Our operating results will depend on the value of Bitcoin because it is the only cryptocurrency we currently mine. Specifically, our revenues from our Bitcoin mining operations are based on three factors: (1) the number of Bitcoin rewards and transaction fees we successfully mine, (2) the value of Bitcoin and (3) the network hashrate. This means that our operating results will be subject to swings based upon increases or decreases in the value of Bitcoin. Further, our current miners are utilized for mining Bitcoin and do not generally mine other crypto assets, such as Ether, that are not mined utilizing the “SHA-256 algorithm.” If other crypto assets were to achieve acceptance at the expense of Bitcoin causing the value of Bitcoin to decline, or if Bitcoin were to switch its proof of work encryption algorithm from SHA-256 to another algorithm for which our miners are not specialized, or the value of Bitcoin were to decline for other reasons, particularly if such decline were significant or over an extended period of time, our operating results would be adversely affected, and there could be a material adverse effect on our ability to continue as a going concern or to pursue our strategy at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects or operations, and harm investors.
The market price of Bitcoin has historically and recently been volatile. For example, since the business combination, the price of Bitcoin has dropped over 65%, resulting in an adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity and strategy. The market price of Bitcoin is impacted by a variety of factors (including those discussed herein), and is determined primarily using data from various exchanges, over-the-counter markets and derivative platforms. Furthermore, such prices may be subject to factors such as those that impact commodities, more so than business activities, which could be subjected to additional influence from fraudulent or illegitimate actors, real or perceived scarcity, and political, economic, regulatory or other conditions. Pricing may be the result of, and may continue to result in, speculation regarding future appreciation in the value of Bitcoin, or our share price, inflating and making their market prices more volatile or creating “bubble” type risks for both Bitcoin and shares of our securities.
As a result of the depressed price of Bitcoin as compared to its historical high, the cryptocurrency industry has experienced increased credit pressures that could result in additional demands for credit support by third parties or decisions by banks, surety bond providers, investors or other companies to reduce or eliminate their exposure to Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency industry as a whole, including our company. These credit pressures could materially and adversely impact our liquidity.
Our business is heavily dependent on the spot price of Bitcoin. The prices of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, have experienced substantial volatility, meaning that high or low prices may be based on speculation and incomplete information, may be subject to rapidly changing investor sentiment, and may be influenced by factors such as technology, regulatory void or changes, fraudulent actors, manipulation, and media reporting. For example, the price of Bitcoin ranged from a low of approximately $29,000 to a high of approximately $69,000 during 2021 and has ranged from approximately $18,500 to approximately $48,000 year-to-date as of September 30, 2022.
Ongoing depressed Bitcoin prices, including the recent decrease to the price of Bitcoin, have resulted in, and could result further in, increased credit pressures on the cryptocurrency industry. These credit pressures, have had a material impact on our business, include, for example, banks, investors and other companies reducing or eliminating their exposure to the cryptocurrency industry.
We have a limited operating history, with operating losses as we have grown. To date, we have not achieved positive net earnings and we have relied on additional equity and debt financing, in addition to operating cash flow, to fund our operations; if we are unable to raise additional equity and debt financing in the future, our ability to continue to operate as a going concern could be adversely affected.
We began Bitcoin mining in March 2022 and to date, we have not achieved positive net earnings. We have also relied on additional equity and debt financings, in addition to operating cash flow, to fund our operations. Our Bitcoin mining business is in its early stages, and Bitcoin and energy pricing and Bitcoin mining economics are volatile and subject to uncertainty. Our current strategy will continue to expose us to the numerous risks and volatility associated with the Bitcoin mining, including fluctuating Bitcoin to U.S. Dollar prices, the costs of Bitcoin miners, supply chain constraints and other factors that cause delays in miner deliveries, the number of market participants mining Bitcoin, interruptions in our power supply, and regulatory changes. If we are unable to raise additional equity and debt financing in the future, or if our operating cash flow is insufficient, our ability to continue to operate as a going concern could be adversely affected.
ITEM 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds. |
On September 2, 2022, Somerset Operating Company, LLC (“Somerset”), an entity owned and controlled by Paul B. Prager, was issued 8,510,638 shares of our Common Stock for an aggregate offering price of approximately $12 million. The shares were issued to Somerset, an accredited investor, in reliance on an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as