Wrap Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WRAP) (“Wrap” or the “Company”), a
global leader in de-escalation, issues a letter to shareholders
from Founder and CEO, Scot Cohen.
Dear Shareholders,
We are at a pivotal time in Wrap Technologies and I’m excited to
share with you that we believe that we’re emerging stronger than
ever. First, as you are all aware we are actively addressing both
our audit and Nasdaq compliance issues.
- New Auditors:
Thirty days ago, we engaged HTL as our new auditors. They are
progressing through our 2023 audit, and we do not anticipate any
need for restatement of our financials.
- NASDAQ Compliance:
On June 17, 2024, we submitted a comprehensive compliance plan to
the NASDAQ Listing Qualifications Department. While there is no
guarantee of acceptance, we are hopeful that NASDAQ will grant us
sufficient time to complete our 10-K for 2023 and the 10-Q for the
first quarter ended March 31, 2024.
Today’s company looks very different than it did at the end of
2023 when we pursued an aggressive growth strategy and expanded
manufacturing operations in preparation for anticipated
international demand. Our recent audit provided a valuable
opportunity to holistically reassess our business operations,
leading to the implementation of heightened discipline, structure,
and controls. It became apparent that we were clearly on the wrong
path and our recent auditing endeavors provided us with crucial
insights, prompting a strategic pivot.
First, we have achieved a significant reduction in our
operational expenses, decreasing from as high as $2.5 million per
month in 2022 to an anticipated $700,000 per month by the end of
2024. This would represent a 72% reduction in our operating expense
model. These profound changes establish a more sustainable
structure, including tough decisions regarding workforce
adjustments. These measures, in conjunction with our accounts
receivable, should furnish us with the necessary runway to seize
upcoming market opportunities.
Second, through closer engagement with our customers and pilot
deployments in major cities, it has become evident that Wrap's
solutions are not merely non-lethal devices but vital de-escalation
solutions. Moreover, Wrap is well positioned to become a preeminent
provider of de-escalation solutions, both domestically and
internationally. We are committed to deepening our investments in
customer success and product delivery with our considerable
existing inventory. Along the way, we intend to capture essential
use of force data to aid our clients in successfully implementing
de-escalation strategies. Our planned solutions are expected to be
purpose-built and designed to integrate operationally into law
enforcement agencies and packaged for elected officials as they
answer the public safety needs of their constituents.
Finally, we are laser-focused on execution. We are refining our
leadership and simplifying organizational structures to enhance
focus, agility, and speed in decision-making.
Market Conditions and Our Vision for the
Future
In light of increasing public scrutiny and the pressing demand
for transparency and accountability, law enforcement faces a
transformative era. High-profile cases of excessive force have
sparked public outcry and demands for systemic reform. Many states
and municipalities are responding by implementing new legislation
and policies aimed at reducing the use of force. These measures
include stricter guidelines on force application and enhanced
reporting requirements. Departments are now diligently tracking
"use of force" metrics across both reportable and non-reportable
incidents, striving to reduce occurrences that can lead to
unintentional consequences and, tragically, loss of life.
As law enforcement agencies seek technologies to support
de-escalation efforts, Wrap Technologies stands at the forefront
with our exciting solutions. The BolaWrap, a key product in our
portfolio, is well positioned as the only de-escalation tool we are
aware of designed to be immediately accessible on an officer’s belt
or in their vehicle, meeting critical operational needs on the
scene.
Simultaneously, there is a growing emphasis on training programs
that focus on de-escalation techniques, mental health awareness,
and crisis intervention. The rise of virtual reality and other
immersive technologies in training underscores this shift. These
programs are becoming increasingly essential as law enforcement
agencies face rising insurance premiums and liability costs
associated with use-of-force incidents. This financial pressure
further accelerates the adoption of risk management solutions and
de-escalation technologies.
At Wrap, we harness data to track and analyze use-of-force
incidents, identifying patterns and areas for improvement. This
analysis informs policy changes and shapes targeted training
programs. Our commitment extends beyond supplying non-lethal tools
like the BolaWrap, which safely restrains individuals without
causing serious harm, thereby reducing the need for lethal force.
We also provide comprehensive training in de-escalation techniques,
mental health crisis intervention, and cultural competency through
Wrap Reality. Our VR training offers immersive, realistic scenarios
for officers to practice and refine their skills.
Wrap Technologies is not just responding to market demands; we
are actively shaping the future of law enforcement and community
safety. By equipping officers with the tools and training they
need, we aim to fundamentally change the behavior of law
enforcement around the world. Our vision is clear: create safer
communities through effective de-escalation, setting new standards
in law enforcement practice.
Conclusion
Assuming leadership six months ago, I did so with a firm belief
in our purpose to transform public safety through the widespread
adoption of our de-escalation tools, technologies, and training.
The changes we are implementing across our organization are
designed to refine our focus on what sets Wrap Technologies apart
from the competition, positioning us to emerge as a stronger, more
impactful company.
Thank you to all employees, stakeholders, and officers who serve
our communities around the globe. Together, we are setting new
standards and making a lasting impact on public safety globally.
This is higher purpose policing.
Scot Cohen
Founder and CEO, Wrap Technologies
About Wrap
Wrap Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: WRAP) is a
leading global provider of advanced public safety solutions,
integrating ultramodern technology, cutting-edge tools, and
comprehensive services to address the complex, modern day
challenges facing public safety organizations around the world.
Guided by a no-harm principle, Wrap is dedicated to developing
groundbreaking solutions that empower public safety agencies to
safeguard the communities they serve in a manner that fosters
stronger relationships. Driving safer outcomes, empowering public
safety and communities to move forward together.
Wrap's BolaWrap® solution encompasses an
innovative and patented hand-held remote restraint device,
strategically engineered with Wrap’s no-harm guiding principle to
proactively deter escalation by deploying a Kevlar® tether that
safely restrains individuals from a distance. Combined with
BolaWrap® training, certified by the esteemed International
Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training
(IADLEST), Wrap enables officers from over 1000 agencies across the
US and 60 countries around the world, with the expertise to
effectively use BolaWrap® as an early intervention measure,
mitigating potential risks and injuries, averting tragic outcomes.
Saving lives with each wrap.
Wrap Reality™, the Company’s advanced virtual
reality training system, is a fully immersive training simulator
and comprehensive public safety training platform equips first
responders with the discipline and practice to prevent escalation,
de-escalate conflicts, and apply appropriate tactical use-of-force
measures to better perform in the field. By offering a growing
range of real-life scenarios, Wrap Reality™ addresses the dynamic
nature of modern law enforcement situations for positive public
safety outcomes. Building safer communities one decision at a
time.
Wrap’s Intrensic solution is a comprehensive,
secure and efficient body worn camera and evidence collection and
management solution designed with innovative technology to quickly
capture, safely handle, securely store, and seamlessly track
evidence, all while maintaining full transparency throughout the
process. With meticulous consolidation and professional management
of evidence, confidence in law enforcement and the justice system
soars, fostering trust and reliability in court outcomes.
Intrensic’s efficient system streamlines the entire process
seamlessly, empowering all public safety providers to focus on what
matters. Expediting justice with integrity.
Connect with Wrap: Wrap
on Facebook Wrap on Twitter Wrap
on LinkedIn
Trademark Information
Wrap, the Wrap logo, BolaWrap®, Wrap Reality™ and Wrap
Training Academy are trademarks of Wrap Technologies, Inc., some of
which are registered in the U.S. and abroad. All other trade names
used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the
respective holders.
Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking
Statements - Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains “forward-looking
statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as
“expect,” “anticipate,” “should”, “believe”, “target”, “project”,
“goals”, “estimate”, “potential”, “predict”, “may”, “will”,
“could”, “intend”, and variations of these terms or the negative of
these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these
forward-looking statements. Moreover, forward-looking statements
are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which
involve factors or circumstances that are beyond the Company’s
control. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from
those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a
number of factors, including but not limited to: the Company’s
ability to retain its listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market; the
Company’s ability to successful implement training programs for the
use of its products; the Company’s ability to manufacture and
produce product for its customers; the Company’s ability to develop
sales for its products; the acceptance of existing and future
products; the availability of funding to continue to finance
operations; the complexity, expense and time associated with sales
to law enforcement and government entities; the lengthy evaluation
and sales cycle for the Company’s product solution; product
defects; litigation risks from alleged product-related injuries;
risks of government regulations; the business impact of health
crises or outbreaks of disease, such as epidemics or pandemics; the
impact resulting from geopolitical conflicts and any resulting
sanctions; the ability to obtain export licenses for counties
outside of the United States; the ability to obtain patents and
defend IP against competitors; the impact of competitive products
and solutions; and the Company’s ability to maintain and enhance
its brand, as well as other risk factors mentioned in the Company’s
most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly report on Form
10-Q, and other SEC filings. These forward-looking statements are
made as of the date of this press release and were based on current
expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections as well as the
beliefs and assumptions of management. Except as required by law,
the Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any
forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of
new information, future events or changes in its expectations.
Wrap’s headquarters are in Tempe, Arizona.
For more information, please
visit wrap.com.
Investor Relations Contact:
800.583.2652ir@wrap.com
Media Relations Contact:
Julie Parker301-455-9209wrap@julieparkerco.com
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