive approximately $10.00 per share on our redemption of our public shares, and our warrants will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, our public stockholders may receive less than $10.00 per share on the redemption of their shares.

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

Even if we conduct extensive due diligence on a target business with which we combine, we cannot assure you that this diligence will surface all material issues that may be present inside 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. Although these charges may be non-cash items and not have an immediate impact on our liquidity, the fact that we report charges of this nature could contribute to negative market perceptions about us or our securities. In addition, charges of this nature may cause us to violate net worth or other covenants to which we may be subject as a result of assuming pre-existing debt held by a target business or by virtue of our obtaining debt financing to partially finance the initial business combination. Accordingly, any stockholders who choose to remain stockholders following the initial business combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their shares. Such stockholders 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 initial business combination constituted an actionable material misstatement or omission.


The grant of registration rights to our initial stockholders, as well as sellers and investors in connection with our initial business combination, may make it more difficult to complete our initial business combination, and the future exercise of such rights may adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock.

Pursuant to an agreement entered into concurrently with the issuance and sale of the securities in our initial public offering, our initial stockholders and their permitted transferees can demand that we register the placement warrants, the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the placement warrants, the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of the founder shares, the shares of Class A common stock included in the placement units and holders of unit that may be issued upon conversion of working capital loans may demand that we register such Class A common stock, warrants or the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of such units and warrants. In connection with the closing of the AvePoint Business Combination, that agreement will be amended and restated, and the combined company, our sponsor, Cantor and certain stockholders of the combined company will enter into an amended and restated registration rights agreement (the ��Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the combined company will agree that, within 15 business days after the closing of the AvePoint Business Combination, the combined company will be required to file a resale registration statement, which registers for resale certain securities of the combined company held by our sponsor, the subscribers in the Private Placements and holders of our warrants. The combined company will be required to use commercially reasonable efforts to have such resale registration statement declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof. Additionally, each of (i) certain entities affiliated with Sixth Street and (ii) the other Key Company Stockholders (as defined in the AvePoint Business Combination Agreement), may demand registration of their registrable securities by the combined company up to twice a year. Each such group of demanding holders may request to sell all or any portion of their registrable securities in an underwritten offering as long as the total offering price is expected to exceed, in the aggregate, $10 million. Parties subject to the Registration Rights Agreement will be entitled to unlimited piggyback registration rights.

We will bear the cost of registering these securities. The registration and availability of such a significant number of securities for trading in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our Class A common stock.

Because we are neither limited to evaluating a target business in a particular industry sector, you will be unable to ascertain the merits or risks of any particular target business’s operations.

We will seek to complete an initial business combination with companies in the technology industry but may also pursue other business combination opportunities, except that we are not, under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, permitted to effectuate our initial business combination with another blank check company or similar company with nominal operations. Because we have not yet selected or approached 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, we 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 will adversely impact a target business. We also cannot assure you that an investment in our units will ultimately prove to be more favorable to investors than a direct investment, if such opportunity were available, in a business combination target. Accordingly, any stockholders who choose to remain stockholders following our initial business combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their securities. Such stockholders 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.

If the AvePoint Business Combination is not consummated, we may seek business combination opportunities in industries or sectors which may or may not be outside of our management’s area of expertise.

As of March 8, 2021, we have been focusing on business combination opportunities with software and internet technology companies. Even if the AvePoint Business Combination is not consummated, we intend to continue to focus on identifying business combination opportunities with software and internet technology companies. However, we will consider an initial business combination outside of our management’s area of expertise if an initial business combination candidate is presented to us and we determine that such candidate offers an attractive business combination opportunity for our company or we are unable to identify a suitable candidate in this sector after having expanded a reasonable amount of time and effort in an attempt to do so. 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, especially risks in connection with target businesses in industries outside of our management’s area of expertise. We also cannot assure you that an investment in our securities will not ultimately prove to be less favorable to investors than a direct investment, if an opportunity were available, in an initial 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 herein 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 adequately ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors. Accordingly, any stockholders who choose to remain stockholders following our initial business combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their shares. Such stockholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value.

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, such as AvePoint, with which we enter into our initial business combination will not have all of these 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 stockholders may exercise their redemption rights, which may make it difficult for us to meet any closing condition with a target business that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash. In addition, if stockholder approval of the transaction is required by law, or we decide to obtain stockholder approval for business or other legal reasons, it may be more difficult for us to attain stockholder approval of our initial business combination if the target business does not meet our general criteria and guidelines. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share on the liquidation of our trust account and our warrants will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, our public stockholders may receive less than $10.00 per share on the redemption of their shares.

We may seek business combination opportunities with a financially unstable business or an entity lacking an established record of revenue, cash flow or earnings, which could subject us to volatile revenues, cash flows or earnings or difficulty in retaining key personnel.

To the extent we complete our initial business combination with a financially unstable business or an entity lacking an established record of revenues or earnings, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the operations of the business with which we combine. These risks include volatile revenues or earnings and difficulties in obtaining and retaining key personnel. Although our officers and directors will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, we may not be able to properly ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors and we may not have adequate time to complete due diligence. Furthermore, some of these risks may be outside of our control and leave us with no ability to control or reduce the chances that those risks will adversely impact a target business.

We are not required to obtain a fairness opinion and consequently, you may have no assurance from an independent source that the price we are paying for the business is fair to our company from a financial point of view.

Unless we complete our initial business combination with an affiliated entity or our board cannot independently determine the fair market value of the target business or businesses, we are not required to obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions that the price we are paying is fair to our company from a financial point of view. If no opinion is obtained, our stockholders will be relying on the judgment of our board of directors, who will determine fair market value based on standards generally accepted by the financial community. Such standards used will be disclosed in our proxy materials or tender offer documents, as applicable, related to our initial business combination.

We may issue additional common stock or preferred stock to complete our initial business combination or under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial business combination. We may also issue shares of Class A common stock upon the conversion of the Class B common stock 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 in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Any such issuances would dilute the interest of our stockholders and likely present other risks.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 100,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 10,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share. As of December 31, 2020, there are 46,285,000 and 1,250,000 authorized but unissued shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, respectively, available for issuance, which amount takes into account the shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding warrants but not the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of Class B common stock. There are currently no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding. Shares of Class B common stock are convertible into shares of our Class A common stock initially at a one-for-one ratio but subject to adjustment as set forth herein, including in certain circumstances in which we issue Class A common stock or equity-linked securities related to our initial business combination.


We may issue a substantial number of additional shares of common or preferred stock to complete our initial business combination or under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial business combination (although our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we may not issue securities that can vote with common stockholders on matters related to our pre-initial business combination activity). We may also issue shares of Class A common stock upon conversion of the Class B common stock 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 in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. However, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides, among other things, that prior to our initial business combination, we may not issue additional shares of capital stock that would entitle the holders thereof to (i) receive funds from the trust account or (ii) vote on any initial business combination. These provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, like all provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, may be amended with the approval of our stockholders. However, our executive 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 certificate of incorporation (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 September 19, 2021 or (B) with respect to any other provision relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity, unless we provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their shares of common stock 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 (which interest shall be net of taxes payable), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares.

The issuance of additional shares of common or preferred stock:

______may significantly dilute the equity interest of investors;

______may subordinate the rights of holders of common stock if preferred stock is issued with rights senior to those afforded our common stock;

______could cause a change of control if a substantial number of shares of our common stock 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 common stock and/or warrants.

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 stockholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share, or less than such amount in certain circumstances, on the liquidation of our trust account 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 stockholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share on the liquidation of our trust account and our warrants will expire worthless. In certain circumstances, our public stockholders may receive less than $10.00 per share on the redemption of their shares.

Our ability to successfully effect our initial business combination and to be successful thereafter will be totally 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, may not presently be ascertained. Although some of our key personnel may remain with the target business in senior management positions, directorships, or advisory roles 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 employ 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. In addition, the officers and directors of an initial business combination candidate may resign upon completion of our initial business combination. The departure of an initial business combination target’s key personnel could negatively impact the operations and profitability of our post-combination business. The role of an initial business combination candidate’s key personnel upon the completion of our initial business combination cannot be ascertained at this time. Although we contemplate that certain members of an initial business combination candidate’s management team will remain associated with the initial business combination candidate following our initial business combination, it is possible that members of the management of an initial business combination candidate will not wish to remain in place. The loss of key personnel could negatively impact the operations and profitability of our post-combination business.


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

Our key personnel may be able to remain with the company after the completion of our initial business combination only if they are able to negotiate employment or consulting agreements in connection with the initial business combination. Such negotiations would take place simultaneously with the negotiation of the initial 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 initial business combination. The personal and financial interests of such individuals may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business. However, we believe the ability of such individuals to remain with us after the completion of our initial business combination will not be the determining factor in our decision as to whether or not we will proceed with any potential business combination. There is no certainty, however, that any of our key personnel will remain with us after the completion of our initial business combination. We cannot assure you that any of our key personnel will remain in senior management or advisory positions with us. The determination as to whether any of our key personnel will remain with us will be made at the time of our initial business combination.

We may have a limited ability to assess the management of a prospective target business and, as a result, may effect our initial business combination with a target business whose management may not have the skills, qualifications or abilities to manage a public company, which could, in turn, negatively impact the value of our stockholders’ investment in us.

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’s management, therefore, may prove to be incorrect and such management may lack the skills, qualifications or abilities we suspected. Should the target’s management not possess the skills, qualifications or abilities necessary to manage a public company, the operations and profitability of the post-combination business may be negatively impacted. Accordingly, any stockholders who choose to remain stockholders following the initial business combination could suffer a reduction in the value of their shares. Such stockholders are unlikely to have a remedy for such reduction in value.

Our officers and directors 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 do not, commit their full time to our affairs, which may result in a conflict of interest in allocating their time between our operations and our search for an initial 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 may also serve as officers or 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.

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

Until we consummate our initial business combination, we will continue to engage in the business of identifying and combining with one or more businesses. Our sponsor and officers and directors are, and may in the future become, affiliated with entities (such as operating companies or investment vehicles) that are engaged in a similar business, although they may not become an officer or director of, any other special purpose acquisition companies with a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act until we have entered into a definitive agreement regarding our initial business combination or we have liquidated the trust account.

Our officers and directors also may become aware of business opportunities which may be appropriate for presentation to us and the other entities to which they owe certain fiduciary or contractual duties.

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. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides 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 our company and such opportunity is one we are legally and contractually permitted to undertake and would otherwise be reasonable for us to pursue, and to the extent the director or officer is permitted to refer that opportunity to us without violating another legal obligation.


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 an initial business combination with a target business that is affiliated with our sponsor, our directors or officers, although we do not intend to do so. We do not 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.

We may engage in an initial 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 or directors. Our directors also serve as officers and board members for other entities. Such entities may compete with us for business combination opportunities. Despite our agreement to obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that is a member of FINRA or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions, regarding the fairness to our stockholders from a financial point of view of an initial business combination with one or more businesses affiliated with our officers, directors or existing holders, potential conflicts of interest still may exist and, as a result, the terms of the initial business combination may not be as advantageous to our public stockholders 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, a conflict of interest may arise in determining whether a particular business combination target is appropriate for our initial business combination.

In June 2019, our sponsor purchased an aggregate of 7,187,500 founder shares for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.004 per share. In August and September 2019, we effected a 1.1 for 1 stock dividend and a 1.109091 for 1 stock dividend, respectively, for each share of Class B common stock outstanding, resulting in our sponsor holding an aggregate of 8,768,750 founder shares. Because the underwriters of our initial public offering did not exercise their over-allotment option in full, 18,750 of such shares were forfeited in September 2019. The founder shares will be worthless if we do not complete an initial business combination.

Our sponsor and Cantor purchased an aggregate of 810,000 placement units at a price of $10.00 per unit (657,500 placement units by our sponsor and 152,500 placement units by Cantor), for an aggregate purchase price of $8,100,000. Each placement unit consists of one share of Class A common stock and one-half of one warrant. Each whole warrant is exercisable to purchase one whole share of common stock at $11.50 per share. These securities will also be worthless if we do not complete an initial business combination. Holders of founder shares have agreed (A) to vote any shares owned by them in favor of any proposed initial business combination and (B) not to redeem any founder shares in connection with a stockholder vote to approve a proposed initial business combination. In addition, we may obtain loans from our sponsor, affiliates of our sponsor or an officer or director.

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.

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

Although we have no commitments As of March 8, 2021 to issue any notes or other debt securities, or to otherwise incur outstanding debt, we may choose to incur substantial debt to complete our initial business combination. We 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 common stock;

______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 common stock if declared, our ability to pay expenses, make capital expenditures and acquisitions, and fund 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;

______limitations on our ability to borrow additional amounts for expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, and execution of our strategy; 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 our initial public offering, the sale of the placement units, which will cause us to be solely dependent on a single business which may have a limited number of services and limited operating activities. This lack of diversification may negatively impact our operating results and profitability.

Of the net proceeds from our initial public offering and the sale of the placement units, $351,809,163 is available to complete our initial business combination and pay related fees and expenses (which includes up to $13,150,000 for the payment of deferred underwriting commissions). In addition, in connection with the AvePoint Business Combination, we entered into subscription agreements with certain accredited investors, pursuant to which we have agreed to issue and sell to such investors an aggregate of 14,000,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $10.00 per share in a private placement transaction.

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, 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. In addition, we intend to focus our search for an initial business combination in 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 on 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. We do not, however, intend to purchase multiple businesses in unrelated industries in conjunction with 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 an initial business combination with a company that is not as profitable as we suspected, if at all.

In pursuing our initial 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 an initial business combination with a company that is not as profitable as we suspected, if at all.

Our management may not be able to maintain control of a target business after our initial business combination.

We may structure an initial business combination so that the post-transaction company in which our public stockholders 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 interest 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% or more of the voting securities of the target, our stockholders prior to the initial business combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post business combination company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the initial business combination. For example, we could pursue a transaction in which we issue a substantial number of new shares of Class A common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding capital stock of a target. In this case, we would acquire a 100% interest in the target. However, as a result of the issuance of a substantial number of new shares of common stock, our stockholders immediately prior to such transaction could own less than a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock subsequent to such transaction. In addition, other minority stockholders may subsequently combine their holdings resulting in a single person or group obtaining a larger share of the company’s stock than we initially acquired. Accordingly, this may make it more likely that our management will not be able to maintain our control of the target business. We cannot provide assurance that, upon loss of control of a target business, new management will possess the skills, qualifications or abilities necessary to profitably operate such business.

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

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation does not provide a specified maximum redemption threshold, except we will only redeem our public shares so long as (after such redemption) our net tangible assets will be at least $5,000,001 either immediately prior to or upon consummation of our initial business combination and after payment of underwriters’ fees and commissions (such that we are not subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules) or any greater net tangible asset or cash requirement which may be contained in the agreement relating to our initial business combination. As a result, we may be able to complete our initial business combination even if a substantial majority of our public stockholders do not agree with the transaction and have redeemed their shares or, if we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination 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 their affiliates. In the event the aggregate cash consideration we would be required to pay for all shares of Class A common stock that are validly submitted for redemption plus any amount required to satisfy cash conditions pursuant to the terms of the proposed initial business combination exceed the aggregate amount of cash available to us, we will not complete the initial business combination or redeem any shares, all shares of Class A common stock submitted for redemption will be returned to the holders thereof, and we instead may search for an alternate business combination.

In order to effectuate an initial business combination, blank check 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 certificate of incorporation or governing instruments in a manner that will make it easier for us to complete our initial business combination that our stockholders may not support.

In order to effectuate an initial business combination, blank check companies have, in the recent past, amended various provisions of their charters and modified governing instruments, including their warrant agreements. For example, blank check 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 certificate of incorporation will require the approval of holders of 65% of our common stock, and amending our warrant agreement will require a vote of holders of at least a majority of the public warrants (which may include public warrants acquired by our sponsor or its affiliates in our initial public offering or thereafter in the open market). In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires us to provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their public shares for cash if we propose an amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (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 September 19, 2021 or (B) with respect to any other provision relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity.


The provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that relate to our pre-business combination activity (and corresponding provisions of the agreement governing the release of funds from our trust account), including an amendment to permit us to withdraw funds from the trust account such that the per share amount investors will receive upon any redemption or liquidation is substantially reduced or eliminated, may be amended with the approval of holders of 65% of our common stock, which is a lower amendment threshold than that of some other blank check companies. It may be easier for us, therefore, to amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the trust agreement to facilitate the completion of an initial business combination that some of our stockholders may not support.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that any of its provisions related to pre-initial business combination activity (including the requirement to deposit proceeds of our initial public 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 stockholders as described herein and including to permit us to withdraw funds from the trust account such that the per share amount investors will receive upon any redemption or liquidation is substantially reduced or eliminated) may be amended if approved by holders of 65% of our common stock entitled to vote thereon, 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 common stock entitled to vote thereon. In all other instances, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation may be amended by holders of a majority of our outstanding common stock entitled to vote thereon, subject to applicable provisions of the DGCL or applicable stock exchange rules. We may not issue additional securities that can vote on amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Our initial stockholders, who will collectively beneficially own approximately 21.5% of our common stock, will participate in any vote to amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation 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 certificate of incorporation which govern our pre-initial business combination behavior more easily than some other blank check companies, and this may increase our ability to complete an initial business combination with which you do not agree. Our stockholders may pursue remedies against us for any breach of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation.

Our sponsor, officers and directors have agreed, pursuant to a written agreement with us, that they will not propose any amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (i) 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 September 19, 2021 or (ii) with respect to any other provision relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity, unless we provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their shares of Class A common stock 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, net of taxes payable, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares. These agreements are contained in a letter agreement that we have entered into with our sponsor, officers and directors. Our stockholders 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 or directors for any breach of these agreements. As a result, in the event of a breach, our stockholders would need to pursue a stockholder derivative action, subject to applicable law.

We may be unable to obtain additional financing to complete our initial business combination or to fund the operations and growth of a target business, which could compel us to restructure or abandon a particular business combination.

We intend to target businesses larger than we could acquire with the net proceeds of our initial public offering and the sale of the placement units. As a result, 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, the amount of additional financing we may be required to obtain could increase as a result of future growth capital needs for any particular transaction, the depletion of the available net proceeds in search of a target business, the obligation to repurchase for cash a significant number of shares from stockholders who elect redemption in connection with our initial business combination and/or the terms of negotiated transactions to purchase shares in connection with our initial business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may receive only approximately $10.00 per share plus any pro rata interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us to pay our taxes on the liquidation of our trust account 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 stockholders is required to provide any financing to us in connection with or after our initial business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination, our public stockholders may only receive approximately $10.00 per share on the liquidation of our trust account, and our warrants will expire worthless.


Our sponsor paid an aggregate of $25,000 for the founder shares, or approximately $0.003 per founder share. As a result of this low initial price, our sponsor, its affiliates and our management team and advisors stand to make a substantial profit even if an initial business combination subsequently declines in value or is unprofitable for our public stockholders.

As a result of the low acquisition cost of our founder shares, our sponsor, its affiliates and our management team and advisors could make a substantial profit even if we select and consummate an initial business combination with an acquisition target that subsequently declines in value or is unprofitable for our public stockholders. Thus, such parties may have more of an economic incentive for us to enter into an initial business combination with a riskier, weaker-performing or financially unstable business, or an entity lacking an established record of revenues or earnings, than would be the case if such parties had paid the full offering price for their founder shares.

Unlike many other similarly structured blank check companies, our initial stockholders will receive additional shares of Class A common stock if we issue shares to consummate an initial business combination.

The founder shares will automatically convert into Class A common stock at the time of our initial business combination, on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment as provided herein. In the case that additional shares of Class A common stock, or equity-linked securities convertible or exercisable for Class A common stock, are issued or deemed issued in excess of the amounts offered in our initial public offering and related to the closing of the initial business combination, the ratio at which founder shares shall convert into Class A common stock will be adjusted so that the number of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of all founder shares will equal, in the aggregate, on an as-converted basis, 20% of the total number of all outstanding shares of common stock upon completion of the initial business combination, excluding the placement shares and any shares or equity-linked securities issued, or to be issued, to any seller in the business combination and any private placement-equivalent warrants issued to our sponsor or its affiliates upon conversion of loans made to us. This is different from most other similarly structured blank check companies in which the initial stockholder will only be issued an aggregate of 20% of the total number of shares to be outstanding prior to the initial business combination. Additionally, the aforementioned adjustment will not take into account any shares of Class A common stock redeemed in connection with the business combination. Accordingly, the holders of the founder shares could receive additional shares of Class A common stock even if the additional shares of Class A common stock, or equity-linked securities convertible or exercisable for Class A common stock, are issued or deemed issued solely to replace those shares that were redeemed in connection with the business combination. The foregoing may make it more difficult and expensive for us to consummate an initial business combination.

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

We issued warrants to purchase 17,500,000 shares of our Class A common stock as part of the units offered in our initial public offering and, simultaneously with the closing of our initial public offering, we issued an aggregate of 405,000 placement warrants. Our initial stockholders currently own an aggregate of 8,750,000 founder shares. The founder shares are convertible into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment as set forth herein. In addition, if our sponsor makes any working capital loans, up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into units, at a price of $10.00 per unit at the option of the lender, upon consummation of our initial business combination. The units would be identical to the placement units. To the extent we issue shares of Class A common stock to effectuate an initial business combination, the potential for the issuance of a substantial number of additional shares of Class A common stock upon exercise of these warrants and conversion rights could make us a less attractive business combination vehicle to a target business. Any such issuance will increase the number of issued and outstanding shares of our Class A common stock and reduce the value of the shares of Class A common stock issued to complete the initial business combination. Therefore, our warrants and founder shares may make it more difficult to effectuate an initial business combination or increase the cost of acquiring the target business.

The placement warrants included in the placement units are identical to the warrants sold as part of the units in our initial public offering except that, so long as they are held by our sponsor or its permitted transferees, (i) they will not be redeemable by us, (ii) they (including the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of these warrants) may not, subject to certain limited exceptions, be transferred, assigned or sold by our sponsor until 30 days after the completion of our initial business combination and (iii) they may be exercised by the holders on a cashless basis.

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

Each unit contains one-half of one redeemable warrant. No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole warrants will trade. Accordingly, unless you purchase at least two units, you will not be able to receive or trade a whole warrant. This is different from other offerings similar to ours whose units include one share of common stock 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 an initial 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 warrant to purchase one whole share, thus making us, we believe, a more attractive merger partner for target businesses. Nevertheless, this unit structure may cause our units to be worth less than if they included a warrant to purchase one whole share.


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

Unlike most blank check companies, if

(i)we issue additional shares of Class A common stock 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 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 on the date of the consummation of our initial business combination (net of redemptions), and

(iii)the Market Value is below $9.20 per share,

then the exercise price of the warrants will be adjusted 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 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. This may make it more difficult for us to consummate an initial business combination with a target business.

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

The federal proxy rules require that a proxy statement with respect to a vote on an initial business combination meeting certain financial significance tests include historical and/or pro forma financial statement disclosure in periodic reports. 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, GAAP, or international financial reporting standards as issued by the IFRS, depending on the circumstances and the historical financial statements may be required to be audited in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. These financial statements may also be required to be prepared in accordance with GAAP in connection with our current report on Form 8-K announcing the closing of our initial business combination within four business days following such closing. 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 effectuate our initial business combination, require substantial financial and management resources, and increase the time and costs of completing an initial business combination.

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we evaluate and report on our system of internal controls beginning with the Original Filing. Since we are not deemed to be a large accelerated filer or an accelerated filer based on such evaluation, will we not be required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement on our internal control over financial reporting. Further, for as long as we remain an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement on our internal control over financial reporting. The fact that we are a blank check company makes compliance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act particularly burdensome on us as compared to other public companies because a target company with which we seek to complete our initial business combination may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding adequacy of its internal controls. The development of the internal control of any such entity to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may increase the time and costs necessary to complete any such business combination.

If we effect our initial business combination with a company with operations or opportunities outside of the United States, we would be subject to a variety of additional risks that may negatively impact our operations.

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

______higher costs and difficulties inherent in managing cross-border business operations and complying with different commercial and legal requirements of overseas markets;

______rules and regulations regarding currency redemption;

______complex corporate withholding taxes on individuals;

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


______tariffs and trade barriers;

______regulations related to customs and import/export matters;

______longer payment cycles and challenges in collecting accounts receivable;

______tax issues, including but not limited to tax law changes and variations in tax laws as compared to the United States;

______currency fluctuations and exchange controls;

______rates of inflation;

______cultural and language differences;

______employment regulations;

______crime, strikes, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist attacks, natural disasters and wars;

______deterioration of political relations with the United States; and

______government appropriations of assets.

We may not be able to adequately address these additional risks. If we were unable to do so, our operations might suffer, which may adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.

Our search for a 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.

In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China, which has and is continuing to spread throughout other parts of the world, including the United States. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the 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 a 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.” COVID-19 has resulted in a widespread health crisis that has adversely affected the economies and financial markets worldwide. The business of any potential target business with which we 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. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts our search for 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 extended period of time, 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.

As the number of special purpose acquisition companies evaluating targets increases, attractive targets may become scarcer and there may be more competition for attractive targets. This could increase the cost of our initial business combination and could even result in our inability to find a target or to consummate an initial business combination.

In recent years, the number of special purpose acquisition companies that have been formed has increased substantially. Many potential targets for special purpose acquisition companies have already entered into an initial business combination, and there are still many special purpose acquisition companies seeking targets for their initial business combination, as well as many such companies currently in registration. As a result, at times, fewer attractive targets may be available, and it may require more time, more effort and more resources to identify a suitable target and to consummate an initial business combination.

In addition, because there are more special purpose acquisition companies seeking to enter into an initial business combination with available targets, the competition for available targets with attractive fundamentals or business models may increase, which could cause targets companies to demand improved financial terms. Attractive deals could also become scarcer for other reasons, such as economic or industry sector downturns, geopolitical tensions, or increases in the cost of additional capital needed to close business combinations or operate targets post-business combination. This could increase the cost of, delay or otherwise complicate or frustrate our ability to find and consummate an initial business combination, and may result in our inability to consummate an initial business combination on terms favorable to our investors altogether.


Risks Related to Our Trust Account

The securities in which we invest the funds held in the Trust Account could bear a negative rate of interest, which could reduce the value of the assets held in trust such that the per-share redemption amount received by public stockholders may be less than $10.00 per share.

The proceeds held in the Trust Account are invested only in U.S. government treasury obligations with a maturity of 180 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act, which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. While short-term U.S. government treasury obligations currently yield a positive rate of interest, they have briefly yielded negative interest rates in recent years. Central banks in Europe and Japan pursued interest rates below zero in recent years, and the Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve has not ruled out the possibility that it may in the future adopt similar policies in the United States. In the event that we are unable to complete our initial business combination or make certain amendments to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our public stockholders are entitled to receive their pro-rata share of the proceeds held in the Trust Account, plus any interest income not released to us, net of taxes payable. Negative interest rates could impact the per-share redemption amount that may be received by public stockholders.

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

Our public stockholders 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 shares of Class A common stock that such stockholder properly elected to redeem, subject to the limitations described herein, (ii) the redemption of any public shares properly submitted in connection with a stockholder vote to amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (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 September 19, 2021 from the closing of our initial public offering or (B) with respect to any other provision relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity and (iii) the redemption of our public shares if we are unable to complete an initial business combination by September 19, 2021, subject to applicable law and as further described herein. In no other circumstances will a public stockholder 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.

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

Our placing of funds in the trust account may not protect those funds from third-party claims against us. Although we 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 stockholders, such parties may not execute such agreements, or even if they execute such agreements they may not be prevented from bringing claims against the trust account, including, but not limited to, 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 perform an analysis of the alternatives available to it and will only enter into an agreement with a third party that has not executed a waiver if management believes that such third party’s engagement would be significantly more beneficial to us than any alternative. Withum, 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 stockholders could be less than the $10.00 per share initially held in the trust account, due to claims of such creditors. 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 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 our initial public 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 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. 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 stockholders.

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 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 net of the interest which may be withdrawn to pay taxes, and our sponsor asserts that it is unable to satisfy its obligations or that it 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 stockholders may be reduced below $10.00 per share.

If, after we distribute the proceeds in the trust account to our public stockholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, a bankruptcy court may seek to recover such proceeds, and we and our board may be exposed to claims of punitive damages.

If, after we distribute the proceeds in the trust account to our public stockholders, we file a bankruptcy petition or an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against us that is not dismissed, any distributions received by stockholders could be viewed under applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy laws as either a “preferential transfer” or a “fraudulent conveyance.” As a result, a bankruptcy court could seek to recover all amounts received by our stockholders. In addition, 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 stockholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of creditors.

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

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

Risks Related to Our Common Stock and the Securities Market

Nasdaq 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 securities are currently listed on Nasdaq. However, we cannot assure you that our securities will continue to be, listed on Nasdaq in the future or prior to our initial business combination. In order to continue listing our securities on Nasdaq prior to our initial business combination, we must maintain certain financial, distribution and stock price levels. Generally, we must maintain a minimum amount in stockholders’ equity (generally $2,500,000) and a minimum number of holders of our securities (generally 300 round-lot holders with at least 50%$700.0 million of such round lot holders holdingoutstanding securities with a market value of at least $2,500). Additionally, in connection with our initial business combination, we will be required to demonstrate compliance with Nasdaq’s initial listing requirements, which are more rigorous than Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements, in order to continue to maintain the listing of our securities on Nasdaq. For instance, our stock price would generally be required to be at least $4.00 per share, our stockholders’ equity would generally be required to be at least $5.0 million and we would be required to have a minimum of 300 round lot holders (with at least 50% of such round lot holders holding securities with a market value of at least $2,500) of our securities. We cannot assure you that we will be able to meet those initial listing requirements at that time.

If Nasdaq delists our securities from trading on its exchange and we are not able to list our securities on another national securities exchange, we expect our securities could be quoted on 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 common stock is a “penny stock” which will require brokers trading in our Class A common stock to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our securities;

______a limited amount of 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, preventsheld by non-affiliates, or preempts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities, which are referred to as “covered securities.” Because our units, our Class A common stock and warrants are listed on Nasdaq, our units, Class A common stock and our warrants are covered securities. Although the states are preempted from regulating the sale of our securities, the federal statute does allow the states to investigate companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and, if there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular case. While we are not aware of a state 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 Nasdaq, our securities would not be covered securities and we would be subject to regulation in each state in which we offer our securities, including in connection with our initial business combination.

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 a majority of the then outstanding public warrants. As a result, the exercise price of your warrants could be increased, the exercise period could be shortened and the number of shares of our Class A common stock 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 holder to cure any ambiguity or correct any defective provision, but requires the approval by the holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding public warrants to make any change that adversely affects the interests of the registered holders of public warrants (which may include public warrants acquired by our sponsor or its affiliates in our initial public offering or thereafter in the open market). Accordingly, we may amend the terms of the public warrants in a manner adverse to a holder if holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding public warrants approve of such amendment. Although our ability to amend the terms of the public warrants with the consent of at least a majority of the then outstanding public warrants is unlimited, examples of such amendments could be amendments to, among other things, increase the exercise price of the warrants, convert the warrants into cash or stock, shorten the exercise period or decrease the number of shares of our Class A common stock purchasable upon exercise of a warrant.

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 last reported sales price of our Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading-day period commencing once the warrants become exercisable and ending on the third trading day prior to(d) the date on which we give proper notice of such redemption and provided certain other conditions are met. If and whenhave issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the warrants become redeemable by us, we may not exercise our redemption right if the issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of the warrants is not exempt from registration or qualification under applicable state blue sky laws or we are unableprevious three years. The next determination date as to effect such registration or qualification. We will use our best efforts to register or qualify such shares of common stock under the blue sky laws of the state of residence in those states in which the warrants were offered by us in our initial public offering. Redemption of the outstanding warrants could force you (i) to exercise your warrants and pay the exercise price therefor at a time when it may be disadvantageous for you to do so, (ii) to sell your warrants at the then-current market price when you might otherwise wish to hold your warrants or (iii) to accept the nominal redemption price which, at the time the outstanding warrants are called for redemption, is likely to be substantially less than the market value of your warrants. None of the placement warrants will be redeemable by us so long as they are held by the sponsor or its permitted transferees.


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

Under the DGCL, stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against a corporation to the extent of distributions received by them in a dissolution. The pro rata portion of our trust account distributed to our public stockholders upon the redemption of our public shares in the event we do not complete our initial business combination by September 19, 2021 may be considered a liquidating distribution under Delaware law. If a corporation complies with certain procedures set forth in Section 280 of the DGCL intended to ensure that it makes reasonable provision for all claims against it, including a 60-day notice period during which any third-party claims can be brought against the corporation, a 90-day period during which the corporation may reject any claims brought, and an additional 150-day waiting period before any liquidating distributions are made to stockholders, any liability of stockholders with respect to a liquidating distribution is limited to the lesser of such stockholder’s pro rata share of the claim or the amount distributed to the stockholder, and any liability of the stockholder would be barred after the third anniversary of the dissolution. However, it is our intention to redeem our public shares as soon as reasonably possible following September 19, 2021 in the event we do not complete our initial business combination and, therefore, we do not intend to comply with the foregoing procedures.

Because we will not be complying with Section 280, Section 281(b) of the DGCL requires us to adopt a plan, based on facts known to us at such time that will provide for our payment of all existing and pending claims or claims that may be potentially brought against us within the 10 years following our dissolution. However, because we are a blank check company, rather than an operating company, and our operations will be limited to searching for prospective target businesses to acquire, the only likely claims to arise would be from our vendors (such as lawyers, investment bankers, and auditors) or prospective target businesses. If our plan of distribution complies with Section 281(b) of the DGCL, any liability of stockholders with respect to a liquidating distribution is limited to the lesser of such stockholder’s pro rata share of the claim or the amount distributed to the stockholder, and any liability of the stockholder would likely be barred after the third anniversary of the dissolution. We cannot assure you that we will properly assess all claims that may be potentially brought against us. As such, our stockholders could potentially be liable for any claims to the extent of distributions received by them (but no more) and any liability of our stockholders may extend beyond the third anniversary of such date. Furthermore, if the pro rata portion of our trust account distributed to our public stockholders upon the redemption of our public shares in the event we do not complete our initial business combination by September 19, 2021 is not considered a liquidating distribution under Delaware law and such redemption distribution is deemed to be unlawful (potentially due to the imposition of legal proceedings that a party may bring or due to other circumstances that are currently unknown), then pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL, the statute of limitations for claims of creditors could then be six years after the unlawful redemption distribution, instead of three years, as in the case of a liquidating distribution.

We have not registered the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants under the Securities Act or any state securities laws at this time, and such registration may not be in place when an investor desires to exercise warrants, thus precluding such investor from being able to exercise its warrants except on a cashless basis. If the issuance of the shares upon exercise of warrants is not registered, qualified or exempt from registration or qualification, the holder of such warrant will not be entitled to exercise such warrant and such warrant may have no value and expire worthless.

We have not registered the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants issued in our initial public offering under the Securities Act or any state securities laws at this time. However, under the terms of the warrant agreement,whether we have agreed that as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 15 business days aftersatisfied the closing of our initial business combination, we will use our best efforts to file with the SEC a registration statement for the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of Class A common stock 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 common stock 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 informationcriteria set forth in the registration statement or prospectus,foregoing (b), (c), and (d) is the financial statements contained or incorporated by reference therein are not current or correct or the SEC issues a stop order. If the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants issued in our initial public offering are not registered under the Securities Act, we will be required to permit holders to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis. However, no warrant will 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 is available. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a registration statement covering the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is not effective within a specified period following the consummationlast day of our initial business combination, warrant holders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statementsecond fiscal quarter in 2023.

Recently Issued and during any period when we shall have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise warrants on a cashless basis pursuantAdopted Accounting Pronouncements

For information about recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2 to the exemption provided by Section 3(a)(9)Consolidated Financial Statements of the Securities Act, provided that such exemption is available. If that exemption, or another exemption, is not available, holders will not be able to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis. We will use our best efforts to register or qualify the shares under applicable blue sky 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 or other compensation in exchange for the warrants in the event that we are unable to register or qualify the shares underlying the warrants issued in our initial public offering under applicable state securities laws and there is no exemption available. If the issuance of the shares upon exercise of the warrants is not so registered or qualified or exempt from registration or qualification, the holder of such warrant will not be entitled to exercise such warrant and such warrant may have no value and expire worthless. In such event, holders who acquired their warrants as part of a purchase of units will have paid the full unit purchase price solely for the shares of Class A common stock included in the units. If and when the warrants become redeemable by us, we may not exercise our redemption right if the issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of the warrants is not exempt from registration or qualification under applicable state blue sky laws or we are unable to effect such registration or qualification. We will use our best efforts to register or qualify such shares of common stock under the blue sky laws of the state of residence in those states in which the warrants were offered by us in our initial public offering. However, there may be instances in which holders of our public warrants may be unable to exercise such public warrants but holders of our placement warrants may be able to exercise such placement warrants.this Annual Report.

 


43

If you exercise your public warrants on a “cashless basis,” you will receive fewer shares of Class A common stock from such exercise than if you were to exercise such warrants for cash.PART II

Item 7A

 

There are circumstances in which the exercise of the public warrants may be required or permitted to be made on a cashless basis. First, if a registration statement covering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is not effective by the 60th business day after the closing of our initial business combination, warrant holders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statement, exercise warrants on a cashless basis in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act or another exemption. Second, if a registration statement covering the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is not effective within a specified period following the consummation of our initial business combination, warrant holders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statementITEM 7A. Quantitative and during any period when we shall have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise warrants on a cashless basis pursuant to the exemption provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, provided that such exemption is available; if that exemption, or another exemption, is not available, holders will not be able to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis. Third, if we call the public warrants for redemption, our management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise warrants to do so on a cashless basis. In the event of an exercise on a cashless basis, a holder would pay the warrant exercise price by surrendering the warrants for that number of shares of Class A common stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Class A common stock underlying the warrants, multiplied by the difference between the exercise price of the warrants and the “fair market value” (as defined in the next sentence) by (y) the fair market value. The “fair market value” is the average reported last sale price of the Class A common stock 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 shares of Class A common stock from such exercise than if you were to exercise such warrants for cash.Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks

 

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

The price of our securities may vary significantly due to one or more potential business combinations and general market or economic conditions. Furthermore, an active trading market for our securities may never develop or, if developed, it may not be sustained. You may be unable to sell your securities unless a market can be established and sustained.

General Risk Factors

We may not have sufficient funds to satisfy indemnification claims of our directors and executive 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 stockholders 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 stockholders. Furthermore, a stockholder’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.

Past performance by our management team and advisors may not be indicative of future performance of an investment in us.

Past performance by our management team and advisors is not a guarantee either (i) of success with respect to any business combination we may consummate or (ii) that we will be able to locate a suitable candidate for our initial business combination. You should not rely on the historical record of our management team’s or advisors’ performance as indicative of the future performance of an investment in the company or the returns the company will, or is likely to, generate going forward. Additionally, in the course of their respective careers, members of our management team have been involved in businesses and deals that were unsuccessful. Our officers and directors have not had experience with blank check companies or special purpose acquisition companies in the past.

We are dependent upon our executive officers and directors and their departure, or any illness contracted as a result of COVID-19 or otherwise, could adversely affect our ability to operate.

Our operations are dependent upon a relatively small group of individuals and, in particular, our executive officers and directors. We believe that our success depends on the continued service of our executive officers and directors, at least until we have completed our initial business combination. We do not have an employment agreement with, or key-man insurance on the life of, any of our directors or executive officers. The unexpected loss of the services of one or more of our directors or executive officers and/or advisors including due to disease (such as COVID-19), disability or death, could have a detrimental effect on us.


The occurrence of natural disasters may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations following our business combination.

The occurrence of natural disasters, including hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, fires and pandemic disease may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations following our business combination. The potential impact of a natural disaster on our results of operations and financial position is speculative and would depend on numerous factors. The extent and severity of these natural disasters determines their effect on a given economy. Although the long-term effect of diseases such as the COVID-19 “coronavirus,” H5N1 “avian flu,” or H1N1, the “swine flu,” cannot currently be predicted, previous occurrences of avian flu and swine flu had an adverse effect on the economies of those countries in which they were most prevalent. An outbreak of a communicable disease in our market could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and timely reporting obligations under Regulation S-X and Regulation S-K following our business combination. We cannot assure you that natural disasters will not occur in the future or that our business, financial condition and results of operations will not be adversely affected.

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 adverse consequences on our business and lead to financial loss.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

Not applicable.

Item 2. Properties.

We do not own any real estate or other physical properties materially important to our operation. We currently maintain our principal executive offices at 533 Airport Blvd, Suite 400, Burlingame, CA 94010. The cost for this space is included in the $15,000 per-month aggregate fee our sponsor charges us for general and administrative services. We consider our current office space, combined with the other office space otherwise available to our executive officers, adequate for our current operations.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

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

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.


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 common stock and warrants are each traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “APXTU,” “APXT” and “APXTW,” respectively. Our units commenced public trading on September 17, 2019, and our Class A common stock and warrants commenced separate public trading on November 5, 2019.

Holders

On March 8, 2021, there were three (3) holders of record of our units, one (1) holder of record of our Class A common stock, one (1) holder of our Class B common stock and one (1) holder of record of our warrants.

Dividends

We have not paid any cash dividends on our shares, and we have no present intention of doing so. Any future payment of cash dividends will be determined by our board of directors in light of our earnings, financial condition and other relevant considerations.Except as noted in “Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” below, there are currently no contractual restrictions on our ability to pay dividends in cash or shares.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

None.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

None. 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

Not required.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes related thereto which are included in “Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Amendment. Certain information contained in the discussion and analysis set forth below includes forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those set forth under “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Amendment.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Amendment includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act that are not historical facts, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected and projected. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this Quarterly Report including, without limitation, statements in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” regarding the Company’s financial position, business strategy and the plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Words such as “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “seek” and variations and similar words and expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance, but reflect management’s current beliefs, based on information currently available. A number of factors could cause actual events, performance or results to differ materially from the events, performance and results discussed in the forward-looking statements. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the “Risk Factors” section. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


Restatement

In the SEC Staff Statement, the SEC Staff expressed its view that certain terms and conditions common to SPAC warrants may require the warrants to be classified as liabilities on the SPAC’s balance sheet as opposed to equity. Since issuance on November 17, 2020, our warrants were accounted for as equity within our balance sheet, and after discussion and evaluation, including with our independent auditors, we have concluded that our warrants should be presented as liabilities with subsequent fair value remeasurement.

Therefore, the Company, in consultation with its Audit Committee, concluded that its previously issued financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2020 should be restated because of a misapplication in the guidance around accounting for the warrants and should no longer be relied upon.

Historically, the warrants were reflected as a component of equity as opposed to liabilities on the balance sheets and the statements of operations did not include the subsequent non-cash changes in estimated fair value of the warrants, based on our application of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging, Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (“ASC 815-40). The views expressed in the SEC Staff Statement were not consistent with the Company’s historical interpretation of the specific provisions within its warrant agreement and the Company’s application of ASC 815-40 to the warrant agreement. We reassessed our accounting for warrants issued on September 19, 2019, in light of the SEC Staff’s published views. Based on this reassessment, we determined that the warrants should be classified as liabilities measured at fair value upon issuance, with subsequent changes in fair value reported in our statement of operations each reporting period. Accordingly, this Amendment restates our audited financial statements as of, and for the period ended December 31, 2020.

The restatement is more fully described in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements included herein.

Overview

We are a blank check company formed under the laws of the State of Delaware on April 5, 2019 for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more target businesses (an “initial business combination”). We intend to effectuate our initial business combination using cash from the proceeds of our initial public offering and the sale of the placement units that occurred simultaneously with the completion of our initial public offering, our capital stock, debt or a combination of cash, stock and debt.

We expect to continue to incur significant costs in the pursuit of our acquisition plans. We cannot assure you that our plans to complete a Business Combination will be successful.

Business Combination Agreement

On November 23, 2020, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Business Combination Agreement”) by and among the Company, Athena Technology Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Merger Sub 1”), Athena Technology Merger Sub 2, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Merger Sub 2”), and AvePoint, relating to a proposed business combination transaction between the Company and AvePoint. The Business Combination Agreement was amended on December 30, 2020.

Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, Merger Sub 1 will be merged with and into AvePoint (the “First Merger”), with AvePoint surviving the First Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and promptly following the First Merger, AvePoint will be merged with and into Merger Sub 2 (the “Second Merger”), with Merger Sub 2 surviving the Second Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger:

(a)The aggregate consideration to be paid to AvePoint equity shareholders will be (i) an amount in cash of approximately $262 million (the “Aggregate Cash Consideration”), minus a deduction for the PIPE Fees and (ii) 143,261,093 shares of common stock of Apex, par value $0.0001 (“Apex Common Stock”), which includes shares of Apex Common Stock that may be issuable pursuant to the exercise of exchanged AvePoint stock options (such aggregate amount, the “Aggregate Stock Consideration”). The Aggregate Stock Consideration will be increased by a number of shares of Apex Common Stock equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Exchanged Options divided by $10.00;

(b)AvePoint’s stockholders who hold shares of Series C Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 (“AvePoint Preferred Stock”) will receive an aggregate amount of $135 million (subject to deduction for Preferred PIPE Fees) from the Aggregate Cash Consideration and will receive the balance of their consideration in shares of Apex Common Stock from the Aggregate Stock Consideration;
(c)All holders of shares of common stock of AvePoint, par value $0.001 per share (“AvePoint Common Stock”) other than the Named Executives will receive an aggregate amount of between $75 million and approximately $92 million in cash (subject to deduction for certain expenses) based on an election (“Cash Election”) from the balance of the Aggregate Cash Consideration and will receive the remainder of their consideration in shares of Apex Common Stock from the Aggregate Stock Consideration;  
(d)All shares of AvePoint Common Stock and AvePoint Preferred Stock held in the treasury of AvePoint or by Apex shall be canceled without any conversion thereof and no payment or distribution shall be made with respect thereto;


(e)Each share of common stock of Merger Sub 1 issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and exchanged for one validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Surviving Corporation;

(f)Each Named Executive Cash-Settled Option that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be converted into the right to receive (A) an amount of cash equal to: the product of (1) the number of Named Executive Cash-Settled Options multiplied by (2) the Per Share Amount, minus (y) the aggregate exercise price attributable to such Named Executive Cash-Settled Options; and (B) the contingent right to receive a number of shares Contingent Consideration following the Closing in accordance with the Business Combination Agreement;

(g)The Named Executives will receive an aggregate amount of $35 million in cash (subject to deduction for the Named Executive PIPE Fees (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement)) from the Aggregate Cash Consideration and will receive the balance of their transaction consideration in shares of Apex Common Stock from the Aggregate Stock Consideration;

(h)Each AvePoint Option that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, whether vested or unvested (other than the Named Executive Cash-Settled Options and AvePoint Options granted to Eligible individuals in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC Options”)), shall be converted into (1) an option to purchase a number of shares of Apex Common Stock (such option, an “Exchanged Option”) equal to the product (rounded down to the nearest whole number) of (x) the number of shares of AvePoint Common Stock subject to such AvePoint Option immediately prior to the Effective Time and (y) the Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price per share (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) equal to (A) the exercise price per share of such AvePoint Option immediately prior to the Effective Time divided by (B) the Exchange Ratio; and

(i)The PRC Options will not be continued or assumed by AvePoint, Apex or the Merger Subs as part of the Mergers. The cancelled PRC Options will be replaced and substituted for as of the Effective Time with the award of a new stock option to purchase a number of shares of Apex Common Stock pursuant to the 2021 Plan equal to the product (rounded down to the nearest whole number) of (x) the number of shares of AvePoint Common Stock subject to such PRC Option immediately prior to the Effective Time and (y) the Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) equal to (A) the exercise price per share of such PRC Option prior to the Effective Time divided by (B) the Exchange Ratio. The replacement stock options will be credited with vesting to the same extent as the existing PRC Options being replaced, and the new replacement awards will be subject to same vesting schedule and exercisability provisions

Additionally, On November 23, 2020, Apex entered into separate subscription agreements (collectively, the “Subscription Agreements”) with a number of investors (collectively, the “PIPE Investors”), pursuant to which the PIPE Investors agreed to purchase an aggregate of 14,000,000 shares of Apex Common Stock (the “PIPE Shares”), at a purchase price of $10.00 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $140,000,000, in one or more private placement transactions (the “Private Placements”). The closing of the Private Placements pursuant to the Subscription Agreements is contingent upon, among other customary closing conditions, the concurrent consummation of the Proposed Transactions. The purpose of the Private Placements is to raise additional capital for use by the combined company following the Closing.

Following the Closing, in addition to the Aggregate Cash Consideration and Aggregate Stock Consideration, the holders of AvePoint Preferred Stock, AvePoint Common Stock and AvePoint Options shall be issued additional shares of Apex Common Stock, as follows:

(a)1,000,000 shares of Apex Common Stock, in the aggregate, if at any time from and after the Closing through the seventh anniversary thereof (x) the Closing Price is greater than or equal to $12.50 over any 20 Trading Days within any 30 Trading Day period or (y) Apex consummates a Subsequent Transaction, which results in the stockholders of Apex having the right to exchange their shares for cash, securities or other property having a value equaling or exceeding $12.50 per share (the “First Milestone”) (such 1,000,000 shares of Apex Common Stock, the “First Milestone Contingent Consideration”);

(b)1,000,000 shares of Apex Common Stock, in the aggregate, if at any time from and after the Closing through the seventh anniversary thereof (x) the Closing Price is greater than or equal to $15.00 over any 20 Trading Days within any 30 Trading Day period or (y) Apex consummates a Subsequent Transaction, which results in the stockholders of Apex having the right to exchange their shares for cash, securities or other property having a value equaling or exceeding $15.00 per share (the “Second Milestone”) (such 1,000,000 shares of Apex Common Stock, the “Second Milestone Contingent Consideration”); and

(c)1,000,000 shares of Apex Common Stock, in the aggregate, if at any time from and after the Closing through the seventh anniversary thereof (x) the Closing Price is greater than or equal to $17.50 over any 20 Trading Days within any 30 Trading Day period or (y) Apex consummates a Subsequent Transaction, which results in the stockholders of Apex having the right to exchange their shares for cash, securities or other property having a value equaling or exceeding $17.50 per share (the “Third Milestone”) (such 1,000,000 shares of Apex Common Stock, the “Third Milestone Contingent Consideration” and together with the First Milestone Contingent Consideration and the Second Milestone Contingent Consideration, the “Contingent Consideration”). For the avoidance of doubt, the maximum amount of the Contingent Consideration is 3,000,000 shares of Apex Common Stock, in the aggregate.

The parties to the Business Combination Agreement have made customary representations, warranties and covenants, including, among others, with respect to the conduct of the businesses of AvePoint and Apex during the period between execution of the Business Combination Agreement and the consummation of the Business Combination


Results of Operations

We have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues to date. Our only activities from inception to December 31, 2020 were organizational activities, those necessary to prepare for the Initial Public Offering, described below, and, following the Initial Public Offering, identifying a target company for a Business Combination and completing activities related to the Business Combination Agreement. We do not expect to generate any operating revenues until after the completion of our initial Business Combination. We generate non-operating income in the form of interest income on marketable securities held in the trust account. We incur expenses as a result of being a public company (for legal, financial reporting, accounting and auditing compliance), as well as for due diligence expenses in connection with completing a Business Combination. 

As a result of the restatement described in Note 2 of the notes to the financial statements included herein, we classify the warrants issued in connection with our Initial Public Offering as liabilities at their fair value and adjust the warrant instrument to fair value at each reporting period. This liability is subject to re-measurement at each balance sheet date until exercised, and any change in fair value is recognized in our statement of operations. 

For the year ended December 31, 2020, we had a net loss of $60,723,035, which consisted of operating costs of $5,309,612, franchise taxes of $201,196, a provision for income taxes of $411,315 and a change in the fair value of the warrant liability of $56,471,950, offset by interest earned on marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $1,671,038

For the period from April 5, 2019 (inception) through December 31, 2019, we had a net income of $2,965,368, which consisted of interest earned on marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $1,809,163, a change in the fair value of the warrant liability of ($3,052,800) and transaction costs of $988,242, offset by operating costs of $295,109, franchise taxes of $295,342 and a provision for income taxes of $317,902.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

On September 19, 2019, we consummated the Initial Public Offering of 35,000,000 Units, which included the partial exercise by the underwriters of the over-allotment option to purchase an additional 4,500,000 Units, at $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of $350,000,000. Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, we consummated the sale of 810,000 Placement Units to our Sponsor and Cantor at a price of $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of $8,100,000.

Following the Initial Public Offering, the exercise of the over-allotment option and the sale of the Placement Units, a total of $350,000,000 was placed in the trust account. We incurred $19,806,442 in transaction costs, including $6,100,000 of underwriting fees, $13,150,000 of deferred underwriting fees and $556,442 of other offering costs.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, cash used in operating activities was $2,419,063. Net loss of $60,723,035 was affected by interest earned on marketable securities held in the trust account of $1,671,038, a non-cash charge for the change in the fair value of warrant liabilities of $56,471,950, and changes in operating assets and liabilities, which provided $3,503,060 of cash from operating activities.

For the period from April 5, 2019 (inception) through December 31, 2019, cash used in operating activities was $473,748. Net income of $2,965,368 was offset by interest earned on marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $1,809,163, a non-cash charge for the change in the fair value of warrant liabilities of ($3,052,800), and transaction costs of $988,242, and changes in operating assets and liabilities, which provided $434,605 of cash from operating activities.

As of December 31, 2020, we had cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and short-term deposits of $351,858,320 held in the trust account. As of December 31, 2019, we had cash and marketable securities of $351,809,163 held in the trust account. Interest income on the balance in the trust account may be used by us to pay taxes. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we withdrew $1,621,881 of interest earned on the trust account to pay for our franchise tax obligations. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we did not withdraw any interest earned on the trust account. We intend to use substantially all of the funds held in the trust account, including any amounts representing interest earned on the trust account (less deferred underwriting commissions) to complete our initial Business Combination. To the extent that our capital stock or debt is used, in whole or in part, as consideration to complete our initial Business Combination, the remaining proceeds held in the trust account will be used as working capital to finance the operations of the target business or businesses, make other acquisitions and pursue our growth strategies.

As of December 31, 2020, we had cash of $197,628 held outside of the trust account. As of December 31, 2019, we had cash of $994,810 held outside of the trust account. We intend to use the funds held outside the trust account primarily to identify and evaluate target businesses, perform business due diligence on prospective target businesses, travel to and from the offices, plants or similar locations of prospective target businesses or their representatives or owners, review corporate documents and material agreements of prospective target businesses, and structure, negotiate and complete a Business Combination.

In order to fund working capital deficiencies or 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. If we complete a Business Combination, we would repay such loaned amounts. In the event that a Business Combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the trust account to repay such loaned amounts but no proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment. Up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into units identical to the Placement Units, at a price of $10.00 per unit at the option of the lender.


We do not believe we will need to raise additional funds in order to meet the expenditures required for operating our business. However, if our estimate of the costs of identifying a target business, undertaking in-depth due diligence and negotiating a Business Combination are less than the actual amount necessary to do so, we may have insufficient funds available to operate our business prior to our initial Business Combination. Moreover, we may need to obtain additional financing either to complete our initial Business Combination or because we become obligated to redeem a significant number of our Public Shares upon consummation of our initial Business Combination, in which case we may issue additional securities or incur debt in connection with such initial Business Combination. Subject to compliance with applicable securities laws, we would only complete such financing simultaneously with the completion of our initial Business Combination. 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. In addition, following our initial Business Combination, if cash on hand is insufficient, we may need to obtain additional financing in order to meet our obligations.

Going Concern

We have until September 19, 2021 to consummate a Business Combination. It is uncertain that we will be able to consummate a Business Combination by this time. If a Business Combination is not consummated by this date, there will be a mandatory liquidation and subsequent dissolution. Management has determined that the mandatory liquidation, should a Business Combination not occur, and potential subsequent dissolution raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. No adjustments have been made to the carrying amounts of assets or liabilities should we be required to liquidate after September 19, 2021.

Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements

We have no obligations, assets or liabilities, which would be considered off-balance sheet arrangements$229.8 million as of December 31, 2020.2022. We do not participate in transactions that create relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, often referred to as variable interest entities, which would have been establishedhold cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and short-term deposits for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements. We have not entered into any off-balance sheet financing arrangements, established any special purpose entities, guaranteed any debt or commitments of other entities, or purchased any non-financial assets.

Contractual Obligations

We do not have any long-term debt,working capital lease obligations, operating lease obligations or long-term liabilities, other than an agreement to pay an affiliate of our Sponsor a monthly fee of $15,000 for office space, utilitiespurposes. Our cash and secretarial and administrative support to us. We began incurring these fees on September 16, 2019 and will continue to incur these fees monthly until the earlier of the completion of the initial Business Combination and our liquidation.

The underwriterscash equivalents are entitled to a deferred fee of $13,150,000. 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.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Companycash deposits and its majority owned subsidiary where the Company has the ability to exercise control. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Activities in relation to the noncontrolling interest are not considered to be significant and are, therefore, not presented in the accompanying consolidated statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires 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 consolidated financial statements, and income and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

Warrant Liability

We account for the warrants issued in connection with our Initial Public Offering in accordance with the guidance contained in ASC 815-40-15-7D under which the warrants do not meet the criteria for equity treatment and must be recorded as liabilities. Accordingly, we classify the warrants as liabilities at their fair value and adjust the warrants to fair value at each reporting period. This liability is subject to re-measurement at each balance sheet date until exercised, and any change in fair value is recognized in our statement of operations. The fair value of the warrants was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation approach.


Class A Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption

We account for our common stock subject to possible redemption in accordance with the guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” Shares of Class A common stock subject to mandatory redemption are classified as a liability instrument and are measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable common stock (including common stock that feature redemption rights that is either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within our control) is classified as temporary equity. At all other times, common stock is classified as stockholders’ equity. Our Class A common stock features certain redemption rights that are considered to be outside of our control and subject to occurrence of uncertain future events. Accordingly, shares of Class A common stock subject to possible redemption are presented as temporary equity, outside of the stockholders’ equity section of our balance sheets.

Net Income (Loss) per Common Share

We apply the two-class method in calculating earnings per share. Net income per common share, basic and diluted for Class A redeemable common stock is calculated by dividing the interest income earned on the Trust Account, net of applicable taxes, by the weighted average number of shares of Class A redeemable common stock outstanding for the periods presented. Net loss per common share, basic and diluted for Class B non-redeemable common stock is calculated by dividing net income less income attributable to Class A redeemable common stock, by the weighted average number of shares of Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock outstanding for the periods presented.

Recent Accounting Standards

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

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

As of December 31, 2020, we were not subject to any market or interest rate risk. Following the consummation of our initial public offering, the net proceeds of our initial public offering, including amounts in the trust account, may be invested in U.S. government treasury bills, notes or bonds with a maturity of 180 days or less or in certain money market funds that invest solely in U.S. treasuries.funds. Due to the short-term nature of these investments,instruments, we believe there will be no associatedthat it does not have any material exposure to changes in the fair value of our investment portfolio due to changes in interest rate risk.rates. Declines in interest rates, however, would reduce our future interest income. The effect of a hypothetical 10% change in interest rates would not have a material negative impact on our consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2022, we had no outstanding obligations under our line of credit with HSBC under the Amended Loan Agreement. To the extent we enter into other long-term debt arrangements in the future, we would be subject to fluctuations in interest rates which could have a material impact on our future financial condition and results of operation.

 

Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

 

This information appears following Item 15Fluctuations in foreign currencies impact the amount of this Amendmenttotal assets and liabilities that we report for our foreign subsidiaries upon the translation of these amounts into U.S. Dollars. In particular, the amount of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities that we report in U.S. Dollars for a significant portion of the cash held by these subsidiaries is subject to translation variance caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates as of the end of each respective reporting period, the offset to which is substantially recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income on our consolidated balance sheets and is included herein by reference.

also presented as a line item in its consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

 

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

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls are procedures that are designed withAs the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In connection with this Amendment, our management re-evaluated, with the participation of our current chief executive officer and chief financial officer (our “Certifying Officers”), the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and proceduresU.S. Dollar fluctuated against certain international currencies as of December 31, 2020, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under2022, the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our Certifying Officers concluded that, solely due to the Company’s restatement of its financial statements to reclassify the Company’s Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants as described in the Explanatory Note to this Amendment, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as December 31, 2020.

We do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and all instances of fraud. Disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Further, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all disclosure controls and procedures, no evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures can provide absolute assurancebalances that we have detected all our control deficiencies and instances of fraud, if any. The design of disclosure controls and procedures also is based partly on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurancereported in U.S. Dollars for foreign subsidiaries that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.


Management’s Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in the Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of these inherent limitations, management does not expect that our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud. Management conducted an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued in 2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “2013 Framework”). Based on our evaluation under the 2013 Framework, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effectivehold international currencies as of December 31, 2020.

In connection with the restatement of our financial statements included in this Amendment, our management, including our principal executive and financial officers,2022, increased relative to what it would have evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and concluded that we did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as ofreported using a constant currency rate from December 31, 2020 because of a material weakness2021. As reported in our internal control over financial reporting described below related toconsolidated statements of cash flows, the accounting forestimated effects of exchange rate changes on our reported cash and cash equivalents balances in U.S. Dollars was a significant and unusual transaction related to the warrants we issued in connection with our Initial Public Offering. Notwithstanding the material weakness described below, our management has concluded that our restated and revised audited financial statements included in this Amendment are fairly stated in all material respects in accordance with U.S. GAAP for eachdecrease of the periods presented herein.

In connection with the restatement described in “Note 2— Restatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements” to the accompanying financial statements included in this Amendment, management identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting related to the accounting for a significant and unusual transaction related to the warrants we issued in connection with the Initial Public Offering. This material weakness resulted in a material misstatement of our warrant liability, change in fair value of warrant liability, additional paid-in capital and accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2019 and for the period from April 5, 2019 (inception) through December 31, 2019 and$1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.

To respond to this material weakness, we have devoted,2022, and plan to continue to devote, significant effort and resources to the remediation and improvementa decrease of our internal control over financial reporting. While we have processes to identify and appropriately apply applicable accounting requirements, we plan to enhance these processes to better evaluate our research and understanding of the nuances of the complex accounting standards that apply to our financial statements. Our plans at this time include providing enhanced access to accounting literature, research materials and documents and increased communication among our personnel and third-party professionals with whom we consult regarding complex accounting applications. The elements of our remediation plan can only be accomplished over time, and we can offer no assurance that these initiatives will ultimately have the intended effects.

This Amendment does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm due to a transition period established by rules of the SEC for newly public companies.

Restatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements

On April 22, 2021, we revised our prior position on accounting for warrants and concluded that our previously issued financial statements as of and$1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020;2021. If overall foreign currency exchange rates in comparison to the U.S. Dollar uniformly would have been weaker by 10% as of December 31, 20192022, and for the period April 5, 2019 (inception) through December 31, 2019; as2021, the amount of September 19, 2019; and as of and for the periods ended September 30, 2019, March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020 should not be relied on because of a misapplication in the guidance on warrant accounting. However, the non-cash adjustments to the financial statements do not impact the amounts previously reported for our cash, and cash equivalents total assets, revenue orand marketable securities AvePoint would have reported in U.S. Dollars would have decreased by approximately $2.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively, assuming constant foreign currency cash, flows.cash equivalents and marketable securities balances.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)Concentration of the Exchange Act) during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.) In light of the restatement of our financial statements included in this Amendment, we plan to enhance our processes to identify and appropriately apply applicable accounting requirements to better evaluate and understand the nuances of the complex accounting standards that apply to our financial statements. Our plans at this time include providing enhanced access to accounting literature, research materials and documents and increased communication among our personnel and third-party professionals with whom we consult regarding complex accounting applications. The elements of our remediation plan can only be accomplished over time, and we can offer no assurance that these initiatives will ultimately have the intended effects.

Item 9B. Other Information.Credit Risk

None.


PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Directors and Executive Officers

As of March 8, 2021, our directors and executive officers are as follows:

NameAgePosition
Jeff Epstein64Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Brad Koenig62Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director
David Chao54Director
Peter Bell56Director
Donna Wells59Director

The experience of our directors and executive officers are as follows:

Jeff Epstein, our Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary since inception, has since 2011 been an operating partner with Bessemer Venture Partners, a venture capital firm, where he primarily works with chief executive and financial officers to create substantial operational improvements. From 2008 to 2011, Mr. Epstein was executive vice president and chief financial officer of Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL), a global technology company. Prior to joining Oracle, he served as chief financial officer of several public and private companies, including DoubleClick (sold to Google), King World Productions (sold to CBS) and Nielsen’s Media Measurement and Information Group. Earlier in his career, he was an investment banker at The First Boston Corporation. Today Mr. Epstein leads the CFO Advisory Board at Bessemer where more than 100 portfolio company CFOs meet in person and online to help each other improve their effectiveness. Mr. Epstein specializes in marketplaces and B2B software companies and co-teaches the Lean Launchpad class at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Engineering. Within the last five years he has served on the boards of directors Booking Holdings, an online travel company, Twilio, a cloud communications platform, Poshmark, an online marketplace, and Shutterstock, an online creative platform. Mr. Epstein holds an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, and a BA from Yale College.

Brad Koenig, our Co-Chief Executive Officer and a Director since inception, co-founded and served as chief executive officer of FoodyDirect.com, an online specialty food marketplace, from 2011 until 2018 when the company was acquired by Goldbelly, Inc. Mr. Koenig has served as an independent director for Theragenics Corporation, a private medical device company serving the surgical products and prostate cancer treatment markets, since 2013 and as a director of Hercules Capital, a business development company focused on venture lending, where he serves on the Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees, since 2017. From 2009 to 2011, he was an advisor at Oak Hill Capital Management, a private equity firm. Previously, Mr. Koenig worked for over twenty years at Goldman Sachs. Mr. Koenig was the Head of Global Technology Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs from 1990 to 2005, and the Co-Head of Global Technology, Media and Telecommunications from 2002 to 2005. He started at Goldman Sachs in 1984. Mr. Koenig holds a B.A degree in Economics from Dartmouth College and M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. Due to his extensive technology-related operational and investment banking experience, we believe Mr. Koenig is well qualified to serve as a Director.

David Chao, one of our directors since September 2019, has since 1996 been a co-founder and general partner of the venture capital firm DCM. At DCM, he guides portfolio companies in formulating corporate and product marketing strategies, developing strong management teams and implementing domestic and international partnerships. He is also responsible for DCM’s investments in numerous public and private technology-related companies in the US, China and Japan. Mr. Chao has since 2000 been the chairman of the board of 51job (Nasdaq: JOBS), a human resources advertisement and outsourcing company in China. Mr. Chao also serves on the Advisory Board of Legend Capital in China. Mr. Chao was previously a co-founder of Japan Communications Inc. (TYO:9424), a provider of mobile data and voice communications services in Japan. Previously, he worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company in San Francisco, in marketing and product management at Apple Computer (Nasdaq:AAPL) and as an account executive for Recruit Co., Ltd., a Japanese provider of integrated human resources services. Mr. Chao holds a B.A. with high honors in East Asian Studies from Brown University, and an M.B.A from Stanford University. Due to his extensive investment, technology and venture capital experience, we believe Mr. Chao is well qualified to serve as a Director.


Peter Bell, one of our directors since September 2019, has since 2018 been general partner of Amity Ventures, a venture capital and private equity fund. Mr. Bell has spent three decades starting, building, and investing in technology businesses. His thematic areas of focus include Machine Learning, Big Data, Cybersecurity, Internet of Things, Autonomous Logistics, Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, Personal/Mobile Commerce, FinTech, and Enterprise Software. Over the last five years he has served on the boards of several private technology companies including, most recently, Bromium, which focuses on virtual hardware seeking to reduce or eliminate endpoint computer threats like viruses, malware, and adware, LevelUp, an ordering, payments and loyalty experiences provider for restaurants, Turbonomic, an enterprise software company, WePay, an integrated payments provider affiliated with Chase bank, Qumulo, Inc., a hybrid cloud storage provider, GameClosure, a maker of messenger games and HTML 5 apps, and ENJOY, a provider of same day technology delivery and setup services. Mr. Bell began his career at Price Waterhouse in Boston. In 1986, he joined, EMC Corporation (now Dell EMC) an enterprise data company, and helped lead EMC initiatives in Silicon Valley. In 1998, Mr. Bell co-founded StorageNetworks, a pioneer in cloud computing. He led the company as its chief executive and completed an IPO in 2000. After stepping down in 2003, he formed his own investment firm, Stowe Capital, focusing on early stage investments in enterprise software, data center infrastructure, and consumer internet companies, where to this day he is managing director. In 2006, Mr. Bell joined Highland Capital Partners, a global venture capital firm, where he led investments in early and growth stage technology companies, eventually becoming the managing general partner of the firm. He stepped down from his day-to-day responsibilities at Highland in 2016 and continued to serve as a senior advisor to the firm through 2018. Mr. Bell holds a B.S. in Management from Boston College, an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School, and an Honorary Doctorate from Babson College. Due to his extensive operational, investing and board in the technology industry, we believe Mr. Bell is well qualified to serve as a Director.

Donna Wells, one of our directors since September 2019, is a serial entrepreneur, an experienced public and private company board director and an innovator in the financial services, FinTech and cloud software industries. Since 2017, she has been the founder and chief executive officer at Valencia Ventures, LLC, a provider of strategic consulting advice that assists founding teams in capital raising activities. From 2010 to 2017, Ms. Wells was chief executive officer of Mindflash Technologies Inc., a private enterprise software company which she grew from product launch to market leadership, and which was named a Top 50 Small Company to Work for by Fortune Magazine in 2016. Before leading Mindflash, she was the founding chief marketing officer for Mint.com, a personal finance platform, from 2007 to 2009, during which time she was instrumental from launch to the company’s acquisition by Intuit, Inc. (Nasdaq:INTU). Prior to Mint, Ms. Wells had a 20-year career in strategic B2C, B2B and product marketing with The American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) and The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) and led marketing for two Fortune 500 companies, Intuit, Inc. (Nasdaq:INTU) and Expedia Group (Nasdaq:EXPE). She was appointed by the Center for Entrepreneurship at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, as a Lecturer in Management in September 2019. Ms. Wells has served on the Board of Directors of Mitek Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: MITK), a software company providing digital identity verification, since November 2019 following two years as a board advisor to the company. She has served as a director at Betterment, an online investment company, since 2018 and at Happy Money, a private financial services company, since 2017. She was previously a director at Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: BPFH), a bank holding company, from 2014 to 2018. She holds an M.B.A. from Stanford University and a B.S. in Economics from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Due to her extensive financial industry, investment and technology experience, we believe Ms. Wells is well qualified to serve as a Director.

Number and Terms of Office of Officers and Directors

 

We have four directors. Our board of directors is divided into three classesdeposit our cash with only one class of directors being elected in each yearfinancial institutions, and, each class (exceptat times, such balances may exceed federally insured limits. No customer accounted for those directors appointed prior to our first annual meeting of stockholders) serving a three-year term. The term of office of the first class of directors, consisting of Mr. Chao and Ms. Wells, expired at the 2020 annual meeting, our first annual meeting of stockholders. Both Mr. Chao and Ms. Wells were re-elected to serve until the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are elected and qualified. The term of office of the second class of directors, consisting of Mr. Bell, will expire at the second annual meeting of stockholders. The term of office of the third class of directors, consisting of Mr. Koenig, will expire at the third annual meeting of stockholders.

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 persons to the offices set forth in our bylaws as it deems appropriate. Our bylaws provide that our officers may consist of a Chairman of the Board, one or more Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officer, President, Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretaries and such other offices as may be determined by the board of directors.

Committees of the Board of Directors

Our board of directors has two standing committees: an audit committee and a compensation committee. Subject to phase-in rules and a limited exception, Nasdaq rules and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act require that the audit committee of a listed company be comprised solely of independent directors, and Nasdaq rules require that the compensation committee of a listed company be comprised solely of independent directors. Consequently, each of the standing committees of the board of directors is comprised entirely of independent directors.


Audit Committee

We have established an audit committee of the board of directors. Messrs. Chao and Bell and Ms. Wells serve as members of our audit committee, and Mr. Chao chairs the audit committee. Under the Nasdaq listing standards and applicable SEC rules, we are required to have at least three members of the audit committee, all of whom must be independent. Each of Messrs. Chao and Bell and Ms. Wells meet the independent director standard under Nasdaq listing standards and under Rule 10-A-3(b)(1) of the Exchange Act.

Each member of the audit committee is financially literate and our board of directors has determined that Mr. Chao qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in applicable SEC rules.

We have adopted an audit committee charter, which details the purpose and principal functions of the audit committee, including:

______the appointment, compensation, retention, replacement, and oversight of the work of the independent registered public accounting firm engaged by us;

______pre-approving all audit and permitted non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm engaged by us, and establishing pre-approval policies and procedures;

______setting clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent registered public accounting firm, including but not limited to, as required by applicable laws and regulations;

______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 (i) the independent registered public accounting firm’s internal quality-control procedures, (ii) 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 and (iii) all relationships between the independent registered public accounting firm and us to assess the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence;

______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.

Director Nominations

We do not have a standing nominating committee though we intend to form a corporate governance and nominating committee as and when required to do so by law or Nasdaq rules. In accordance with Rule 5605 of the Nasdaq rules, a majority of the independent directors may recommend a director nominee for selection by the board of directors. The board of directors believes that the independent directors can satisfactorily carry out the responsibility of properly selecting or approving director nominees without the formation of a standing nominating committee. The directors who will participate in the consideration and recommendation of director nominees are Messrs. Chao and Bell and Ms. Wells. In accordance with Rule 5605(e)(1)(A) of the Nasdaq rules, all such directors are independent. As there is no standing nominating committee, we do not have a nominating committee charter in place.

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the board of directors. The board of directors will also consider director candidates recommended for nomination by our stockholders during such times as they are seeking proposed nominees to stand for election at the next annual meeting of stockholders (or, if applicable, a special meeting of stockholders). Our stockholders that wish to nominate a director for election to the board of directors should follow the procedures set forth in our bylaws.

We have not formally established any specific, minimum qualifications that must be met or skills that are necessary for directors to possess. In general, in identifying and evaluating nominees for director, the board of directors considers educational background, diversity of professional experience, knowledge of our business, integrity, professional reputation, independence, wisdom, and the ability to represent the best interests of our stockholders.


Code of Ethics

We have filed a copy of our form of Code of Ethics applicable to our directors, officers and employees, our audit committee charter, and our compensation committee charter as exhibits to the Registration Statement filed in connection with our initial public offering. You will be able to review these documents by accessing our public filings at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, a copy of the Code of Ethics will be provided without charge upon request from us. We intend to disclose any amendments to or waivers of certain provisions of our Code of Ethics in a Current Report on Form 8-K.

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file withbillings for the SEC initial reports of ownershipyears ended December 31, 2022 and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock2021, and other equity securities. These executive officers, directors, and greaterno customers made up more than 10% beneficial owners are required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms filed by such reporting persons. Based solely on our review of such forms furnished to us and written representations from certain reporting persons, we believe that all reports applicable to our executive officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners were filed in a timely manner in accordance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

None of our officers has received any cash compensation for services rendered to us. We pay our sponsor a total of $15,000 per month for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support. Upon completion of our initial business combination or our liquidation, we will cease paying these monthly fees. No compensation of any kind, including any finder’s fee, reimbursement, consulting fee or monies in respect of any payment of a loan, will be paid by us to our sponsor, officers and directors, or any affiliate of our sponsor or officers, prior to, or in connection with any services rendered in order to effectuate, the consummation of our initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is). However, these individuals are reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on our behalf suchaccounts receivable as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations. Any such payments prior to an initial business combination will be made using funds held outside the trust account. Other than audit committee review of such payments, we do not expect to have any additional controls in place governing our reimbursement payments to our directors and executive officers for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with identifying and consummating an 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 stockholders, to the extent then known, in the tender offer materials or proxy solicitation materials furnished to our stockholders in connection with a proposed initial 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 initial 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.

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 8, 2021 based on information obtained from the persons named below, with respect to the beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock, by:

______each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock;

______each of our executive officers and directors that beneficially owns shares of our common stock; and

______all our executive officers and directors as a group.

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

  Class A
Common
Stock
  Class B
Common
Stock
 
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned
  % of
Class
  Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned (2)
  % of
Class
 
Apex Technology Sponsor LLC(2)  657,500   1.84%  8,750,000   100%
Jeff Epstein(3) (5)  --   --   --   -- 
Brad Koenig(2)(5)  --   --   --   -- 
David Chao(3)  --   --   --   -- 
Peter Bell(3)  --   --   --   -- 
Donna Wells(3)  --   --   --   -- 
All executive officers and directors as group (5 individuals)  --   --   8,750,000   100%
HGC Investment Management Inc.(4)  2,740,000   7.65%  --   -- 

(1)Unless otherwise noted, the business address for each of the following entities or individuals is c/o Apex Technology Sponsor LLC, 533 Airport Blvd., Suite 400, Burlingame, CA 94010.

(2)Each of our officers, directors, director nominees and advisors is or will be, directly or indirectly, a member of our sponsor. There are three managing members of our sponsor, Brad Koenig, Alex Vieux and Steven Fletcher. Each manager has one vote, and the approval of two of the three managing members is required to approve an action of our sponsor. 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 a voting or dispositive decision requires the approval of a majority of those individuals, then none of the individuals is deemed a beneficial owner of the entity’s securities. Based upon the foregoing, no individual managing member of our sponsor exercises voting or dispositive control over any of the securities held by our sponsor, even those in which he directly holds a pecuniary interest. Accordingly, none of them will be deemed to have or share beneficial ownership of such shares. Each of our officers and directors is a member of our sponsor.

(3)Does not include any shares held by our sponsor. This individual is a member of our sponsor as described in footnote (2).

(4)According to Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2020 by HGC Investment Management Inc. (“HCG”), which serves as the investment manager to HGC Arbitrage Fund LP (the “Fund”), the address for HCG is 366 Adelaide, Suite 601, Toronto, Ontario M5V 1R9, Canada. HCG is an investment fund manager, portfolio manager and exempt market dealer registered with the Ontario Securities Commission. As a result, HCG may be deemed to have beneficial ownership with respect to the shares held by HCG on behalf of the Fund.
(5)In connection with the Subscription Agreements, each of Brad Koenig and Jeff Epstein agreed to purchase of 50,000 shares of Apex Common Stock. These numbers are calculated without regard to Mr. Koenig’s or Mr. Epstein’s membership interest in the Sponsor

The table above does not include the shares of common stock underlying the placement warrants or forward purchase securities held or to be held by our sponsor because these securities are not exercisable within 60 days of March 8, 2021.

Changes in Control

Not applicable.

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

In June 2019, we issued an aggregate of 7,187,500 founder shares to our sponsor for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000 in cash, or approximately $0.004 per share. In August and September 2019, we effected a 1.1 for 1 stock dividend and a 1.109091 for 1 stock dividend, respectively, for each share of Class B common stock outstanding, resulting in our sponsor holding an aggregate of 8,768,750 founder shares. The number of founder shares issued was determined based on the expectation that such founder shares would represent 20% of the outstanding shares upon completion of our initial public offering (excluding the placement units purchased by our sponsor in a private placement that closed simultaneously with our initial public offering, and underlying securities). Since the underwriters partially exercised the over-allotment option, the sponsor forfeited 18,750 of its founder shares, which were canceled by the Company.

Simultaneously with the closing of our initial public offering, our sponsor and Cantor purchased an aggregate of 810,000 placement units at a price of $10.00 per unit (657,500 placement units by our sponsor and 152,500 placement units by Cantor), for an aggregate purchase price of $8,100,000. There are no redemption rights or liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to the founder shares, placement shares or placement warrants, which will expire worthless if we do not consummate a business combination by September 19, 2021.

Commencing on September 16, 2019, we pay First In Line Enterprises, Inc., an affiliate of members of our sponsor, a total of $15,000 per month for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support. Upon completion of our initial business combination or our liquidation, we will cease paying these monthly fees.


Other than the foregoing, no compensation of any kind, including any finder’s fee, reimbursement, consulting fee or monies in respect of any payment of a loan, will be paid by us to our sponsor, officers, directors or advisors or any affiliate of our sponsor, officers, directors or advisors prior to, or in connection with any services rendered in order to effectuate, the consummation of an initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is). However, these individuals 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, directors, advisors or our or their affiliates and will determine which expenses and the amount of expenses that will be reimbursed. There is no cap or ceiling on the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such persons in connection with activities on our behalf.

Prior to the closing of our initial public offering, our sponsor agreed to loan us up to $300,000 to be used for a portion of the expenses related to our initial public offering pursuant to a promissory note (the “Note”). The Note was non-interest bearing and payable on the earlier of December 31, 2019 or the completion2022.

44

PART II 

Item 8

 

In addition, in order to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination, such as the AvePoint Business Combination, our sponsor or an affiliate of our sponsor or certain of our officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. If we complete an initial business combination, such as the AvePoint Business Combination, we would repay such loaned amounts. In the event that the initial business combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the trust account to repay such loaned amounts but no proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment. Up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into units, at a price of $10.00 per unit at the option of the lender, upon consummation of our initial business combination. The units would be identical to the placement units. The terms of such loans by our officers and directors, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. 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.

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

The holders of the founder shares, placement units, and units that may be issued upon conversion of working capital loans (and in each case holders of their component securities, as applicable) have registration rights to require us to register a sale of any of our securities held by them pursuant to a registration rights agreement that was signed on the effective date of the initial public offering. These holders are entitled to make up to three demands, excluding short form registration demands, that we register such securities for sale under the Securities Act. In addition, these holders have “piggy-back” registration rights to include their securities in other registration statements filed by us.

For more information about the AvePoint Business Combination, the Business Combination Agreement and the other contemplated agreements related to the AvePoint Business Combination, see “Item 1. Business”.

Related Party Policy

We have adopted a code of ethics requiring us to avoid, wherever possible, all conflicts of interests, except under guidelines or resolutions approved by our board of directors (or the appropriate committee of our board) or as disclosed in our public filings with the SEC. Under our code of ethics, conflict of interest situations will include any financial transaction, arrangement or relationship (including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness) involving the company.

In addition, our audit committee, pursuant to a written charter that we have adopted, is responsible for reviewing and approving related party transactions to the extent that we enter into such transactions. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the audit committee present at a meeting at which a quorum is present will be required in order to approve a related party transaction. A majority of the members of the entire audit committee will constitute a quorum. Without a meeting, the unanimous written consent of all of the members of the audit committee will be required to approve a related party transaction. We also require each of our directors and executive officers to complete a directors’ and officers’ questionnaire that elicits information about related party transactions.


These procedures are intended to determine whether any such related party transaction impairs the independence of a director or presents a conflict of interest on the part of a director, employee or officer.

To further minimize conflicts of interest, we have agreed not to consummate an initial business combination with an entity that is affiliated with any of our sponsor, officers or directors unless we, or a committee of independent directors, have obtained an opinion from an independent investment banking firm or another independent firm that commonly renders fairness opinions that our initial business combination is fair to our company from a financial point of view. Furthermore, no finder’s fees, reimbursements or cash payments will be made to our sponsor, officers or directors, or our or their affiliates, for services rendered to us prior to or in connection with the completion of our initial business combination. 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.

Director Independence

Nasdaq listing standards require that a majority of our board of directors be independent. An “independent director” is defined generally as a person other than an officer or employee of the company or its subsidiaries or any other individual having a relationship which in the opinion of the company’s board of directors, would interfere with the director’s exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Our board of directors has determined that Messrs. Chao and Bell and Ms. Wells are “independent directors” as defined in the Nasdaq listing standards and applicable SEC rules. Our audit committee is composed solely of independent directors meeting Nasdaq’s additional requirements applicable to members of the audit committee. Our independent directors have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present.

Item 14. Principal Accountant 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. For the year ended December 31, 2020 and for the period from April 5, 2019 (inception) through December 31, 2019, fees for our independent registered public accounting firm were approximately $89,610 and $72,875, respectively, for the services Withum performed in connection with our Initial Public Offering and the audit of our December 31, 2020 and 2019 consolidated financial statements included in this Amendment.

Audit-Related Fees. For the year ended December 31, 2020 and for the period from April 5, 2019 (inception) through December 31, 2019, our independent registered public accounting firm did not render assurance and related services related to the performance of the audit or review of consolidated financial statements.

Tax Fees. For the year ended December 31, 2020 and for the period from April 5, 2019 (inception) through December 31, 2019, fees from our independent registered public accounting firm were approximately $6,000 and $0, respectively, for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

All Other Fees. For the year ended December 31, 2020 and for the period from April 5, 2019 (inception) through December 31, 2019, there were no fees billed for products and services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm other than those set forth above.

Pre-Approval Policy

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


PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits,8. Financial Statement Schedules.Statements AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

(a)The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K/A:

(1)

Index to Financial Statements(as restated):

 

Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 34)

 F-246

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 F-347

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 F-448

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ EquityComprehensive Loss

 F-549

Consolidated Statements of Mezzanine Equity and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)

50

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 F-652

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-7

(2)Financial Statement Schedules:

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

(3)Exhibits

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

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.

Not applicable.


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.Description
2.1Business Combination Agreement, dated November 23, 2020, by and among the Company, AvePoint, Merger Sub 1 and Merger Sub 2. (5)
2.2Amendment No. 1 to the Business Combination Agreement, (6)
3.1Certificate of Incorporation. (2)
3.2Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. (1)
3.3Bylaws. (2)
4.1Specimen Unit Certificate. (3)
4.2Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate. (3)
4.3Specimen Warrant Certificate. (3)
4.4Warrant Agreement, dated September 16, 2019, by and between the Company and Continental, as warrant agent. (1)
4.5Description of the Registrant’s Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended. (4)
10.1Promissory Note, dated June 25, 2019, issued to the sponsor. (2)
10.2Letter Agreement, dated September 16, 2019, by and among the Company, its officers, its directors and the sponsor. (1)
10.3Investment Management Trust Account Agreement, dated September 16, 2019, by and between the Company and Continental, as trustee. (1)
10.4Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 16, 2019, by and among the Company, the sponsor and Cantor. (1)
10.5Administrative Support Agreement, dated September 16, 2019, by and between the Company and First In Line Enterprises, Inc. (1)
10.6Unit Subscription Agreement, dated September 16, 2019, by and between the Company and the sponsor. (1)
10.7Unit Subscription Agreement, dated September 16, 2019, by and between the Company and Cantor. (1)
10.8Securities Subscription Agreement, dated June 25, 2019, between the Company and the sponsor. (2)
10.9Form of Indemnity Agreement. (3)
10.10Underwriting Agreement, dated September 16, 2019, between the Company and Cantor, as representatives of the several underwriters. (1)
10.11Form of Named Executive Equity Agreement, by and among the Company, AvePoint and the named executive therein. (5)
10.12Form of Registration Rights Agreement by and among the Company, the sponsor, Cantor and certain former stockholders of AvePoint. (5)
10.13Form of Lock-Up Agreement. (5)

10.14Insider Letter Agreement, dated November 23, 2020, by and among the Company, its officers and directors, and the sponsor. (5)
10.15Stockholder Support Agreement, dated November 23, 2020, by and among the Company and the persons set forth therein. (5)
10.16Sponsor Support Agreement, dated November 23, 2020, by and among the Company, the sponsor and AvePoint. (5)
10.17Subscription Agreement, dated November 23, 2020, by and among the Company and the investor named therein. (5)
14.1Code of Ethics. (3)
31.1Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a).*
32.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. 1350.**53
101.INSXBRL Instance Document*
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema*
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase*
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase*
101.PREXBRL Definition Linkbase Document*
101.DEFXBRL Definition Linkbase Document*

*Filed herewith

**Furnished herewith

(1)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 20, 2019.
(2)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form S-1, filed with the SEC on August 15, 2019.
(3)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form S-1/A, filed with the SEC on August 30, 2019.
(4)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 27, 2020.
(5)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 23, 2020.
(6)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on December 30, 2020.

 


45

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Stockholdersstockholders and the Board of Directors of

Apex Technology Acquisition Corporation and Subsidiaries AvePoint, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets of Apex Technology Acquisition CorporationAvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiariessubsidiaries (the “Company”), as of December 31, 20202022 and 2019,2021, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes incomprehensive loss, mezzanine equity and stockholders’ equity, and cash flows, for each of the yeartwo years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and for the period from April 5, 2019 (inception) through December 31, 2019,2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial“financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20202022 and 2019,2021, and the consolidated results of its operations and theirits cash flows for each of the yeartwo years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and for the period from April 5, 2019 (inception) through December 31, 2019,2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Restatement of Consolidated Financial StatementsChange in Accounting Principle

 

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued a public statement entitled Staff Statement on Accounting and Reporting Considerations for Warrants Issued by Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (“SPACs”) (the “Public Statement”) on April 12, 2021, which discusses theCompany has changed its method of accounting for certain warrants as liabilities. The Company previously accounted for its warrants as equity instruments. Management evaluated its warrants against the Public Statement, and determined that the warrants should be accounted for as liabilities. Accordingly, the 2020 consolidated financial statements have been restated to correct the accounting and related disclosure for the warrants.

Going Concern

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Noteleases, effective January 1, 2022, due to the consolidated financial statements, if the Company is unable to raise additional funds to alleviate liquidity needs and complete a business combination  by September 19, 2021, then the Company will cease all operations except for the purposeadoption of liquidating. The liquidity condition and date for mandatory liquidation and subsequent dissolution raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842).

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’sCompany's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidatedCompany'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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our auditaudits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audit providesaudits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ WithumSmith+Brown, PCDeloitte & Touche LLP

New York, New York

March 31, 2023

 

We have served as the Company’sCompany's auditor since 2019.2021.

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

New York, New York

May 13, 2021(In thousands, except par value)

 


  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 

Assets

        

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $227,188  $268,217 

Short-term investments

  2,620   2,411 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $725 and $838 as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively

  66,474   55,067 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  10,013   8,461 

Total current assets

  306,295   334,156 

Property and equipment, net

  5,537   3,922 

Goodwill

  18,904    

Intangible assets, net

  11,079    

Operating lease right-of-use assets

  15,855    

Deferred contract costs

  48,553   38,926 

Other assets

  9,310   11,734 

Total assets

 $415,533  $388,738 

Liabilities, mezzanine equity, and stockholders’ equity

        

Current liabilities:

        

Accounts payable

 $1,519  $1,824 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

  47,784   35,062 

Current portion of deferred revenue

  93,405   74,294 

Total current liabilities

  142,708   111,180 

Long-term operating lease liabilities

  11,348    

Long-term portion of deferred revenue

  8,085   8,038 

Earn-out shares liabilities

  6,631   10,012 

Other non-current liabilities

  3,607   3,943 

Total liabilities

  172,379   133,173 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

          

Mezzanine equity

        

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

  14,007   5,210 

Total mezzanine equity

  14,007   5,210 

Stockholders’ equity

        

Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, 185,278 and 181,822 shares issued and outstanding

  19   18 

Additional paid-in capital

  665,715   625,056 

Treasury stock

  (21,666)  (1,739)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

  2,006   2,317 

Accumulated deficit

  (416,927)  (375,297)

Total stockholders’ equity

  229,147   250,355 

Total liabilities, mezzanine equity, and stockholders’ equity

 $415,533  $388,738 

APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (As Restated)


See accompanying notes.

 

  December 31, 
  2020  2019 
ASSETS      
Current assets      
Cash $197,628  $994,810 
Prepaid expenses  74,642   183,639 
Prepaid income taxes  477,437    
Total Current Assets  749,707   1,178,449 
         
Cash and marketable securities held in Trust Account  351,858,320   351,809,163 
TOTAL ASSETS $352,608,027  $352,987,612 
         
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
Current liabilities        
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $4,408,489  $5,000 
Franchise tax payable  81,255   148,543 
Income taxes payable     464,701 
Total Current Liabilities  4,489,744   618,244 
         
Deferred underwriting commissions  13,150,000   13,150,000 
Warrant liability  77,419,100   20,947,150 
TOTAL LIABILITIES  95,058,844   34,715,394 
         
Commitments and Contingencies        
         
Class A common stock subject to possible redemption, 25,254,918 and 31,327,221 shares as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 (at $10.00 per share), respectively  252,549,180   313,272,210 
         
Stockholders’ Equity        
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding      
Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 10,555,082 and 4,482,779 shares issued and outstanding (excluding 25,254,918 and 31,327,221 subject to possible redemption) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively  1,056   448 
Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 8,750,000 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and 2019  875   875 
Additional paid-in capital  62,755,739   2,033,317 
(Accumulated deficit) Retained earnings  (57,757,667)  2,965,368 
Total Stockholders’ Equity  5,000,003   5,000,008 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $352,608,027  $352,987,612 

 

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

  

For the Year Ended

 
  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 

Revenue:

        

SaaS

 $117,180  $85,580 

Term license and support

  57,214   50,970 

Services

  41,283   31,919 

Maintenance

  15,868   21,022 

Perpetual license

  794   2,418 

Total revenue

  232,339   191,909 

Cost of revenue:

        

SaaS

  26,617   19,039 

Term license and support

  1,969   950 

Services

  35,629   30,726 

Maintenance

  908   1,949 

Total cost of revenue

  65,123   52,664 

Gross profit

  167,216   139,245 

Operating expenses:

        

Sales and marketing

  109,805   100,512 

General and administrative

  64,874   59,221 

Research and development

  30,519   31,765 

Depreciation and amortization

  3,084   1,238 

Total operating expenses

  208,282   192,736 

Loss from operations

  (41,066)  (53,491)

Gain on earn-out and warrant liabilities

  4,497   21,233 

Interest (expense) income, net

  (40)  102 

Other income (expense), net

  2,959   (632)

Loss before income taxes

  (33,650)  (32,788)

Income tax expense

  5,038   457 

Net loss

 $(38,688) $(33,245)

Net income attributable to and accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest

  (2,942)  (1,974)

Net loss attributable to AvePoint, Inc.

 $(41,630) $(35,219)

Deemed dividends on preferred stock

     (32,928)

Net loss available to common stockholders

 $(41,630) $(68,147)

Basic and diluted loss per share

 $(0.23) $(0.48)

Basic and diluted shares used in computing loss per share

  181,957   141,596 

TheSee accompanying notes are an integralnotes.

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

(In thousands)

  

For the Year Ended

 
  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 

Net loss

 $(38,688) $(33,245)

Other comprehensive (loss) income net of taxes

        

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  (250)  463 

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

  (250)  463 

Total comprehensive loss

 $(38,938) $(32,782)

Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

  (3,003)  (1,911)

Total comprehensive loss attributable to AvePoint, Inc

 $(41,941) $(34,693)

See accompanying notes.

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Mezzanine Equity and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)

For the Year Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 

(In thousands, except share amounts)

  

Redeemable

  

Total

                          

Accumulated

    
  

noncontrolling

  

mezzanine

          

Additional

              

Other

  

Total

 
  

interest

  

equity

  

Common Stock (1)

  

Paid-In

  

Treasury Stock

  

Accumulated

  

Comprehensive

  

Stockholders’

 
  

Amount

  

Amount

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Deficit

  

Income

  

Equity

 

Balance, December 31, 2021

 $5,210  $5,210   181,821,767  $18  $625,056   143,564  $(1,739) $(375,297) $2,317  $250,355 

Proceeds from exercise of options

        1,799,665      2,818               2,818 

Common stock issued upon vesting of restricted stock units

        1,784,993                      

Common stock issued upon acquisition

        324,845      1,517               1,517 

Common stock issued for canceled officer awards

        3,592,504   1   (1)               

Stock-based compensation expense

              37,210               37,210 

Issuance of redeemable noncontrolling interest in EduTech

  5,794   5,794                         

Reclassification of earn-out RSUs to earn-out shares

              (885)              (885)

Repurchase of common stock

        (4,046,186)        4,046,186   (19,927)        (19,927)

Comprehensive income (loss):

                                        

Net loss

                       (38,688)     (38,688)

Net income attributable to and accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest

  2,942   2,942                  (2,942)     (2,942)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  61   61                     (311)  (311)

Balance, December 31, 2022

 $14,007  $14,007   185,277,588  $19  $665,715   4,189,750  $(21,666) $(416,927) $2,006  $229,147 

          

Redeemable

  

Share

  

Redeemable

  

Total

                      

Accumulated

    
  

Convertible

  

Common

  

Based

  

noncontrolling

  

mezzanine

          

Additional

          

Other

  

Total

 
  

Preferred Stock (1)

  

Shares

  

Awards

  

interest

  

equity

  

Common Stock (1)

  

Paid-In

  

Treasury

  

Accumulated

  

Comprehensive

  

Stockholders’

 
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Amount

  

Amount

  

Amount

  

Amount

  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Stock

  

Deficit

  

Income

  

Equity

 

Balance, December 31, 2020

  42,000,592  $183,390  $25,074  $1,489  $3,061  $213,014   100,068,469  $12  $105,159  $  $(299,789) $1,791  $(192,827)

Reclassification of share-based awards to mezzanine equity

           206      206         (206)           (206)

Reclassification of common shares to mezzanine equity

        6,872         6,872                      

Remeasurement of redemption value of common shares

        7,361         7,361               (7,361)     (7,361)

Proceeds from exercise of options

                    5,141,331      8,242            8,242 

Common stock issued upon vesting of restricted stock units

                    170,852                   

Stock-based compensation expense

                          46,475            46,475 

Remeasurement of redemption value of convertible preferred stock

     32,928            32,928               (32,928)     (32,928)

Issuance of redeemable noncontrolling interest in EduTech

              238   238         515            515 

Conversion of convertible preferred stock

  (42,000,592)  (216,318)           (216,318)  28,500,592   3   85,390            85,393 

Reclassification of redeemable common shares from mezzanine to permanent equity

        (39,307)        (39,307)        39,307            39,307 

Reclassification of share-based awards from liabilities and mezzanine equity to permanent equity

           (1,695)     (1,695)        41,152            41,152 

Merger and recapitalization, net of transaction costs

                    47,940,523   3   299,736            299,739 

Reclassification of earn-out RSUs to earn-out shares

                          (714)           (714)

Reclassification of Apex shares purchased prior to the Business Combination

                             (1,739)        (1,739)

Comprehensive income (loss):

                                                    

Net loss

                                (33,245)     (33,245)

Net income attributable to and accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest

              1,974   1,974               (1,974)     (1,974)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

              (63)  (63)                 526   526 

Balance, December 31, 2021

    $  $  $  $5,210  $5,210   181,821,767  $18  $625,056  $(1,739) $(375,297) $2,317  $250,355 

(1) As part of the consolidated financial statementsApex Business Combination (the “Apex.Business Combination”) (as disclosed in “Note 3 — Business Combination”), all per share information has been retroactively adjusted using an exchange ratio of 8.69144 per share.

See accompanying notes.

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 


  

For the Year Ended

 
  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 

Operating activities

        

Net loss

 $(38,688) $(33,245)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

        

Depreciation and amortization

  3,494   1,238 

Operating lease right-of-use assets expense

  5,945    

Foreign currency remeasurement loss

  835   1,308 

Stock-based compensation

  37,218   59,508 

Deferred income taxes

  3,701   (175)

Other

  (607)  (755)

Change in value of earn-out and warrant liabilities

  (4,402)  (21,233)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable

  (14,388)  (8,243)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  (2,108)  (5,914)

Deferred contract costs and other assets

  (9,596)  (8,890)

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, operating lease liabilities and other liabilities

  (2,553)  10,626 

Deferred revenue

  20,375   10,805 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

  (774)  5,030 

Investing activities

        

Maturities of investments

  183,554    

Purchases of investments

  (180,969)  (916)

Cash paid in business combinations and asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired

  (18,572)   

Capitalization of internal-use software

  (1,612)   

Purchase of property and equipment

  (3,853)  (2,461)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (21,452)  (3,377)

Financing activities

        

Proceeds from recapitalization of Apex shares, net of transaction fees of $49,990

     441,573 

Redemption of redeemable convertible preferred stock

     (130,925)

Redemption of Legacy AvePoint common stock

     (106,169)

Purchase of common stock

  (19,927)  (1,628)

Payment of net cash settlement for management options

     (7,530)

Proceeds from stock option exercises

  2,818   5,566 

Proceeds from sale of common shares of subsidiary

     753 

Repayments of finance leases

  (39)  (25)

Payments of transaction fees by Legacy AvePoint

     (2,998)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  (17,148)  198,617 

Effect of exchange rates on cash

  (1,655)  (1,165)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

  (41,029)  199,105 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  268,217   69,112 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $227,188  $268,217 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

        

Income taxes paid

 $3,320  $4,037 

Contingent considerations in business combination

 $5,635  $ 

Common stock issued in business combination

 $1,517  $ 

Loan to certain acquiree shareholders

 $235  $ 

See accompanying notes.

APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (As Restated)
AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Nature of Business and Organization

 

  Year Ended December 31,  For the Period from April 5, 2019 (Inception) Through December 31, 
  2020  2019 
General and administrative expenses $5,309,612  $295,109 
Franchise tax expense  201,196   295,342 
Loss from operations  (5,510,808)  (590,451)
         
Other income (expense):        
Interest earned on marketable securities held in Trust Account  1,671,038   1,809,163 
Change in fair value of warrant liability  (56,471,950)  3,052,800 
Transaction costs – warrants  -   (988,242)
Other income (expense), net  (54,800,912)  3,873,721 
         
(Loss) income before provision for income taxes  (60,311,720)  3,283,270 
Provision for income taxes  (411,315)  (317,902)
Net (loss) income $(60,723,035) $2,965,368 
         
Weighted average shares outstanding of Class A redeemable common stock  35,000,000   35,000,000 
Basic and diluted net income per share, Class A redeemable common stock $0.03  $0.03 
         
Weighted average shares outstanding of Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  9,560,000   9,062,000 
Basic and diluted net loss per share, Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock $(6.46) $0.20 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (As Restated)

  Class A
Common Stock
  Class B
Common Stock
  Additional
Paid-in
  Retained Earnings (Accumulated  Total
Stockholders’
 
  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital  Deficit)  Equity 
Balance – April 5, 2019 (inception)    $     $  $  $  $ 
                             
Issuance of Class B common stock to Sponsor        8,786,750   877   24,123      25,000 
                             
Forfeiture of Class B common stock        (18,750)  (2)  2       
                             
Sale of 35,000,000 Units, net of underwriting discount and offering costs and the fair value of the Public Warrants  35,000,000   3,500         307,903,300      307,906,800 
                             
Sale of 810,000 Private Placement Units, net of the fair value of the Private Placement Warrants  810,000   81         7,374,969      7,375,050 
                             
Class A common stock subject to possible redemption  (31,327,221)  (3,133)        (313,269,077)     (313,272,210)
                             
Net income                 2,965,368   2,965,368 
                             
Balance – December 31, 2019  4,482,779   448   8,750,000   875   2,033,317   2,965,368   5,000,008 
                             
Change in value of Class A common stock subject to possible redemption  6,072,303   608         60,722,422      60,723,030 
                             
Net loss                 (60,723,035)  (60,723,035)
                             
Balance – December 31, 2020  10,555,082  $1,056   8,750,000  $875  $62,755,739  $(57,757,667) $5,000,003 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (As Restated)

  

Year Ended

December 31,

  For the
Period from
April 5,
2019
(Inception)
Through
December 31,
 
  2020  2019 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:        
Net (loss) income $(60,723,035) $2,965,368 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities:        
Interest earned on marketable securities held in Trust Account  (1,671,038)  (1,809,163)
Change in fair value of warrant liability  56,471,950   (3,052,800)
Transaction costs  -   988,242 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
Prepaid expenses  108,997   (183,639)
Prepaid income taxes  (477,437)   
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  4,256,690   151,799 
Franchise tax payable  (67,288)  148,543 
Income taxes payable  (317,902)  317,902 
Net cash used in operating activities  (2,419,063)  (473,748)
         
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:        
Investment of cash into Trust Account     (350,000,000)
Cash withdrawn from Trust Account for franchise and income taxes  1,621,881    
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  1,621,881   (350,000,000)
         
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:        
Proceeds from issuance of Class B common stock to Sponsor     25,000 
Proceeds from sale of Units, net of underwriting discounts paid     343,900,000 
Proceeds from sale of Private Units     8,100,000 
Proceeds from promissory note – related party     275,000 
Repayment of promissory note – related party     (275,000)
Payment of offering costs     (556,442)
Net cash provided by financing activities     351,468,558 
         
Net Change in Cash  (797,182)  994,810 
Cash – Beginning of period  994,810    
Cash – End of period $197,628  $994,810 
         
Non-cash investing and financing activities:        
Initial classification of Class A common stock subject to possible redemption $  $309,314,540 
Change in value of Class A common stock subject to possible redemption $(60,723,030) $3,957,670 
Deferred underwriting fee payable $  $13,150,000 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2020

NOTE 1. DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Apex Technology Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”)AvePoint, Inc. was incorporated as a New Jersey corporation on July 24, 2001, and redomiciled as Delaware corporation in Delaware on April 5, 2019. The Company was formed for2006. On July 1, 2021, AvePoint, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “AvePoint”, the purpose of entering intoCompany”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) became a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses (the “Business Combination”)publicly traded company, as further described in “Note 3 - Business Combination.

 

AlthoughAvePoint provides a cloud-native software platform that organizations rely on to optimize operations, manage critical data and secure the Company is not limited todigital workplace. As companies around the world embrace the new normal of hybrid work, they must build and deliver a particular industry or sectornew, seamless workplace experience for purposesknowledge workers, centered around an extensive portfolio of consummating a Business Combination,SaaS solutions and productivity applications aimed at improving collaboration across the Company intends to focus its search on companies in the software and internet technology industries. The Company is an early stage and emerging growth company and, as such, the Company is subject to all of the risks associated with early stage and emerging growth companies.organization.

 

The Companyadoption of this portfolio of solutions – what has two subsidiaries, Athena Technology Merger Sub, Inc.,been generally described as the “digital transformation” – is a wholly-owned subsidiarysubstantial and ongoing challenge for most organizations, which for decades had previously relied upon only a small number of multi-purpose on-premises applications to drive business outcomes. However, to build and deliver an efficient digital workplace today, companies must address this abundance of applications – and the Company incorporated in Delawareassociated explosive growth and sprawl of data – with a platform offering that is well governed, fit for purpose, easy to use and built on October 13, 2020 (“Merger Sub 1”) and Athena Technology Merger Sub 2, LLC, a wholly -owned subsidiary of the Company incorporated in Delaware on November 2, 2020 (“Merger Sub 2”).automation.

 

AvePoint’s Confidence Platform empowers organizations – of all sizes, in all regions, and across all industries – to optimize and secure the solutions that most commonly establish and underpin the digital workplace. As our customers seek to rapidly reduce costs, improve productivity and make more informed business decisions, they depend on our platform for data-driven insights, critical business intelligence and ongoing operational value through automation.

Our principal headquarters are located in Jersey City, New Jersey, with our operating headquarters in Richmond, Virginia and additional offices in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

2. Summary of December 31, 2020, the Company had not commenced any operations. All activity through December 31, 2020 relates to the Company’s formation, its initial public offering (the “Initial Public Offering”), which is described below, identifying a target company for a Business Combination and activities in connection with the proposed acquisitionSignificant Accounting Policies

Basis of AvePoint, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“AvePoint”) (see Note 7). The Company will not generate any operating revenues until after the completion of its initial Business Combination, at the earliest. The Company generates non-operating income in the form of interest income from the proceeds derived from the Initial Public Offering.Presentation

 

The registration statement for the Company’s Initial Public Offering was declared effective on September 16, 2019. On September 19, 2019, the Company consummated the Initial Public Offering of 35,000,000 units (“Units” and, with respect to the Class A common stock included in the Units offered, the “Public Shares”), which included the partial exercise by the underwriters of the over-allotment option to purchase an additional 4,500,000 Units, at $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of $350,000,000, which is described in Note 4.

Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the Company consummated the sale of 810,000 units (the “Placement Units”) at a price of $10.00 per Placement Unit in a private placement to Apex Technology Sponsor LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Sponsor”) and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”), the representative of the underwriters, generating gross proceeds of $8,100,000, which is described in Note 5.

Offering costs amounted to $19,806,442, consisting of $6,100,000 of underwriting fees, $13,150,000 of deferred underwriting fees and $556,442 of other offering costs.

Following the closing of the Initial Public Offering on September 19, 2019, an amount of $350,000,000 ($10.00 per Unit) from the net proceeds of the sale of the Units in the Initial Public Offering and the sale of the Placement Units was placed in a trust account (“Trust Account”) and invested in U.S. government securities, within the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), with a maturity of 180 days or less or in any open-ended investment company that holds itself out as a money market fund selected by the Company meeting the conditions of Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act, as determined by the Company, until the earlier of: (i) the completion of a Business Combination and (ii) the distribution of the Trust Account, as described below.

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 Placement Units, 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 one or more initial Business Combinations having an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the assets held in the Trust Account (excluding the deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on interest earned on 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.


APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2020

The Company will provide its holders of the outstanding shares of Class A common stock (the “public stockholders”) included in the public units (“Public Shares”) 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 stockholder meeting called to approve the Business Combination or (ii) by means of a tender offer. The decision as to whether the Company will seek stockholder approval of a Business Combination or conduct a tender offer will be made by the Company, solely in its discretion. The public stockholders will be entitled to redeem their Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the amount then in the Trust Account ($10.00 per Public Share, plus any pro rata interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay its tax obligations). The per-share amount to be distributed to public stockholders 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 7). There will be no redemption rights upon the completion of a Business Combination with respect to the Company’s warrants. The Company will proceed with a Business Combination if the Company has net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 either immediately prior to or upon such consummation of a Business Combination and, if the Company seeks stockholder approval, a majority of the shares voted are voted in favor of the Business Combination. If a stockholder vote is not required by law and the Company does not decide to hold a stockholder vote for business or other legal reasons, the Company will, pursuant to its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation”), 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, stockholder approval of the transaction is required by law, or the Company decides to obtain stockholder 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. If the Company seeks stockholder approval in connection with a Business Combination, the Company’s Sponsor has agreed to vote its Founder Shares (as defined in Note 6), Placement Shares (as defined in Note 5) and any Public Shares purchased during or after the Initial Public Offering in favor of approving a Business Combination. Additionally, each public stockholder may elect to redeem their Public Shares irrespective of whether they vote for or against the proposed transaction.

If the Company seeks stockholder approval of a Business Combination and it does not conduct redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that a public stockholder, together with any affiliate of such stockholder or any other person with whom such stockholder is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the 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 15% or more of the Public Shares, without the prior consent of the Company.

The Sponsor has agreed (a) to waive its redemption rights with respect to its Founder Shares (as defined below), Placement Shares (as defined below) and Public Shares held by it in connection with the completion of a Business Combination and (b) not to propose an amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (i) that would affect the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to allow redemption in connection with a Business Combination or to redeem 100% of its Public Shares if the Company does not complete a Business Combination or (ii) with respect to any other provision relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-business combination activity, unless the Company provides the public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their Public Shares in conjunction with any such amendment.

The Company has until September 19, 2021 to consummate a Business Combination (the “Combination Period”). 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 to pay its tax obligations (less 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 stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the Company’s remaining stockholders and the Company’s board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) above to the Company’s obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to the Company’s warrants, which will expire worthless if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period.

The Sponsor has agreed to waive its liquidation rights with respect to the Founder Shares and Placement Shares if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period. However, if the Sponsor acquires Public Shares after the Initial Public Offering, such Public Shares will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period. The underwriters have agreed to waive their rights to their deferred underwriting commission (see Note 7) held in the Trust Account in the event the Company does not complete a Business Combination within in 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 assets remaining available for distribution will be less than $10.00 per share.


APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2020

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 discussed entering into a transaction 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. This liability will not apply with respect to any claims by a third party who executed a waiver of any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the Trust Account 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 registered public 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.

Going Concern

In connection with the Company’s assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board’s Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, “Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern,” the Company has until September 19, 2021 to consummate a Business Combination. It is uncertain that the Company will be able to consummate a Business Combination by this time. If a Business Combination is not consummated by this date, there will be a mandatory liquidation and subsequent dissolution of the Company. Management has determined that the mandatory liquidation, should a Business Combination not occur, and potential subsequent dissolution raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. No adjustments have been made to the carrying amounts of assets or liabilities should the Company be required to liquidate after September 19, 2021. Management plans to continue efforts to close a business combination within the prescribed time frame.

NOTE 2. RESTATEMENT OF PREVIOUSLY ISSUED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company previously accounted for its outstanding Public Warrants (as defined in Note 5) and Private Placement Warrants issued in connection with its Initial Public Offering as components of equity instead of as derivative liabilities. The warrant agreement governing the warrants includes a provision that provides for potential changes to the settlement amounts dependent upon the characteristics of the holder of the warrant. In addition, the warrant agreement includes a provision that in the event of a tender or exchange offer made to and accepted by holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of a single class of common shares, all holders of the warrants would be entitled to receive cash for their warrants (the “tender offer provision”).

In connection with the audit of the Company’s financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2020, the Company’s management further evaluated the warrants under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 815-40, Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity.  ASC Section 815-40-15 addresses equity versus liability treatment and classification of equity-linked financial instruments, including warrants, and states that a warrant may be classified as a component of equity only if, among other things, the warrant is indexed to the issuer’s common stock.  Under ASC Section 815-40-15, a warrant is not indexed to the issuer’s common stock if the terms of the warrant require an adjustment to the exercise price upon a specified event and that event is not an input to the fair value of the warrant.  Based on management’s evaluation, the Company’s audit committee, in consultation with management, concluded that the Company’s Private Placement Warrants are not indexed to the Company’s common shares in the manner contemplated by ASC Section 815-40-15 because the holder of the instrument is not an input into the pricing of a fixed-for-fixed option on equity shares. In addition, based on management’s evaluation, the Company’s audit committee, in consultation with management, concluded the tender offer provision included in the warrant agreement fails the “classified in shareholders’ equity” criteria as contemplated by ASC Section 815-40-25.

As a result of the above, the Company should have classified the warrants as derivative liabilities in its previously issued financial statements. Under this accounting treatment, the Company is required to measure the fair value of the warrants at the end of each reporting period and recognize changes in the fair value from the prior period in the Company’s operating results for the current period.


APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2020

The Company’s accounting for the warrants as components of equity instead of as derivative liabilities did not have any effect on the Company’s previously reported operating expenses, cash flows or cash.

  As       
  Previously     As 
  Reported  Adjustments  Restated 
          
Balance sheet as of September 19, 2019 (audited)         
Total Liabilities $13,150,815  $23,999,950  $37,150,765 
Class A Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption  333,314,490   (23,999,950)  309,314,540 
Class A Common Stock  248   240   488 
Additional Paid-in Capital  5,002,945   988,003   5,990,948 
Accumulated Deficit  (4,065)  (988,243)  (992,308)
Total Stockholders’ Equity  5,000,003      5,000,003 
             
Number of Class A common stock subject to redemption  33,331,449   (2,399,995)  30,931,454 
             
Balance sheet as of September 30, 2019 (unaudited)            
Total Liabilities $13,284,099  $23,829,000  $37,113,099 
Class A Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption  333,347,150   (23,829,000)  309,518,150 
Class A Common Stock  248   238   486 
Additional Paid-in Capital  4,970,285   817,055   5,787,340 
(Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings  28,595   (817,293)  (788,698)
Total Stockholders’ Equity  5,000,003      5,000,003 
             
Number of Class A common stock subject to redemption  33,334,715   (2,382,900)  30,951,815 
             
Balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 (audited)            
Total Liabilities $13,768,244  $20,947,150  $34,715,394 
Class A Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption  334,219,360   (20,947,150)  313,272,210 
Class A Common Stock  239   209   448 
Additional Paid-in Capital  4,098,084   (2,064,767)  2,033,317 
Retained Earnings  900,810   2,064,558   2,965,368 
Total Stockholders’ Equity  5,000,008      5,000,008 
             
Number of Class A common stock subject to redemption  33,421,936   (2,094,715)  31,327,221 
             
Balance sheet as of March 31, 2020 (unaudited)            
Total Liabilities $14,063,126  $16,653,150  $30,716,276 
Class A Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption  335,035,050   (16,653,150)  318,381,900 
Class A Common Stock  231   166   397 
Additional Paid-in Capital  3,282,402   (6,358,723)  (3,076,321)
Retained Earnings  1,716,495   6,358,557   8,075,052 
Total Stockholders’ Equity  5,000,003      5,000,003 
             
Number of Class A common stock subject to redemption  33,503,505   (1,665,315)  31,838,190 
             
Balance sheet as of June 30, 2020 (unaudited)            
Total Liabilities $14,082,333  $30,863,750  $44,946,083 
Class A Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption  334,879,810   (30,863,750)  304,016,060 
Class A Common Stock  232   309   541 
Additional Paid-in Capital  3,437,641   7,851,734   11,289,375 
(Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings  1,561,255   (7,852,043)  (6,290,788)
Total Stockholders’ Equity  5,000,003      5,000,003 
             
Number of Class A common stock subject to redemption  33,487,981   (3,086,375)  30,401,606 
             
Balance sheet as of September 30, 2020 (unaudited)            
Total Liabilities $13,252,231   35,173,100   48,425,331 
Class A Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption  334,703,480   (35,173,100)  299,530,380 
Class A Common Stock  234   352   586 
Additional Paid-in Capital  3,613,969   12,161,041   15,775,010 
(Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings  1,384,926   (12,161,393)  (10,776,467)
Total Stockholders’ Equity  5,000,004      5,000,004 
             
Number of Class A common stock subject to redemption  33,470,348   (3,517,310)  29,953,038 
             
Balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 (audited)            
Total Liabilities $17,639,744  $77,419,100  $95,058,844 
Class A Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption  329,968,280   (77,419,100)  252,549,180 
Class A Common Stock  281   775   1,056 
Additional Paid-in Capital  8,349,122   54,406,617   62,755,739 
Accumulated Deficit  (3,350,275)  (54,407,392)  (57,757,667)
Total Stockholders’ Equity  5,000,003      5,000,003 
             
Number of Class A common stock subject to redemption  32,996,828   (7,741,910)  25,254,918 
             
Three months ended September 30, 2019 (unaudited)            
Net income (loss) $29,595  $(817,293) $(787,698)
Weighted average shares outstanding of Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  8,855,652   -   8,855,652 
Basic and diluted net loss per share, Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  0.00   (0.10)  (0.10)
             
             
Period from April 5, 2019 (inception) to September 30, 2019 (unaudited)            
Net income (loss) $28,595  $(817,293) $(788,698)
Weighted average shares outstanding of Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  8,804,607   -   8,804,607 
Basic and diluted net loss per share, Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  0.00   (0.10)  (0.10)
             
Period from April 5, 2019 (inception) to December 31, 2019 (audited)            
Net income (loss) $900,810  $2,064,558  $2,965,368 
Weighted average shares outstanding of Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  9,062,000   -   9,062,000 
Basic and diluted net loss per share, Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  (0.03)  0.23   0.20 
             
             
Three months ended March 31, 2020 (unaudited)            
Net income (loss) $815,685   4,294,000  $5,109,685 
Weighted average shares outstanding of Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  9,560,000   -   9,560,000 
Basic and diluted net loss per share, Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  (0.02)  0.45   0.43 
             
Three months ended June 30, 2020 (unaudited)            
Net income (loss) $(155,240)  (9,916,600) $(10,071,840)
Weighted average shares outstanding of Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  9,560,000   -   9,560,000 
Basic and diluted net loss per share, Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  (0.02)  (1.04)  (1.06)
             
Six months ended June 30, 2020 (unaudited)            
Net income (loss) $660,445  $(9,916,600) $(9,256,155)
Weighted average shares outstanding of Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  9,560,000   -   9,560,000 
Basic and diluted net loss per share, Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  (0.04)  (1.04)  (1.08)
             
Three months ended September 30, 2020 (unaudited)            
Net income (loss)  (176,329)  (14,225,950)  (14,402,279)
Weighted average shares outstanding of Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  9,560,000   -   9,560,000 
Basic and diluted net loss per share, Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  (0.02)  (1.49)  (1.51)
             
Nine months ended September 30, 2020 (unaudited)            
Net income (loss) $484,116  $(14,225,950) $(13,741,834)
Weighted average shares outstanding of Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  9,560,000   -   9,560,000 
Basic and diluted net loss per share, Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  (0.06)  (1.49)  (1.55)
             
             
Year ended December 31, 2020 (audited)            
Net income (loss) $(4,251,085) $(56,471,950) $(60,723,035)
Weighted average shares outstanding of Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  9,560,000   -   9,560,000 
Basic and diluted net loss per share, Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock  (0.56)  (5.90)  (6.46)

APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2020

NOTE 3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”)(GAAP) and pursuant to the accounting and disclosure rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of the CompanyAvePoint, Inc. and its majority owned subsidiary where the Company has the ability to exercise control.subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balancestransactions and transactionsbalances have been eliminated in consolidation. Activities

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

In February 2016, the Financial Account Standard Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02,Leases (Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)) and subsequently issued amendments to the initial guidance: ASU 2017-13, ASU 2018-10, ASU 2018-11, ASU 2018-20, ASU 2019-01, ASU 2019-10, ASU 2020-02, ASU 2020-05 and ASU 2021-05 (collectively, “ASC842”). The Company adopted ASC 842 on January 1, 2022, using the modified retrospective approach and has elected not to restate comparative periods and record a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the effective date. ASC 842 requires companies to generally recognize on the balance sheet operating and finance lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use (“ROU”) assets.

The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which allowed the Company to carry forward its historical assessments of whether a contract contains a lease, lease classification and initial direct costs. The Company elected not to use hindsight in determining the lease term. The Company made the following other transition considerations and elections under ASC 842: (i) not to separate non-lease components for all classes of underlying assets, including under Leases (“ASC840”) for the purpose of transition measurement; (ii) apply accounting similar to ASC 840 for operating lease with term of 12 months or less at the commencement date; (iii) consider remaining lease term as of the date of initial application in determining the incremental borrowing rate to be used to discount minimum rental payments for operating leases in transition.

The adoption of the new standard resulted in the recognition of ROU assets of $13.9 million, net of previously recognized deferred rent balance of $0.6 million and total lease liabilities of $14.5 million, including a current liability of $3.6 million, and corresponding deferred tax assets and liabilities, on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2022. The adoption had no significant impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations or cash flows.

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No.2021-08, Business Combinations (“ASC805”), Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, which requires contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination to be recognized and measured by the acquirer on the acquisition date in accordance with Revenue from contracts with customers (“ASC606”). Generally, this new guidance will result in the acquirer recognizing contract assets and contract liabilities at the same amounts recorded by the acquiree. The new guidance should be applied prospectively to acquisitions occurring on or after the effective date. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including in interim periods, for any financial statements that have not been issued. The Company early adopted the new standard on January 1, 2022. We applied the new guidance to the current year acquisitions. The adoption of the standard did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Comparative Data

Certain amounts from prior periods have been presented separately have been grouped to conform to the current period presentation, including:

The reclassification of long-term unbilled receivables to be included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021;

The reclassification of long-term unbilled receivables to be included in deferred contracts and other assets on the consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2021;
The reclassification of provision for doubtful accounts and loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment to be included in other on the consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2021; and
The payments of transaction fees to be included in proceeds from recapitalization of Apex shares on the consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Business Combination

When we consummate a business combination, the assets acquired, and the liabilities assumed are recognized separately from goodwill at their acquisition date fair values. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of the fair value of consideration transferred over the acquisition date fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired. While best estimates and assumptions are used to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as contingent consideration, where applicable, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill as we obtain new information about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date. Upon the earlier of the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, any subsequent adjustments are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. Acquisition-related costs were immaterial and were expensed as incurred. Pro forma historical results of operations related to the business combinations closed in 2022 have not been presented because they are not material business combinations to our consolidated financial statements, either individually or in aggregate.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of consideration transferred over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired. 

We review goodwill for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. We have elected to first assess the qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of our single reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. If we determine that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount, then the quantitative goodwill impairment test will be performed. The quantitative goodwill impairment test identifies goodwill impairment and measures the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recognized by comparing the fair value of our single reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the fair value exceeds its carrying amount, no further analysis is required; otherwise, any excess of the goodwill carrying amount over the implied fair value is recognized as an impairment loss, and the carrying value of goodwill is written down to fair value.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the goodwill was not impaired. There was no goodwill as of December 31, 2021.

Intangible Assets, net

Intangible assets primarily consist of customer related assets and acquired software and technology. Typical customer related assets include order backlogs and customer relationships. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over their useful lives on a straight-line basis, which range from one year to ten years. We evaluate the recoverability of intangible assets periodically by considering events or circumstances that may warrant revised estimates of useful lives or that indicate the asset may be impaired.

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. We base our estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The amounts of assets and liabilities reported in our consolidated balance sheets and the amounts of revenue and expenses reported for each of its periods presented are affected by estimates and assumptions, which are used for, but not limited to, the accounting for revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, deferred contract costs, valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets, income taxes and related reserves, stock-based compensation, purchase price in a business combination, and earn-out liabilities. Actual results and outcomes may differ from management’s estimates and assumptions due to risks and uncertainties.

Foreign Currency

The Company has foreign operations where the functional currency has been determined to be the local currency, in accordance with FASB ASC 830,Foreign Currency Matters. Adjustments resulting from translating such foreign functional currency assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars, based on current exchange rates, are recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ deficiency under the caption, accumulated other comprehensive income. Revenue and expenses are translated using average rates prevailing during the period. Transaction gains and losses arising from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in other income (expense), net in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Transaction gains totaled $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, and transaction losses totaled $(0.9) million for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company maintains cash with several high credit-quality financial institutions. The Company considers all investments available with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. These investments are not subject to significant market risk. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in bank accounts which, at times, exceed the federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Company maintains cash balances used in operations at entities based in countries which impose regulations that limit the ability to transfer cash out of the country. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s cash balances at these entities were $10.8 million and $9.3 million, respectively. For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash includes all amounts in the consolidated balance sheets captioned cash and cash equivalents.

Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments consist mainly of certificates of deposit held by financial institutions which have an initial maturity of greater than three months but less than or equal to one year at period end.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. Where we are aware of circumstances that may impair a specific customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific allowance against amounts due. For all other customers, we recognize allowances for doubtful accounts based on the length of time the receivables are outstanding, the current business environment and its historical experience. Accounts are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recorded when received. As such, we present trade receivables at their net estimated realizable value through use of the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or related contract terms beginning in the year the asset was placed into service.

We depreciate computer equipment and software generally over a period of three years. We amortize leasehold improvements over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful lives of the assets. We depreciate furniture and fixture generally over a period of seven years. We depreciate buildings over a period of forty years. We depreciate office equipment generally over a period of five years. Depreciation and amortization for buildings, information technology assets, leasehold improvements, and furniture and fixtures commences once they are ready for our intended use.

Normal repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. We write off depreciated assets that are no longer in service.

We evaluate long-lived assets, which include leasehold improvements and equipment subject to depreciation and amortization, for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss will be recognized when the aggregate of estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and the eventual disposition of the long-lived assets less than its carrying amount. Impairment, if any, is determined based on the fair value of the long-lived asset.

There were no impairment charges recognized during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

We evaluate the portion of depreciation and amortization expense attributable to cost of revenue based on organizational headcount directly attributable to the generation of revenue. Based on this evaluation, we have determined that depreciation and amortization attributable to cost of revenue is not material; therefore, the full expense has been recorded in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Deferred Contract Costs

We defer sales commissions earned by our sales force that are considered to be incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining or renewing SaaS, term license and support, service, perpetual license and maintenance contracts. We have structured commissions plans such that the commission rate paid on renewal contracts are less than those paid on the initial contract; therefore, it is determined that the renewal commissions are not commensurate with the initial commission and thus capitalized as deferred contract costs. We determine the estimated average customer relationship period and average renewal term utilizing a portfolio approach. No impairment was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Amortization of deferred contract costs of $13.4 million and $9.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, is included as a component of sales and marketing expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Deferred contract costs recognized as a contract asset on our balance sheet was $48.6 million and $38.9 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Software Development Costs

Costs incurred in the development of new software products and enhancements to existing software products to be accounted for under software revenue recognition guidance are accounted for in accordance with ASC 985-20, Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased, or Marketed, or ASC 985-20. These costs, consisting primarily of salaries and related payroll costs, are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility has been established. After technological feasibility is established, costs are capitalized in accordance with ASC 985-20. The Company’s primary on-premises product is DocAve which is within the scope of subtopic 985-20. DocAve has been on the market since 2002. Typically, the economic life of software produced is less than five years. As such, any costs subject to capitalization under ASC 985-20 would be fully amortized at this time. As a result, no internally generated software development costs have been capitalized as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

We account for costs to develop or obtain internal-use software and implementation costs incurred in hosting arrangements in accordance with ASC 350-40, Internal-Use Software, or ASC 350-40. We also account for costs of significant upgrades and enhancements resulting in additional functionality under ASC 350-40. These costs are primarily software purchased for internal-use, purchased software licenses, implementation costs, and development costs related to our hosted product, which is accessed by customers on a subscription basis. Costs incurred for maintenance, training, and minor modifications or enhancements are expensed as incurred. Internal-use software is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life, which is generally three years. Management evaluates the useful lives of these assets on an annual basis and tests for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances occur that could impact the recoverability of these assets. Internally developed software costs required to be capitalized as defined by the accounting guidance are not material to our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

We derive revenue from four primary sources: SaaS, term license and support, services, and maintenance.

The following table presents our revenue by source:

  

Year Ended

 
  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Revenue:

        

SaaS

 $117,180  $85,580 

Term license and support

  57,214   50,970 

Services

  41,283   31,919 

Maintenance

  15,868   21,022 

Perpetual license

  794   2,418 

Total revenue

 $232,339  $191,909 

Term license and perpetual license revenue recognized at point in time was $40.0 million and $39.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The remaining revenue amount is recognized over time.

Our sources of revenue mainly include:

SaaS and term license and support revenue includes revenue from the sale of SaaS and term license and support, versions of our software and related customer support. SaaS revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the contract. Term license revenue includes distinct on-premises license and support performance obligations. The license is generally recognized upfront at the point in time when the software is made available to the customer to download and use, and the support is recognized ratably over the term of the contract.

Perpetual license revenue is recognized upfront upon delivery of the licensed product and/or the utility that enables the customer to access authorization keys, provided that an enforceable contract has been received. Typically, our perpetual licenses are sold with post-contract support (PCS), which includes unspecified technical enhancements and customer support. Revenue from PCS is classified as maintenance revenue and is recognized ratably over the term of the contract, which is typically one year, as we satisfy the PCS performance obligation.

Services revenue includes revenue derived primarily from the implementation of software, training, consulting, and migrations. We also offer license customization and managed services. Services revenue from implementation, training, consulting, migration, and license customization is recognized by applying a measure of progress, such as labor hours to determine the percentage of completion of each contract. Services revenue from managed services is recognized ratably on a straight-line basis over the contract term.

In rare cases when the software and the related when-and-if available updates are critical to the combined utility of the software, the Company has determined this to be one performance obligation and revenue is recognized ratably over the license term. 

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

ASC 606 is a single standard for revenue recognition that applies to all of our SaaS, term license and support, services, perpetual license and maintenance arrangements and generally requires revenue to be recognized upon the transfer of control of promised goods or services provided to its customers, reflecting the amount of consideration it expects to receive for those goods or services. Pursuant to ASC 606, revenue is recognized upon the application of the following steps:

identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer;

identification of the performance obligations in the contract;

determination of the transaction price;

allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and

recognition of revenue when, or as, the contractual performance obligations are satisfied.

The timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to our customers. We record an unbilled receivable when revenue is recognized prior to invoicing. Current unbilled receivables are included in accounts receivable, net in the consolidated balance sheets. Long-term unbilled receivables that are expected to be billed more than twelve months after the period end are included within other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. We record deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets when cash is collected or invoiced before revenue is earned. Our standard payment terms are generally net 30 days. Invoices for SaaS, term license and support and maintenance are generally issued annually in advance or when the license is made available for customer use. Invoices for license contracts are generally issued when the license is available for the customer for download. Services are generally invoiced in advance or as the services are performed.

Total deferred revenue as of December 31, 2021, was $82.3 million, of which $72.3 million was recognized as revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The opening and closing balances of the Company’s accounts receivable, net, deferred revenue and deferred contract costs are as follows:

  

Accounts

      

Deferred

 
  

receivable,

  

Deferred

  

contract

 
  

net (1)

  

revenue

  

costs

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Opening (January 1, 2021)

 $53,749  $74,688  $31,943 

Closing (December 31, 2021)

  61,335   82,332   38,926 

Increase/(decrease)

  7,586   7,644   6,983 
             

Opening (January 1, 2022)

 $61,335  $82,332  $38,926 

Closing (December 31, 2022)

  73,348   101,490   48,553 

Increase/(decrease)

  12,013   19,158   9,627 

(1) Accounts receivable, net is inclusive of accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, current unbilled receivables and long-term unbilled receivables.

Our revenue arrangements generally include standard warranty or service level provisions that its arrangements will perform and operate in all material respects as defined in the respective agreements, the financial impacts of which have historically been and are expected to continue to be insignificant. Our arrangements generally do not include a general right of return relative to the delivered products or services. We recognize revenue net of any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.

Many of our contracts include multiple performance obligations. Judgment is required in determining whether each performance obligation is distinct. Our products and services generally do not require a significant amount of integration or interdependency; therefore, the Company’s products and services are generally not combined. We allocate the transaction price for each contract to each performance obligation based on the relative standalone selling price (“SSP”) for each performance obligation within each contract.

We use judgment in determining the SSP for products and services. For substantially all performance obligations except term licenses, we are able to establish the SSP based on the observable prices of products or services sold separately in comparable circumstances to similar customers. We typically establish an SSP range for our products and services which is reassessed on a periodic basis or when facts and circumstances change. Term licenses are sold only as a bundled arrangement that includes the rights to a term license and support.

In determining the SSP of license and support in a term license arrangement we apply observable inputs using the value relationship between support and term license, the value relationship between support and perpetual licenses, the average economic life of our products, software renewal rates and the price of the bundled arrangement in relation to the noncontrolling interest are not consideredperpetual licensing approach. Using a combination of the relative fair value method or the residual value method, the SSP of the performance obligations in an arrangement is allocated to be significant and are, therefore, not presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.each performance obligation within a sales arrangement.

 

As of December 31, 2022, transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations, which includes deferred revenue and amounts that will be invoiced and recognized as revenue in future periods, was $237.8 million, of which $186.3 million is related to SaaS and term license and support revenue. We expect to recognize approximately 64% of the total transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations over the next twelve months and the remainder thereafter.

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

We utilize indirect sales channels which utilize Channel Partners. These deals are executed in one of two ways:

1.

Channel Partner as Customer

In the first form of these arrangements, the Channel Partner purchases the products from us at a discounted price and resells the products to end users at a price determined by the Channel Partner. In this scenario, the Channel Partner is the entity that has contracted with us and therefore is determined to be our customer. We recognize revenue when control of the goods and/or services are transferred to the customer. In this first form of the sales transaction, revenue recognition occurs upon transfer to the Channel Partner (acting as reseller) or as directed by the Channel Partner (acting as reseller) to its customer.

2.

End User as Customer

In the second form, we bill the end user, and the Channel Partner receives a commission. Upon analysis of deals executed through the second form of these channels, we determined that the end user represents our customer due to the fact that the end user purchased goods and/or services that are outputs of our ordinary activities. Consequently, Channel Partners utilized in deals executed through this second model are deemed to be agents of the transaction. In this second form of these arrangements, we recognize revenue upon transfer of the goods and/or services to the end user.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation represents the cost related to stock-based awards granted to employees. To date, we have issued both stock options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”). With respect to equity-classified awards, the Company measured stock-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award and recognizes the cost as expense ratably (net of estimated forfeitures) over the requisite service period. With respect to liability-classified awards, the Company measures stock-based compensation cost at the grant date and at each reporting period based on the estimated fair value of the award. Stock-based compensation cost is recognized ratably over the requisite service period, net of actual forfeitures in the period.

We estimate the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The Black-Scholes model requires highly subjective assumptions in order to derive the inputs necessary to the calculate the fair value of stock options. To estimate the expected term of stock options, the Company considered contractual terms of the options, including the vesting and expiration periods, as well as historical option exercise data and current market conditions to determine an estimated expected term. The Company’s historical experience is too limited to be able to reasonably estimate expected term. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of a group of peer entities. Dividend yields are based upon historical dividend yields. Risk-free interest rates are based on the implied yields currently available on U.S. Treasury zero coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the difference between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

We recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as part of the provision for income taxes. Judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and unrecognize tax benefits. In determining the need for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial performance of the operation that is recording a net deferred tax asset is considered along with any other pertinent information. 

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal, various states and foreign jurisdictions. The tax years 2018 through 2021 are open and subject to audit by U.S. federal, state and local authorities. The tax years 2012 through 2021 are open and subject to audit by foreign tax jurisdictions.

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company owned 73.82% and 76.09% of AvePoint EduTech Pte. Ltd. (“EduTech”), respectively.

AEPL PTE. LTD. (“AEPL”)

As part of AEPL’s investment in EduTech, the Company granted AEPL a put option which allows AEPL to cause the Company to repurchase AEPL’s shares in EduTech at any time between December 24, 2022, and December 24, 2023, at a price equal to AEPL’s initial investment of approximately $8.3 million. Consequently, the Company records redeemable noncontrolling interest as mezzanine equity in its consolidated balance sheets. At each reporting period, the Company increases the carrying amount of the redeemable noncontrolling interest by periodic accretions using the interest method so that the carrying amount will equal the redemption amount on the date that the put option becomes exercisable, and adjustments to the value are recorded as net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, AEPL owned 23.20% and 23.91% of EduTech, respectively.

I-Access Solutions Pte. Ltd. (“I-Access”)

On February 18, 2022, (the “I-Access Closing Date”), EduTech consummated its acquisition of all of the ordinary shares of I-Access, a Singapore limited company. As a result, I-Access became a wholly owned subsidiary of EduTech. The acquisition was made pursuant to a share purchase agreement, dated as of January 31, 2022, (the “Share Purchase Agreement”), by and among EduTech and the former I-Access shareholders. As of December 31, 2022, former I-Access shareholders owned 2.98% of EduTech and such shares were included in redeemable noncontrolling interest. Refer to (“Note 3 - Business Combination”) for further details.

Emerging Growth Company

 

The Company is considered an “emergingemerging growth company,” as defined incompany. Section 2(a)102(b)(1) of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and it may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, 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 stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBSJobs Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such 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,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

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, “Debt — Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 81540)” (“ASU 2020-06”). ASU 2020-06 simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity. The ASU is part of the Company’sFASB’s simplification initiative, which aims to reduce unnecessary complexity in U.S. GAAP. The amendments in this ASU are effective for entities eligible to be smaller reporting companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2020-06 will have on our consolidated financial statementsstatements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments — Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which replaces incurred loss methodology to estimate credit losses on financial instruments with another public companya methodology that reflects expected credit losses. This amendment affects entities holding financial assets that are not accounted for at fair value through net income including trade receivables. Subsequently FASB issued ASU 2020-02 which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth companydeferred the adoption date. The amendments in this ASU are effective for EGC entities, which has opted outelected to take advantage of using the extended transition period, difficult or impossible becausefor fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Early application of the potential differences in accounting standards used.amendments is permitted. The adoption of the standard will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

 

While we generally expect the financial records to be impacted by the requirements highlighted above, we cannot reasonably estimate the impact that adoption of the ASUs referenced in this announcement is expected to have on the financial statements at this time.

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

3. Business Combination

Apex Technology Acquisition Corporation

On November 23,2020, AvePoint, Inc. (“UseLegacy AvePoint”) and certain members of EstimatesApex (as defined below) entered into the Apex Business Combination Agreement. The business combination by and among Legacy AvePoint and certain members of Apex was effected on July 1, 2021, and through a series of merger transactions, which were finalized on July 26, 2021, (the “Apex Business Combination”) Apex Technology Acquisition Corporation (“Apex”) was the surviving entity and changed its name to AvePoint.

 

The preparationApex Business Combination was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization as Legacy AvePoint was determined to be the accounting acquirer under ASC 805. This determination was primarily based on Legacy AvePoint comprising the ongoing operations of the combined entity, Legacy AvePoint’s senior management comprising the majority of the senior management of the combined company and the prior stockholders of Legacy AvePoint having a majority of the voting power of the combined entity. In connection with the Apex Business Combination, the outstanding shares of Legacy AvePoint’s preferred stock were redeemed for cash and shares of AvePoint’s common stock and the outstanding shares of Legacy AvePoint’s common stock were converted into AvePoint’s common stock, representing a recapitalization, and the net assets of the Company were acquired at historical cost, with no goodwill or intangible assets recorded. Operations and assets and liabilities of the Company prior to the Apex Business Combination in these financial statements are those of Legacy AvePoint. As a result, these financial statements represent the continuation of Legacy AvePoint and the historical stockholders’ deficiency. Common stock, preferred stock and loss per share of Legacy AvePoint prior to the Apex Business Combination have been retrospectively adjusted for the Apex Business Combination using an exchange ratio of 8.69144. Options to purchase common stock of Legacy AvePoint were converted into options to purchase common stock of AvePoint, Inc. using an exchange ratio of 8.6914. The options, as converted, continue to be governed by Legacy AvePoint’s existing stock option plan. The accumulated deficit of Legacy AvePoint has been carried forward after the Apex Business Combination. All per share information in the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of mezzanine equity and stockholders’ equity (deficiency) and the notes to consolidated financial statements have been retroactively adjusted using an exchange ratio of 8.69144 per share.

The following transactions occurred in conformityconnection with GAAP requiresthe Apex Business Combination which impacted our mezzanine equity and permanent equity accounts:

Shares of Legacy AvePoint common stock were cancelled and converted into 103,831,523 shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
$106.2 million was paid to holders of Legacy AvePoint common stock in exchange for 10,602,105 shares of common stock (as converted). 
Shares of Apex Class A common stock were cancelled and converted into 34,982,628 shares of our common stock.
Shares of Apex Class B common stock were cancelled and converted into 9,560,000 shares of our common stock.
Apex entered into subscription agreements with certain investors, whereby 14,000,000 shares of our common stock at $10.00 per share (“PIPE Shares”) for an aggregate purchase price of $140.0 million.
A portion of Legacy AvePoint preferred stock was cancelled and converted into 28,500,592 shares of our common stock. The remaining preferred stock was redeemed for $130.9 million.
Options to purchase Legacy AvePoint common stock (other than certain options held by certain executives and options issued to certain international employees) were cancelled and converted into an option to purchase our common stock with the same terms and conditions (including vesting and exercisability terms) applicable to the corresponding former Legacy AvePoint options.
Options to purchase Legacy AvePoint common stock issued to certain international employees were cancelled and converted into an option to purchase our common stock with the same terms and conditions with the exception of fully vested options which will incur an additional month of vesting following the Apex Business Combination to comply with local regulations.
Legacy AvePoint Officer Awards, as defined in “Note 16 — Stock-Based Compensation,” were cancelled. Refer to “Note 16 — Stock-Based Compensation” for more information.
Put options on Legacy AvePoint Modified Options and Modified Common Stock, as defined in “Note 16 — Stock-Based Compensation”, were cancelled. Refer to “Note 16 — Stock-Based Compensation” for more information.
We entered into earn-out agreements to issue additional shares if certain share price milestones are achieved. Refer to “Note 14 — Company Earn-Out and Warrant Liabilities” for more information.
We assumed public and private placement warrants from Apex. Refer to “Note 14 — Company Earn-Out and Warrant Liabilities” for more information.

As of the Closing Date and following the completion of the Apex Business Combination, we are authorized to issue up to 1,000,000,000 shares of our common stock at a par value of $0.0001 per share and up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, the rights, preferences and privileges of which may be designated from time to time by our Board.

As of the Closing Date and following the completion of the Apex Business Combination, we had the following outstanding securities:

180,272,638 shares of our common stock; and
17,905,000 warrants, each exercisable for one share of common stock at a price of $11.50 per share.

As a result of the Apex Business Combination, we received net cash consideration of $204.5 million. Legacy AvePoint and Apex incurred costs that are considered direct and incremental costs associated with the transaction. These costs amounted to $56.2 million and were treated as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.

Cash flows provided to or paid by Legacy AvePoint or Apex in connection with the Apex Business Combination are included in our consolidated statements of cash flows as financing activities. Our purchase of shares of Apex common stock prior to the Apex Business Combination is included in our consolidated statements of cash flows as a financing cash outflow. The shares purchased are recorded as treasury stock.

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

I-Access Acquisition

On the I-Access Closing Date, EduTech consummated its acquisition of all of the ordinary shares of I-Access. As a result, I-Access became a wholly-owned subsidiary of EduTech. The acquisition was made pursuant to the Share Purchase Agreement, by and among EduTech and the former I-Access shareholders. The Company, through its subsidiary EduTech, completed the acquisition of I-Access to further expand its SaaS solutions for corporate learning and development. The fair value of the transaction consideration totaled approximately $7.1 million, consisting of: $1.5 million in cash, and contingent consideration measured at a fair value of $5.6 million on the I-Access Closing date. The above-mentioned contingent consideration consists of:

(i) 2.98% of EduTech common shares (of those, 292,440 shares were issued on the I-Access Closing Date and 30,252 shares were held in escrow pending distribution pursuant to the Adjustment for Guaranteed Minimum Revenue (as defined below));

(ii) a put option which allows sellers to cause EduTech to repurchase the shares of EduTech for approximately $5.9 million, upon 24 months from Acquisition Close Date or the occurrence of certain triggering events which are in the control of the Company; and

(iii) earnout in EduTech shares held in escrow at a fair value equal to revenue surplus above the agreed guaranteed minimum revenue amount, of up to approximately $0.7 million, or the return of EduTech shares at a fair value equal to the revenue shortfall below the agreed guaranteed minimum revenue amount, of up to approximately $0.7 million (together, the “Adjustment for Guaranteed Minimum Revenue”). In the event of a revenue shortfall, all shares held in escrow would have been returned to EduTech.

On April 15, 2022, the Company implemented a management changeover. As a result, pursuant to make estimatesthe terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, the Adjustment for Guaranteed Minimum Revenue was cancelled and the 292,440 EduTech shares issued as consideration on the I-Access Closing Date, the 30,252 EduTech shares held in escrow, the put option on EduTech shares and the earnout in EduTech shares were no longer contingent and were reclassified to mezzanine equity and included in redeemable noncontrolling interest.

The acquisition-related costs totaled $0.3 million and are recognized as an expense within general and administrative in the consolidated statements of operations.

Prior to being reclassified to mezzanine equity, the contingent consideration was liability classified and was measured at fair value on the I-Access Closing Date and remeasured on the date the Adjustment for Guaranteed Minimum Revenue was cancelled. The fair value of the contingent consideration was estimated using a combination of multiple valuation methods, including discounted cash flows method, guideline public company method, and the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions that affectas of February 18, 2022, and April 15, 2022:

  February 18, 2022  April 15, 2022 
Expected life (in years)  2.08   1.93 
Expected volatility  50%  50%
Risk-free rate  1.23%  1.83%
Dividend  0%  0%

The contingent consideration fair value estimated on the reported amountsI-Access Closing Date and the date the Adjustment for Guaranteed Minimum Revenue was cancelled was $5.6 million and $5.8 million, respectively. During the year ended  December 31, 2022, the change in the fair value of assets$0.2 million is included within general and liabilities and disclosureadministrative on the consolidated statements of contingent assets and liabilities atoperations. The financial results of I-Access have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the date of the acquisition. The I-Access business is reported within our reportable segment. In accordance with ASC 805- 740, the Company established a deferred tax liability with an offset to goodwill in connection with the accounting for the opening balance sheet of the I-Access acquisition as a result of book-to-tax differences primarily related to the technology and software intangibles and customer related assets.

The following table summarizes the preliminary fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:

  

Preliminary Allocation

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Accounts receivable, net

 $429 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  72 

Property and equipment

  22 

Goodwill

  3,950 

Technology and software

  2,750 

Customer related assets

  909 

Other assets

  997 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

  (718)

Current portion of deferred revenue

  (230)

Other non-current liabilities

  (1,072)

Total purchase consideration

 $7,109 

61

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The goodwill, which is generally not tax-deductible, is attributed to intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, including the assembled workforce of the acquired business and the synergies expected to arise as a result of the acquisitions.

Intangible assets primarily relate to acquired technology and software and customer related assets. The acquired definite-lived intangible assets are being amortized over an estimated useful life of: (i) 10 years for technology and software on a straight-line basis; and (ii) 1 to 10 years for customer related assets on a straight-line basis. The estimated fair values of identifiable intangible assets were determined using the relief from royalty method which is based on the premise that the only value that a purchaser of the assets receives is the exemption from paying a royalty for its use over its remaining useful life. Some of the significant assumptions inherent in the development of such asset valuations include revenues, royalty rate, contributory asset charges, discount rate, useful life, as well as other factors. The fair value of intangible assets as of December 31, 2022, is based on preliminary assumptions which are subject to change as we complete our valuation procedures.

Essential Acquisition

On August 25, 2022, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding equity interest in Essential Co. Ltd., a South Korea-based software solutions provider that will advance the Company’s ability to enable organizations to accelerate data-driven digital transformation, for a total valuation of $3.0 million with most of the value allocated to goodwill. The resulting goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.

tyGraph Companies Acquisition

On September 12, 2022, the Company consummated its acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of tyGraph Incorporated (“tyGraph US”), and AvePoint Ontario Ltd. (“AvePoint Ontario”, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AvePoint) consummated its acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of tyGraph Ltd. (“tyGraph Canada” and, collectively with tyGraph US, the “tyGraph Companies”). On September 12, 2022, tyGraph Canada was merged with and into AvePoint Ontario, with AvePoint Ontario surviving. As a result, the tyGraph Companies became wholly-owned subsidiaries of AvePoint. The acquisition was made pursuant to the Share Purchase Agreement, by and among AvePoint, AvePoint Ontario and the former tyGraph Companies shareholders. The Company completed the acquisition of the tyGraph Companies to further expand its SaaS solutions for providing robust analytics capabilities that enable organizations to uncover workplace engagement. The fair value of the transaction consideration totaled approximately $15.3 million, consisting of: $13.8 million in cash, and 324,845 of shares in the Company measured at a fair value of $1.5 million on the closing date. The above-mentioned cash consideration (the “tyGraph Companies Consideration”) consisted of:

(i) the cash purchase price of $13.5 million;

(ii) the entire outstanding principal and interest of the loans made to certain tyGraph Companies shareholders which was approximately $0.2 million; and

(iii) unpaid transaction costs incurred by the tyGraph Companies as of the open of business on the closing date which was approximately $0.1 million.

The acquisition-related costs incurred by the Company totaled $0.4 million and are recognized as an expense within general and administrative in the consolidated statements of operations.

The financial results of the tyGraph Companies have been included in our consolidated 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 atsince the date of the consolidated financial statements, which management consideredacquisitions. The tyGraph Companies businesses are reported within our reportable segment. In accordance with ASC 805-740, the Company established a deferred tax liability with an offset to goodwill in formulating its estimate, could change inconnection with the near term dueaccounting for the opening balance sheet of the tyGraph Companies acquisitions as a result of book-to-tax differences primarily related to one or more future events. Accordingly, the actual results could differ significantly from the Company’s estimates.

Cashtechnology and Cash Equivalentssoftware intangibles and customer related assets.

 

The Company considers all short-term investments with an original maturityfollowing table summarizes the preliminary fair value of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company did not have any cash equivalentsassets acquired and liabilities assumed as of December 31, 2020the acquisition date:

  

Preliminary Allocation

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Accounts receivable, net

 $449 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  262 

Property and equipment

  30 

Goodwill

  12,193 

Customer related assets

  3,868 

Technology and software

  2,552 

Other assets

  219 

Accounts payable

  (93)

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

  (342)

Current portion of deferred revenue

  (2,079)

Other non-current liabilities

  (1,724)

Total purchase consideration

 $15,335 

The goodwill, which is generally not tax-deductible, is attributed to intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, including the assembled workforce of the acquired business and 2019.


APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2020
the synergies expected to arise as a result of the acquisition.

 

Class A Common Stock SubjectIntangible assets primarily relate to Possible Redemption acquired technology and software and customer related assets. The acquired definite-lived intangible assets are being amortized over an estimated useful life of: (i) 6 years for technology and software on a straight-line basis; and (ii) 10 years for customer related assets on a straight-line basis. The estimated fair values of identifiable intangible assets were determined using the relief from royalty method which is based on the premise that the only value that a purchaser of the assets receives is the exemption from paying a royalty for its use over its remaining useful life. Some of the significant assumptions inherent in the development of such asset valuations include revenues, royalty rate, contributory asset charges, discount rate, useful life, as well as other factors. The fair value of intangible assets as of December 31, 2022, is based on preliminary assumptions which are subject to change as we complete our valuation procedures.

62

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

4. Goodwill

 

The Company accounts for its common stock subject to possible redemption in accordance with the guidancechanges in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” Common stock subject to mandatory redemption is classifiedcarrying amounts of goodwill were as a liability instrument and is measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable common stock (including common stock that features redemption rights that are either within the controlfollows:

  

Goodwill

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Balance as of December 31, 2021

 $ 

Acquisitions

  19,167 

Effect of foreign currency translation

  (263)

Balance as of December 31, 2022

 $18,904 

5. Intangible assets, net

Intangible assets consist of the holder or subject to redemption uponacquired intangible assets and the occurrenceself-developed software. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. There was no amortization expense for intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2021.

As of uncertain events not solely withinDecember 31, 2022, estimated future amortization expense for the Company’s control) is classifiedintangible assets reflected above was as temporary equity. At all other times, common stock is classified as stockholders’ equity. The Company’s Class follows:

Year Ending December 31:

    
  

(in thousands)

 

2023

 $1,981 

2024

  1,869 

2025

  1,480 

2026

  1,135 

2027

  1,132 

Thereafter

  3,482 

Total intangible assets subject to amortization

 $11,079 

A common stock features certain redemption rights that are considered to be outsidesummary of the balances of the Company’s control and subject to occurrenceintangible assets as of uncertain future events. Accordingly, at December 31, 2020 2022 and 2019, Class A common stock subject to possible redemption2021 is presented as temporary equity, outside of the stockholders’ equity section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.below:

 

  

Gross Carrying Amount

  

Accumulated Amortization

  

Net Carrying Amount

  

Gross Carrying Amount

  

Accumulated Amortization

  

Net Carrying Amount

  

Weighted Average

 
          

December 31,

          

December 31,

  

Life

 
          

2022

          

2021

     
  

(in thousands)

  

(in years)

 

Technology and software, net

  6,842   (777)  6,065            6.9 

Customer related assets, net

  4,799   (477)  4,322            9.4 

Content, net

  830   (138)  692            3.0 

Total

 $12,471  $(1,392) $11,079  $  $  $   7.6 

Offering Costs

 

Offering costs consist6. Concentration of legal, accounting, underwriting fees and other costs incurred through the balance sheet date that are directly related to the Initial Public Offering. Offering costs amounted to $19,806,442, of which $18,818,200 were charged to stockholders’ equity upon the completion of the Initial Public Offering and $988,242 were charged as transaction costs to the statement of operations.

Warrant LiabilityCredit Risk

 

The Company deposits its cash with financial institutions and, at times, such balances may exceed federally insured limits. No customer accounted for more than 10% of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, and no customer made up more than 10% of accounts for warrantsreceivable as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessmentof December 31, 2022 and 2021.

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

7. Accounts Receivable, Net

Accounts receivable, net, consists of the warrant’s specific termsfollowing components:

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Trade receivables

 $47,046  $38,819 

Current unbilled receivables

  20,153   17,086 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  (725)  (838)
  $66,474  $55,067 

Long-term unbilled receivables were $6.9 million and applicable authoritative guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”)$6.3 million as of December 31, 2022 and ASC 815, Derivatives2021, respectively.

8. Property and Hedging (“ASC 815”). The assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480,Equipment, Net

Property and whether the warrants meet allequipment, net, consists of the requirementsfollowing:

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Computer equipment

 $6,079  $5,777 

Leasehold improvements

  3,823   2,769 

Furniture and fixtures

  1,316   1,102 

Building

  725   786 

Office equipment

  493   394 

Software

  347   378 
   12,783   11,206 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

  (7,246)  (7,284)
  $5,537  $3,922 

Depreciation and amortization expense was $2.1 million and $1.2 million for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to the Company’s own common sharesyears ended December 31, 2022 and whether the warrant holders could potentially require “net cash settlement” in a circumstance outside2021, respectively.

9. Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

Accrued expenses and other liabilities consists of the Company’s control, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly period end date while the warrants are outstanding.following components:

 

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Accrued compensation

 $26,585  $22,740 

Current operating lease liabilities

  5,392    

Indirect taxes

  3,638   3,945 

Cloud service fees

  2,285   1,314 

Professional service fees

  1,464   1,033 

Accrued partner expenses

  1,445   903 

Income taxes payable

  1,055   1,197 

Other

  5,920   3,930 
  $47,784  $35,062 

For issued or modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. For issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded at their initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants are recognized as a non-cash gain or loss on the statements of operations.

 

6

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Income Taxes10. Line of Credit

 

The Company followsmaintains a loan and security agreement with a commercial bank. As lender for a revolving line of credit of up to $30.0 million, with an accordion feature that provides up to $20.0 million of additional borrowing capacity the assetCompany may draw at its request. The line bears interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.5%. The line carries an unused fee of 0.5% per year. The line will mature on April 7,2023. We are required to maintain a specified adjusted quick ratio and liability methoda minimum annual recurring revenue tested by the bank each quarter. The Company pledged, assigned and granted the bank a security interest in all shares of accountingits subsidiaries, future proceeds and assets (except for excluded assets, including material intellectual property) as security for the performance of the loan and security agreement obligations. As of December 31, 2022, the Company is compliant with all covenants under the line and had no borrowings outstanding under the line of credit.

The Company has not at any time, including as of December 31, 2022, and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, borrowed under the loan and security agreement.

11. Income Taxes

Pretax loss resulting from domestic and foreign operations is as follows:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Domestic

 $(17,081) $(23,583)

Foreign

  (16,569)  (9,205)

Pretax loss from continuing operations

 $(33,650) $(32,788)

The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes under ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” Deferredconsists of the following:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Current income tax expense:

        

Federal

 $1,937  $467 

State and local

  668   (881)

Foreign

  (1,478)  1,117 

Total current income tax expense

  1,127   703 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit):

        

Federal

  2,370   89 

State and local

  (820)  (12)

Foreign

  2,361   (323)

Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)

  3,911   (246)

Total income tax expense

 $5,038  $457 

The reconciliation of the amounts at the U.S. federal statutory income tax assetsrate to the company’s effective income tax rate is as follows:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  

(in thousands)

 

U.S. federal statutory tax rate

 $(7,067) $(6,886)

State and local income taxes, net

  (292)  (962)

Stock-based compensation

  (51)  10,865 

Executive compensation limitation

  3,566    

Fair value of earnout liability

  (828)  (3,946)

Transaction costs

  125   (2,209)

Change in valuation allowance

  12,844   3,085 

Foreign rate differential

  (2,066)  440 

Return-to-provision adjustments

  (1,029)  (196)

Permanent differences

  29   334 

Other, net

  (193)  (68)

Total

 $5,038  $457 

AvePoint, Inc. and liabilities are recognizedSubsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The Company’s effective tax rate differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to mix of pre-tax income (loss) results by jurisdictions taxed at different rates than 21%, a permanent item recorded for the estimated futureexecutive compensation limitation, and changes in valuation allowance in certain foreign jurisdictions.

Deferred income taxes are provided for the tax consequences attributable toeffect of temporary differences between the consolidated financial statements carrying amountsreporting basis and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income inliabilities. Significant components of the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect onCompany’s deferred tax assets and (liabilities) are as follows:

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Deferred tax assets:

        

Net operating loss carryforwards

 $13,775  $10,716 

Deferred revenue

  4,301   5,315 

Compensation and benefits

  6,567   4,384 

Research and development expenses

  6,169    

Lease liability

  3,622    

Foreign tax credits

  270   720 

Fair value of earnout liability

  93   181 

Other

  457   1,047 
   35,254   22,363 

Less: Valuation allowance

  (20,808)  (8,356)

Deferred tax assets, net

  14,446   14,007 
         

Deferred tax liabilities:

        

Property and equipment

  (197)  (132)

Amortization

  (2,595)  (214)

Commissions

  (8,384)  (7,918)

Prepaid subscription

  (836)  (822)

Unbilled receivable

  (1,489)  (2,183)

Right-of-use assets

  (3,402)   

Total deferred tax liability

  (16,903)  (11,269)

Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets

 $(2,457) $2,738 

Deferred tax assets are included within other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, and deferred tax liabilities are included within other non-current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance

 $488  $3,182 

Deferred tax liabilities

  (2,945)  (444)

Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets

 $(2,457) $2,738 

As of December 31, 2022, the Company had net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards for state and local income tax of $14.6 million, which may offset future taxable income. The state NOL carryforwards begin to expire in 2026. The Company also has foreign NOL carryforwards of approximately $54.5 million, which will expire beginning 2024 and NOL carryforward periods vary from 6 years to indefinite period. The Company has $0.3 million of foreign tax credit carryforwards available that expire in 2023.

Under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, the U.S. NOL carryforwards are subject to review and possible adjustment by the Internal Revenue Service and state tax authorities. NOL and tax credit carryforwards may become subject to an annual limitation in the event of a 50% cumulative change in the ownership interest of significant stockholders over a three-year period in excess of 50%, as defined under Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as similar state tax rates is recognized inprovisions. This could limit the amount of NOLs that the Company can utilize annually to offset future taxable income or tax liabilities. The amount of the annual limitation, if any, will be determined based on the value of the Company immediately prior to the ownership change. The Company may have experienced an ownership change prior to December 31,2022, however, the Company does not believe its NOL carryforwards would be limited under IRC Section 382. The Company could experience an ownership change in the periodfuture which could limit the utilization of certain NOL carryforwards.

ASC 740-10-30-5 requires that included the enactment date. Valuation allowances area valuation allowance be established when necessary, to reduceit is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In making this assessment, management considered all available positive and negative evidence, including the level of historical taxable income, future reversals of existing temporary differences, tax planning strategies, and projected future taxable income. On the basis of this evaluation, a valuation allowance of $20.8 million and $8.4 million was recorded as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, against certain jurisdiction’s net deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must bewhich it is more likely than not that the tax benefit will not be realized. The valuation allowance was increased by $12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to full valuation allowances being established for U.S. and Japan in the current year. 

As of December 31,2022, the Company did not provide any foreign withholding taxes related to its foreign subsidiaries’ undistributed earnings, as such earnings have been retained and are intended to be sustainedindefinitely reinvested to fund ongoing operations of the foreign subsidiaries. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of taxes that would be payable upon examination by taxing authorities. remittance of these earnings, because such tax, if any, is dependent upon circumstances existing if and when remittance occur.

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties is as follows:

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Beginning balance

 $1,088  $5,369 

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

      

Reduction for tax positions of prior years

  (12)  (4,281)

Reduction for settlements

  (935)   

Expiration of applicable statute of limitations

      

Ending balance

 $141  $1,088 

During 2022, certain foreign jurisdiction concluded an income tax audit for prior periods which recognizes $0.9 million unrecognized tax benefits.

The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of the provision for income tax expense. There were no unrecognized tax benefits taxes. As of December 31, 2022 and no amounts2021, the Company had $0.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively, of accrued for interest and penalties asassociated with unrecognized tax benefits. These amounts were included in other non-current liabilities in their respective years. As of December 31, 20202022, and 2019. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from its position. The Company is subject to income tax examinations by major taxing authorities since inception.

The Company may be subject to potential examination by foreign taxing authorities in the area of income taxes. These potential examinations may include questioning the timing and amount of deductions, the nexus of income among various tax jurisdictions and compliance with foreign tax laws. The Company’s management does not expect thatDecember 31,2021, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will materially change overthat, if recognized, would impact the next twelve months.


APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2020

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

Net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The Company has effective tax rate was not considered the effect of warrants sold in the Initial Public Offering and private placement to purchase 17,905,000 shares of Class A common stock in the calculation of diluted income (loss) per share, since the exercise of the warrants are contingent upon the occurrence of future events and the inclusion of such warrants would be anti-dilutive. material.

 

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various state and foreign jurisdictions. The tax years 2018 through 2021 generally remain open for examination for federal, state and local tax purposes. The tax years 2012 through 2021 are open and subject to audit by foreign jurisdictions. To the extent utilized in future years’ tax returns, net operating loss carryforwards on December 31, 2022, and December 31,2021, will remain subject to examination until the respective tax year is closed.

12. Leases

The Company is obligated under various non-cancelable operating leases primarily for office space. The initial terms of the leases expire on various dates through 2030. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception.

Leases are classified as either operating or finance leases based on certain criteria. This classification determines the timing and presentation of expenses on the income statement, as well as the presentation of the related cash flows and balance sheet. Operating leases are recorded on the balance sheet beginning January 1, 2022, as operating lease right-of-use assets, accrued expenses and other liabilities, and long-term operating lease liabilities. The Company currently has no significant finance leases.

ROU assets and related liabilities are recorded at lease commencement based on the present value of the lease payments over the expected lease term. Lease payments include future increases unless the increases are based on changes in an index or rate. The rate implicit in the leases was not readily determinable, thus the Company’s incremental borrowing rate is used to calculate ROU assets and related liabilities. The incremental borrowing rate is determined based on the Company’s estimated credit rating, the term of the lease, the economic environment where the asset resides and full collateralization. Lease terms include periods under options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. We generally use the base, non-cancelable, lease term when determining the lease assets and liabilities. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is allocated within operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

The components of the Company’s operating lease expense are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations includes a presentationfor the year ended December 31, 2022, is as follows:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2022

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Lease liability cost

 $5,945 

Short-term lease expenses (1)

  1,760 

Variable lease cost not included in the lease liability (2)

  261 

Total lease cost

 $7,966 

(1) Short-term lease expenses include rent expenses from leases of income (loss) per share for common shares subject to redemption in a manner similar to the two-class method of income (loss) per share. Net income per common share, basic and diluted, for Class A redeemable common stock is calculated by dividing the interest income earned12 months or less on the Trust Account, bytransition date or lease commencement.

(2) Variable lease cost includes common area maintenance, property taxes, and fluctuations in rent due to a change in an index or rate.

Our lease agreements generally contain lease and non-lease components. Non-lease components primarily include payments for maintenance and utilities. We elected to combine fixed payments for non-lease components, for all classes of underlying assets, with our lease payments and account for them together as a single lease component which increases the amount of our lease assets and liabilities.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities amounted to $6.9 million.

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Other information related to operating leases for the year ended December 31, 2022, is as follows:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2022

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of the lease liability:

    

Operating cash flows from operating leases

 $5,626 

As of December 31, 2022, our operating leases had a weighted average numberremaining lease term of Class A redeemable common stock for the periods of 35,000,000 shares. Net loss per common share, basic4.4 years and diluted, for Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock is calculated by dividing the net income (loss), less income attributable to Class A redeemable common stock, by thea weighted average numberdiscount rate of Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock outstanding for the periods. Class A and Class B non-redeemable common stock includes the Founder Shares and the Placement Units as these shares do not have any redemption features and do not participate in the income earned on the Trust Account.5.1%.

 

The following table reflectsmaturity schedule of the calculationoperating lease liabilities as of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for common shares (in dollars, except per share amounts):December 31, 2022, is as follows:

 

  Year Ended
December 31,
  For the
Period from
April 5,
2019
(Inception)
Through
December 31,
 
  2020  2019 
Redeemable Class A Common Stock      
Numerator: Earnings allocable to Redeemable Class A Common Stock      
Interest Income $1,671,038  $1,809,163 
Income Tax and Franchise Tax  (612,511)  (613,244)
Net Earnings $1,058,527  $1,195,919 
Denominator: Weighted Average Redeemable Class A Common Stock        
Redeemable Class A Common Stock, Basic and Diluted  35,000,000   35,000,000 
Earnings/Basic and Diluted Redeemable Class A Common Stock $0.03  $0.03 
         
Non-Redeemable Class A and B Common Stock        
Numerator: Net Income minus Redeemable Net Earnings        
Net (Loss) Income $(60,723,035) $2,965,368 
Net Earnings applicable to Redeemable Class A Common Stock  (1,058,527)  (1,195,919)
Non-Redeemable Net Loss $(61,781,562) $1,769,49 
Denominator: Weighted Average Non-Redeemable Class A and B Common Stock        
Class A and B Non-Redeemable Common Stock, Basic and Diluted (1)  9,560,000   9,062,000 
Loss/Basic and Diluted Non-Redeemable Class A and B Common Stock $(6.46) $0.20 

Year Ending December 31:

    
  

(in thousands)

 

2023

 $6,104 

2024

  4,360 

2025

  2,817 

2026

  2,159 

2027

  1,373 

Thereafter

  1,887 

Total future lease payments

  18,700 

Less: Present value adjustment

  (1,960)

Present value of future lease payments (1)

 $16,740 

 

Note: As(1) Includes the current portion of December 31, 2020operating lease liabilities of $5.4 million, which is reflected in accrued expenses and 2019, basic and diluted shares areother liabilities in the same as there are no securities that are dilutive to the Company’s common stockholders.

(1)The weighted average non-redeemable common stock for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the period from April 6, 2019 (inception) through December 31, 2019, includes the effect of 810,000 Private Units, which were issued in conjunction with the initial public offering on September 19, 2019.


APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2020
consolidated balance sheets.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subjectDuring the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of a cash account in a financial institution, which, at times, may exceed the Federal Depository Insurance Corporation coverage limit of $250,000. At year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company has not experienced losses on this account and management believes the Company is not exposed2021, total rent expenses amounted to significant risks on such account.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments$6.4 million.

 

The fair valuefuture minimum rental payments under ASC 840 for all long-term non-cancelable property leases as of December 31, 2021, were as follows:

Year Ending December 31:

    
  

(in thousands)

 

2022

 $5,680 

2023

  3,808 

2024

  2,428 

2025

  1,840 

2026

  1,438 

Thereafter

  2,960 
  $18,154 

13. Commitments and Contingencies

Purchase Commitments

The Company has outstanding unconditional purchase commitments to procure licenses to use IT software from suppliers. These agreements are negotiated in consideration of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement,” approximates the carrying amounts represented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, primarily due to their short-term nature.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for salevolume of an asset or paid for transfer of a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements)transactions with select suppliers and the lowest priorityassociated required transaction volumes are expected to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). These tiers include:be met through the normal course of business.

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, April 2019, the inputs usedCompany signed an unconditional purchase commitment related to measure fair value might be categorized within different levelsthe use of Microsoft Office 365 in the amount of $2.1 million payable in three equal installments during 2019,2020, and 2021. In May 2020, the Company signed an unconditional purchased commitment in the amount of $22.0 million to purchase IT solutions over a three-year term. Under this agreement, payments are made upon consumption of the fair value hierarchy. In those instances, the fair value measurement is categorized in its entirety in the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company evaluates its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives in accordance with ASC Topic 815, “DerivativesIT solutions and Hedging”. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value on the grant date and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the statements of operations. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluatedany remaining obligations due at the end of each reporting period. Derivative liabilities are classifiedthe three-year term in May 2023. Given the Company’s history of procuring similar products, it is expected that cash payments to the supplier will occur in 2021 and 2022 with any remaining amounts coming due in 2023. During the year ended December 31,2019, the Company paid $0.7 million under the 2019 agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company paid $0.7 million related to the 2019 agreement and $3.1 million under the 2020 agreement for a total of $3.8 million. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company paid the remaining $0.7 million related to the 2019 agreement and $12.1 million related to the 2020 agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company paid $19.1 million related to the 2020 agreement.

In July 2022, the Company signed an unconditional purchase commitment related to the use of Microsoft Office 365 in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement or conversionamount of $6.1 million payable in three installments during 2022,2023, and 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company paid $1.9 million related to the July 2022 agreement.

In December 2022, the Company signed an unconditional purchase commitment in the amount of $96.0 million to purchase IT solutions over a three-year term. Under this agreement, payments are made upon access to the service and any remaining obligations due at the end of the instrument could be required within 12 monthsthree-year term in December 2025. Given the Company’s history of procuring similar products, it is expected that cash payments to the balance sheet date.supplier will occur in 2023 through 2025 with any remaining amounts coming due in 2025.

 

Recent Accounting Standards

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

Management does not believe

The Company is obligated to make the following future minimum payments under the non-cancelable terms of these contracts as of  December 31, 2022:

Years ending December 31,

    
  

(in thousands)

 

2023

 $2,026 

2024

  2,213 

2025

  96,000 

2026

   

2027

   

Thereafter

   
  $100,239 

Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of its business, the Company may be involved in various claims, negotiations and legal actions. Except for such claims that arise in the normal course of business, as of December 31, 2022, the Company was not a party to any recentlyother litigation for which a material claim is reasonably possible, probable or estimable.

Guarantees

In the normal course of business, we are seldomly required to enter into service agreements that require contingency agreements with customers in highly regulated sectors. These agreements are secured by certificates of deposits. As of December 31, 2022, letters of credit have been issued but in the amount of $2.4 million, as security for the agreements. These agreements have not yet effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have had a material effect on the Company’s consolidatedour results of operations, financial statements.

position or cash flow.


APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 202014. Company Earn-Out and Warrant Liabilities

 

NOTE 4. INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGCompany Earn-Out

 

Pursuant toAs a result of the Initial Public Offering,Apex Business Combination, the Company sold 35,000,000 Units, which includes the partial exercise by the underwritersholders of its option to purchase an additional 4,500,000 Units, at a price of $10.00 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one share of Class ALegacy AvePoint Preferred Stock, Legacy AvePoint common stock and one-half of one redeemable warrant (“Public Warrant”). Each whole Public Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment (see Note 8).

NOTE 5. PRIVATE PLACEMENT

Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the Sponsor and Cantor purchased an aggregate of 810,000 Placement Units at a price of $10.00 per Placement Unit, for an aggregate purchase price of $8,100,000, of which the Sponsor purchased 657,500 Placement Units and Cantor purchased 152,500 Placement Units. Each Placement Unit consists of one share of Class A common stock (“Placement Share”) and one-half of one redeemable warrant (each, a “Placement Warrant”). Each whole Placement Warrant is exercisable to purchase one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. The proceeds from the Placement Units were added to the proceeds from the Initial Public Offering held in the Trust Account. If the Company does not complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period, the proceeds from the sale of the Placement Units will be used to fund the redemption of the Public Shares (subject to the requirements of applicable law), and the Placement Units and all underlying securities will expire worthless.

NOTE 6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Founder Shares

During the period ended December 31, 2019, the Sponsor purchased 7,187,500 shares (the “Founder Shares”) of the Company’s Class B common stock for an aggregate price of $25,000. The Founder Shares will automatically convert into Class A common stock upon consummation of a Business Combination on a one-for-one basis, subject to certain adjustments, as described in Note 8. On August 13, 2019 and September 16, 2019, the Company effected a 1.1 for 1 stock dividend and a 1.109091 for 1 stock dividend, respectively, for each share of Class B common stock outstanding, resulting in an aggregate of 8,768,750 Founder Shares issued and outstanding. All share and per share amounts were retroactively restated.

The Founder Shares included an aggregate of up to 1,143,750 shares subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option was not exercised in full or in part, so that the Sponsor would own, on an as-converted basis, 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares after the Initial Public Offering (excluding Placement Shares underlying the Placement Units). In connection with the underwriters’ partial exercise of the over-allotment option and the forfeiture of the remaining over-allotment option, 18,750 Founder Shares were forfeited and 1,125,000 Founder Shares are no longer subject to forfeiture, resulting in an aggregate of 8,750,000 Founder Shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

The Sponsor has agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or sell any of its Founder Shares until the earlier to occur of: (A) one year after the completion of a Business Combination or (B) subsequent to a Business Combination, (x) if the last sale price of the Class A common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after a Business Combination, or (y) the date on which the Company completes a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange or other similar transaction that results in all of the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of common stock for cash, securities or other property.


APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2020

Related Party Loans

On June 25, 2019, the Sponsor loaned the Company an aggregate of up to $300,000 to cover expenses related to the Initial Public Offering (the “Promissory Note”). The Promissory Note was non-interest bearing and payable on the earlier of December 31, 2019 or the completion of the Initial Public Offering. Outstanding borrowings amounting to $275,000 under the Promissory Note were repaid upon the consummation of the Initial Public Offering.

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 out of the proceeds of the Trust Account released to the Company. Otherwise, the Working Capital Loans would be repaid only out of funds held outside the Trust Account. 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, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of such Working Capital Loans may be convertible into units upon consummation of the Business Combination at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units would be identical to the Placement Units. There are no borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Administrative Support Agreement

The Company entered into an agreement whereby, commencing on September 16, 2019 through the earlier of the Company’s consummation of a Business Combination and its liquidation, the Company will pay an affiliate of the Sponsor a total of $15,000 per month for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support. For the year ended December 31, 2020 and for the period from April 5, 2019 (inception) through December 31, 2019, the Company incurred and paid $180,000 and $50,500 in fees for these services, respectively.

NOTE 7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Risks and Uncertainties

Management continues 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, search for a target company, and/or closing of the AvePoint Business Combination, the specific impact is not readily determinable as of the date of these consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Registration Rights

Pursuant to a registration rights agreement entered into on September 16, 2019, the holders of the Founder Shares, Placement Units (including securities contained therein) and units (including securities contained therein) that may be issued upon conversion of Working Capital Loans (and any shares of Class A common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Placement Warrants) and any shares of Class A common stock and warrants (and underlying Class A common stock) that may be issued upon conversion of units issued upon conversion of the Working Capital Loans and Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of the Founder Shares will be entitled to registration rights requiring the Company to register such securities for resale (in the case of the Founder Shares, only after conversion to Class A common stock). The holders of the majority of these securities are entitled to make up to three demands, excluding short form demands, that the Company register such securities. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to the completion of a Business Combination and rights to require the Company to register for resale such securities pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cantor may not exercise its demand and “piggyback” registration rights after five (5) and seven (7) years after the effective date of the registration statement and may not exercise its demand rights on more than one occasion. The Company will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.


APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2020

Underwriting Agreement

The Company granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 4,575,000 additional Units to cover over-allotments, if any, at the Initial Public Offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions. On September 19, 2019, the underwriters partially exercised their over-allotment option to purchase an additional 4,500,000 Units at $10.00 per Unit and forfeited the option to exercise the remaining 75,000 Units.

The underwriters were paid a cash underwriting discount of $0.20 per Unit or $6,100,000 in the aggregate at the closing of the Initial Public Offering. In addition, the underwriters are entitled to a deferred fee of $13,150,000. 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.

Business Combination Agreement

On November 23, 2020, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Business Combination Agreement”) by and among the Company, Athena Technology Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Merger Sub 1”), Athena Technology Merger Sub 2, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Merger Sub 2”), and AvePoint, relating to a proposed business combination transaction between the Company and AvePoint. The Business Combination Agreement was amended on December 30, 2020.

Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, Merger Sub 1 will be merged with and into AvePoint (the “First Merger”), with AvePoint surviving the First Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and promptly following the First Merger, AvePoint will be merged with and into Merger Sub 2 (the “Second Merger”), with Merger Sub 2 surviving the Second Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger:

(a)The aggregate consideration to be paid to AvePoint equity shareholders will be (i) an amount in cash of approximately $262 million (the “Aggregate Cash Consideration”), minus a deduction for the PIPE Fees and (ii) 143,261,093 shares of common stock of Apex, par value $0.0001 (“Apex Common Stock”), which includes shares of Apex Common Stock that may be issuable pursuant to the exercise of exchanged AvePoint stock options (such aggregate amount, the “Aggregate Stock Consideration”). The Aggregate Stock Consideration will be increased by a number of shares of Apex Common Stock equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Exchanged Options divided by $10.00;

(b)AvePoint’s stockholders who hold shares of Series C Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 (“AvePoint Preferred Stock”) will receive an aggregate amount of $135 million (subject to deduction for Preferred PIPE Fees) from the Aggregate Cash Consideration and will receive the balance of their consideration in shares of Apex Common Stock from the Aggregate Stock Consideration;

(c)All holders of shares of common stock of AvePoint, par value $0.001 per share (“AvePoint Common Stock”) other than the Named Executives will receive an aggregate amount of between $75 million and approximately $92 million in cash (subject to deduction for certain expenses) based on an election (“Cash Election”) from the balance of the Aggregate Cash Consideration and will receive the remainder of their consideration in shares of Apex Common Stock from the Aggregate Stock Consideration;

(d)All shares of AvePoint Common Stock and AvePoint Preferred Stock held in the treasury of AvePoint or by Apex shall be canceled without any conversion thereof and no payment or distribution shall be made with respect thereto;

(e)Each share of common stock of Merger Sub 1 issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and exchanged for one validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Surviving Corporation;


APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2020

(f)Each Named Executive Cash-Settled Option that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be converted into the right to receive (A) an amount of cash equal to: the product of (1) the number of Named Executive Cash-Settled Options multiplied by (2) the Per Share Amount, minus (y) the aggregate exercise price attributable to such Named Executive Cash-Settled Options; and (B) the contingent right to receive a number of shares Contingent Consideration following the Closing in accordance with the Business Combination Agreement;

(g)The Named Executives will receive an aggregate amount of $35 million in cash (subject to deduction for the Named Executive PIPE Fees (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement)) from the Aggregate Cash Consideration and will receive the balance of their transaction consideration in shares of Apex Common Stock from the Aggregate Stock Consideration;

(h)Each AvePoint Option that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, whether vested or unvested (other than the Named Executive Cash-Settled Options and AvePoint Options granted to Eligible individuals in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC Options”)), shall be converted into (1) an option to purchase a number of shares of Apex Common Stock (such option, an “Exchanged Option”) equal to the product (rounded down to the nearest whole number) of (x) the number of shares of AvePoint Common Stock subject to such AvePoint Option immediately prior to the Effective Time and (y) the Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price per share (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) equal to (A) the exercise price per share of such AvePoint Option immediately prior to the Effective Time divided by (B) the Exchange Ratio; and

(i)The PRC Options will not be continued or assumed by AvePoint, Apex or the Merger Subs as part of the Mergers. The cancelled PRC Options will be replaced and substituted for as of the Effective Time with the award of a new stock option to purchase a number of shares of Apex Common Stock pursuant to the 2021 Plan equal to the product (rounded down to the nearest whole number) of (x) the number of shares of AvePoint Common Stock subject to such PRC Option immediately prior to the Effective Time and (y) the Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) equal to (A) the exercise price per share of such PRC Option prior to the Effective Time divided by (B) the Exchange Ratio. The replacement stock options will be credited with vesting to the same extent as the existing PRC Options being replaced, and the new replacement awards will be subject to same vesting schedule and exercisability provisions

Additionally, On November 23, 2020, Apex entered into separate subscription agreements (collectively, the “Subscription Agreements”) with a number of investors (collectively, the “PIPE Investors”), pursuant to which the PIPE Investors agreed to purchase an aggregate of 14,000,000 shares of Apex Common Stock (the “PIPE Shares”), at a purchase price of $10.00 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $140,000,000, in one or more private placement transactions (the “Private Placements”). The closing of the Private Placements pursuant to the Subscription Agreements is contingent upon, among other customary closing conditions, the concurrent consummation of the Proposed Transactions. The purpose of the Private Placements is to raise additional capital for use by the combined company following the Closing.

Following the Closing, in addition to the Aggregate Cash Consideration and Aggregate Stock Consideration, the holders of AvePoint Preferred Stock, AvePoint Common Stock andLegacy AvePoint Options shall be issued additional shares of Apex Common Stock,AvePoint’s common stock, as follows:

 

(a)1,000,000 shares of Apex Common Stock,AvePoint’s common stock, in the aggregate, if at any time from and after the ClosingApex Business Combination through the seventh anniversary thereof (x) the Closing Price(a) AvePoint's stock price is greater than or equal to $12.50$12.50 over any 20 Trading Days within any 30 Trading Day trading day period or (y) Apex(b) the Company consummates a Subsequent Transaction,subsequent transaction, which results in the stockholders of Apexthe Company having the right to exchange their shares for cash, securities or other property having a value equaling or exceeding $12.50$12.50 per share (the “First Milestone”) (such 1,000,000 shares of Apex Common Stock, the “First Milestone Contingent Consideration”);share;

(b)1,000,000 shares of Apex Common Stock,AvePoint’s common stock, in the aggregate, if at any time from and after the ClosingApex Business Combination through the seventh anniversary thereof (x) the Closing Price(a) AvePoint's stock price is greater than or equal to $15.00$15.00 over any 20 Trading Days within any 30 Trading Day trading day period or (y) Apex(b) the Company consummates a Subsequent Transaction,subsequent transaction, which results in the stockholders of Apexthe Company having the right to exchange their shares for cash, securities or other property having a value equaling or exceeding $15.00$15.00 per share (the “Second Milestone”) (such 1,000,000 shares of Apex Common Stock, the “Second Milestone Contingent Consideration”); andshare;

APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2020

(c)1,000,000 shares of Apex Common Stock,AvePoint’s common stock, in the aggregate, if at any time from and after the ClosingApex Business Combination through the seventh anniversary thereof (x) the Closing Price(a) AvePoint's stock price is greater than or equal to $17.50$17.50 over any 20 Trading Days within any 30 Trading Day trading day period or (y) Apex(b) the Company consummates a Subsequent Transaction,subsequent transaction, which results in the stockholders of Apexthe Company having the right to exchange their shares for cash, securities or other property having a value equaling or exceeding $17.50$17.50 per share (the “Third Milestone”) (such 1,000,000 shares of Apex Common Stock, the “Third Milestone Contingent Consideration” and together with the First Milestone Contingent Consideration and the Second Milestone Contingent Consideration, the “Contingent Consideration”). For the avoidance of doubt, the maximum amount of the Contingent Consideration is 3,000,000 shares of Apex Common Stock, in the aggregate.share.

 

The partiesrights described above are hereafter referred to as the Business Combination Agreement have made customary representations, warranties and covenants, including, among others,“Company Earn-Out Shares”. To the extent that any portion of the Company Earn-Out Shares that would otherwise be issued to a holder of options that remain unvested at the date of the milestones described above, then in lieu of issuing the applicable Company Earn-Out Shares, the Company shall instead issue an award of RSUs of the Company for a number of shares of AvePoint’s common stock equal to such portion of the Company Earn-Out Shares issuable with respect to the conductunvested options (the “Company Earn-Out RSUs”). In evaluation of the businessesCompany Earn-Out Shares and Company Earn-Out RSUs, management determined that the Company Earn-Out Shares represent derivatives to be marked to market at each reporting period, while the Company Earn-Out RSUs represent equity under ASC 718. Refer to “Note 16 — Stock-Based Compensation” for more information regarding the Company Earn-Out RSUs.

In order to capture the market conditions associated with the Company Earn-Out Shares, the Company applied an approach that incorporated a Monte Carlo simulation, which involved random iterations that took different future price paths over the Sponsor Earn-Out Shares’ contractual life based on the appropriate probability distributions. The fair value was determined by taking the average of AvePointthe fair values under each Monte Carlo simulation trial. The Monte Carlo model requires highly subjective assumptions including the expected volatility of the price of our common stock, and Apexthe expected term of the earn-out shares. Significant increases or decreases to these inputs in isolation could result in a significantly higher or lower liability. Under this approach, the fair value of the Company Earn-Out Shares on July 1, 2021, was determined to be $29.6 million. The fair value was remeasured as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and was determined to be $6.6 million and $10.0 million, respectively, and included in the earn-out shares’ liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. As a result, approximately $4.3 million and $20.3 million was recognized during the period between executionyears ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and included as gain on earn-out and warrant liabilities in the consolidated statements of operations. We estimated the earn-out shares fair value using a Monte Carlo model with the following significant unobservable assumptions:

  December 31,  December 31,  July 1, 
  2022  2021  2021 
Term (in years)  5.50   6.50   7.00 
Volatility  55.00%  40.00%  40.00%

69

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Warrants to Acquire Common Stock

On July 1, 2021, as part of the Apex Business Combination, Agreementthe Company effectively granted 405,000 private placement warrants with a 5-year term and strike price of $11.50 per share. Management has determined that the consummation of the Business Combinationprivate placements warrants are to be classified as liabilities to be marked to market at each reporting period.

 

NOTE 8. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITYThe private placement warrants are held by only two parties and any transfer of the warrants to a party other than a current holder of the warrants would cause the warrants to be converted into public warrants. Consequently, the fair value of the private placement warrants is equivalent to the quoted price of the publicly traded warrants. Under this approach, the fair value of the private placement warrants on July 1, 2021, was determined to be $1.4 million. The fair value was remeasured as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and was determined to be $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, and included in the other non-current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. As a result, $0.2 million and $0.9 million was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and included as gain on earn-out and warrant liabilities in the consolidated statements of operations.

15. Mezzanine Equity and Stockholders Equity (Deficiency)

 

Prior to the Apex Business Combination, the Company had two classes of capital stock: common stock and preferred stock. Following the Apex Business Combination, the Company has one class of capital stock: common stock. The following summarizes the terms of the Company’s capital stock.

PreferredCommon Stock — The

Pursuant to the Company’s restated Articles of Incorporation, the Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000up to 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock at $0.0001 par value. There were 185,277,588 and 181,821,767 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, net of treasury shares. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote. The holders of common stock are also entitled to receive dividends whenever funds are legally available and when declared by the Board of Directors. The Company’s Board of Directors has not declared common stock dividends since inception.

On July 1, 2021, as part of the Apex Business Combination, all outstanding shares of Legacy AvePoint common stock was converted into common stock of AvePoint, Inc. using an exchange ratio of 8.69144 per share and options to purchase common stock of Legacy AvePoint were converted into options to purchase common stock of AvePoint, Inc. using an exchange ratio of 8.6914. All per share information has been retroactively adjusted for this exchange ratio. 

Sponsor Earn-Out Shares

On July 1, 2021, as a result of the Apex Business Combination, the Company modified the terms of 2,916,700 shares of common stock (“Sponsor Earn-Out Shares”) then held by Apex’s sponsor, such that such shares will be subject to the following vesting provisions:

100% of the Sponsor Earn-Out Shares shall vest and be released if at any time through the seventh anniversary of the Apex Business Combination, AvePoint’s stock price is greater than or equal to $15.00 (as adjusted for share splits, share capitalization, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) over any 20 trading days within any 30 trading day period; and
100% of the remaining Sponsor Earn-Out Shares that have not previously vested shall vest and be released if at any time through the seventh anniversary of the Apex Business Combination, the Company consummates a subsequent transaction.

The Sponsor Earn-Out Shares are currently outstanding and receive all benefits of regular shares with the exception of the fact that the shares are held in escrow and restricted from transfer until the vesting conditions described above are met. Consequently, the shares are classified as equity. No Sponsor Earn-Out Shares have vested as of December 31, 2022.

Public Warrants to Acquire Common Stock

On July 1, 2021, as part of the Apex Business Combination, the Company issued 17,500,000 public warrants with an exercise price of $11.50. Each warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of AvePoint’s common stock and the warrants are exercisable from the date of issuance through the fifth anniversary of the Apex Business Combination. The public warrants are equity classified and its fair value, based on the publicly traded warrants, was $59.3 million on July 1, 2021, and included in the additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2022, all 17,500,000 warrants remain outstanding. 

Convertible Contingently Redeemable Preferred Stock

On July 1, 2021, as part of the Apex Business Combination, the 42,000,592 outstanding preferred stock of the Company was redeemed for cash in part and converted into AvePoint’s common stock in part in connection with the Apex Business Combination with the Apex Group as described in “Note 3 — Business Combination.

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Share Repurchase Program

On March 17, 2022, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a par valuenew share repurchase program (the “Share Repurchase Program”) for the Company to buy back shares of $0.0001 per share with such designations, votingits common stock. Under the Share Repurchase Program, the Company has the authority to buy up to a maximum of $150 million of common stock shares via acquisitions in the open market or privately negotiated transactions. The Share Repurchase Program will remain open for a period of three years from the date of authorization and othermay be suspended or discontinued at any time. The Company is not obligated to make purchases of, nor is it obligated to acquire any particular amount of, common stock under the Share Repurchase Program. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company purchased 4,046,186 shares at an average price of $4.92.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

On December 24, 2020, AEPL, an unaffiliated entity, acquired a redeemable noncontrolling interest in EduTech through the contribution of $7.5 million. As of December 31, 2020, AvePoint owned a 77.78% interest in EduTech and AEPL owned a 22.22% interest in EduTech.

On February 11, 2021, AEPL acquired additional redeemable noncontrolling interest in EduTech through the contribution of $0.8 million. At the transaction closing date, AvePoint owned a 76.09% interest in EduTech and AEPL owned a 23.91% interest in EduTech. As part of AEPL’s initial and subsequent investment in EduTech, the Company granted AEPL a put option which allows AEPL to cause the Company to repurchase AEPL’s shares in EduTech at any time between December 24, 2022, and December 24, 2023, at a price equal to AEPL’s initial and subsequent investment amounts.

On February 18, 2022, EduTech consummated the acquisition of 100% of the equity in I-Access for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $7.1 million. The negotiated transaction consideration includes EduTech issuing shares and rights for shares which both also subject to a guaranteed minimum revenue provision (the “GMR”), and preferencesgranting the former I-Access shareholders a put option which allows sellers to cause EduTech to repurchase the shares of EduTech for approximately $5.9 million, upon 24 months from Acquisition Close Date or the occurrence of certain triggering events which are in the control of the Company. Under the GMR the former I-Access shareholders may have earned additional shares or return shares base on a revenue surplus and shortfall outcome.

On April 15, 2022, the Company implemented a management changeover. As a result, pursuant to the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, the GMR was cancelled and the 292,440 EduTech shares issued as may be determined from timeconsideration on the I-Access Closing Date, the 30,252 EduTech shares held in escrow, and the put option on EduTech shares were no longer contingent, reclassified to timemezzanine equity and included in redeemable noncontrolling interest. From the date the GMR was cancelled to December 31, 2022, AvePoint owned a 73.82% interest in EduTech, AEPL owned a 23.20% interest in EduTech and the former I-Access shareholders owned a 2.98% interest in EduTech.

At each reporting period, we increase the carrying amount of the redeemable noncontrolling interest by periodic accretions using the interest method so that the carrying amount will equal the redemption amount on the date that the put option becomes exercisable. These adjustments are recorded as net income attributable to and accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest on the consolidated statements of mezzanine equity and stockholders' equity (deficiency). The roll forward of the balance of the redeemable noncontrolling interest is as follows:

  

Redeemable

 
  

noncontrolling

 
  

interest

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Beginning balance (December 31, 2021)

 $5,210 

Issuance of redeemable noncontrolling interest in EduTech

  5,794 

Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

  (401)

Other comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

  61 

Adjustment to present redemption value as of December 31, 2022

  3,343 

Ending balance (December 31, 2022)

 $14,007 

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

16. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company previously maintained the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) and the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”). Under both the 2006 Plan and the 2016 Plan, the Company granted incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options and restricted stock to eligible recipients which included employees, directors and consultants. On May 27, 2021, the Company’s board of directors. At directors approved the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021Plan”), which succeeded the 2016 Plan. As of the adoption of the 2021 Plan, all equity awards granted under the 2021 Plan and no equity is granted under the 2016 Plan, or, for the avoidance of doubt, the 2006 Plan. As of December 31, 20202022, 20,298,497 shares remained for future issuance under the 2021 Plan. All outstanding stock awards granted under the 2006 Plan and 2019, there were no shares2016 Plan will remain subject to the terms and conditions of preferredthe 2006 Plan and 2016 Plan, respectively, and the provisions of any award agreements made thereunder. To date, the Company has issued only stock issued or outstanding.options, restricted stock and restricted stock units to employees, directors and consultants.

 

Class A Common Stock — The Company is authorizedStock-based compensation was included in the following line items in the consolidated statements of operations:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Cost of revenue

 $2,640  $3,477 

Sales and marketing

  11,393   15,906 

General and administrative

  19,398   24,063 

Research and development

  3,787   16,062 

Total stock-based compensation

 $37,218  $59,508 

Total tax benefit related to issue 100,000,000 shares of Class A common stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share. At vested or exercised awards during the year ended December 31, 2020 2022 and 2019, there were 10,555,0822021 was $2.2 million and 4,482,779 shares of Class A common stock issued and outstanding, excluding 25,254,918 and 31,327,221 shares of Class A common stock subject to possible redemption,$0.03 million, respectively.

 

Class B Common Stock Options — The Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of Class B common stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Holders of Class B common stock are entitled to one vote for each share. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were 8,750,000 shares of Class B common stock issued and outstanding.

 

HoldersThe compensation costs for stock option awards are accounted for in accordance with ASC 718,Compensation-Stock Compensation. Stock options vest over a four-year service period and expire on the tenth anniversary of Class the date of award. Certain of the Company’s stock option awards (the “Officer Awards”) included a provision that required the Company to redeem the vested portion of options at fair value in cash upon a separation of service initiated by the Company or upon death or disability of the holder. The Company determined that the redemption feature required the Officer Awards to be classified in mezzanine equity prior to the Apex Business Combination. For share-based payment arrangements with employees, the amount presented in mezzanine equity at each balance sheet date was based on the redemption provisions of the instrument and adjusted for the proportion of consideration received in the form of employee services. The shares underlying the Officer Awards were puttable to the Company upon certain conditions, such as death or disability of the Officer Awards recipients, which the Company determined was not probable; therefore, the Company reclassified the grant-date intrinsic value to mezzanine equity as the awards vested. The Officer Awards were cancelled in 2021, concurrent with the Apex Business Combination. In exchange for the cancellation of the Officer Awards, the Company agreed to deliver to the holders of the Officer Awards a fixed amount of shares equal to the amount of shares the holders would have received if the Officer Awards were exercised on the date of the Apex Business Combination in a net share settlement scenario. The cancelled Officer Awards were treated as modification of the original awards under ASC 718; however, no incremental value exists as a result of the modification. As a result of the cancellation of the original Officer Awards, the $1.7 million mezzanine balance was reclassified to permanent equity on July 1, 2021, and the Company recognized $3.5 million in previously unrecognized compensation costs. As a result, the Company issued 3,592,504 shares in July 2022.

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The Company’s stock option awards granted to certain international employees (the “Legacy International Options”) contained a performance condition that stated that the awards are only exercisable if the Company’s common shares are publicly traded. When the exercise contingency was resolved upon completion of the Apex Business Combination, the Legacy International Options were cancelled and replaced with new awards with substantially the same terms and conditions (the “International Options”). Prior to the Apex Business Combination, no compensation expense related to the Legacy International Options was recognized, as the exercise contingency was not deemed probable until the occurrence of the Apex Business Combination. Had the exercise contingency been deemed probable, the Legacy International Options would have been classified as liabilities. After the Apex Business Combination vested International Options can be exercised utilizing broker-assisted settlements; therefore, the International Options are classified as equity. As a result of this change in classification, the Company calculated the fair value of the awards on July 1, 2021, for purposes of compensation expense. In accordance with ASC 718, all previously unrecognized compensation since the grant date was immediately recognized upon resolution of the exercise contingency. As a result, in 2021 the Company recognized a one-time charge of $24.3 million in previously unrecognized compensation costs. 

In 2020, the Company granted certain executives stock option awards that contain both service and performance vesting conditions (the “Time and Performance Based Options”). The Time and Performance Based Options were granted in three tranches (the “Time-Based Options,” the “Performance-Based 1 Options,” and the “Performance-Based II Options”). The Time-Based Option vests over a four-year period, subject to the grantee’s continuous service with the Company. The Performance-Based I Option vests contingent upon the Company meeting certain performance goals. These goals were considered met in 2021. The Performance-Based II Option vests contingent upon the grantee achieving certain goals. These goals were considered met on January 1, 2021. Both the Performance-Based I Option and Performance-Based II Option are subject to the grantee’s continuous service to the company. 

The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted in the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $2.71 and $4.09, respectively. The Company calculates the expected term using the “simplified” method, which is the simple average of the vesting period and the contractual term. The simplified method is applied as the Company does not have sufficient historical data to provide a reasonable basis for an estimate of the expected term. Expected volatility is based on historical and implied volatility of a group of peer entities over a similar expected term. Dividend yields are based upon historical dividend yields. Risk-free interest rates are based on the implied yields currently available on U.S. Treasury zero coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term.

The Company estimated the grant date fair value of these stock options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

  2022  2021 
Expected term (in years)  6.11   6.11 
Expected volatility  45.18%  43.31%
Risk-free rate  2.16%  0.94%
Dividend yield      

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity during the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

  

Stock Options

  

Weighted-Average Exercise Price

  

Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life

 
             

Balance, January 1, 2022

  30,480,317  $3.87   2.83 

Granted

  689,406   5.88    

Exercised

  (1,799,665)  1.57    

Forfeited or expired

  (202,255)  4.94    

Balance, December 31, 2022

  29,167,803  $4.05   6.53 

As of December 31, 2022, the following table summarizes information about outstanding and exercisable stock options:

  

Outstanding

  

Exercisable

 

Exercise Price

 

Stock Options

  

Weighted-Average Contractual Life

  

Weighted-Average Exercise Price

  

Stock Options

  

Weighted-Average Contractual Life

  

Weighted-Average Exercise Price

 

$ 0.03 - $ 1.34

  5,964,947   3.68  $1.28   5,964,947   3.68  $1.28 

$ 1.52 - $ 1.89

  5,795,861   4.98   1.59   5,519,215   4.92   1.59 

$ 3.90 - $ 9.64

  17,406,995   8.01   5.82   7,973,397   7.85   5.17 
   29,167,803   6.53  $4.05   19,457,559   5.74  $2.96 

As of December 31, 2022, there was $25.5 million in unrecognized compensation costs related to all non-vested options. This unrecognized stock-based compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.3 years.

As of December 31, 2022, the Company had 29,167,803 options outstanding and 19,457,559 options exercisable with intrinsic values of $33.8 million and $32.0 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2022, 1,799,665 options were exercised, with a total intrinsic value of $6.6 million. During the year ended December 31, 2021, 5,141,331 options were exercised, with a total intrinsic value of $40.0 million.

Restricted Stock Units

In addition to Stock Options granted under the 2006 Plan, 2016 Plan and 2021 Plan, 5,749,764 RSUs were granted under the 2021 Plan in 2022. The compensation costs for stock option awards are accounted for in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. RSUs vest over a four-year service period and expire on the tenth anniversary of the date of award. The RSUs are measured at the fair market value of the underlying stock at the grant date. 

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

A summary of the Company’s RSU activity during the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

  

Unvested Restricted Stock Units

 
  

Number of Shares

  

Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value

 
         

Unvested as of December 31, 2021

  5,167,479  $9.64 

Granted

  5,749,764   5.55 

Vested

  (1,784,993)  9.42 

Forfeited

  (739,707)  7.17 

Unvested as of December 31, 2022

  8,392,543  $7.10 

The per share weighted-average grant date fair value of RSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $5.55 and $9.64, respectively.

The total fair value of shares vested during the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $8.2 million and $9.5 million, respectively.

As of December 31, 2022, there was $53.0 million in unrecognized compensation costs specific to the non-vested RSUs under the 2021 Plan. This unrecognized stock-based compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.9 years.

Company Earn-Out RSUs

The compensation costs for Company Earn-Out RSUs are accounted for in accordance with ASC 718,Compensation-Stock Compensation. In order to capture the market conditions associated with the Company Earn-Out RSUs, the Company applied an approach that incorporated a Monte Carlo simulation, which involved random iterations that took different future price paths over the Sponsor Earn-Out RSUs’ contractual life based on the appropriate probability distributions. The fair value was determined by taking the average of the fair values under each Monte Carlo simulation trial. Under this approach, the grant-date fair value of the Company Earn-Out RSUs on July 1, 2021, was determined to be $2.5 million. The stock options underlying the Earn-Out RSUs vest over a four-year period and expire on the tenth anniversary of the date of award. If the contingent milestones of the Earn-Out RSUs are not met by the seventh anniversary of the Apex Business Combination, the holders of the underlying stock options will not receive the Earn-Out RSUs. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $0.9 million and $0.4 million, respectively, related to these Earn-Out RSUs.

Put and Call Options

On December 26,2019, the Company granted put options, to certain of the Company’s management, to request a redemption of 3,113,170 shares of common stock and Class B(“Modified Common Stock”) or 5,148,777 shares underlying options to acquire common stock will vote(“Modified Options”, collectively, “Eligible Shares”) during the period from March 25,2025, to April, 2025 (the “Settlement Period”) or, if earlier, the 30 day period following a Qualifying Termination for a redemption price per share equal to the fair market value, as determined by the AvePoint’s Board of Directors; provided, that if a redemption request is delivered following a Qualifying Termination, the Company shall pay the redemption price during the Settlement Period unless the holders of Series C Preferred Stock consent to the payment of the redemption price by the Company within the 30 day period following the Qualifying Termination. In addition, the Company has a right to purchase all or any portion of the Eligible Shares at any time for a purchase price per share equal to the fair market value.

Mezzanine equity classification is required if stock awards that would otherwise qualify for equity classification are subject to contingent redemption features that are not solely within the control of the issuer. The Company remeasured the Modified Common Stock at each balance sheet date based on the fair value of the Company’s shares and such remeasurements are reflected as an adjustment of the value in mezzanine equity. In 2019, the Company recorded a one-time stock-based compensation expense of $0.5 million, related to Modified Common Stock. These costs have been recorded in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

In connection with the Apex Business Combination, the agreements creating the Modified Common Stock and Modified Options were terminated. As a result, the $39.3 million mezzanine balance and the $49.7 million liability balance were reclassified to permanent equity on July 1, 2021.

The fair values of Modified Options were estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions on July 1, 2021:

July 1

2021

Expected term (in years)

4.10

Expected volatility

34.44%

Risk-free rate

0.79%

Dividend yield

For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expenses of $11.8 million, related to these options. These costs have been recorded in costs of revenue and operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

During 2021, 1,365,503 options included in Modified Options were exercised. As a result of exercises of the Modified Options during 2021, $15.4 million of the liability balance related to Modified Options was reclassified to liability-classified outstanding shares within the six months from the time of exercise. During 2021, $6.9 million of the liability balance for these outstanding shares was reclassified to mezzanine equity as a result of the completion of six months from the time of the exercise of 690,474 options. As of July 1, 2021, the Apex Business Combination date, the liability balance related to this Modified Common Stock was $49.7 million. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $1.2 million, related to this Modified Common Stock.

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

17. Financial Instruments

Fair value is defined by ASC 820,Fair Value Measurement (ASC 820) as the price that would be received upon selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the measurement date.

Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2022

 
  

(in thousands)

 
  

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

  

Total

 

Assets

                

Cash Equivalents:

                

Certificates of deposit

 $  $1,693  $  $1,693 

Money funds

     188,769      188,769 

Short term investments:

                

Certificates of deposit

     2,620      2,620 

Other assets:

                

Certificates of deposit

     162      162 

Total

 $  $193,244  $  $193,244 

Liabilities:

                

Earn-out shares (1)

 $  $  $6,631  $6,631 

Warrant liabilities (1)

     227      227 

Total

 $  $227  $6,631  $6,858 

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2021

 
  

(in thousands)

 
  

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

  

Total

 

Assets

                

Cash Equivalents:

                

U.S. treasury bills

 $  $199,999  $  $199,999 

Certificates of deposit

     1,433      1,433 

Short term investments:

                

Certificates of deposit

     2,411      2,411 

Other assets:

                

Certificates of deposit

     285      285 

Total

 $  $204,128  $  $204,128 

Liabilities:

                

Earn-out shares (1)

 $  $  $10,012  $10,012 

Warrant liabilities (1)

     458      458 

Total

 $  $458  $10,012  $10,470 

(1) As a result of the Apex Business Combination on July 1, 2021, the Company recorded Company Earn-Out Shares and private placement warrants as liabilities that must be marked to market each reporting period. The Company measured the Company Earn-Out Shares at fair value determined at Level 3. The Company measured the private placement warrants at fair value determined at Level 2. Refer to “Note 14 — Company Earn-Out and Warrant Liabilities” for further details.

The following table presents the reconciliation in Level 3 instruments which consisted of earn-out shares liabilities which were measured on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2022.

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2022

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Opening balance

 $10,012 

Total gains or losses from the period

    

Included in earnings

  (4,165)

Reclass from Earnout-RSU

  784 

Closing balance

 $6,631 

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

18. Segment information

The Company operates in one segment. Its products and services are sold throughout the world, through direct and indirect sales channels. The Company’s chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) is the Chief Executive Officer. The CODM makes operating performance assessment and resource allocation decisions on a global basis. The CODM does not receive discrete financial information about asset allocation, expense allocation or profitability by product or geography.

Revenue by geography is based upon the billing address of the customer. All transfers between geographic regions have been eliminated from consolidated revenue. No customers represented greater than 10% of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. The following table sets forth revenue by geographic area:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Revenue:

        

North America

 $102,025  $83,034 

EMEA

  71,635   58,285 

APAC

  58,679   50,590 

Total revenue

 $232,339  $191,909 

The following table sets forth revenue generated from customers by country, which represents more than 10% of total consolidated revenue in any period presented:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Revenue:

        

United States

 $100,870  $83,034 

Germany

  30,625   23,574 

Japan

  21,348   23,360 

The following table sets forth property and equipment, net held within the United States, China and foreign countries:

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Property and equipment, net:

        

United States

 $1,279  $923 

China

  2,982   2,376 

Other

  1,276   623 

Total property and equipment, net

 $5,537  $3,922 

AvePoint, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

19. Loss Per Share

Basic loss per share available to the Company’s common shareholders (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. In computing diluted EPS, the Company adjusts the denominator, subject to anti-dilution requirements, to include the dilution from potential shares of common stock resulting from outstanding share-based payment awards, warrants, earn-outs and the conversion of convertible preferred shares. The Company applies the two-class method in calculating loss per share. the Company’s Sponsor Earn-Out Shares described in “Note 15 — Mezzanine Equity and Stockholders’ Deficiency” are considered participating securities and have no contractual obligation to shares in the loss of the Company. As such, the weighted-average impact of these shares is excluded from the calculation of loss per share below. As losses were incurred during all periods presented, no earnings per share exists for the Sponsor Earn-Out Shares.

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  

(in thousands, except

 
  

per share amounts)

 

Loss per share available to common stockholders, excluding sponsor earn-out stockholders

        

Numerator:

        

Net loss

 $(38,688) $(33,245)

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

  (2,942)  (1,974)

Net loss attributable to AvePoint, Inc.

 $(41,630) $(35,219)

Deemed dividends on preferred stock

     (32,928)

Total net loss available to common stockholders

 $(41,630) $(68,147)

Denominator:

        

Weighted average common shares outstanding

  181,957   141,596 

Effect of dilutive securities

      

Weighted average diluted shares

  181,957   141,596 
         

Basic and diluted loss per share available to common stockholders, excluding sponsor earn-out stockholders

 $(0.23) $(0.48)

To arrive at net loss available to common stockholders, the Company deducted net income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interest in EduTech and deemed dividends, which related to the redemption, extinguishment, and remeasurement of preferred stock.

For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s potentially dilutive securities were deemed to be anti-dilutive given the Company’s net loss position. As such, basic loss per share is equal to diluted loss per share for the periods presented.

The following potentially dilutive securities outstanding have been excluded from the computation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding because such securities have an antidilutive impact due to losses reported:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
  

(in thousands)

 

Stock options

  29,168   30,480 

Restricted stock units

  8,493   5,167 

Warrants

  17,905   17,905 

Company Earn-Outs

  3,000   3,000 

Total potentially dilutive securities

  58,566   56,552 

20. Related Party Transactions

The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with its executive officers and directors. These agreements, among other things, require AvePoint to indemnify its directors and executive officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, specifically the Delaware General Corporation Law (as the same exists or may hereafter be amended) for certain expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, and settlement amounts incurred by a director or officer in any action or proceeding arising out of their services as one of the Company’s directors or officers or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at the Company’s request.

21. Subsequent Events

The following material subsequent events occurred since the date of the most recent balance sheet period reported.

Stock-Based Compensation

On March 13, 2023, we granted 6,349,464 RSUs and 1,125,374 options to employees in total fair value of $29.6 million.

205 Petition

In conjunction with the business combination between Apex and Legacy AvePoint, Apex issued a proxy statement on June 2, 2021, which among other things, sought the approval of a new charter by “the affirmative majority (virtually in person or by proxy) of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Apex voting together as a single class on all other matters submitted to a vote of stockholders except as required by law.

The shares of Class B common stock will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock at the time of a Business Combination on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment. In the case that additional shares of Class A common stock, or equity-linked securities, are issued or deemed issued in excess of the amounts offered in the Initial Public Offering and related to the closing of a Business Combination, the ratio at which shares of Class B common stock shall convert into shares of Class A common stock will be adjusted (unless the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class B common stock agreevoting separately as a single class” (the “Charter Proposal”). At a special meeting held on June 30, 2021, the combined vote of a majority of the voting power of the Class A common stock and Class B common stock, voting together as one class, approved the Charter Proposal. The Company obtained the separate class vote of the Class B common stock as well. According to waive such adjustment with respect to any such issuance or deemed issuance) so that the number of shares of common stock outstanding and the tabulated votes for and against the Charter Proposal, the Charter Proposal was not approved by a majority of the Class A common stock then outstanding. Believing it had obtained the stockholder votes required by the old charter and Delaware law, the Company filed the new charter with the State of Delaware on July 1, 2021. On and after that date, the Company issued common stock and securities pursuant to the new charter.

A recent decision of the Delaware Court of Chancery has created uncertainty as to whether Section 242(b)(2) of the Delaware General Corporation Law would have required the Charter Proposal to be approved by a separate vote of the majority of the Company’s then-outstanding shares of Class A common stock, issuable upon conversionin addition to a majority of all shares of Class B common stock will equal, in the aggregate, on an as-converted basis, 20% of the sum of the total number of all shares of common stock outstanding upon the completion of the Initial Public Offering (not including the shares of Class A and Class B common stock underlyingvoting together (“Boxed Decision”). While the Placement Units) plus allCompany believes that the Company's shares have been validly authorized since their original issuance, in light of Class A common stockthe Boxed Decision, on March 2, 2023, the Company petitioned the Court of Chancery to validate the Charter and equity-linkedthe securities issued or deemed issued in connectionreliance on the Charter (the “Petition”). In the Petition, the Company represented to the Court of Chancery that the Company filed the Charter with a Business Combination (excluding any shares or equity-linked securities issued, orthe belief that it had been approved in accordance with Delaware law and that the Company filed the Petition in response to the publication of the Boxed decision.

In response to the Petition, the Court of Chancery granted an order on March 17, 2023 (the “Order”), and stated in the Order that:

“The Charter, including the filing and effectiveness thereof, is hereby validated and declared effective retroactive to the date of its filing with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on July 1, 2021, and all amendments effected thereby.”

“The Company’s securities (and the issuance of the securities) described in the Petition and any other securities issued in reliance on the validity of the Charter are hereby validated and declared effective as of the original date of issuance of such securities.” 

The Court’s granting of the Order has addressed and eliminated the uncertainty created by the Boxed Decision.

78

PART II

Items 9 and 9A

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None. 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rule 13a–15(e) and Rule 15d–15(e) under the Exchange Act, that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be issued,disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit 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 any seller in a Business Combination, any private placement-equivalent warrants issued, orprovide reasonable assurance that information required to be issued,disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to any sellerour management, including our Chief Executive Officer (in his capacity as principal executive officer) and our Chief Financial Officer (in his capacity as principal financial and accounting officer), as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

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 defined in a Business Combination, any private placement equivalent securities issuedRule 13a-15(e)) under the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2021, or during the year ended December 31, 2022, due to the Sponsor or its affiliates upon conversionmaterial weaknesses described below. Notwithstanding such material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer have concluded that our audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report present fairly, in all material respects, our financial position, results of loans made tooperations, and cash flows for the Company)periods presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

 

NOTE 9. WARRANTSMaterial Weaknesses in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Warrants — Public Warrants may only be exercised forA material weakness is a whole numberdeficiency, or combination of shares. No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the Units and only whole warrants will trade. The Public Warrants will become exercisable on the later of (a) 30 days after the completiondeficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a Business Combinationcompany’s annual or (b) 12 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering. The Public Warrants will expire five years after the completion of a Business Combination or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.

The Companyinterim financial statements will not be obligatedprevented or detected on a timely basis. Because the control deficiencies described below could have resulted in a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements, we determined that these deficiencies constitute material weaknesses.

Based upon the evaluation described above, our management identified the following material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting in fiscal year 2020 which continued to deliver any sharesexist during the year ended December 31, 2022:

the completeness and accuracy of financial accounting, reporting and disclosures;

the identification, review and accounting for nonroutine transactions and/or complex accounting transactions; and

segregation of duties with respect to the processing of financial transactions.

PART II

Item 9A

Remediation of Material Weaknesses

Our management has been and continues to be committed to remediating these material weaknesses and has identified and implemented several steps to enhance our internal controls over financial reporting. We have implemented a remediation plan (the "Remediation Plan"), the exerciseactions under which coincide with and are incorporated into our overarching Sarbanes-Oxley Act of a warrant2002 compliance implementation plan. The Remediation Plan actions include, but are not limited to:

the hiring of personnel with technical accounting and financial reporting experience to further enhance our ability to accurately and expediently respond to increased accounting and financial complexities and increased resource demand with respect thereto, and to aid in further identification and oversight with respect to disclosure control activities in response;

the engagement of external consultants in the assistance of the evaluation of complex accounting matters;

the establishment of formalized internal controls to review and maintain segregation of duties between appropriate control operators; and

the implementation of improved accounting and financial reporting procedures to enhance the completeness and accuracy of our financial accounting, reporting, and disclosures.

We have implemented documented policies and will have no obligation to settle such warrant exercise unless a registration statement underprocedures for, and are in the Securities Act with respect toprocess of testing the sharesimplementation and operating effectiveness of, Class A common stock underlying the warrants is then effective and a prospectus relating thereto is current, subject to the Company satisfying its obligations with respect to registration. No warrant will be exercisable and the Companynewly designed controls. The material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting will not be obligatedconsidered remediated until the newly designed controls operate for a sufficient period of time. In addition, we may discover additional material weaknesses that require additional time and resources to issue sharesremediate, and we may decide to take additional measures to address the material weaknesses or modify the remediation steps described above.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Other than the Remediation Plan discussed above and the ongoing implementation of Classmeasures under the Remediation Plan designed to accurately maintain our financial records, enhance the flow of financial information, improve data management, and provide timely information to our management team, there have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2022, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. However, as we continue to implement the Remediation Plan, we will change our process and procedures, which in turn could result in changes to our internal control over financial reporting. As such changes occur, we will evaluate quarterly whether such changes materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

Our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A common stockcontrol system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. The design of any system of controls is also based in part upon exercisecertain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in any control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

PART II

Items 9B

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

On March 29, 2023, our Board of Directors, as part of a warrant unless Class A common stock issuable upon such warrant exercise has been registered, qualified or deemedperiodic review of AvePoint’s governance documents, approved changes to be exempt underAvePoint’s Bylaws, effective as of March 29, 2023 (as amended and restated, the securities laws of the state of residence of the registered holder of the warrants.


APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2020Bylaws

”). The Company has agreed that as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 15 business days after the closing of a Business Combination, the Company will use its best efforts to file with the SEC a registration statement covering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants, to cause such registration statement to become effective and to maintain a current prospectus relating to those shares of Class A common stock until the warrants expire or are redeemed, as specified in the warrant agreement. If a registration statement covering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is not effective by the 60th business day after the closing of a 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 foregoing, if a registration statement covering the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is not effective within a specified period following the consummation of a Business Combination, warrant holders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statement and during any period when the Company shall have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise warrants on a cashless basis pursuant to the exemption provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, provided that such exemption is available. If that exemption, or another exemption, is not available, holders will not be able to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis. The Public Warrants will expire five years after the completion of a Business Combination or earlier upon redemption or liquidation. 

Once the warrants become exercisable, the Company may redeem the Public Warrants:amendments, among other things:

 

provide that special meetings of the stockholders may only be called by the president, the president or secretary of the corporation at the written request of a majority of the Board of Directors or by the secretary of the corporation at the written request of stockholders owning at least 50% of AvePoint’s stock that is issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting;

require that the special meeting request be delivered to the secretary of the corporation at AvePoint’s principal executive offices and be signed by the stockholder or an authorized agent of the stockholder who is requesting the special meeting. The stockholder’s request must also set forth: a brief description of each matter of business desired to be brought before the special meeting, the reasons for conducting the business at the meeting, the text of any proposal or business to be considered at the meeting and the information required by the advance notice provision of the bylaws, as applicable;
specify that the majority of the members of a committee shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of that committee and the vote of a majority of the members of the committee present at the meeting will be the act of the committee;
require a stockholder seeking to bring a director nomination or other business before a meeting of stockholders (“proposing stockholder”) to provide certain disclosures, including:

any derivative instrument that has been entered into by, or on behalf of, the proposing stockholder and any affiliates or associates or other parties with whom the proposing stockholder is acting in concert (each, an “associated person”), the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of, the proposing stockholder or any associated person, with respect to AvePoint shares, or relates to the acquisition or disposition of any AvePoint shares;

 in whole and not in part;a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, including the complete text of any resolutions to be presented at the meeting;
the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation’s stock ledger, of the proposing stockholder and any associated person;
a representation that the proposing stockholder is a stockholder of record and intends to appear at the meeting of stockholders to bring the business before the meeting specified in the notice;
the class and number of shares of AvePoint’s stock owned by the proposing stockholder, any beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination is being made and any associated person;
any agreement pursuant to which the proposing stockholder or any associated person, has a right to vote or direct the voting of any of the AvePoint’s securities;
any rights to dividends on AvePoint shares owned beneficially by the proposing stockholder and any associated person that are separated or separable from the underlying AvePoint shares;
any proportionate interest in AvePoint shares or any derivative instruments held, directly or indirectly, by a general or limited partnership or limited liability company or similar entity in which the proposing stockholder or any associated person is a general partner or, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in a general partner, is the manager or managing member or, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in the manager or managing member of a limited liability company or similar entity; and
any performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) that the proposing stockholder or any associated person is entitled to based on the increase or decrease in the value of AvePoint shares or derivative instruments;

expand the scope of disclosures required by a proposing stockholder seeking to bring a director nomination (“stockholder nominee”) to include:

the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation’s stock ledger, of the proposing stockholder, any beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination is being made and any associated person;

a representation that the proposing stockholder is a stockholder of record and intends to appear at the meeting of stockholders to nominate the person(s) specified in the notice;
the class and number of shares of AvePoint’s stock owned by the proposing stockholder, any beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination is being made and any associated person;
a description of any derivative instrument that has been entered into by, or on behalf of, the proposing stockholder and any associated person, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of, the proposing stockholder or any associated person, with respect to AvePoint shares, or relates to the acquisition or disposition of any AvePoint shares;
any agreement pursuant to which the proposing stockholder or any associated person, has a right to vote or direct the voting of any of the AvePoint’s securities;
any rights to dividends on AvePoint shares owned beneficially by the proposing stockholder and any associated person that are separated or separable from the underlying AvePoint shares;
any proportionate interest in AvePoint shares or any derivative instruments held, directly or indirectly, by a general or limited partnership or limited liability company or similar entity in which the proposing stockholder or any associated person is a general partner or, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in a general partner, is the manager or managing member or, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in the manager or managing member of a limited liability company or similar entity;
any performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) that the proposing stockholder or any associated person is entitled to based on the increase or decrease in the value of AvePoint shares or derivative instruments;
a description of all agreements between the proposing stockholder, beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination is being made or any associated person and each stockholder nominee with respect to the stockholder nominee’s service or duties as a nominee or director of AvePoint, including as direct or indirect confidentiality, compensation, reimbursement or indemnification arrangements;
any information that would be required to be set forth in a Schedule 13D pursuant to Rule 13d-1(a) of the Exchange Act or Rule 13d-2(a) of the Exchange Act;
the name, age, business address and, if known, residence address of each stockholder nominee for whom the proposing stockholder is proposing or intends to solicit proxies and of each stockholder nominee who would be presented for election at the annual meeting in the event of a need to change the proposing stockholders’ original slate; and
a representation as to whether the proposing stockholder or any associated person intends to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than individuals nominated by the Board of Directors (“board nominees”) in compliance with the requirements of Rule 14a-19(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”);

PART II

Items 9B

set the deadline for which a proposing stockholder must provide notice to AvePoint of the proposing stockholder’s intent to nominate directors for election to the Board or propose other business at an annual meeting to not later than 90 calendar days or earlier than 120 days calendar days prior to the anniversary of the immediately preceding annual meeting and provide that, if no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 calendar days before or more than 60 calendar days after such anniversary date, the proposing stockholder must provide notice to AvePoint not later than the 90th calendar day prior to such annual meeting of stockholders or, if later, the 10th calendar day following the date on which public disclosure of the date of such annual meeting is first made;

clarify that, in addition to complying with the advance notice provisions in the Bylaws, each proposing stockholder and any associated person must also comply with all applicable requirements of AvePoint’s Articles of Incorporation, the Bylaws and state and federal law, including the Exchange Act, with respect to any such proposal or the solicitation of proxies with respect thereto;
provide that any stockholder directly or indirectly soliciting proxies from other stockholders must use a proxy card color other than white;
provide that (a) no stockholder or associated person may solicit proxies in support of any nominees other than board nominees unless such stockholder and associated person complies with Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act in connection with the solicitation of such proxies, including the provision to AvePoint of notices required thereunder in a timely manner, and (b) if such stockholder or associated person (i) provides notice pursuant to Rule 14a-19(b) under the Exchange Act and (ii) subsequently fails to comply with any of the requirements of Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act, then AvePoint will disregard any proxies or votes solicited for such stockholder’s nominees;
provide that, if any stockholder or associated person provides notice pursuant to Rule 14a-19(b) under the Exchange Act, such stockholder or associated person must deliver to AvePoint, upon its request, reasonable evidence that such stockholder or associated person has met the requirements of Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act no later than five business days prior to the applicable meeting;
require stockholder nominees and board nominees to provide any additional information necessary to permit the Board to determine the nominee’s independence;
provide the number of directors shall be determined from time to time by resolutions of the Board;
clarify that directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast and all other matters shall be decided by a majority of votes cast;
clarify that directors may be removed in accordance with AvePoint’s Certificate of Incorporation;
expand the indemnification requirements to indemnify officers and employees, in addition to directors, to the fullest extend of the laws of the state of Delaware; and
make various other updates, including clarify, ministerial and conforming changes.

The foregoing description of the amendments to the Bylaws is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Bylaws, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.2 and is incorporated herein by reference.

PART II, PART III

Items 9C, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS

Not applicable.

PART III

ITEM10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

A list of our Executive Officers and biographical information appears in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report. Information about our directors may be found in our Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”) which was filed with the SEC on March 24, 2023. The information required by this item is hereby incorporated by reference to the sections of the Proxy Statement under the captions “Corporate Governance,” “Election of Directors,” and “Named Executive Officers.”

We have adopted the AvePoint, Inc. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (the “Code”), a code of ethics that applies to our employees, officers, and directors (including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) and is a “Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers” as defined by applicable rules of the SEC. The Code is publicly available on our Investor Relations website at https://ir.avepoint.com/. Information contained on or accessible through this website is not a part of this Annual Report, and the inclusion of such website address in this Annual Report is an inactive textual reference only. If we make any substantive amendments to the Code or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the code to our Executive Officers or directors, we will disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver on our Investor Relations website or in a report on Form 8-K to the extent required by applicable rules and exchange requirements.

ITEM11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is hereby incorporated by reference to the sections of the Proxy Statement under the captions, “Elements of Executive Compensation” and “Non-Employee Director Compensation.”

ITEM12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this item is hereby incorporated by reference to the sections of the Proxy Statement under the captions “Security Ownership.”

ITEM13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTORINDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item is hereby incorporated by reference to the sections of the Proxy Statement under the captions “Transactions with Related Persons” and “Board Leadership Structure.”

ITEM14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is hereby incorporated by reference to the section of the Proxy Statement under the caption “Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the 2023 Fiscal Year.”

PART IV

ITEM 15.EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

a.

Financial Statements and Schedules

Our Consolidated Financial Statements can be found under the heading “Index to Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report. Financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not required, not applicable, or the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial statements or notes thereto.

b.

Exhibits

The following documents are filed as part of, furnished with, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report, in each case as indicated therein.

ExhibitIndex

    

Incorporated by Reference

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

 

Schedule/

Form

 

File No.

 

Exhibit

 

Filing Date

 Filed Herewith
2.1 Business Combination Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated November 23, 2020, by and among Apex, Merger Subs and AvePoint. Form 8-K 001-39048 2.1 March 9, 2021  
2.2 Amendment No. 1 to Business Combination Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated December 30, 2020, by and among Apex, Merger Subs and AvePoint. Form 8-K 001-39048 2.1 December 30, 2020  
2.3 Amendment No. 2 to Business Combination Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated March 8, 2021, by and among Apex, Merger Subs and AvePoint. Form 8-K 001-39048 2.1 March 9, 2021  
2.4 Amendment No. 3 to Business Combination Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated May 18, 2021, by and among Apex, Merger Subs and AvePoint. Form 10-Q 001-39048 10.3 May 19, 2021  
2.5 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 23, 2021, by and between AvePoint, Inc. and AvePoint US, LLC Form 8-K 001-39048 2.1 July 30, 2021  

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of AvePoint, Inc.

 

Form 8-K

 

001-39048

 

3.1

 

July 7, 2021

  

3.2

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of AvePoint, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

4.1

 

Specimen Common Stock Certificate.

 

Form S-4/A

 

333-252712

 

4.4

 

May 20, 2021

  

4.2

 

Specimen Warrant Certificate.

 

Form S-1

 

333-233299

 

4.3

 

August 30, 2019

  
4.3 Description of Capital Stock         X

10.1

 

Warrant Agreement, dated September 16, 2019, by and between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and Apex.

 

Form 8-K

 

001-39048

 

4.1

 

September 20, 2019

  
10.1 Form of PIPE Subscription Agreement Form 8-K 001-39048 10.7 November 23, 2020  
10.2 Form of Amendment No. 1 to PIPE Subscription Agreements Form S-4 333-252712 10.15 May 20, 2021  
10.3 Form of Lock-Up Agreement Form 8-K 001-39048 10.3 November 23, 2020  
10.4 Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 1, 2021, by and among AvePoint and certain stockholders of AvePoint. Form 8-K 001-39048 10.4 July 7, 2021  
10.5† Form of Indemnification Agreement. Form S-4 333-252712 10.29 May 20, 2021  

10.6†

 

AvePoint 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

Form 8-K

 

001-39048

 

10.6

 

July 7, 2021

  

10.7†

 

Form of Stock Option Grant Package under AvePoint 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

Form 8-K

 

001-39048

 

10.7

 

July 7, 2021

  

10.8†

 

Form of RSU Grant Package under 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

Form 8-K

 

001-39048

 

10.8

 

July 7, 2021

  

10.9†

 

AvePoint 2016 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

Form S-4

 

333-252712

 

10.15

 

February 4, 2021

  

10.10†

 

Form of Stock Option Grant Notice under AvePoint 2016 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

Form S-4

 

333-252712

 

10.16

 

February 4, 2021

  

10.11†

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement under 2016 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

Form S-4

 

333-252712

 

10.17

 

February 4, 2021

  

10.12†

 

AvePoint 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

Form S-4

 

333-252712

 

10.18

 

February 4, 2021

  

10.13†

 

Form of Stock Option Grant Package under AvePoint 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

Form 8-K

 

001-39048

 

10.13

 

July 7, 2021

  

10.14†

 

Form of RSU Grant Package under AvePoint 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

Form 8-K

 

001-39048

 

10.14

 

July 7, 2021

  

10.15†

 

AvePoint 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

 

Form S-4

 

333-252712

 

10.19

 

February 4, 2021

  

10.16+^

 

Loan and Security Agreement, dated April 7, 2020, by and between HSBC Ventures USA Inc. and AvePoint, Inc.

 

Form S-4

 

333-252712

 

10.24

 

February 4, 2021

  

10.17+^

Limited Consent and First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated July 1, 2021, by and among AvePoint Operations Inc. (f/k/a AvePoint, Inc.), HSBC Ventures USA Inc. and AvePoint US, LLC.

Form 8-K

001-39048

10.21

July 7, 2021

10.18+^

Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated July 1, 2021, by and among AvePoint Operations, Inc. (f/k/a AvePoint, Inc.), HSBC Ventures USA Inc. and AvePoint US, LLC.

Form 8-K

001-39048

10.22

July 7, 2021

10.19+^

Pledge Agreement, dated July 1, 2021, by and between AvePoint, Inc. and HSBC Ventures USA Inc.

Form 8-K

001-39048

10.23

July 7, 2021

10.20+^

Limited Guaranty, dated July 1, 2021, by and between AvePoint, Inc. and HSBC Ventures USA Inc.

Form 8-K

001-39048

10.24

July 7, 2021

10.21+^

Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2021, by and among AvePoint, Inc., AvePoint US, LLC, and HSBC Ventures USA Inc.

Form 8-K

001-39048

10.1

July 30, 2021

10.22+^

Limited Consent and Waiver to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2021, by and among AvePoint, Inc., AvePoint US, LLC, AvePoint Public Sector, Inc., AvePoint Holdings USA, LLC, and HSBC Ventures USA Inc.

Form 8-K

001-39048

10.2

July 30, 2021

10.23+^

Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated October 31, 2021, by and among AvePoint, Inc., AvePoint Public Sector, Inc., AvePoint Holdings USA, LLC, and HSBC Ventures USA Inc.

Form 8-K

001-39048

10.8

November 1, 2021

10.24+^

Annex A to Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated October 31, 2021, by and among AvePoint, Inc., AvePoint Public Sector, Inc., AvePoint Holdings USA, LLC, and HSBC Ventures USA Inc.

Form 8-K

001-39048

10.9

November 1, 2021

10.25†Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 2021, by and between AvePoint and Xunkai Gong.Form S-4333-25271210.21February 4, 2021
10.26†Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 2021, by and between AvePoint and Tianyi Jiang.Form S-4333-25271210.22February 4, 2021
10.27†Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 2021, by and between AvePoint and Brian Brown.Form S-4333-25271210.23February 4, 202
10.28†Employment Agreement, dated August 10, 2021, by and between AvePoint and James Caci.Form 8-K001-3904810.1August 16, 2021
10.292022 Performance-Based Annual Incentive PlanX

21.1

List of Subsidiaries.

X
23.1Consent of Deloitte and Touche LLP, independent registered public accounting firm.X

24.1

Power of Attorney (included in the signature page hereto).

31.1

X

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15(d)-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

X

32.1**

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

X

32.2**

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

X

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

X

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

X

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

X

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

X

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document.

X

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

X

104.1

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).X

**

Furnished herewith. Any exhibit furnished herewith (including the certifications furnished in Exhibit 32.1 and Exhibit 32.2 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. We agree to furnish a copy of all omitted exhibits and schedules to the SEC upon its request.
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.
^Certain portions of this Exhibit will be omitted because they are not material and would likely cause competitive harm to us if disclosed.

ITEM 16.FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.

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.

AVEPOINT, INC.

Date: March 31, 2023

/s/ Tianyi Jiang

Name:

Tianyi Jiang

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: March 31, 2023

/s/ James Caci

Name:

James Caci

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Tianyi Jiang and Brian Michael Brown, and each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for such individual in any and all capacities, to do any and all acts and things and to execute in his or her name (whether on behalf of AvePoint, Inc. (the “Company”) or as an officer or director of the Company, or otherwise) any and all instruments and to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date

/s/ Xunkai Gong

Executive Chairman and Director

March 31, 2023

Xunkai Gong

   
 at a price of $0.01 per warrant;

/s/ Tianyi Jiang

Chief Executive Officer and Director

March 31, 2023

Tianyi Jiang

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ James Caci

Chief Financial Officer

March 31, 2023

James Caci

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ Brian Michael Brown

General Counsel, Chief Legal and Compliance

March 31, 2023

Brian Michael Brown

Officer, Secretary, and Director

/s/ Janet Schijns

Director

March 31, 2023

Janet Schijns

   
 upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption given after the warrants become exercisable; and

/s/ Jeff Teper

Director

March 31, 2023

Jeff Teper

   
 if, and only if, the reported last sale price of the Company’s Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period commencing once the warrants become exercisable and ending three business days before the Company sends the notice of redemption to the warrant holders.

If and when the warrants become redeemable by the Company, the Company may not exercise its redemption right if the issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of the warrants is not exempt from registration or qualification under applicable state blue sky laws or the Company is unable to effect such registration or qualification.

If the Company calls the Public Warrants for redemption, management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise the Public Warrants to do so on a “cashless basis,” as described in the warrant agreement. The exercise price and number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a stock dividend, or recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation. However, the warrants will not be adjusted for issuance of Class A common stock at a price below its exercise price. Additionally, in no event will the Company be required to net cash settle the warrants. If the Company is unable to complete a 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.

In addition, if (x) the Company issues additional shares of Class A common stock or equity-linked securities for capital raising purposes in connection with the closing of a Business Combination at an issue price or effective issue price of less than $9.20 per share of Class A common 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 Sponsor or its affiliates, without taking into account any Founder Shares held by the Sponsor 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 a Business Combination on the date of the consummation of a Business Combination (net of redemptions), and (z) the volume weighted average trading price of the shares of Class A common stock during the 20 trading day period starting on the trading day prior to the day on which the Company consummates a 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 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.


APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2020

The Placement Warrants are identical to the Public Warrants underlying the Units sold in the Initial Public Offering, except that the Placement Warrants and the Class A common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Placement Warrants will not be transferable, assignable or salable until 30 days after the completion of a Business Combination, subject to certain limited exceptions. Additionally, the Placement Warrants will be exercisable on a cashless basis and be non-redeemable so long as they are held by the initial purchasers or their permitted transferees. If the Placement Warrants are held by someone other than the initial purchasers or their permitted transferees, the Placement Warrants will be redeemable by the Company and exercisable by such holders on the same basis as the Public Warrants.

NOTE 10. INCOME TAX

The Company’s net deferred tax assets are as follows:

  As of December 31, 
  2020  2019 
Deferred tax asset        
Organizational costs/Startup expenses $1,568,202  $61,973 
Total deferred tax asset  1,568,202   61,973 
Valuation allowance  (1,568,202)  (61,973)
Deferred tax asset, net of allowance $  $ 

The income tax provision consists of the following:

  As of December 31, 
  2020  2019 
Federal      
Current $281,381  $317,902 
Deferred  (1,115,020)  (61,973)
         
State        
Current $129,934  $ 
Deferred  (391,209)   
Change in valuation allowance  1,506,229   61,973 
Income tax provision $411,315  $317,902 

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company did not have any U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryovers available to offset future taxable income.

In assessing the realization of the deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences representing net future deductible amounts become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. After consideration of all of the information available, management believes that significant uncertainty exists with respect to future realization of the deferred tax assets and has therefore established a full valuation allowance. For the year ended December 31, 2020 and for the period from April 5, 2019 (inception) through December 31, 2019, the change in the valuation allowance was $1,506,229 and $61,973, respectively.

A reconciliation of the federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:

  As of December 31, 
  2020  2019 
Statutory federal income tax rate  21.0%  21.0%
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit  7.0%  0.0%
Change in fair value of warrant liability  (26.2)%  0.0%
Change in valuation allowance  (2.5)%  5.1%
Income tax provision  (0.7)%  26.1%

APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2020

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction in various state and local jurisdictions and is subject to examination by the various taxing authorities for 2019 and 2020.

NOTE 11. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company follows the guidance in ASC 820 for its financial assets and liabilities that are re-measured and reported at fair value at each reporting period, and non-financial assets and liabilities that are re-measured and reported at fair value at least annually. 

The fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities reflects management’s estimate of amounts that the Company would have received in connection with the sale of the assets or paid in connection with the transfer of the liabilities in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In connection with measuring the fair value of its assets and liabilities, the Company seeks to maximize the use of observable inputs (market data obtained from independent sources) and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs (internal assumptions about how market participants would price assets and liabilities). The following fair value hierarchy is used to classify assets and liabilities based on the observable inputs and unobservable inputs used in order to value the assets and liabilities:

 Level 1:Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. An active market for an asset or liability is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

/s/ John Ho

Director

March 31, 2023

John Ho

   
 Level 2:Observable inputs other than Level 1 inputs. Examples of Level 2 inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities and quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.

/s/ Jeff Epstein

Director

March 31, 2023

Jeff Epstein

   
Level 3:Unobservable inputs based on our assessment of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The Company classifies its U.S. Treasury and equivalent securities as held-to-maturity in accordance with ASC 320 “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities.” Held-to-maturity securities are those securities which the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. Held-to-maturity treasury securities are recorded at amortized cost on the accompanying balance sheets and adjusted for the amortization or accretion of premiums or discounts.

At December 31, 2020, assets held in the Trust Account were comprised of $1,455 in cash and $175,325,383 in money market funds, which are invested in U.S. Treasury Securities and $176,531,482 in U.S. Treasury Bills. At December 31, 2019, assets held in the Trust Account were comprised of $532 in cash, $94,650 in money market funds, which are invested in U.S. Treasury Securities, and $351,713,981 in U.S. Treasury Bills.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company withdrew $1,621,881 of interest earned on the Trust Account to pay its franchise and income taxes. During the period ended December 31, 2019, the Company did not withdraw any interest income from the Trust Account to pay its taxes.

The gross holding losses and fair value of held-to-maturity securities at December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

  Held-To-Maturity Amortized Cost  

Gross
Holding
(Loss)

Gains

  Fair Value 
December 31, 2020 U.S. Treasury Securities (Mature on 1/19/2021) $176,531,482  $2,987  $176,534,469 
December 31, 2019 U.S. Treasury Securities (Mature on 3/19/2020) $351,713,981  $281,644  $351,995,625 


APEX TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2020

The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2020 and 2019 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation inputs the Company utilized to determine such fair value:

Description Level December 31,
2020
  December 31,
2019
 
Assets:        
Investments – U.S. Treasury Securities Money Market Fund 1 $175,325,383  $94,650 
           
Liabilities:          
Warrant Liability – Public Warrants 1  74,900,000   20,125,000 
Warrant Liability – Private Placement Warrants 3  2,519,100   822,150 

The Warrants were accounted for as liabilities in accordance with ASC 815-40 and are presented within warrant liabilities on our balance sheet. The warrant liabilities are measured at fair value at inception and on a recurring basis, with changes in fair value presented within change in fair value of warrant liabilities in the consolidated statement of operations.

The Private Warrants were initially valued using a Modified Black Scholes Option Pricing Model, which is considered to be a Level 3 fair value measurement. The Modified Black Scholes model’s primary unobservable input utilized in determining the fair value of the Private Warrants is the expected volatility of the common stock. The expected volatility as of the Initial Public Offering date was derived from observable public warrant pricing on comparable ‘blank-check’ companies without an identified target. The expected volatility as of subsequent valuation dates was implied from the Company’s own public warrant pricing. A Monte Carlo simulation methodology was used in estimating the fair value of the public warrants for periods where no observable traded price was available, using the same expected volatility as was used in measuring the fair value of the Private Warrants. For periods subsequent to the detachment of the warrants from the Units, the closing price of the Public Warrant was used as the fair value as of each relevant date.

The following table presents the changes in the fair value of Level 3 warrant liabilities:

  Private Placement  Public  

Warrant Liabilities

(Level 3)

 
Fair value as of April 5, 2019 (inception) $  $  $ 
Initial measurement on September 19, 2019  724,950   23,275,000   23,299,950 
Change in valuation inputs or other assumptions  97,200   (175,000)  (77,800)
Transfer from Level 3 to Level 2 measurement     (23,100,000)  (23,100,000)
Fair value as of December 31, 2019  822,150      82,500 
Change in valuation inputs or other assumptions (1)  1,696,950      1,696,950 
Fair value as of December 31, 2020  2,519,000      2,519,000 

(1)Due to the use of quoted prices in an active market (Level 1) to measure the fair value of the Public Warrants, subsequent to initial measurement, the Company had transfers out of Level 3 totaling $23,100,000 during the period from April 5, 2019 through December 31, 2019.

NOTE 12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date up to the date that the consolidated financial statements were issued. Based upon this review other than as described in footnote 2, the Company did not identify any subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

F-23

88