UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No.__)
Filed by the Registrant ☒
Filed by a party other than the Registrant ☐
Check the appropriate box:
☐ |
Preliminary Proxy
Statement |
☐ |
Confidential, for Use of the
Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
☒ |
Definitive Proxy
Statement |
☐ |
Definitive Additional
Materials |
☐ |
Soliciting Material under
§240.14a-12 |
Amesite Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the
Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):
☒ |
No fee required |
|
|
☐ |
Fee paid previously with
preliminary materials |
|
|
☐ |
Fee computed on table in exhibit
required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
0-11. |
AMESITE INC.
607 Shelby Street, Suite 700 PMB 214
Detroit, Michigan 48226
January 23, 2023
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held on February 15, 2023
Dear Stockholder:
We are pleased to invite you to attend the special meeting of
stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) of Amesite Inc. (the
“Company”), which will be held on February 15, 2023 at 8:45 a.m.
Eastern Time.
Due to the continuing public health impact of the coronavirus
outbreak (COVID-19) and to support the health and well-being of our
employees and stockholders, the Special Meeting will be held in a
virtual-only meeting format at
www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/AMST2023SM.
In addition to voting by submitting your proxy prior to the Special
Meeting, you also will be able to vote your shares electronically
during the Special Meeting. Further details regarding the virtual
meeting are included in the accompanying proxy statement. At the
Special Meeting, the holders of our outstanding common stock and
Series A preferred stock will act on the following matters:
|
1. |
To
grant discretionary authority to our board of directors to
(i) amend our certificate of incorporation to combine
outstanding shares of our common stock into a lesser number of
outstanding shares, or a “reverse stock split,” at a specific ratio
within a range of one-for-five (1-for-5) to a maximum of a
one-for-fifty (1-for-50) split, with the exact ratio to be
determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion; and
(ii) effect the reverse stock split, if at all, within one
year of the date the proposal is approved by
stockholders; |
|
2. |
To
approve an amendment the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the
“2018 Plan”) to (i) increase the number of shares available for
issuance under the 2018 Plan by 3,000,000 shares and (ii) increase
the amount of shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of
incentive stock options by 3,000,000 shares; and |
|
3. |
To
transact such other matters as may properly come before the Special
Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. |
Our board of directors has fixed January 20, 2023 as the record
date (the “Record Date”) for the determination of stockholders
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting and at
any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.
IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND:
To be admitted to the Special Meeting, which is being held
virtually, you must have your control number available and follow
the instructions found on your proxy card or voting instruction
form. You may vote during the Special Meeting by following the
instructions available on the meeting website during the meeting.
Please allow sufficient time before the Special Meeting to complete
the online check-in process. Your vote is very important.
If you have any questions or need assistance voting your shares,
please call our proxy solicitor, Kingsdale Advisors:
Strategic Stockholder Advisor and Proxy Solicitation
Agent
745 Fifth Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, New York
10151
North American Toll-Free Phone:
1-866-229-8874
Email: contactus@kingsdaleadvisors.com
Call Collect Outside North America: +1 (917) 813-1246
|
BY ORDER OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
|
|
January 23, 2023 |
/s/ Ann Marie Sastry, Ph.D. |
|
Ann Marie Sastry, Ph.D.
Chairman of the Board of Directors
|
Whether or not you expect to attend the virtual Special Meeting,
we urge you to vote your shares at your earliest convenience. This
will ensure the presence of a quorum at the Special Meeting.
Promptly voting your shares will save the Company the expenses and
extra work of additional solicitation. An addressed envelope for
which no postage is required if mailed in the United States is
enclosed if you wish to vote by mail. Submitting your proxy now
will not prevent you from voting your shares at the Special Meeting
if you desire to do so, as your proxy is revocable at your option.
Your vote is important, so please act today!
AMESITE INC.
607 Shelby Street, Suite 700PMB 214
Detroit, Michigan 48226
PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To be held on February 15, 2023
The board of directors of Amesite Inc. (“Amesite” or the “Company”)
is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Special Meeting of
Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) to be held on February 15,
2023, at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time, in a virtual format online by
accessing www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/AMST2023SM, and at any
adjournment thereof.
This proxy statement contains information relating to the Special
Meeting. This Special Meeting of stockholders will be held as a
virtual meeting. Stockholders attending the virtual meeting will be
afforded the same rights and opportunities to participate as they
would at an in-person meeting. You will be able to attend and
participate in the Special Meeting online via a live webcast by
visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/AMST2023SM. In
addition to voting by submitting your proxy prior to the Special
Meeting, you also will be able to vote your shares electronically
during the Special Meeting.
We intend to begin mailing the attached notice of the Special
Meeting and the enclosed proxy card on or about January 25, 2023 to
all stockholders of record entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.
Only stockholders who owned our common stock or Series A preferred
stock on January 20, 2023 are entitled to vote at the Special
Meeting.
AMESITE INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION
ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND VOTING
What is a proxy?
A proxy is the legal designation of another person to vote the
stock you own. That other person is called a proxy. If you
designate someone as your proxy in a written document, that
document is also called a proxy or a proxy card. By completing,
signing and returning the accompanying proxy card, you are
designating Ann Marie Sastry, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, and Sherlyn W. Farrell, Chief Financial Officer of the
Company, as your proxies for the Special Meeting and you are
authorizing such proxies to vote your shares at the Special Meeting
as you have instructed on the proxy card. This way, your shares
will be voted whether or not you attend the Special Meeting. Even
if you plan to attend the Special Meeting, we urge you to vote in
one of the ways described below so that your vote will be counted
even if you are unable or decide not to attend the Special
Meeting.
What is a proxy statement?
A proxy statement is a document that we are required by the
regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission
(the “SEC”) to give you when we ask you to sign a proxy card
designating Ann Marie Sastry, Ph.D. and Sherlyn W. Farrell as
proxies to vote on your behalf.
Why did you send me this proxy statement?
We sent you this proxy statement and the enclosed proxy card
because our board of directors is soliciting your proxy to vote at
the Special Meeting. This proxy statement summarizes information
related to your vote at the Special Meeting. All stockholders who
find it convenient to do so are cordially invited to attend the
Special Meeting virtually. However, you do not need to attend the
meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply complete, sign
and return the enclosed proxy card or vote over the Internet or by
phone.
We intend to begin mailing the attached notice of Special Meeting
and the enclosed proxy card on or about January 25, 2023 to all
stockholders of record entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.
Only stockholders who owned our common stock and Series A preferred
stock on January 20, 2023 are entitled to vote at the Special
Meeting.
What does it mean if I receive more than one set of proxy
materials?
If you receive more than one set of proxy materials, your shares
may be registered in more than one name or in different accounts.
Please complete, sign, and return each proxy card to ensure that
all of your shares are voted.
How do I attend the Special Meeting?
The Special Meeting will be held on February 15, 2023, at 8:45 a.m.
Eastern Time in a virtual format online by accessing
www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/AMST2023SM. Information on
how to vote in person at the Special Meeting is discussed
below.
Who is entitled to vote?
The board of directors has fixed the close of business on January
20, 2023 as the record date (the “Record Date”) for the
determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote
at, the Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
On the Record Date, there were 30,344,305 shares of common stock
and 100,000 shares of Series A preferred stock issued and
outstanding. Each share of common stock represents one vote that
may be voted on each proposal that may come before the Special
Meeting. Each share of Series A preferred stock represents 1,000
votes that may be voted solely on the Reverse Stock split proposal
(“Proposal 1”), provided that such votes must be counted in the
same proportion as the shares of common stock voted on Proposal 1.
As an example, if 50.5% of the shares of common stock are voted FOR
Proposal 1, 50.5% of the votes cast by the holder of the
Series A preferred stock will be cast as votes FOR Proposal 1.
Holders of common stock and Series A preferred stock will vote on
Proposal 1 as a single class.
What is the difference between holding shares as a record holder
and as a beneficial owner (holding shares in street name)?
If your shares are registered in your name with our transfer agent,
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, you are the “record
holder” of those shares. If you are a record holder, these proxy
materials have been provided directly to you by the Company.
If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account, a bank or
other holder of record, you are considered the “beneficial owner”
of those shares held in “street name”. If your shares are held in
street name, these proxy materials have been forwarded to you by
that organization. The organization holding your account is
considered to be the stockholder of record for purposes of voting
at the Special Meeting. As the beneficial owner, you have the right
to instruct this organization on how to vote your shares. See “How
Will my Shares be Voted if I Give No Specific Instruction?” below
for information on how shares held in street name will be voted
without instructions provided.
Who may attend the Special Meeting?
Only record holders and beneficial owners of our common stock and
Series A preferred stock, or their duly authorized proxies, may
attend the Special Meeting. If your shares are held in street name,
you will need to provide a copy of a brokerage statement or other
documentation reflecting your stock ownership as of the Record
Date.
What am I voting on?
There are two matters scheduled for a vote:
|
1. |
To
grant discretionary authority to our board of directors to
(i) amend our certificate of incorporation to combine
outstanding shares of our common stock into a lesser number of
outstanding shares, or a “reverse stock split,” at a specific ratio
within a range of one-for-five (1-for-5) to a maximum of a
one-for-fifty (1-for-50) split, with the exact ratio to be
determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion; and
(ii) effect the reverse stock split, if at all, within one
year of the date the proposal is approved by
stockholders; |
|
2. |
To
approve an amendment the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the
“2018 Plan”) to (i) increase the number of shares available for
issuance under the 2018 Plan by 3,000,000 shares and (ii) increase
the amount of shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of
incentive stock options by 3,000,000 shares; |
What if another matter is properly brought before the Special
Meeting?
The board of directors knows of no other matters that will be
presented for consideration at the Special Meeting. If any other
matters are properly brought before the Special Meeting, it is the
intention of the person named in the accompanying proxy to vote on
those matters in accordance with his best judgment.
How do I vote?
MAIL |
|
INTERNET |
|
PHONE |
|
ONLINE
AT THE MEETING |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mailing
your signed proxy card or voter instruction card. |
|
Using
the Internet before the Meeting at: |
|
By
calling: |
|
You
can vote during the Meeting at: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
www.proxyvote.com |
|
1-800-690-6903 |
|
www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/AMST2023SM |
Stockholders of Record
If you are a registered stockholder, you may vote by mail, phone or
online at the Special Meeting by following the instructions above.
You also may submit your proxy by mail by following the
instructions included with your proxy card. The deadline for
submitting your proxy by Internet is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on
February 14, 2023. Our board of directors’ designated proxies, Ann
Marie Sastry, Ph.D. and Sherlyn W. Farrell, will vote your shares
according to your instructions. If you attend the live webcast of
the Special Meeting, you also will be able to vote your shares
electronically at the Special Meeting up until the time the polls
are closed.
Beneficial Owners of Shares Held in Street Name
If you are a street name holder, your broker or nominee firm is the
legal, registered owner of the shares, and it may provide you with
materials in connection with the Special Meeting. Follow the
instructions on the materials you receive to access our proxy
materials and vote or to request a paper or email copy of our proxy
materials. The materials include a voting instruction card so that
you can instruct your broker or nominee how to vote your shares.
Please check the voting instruction card or contact your broker or
other nominee to determine whether you will be able to deliver your
voting instructions by Internet in advance of the meeting and
whether, or if you attend the live webcast of the Special Meeting,
if you will be able to vote your shares electronically at the
meeting up until the time the polls are closed.
All shares entitled to vote and represented by a properly completed
and executed proxy received before the Special Meeting and not
revoked will be voted at the Special Meeting as instructed in a
proxy delivered before the Special Meeting. We provide Internet
proxy voting to allow you to vote your shares online, with
procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of
your proxy vote instructions. However, please be aware that you
must bear any costs associated with your Internet access, such as
usage charges from Internet access providers and telephone
companies.
How many votes do I have?
On each matter to be voted upon, you have one vote for each share
of common stock you own as of the close of business on the Record
Date. Each share of Series A preferred stock that you own as of the
close of business on the Record Date entitles you to 1,000 votes,
which is referred to as supermajority voting; however, the votes by
the holders of Series A preferred stock will be counted in the same
“mirrored” proportion as the aggregate votes cast by the holders of
common stock and Series A preferred stock who vote on this
proposal.
Is my vote confidential?
Yes, your vote is confidential. Only the inspector of elections,
individuals who help with processing and counting your votes and
persons who need access for legal reasons will have access to your
vote. This information will not be disclosed, except as required by
law.
What constitutes a quorum?
To carry on business at the Special Meeting, we must have a quorum.
A quorum is present when a majority of the shares entitled to vote,
as of the Record Date, are represented in person or by proxy. Thus,
the holders of a majority of the voting power of the 30,344,305
shares of common stock and 100,000 shares of Series A preferred
stock must be represented in person or by proxy to have a quorum at
the Special Meeting. Your shares will be counted towards the quorum
only if you submit a valid proxy (or one is submitted on your
behalf by your broker, bank or other nominee) or if you vote in
person at the Special Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes
will be counted towards the quorum requirement. Shares owned by the
Company are not considered outstanding or considered to be present
at the Special Meeting. If there is not a quorum at the Special
Meeting, either the chairperson of the Special Meeting or our
stockholders entitled to vote at the Special Meeting may adjourn
the Special Meeting to a future date as allowed under applicable
law.
How will my shares be voted if I give no specific
instruction?
We must vote your shares as you have instructed. If there is a
matter on which a stockholder of record has given no specific
instruction but has authorized us generally to vote the shares,
they will be voted as follows:
|
1. |
“For”
the grant of discretionary authority to our board of directors to
(i) amend our certificate of incorporation to combine
outstanding shares of our common stock into a lesser number of
outstanding shares, or a “reverse stock split,” at a specific ratio
within a range of one-for-five (1-for-5) to a maximum of a
one-for-fifty (1-for-50) split, with the exact ratio to be
determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion; and
(ii) effect the reverse stock split, if at all, within one
year of the date the proposal is approved by
stockholders; |
|
2. |
“For”
the approval and adoption of an amendment the Company’s 2018 Equity
Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”) to (i) increase the number of
shares available for issuance under the 2018 Plan by 3,000,000
shares and (ii) increase the amount of shares that may be issued
pursuant to the exercise of incentive stock options by 3,000,000
shares; |
This authorization would exist, for example, if a stockholder of
record merely signs, dates and returns the proxy card but does not
indicate how such shares are to be voted on one or more proposals.
If other matters properly come before the Special Meeting and you
do not provide specific voting instructions, your shares will be
voted at the discretion of Ann Marie Sastry, Ph.D. and Sherlyn W.
Farrell, the board of directors’ designated proxies.
If your shares are held in street name, see “What is a broker
non-vote?” below regarding the ability of banks, brokers and other
such holders of record to vote the uninstructed shares of their
customers or other beneficial owners in their discretion.
How are votes counted?
Votes will be counted by the inspector of election appointed for
the Special Meeting who will count votes “For” and “Against,”
abstentions and broker non-votes. Broker non-votes will not be
included in the tabulation of the voting results of any of the
proposals and, therefore, will have no effect on such
proposals.
What is a broker non-vote?
A “broker non-vote” occurs when shares held by a broker in “street
name” for a beneficial owner are not voted with respect to a
proposal because (1) the broker has not received voting
instructions from the stockholder who beneficially owns the shares
and (2) the broker lacks the authority to vote the shares at their
discretion.
Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market. However,
under current New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules and
interpretations that govern broker non-votes: (i) Proposal No. 1
for the grant of authority to the board of directors concerning the
reverse stock split is considered a discretionary matter, and a
broker will be permitted to exercise its discretion to vote
uninstructed shares on the proposal; and (ii) Proposal No. 2 for
the adoption of the amendment to the 2018 Plan, is considered a
non-discretionary matter, and a broker will not be permitted to
exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the
proposal. Because NYSE rules apply to all brokers that are members
of the NYSE, this prohibition applies to the Special Meeting even
though our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market.
What is an abstention?
An abstention is a stockholder’s affirmative choice to decline to
vote on a proposal. Under Delaware law, abstentions are counted as
shares present and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.
Generally, unless provided otherwise by applicable law, our Bylaws
(“Bylaws”) provide that an action of our stockholders (other than
for the election of directors) is approved if a majority of the
number of shares of stock entitled to vote thereon and present
(either in person or by proxy) vote in favor of such action.
How many votes are required to approve each proposal?
The table below summarizes the proposals that will be voted on, the
vote required to approve each item, and how votes are counted:
Proposal |
|
Votes
Required |
|
Voting
Options |
|
Impact
of
“Withhold” or
“Abstain”
Votes |
|
Broker
Discretionary
Voting
Allowed |
Proposal
No. 1: Reverse Stock Split |
|
The
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of
the votes cast affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions
and broker non-votes) at the Special Meeting by the holders
entitled to vote thereon. |
|
“FOR”
“AGAINST” “ABSTAIN” |
|
None(1) |
|
Yes(2) |
Proposal
No. 2: Adoption of the Amendment to the Plan |
|
The
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of
the votes cast affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions)
at the Special Meeting by the holders entitled to vote
thereon. |
|
“FOR”
“AGAINST” “ABSTAIN” |
|
None(1) |
|
No(3) |
(1) |
A
vote marked as an “Abstention” is not considered a vote cast and
will, therefore, not affect the outcome of this
proposal. |
(2) |
As
this proposal is considered a discretionary matter, brokers are
permitted to exercise their discretion to vote uninstructed shares
on this proposal. |
(3) |
As
this proposal is not considered a discretionary matter, brokers
lack authority to exercise their discretion to vote uninstructed
shares on this proposal. |
What are the voting procedures?
In voting by proxy with regard to the election of directors, you
may vote in favor of all nominees, withhold your votes as to all
nominees, or withhold your votes as to specific nominees. With
regard to other proposals, you may vote in favor of or against the
proposal, or you may abstain from voting on the proposal. You
should specify your respective choices on the accompanying proxy
card or your vote instruction form.
Is my proxy revocable?
You may revoke your proxy and reclaim your right to vote at any
time before your proxy is voted by giving written notice to the
Secretary of the Company by delivering a properly completed,
later-dated proxy card or vote instruction form or by voting in
person at the Special Meeting. All written notices of revocation
and other communications with respect to revocations of proxies
should be addressed to: Amesite Inc., 607 Shelby Street, Suite 700
PMB 214, Detroit, Michigan 48226, Attention: Secretary. Your most
current proxy card or Internet proxy is the one that will be
counted.
Who is paying for the expenses involved in preparing and mailing
this proxy statement?
All of the expenses involved in preparing, assembling and mailing
these proxy materials and all costs of soliciting proxies will be
paid by us. In addition to the solicitation by mail, proxies may be
solicited by our officers and other employees by telephone or in
person. Such persons will receive no compensation for their
services other than their regular salaries. Arrangements will also
be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries to forward solicitation materials to the beneficial
owners of the shares held of record by such persons, and we may
reimburse such persons for reasonable out of pocket expenses
incurred by them in forwarding solicitation materials. We have retained
Kingsdale Advisors as our strategic stockholder advisor and proxy
solicitation agent in connection with the solicitation of proxies
for the Special Meeting. If you have any questions or require any
assistance with completing your proxy, please contact Kingsdale
Advisors by telephone (toll-free within North America) at +1
(866) 581-1489 or (call collect outside North America) at
+1 (416) 867-2272 or by email at
contactus@kingsdaleadvisors.com.
Do I have dissenters’ rights of appraisal?
Stockholders do not have appraisal rights under Delaware law or
under Amesite’s governing documents with respect to the matters to
be voted upon at the Special Meeting.
How can I find out the results of the voting at the Special
Meeting?
Preliminary voting results will be announced at the Special
Meeting. In addition, final voting results will be disclosed in a
Current Report on Form 8-K that we expect to file with the SEC
within four business days after the Special Meeting. If final
voting results are not available to us in time to file a Form 8-K
with the SEC within four business days after the Special Meeting,
we intend to file a Form 8-K to publish preliminary results and,
within four business days after the final results are known to us,
file an amended Form 8-K to publish the final results.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF
CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding
beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock as of January
20, 2023 based on 30,344,305 shares of common stock and 100,000
shares of Series A preferred stock issued and outstanding by (i)
each person known to beneficially own more than 5% of our
outstanding common stock, (ii) each of our directors and director
nominees, (iii) our named executive officers and (iv) all directors
and executive officers as a group. Shares are beneficially owned
when an individual has voting and/or investment power over the
shares or could obtain voting and/or investment power over the
shares within 60 days of the Record Date. Except as otherwise
indicated, the persons named in the table have sole voting and
investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned,
subject to community property laws, where applicable. Unless
otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed
below is c/o Amesite Inc., 607 Shelby Street, Suite 700 PMB 214,
Detroit, Michigan 48226.
The percentage of total voting power information is based on
30,344,305 shares of common stock and 100,000 shares of our Series
A preferred stock outstanding as of the Record Date. We have
determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the
SEC. These rules generally attribute beneficial ownership of
securities to persons who possess sole or shared voting power or
investment power with respect to those securities. In addition, the
rules attribute beneficial ownership of securities as of a
particular date to persons who hold options or warrants to purchase
shares of common stock and that are exercisable within 60 days
of such date. These shares are deemed to be outstanding and
beneficially owned by the person holding those options or warrants
for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that
person, but they are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of
computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless
otherwise indicated, the persons or entities identified in this
table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all
shares shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to applicable
community property laws.
Name of Beneficial Owner and Title of |
|
Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned |
|
|
Shares of Series A Preferred Stock Beneficially Owned |
|
|
% of Total
Voting |
|
Officers and Directors |
|
Shares |
|
|
% |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
% |
|
|
Power |
|
Ann
Marie Sastry, Ph.D., President, Chief Executive Officer, and
Chairman of the Board (1) |
|
|
6,806,667 |
|
|
|
22.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sherlyn W. Farrell, Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J.
Michael Losh, Director (2) |
|
|
451,041 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gilbert
S. Omenn, M.D., Ph.D., Director (3)
|
|
|
258,124 |
|
|
|
* |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard
T. Ogawa, Director (4) |
|
|
692,707 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anthony
M. Barkett, Director (5) |
|
|
377,917 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barbie
Brewer, Director (6) |
|
|
325,000 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
George
Parmer, Director (7) |
|
|
1,009,999 |
|
|
|
3.3 |
% |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
77.5 |
% |
All
Officers and Directors as a Group (8
persons) (8) |
|
|
9,921,455 |
|
|
|
32.3 |
% |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
82.8 |
% |
Beneficial Owner Greater than 5% Stockholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark
Tompkins (9) |
|
|
2,043,103 |
|
|
|
6.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Includes
(i) 6,281,667 shares of common stock held by Dr. Sastry and (ii)
525,000 shares of common stock underlying options that are
presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the Record
Date held by Dr. Sastry. |
|
|
(2) |
Includes
(i) 41,666 shares of common stock held by Mr. Losh and (ii) 409,375
shares of common stock underlying options that are presently
exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date held
by Mr. Losh. |
|
|
(3) |
Includes
(i) 41,666 shares of common stock held by Dr. Omenn and (ii)
216,458 shares of common stock underlying options that are
presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the Record
Date held by Dr. Omenn. |
|
|
(4) |
Includes
(i) 66,666 shares of common stock held by Mr. Ogawa and (ii)
626,041 shares of common stock underlying options that are
presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the Record
Date held by Mr. Ogawa. |
|
|
(5) |
Includes
(i) 50,000 shares of common stock held by Mr. Barkett and (ii)
327,917 shares of common stock underlying options that are
presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the Record
Date held by Mr. Barkett. |
|
|
(6) |
Includes
(i) 25,000 shares of common stock held by Ms. Brewer and (ii)
300,000 shares of common stock underlying options that are
presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the Record
Date held by Ms. Brewer. |
|
|
(7) |
Includes
(i) 1,009,999 shares of common stock held by Mr. Parmer and (ii)
100,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by Mr.
Parmer. |
|
|
(8) |
Includes
2,404,791 shares of common stock underlying options that are either
presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the Record
Date held by all directors and officers as a
group. |
|
|
(9) |
Mr.
Tompkins’s address is Apt 1, via Guidino 23, 6900 Lugano, Paradiso,
Switzerland. Mr. Tompkins has voting and dispositive authority over
the shares. |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS
AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The following is a description of transactions since July 1, 2020
to which the Company party, in which the amount involved exceeds
the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of the
Company’s total assets at year-end for the last two completed
fiscal years, and in which any of our respective directors,
director nominees, executive officers or beneficial owners of more
than 5% of our capital stock, or an affiliate or immediate family
member thereof, had or will have a direct or indirect material
interest.
Related Party Advances
Since November 2017, Dr. Sastry has advanced approximately $239,292
to us to fund our start-up operations, which included research and
development, organizational costs, and various professional fees in
connection with the private placement offerings and insider
investment. We did not have a formal arrangement or agreement with
Dr. Sastry pursuant to which these funds were paid. Dr. Sastry paid
certain related expenses and was reimbursed out of proceeds of
private placement financings. Dr. Sastry was repaid without
interest.
Indemnification Agreements and Directors’ and Officers’
Liability Insurance
We will enter into indemnification agreements with each of our
directors and executive officers. These agreements, among other
things, will require us to indemnify each director and executive
officer to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, including
indemnification of expenses such as attorneys’ fees, judgments,
fines and settlement amounts incurred by the director or executive
officer in any action or proceeding, including any action or
proceeding by or in right of us, arising out of the person’s
services as a director or executive officer.
Consulting Agreements
On March 29, 2018, Amesite Parent’s board of directors approved a
consulting agreement with Mr. Richard Ogawa whereby Mr. Ogawa
provided certain consulting services to us relating to the
protection of our intellectual property and general business advice
for our benefit. We agreed to pay Mr. Ogawa $1,000 for each filed
patent application and $1,000 for each issued or granted patent
regardless of the jurisdiction or type of patent, except for
provisional patent applications for which no fee would be paid by
us. In addition, we granted Mr. Ogawa a nonqualified stock option
to purchase 291,666 shares of Amesite Parent’s common stock at an
exercise price of $1.50 per share (subject to adjustment for the
Merger).
Private Placement of Series A Preferred Stock
On January 13, 2023, we entered into a Subscription and Investment
Representation Agreement (the “Subscription Agreement”) with George
Parmer, a member of our Board of Directors, who is an accredited
investor (the “Purchaser”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to
issue and sell 100,000 shares of the Company’s Series A preferred
stock for $1,000. Each share of Series A preferred stock
entitles the holder to 1,000 votes and will vote together with the
outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock as a single class
exclusively with respect to any proposal to amend the Company’s
Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of the
Company’s common stock. The Series A preferred stock will be voted,
without action by the holder, on any such proposal in the same
proportion as shares of common stock are voted. The Series A
preferred stock otherwise has no voting rights except as otherwise
required by the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware. The Series A preferred stock is not convertible
into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or series of
stock or other securities of the Company. The Series A preferred
stock has no rights with respect to any distribution of assets of
the Company, including upon a liquidation, bankruptcy,
reorganization, merger, acquisition, sale, dissolution or winding
up of the Company, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. The holder
of the Series A preferred stock will not be entitled to receive
dividends of any kind. The
outstanding shares of Series A preferred stock shall be redeemed in
whole, but not in part, at any time (i) if such redemption is
ordered by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion or (ii)
automatically upon the effectiveness of the amendment to the
Certificate of Incorporation implementing a reverse stock split.
Upon such redemption, the holder of the Series A preferred stock
will receive consideration of $1,000.
Related Person Transaction Policy
We have not had a formal policy regarding approval of transactions
with related parties. We expect to adopt a related person
transaction policy that sets forth our procedures for the
identification, review, consideration and approval or ratification
of related person transactions. For purposes of our policy only, a
related person transaction is a transaction, arrangement or
relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements
or relationships, in which we and any related person are, were or
will be participants in which the amount involved exceeds the
lesser of $120,000 or one percent of our total assets at year-end
for our last two completed fiscal years. Transactions involving
compensation for services provided to us as an employee or director
are not covered by this policy. A related person is any executive
officer, director or beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class
of our voting securities, including any of their immediate family
members and any entity owned or controlled by such persons.
Under the policy, if a transaction has been identified as a related
person transaction, including any transaction that was not a
related person transaction when originally consummated or any
transaction that was not initially identified as a related person
transaction prior to consummation, our management must present
information regarding the related person transaction to our audit
committee, or, if audit committee approval would be inappropriate,
to another independent body of our board of directors, for review,
consideration and approval or ratification. The presentation must
include a description of, among other things, the material facts,
the interests, direct and indirect, of the related persons, the
benefits to us of the transaction and whether the transaction is on
terms that are comparable to the terms available to or from, as the
case may be, an unrelated third party or to or from employees
generally. Under the policy, we will collect information that we
deem reasonably necessary from each director, executive officer
and, to the extent feasible, significant shareholder to enable us
to identify any existing or potential related-person transactions
and to effectuate the terms of the policy. In addition, under our
code of business conduct and ethics, our employees and directors
will have an affirmative responsibility to disclose any transaction
or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a
conflict of interest. In considering related person transactions,
our audit committee, or other independent body of our board of
directors, will take into account the relevant available facts and
circumstances including, but not limited to:
|
● |
the
risks, costs and benefits to us; |
|
● |
the
impact on a director’s independence in the event that the related
person is a director, immediate family member of a director or an
entity with which a director is affiliated; |
|
● |
the
availability of other sources for comparable services or products;
and |
|
● |
the
terms available to or from, as the case may be, unrelated third
parties or to or from employees generally. |
The policy requires that, in determining whether to approve, ratify
or reject a related person transaction, our audit committee, or
other independent body of our board of directors, must consider, in
light of known circumstances, whether the transaction is in, or is
not inconsistent with, our best interests and those of our
shareholders, as our audit committee, or other independent body of
our board of directors, determines in the good faith exercise of
its discretion.
PROPOSAL 1:
REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
Our board of directors has approved an amendment to our Certificate
of Incorporation to combine the outstanding shares of our common
stock into a lesser number of outstanding shares (a “Reverse Stock
Split”). If approved by the stockholders as proposed, the board of
directors would have the sole discretion to effect the Reverse
Stock Split, if at all, within one (1) year of the date the
proposal is approved by stockholders and to fix the specific ratio
for the combination within a range of one-for-five (1-for-5) to a
maximum of a one-for-fifty (1-for-50) split. The board of directors
has the discretion to abandon the amendment and not implement the
Reverse Stock Split. We believe that enabling the board of
directors to fix the specific ratio of the Reverse Stock Split
within the stated range will provide us with the flexibility to
implement it in a manner designed to maximize the anticipated
benefits for our stockholders.
In fixing the ratio, the board of directors may consider, among
other things, factors such as: the initial and continued listing
requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market; the number of shares of
our common stock outstanding; potential financing opportunities;
and prevailing general market and economic conditions.
The Reverse Stock Split, if approved by our stockholders, would
become effective upon the filing of the amendment to our
certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware, or at the later time set forth in the amendment.
The exact timing of the amendment will be determined by the board
of directors based on its evaluation as to when such action will be
the most advantageous to our Company and our stockholders. In
addition, the board of directors reserves the right,
notwithstanding stockholder approval and without further action by
the stockholders, to abandon the amendment and the Reverse Stock
Split if, at any time prior to the effectiveness of the filing of
the amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware,
the board of directors, in its sole discretion, determines that it
is no longer in our best interest and the best interests of our
stockholders to proceed.
The proposed form of amendment to our certificate of incorporation
to effect the Reverse Stock Split is attached as Appendix A to this
Proxy Statement. Any amendment to our certificate of incorporation
to effect the Reverse Stock Split will include the Reverse Stock
Split ratio fixed by the board of directors, within the range
approved by our stockholders.
Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split
The Company’s primary reasons for approving and recommending the
Reverse Stock Split are to increase the per share price and bid
price of our common stock to comply with the listing requirements
of Nasdaq.
Reducing the number of outstanding shares of common stock should,
absent other factors, generally increase the per share market price
of the common stock. Although the intent of the Reverse Stock Split
is to increase the price of the common stock, there can be no
assurance, however, that even if the Reverse Stock Split is
effected, that the bid price of the Company’s common stock will be
sufficient, over time, for the Company to maintain compliance with
the Nasdaq minimum bid price requirement.
Reducing the number of outstanding shares of our common stock
through the Reverse Stock Split is intended, absent other factors,
to increase the per share market price of our common stock.
However, other factors, such as our financial results, market
conditions and the market perception of our business may adversely
affect the market price of our common stock. As a result, there can
be no assurance that the Reverse Stock Split, if completed, will
result in the intended benefits described above, that the market
price of our common stock will increase following the Reverse Stock
Split, that as a result of the Reverse Stock Split we will be able
to meet or maintain a bid price over the minimum bid price
requirement of Nasdaq or that the market price of our common stock
will not decrease in the future. Additionally, we cannot assure you
that the market price per share of our common stock after the
Reverse Stock Split will increase in proportion to the reduction in
the number of shares of our common stock outstanding before the
Reverse Stock Split. Accordingly, the total market capitalization
of our common stock after the Reverse Stock Split may be lower than
the total market capitalization before the Reverse Stock Split.
Potential Effects of the Proposed Amendment
If our stockholders approve the Reverse Stock Split and the board
of directors effects it, the number of shares of common stock
issued and outstanding will be reduced, depending upon the ratio
determined by the board of directors. The Reverse Stock Split will
affect all holders of our common stock uniformly and will not
affect any stockholder’s percentage ownership interest in the
Company, except that as described below in “Fractional Shares,”
record holders of common stock otherwise entitled to a fractional
share as a result of the Reverse Stock Split because they hold a
number of shares not evenly divisible by the Reverse Stock Split
ratio will automatically be entitled to receive an additional
fraction of a share of common stock to round up to the next whole
share. In addition, the Reverse Stock Split will not affect any
stockholder’s proportionate voting power (subject to the treatment
of fractional shares).
The Reverse Stock Split will not change the terms of the common
stock. Additionally, the Reverse Stock Split will have no effect on
the number of common stock that we are authorized to issue. After
the Reverse Stock Split, the shares of common stock will have the
same voting rights and rights to dividends and distributions and
will be identical in all other respects to the common stock now
authorized. The common stock will remain fully paid and
non-assessable.
After the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split, we will
continue to be subject to the periodic reporting and other
requirements of the Exchange Act.
Registered “Book-Entry” Holders of Common Stock and Series A
Preferred Stock
Our registered holders of common stock hold some or all of their
shares electronically in book-entry form with the transfer
agent. Our registered holders of Series A preferred stock hold all
of their shares electronically in book-entry form with the
transfer agent. These stockholders do not have stock certificates
evidencing their ownership. They are, however, provided with
statements reflecting the number of shares registered in their
accounts.
Stockholders who hold shares electronically in book-entry form
with the transfer agent will not need to take action to receive
evidence of their shares of post-Reverse Stock Split common
stock.
Holders of Certificated Shares of Common Stock
Stockholders holding shares of our common stock in certificated
form will be sent a transmittal letter by the transfer agent after
the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split. The letter of
transmittal will contain instructions on how a stockholder should
surrender his, her or its certificate(s) representing shares
of our common stock (the “Old Certificates”) to the transfer
agent. Unless a stockholder specifically requests a new paper
certificate or holds restricted shares, upon the stockholder’s
surrender of all of the stockholder’s Old Certificates to the
transfer agent, together with a properly completed and executed
letter of transmittal, the transfer agent will register the
appropriate number of shares of post-Reverse Stock Split
common stock electronically in book-entry form and provide the
stockholder with a statement reflecting the number of shares
registered in the stockholder’s account. No stockholder will be
required to pay a transfer or other fee to exchange his, her or its
Old Certificates. Until surrendered, we will deem outstanding Old
Certificates held by stockholders to be cancelled and only to
represent the number of shares of post-Reverse Stock Split
common stock to which these stockholders are entitled. Any Old
Certificates submitted for exchange, whether because of a sale,
transfer or other disposition of stock, will automatically be
exchanged for appropriate number of shares of
post-Reverse Stock Split common stock. If an Old Certificate
has a restrictive legend on its reverse side, a new certificate
will be issued with the same restrictive legend on its reverse
side.
STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT DESTROY ANY STOCK
CERTIFICATE(S) AND SHOULD NOT SUBMIT ANY STOCK
CERTIFICATE(S) UNTIL REQUESTED TO DO SO.
Fractional Shares
We will not issue fractional shares in connection with the Reverse
Stock Split. Instead, stockholders who otherwise would be entitled
to receive fractional shares because they hold a number of shares
not evenly divisible by the Reverse Stock Split ratio will
automatically be entitled to receive an additional fraction of a
share of common stock to round up to the next whole share. In any
event, cash will not be paid for fractional shares.
Effect of the Reverse Stock Split on Outstanding Stock Options
and Warrants
Based upon the Reverse Stock Split ratio, proportionate adjustments
are generally required to be made to the per share exercise price
and the number of shares issuable upon the exercise of all
outstanding options and warrants. This would result in
approximately the same aggregate price being required to be paid
under such options or warrants upon exercise, and approximately the
same value of shares of common stock being delivered upon such
exercise immediately following the Reverse Stock Split as was the
case immediately preceding the Reverse Stock Split. The number of
shares reserved for issuance pursuant to these securities will be
reduced proportionately based upon the Reverse Stock Split
ratio.
Accounting Matters
The proposed amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation will not
affect the par value of our common stock. As a result, at the
effective time of the Reverse Stock Split, the stated capital on
our balance sheet attributable to the common stock will be reduced
in the same proportion as the Reverse Stock Split ratio, and the
additional paid-in capital account will be credited with the
amount by which the stated capital is reduced. The per share net
income or loss will be restated for prior periods to conform to the
post-Reverse Stock Split presentation.
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Stock
Split
The following summary describes, as of the date of this proxy
statement, certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the
Reverse Stock Split to holders of our common stock. This summary
addresses the tax consequences only to a U.S. holder, which is
a beneficial owner of our common stock that is either:
|
● |
an individual citizen or resident
of the United States; |
|
● |
a corporation, or other entity
taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
created or organized in or under the laws of the United States
or any state thereof or the District of Columbia; |
|
● |
an estate, the income of which is
subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its
source; or |
|
● |
a trust, if: (i) a court
within the United States is able to exercise primary
jurisdiction over its administration and one or more
U.S. persons has the authority to control all of its
substantial decisions or (ii) it was in existence before
August 20, 1996 and a valid election is in place under
applicable Treasury regulations to treat such trust as a
U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes |
This summary is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), U.S. Treasury
regulations, administrative rulings and judicial authority, all as
in effect as of the date of this proxy statement. Subsequent
developments in U.S. federal income tax law, including changes
in law or differing interpretations, which may be applied
retroactively, could have a material effect on the
U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock
Split.
This summary does not address all of the tax consequences that may
be relevant to any particular investor, including tax
considerations that arise from rules of general application to all
taxpayers or to certain classes of taxpayers or that are generally
assumed to be known by investors. This summary also does not
address the tax consequences to (i) persons that may be
subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax
law, such as banks, insurance companies, thrift institutions,
regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts,
tax-exempt organizations, U.S. expatriates, persons
subject to the alternative minimum tax, persons whose functional
currency is not the U.S. dollar, partnerships or other
pass-through entities, traders in securities that elect to
mark to market and dealers in securities or currencies,
(ii) persons that hold our common stock as part of a position
in a “straddle” or as part of a “hedging transaction,” “conversion
transaction” or other integrated investment transaction for federal
income tax purposes or (iii) persons that do not hold our
common stock as “capital assets” (generally, property held for
investment). This summary does not address backup withholding and
information reporting. This summary does not address
U.S. holders who beneficially own common stock through a
“foreign financial institution” (as defined in Code
Section 1471(d)(4)) or certain other non-U.S. entities
specified in Code Section 1472. This summary does not address
tax considerations arising under any state, local or foreign laws,
or under federal estate or gift tax laws.
If a partnership (or other entity classified as a partnership for
U.S. federal income tax purposes) is the beneficial owner of
our common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a
partner in the partnership will generally depend on the status of
the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships
that hold our common stock, and partners in such partnerships,
should consult their own tax advisors regarding the
U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock
Split.
Each holder should consult his, her or its own tax advisors
concerning the particular U.S. federal tax consequences of the
Reverse Stock Split, as well as the consequences arising under the
laws of any other taxing jurisdiction, including any foreign,
state, or local income tax consequences.
General Tax Treatment of the Reverse Stock Split
The Reverse Stock Split is intended to qualify as a
“reorganization” under Section 368 of the Code that should
constitute a “recapitalization” for U.S. federal income tax
purposes. Assuming the Reverse Stock Split qualifies as a
reorganization, a U.S. holder generally will not recognize
gain or loss upon the exchange of our ordinary shares for a lesser
number of ordinary shares, based upon the Reverse Stock Split
ratio. A U.S. holder’s aggregate tax basis in the lesser
number of ordinary shares received in the Reverse Stock Split will
be the same such U.S. holder’s aggregate tax basis in the
shares of our common stock that such U.S. holder owned
immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split. The holding period
for the ordinary shares received in the Reverse Stock Split will
include the period during which a U.S. holder held the shares
of our common stock that were surrendered in the Reverse Stock
Split. The United States Treasury regulations provide detailed
rules for allocating the tax basis and holding period of the shares
of our common stock surrendered to the shares of our common stock
received pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split. U.S. holders of
shares of our common stock acquired on different dates and at
different prices should consult their tax advisors regarding the
allocation of the tax basis and holding period of such shares.
THE FOREGOING IS INTENDED ONLY AS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN FEDERAL
INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT, AND DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE A TAX OPINION. EACH HOLDER OF OUR COMMON SHARES SHOULD
CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE
REVERSE STOCK SPLIT TO THEM AND FOR REFERENCE TO APPLICABLE
PROVISIONS OF THE CODE.
Interests of Executive Officers and Directors in this
Proposal
Our executive officers, directors and director nominees, and
associates of our executive officers, directors and director
nominees do not have any substantial interest, direct or indirect,
in this proposal.
Required Vote of Stockholders
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of voting power
the outstanding shares of our common stock and Series A preferred
stock is required to approve this proposal.
Board Recommendation
The board of directors unanimously recommends a vote
“FOR” the grant to the board of discretionary
authority to (i) amend our certificate of incorporation to
combine outstanding shares of our common stock into a lesser number
of outstanding shares, or a “reverse stock split,” at a specific
ratio within a range of one-for-five (1-for-five) to a maximum of a
one-for-fifty (1-for-fifty) split, with the exact ratio to be
determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion; and
(ii) effect the reverse stock split, if at all, within one
year of the date the proposal is approved by stockholders.
PROPOSAL 2:
APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE 2018 EQUITY INCENTIVE
PLAN
Summary
On January 12, 2023, our board of directors approved an amendment
to the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”) to
increase the number of shares available for issuance under the 2018
Plan by 3,000,000 shares and (ii) increase the amount of shares
that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of incentive stock
options by 3,000,000 shares. The proposed form of amendment to our
2018 Plan is attached as Appendix B to this Proxy Statement.
The amendment to the 2018
Plan is intended to ensure that the Company can continue to provide
an incentive to employees, directors and consultants by enabling
them to share in the Company’s future growth. If approved by the
stockholders, all of the additional shares will be available for
grant as incentive stock options within the meaning of
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the “Code”), or as nonqualified stock options, restricted stock
awards, stock appreciation rights, or other kinds of equity based
compensation available under the 2018 Plan. If the stockholders do
not approve the amendment, no shares will be added to the number of
shares available for issuance under the 2018 Plan.
Background
On April 26, 2018, Amesite Parent’s board of directors adopted, and
Amesite Parent’s stockholders approved, the 2018 Plan. The 2018
Plan is intended to align the interests stockholders and the
recipients of awards under the 2018 Plan, and to advance Amesite
Parent’s interests by attracting and retaining directors, officers,
employees and other service providers and motivating them to act in
our long-term best interests. The material terms of the 2018 Plan
are set forth below:
Summary of Key Terms of the Plan
Plan term. The 2018 Plan became effective on July 23, 2018
and terminates on the tenth anniversary of its effective date,
unless terminated earlier by Amesite Parent’s board of
directors.
Eligible participants. All officers, directors, employees,
consultants, agents and independent contractors, and persons
expected to become officers, directors, employees, consultants,
agents and independent contractors of Amesite Parent or any of its
subsidiaries are eligible to receive awards under the 2018 Plan.
The Compensation Committee of Amesite Parent’s board of directors
determines the participants under the 2018 Plan.
Shares authorized. 2,529,000 shares of common stock were
initially available for awards granted under the 2018 Plan,
inclusive of 1,288,195 shares subject to options originally granted
under the 2017 Plan and assumed in connection with the Merger,
subject to adjustment for stock splits and other similar changes in
capitalization. The number of available shares will be reduced by
the aggregate number of shares that become subject to outstanding
awards granted under the 2018 Plan. As of the first day of each
calendar year beginning on or after January 1, 2021, the number of
shares available for all awards under the 2018 Plan, other than
incentive stock options, will automatically increase by a number
equal to the least of (i) five percent (5%) of the number of shares
of the Company’s common stock that are issued and outstanding as of
that date, or (ii) a lesser number of shares of the Company’s
common stock as determined by the Compensation Committee. To the
extent that shares of common stock subject to an outstanding award
granted under the 2018 Plan are not issued or delivered by reason
of the expiration, termination, cancellation or forfeiture of such
award (excluding shares of common stock subject to an option
cancelled upon settlement in shares of common stock of a related
tandem share appreciation right or shares of common stock subject
to a tandem share appreciation right cancelled upon exercise of a
related option) or by reason of the settlement of an award in cash,
then those shares of common stock will again be available under the
2018 Plan, other than for grants of incentive stock options. In
addition, any shares covered by an award that have been surrendered
in connection with the payment of the award exercise or purchase
price or in satisfaction of tax withholding obligations incident to
the grant, exercise, vesting or settlement of an award will be
deemed not to have been issued for purposes of determining the
maximum number of shares of common stock which may be issued
pursuant to all awards under the 2018 Plan. Effective August 4,
2020, upon approval of the stockholders of Amesite Parent, the
total number of shares of common stock issuable under the 2018 Plan
was increased to 4,600,000 shares. If the amendment to the 2018
Plan is approved, the total number of shares of common stock
issuable under the 2018 Plan would be 7,600,000.
Award types. Awards include non-qualified and incentive
stock options, stock appreciation rights, bonus shares, restricted
shares, restricted share units, performance units and cash-based
awards.
Administration. The Compensation Committee of Amesite Parent
administers the 2018 Plan. The Compensation Committee’s
interpretation, construction and administration of the 2018 Plan
and all of its determinations thereunder is conclusive and binding
on all persons.
The Compensation Committee has the authority to determine the
participants in the 2018 Plan, the form, amount and timing of any
awards, the performance goals, if any, and all other terms and
conditions pertaining to any award. The Compensation Committee may
take any action such that (i) any outstanding options and stock
appreciation rights become exercisable in part or in full, (ii) all
or any portion of a restriction period on any restricted share or
restricted share units will lapse, (iii) all or a portion of any
performance period applicable to any performance-based award will
lapse, and (iv) any performance measures applicable to any
outstanding award will be deemed satisfied at the target level or
any other level. Subject to the terms of the 2018 Plan relating to
grants to our executive officers and directors, the Compensation
Committee may delegate some or all of its powers and authority to
the Chief Executive Officer and President or other executive
officer as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate.
Stock options and stock appreciation rights. The 2018 Plan
provides for the grant of stock options and share appreciation
rights. Stock options may be either tax-qualified incentive stock
options or non-qualified stock options. The Compensation Committee
will determine the terms and conditions to the exercisability of
each option and share appreciation right.
The period for the exercise of a non-qualified stock option or
stock appreciation right will be determined by the Compensation
Committee provided that no option may be exercised later than ten
years after its date of grant. The exercise price of a
non-qualified stock option and the base price of a stock
appreciation right will not be less than 100% of the fair market
value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant, provided
that the base price of a share appreciation right granted in tandem
with an option will be the exercise price of the related option. A
stock appreciation right entitles the holder to receive upon
exercise, subject to tax withholding in respect of an employee,
shares of our common stock, which may be restricted stock, with a
value equal to the difference between the fair market value of our
common stock on the exercise date and the base price of the share
appreciation right.
Each incentive stock option will be exercisable for not more than
10 years after its date of grant, unless the optionee owns greater
than 10% of the voting power of all shares of our capital stock, or
a “ten percent holder,” in which case the option will be
exercisable for not more than five years after its date of grant.
The exercise price of an incentive stock option will not be less
than the fair market value of a share of our common stock on its
date of grant, unless the optionee is a ten percent holder, in
which case the option exercise price will be the price required by
the Code, currently 110% of fair market value.
Upon exercise, the option exercise price may be paid in cash, by
the delivery of previously owned shares of our common stock, share
withholding or through a cashless exercise arrangement, as
permitted by the applicable award agreement. All of the terms
relating to the exercise, cancellation or other disposition of an
option or stock appreciation right upon a termination of
employment, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or
any other reason, will be determined by the Compensation
Committee.
The Compensation Committee, without stockholder approval, may (i)
reduce the exercise price of any previously granted option or the
base appreciation amount of any previously granted stock
appreciation right, or (ii) cancel any previously granted option or
stock appreciation right at a time when its exercise price or base
appreciation amount (as applicable) exceeds the fair market value
of the underlying shares, in exchange for another option, stock
appreciation right or other award or for cash.
Stock awards. The 2018 Plan provides for the grant of share
awards. The Compensation Committee may grant a share award as a
bonus stock award, a restricted share award or a restricted share
unit award and, in the case of a restricted share award or
restricted share unit award, the Compensation Committee may
determine that such award will be subject to the attainment of
performance measures over an established performance period. All of
the terms relating to the satisfaction of performance measures and
the termination of a restriction period, or the forfeiture and
cancellation of a stock award upon a termination of employment,
whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other
reason, will be determined by the Compensation Committee.
The agreement awarding restricted share units will specify whether
such award may be settled in shares of our common stock, cash or a
combination thereof and whether the holder will be entitled to
receive dividend equivalents, on a current or deferred basis, with
respect to such award. Prior to settlement of a restricted share
unit in shares of our common stock, the holder of a restricted
share unit will have no rights as our stockholder.
Unless otherwise set forth in a restricted stock award agreement,
the holder of shares of restricted stock will have rights as our
stockholder, including the right to vote and receive dividends with
respect to the shares of restricted stock, except that
distributions other than regular cash dividends and regular cash
dividends with respect to shares of restricted stock subject to
performance-based vesting conditions will be held by us and will be
subject to the same restrictions as the restricted shares.
Performance unit awards. The 2018 Plan provides for the
grant of performance unit awards. Each performance unit is a right,
contingent upon the attainment of performance measures within a
specified performance period, to receive a specified cash amount,
shares of our common stock or a combination thereof which may be
restricted stock, having a fair market value equal to such cash
amount. Prior to the settlement of a performance unit award in
shares of our common stock, the holder of such award will have no
rights as our stockholder with respect to such shares. Performance
units will be non-transferable and subject to forfeiture if the
specified performance measures are not attained during the
specified performance period. All of the terms relating to the
satisfaction of performance measures and the termination of a
performance period, or the forfeiture and cancellation of a
performance unit award upon a termination of employment, whether by
reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, will
be determined by the Compensation Committee.
Cash-based awards. The 2018 Plan also provides for the grant
of cash-based awards. Each cash-based award is an award denominated
in cash that may be settled in cash and/or shares, which may be
subject to restrictions, as established by the Compensation
Committee.
Performance goals. Under the 2018 Plan, the vesting or
payment of performance-based awards will be subject to the
satisfaction of certain performance goals. The performance goals
applicable to a particular award will be determined by the
Compensation Committee at the time of grant. The performance goals
may be one or more of the following corporate-wide or subsidiary,
division, operating unit or individual measures, stated in either
absolute terms or relative terms.
Individual Limits. With respect to non-employee directors,
the maximum grant date fair value of shares that may be granted to
an individual non-employee director during any fiscal year of
Amesite Parent or its subsidiaries is $150,000. In connection with
a non-employee director’s commencement of service with the Company,
the per person limit set forth in the previous sentence will be
$150,000.
Amendment or termination of the 2018 Plan. Amesite Parent’s
board of directors may amend or terminate the 2018 Plan as it deems
advisable, subject to any requirement of stockholder approval
required by law, rule or regulation; provided, however, that no
such amendment may materially impair the rights of a holder of an
outstanding award without the consent of such holder.
Change of control. In the event of a change of control,
Amesite Parent’s board of directors may, in its discretion, (1)
provide that (A) some or all outstanding options and share
appreciation rights will immediately become exercisable in full or
in part, (B) the restriction period applicable to some or all
outstanding stock awards will lapse in full or in part, (C) the
performance period applicable to some or all outstanding awards
will lapse in full or in part, and (D) the performance measures
applicable to some or all outstanding awards will be deemed to be
satisfied at the target or any other level, (2) provide that some
or all outstanding awards will terminate without consideration as
of the date of the change of control, (3) require that shares of
stock of the corporation resulting from such change of control, or
a parent corporation thereof, be substituted for some or all of our
shares subject to an outstanding award, and/or (4) require
outstanding awards, in whole or in part, to be surrendered by the
holder, and to be immediately cancelled, and to provide for the
holder to receive (A) a cash payment in an amount equal to (i) in
the case of an option or share appreciation right, the number of
our shares then subject to the portion of such option or share
appreciation right surrendered, whether vested or unvested,
multiplied by the excess, if any, of the fair market value of a
share of our common stock as of the date of the change of control,
over the purchase price or base price per share of our common stock
subject to such option or stock appreciation right, (ii) in the
case of a stock award, the number of shares of our common stock
then subject to the portion of such award surrendered, whether
vested or unvested, multiplied by the fair market value of a share
of our common stock as of the date of the change of control, and
(iii) in the case of a performance unit award, the value of the
performance units then subject to the portion of such award
surrendered; (B) shares of capital stock of the corporation
resulting from such change of control, or a parent corporation
thereof, having a fair market value not less than the amount
determined under clause (A) above; or (C) a combination of the
payment of cash pursuant to clause (A) above and the issuance of
shares pursuant to clause (B) above.
Under the 2018 Plan, a change of control will occur upon: (i) a
person’s or entity’s acquisition, other than from Amesite Parent,
of beneficial ownership of 50% or more of either our then
outstanding shares or the combined voting power of our then
outstanding voting securities, but excluding certain acquisitions
by the company, its subsidiaries or employee benefit plans, or by a
corporation in which our stockholders hold a majority interest;
(ii) a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the company if
our stockholders do not thereafter beneficially own more than 50%
of the outstanding shares or combined voting power of the resulting
company, (iii) certain changes to the incumbent directors of our
Company, or (iv) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the
company or of the sale or other disposition of all or substantially
all of our assets; but excluding, in any case, the initial public
offering or any bona fide primary or secondary public offering
following the occurrence of the initial public offering.
US Federal Income Tax Consequences. The following is
a summary of certain United States federal income tax
consequences of awards under the 2018 Plan. It does not purport to
be a complete description of all applicable rules, and those rules
(including those summarized here) are subject to change.
Non-Qualified Stock Options. A
participant who has been granted a non-qualified stock option
will not recognize taxable income upon the grant of a
non-qualified stock option. Rather, at the time of exercise of
such non-qualified stock option, the participant will
recognize ordinary income for income tax purposes in an amount
equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of
common stock purchased over the exercise price. We generally will
be entitled to a tax deduction at such time and in the same amount
that the participant recognizes ordinary income. If shares of
common stock acquired upon exercise of a non-qualified stock
option are later sold or exchanged, then the difference between the
amount received upon such sale or exchange and the fair market
value of such shares on the date of such exercise will generally be
taxable as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss
(if the shares are a capital asset of the participant) depending
upon the length of time such shares were held by the
participant.
Incentive Stock Options. In general,
no taxable income is realized by a participant upon the grant of an
ISO. If shares of common stock are purchased by a participant, or
option shares, pursuant to the exercise of an ISO granted under the
2018 Plan and the participant does not dispose of the option shares
within the two-year period after the date of grant or within
one year after the receipt of such option shares by the
participant, such disposition a disqualifying disposition, then,
generally (1) the participant will not realize ordinary income
upon exercise and (2) upon sale of such option shares, any
amount realized in excess of the exercise price paid for the option
shares will be taxed to such participant as capital gain (or loss).
The amount by which the fair market value of the common stock on
the exercise date of an ISO exceeds the purchase price generally
will constitute an item which increases the participant’s
“alternative minimum taxable income.” If option shares acquired
upon the exercise of an ISO are disposed of in a disqualifying
disposition, the participant generally would include in ordinary
income in the year of disposition an amount equal to the excess of
the fair market value of the option shares at the time of exercise
(or, if less, the amount realized on the disposition of the option
shares), over the exercise price paid for the option shares.
Subject to certain exceptions, an option generally will not be
treated as an ISO if it is exercised more than three months
following termination of employment. If an ISO is exercised at a
time when it no longer qualifies as an ISO, such option will be
treated as a nonqualified stock option as discussed above. In
general, we will receive an income tax deduction at the same time
and in the same amount as the participant recognizes ordinary
income.
Stock Appreciation Rights. A
participant who is granted an SAR generally will not recognize
ordinary income upon receipt of the SAR. Rather, at the time of
exercise of such SAR, the participant will recognize ordinary
income for income tax purposes in an amount equal to the value of
any cash received and the fair market value on the date of exercise
of any shares of common stock received. We generally will be
entitled to a tax deduction at such time and in the same amount, if
any, that the participant recognizes as ordinary income. The
participant’s tax basis in any shares of common stock received upon
exercise of an SAR will be the fair market value of the shares of
common stock on the date of exercise, and if the shares are later
sold or exchanged, then the difference between the amount received
upon such sale or exchange and the fair market value of such shares
on the date of exercise will generally be taxable as
long-term or short-term capital gain or loss (if the
shares are a capital asset of the participant) depending upon the
length of time such shares were held by the participant.
Restricted Stock. A participant
generally will not be taxed upon the grant of restricted stock, but
rather will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the
fair market value of the shares of common stock at the earlier of
the time the shares become transferable or are no longer subject to
a substantial risk of forfeiture (within the meaning of the Code).
We generally will be entitled to a deduction at the time when, and
in the amount that, the participant recognizes ordinary income on
account of the lapse of the restrictions. A participant’s tax basis
in the shares of common stock will equal their fair market value at
the time the restrictions lapse, and the participant’s holding
period for capital gains purposes will begin at that time. Any cash
dividends paid on the shares of common stock before the
restrictions lapse will be taxable to the participant as additional
compensation and not as dividend income, unless the individual has
made an election under Section 83(b) of the Code. Under
Section 83(b) of the Code, a participant may elect to
recognize ordinary income at the time the restricted shares are
awarded in an amount equal to their fair market value at that time,
notwithstanding the fact that such stock is subject to restrictions
or transfer and a substantial risk of forfeiture. If such an
election is made, no additional taxable income will be recognized
by such participant at the time the restrictions lapse, the
participant will have a tax basis in the shares of common stock
equal to their fair market value on the date of their award, and
the participant’s holding period for capital gains purposes will
begin at that time. We generally will be entitled to a tax
deduction at the time when, and to the extent that, ordinary income
is recognized by such participant.
Restricted Stock Units. In general,
the grant of RSUs will not result in income for the participant or
in a tax deduction for us. Upon the settlement of such an award in
cash or shares of common stock, the participant will recognize
ordinary income equal to the aggregate value of the payment
received, and we generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at
the same time and in the same amount.
Other Awards. With respect to other
stock-based awards, generally when the participant receives
payment in respect of the award, the amount of cash and/or the fair
market value of any shares of common stock or other property
received will be ordinary income to the participant, and we
generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time and
in the same amount.
Grants Under the 2018 Plan
A summary of option activity for the years ended June 30, 2022 and
2021 is presented below:
Options |
|
Number of
Shares |
|
|
Weighted Average
Exercise
Price |
|
|
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in years) |
|
Outstanding at July 1,
2020 |
|
|
2,962,833 |
|
|
$ |
1.82 |
|
|
|
9,06 |
|
Granted |
|
|
566,000 |
|
|
|
2.97 |
|
|
|
9.65 |
|
Terminated |
|
|
(306,708 |
) |
|
|
2.45 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Outstanding at June 30, 2021 |
|
|
3,222,125 |
|
|
|
1.96 |
|
|
|
8.34 |
|
Granted |
|
|
129,024 |
|
|
|
1.76 |
|
|
|
9.26 |
|
Terminated |
|
|
(187,959 |
) |
|
|
3.01 |
|
|
|
8.69 |
|
Outstanding and expected to vest at June 30, 2022 |
|
|
3,163,190 |
|
|
|
1.89 |
|
|
|
7.34 |
|
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted
during the years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 was $1.76 and $1.29,
respectively. The options contained time-based vesting conditions
satisfied over one to five years from the grant date. During the
years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company issued 129,024 and
566,000 options, respectively. During the year ended June 30, 2022
and 2021, no options were exercised and 187,959 and 306,708 options
were terminated.
On September 28, 2021, the Board approved certain stock awards to
its board members in the form of stock options and restricted
stock. The stock option awards are expected to vest ratably over
twelve-month period from beginning September 28, 2021 through
September 28, 2022. The restricted stock awards are vested over a
twelve-month period beginning July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.
The total approved compensation was $172,702 in stock options and
$600,000 in restricted stock. The number of options was determined
based on the fair value of the Company’s share price as of the date
of grant. The Company determined that there will be 337,078 of
restricted shares issued upon vesting, based on the fair value of
the Company’s share price on the grant date.
Interests of Officers and Directors in this Proposal
Members of our board of directors and our executive officers are
eligible to receive awards under the terms of the 2018 Plan,
including through certain outstanding employment agreements and
grants, as well as under our Director Compensation Program and they
therefore have a substantial interest in Proposal 2.
Required Vote of Stockholders
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Special
Meeting is required to approve the amendment to the 2018 Plan.
Board Recommendation
The board of directors unanimously recommends a vote
“FOR” Proposal 2.
OTHER MATTERS
The board of directors knows of no other business, which will be
presented to the Special Meeting. If any other business is properly
brought before the Special Meeting, proxies in the enclosed form
will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting
the proxies.
We will bear the cost of soliciting proxies in the accompanying
form. In addition to the use of the mails, proxies may also be
solicited by our directors, officers or other employees, personally
or by telephone, facsimile or email, none of whom will be
compensated separately for these solicitation activities. We have
engaged Kingsdale Advisors to assist in the solicitation of
proxies. We will pay a fee of approximately $11,000 plus reasonable
out-of-pocket charges to Kingsdale Advisors for such services.
If you do not plan to attend the Special Meeting, in order that
your shares may be represented and in order to assure the required
quorum, please sign, date and return your proxy promptly. In the
event you are able to attend the Special Meeting virtually, at your
request, we will cancel your previously submitted proxy.
HOUSEHOLDING
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries
(e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for proxy
statements and other Special Meeting materials with respect to two
or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a proxy
statement or other Special Meeting materials addressed to those
stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as
householding, potentially provides extra convenience for
stockholders and cost savings for companies. Stockholders who
participate in householding will continue to be able to access and
receive separate proxy cards.
If you share an address with another stockholder and have received
multiple copies of our proxy materials, you may write or call us at
the address or phone number below to request delivery of a single
copy of the notice and, if applicable, other proxy materials in the
future. We undertake to deliver promptly upon written or oral
request a separate copy of the proxy materials, as requested, to a
stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the proxy
materials was delivered. If you hold stock as a record stockholder
and prefer to receive separate copies of our proxy materials either
now or in the future, please contact us at 607 Shelby Street, Suite
700 PMB 214, Detroit, Michigan 48226, Attn: Secretary, or by phone
at (734) 876-8130. If your stock is held through a brokerage
firm or bank and you prefer to receive separate copies of our proxy
materials either now or in the future, please contact your
brokerage firm or bank.
ANNUAL REPORT
Additional copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended June 30, 2022 may be obtained without charge by writing
to the Company’s Secretary, 607 Shelby Street, Suite 700 PMB 214,
Detroit, Michigan 48226.
|
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS |
|
|
|
/s/ Ann Marie Sastry, Ph.D. |
|
Ann
Marie Sastry, Ph.D. |
January 23, 2023 |
Chairman of the Board of Directors |


APPENDIX A
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
to the
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
of
AMESITE INC.
AMESITE INC., a corporation organized and existing under the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the
“Corporation”), does hereby certify as follows:
FIRST: The name of the Corporation is Amesite Inc. The Certificate
of Incorporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State
of Delaware on September 18, 2020 ( the “Certificate of
Incorporation”).
SECOND: ARTICLE IV of the Corporation’s Certificate of
Incorporation shall be amended by inserting Subsection “(C)” at the
end of such section which shall read as follows:
C. Reverse Stock Split. Upon the filing (the “Effective
Time”) of this Certificate of Amendment pursuant to the Section 242
of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, each
[ ] ([ ]) shares of the
Corporation’s common stock, issued and outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time (the “Old Common Stock”) shall
automatically without further action on the part of the Corporation
or any holder of Old Common Stock, be reclassified, combined,
converted and changed into [ ]
([ ]) fully paid and nonassessable shares
of common stock, par value of $0.0001 per share (the “New Common
Stock”), subject to the treatment of fractional share interests as
described below (the “reverse stock split”). The conversion of the
Old Common Stock into New Common Stock will be deemed to occur at
the Effective Time. From and after the Effective Time, certificates
representing the Old Common Stock shall represent the number of
shares of New Common Stock into which such Old Common Stock shall
have been converted pursuant to this Certificate of Amendment.
Holders who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional share
interests of New Common Stock upon the effectiveness of the reverse
stock split shall be entitled to receive a whole share of New
Common Stock in lieu of any fractional share created as a result of
such reverse stock split.
THIRD: The stockholders of the Corporation have duly approved the
foregoing amendment in accordance with the provisions of Section
242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of
Amendment to be duly adopted and executed in its corporate name and
on its behalf by its duly authorized officer as of the day of ,
2023.
AMESITE
INC. |
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
Name: |
Ann Marie Sastry,
Ph.D. |
|
Title: |
Chief Executive
Officer |
|
APPENDIX B
FIRST
AMENDMENT
TO
AMESITE
INC.
2018
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
THIS
FIRST AMENDMENT TO AMESITE INC. 2018 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN (this
“Amendment”) of the Amesite Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan
(the “Plan”) is made as of the 13th day of
January, 2023, by the Board of Amesite Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the “Company”) pursuant to Section 6.2 of the Plan. All
terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth
in the Plan.
RECITALS
WHEREAS,
the Board of Directors (the “Board”) may amend the Plan pursuant to
Section 6.2 of the Plan, provided that no such action shall
materially impair the rights of a Participant under any award
without such Participant’s consent (the “Amendment
Conditions”);
WHEREAS,
this Amendment satisfies the Amendment Conditions; and
WHEREAS,
this Amendment has been submitted to the holders of the outstanding
stock of the Company (the “Stockholders”) and such
Stockholders have approved the adoption of this
Amendment.
AGREEMENT
NOW,
THEREFORE, the Board hereby amends the Plan as
follows:
1.
Section 1.5 of the Plan is hereby amended and restated as
follows:
1.5 Shares
and Cash Available. Subject to adjustment as provided
in Section 6.7 and to all other limits set forth in this Section
1.5, 7,600,000 Shares shall be available for awards under this Plan
inclusive of 1,228,195 Shares subject to options originally granted
under the Amesite Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan and assumed in
connection with the merger of Amesite Inc. with a subsidiary of
Lola One Acquisition Corporation (the “Assumed Options”), of such
number of Shares, 7,600,000 may be issued upon the exercise of
Incentive Stock Options. The number of Shares that remain available
for future grants under the Plan shall be reduced by the sum of the
aggregate number of Shares which become subject to outstanding
options, outstanding Free-Standing SARs and outstanding Share
Awards and delivered upon the settlement of Performance Units. As
of the first day of each calendar year beginning on or after
January 1, 2021, the number of Shares available for all awards
under the Plan, other than Incentive Stock Options, shall
automatically increase by a number equal to the least of (x) 5% of
the number of Shares that are issued and outstanding as of such
date, or (y) a lesser number of Shares determined by the Committee.
To the extent that Shares subject to an outstanding option, SAR,
Share Award or other award granted under the Plan are not issued or
delivered by reason of (i) the expiration, termination,
cancellation or forfeiture of such award (excluding Shares subject
to an option cancelled upon settlement in Shares of a related
tandem SAR or Shares subject to a tandem SAR cancelled upon
exercise of a related option) or (ii) the settlement of such award
in cash, then such Shares shall again be available under this Plan,
other than for grants of Incentive Stock Options.
To
the extent not prohibited by the listing requirements of the Nasdaq
Global Market or any other stock exchange on which Shares are then
traded or applicable laws, any Shares covered by an award which are
surrendered (i) in payment of the award exercise or purchase price
(including pursuant to the “net exercise” of an option pursuant to
Section 2.1(c), or the “net settlement” or “net exercise” of a
Share-settled SAR pursuant to Section 2.2(c)) or (ii) in
satisfaction of tax withholding obligations incident to the grant,
exercise, vesting or settlement of an award shall be deemed not to
have been issued for purposes of determining the maximum number of
Shares which may be issued pursuant to all awards under the Plan,
unless otherwise determined by the Committee. Notwithstanding
anything in this Section 1.5 to the contrary, Shares subject to an
award under this Plan may not be made available for issuance under
this Plan if such shares are shares repurchased on the open market
with the proceeds of an option exercise.
Other
than with respect to the Assumed Options, the number of Shares for
awards under this Plan shall not be reduced by (i) the number of
Shares subject to Substitute Awards or (ii) available shares under
a stockholder approved plan of a company or other entity which was
a party to a corporate transaction with the Company (as
appropriately adjusted to reflect such corporate transaction) which
become subject to awards granted under this Plan (subject to
applicable stock exchange requirements).
Shares
to be delivered under this Plan shall be made available from
authorized and unissued Shares, or authorized and issued Shares
reacquired and held as treasury shares or otherwise or a
combination thereof.
2.
Miscellaneous.
a.
Amendments. Except as specifically modified herein, the Plan
shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with all of the
terms and conditions thereof except that the Plan is hereby amended
in all other respects, if any, necessary to conform with the intent
of the amendments set forth in this Amendment. Upon the
effectiveness of this Amendment, each reference in the Plan to “the
Plan,” “hereunder,” “herein” or words of similar import shall mean
and be a reference to the Plan as amended by this
Amendment.
b.
Severability. Each provision of this Amendment shall be
considered severable and if for any reason any provision or
provisions herein are determined to be invalid, unenforceable or
illegal under any existing or future law, such invalidity,
unenforceability or illegality shall not impair the operation of or
affect those portions of this Amendment that are valid, enforceable
and legal.
c.
Governing Law. This Amendment shall be governed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
[Signature
Page Follows]
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned members of the Board of the
Company hereby adopt this First Amendment to Amesite Inc. 2018
Equity Incentive Plan on January 13, 2023. This Amendment may be
executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
an original for all intents and purposes, and all of which, when
taken together, shall constitute one instrument.
|
|
Anthony
Barkett |
|
|
|
|
|
Barbie
Brewer |
|
|
|
|
|
J. Michael
Losh |
|
|
|
|
|
Richard T.
Ogawa |
|
|
|
|
|
Gilbert S.
Omenn, M.D., Ph.D. |
|
|
|
|
|
George
Parmer |
|
|
|
|
|
Ann Marie
Sastry, Ph.D. |
|
B-3
Amesite (NASDAQ:AMST)
Historical Stock Chart
From Feb 2023 to Mar 2023
Amesite (NASDAQ:AMST)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2022 to Mar 2023