Grom Social Enterprises 10Q 2023 Q3 Quarterly report

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT

For the transition period from ________ to _________

Commission File Number: 001-40409

Grom Social Enterprises, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Florida		46-5542401
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2060 NW Boca Raton Blvd. Suite #6, Boca Raton, Florida		33431
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (561) 287-5776

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

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001	GROM	The Nasdaq Capital Market
Warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share	GROMW	The Nasdaq Capital Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

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

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

As of November 17, 2023, 1,967,829 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.

GROM SOCIAL ENTERPRISES, INC.

Table of Contents

		Page

Part I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements	4
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	32
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	41
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	41

Part II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	43
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	43
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	43
Item 3.	Defaults upon Senior Securities	43
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	43
Item 5.	Other Information	43
Item 6.	Exhibits	43

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

When used in this Quarterly Report, including the documents that we have incorporated by reference, in future filings with the SEC or in press releases or other written or oral communications, statements which are not historical in nature, including those containing words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “continue,” “intend,” “should,” “may” or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases which are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and which do not relate solely to historical matters, are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (set forth in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Discussions containing forward-looking statements may be found in the material set forth under “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in other sections of this Quarterly Report.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily subjective, are based upon our current plans, intentions, objectives, goals, strategies, beliefs, projections and expectations, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors.

Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times by which, our performance or results may be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and management’s belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Any or all of our forward-looking statements in this report may turn out to be inaccurate. Important factors that may cause actual results, our performance or achievements, or industry results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report. All forward-looking statements in this report are made as of the date hereof, based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

GROM SOCIAL ENTERPRISES INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets


	September 30,			December 31,
	2023			2022
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,469,293		$	3,871,176
Accounts receivable, net		832,333			1,162,230
Inventory, net		42,975			92,303
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		640,178			605,497
Total current assets		3,984,779			5,731,206
Operating lease right of use assets		839,747			1,069,222
Property and equipment, net		115,146			285,676
Goodwill, net		10,567,484			10,567,484
Intangible assets, net		5,236,714			5,364,231
Other assets		1,642,132			1,627,078
Total assets	$	22,386,002		$	24,644,897

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	900,769		$	839,679
Accrued liabilities		270,767			378,954
Dividends payable		928,708			371,799
Advanced payments and deferred revenues		409,472			576,338
Convertible notes payable, net – current		185,347			503,465
Related party payables		–			50,000
Income taxes payable		9,158			–
Operating lease liabilities – current		209,566			269,681
Total current liabilities		2,913,787			2,989,916
Convertible notes payable, net of loan discounts		–			68,199
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion		648,452			803,958
Other noncurrent liabilities		230,562			434,976
Total liabilities		3,792,801			4,297,049

Commitments and contingencies – Note 16		–			–

Stockholders' Equity:
Series A preferred stock, $0.001 par value. 10,000,000 shares authorized; zero shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively		–			–
Series B preferred stock, $0.001 par value. 10,000,000 shares authorized; zero shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively		–			–
Series C preferred stock, $0.001 par value. 10,000,000 shares authorized; 9,281,809 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively		9,282			9,282
Common stock, $0.001 par value. 500,000,000 shares authorized; 1,490,071 and 163,596 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively		1,490			164
Additional paid-in capital		107,149,456			101,728,706
Accumulated earnings (deficit)		(90,233,723	)		(83,472,412	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(197,660	)		(166,129	)
Total Grom Social Enterprises, Inc. stockholders' equity		16,728,845			18,099,611
Noncontrolling interests		1,864,356			2,248,237
Total stockholders' equity		18,593,201			20,347,848
Total liabilities and equity	$	22,386,002		$	24,644,897

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

GROM SOCIAL ENTERPRISES INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended September 30,			Three Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023			2022			2023			2022

Sales	$	970,237		$	1,484,958		$	3,126,378		$	3,855,665
Cost of goods sold		659,920			912,010			2,049,626			2,776,418
Gross profit		310,317			572,948			1,076,752			1,079,247
Operating expenses:
Depreciation and amortization		142,939			59,586			448,137			188,199
Selling, general and administrative		1,948,773			1,952,670			5,885,871			5,426,185
Professional fees		202,656			259,142			817,971			963,149
Total operating expenses		2,294,368			2,271,398			7,151,979			6,577,533
Loss from operations		(1,984,051	)		(1,698,450	)		(6,075,227	)		(5,498,286	)
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net		(11,117	)		(366,840	)		(512,206	)		(3,312,370	)
Loss on settlement of derivative liabilities		–			(80,130	)		–			(119,754	)
Unrealized loss on change in fair value of derivative liabilities		–			(8,077	)		–			49,047
Other gains (losses)		1,127			47,256			(849	)		119,297
Total other income (expense)		(9,990	)		(407,791	)		(513,055	)		(3,263,780	)
Loss before income taxes		(1,994,041	)		(2,106,241	)		(6,588,282	)		(8,762,066	)
Provision for income taxes (benefit)		–			–			–			–
Net loss		(1,994,041	)		(2,106,241	)		(6,588,282	)		(8,762,066	)
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(148,057	)		(95,446	)		(383,881	)		(266,309	)
Net loss attributable to Grom Social Enterprises, Inc. stockholders		(1,845,984	)		(2,010,795	)		(6,204,401	)		(8,495,757	)
Dividends to Series C preferred stockholders		185,637			186,163			556,910			550,223
Net loss attributable to Grom Social Enterprises, Inc. common stockholders		(2,031,621	)		(2,196,958	)		(6,761,311	)		(9,045,980	)

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	(3.00	)	$	(61.27	)	$	(13.74	)	$	(299.15	)

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic		676,892			35,857			491,912			30,239
Diluted		–			–			–			–

Comprehensive loss:
Net loss	$	(1,994,041	)	$	(2,106,241	)	$	(6,588,282	)	$	(8,762,066	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(29,393	)		(72,340	)		(31,531	)		(129,361	)
Comprehensive loss		(2,023,434	)		(2,178,581	)		(6,619,813	)		(8,891,427	)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(148,057	)		(95,446	)		(383,881	)		(266,309	)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Grom Social Enterprises, Inc. common stockholders	$	(1,875,377	)	$	(2,083,135	)	$	(6,235,932	)	$	(8,625,118	)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

GROM SOCIAL ENTERPRISES INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Common Stock

Value

Balance, July 1, 2022

–

9,360,809

9,361

71,336

Net loss

–

Change in foreign currency translation

–

Conversion of Series C preferred stock into common stock

–

(79,000

)

(79

)

–

Dividends declared for Series C preferred stock

–

Issuance of common stock as payment for Series C preferred stock dividends payable

–

765

Issuance of common stock in exchange for consulting, professional and other services

–

100

–

Conversion of note principal and accrued interest into common stock

–

3,704

Stock based compensation expense related to stock options

–

Balance, September 30, 2022

–

9,281,809

9,282

75,974


	Additional					Accumulated Other						Total
	Paid-in		Accumulated			Comprehensive			Noncontrolling			Stockholders'
	Capital		Deficit			Loss			Interests			Equity

Balance, July 1, 2022	$	95,681,691	$	(73,253,212	)	$	(87,776	)	$	2,511,476		$	24,861,611

Net loss		–		(2,010,795	)		–			(95,446	)		(2,106,241	)
Change in foreign currency translation		–		–			(72,340	)		–			(72,340	)
Conversion of Series C preferred stock into common stock		79		–			–			–			–
Dividends declared for Series C preferred stock		–		(186,163	)		–			–			(186,163	)
Issuance of common stock as payment for Series C preferred stock dividends payable		187,215		–			–			–			187,216
Issuance of common stock in exchange for consulting, professional and other services		21,254		–			–			–			21,254
Conversion of note principal and accrued interest into common stock		1,199,996		–			–			–			1,200,000
Stock based compensation expense related to stock options		88,709		–			–			–			88,709

Balance, September 30, 2022	$	97,178,944	$	(75,450,170	)	$	(160,116	)	$	2,416,030		$	23,994,046

(continued)

GROM SOCIAL ENTERPRISES INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Common Stock

Value

Balance, July 1, 2023

–

9,281,809

9,282

490,071

490

Net loss

–

Change in foreign currency translation

–

Conversion of Series C preferred stock into common stock

–

Dividends declared for Series C preferred stock

–

Issuance of common stock in connection with public offerings

–

946,000

946

Issuance of common stock in connection with warrant exercises

–

54,000

Stock based compensation expense related to stock options

–

Balance, September 30, 2023

–

9,281,809

9,282

1,490,071

1,490


						Accumulated
	Additional					Other						Total
	Paid-in		Accumulated			Comprehensive			Noncontrolling			Stockholders'
	Capital		Deficit			Loss			Interests			Equity

Balance, July 1, 2023	$	104,660,697	$	(88,202,102	)	$	(168,267	)	$	2,012,413		$	18,312,513

Net loss		–		(1,845,984	)		–			(148,057	)		(1,994,041	)
Change in foreign currency translation		–		–			(29,393	)		–			(29,393	)
Conversion of Series C preferred stock into common stock		–		–			–			–			–
Dividends declared for Series C preferred stock		–		(185,637	)		–			–			(185,637	)
Issuance of common stock in connection with public offerings		2,460,025											2,460,971
Issuance of common stock in connection with warrant exercises		–		–			–			–			54
Stock based compensation expense related to stock options		28,734		–			–			–			28,734

Balance, September 30, 2023	$	107,149,456	$	(90,233,723	)	$	(197,660	)	$	1,864,356		$	18,593,201

(continued)

GROM SOCIAL ENTERPRISES INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Common Stock

Value

Balance, January 1, 2022

–

9,400,309

9,400

59,534

Net loss

–

Change in foreign currency translation

–

Conversion of Series C preferred stock into common stock

–

(118,500

)

(118

)

103

–

Dividends declared for Series C preferred stock

–

Issuance of common stock as payment for Series C preferred stock dividends payable

–

1,352

Issuance of common stock in exchange for consulting, professional and other services

–

297

–

Conversion of note principal and accrued interest into common stock

–

14,688

Recognition of beneficial conversion features related to notes payable

–

Stock based compensation expense related to stock options

–

Balance, September 30, 2022

–

9,281,809

9,282

75,974


						Accumulated
	Additional					Other						Total
	Paid-in		Accumulated			Comprehensive			Noncontrolling			Stockholders'
	Capital		Deficit			Loss			Interests			Equity

Balance, January 1, 2022	$	89,863,947	$	(66,404,190	)	$	(30,755	)	$	2,682,339		$	26,120,801

Net loss		–		(8,495,757	)		–			(266,309	)		(8,762,066	)
Change in foreign currency translation		–		–			(129,361	)		–			(129,361	)
Conversion of Series C preferred stock into common stock		118		–			–			–			–
Dividends declared for Series C preferred stock		–		(550,223	)		–			–			(550,223	)
Issuance of common stock as payment for Series C preferred stock dividends payable		833,738		–			–			–			833,739
Issuance of common stock in exchange for consulting, professional and other services		116,736		–			–			–			116,736
Conversion of note principal and accrued interest into common stock		5,774,985		–			–			–			5,775,000
Recognition of beneficial conversion features related to notes payable		363,329		–			–			–			363,329
Stock based compensation expense related to stock options		226,091		–			–			–			226,091

Balance, September 30, 2022	$	97,178,944	$	(75,450,170	)	$	(160,116	)	$	2,416,030		$	23,994,046

(continued)

GROM SOCIAL ENTERPRISES INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)

Series A Preferred Stock

Series B Preferred Stock

Series C Preferred Stock

Common Stock

Value

Balance, January 1, 2023

–

9,281,809

9,282

163,596

164

Net loss

–

Change in foreign currency translation

–

Conversion of Series C preferred stock into common stock

–

Dividends declared for Series C preferred stock

–

Issuance of common stock in connection with public offerings

–

946,000

946

Issuance of common stock in connection with private offerings

–

5,000

Issuance of common stock in connection with the exercise of warrants

–

374,308

374

Issuance of common stock in exchange for consulting, professional and other services

–

1,167

Issuance of common stock purchase warrants as consideration for waiver of a financing covenant

–

Stock based compensation expense related to stock options

–

Balance, September 30, 2023

–

9,281,809

9,282

1,490,071

1,490


	Additional					Accumulated Other						Total
	Paid-in		Accumulated			Comprehensive			Noncontrolling			Stockholders'
	Capital		Deficit			Loss			Interests			Equity

Balance, January 1, 2023	$	101,728,706	$	(83,472,412	)	$	(166,129	)	$	2,248,237		$	20,347,848

Net loss		–		(6,204,401	)		–			(383,881	)		(6,588,282	)
Change in foreign currency translation		–		–			(31,531	)		–			(31,531	)
Conversion of Series C preferred stock into common stock		–		–			–			–			–
Dividends declared for Series C preferred stock		–		(556,910	)		–			–			(556,910	)
Issuance of common stock in connection with public offerings		2,460,025		–			–			–			2,460,971
Issuance of common stock in connection with private offerings		2,448,354		–			–			–			2,448,359
Issuance of common stock in connection with the exercise of warrants		11,989		–			–			–			12,363
Issuance of common stock in exchange for consulting, professional and other services		31,967		–			–			–			31,968
Issuance of common stock purchase warrants as consideration for waiver of a financing covenant		350,038		–			–			–			350,038
Stock based compensation expense related to stock options		118,377		–			–			–			118,377

Balance, September 30, 2023	$	107,149,456	$	(90,233,723	)	$	(197,660	)	$	1,864,356		$	18,593,201

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

GROM SOCIAL ENTERPRISES INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)


	Nine Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023			2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(6,588,282	)	$	(8,762,066	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		551,455			384,351
Amortization of debt discount		15,619			2,181,869
Amortization of right-of-use assets		72,869			289,766
Provision for doubtful accounts		6,075			–
Common stock issued for financing costs		350,039			–
Common stock issued in exchange for fees and services		31,968			116,736
Derivative expense		–			1,052,350
Retirement benefit cost		18,201			–
Stock based compensation		118,377			226,091
Loss on disposal of property and equipment		544			2,237
Loss on settlement of derivative liability		–			119,754
Unrealized gain on change in fair value of derivative liabilities		–			(49,047	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		323,823			(74,769	)
Inventory		49,328			(31,643	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(34,682	)		(361,348	)
Other assets		(298,410	)		(718,161	)
Accounts payable		11,990			262,514
Accrued liabilities		(61,586	)		17,146
Advanced payments and deferred revenues		(167,866	)		243,191
Income taxes payable and other noncurrent liabilities		(195,254	)		13,748
Operating lease liabilities		(68,066	)		(344,721	)
Net cash used in operating activities		(5,863,858	)		(5,432,002	)

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment		(23,395	)		(84,300	)
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment		4,605			13,085
Net cash used in investing activities		(18,790	)		(71,215	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs		4,909,330			–
Proceeds from exercise of common stock purchase warrants, net of issuance costs		12,363			–
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes		–			1,444,000
Repayments of convertible notes		(401,935	)		(109,997	)
Repayments of loans payable		–			(36,834	)
Repayments of related party payables		(50,000	)		–
Settlement of derivative liabilities		–			(1,074,069	)
Net cash provided by financing activities		4,469,758			223,100

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents		11,009			61,451
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(1,401,881	)		(5,218,666	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		3,871,174			6,530,161
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	2,469,293		$	1,311,495

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	$	59,049		$	31,020
Cash paid for income taxes	$	–		$	–

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Common stock issued to reduce dividends payable to Series C preferred stockholders	$	–		$	833,739
Common stock warrants issued in connection with convertible promissory notes	$	–		$	363,329
Conversion of note principal and accrued interest into common stock	$	–		$	5,775,000
Dividends payable to Series C preferred stockholders	$	556,909		$	186,163
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities	$	–		$	80,478

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

GROM SOCIAL ENTERPRISES, INC.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

1.	NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Grom Social Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company” or “Grom”), was incorporated in the State of Florida under the name “Illumination America, Inc.” Grom is a media, technology and entertainment company that focuses on (i) delivering content to children under the age of 13 years in a safe secure platform that is compliant with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) and can be monitored by parents or guardians, (ii) creating, acquiring, and developing the commercial potential of Kids & Family entertainment properties and associated business opportunities, (iii) providing world class animation services, and (iv) offering protective web filtering solutions to block unwanted or inappropriate content.

The Company conducts its business through the following subsidiaries:

	·	Grom Social, Inc. (“Grom Social”), incorporated in the State of Florida on March 5, 2012, operates Grom’s social media network designed for children under the age of 13 years.

	·	TD Holdings Limited (“TD Holdings”), incorporated in Hong Kong on September 15, 2005, operates through its two wholly-owned subsidiaries: (i) Top Draw Animation Hong Kong Limited, a Hong Kong corporation, (“Top Draw HK”), and (ii) Top Draw Animation, Inc., a Philippines corporation, (“Top Draw Philippines”). The group’s principal activity is the production of animated films and television series.

	·	Grom Educational Services, Inc. (“GES”), incorporated in the State of Florida on January 17, 2017, operates Grom’s web filtering services provided to schools and government agencies.

	·	Grom Nutritional Services, Inc. (“GNS”), incorporated in the State of Florida on April 19, 2017, intends to market and distribute nutritional supplements to children. GNS has been nonoperational since its inception.

	·	Curiosity Ink Media, LLC (“CIM”), organized in the State of Delaware on January 5, 2017, develops, acquires, builds, grows and maximizes the short, mid and long-term commercial potential of kids and family entertainment properties and associated business opportunities.

Grom owns 100% of each of Grom Social, TD Holdings, GES and GNS, and 80% of CIM.

2.	GOING CONCERN

The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the discharge of liabilities in the normal course of business. Based on current operating levels, the Company will need to raise additional funds by selling additional equity or incurring debt.

On a consolidated basis, the Company has incurred significant operating losses since its inception. As of September 30, 2023, the Company has an accumulated deficit of $90.2 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, it used approximately $5.9 million, respectively, in cash for operating activities.

The Company has funded its operations primarily through sales of its common stock in public markets, proceeds from the exercise of warrants to purchase common stock, and the sale of convertible notes. Future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including the (i) rate of revenue growth, (ii) expansion of sales and marketing activities, (iii) timing and extent of spending on content development efforts, and (iv) market acceptance of the Company’s content, products and services.

The Company’s management intends to raise additional funds through the issuance of equity securities or debt to enable the Company to meet its obligations for the twelve-month period. However, there can be no assurance that, in the event the Company requires additional financing, such financing will be available at terms acceptable to the Company, if at all. Failure to generate sufficient cash flows from operations and/or raise additional capital could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to achieve its intended business objectives. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

3.	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in conjunction with the instructions to Form 10-Q of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements have been condensed or omitted. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its operating subsidiaries Grom Social, TD Holdings, GES, GNS, and Curiosity. The Company recognizes the noncontrolling interest related to its less-than-wholly-owned subsidiary, Curiosity, as equity in the consolidated financial statements separate from the parent entity’s equity. The net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest is included in net loss in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

These condensed consolidated financial statements include all of the adjustments, which in the opinion of management are necessary to a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations. All such adjustments, which includes intercompany balances and transactions are of a normal and recurring nature. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto at December 31, 2022, as presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 17, 2023 with the SEC.

Certain amounts for the prior year period have been reclassified to conform to current year’s presentation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The most significant estimates relate to revenue recognition, valuation of accounts receivable, goodwill and other long-lived assets, and contingencies. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, known or expected trends and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable given the quality of information available as of the date of these financial statements. The results of these assumptions provide the basis for making estimates about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share

The Company computes net income (loss) per share in accordance with FASB ASC 260, Earnings per Share which requires presentation of both basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) on the face of the income statement. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders (numerator) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding (denominator) during the period. Diluted EPS gives effect to all dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method, and convertible preferred stock and convertible debt using the if-converted method. These potentially dilutive shares include 77 shares from convertible notes and accrued interest, 8,507 shares from convertible preferred stock, 390 shares from vested stock options and 8,712 shares from stock purchase warrants. In computing diluted EPS, the average stock price for the period is used in determining the number of shares assumed to be purchased from the exercise of stock options or warrants. Diluted EPS excludes all dilutive potential shares if their effect is anti-dilutive.

Update to Significant Accounting Policies

There have been no new or material changes to the significant accounting policies discussed in the Company’s audited financial statements in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 as filed with the SEC on April 17, 2023, that are of significance, or potential significance, to the Company.

4.	REVENUES

The Company recognizes revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with FASB ASC 606. The Company’s main types of revenue contracts consists of the following:

Animation Revenue

Animation revenue is primarily generated from contracts with customers for preproduction and production services related to the development of animated movies and television series. Preproduction activities include producing storyboards, location design, model and props design, background color and color styling. Production focuses on library creation, digital asset management, background layout scene assembly, posing, animation and after effects. The Company provides services under fixed-price contracts. Under these fixed-price contracts, the Company agrees to perform a specified scope of work for a pre-determined price. To the extent actual costs vary from estimated costs, the Company’s profit may increase, decrease, or result in a loss.

Web Filtering Revenue

Web filtering revenue is subscription based and recognized on a pro-rata basis over the subscription period. Typically, a subscriber purchases computer hardware and a software and support service license for a period of use between one year to five years. The subscriber is billed in full at the time of the sale. The Company immediately recognizes revenue attributable to the computer hardware as it is non-refundable and control passes to the customer. The advanced billing component for software and service is initially recorded as deferred revenue and subsequently recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the subscription period.

Produced and Licensed Content Revenue

Produced and licensed content revenue is generated from the licensing of internally-produced films and episodic television programs.

Each individual film or television series episode delivered represents a separate performance obligation, and revenues are recognized when the film or episode is made available to the licensee for exhibition. For license agreements containing multiple deliverables, revenues are allocated based on the relative standalone selling price of each film or episode of a television series, which is based on licenses for comparable films or series within the marketplace. Agreements to license programming are often long term, with collection terms ranging from one to five years.

The advanced billing component for licensed content is initially recorded as deferred revenue and subsequently recognized as revenue upon completion of the performance obligation in accordance with the terms of licensing agreement.

Publishing Revenue

The Company has engaged the services of a third-party entity to manage the printing, publishing and distribution of the Company’s publishing content. In accordance with the terms agreed with the third party, the Company’s revenue is recognized as 50% of revenue from sales per title after the third-party vendor earns back the costs to develop, author, publish, market, promote and distribute each title, inclusive of any royalties owed to rights holders, following a six months period in market to allow for returns.

Publishing revenues are eligible for recognition upon the completion of a six-month sales period to provide for any potential returns and notification from the third-party entity that it has earned back all of its related publishing costs.

Other Revenue

Other revenue corresponds to subscription and advertising revenue from the Grom Social mobile application.

The following table depicts the disaggregated revenue listed above within the Sales caption in the condensed consolidated statements of operations:

Schedule of disaggregated revenue
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2023		Three Months Ended September 30, 2022		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022

Animation	$	734,535	$	1,419,153	$	2,607,352	$	3,493,732
Web Filtering		94,924		63,234		302,308		358,950
Publishing		101,403		2,321		111,504		2,321
Other		39,375		250		105,214		662
Total Sales	$	970,237	$	1,484,958	$	3,126,378	$	3,855,665

The following table sets forth the components of the Company’s accounts receivable and advanced payments and deferred revenues at September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022:

Schedule of accounts receivable
	September 30, 2023			December 31, 2022

Billed accounts receivable	$	306,767		$	607,524
Unbilled accounts receivable		568,886			592,932
Allowance for credit losses		(43,320	)		(38,226	)
Total accounts receivable, net	$	832,333		$	1,162,230
Total advanced payments and deferred revenues	$	409,472		$	576,338

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company had two and three customers, respectively, that accounted for 72.5% and 76.4%, respectively, of total revenues. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company had four customers that account for 81.8% and 71.4%, respectively, of total revenues.

At September 30, 2023, the Company had two customers that accounted for 87.7% of accounts receivable. At December 31, 2022, the Company had two customers that accounted for 73.6% of accounts receivable.

Animation revenue contracts vary with movie contracts typically allowing for progress billings over the contract term while other episodic development activities are typically billable upon delivery of the performance obligation for an episode. These episodic activities typically create unbilled contract assets between episode delivery dates while movies can create contract assets or liabilities based on the progress of activities versus the arranged billing schedule. Revenues from web filtering contracts are all billed in advance and therefore represent contract liabilities until fully recognized on a ratable basis over the contract life.

5.	INVENTORY

Inventory consists of costs incurred to produce animated content for third party customers. Costs incurred to produce the animated content to customers, which include direct production costs, production overhead and supplies are recognized as work-in-progress inventory. As animated content is completed in accordance with the terms stated by the customer, inventory is classified as finished products and subsequently recognized as cost of services as animated content is accepted by and available to the customer. Carrying amounts of animated content are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using a weighted average cost method for direct production costs, productions overhead and supplies used for completing animation projects.

As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company’s inventory totaled $42,975 and $92,303, respectively, and was comprised of work-in-progress of $37,587 and $85,324, respectively, and finished goods of $5,388 and $6,979, respectively.

6.	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

The following table sets forth the components of the Company’s property and equipment at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

Schedule of property and equipment
	September 30, 2023							December 31, 2022
	Cost		Accumulated Depreciation			Net Book Value		Cost		Accumulated Depreciation			Net Book Value
Capital assets subject to depreciation:
Computers, software and office equipment	$	2,457,230	$	(2,415,723	)	$	41,507	$	2,774,308	$	(2,651,872	)	$	122,436
Machinery and equipment		173,289		(169,248	)		4,041		189,641		(182,180	)		7,461
Vehicles		11,515		(11,515	)		–		41,112		(35,504	)		5,608
Furniture and fixtures		369,045		(359,891	)		9,154		409,996		(391,783	)		18,213
Leasehold improvements		1,058,211		(997,767	)		60,444		1,172,501		(1,065,148	)		107,353
Total fixed assets		4,069,290		(3,954,144	)		115,146		4,587,558		(4,326,487	)		261,071
Capital assets not subject to depreciation:
Construction in progress		–		–			–		24,605		–			24,605
Total fixed assets	$	4,069,290	$	(3,954,144	)	$	115,146	$	4,612,163	$	(4,326,487	)	$	285,676

For the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded depreciation expense of $12,436 and $75,337, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded depreciation expense of $140,871 and $248,384, respectively.

7.	OTHER ASSETS

The following table sets forth the components of the Company’s other assets at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

Schedule of other assets
	September 30, 2023		December 31, 2022

Capitalized website development costs	$	776,369	$	1,057,312
Prepublication costs		174,504		164,042
Produced and licensed content costs		618,869		325,966
Deposits		72,390		72,027
Other noncurrent assets		–		7,731
Total other assets	$	1,642,132	$	1,627,078

Capitalized Website Development Costs

The Company capitalizes certain costs associated with the development of its Santa.com website after the preliminary project stage is complete and until the website is ready for its intended use. Planning and operating costs are expensed as incurred. Capitalization begins when the preliminary project stage is complete, project plan is defined, functionalities are determined and internal and external resources are identified. Qualified costs incurred during the operating stage of our software applications relating to upgrades and enhancements are capitalized to the extent it is probable that they will result in added functionality, while costs that cannot be separated between maintenance of, and minor upgrades and enhancements to the websites are expensed as incurred.

Capitalized website costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life of three years beginning with the time when it is ready for intended use. Amounts amortized are presented through cost of sales. Management evaluates the useful lives of these assets on an annual basis and tests for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances occur that could impact the recoverability of these assets.

Prepublication Costs

Prepublication costs include costs incurred to create and develop the art, prepress, editorial, digital conversion and other content required for the creation of the master copy of a book or other media. Prepublication costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over a two- to five-year period based on expected future revenue. The Company regularly reviews the recoverability of the capitalized costs based on expected future revenues.

Produced and Licensed Content Costs

Produced and licensed content costs include capitalizable direct costs, production overhead, interest and development costs and are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value. Marketing, distribution and general and administrative costs are expensed as incurred.

Film, television and direct to consumers through streaming services production and residual costs are expensed over the product life cycle based upon the ratio of the current period’s revenues to estimated remaining total revenues (Ultimate Revenues) for each production. For film productions and direct to consumer services, Ultimate Revenues include revenues from all sources that will be earned within ten years from the date of the initial release. For television series, Ultimate Revenues include revenues that will be earned within ten years from delivery of the first episode, or if still in production, five years from delivery of the most recent episode, if later. Costs of film, television and direct to consumer productions are subject to regular recoverability assessments, which compare the estimated fair values with the unamortized costs. The Company bases these fair value measurements on the Company’s assumptions about how market participants would price the assets at the balance sheet date, which may be different than the amounts ultimately realized in future periods. The amount by which the unamortized costs of film and television productions exceed their estimated fair values is written off. Costs for projects that have been abandoned are written off. Projects that have not been set for production within three years are also written off unless management has committed to a plan to proceed with the project and is actively working on and funding the project.

The following tables set forth the components of the Company’s capitalized costs at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

Schedule of capitalized cost
	September 30, 2023								December 31, 2022
		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value			Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Depreciation			Net Book Value
Prepublication costs		$	178,398	$	(3,894	)	$	174,504		$	165,524	$	(1,482	)	$	164,042
Produced and licensed content costs			618,869		–			618,869			325,966		–			325,966
Capitalized website development costs			1,123,772		(347,403	)		776,369			1,123,772		(66,460	)		1,057,312
Total capitalized costs		$	1,921,039	$	(351,297	)	$	1,569,742		$	1,615,262	$	(67,942	)	$	1,547,320

For the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded amortization expense of $94,452 and $1,203, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded amortization expense of $283,355 and $1,203, respectively.

8.	LEASES

The Company has entered into operating leases primarily for office space. These leases have terms which range from two years to six years, and often include one or more options to renew or in the case of equipment rental, to purchase the equipment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company did not record any additional right of use (“ROU”) assets or lease liabilities related to new operating leases.

The following table presents the future minimum payment obligations and aggregate present value of lease liabilities for operating leases as of September 30, 2023:

Schedule of future minimum lease payment
Remainder of 2023	$	93,253
2024		269,487
2025		270,507
2026		219,735
2027		230,724
Thereafter		–
Total future lease payments		1,083,706
Less: Imputed interest		(225,687	)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	858,019

These operating leases are listed as separate line items on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and represent the Company’s right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The Company’s obligation to make lease payments are also listed as separate line items on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Because the rate implicit in each lease is not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of the lease payments.

Information related to the Company's operating ROU assets and related lease liabilities are as follows:

Schedule of operating right-of-use assets
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities	$	283,678
Weighted-average remaining lease term		2.7
Weighted-average discount rate		10%

For the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded rent expenses related to lease obligations of $97,693 and $109,829, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded rent expenses related to lease obligations of $297,897 and $330,462, respectively. Rent expenses related to lease obligations are allocated between cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations.

9.	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill represents the future economic benefit arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. The goodwill arising from the Company’s acquisitions is attributable to the value of the potential expanded market opportunity with new customers.

The following table sets forth the changes in the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

Schedule of goodwill
Balance, January 1, 2022	$	22,376,025
Measurement Period Adjustment		(468,426	)
Impairment charge		(11,340,115	)
Balance, December 31, 2022		10,567,484
Impairments and other adjustments		–
Balance, September 30, 2023	$	10,567,484

At December 31, 2022, the Company performed its annual impairment tests as prescribed by ASC 350 on the carrying value of its goodwill and recorded aggregate impairment charges of $11,340,115; of which $6,202,888 was attributed to its TD Holdings Ltd animation business acquired in 2016, and $5,137,227 was attributed to its Curiosity Ink Media original content business acquired in 2021. The determination was made as the result of the Company’s qualitative assessment of each business unit, including the decline in animation revenues and delay in monetization of original content properties.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company finalized the purchase price allocation, during the permissible measurement period, and obtained new fair value information for certain identifiable intangible assets related to its acquisition of Curiosity. The revised purchase price allocation decreased goodwill by $468,426 and increased intangible assets by $468,426. These adjustments did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The following table summarizes the individually identifiable intangible assets subsequently recognized:

Schedule of changes in intangible assets
Licensing agreements	$	341,728
Books and stories content		126,698
Total identifiable intangible assets	$	468,426

At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill was $10,567,484, respectively.

The following table sets forth the components of the Company’s intangible assets at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

Schedule of intangible assets
		September 30, 2023							December 31, 2022
	Amortization Period (Years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
Customer relationships	10.00	$	1,526,282	$	(1,106,554	)	$	419,728	$	1,526,282	$	(992,083	)	$	534,199
Licensing agreement	19.60		341,728		(37,687	)		304,041		341,728		(24,641	)		317,087
Subtotal			1,868,010		(1,144,241	)		723,769		1,868,010		(1,016,724	)		851,286
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
Books and stories content			126,698		–			126,698		126,698		–			126,698
Trade names			4,386,247		–			4,386,247		4,386,247		–			4,386,247
Total intangible assets		$	6,380,955	$	(1,144,241	)	$	5,236,714	$	6,380,955	$	(1,016,724	)	$	5,364,231

For the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded amortization expense of $42,505 and $42,505, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded amortization expense of $127,516 and $134,764, respectively.

The following table provides information regarding estimated remaining amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization for the remainder of 2023 and each of the following years ending December 31:

Schedule of amortization
Remainder of 2023	$	42,505
2024		170,022
2025		170,022
2026		93,708
2027		17,394
Thereafter		230,118
Total remaining intangible assets subject to amortization	$	723,769

10.

ACCRUED LIABILITIES

The following table sets forth the components of the Company’s accrued liabilities at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

Schedule accrued liabilities
	September 30, 2023		December 31, 2022

Executive and employee compensation	$	138,558	$	102,151
Interest on convertible notes and promissory notes		50,976		84,292
Other accrued expenses and liabilities		81,233		192,511
Total accrued liabilities	$	270,767	$	378,954

11.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND PAYABLES

Darren Marks’s Family

The Company has engaged the family of Darren Marks, its Chief Executive Officer, to assist in the development of the Grom Social mobile application. These individuals create and produce original short form content focusing on social responsibility, anti-bullying, digital citizenship, unique blogs, and special events. Sarah Marks, the wife of Mr. Marks, and Zach Marks, Luke Marks, Jack Marks, Dawson Marks, Caroline Marks and Victoria Marks, each Mr. Marks’s children, are, or have been, employed by or independently contracted with the Company.

As of September 30, 2023, Zach Marks was employed by Grom Social as its Founder and Content Creator and receives an annual salary of $103,000. Effective August 4, 2023, Luke Marks resigned from his position of Content Coordinator from which he received an annual salary of $30,000.

For the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Marks family was paid a total of $28,875 and $30,000, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Marks family was paid a total of $96,792 and $90,000, respectively.

Compensation for services provided by the Marks family is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

Liabilities Due to Executive Officers and Directors

On July 11, 2018, our director Dr. Thomas Rutherford loaned the Company $50,000. The loan bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum and was due on August 11, 2018. On April 21, 2023, the Company repaid the $50,000 of outstanding principal on the note.

As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the aggregate related party payables balance was $23,904 and $72,383, respectively, of which $23,904 and $22,383 of accrued interest were reported under accrued liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

12.

CONVERTIBLE NOTES

The following tables set forth the components of the Company’s convertible notes as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

Schedule of convertible debt
	September 30, 2023			December 31, 2022
8% Unsecured Convertible Note (Curiosity)	$	–		$	278,000
12% Senior Convertible Notes with Original Issuance Discounts (OID Notes)		75,000			75,000
12% Senior Secured Convertible Notes (TDH Secured Notes)		100,749			204,907
12% Senior Secured Convertible Notes (Additional Secured Notes)		19,143			38,932
Loan discounts		(9,545	)		(25,165	)
Total convertible notes, net		185,347			571,664
Less: current portion of convertible notes, net		(185,347	)		(503,465	)
Convertible notes, net of current portion	$	–		$	68,199

8% Unsecured Convertible Notes – Curiosity

On July 29, 2021, the Company entered into a membership interest purchase agreement with Curiosity and the holders of all of Curiosity’s outstanding membership interests, for the purchase of 80% of Curiosity’s outstanding membership interests from the sellers. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, the Company issued 8% eighteen-month convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount $278,000 to pay-down and refinance certain outstanding loans and advances previously made by certain of its principals. The notes are convertible into shares of common stock of the Company at a conversion price of $1,968.00 per share but may not be converted if, after giving effect to such conversion, the noteholder and its affiliates would beneficially own in excess of 9.99% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The notes may be prepaid at any time, in whole or in part. The notes are subordinate to the Company’s senior indebtedness.

On September 21, 2023, the Company repaid $278,000 of outstanding principal and $46,430 of accrued interest to the noteholders.

As of September 30, 2023, the principal balance of the Curiosity note was $0.

10% Senior Secured Convertible Note with Original Issuance Discount (L1)

On September 14, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with L1 Capital Global Master Fund (“L1”) pursuant to which it issued (i) a 10% original issue discount senior secured convertible note in the principal amount of $4,400,000 to L1 (the “L1 Note”) and (ii) a 5 five-year warrant to purchase 1,355 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $2,520.00 per share (“Warrant Shares”) in exchange for $3,960,000 (the “First Tranche Financing”). The Purchase Agreement also provided, subject to shareholder approval, for the issuance, subject to certain conditions, of an additional $1,500,000 of notes and warrants to purchase 463 shares of common stock (the “Second Tranche Financing”) on the same terms.

On October 20, 2021, the Company and L1 entered into an amended and restated purchase agreement which increased the amount of the Second Tranche Financing from $1,500,000 to $6,000,000 and provides (i) for an amended and restated 10% original issue discount senior secured convertible note to be issued in exchange for the L1 Note pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and (ii) for the issuance of a five-year warrant to purchase 1,735 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $2,520.00 per share.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company issued an aggregate 9,596 shares of common stock to L1 upon the conversion of $4,125,000 of outstanding principal.

As of September 30, 2023, the principal balance was $0 and all associated loan discounts were fully amortized.

10% Senior Secured Convertible Note with Original Issuance Discount (L1– Second Tranche)

On January 20, 2022 (the “Second Tranche Closing”), the Company and L1 Capital closed on the Second Tranche of the offering, resulting in the issuance of (i) a $1,750,000 10% Original Issue Discount Senior Secured Convertible Note, due July 20, 2023, (the “Second Tranche Note”); and (ii) a five year warrant to purchase 506 shares of Common Stock of the Company at an exercise price of $2,520.00 per share (the “Second Tranche Warrants”), in exchange for consideration of $1,575,000 (i.e. the face amount less the 10% Original Issue Discount of $175,000).

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company issued an aggregate 5,401 shares of common stock and repaid $1,146,901 in cash to L1 upon the conversion of $1,750,000 of outstanding principal.

As of September 30, 2023, the principal balance of these notes was $0 and all associated loan discounts were fully amortized.

10% Secured Convertible Notes with Original Issuance Discounts (“OID Notes”)

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company issued a series of secured, convertible notes with original issuance discounts to accredited investors. The notes were issued with original issuance discounts of 10.0%, bear interest at a rate of 10% per annum (payable semiannually in cash), and carry a two-year term with a fixed conversion price of $14,976.00. As of September 30, 2023, the remaining principal balance of these notes was $25,000.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company issued a series of secured, convertible notes with original issuance discounts to accredited investors. The notes were issued with original issuance discounts of 20.0%, bear interest at a rate of 10% per annum (payable semiannually in cash), and carry a two-year term with a fixed conversion price of $9,600.00. As of September 30, 2023, the remaining principal balance of these notes was $50,000.

As of September 30, 2023, the principal balance of these notes was $75,000 and all associated loan discounts were fully amortized. No notices of default or demands for payment have been received by the Company.

12% Senior Secured Convertible Notes (“TDH Secured Notes”)

On March 16, 2020, the Company sold (the “TDH Secured Notes Offering”) an aggregate $3,000,000 of its 12% senior secured convertible notes (the “TDH Secured Notes”), to eleven accredited investors (the “TDH Secured Note Lenders”), pursuant to a subscription agreement with the TDH Secured Note Lenders. Interest on the TDH Secured Notes accrues on the outstanding principal amount at the rate of 12% per annum. Principal and interest on the TDH Secured Notes are payable monthly, on an amortized basis over 48 months, with the last payment due on March 16, 2024. Pursuant to the TDH Secured Notes, TD Holdings will pay amounts due under the TDH Secured Notes. Prepayment of amounts due under TDH Secured Notes is subject to a prepayment penalty in an amount equal to 4% of the amount prepaid.

The TDH Secured Notes are convertible at the option of the holders at 75% of the average sales price of the Company’s common stock over the 60 trading days immediately preceding conversion provided that the conversion price shall not be less than $1,920.00 per share.

The Company’s obligations under the TDH Secured Notes, are secured by Grom Holdings’ shares of stock of TDH, and of its wholly owned subsidiary, TDAHK. The TDH Secured Notes rank equally and ratably on a pari passu basis with (i) the other TDH Secured Notes and (ii) the Original TDH Notes issued by the Company pursuant to TDH Share Sale Agreement.

If the Company sells the animation studio located in Manila, Philippines, which is currently owned by TDH through TDAHK (the “Animation Studio”), for more than $12,000,000, and so long as any amount of principal is outstanding under the TDH Secured Notes, the Company will pay the TDH Secured Notes holders from the proceeds of the sale (i) all amounts of principal outstanding under the TDH Secured Notes, (ii) such amount of interest which would be due and payable assuming the TDH Secured Notes were held to maturity (minus any amounts of interest previously paid hereunder), and (iii) an additional 10% of the amount of principal outstanding under the TDH Secured Notes within five days of the closing of such sale.

In connection with the issuance of the TDH Secured Notes, the Company issued to each TDH Secured Note holder shares of common stock equal to 20% of the principal amount of such holder’s TDH Secured Note, divided by $1,920.00. Accordingly, an aggregate of 313 shares of common stock were issued to the TDH Secured Note holders on March 16, 2020. These shares were valued at $420,000, or $1,344.00 per share, which represents fair market value. The Company recorded the value of these shares as a loan discount to be amortized as interest expense over the term of the notes.

As of September 30, 2023, the principal balance of these notes was $100,749 and the remaining balance on the associated loan discounts was $8,021.

12% Senior Secured Convertible Notes (Additional Secured Notes)

On March 16, 2020, the Company issued to seven accredited investors (the “Additional Secured Note Lenders”) an aggregate of $1,060,000 of its 12% senior secured convertible notes (the “Additional Secured Notes”) in a private offering pursuant to a subscription agreement with substantially the same terms as the TDH Secured Notes except that the Additional Secured Notes are secured by all of the assets of the Company other than the shares and other assets of TDH and TDAHK, pursuant to a security agreement by and among the Company and the Additional Secured Note Lenders.

Interest on the Additional Secured Notes accrues on the outstanding principal amount at the rate of 12% per annum. Principal and interest on the Additional Secured Notes are payable monthly, on an amortized basis over 48 months, with the last payment due on March 16, 2024. Prepayment of the amounts due under the Additional Secured Notes is subject to a prepayment penalty of 4% of the amount prepaid.

The Additional Secured Notes are convertible at the option of the holders at 75% of the average sales price of the Company’s common stock over the 60 trading days immediately preceding conversion provided that the conversion price shall not be less than $1,920.00 per share.

In connection with the issuance of the Additional Secured Notes, the Company issued to each Additional Secured Note Lender shares of common stock equal to 20% of the principal amount of such holder’s Additional Secured Note, divided by $1,920.00. Accordingly, an aggregate of 110 shares of common stock were issued. These shares were valued at $148,000, or $1,344.00 per share, which represents fair market value. The Company recorded the value of these shares as a loan discount to be amortized as interest expense over the term of the related convertible notes.

As of September 30, 2023, the principal balance of these notes was $19,142 and the remaining balance on the associated loan discounts was $1,524.

Future Minimum Principal Payments

The remaining future principal repayments based upon the maturity dates of the Company’s borrowings for each of the next five years are as follows:

Schedule of future debt maturity payments
Remainder of 2023	$	118,951
2024		75,941
2025 and thereafter		–
Total Convertible notes principal amount payable.	$	194,892

13.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

The Company’s subsidiary, Top Draw Animation, Inc., has an unfunded, non-contributory defined benefit plan covering its permanent employees.

Under the existing regulatory framework, the Company is required to pay eligible employees at least the minimum regulatory benefit upon retirement, which provides a retirement benefit equal to 22.5 days’ pay for every year of credited service, subject to age and service requirements. The regulatory benefit is paid in a lump sum upon retirement. The existing regulatory framework does not require minimum funding of the plan.

Retirement benefit expenses and liabilities are determined in accordance with an actuarial study made for the plan utilizing the net interest approach which disaggregates the defined benefit cost into the following components: service costs (cost of services received); net interest (financing effect of paying for benefits in advance or in arrears); and remeasurements (period-to-period fluctuations in the amounts of defined benefit obligations and plan assets).

Under the net interest approach, service cost and net interest on the defined benefit liability (asset) are both recognized in the statement of operations, while remeasurements of the defined benefit liability (asset) are recognized in other comprehensive income. Remeasurements recognized in other comprehensive income shall not be reclassified to profit or loss in a subsequent period.

The amount of the defined benefit liability reported under other noncurrent liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet is determined as follows:

Schedule of defined benefit liability
	September 30, 2023		December 31, 2022

Benefit obligation	$	230,562	$	434,974
Plan assets		–		–
Total	$	230,562	$	434,974

The components of the accumulated benefit cost to be recognized under selling, general and administrative expense in consolidated statement of operations are the service cost (current service cost, past service cost or credit and settlement gains or losses) and net interest expense on the net defined benefit liability:

Schedule of components of accumulated benefit cost
	September 30, 2023		September 30, 2022

Current service cost	$	13,610	$	55,551
Net interest expense		12,255		–
Total	$	25,865	$	55,551

The change in the accumulated benefit cost in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 is as follows:

Schedule of changes in accumulated benefit cost
	2023

Balance, January 1	$	434,974
Foreign currency translation		(8,863	)
Expense recognized in other comprehensive income		25,865
Remeasurement on actuarial gain (loss) recognized		(44,351	)
Contributions paid		(177,063	)
Balance, September 30	$	230,562

The cumulative amount of actuarial gains recognized in other comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

Schedule of actuarial gains
	2023			2022

Balance, January 1	$	(36,026	)	$	60,518
Foreign currency translation		–			–
Actuarial gain (loss)		(47,798	)		–
Balance, September 30		(83,824	)		60,518
Tax effect		20,956			(12,439	)
Cumulative actuarial gain (loss), net of tax	$	(62,868	)	$	48,079

The assumptions used to determine retirement benefits for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 are as follows:

Schedule of assumption used to determine retirement benefits
	September 30, 2023

Discount rate		6.50%
Salary increase rate		2.00%

14.

INCOME TAXES

In calculating the provision for income taxes on an interim basis, the Company uses an estimate of the annual effective tax rate based upon currently known facts and circumstances and applies that rate to its year-to-date earnings or losses. The Company’s effective tax rate is based on expected income and statutory tax rates and takes into consideration permanent differences between financial statement and tax return income applicable to the Company in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The effect of discrete items, such as changes in estimates, changes in rates or tax status, and unusual or infrequently occurring events, is recognized in the interim period in which the discrete item occurs. The accounting estimates used to compute the provision for income taxes may change as new events occur, additional information is obtained or as the result of new judicial interpretations or regulatory or tax law changes.

As of September 30, 2023, the Company had federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards. The federal and state NOL's may be subject to limitation under IRS Sec. 382, the analysis of which is not yet complete. The Company has established a full valuation allowance against the US federal, state and foreign NOL carryforwards as well as its other US and foreign deferred tax assets based on an assessment that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized in future years.

The Company’s interim effective tax rate, inclusive of discrete items, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was 0%, respectively, due to recurrent net losses for the periods presented.

15.

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred Stock

The Company is authorized to issue 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value of $0.001 per share.

Series A Preferred Stock

As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had no shares of Series A Stock issued and outstanding.

Series B Preferred Stock

As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had no shares of Series B Stock issued and outstanding, respectively.

Series C Preferred Stock

On May 20, 2021, the Company filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida a Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series C Stock designating 10,000,000 shares as Series C Preferred Stock (the “Series C Stock”). The Series C Stock ranks senior and prior to all other classes or series of the Company’s preferred stock and common stock.

The holder may, at any time after the 6-month anniversary of the issuance of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock, convert such shares into common stock at a conversion rate of $1,152.00 per share. In addition, the Company may, at any time after the issuance of the shares, convert any or all of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock at a conversion rate of $1,152.00 per share.

Each share of Series C Stock entitles the holder to 1.5625 votes for each share of Series C Stock. The consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of Series C Stock is required for the amendment to any of the terms of the Series C Stock, to create any additional class of stock unless the stock ranks junior to the Series C Stock, to make any distribution or dividend on any securities ranking junior to the Series C Stock, to merge or sell all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or acquire another business or effectuate any liquidation of the Company.

Cumulative dividends accrue on each share of Series C Stock at the rate of 8% per annum of the stated value of $1.00 per share and are payable in arrears quarterly commencing 90 days from issuance. The dividend shall be payable in shares of common stock (a “PIK Dividend”) and are be due and payable on the date on which such PIK Dividend was declared.

Upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of the Series C Stock are entitled to $1.00 per share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends. No distribution may be made to holders of shares of capital stock ranking junior to the Series C Stock upon a liquidation until Series C stockholders receive their liquidation preference. The holders of 66 2/3% of the then outstanding shares of Series C Stock, may elect to deem a merger, reorganization or consolidation of the Company into or with another corporation, not affiliated with said majority, or other similar transaction or series of related transactions in which more than 50% of the voting power of the Company is disposed of in exchange for property, rights or securities distributed to holders thereof by the acquiring person, firm or other entity, or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.

On January 24, 2022, the Company issued 34 shares of common stock to a stockholder upon the conversion of 39,500 shares of Series C preferred stock.

On July 29, 2022, the Company issued 69 shares of common stock to a stockholder upon the conversion of 79,000 shares of Series C preferred stock.

As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had 9,281,809 shares of Series C Stock issued and outstanding, respectively.

For the three months and nine ended September 30, 2023, the Company declared cumulative dividends totaling $185,637 and $556,910, respectively, for amounts accrued on its Series C Stock.

Common Stock

The Company is authorized to issue 500,000,000 shares of common stock, par value of $0.001 per share and had 1,490,071 and 163,596 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

Reverse Stock Splits

On October 4, 2022, the Board and shareholders approved the granting of authority to the Board to amend the Company’s articles of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding shares of its common stock, by a ratio of no less than 1-for-2 and no more than 1-for-30, with the exact ratio to be determined by the Board in its sole discretion, and with such reverse stock split to be effective at such time and date, if at all, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion. On December 9, 2022, the Board effected a 1-for-30 reverse stock split in connection with the Company’s continued listing of its common stock on Nasdaq.

On June 23, 2023, the Board and shareholders approved the granting of authority to the Board to amend the Company’s articles of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding shares of its common stock, by a ratio of no less than 1-for-2 and no more than 1-for-20, with the exact ratio to be determined by the Board in its sole discretion, and with such reverse stock split to be effective at such time and date, if at all, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion. On September 7, 2023, the Board effected a 1-for-20 reverse stock split in connection with the Company’s continued listing of its common stock on Nasdaq.

PIPE Offering and Related Waiver

On January 25, 2023, the Company consummated a private placement (the “PIPE Offering”) pursuant to the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of January 25, 2023 (the “2023 SPA”) that it entered into with institutional investors, in which the Company issued (i) 5,000 shares of common stock; (ii) 66,372 purchase warrants (the “Purchase Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of 116,151 shares of common stock; and (iii) 61,372 pre-funded warrants (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of 61,372 shares of common stock. The purchase price of each share of common stock and associated Purchase Warrant was $45.20. The purchase price of each Pre-Funded Warrant was $45.00. The aggregate gross proceeds of the PIPE Offering was approximately $3.0 million, before deducting fees to the placement agent and other expenses payable by the Company. EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC, acted as the exclusive placement agent in connection with the PIPE Offering.

In connection with the PIPE Offering, the Company entered into a Waiver (the “Waiver”) with L1 Capital Global Opportunities Master Fund (“L1”) waiving certain provisions of the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2021 (the “2021 SPA”), by and between it and L1. Pursuant to the terms of the Waiver, L1 waived certain provisions of the 2021 SPA and in consideration thereof, the Company (i) issued 7,500 purchase warrants substantially similar to the Purchase Warrants issued in connection with the 2023 SPA; and (ii) paid a cash fee of $50,000 to L1.

Pursuant to the 2023 SPA, the Company is obligated to hold a special stockholders’ meeting no later than 60 days following the date of the Purchase Agreement to solicit the approval of the issuance of the shares, Warrants and the shares of common stock underlying the Warrants in compliance with the rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (without regard to any limitations on exercise set forth in the Warrants or the Pre-Funded Warrants. On March 27, 2023, the Company held a special meeting of stockholders and the stockholders approved the PIPE Offering.

In connection with the PIPE Offering, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Purchasers, dated January 25, 2023 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). The Registration Rights Agreement provides that the Company shall file a registration statement covering the resale of all of the Registrable Securities (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) with the SEC. The Registration Statement was filed and declared effective by the SEC on February 9, 2023.

Registered Offering

On September 7, 2023, the Company sold an aggregate 946,000 units (the “Units”) at a price of $3.00 per Unit and 54,000 pre-funded units (the “Pre-Funded Units”) at a price of $2.999 per Pre-Funded Unit, with (a) each Unit consisting of: (i) one share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”); (ii) one Series A Warrant (the “Series A Warrant”); and (iii) one Series B Warrant. (“Series B Warrant,” together with Series A Warrant, the “Warrants”), each Warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock at $3.00 per share (100% of the offering price per Unit); and (b) each Pre-Funded Unit consisting of: (i) one pre-funded warrant (the “Pre-Funded Warrant”) exercisable for one share of Common Stock at $0.001; (ii) one Series A Warrant; and (iii) one Series B Warrant, identical to the Warrants in the Unit. The Warrants are immediately exercisable and will expire on the fifth anniversary of the original issuance date. The Pre-Funded Warrants are exercisable immediately and may be exercised at any time until all of the Pre-Funded Warrants are exercised in full. The Company received approximately $3.0 million in gross proceeds from the Offering, prior to deducting the underwriting discount and commission and other estimated offering expenses payable by the Company.

Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, the Company granted the Underwriter a 45-day option to purchase up to 150,000 shares of Common Stock and/or Pre-Funded Warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of Common Stock and/or Warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of Common Stock to cover over-allotments.

The Underwriting Agreement contains customary representations and warranties by the Company, conditions to closing, indemnification obligations of the Company and the underwriters, “lock-up” agreements where the Company and each officers, directors and 5% shareholders of the Company have agreed with the Underwriter not to offer for sale, issue, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any of the Company’s Common Stock or securities convertible into Common Stock for a period of 90 days from the commencement of sale under the final prospectus relating to the Offering.

Common Stock Issued in Exchange for Consulting, Professional and Other Services

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company issued 0 and 1,167 shares of common stock, respectively, with a fair market value of $0 and $31,968, respectively, to contractors for services rendered.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company issued 100 and 297 shares of common stock, respectively, with a fair market value of $21,254 and $116,736, respectively, to contractors for services rendered.

Common Stock Issued in Connection with the Conversion of Convertible Note Principal and Accrued Interest

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company issued 3,704 and 14,688 shares of common stock, respectively, upon the conversion of $1,200,000 and $5,775,000, respectively, in convertible note principal and accrued interest.

Common Stock Issued in Connection with Series C Stock Dividends

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company issued 765 and 1,352 shares of common stock, respectively, valued at $187,216 and $833,739, respectively, for cumulative dividends declared on its Series C Stock.

Stock Purchase Warrants

Stock purchase warrants are accounted for as equity in accordance with ASC 480, Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.

The following table reflects all outstanding and exercisable warrants at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. All warrants are exercisable for a period of three to five years from the date of issuance:

Schedule of stock purchase warrants
	Number of Warrants Outstanding			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Yrs.)

Balance January 1, 2022		7,079		$	2,640.00		1.75
Warrants issued		214,018			64.00
Warrants exercised		(13,953	)		–
Warrants forfeited		(285	)		–
December 31, 2022		206,859		$	145.80		4.89
Warrants issued		2,544,647		$	6.23
Warrants exercised		(442,794	)		–
Warrants forfeited		–			–
Balance September 30, 2023		2,308,712		$	11.09		4.95

On January 31, 2023, in connection with the PIPE Offering described above, the Company issued 66,372 Purchase Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 116,151 shares of common stock. The Purchase Warrants are immediately exercisable for $45.20 per share of common stock. The Purchase Warrant holders may also effect an alternative cashless exercise on or after the later of (i) the 30 day anniversary of the initial exercise date and (ii) the stockholder approval date (as defined in the 2023 SPA). In such event, the aggregate number of shares of common stock issuable in such alternative cashless exercise shall equal the product of the aggregate number of shares of common stock that would be issuable upon exercise of the Purchase Warrants and 0.85.

The Purchase Warrants were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following average assumptions: the Company’s stock price on the date of the issuance ($43.00), an expected dividend yield of 0%, a historical volatility of 176.6%, a risk-free interest rate of 3.6%, and an expected term of one year. The Purchase Warrants were allocated a relative fair value of $1,387,429.

On January 31, 2023, the Company also issued 7,500 purchase warrants, substantially similar to the Purchase Warrants issued in connection with the PIPE Offering, to purchase an aggregate of 13,125 shares of common stock. The Purchase Warrants were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following average assumptions: the Company’s stock price on the date of the issuance ($43.00), an expected dividend yield of 0%, a historical volatility of 176.6%, a risk-free interest rate of 3.6%, and an expected term of 1 year. The fair value of the purchase warrants was $350,039.

On September 7, 2023, in connection with the Registered Offering described above, the Company issued 1,150,000 Series A Warrants and 1,150,000 Series B Warrants to purchase an aggregate 2,300,000 shares of common stock at $3.00 per share. The Warrants are immediately exercisable and will expire on the fifth anniversary of the original issuance date. The Series A Warrant holders may also effect an alternative cashless on or after the earlier of (i) thirty (30) days from the effective date of the registration statement filed with the SEC until the termination date and (ii) the date on which the aggregate composite trading volume of the Company’s common stock as reported by Bloomberg beginning on the date of the initial exercise date exceeds 15 million shares. In such event, the aggregate number of shares of common stock issuable in such alternative cashless exercise shall equal the product of the aggregate number of shares of common stock that would be issuable upon exercise of the Purchase Warrants and 0.50.

The Purchase Warrants were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following average assumptions: the Company’s stock price on the date of the issuance ($2.22), an expected dividend yield of 0%, a historical volatility of 184.4%, a risk-free interest rate of 4.41%, and an expected term of one year. The Purchase Warrants were allocated a relative fair value of $1,375,248.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company issued 117,139 shares of common stock upon the exercise of 117,139 prefunded warrants for gross proceeds of $12,363.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company also issued 257,169 shares of common stock upon the cashless exercise of 325,655 purchase warrants.

As of September 30, 2023, the outstanding stock purchase warrants had an aggregate intrinsic value of $0.

Stock Options

The following table represents all outstanding and exercisable stock options as of September 30, 2023:

Schedule of stock options
Year Issued	Options Issued		Options Forfeited			Options Outstanding		Vested Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Life (Yrs.)

2013		403		(361	)		42		42	$	4,608.00		0.21
2018		3		(3	)		–		–		–		–
2021		348		–			348		232	$	1,788.00		2.83
Total		754		(364	)		390		274	$	2,098.92		2.54

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recorded $28,734 and $118,377, respectively, in stock-based compensation costs related to stock options. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company recorded $88,709 and $226,091, respectively, in stock-based compensation costs related to stock options. Stock-based compensation expense is reported in selling, general and administrative on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

As of September 30, 2023, the total unrecognized cost of stock-based compensation related to stock options was $68,574. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.84 years.

As of September 30, 2023, the outstanding stock options had an aggregate intrinsic value of $0.

16.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In the ordinary course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various pending and potential legal actions, arbitration proceedings, claims, investigations, examinations, regulatory proceedings, information gathering requests, subpoenas, inquiries and matters relating to compliance with laws and regulations (collectively, legal proceedings).

Based on the Company’s current knowledge, and taking into consideration its legal expenses, the Company does not believe it is a party to, nor are any of its subsidiaries the subject of, any legal proceeding that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or liquidity.

See also Note 14 (“Income Taxes”).

17.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In accordance with FASB ASC 855-10, Subsequent Events, the Company has analyzed its operations subsequent to September 30, 2023 to the date these condensed consolidated financial statements were available for issue, and has determined that it does not have any material subsequent events to disclose in these condensed consolidated financial statements, except as follows:

Warrant Exercises

In October 2023, the Company issued 480,333 shares of common stock upon the cashless exercise of 960,667 purchase warrants.

Entry into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Generating Alpha

On November 9, 2023, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with Generating Alpha Ltd (the “Investor”) pursuant to which it has agreed to sell two convertible promissory notes (each, a “Note” and collectively, the “Notes”), with each Note having an initial principal amount of $4,000,000, for a price of $3,640,000 per Note. In connection with the purchase and sale of the Notes, the Company has agreed to issue to the Investor warrants to acquire a total of 3,028,146 shares of our common stock.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes thereto. The management's discussion and analysis contain forward-looking statements, such as statements of our plans, objectives, expectations, and intentions. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. When used, the words "believe," "plan," "intend," "anticipate," "target," "estimate," "expect" and the like, and/or future tense or conditional constructions ("will," "may," "could," "should," etc.), or similar expressions, identify certain of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those under "Risk Factors," which appear in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 17, 2023, that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Our actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of several factors. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Quarterly Report.

Overview

We are a media, technology and entertainment company that focuses on (i) delivering content to children under the age of 13 years in a safe secure platform that is compliant with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) and can be monitored by parents or guardians, (ii) creating, acquiring, and developing the commercial potential of Kids & Family entertainment properties and associated business opportunities, (iii) providing world class animation services, and (iv) offering protective web filtering solutions to block unwanted or inappropriate content. We conduct our business through our following subsidiaries:

	·	Grom Social, Inc. (“Grom Social”), incorporated in the State of Florida on March 5, 2012, operates our social media network designed for children under the age of 13 years.

	·	TD Holdings Limited (“TD Holdings”), incorporated in Hong Kong on September 15, 2005, operates through its two wholly-owned subsidiaries: (i) Top Draw Animation Hong Kong Limited, a Hong Kong corporation (“Top Draw HK”) and (ii) Top Draw Animation, Inc., a Philippines corporation (“Top Draw Philippines”). The group’s principal activity is the production of animated films and television series.

	·	Grom Educational Services, Inc. (“GES”), incorporated in the State of Florida on January 17, 2017, operates our web filtering services provided to schools and government agencies.

	·	Grom Nutritional Services, Inc. (“GNS”), incorporated in the State of Florida on April 19, 2017, intends to market and distribute nutritional supplements to children. GNS has been nonoperational since its inception.

	·	Curiosity Ink Media, LLC (“CIM”), organized in the State of Delaware on January 9, 2017, develops the commercial potential of Kids & Family entertainment properties and associated business opportunities.

We own 100% of each of Grom Social, TD Holdings, GES and GNS, and 80% of CIM.

Business Description

Grom Social

Grom Social is a growing social media platform and original content provider of entertainment for children under 13 years of age, which provides safe and secure digital environments for kids that can also be monitored by their parents or guardians. We initially launched our Grom mobile app in 2019. We are currently working to rebrand the app, with a focus on improving the in-app user experience and incorporating new, unique features. The app updates for iOS are anticipated to be available in late 2023 or early 2024. We remain committed to increasing user growth and expanding our reach in an effort to monetize the app.

Top Draw Animation

Top Draw Animation (“Top Draw”) is an award-winning, full-service production and pre-production animation studio that specializes in providing two-dimensional digital production services for animated television series and movies on a contract basis or under co-production arrangements. Top Draw’s pre-production services include planning and creating storyboards, location design, model and props design, background color and color styling. Its production services focus on library creation, digital asset management, background layout scene assembly, posing, animation and after-effects.

The Manila-based animation studio accounts for approximately 83% of our total revenues on a consolidated basis. As part of its COVID-19 protocols, Top Draw currently operates at approximately 36% seat capacity at its studio. However, it supplements its reduced studio capacity through its work-from-home program which accounts for approximately 40% of its workforce. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, our animation services revenues trailed the levels that we recognized during the corresponding periods of 2022. This is largely attributable to a lessor number of projects currently in production, changes to our production schedule resulting from customer delays in providing us with necessary materials and content, changes to project start dates, and the cancellation of an anticipated project. As a byproduct, we realized higher production costs by deploying the resources necessary to service our customers’ needs efficiently and effectively prior to these changes to our schedule.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we secured approximately $1.9 million in new contracts for Top Draw. These projects are all expected to commence during the year and have service periods of up to twelve months in length. At September 30, 2023, our production backlog was valued at approximately $1.7 million. Based upon our current production schedule, we believe that our efficiency and productivity will increase through December 31, 2023.

Grom Educational Services

Grom Educational Services provides scalable network monitoring and security solutions that are compliant with Children Internet Protection Act (CIPA) guidelines. Our goal is to enhance safety, good digital citizenship, education, and social responsibility by giving schools and parents the ability to monitor and filter their students’ and children’s access to technology while simultaneously educating them.

Our products include web filtering appliances and software, reporting and event management solutions, and our Digital Citizenship License (DCL) Program. The proprietary DCL program is a series of videos design to teach minors about appropriate online behavior. On November 2, 2022, we expanded our educational services product offering by teaming up with tech management company, Radix, to offer its cloud-based classroom management solution, TeacherView. Radix’s TeacherView is equipped with a built-in video conference system to enable remote (at home), local or hybrid learning. The program gives educators an “over the shoulder” teaching experience to help oversee an enhanced learning experience.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we entered into new agreements totaling $330,114. The service contracts range between one and five years in length.

Curiosity Ink Media

Curiosity Ink Media (“Curiosity”) is a global media company that develops, acquires, builds, grows and maximizes the short, mid, and long-term commercial potential of Kids & Family entertainment properties and associated business opportunities. Driven by a best-in-class leadership team, Curiosity’s multi-faceted intellectual property library is designed to amass ongoing value through strategic stewardship, partnerships, and highly targeted market entry.

Depending upon the nature, Curiosity’s original properties can require a substantial amount of time to develop and produce. The Company continuously evaluates the viability of its entertainment properties, and works with its strategic partners and advisors to determine the appropriate form of media and channels of distribution for each property to ensure their greatest potential for success.

We continue to develop our Santa.com website. The digital holiday entertainment hub features a bold look, an ecommerce marketplace where consumers can fulfill all of their holiday needs, and an improved user experience featuring a virtual North Pole with curated gifting ideas, decor and entertainment tips, alongside other immersive content for kids and adults.

Furthermore, we recently entered into production on two properties with the content production, development and distribution company, Toon2Tango: (i) our feature film titled Santa.com, an original animated musical holiday special set for release in the fall of 2025, and (ii) Hey Fuzzy Yellow!, an animated preschool series scheduled to air in several markets beginning in early 2025.

Recent Events

PIPE Offering and Related Waiver

On January 25, 2023, we consummated a private placement (the “PIPE Offering”) pursuant to the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 25, 2023 (the “2023 SPA”) that we entered into with institutional investors, in which we issued (i) 5,000 shares of common stock; (ii) 66,372 purchase warrants (the “Purchase Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of 116,151 shares of common stock; and (iii) 61,372 pre-funded warrants (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of 61,372 shares of common stock. The purchase price of each share of common stock and associated Purchase Warrant was $45.20. The purchase price of each Pre-Funded Warrant was $45.00. The aggregate gross proceeds of the PIPE Offering was approximately $3.0 million, before deducting fees to the placement agent and other expenses payable by us. EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC, acted as the exclusive placement agent in connection with the PIPE Offering.

In connection with the PIPE Offering, we entered into a Waiver (the “Waiver”) with L1 Capital Global Opportunities Master Fund (“L1”) waiving certain provisions of the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2021 (the “2021 SPA”), by and between us and L1. Pursuant to the terms of the Waiver, L1 waived certain provisions of the 2021 SPA and in consideration thereof, we (i) issued 7,500 purchase warrants substantially similar to the Purchase Warrants issued in connection with the 2023 SPA; and (ii) paid a cash fee of $50,000 to L1.

Pursuant to the 2023 SPA, we are obligated to hold a special stockholders’ meeting no later than 60 days following the date of the Purchase Agreement to solicit the approval of the issuance of the shares, Warrants and the shares of common stock underlying the Warrants in compliance with the rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (without regard to any limitations on exercise set forth in the Warrants or the Pre-Funded Warrants. On March 27, 2023, we held a special meeting of stockholders and the stockholders approved the PIPE Offering.

In connection with the PIPE Offering, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Purchasers, dated January 25, 2023 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). The Registration Rights Agreement provides that we shall file a registration statement covering the resale of all of the Registrable Securities (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) with the SEC. The Registration Statement was filed and declared effective by the SEC on February 9, 2023.

Registered Offering

On September 7, 2023, we sold an aggregate 946,000 units (the “Units”) at a price of $3.00 per Unit and 54,000 pre-funded units (the “Pre-Funded Units”) at a price of $2.999 per Pre-Funded Unit, with (a) each Unit consisting of: (i) one share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”); (ii) one Series A Warrant (the “Series A Warrant”); and (iii) one Series B Warrant. (“Series B Warrant,” together with Series A Warrant, the “Warrants”), each Warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock at $3.00 per share (100% of the offering price per Unit); and (b) each Pre-Funded Unit consisting of: (i) one pre-funded warrant (the “Pre-Funded Warrant”) exercisable for one share of Common Stock at $0.001; (ii) one Series A Warrant; and (iii) one Series B Warrant, identical to the Warrants in the Unit. The Warrants are immediately exercisable and will expire on the fifth anniversary of the original issuance date. The Pre-Funded Warrants are exercisable immediately and may be exercised at any time until all of the Pre-Funded Warrants are exercised in full. We received approximately $3.0 million in gross proceeds from the Offering, prior to deducting the underwriting discount and commission and other estimated offering expenses payable by us.

Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, we granted the Underwriter a 45-day option to purchase up to 150,000 shares of Common Stock and/or Pre-Funded Warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of Common Stock and/or Warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of Common Stock to cover over-allotments.

The Underwriting Agreement contains customary representations and warranties by us, conditions to closing, indemnification obligations of our Company and the underwriters, “lock-up” agreements where we and each officers, directors and 5% shareholders of our Company have agreed with the Underwriter not to offer for sale, issue, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any of our Common Stock or securities convertible into Common Stock for a period of 90 days from the commencement of sale under the final prospectus relating to the Offering.

Notice of Delisting of Failure to Satisfy a Continued Listing Rule or Standard

On April 10, 2023, we received a deficiency letter (the “Notice”) from the Listing Qualifications Department (the “Staff”) of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notifying us that, based upon the closing bid price of our common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days, we are not currently in compliance with the requirement to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share for continued listing on Nasdaq, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum Bid Requirement”). The Notice has no immediate effect on the continued listing status of our common stock on Nasdaq, and, therefore, our listing remains fully effective. We are provided a compliance period of 180 calendar days from the date of the Notice, or until October 9, 2023, to regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2).

On September 21, 2023, we received a compliance letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC notifying us that the closing bid price of our common stock has been at $1.00 per share or greater for the last 10 consecutive business days and thus we have regained compliance with Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) and the matter is now closed.

Reverse Stock Split

On June 23, 2023, our Board and shareholders approved the granting of authority to the Board to amend our articles of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, by a ratio of no less than 1-for-2 and no more than 1-for-20, with the exact ratio to be determined by the Board in its sole discretion, and with such reverse stock split to be effective at such time and date, if at all, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion. On September 7, 2023, our Board effected a 1-for-20 reverse stock split in connection with the continued listing of our common stock on Nasdaq.

The reverse stock split will not have any impact on the number of authorized shares of common stock, which shall remain at 500,000,000 shares.

Entry into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Generating Alpha

On November 9, 2023, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Alpha SPA”) with Generating Alpha Ltd., a Saint Kitts and Nevis Corporation (the “Investor”) pursuant to which we have agreed to sell two convertible promissory notes (each, a “Note” and collectively, the “Notes”), with each Note having an initial principal amount of $4,000,000, for a price of $3,640,000 per Note. In connection with the purchase and sale of the Notes, we have agreed to issue to the Investor warrants (each, a “Warrant” and collectively, the “Warrants”) to acquire a total of 3,028,146 shares of our common stock.

EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investment, LLC, is acting as placement agent for the financing.

Strategic Partnership

We continue to evaluate strategic acquisition opportunities to help accelerate our growth and complement our existing business. We recently entered into a strategic advisory partnership with an association of churches to achieve the highest possible social impact by utilizing all metrics available for values-based investors, including a biblically responsible investing (or “BRI”) score for us and our operations. Once we have established a rating, together we will create a program to increase our exposure and market our services to their member organizations and other affiliates.

Results of Operations

Comparison of Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

Revenue

Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $970,237, compared to revenue of $1,484,958 during the three months ended September 30, 2022, representing a decrease of $514,721 or 34.7%.

Animation revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $734,535, compared to animation revenue of $1,419,153 during the three months ended September 30, 2022, representing a decrease of $684,618 or 48.2%. The decrease in animation revenue is primarily attributable to a smaller number of animation projects currently in production as compared to the prior year period.

Web filtering revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $94,924, compared to web filtering revenue of $63,234 during the three months ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of $31,690 or 50.1%. The increase is primarily due to an increase in organic sales growth and the timing of contract renewals.

Publication revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $101,403, compared to $2,321 for the three months ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of $99,082. Publishing revenues were generated from the sales of graphic novels, preschool books, and other published content.

Other revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $39,375 compared to other revenue of $250 during the three months ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of $39,125. Other revenue corresponds to ecommerce sales, commercial services, and subscription and/or advertising revenue from the Grom Social mobile app. The increase in other revenue is primarily attributable to commercial services rendered by Curiosity.

No revenue was generated from sales of our produced and licensed content during either of the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.

Gross Profit

Our gross profits vary significantly by subsidiary. In recent years, our animation business has realized gross profits between 35% and 40%, while our web filtering business has realized gross profits between 91% and 94%. Our gross profits may vary from period to period due to the nature of the business of each subsidiary, and the timing and volume of customer contracts and projects. Current gross margins percentages may not be indicative of future gross margin performance.

Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were $310,317, or 32.0%, and $572,948, or 38.6%, respectively. The decrease in gross profit is primarily attributable to the decrease in our animation revenues and absorption of certain fixed overhead expenses against reduced revenue levels.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2023 were $2,294,368, compared to operating expenses of $2,271,398 during the three months ended September 30, 2022, representing a nominal increase of $22,970 or 1.0%.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) are comprised of selling, marketing and promotional expenses, compensation and benefits, insurance, investor relations, rent and related facility costs, research and development, and other general expenses. SG&A expenses were $1,948,773 for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $1,952,670 for the three months ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of $3,897 or 0.2%.

Professional fees are comprised of accounting and compliance services, legal services, and certain other advisory and consultancy fees. Professional fees were $202,656 for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $259,142 for the three months ended September 30, 2022, representing a decrease of $56,486 or 21.8%. The decrease is largely attributable to the reduction of number of consulting professionals engaged during the three months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022.

Depreciation and amortization included in operating expenses was $142,939 for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $59,586 for the three months ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of $83,353 or 139.9%. The increase is primarily attributable to the amortization of capitalized costs from the development of our Santa.com ecommerce website and prepublication costs from our graphic novels and other published content.

Other Income (Expense)

Net other expense for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $9,990, compared to a net other expense of $407,791 for the three months ended September 30, 2022, representing a decrease of $397,801 or 97.6%. The decrease in other expense is primarily attributable to the recognition of certain unrealized losses on the revaluation of derivatives, and realized losses on the settlement of derivative liabilities during the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to no such activity during the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Interest expense is comprised of interest accrued and paid on our convertible notes and recorded from the amortization of note discounts. Interest expense was $11,117 for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $366,840 during the three months ended September 30, 2022, representing a decrease of $355,723 or 97.0%. The decrease is primarily attributable to the recognition of less amortization of debt discounts and less interest expense resulting from lower principal balances on convertible notes principal during the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders

We realized a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $2,031,621, or $3.00 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $2,196,958, or $61.27 per share, during the three months ended September 30, 2022, representing a decrease in net loss attributable to common stockholders of $165,337 or 7.5%.

Comparison of Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

Revenue

Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $3,126,378, compared to revenue of $3,855,665 during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, representing a decrease of $729,287 or 18.9%.

Animation revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $2,607,352, compared to animation revenue of $3,493,732 during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, representing a decrease of $886,380 or 25.4%. The decrease in animation revenue is primarily attributable to a smaller number of animation projects currently in production as compared to the prior year period.

Web filtering revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $302,308 compared to web filtering revenue of $358,950 during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, representing a decrease of $56,642 or 15.8%. The decrease is primarily due to a decline in organic sales growth and the timing of contract renewals.

Publication revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $111,504, compared to $2,321 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of $109,183. Publishing revenues were generated from the sales of graphic novels, preschool books, and other published content.

Other revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $105,214 compared to other revenue of $662 during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of $104,552. Other revenue corresponds to ecommerce sales, commercial services, and subscription and/or advertising revenue from the Grom Social mobile app. The increase in other revenue is primarily attributable to commercial services rendered by Curiosity.

No revenue was generated from sales of our produced and licensed content during either of the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were $1,076,752, or 34.4%, and $1,079,247, or 28.0%, respectively. The increase in gross profit is primarily attributable to improved contract margins in our animation business and lower fixed overhead expenses being absorbed against reduced revenue levels.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 were $7,151,979, compared to operating expenses of $6,577,533 during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of $574,446 or 8.7%. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in selling, general and administrative costs and depreciation and amortization expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 as described below.

Selling, general and administrative are comprised of selling, marketing and promotional expenses, compensation and benefits, insurance, investor relations, rent and related facility costs, research and development, and other general expenses. SG&A expenses were $5,885,871 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $5,426,185 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of $459,686 or 8.5%. The increase is primarily attributable to higher costs associated with the development of our mobile app and original content properties realized during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Professional fees are comprised of accounting and compliance services, legal services, and certain other advisory and consultancy fees. Professional fees were $817,971 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $963,149 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, representing a decrease of $145,178 or 15.1%. The decrease is largely attributable to the reduction of number of consulting professionals engaged and a decrease in accounting fees realized by during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we completed the post-acquisition audit of the financial statements for Curiosity.

Depreciation and amortization included in operating expenses was $448,137 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $188,199 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of $259,938 or 138.1%. The increase is primarily attributable to the amortization of capitalized costs from the development of our Santa.com ecommerce website and prepublication costs from our graphic novels and other published content.

Other Income (Expense)

Net other expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $513,055, compared to a net other expense of $3,263,780 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, representing a decrease of $2,750,725 or 84.3%. The decrease in net other expense is primarily attributable reduced interest expense realized from the amortization or write offs of debt discounts on convertible notes due to conversions, and from the recognition of a derivative liability.

Interest expense is comprised of interest incurred on our convertible notes and from the amortization of note discounts. Interest expense was $512,206 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $3,312,370 during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, representing a decrease of $2,800,164 or 84.5%. In January 2023, we recognized $350,039 in interest expense for the warrants issued to L1 Capital in exchange for the Waiver (see PIPE Offering and Related Waiver above). In May 2022, we recognized interest expense of $1,052,350 related to the fair value of a derivative liability resulting from our second tranche of convertible notes issued to L1 Capital.

Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders

We realized a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $6,761,311, or $13.74 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $9,045,980, or $299.15 per share, during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, representing a decrease in net loss attributable to common stockholders of $2,284,869 or 25.3%.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At September 30, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $2,469,293.

Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $5,863,858, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $5,432,002 during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase in cash used of $430,035, primarily due to the increase in our loss from operations and the change in our operating assets and liabilities.

Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $18,790, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $71,215 during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 representing a decrease in cash used of $52,425. This decrease is a reduction in capital expenditures, most notably made by our animation studio in Manilla, Philippines from the six-month period ended September 30, 2022.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $4,469,758, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $223,100 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase in cash provided of $4,246,658. The primary reason for the increase is attributable to our public and private equity offerings during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Our primary sources of cash from financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 were attributable to $4,921,693 in net proceeds from the PIPE Offering, the Registered Offering, and stock purchase warrant exercises, as compared to $1,444,000 in proceeds from second tranche of convertible notes issued to L1 Capital during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. These sources of cash were offset, in part, by the repayment of convertible notes and loans payable of $451,935 during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the repayment of convertible notes and loans payable of $146,831 and cash settlement of a derivative liability of $1,074,069 in accordance with note conversions during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Going Concern

We have incurred significant operating losses since our inception. We have funded our operations primarily through sales of our common stock in public markets, proceeds from the exercise of warrants to purchase common stock, and the sale of convertible notes. Future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including the (i) rate of revenue growth, (ii) expansion of sales and marketing activities, (iii) timing and extent of spending on content development efforts, and (iv) market acceptance of our content, products and services.

Our management intends to raise additional funds through the issuance of equity securities or debt to enable us to meet our obligations for the twelve-month period. However, there can be no assurance that, in the event we require additional financing, such financing will be available at terms acceptable to us, if at all. Failure to generate sufficient cash flows from operations and/or raise additional capital could have a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve our intended business objectives. These factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for the twelve months from the date of this report.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. We continually evaluate the accounting policies and estimates used to prepare the condensed consolidated financial statements. The estimates are based on historical experience and assumptions believed to be reasonable under current facts and circumstances. Actual amounts and results could differ from these estimates made by management. Certain accounting policies that require significant management estimates and are deemed critical to our results of operations or financial position.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, there were no significant changes to the critical accounting estimates disclosed under the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

We are a smaller reporting company and are not required to provide this information.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act as of September 30, 2023, the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report.

These controls are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit pursuant to the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial, as appropriate officer to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and the principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of September 30, 2023.

The Company’s assessment identified certain material weaknesses which are set forth below:

Functional Controls and Segregation of Duties

Because of the Company’s limited resources, there are limited controls over information processing. Additionally, there is inadequate segregation of duties consistent with control objectives. Our Company’s management is composed of a small number of individuals resulting in a situation where limitations on segregation of duties exist. In order to remedy this situation, we will need to hire additional staff to provide greater segregation of duties.

Accordingly, as the result of identifying the above material weakness we have concluded that these control deficiencies resulted in a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by the Company’s internal controls.

Management believes that the material weaknesses set forth above were the result of the scale of our operations and are intrinsic to our small size. Management continues to take actions to remedy these weaknesses, including the process of hiring additional staff to create the necessary segregation of duties to improve controls over information processing. Additionally, management has initiated the process of building a risk management framework with plans to embed the principles of this framework across all aspects of the business.

Remediation Plan

Management has implemented remediation steps to address the material weakness and to improve our internal control over financial reporting. Specifically, we (i) expanded and improved our review process for complex transactions and related accounting standards, including the identification of third-party professionals with whom to consult regarding the application of complex accounting matters, (ii) hired qualified personnel to improve the oversight of our accounting operations, and (iii) established new processes and policies. While we believe that these remediation actions will improve the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, the material weakness identified will not be considered remediated until the controls operate for a sufficient period of time, and we cannot assure you that the measures we have taken to date, or any measures we may take in the future will be sufficient to remediate the material weakness we have identified or avoid potential future material weaknesses.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Other than the remediation efforts described above, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during our first three fiscal quarters, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

There are no pending legal proceedings to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or in which any director, officer or affiliate of the Company, any owner of record or beneficially of more than 5% of any class of voting securities of the Company, or security holder is a party adverse to the Company or has a material interest adverse to the Company. The Company's and its subsidiaries’ property is not the subject of any pending legal proceedings.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Not applicable as we are a small reporting company.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

There were no sales of equity securities sold during the period covered by this Report that were not registered under the Securities Act and were not previously reported in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company.

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information.

None.

Item 6. Exhibits.

Exhibit No.		Description

10.1		Underwriting Agreement dated September 7, 2023 by and between Grom Social Enterprises, Inc. and EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 11, 2023)
10.2		Series A Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 11, 2023)
10.3		Series B Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 11, 2023)
10.4		Pre-Funded Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 11, 2023)
31.1*		Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2*		Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32**		Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS***		Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
101.SCH***		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL***		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF***		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB***		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE***		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104***		Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in IXBRL, and included in exhibit 101).

_______________________

	*	Filed herewith.

	**	Furnished herewith.

	***	Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: November 20, 2023	By:	/s/ Darren Marks
		Darren Marks
		Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer)


Date: November 20, 2023	By:	/s/ Jason Williams
		Jason Williams
		Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Positive
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Uncertain
Constraining
Legalese
Litigous
Readability	H.S. junior Avg

Grom Social Enterprises (GROM) 10-Q2023 Q3 Quarterly report

Content analysis