Energous (WATT) 424B5 Prospectus supplement for primary offering

Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration Statement No. 333-248832

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To Prospectus Dated September 24, 2020)

Up to $35,000,000

Common Stock

We have previously entered into an At Market Issuance Sales Agreement with B. Riley Securities, Inc., or B. Riley Securities, as our sales agent, relating to the shares of common stock of Energous Corporation, par value $0.00001. On September 14, 2020, we amended the At Market Issuance Sales Agreement to, among other things, include Roth Capital Partners, LLC, or Roth Capital Partners, and Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., or Ladenburg Thalmann, as sales agents. On October 4, 2021, we further amended the At Market Issuance Sales Agreement. We refer to the At Market Issuance Sales Agreement, as amended, as the sales agreement. In accordance with the terms of the sales agreement, we may offer and sell shares of common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to an additional $35,000,000 from time to time through or to our sales agents under this prospectus supplement. As of September 30, 2021, we had previously sold 32,011,813 shares of our common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $85.0 million under the sales agreement pursuant to the registration statements on Form S-3 (Registration No.: 333-226739 and Registration No.: 333-248832).

Sales of common stock under this prospectus supplement, if any, will be made by means of ordinary brokers’ transactions through the facilities of The Nasdaq Stock Market, any other national securities exchange or facility thereof, a trading facility of a national securities association or an alternate trading system, to or through a market maker or directly on or through an electronic communication network or any similar market venue, at market prices, in block transactions or as otherwise agreed between us and the sales agents. Our common stock trades on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “WATT.” On September 29, 2021, the sale price of our common stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market was $2.07 per share.

The compensation of our sales agents for sales of common stock shall be a commission rate equal to 2.5% of the gross sales price per share of common stock. The net proceeds from any sales under this prospectus supplement will be used as described under “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus supplement.

Under the terms of the sales agreement, we also may sell common stock to the sales agents as principals for their own account at a price agreed upon at the time of the sale. If we sell common stock to the sales agents as principals, we will enter into a separate terms agreement with the sales agents, and the sale will be made pursuant to the terms thereunder.

Sales of our common stock, if any, under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be made in sales deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. The sales agents are not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of common stock but will use its commercially reasonable efforts, as our agents and subject to the terms of the sales agreement, to sell the common stock offered, as instructed by us. The offering of common stock pursuant to the sales agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the sale of all common stock subject to the sales agreement or (ii) the termination of the sales agreement by us or by the sales agents pursuant to the terms of the sales agreement.

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Please read “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-5 of this prospectus supplement and on page 4 of the accompanying prospectus, and in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

B. Riley Securities
	Roth Capital Partners
		Ladenburg Thalmann

The date of this prospectus supplement is October 4, 2021.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prospectus Supplement

	PAGE
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT		S-1
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY		S-2
THE OFFERING		S-4
RISK FACTORS		S-5
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		S-7
USE OF PROCEEDS		S-8
DILUTION		S-9
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION		S-11
LEGAL MATTERS		S-13
EXPERTS		S-13
INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION BY REFERENCE		S-13
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION		S-14

Prospectus

	PAGE
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS		ii
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY		1
RISK FACTORS		4
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		5
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION		6
INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION BY REFERENCE		7
USE OF PROCEEDS		9
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION		10
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK		13
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES		17
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS		24
DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS		26
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS		27
LEGAL MATTERS		27
EXPERTS		27

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of the common stock we are offering. The second part, the accompanying prospectus dated September 15, 2020, gives more general information about our securities. Generally, when we refer to this “prospectus supplement,” we are referring to both this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, as well as the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. If information in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on this prospectus supplement. If any statement in one of these documents is inconsistent with a statement in another document having a later date (for example, a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus), the statement in the document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement. We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to any document that is incorporated by reference herein were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our affairs.

We have not, and each of B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners, and Ladenburg Thalmann has not, authorized any dealer, salesperson or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any applicable free writing prospectus. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any applicable free writing prospectus as if we had authorized it. This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any applicable free writing prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor does this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any applicable free writing prospectus constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, the documents incorporated herein and therein by reference and any applicable free writing prospectus is correct on any date after their respective dates, even though this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or an applicable free writing prospectus is delivered or securities are sold on a later date. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may have changed since those dates.

Before buying any of the common stock that we are offering, we urge you to carefully read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any applicable free writing prospectus and all of the information incorporated by reference herein and therein, as well as the additional information described under the headings “Where You Can Find Additional Information” and “Incorporation of Information by Reference.” These documents contain important information that you should consider when making your investment decision.

As used in this prospectus, “Energous,” “we,” “our,” “us,” the “Company” or “our company” refers to Energous Corporation. References to our “common stock” refer to the common stock of Energous Corporation.

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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read together with, the more detailed information and our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Before you decide to invest in our securities, you should read the entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus carefully, including the risk factors and the financial statements and related notes included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

Company Overview

We have developed our WattUp^® wireless power technology, consisting of proprietary semiconductor chipsets, software controls, hardware designs and antennas, that enables radio frequency (“RF”) based charging for electronic devices. The WattUp technology has a broad spectrum of capabilities, including near field wireless charging and at-a-distance wireless charging at various distances. In November 2016 we entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement with Dialog Semiconductor plc (“Dialog”), an industry leader in Bluetooth low energy semiconductors and power management semiconductors. In conjunction with the Strategic Alliance Agreement, Dialog manufactures and is the exclusive distributor of integrated circuit (“IC”) products that incorporate our designs and provides sales and logistic support to customers on a global basis. We believe our proprietary WattUp technologies are well suited for many applications, including building and home automation, electronic shelf labels, industrial IoT sensors, surface and implanted medical devices, tracking devices, hearables, wearables, consumer electronics, public safety and military applications. Potential future applications include smartphones, commercial and industrial robotics, as well as automotive solutions and other devices with charging requirements that would otherwise require battery replacement or a wired power connection.

We believe our technology is innovative in its approach, in that we are developing solutions that charge electronic devices with an RF energy zone. We are developing solutions that deliver wire-free energy for near field charging applications and are also developing at-a-distance charging at distances up to approximately three feet, as well as low-power charging for distances up to 15 feet and beyond, some of which involve mobility charging. To-date, we have developed multiple transmitters and receivers, including prototypes as well as partner production designs. The transmitters vary based on form factor, power specifications and frequencies, while the receivers are designed for applications including Bluetooth tracking tags, IoT sensors, hearing aids, electronic shelf labels, fitness bands, health sensors and devices, smartwatches, smartphones, smartglasses, industrial applications, keyboards, mice, headsets, earbuds, headphones, and more.

We have engagements with companies in the consumer electronics (CE), industrial, military and medical device markets that are in the both evaluation and product cycle pre-production stages of integrating WattUp-technology into devices being developed for the end-user. The first end product featuring our technology entered the market in 2019 and we expect additional WattUp enabled products to be announced and launched in 2021. We are also in discussions with potential customers in the consumer and industrial spaces that are considering our solutions to supply low power distance charging for products that could enter the market in 2022.

Recent Developments

On September 20, 2021, we were notified by Dialog Semiconductor (UK) Limited (“Dialog”), recently acquired by Renesas Electronics Corporation, that it was terminating the Strategic Alliance Agreement between the Company and Dialog, dated November 6, 2016 (the “Alliance Agreement”).

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Pursuant to the terms of the Alliance Agreement, the Company had agreed to engage Dialog as the exclusive supplier of the Company’s wire-free charging technology for specified fields of use (“Licensed Products”), subject to certain exceptions. In addition, both parties had agreed on a revenue sharing arrangement and a collaboration on the commercialization of Licensed Products based on a mutually agreed upon plan. Each party agreed to retain all of its intellectual property. The Alliance Agreement had an initial term of seven years. There is a wind down period included in the Alliance Agreement which will conclude in September 2024. During the wind down period, the Alliance Agreement’s terms will continue to apply to the Company’s products that are covered by certain existing customer relationships, except that the parties’ respective exclusivity rights have terminated.

Corporate Information

We were incorporated in Delaware in 2012. Our corporate headquarters is located at 3590 North First Street, Suite 210, San Jose, CA 95134. Our website can be accessed at www.energous.com. The information contained on, or that may be obtained from our website, is not, and shall not be deemed to be, part of this prospectus.

We are a smaller reporting company as defined in the Exchange Act. We may take advantage of certain of the scaled disclosures available to smaller reporting companies for so long as our voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter, or our annual revenue is less than $100.0 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and our voting and nonvoting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter.

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THE OFFERING

Common stock offered by us Shares of our common stock, par value $0.00001 per share, having an aggregate offering price of up to $35,000,000.

Common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering Up to 79,776,349 shares of common stock after the completion of this offering (as more fully described in the notes following this table), assuming that we sell the maximum dollar value of shares available to be sold in the offering at a price of $2.07 per share, which was the closing price of our common stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market on September 29, 2021. The actual number of shares outstanding after this offering will vary depending on the number of shares sold and issued and the sale prices of such shares.

Plan of Distribution “At the market offering” that may be made from time to time through our sales agents, B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners and Ladenburg Thalmann. See “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus supplement.

Use of Proceeds We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general and administrative expenses and other general corporate purposes, research and product development efforts, potential acquisition of complementary technologies and companies, regulatory activities, business development and support functions. See “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus supplement.

Risk Factors Investing in our common stock involves a significant degree of risk, and the purchasers of our common stock may lose all or part of their investment. Before deciding to invest in our securities, please carefully read the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-5 of this prospectus and under similar headings in other documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement.

Nasdaq Stock Market symbol “WATT”

The number of shares of our common stock shown above to be outstanding after this offering is based on 62,868,137 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2021, and excludes:

• 550,985 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options outstanding as of June 30, 2021 with a weighted average exercise price of $5.67 per share;

• 2,487,671 shares of common stock issuable upon the settlement of restricted stock units and performance share units as of June 30, 2021;

• 6,535,577 shares of common stock reserved and available for future issuance as of June 30, 2021, under our equity incentive plans, consisting of (i) 2,414,623 shares of common stock reserved and available for issuance under our 2013 Equity Incentive Plan as of June 30, 2021, (ii) 917,013 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2014 Non-Employee Equity Compensation Plan as of June 30, 2021, (iii) 2,379,888 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our Performance Share Unit Plan as of June 30, 2021, (iv) 138,679 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2017 Equity Inducement Plan as of June 30, 2021, and (v) 685,374 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan as of June 30, 2021; and

• 3,284,789 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants as of June 30, 2021, with a weighted average exercise price of $16.40 per share.

S-4

RISK FACTORS

Investment in any securities offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus involves risks. You should carefully consider the risk factors described below and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021, incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any amendment or update thereto reflected in subsequent filings with the SEC, including in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and all other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, as updated by our subsequent filings under the Exchange Act. The occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment in the offered securities.

Risks Related to this Offering

Our management will have broad discretion as to the use of proceeds from this offering and we may not use the proceeds effectively.

Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering, if any, and could spend the proceeds in ways that do not improve our results of operations or enhance the value of our common stock. You will be relying on the judgment of our management concerning these uses and you will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether the proceeds are being used appropriately. The failure of our management to apply these funds effectively could result in unfavorable returns and uncertainty about our prospects, each of which could cause the price of our common stock to decline.

The exercise of our outstanding options and warrants, the vesting of our outstanding restricted stock units and the potential vesting of our outstanding performance share units will dilute stockholders and could decrease our stock price.

The exercise of our outstanding options and warrants, the vesting of our outstanding restricted stock units and the potential vesting of our outstanding performance share units may adversely affect our stock price due to sales of a large number of shares or the perception that such sales could occur. These factors also could make it more difficult to raise funds through future offerings of our securities, and could adversely impact the terms under which we could obtain additional equity capital. Exercise of outstanding options and warrants, vesting of outstanding restricted stock units and the potential vesting of our outstanding performance share units or any future issuance of additional shares of common stock or other equity securities, including but not limited to options, warrants, restricted stock units or other derivative securities convertible into our common stock, may result in significant dilution to our stockholders and may decrease our stock price.

The shares of our common stock offered under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus may be sold in “at-the-market” offerings, and investors who buy shares at different times will likely pay different prices.

Investors who purchase shares under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus at different times will likely pay different prices, and so may experience different outcomes in their investment results. We will have discretion, subject to market demand, to vary the timing, prices, and numbers of shares sold, and to determine the minimum sales price for shares sold. Investors may experience declines in the value of their shares as a result of share sales made in connection with “at-the-market” offerings at prices lower than the prices they paid.

The actual number of shares we will issue under the sales agreement, at any one time or in total, is uncertain.

Subject to certain limitations in the sales agreement and compliance with applicable law, we and our sales agents may mutually agree to sell shares of our common stock under a transaction acceptance at any time throughout the term of the sales agreement. The number of shares that are sold by B. Riley Securities, Roth

S-5

Capital Partners and Ladenburg Thalmann after agreement on the terms of the transaction acceptance will fluctuate based on the market price of the shares of our common stock during the sales period and limits we set with our sales agents. Because the price per share of each share sold will fluctuate based on the market price of our shares of common stock during the sales period, it is not possible to predict the number of shares that will ultimately be issued.

If you purchase shares of common stock sold in this offering, you will incur immediate and substantial dilution.

If you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering, you will experience substantial and immediate dilution in the pro forma net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering, based on the assumed public offering price of $2.07 per share, which is the last reported sale price of our common stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market on September 29, 2021, because the price that you pay will be substantially greater than the pro forma net tangible book value per share of the common stock that you acquire. This dilution is due in large part to the fact that certain of our earlier investors paid substantially less than the offering price when they purchased shares of our capital stock. You will experience additional dilution upon exercise of the outstanding stock options and other equity awards that may be granted under our equity incentive plans, and when we otherwise issue additional shares of our common stock or convertible debt securities. For more information, see “Dilution.”

S-6

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “continue,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements.

Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding proposed business strategy; market opportunities; regulatory approval; expectations for current and potential business relationships; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and our response to it; expectations for revenues, cash flows and financial performance; and anticipated results of research and development efforts, results of operations, liquidity, objectives of management, debt financing, our future results of operations and financial position. Forward-looking statements are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and generally are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on the occurrence of events described in any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others: our ability to develop a commercially feasible technology; receipt of necessary regulatory approval; our ability to find and maintain development partners, market acceptance of our technology; competition in our industry; protection of our intellectual property; other risks and uncertainties included in this prospectus supplement under the caption “Risk Factors,” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, as well as risks and uncertainties described in documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus supplement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable U.S. securities law. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We may issue and sell shares of our common stock having aggregate sales proceeds of up to $35,000,000 from time to time. There can be no assurance that we will be able to sell any additional shares under or fully utilize the sales agreement with B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners and Ladenburg Thalmann as a source of financing. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to close this offering, the actual total public offering amount, commissions and proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time.

We currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering, after deducting the sales agents’ commissions and our offering expenses, for general and administrative expenses and other general corporate purposes, research and product development efforts, potential acquisition of complementary technologies and companies, regulatory activities, business development and support functions. The amounts and timing of our use of proceeds will vary depending on many factors, including regulatory developments, the amount of cash generated or used by our operations, and the rate of growth, if any, of our business. As a result, we will retain broad discretion in the allocation of the net proceeds, if any, we receive in connection with securities offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement and investors will be relying on the judgment of our management regarding the application of the proceeds.

Pending the uses described above, we intend to invest the funds in short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing securities.

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DILUTION

If you invest in our common stock, your interest will be diluted immediately to the extent of the difference between the offering price per share and the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our common stock after this offering.

As of June 30, 2021, our net tangible book value was $36.1 million, or $0.57 per share of common stock. Net tangible book value per share represents the amount of our tangible assets less our liabilities divided by the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding.

Our pro forma net tangible book value as of June 30, 2021 would have been approximately $70.1 million or $0.88 per share of common stock. Pro forma net tangible book value per share reflects the sale by us of shares of our common stock in the full aggregate amount of $35,000,000 in this offering, at an assumed offering price of $2.07 per share, which was the last reported sale price of our common stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market on September 29, 2021, after deducting the sales agents’ commissions and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us. The following table illustrates this dilution per share to investors participating in this offering:

Assumed public offering price per share			$	2.07
Net tangible book value per share as of June 30, 2021	$	0.57
Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to this offering	$	0.31
Pro forma net tangible book value per share June 30, 2021 after this offering			$	0.88
Dilution per share to new investors participating in this offering			$	1.19

The shares sold in this offering, if any, will be sold from time to time at various prices. An increase of 10% per share in the price at which the shares are sold from the assumed offering price of $2.07 per share shown in the table above, assuming all of our common stock in the aggregate amount of $35,000,000 is sold at that price, would increase our pro forma net tangible book value per share after the offering to $0.90 per share and would increase the dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors to $1.38 per share, after deducting the sales agents’ commissions and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us. A decrease of 10% per share in the price at which the shares are sold from the assumed offering price of $2.07 per share shown in the table above, assuming all of our common stock in the aggregate amount of $35,000,000 is sold at that price, would decrease our pro forma net tangible book value per share after the offering to $0.86 per share and would decrease the dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors to $1.00 per share, after deducting the sales agents’ commissions and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us. This information is supplied for illustrative purposes only.

To the extent that outstanding options or warrants are exercised or outstanding restricted stock units, vest, investors purchasing our common stock in this offering will experience further dilution. In addition, we may choose to raise additional capital due to market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to our stockholders.

For purposes of calculating pro forma net tangible book value, the above table is based on 62,868,137 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2021. The number of shares outstanding as of June 30, 2021 excludes:

• 550,985 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options outstanding as of June 30, 2021 with a weighted average exercise price of $5.67 per share;

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• 2,487,671 shares of common stock issuable upon the settlement of restricted stock units and performance share units as of June 30, 2021;

• 6,535,577 shares of common stock reserved and available for future issuance as of June 30, 2021, under our equity incentive plans, consisting of (i) 2,414,623 shares of common stock reserved and available for issuance under our 2013 Equity Incentive Plan as of June 30, 2021, (ii) 917,013 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2014 Non-Employee Equity Compensation Plan as of June 30, 2021, (iii) 2,379,888 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our Performance Share Unit Plan as of June 30, 2021, (iv) 138,679 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2017 Equity Inducement Plan as of June 30, 2021, and (v) 685,374 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan as of June 30, 2021; and

• 3,284,789 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants as of June 30, 2021, with a weighted average exercise price of $16.40 per share.

The foregoing table does not give effect to the exercise of any outstanding options or warrants. To the extent options and warrants are exercised, there may be further dilution to new investors.

S-10

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We have entered into a sales agreement with B. Riley Securities, Inc., or B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners, LLC, or Roth Capital Partners, and Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., or Ladenburg Thalmann, as our sales agent, relating to the shares of common stock of Energous Corporation, par value $0.00001. In accordance with the terms of the sales agreement and under this prospectus supplement, we may offer and sell shares of common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $35,000,000 from time to time through or to our sales agents. B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners and Ladenburg Thalmann may sell the common stock by any method that is deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) promulgated under the Securities Act.

Each time we wish to issue and sell common stock under the sales agreement, we will notify B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners and/or Ladenburg Thalmann of the number or dollar value of shares to be issued, the dates on which such sales are anticipated to be made, and any minimum price below which sales may not be made. Once we have so instructed B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners and/or Ladenburg Thalmann, unless B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners or Ladenburg Thalmann declines to accept the terms of such notice, B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners and/or Ladenburg Thalmann have agreed to use their commercially reasonable efforts consistent with their normal trading and sales practices to sell such shares up to the amount specified on such terms. The obligations of B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners and/or Ladenburg Thalmann under the sales agreement to sell our common stock are subject to a number of customary conditions that we must meet.

Settlement for shares of our common stock will occur on the second trading day following the date on which the sale was made. Sales of our common stock as contemplated in this prospectus supplement will be settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company or by such other means as we, B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners and Ladenburg Thalmann may agree upon. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

We will pay B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners and Ladenburg Thalmann a commission of 2.5% of the gross proceeds from each sale. We also agreed to reimburse B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners and Ladenburg Thalmann for their legal expenses up to $40,000 plus (i) up to an additional $10,000 per calendar year and (ii) $15,000 in connection with any filing of an additional prospectus supplement which does not increase the maximum amount of securities being offered or $35,000 in connection with any filing of an additional prospectus supplement which increases the maximum amount of securities being offered. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to close this offering, the actual total public offering amount, commissions and proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time. In connection with the sale of the common stock on our behalf, each of B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners and Ladenburg Thalmann will be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act as amended, and the compensation of B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners and Ladenburg Thalmann will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have agreed to provide indemnification and contribution to B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners and Ladenburg Thalmann with respect to certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. We estimate that the total expenses for the offering, excluding compensation payable to B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners and Ladenburg Thalmann and expense reimbursement under the terms of the sales agreement, will be up to approximately $150,000.

The offering of our common stock pursuant to the sales agreement will terminate upon the termination of the sales agreement as described therein. We, B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners and Ladenburg Thalmann may each terminate the sales agreement at any time upon ten days’ prior notice.

This summary of the material provisions of the sales agreement does not purport to be a complete statement of its terms and conditions. A copy of the sales agreement is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement is a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information” below.

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To the extent required by Regulation M under the Exchange Act, B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners and Ladenburg Thalmann will not engage in any market making activities involving our common stock while the offering is ongoing under this prospectus.

As of September 30, 2021, we had previously sold 32,011,813 shares of our common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $85.0 million under the sales agreement pursuant to the registration statements on Form S-3 (Registration No.: 333-226739 and Registration No.: 333-248832).

B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners and Ladenburg Thalmann and their affiliates have in the past and may in the future provide various investment banking and/or other financial services for us and/or our affiliates, for which services they may in the future receive customary fees.

In addition, the sales agreement provides that we will not (i) take any action designed to cause or result in, or that constitutes or would reasonably be expected to constitute, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any of our securities to facilitate the sale or resale of common stock, or (ii) sell, bid for, or purchase common stock in violation of Regulation M, or pay anyone any compensation for soliciting purchases of the common stock under the sales agreement other than B. Riley Securities, Roth Capital Partners and Ladenburg Thalmann.

S-12

LEGAL MATTERS

Fenwick & West LLP, Mountain View, California, will pass upon certain legal matters relating to this offering. Blank Rome LLP, New York, New York, is acting as counsel to the sales agents in connection with this offering.

EXPERTS

The financial statements as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020 incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of Marcum LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated herein by reference, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

The Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, allows us to incorporate by reference the information and reports we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to these documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information already incorporated by reference. We are incorporating by reference the documents listed below, which we have already filed with the SEC, and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than Current Reports on Form 8-K furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 and exhibits filed on such form that are related to such items), including all filings made after the date of this prospectus supplement and prior to the termination of this offering:

• our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on March  24, 2021, including certain information incorporated by reference therein from our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for our 2021 annual meeting, which was filed with the SEC on April 30, 2021;

• our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on May 17, 2021, and for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, filed with the SEC on August 11, 2021;

• our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April  23, 2021 (only with regard to item 5.02), July  12, 2021, July  29, 2021 and on September 23, 2021;

• the description of capital stock included in our registration statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on March 26, 2014 under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description; and

• all documents filed after the date of this prospectus supplement and prior to the termination of the offering hereunder pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Information in this prospectus supplement supersedes related information in the documents listed above, and information in subsequently filed documents supersedes related information in each of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the incorporated documents.

We will promptly provide, without charge to you, upon written request, a copy of the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus but not delivered with the prospectus. You may request a copy of

S-13

these filings, and any exhibits we have specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this prospectus, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at:

Corporate Secretary

Energous Corporation

3590 North First Street, Suite 210

San Jose, California 95134

(408) 963-0200

You may also access these documents, free of charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or on our website at www.energous.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and you should not consider any information on, or that can be accessed from, our website as part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus supplement or in the documents incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus supplement or those documents.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We are subject to the information requirements of the Exchange Act, and in accordance therewith, file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. We also filed a registration statement on Form S-3, including exhibits, under the Securities Act, with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are a part of the registration statement but do not contain all of the information included in the registration statement or the exhibits. You can also find our public filings with the SEC on the internet at a website maintained by the SEC located at www.sec.gov.

S-14

PROSPECTUS

$75,000,000

ENERGOUS CORPORATION

Common Stock, Preferred Stock,

Debt Securities, Warrants, Subscription Rights and Units

From time to time, we may offer up to $75,000,000 aggregate dollar amount of shares of our common stock or preferred stock, debt securities, warrants to purchase our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, subscription rights to purchase our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities and/or units consisting of some or all of these securities, in any combination, together or separately, in one or more offerings, in one or more series or classes, in amounts, at prices and on the terms that we will determine at the time of the offering and which will be set forth in a prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus. We may offer securities as may be issuable upon conversion, redemption, repurchase, exchange or exercise of any of the securities registered hereunder, including any applicable antidilution provisions. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. The total amount of these securities will have an initial aggregate offering price of up to $75,000,000.

You should read this prospectus, the information incorporated, or deemed to be incorporated, by reference in this prospectus, and any applicable prospectus supplement and related free writing prospectus carefully before you invest.

Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “WATT.” On September 14, 2020, the last reported sales price for our common stock was $3.14 per share. The applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus will contain information, where applicable, as to any other listing on The Nasdaq Stock Market or any securities market or exchange of the securities covered by the prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus. We are a “smaller reporting company” as defined under the federal securities laws and, as such, are subject to certain reduced public company reporting requirements.

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the information under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 4 of this prospectus before investing in our securities.

Common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, subscription rights and/or units may be sold by us to or through underwriters or dealers, directly to purchasers or through agents designated from time to time. For additional information on the methods of sale, you should refer to the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. If any underwriters, dealers or agents are involved in the sale of any securities with respect to which this prospectus is being delivered, the names of such underwriters or agents and any applicable fees, discounts or commissions, details regarding over-allotment options, if any, and the net proceeds to us will be set forth in a prospectus supplement. The price to the public of such securities and the net proceeds we expect to receive from such sale will also be set forth in a prospectus supplement.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is September 24, 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	PAGE
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS		ii
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY		1
RISK FACTORS		4
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		5
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION		6
INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION BY REFERENCE		7
USE OF PROCEEDS		9
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION		10
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK		13
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES		17
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS		24
DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS		26
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS		27
LEGAL MATTERS		27
EXPERTS		27

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, from time to time, we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings, up to a total dollar amount of $75,000,000. We have provided to you in this prospectus a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities under this shelf registration process, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of the offering. We may also add, update or change in the prospectus supplement any of the information contained in this prospectus. To the extent there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement; provided that, if any statement in one of these documents is inconsistent with a statement in another document having a later date—for example, a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement—the statement in the document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Neither we, nor any agent, underwriter or dealer have authorized anyone to give you any information or to make any representation other than the information and representations contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement. We and any agent, underwriter or dealer take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information others may give you. You may not imply from the delivery of this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, nor from a sale made under this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, that our affairs are unchanged since the date of this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement or that the information contained in any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement or any sale of a security. This prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement may only be used where it is legal to sell the securities.

THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO OFFER AND SELL SECURITIES UNLESS IT IS ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADDITIONAL PROSPECTUS OR A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.

In this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “Energous,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Energous Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

ii

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights information contained in other parts of this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020, and our other filings with the SEC listed below under the heading “Incorporation of Information by Reference.” This summary may not contain all the information that you should consider before investing in securities. You should read the entire prospectus and the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus carefully, including “Risk Factors” and the financial data and related notes and other information incorporated by reference, before making an investment decision. See “Forward-Looking Statements.”

Our Company

We have developed our WattUp^® wireless power technology, consisting of proprietary semiconductor chipsets, software controls, hardware designs and antennas, that enables radio frequency (“RF”) based charging for electronic devices. The WattUp technology has a broad spectrum of capabilities, including contact-based wireless charging and wireless charging at various distances. We have demonstrated that, for non-contact applications, our transmitter technology is able to mesh into a wire-free charging network that is expected to allow users to charge their devices even as the devices are moved about in three-dimensional space (“mobility charging”). In November 2016 we entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement with Dialog Semiconductor plc (“Dialog”), an industry leader in Bluetooth low energy semiconductors and power management semiconductors. In conjunction with the Strategic Alliance Agreement, Dialog manufactures and is the exclusive distributor of integrated circuit (“IC”) products that incorporate our designs and provides sales and logistic support to customers on a global basis. We believe our proprietary WattUp technology can be utilized in consumer electronics such as wearables, hearing aids, earbuds, Bluetooth headsets, Internet of Things (“IoT”) devices, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, fitness bands, keyboards, mice, remote controls, rechargeable lights, batteries, medical devices, and other devices with charging requirements that would otherwise require battery replacement or a wired power connection.

We believe our technology is innovative in its approach, in that we are developing solutions that charge electronic devices by surrounding them with a focused RF energy pocket. We are engineering solutions that deliver wire-free energy for contact-based charging applications and are also developing non-contact charging at distances up to approximately three feet, as well as low-power charging for distances up to 15 feet and in some use cases mobility charging. To-date, we have developed multiple transmitters and receivers, including prototypes as well as partner production designs. The transmitters vary based on form factor, power specifications and frequencies, while the receivers are designed for applications including hearing aids, fitness bands, smartwatches, smartphones, smartglasses, sensors, industrial applications, keyboards, mice, headsets, earbuds, headphones, Bluetooth tracking tags and more. We are engaged with several consumer electronics (CE) and medical device companies that are in the pre-production stage of WattUp-based product development. In 2019, our first end customer product entered the market and we expect additional partner products to be announced and launched in 2020. We are also in discussion with potential customers in the consumer and industrial spaces that are considering our solutions to supply low power distance charging for products that could enter the market in 2021.

The Securities We May Offer

With this prospectus, we may offer common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants to purchase our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, subscription rights to purchase our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, and/or units consisting of some or all of these securities in any combination. The aggregate offering price of securities that we offer with this prospectus will not exceed $75,000,000. Each time

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we offer securities with this prospectus, we will provide offerees with a prospectus supplement that will contain the specific terms of the securities being offered. The following is a summary of the securities we may offer with this prospectus.

Common Stock

We may offer shares of our common stock, par value $0.00001 per share.

Preferred Stock

We may offer shares of our preferred stock, par value $0.00001 per share, in one or more series. Our board of directors or a committee designated by the board will determine the dividend, voting, conversion and other rights of the series of shares of preferred stock being offered. Each series of preferred stock will be more fully described in the particular prospectus supplement that will accompany this prospectus, including redemption provisions, rights in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or the winding up, voting rights and rights to convert into common stock.

Debt Securities

We may offer general obligations, which may be secured or unsecured, senior or subordinated and convertible into shares of our common stock or preferred stock. In this prospectus, we refer to the senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities together as the “debt securities.” Our board of directors will determine the terms of each series of debt securities being offered.

We will issue the debt securities under an indenture between us and a trustee. In this document, we have summarized general features of the debt securities from the indenture. We encourage you to read the indenture, which is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

Warrants

We may offer warrants for the purchase of debt securities, shares of preferred stock, shares of common stock or any combination thereof. We may issue warrants independently or together with other securities. Our board of directors will determine the terms of the warrants.

Subscription Rights

We may offer subscription rights for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities or any combination thereof. We may issue subscription rights independently or together with other securities. Our board of directors will determine the terms of the subscription rights.

Units

We may offer units consisting of some or all of the securities described above, in any combination, including common stock, preferred stock, warrants and/or debt securities. The terms of these units will be set forth in a prospectus supplement. The description of the terms of these units in the related prospectus supplement will not be complete. You should refer to the applicable form of unit and unit agreement for complete information with respect to these units.

* * *

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We were incorporated in Delaware in October 2012. Our corporate headquarters is located at 3590 North First Street, Suite 210, San Jose, CA 95134. Our website can be accessed at www.energous.com. The information contained on, connected to or that can be accessed via our website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus and the inclusion of our website address in this prospectus is an inactive textual reference only.

3

RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties referenced below and described in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, as well as other information we include or incorporate by reference into this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, before making an investment decision. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by the materialization of any of these risks. The trading price of our securities could decline due to the materialization of any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. This prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference also contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including the risks described in the documents incorporated herein by reference, including (i) our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020, which are on file with the SEC and incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and (ii) other documents we file with the SEC that are deemed incorporated by reference into this prospectus, as updated by our subsequent filings under the Exchange Act. The occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment in the offered securities.

4

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “continue,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding proposed business strategy; market opportunities; regulatory approval; expectations for current and potential business relationships; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and our response to it; expectations for revenues, cash flows and financial performance; and anticipated results of research and development efforts. Forward-looking statements are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and generally are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on the occurrence of events described in any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others: our ability to develop a commercially feasible technology; receipt of necessary regulatory approval; our ability to find and maintain development partners, market acceptance of our technology; competition in our industry; protection of our intellectual property; other risks and uncertainties included in this prospectus under the caption “Risk Factors;” and risks and uncertainties described in documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein . We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act with respect to the securities offered hereby. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement, the exhibits filed therewith or the documents incorporated by reference therein. For further information about us and the securities offered hereby, reference is made to the registration statement, the exhibits filed therewith and the documents incorporated by reference therein. Statements contained in this prospectus regarding the contents of any contract or any other document that is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement are not necessarily complete, and in each instance we refer you to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the website is www.sec.gov.

We are subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and, in accordance with this law, file periodic reports and other information with the SEC. These periodic reports and other information are available for inspection on the website of the SEC referred to above. We also maintain a website at www.energous.com. You may access these materials free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Information contained on our website is not a part of this prospectus and the inclusion of our website address in this prospectus is an inactive textual reference only. You may also inspect these documents at our corporate headquarters at 3590 North First Street, Suite 210, San Jose, California 95134, during normal business hours.

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INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information and reports we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to these documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information already incorporated by reference. We are incorporating by reference the documents listed below, which we have already filed with the SEC, and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than Current Reports on Form 8-K furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 and exhibits filed on such form that are related to such items), including all filings made after the date of the filing of this registration statement and prior to the effectiveness of this registration statement, except as to any portion of any future report or document that is not deemed filed under such provisions, after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering:

• our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 13, 2020;

• the information specifically incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 from our definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A, which was filed with the SEC on April 20, 2020;

• our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on May 11, 2020;

• our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, filed with the SEC on August 10, 2020;

• our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 28, 2020 and July 29, 2020;

• the description of capital stock included in our registration statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on March  26, 2014, and any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description, including Exhibit 4.5 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 13, 2020; and

• all documents filed pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 after the date of the initial registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement.

Upon request, we will provide, without charge, to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered, a copy of the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus but not delivered with the prospectus. You may request a copy of these filings, and any exhibits we have specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this prospectus, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at:

Corporate Secretary

Energous Corporation

3590 North First Street, Suite 210

San Jose, California 95134

(408) 963-0200

You may also access these documents, free of charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or on our website at www.energous.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider any information on, or that can be accessed from, our website as part of this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement.

This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC. We have incorporated exhibits into this registration statement. You should read the exhibits carefully for provisions that may be important to you.

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You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or in the documents incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus or those documents.

8

USE OF PROCEEDS

We will retain broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds to us from the sale of our securities under this prospectus. We will set forth in the prospectus supplement our intended use for the net proceeds received from the sale of any securities. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of securities under this prospectus for general and administrative expenses and other general corporate purposes, research and product development efforts, potential acquisition of complementary technologies and companies, regulatory activities, business development and support functions. Pending the application of the net proceeds, we intend to invest the net proceeds in short-term or long-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing securities.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell securities:

• through underwriters;

• through dealers;

• through agents;

• directly to purchasers; or

• through a combination of any of these methods or any other method permitted by law.

In addition, we may issue the securities as a dividend or distribution to our existing security holders.

We may directly solicit offers to purchase securities, or agents may be designated to solicit such offers. In the prospectus supplement relating to such offering, we will name any agent that could be viewed as an underwriter under the Securities Act and describe any commissions that we must pay to any such agent. Any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment or, if indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, on a firm commitment basis. This prospectus may be used in connection with any offering of our securities through any of these methods or other methods described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions:

• at a fixed price, or prices, which may be changed from time to time;

• at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;

• at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or

• at negotiated prices.

Each prospectus supplement will describe the method of distribution of the securities and any applicable restrictions.

The prospectus supplement with respect to the securities of a particular series will describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including the following:

• the name of the agent or any underwriters;

• the public offering or purchase price;

• any discounts and commissions to be allowed or paid to the agent or underwriters;

• all other items constituting underwriting compensation;

• any discounts and commissions to be allowed or paid to dealers; and

• any exchanges on which the securities will be listed.

If any underwriters or agents are used in the sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we will enter into an underwriting agreement, sales agreement or other agreement with them at the time of sale to them, and we will set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such offering the names of the underwriters or agents and the terms of the related agreement with them.

In connection with the offering of securities, we may grant to the underwriters an option to purchase additional securities with an additional underwriting commission, as may be set forth in the accompanying prospectus supplement. If we grant any such option, the terms of such option will be set forth in the prospectus supplement for such securities.

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If a dealer is used in the sale of the securities in respect of which the prospectus is delivered, we will sell such securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer, who may be deemed to be an “underwriter” as that term is defined in the Securities Act, may then resell such securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale.

Agents, underwriters, dealers and other persons may be entitled under agreements which they may enter into with us to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.

If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase securities from us pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date stated in the prospectus supplement. Each contract will be for an amount not less than, and the aggregate amount of securities sold pursuant to such contracts shall not be less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in the prospectus supplement. Institutions with whom the contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and other institutions, but shall in all cases be subject to our approval. Delayed delivery contracts will not be subject to any conditions except that:

• the purchase by an institution of the securities covered under that contract shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which that institution is subject; and

• if the securities are also being sold to underwriters acting as principals for their own account, the underwriters shall have purchased such securities not sold for delayed delivery. The underwriters and other persons acting as our agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of delayed delivery contracts.

Offered securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and its compensation will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with their remarketing of offered securities.

Certain agents, underwriters and dealers, and their associates and affiliates, may be customers of, have borrowing relationships with, engage in other transactions with, or perform services, including investment banking services, for us or one or more of our respective affiliates in the ordinary course of business.

In order to facilitate the offering of securities, any underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities or any other securities the prices of which may be used to determine payments on such securities. Specifically, any underwriters may overallot in connection with the offering, creating a short position for their own accounts. In addition, to cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the securities or of any such other securities, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, the securities or any such other securities in the open market. Finally, in any offering of the securities through a syndicate of underwriters, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the securities in the offering if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed securities in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities above independent market levels. Any such underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.

We may engage in at the market offerings into an existing trading market in accordance with Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act. In addition, we may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement so indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities

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covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment). In addition, we may otherwise loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities short using this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement. Such financial institution or other third party may transfer its economic short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a concurrent offering of other securities.

Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise or the securities are sold by us to an underwriter in a firm commitment underwritten offering. The applicable prospectus supplement may provide that the original issue date for your securities may be more than two scheduled business days after the trade date for your securities. Accordingly, in such a case, if you wish to trade securities on any date prior to the second business day before the original issue date for your securities, you will be required, by virtue of the fact that your securities initially are expected to settle in more than two scheduled business days after the trade date for your securities, to make alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

The securities may be new issues of securities and may have no established trading market. The securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. We can make no assurance as to the liquidity of or the existence of trading markets for any of the securities.

The specific terms of any lock-up provisions in respect of any given offering will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with us, or perform services for us, in the ordinary course of business for which they receive compensation.

The anticipated date of delivery of offered securities will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to each offer.

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

General

Our authorized capital stock consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.00001 par value per share, and 10,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, $0.00001 par value per share. As of June 30, 2020, there were 41,685,310 shares of our common stock outstanding, and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. Our authorized but unissued shares of common stock are available for issuance without further action by our stockholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities may be listed or traded.

Common Stock

Holders of our common stock are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for such purpose. The shares of common stock are neither redeemable nor convertible. Holders of common stock have no preemptive or subscription rights to purchase any of our securities.

Each holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each such share outstanding in the holder’s name. No holder of common stock is entitled to cumulate votes in voting for directors.

In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of our common stock are entitled to receive pro rata our assets, which are legally available for distribution, after payments of all debts and other liabilities. All of the outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. The shares of common stock offered by this prospectus will also be fully paid and non-assessable.

Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “WATT.”

Preferred Stock

Our board of directors is authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by Delaware law, to issue from time to time up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each series and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each series and any of their qualifications, limitations or restrictions, in each case without further vote or action by our stockholders. Our board of directors is also be able to increase or decrease the number of shares of any series of preferred stock, but not below the number of shares of that series then outstanding, without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Our board of directors may be able to 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. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our company and might adversely affect the market price of our common stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock.

Registration Rights

The holder of shares of our common stock that were acquired pursuant to a certain Securities Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) with the Company dated November 6, 2016 and June 28, 2017, respectively, is entitled to rights with respect to the registration of those shares (“Registrable Securities”) under the Securities Act. These registration rights terminate when the stockholder can sell its shares publicly under Rule 144 of the Securities Act without a volume limitation.

Demand Registration Rights

Under the SPA, we are required, as soon as reasonably practicable following the request of a stockholder with registration rights, prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the

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resale of such portion of the Registrable Securities requested by the stockholder. The Company shall not be obligated to file and have declared effective more than two registration statements per year, each including not less than 100,000 shares of Common Stock (as adjusted by any stock split, dividend or other distribution, recapitalization or similar event).

Anti-Takeover Effects of Certain Provisions of Delaware Law and Our Charter Documents

The following is a summary of certain provisions of Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the corporate law of Delaware and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws.

Effect of Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute.

We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, an anti-takeover law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination (defined below) with any interested stockholder (defined below) for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

• prior to that date, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

• upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares of voting stock outstanding (but not the voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned by persons who are directors and officers and by excluding employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or

• on or subsequent to that date, the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

Section 203 defines “business combination” to include:

• any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;

• any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder;

• subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;

• subject to limited exceptions, any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or

• the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.

In general, Section 203 defines an “interested stockholder” as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation, or who beneficially owns 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation at any time within a three-year period immediately prior to the date of determining whether such person is an interested stockholder, and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by any of these entities or persons.

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Effect of California Long-Arm Statute.

We are a Delaware corporation, governed by the Delaware General Corporation Law. However, our headquarters, property and officers are located in California, and Section 2115 of the California Corporations Code purports to impose on corporations like the Company certain portions of California’s laws governing corporations formed under the laws of the State of California. While disputes have arisen regarding the enforceability of Section 2115, the statute purports to apply the California Corporations Code in the following areas of governance to corporations that meet the test for applicability of Section 2115: Chapter 1 (general provisions and definitions), to the extent applicable to the following provisions; Section 301 (annual election of directors); Section 303 (removal of directors without cause); Section 304 (removal of directors by court proceedings); Section 305, subdivision (c) (filling of director vacancies where less than a majority in office elected by shareholders); Section 309 (directors’ standard of care); Section 316 (excluding paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) and paragraph (3) of subdivision (f)) (liability of directors for unlawful distributions); Section 317 (indemnification of directors, officers, and others); Sections 500 to 505, inclusive (limitations on corporate distributions in cash or property); Section 506 (liability of shareholder who receives unlawful distribution); Section 600, subdivisions (b) and (c) (requirement for annual shareholders’ meeting and remedy if same not timely held); Section 708, subdivisions (a), (b), and (c) (shareholder’s right to cumulate votes at any election of directors); Section 710 (supermajority vote requirement); Section 1001, subdivision (d) (limitations on sale of assets); Section 1101 (provisions following subdivision (e)) (limitations on mergers); Section 1151 (first sentence only) (limitations on conversions); Section 1152 (requirements of conversions); Chapter 12 (commencing with Section 1200) (reorganizations); Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 1300) (dissenters’ rights); Sections 1500 and 1501 (records and reports); Section 1508 (action by Attorney General); Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 1600) (rights of inspection).

We believe it is likely that we meet the test for the application of Section 2115 and do not anticipate a specific time in the future when we would not meet such test. Section 2115, if applicable, would purport to require a different outcome for certain important activities fundamental to the governance of corporations, and you are encouraged to review the effect of Section 2115 to determine whether the differences from the Delaware General Corporation Law are important to you.

Our Charter Documents.

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws include provisions that may have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control or an unsolicited acquisition proposal that a stockholder might consider favorable, including a proposal that might result in the payment of a premium over the market price for the shares held by our stockholders. Certain of these provisions are summarized in the following paragraphs.

• Effects of Authorized but Unissued Common Stock. One of the effects of the existence of authorized but unissued common stock may be to enable our board of directors to make more difficult or to discourage an attempt to obtain control of our Company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and thereby to protect the continuity of management. If, in the due exercise of its fiduciary obligations, the board of directors were to determine that a takeover proposal was not in our best interest, such shares could be issued by the board of directors without stockholder approval in one or more transactions that might prevent or render more difficult or costly the completion of the takeover transaction by diluting the voting or other rights of the proposed acquirer or insurgent stockholder group, by putting a substantial voting block in institutional or other hands that might undertake to support the position of the incumbent board of directors, by effecting an acquisition that might complicate or preclude the takeover, or otherwise.

• Action by Written Consent. Our certificate of incorporation provides that our stockholders may not act by written consent.

• Advanced Notice. Our bylaws provide that stockholders who wish to bring nominations or other business before an annual meeting of the stockholders or a special meeting of the stockholders must

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provide us with notice of such proposed nomination or business within specified time frames and must provide us with information regarding the potential nominee or proposal.

• Blank Check Preferred Stock. As noted above, our certificate of incorporation allows our Board to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each series of preferred stock and any of their qualifications, limitations or restrictions, in each case without further vote or action by our stockholders.

• Bylaw Amendment. Our certificate of incorporation provides our Board the ability to amend our bylaws without further vote or action by our stockholders.

• Cumulative Voting. Our certificate of incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors, which would allow holders of less than a majority of the stock to elect some directors.

• Exclusive Venue. Our certificate of incorporation provides that unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed to the Company or the Company’s stockholders by any director, officer or other employee of the Company, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be the Delaware Court of Chancery, or if the Delaware Court of Chancery determines that it does not have subject matter jurisdiction, the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware or any court of the State of Delaware having subject matter jurisdiction regarding the matter.

• Special Meeting of Stockholders. Our certificate of incorporation provides that a special meeting of stockholders may only be called by the President, the Chief Executive Officer, or the board of directors at any time and for any purpose or purposes as shall be stated in the notice of the meeting.

• Vacancies. Our certificate of incorporation provides that all vacancies may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is EQ Shareowner Services.

Exchange Listing

Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “WATT.”

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

General

We will issue the debt securities offered by this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement under an indenture to be entered into between us and the trustee identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of the debt securities will include those stated in the indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as in effect on the date of the indenture. We have filed a copy of the form of indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement in which this prospectus is included. The indenture will be subject to and governed by the terms of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

We may offer under this prospectus up to an aggregate principal amount of $75,000,000 in debt securities, or if debt securities are issued at a discount, or in a foreign currency, foreign currency units or composite currency, the principal amount as may be sold for an aggregate public offering price of up to $75,000,000. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will represent our direct, unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured indebtedness.

We may issue the debt securities in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium, or at a discount. We will describe the particular terms of each series of debt securities in a prospectus supplement relating to that series, which we will file with the SEC. The prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of debt securities being offered will specify the particular amounts, prices and terms of those debt securities. These terms may include:

• the title of the series;

• the aggregate principal amount, and, if a series, the total amount authorized and the total amount outstanding;

• the issue price or prices, expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities;

• any limit on the aggregate principal amount;

• the date or dates on which principal is payable;

• the interest rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) or, if applicable, the method used to determine such rate or rates;

• the date or dates from which interest, if any, will be payable and any regular record date for the interest payable;

• the place or places where principal and, if applicable, premium and interest, is payable;

• the terms and conditions upon which we may, or the holders may require us to, redeem or repurchase the debt securities;

• the denominations in which such debt securities may be issuable, if other than denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple of that number;

• whether the debt securities are to be issuable in the form of certificated securities (as described below) or global securities (as described below);

• the portion of principal amount that will be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity date if other than the principal amount of the debt securities;

• the currency of denomination;

• the designation of the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of principal and, if applicable, premium and interest, will be made;

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• if payments of principal and, if applicable, premium or interest, on the debt securities are to be made in one or more currencies or currency units other than the currency of denomination, the manner in which the exchange rate with respect to such payments will be determined;

• if amounts of principal and, if applicable, premium and interest may be determined by reference to an index based on a currency or currencies or by reference to a commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index, then the manner in which such amounts will be determined;

• the provisions, if any, relating to any collateral provided for such debt securities;

• any addition to or change in the covenants and/or the acceleration provisions described in this prospectus or in the indenture;

• any events of default, if not otherwise described below under “Events of Default”;

• the terms and conditions, if any, for conversion into or exchange for shares of our common stock or preferred stock;

• any depositaries, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate calculation agents or other agents; and

• the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the debt securities shall be subordinated in right of payment to our other indebtedness.

We may issue discount debt securities that provide for an amount less than the stated principal amount to be due and payable upon acceleration of the maturity of such debt securities in accordance with the terms of the indenture. We may also issue debt securities in bearer form, with or without coupons. If we issue discount debt securities or debt securities in bearer form, we will describe material U.S. federal income tax considerations and other material special considerations which apply to these debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We may issue debt securities denominated in or payable in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units. If we do, we will describe the restrictions, elections, and general tax considerations relating to the debt securities and the foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency unit or units in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Debt securities offered under this prospectus and any prospectus supplement will be subordinated in right of payment to certain of our outstanding senior indebtedness. In addition, we will seek the consent of the holders of any such senior indebtedness prior to issuing any debt securities under this prospectus to the extent required by the agreements evidencing such senior indebtedness.

Registrar and Paying Agent

The debt securities may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange at the corporate trust office of the security registrar or at any other office or agency that we maintain for those purposes. In addition, the debt securities may be presented for payment of principal, interest and any premium at the office of the paying agent or at any office or agency that we maintain for those purposes.

Conversion or Exchange Rights

Debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our common stock. The terms and conditions of conversion or exchange will be stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms will include, among others, the following:

• the conversion or exchange price;

• the conversion or exchange period;

• provisions regarding the convertibility or exchangeability of the debt securities, including who may convert or exchange;

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• events requiring adjustment to the conversion or exchange price;

• provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of our redemption of the debt securities; and

• any anti-dilution provisions, if applicable.

Registered Global Securities

If we decide to issue debt securities in the form of one or more global securities, then we will register the global securities in the name of the depositary for the global securities or the nominee of the depositary, and the global securities will be delivered by the trustee to the depositary for credit to the accounts of the holders of beneficial interests in the debt securities.

The prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the depositary arrangement for debt securities of a series that are issued in global form. None of us, the trustee, any payment agent or the security registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a global debt security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to these beneficial ownership interests.

No Protection in the Event of Change of Control

The indenture does not have any covenants or other provisions providing for a put or increased interest or otherwise that would afford holders of our debt securities additional protection in the event of a recapitalization transaction, a change of control or a highly leveraged transaction. If we offer any covenants or provisions of this type with respect to any debt securities covered by this prospectus, we will describe them in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Covenants

Unless otherwise indicated in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement, our debt securities will not have the benefit of any covenants that limit or restrict our business or operations, the pledging of our assets or the incurrence by us of indebtedness. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement any material covenants in respect of a series of debt securities.

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets

The form of indenture provides that we will not consolidate with or merge into any other person or convey, transfer, sell or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, unless:

• we are the surviving person of such merger or consolidation, or if we are not the surviving person, the person formed by the consolidation or into or with which we are merged or the person to which our properties and assets are conveyed, transferred, sold or leased, is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the U.S., any state or the District of Columbia or a corporation or comparable legal entity organized under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction and has expressly assumed all of our obligations, including the payment of the principal of and, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities and the performance of the other covenants under the indenture; and

• immediately before and immediately after giving effect to the transaction on a pro forma basis, no event of default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default, has occurred and is continuing under the indenture.

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Events of Default

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following events will be events of default under the indenture with respect to debt securities of any series:

• we fail to pay any principal or premium, if any, when it becomes due;

• we fail to pay any interest within 30 days after it becomes due;

• we fail to observe or perform any other covenant in the debt securities or the indenture for 60 days after written notice specifying the failure from the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series; and

• certain events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of us or any of our significant subsidiaries.

The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the debt securities of any series of any default, except in payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities of a series, if the trustee considers it to be in the best interest of the holders of the debt securities of that series to do so.

If an event of default (other than an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) occurs, and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may accelerate the maturity of the debt securities. If this happens, the entire principal amount, plus the premium, if any, of all the outstanding debt securities of the affected series plus accrued interest to the date of acceleration will be immediately due and payable. At any time after the acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on such acceleration is obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of such series may rescind and annul such acceleration if:

• all events of default (other than nonpayment of accelerated principal, premium or interest) have been cured or waived;

• all lawful interest on overdue interest and overdue principal has been paid; and

• the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree.

In addition, if the acceleration occurs at any time when we have outstanding indebtedness that is senior to the debt securities, the payment of the principal amount of outstanding debt securities may be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment of any amounts due under the senior indebtedness, in which case the holders of debt securities will be entitled to payment under the terms prescribed in the instruments evidencing the senior indebtedness and the indenture.

If an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occurs, the principal, premium and interest amount with respect to all of the debt securities of any series will be due and payable immediately without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or the holders of the debt securities of that series.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series will have the right to waive any existing default or compliance with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities of that series and to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, subject to certain limitations specified in the indenture.

No holder of any debt security of a series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the indenture or for any remedy under the indenture, unless:

• the holder gives to the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default;

• the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series make a written request and offer reasonable indemnity to the trustee to institute a proceeding as trustee;

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• the trustee fails to institute a proceeding within 60 days after such request; and

• the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series do not give the trustee a direction inconsistent with such request during such 60-day period.

These limitations do not, however, apply to a suit instituted for payment on debt securities of any series on or after the due dates expressed in the debt securities.

We will periodically deliver certificates to the trustee regarding our compliance with our obligations under the indenture.

Modification and Waiver

From time to time, we and the trustee may, without the consent of holders of the debt securities of one or more series, amend the indenture or the debt securities of one or more series, or supplement the indenture, for certain specified purposes, including:

• to provide that the surviving entity following a change of control permitted under the indenture will assume all of our obligations under the indenture and debt securities;

• to provide for certificated debt securities in addition to uncertificated debt securities;

• to comply with any requirements of the SEC under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939;

• to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of debt securities of any series as permitted by the indenture;

• to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, or make any other change that does not materially and adversely affect the rights of any holder; and

• to appoint a successor trustee under the indenture with respect to one or more series.

From time to time we and the trustee may, with the consent of holders of at least a majority in principal amount of an outstanding series of debt securities, amend or supplement the indenture or the debt securities series, or waive compliance in a particular instance by us with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities. We may not, however, without the consent of each holder affected by such action, modify or supplement the indenture or the debt securities or waive compliance with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities in order to:

• reduce the amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement, or waiver to the indenture or such debt security;

• reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest or reduce the amount of or postpone the date for payment of sinking fund or analogous obligations;

• reduce the principal of or change the stated maturity of the debt securities;

• make any debt security payable in money other than that stated in the debt security;

• change the amount or time of any payment required or reduce the premium payable upon any redemption, or change the time before which no such redemption may be made;

• waive a default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities or a redemption payment;

• waive a redemption payment with respect to any debt securities or change any provision with respect to redemption of debt securities; or

• take any other action otherwise prohibited by the indenture to be taken without the consent of each holder affected by the action.

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Defeasance of Debt Securities

The indenture permits us, at any time, to elect to discharge our obligations with respect to one or more series of debt securities by following specified procedures described in the indenture. These procedures allow us either:

• to defease and be discharged from any and all of our obligations with respect to any debt securities except for the following obligations (which discharge is referred to as “legal defeasance”):

1. to register the transfer or exchange of such debt securities;

2. to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities;

3. to compensate and indemnify the trustee; or

4. to maintain an office or agency in respect of the debt securities and to hold monies for payment in trust; or

• to be released from our obligations with respect to the debt securities under certain covenants contained in the indenture, as well as any additional covenants which may be contained in the applicable supplemental indenture (which release is referred to as “covenant defeasance”).

In order to exercise either defeasance option, we must irrevocably deposit with the trustee or other qualifying trustee, in trust for that purpose:

• money;

• U.S. Government Obligations (as described below) or Foreign Government Obligations (as described below) that through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money; or

• a combination of money and/or U.S. Government Obligations and/or Foreign Government Obligations sufficient in the written opinion of a nationally-recognized firm of independent accountants to provide money;

that, in each case specified above, provides a sufficient amount to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities of the series, on the scheduled due dates or on a selected date of redemption in accordance with the terms of the indenture.

In addition, defeasance may be effected only if, among other things:

• in the case of either legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel, as specified in the indenture, stating that as a result of the defeasance neither the trust nor the trustee will be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940;

• in the case of legal defeasance, we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that we have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling to the effect that, or there has been a change in any applicable federal income tax law with the effect that (and the opinion shall confirm that), the holders of outstanding debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes solely as a result of such legal defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner, including as a result of prepayment, and at the same times as would have been the case if legal defeasance had not occurred;

• in the case of covenant defeasance, we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of the outstanding debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of covenant defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if covenant defeasance had not occurred; and

• other conditions described in the indenture are satisfied.

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If we fail to comply with our remaining obligations under the indenture and applicable supplemental indenture after a covenant defeasance of the indenture and applicable supplemental indenture, and the debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any undefeased event of default, the amount of money and/or U.S. Government Obligations and/or Foreign Government Obligations on deposit with the trustee could be insufficient to pay amounts due under the debt securities of the affected series at the time of acceleration. We will, however, remain liable in respect of these payments.

The term “U.S. Government Obligations” as used in the above discussion means securities that are direct obligations of or non-callable obligations guaranteed by the United States of America for the payment of which obligation or guarantee the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged.

The term “Foreign Government Obligations” as used in the above discussion means, with respect to debt securities of any series that are denominated in a currency other than U.S. Dollars, (1) direct obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued such currency for the payment of which obligations its full faith and credit is pledged or (2) obligations of a person controlled or supervised by or acting as an agent or instrumentality of such government the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by that government, which in either case under clauses (1) or (2), are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer.

Regarding the Trustee

We will identify the trustee with respect to any series of debt securities in the prospectus supplement relating to the applicable debt securities. You should note that if the trustee becomes a creditor of ours, the indenture and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 limit the rights of the trustee to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim, as security or otherwise. The trustee and its affiliates may engage in, and will be permitted to continue to engage in, other transactions with us and our affiliates. If, however, the trustee acquires any “conflicting interest” within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, it must eliminate such conflict or resign.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of any series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the trustee. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee, in the exercise of its rights and powers, must use the degree of care and skill of a prudent person in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to that provision, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any of the holders of the debt securities, unless they have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity or security.

No Individual Liability of Incorporators, Stockholders, Officers or Directors

Each indenture provides that no incorporator and no past, present or future stockholder, officer or director of our company or any successor corporation in those capacities will have any individual liability for any of our obligations, covenants or agreements under the debt securities or such indenture.

Governing Law

The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

General

We may issue warrants for the purchase of our debt securities, preferred stock, common stock or any combination thereof. Warrants may be issued independently or together with our debt securities, preferred stock or common stock and may be attached to or separate from any offered securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants. The warrant agent will not have any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants. This summary of certain provisions of the warrants is not complete. For the terms of a particular series of warrants, you should refer to the prospectus supplement for that series of warrants and the warrant agreement for that particular series.

Debt Warrants

The prospectus supplement relating to a particular issue of warrants to purchase debt securities will describe the terms of the debt warrants, including the following:

• the title of the debt warrants;

• the offering price for the debt warrants, if any;

• the aggregate number of the debt warrants;

• the designation and terms of the debt securities, including any conversion rights, purchasable upon exercise of the debt warrants;

• if applicable, the date from and after which the debt warrants and any debt securities issued with them will be separately transferable;

• the principal amount of debt securities that may be purchased upon exercise of a debt warrant and the exercise price for the warrants, which may be payable in cash, securities or other property;

• the dates on which the right to exercise the debt warrants will commence and expire;

• if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the debt warrants that may be exercised at any one time;

• whether the debt warrants represented by the debt warrant certificates or debt securities that may be issued upon exercise of the debt warrants will be issued in registered or bearer form;

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

• the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable;

• if applicable, a discussion of material U.S. federal income tax considerations;

• the antidilution provisions of the debt warrants, if any;

• the redemption or call provisions, if any, applicable to the debt warrants;

• any provisions with respect to the holder’s right to require us to repurchase the debt warrants upon a change in control or similar event; and

• any additional terms of the debt warrants, including procedures and limitations relating to the exchange, exercise, and settlement of the debt warrants.

Debt warrant certificates will be exchangeable for new debt warrant certificates of different denominations. Debt warrants may be exercised at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement. Prior to the exercise of their debt warrants, holders of debt warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities purchasable upon exercise and will not be entitled to payment of principal or any premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities purchasable upon exercise.

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Equity Warrants

The prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of warrants to purchase our common stock or preferred stock will describe the terms of the warrants, including the following:

• the title of the warrants;

• the offering price for the warrants, if any;

• the aggregate number of warrants;

• the designation and terms of the common stock or preferred stock that may be purchased upon exercise of the warrants;

• if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each security;

• if applicable, the date from and after which the warrants and any securities issued with the warrants will be separately transferable;

• the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock that may be purchased upon exercise of a warrant and the exercise price for the warrants;

• the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants shall commence and expire;

• if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants that may be exercised at any one time;

• the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable;

• if applicable, a discussion of material U.S. federal income tax considerations;

• the antidilution provisions of the warrants, if any;

• the redemption or call provisions, if any, applicable to the warrants;

• any provisions with respect to a holder’s right to require us to repurchase the warrants upon a change in control or similar event; and

• any additional terms of the warrants, including procedures and limitations relating to the exchange, exercise and settlement of the warrants.

Holders of equity warrants will not be entitled:

• to vote, consent, or receive dividends;

• receive notice as stockholders with respect to any meeting of stockholders for the election of our directors or any other matter; or

• exercise any rights as stockholders.

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DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS

We may issue subscription rights to purchase our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities or any combination thereof. These subscription rights may be offered independently or together with any other security offered hereby and may or may not be transferable by the stockholder receiving the subscription rights in such offering. In connection with any offering of subscription rights, we may enter into a standby arrangement with one or more underwriters or other purchasers pursuant to which the underwriters or other purchasers may be required to purchase any securities remaining unsubscribed for after such offering.

The prospectus supplement relating to any subscription rights we offer, if any, will, to the extent applicable, include specific terms relating to the offering, including some or all of the following:

• the price, if any, for the subscription rights;

• the exercise price payable for our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities upon the exercise of the subscription rights;

• the number of subscription rights to be issued to each stockholder;

• the number and terms of our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities which may be purchased per each subscription right;

• the extent to which the subscription rights are transferable;

• any other terms of the subscription rights, including the terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the subscription rights;

• the date on which the right to exercise the subscription rights shall commence, and the date on which the subscription rights shall expire;

• the extent to which the subscription rights may include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities or an over-allotment privilege to the extent the securities are fully subscribed; and

• if applicable, the material terms of any standby underwriting or purchase arrangement which may be entered into by us in connection with the offering of subscription rights.

The description in the applicable prospectus supplement of any subscription rights we offer will not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable subscription rights certificate, which will be filed with the SEC if we offer subscription rights. We urge you to read the applicable subscription rights certificate and any applicable prospectus supplement in their entirety.

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DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

We may issue units consisting of some or all of the securities described above, in any combination, including common stock, preferred stock, warrants and/or debt securities. The terms of these units will be set forth in a prospectus supplement. The description of the terms of these units in the related prospectus supplement will not be complete. You should refer to the applicable form of unit and unit agreement for complete information with respect to these units.

LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for us by Fenwick & West LLP, Mountain View, California. Any underwriters will also be advised about the validity of the securities and other legal matters by their own counsel, which will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Energous Corporation as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2019, have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of Marcum LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

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Up to $35,000,000

Common Stock

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

B. Riley Securities
	Roth Capital Partners
		Ladenburg Thalmann

October 4, 2021