As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 20, 2021February 28, 2024

Registration No. 333-277060

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Amendment No. 1

to

FORM S-3

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

AKERNA CORP.GRYPHON DIGITAL MINING, INC.

(Exact Namename of Registrantregistrant as Specifiedspecified in its Charter)charter)

 

Delaware 83-2242651

(State or other jurisdiction of

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

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

Number)

 

1550 Larimer Street #2461180 North Town Center Drive, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89144

Denver, Colorado 80202

1-888-932-6537

(877) 646-3374

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,

including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

Corporation Service CompanyRobby Chang

251 Little FallsChief Executive Officer, President and Director

Gryphon Digital Mining, Inc.

1180 North Town Center Drive, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89144

Wilmington, Delaware 19807(877) 646-3374

(302) 636-5400

(Name, (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,

including area code, of agent for service)

 

CopiesPlease send a copy of all communications to:

Barry I. Grossman, Esq.

Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10105-0302

(212) 370-1300

 

Jason K Brenkert, Esq.

Dorsey & Whitney LLP

1400 Wewatta Street, Suite 400

Denver, Colorado 80202

Telephone: (303) 352-1133

Fax Number: (303) 629-3450

Approximate date of commencement proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement

(Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public)Registration Statement. 

 

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐

 

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☒

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

 

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐

 

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

 

Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
 Emerging Growth Companygrowth 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 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act.

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered Amount
to be
Registered(1)
  Proposed
Maximum
Offering
Price Per
Share (2)
  Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering
Price
  Amount of
Registration
Fee
 
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, offered by selling stockholders  37,037,037(3) $3.03  $112,222,222.11(2) $10,403.00 
Total  37,037,037  $-  $112,222,222,.11  $10,403.00(4)

(1)Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the shares of common stock being registered hereunder include such indeterminate number of shares as may be issuable with respect to the shares being registered hereunder as a result of stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions.

(2)Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act. The proposed maximum offering price per share and proposed maximum aggregate offering price are based upon the average of the high and low prices of the shares of common stock as of October 19, 2021 as quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market of $3.03.

(3)Represents a good faith estimate of the shares of common stock underlying a senior convertible note issued by the registrant in a private placement, with such amount equal to the maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion of such note, assuming for purposes hereof that (x) such note is convertible at $0.54 per share, the conversion floor price, and (y) without taking into account the limitations on the conversion of such note (as provided for therein).

(4)The filing fee of $10,403.00 is being paid concurrently with the filing of this registration statement on Form S-3.

WeThe Registrant hereby amendamends this registration statementRegistration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay ourits effective date until we willthe Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until thisthe Registration Statement willshall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, in accordance withacting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This registration statement contains a base prospectus which covers the offering, issuance and sale by us of up to $100,000,000 of our common stock, preferred stock, warrants, subscriptions rights, debt securities and/or units. The base prospectus immediately follows this explanatory note.

 

 

 

 

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Akerna Corp.We may not sell the securities until the Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, of which this prospectus is a part, is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to Completion: Dated October 20, 2021SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED FEBRUARY 28, 2024

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUSProspectus

 

 GRYPHON DIGITAL MINING, INC.

 

AKERNA CORP.

$100,000,000

 

37,037,037 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK

PREFERRED STOCK

WARRANTS

SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS

DEBT SECURITIES

UNITS

 

This prospectus covers up to 37,037,037 shares of our common stock that may be offered for resale or otherwise disposed of by the selling stockholders set forth under the caption “Selling Stockholders” beginning on page 16 of this prospectus, including their pledges, assignees or successors-in-interest.

The shares offered for resale consist of shares underlying the Senior Convertible Notes (the “Senior Convertible Notes”) issued by us in a private placement on October 5, 2021 (the “Private Placement”).

The selling stockholdersWe may offer all or part of the shares registered hereby for resaleand sell from time to time, through publicin one or private transactions, at either prevailing market prices or at privately negotiated prices. Our registrationmore series, any one of the sharesfollowing securities of common stock coveredour company, for total gross proceeds of up to $100,000,000:

common stock;
preferred stock;
warrants to purchase our securities;
subscription rights to purchase any of the foregoing securities;
secured or unsecured debt securities consisting of notes, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness which may be senior debt securities, senior subordinated debt securities or subordinated debt securities, each of which may be convertible into equity securities; or
units comprised of, or other combinations of, the foregoing securities.

We may offer and sell these securities separately or together, in one or more series or classes and in amounts, at prices and on terms described in one or more offerings. We may offer securities through underwriting syndicates managed or co-managed by one or more underwriters or dealers, through agents or directly to purchasers. The prospectus supplement for each offering of securities will describe in detail the plan of distribution for that offering. For general information about the distribution of securities offered, please see “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus.  

Each time our securities are offered, we will provide a prospectus doessupplement containing more specific information about the particular offering and attach it to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus.

This prospectus may not mean that the selling stockholders willbe used to offer or sell anysecurities without a prospectus supplement which includes a description of the shares. With regard only to the shares the selling stockholders sell for their own behalf, such selling stockholder may be deemed an “underwriter” within the meaningmethod and terms of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

The Company has paid all of the registration expenses incurred in connection with the registration of the shares. We will not pay any of the selling commissions, brokerage fees and related expenses. We will not receive any proceeds from the resale of any of the shares of common stock by the selling stockholders being registered hereby.this offering.

 

Our common stock is listedquoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “KERN”. On October 19, 2021, the“GRYP.” The last reported sale price of our common stock on the NasdaqNASDAQ Capital Market on February 27, 2024 was $3.09$2.60 per share. The aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates is $88,592,834 based on 38,733,554 shares of outstanding common stock, of which 34,074,167 shares are held by non-affiliates, and a per share price of $2.60 which was the closing sale price of our common stock as quoted on the NASDAQ Capital Market on February 27, 2024.

 

If we decide to seek a listing of any preferred stock, warrants, subscriptions rights, debt securities or units offered by this prospectus, the related prospectus supplement will disclose the exchange or market on which the securities will be listed, if any, or where we have made an application for listing, if any.

Investing in our common stocksecurities involves certain risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 3 of14 and the risk factors in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference herein, as well as in any other recently filed quarterly or current reports and, if any, in the relevant prospectus supplement. We urge you to carefully read this prospectus and under similar headings in the otheraccompanying prospectus supplement, together with the documents that are incorporatedwe incorporate by reference, into this prospectus. You should carefully read and considerdescribing the terms of these risk factorssecurities before you invest in our securities..investing.

 

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined underNeither the federal securities laws,Securities and as such, may elect to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements for future filings.

These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the SEC orExchange Commission nor any state securities commission nor has the SECapproved or any statedisapproved of these securities commissionor passed upon the accuracyadequacy or adequacyaccuracy of this prospectus.  Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

PROSPECTUS DATED, 2021The date of this Prospectus is _____________, 2024.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUSAbout This Prospectus ii
PROSPECTUS SUMMARYCautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statementsiii
Prospectus Summary 1
RISK FACTORSRisk Factors 314
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSUse of Proceeds 915
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS11
PRIVATE PLACEMENT OF SENIOR CONVERTIBLE NOTES12
USE OF PROCEEDSPlan of Distribution 16
DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICEDescription of Securities We May Offer 1619
SELLING STOCKHOLDERSForms of Securities 1627
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTIONLegal Matters 1829
Experts29
DIVIDEND POLICYWhere You Can Find Additional Information 2029
MARKET FOR COMMON SHARESIncorporation of Documents By Reference 20
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK20
EXPERTS23
LEGAL MATTERS23
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE24
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION2629

 

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

TheThis prospectus is part of a registration statement of which this prospectus forms a parton Form S-3 that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, includesutilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer and incorporatessell, either individually or in combination, in one or more offerings, any of the securities described in this prospectus, for total gross proceeds of up to $100,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement to this prospectus that will contain more specific information about the terms of that offering. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you may also add, update or change any of the information contained in this prospectus or in the documents that we have incorporated by reference exhibits that provide more detail of the matters discussedinto this prospectus.

We urge you to read carefully this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in this prospectus. You should read this prospectusconnection with a specific offering, together with the documentsinformation incorporated herein by reference as described under “Documents Incorporatedthe heading “Incorporation of Documents by Reference” andReference,” before investing in any of the additional information described below under “Where You Can Find More Information.”

securities being offered. You should rely only on the information contained in, or incorporated by reference ininto, this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, along with the information contained in any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us.prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from, or in addition to, that contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any related free writing prospectus.additional information. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so.

The information containedappearing in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front of the document and any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus, or any sale of a security.

This prospectus contains summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the documents referred to herein have been filed, will be filed or will be incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is current onlya part, and you may obtain copies of those documents as of its date. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.described below under the section entitled “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

 

We are not offering to sellThis prospectus contains, or seeking offers to purchase these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. We have not done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distributionincorporates by reference, trademarks, tradenames, service marks and service names of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus and any free writing prospectus related to this offering in jurisdictions outside the United States are required to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus and any such free writing prospectus applicable to that jurisdiction.

Unless otherwise indicated, any reference to Akerna, or as “we”, “us”, or “our” refers to Akerna Corp.Gryphon Digital Mining, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (“Akerna” or the “Company”).subsidiaries.

 

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference herein may contain forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference herein, including statements regarding future events, our future financial performance, business strategy, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “should,” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Although we do not make forward looking statements unless we believe we have a reasonable basis for doing so, we cannot guarantee their accuracy. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the risks outlined under “Risk Factors” or elsewhere in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein, which may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive, and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all risk factors, nor can we address the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short term and long term business operations, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this prospectus, and in particular, the risks discussed below and under the heading “Risk Factors” and those discussed in other documents we file with the SEC. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and notes incorporated by reference herein. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this prospectus may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statement.

You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, each of which applies only as of the date of this prospectus. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this prospectus to conform our statements to actual results or changed expectations.

Any forward-looking statement you read in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any document incorporated by reference reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, operating results, growth strategy and liquidity. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because such statements speak only as to the date when made. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future, except as otherwise required by applicable law. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our reports on Forms 10-Q, 8-K and 10-K filed with the SEC. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all risk factors. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties.

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

The followingThis summary highlights certainselected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. ItThis summary does not contain all the details concerning the Offering, including information that may be important to you.you should consider before investing in our Company. You should carefully review thisread the entire prospectus, including all documents incorporated by reference herein. In particular, attention should be directed to our “Risk Factors,” “Information With Respect to the section entitled “Risk Factors”Company,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the documents, including financial statements and related notes thereto contained herein or otherwise incorporated herein by reference. See “Documents Incorporated by Reference” and “Where You Can Find More Information.”reference hereto, before making an investment decision.

Summary of Our Business

 

As used herein, and any amendment or supplement hereto, unless otherwise indicated, “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company,” means Gryphon Digital Mining, Inc. and its subsidiaries.  Unless otherwise indicated, all references in this prospectus to “dollars” or “$” refer to US dollars.

Business Overview

On February 9, 2024, we completed the previously announced merger in connection the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated January 27, 2023, as amended, by and between the Company, Akerna isMerger Co., a leading providerDelaware corporation and wholly owned direct subsidiary of enterprisethe Company (“Merger Sub”), and Ivy Crypto, Inc. (f/ka/a Gryphon Digital Mining, Inc.), a Delaware corporation (“Gryphon”), pursuant to which Merger Sub merged with and into Gryphon, with Gryphon surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger”). Upon the completion of the Merger, our business ceased to be software solutions within the cannabis industry. Cannabis businesses faceindustry and became the business of Gryphon.

Founded in October 2020, Gryphon is a bitcoin mining company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gryphon commenced its digital assets mining operations in September 2021. Gryphon’s mission is to create a net carbon neutral bitcoin miner. Gryphon’s revenue model is to mine and hold bitcoin, and then sell only the bitcoin that is necessary to pay its operating expenses and to reinvest in operational expansion.

Gryphon’s operations encompass the following:

Self-Mining: Gryphon operates approximately 9,000 bitcoin ASIC mining computers, referred to as “miners” that Gryphon has installed at third-party hosted mining data centers located in New York. Revenue generated by the mining of bitcoin is measured on a dollar per megawatt-hour (“MWh”) basis and is variable based on the price of Bitcoin, the measure of difficulty, transaction volume and global hash rates.

ESG-Led Mining: Gryphon is an ESG-committed bitcoin miner with the mission to create the world’s largest bitcoin miner with a neutral carbon footprint. Gryphon currently uses net carbon neutral energy in its power mix.

Gryphon launched its mining operations in September 2021 upon the receipt of the first of 12 batches of 600 Bitmain S19j Pro Antminers. Gryphon has deployed a total of approximately 9,000 S19j Pro Antminers from Bitmain pursuant to the Bitmain Agreement (as defined below) and subsequent market purchases, including purchases of S19j Pro Antminers, S19 Pro Antminers, S19j Pro+ Antminers, and S19K Pro Antminers have increased Gryphon’s deployment to approximately 9,000 miners.

Given the significant amount of power that ASIC miners require to operate, Gryphon believes most mining companies focus completely on low-cost electricity without considering the impact of the power’s production on the climate. Gryphon’s strategy is to focus on working with power hosting partners that are committed to climate science and also can produce reliable, low-cost power. Gryphon uses 28 megawatts of space at its hosting facility in New York, which relies on renewable hydro energy. As it deploys additional miners, Gryphon will work with hosting partners that have committed to providing carbon neutral power.

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Bitcoin Mining Overview

Bitcoin miners use ASIC computers to validate Bitcoin transactions and add “blocks” of validated transactions to Bitcoin’s peer-to-peer blockchain network. Miners earn bitcoin rewards for every block they add to the network as well as the corresponding transaction fees associated with the transactions in the “mined” block. Only one miner or group of miners operating together can receive the block rewards and may also receive the corresponding transaction fees per block added to the Bitcoin blockchain. The amount of bitcoin rewards per block (not including transaction fees) is fixed, and the number of blocks that can be added over time is able to be projected with reliable accuracy; therefore, the expected amount of bitcoin rewarded per miner is based on the number of miners actively participating in the Bitcoin network. Miners will typically only participate if the value of the expected bitcoin rewards is higher than their cost of production.

Miners consume electricity in order to compete for rewards. This means that the economics of bitcoin mining largely depend on:

the cost of electricity to competing miners;

the efficiency of mining equipment operated by competing miners; and

fluctuations in the price of Bitcoin, Bitcoin difficulty (the relative measure of the amount of resources required to confirm a block of bitcoin transactions and receive bitcoin rewards), and global hash rates (the overall amount of computing power consumed by the network).

To achieve scale, mining requires access to large amounts of low-cost electricity.

Introduction to Bitcoin, the Bitcoin Network and Bitcoin Mining

Bitcoin is a digital asset that is created and transmitted through the operations of a peer-to-peer decentralized network of computers, known as the Bitcoin network, which operates on cryptographic protocols. No single entity owns or operates the Bitcoin network, the infrastructure of which is collectively maintained by a decentralized user base. The Bitcoin network allows people to exchange digital tokens of value, called bitcoins, which are recorded on a publicly distributed transaction ledger known as a blockchain. The Bitcoin blockchain is a digital, publicly distributed bookkeeping ledger that holds the record of every Bitcoin transaction.

The Bitcoin network is decentralized and does not require governmental authorities or financial institution intermediaries to create, transmit or determine the value of Bitcoin. Rather, bitcoin is created and allocated by the Bitcoin network protocol through a process referred to as “mining” and the persons or machines that provide transaction verification services to the Bitcoin network and are rewarded with new bitcoin are called “miners.”

The Bitcoin blockchain is a digital chain of blocks with each block containing information relating to a group of Bitcoin transactions. Miners validate Bitcoin transactions, securing the blocks and adding the blocks of transactions to the blockchain record by using computer processing power to solve complex mathematical problems. Solving the problems will result in the block being successfully added to the chain. This means that the Bitcoin transaction information in the block is verified and locked into the blockchain where it remains as a permanent record on the blockchain network. The record set maintained by the Bitcoin network is publicly viewable and accessible to all. As an incentive to those who incur the computational cost of securing the Bitcoin network by validating transactions, the miner who correctly solves the problem resulting in a block being added to the Bitcoin blockchain is awarded bitcoin. To begin bitcoin mining, a user can download and run Bitcoin network mining software, which turns the user’s computer into a “node” on the Bitcoin network that validates blocks. Each block contains the details of some or all of the most recent transactions of Bitcoin submitted by users of the Bitcoin network that are not already included in prior blocks, and a transaction awarding an amount of bitcoin to the miner who will add the new block. Each unique block can be solved and added to the blockchain by only one miner. Therefore, individual miners and mining pools (i.e., groups of miners acting together) on the Bitcoin network are engaged in a competitive process of increasing their computing power to improve their likelihood of solving for new blocks and receiving bitcoin rewards. As more miners join the Bitcoin network and its collective processing power increases, the Bitcoin network adjusts the complexity of the block-solving equation to maintain a predetermined pace of adding a new block to the blockchain approximately every ten minutes. A miner’s proposed block is added to the blockchain once a majority of the nodes on the Bitcoin network confirms the miner’s work. Miners that are successful in adding a block to the blockchain are awarded bitcoin for their effort and may also receive transaction fees paid by transferors whose transactions are recorded in the block. This reward system is the method by which new bitcoin enter into circulation.

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The Bitcoin network is designed in such a way that the reward for adding new blocks to the blockchain decreases over time. The number of bitcoin awarded for solving a new block is automatically halved after every 210,000 blocks are added to the blockchain record. Each block takes approximately 10 minutes to be solved and as a result, rewards are halved approximately every four years. Currently, the fixed reward for solving a new block is 6.25 bitcoin per block and this number is expected to decrease by half to become 3.125 bitcoin sometime in April 2024. While Bitcoin prices have historically increased around these halving events, which increases in price have correspondingly mitigated the decrease in mining reward, there is no guarantee that the price change would be favorable or would compensate for the reduction in mining reward. Gryphon aims to mitigate the impacts of halving by maintaining a breakeven profitability floor far below the network average. To do so, Gryphon has developed and implemented a curtailment agreement with its hosting partners to maximize the marginal profitability of its machines. Under this arrangement, on a daily basis, Gryphon’s hosting partner calculates the expected profitability of Gryphon’s machines based on announced day-ahead electricity rates provided by the local utility and using current bitcoin prices. On days when it is forecast that the cost of electricity exceeds Gryphon’s revenue, whether for the entire day or part of the day, the machines are curtailed for the corresponding time period. This program was developed by Gryphon’s hosting partner in collaboration with Gryphon and is in use for several of Gryphon’s hosting partner’s clients. This program improves Gryphon’s profitability as it avoids operating the machines in periods when electricity costs exceed the expected revenue generated without impacting efficiency. The impact of the program on Gryphon’s hashpower is relatively minor as Gryphon’s machines are hosted in upstate New York with a strong power grid that does not often require curtailments. The program has implemented occasional curtailments that often coincide with high temperature periods or extreme cold weather in the region that would cause the demand for local electricity to spike. Gryphon’s partners have also implemented standard operating procedures to maximize the operational efficiency of its sites, such as preventative maintenance and cleaning of equipment. Gryphon believes that these steps can enable it to maintain survivability above its competitors and mitigate the downside risk of decreased rewards.

Performance Metrics - Network Hash Rate and Difficulty

In bitcoin mining, “hash rate” or “hashes per second” are the measuring units of the processing speed of a mining computer mining bitcoin. “Hash rate” is defined as the speed at which a computer can take any set of information and use an algorithm to reduce that information into a string of letters and numbers of a certain length, known as a “hash.” A “hash” is the computation run by mining hardware in support of the blockchain; therefore, a miner’s “hash rate” refers to the rate at which it is capable of solving such computations.

An individual miner has a hash rate measured as the total hash rate of all of the miners it deploys in its bitcoin mining operations, and network-wide there is a total hash rate of all miners seeking to mine bitcoin. The higher total hash rate of a specific miner, as a percentage of the network wide total hash rate, generally results over time in a corresponding higher success rate in bitcoin rewards as compared to miners with lower hash rates. Today, hash rates are measured in petahashes per second, or one quadrillion (1,000,000,000,000,000) hashes per second, and exahashes per second, or one quintillion (1,000,000,000,000,000,000) hashes per second.

“Difficulty” is a relative measure of how complex the process is made to successfully solve the algorithm and obtain a bitcoin award. The difficulty is adjusted by the Bitcoin network mining software periodically generally as a function of how much hashing power is deployed by the network of miners and designed to maintain certain mining results so that, on average, 10 minutes is required to produce a Bitcoin block. If the time to produce a block is generally exceeding the 10-minute expectation, which suggests that the target difficulty is set too high, the network reduces the degree of difficulty and vice versa, with this protocol called difficulty retargeting. At each interval of 2,016 blocks being mined (which takes roughly two weeks), the network re-analyzes the interval and revises the difficulty index, if needed.

Bitcoin Mining Power Requirements

At the beginning stages of the Bitcoin network in the early 2010s, individuals interested in bitcoin mining were able to do so using the CPUs of their personal computers. As popularity increased, so did the “difficulty” of mining, as adjusted automatically by the Bitcoin network. To accommodate the growing level of difficulty, more computer processing power was required. Soon, miners used GPUs generally used to power graphic intensive gaming computers to mine bitcoin. The process repeated, and the mining difficulty and amount of computing power required increased.

Eventually, computers and chips were created for the sole purpose of mining bitcoin. Today, bitcoin mining requires efficient hardware, i.e., ASIC-based mining computers, with strong computing abilities and energy efficiency. These ASIC-based mining computers require a significant amount of electricity to run their mining operations. Keeping electricity costs low is key to making bitcoin mining profitable and sustainable.

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The amount of megawatts (“MW”) required to mine bitcoin depends on the number and types of miners and the energy demand for each type of miner. Each type of miner has a specific electricity demand and hash rate output. According to the Digiconomist.net, as of February 8, 2024, an estimated 138terawatts of power per year is being consumed by bitcoin mining globally.

Mining Pools

As more and more miners entered the market competing for the limited number of blocks that are regularly added to the Bitcoin blockchain, and as the related increase in the amount of available hashing power resulted in increasing levels of difficulty being implemented by the Bitcoin network, individual miners found that they were in some cases working for months without finding a block and receiving any reward. To address this problem, bitcoin mining operators began to combine their mining resources into mining pools to better compete and generate mining revenue. A “mining pool” is the pooling of resources by miners to earn bitcoin together. The mining pool shares their processing power over a network and splits rewards according to the amount of hashing capacity they contribute.

The mining pool operator provides a service that coordinates the computing power of the independent mining enterprises. Fees are paid to the mining pool operator by the participating miners to cover the costs of maintaining the pool. The pool uses software that coordinates the pool members’ hashing power, identifies new block rewards, records how much work all of the pool participants are contributing, and assigns block rewards earned by the mining pool in proportion to the individual hash rate contributed by a given participant. As discussed below, Gryphon participates in mining pools as an integral part of its business.

Bitcoin Mining Economics

The current 6.25 bitcoin reward for each block, and one Bitcoin block expected to be validated and attached to the Bitcoin blockchain approximately every 10 minutes, equates to approximately 37.50 bitcoin rewards generated by the Bitcoin network every hour, approximately 900 bitcoin generated every day and approximately 328,500 bitcoins generated each year, at least for the next one to two years at which time the bitcoin reward for solving a block will again be halved. Because mining computers generate hashes randomly, the ability to solve a particular Bitcoin block is a probability, with the odds of success typically measured by a ratio equal to the speed at which a particular mining operation is able to calculate hashes (i.e., that miner’s hash rate) compared against the total aggregate hash rate of the Bitcoin network. Profitability is then measured by that ratio multiplied by the number of bitcoins mined in a year multiplied by the then current market price of Bitcoin, then subtracting the costs of purchasing mining equipment, the cost of electricity, and various corporate and administrative costs. For a mining operation that participates in a mining pool, revenues, which are measured as the percentage of a pool’s revenues equal the participating miner’s hash rate compared to the pool’s aggregate hash rate, and typically result in a fraction of a given block reward being paid to a miner, are further reduced by the costs paid to the pool operator.

As of February 9, 2024, Bitcoin was priced at approximately $47,190. After reaching an all-time high price to date of $68,789.63 on November 10, 2021, the price of Bitcoin has decreased to current levels. Gryphon believes that the price of Bitcoin is likely to continue to fluctuate based on market conditions. Well-known companies have already invested in Bitcoin. Increasing regulatory barriers in Bitcoin epicenters such as China, as well ongoing fiat monetary inflation, have been suggested to support market valuations of Bitcoin. In addition, the block reward for Bitcoin is expected to halve in April 2024, resulting in even greater Bitcoin scarcity. However, in 2022, FTX Trading LTD. and several other major cryptocurrency exchanges collapsed due to financial issues caused by the falling prices of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, which began in the fourth quarter of 2021. The collapses of these exchanges spurred a loss of confidence in participants in the digital asset ecosystem, negative publicity surrounding digital assets more broadly and market-wide declines in digital asset trading prices and liquidity. The prices of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have rebounded from their lows around the time of the FTX collapse, but volatility due to these market conditions may continue in the near future.

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The Effects of COVID-19 on the Bitcoin Mining Industry

The global COVID-19 pandemic, and the global measures taken to combat it, have caused and may cause disruption to the activities of Gryphon’s suppliers and, potentially, Gryphon’s bitcoin mining activities and have an adverse effect on Gryphon’s business. COVID-19 or other disease outbreak may continue to adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that may adversely affect demand for Bitcoin and impact Gryphon’s operating results. Although the magnitude of the impact of COVID-19 on Gryphon’s business and operations remains uncertain, the continued spread of COVID-19 or the occurrence of other epidemics and the imposition of related public health measures and travel and business restrictions will adversely impact Gryphon’s business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows. If Gryphon is unable to effectively service its miners, Gryphon’s ability to mine bitcoin will be adversely affected as miners go offline, which would have an adverse effect on Gryphon’s business and the results of Gryphon’s operations.

China has previously limited the shipment of products in and out of its borders, which could negatively impact Gryphon’s ability to receive bitcoin mining equipment from Gryphon’s suppliers. Depending on the magnitude of such effects on Gryphon’s supply chain, shipments of parts for Gryphon’s existing miners, as well as any new miners Gryphon purchases, may be delayed. As Gryphon’s miners require repair or become obsolete and require replacement, Gryphon’s ability to obtain adequate replacements or repair parts from their manufacturer may therefore be hampered. Supply chain disruptions could therefore negatively impact Gryphon’s operations. If not resolved quickly, the impact of COVID-19 could have a material adverse effect on Gryphon’s business.

Governments could take additional restrictive measures to combat the pandemic that could further impact Gryphon’s business or the economy in the geographies in which Gryphon operates. It is also possible that the impact of the pandemic and response on Gryphon’s suppliers, customers and markets will persist for some time after governments ease their restrictions. These measures may impact Gryphon’s business and financial condition as the responses to control COVID-19 continue.

The extent to which the pandemic may impact Gryphon’s results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted as of the date of this prospectus/proxy statement, including new information that may emerge concerning the severity of the pandemic and steps taken to contain the pandemic or treat its impact, among others. Nevertheless, the pandemic and the current financial, economic and capital markets environment, and future developments in the global supply chain and other areas present material uncertainty and risk with respect to Gryphon’s performance, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. See also “Risk Factors” above.

Material Agreements

Bitmain Sales and Purchase Agreement

On April 14, 2021, Gryphon entered into a Non-Fixed Price Sales and Purchase Agreement with Bitmain (the “Bitmain Agreement”). Pursuant to the Bitmain Agreement, Gryphon agreed to purchase from Bitmain 7,200 S19j Pro Antminer machines at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $46 million. The product was delivered in 12 separate monthly shipments with the first shipment having occurred in August 2021 and the last shipment having arrived in July 2022.

BitGo Custodial Services Agreement

Pursuant to the BitGo Custodial Services Agreement between BitGo Trust and Gryphon, dated October 1, 2021, BitGo Trust, through its custodial services enables Gryphon to create one or more custody accounts, controlled and secured by BitGo Trust to store certain supported digital currencies and digital tokens or certain fiat currencies such as dollars or euros. BitGo Trust also provides Gryphon with the option to create non-custodial wallets that support certain digital assets via an API and web interface. Gryphon may also elect to store fiat currency with BitGo Trust.

The BitGo Custodial Services Agreement has an initial term of one year. After the initial term, it will automatically renew for successive one-year periods, unless either party notifies the other of its intention not to renew at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the then-current term. After the initial term, Gryphon may terminate the BitGo Custodial Services Agreement at any time for any reason upon 30 days’ prior written notice. Gryphon may terminate the BitGo Custodial Services Agreement during the initial term if BitGo Trust breaches a material term of the agreement and fails to cure such breach within 30 days following written notice thereof from Gryphon.

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BitGo Trust’s cold wallets are supported by a $250 million policy issued by Lloyd’s of London. Specifically, the policy covers: copying and theft of private keys; insider theft or dishonest acts by BitGo employees or executives; and loss of keys. Any theft of assets directly related to BitGo Trust’s custody of key would be covered by the policy. The policy does not cover cases where the client or a third party holds some of the keys themselves (e.g. hot wallets), since BitGo Trust would not be solely responsible for protecting the keys.

BitGo Trust has established a comprehensive set of controls governing the business processes and technology systems using industry standards and frameworks such as NIST, CCSS,CIS, and FFIEC. In addition, these controls have been independently tested as part of our SOC 1 & SOC 2 (Type 2) reports. Customers will decide upon which specific wallets are required based on their use case and they determine the portion of assets held in hot or cold wallets. BitGo Trust holds keys to cold wallets in undisclosed locations. BitGo’s cold storage solution is housed at undisclosed secure facilities. Any facilities that are co-located are secured by human guards and video surveillance, with 24x7 coverage. All BitGo vaults and manned facilities are located within the United States.

BitGo vaults are restricted from public access. BitGo follows role-based access controls and the principle of least privilege. Only individuals who have a specific business need to complete their job function are granted access to client information. Insurance providers rely on our BitGo’s external auditors to ensure that there is sufficient controls in place for accessing the vault and key material. BitGo maintains $250mm of insurance coverage against loss, theft, and misuse in situations where BitGo holds all keys. As part of this coverage, BitGo’s insurance underwriters have inspection rights associated with the crypto assets held in storage. All of Gryphon’s digital assets (100%) are held in cold wallets. Gryphon does not utilize any hot wallets from BitGo.

BitGo has private key procedures as well as the security and procedures in place for securing assets and in withdrawing and transferring assets. The BitGo ecosystem and architecture for private key management includes the BitGo Platform, HSMs and modular services. The BitGo cold custody solution is built on BitGo’s world class security to manage keys on behalf of our clients. BitGo only signs transactions that have been authorized by its clients and follow the policies set by the account administrators. BitGo engages an external third-party auditor to verify the digital assets it holds on a periodic basis. In addition, in the course of performing its annual audit of Gryphon’s financial statements, Gryphon’s independent registered public accounting firm sends annual confirmation requests to BitGo to confirm Gryphon’s digital assets held by BitGo. While neither Gryphon nor its insurance providers have any independent inspection rights associated with the digital assets held by BitGo, BitGo’s insurer, Lloyd’s of London, does have inspection rights with respect to the digital assets that BitGo holds.

Coinmint Agreement

On July 1, 2021, Gryphon entered into a Coinmint Colocation Mining Services Agreement (the “Coinmint Agreement”), with Coinmint, LLC (“Coinmint”), an established operator of renewable-energy data centers, pursuant to which Coinmint provides hosting services to Gryphon at Coinmint’s hydro powered facility in Massena, New York (the “Coinmint Facility”) for a 15-month period, which upon its conclusion renews automatically for successive three-month terms unless either party delivers to the other party 90 days’ written notice of intent not to renew. Pursuant to the terms of the Coinmint Agreement, 7,200 S19j Pro Antminer machines were delivered to and installed at the Coinmint Facility. Under the terms of the Coinmint Agreement, Coinmint directly passes through the cost of electricity and maintenance costs to Gryphon, collects an initial reservation fee and collects a percentage of Gryphon’s bitcoin mining profits.

Agreement and Plan of Merger with Sphere 3D

On June 3, 2021, Gryphon and Sphere 3D Corp. (“Sphere 3D”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Sphere 3D Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which a merger subsidiary of Sphere 3D was to merge with and into Gryphon, with Gryphon continuing as the surviving corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Sphere 3D (the “Sphere 3D Merger”). The Sphere 3D Merger Agreement was amended December 29, 2021. On April 4, 2022, Gryphon and Sphere 3D mutually agreed to terminate the Sphere 3D Merger Agreement due to changing market conditions, the passage of time, and the relative financial positions of the companies, among other factors.

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Carbon Credit Agreements

On June 8, 2021 and August 19, 2021, Gryphon entered into two agreements to purchase up to 250,000 Certified Emission Reductions (“Credits”) from Polaris Infrastructure Inc. The agreements were amended and consolidated into a single agreement on June 2, 2022, pursuant to which Gryphon ultimately purchased 74,075 Credits for $100,000.

Sphere 3D Promissory Note and Security Agreement

On July 6, 2021, in connection with the pending Sphere 3D Merger, Sphere 3D entered into a Secured Promissory Note with Gryphon (the “Sphere 3D Note”), pursuant to which Sphere 3D loaned Gryphon the principal amount of $2.7 million. The Sphere 3D Note was secured by certain assets of Gryphon and bore interest at the rate of 9.5% per annum. On August 30, 2021, Sphere 3D and Gryphon entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Sphere 3D Note pursuant to which Sphere 3D loaned Gryphon an additional $3.65 million. On September 29, 2021, Sphere 3D and Gryphon entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Sphere 3D Note pursuant to which Sphere 3D loaned Gryphon an additional $3.65 million and amended the repayment schedule. On January 3, 2022, Sphere 3D and Gryphon entered into Amendment No. 3 to the Sphere 3D Note, pursuant to which Sphere 3D loaned an additional $2.5 million to Gryphon, which increased the principal amount of the Sphere 3D Note to $12.5 million, and extended the initial date for the repayment. In connection with the termination of the Sphere 3D Merger Agreement, all amounts payable by Gryphon under the Sphere 3D Note were forgiven, and Sphere 3D released all of the collateral pledged by Gryphon to secure the Sphere 3D Note.

Master Services Agreement with Sphere 3D

On August 19, 2021, in connection with the pending Sphere 3D Merger, Gryphon entered into a Master Services Agreement (the “Sphere 3D MSA”) with Sphere 3D. Under the Sphere 3D MSA, Gryphon is Sphere 3D’s exclusive provider of management services for all blockchain and cryptocurrency-related operations, including but not limited to services relating to all mining equipment owned, purchased, leased, operated, or otherwise controlled by Sphere 3D and/or its subsidiaries and/or its affiliates at any location. Gryphon in return receives a percentage of the net operating profit of all of Sphere 3D’s blockchain and cryptocurrency-related operations. To provide greater certainty as to the term of the Sphere 3D MSA, Sphere 3D and Gryphon agreed to extend the initial term of the Sphere 3D MSA from three to four years, or to five years in the event Sphere 3D did not receive delivery of a specified minimum number of bitcoin mining machines during 2022. Sphere did not meet delivery targets in 2022, which extended the initial term of the Sphere 3D MSA to five years through August 2026. Subject to written notice from Sphere 3D and an opportunity by Gryphon to cure for a period of up to 180 days, Sphere 3D shall be entitled to terminate the Sphere 3D MSA in the event of: (i) Gryphon’s failure to perform the services under the Sphere 3D MSA in a professional and workmanlike manner in accordance with generally recognized crypto-mining industry standards for similar services, or (ii) Gryphon’s gross negligence, fraud or willful misconduct in connection with performing the services. Gryphon shall be entitled to specific performance or termination for cause in the event of a breach by Sphere 3D, subject to written notice and an opportunity to cure for a period of up to 180 days.

Pursuant to the Sphere 3D MSA, Gryphon holds the crypto assets of Sphere in a Bitgo Trust digital wallet. Sphere’s assets are safeguarded by Bitgo Trust in the same manner that Gryphon’s assets are safeguarded by Bitgo Trust, as described elsewhere in this section. Gryphon and Sphere’s assets are not co-mingled, as Sphere’s assets are stored in a separate wallet with its own address. The terms of the Sphere 3D MSA govern the management of Sphere’s assets. The terms prevent self-dealing and conflicts of interest. Additionally, all dealings between Sphere 3D and Gryphon involve one or both of (i) independent, arms-length third parties and (ii) transactions publicly available on the blockchain, which provide a clear, unambiguous trail of documentation to audit the relationship as needed.

Gryphon and Sphere 3D are engaged in litigation regarding the Sphere 3D MSA, and on October 6, 2023, Sphere 3D delivered a termination notice to Gryphon with respect to the Sphere 3D MSA. For additional information regarding these matters, see “- Legal Proceedings” on page 13 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

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Sub-License and Delegation Agreement with Sphere 3D

On October 8, 2021, in connection with the pending Sphere 3D Merger, Gryphon and Sphere 3D entered into a sub-license and delegation agreement (the “Sublease”), pursuant to which Gryphon sublicensed to Sphere 3D Gryphon’s rights to use Core’s facility pursuant to Order 2 and the Core MSA, and delegated to Sphere 3D all of Gryphon’s obligations to make payments to Core under Order 2. The Sublease will terminate automatically upon the termination of the Core MSA and/or Order 2. As part of the agreements to amend the Sphere 3D Merger Agreement, the Sphere 3D Note and the Sphere 3D MSA, Sphere 3D and Gryphon agreed to amend the Sublease to provide Gryphon the right to recapture the usage of up to 50% of the hosting capacity to be managed by Core if the Sphere 3D Merger Agreement was terminated. Gryphon did not exercise the recapture right, which expired 90 days after the termination of the Sphere 3D Merger Agreement.

Anchorage Loan Agreement

On May 25, 2022, Anchorage entered into the Anchorage Loan Agreement with Gryphon Opco, pursuant to which Anchorage loaned Gryphon Opco the principal amount of 933.333333 bitcoin. Gryphon Opco’s obligations under the Anchorage Loan Agreement are secured by certain equipment and software rights of Gryphon Opco and are guaranteed by Gryphon. The loan was payable in installments of 42.424242 bitcoin with interest of 5.0% per annum, payable monthly in bitcoin. Gryphon Opco is further required thereunder to maintain a collateral coverage ratio of 110%. The maturity date of the loan was initially May 27, 2024.

On March 27, 2023, Gryphon and Anchorage entered into an amendment to the Anchorage Loan Agreement (the “Anchorage Loan Amendment”). Pursuant to the Anchorage Loan Amendment, the maturity date was extended to March 2026, and the interest rate was increased to 6% per annum. The monthly principal and interest payments have been adjusted to be 100% of net monthly mining revenue, defined as, for each calendar month, the sum of (a) all of Gryphon’s revenue generated from all bitcoin generated by Gryphon with the collateral less (b) the sum of Gryphon Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (“SG&A”) in connection with bitcoin mining operations, but not to exceed the greater of (x) $100,000 and (y) the amount that is previously preapproved by Anchorage in writing for such calendar month; provided, however that, to the extent that SG&A is capped by clause (b) above, any unapplied SG&A may be rolled forward to subsequent months until fully deducted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise approved by Anchorage, the aggregate amount of SG&A during any rolling twelve-month period shall not exceed $750,000. Provided that if at the end of a fiscal quarter, commencing with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2023, if (x) the aggregate principal amount payment received by the Anchorage for such fiscal quarter exceeds 38.6363638 bitcoin and (y) the average principal amount payment received by Anchorage for each fiscal quarter (commencing fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2023 and through and including the fiscal quarter for which such determination is to be made) exceeds 38.6363638 bitcoin per fiscal quarter, then, the Gryphon shall pay to Anchorage 75% of net monthly mining revenue for the immediately succeeding fiscal quarter (and thereafter, in the following fiscal quarter would shift to 100%). As consideration for the Anchorage Loan Agreement Amendment, Gryphon agreed to make a one-time payment of 173.17 bitcoins, reducing the principal balance of bitcoins from 636.81 to 463.64, and a closing fee of $45,000.

The Anchorage Loan Agreement Amendment also added a conversion provision whereby Anchorage has a limited right to convert all or any portion of the outstanding principal on the loan into a number of shares of Gryphon or any public company that is Gryphon’s parent, if Gryphon is not the public company (the “Conversion Right”). The Conversion Right is available at any time during the one month period (the “Conversion Period”) after which the market capitalization of Gryphon, or its public company parent if Gryphon is not the public company, for the first time exceeds $125,000,000 for five consecutive days. The conversion price is equal to $150,000,000 divided by the number of shares of Gryphon, or its public company parent if Gryphon is not the public company, common stock outstanding immediately prior to Anchorage’s exercise of the Conversion Right during the Conversion Period.

Competition

Gryphon’s primary competitors are Marathon Digital Holdings Inc., Riot Blockchain Inc., Hive Blockchain Technologies Ltd., Hut 8 Mining Corp., and Bitfarms Ltd.

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Competitive Advantages

Low operating costs are a key part of Gryphon’s competitive advantage. The low-cost hosting rates from its two host providers combined with its current generation, more efficient bitcoin miners provide Gryphon with a competitive advantage over competitors.

Gryphon believes it has strong relationships with equipment manufacturers and third-party mining data centers. It is challenging to acquire the latest equipment and host capacity due to significant market demand and limited supply. Gryphon has relationships with both types of suppliers, which it believes will allow it to access current-generation equipment and sign contracts with providers of hosting solutions.

Operational Strategy

Gryphon uses a hosting strategy that allows the company to concentrate the deployment of its capital towards bitcoin mining activities as opposed to building its own datacenters. Gryphon has partnered with a host provider that provides net carbon neutral power for its bitcoin mining.

Gryphon’s primary host facility is the Coinmint Facility located in upstate New York and is hydro powered. In September 2021, Gryphon began deploying the first batch of its 7,200 S19j Pro Antminers from Bitmain at this facility. While electricity costs at the Coinmint facility have been as low as $0.032/kWh in 2021 and as of September 30, 2023, were $0.071/kWh with a 39-week rolling average of $0.064/kWh, electricity costs at the facility have fluctuated and will continue to fluctuate. The Coinmint Agreement provides for direct cost pass through of electricity costs and other operating costs at this facility plus a profit share. Gryphon uses approximately 28MW of electricity at this site.

Gryphon’s miner fleet is composed nearly entirely of S19j Pro Antminers from Bitmain, with the exception of 25 S19 Pro Antminers, 876 S19j Pro + Antminers, and 552 S19k Pro Antminers. The S19j Pro Antminers have a hashrate capacity of approximately 100 TH/s per miner and power consumption of approximately 3,050 watts per miner. The S19 Pro Antminers have a hashrate capacity of 110 TH/s and power consumption of 3,250 watts per miner. The S19j Pro + Antminers have a hashrate capacity of 120 TH/s and power consumption of 3,355 watts per miner. The S19k Pro Antminers have a hashrate capacity of 120 TH/s and power consumption of 2,760 watts per miner. Gryphon’s operations will continue to expand as it acquires additional miners to the extent that opportunities for such acquisitions arise.

The Company has entered into contracts with digital asset mining pool operators to provide the service of performing hash computations for the mining pool operator. The contracts are terminable at any time for any reason by either party without cause and without penalty and Gryphon’s enforceable right to compensation only begins when Gryphon provides the service of performing hash computations for the mining pool operator. The contract is for a continuous 24-hour period each day. Gryphon’s access and usage rights to the pool and service automatically renew for a successive 24-hour period (00:00:00 UTC and 23:59:59 UTC) unless terminated in accordance with the terms set forth by the terms of service. In exchange for performing hash computations for the mining pool, Gryphon is entitled to a fractional share of the fixed cryptocurrency award the mining pool operator receives (less digital asset transaction fees to the mining pool operator which netted as a reduction of the transaction price). Gryphon’s fractional share is based on the proportion of hash computations Gryphon performed for the mining pool operator to the total hash computations contributed by all mining pool participants in solving the current algorithm during the 24-hour period. Hashrate is the measure of the computational power per second used when mining. It is measured in units of hash per second, meaning how many calculations per second that can be performed. The consideration Gryphon will receive, comprised of block rewards, transaction fees less mining pool operator fees are aggregated in a sub-balance account held by the mining pool operator. That balance, due to Gryphon, is calculated by the mining pool operator based on the hashrate provided and hash computations completed by Gryphon for the mining pool from midnight-to-midnight (00:00:00 UTC and 23:59:59 UTC) UTC time, and a sub-account balance is credited one hour later at 1AM UTC time. The balance is then withdrawn to Gryphon’s whitelisted wallet address, once a day, between the hours of 9am to 5pm UTC time. The rate of payment occurs once per day, as long as the minimum payout threshold of 0.01 bitcoin has accumulated in the sub-account balance, in accordance with the mining pool operator’s terms of service. Pursuant to ASC 606-10-55-42, Gryphon assessed if the customer’s option to renew represented a material right that represents a separate performance obligation and noted the renewal is not a material right. The definition of a material right is a promise in a contract to provide goods or services to a customer at a price that is significantly lower than the stand-alone selling price of the good or service. The mining pool operator does not provide any discounts and as such there is no economic benefit to the customer and as such a separate performance obligation does not exist under 606-10-55-42. In addition, there are no options for renewal that are separately identifiable from other promises in the contract such as an ability to extend the contract at a reduced price.

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The performance obligation of the Bitcoin miner under the mining contracts with Foundry Pool USA involves the service of performing hash computations to facilitate the verification of digital asset transactions. Gryphon’s miners contribute computing power (ie. hashrate) that perform hash calculations to the mining pool operator, engaging in the process of validating and securing transactions through the generation of cryptographic hashes. The mining pool then utilizes a specific mining algorithm (e.g. SHA-256) to submit shares (proofs of work) to the mining pool’s server as they contribute to solving the cryptographic puzzles required to mine a block. Gryphon reviews and analyzes its individual pool performance using a dashboard provided by Foundry Pool USA that includes real-time statistics on hashrate, shares submitted and earnings. The service of performing hash computations in digital asset transaction verification services is an output of Gryphon’s ordinary activities. The provision of providing these services is the only performance obligation in Gryphon’s contracts with mining pool operators. Gryphon performs hash computations for one mining pool operator, Foundry USA. Foundry USA operates its pool on the Full Pay Per Share (FPPS) payout method. FPPS is a variant of the Pay Per Share (PPS) method, where miners receive a fixed payout for each valid share submitted, regardless of whether the pool finds a block.

Regardless of the pool’s success, Gryphon will receive consistent rewards based on the number of valid shares it contributes. The transaction consideration Gryphon receives is non-cash consideration, in the form of bitcoin. Gryphon measures the bitcoin at fair value on the date earned using the average price (calculated by averaging the daily open price and the daily close price) quoted by its Principal Market at the date Gryphon completed the service of performing hash computations for the mining pool operator. There are no deferred revenues or other liability obligations recorded by Gryphon since there are no payments in advance of the performance. At the end of each 24 hour period (00:00:00 UTC and 23:59:59 UTC), there are no remaining performance obligations. By utilizing the average daily price of bitcoin on the date earned, Gryphon eliminates any differences that may arise due to the stringent regulationsvolatility in trading price between bitcoin and restrictions that shiftfiat currency during the period where Gryphon establishes and completes the contract. The consideration is all variable. There is no significant financing component in these transactions.

Prior to April 19, 2023, in consideration of Gryphon being an early strategic customer of Foundry USA Pool and in view of competition, Foundry USA Pool has not charged Gryphon with a fee for its services. However, as of April 19, 2023, Gryphon is now charged a fee of 0.43%, based on regional,its deployed hashrate.

Gryphon contributes 100% of its Bitcoin hashing power to Foundry USA Pool. The total hashing power of Foundry USA Pool is approximately 135 EH/S (per https://hashrateindex.com/hashrate/pools), as of November 30, 2023, of which Gryphon provides approximately 0.6%. Because cryptocurrency is considered non-cash consideration, fair value of the cryptocurrency award received is determined using the average daily quoted price of the related cryptocurrency in Gryphon’s principal market at the time of contract inception, which is deemed daily. Revenue is recognized when it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur. After every 24-hour term, the mining pool transfers the cryptocurrency consideration to our designated cryptocurrency wallet. Gryphon has no knowledge of whether Foundry USA Pool maintains insurance for theft or loss and the risks associated with transferring crypto assets. See “Risk Factors - Incorrect or fraudulent cryptocurrency transactions may be irreversible” for details related to the risks associated with transferring crypto assets.

Gryphon does not have visibility into how Foundry USA Pool holds Gryphon’s proportion of mining rewards prior to transfer as they are a private company. Gryphon obtains comfort on the bitcoin received from Foundry USA Pool as management completes an estimated revenue analysis whereas it calculates its percentage of hashrate contributed on a daily basis as a percentage of the global hashrate to identify expected rewards. Gryphon then compares that amount to the actual bitcoin received from Foundry USA Pool for variances. Foundry USA operates its pool on the Full Pay Per Share (FPPS) payout method. FPPS is a variant of the Pay Per Share (PPS) method, where miners receive a fixed payout for each valid share submitted, regardless of whether the pool finds a block. Daily Earnings are calculated from midnight-to-midnight UTC time, and the sub-account balance is credited one hour later at 1 AM UTC time. Earnings accrued in the balance would be withdrawn to the selected whitelisted wallet address, once a day, during 9 AM to 5 PM UTC time. According to the Foundry USA Pool’s FAQ page, the minimum payout threshold for Bitcoin (BTC) is 0.001 bitcoin. Under the FPPS method, Foundry USA provides Gryphon with a stable and predictable payout for their mining efforts. Regardless of the pool’s success, Gryphon will receive consistent rewards based on the number of valid shares (hash rate) they contribute.

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While Gryphon may expand its operations beyond the mining of bitcoin in the future, Gryphon has no plans to pursue the acquisition or mining of digital assets other than bitcoin. However, Gryphon has acquired in the past digital assets other than bitcoin as in-kind investments or payments.

Gryphon’s revenue model is to mine and hold bitcoin, and then sell only the bitcoin that is necessary to pay its operating expenses and to reinvest in operational expansion. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2023, the average holding period was 61 days. Prior to December 31, 2022, Gryphon’s average holding period was under 7 days. The bitcoin that is sold to pay operating expenses and to reinvest in operational expansion is sold within a 24 hour time frame of receipt. Gryphon converts mined bitcoin into fiat currency through BitGo Prime LLC (“BitGo Prime”), under the terms of the Electronic Trading Agreement entered into between BitGo Prime and Gryphon as of October 5, 2021. Under such agreement, BitGo Prime and Gryphon may purchase from and sell digital assets to each other, each for its own benefit and account. To facilitate such trading services, BitGo Prime may provide Gryphon online access to its proprietary electronic trading system, with access to and use of the trading system being subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement. BitGo Prime charges Gryphon no fees for such conversion other than a nominal wire transfer fee associated with the wire of fiat currency to Gryphon’s account. Gryphon shall also not pay any commissions and transaction, processing and other fees, including federal, state, and local taxes.

An affiliate of BitGo Prime, BitGo Trust Company Inc., (“BitGo Trust”) serves as the custodian for Gryphon’s digital currency holdings in consideration of nominal fees paid for custodial, transaction, and settlement services provided pursuant to the agreement between Gryphon and BitGo Trust. Gryphon’s CEOand CFO each hold Gryphon side private keys that are protected with two-factor authentication. Custodial side keys are held by BitGo Trust who verifies requests with two factor authentication and video reviews. Additionally, as custodian of Gryphon’s digital assets, BitGo Trust has implemented certain security measures with regard to Gryphon’s digital asset holdings. Any liquidation, conversion, or transfer of the digital assets held in custody by BitGo Trust requires authorizations by two Gryphon executives and requires 24 hours prior to the effectiveness of any such transaction. In addition, the digital assets held in custody by BitGo Trust are insured up to $100 million. There can be no assurances that these procedures will be effective, and Gryphon could suffer a loss of its bitcoin due to an adverse software or cybersecurity event. While Gryphon is confident in the security of its digital assets, Gryphon continues to evaluate additional protective measures. See “Risk Factors - Gryphon’s bitcoin may be subject to loss, theft or restriction on access” for Gryphon’s risks and challenges related to custody.

Intellectual Property

Gryphon holds no patents, copyrights, trademarks, or licensing agreements.

Employees and Advisors

Gryphon currently has four full-time employees, its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Legal Advisor, and its Executive Chair. Gryphon also uses the services of Chris Ensey as Chief Technical Advisor.

Government Regulation

Government regulation of blockchain technology and Bitcoin specifically is being actively considered by the United States federal government via a number of agencies and regulatory bodies, as well as similar entities in other countries. State government regulations also may apply to Gryphon’s bitcoin mining activities and other related activities in which Gryphon participates or may participate in the future. Certain regulatory bodies have shown an interest in regulating or investigating companies engaged in the blockchain technology or Bitcoin business.

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In addition, because transactions in bitcoin provide a reasonable degree of pseudo anonymity, they are susceptible to misuse for criminal activities, such as money laundering. This misuse, or the perception of such misuse (even if untrue), could lead to greater regulatory oversight of Bitcoin platforms, and there is the possibility that law enforcement agencies could close Bitcoin platforms or other Bitcoin-related infrastructure with little or no notice and prevent users from accessing or retrieving bitcoin held via such platforms or infrastructure. For example, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury Janet Yellen noted during her nomination hearing before the Senate Finance Committee in January 2021 that cryptocurrencies have the potential to improve the efficiency of the financial system but that they can be used to finance terrorism, facilitate money laundering and support malign activities that threaten U.S. national governing bodies.security interests and the integrity of the U.S. and international financial systems. Accordingly, Secretary Yellen expressed her view that federal regulators needed to look closely at how to encourage the use of cryptocurrencies for legitimate activities while curtailing their use for malign and illegal activities. Furthermore, in December 2020, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), a unit of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, focused on money laundering and proposed a new set of rules for cryptocurrency-based exchanges aimed at reducing the use of cryptocurrencies for money laundering. These proposed rules would require filing reports with FinCEN regarding cryptocurrency transactions in excess of $10,000 and impose record-keeping requirements for cryptocurrency transactions in excess of $3,000 involving users who manage their own private keys. In January 2021, the Biden Administration issued a memorandum freezing federal rulemaking, including the proposed FinCEN rules, to provide additional time for the Biden Administration to review the rulemaking that had been proposed by the Trump Administration. As a result, it remains unclear whether the proposed FinCEN rules will take effect.

Multiple United States federal agencies and regulators have been active in rulemaking, issuing guidance and regulating various actors in the blockchain technology industry, including the CFTC, SEC, FINRA, OCC, CFPB, FinCEN, OFAC, IRS, FDIC, and Federal Reserve. In March 2022, the United States announced plans to establish a unified federal regulatory regime for cryptocurrency, and in January 2023, the House of Representatives announced its first ever Financial Services Subcommittee on Digital Assets and its intention to develop a regulatory framework for the digital asset industry. In February 2023, Bipartisan leadership of the Senate Banking Committee announced a similar goal. Regulations may substantially change in the future and it is presently not possible to know how regulations will apply to Gryphon’s businesses, or when they will be effective. As the firstregulatory and legal environment evolves, Gryphon may become subject to market more than ten years ago, Akerna’s familynew laws, further regulation by the SEC, and other federal or state agencies, which may affect Gryphon’s bitcoin mining and other related activities. Certain state and local authorities have introduced and passed legislation that may affect Gryphon’s business and the business of software platforms enablebitcoin mining. New York recently enacted a 2-year ban on new cryptocurrency mining conducted at fossil fuel-burning plants. It is possible that other states may likewise create laws that specifically impact Gryphon’s business.

In 2022, FTX Trading Ltd. and several other major cryptocurrency exchanges declared bankruptcy. The U.S. Department of Justice brought criminal charges, including charges of fraud, violations of federal securities laws, money laundering, and campaign finance offenses against FTX’s former CEO and others. FTX is also under investigation by the SEC, the Justice Department, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, as well as by various regulatory complianceauthorities in the Bahamas, Europe and inventory management acrossother jurisdictions. In response to these events, the entire supply chain. When the legal cannabis market started to grow, we identified a need for organic material trackingdigital asset markets have experienced extreme price volatility and declines in liquidity, and regulatory compliance softwareand enforcement scrutiny has increased, including from the DOJ, the SEC, the CFTC, the White House and Congress. These events continue to develop rapidly, and it is not possible to predict at this time all of the risks that they may pose to Gryphon or on the digital asset industry as a service (SaaS) solution customized specificallywhole.

For additional discussion regarding Gryphon’s belief about the potential risks existing and future regulation pose to Gryphon’s business, see “Risk Factors” herein.

Environmental Considerations

Environmental considerations are top priority for Gryphon. Gryphon was founded as an ESG-led company. This means that Gryphon has limited the unique needsprovision of electricity to its bitcoin mining activities to facilities using carbon-free energy, or required the industry. By providing an integrated ecosystempurchase of applications and servicescarbon credits by such facility to provide for carbon neutrality. Gryphon currently has no plans to change this practice. Gryphon’s policy, which it currently has no plans to change, is to avoid conducting bitcoin mining at any facility using a carbon-based electricity source. Gryphon recognizes that enables compliance, regulation, consumer safety and taxation, Akerna is building the technology backbonea byproduct of the cannabis industry. While designed specifically for the unique needs of the cannabis market, our solutions are adaptable for other industries requiring government regulatory oversight, or where the tracking of organic materials from seed or plant to end products is desired.


Executing upon our expansion strategy, we acquire complementary cannabis brands to grow the scope of Akerna’s cannabis ecosystem. Throughout 2019 and 2021, we integrated five new brands into the Akerna product and service offering. Our first acquisition, solo sciences, was initiated in the fall of 2019, with the full acquisition completed in July 2020. We added Trellis Solutions to our portfolio on April 10, 2020 and finalized the acquisition of Ample Organicsbitcoin mining equipment from the existing supply chain is a carbon footprint. To offset this footprint, Gryphon has entered into agreements to purchase 74,075 carbon credits. See “- Material Agreements - Carbon Credit Agreements” for more information.

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Legal Proceedings

Gryphon is engaged, and Last Call Analytics on July 7, 2020.may become engaged, in litigation in the ordinary course of business. On April 1, 2021, we completed our acquisition7, 2023, Sphere 3D filed suit against Gryphon in the Southern District of Viridian Sciences. On September 13, 2021, we announcedNew York. The lawsuit concerns the signingSphere MSA between the parties where Gryphon agreed to act as Sphere 3D’s “exclusive provider of a definitive agreement to acquire 365 Cannabis. Through our growing familyany and all management services for all blockchain and cryptocurrency-related operations.” Sphere 3D alleges that Gryphon has fallen short in its obligations under the Sphere MSA, and is suing for alleged breach of companies, Akerna provides highly versatile platforms that equip our clients with a central data management system for tracking regulated products. Our solutions also provide clients with integrated security, transparency,contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and scalability capabilities, all while maintaining compliance with their governing regulations.fair dealing, and breach of fiduciary duty (such matter, the “Sphere 3D Litigation”).

 

On June 15, 2023, Sphere 3D filed an amended complaint in connection with the commercial side, our products help state-licensed businesses operateSphere 3D Litigation, which clarified certain of Sphere 3D’s prior allegations. On June 28, 2023, Gryphon requested leave to file a motion to dismiss Sphere 3D’s claims for breach of fiduciary duty and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, which the Court granted on August 11, 2023. On August 18, 2023, Gryphon filed: (i) its motion to dismiss Sphere 3D’s claims for breach of fiduciary duty and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; and (ii) its answer and counterclaims against Sphere 3D, asserting, among other things, that Sphere had breached the Sphere MSA, breached the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing in complianceconnection with applicable regional laws. Our integrated ecosystem provides integrationsthat contract, acted negligently in connection with third-party vendorsa separate incident, and add-onsdefamed Gryphon. Gryphon’s answer and counterclaims further asserted the defamation counterclaim against Sphere 3D’s Chief Executive Officer, Patricia Trompeter, personally.

On September 20, 2023, Sphere 3D filed a second amended complaint in connection with the Sphere 3D Litigation, which added a claim against Gryphon alleging that enhance the capabilities of our commercial software platforms. Gryphon’s counterclaim for defamation against Sphere 3D violated New York’s anti-SLAPP law.

On the regulatory side, we provide track and trace solutions that allow state governmentsOctober 6, 2023, Sphere 3D delivered a termination notice to monitor compliance of licensed cannabis businesses.  To date, our software has helped monitor the compliance of more than $20 billion in legal cannabis. While our software facilitates the success of legal cannabis businesses, we do not handle any cannabis-related material, do not process cannabis sales transactions within the United States, and our revenue is generated from a fixed-fee based subscription model and is not relatedGryphon with respect to the type or amountSphere MSA, largely on the basis of salesthe allegations made by our clients. Sphere 3D in the Sphere 3D Litigation (the “Sphere 3D MSA Termination”). On October 11, 2023, Gryphon filed an answer to Sphere 3D’s second amended complaint, in which, among other things, Gryphon alleged that Sphere 3D’s attempted termination of the Sphere MSA was wrongful and ineffective, because it violated the terms of the Sphere MSA, and thus that Sphere 3D continues to owe Gryphon all amounts to which Gryphon would otherwise be entitled under the Sphere MSA through that contract’s term ending in August 2026.

 

We drive revenue growth throughGryphon intends to continue to vigorously defend against the developmentSphere 3D Litigation, including but not limited to the Sphere 3D MSA Termination, which it believes are without merit, and to aggressively pursue its counterclaims against Sphere 3D. However, Gryphon cannot predict the outcome of our product line, our acquisitions and from continued expansionthese proceedings or provide an estimate of potential damages or recovery, if any. Failure by Gryphon to obtain a favorable resolution of the cannabis, hemp,Sphere 3D Litigation could require it to pay damage awards or otherwise enter into settlement arrangements for which its insurance coverage may be insufficient. Any such damage awards or settlement arrangements in current or future litigation could have a material adverse effect on Gryphon’s business, operating results or financial condition. Even if Sphere 3D’s claims are not successful, or if Gryphon is successful in pursuing its counterclaims or negotiating a favorable settlement, defending against this or future litigation is expensive and CBD industry. Businesses across the regulated cannabis industry use our solutions. The brand recognitioncould divert management’s attention and resources, all of our existing products, our ability to provide services in all areaswhich could have an adverse and material impact on Gryphon’s business, operating results and financial condition and negatively affect Gryphon’s value. Further, any valid termination of the seed-to-sale life cycle,Sphere MSA in accordance with its terms could also have a negative impact on Gryphon’s business and our wealth of relevant experience attracts cultivation, manufacturing, and dispensary clients who are seeking comprehensive business optimization solutions. Our software solutions are designedoperating results. In addition, such lawsuits may make it more difficult for Gryphon to be scalable, and while mid-market and smaller customers have historically been our primary target segment, we are focused on extending our customer reach to addressfinance its operations in the needs of the emerging enterprise level operator. We believe these larger multi-state/multi-vertical operations represent significant long-term future growth opportunities as the cannabis industry continues to consolidate at a rapid rate. The sophistication of our platform accommodates the complexities of both multi-vertical and multi-state business needs, making us critical partners and allowing us to cultivate long-term, successful relationships with our clients.future.

Corporate Information

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 1550 Larimer Street #246, Denver, Colorado 80202, and1180 N. Town Center Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89114, our telephone number is (888) 932-6537(877) 646-3374, and our Internet website address is www.akerna.comhttps://gryphondigitalmining.com/.  The information on our website is not a part of, or incorporated in, this prospectus. The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, located at One State Street Plaza, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10004-1561.


The Offering

 

Shares offered by the selling stockholders:37,037,037 shares of common stock of Akerna, par value $0.0001(1)
Offering Price:Determined at the time of sale by the selling stockholders
Common stock outstanding prior to the offering:30,652,216 shares of common stock(2)
Common stock outstanding after the offering:67,689,253 shares of common stock(2)(3)
Use of Proceeds:We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares by selling stockholders covered by this prospectus.
Listing of Common Stock:Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “KERN”.
Dividend policy:We currently intend to retain any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. Therefore, we do not currently anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock.
Risk Factors:An investment in our company is highly speculative and involves a significant degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” on page 3 of this prospectus and other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock.

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(1)This amount is an estimate of the number of shares of our common stock underlying the Senior Convertible Notes, with such amount equal to the maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion of the Senior Convertible Notes, assuming for purposes hereof that (x) the Senior Convertible Notes are convertible at $0.54 per share, the conversion floor price, and (y) without taking into account the limitations on the conversion of the Senior Convertible Notes as described elsewhere in this prospectus. The actual number of shares issued upon conversion of the Senior Convertible Notes may be more or less than this amount. See “Risk Factors” and “Private Placement of the Senior Convertible Notes” below.

(2)The number of shares of common stock shown above to be outstanding before and after this offering is based on the shares outstanding as of October 19, 2021. The number of shares of common stock outstanding excludes the following as of such date:

998,104 shares of common stock issuable upon vesting of outstanding restricted stock units;

5,813,804 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of $11.50 per share;

385,947 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of exchangeable shares; and

403,198 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our equity incentive plan.

 


RISK FACTORS

 

An investmentInvesting in our common stocksecurities involves a high degree of risk. YouBefore deciding whether to invest in our securities, you should carefully consider the risks described below and discussed under the section captioned “Risk Factors” containedrisk factors we describe in our transition report on Form 10-KT for the six-month transition period ended December 31, 2020,any prospectus supplement and in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Qany related free writing prospectus for the periods ended March 31, 2021a specific offering of securities, as well as those incorporated by reference into this prospectus or such prospectus supplement. You should also carefully consider other information contained and June 30, 2021, which reports are incorporated by reference in this prospectus together with all ofand any applicable prospectus supplement, including our financial statements and the other information included in this prospectus or incorporated by reference herein, including any documents subsequently filed and incorporated by reference, before making an investment decision with regard to our securities. See “Documents Incorporated by Reference” and “Where You Can Find More Information” below.

The statements contained in this prospectus that are not historic facts are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by forward-looking statements. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could suffer.    

Summary of Risk Factors

The following is a short description of the risks and uncertainties you should carefully consider in evaluating our business and us which are more fully described in our transition report on Form 10-KT for the six-month transition period ended December 31, 2020 and in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021, which reports arerelated notes thereto incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The factors listed belowrisks and uncertainties described in the transition reportapplicable prospectus supplement and quarterly report, represent certain important factorsour other filings with the SEC incorporated by reference herein are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we believe could cause our business results to differ. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the general or specific risks thatcurrently consider immaterial may also adversely affect us. It should be recognized that other risks may be significant, presently or in the future, and the risks set forth below may affect us to a greater extent than indicated. If any of the followingdescribed risks occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Risks Relating to Our Financial Condition and Operating History

We have a history of losses, expect to continue to incur losses in the near term and may not achieve or sustain profitability in the future.

We have a relatively short operating history, which makes it difficult to evaluate our business and future prospects.

Our long-term results of operations are difficult to predict and depend on the commercial success of our clients, the continued growth of the cannabis industry generally, and the regulatory environment within which the cannabis industry operates.

Direct and indirect consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic may have material adverse consequences.

Risks Related toharmed. In such case, the Cannabis Industry

As a company whose clients operate in the cannabis industry, we face many unique and evolving risks.

oMarijuana remains illegal under United States federal law

oUncertainty of federal enforcement

oWe could become subject to racketeering laws

oBanking regulations could limit access to banking services and expose us to risk


oDividends and distributions could be prevented if our receipt of payments from clients is deemed to be proceeds of crime

oFurther legislative development beneficial to our operations is not guaranteed

oThe cannabis industry could face strong opposition from other industries

oThe legality of marijuana could be reversed in one or more states

oChanging legislation and evolving interpretations of the law

oDependence on client licensing

oInsurance risks

The cannabis industry is an evolving industry and we must anticipate and respond to changes.

Risks related to Our Business

A significant portion of our business is and is expected to be, from government contracts, which present certain unique risks.

Our operations may be adversely affected by disruptions to our information technology, or IT, systems, including disruptions from cybersecurity breaches of our IT infrastructure.

Privacy regulation is an evolving area and compliance with applicable privacy regulations may increase our operating costs or adversely impact our ability to service our clients and market our products and services.

We rely on third parties for certain services made available to users of our platforms, which could limit our control over the quality of the user experience and our cost of providing services.

Acquisitions and integration issues may expose us to risks.

To grow and be successful, we need to attract and retain qualified personnel.

We are smaller and less diversified than many of our potential competitors.

Our business and stock price may suffer as a result of our limited public company operating experience and if securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports about us, our business, or our market, or if they change their recommendations regarding our common stock in an adverse manner, the price and trading volume of our common stock could decline.


Risks related to Intellectual Property

Protecting and defending against intellectual property claims may have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our success depends in part upon our ability to protect our core technology and intellectual property.

Others may assert intellectual property infringement claims against us.

Protecting and defending against intellectual property claims may have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our success depends in part upon our ability to protect our core technology and intellectual property.

Others may assert intellectual property infringement claims against us.

Risks related to Our Charter Documents

Anti-takeover provisions contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, as well as provisions of Delaware law, could impair a takeover attempt and limit the price investors might be willing to pay in the future for our common stock and could entrench management.

Our corporate opportunity provisions in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation could enable management to benefit from corporate opportunities that might otherwise be available to us.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides, subject to limited exceptions, that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for certain stockholder litigation matters, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or stockholders.

Risks Relating to our Accounting for Certain Warrants

Certain of our warrants are accounted for as liabilities and are recorded at fair value upon issuance with any changes in fair value each period reported in our statement of operations, which may have an adverse effect on the market price of our securities.

We may face additional risks, including regulatory, litigation, stockholder or other actions and negative impacts on our stock price, as a result of the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting and revisions to our financial statements.

Risks Relating to Our Common Stock

We may seek to raise additional funds, finance acquisitions, or develop strategic relationships by issuing securities that would dilute investors’ ownership. Depending on the terms available to us, if these activities result in significant dilution, it may negatively impact the trading price of our shares of common stock.

Warrants are exercisable for our common stock, which could increase the number of shares eligible for future resale in the public market and result in dilution to our stockholders.

The market price of our shares of common stock is particularly volatile given our status as a relatively new public company with a generally small and thinly traded public float, which could lead to wide fluctuations in our share price. Stockholders may be unable to sell their shares of common stock at or above their purchase price, which may result in substantial losses to them.

The market price of our common stock is still likely to be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations, and stockholders may be unable to resell shares of common stock at or above the price at which they are acquired.

We have not paid dividends in the past and do not expect to pay dividends for the foreseeable future, and any return on investment may be limited to potential future appreciation in the value of our common stock.


General Risks

We may not be able to timely and effectively implement controls and procedures required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Failure to remediate material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting could result in material misstatements in our financial statements.

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

We are an “emerging growth company” and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our shares of common stock less attractive to investors.

Our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited.

Our operations could be adversely affected by events outside of our control, such as natural disasters, wars, or health epidemics.

Additional Risks

Risks Relating to the Senior Convertible Notes

The issuance of shares of our common stock pursuant to our Senior Convertible Notes may result in significant dilution to our stockholders.

The conversion of our outstanding Senior Convertible Notes, issued on October 5, 2021,securities could result in the issuance of a significant number of shares of our common stock. Currently, the $20 million principal amount of Senior Convertible Notes is convertible at a price of $4.05 per share, which would result in the issuance of 4,938,272 shares of our common stock upon the conversion of the Senior Convertible Notes in full. At the option of Akerna, the installment payments on the Senior Convertible Notes can be converted into shares of common stock of Akerna at a price per share equal to the lower of (i) the conversion price then in effect, or (ii) the greater of (x) the floor price of $0.54decline and (y) 90% of the lower of (A) the volume-weighted average price of the common stock as of the trading day immediately preceding the applicable date of determination and (B) the quotient of (I) the sum of the volume-weighted average price of the common stock for each of the two (2) trading days with the lowest volume-weighted average price of the common stock during the ten consecutive trading day period ending on and including the trading day immediately prior to the applicable date of determination, divided by (II) two.

Due to the variable nature of the adjustments of installment conversion prices and the formula that sets certain conversion prices of these securities based on a discount to the then-current market price, we could issue up to 37,037,037 shares of common stock upon conversion of the Senior Convertible Notes at the floor price, which may result in significant dilution to our stockholders and could negatively impact the trading price of our common stock.

Our obligations to the holders of our Senior Convertible Notes are secured by a security interest in substantially all of our assets, if we default on those obligations, the Senior Convertible Note holders could foreclose on our assets.

Our obligations under the Senior Convertible Notes, issued on October 5, 2021, and the related transaction documents are secured by a security interest in substantially all of our assets. As a result, if we default on our obligations under such Senior Convertible Notes, the collateral agent on behalf of the holders of the Senior Convertible Notes could foreclose on the security interests and liquidate some or all of our assets, which would harm our business, financial condition and results of operations and could require us to reduce or cease operations and investorsyou may lose all or part of your investment.

 


Events of default under the Senior Convertible Notes include: (i) the failure of the registration statement to which this prospectus relates (under the registration rights agreement between the Company and the holders) to be filed with the SEC or the failure of the applicable registration statement to be declared effective by the SEC by deadlines set forth in the registration rights agreement; (ii) (x) the effectiveness of the applicable registration statement lapses for any reason or such registration statement is unavailable to any holder of registrable securities and Rule 144 (subject to certain conditions) is not unavailable to any holder of the conversion shares; (iii) suspension of trading of the Company’s common stock on a national securities exchange for five days; (iv) uncured conversion failure; (v) failure by the Company to maintain required share allocations for the conversion of the Senior Convertible Notes; (vi) failure by the Company to pay principal when due; (vii) failure of the Company to remove restricted legends from shares issued to a holder upon conversion of the Senior Convertible Notes; (viii) the occurrence of any default under, redemption of or acceleration prior to maturity of at least an aggregate of $50,000 of indebtedness of the Company; (ix) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or liquidation proceedings or other proceedings for the relief of debtors shall be instituted by or against the Company or any subsidiary and not dismissed within 45 days of initiation; (x) the commencement by the Company or any subsidiary of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law; (xi) the entry by a court of a decree, order, judgment or other similar document in respect of the Company or any subsidiary of a voluntary or involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law; (xii) final judgment for the payment of money aggregating in excess of $50,000 are rendered against the Company or any subsidiary of the Company and not bonded or discharged within 30 days; (xiii) failure of the Company or any subsidiary to pay when due any debts in excess of $50,000 due to any third party; (xiv) breaches by the Company or any subsidiary of any representations or warranties in the securities purchase agreement for the Senior Convertible Notes or any document contemplated thereby; (xv) a false or inaccurate certification by the Company that either (A) the “Equity Conditions” (as defined in the Senior Convertible Notes) are satisfied, (B) there has been no “Equity Conditions Failure,” (as defined in the Senior Convertible Notes) or (C) as to whether any Event of Default has occurred; (xvi) failure of the Company or any subsidiary to comply with certain of the covenants in the Senior Convertible Notes; (xvii) the occurrence of (A) at any time after the six month anniversary of the issuance date, any current public information failure that remains outstanding for a period of twenty (20) trading days or (B) any restatement of any financial statements of the Company filed with the SEC; (xviii) any material adverse effect occurring; (xix) any provision of any transaction document shall at any time for any reason cease to be valid and binding or enforceable; (xx) any security document shall for any reason (other than pursuant to the express terms thereof or due to any failure or omission of the collateral agent) fail or cease to create a separate valid and perfected and, except to the extent permitted by the terms hereof or thereof, first priority lien; (xxi) any material damage to, or loss, theft or destruction of, any collateral, that is material to the business of the Company or any subsidiary and is not reimbursed by insurance; or (xxii) any Event of Default occurs under any other Senior Convertible Notes.

USE OF PROCEEDS

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The holders of the Senior Convertible Notes have certain additional rights upon an event of default under such Senior Convertible Notes, which could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations and could require us to reduce or cease our operations.

 

Under the Senior Convertible Notes, the holders have certain rights upon an event of default. Such rights include (i) the remaining principal amount of the Senior Convertible Notes bearing interest atUnless otherwise indicated in a rate of 15% per annum, (ii) during the event of default the holders of the Senior Convertible Notes will be entitled to convert all or any portion of the Senior Convertible Notes at an alternate conversion price equal to the lower of (i) the conversion price then in effect, and (ii) 80% of the lower of (x) the volume weighted average price of the common stock as of the trading day immediately preceding the applicable date of determination and (y) the quotient of (A) the sum of the volume weighted average price of the common stock for each of the two (2) trading days with the lowest volume weighted average price of the common stock during the ten consecutive trading day period ending and including the trading day immediately prior to the applicable date of determination, divided by (B) two, but not less than the floor price, and (iii) the holder having the right to demand redemption of all or a portion of the Senior Convertible Notes, as described below. At any time after certain notice requirements for an event of default are triggered, a holder of Senior Convertible Notes may require us to redeem all or any portion of the convertible note by delivering written notice. The redemption price will equal the greater of (i) 115% of the outstanding principal of the convertible note to be redeemed and accrued and unpaid interest and unpaid late charges thereon, and (ii) an amount equal to the market value of the shares of the common stock underlying the Senior Convertible Notes, as determined in accordance with the Senior Convertible Notes. Upon the occurrence of certain events of default relating to the bankruptcy of Akerna, whether occurring prior to or following the maturity date, Akerna will be required to immediately redeem the Senior Convertible Notes, in cash, for an amount equal to 115% of the outstanding principal of the Senior Convertible Notes, and accrued and unpaid interest and unpaid late charges thereon, without the requirement for any notice or demand or other action by any holder or any other person or entity. We may not have sufficient funds to settle the redemption price and, as described above, this could trigger rights under the security interest granted to the holders and result in the foreclosure of their security interests and liquidation of some or all of our assets.

The exercise of any of these rights upon an event of default could substantially harm our financial condition, substantially dilute our other shareholders and force us to reduce or cease operations and investors may lose all or part of their investment.


8

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus the documents incorporated by reference herein and the exhibits attached hereto contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding future events or our future results of operations, financial condition, business, strategies, financial needs, and the plans and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified because they contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “likely,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” or similar expressions and the negatives of those terms. Forward-looking statements are based on information available to our management as of the date of this prospectus and our management’s good faith belief as of such date with respect to future events and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements, in particular the substantial risks and uncertainties related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to:

our ability to sustain our revenue growth rate, to achieve or maintain profitability, and to effectively manage our anticipated growth;
our short operating history makes it difficult to evaluate our business and future prospects;
our dependence on the commercial success of our clients, the continued growth of the cannabis industry and the regulatory environment in which the cannabis industry operates;
our ability to attract new clients on a cost-effective basis and the extent to which existing clients renew and upgrade their subscriptions;
the timing of our introduction of new solutions or updates to existing solutions;
our ability to successfully diversify our solutions by developing or introducing new solutions or acquiring and integrating additional businesses, products, services, or content;
our ability to respond to changes within the cannabis industry;
the effects of adverse changes in, or the enforcement of, federal laws regarding our clients’ cannabis operations or our receipt of proceeds from such operations;
our ability to manage unique risks and uncertainties related to government contracts;
our ability to manage and protect our information technology systems;
our ability to maintain and expand our strategic relationships with third parties;
our ability to deliver our solutions to clients without disruption or delay;
our exposure to liability from errors, delays, fraud, or system failures, which may not be covered by insurance;
our ability to expand our international reach;
our ability to retain or recruit officers, key employees, and directors;
our ability to raise additional capital or obtain financing in the future;
our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses with Akerna’s business within anticipated timelines and at their expected costs;


our ability to complete planned acquisitions on time or at all due to failure to obtain stockholder approval or governmental or regulatory clearances, or the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion, or the failure of completion for any other reason;
our response to adverse developments in the general market, business, economic, labor, regulatory, and political conditions, including worldwide demand for cannabis and the spot price and long-term contract price of cannabis;
our response to competitive risks;
our ability to protect our intellectual property;
the market reaction to negative publicity regarding cannabis;
our ability to manage the requirements of being a public company;
our ability to service our convertible debt;
our accounting treatment of certain of our private warrants;
our ability to effectively manage any disruptions to our business and/or any negative impact to our financial performance caused by the economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken in response; and
other factors discussed in other sections of this prospectus, including the section titled “Risk Factors,” and in the Company’s transition report for the six-month period ended December 31, 2020 on Form 10-KT, incorporated herein by reference, including the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We disclaim any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

We qualify all the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus by the foregoing cautionary statements.


RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

At the Market Equity Program

On July 23, 2021, we entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement with Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, we may offer and sell from time to time, up to $25 million of shares of our common stock. While no assurance can be provided that we will be able to raise capital under such program,supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of our shares of common stock, if any,these sales for general corporate purposes, including working capital, marketing, product development,which includes, without limitation, capital expenditures, funding potential acquisitions of additional new mining equipment, other potential acquisitions, and mergergeneral working capital. The amounts and timing of these expenditures will depend on numerous factors, including the development of our current business initiatives. We have no specific acquisition activities.contemplated at this time.


PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

AsWe may sell the securities from time to time to or through underwriters or dealers, through agents, or directly to one or more purchasers.  A distribution of October 19, 2021, we have raised $1.9 millionthe securities offered by this prospectus may also be effected through the issuance of 556,388 shares through the above program.

PPP Loan Forgiveness

On September 3, 2021, our outstanding loan from KeyBank under the Paycheck Protection Program was forgiven, and we received notification that the SBA remitted the full forgiveness paymentderivative securities, including without limitation, warrants, rights to KeyBank. The loan forgiveness of $2.2 million was recorded as a gain on loan forgiveness in our income statement and we derecognized the outstanding loan balance and accrued interest on the balance sheet.

Acquisition of 365 Cannabis

On October 1, 2021, we closed our previously announced Stock Purchase Agreement (the “365 Agreement”) with the shareholders (the “Sellers”) of The NAV People Inc., a Delaware corporation d/b/a “365 Cannabis” (“365 Cannabis”), pursuant to which we acquired all right, title and interest in 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of 365 Cannabis (calculated on a fully diluted basis), free and clear of all liens. The 365 Agreement was previously described in and filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 21, 2021.

The consideration amount under the 365 Agreement was $17 million (the “Purchase Price). As previously reported, the Purchase Price was payable as (a) at least $4 million of cash (the “Cash Consideration”) and (b) a number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, that is equal to the Purchase Price less the Cash Consideration divided by $3.36, with the Cash Consideration being subject to upward adjustment by us in our sole discretion at closing. At the closing, we elected to pay $4.5 million in Cash Consideration, and the parties agreed to approximately $500,000 of Cash Consideration being moved to 12 months after the closing. Therefore, we issued 3,571,429 shares of common stock (the “Stock Consideration”), representing an aggregate value of approximately $12 million. 357,143 shares of the Stock Consideration will be held in escrow for a period of, and will be released from escrow after a period of, 12 months, subject to certain indemnity claims under the 365 Agreement. The shares of common stock are also subject to a lock-up agreement between us and the Sellers and will be released from lock-up as follows: (a) 50% of the Stock Consideration six months from the date of the closing, (b) 25% of the Stock Consideration nine months from the date of closing and (c) the remaining 25% of the Stock Consideration one year from the date of the closing.

Convertible Note Financing

On October 5, 2021, we issued the Senior Convertible Notes in the Private Placement. See “Private Placement of Senior Convertible Notes” below for more details on the Private Placement and the Senior Convertible Notes.


PRIVATE PLACEMENT OF SENIOR CONVERTIBLE NOTES

On October 5, 2021, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with the two institutional investors (each a “Holder” and collectively the “Holders”) that held the Company’s convertible notes issued in June of 2020 (the “2020 Notes”) to sell to the Holders the Senior Convertible Notes in the Private Placement, with an aggregate principal amount of $20,000,000 having an aggregate original issue discount of 10%, and ranking senior to all our outstanding and future indebtedness. Approximately $3.3 million of the proceeds from the Senior Convertible Notes were used to payoff the 2020 Notes, which were then cancelled.

Net proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Convertible Notes was approximately $14.6 million, following the original issue discount and deductions for expenses and payment of the 2020 Notes.

Securities Purchase Agreement

The Securities Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties of the Holders and the Company regarding the purchase and offer and sell of the Senior Convertible Notes. Under the Securities Purchase Agreement, we make certain covenants including, but not limited to: (i) timely filing our reports with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), (ii) provision of certain financial information to the Holders, (iii) maintaining the listing of the shares of common stock on an eligible market, (iv) payment of certain fees of the Holders, (v) maintaining a share reserve of the common stock for issuance upon conversion of the Senior Convertible Notes, (vi) use our reasonable best efforts to obtain the required stockholder approval (as set forth below), (vii) until the 90th calendar day after the closing date (the “Restricted Period”), neither the we nor any of our subsidiaries shall directly or indirectly issue, offer, sell, grant any option or right to purchase, or otherwise dispose of (or announce any issuance, offer, sale, grant of any option or right to purchase or other disposition of) any equity security or any equity-linked or related security (including, without limitation, any equity security, any debt, any preferred stock or any purchase rights), subject to certain customary exceptions as set forth in the Securities Purchase Agreement; (viii) during the Restricted Period, we will not file any registration statements under the Securities Act, subject to certain exceptions as set forth in the Securities Purchase Agreement, and (ix) so long as the Senior Convertible Notes remain outstanding, we will not issue any variable rate securities or enter into any variable rate transactions, subject to certain exceptions.

Under the Securities Purchase Agreement, we agreed to hold a stockholder meeting, by no later than June 30, 2022, to approve resolutions authorizing the issuance of shares of common stock under the Senior Convertible Notes for the purposes of compliance with the stockholder approval rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market. If such approval is not received by June 30, 2022, we will be obligated to continue to seek stockholder approval by September 30, 2022 and every three months thereafter until such approval is obtained.

Senior Convertible Notes

Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, on October 5, 2021, we issued two Senior Convertible Notes in an aggregate original principal amount of $20,000,000 to the Holders in reliance upon the exemption from securities registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D as promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act, based in part on the representations of the Holders in the Securities Purchase Agreement.

The Senior Convertible Notes were sold with an original issue discount pursuant to which the Holders paid $900 per each $1,000 in principal amount of the Senior Convertible Notes and do not bear interest except upon the occurrence of an event of default.

The Senior Convertible Notes mature on October 5, 2024, are payable by us in installments and are convertible at the election of the Holders as more fully described below.

Under the terms of the Senior Convertible Notes, the Senior Convertible Notes are convertible at any time, in whole or in part, at the option of the holders thereof, into shares of common stock at a rate equal to the amount of principal, interest (if any) and unpaid late charges (if any), divided by a conversion price of $4.05.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, as further described below, the Holders are prohibited from converting the Senior Convertible Notes and any payments of interest and principal in shares of the common stock will be held in abeyance, to the extent a Holder would beneficially own more than 4.99% (or 9.99%, if the holder elects the higher threshold) of our outstanding shares of the common stock after such conversion or payment.


Maturity and Repayment Dates

The Senior Convertible Notes mature (the “Maturity Date”) on October 5, 2024. The Senior Convertible Notes are amount is payable in monthly installments beginning on January 1, 2022. On the installment dates from and including January 1, 2022 through and including March 1, 2022, we will pay an installment amount (the “Installment Amount”) equal to the lesser 100% of $1,100,000 in principal amount or 110% of the principal amount then outstanding under the Senior Convertible Notes. With respect to installment dates from, and including April 1, 2022 through to, but not including, the Maturity Date, we will pay an Installment Amount equal to the lesser 110% of $1,100,000 in principal amount in principal amount or 110% of the principal amount then outstanding under the Senior Convertible Notes. On the Maturity Date, we will pay 110% of the principal amount then outstanding under the Senior Convertible Notes. We may not prepay a portion of the principal amount nor interest, if any, but we may redeem the Senior Convertible Notes in their entirety pursuant to our redemption right described below.

Interest

The Senior Convertible Notes were sold with an original issue discount and do not bear interest except upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (described below), in which event the applicable rate will be 15.00% per annum.

Conversion

The Senior Convertible Notes are convertible at any time in whole or in part, subject to us not issuing more shares of common stock than permitted under the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market prior to obtaining the Stockholder Approval, at the option of the holders thereof, into shares of the common stock at a rate equal to the amount of principal, interest (if any) and unpaid late charges (if any), divided by a conversion price of $4.05 (the “Conversion Price”). The Conversion Price is subject to standard adjustments in the event of any stock split, stock dividend, stock combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction.

In connection with the occurrence of Events of Default, the holders of the Senior Convertible Notes will be entitled to convert all or any portion of the Senior Convertible Notes at an alternate conversion price equal to the lower of (i) the conversion price then in effect, and (ii) the greater of (x) the Floor Price then in effect and (y) 80% of the lower of (x) the VWAP of the common stock as of the Trading Day immediately preceding the applicable date of determination and (y) the quotient of (A) the sum of the VWAP of the common stock for each of the two (2) Trading Days with the lowest VWAP of the common stock during the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending and including the Trading Day immediately prior to the applicable date of determination, divided by (B) two (2), but not less than the Floor Price.

Conversion Limitation and Exchange Cap

The holders of the Senior Convertible Notes do not have the right to convert any portion of the Senior Convertible Notes, to the extent that, after giving effect to such conversion, such Holder (together with certain related parties) would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the shares of the common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such conversion. A holder may from time to time increase this limit to 9.99%, provided that any such increase will not be effective until the 61st day after delivery of a notice to us of such increase.

subscriptions. In addition, the Senior Convertible Notes shall not be convertible to the extent the conversion would resultmanner in us issuing more shares of common stock than permitted under the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market until such time aswhich we shall have obtained the Stockholder Approval.


Events of Default

The Senior Convertible Note includes certain customary Events of Default, including, among other things, the breach of the financial covenant described in “—Covenants” below.

In connection with an Event of Default, the holders of the Senior Convertible Notes may require us to redeem in cash anysell some or all of the Senior Convertible Notes. The redemption price will equal the greater of (i) 115% of the outstanding principal of the Convertible Note to be redeemed and accrued and unpaid interest and unpaid late charges thereon, and (ii) an amount equal to market value of the shares of the common stock underlying the Senior Convertible Notes, as determined in accordance with the Senior Convertible Notes. Upon the occurrence of certain Events of Default relating to the bankruptcy of the Company, whether occurring prior to or following the maturity date, we will be required to immediately redeem the Senior Convertible Notes, in cash, for an amount equal to 115% of the outstanding principal of the Senior Convertible Notes, and accrued and unpaid interest and unpaid late charges thereon, without the requirement for any notice or demand or other action by any holder or any other person or entity.

Change of Control

In connection with a Change of Control (as defined in the Senior Convertible Notes), the holders of the Senior Convertible Notes may require us to redeem all or any portion of the Senior Convertible Notes. The redemption price per share will equal the greatest of (i) 115% of the outstanding principal of the Senior Convertible Notes to be redeemed, and accrued and unpaid interest and unpaid late charges thereon, (ii) 115% of the market value of the shares of the common stock underlying the Senior Convertible Notes, as determined in accordance with the Senior Convertible Notes, and (iii) 115% of the aggregate cash consideration that would have been payable in respect of the shares of the common stock underlying the Senior Convertible Notes, as determined in accordance with the Senior Convertible Notes. Upon a Change of Control, we shall have the right to require the Holder to elect to effect a Change of Control redemption in connection therewith (or, at the option of the Holder, to receive reference property as if the Holder has converted and participated in the Change of Control as a holder of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Senior Convertible Notes.

Adjustment to Conversion Price

In the event that we grants, issues, or sells, or enters into an agreement to grant, issue, or sell, any shares of the Company’s common stock, options, or any other type of convertible securities for a price that is lower than the conversion price of $4.05 (the “New Issuance Price”), then the Holders’ conversion price shall be reduced to such New Issuance Price. This conversion price adjustment does not apply to certain excluded securities, which include (a) shares of common stock that are issued or issuable pursuant to our employee incentive plan not to exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding on the date of signing and subject to certain limitations on repricing of options, (b) shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion or exercise of outstanding convertible securities of the Company (provided the terms of such securities are not amended or modified), (c) shares of common stock issued or issuable in connection with certain strategic acquisitions, shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of the Senior Convertible Notes, and (d) shares of common stock issued pursuant to a bona fide at-the-market offering, with gross proceeds in an aggregate not exceeding $5 million in any given twelve month period (or such shorter since the issuance of the Senior Convertible Notes).

Installment Conversions and Redemptions

The Senior Convertible Notes require that, on each installment date thereunder, we will pay applicable installment amount, together with interest and late charges, if any, thereon. We may pay the installment amount by converting all or any portion thereof into shares of the common stock, subject to the satisfaction of customary equity conditions.


If we satisfy such equity conditions (subject to the holder’s right to waive any such condition), we will convert the portion of the installment amount subject to such installment conversion into shares of its common stock at a price per share equal to the lower of lowest of (i) the conversion price then in effect, (ii) the greater of (x) the floor price and (y) 90% of the lower of (A) the volume weighted average price of the common stock as of the trading day immediately preceding the applicable date of determination and (B) the quotient of (I) the sum of the volume weighted average price of the common stock for each of the two (2) trading days with the lowest volume weighted average price of the common stock during the ten (10) consecutive trading day period ending and including the trading day immediately prior to the applicable date of determination, divided by (II) two (2). All such determinations to be appropriately adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend, stock combination or other similar transaction during any such measuring period, but not less than the floor price.

If we elect to effect an installment redemption or if an installment conversion is not permitted because certain equity conditions are not met, we must redeem the Installment Amount in cash. Provided further that if we havesold any shares of common stock in an at-the-market offering during the twelve calendar months immediately prior to any given installment date (or, if less, the period commencing on the issuance date through the trading day immediately prior to such given installment date), we shall not be permitted to effect an installment redemption for such installment date hereunder unless (I) no Price ATM Failure (as defined in the Senior Convertible Notes) then exists or (II) in lieu of the payment of 100% of the applicable installment redemption amount as the installment redemption price, we shall instead pay (or, if an Equity Conditions Failure then exists and is not waived by the Holder, shall be required to pay) 110% of the applicable installment amount as the installment redemption price for such installment redemption.

The Holders of the Senior Convertible Notes may elect to defer conversion until the next installment date or accelerate the conversion of previously deferred installment amounts during the period from the current installment date to the next installment, with the amount to be accelerated and converted subject to certain restrictions as set forth in the Senior Convertible Notes.

Redemption at the Company’s Election

Subject to meeting certain customary equity conditions (including minimum price and volume requirements, we have the right to redeem all, but not less than all, of the Conversion Amount then remaining under the Senior Convertible Notes by payment on the redemption date of a cash price equal to the greater of (i) 121% of the conversion amount being redeemed as of such redemption date and (ii) 115% of the product of (1) the conversion rate with respect to the conversion amount being redeemed as of the redemption date multiplied by (2) the greatest closing sale price of the common stock on any trading day during the period commencing on the date immediately preceding the date of our notice to the Holders of our election to exercise such redemption and ending on the trading day immediately prior to the date we make the entire payment required to be made pursuant to the redemption right.

Covenants

We are subject to certain customary affirmative and negative covenants regarding the incurrence of indebtedness, the existence of liens, the repayment of indebtedness, the payment of cash in respect of dividends, distributions or redemptions, and the transfer of assets, among other matters. We are also subject to financial covenants that requires it to maintain available cash in the amount of $8,000,000 at the end of each calendar month, subject to reduction by $1 million for each $3 million of Principal paid or converted with a floor of $5 million, a six month cash burn limit of $8 million and a quarterly cash burn limit of $4.5 million.


Registration Rights Agreement

Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Holders pursuant to which we agreed to file a registration statement on Form S-3 (or such other available form) (the “Registration Statement”) with the SEC under the Securities Act registering the resale of the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Senior Convertible Notes by the Holders thereof and their permitted assignees. Under the Registration Rights Agreement, we have agreed to file the Registration Statement within 15 calendar days of the closing of the issuance of the Senior Convertible Notes under the Securities Purchase Agreement and to bring such Registration Statement effective by the earlier of the (a) 45th calendar day (or, if such Registration Statement is subject to a full review by the SEC, the 75th calendar day) after the closing date and (B) the 2nd business day after the date the Company is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the SEC that such Registration Statement will not be reviewed or will not be subject to further review. We are also obligated to maintain such Registration Statement until the earlier of (i) the date as of which all of the Holders may sell all of the share of common stock required to be covered by such Registration Statement without restriction pursuant to Rule 144 (including, without limitation, volume restrictions) and without the need for current public information required by Rule 144(c)(1) (or Rule 144(i)(2), if applicable), (ii) the date on which the Holders shall have sold all of the shares of common stock covered by such Registration Statement or (iii) the later of (x) ninety (90) calendar days after the date no Senior Convertible Notes remain outstanding and (y) the first anniversary of the Maturity Date of the Senior Convertible Notes. We are subject to certain penalties for failure to file, bring effective or maintain the Registration Statement by the deadlines and for the time periods set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, subject to certain exceptions and limitations.

Additional Information

The foregoing is only a summary of the material terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Senior Convertible Note, the Registration Rights Agreement and the other transaction documents, and does not purport to be a complete description of the rights and obligations of the parties thereunder. The summary of the Purchase Agreement, the Senior Convertible Note and the Registration Rights Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the forms of such agreements, which are incorporated as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus form a part and are incorporated herein by reference.

USE OF PROCEEDS

 This prospectus relates to the sale or other disposition of shares of our shares by the selling stockholders listed under “Selling Stockholders” section below, and their transferees. We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of the shares by the selling stockholders.

DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE

The selling stockholders will offer common stock at the prevailing market prices or privately negotiated price as they may determine from time to time.

The offering price of our common stock to be sold by the selling stockholders does not necessarily bear any relationship to our book value, assets, past operating results, financial condition or any other established criteria of value. The facts considered in determining the offering price were our financial condition and prospects, our limited operating history and the general condition of the securities market.

In addition, there is no assurance that our common stock will trade at market prices in excess of the offering price as prices for common stock in any public market will be determined in the marketplace and may be influenced by many factors, including the depth and liquidity.

SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

The shares of common stock being offered by the selling stockholders are those issuable to the selling stockholders upon conversion of the Senior Convertible Notes. For additional information regarding the issuance of the Senior Convertible Notes, see “Private Placement of Senior Convertible Notes” above. We are registering the shares of common stock in order to permit the selling stockholders to offer the shares for resale from time to time. Except for the ownership of the Senior Convertible Notes issued pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement and the 2020 Notes, the selling stockholders have not had any material relationship with us within the past three years.

The table below lists the selling stockholders and other information regarding the beneficial ownership (as determined under Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder) of the shares of common stock held by each of the selling stockholders. The second column lists the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by the selling stockholders, based on their respective ownership of shares of common stock and notes, as of October 19, 2021, assuming conversion of the notes held by each such selling stockholder on that date but taking account of any limitations on conversion set forth therein.

The third column lists the shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus by the selling stockholders and does not take in account any limitations on conversion of the Senior Secured Notes set forth therein.


In accordance with the terms of a registration rights agreement with the holders of the Senior Secured Notes, this prospectus generally covers the resale of the maximum number of shares of common stock issued or issuable pursuant to the Senior Secured Notes, determined as if the outstanding Senior Secured Notes were converted in full at the floor price of $0.54 (without regard to any limitations on conversion contained therein solely for the purpose of such calculation) at a conversion price calculated as of the trading day immediately preceding the date the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part was initially filed with the SEC. Because the conversion price of the Senior Convertible Notes may be adjusted, the number of shares that will actually be issued may be more or less than the number of shares being offered by this prospectus. The fourth column assumes the sale of all of the shares offered by the selling stockholders pursuant to this prospectus.

Under the terms of the notes, a selling stockholder may not convert the Senior Convertible Notes to the extent (but only to the extent) such selling stockholder or any of its affiliates would beneficially own a number of shares of our common stock which would exceed 4.99% of the outstanding shares of the Company. The number of shares in the second column reflects these limitations. The selling stockholders may sell all, some or none of their shares in this offering. See “Plan of Distribution.”

  Number of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned Prior to
the Offering(1)
  Maximum Number of
Shares of Common
Stock to be Sold
Pursuant to this
  Number of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned After
the Offering(1)
 
Name of Selling Stockholder Shares  Percent  Prospectus  Shares  Percent 
High Trail Investments ON LLC (2)  1,529,545   4.99%(3)  20,370,370   0     
Alto Opportunity Master Fund, SPC - Segregated Master Portfolio B(4)  1,529,545   4.99%(5)  16,666,667   0    
TOTAL         37,037,037   0    

(1)The percentage of ownership before the offering is calculated based on 30,652,216 shares outstanding as of October 19, 2021. The percentage of ownership after the offering assumes the issuance of all of the shares underlying the Senior Convertible Note that are offered for resale hereby, and the sale by such selling stockholder of all of the shares offered for resale hereby.

(2)Hudson Bay Capital Management LP, the investment manager of High Trail Investments ON LLC, has voting and investment power over these securities. Sander Gerber is the managing member of Hudson Bay Capital GP LLC, which is the general partner of Hudson Bay Capital Management LP. Each of High Trail Investments ON LLC and Sander Gerber disclaims beneficial ownership over these securities. The address of the Selling Stockholder is c/o High Trail Capital LP is 221 River Street, 9th Floor, Hoboken, NJ 07030.

(3)The beneficial ownership of High Trail Investments ON LLC consists entirely of shares underlying the Senior Convertible Note. The amounts set forth in the table reflect the application of the 4.99% limitation and assume the immediate conversion of the Senior Convertible Note at the alternate conversion price. Without giving effect to the 4.99% limitation, and assuming that all future interest and principal is paid in shares of our common stock on each scheduled payment date prescribed by the Senior Convertible Notes, the maximum number of shares into which the Senior Convertible Notes held by High Trail Investments ON LLC would be convertible, assuming no event of default under the Senior Convertible Notes, would be approximately 20,370,370 shares of common stock, based on an assumed price of $0.54 per share, the Floor Price under the Senior Convertible Note.

(4)Ayrton Capital LLC, the investment manager to Alto Opportunity Master Fund, SPC – Segregated Master Portfolio B, (“Alto Opportunity Master Fund B”), has discretionary authority to vote and dispose of the shares held by Alto Opportunity Master Fund B. Waqas Khatri is the managing member of Ayrton Capital LLC and in his capacity as director of Alto Opportunity Master Fund B, may also be deemed to have investment discretion and voting power over the shares held by Alto Opportunity Master Fund B. Mr. Khatri disclaims any beneficial ownership of these shares. The address of Ayrton Capital, LLC is 55 Post Road West, 2nd Floor, Westport, CT 06880.
(5)The beneficial ownership of Alto Opportunity Master Fund B consists entirely of shares underlying the Senior Convertible Note. The amounts set forth in the table reflect the application of the 4.99% limitation and assume the immediate conversion of the Senior Convertible Note at the alternate conversion price. Without giving effect to the 4.99% limitation, and assuming that all future interest and principal is paid in shares of our common stock on each scheduled payment date prescribed by the Senior Convertible Notes, the maximum number of shares into which the Senior Convertible Notes held by Alto Opportunity Master Fund B would be convertible, assuming no event of default under the Senior Convertible Notes, would be approximately 16,666,667 shares of common stock, based on an assumed price of $0.54 per share, the Floor Price under the Senior Convertible Note.


PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We are registering the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Senior Convertible Notes to permit the resale of these shares of common stock by the holders of the Senior Convertible Notes from time to time after the date of this prospectus. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale by the selling stockholders of the shares of common stock. We will bear all fees and expenses incident to our obligation to register the shares of common stock.

The selling stockholders may sell all or a portion of the shares of common stock held by them and offered hereby from time to time directly or through one or more underwriters, broker-dealers or agents. If the shares of common stock are sold through underwriters or broker-dealers, the selling stockholders will be responsible for underwriting discounts or commissions or agent’s commissions. The shares of common stock may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of the sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale or at negotiated prices. These sales may be effected in transactions, which may involve crosses or block transactions, pursuant to one or more of the following methods:includes, without limitation, through:

 

 on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the securities may be listed or quoted at the time of sale;

in the over-the-counter market;

in transactions otherwise than on these exchanges or systems or in the over-the-counter market;

through the writing or settlement of options, whether such options are listed on an options exchange or otherwise;

ordinary brokerage transactions and transactionsa block trade in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;

block trades in which thea broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent, but may position andor resell a portion of the block, as principal, in order to facilitate the transaction;

 purchases by a broker-dealer, as principal, and resale by the broker-dealer for its account; or
ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which a broker solicits purchasers.

A prospectus supplement or supplements with respect to each series of securities will describe the terms of the offering, including, to the extent applicable:

 

 an exchange distribution in accordance with the rulesterms of the applicable exchange;offering;
the name or names of the underwriters or agents and the amounts of securities underwritten or purchased by each of them, if any;
the public offering price or purchase price of the securities or other consideration therefor, and the proceeds to be received by us from the sale;
any delayed delivery requirements;
any over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase additional securities from us;
any underwriting discounts or agency fees and other items constituting underwriters’ or agents’ compensation
any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers; and
any securities exchange or market on which the securities may be listed.

The offer and sale of the securities described in this prospectus by us, the underwriters or the third parties described above may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions, including privately negotiated transactions, either:

 

 privately negotiated transactions;at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;

 short sales made afterin an “at the datemarket” offering within the registration statementmeaning of which this prospectus forms a part is declared effective byRule 415(a)(4) of the SEC;Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act;

 broker-dealers may agree with a selling security holderat prices related to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share;prevailing market prices; or

 a combination of any such methods of sale; and

any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.at negotiated prices.

 

The selling stockholders may also sell shares of common stock under Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, if available, rather than under this prospectus. In addition, the selling stockholders may transfer the shares of common stock by other means not described in this prospectus. If the selling stockholders effect such transactions by selling shares of common stock to or throughOnly underwriters broker-dealers or agents, such underwriters, broker-dealers or agents may receive commissionsnamed in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the selling stockholders or commissions from purchasersprospectus supplement will be underwriters of the sharessecurities offered by the prospectus supplement.

Underwriters and Agents; Direct Sales

If underwriters are used in a sale, they will acquire the offered securities for their own account and may resell the offered securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of common stock for whom theysale. We may act as agentoffer the securities to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or to whom they may sell as principal (which discounts, concessions or commissions as to particularby underwriters broker-dealers or agents may be in excess of those customary in the types of transactions involved). In connection with sales of the shares of common stock or otherwise, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage in short sales of the shares of common stock in the course of hedging in positions they assume. The selling stockholders may also sell shares of common stock short and deliver shares of common stock covered by this prospectus to close out short positions and to return borrowed shares in connection with such short sales. The selling stockholders may also loan or pledge shares of common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such shares.without a syndicate.

 


The selling stockholders may pledge or grant a security interestUnless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to the conditions set forth in some orthe applicable underwriting agreement. Subject to certain conditions, the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the Senior Convertible Notes or shares of common stock owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the shares of common stock from time to time pursuant to this prospectus or any amendment to this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the Securities Act amending, if necessary, the list of selling stockholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successors in interest as selling stockholders under this prospectus. The selling stockholders also may transfer and donate the shares of common stock in other circumstances in which case the transferees, donees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus.

To the extent requiredsecurities offered by the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, the selling stockholdersprospectus supplement, other than securities covered by any over-allotment option. Any public offering price and any broker-dealer participating in the distribution of the shares of common stock may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any commission paid, or any discounts or concessions allowed to, any such broker-dealer may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. At the time a particular offering of the shares of common stock is made, a prospectus supplement, if required, will be distributed, which will set forth the aggregate amount of shares of common stock being offered and the terms of the offering, including the name or names of any broker-dealers or agents, any discounts, commissions and other terms constituting compensation from the selling stockholders and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to broker-dealers.dealers may change from time to time. We may use underwriters with whom we have a material relationship. We will describe in the prospectus supplement, naming the underwriter, the nature of any such relationship.

 

UnderWe may sell securities directly or through agents we designate from time to time. We will name any agent involved in the offering and sale of securities, lawsand we will describe any commissions we will pay the agent in the prospectus supplement. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, our agent will act on a best-efforts basis for the period of some states,its appointment.

We may authorize agents or underwriters to solicit offers by certain types of institutional investors to purchase securities from us at the sharespublic offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. We will describe the conditions to these contracts and the commissions we must pay for solicitation of common stockthese contracts in the prospectus supplement.

Dealers

We may sell the offered securities to dealers as principals. The dealer may then resell such securities to the public either at varying prices to be determined by the dealer or at a fixed offering price agreed to with us at the time of resale.

Institutional Purchasers

We may authorize agents, dealers or underwriters to solicit certain institutional investors to purchase offered securities on a delayed delivery basis pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified future date. The applicable prospectus supplement or other offering materials, as the case may be, soldwill provide the details of any such arrangement, including the offering price and commissions payable on the solicitations.

We will enter into such delayed contracts only with institutional purchasers that we approve. These institutions may include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies and educational and charitable institutions.

Indemnification; Other Relationships

We may provide agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms with indemnification against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribution with respect to payments that the agents or underwriters may make with respect to these liabilities. Agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms, and their affiliates, may engage in such states only through registeredtransactions with, or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition,perform services for, us in some states the sharesordinary course of common stock may not be sold unless such shares have been registered or qualified for sale in such state or an exemption from registration or qualification is availablebusiness. This includes commercial banking and is complied with.investment banking transactions.

Market-Making; Stabilization and Other Transactions

 

There is currently no market for any of the offered securities, other than our common stock, which is quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market.  If the offered securities are traded after their initial issuance, they may trade at a discount from their initial offering price, depending upon prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities and other factors. While it is possible that an underwriter could inform us that it intends to make a market in the offered securities, such underwriter would not be obligated to do so, and any such market-making could be discontinued at any time without notice. Therefore, no assurance can be given as to whether an active trading market will develop for the offered securities. We have no assurance that any selling stockholder will sell any or allcurrent plans for listing of the shares of commondebt securities, preferred stock, registered pursuantwarrants or subscription rights on any securities exchange or quotation system; any such listing with respect to any particular debt securities, preferred stock, warrants or subscription rights will be described in the registration statement, of which thisapplicable prospectus forms a part.supplement or other offering materials, as the case may be.

 


The selling stockholdersAny underwriter may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, short-covering transactions and any other person participatingpenalty bids in such distribution will be subject to applicable provisions ofaccordance with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, andor the rules and regulations thereunder, including, without limitation, to the extent applicable, Regulation MExchange Act. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the Exchange Act,offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum price. Syndicate-covering or other short-covering transactions involve purchases of the securities, either through exercise of the over-allotment option or in the open market after the distribution is completed, to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a stabilizing or covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may limitcause the timingprice of purchases and sales ofthe securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the shares of common stock by the selling stockholders andactivities at any other participating person. To the extent applicable, Regulation M may also restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution of the shares of common stock to engage in market-making activities with respect to the shares of common stock. All of the foregoing may affect the marketability of the shares of common stock and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities with respect to the shares of common stock.time.

 

We will pay all expenses of the registration of the shares of common stock pursuant to the registration rights agreement, estimated to be $46,000 in total, including, without limitation, SEC filing fees and expenses of compliance with state securitiesAny underwriters or “blue sky” laws; provided, however, a selling stockholder will pay all underwriting discounts and selling commissions, if any. We will indemnify the selling stockholders against liabilities, including some liabilities under the Securities Act in accordance with the registration rights agreements or the selling stockholders will be entitled to contribution. We may be indemnified by the selling stockholders against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Actagents that may arise from any written information furnished to us by the selling stockholder specifically for use in this prospectus, in accordance with the related registration rights agreements or we may be entitled to contribution.

Once sold under the registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part, the shares of common stock will be freely tradable in the hands of persons other than our affiliates.


DIVIDEND POLICY

We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future. In addition, our ability to pay dividends is restricted by agreements governing Akerna’s and its subsidiaries’ debt, including the Company’s senior secured convertible notes. See “Risk Factors” above.

MARKET FOR COMMON SHARES

Our shares of common stock tradeare qualified market makers on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “KERN”. October 19, 2021, the last reported sale price of themay engage in passive market making transactions in our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market was $3.09 per share,in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act, during the business day prior to the pricing of the offering, before the commencement of offers or sales of our common stock. Passive market makers must comply with applicable volume and price limitations and must be identified as passive market makers. In general, a passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for such security; if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, however, the passive market maker’s bid must then be lowered when certain purchase limits are exceeded. Passive market making may stabilize the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

Fees and Commissions

If 5% or more of the net proceeds of any offering of securities made under this prospectus will be received by a FINRA member participating in the offering or affiliates or associated persons of such FINRA member, the offering will be conducted in accordance with FINRA Rule 5121.

18

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER

General

This prospectus describes the general terms of our capital stock. The following description is not complete and may not contain all the information you should consider before investing in our capital stock. For a more detailed description of these securities, you should read the applicable provisions of Delaware law and our certificate of incorporation, as amended, referred to herein as our certificate of incorporation, and our amended and restated bylaws, referred to herein as our bylaws. When we offer to sell a particular series of these securities, we will describe the specific terms of the series in a supplement to this prospectus. Accordingly, for a description of the terms of any series of securities, you must refer to both the prospectus supplement relating to that series and the description of the securities described in this prospectus. To the extent the information contained in the prospectus supplement differs from this summary description, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

The total number of shares of capital stock we are authorized to issue is 155,000,000 shares, of which (a) 150,000,000 shares are common stock and (b) 5,000,000 shares are preferred stock.

We, directly or through agents, dealers or underwriters designated from time to time, may offer, issue and sell, together or separately, up to $100,000,000 in the aggregate of:

common stock;
preferred stock;
warrants to purchase our securities;
subscription rights to purchase our securities;
secured or unsecured debt securities consisting of notes, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness which may be senior debt securities, senior subordinated debt securities or subordinated debt securities, each of which may be convertible into equity securities; or
units comprised of, or other combinations of, the foregoing securities.

We may issue the debt securities exchangeable for or convertible into shares of common stock, preferred stock or other securities that may be sold by us pursuant to this prospectus or any combination of the foregoing. The preferred stock may also be exchangeable for and/or convertible into shares of common stock, another series of preferred stock or other securities that may be sold by us pursuant to this prospectus or any combination of the foregoing. When a particular series of securities is offered, a supplement to this prospectus will be delivered with this prospectus, which will set forth the terms of the offering and sale of the offered securities.

Common Stock

As of February 27, 2024, there were 30,652,21638,733,554 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, and we hadheld of record by approximately 220 registered shareholders of record.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

As of October 19, 2021, our authorized common stock capital consists of 75,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, of which 30,652,216 shares of common stock are issued and outstanding and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of which one share of special voting preferred stock is issued and outstanding with a voting equivalent of 385,947 shares of common stock. We are a Delaware corporation and our affairs are governed by our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws. The following are summaries of material provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws insofar as they relate to the material terms of our common stock. Complete copies of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws are filed as exhibits to our public filings.

Common Stock

443 stockholders. All outstanding shares of common stock are of the same class and have equal rights and attributes. The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders. Subject to the prior rights of all classes or series of stock at the time outstanding having prior rights as to dividends or other distributions, all stockholders are entitled to share equally in dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available. Subject to the prior rights of creditors of Akernathe Company and the holders of all classes or series of stock at the time outstanding having prior rights as to distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Akerna,the Company, in the event of liquidation, the holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of all liabilities. The stockholders do not have cumulative, preemptive rights, or subscription rights.

 

Our common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “GRYP”. The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Continental Stock Transfer and Trust.


Preferred Stock

TheOur board of directors is authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further vote or action by the stockholders, to issue from time to time shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series. Each such series of Preferred Stockpreferred stock shall have such number of shares, designations, preferences, voting powers, qualifications, and special or relative rights or privileges as shall be determined by the board of directors, which may include, among others, dividend rights, voting rights, liquidation preferences, conversion rights and preemptive rights. Issuance of Preferred Stockpreferred stock by our board of directors may result in such shares having dividend and/or liquidation preferences senior to the rights of the holders of our common stock and could dilute the voting rights of the holders of our common stock.

We will fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of the preferred stock of each series in the certificate of designation relating to that series. We will file as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that we file with the SEC, the form of any certificate of designation that describes the terms of the series of preferred stock we are offering before the issuance of the related series of preferred stock. This description will include any or all of the following, as required:

the title and stated value;

the number of shares we are offering;

the liquidation preference per share;

the purchase price;

the dividend rate, period and payment date and method of calculation for dividends;

whether dividends will be cumulative or non-cumulative and, if cumulative, the date from which dividends will accumulate;

any contractual limitations on our ability to declare, set aside or pay any dividends;

the procedures for any auction and remarketing, if any;

the provisions for a sinking fund, if any;

the provisions for redemption or repurchase, if applicable, and any restrictions on our ability to exercise those redemption and repurchase rights;

any listing of the preferred stock on any securities exchange or market;

whether the preferred stock will be convertible into our common stock, and, if applicable, the conversion price, or how it will be calculated, and the conversion period;

whether the preferred stock will be exchangeable into debt securities, and, if applicable, the exchange price, or how it will be calculated, and the exchange period;

voting rights, if any, of the preferred stock;

preemptive rights, if any;

restrictions on transfer, sale or other assignment, if any;

a discussion of any material or special United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the preferred stock;

the relative ranking and preferences of the preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights if we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our affairs;

any limitations on issuance of any class or series of preferred stock ranking senior to or on a parity with the series of preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights if we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our affairs; and

any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of, or restrictions on, the preferred stock.


If we issue shares of preferred stock under this prospectus, after receipt of payment therefor, the shares will be fully paid and non-assessable.

The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that the holders of preferred stock will have the right to vote separately as a class on any proposal involving fundamental changes in the rights of holders of that preferred stock. This right is in addition to any voting rights provided for in the applicable certificate of designation.

Our board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of our common stock. Preferred stock could be issued quickly with terms designed to delay or prevent a change in control of our Company or make removal of management more difficult. Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of decreasing the market price of our common stock.

Warrants

We may issue warrants to purchase our securities or other rights, including rights to receive payment in cash or securities based on the value, rate or price of one or more specified commodities, currencies, securities or indices, or any combination of the foregoing. Warrants may be issued independently or together with any other securities that may be sold by us pursuant to this prospectus or any combination of the foregoing and may be attached to, or separate from, such securities. To the extent warrants that we issue are to be publicly-traded, each series of such warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent.

We will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that we file with the SEC, forms of the warrant and warrant agreement, if any. The prospectus supplement relating to any warrants that we may offer will contain the specific terms of the warrants and a description of the material provisions of the applicable warrant agreement, if any. These terms may include the following:

the title of the warrants;

the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued;

the designation, amount and terms of the securities or other rights for which the warrants are exercisable;

the designation and terms of the other securities, if any, with which the warrants are to be issued and the number of warrants issued with each other security;

the aggregate number of warrants;

any provisions for adjustment of the number or amount of securities receivable upon exercise of the warrants or the exercise price of the warrants;

the price or prices at which the securities or other rights purchasable upon exercise of the warrants may be purchased;

if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the securities or other rights purchasable upon exercise of the warrants will be separately transferable;

a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the exercise of the warrants;

the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence, and the date on which the right will expire;

the maximum or minimum number of warrants that may be exercised at any time;

information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; and

any other terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants.

Exercise of Warrants. Each warrant will entitle the holder of warrants to purchase the amount of securities or other rights, at the exercise price stated or determinable in the prospectus supplement for the warrants. Warrants may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date shown in the applicable prospectus supplement, unless otherwise specified in such prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, if applicable, unexercised warrants will become void. Warrants may be exercised in the manner described in the applicable prospectus supplement. When the warrant holder makes the payment and properly completes and signs the warrant certificate at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent, if any, or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as possible, forward the securities or other rights that the warrant holder has purchased. If the warrant holder exercises less than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate, we will issue a new warrant certificate for the remaining warrants.

 


PriorSubscription Rights

We may issue rights to purchase our securities. The rights may or may not be transferable by the persons purchasing or receiving the rights. In connection with any rights offering, we may enter into a standby underwriting or other arrangement with one or more underwriters or other persons pursuant to which such underwriters or other persons would purchase any offered securities remaining unsubscribed for after such rights offering. In connection with a rights offering to holders of our capital stock a prospectus supplement will be distributed to such holders on the record date for receiving rights in the rights offering set by us.

We will file as exhibits to the issuanceregistration statement of shareswhich this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that we file with the SEC, forms of eachthe subscription rights, standby underwriting agreement or other agreements, if any. The prospectus supplement relating to any rights that we offer will include specific terms relating to the offering, including, among other matters:

the date of determining the security holders entitled to the rights distribution;

the aggregate number of rights issued and the aggregate amount of securities purchasable upon exercise of the rights;

the exercise price;

the conditions to completion of the rights offering;

the date on which the right to exercise the rights will commence and the date on which the rights will expire; and

any applicable federal income tax considerations.

Each right would entitle the holder of the rights to purchase the principal amount of securities at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for the rights provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised rights will become void.

Holders may exercise rights as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Upon receipt of payment and the rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the rights agent, if any, or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the securities purchasable upon exercise of the rights. If less than all of the rights issued in any rights offering are exercised, we may offer any unsubscribed securities directly to persons other than stockholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby underwriting arrangements, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.


Debt Securities

As used in this prospectus, the term “debt securities” means the debentures, notes, bonds and other evidences of indebtedness that we may issue from time to time. The debt securities will either be senior debt securities, senior subordinated debt or subordinated debt securities. We may also issue convertible debt securities. Debt securities may be issued under an indenture (which we refer to herein as an Indenture), which are contracts entered into between us and a trustee to be named therein. The Indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. We may issue debt securities and incur additional indebtedness other than through the offering of debt securities pursuant to this prospectus. It is likely that convertible debt securities will not be issued under an Indenture.

The debt securities may be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a secured or unsecured senior or subordinated basis by one or more guarantors, if any. The obligations of any guarantor under its guarantee will be limited as necessary to prevent that guarantee from constituting a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law. In the event that any series of Preferred Stock,debt securities will be subordinated to other indebtedness that we have outstanding or may incur, the boardterms of directors is required by the Delaware General Corporation Law and our certificate of incorporationsubordination will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to adopt resolutions and file a certificate of designationthe subordinated debt securities.

We may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series, in each case with the Secretarysame or various maturities, at par or at a discount. Unless indicated in a prospectus supplement, we may issue additional debt securities of Statea particular series without the consent of the Stateholders of Delaware. The certificatethe debt securities of designation fixes for each classsuch series outstanding at the time of the issuance. Any such additional debt securities, together with all other outstanding debt securities of that series, will constitute a single series of debt securities under the applicable Indenture and will be equal in ranking.

Should an Indenture relate to unsecured indebtedness, in the event of a bankruptcy or other liquidation event involving a distribution of assets to satisfy our outstanding indebtedness or an event of default under a loan agreement relating to secured indebtedness of our company or its subsidiaries, the holders of such secured indebtedness, if any, would be entitled to receive payment of principal and interest prior to payments on the unsecured indebtedness issued under an Indenture.

Each prospectus supplement will describe the terms relating to the specific series the designations, powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions, including, but not limited to,of debt securities. These terms will include some or all of the following:

 

the numbertitle of shares constituting that seriesdebt securities and whether the distinctive designationdebt securities are senior or subordinated;

any limit on the aggregate principal amount of that series, which number may be increased or decreased (but not below the numberdebt securities of shares then outstanding) from time to time by action of the board of directors;such series;

the dividendpercentage of the principal amount at which the debt securities of any series will be issued;

the ability to issue additional debt securities of the same series;

the purchase price for the debt securities and the denominations of the debt securities;


the specific designation of the series of debt securities being offered;

the maturity date or dates of the debt securities and the date or dates upon which the debt securities are payable and the rate or rates at which the debt securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, which may be fixed or variable, or the method by which such rate shall be determined;

the basis for calculating interest;

the date or dates from which any interest will accrue or the method by which such date or dates will be determined;

the duration of any deferral period, including the period during which interest payment periods may be extended;

whether the amount of payments of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the debt securities may be determined with reference to any index, formula or other method, such as one or more currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices, and the manner and frequency of paymentdetermining the amount of dividendssuch payments;

the dates on which we will pay interest on the sharesdebt securities and the regular record date for determining who is entitled to the interest payable on any interest payment date;

the place or places where the principal of that series, whether dividends(and premium, if any) and interest on the debt securities will be cumulative,payable, where any securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange or conversion, as applicable, and notices and demands may be delivered to or upon us pursuant to the applicable Indenture;

the rate or rates of amortization of the debt securities;

any terms for the attachment to the debt securities of warrants, options or other rights to purchase or sell our securities;

if the debt securities will be secured by any collateral and, if so, from which date;a general description of the collateral and the terms and provisions of such collateral security, pledge or other agreements;

 

whether that series will have voting rights, in additionif we possess the option to any voting rights provided by law, and, ifdo so, the periods within which and the prices at which we may redeem the debt securities, in whole or in part, pursuant to optional redemption provisions, and the other terms and conditions of any such voting rights;provisions;

whether that seriesour obligation or discretion, if any, to redeem, repay or purchase debt securities by making periodic payments to a sinking fund or through an analogous provision or at the option of holders of the debt securities, and the period or periods within which and the price or prices at which we will have conversion privileges,redeem, repay or purchase the debt securities, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation, and if so, the other terms and conditions of such conversion, including provision for adjustment of the conversion rate in such events as the board of directors may determine;obligation;

whether or not the shares of that series will be redeemable, and, if so, the terms and conditions, if any, regarding the option or mandatory conversion or exchange of debt securities;

the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any debt securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part at our option and, if other than by a board resolution, the manner in which any election by us to redeem the debt securities shall be evidenced;

any restriction or condition on the transferability of the debt securities of a particular series;

the portion, or methods of determining the portion, of the principal amount of the debt securities which we must pay upon the acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities in connection with any event of default;

the currency or currencies in which the debt securities will be denominated and in which principal, any premium and any interest will or may be payable or a description of any units based on or relating to a currency or currencies in which the debt securities will be denominated;

provisions, if any, granting special rights to holders of the debt securities upon the occurrence of specified events;


any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the events of default or our covenants with respect to the applicable series of debt securities, and whether or not such redemption;events of default or covenants are consistent with those contained in the applicable Indenture;

any limitation on our ability to incur debt, redeem stock, sell our assets or other restrictions;

the application, if any, of the terms of the applicable Indenture relating to defeasance and covenant defeasance (which terms are described below) to the debt securities;

what subordination provisions will apply to the debt securities;

the terms, if any, upon which the holders may convert or exchange the debt securities into or for our securities or property;

whether that serieswe are issuing the debt securities in whole or in part in global form;

any change in the right of the trustee or the requisite holders of debt securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable because of an event of default;

the depositary for global or certificated debt securities, if any;

any material federal income tax consequences applicable to the debt securities, including any debt securities denominated and made payable, as described in the prospectus supplements, in foreign currencies, or units based on or related to foreign currencies;

any right we may have to satisfy, discharge and defease our obligations under the debt securities, or terminate or eliminate restrictive covenants or events of default in the Indentures, by depositing money or U.S. government obligations with the trustee of the Indentures;

the names of any trustees, depositories, authenticating or paying agents, transfer agents or registrars or other agents with respect to the debt securities;

to whom any interest on any debt security shall be payable, if other than the person in whose name the security is registered, on the record date for such interest, the extent to which, or the manner in which, any interest payable on a temporary global debt security will have a sinking fund forbe paid;

if the redemptionprincipal of or purchase of shares of that series,any premium or interest on any debt securities is to be payable in one or more currencies or currency units other than as stated, the currency, currencies or currency units in which it shall be paid and if so, the periods within and terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made and the amounts payable (or the manner in which such amount of such sinking fund;shall be determined);

whether or not the sharesportion of the principal amount of any debt securities which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities pursuant to the applicable Indenture;

if the principal amount payable at the stated maturity of any debt security of the series will have priority overnot be determinable as of any one or be on a parity with or be juniormore dates prior to the sharesstated maturity, the amount which shall be deemed to be the principal amount of such debt securities as of any such date for any purpose, including the principal amount thereof which shall be due and payable upon any maturity other seriesthan the stated maturity or classwhich shall be deemed to be outstanding as of any date prior to the stated maturity (or, in any respect;
such case, the rights ofmanner in which such amount deemed to be the shares of that series in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation, and the relative rights or priority, if any, of payment of shares of that series;principal amount shall be determined); and

any other relative rights, preferencesspecific terms of the debt securities, including any modifications to the events of default under the debt securities and limitations of that series.any other terms which may be required by or advisable under applicable laws or regulations.

 

Once designated by our board of directors, each series of Preferred Stock may have specific financial and other terms thatUnless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we do not anticipate the debt securities will be described in a prospectus. The descriptionlisted on any securities exchange. Holders of the Preferred Stock that is set forth in any prospectus is not complete without reference to the documents that govern the Preferred Stock. These include our certificate of incorporation and any certificates of designation that our board of directorsdebt securities may adopt.

All shares of Preferred Stock offered hereby will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable, including shares of Preferred Stock issued upon the exercise of Preferred Stock Warrantspresent registered debt securities for exchange or subscription rights, if any.

Although our board of directors has no intention at the present time of doing so, it could authorize the issuance of a series of Preferred Stock that could, depending on the terms of such series, impede the completion of a merger, tender offer or other takeover attempt.

Special Voting Share

The special voting share has a par value of $0.0001 per share. The special voting share entitles the holder thereof to an aggregate number of votes equal to the number of the Exchangeable Shares issued and outstanding from time to time and that are not owned by us or our subsidiaries. Except as otherwise provided herein or by law, the holder of the special voting share and the holders of our common stock will vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of Akerna’s shareholders. With respect to all meetings of shareholders of Akerna at which holders of Akerna shares are entitled to vote, each registered holder of Exchangeable Shares shall be entitled to instruct the trustee holding the special voting share to cast and exercise,transfer in the manner instructed, that number of votes equal todescribed in the “Equivalent Vote Amount” for each Exchangeable Share owned of recordapplicable prospectus supplement. Except as limited by such holder of Exchangeable Shares at the close of business onapplicable Indenture, we will provide these services without charge, other than any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with the record date established by Akernaexchange or by applicable law for such meeting, in respect of each matter, question, proposal or proposition to be voted on at such meeting. At such time as the special voting share has no votes attached to it, the special voting share shall be automatically cancelled.transfer.

 


Exchangeable SharesDebt securities may bear interest at a fixed rate or a variable rate as specified in the prospectus supplement. In addition, if specified in the prospectus supplement, we may sell debt securities bearing no interest or interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below the prevailing market rate, or at a discount below their stated principal amount. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement any special federal income tax considerations applicable to these discounted debt securities.

 

The Exchangeable SharesWe may issue debt securities with the principal amount payable on any principal payment date, or the amount of Exchangeco are intendedinterest payable on any interest payment date, to be substantially economically equivalentdetermined by referring to sharesone or more currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity indices or other factors. Holders of our common stock. The rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching tosuch debt securities may receive a principal amount on any principal payment date, or interest payments on any interest payment date, that are greater or less than the Exchangeable Sharesamount of Exchangeco include the following:

any holder of Exchangeable Shares of Exchangeco is entitled to require Exchangeco to redeem any or all of the Exchangeable Shares registered in his/her name in exchange for one share of our common stock for each Exchangeable Share presented and surrendered;

in the event Akerna declares a dividend on its common stock, the holders of Exchangeable Shares of Exchangeco are entitled to receive from Exchangeco the same dividend, or an economically equivalent dividend, on their Exchangeable Shares;

the holders of the Exchangeable Shares of Exchangeco are not entitled to receive notice of or to attend any meeting of the shareholders of Exchangeco or to vote at any such meeting, except as required by law or as specifically provided in the Exchangeable Share conditions; and
the holders of Exchangeable Shares of Exchangeco are entitled to instruct the Trustee to vote the special voting stock as described above.

Of the 3,294,574 Exchangeable Shares that were issued to former Ample shareholders in connection with the consummation of the Arrangement, an aggregate of 658,915 Exchangeable Shares were issued as “Closing Consideration” and an aggregate of 2,635,659 Exchangeable Shares, constituting part of the “Escrowed Consideration” were issued into escrow pursuant to an escrow agreement (the “Escrow Agreement”), entered intoprincipal or interest otherwise payable on July 7, 2020 by and among the Company, ExchangeCo, John Prentice, as Shareholder Representative, and Odyssey Trust Company. Under the Escrow Agreement, subject to unresolved claims by the Company under the Arrangement Agreement in respect of fraud, the Escrowed Consideration shall be released to former Ample shareholderssuch dates, depending upon the six-, nine-,value on such dates of applicable currency, commodity, equity index or other factors. The applicable prospectus supplement will contain information as to how we will determine the amount of principal or interest payable on any date, as well as the currencies, commodities, equity indices or other factors to which the amount payable on that date relates and twelve-month anniversaries of the Closing Date in accordance with the following schedule -- 988,372 shares on the six-month anniversary, 823,643 shares on the nine-month anniversary, and 823,644 shares on the twelve-month anniversary. As of the date hereof, 2,908,627 shares of common stock of Akerna have been issued on conversion of Exchangeable Shares.certain additional tax considerations.

 

Registration RightsUnits

We have granted registration rights under the Securities Act to certain holdersmay issue units consisting of our common stock in relation to our acquisitions of Ample and 365 and in relation to our issuanceany combination of the Senior Convertible Notes. In relation to Ample,other types of securities offered under this prospectus in one or more series. We may evidence each series of units by unit certificates that we agreed to filemay issue under a separate agreement. We may enter into unit agreements with a unit agent. Each unit agent, if any, may be a bank or trust company that we select. We will indicate the name and maintain, until no Exchangeable Shares remain outstanding, a registration statement regarding the exchangeaddress of the Exchangeable Shares into sharesunit agent, if any, in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of our common stock pursuantunits. Specific unit agreements, if any, will contain additional important terms and provisions. We will file as an exhibit to their terms. In relation thereto, we filed a registration statement on Form S-1 on July 9, 2020 (333-239783) which was brought effective on August 14, 2020, as amended on January 8, 2021 and as amended on Form S-3 on May 24, 2021. In relation to the acquisition transaction of 365 Cannabis, we have agreed to register the shares of common stock issuable upon initial closing of the transaction and upon settlement of the earn-out provision, if any. In relation to our issuance of the Senior Convertible Notes, we have agreed to file the registration statement of which this propsectus formsprospectus is a part. We are also obligatedpart, or will incorporate by reference from a current report that we file with the SEC, the form of unit and the form of each unit agreement, if any, relating to maintain such registration statement untilunits offered under this prospectus.

If we offer any units, certain terms of that series of units will be described in the earlier of (i) the date as of which all of the holders may sell all of the conversion shares required to be covered by such registration statement without restriction pursuant to Rule 144 (including,applicable prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, volume restrictions) and without the need for current public information required by Rule 144(c)(1) (or Rule 144(i)(2), if applicable), (ii) the date on which the holders shall have sold all of the registrable securities covered by such registration statement or (iii) the later of (x) ninety (90) calendar days after the date no Senior Convertible Notes remain outstanding and (y) the first anniversary of the maturity date of the Senior Convertible Notes. We may also be required in the future to file amendments to these registration statements to maintain effectiveness.

22

Election of Directors

Our Class I Directors hold office until the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders and are eligible for reelection at such meeting. Our Class II Directors held office until the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders and are eligible for reelection at such meeting. Our Class III Directors hold office until the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders and are eligible for reelection at such meeting. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the annual meeting by the holders of common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at such meeting. There is no cumulative voting for directors.

Anti-Takeover Provisions

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. 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 more difficult the removal of management and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our securities.

These provisions:following, as applicable

 

create a staggered Board of Directors making it more difficult for stockholders to remove a majoritythe title of the Boardseries of Directors and take control;units;

 

grant the Board of Directors the ability to designate the terms ofidentification and issue new series of preferred shares, which can be created and issued by the Board of Directors without prior stockholder approval, with rights senior to thosedescription of the common stock;separate constituent securities comprising the units;

 

impose limitations on our stockholders’ ability to call special stockholder meetings;the price or prices at which the units will be issued;

 

make it more difficult the removaldate, if any, on and after which the constituent securities comprising the units will be separately transferable;

a discussion of managementcertain United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the units; and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment

any other material terms of a premium over prevailing market prices for ourthe units and their constituent securities.

 


FORMS OF SECURITIES

Each security may be represented either by a certificate issued in definitive form to a particular investor or by one or more global securities representing the entire issuance of securities. Certificated securities in definitive form and global securities will be issued in registered form. Definitive securities name you or your nominee as the owner of the security, and in order to transfer or exchange these securities or to receive payments other than interest or other interim payments, you or your nominee must physically deliver the securities to the trustee, registrar, paying agent or other agent, as applicable. Global securities name a depositary or its nominee as the owner of the debt securities, warrants or units represented by these global securities. The depositary maintains a computerized system that will reflect each investor’s beneficial ownership of the securities through an account maintained by the investor with its broker/dealer, bank, trust company or other representative, as we explain more fully below.

Registered Global Securities

We may issue the securities in the form of one or more fully registered global securities that will be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in the applicable prospectus supplement and registered in the name of that depositary or nominee. In those cases, one or more registered global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal or face amount of the securities to be represented by registered global securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole for securities in definitive registered form, a registered global security may not be transferred except as a whole by and among the depositary for the registered global security, the nominees of the depositary or any successors of the depositary or those nominees.

The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any securities to be represented by a registered global security will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those securities. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements.

Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be limited to persons, called participants, that have accounts with the depositary or persons that may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of a registered global security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants’ accounts with the respective principal or face amounts of the securities beneficially owned by the participants. Any dealers, underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the securities will designate the accounts to be credited. Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary, with respect to interests of participants, and on the records of participants, with respect to interests of persons holding through participants. The laws of some states may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of these securities in definitive form. These laws may impair your ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in registered global securities.

So long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a registered global security, that depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by the registered global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture, warrant agreement or unit agreement.


Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security will not be entitled to have the securities represented by the registered global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the securities under the applicable indenture, warrant agreement or unit agreement. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary for that registered global security and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the applicable indenture, warrant agreement or unit agreement. We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the applicable indenture, warrant agreement or unit agreement, the depositary for the registered global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take that action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through them to give or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.

Payments to holders with respect to securities represented by a registered global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the registered global security. None of the Company, the trustees, the warrant agents, the unit agents or any other agent of the Company, agent of the trustees, the warrant agents or unit agents will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the registered global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial ownership interests.

We expect that the depositary for any of the securities represented by a registered global security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, interest or other payment or distribution to holders of that registered global security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in that registered global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security held through participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of those participants.

If the depositary for any of these securities represented by a registered global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue securities in definitive form in exchange for the registered global security that had been held by the depositary. Any securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global security will be registered in the name or names that the depositary gives to the relevant trustee, warrant agent, unit agent or other relevant agent of ours or theirs. It is expected that the depositary’s instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the registered global security that had been held by the depositary.


LEGAL MATTERS

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP, New York, New York. If legal matters in connection with offerings made by this prospectus are passed on by counsel for the underwriters, dealers or agents, if any, that counsel will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements of AkernaGryphon Digital Mining, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020, June 30, 2020 and 2019, for the six monthsyears ended December 31, 20202022 and for each of the two years2021 have been incorporated by reference in the period ended June 30, 2020 includedregistration statement in our transition report on Form 10-KT which is incorporated herein by reference, have been audited byreliance upon the reports of RBSM LLP and Marcum LLP, each an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, which is incorporated herein by reference, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firmsaid firms as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

The financialWHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We file annual, quarter and periodic reports, proxy statements of Solo as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for years then ended included in our current report on Form 8-K as filedother information with the SEC on May 29, 2020Securities and incorporated herein by reference, have been audited by Marcum LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon, which is incorporated herein by reference,Exchange Commission using the Commission’s EDGAR system. The Commission maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and are included in reliance upon such report given oninformation statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the authorityCommission. The address of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.site is http//www.sec.gov.

 

The consolidated financial statements of Ample as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for years then ended included in our current report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on July 8, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon, which is incorporated herein by reference, which report includes an explanatory paragraph as to the ability of Ample to continue as a going concern as described in Note 1 to the financial statements, and are included in reliance on such report given upon such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

 

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the securities offered hereby have been passed upon for Akerna by Dorsey & Whitney LLP.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to “incorporateWe are “incorporating by reference” informationin this prospectus certain documents we file with the SEC. ThisSEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. AnyThe information wein the documents incorporated by reference in this manner is considered to be part of this prospectus. InformationStatements contained in documents that we file with the SEC and that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus will automatically update and supersede information contained in this prospectus, including information in previously filed documents or reports that have been incorporated by reference in this prospectus, to the extent the new information differs from or is inconsistent with the old information. We have filed or may file the following documents with the SEC and they are incorporated herein by reference as of their respective dates of filing.

Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2023.

Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, filed with the SEC on August 14, 2023.

Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2023.

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on May 1, 2023.

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on March 21, 2023.

Our Definitive Proxy Statement on filed pursuant to 424(b)(3) with the SEC on January 9, 2024.


Our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 18, 2023, January, 27, 2023, February 3, 2023, March 28, 2023, May 1, 2023, June, 15, 2023, July 7, 2023, August 10, 2023, September 7, September 15, 2023, September 22, 2023, October 4, 2023, October 12, 2023, November 17, November 21, December 6, 2023, December 20, December 22, December 29, 2023, January 4, 2023, January 11, 2024, January 24, 2024, February 2, 2024, February 9, 2024, February 13, 2024, and February 22, 2024.

All reports and other documents we subsequently file pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of Exchange Act prior to the termination of this offering, including all such documents we may file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus will automatically updatethe initial registration statement and prior to the extent inconsistent, supersedeeffectiveness of the registration statement, but excluding any information contained in this prospectus.

The following documents have been filed by us“furnished to,” rather than “filed with, the SEC are specificallyunder the Exchange Act, will also be incorporated by reference into this prospectus and form an integraldeemed to be part of this prospectus.

(a)our Transition Report on Form 10-KTfor the six-month period ended December 31, 2020, which report contains our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto as of December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020 and 2019 and for the six-month transition period ended December 31, 2020 and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, together with the auditors’ report thereon and the related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the six-month period ended December 31, 2020 and the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, as filed with the SEC on March 31, 2021;

(b)our Proxy Statement on Schedule 14Ain connection with our June 7, 2021 annual general meeting of stockholders, to the extent such information is specifically incorporated by reference into Part III of our Transition Report on Form 10-KT for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on April 27, 2021;

(c)our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Qfor the quarter ended March 31, 2021, which report contains the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto as of March 31, 2021 and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 and the related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, as filed with the SEC on May 21, 2021;
(d)our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Qfor the quarter ended June 30, 2021, which report contains the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto as of June 30, 2021 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 and the related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, as filed with the SEC on August 12, 2021

(e)Exhibit 99.1to our Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on May 29, 2020, which exhibit contains the financial statements of Solo as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for years then ended, together with the auditor’s report thereon;

(f)Exhibit 99.2to our Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on July 8, 2020, which exhibit contains the consolidated financial statements of Ample as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for years then ended, together with the auditor’s report thereon;


(g)pages F-50 through F-64 and F-108 through F-112 of our prospectusdated January 25, 2021, as filed with SEC on February 10, 2021, which pages contain, respectively (i) the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Ample Organics Inc. as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 and (ii) the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations of Akerna, Solo and Ample for the year ended June 30, 2020;

(h)our Current Reports on Form 8-K as filed on January 14, 2021, February 3, 2021, March 16, 2021, April 26, 2021, April 30, 2021, June 7, 2021, July 23, 2021, September 21, 2021, October 4, 2021, October 5, 2021 and October 12, 2021;

(i)The description of the common stock contained in the registration statement on Form 8-Aof MTech Acquisitions Corp. with the SEC on January 26, 2018, including any amendment or report filed for purposes of updating such description. The Company is the successor issuer to MTech Acquisitions Corp.; and

(j)all other documents filed by us with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (excluding, unless otherwise provided therein or herein, information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 on any Current Report on Form 8-K), after the date of this prospectus but before the end of the offering of the securities made by this prospectus.

We also hereby specifically incorporate by reference all filings by us pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act afterprospectus from the date of the filing of such reports and documents.

Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus shall be deemed modified, superseded or replaced for purposes of this prospectus to the initial registrationextent that a statement contained in this prospectus, or in any subsequently filed document that also is deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus, modifies, supersedes or replaces such statement. Any statement so modified, superseded or replaced shall not be deemed, except as so modified, superseded or replaced, to constitute a part of this prospectus. None of the information that we disclose under Items 2.02 or 7.01 of any Current Report on Form S-38-K or any corresponding information, either furnished under Item 9.01 or included as an exhibit therein, that we may from time to whichtime furnish to the SEC will be incorporated by reference into, or otherwise included in, this prospectus, relates and priorexcept as otherwise expressly set forth in the relevant document. Subject to effectiveness of such registration statement.the foregoing, all information appearing in this prospectus is qualified in its entirety by the information appearing in the documents incorporated by reference.

 

You may obtain copies of any of these documents by contacting us at the address and telephone number indicated belowrequest, orally or by contacting the SEC as described below. You may requestin writing, a copy of these documents, and any exhibits that have specifically been incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this prospectus,which will be provided to you at no cost (other than exhibits, unless such exhibits are specifically incorporate by writing or telephoning to:reference), by contacting Robby Chang, c/o Gryphon Digital Mining, Inc., at 1180 North Town Center Drive, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89144. Our telephone number is (877) 646-3374. Information about us is also available at our website at https://gryphondigitalmining.com/. However, the information in our website is not a part of this prospectus and is not incorporated by reference.


PART II

 

AKERNA CORP.
1550 Larimer Street #246

Denver, Colorado 80202

Attention: John Fowle, Secretary

Telephone: 1-888-932-6537

25

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act relating to the offering of these securities. The registration statement, including the attached exhibits and schedules, contains additional relevant information about us and the securities. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto. For further information respecting our company and the shares offered by this prospectus, you should refer to the registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules thereto.

We file annual, quarterly and other reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, including any amendments to those reports, and other information that we file with or furnish to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act can be accessed free of charge through the Internet. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. You may access the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, and the documents incorporated by reference herein, at the SEC’s Internet site. You may also access these documents at the Company’s website at www.akerna.com.


PROSPECTUS

AKERNA CORP.

Common Stock

October , 2021

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

ITEM 14- OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTIONItem 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

 

The Company is paying all expenses of the offering. The following table sets forth the variousall expenses expected to be incurredpaid by the Company in connection with the sale and distribution of the securities being registered hereby, other than underwriting discounts and commissions. All such expenses will be borne by the Company.registrant. All amounts shown are estimatedestimates except for the SEC registration fee.

 

  Amount 
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee $10,403.00 
Legal Fees and Expenses $15,000 
Accounting Fees and Expenses $15,000 
Printing and Engraving Expenses $5,000 
Miscellaneous Expenses $500 
Total $45,903 
SEC registration fee $14,760 
FINRA filing fee $15,500 
Printing  * 
Legal fees and expenses  * 
Accounting fees and expenses  * 
Trustees’ Fees and Expenses  * 
Warrant Agent Fees and Expenses  * 
Miscellaneous  * 
Total   * 

*These fees are calculated based on the securities offered and the number of issuances and accordingly cannot be estimated at this time. The applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the estimated amount of expenses of any offering of securities.

 

ITEM 15- INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERSItem 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

 

Under Section 145 of the DGCL inter alia, empowers a Delaware corporation mayto indemnify its directors, officers, employees and agents and its former directors, officers, employees and agents and thoseany person who serve, at the corporation’s request, in such capacities with another enterprise, against expenses (including attorney’s fees), as well as judgments, fines and settlements, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense ofwas or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) in which they or any of them were or are made parties or are threatened to be made parties by reason of their serving or having served in such capacity. The DGCL provides, however,the fact that such person must haveis or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in (oror not opposed to)to the best interests of the corporation, and, in the case of awith respect to any criminal action such person must haveor proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. In addition,Similar indemnity is authorized for such persons against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the DGCL does not permit indemnification in andefense or settlement of any such threatened, pending or completed action or suit byif such person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or innot opposed to the rightbest interests of the corporation, whereand provided further that (unless a court of competent jurisdiction otherwise provides) such person hasshall not have been adjudged liable to the corporation. Any such indemnification may be made only as authorized in each specific case upon a determination by the stockholders or disinterested directors or by independent legal counsel in a written opinion that indemnification is proper because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct.

Section 145 further authorizes a corporation for negligenceto purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or misconduct in the performancewas a director, officer, employee or agent of his/her duty to the corporation, unless,or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise, against any liability asserted against him and onlyincurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the corporation would otherwise have the power to indemnify him under Section 145. We maintain policies insuring our officers and directors against certain liabilities for actions taken in such capacities, including liabilities under the extent that, a court determines that such person fairly and reasonably is entitled to indemnity for costs the court deems proper in light of liability adjudication. Indemnity is mandatory to the extent a claim, issue or matter has been successfully defended.Securities Act.

 

Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL permits a corporation to include in its certificate of incorporation a provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director’sdirector's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL (relating to unlawful payment of dividends and unlawful stock purchase or redemption) or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

 

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Article VI of the Amended and Restated By-Laws of Akernathe Company contains provisions which are designed to provide mandatory indemnification of directors and officers of Akernathe Company to the full extent permitted by law, as now in effect or later amended. The Amended and Restated By-Laws further provide for reimbursement and advances of payment of expenses actually and reasonably incurred by a current or former director or officer of Akernathe Company under the circumstances contained therein.

 

ITEM 16- EXHIBITSItem 16. Exhibits.

 

(a) Exhibits.The following exhibits are filed with this Registration Statement.

 

SeeThe agreements included or incorporated by reference as exhibits to this registration statement contain representations and warranties by each of the Exhibit Index.parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties were made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) were not intended to be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) may have been qualified in such agreement by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement; (iii) may apply contract standards of “materiality” that are different from “materiality” under the applicable securities laws; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement.

 

(b) Financial Statement Schedules.The undersigned registrant acknowledges that, notwithstanding the inclusion of the foregoing cautionary statements, it is responsible for considering whether additional specific disclosures of material information regarding material contractual provisions are required to make the statements in this registration statement not misleading.

 

None.

Exhibit 
NumberDescription of Document
1.1Form of Underwriting Agreement** 
4.1Form of Certificate of Designation of Preferred Stock**
4.2Form of Warrant Agreement and Form of Warrant Certificate** 
4.3Form of Subscription Rights Agreement and Form Subscription Rights Certificate**
4.4Form of Indenture**
4.5Form of Note**
4.6Form of Debt Securities**
5.1Opinion of Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP***
23.1Consent of RBSM LLP*
23.2Consent of Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)***
23.3Consent of Marcum LLP*
24.1Power of Attorney (included in Part II of this Registration Statement)***
25.1Statement of Eligibility of Trustee on Form T-1**+
107Calculation of Filing Fee Table***

 

(c) Reports, Opinions and Appraisals.

*Filed herewith.

 

**If applicable, to be filed by an amendment or as an exhibit to a report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Exchange Act and incorporated by reference

None.

***Previously Filed.

+To be filed pursuant to Rule 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

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ITEM 17- UNDERTAKINGSItem 17. Undertakings.

 

(a) The undersigned registrantRegistrant hereby undertakes:

 

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

(i) Toto include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

(ii) Toto reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percenta 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

 

(iii) Toto include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

 

provided however, however , that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) above do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3 and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statementsstatement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

 

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

 

(i)If the registrant is relying on Rule 430B (§230.430B of this chapter):

(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

 

(A)Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

 

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(B)Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

(ii)Each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to sectionSection 13(a) or sectionSection 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supplement the prospectus, after the expiration of the subscription period, to set forth the results of the subscription offer, the transactions by the underwriters during the subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed securities to be purchased by the underwriters, and the terms of any subsequent reoffering thereof. If any public offering by the underwriters is to be made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of the prospectus, a post-effective amendment will be filed to set forth the terms of such offering.

(d) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

(e) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

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SIGNATURES

 

In accordance withPursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all the requirements of filing on Form S-3 and has authorizedduly caused this registration statementRegistration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the cityCity of Denver, ColoradoLas Vegas, State of Nevada, on October 20, 2021.this 28th day of February, 2024.

 

 AKERNA CORP.GRYPHON DIGITAL MINING, INC.
  
 By:/s/ Jessica BillingsleyRobby Chang
  Name: Jessica BillingsleyRobby Chang
  Title:Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Jessica Billingsley his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments including post-effective amendments to this registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact or his or her substitute, each acting alone, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature Title Date
     
/s/ Jessica BillingsleyRobby Chang Chief Executive Officer, President and Director October 20, 2021February 28, 2024
Jessica BillingsleyRobby Chang (Principal Executive Officer)  
     
/s/ John Fowle* Chief Financial Officer October 20, 2021February 28, 2024
John FowleSimeon Salzman (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)  
     
/s/ Scott Sozio* DirectorChairperson of the Board of Directors October 20, 2021February 28, 2024
Scott SozioBrittany Kaiser    
     
/s/ Tahira Rehmatullah* Director October 20, 2021February 28, 2024
Tahira RehmatullahHeather Cox    
     
/s/ Matthew Kane* Director October 20, 2021February 28, 2024
Matthew KaneSteve Gutterman    
     
/s/ Barry Fishman* Director October 20, 2021February 28, 2024
Barry FishmanJessica Billingsley    

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit* By:/s/ Robby Chang 
NumberName:  Description
2.1+Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 10, 2018, by and among MTech Acquisition Corp., Akerna Corp., Purchaser Merger Sub Inc., Company Merger Sub LLC, MTech Sponsor LLC in the capacity as the Purchaser Representative thereunder, MJ Freeway LLC and Harold Handelsman in the capacity as the Seller Representative thereunder (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-228220))
Robby Chang 
2.2Title:Attorney-in-Fact First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, effective as of April 17, 2019, by and among MTech Acquisition Corp., Akerna Corp., MTech Purchaser Merger Sub Inc., MTech Company Merger Sub LLC, MTech Sponsor LLC,, in the capacity as the Purchaser Representative under the Merger Agreement, MJ Freeway LLC, and Jessica Billingsley, in the capacity as the Seller Representative under the Merger Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-228220))
2.3Arrangement Agreement dated December 18, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on December 18, 2019)
2.4Amendment to Arrangement Agreement dated February 28, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on March 3, 2020)
2.5Amendment No. 2 to Arrangement Agreement dated May 26, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on July 8, 2020)
2.6Amendment No. 3 to Arrangement Agreement dated June 1, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on July 8, 2020)
3.1Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Akerna Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on June 21, 2019)
3.2Amended and Restated Bylaws of Akerna Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-KT filed by the registrant on March 31, 2021)
3.3Certificate of Designation for the Special Voting Share (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on July 8, 2020)
4.1Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-228220))
4.2Specimen Warrant Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-228220))
4.3Form of Warrant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 on Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on June 21, 2019)
4.4Form of Securities Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on October 5, 2021)
4.5Form of Secured Convertible Promissory Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on October 5, 2021)

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4.6Form of Security Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on October 5, 2021)
4.7Form of Guaranty Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on October 5, 2021)
4.8Form of Voting Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on October 5, 2021)
4.9Form of Registration Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the registrant on October 5, 2021)
5.1*Opinion of Dorsey & Whitney LLP
23.1*Consents of Marcum LLP
23.2*Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.3*Consent of Dorsey & Whitney LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
24.1*Power of Attorney (included on the signatures pages hereto)

*Filed herewith.

 

 

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