Exhibit 10.16
Execution Version
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL AND CO-SALE AGREEMENT
THIS SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL AND
CO-SALE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is made as of April 5, 2023 by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), each holder of the Series Seed Preferred S tock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company, listed on Schedule A hereto (a “Series Seed I nvestor” and, together, the “Series Seed Investors”), each holder of the Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company, listed on Schedule A hereto (a “Series A Investor” and, together, the “Series A Investors”), each holder of Series B Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company, listed on Schedule A hereto (a “Series B Investor” and together the “Series B Investors” and with each Series Seed Investor and each Series A Investor, an “Investor” and, together, the “Investors”), and the Key Holders (as defined below) listed on Schedule B.
WHEREAS, the Company, the Key Holders, the Series Seed Investors, and the Series A Investors (together with Series Seed Investors, the “Existing Investors”) are parties to that certain Amended Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2021 (the “Prior Agreement”), in connection with the purchase of shares of Series Seed Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series Seed Preferred Stock”) and shares of Series A Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”);
WHEREAS, each Key Holder is the beneficial owner of the number of shares of Capital Stock, or of options to purchase Common Stock, set forth opposite the name of such Key Holder on Schedule B;
WHEREAS, the Company and certain of the Investors (the “Series B Purchasers”) are parties to that certain Series B Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, of even date herewith (the “Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which such Investors have agreed to purchase shares of the Series B Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (“Series B Preferred Stock”);
WHEREAS, it is a condition to closing of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement that the Prior Agreement be amended and restated in its entirety in the form of this Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Key Holders and the Company desire to further induce the Series B Purchasers to purchase the Series B Preferred Stock; and
WHEREAS, the Prior Agreement may be amended by a written instrument executed by (a) the Company, (b) the Key Holders holding a majority of the shares of Transfer Stock (as defined in the Prior Agreement) then held by all of the Key Holders who are then providing services to the Company as officers, employees or consultants, and (c) the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon conversion of the then (i) outstanding shares of Series Seed Preferred Stock and Series A Preferred Stock held by the Investors (voting as a single separate class and on an as-converted basis) and (ii) outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by the Investors (voting as a separate series), and the signatories hereto include such parties.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Company, the Key Holders and the Investors, including the Existing Investors, each hereby agree to amend and restate the Prior Agreement in its entirety as set forth herein, and the parties hereto further agree as follows:
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Investor, any other Investor who directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Investor, including, without limitation, any general partner, managing member, officer, director or trustee of such Investor, or any venture capital fund or registered investment company now or hereafter existing which is controlled by one or more general partners, managing members or investment advisers of, or shares the same management company or investment adviser with, such Investor.
“Board of Directors” means the board of directors of the Company.
“Capital Stock” means (a) shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock (whether now outstanding or hereafter issued in any context), (b) shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon conversion of Preferred Stock, and (c) shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon exercise or conversion, as applicable, of stock options, warrants or other convertible securities of the Company, in each case now owned or subsequently acquired by any Key Holder, any Investor, or their respective successors or permitted transferees or assigns. For purposes of the number of shares of Capital Stock held by an Investor or Key Holder (or any other calculation based thereon), all shares of Preferred Stock shall be deemed to have been converted into Common Stock at the then-applicable conversion ratio.
“Change of Control” means a transaction or series of related transactions in which a person, or a group of related persons, acquires from stockholders of the Company shares representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding voting power of the Company.
“Common Stock” means shares of Common Stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share.
“Company Notice” means written notice from the Company notifying the selling Key Holders and each Investor that the Company intends to exercise its Right of First Refusal as to some or all of the Transfer Stock with respect to any Proposed Key Holder Transfer.
“Investor Notice” means written notice from any Investor notifying the Company and the selling Key Holder(s) that such Investor intends to exercise its Secondary Refusal Right as to a portion of the Transfer Stock with respect to any Proposed Key Holder Transfer.
“Investors” means the persons named on Schedule A hereto, each person to whom the rights of an Investor are assigned pursuant to Subsection 6.9, each person who hereafter becomes a signatory to this Agreement pursuant to Subsection 6.11 and any one of them, as the context may require.
“Key Holders” means the persons named on Schedule B hereto, each person to whom the rights of a Key Holder are assigned pursuant to Subsection 3.1, each person who hereafter becomes a signatory to this Agreement pursuant to Subsection 6.9 or 6.17 and any one of them, as the context may require.
“Preferred Stock” means collectively, all shares of Series Seed Preferred Stock, Series A Preferred Stock, and Series B Preferred Stock.
“Proposed Key Holder Transfer” means any assignment, sale, offer to sell, pledge, mortgage, hypothecation, encumbrance, disposition of or any other like transfer or encumbering of any Transfer Stock (or any interest therein) proposed by any of the Key Holders.
“Proposed Transfer Notice” means written notice from a Key Holder setting forth the terms and conditions of a Proposed Key Holder Transfer.
“Prospective Transferee” means any person to whom a Key Holder proposes to make a Proposed Key Holder Transfer.
“Restated Certificate” means the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended and/or restated from time to time.
“Right of Co-Sale” means the right, but not an obligation, of an Investor to participate in a Proposed Key Holder Transfer on the terms and conditions specified in the Proposed Transfer Notice.
“Right of First Refusal” means the right, but not an obligation, of the Company, or its permitted transferees or assigns, to purchase some or all of the Transfer Stock with respect to a Proposed Key Holder Transfer, on the terms and conditions specified in the Proposed Transfer Notice.
“Secondary Notice” means written notice from the Company notifying the Investors and the selling Key Holder that the Company does not intend to exercise its Right of First Refusal as to all shares of any Transfer Stock with respect to a Proposed Key Holder Transfer, on the terms and conditions specified in the Proposed Transfer Notice.
“Secondary Refusal Right” means the right, but not an obligation, of each Investor to purchase up to its pro rata portion (based upon the total number of shares of Capital Stock then held by all Investors) of any Transfer Stock not purchased pursuant to the Right of First Refusal, on the terms and conditions specified in the Proposed Transfer Notice.
“Transfer Stock” means shares of Capital Stock owned by a Key Holder, or issued to a Key Holder after the date hereof (including, without limitation, in connection with any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, or the like), but does not include any shares of Preferred Stock or of Common Stock that are issued or issuable upon conversion of Preferred Stock.
“Undersubscription Notice” means written notice from an Investor notifying the Company and the selling Key Holder that such Investor intends to exercise its option to purchase all or any portion of the Transfer Stock not purchased pursuant to the Right of First Refusal or the Secondary Refusal Right.
2.Agreement Among the Company, the Investors and the Key Holders.
2.1.Right of First Refusal.
(a) Grant. Subject to the terms of Section 3 below, each Key Holder hereby unconditionally and irrevocably grants to the Company a Right of First Refusal to purchase all or any portion of Transfer Stock that such Key Holder may propose to transfer in a Proposed Key Holder Transfer, at the same price and on the same terms and conditions as those offered to the Prospective Transferee.
(b) Notice. Each Key Holder proposing to make a Proposed Key Holder Transfer must deliver a Proposed Transfer Notice to the Company and each Investor not later than forty-five (45) days prior to the consummation of such Proposed Key Holder Transfer. Such Proposed Transfer Notice shall contain the material terms and conditions (including price and form of consideration) of the Proposed Key Holder Transfer, the identity of the Prospective Transferee and the intended date of the Proposed Key Holder Transfer. To exercise its Right of First Refusal under this Section 2, the Company must deliver a Company Notice to the selling Key Holder and the Investors within fifteen (15) days after delivery of the Proposed Transfer Notice specifying the number of shares of Transfer Stock to be purchased by the Company. In the event of a conflict between this Agreement and any other agreement that may have been entered into by a Key Holder with the Company that contains a preexisting right of first refusal, the Company and the Key Holder acknowledge and agree that the terms of this Agreement shall control and the preexisting right of first refusal shall be deemed satisfied by compliance with Subsection 2.1(a) and this Subsection 2.1(b). In the event of a conflict between this Agreement and the Company’s Bylaws containing a preexisting right of first refusal, the terms of the Bylaws will control and compliance with the Bylaws shall be deemed compliance with this Subsection 2.1(a) and 2.1(b) in full.
(c) Grant of Secondary Refusal Right to the Investors. Subject to the terms of Section 3 below, each Key Holder hereby unconditionally and irrevocably grants to the Investors a (i) Secondary Refusal Right to purchase all or any portion of the Transfer Stock not purchased by the Company pursuant to the Right of First Refusal, as provided in this Subsection 2.1(c), or (ii) right to sell a proportionate part of their shares on the same terms offered by the Key Holder proposing to make a Proposed Key Holder Transfer. If the Company does not provide the Company Notice exercising its Right of First Refusal with respect to all Transfer Stock subject to a Proposed Key Holder Transfer, the Company must deliver a Secondary Notice to the selling Key Holder and to each Investor to that effect no later than fifteen (15) days after the selling Key Holder delivers the Proposed Transfer Notice to the Company. To exercise its Secondary Refusal Right, an Investor must deliver an Investor Notice to the selling Key Holder and the Company within ten (10) days after the Company’s deadline for its delivery of the Secondary Notice as provided in the preceding sentence.
(d) Undersubscription of Transfer Stock. If options to purchase have been exercised by the Company and the Investors pursuant to Subsections 2.1(b) and (c) with respect to some but not all of the Transfer Stock by the end of the ten (10) day period specified in the last sentence of Subsection 2.1(c) (the “Investor Notice Period”), then the Company shall, within five (5) days after the expiration of the Investor Notice Period, send written notice (the “Company Undersubscription Notice”) to those Investors who fully exercised their Secondary Refusal Right within the Investor Notice Period (the “Exercising Investors”). Each Exercising Investor shall, subject to the provisions of this Subsection 2.1(d), have an additional option to purchase all or any part of the balance of any such remaining unsubscribed shares of Transfer Stock on the terms and conditions set forth in the Proposed Transfer Notice. To exercise such option, an Exercising Investor must deliver an Undersubscription Notice to the selling Key Holder and the Company within ten (10) days after the expiration of the Investor Notice Period. In the event there are two (2) or more such Exercising Investors that choose to exercise the last-mentioned option for a total number of remaining shares in excess of the number available, the remaining shares available for purchase under this Subsection 2.1(d) shall be allocated to such Exercising Investors pro rata based on the number of shares of Transfer Stock such Exercising Investors have elected to purchase pursuant to the Secondary Refusal Right (without giving effect to any shares of Transfer Stock that any such Exercising Investor has elected to purchase pursuant to the Company Undersubscription Notice). If the options to purchase the remaining shares are exercised in full by the Exercising Investors, the Company shall immediately notify all of the Exercising Investors and the selling Key Holder of that fact.
(e) Forfeiture of Rights. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the total number of shares of Transfer Stock that the Company and the Investors have agreed to purchase in the Company Notice, Investor Notices and Undersubscription Notices is less than the total number of shares of Transfer Stock, then the Company and the Investors shall be deemed to have forfeited any right to purchase such Transfer Stock, and the selling Key Holder shall be free to sell all, but not less than all, of the Transfer Stock to the Prospective Transferee on terms and conditions substantially similar to (and in no event more favorable than) the terms and conditions set forth in the Proposed Transfer Notice, it being understood and agreed that (i) any such sale or transfer shall be subject to the other terms and restrictions of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the terms and restrictions set forth in Subsections 2.2 and 6.9(b); (ii) any future Proposed Key Holder Transfer shall remain subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including this Section 2; and (iii) such sale shall be consummated within forty-five (45) days after receipt of the Proposed Transfer Notice by the Company and, if such sale is not consummated within such forty-five (45) day period, such sale shall again become subject to the Right of First Refusal and Secondary Refusal Right on the terms set forth herein.
(f) Consideration; Closing. If the consideration proposed to be paid for the Transfer Stock is in property, services or other non-cash consideration, the fair market value of the consideration shall be as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors and as set forth in the Company Notice. If the Company or any Investor cannot for any reason pay for the Transfer Stock in the same form of non-cash consideration, the Company or such Investor may pay the cash value equivalent thereof, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors and as set forth in the Company Notice. The closing of the purchase of Transfer Stock by the Company and the Investors shall take place, and all payments from the Company and the Investors shall have been delivered to the selling Key Holder, by the later of (i) the date specified in the Proposed Transfer Notice as the intended date of the Proposed Key Holder Transfer; and (ii) forty-five (45) days after delivery of the Proposed Transfer Notice.
(a) Exercise of Right. If any Transfer Stock subject to a Proposed Key Holder Transfer is not purchased pursuant to Subsection 2.1 above and thereafter is to be sold to a Prospective Transferee, each respective Investor may elect to exercise its Right of Co-Sale and participate on a pro rata basis in the Proposed Key Holder Transfer as set forth in Subsection 2.2(b) below and, subject to Subsection 2.2(d), otherwise on the same terms and conditions specified in the Proposed Transfer Notice. Each Investor who desires to exercise its Right of Co-Sale (each, a “Participating Investor”) must give the selling Key Holder written notice to that effect within fifteen (15) days after the deadline for delivery of the Secondary Notice described above, and upon giving such notice such Participating Investor shall be deemed to have effectively exercised the Right of Co-Sale.
(b) Shares Includable. Each Participating Investor may include in the Proposed Key Holder Transfer all or any part of such Participating Investor’s Capital Stock equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the aggregate number of shares of Transfer Stock subject to the Proposed Key Holder Transfer (excluding shares purchased by the Company or the Participating Investors pursuant to the Right of First Refusal or the Secondary Refusal Right) by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of Capital Stock owned by such Participating Investor immediately before consummation of the Proposed Key Holder Transfer and the denominator of which is the total number of shares of Capital Stock owned, in the aggregate, by all Participating Investors immediately prior to the consummation of the Proposed Key Holder Transfer, plus the number of shares of Transfer Stock held by the Key Holders. To the extent one (1) or more of the Participating Investors
exercise such right of participation in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein, the number of shares of Transfer Stock that the selling Key Holder may sell in the Proposed Key Holder Transfer shall be correspondingly reduced.
(c) Purchase and Sale Agreement. The Participating Investors and the selling Key Holder agree that the terms and conditions of any Proposed Key Holder Transfer in accordance with this Subsection 2.2 will be memorialized in, and governed by, a written purchase and sale agreement with the Prospective Transferee (the “Purchase and Sale Agreement”) with customary terms and provisions for such a transaction, and the Participating Investors and the selling Key Holder further covenant and agree to enter into such Purchase and Sale Agreement as a condition precedent to any sale or other transfer in accordance with this Subsection 2.2.
(d) Allocation of Consideration.
(i) Subject to Subsection 2.2(d)(ii), the aggregate consideration payable to the Participating Investors and the selling Key Holder shall be allocated based on the number of shares of Capital Stock sold to the Prospective Transferee by each Participating Investor and the selling Key Holder as provided in Subsection 2.2(b), provided that if a Participating Investor wishes to sell Preferred Stock, the price set forth in the Proposed Transfer Notice shall be appropriately adjusted based on the conversion ratio of the Preferred Stock into Common Stock.
(ii) In the event that the Proposed Key Holder Transfer constitutes a Change of Control, the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement shall provide that the aggregate consideration from such transfer shall be allocated to the Participating Investors and the selling Key Holder in accordance with Sections 2.1 and 2.2 of Article IV(B) of the Restated Certificate (and, if applicable, the next sentence) as if (A) such transfer were a Deemed Liquidation Event (as defined in the Restated Certificate), and (B) the Capital Stock sold in accordance with the Purchase and Sale Agreement were the only Capital Stock outstanding. In the event that a portion of the aggregate consideration payable to the Participating Investor(s) and selling Key Holder is placed into escrow and/or is payable only upon satisfaction of contingencies, the Purchase and Sale Agreement shall provide that (x) the portion of such consideration that is not placed in escrow and is not subject to contingencies (the “Initial Consideration”) shall be allocated in accordance with Sections 2.1 and 2.2 of Article IV(B) of the Restated Certificate as if the Initial Consideration were the only consideration payable in connection with such transfer, and (y) any additional consideration which becomes payable to the Participating Investor(s) and selling Key Holder upon release from escrow or satisfaction of such contingencies shall be allocated in accordance with Sections 2.1 and 2.2 of Article IV(B) of the Restated Certificate after taking into account the previous payment of the Initial Consideration as part of the same transfer.
(e) Purchase by Selling Key Holder; Deliveries. Notwithstanding Subsection 2.2(c) above, if any Prospective Transferee or Transferees refuse(s) to purchase securities subject to the Right of Co-Sale from any Participating Investor or Investors or upon the failure to negotiate a Purchase and Sale Agreement reasonably satisfactory to the Participating Investors, no Key Holder may sell any Transfer Stock to such Prospective Transferee or Transferees unless and until, simultaneously with such sale, such Key Holder purchases all securities subject to the Right of Co-Sale from such Participating Investor or Investors on the same terms and conditions (including the proposed purchase price) as set forth in the Proposed Transfer Notice and as provided in Subsection 2.2(d)(i); provided, however, if such sale constitutes a Change of Control, the portion of the aggregate consideration paid by the selling Key Holder to such Participating Investor or Investors shall be made in accordance with the first
sentence of Subsection 2.2(d)(ii). In connection with such purchase by the selling Key Holder, such Participating Investor or Investors shall deliver to the selling Key Holder any stock certificate or certificates, properly endorsed for transfer, representing the Capital Stock being purchased by the selling Key Holder (or request that the Company effect such transfer in the name of the selling Key Holder). Any such shares transferred to the selling Key Holder will be transferred to the Prospective Transferee against payment therefor in consummation of the sale of the Transfer Stock pursuant to the terms and conditions specified in the Proposed Transfer Notice, and the selling Key Holder shall concurrently therewith remit or direct payment to each such Participating Investor the portion of the aggregate consideration to which each such Participating Investor is entitled by reason of its participation in such sale as provided in this Subsection 2.2(e).
(f) Additional Compliance. If any Proposed Key Holder Transfer is not consummated within forty-five (45) days after receipt of the Proposed Transfer Notice by the Company, the Key Holders proposing the Proposed Key Holder Transfer may not sell any Transfer Stock unless they first comply in full with each provision of this Section 2. The exercise or election not to exercise any right by any Investor hereunder shall not adversely affect its right to participate in any other sales of Transfer Stock subject to this Subsection 2.2.
2.3.Effect of Failure to Comply.
(a) Transfer Void; Equitable Relief. Any Proposed Key Holder Transfer not made in compliance with the requirements of this Agreement shall be null and void ab initio, shall not be recorded on the books of the Company or its transfer agent and shall not be recognized by the Company. Each party hereto acknowledges and agrees that any breach of this Agreement would result in substantial harm to the other parties hereto for which monetary damages alone could not adequately compensate. Therefore, the parties hereto unconditionally and irrevocably agree that any non-breaching party hereto shall be entitled to seek protective orders, injunctive relief and other remedies available at law or in equity (including, without limitation, seeking specific performance or the rescission of purchases, sales and other transfers of Transfer Stock not made in strict compliance with this Agreement).
(b) Violation of First Refusal Right. If any Key Holder becomes obligated to sell any Transfer Stock to the Company or any Investor under this Agreement and fails to deliver such Transfer Stock in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Company and/or such Investor may, at its option, in addition to all other remedies it may have, send to such Key Holder the purchase price for such Transfer Stock as is herein specified and transfer to the name of the Company or such Investor (or request that the Company effect such transfer in the name of an Investor) on the Company’s books any certificates, instruments, or book entry representing the Transfer Stock to be sold.
(c) Violation of Co-Sale Right. If any Key Holder purports to sell any Transfer Stock in contravention of the Right of Co-Sale (a “Prohibited Transfer”), each Participating Investor who desires to exercise its Right of Co-Sale under Subsection 2.2 may, in addition to such remedies as may be available by law, in equity or hereunder, require such Key Holder to purchase from such Participating Investor the type and number of shares of Capital Stock that such Participating Investor would have been entitled to sell to the Prospective Transferee had the Prohibited Transfer been effected in compliance with the terms of Subsection 2.2. The sale will be made on the same terms, including, without limitation, as provided in Subsection 2.2(d)(i) and the first sentence of Subsection 2.2(d)(ii), as applicable, and subject to the same conditions as would have applied had the Key Holder not made the Prohibited Transfer, except that the sale (including, without limitation, the delivery of the
purchase price) must be made within ninety (90) days after the Participating Investor learns of the Prohibited Transfer, as opposed to the timeframe proscribed in Subsection 2.2. Such Key Holder shall also reimburse each Participating Investor for any and all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses, including reasonable legal fees and expenses, incurred pursuant to the exercise or the attempted exercise of the Participating Investor’s rights under Subsection 2.2.
3.1 Exempted Transfers. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary herein, the provisions of Subsections 2.1 and 2.2 shall not apply (a) in the case of a Key Holder that is an entity, upon a transfer by such Key Holder to its stockholders, members, partners or other equity holders, (b) to a repurchase of Transfer Stock from a Key Holder by the Company at a price no greater than that originally paid by such Key Holder for such Transfer Stock and pursuant to an agreement containing vesting and/or repurchase provisions approved by a majority of the Board of Directors, (c) to a pledge of Transfer Stock that creates a mere security interest in the pledged Transfer Stock, provided that the pledgee thereof agrees in writing in advance to be bound by and comply with all applicable provisions of this Agreement to the same extent as if it were the Key Holder making such pledge, (d) in the case of a Key Holder that is a natural person, upon a transfer of Transfer Stock by such Key Holder made for bona fide estate planning purposes, either during his or her lifetime or on death by will or intestacy to his or her spouse, child (natural or adopted), or any other direct lineal descendant of such Key Holder (or his or her spouse) (all of the foregoing collectively referred to as “family members”), or any other person approved by the Board of Directors, or any custodian or trustee of any trust, partnership or limited liability company for the benefit of, or the ownership interests of which are owned wholly by such Key Holder or any such family members or (e) to the sale by the Key Holder of up to five percent (5%) of the Transfer Stock held by such Key Holder as of the date that such Key Holder first became party to this Agreement; provided that in the case of clause(s) (a), (c) or (d), the Key Holder shall deliver prior written notice to the Investors of such pledge, gift or transfer and such shares of Transfer Stock shall at all times remain subject to the terms and restrictions set forth in this Agreement and such transferee shall, as a condition to such issuance, deliver a counterpart signature page to this Agreement as confirmation that such transferee shall be bound by all the terms and conditions of this Agreement as a Key Holder (but only with respect to the securities so transferred to the transferee), including the obligations of a Key Holder with respect to Proposed Key Holder Transfers of such Transfer Stock pursuant to Section 2; and provided further in the case of any transfer pursuant to clause (a) or (d) above, that such transfer is made pursuant to a transaction in which there is no consideration actually paid for such transfer.
3.2 Exempted Offerings. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary herein, the provisions of Section 2 shall not apply to the sale of any Transfer Stock (a) to the public in an offering pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (a “Public Offering”); or (b) pursuant to a Deemed Liquidation Event (as defined in the Restated Certificate).
3.3 Prohibited Transferees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Key Holder shall transfer any Transfer Stock to (a) any entity which, in the determination of the Board of Directors, directly or indirectly competes with the Company; or (b) any customer, distributor or supplier of the Company, if the Board of Directors should determine that such transfer would result in such customer, distributor or supplier receiving information that would place the Company at a competitive disadvantage with respect to such customer, distributor or supplier.
4. Legend. Each certificate, instrument, or book entry representing shares of Transfer Stock held by the Key Holders or issued to any permitted transferee in connection with a transfer permitted by Subsection 3.1 hereof shall be notated with the following legend:
THE SALE, PLEDGE, HYPOTHECATION, OR TRANSFER OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY IS SUBJECT TO, AND IN CERTAIN CASES PROHIBITED BY, THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF A CERTAIN RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL AND CO-SALE AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG THE STOCKHOLDER, THE CORPORATION AND CERTAIN OTHER HOLDERS OF STOCK OF THE CORPORATION. COPIES OF SUCH AGREEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE SECRETARY OF THE CORPORATION.
Each Key Holder agrees that the Company may instruct its transfer agent to impose transfer restrictions on the shares notated with the legend referred to in this Section 4 above to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, and the Company agrees to promptly do so. The legend shall be removed upon termination of this Agreement at the request of the holder.
5.1 Agreement to Lock-Up. Each Key Holder hereby agrees that it will not, without the prior written consent of the managing underwriter, during the period commencing on the date of the final prospectus relating to the Company’s initial public offering (the “IPO”) and ending on the date specified by the Company and the managing underwriter (such period not to exceed one hundred eighty (l80) days)(a) lend, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Capital Stock held immediately prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement for the IPO; or (b) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Capital Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (a) or (b) above is to be settled by delivery of Capital Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise. The foregoing provisions of this Section 5 shall not apply to the sale of any shares to an underwriter pursuant to an underwriting agreement, and shall only be applicable to the Key Holders if all officers, directors and holders of more than one percent (1%) of the outstanding Common Stock (after giving effect to the conversion into Common Stock of all outstanding Preferred Stock) enter into similar agreements. The underwriters in connection with the IPO are intended third-party beneficiaries of this Section 5 and shall have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto. Each Key Holder further agrees to execute such agreements as may be reasonably requested by the underwriters in the IPO that are consistent with this Section 5 or that are necessary to give further effect thereto.
5.2 Stop Transfer Instructions. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the shares of Capital Stock of each Key Holder (and transferees and assignees thereof) until the end of such restricted period.
6.1 Term. This Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the earlier of (a) immediately prior to the consummation of the Company’s IPO; and (b) the consummation of a Deemed Liquidation Event (as defined in the Restated Certificate).
6.2 Stock Split. All references to numbers of shares in this Agreement shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect any stock dividend, split, combination or other recapitalization affecting the Capital Stock occurring after the date of this Agreement.
6.3 Ownership. Each Key Holder represents and warrants that such Key Holder is the sole legal and beneficial owner of the shares of Transfer Stock subject to this Agreement and that no other person or entity has any interest in such shares (other than a community property interest as to which the holder thereof has acknowledged and agreed in writing to the restrictions and obligations hereunder).
6.4 Dispute Resolution. The parties (a) hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submit to the jurisdiction of the state courts of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts for the purpose of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement, (b) agree not to commence any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement except in the state courts of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and (c) hereby waive, and agree not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, or otherwise, in any such suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper or that this Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such court.
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL: EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES ITS RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS, THE SECURITIES OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF OR THEREOF. THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL-ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT AND THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS TRANSACTION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS. THIS SECTION HAS BEEN FULLY DISCUSSED BY EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AND THESE PROVISIONS WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY EXCEPTIONS. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY FURTHER WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT SUCH PARTY HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL, AND THAT SUCH PARTY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.
6.5 Notices.
(a) All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon the earlier of actual receipt or (a) personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent, if sent by electronic mail or facsimile during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not sent during normal business hours, then on the recipient’s next business day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) business day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, freight prepaid, specifying next business day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the respective parties at their address as set forth on Schedule A or Schedule B hereof, as the case may be, or to such email address, facsimile number or address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Section 6.5.
If notice is given to the Company, it shall be sent to [***], Attn: Chief Executive Officer; and a copy (which shall not constitute notice) shall also be sent to Foley Hoag LLP, 155 Seaport Blvd., Boston, MA 02210, Attn: Mark A. Barnett, Esq.; and if notice is given to the Investors, a copy shall also be given to each of (i) MassMutual, [***], Attn: Andrew Dickey, Esq., and (ii) California Counsel Group, Inc., 949 W. Hawthorn Street, Suite 11, San Diego, CA 92101, Attn: Matt Steiner, Esq.
(b) Consent to Electronic Notice. Each Investor and Key Holder consents to the delivery of any stockholder notice pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), as amended or superseded from time to time, by electronic transmission pursuant to Section 232 of the DGCL (or any successor thereto) at the electronic mail address or the facsimile number set forth below such Investor’s or Key Holder’s name on the Schedules hereto, as updated from time to time by notice to the Company, or as on the books of the Company. To the extent that any notice given by means of electronic transmission is returned or undeliverable for any reason, the foregoing consent shall be deemed to have been revoked until a new or corrected electronic mail address has been provided, and such attempted electronic notice shall be ineffective and deemed to not have been given. Each Investor and Key Holder agrees to promptly notify the Company of any change in its electronic mail address, and that failure to do so shall not affect the foregoing.
6.6 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the Schedules hereto) constitutes the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and any other written or oral agreement relating to the subject matter hereof existing between the parties are expressly canceled.
6.7 Delays or Omissions. No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any party under this Agreement, upon any breach or default of any other party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such non-breaching or non-defaulting party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach or default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of any party of any breach or default under this Agreement, or any waiver on the part of any party of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement, must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not alternative.
6.8 Amendment; Waiver and Termination. This Agreement may be amended, modified or terminated (other than pursuant to Section 6.1 above) and the observance of any term hereof may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only by a written instrument executed by (a) the Company, (b) the Key Holders holding a majority of the shares of Transfer Stock then held by all of the Key Holders who are then providing services to the Company as officers, employees or consultants, and (c) the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon conversion of each of the then (i) outstanding shares of Preferred Stock held by the Investors (voting as a single separate class and on an as-converted basis), (ii) outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by the Investors (voting as a separate series), and (iii) outstanding shares of Shares B Preferred Stock held by the Investors (voting as a separate series). Any amendment, modification, termination or waiver so effected shall be binding upon the Company, the Investors, the Key Holders and all of their respective successors and permitted assigns whether or not such party, assignee or other shareholder entered into or approved such amendment, modification, termination or waiver. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) this Agreement may not be amended, modified or terminated and the observance of any term hereunder may not be waived with respect to any Investor or Key Holder without the written consent of such Investor or Key Holder unless such
amendment, modification, termination or waiver applies to all Investors and Key Holders, respectively, in the same fashion, (ii) this Agreement may not be amended, modified or terminated and the observance of any term hereunder may not be waived with respect to any Investor without the written consent of such Investor, if such amendment, modification, termination or waiver would adversely affect the rights of such Investor in a manner disproportionate to any adverse effect such amendment, modification, termination or waiver would have on the rights of the other Investors under this Agreement, (iii) the consent of the Key Holders shall not be required for any amendment, modification, termination or waiver if such amendment, modification, termination or waiver does not apply to the Key Holders, (iv) Schedule A hereto may be amended by the Company from time to time in accordance with the Purchase Agreement to add information regarding Additional Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) without the consent of the other parties hereto and (v) Schedule B hereto may be amended by the Company from time to time to add information regarding additional Key Holders in accordance with Subsection 6.17 without the consent of the other parties hereto. The Company shall give prompt written notice of any amendment, modification or termination hereof or waiver hereunder to any party hereto that did not consent in writing to such amendment, modification, termination or waiver. No waivers of or exceptions to any term, condition or provision of this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be, or construed as, a further or continuing waiver of any such term, condition or provision.
6.9 Assignment of Rights.
(a) The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective successors and permitted assigns of the parties. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and permitted assigns any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
(b) Any successor or permitted assignee of any Key Holder, including any Prospective Transferee who purchases shares of Transfer Stock in accordance with the terms hereof, shall deliver to the Company and the Investors, as a condition to any transfer or assignment, a counterpart signature page hereto pursuant to which such successor or permitted assignee shall confirm their agreement to be subject to and bound by all of the provisions set forth in this Agreement that were applicable to the predecessor or assignor of such successor or permitted assignee.
(c) The rights of the Investors hereunder are not assignable without the Company’s written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), except (i) by an Investor to any Affiliate, or (ii) to an assignee or transferee who acquires at least the number of shares of Capital Stock as would cause such transferee to qualify as a “Major Investor” (as defined in that certain Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement, by and among the Company and the other parties thereto, dated on or about the date hereof, as may be amended or amended and restated from time to time) (as adjusted for any stock combination, stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization or other similar transaction), it being acknowledged and agreed that any such assignment, including an assignment contemplated by the preceding clauses (i) or (ii) shall be subject to and conditioned upon any such assignee’s delivery to the Company and the other Investors of a counterpart signature page hereto pursuant to which such assignee shall confirm their agreement to be subject to and bound by all of the provisions set forth in this Agreement that were applicable to the assignor of such assignee.
(d) Except in connection with an assignment by the Company by operation of law to the acquirer of the Company, the rights and obligations of the Company hereunder may not be assigned under any circumstances.
6.10 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.
6.11 Additional Investors. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the Company issues additional shares of the Company’s Preferred Stock after the date hereof, any purchaser of such shares of Preferred Stock may become a party to this Agreement by executing and delivering an additional counterpart signature page to this Agreement and thereafter shall be deemed an “Investor” for all purposes hereunder.
6.12 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the internal law of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles that would result in the application of any law other than the law of the State of Delaware.
6.13 Titles and Subtitles. The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
6.14 Counterparts. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
6.15 Aggregation of Stock. All shares of Capital Stock held or acquired by Affiliated entities or persons shall be aggregated together for the purpose of determining the availability of any rights under this Agreement and such Affiliated persons may apportion such rights as among themselves in any manner they deem appropriate.
6.16 Specific Performance. In addition to any and all other remedies that may be available at law in the event of any breach of this Agreement, each Investor shall be entitled to specific performance of the agreements and obligations of the Company and the Key Holders hereunder and to such other injunction or other equitable relief as may be granted by a court of competent jurisdiction.
6.17 Additional Key Holders. In the event that after the date of this Agreement, the Company issues shares of Common Stock, or options to purchase Common Stock, to any employee or consultant, which shares or options would collectively constitute with respect to such employee or consultant (taking into account all shares of Common Stock, options and other purchase rights held by such employee or consultant) one percent (1%) or more of the Company’s then outstanding Common Stock (treating for this purpose all shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of or conversion of outstanding options, warrants or convertible securities, as if exercised or converted), the Company shall, as a condition to such issuance, cause such employee or consultant to execute a counterpart signature page hereto as a Key Holder, and such person shall thereby be bound by, and subject to, all the terms and provisions of this Agreement applicable to a Key Holder.
6.18 Effect on Prior Agreement. Upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, the Key Holders holding a majority in interest of the Transfer Stock and the holders of at least a majority in interest of the Capital Stock held by those Investors who are party to the Prior Agreement (measured before giving effect to any purchase of shares of Series B Preferred Stock by such Investors), the Prior Agreement automatically shall terminate and be of no further force and effect and shall be amended and restated in its entirety as set forth in this Agreement.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
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COMPANY: |
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NTH CYCLE, INC. |
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By: |
/s/ Megan Patricia O’Connor |
Name: |
Megan O’Connor |
Title: |
Chief Executive Officer |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
/s/ Megan Patricia O’Connor |
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Name: |
Megan Patricia O’Connor |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
/s/ Coleman Adams |
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Name: |
Coleman Adams |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
/s/ Ed Meir |
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Name: |
Ed Meir |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
/s/ John Derrick |
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Name: |
John Derrick |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
/s/ Chad David Vecitis |
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Name: |
Chad David Vecitis |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
/s/ Desiree Louise Plata Misiaszek |
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Name: |
Desiree Louise Plata Misiaszek |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
/s/ Christopher Moore |
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Name: |
Christopher Moore |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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Entity Name: |
MM Catalyst Fund LLC |
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By: |
/s/ Andrew Dickey |
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(signature) |
Name: |
Andrew Dickey |
Title: |
CEO and President |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
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/s/ Bengt Karlson |
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(signature) |
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Bengt Karlson |
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(print name) |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: Jeffrey Weiss and Nancy Freeman Investment Trust
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By: |
/s/ Jeffrey Weiss |
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(signature) |
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Name: |
Jeffrey Weiss |
Title: |
Trustee |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: Equinor Ventures AS
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By: |
/s/ Ask Nicholas Randmæl |
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(signature) |
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Name: |
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Ask Nicholas Randmæl |
Title: |
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Director of Board Equinor Ventures |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: Clean Energy Venture Fund I, L.P.
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By: |
/s/ Daniel Goldman |
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(signature) |
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Name: |
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Daniel Goldman |
Title: |
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Managing Partner |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
VoLo Earth Ventures Impact Fund I, LP
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By: |
/s/ Joseph Goodman |
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(signature) |
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Name: |
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Joseph Goodman |
Title: |
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President |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: ImpactAssets Inc.
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By: |
/s/ Eric Meissner |
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(signature) |
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Name: |
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Eric Meissner |
Title: |
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Director, Investment Services |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
/s/ Shawn Montgomery |
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Name: |
Shawn Montgomery |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: John D. Santoleri Revocable Trust
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By: |
/s/ John Santoleri |
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(signature) |
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Name: |
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John Santoleri |
Title: |
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Trustee |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: Engel-stein u. Grun-berger GmbH
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By: |
/s/ Marcel Javor |
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(signature) |
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Name: |
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Marcel Javor |
Title: |
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Chairman |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: MUUS 2nd Holdings LLC
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By: |
/s/ Michael Sonnenfeldt |
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(signature) |
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Name: |
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Michael Sonnenfeldt |
Title: |
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Chairman |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Quasar Holdings, LLC
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By: |
/s/ Steven Kaufman |
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(signature) |
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Name: |
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Steve Kaufman |
Title: |
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Principal |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: John Harper 2002 Revocable Trust
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By: |
/s/ John P. Harper |
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(signature) |
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Name: |
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John Harper |
Title: |
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Trustee |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: DC Thomson & Company Limited
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By: |
/s/ JS Thomson |
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(signature) |
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Name: |
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John Thomson |
Title: |
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Director |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Wisdom Warrior I LP
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By: |
/s/ Gary Griffiths |
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(signature) |
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Name: |
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Gray Griffiths |
Title: |
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Managing Director |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: PHB Ventures LLC
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By: |
/s/ James Ellis |
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(signature) |
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Name: |
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James Ellis |
Title: |
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Manager |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: Bobrowich Consulting
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By: |
/s/ John C. Bobrowich |
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(signature) |
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Name: |
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John Bobrowich |
Title: |
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Principal |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Sandy Pool Blind Trust
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By: |
/s/ Adam Pool Trustee Sandy Pool Blind Trust |
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(signature) |
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Name: |
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Adam Pool |
Title: |
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Trustee |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: DMC II LP
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By: |
/s/ Coleman Adams |
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(signature) |
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Name: |
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Coleman Adams |
Title: |
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Partner |
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Address: |
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[***] |
SCHEDULE A
INVESTORS
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Investor |
Address |
Bejac Investment Ltd. |
[***] |
Bengt Karlsson |
[***] |
Beresford Ventures III, LLC |
[***] |
Bobrowich Consulting |
[***] |
C Greene Solutions, Sàrl LLC |
[***] |
Clean Energy Venture Fund I, L.P. |
[***] |
DC Thomson & Company Limited |
[***] |
DMC II LP |
[***] |
Engel-stein u. Grün-berger GmbH |
[***] |
Equinor Ventures AS |
[***] |
ImpactAssets Inc. |
[***] |
Jeffrey Weiss and Nancy Freeman Investment Trust |
[***] |
John D. Santoleri Revocable Trust |
[***] |
John Harper 2002 Revocable Trust |
[***] |
Mercuria Holdings LLC |
[***] |
MM Catalyst Fund LLC |
[***] |
MUUS 2nd Holdings LLC |
[***] |
Numberoneks LLC |
[***] |
PHB Ventures LLC |
[***] |
Quasar Holdings, LLC |
[***] |
Sandy Pool Blind Trust |
[***] |
Shapiro Ventures LLC |
[***] |
Vernal Ventures, LLC |
[***] |
Volo Earth Ventures Impact Fund I, LP |
[***] |
Wisdom Warrior I LP |
[***] |
SCHEDULE B
KEY HOLDERS
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Key Holder |
Address |
Chad David Vecitis |
[***] |
Christopher Moore |
[***] |
Coleman Adams |
[***] |
Desiree Louise Plata Misiaszek |
[***] |
Ed Meir |
[***] |
Emily Jennings |
[***] |
John Derrick |
[***] |
Megan Patricia O’Connor |
[***] |
Shawn Montgomery |
[***] |
Exhibit 10.17
Execution Version
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT
THIS SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT
(this “Agreement”), is made as of April 5, 2023, by and among Nth Cycle, Inc. a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), each holder of the Series Seed Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company, listed on Schedule A hereto (each, a “Series Seed Investor” and, together, the “Series Seed Investors”), each holder of the Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company, listed on Schedule A hereto (each, a “Series A Investor” and, together, the “Series A Investors”), each holder of the Series B Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company, listed on Schedule A hereto (each, a “Series B Investor” and, together, the “Series B Investors”) and with each Series Seed Investor and Series A Investor, an “Investor” and, together, the “Investors”), each of the stockholders listed on Schedule B hereto, each of whom is referred to herein as a “Key Holder”, and any Additional Purchaser (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) that becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with Section 6.9 hereof.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company, the Key Holders and certain of the Investors (the “Existing Investors”) are parties to that certain Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement, dated December 17, 2021 (the “Prior Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Company and certain of the Investors (the “Series B Purchasers”) are parties to that certain Series B Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement of even date herewith (the “Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which the Series B Purchasers have agreed to purchase shares of the Series B Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock”);
WHEREAS, it is a condition to closing of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement that the Prior Agreement be amended and restated in its entirety in the form of this Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Prior Agreement may be amended by a written instrument executed by
(a) the Company and (b) the holders of a majority of each of (i) the Registrable Securities (as defined in the Prior Agreement) then outstanding, and (ii) the Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding, voting as a separate series, and the signatories hereto include such parties; and
WHEREAS, in order to induce the Company to enter into the Purchase Agreement and to induce the Series B Purchasers to invest funds in the Company pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Investors and the Company hereby agree that this Agreement shall govern the rights of the Investors to cause the Company to register shares of Common Stock issuable to the Investors, to receive certain information from the Company, and to participate in future equity offerings by the Company, and shall govern certain other matters as set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Existing Investors hereby agree, together with the additional parties to this Agreement, that the Prior Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person who, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person, including without limitation any general partner, managing member, officer, director or trustee of such Person, or any venture capital fund or registered investment company now or hereafter existing that is controlled by one or more general partners, managing members or investment adviser of, or shares the same management company or investment adviser with, such Person.
“Board of Directors” means the board of directors of the Company.
“Certificate of Incorporation” means the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended and/or restated from time to time.
“CEVF” means Clean Energy Venture Fund I, LP, a Delaware limited partnership. “CEVG” means the Clean Energy Venture Group.
“Common Stock” means shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
“Competitor” means a Person engaged, directly or indirectly (including through any partnership, limited liability company, corporation, joint venture or similar arrangement (whether now existing or formed hereafter)), in metal processing technology, but shall not include any financial investment firm or collective investment vehicle that, together with its Affiliates, holds less than twenty percent (20%) of the outstanding equity of any Competitor and does not, nor do any of its Affiliates, have a right to designate any members of the board of directors of any Competitor; provided, however, that in no event shall VoLo or its Affiliates be deemed a Competitor.
“Damages” means any loss, damage, claim or liability (joint or several) to which a party hereto may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or other federal or state law, insofar as such loss, damage, claim or liability (or any action in respect thereof) arises out of or is based upon: (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any registration statement of the Company, including any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained therein or any amendments or supplements thereto; (ii) an omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein, or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; or (iii) any violation or alleged violation by the indemnifying party (or any of its agents or Affiliates) of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any state securities law, or any rule or regulation promulgated under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or any state securities law.
“Derivative Securities” means any securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for (in each case, directly or indirectly), Common Stock, including options and warrants.
“DPA” means Section 721 of the Defense Production Act, as amended, including all implementing regulations thereof.
“DPA Triggering Rights” means (i) “control” (as defined in the DPA); (ii) access to any “material non-public technical information” (as defined in the DPA) in the possession of the Company; (iii) membership or observer rights on the Board of Directors or equivalent governing body of the Company or the right to nominate an individual to a position on the Board of Directors or equivalent governing body of the Company; (iv) any involvement, other than through the voting of shares, in substantive decision-making of the Company regarding (x) the use, development, acquisition or release of any Company “critical technology” (as defined in the DPA); (y) the use, development, acquisition, safekeeping, or release of “sensitive personal data” (as defined in the DPA) of U.S. citizens maintained or collected by the Company, or (z) the management, operation, manufacture, or supply of “covered investment critical infrastructure” (as defined in the DPA).
“Engel-stein” means Engel-stein u. Grün-berger GmbH.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Excluded Registration” means (i) a registration relating to the sale or grant of securities to employees of the Company or a subsidiary pursuant to a stock option, stock purchase, equity incentive or similar plan; (ii) a registration relating to an SEC Rule 145 transaction; (iii) a registration on any form that does not include substantially the same information as would be required to be included in a registration statement covering the sale of the Registrable Securities; or (iv) a registration in which the only Common Stock being registered is Common Stock issuable upon conversion of debt securities that are also being registered.
“Final Closing” shall mean the last Closing (as defined in the Purchase Agreement). “FOIA Party” means a Person that, in the determination of the Board of Directors, may be subject to, and thereby required to disclose non-public information furnished by or relating to the Company under, the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552 (“FOIA”), any state public records access law, any state or other jurisdiction’s laws similar in intent or effect to FOIA, or any other similar statutory or regulatory requirement.
“Form S-1” means such form under the Securities Act as in effect on the date hereof or any successor registration form under the Securities Act subsequently adopted by the SEC.
“Form S-3” means such form under the Securities Act as in effect on the date hereof or any registration form under the Securities Act subsequently adopted by the SEC that permits forward incorporation of substantial information by reference to other documents filed by the Company with the SEC.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States as in effect from time to time.
“Holder” means any holder of Registrable Securities who is a party to this Agreement.
“Immediate Family Member” means a child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, including, adoptive relationships, of a natural person referred to herein.
“Initiating Holders” means, collectively, Holders who properly initiate a registration request under this Agreement.
“IPO” means the Company’s first underwritten public offering of its Common Stock under the Securities Act.
“Key Employee” means any executive-level employee (including, division director and vice president-level positions) as well as any employee who, either alone or in concert with others, develops, invents, programs, or designs any Company Intellectual Property (as defined in the Purchase Agreement).
“Key Holder Registrable Securities” means (i) the shares of Common Stock held by the Key Holders, and (ii) any Common Stock issued as (or issuable upon the conversion or exercise of any warrant, right, or other security that is issued as) a dividend or other distribution with respect to, or in exchange for or in replacement of such shares.
“Major Investor” means any Investor that, individually or together with such Investor’s Affiliates, holds at least 500,000 shares of Registrable Securities (as adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend, combination, or other recapitalization or reclassification effected after the date hereof); provided, that each of the Original CEVG Investors will be deemed a Major Investor if the Original CEVG Investors, in the aggregate, own at least 500,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company issued or issuable upon the conversion of Preferred Stock (as adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend, combination, or other recapitalization or reclassification effected after the date hereof); provided further, that any assignee or transferee of shares of the Company’s capital stock from an Original CEVG Investor shall not be entitled to the benefit of the immediately preceding proviso.
“MMCF” means MM Catalyst Fund LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
“New Securities” means, collectively, equity securities of the Company, whether or not currently authorized, as well as rights, options, or warrants to purchase such equity securities, or securities of any type whatsoever that are, or may become, convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for such equity securities.
“Original CEVG Investors” means the individual investors who are members of the Clean Energy Venture Group and are party to this Agreement as executed and delivered as of the date hereof.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company, association or other entity.
“Preferred Director” means any director of the Company that the holders of record of the Preferred Stock are entitled to elect, exclusively and as a separate class, pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation.
“Preferred Stock” means, collectively, shares of the Company’s Series Seed Preferred Stock, Series A Preferred Stock, and Series B Preferred Stock.
“Registrable Securities” means (i) the Common Stock issuable or issued upon conversion of the Preferred Stock; (ii) any Common Stock, or any Common Stock issued or issuable (directly or indirectly) upon conversion and/or exercise of any other securities of the Company, acquired by the Investors after the date hereof; (iii) the Key Holder Registrable Securities, provided, however, that such Key Holder Registrable Securities shall not be deemed Registrable Securities and the Key Holders shall not be deemed Holders for the purposes of Subsections 2.1 (and any other applicable Section or Subsection with respect to registrations under Subsection 2.1), 2.10, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1 and 6.6; and (iv) any Common Stock issued as (or issuable upon the conversion or exercise of any warrant, right, or other security that is issued as) a dividend or other distribution with respect to, or in exchange for or in replacement of, the shares referenced in clauses (i) and (ii) above; excluding in all cases, however, any Registrable Securities sold by a Person in a transaction in which the applicable rights under this Agreement are not assigned pursuant to Subsection 6.1, and excluding for purposes of Section 2 any shares for which registration rights have terminated pursuant to Subsection 2.13 of this Agreement.
“Registrable Securities then outstanding” means the number of shares determined by adding the number of shares of outstanding Common Stock that are Registrable Securities and the number of shares of Common Stock issuable (directly or indirectly) pursuant to then exercisable and/or convertible securities that are Registrable Securities.
“Restricted Securities” means the securities of the Company required to be notated with the legend set forth in Subsection 2.12(b) hereof.
“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“SEC Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act. “SEC Rule 145” means Rule 145 promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act. “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Selling Expenses” means all underwriting discounts, selling commissions, and stock transfer taxes applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities, and fees and disbursements of counsel for any Holder, except for the fees and disbursements of the Selling Holder Counsel borne and paid by the Company as provided in Subsection 2.6.
“Series Seed Preferred Stock” means shares of the Company’s Series Seed Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
“Series A Preferred Stock” means shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
“Series B Preferred Stock” means shares of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
“VoLo Earth” means VoLo Earth Ventures Impact Fund I, LP, a Delaware limited partnership.
2. Registration Rights. The Company covenants and agrees as follows:
2.1 Demand Registration.
(a) Form S-1 Demand. If at any time after the earlier of (i) five (5) years after the date of this Agreement, and (ii) one hundred eighty (180) days after the effective date of the registration statement for the IPO, the Company receives a request from Holders of fifty percent (50%) of the Registrable Securities then outstanding that the Company file a Form S-1 registration statement with respect to at least forty percent (40%) of the Registrable Securities then outstanding, then the Company shall (x) within ten (10) days after the date such request is given, give notice thereof (the “Demand Notice”) to all Holders other than the Initiating Holders; and (y) as soon as practicable, and in any event within sixty (60) days after the date such request is given by the Initiating Holders, file a Form S-1 registration statement under the Securities Act covering all Registrable Securities that the Initiating Holders requested to be registered and any additional Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration by any other Holders, as specified by notice given by each such Holder to the Company within twenty (20) days of the date the Demand Notice is given, and in each case, subject to the limitations of Subsections 2.1(c) and 2.3.
(b) Form S-3 Demand. If at any time when it is eligible to use a Form S-3 registration statement, the Company receives a request from Holders of at least twenty percent (20%) of the Registrable Securities then outstanding that the Company file a Form S-3 registration statement with respect to outstanding Registrable Securities of such Holders having an anticipated aggregate offering price, net of Selling Expenses, of at least $3 million, then the Company shall (i) within ten (10) days after the date such request is given, give a Demand Notice to all Holders other than the Initiating Holders; and (ii) as soon as practicable, and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the date such request is given by the Initiating Holders, file a Form S-3 registration statement under the Securities Act covering all Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration by any other Holders, as specified by notice given by each such Holder to the Company within twenty (20) days of the date the Demand Notice is given, and in each case, subject to the limitations of Subsections 2.1(c) and 2.3.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing obligations, if the Company furnishes to Holders requesting a registration pursuant to this Subsection 2.1 a certificate signed by the Company’s chief executive officer stating that in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors it would be materially detrimental to the Company and its stockholders for such registration statement to either become effective or remain effective for as long as such registration statement otherwise would be required to remain effective, because such action would (i) materially interfere with a significant acquisition, corporate reorganization, or other similar transaction involving the Company; (ii) require premature disclosure of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential; or (iii) render the Company unable to comply with requirements under the Securities Act or Exchange Act, then the Company shall have the right to defer taking action with respect to such filing, and any time periods with respect to filing or effectiveness thereof shall be tolled correspondingly, for a period of not more than ninety (90) days after the request of the Initiating Holders is given; provided, however, that the Company may not invoke this right more than once in any twelve (12) month period.
(d) The Company shall not be obligated to effect, or to take any action to effect, any registration pursuant to Subsection 2.1(a) (i) during the period that is sixty (60) days before the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of filing of, and ending on a date that is one hundred eighty (180) days after the effective date of, a Company-initiated registration, provided that the Company is actively employing in good faith commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective; (ii) after the Company has effected two registrations pursuant to Subsection 2.1(a); or (iii) if the Initiating Holders propose to dispose of shares of Registrable Securities that may be immediately registered on Form S-3 pursuant to a request made pursuant to Subsection 2.1(b). The Company shall not be obligated to effect, or to take any action to effect, any registration pursuant to Subsection 2.1(b) (i) during the period that is thirty (30) days before the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of filing of, and ending on a date that is ninety (90) days after the effective date of, a Company-initiated registration, provided that the Company is actively employing in good faith commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective; or (ii) if the Company has effected two registrations pursuant to Subsection 2.1(b) within the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the date of such request. A registration shall not be counted as “effected” for purposes of this Subsection 2.1(d) until such time as the applicable registration statement has been declared effective by the SEC, unless the Initiating Holders withdraw their request for such registration, elect not to pay the registration expenses therefor, and forfeit their right to one demand registration statement pursuant to Subsection 2.6, in which case such withdrawn registration statement shall be counted as “effected” for purposes of this Subsection 2.1(d); provided, that if such withdrawal is during a period the Company has deferred taking action pursuant to Subsection 2.1(c), then the Initiating Holders may withdraw their request for registration and such registration will not be counted as “effected” for purposes of this Subsection 2.1(d).
2.2 Company Registration. If the Company proposes to register (including, for this purpose, a registration effected by the Company for stockholders other than the Holders) any of its Common Stock under the Securities Act in connection with the public offering of such securities solely for cash (other than in an Excluded Registration), the Company shall, at such time, promptly give each Holder notice of such registration. Upon the request of each Holder given within twenty (20) days after such notice is given by the Company, the Company shall, subject to the provisions of Subsection 2.3, cause to be registered all of the Registrable Securities that each such Holder has requested to be included in such registration. The Company shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by it under this Subsection 2.2 before the effective date of such registration, whether or not any Holder has elected to include Registrable Securities in such registration. The expenses (other than Selling Expenses) of such withdrawn registration shall be borne by the Company in accordance with Subsection 2.6.
2.3 Underwriting Requirements.
(a) If, pursuant to Subsection 2.1, the Initiating Holders intend to distribute the Registrable Securities covered by their request by means of an underwriting, they shall so advise the Company as a part of their request made pursuant to Subsection 2.1, and the Company shall include such information in the Demand Notice. The underwriter(s) will be selected by the Company and shall be reasonably acceptable to a majority in interest of the Initiating Holders. In such event, the right of any Holder to include such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such registration shall be conditioned upon such Holder’s participation in such underwriting and the inclusion of such Holder’s Registrable
Securities in the underwriting to the extent provided herein. All Holders proposing to distribute their securities through such underwriting shall (together with the Company as provided in Subsection 2.4(e)) enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the underwriter(s) selected for such underwriting; provided, however, that no Holder (or any of their assignees) shall be required to make any representations, warranties or indemnities except as they relate to such Holder’s ownership of shares and authority to enter into the underwriting agreement and to such Holder’s intended method of distribution, and the liability of such Holder shall be several and not joint, and limited to an amount equal to the net proceeds from the offering received by such Holder. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Subsection 2.3, if the managing underwriter(s) advise(s) the Initiating Holders in writing that marketing factors require a limitation on the number of shares to be underwritten, then the Initiating Holders shall so advise all Holders of Registrable Securities that otherwise would be underwritten pursuant hereto, and the number of Registrable Securities that may be included in the underwriting shall be allocated among such Holders of Registrable Securities, including the Initiating Holders, in proportion (as nearly as practicable) to the number of Registrable Securities owned by each Holder or in such other proportion as shall mutually be agreed to by all such selling Holders; provided, however, that the number of Registrable Securities held by the Holders to be included in such underwriting shall not be reduced unless all other securities are first entirely excluded from the underwriting. To facilitate the allocation of shares in accordance with the above provisions, the Company or the underwriters may round the number of shares allocated to any Holder to the nearest one hundred (100) shares.
(b) In connection with any offering involving an underwriting of shares of the Company’s capital stock pursuant to Subsection 2.2, the Company shall not be required to include any of the Holders’ Registrable Securities in such underwriting unless the Holders accept the terms of the underwriting as agreed upon between the Company and its underwriters, and then only in such quantity as the underwriters in their sole discretion determine will not jeopardize the success of the offering by the Company. If the total number of securities, including Registrable Securities, requested by stockholders to be included in such offering exceeds the number of securities to be sold (other than by the Company) that the underwriters in their reasonable discretion determine is compatible with the success of the offering, then the Company shall be required to include in the offering only that number of such securities, including Registrable Securities, which the underwriters and the Company in their sole discretion determine will not jeopardize the success of the offering. If the underwriters determine that less than all of the Registrable Securities requested to be registered can be included in such offering, then the Registrable Securities that are included in such offering shall be allocated among the selling Holders in proportion (as nearly as practicable to) the number of Registrable Securities owned by each selling Holder or in such other proportions as shall mutually be agreed to by all such selling Holders. To facilitate the allocation of shares in accordance with the above provisions, the Company or the underwriters may round the number of shares allocated to any Holder to the nearest one hundred (100) shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall (i) the number of Registrable Securities included in the offering be reduced unless all other securities (other than securities to be sold by the Company) are first entirely excluded from the offering; (ii) the number of Registrable Securities included in the offering be reduced below twenty-five percent (25%) of the total number of securities included in such offering, unless such offering is the IPO, in which case the selling Holders may be excluded further if the underwriters make the determination described above and no other stockholder’s securities are included in such offering; or (iii) notwithstanding (ii) above, any Registrable Securities which are not Key Holder Registrable Securities be excluded from such underwriting unless all Key
Holder Registrable Securities are first excluded from such offering. For purposes of the provision in this Subsection 2.3(b) concerning apportionment, for any selling Holder that is a partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, the partners, members, retired partners, retired members, stockholders, and Affiliates of such Holder, or the estates and Immediate Family Members of any such partners, retired partners, members, and retired members and any trusts for the benefit of any of the foregoing Persons, shall be deemed to be a single “selling Holder,” and any pro rata reduction with respect to such “selling Holder” shall be based upon the aggregate number of Registrable Securities owned by all Persons included in such “selling Holder,” as defined in this sentence.
(c) For purposes of Subsection 2.1, a registration shall not be counted as “effected” if, as a result of an exercise of the underwriter’s cutback provisions in Subsection 2.3(a), fewer than fifty percent (50%) of the total number of Registrable Securities that Holders have requested to be included in such registration statement are actually included.
2.4 Obligations of the Company. Whenever required under this Section 2 to effect the registration of any Registrable Securities, the Company shall, as expeditiously as reasonably possible:
(a) prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective and, upon the request of the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities registered thereunder, keep such registration statement effective for a period of up to one hundred twenty (120) days or, if earlier, until the distribution contemplated in the registration statement has been completed; provided, however, that (i) such one hundred twenty (120) day period shall be extended for a period of time equal to the period the Holder refrains, at the request of an underwriter of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company, from selling any securities included in such registration, and (ii) in the case of any registration of Registrable Securities on Form S-3 that are intended to be offered on a continuous or delayed basis, subject to compliance with applicable SEC rules, such one hundred twenty (120) day period shall be extended for up to sixty (60) days, if necessary, to keep the registration statement effective until all such Registrable Securities are sold;
(b) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such registration statement, and the prospectus used in connection with such registration statement, as may be necessary to comply with the Securities Act in order to enable the disposition of all securities covered by such registration statement;
(c) furnish to the selling Holders such numbers of copies of a prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, as required by the Securities Act, and such other documents as the Holders may reasonably request in order to facilitate their disposition of their Registrable Securities;
(d) use its commercially reasonable efforts to register and qualify the securities covered by such registration statement under such other securities or blue-sky laws of such jurisdictions as shall be reasonably requested by the selling Holders; provided that the Company shall not be required to qualify to do business or to file a general consent to service of process in any such states or jurisdictions, unless the Company is already subject to service in such jurisdiction and except as may be required by the Securities Act;
(e) in the event of any underwritten public offering, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary form, with the underwriter(s) of such offering;
(f) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all such Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement to be listed on a national securities exchange or trading system and each securities exchange and trading system (if any) on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed;
(g) provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Agreement and provide a CUSIP number for all such Registrable Securities, in each case not later than the effective date of such registration;
(h) promptly make available for inspection by the selling Holders, any managing underwriter(s) participating in any disposition pursuant to such registration statement, and any attorney or accountant or other agent retained by any such underwriter or selected by the selling Holders, all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents, and properties of the Company, and cause the Company’s officers, directors, employees, and independent accountants to supply all information reasonably requested by any such seller, underwriter, attorney, accountant, or agent, in each case, as necessary or advisable to verify the accuracy of the information in such registration statement and to conduct appropriate due diligence in connection therewith;
(i) notify each selling Holder, promptly after the Company receives notice thereof, of the time when such registration statement has been declared effective or a supplement to any prospectus forming a part of such registration statement has been filed; and
(j) after such registration statement becomes effective, notify each selling Holder of any request by the SEC that the Company amend or supplement such registration statement or prospectus.
In addition, the Company shall ensure that, at all times after any registration statement covering a public offering of securities of the Company under the Securities Act shall have become effective, its insider trading policy shall provide that the Company’s directors may implement a trading program under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act.
2.5 Furnish Information. It shall be a condition precedent to the obligations of the Company to take any action pursuant to this Section 2 with respect to the Registrable Securities of any selling Holder that such Holder shall furnish to the Company such information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it, and the intended method of disposition of such securities as is reasonably required to effect the registration of such Holder’s Registrable Securities.
2.6 Expenses of Registration. All expenses (other than Selling Expenses) incurred in connection with registrations, filings, or qualifications pursuant to Section 2, including all registration, filing, and qualification fees; printers’ and accounting fees; fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company; and the reasonable fees and disbursements, not to exceed $50,000, of one counsel for the selling Holders selected by Holders holding a majority of the Registrable Securities to be registered (“Selling Holder Counsel”), shall be borne and paid by the Company; provided, however, that the
Company shall not be required to pay for any expenses of any registration proceeding begun pursuant to Subsection 2.1 if the registration request is subsequently withdrawn at the request of the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities to be registered (in which case all selling Holders shall bear such expenses pro rata based upon the number of Registrable Securities that were to be included in the withdrawn registration), unless the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities agree to forfeit their right to one registration pursuant to Subsections 2.1(a) or 2.1(b), as the case may be; provided, further that if, at the time of such withdrawal, the Holders shall have learned of a material adverse change in the condition, business or prospects of the Company from that known to the Holders at the time of their request and have withdrawn the request with reasonable promptness after learning such information then the Holders shall not be required to pay any of such expenses and shall not forfeit their right to one registration pursuant to Subsections 2.1(a) or 2.1(b). All Selling Expenses relating to Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Section 2 shall be borne and paid by the Holders pro rata on the basis of the number of Registrable Securities registered on their behalf.
2.7 Delay of Registration. No Holder shall have any right to obtain or seek an injunction restraining or otherwise delaying any registration pursuant to this Agreement as the result of any controversy that might arise with respect to the interpretation or implementation of this Section 2.
2.8 Indemnification. If any Registrable Securities are included in a registration statement under this Section 2:
(a) To the extent permitted by law, the Company will indemnify and hold harmless each selling Holder, and the partners, members, officers, directors, and stockholders of each such Holder; legal counsel and accountants for each such Holder; any underwriter (as defined in the Securities Act) for each such Holder; and each Person, if any, who controls such Holder or underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, against any Damages, and the Company will pay to each such Holder, underwriter, controlling Person, or other aforementioned Person any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred thereby in connection with investigating or defending any claim or proceeding from which Damages may result, as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Subsection 2.8(a) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such claim or proceeding if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, nor shall the Company be liable for any Damages to the extent that they arise out of or are based upon actions or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by or on behalf of any such Holder, underwriter, controlling Person, or other aforementioned Person expressly for use in connection with such registration.
(b) To the extent permitted by law, each selling Holder, severally and not jointly, will indemnify and hold harmless the Company, and each of its directors, each of its officers who has signed the registration statement, each Person (if any), who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act, legal counsel and accountants for the Company, any underwriter (as defined in the Securities Act), any other Holder selling securities in such registration statement, and any controlling Person of any such underwriter or other Holder, against any Damages, in each case only to the extent that such Damages arise out of or are based upon actions or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by or on behalf of such selling Holder expressly for use in connection with such registration and has not been corrected in a subsequent writing prior to or concurrently with the sale of Registrable Securities to the Person asserting the claim; and each such
selling Holder will pay to the Company and each other aforementioned Person any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred thereby in connection with investigating or defending any claim or proceeding from which Damages may result, as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Subsection 2.8(b) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such claim or proceeding if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Holder, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; and provided further that in no event shall the aggregate amounts payable by any Holder by way of indemnity or contribution under Subsections 2.8(b) and 2.8(d) exceed the proceeds from the offering received by such Holder (net of any Selling Expenses paid by such Holder), except in the case of fraud or willful misconduct by such Holder.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Subsection 2.8 of notice of the commencement of any action (including any governmental action) for which a party may be entitled to indemnification hereunder, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under this Subsection 2.8, give the indemnifying party notice of the commencement thereof. The indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in such action and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, participate jointly with any other indemnifying party to which notice has been given, and to assume the defense thereof with counsel mutually satisfactory to the parties; provided, however, that an indemnified party (together with all other indemnified parties that may be represented without conflict by one counsel) shall have the right to retain one separate counsel, with the fees and expenses to be paid by the indemnifying party, if representation of such indemnified party by the counsel retained by the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such indemnified party and any other party represented by such counsel in such action. The failure to give notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such action shall relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the indemnified party under this Subsection 2.8, to the extent that such failure materially prejudices the indemnifying party’s ability to defend such action. The failure to give notice to the indemnifying party will not relieve it of any liability that it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under this Subsection 2.8.
(d) To provide for just and equitable contribution to joint liability under the Securities Act in any case in which either: (i) any party otherwise entitled to indemnification hereunder makes a claim for indemnification pursuant to this Subsection 2.8 but it is judicially determined (by the entry of a final judgment or decree by a court of competent jurisdiction and the expiration of time to appeal or the denial of the last right of appeal) that such indemnification may not be enforced in such case, notwithstanding the fact that this Subsection 2.8 provides for indemnification in such case, or (ii) contribution under the Securities Act may be required on the part of any party hereto for which indemnification is provided under this Subsection 2.8, then, and in each such case, such parties will contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses to which they may be subject (after contribution from others) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of each of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party in connection with the statements, omissions, or other actions that resulted in such loss, claim, damage, liability, or expense, as well as to reflect any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and of the indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or allegedly untrue statement of a material fact, or the omission or alleged omission of a material fact, relates to information supplied by the indemnifying party or by the indemnified party and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information, and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission;
provided, however, that, in any such case (x) no Holder will be required to contribute any amount in excess of the public offering price of all such Registrable Securities offered and sold by such Holder pursuant to such registration statement, and (y) no Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) will be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation; and provided further that in no event shall a Holder’s liability pursuant to this Subsection 2.8(d), when combined with the amounts paid or payable by such Holder pursuant to Subsection 2.8(b), exceed the proceeds from the offering received by such Holder (net of any Selling Expenses paid by such Holder), except in the case of willful misconduct or fraud by such Holder.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the provisions on indemnification and contribution contained in the underwriting agreement entered into in connection with the underwritten public offering are in conflict with the foregoing provisions, the provisions in the underwriting agreement shall control.
(f) Unless otherwise superseded by an underwriting agreement entered into in connection with the underwritten public offering, the obligations of the Company and Holders under this Subsection 2.8 shall survive the completion of any offering of Registrable Securities in a registration under this Section 2, and otherwise shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
2.9 Reports Under Exchange Act. With a view to making available to the Holders the benefits of SEC Rule 144 and any other rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit a Holder to sell securities of the Company to the public without registration or pursuant to a registration on Form S-3, the Company shall:
(a) make and keep available adequate current public information, as those terms are understood and defined in SEC Rule 144, at all times after the effective date of the registration statement filed by the Company for the IPO;
(b) use commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after the Company has become subject to such reporting requirements); and
(c) furnish to any Holder, so long as the Holder owns any Registrable Securities, forthwith upon request (i) to the extent accurate, a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of SEC Rule 144 (at any time after ninety (90) days after the effective date of the registration statement filed by the Company for the IPO), the Securities Act, and the Exchange Act (at any time after the Company has become subject to such reporting requirements), or that it qualifies as a registrant whose securities may be resold pursuant to Form S-3 (at any time after the Company so qualifies); (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company and such other reports and documents so filed by the Company; and (iii) such other information as may be reasonably requested in availing any Holder of any rule or regulation of the SEC that permits the selling of any such securities without registration (at any time after the Company has become subject to the reporting requirements under the Exchange Act) or pursuant to Form S-3 (at any time after the Company so qualifies to use such form).
2.10 Limitations on Subsequent Registration Rights. From and after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding, enter into any agreement with any holder or prospective holder of any securities of the Company that would (i) allow such holder or prospective holder to include such securities in any registration unless, under the terms of such agreement, such holder or prospective holder may include such securities in any such registration only to the extent that the inclusion of such securities will not reduce the number of the Registrable Securities of the Holders that are included; or (ii) allow such holder or prospective holder to initiate a demand for registration of any securities held by such holder or prospective holder; provided that this limitation shall not apply to Registrable Securities acquired by any additional Investor that becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with Subsection 6.9.
2.11 “Market Stand-off” Agreement. Each Holder hereby agrees that it will not, without the prior written consent of the managing underwriter, during the period commencing on the date of the final prospectus relating to the registration by the Company of shares of its Common Stock or any other equity securities under the Securities Act on a registration statement on Form S-1 or Form S-3, and ending on the date specified by the Company and the managing underwriter (such period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days in the case of the IPO, or ninety (90) days in the case of any registration other than the IPO, (i) lend; offer; pledge; sell; contract to sell; sell any option or contract to purchase; purchase any option or contract to sell; grant any option, right, or warrant to purchase; or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable (directly or indirectly) for Common Stock (whether such shares or any such securities are then owned by the Holder or are thereafter acquired) or (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of such securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or other securities, in cash, or otherwise. The foregoing provisions of this Subsection 2.11 shall not apply to the sale of any shares to an underwriter pursuant to an underwriting agreement, or the transfer of any shares to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the Holder or the immediate family of the Holder, provided that the trustee of the trust agrees to be bound in writing by the restrictions set forth herein, and provided, further that any such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value, and shall be applicable to the Holders only if all officers and directors are subject to the same restrictions and the Company uses commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a similar agreement from all stockholders individually owning more than one percent (1%) of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock (after giving effect to conversion into Common Stock of all outstanding Preferred Stock). The underwriters in connection with such registration are intended third-party beneficiaries of this Subsection 2.11 and shall have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto. Each Holder further agrees to execute such agreements as may be reasonably requested by the underwriters in connection with such registration that are consistent with this Subsection 2.11 or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. Any discretionary waiver or termination of the restrictions of any or all of such agreements by the Company or the underwriters shall apply pro rata to all Company stockholders that are subject to such agreements, based on the number of shares subject to such agreements.
2.12 Restrictions on Transfer.
(a) The Preferred Stock and the Registrable Securities shall not be sold, pledged, or otherwise transferred, and the Company shall not recognize and shall issue stop-transfer instructions to its transfer agent with respect to any such sale, pledge, or transfer, except upon the conditions specified in this Agreement, which conditions are intended to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act. A transferring Holder will cause any proposed purchaser, pledgee, or transferee of the Preferred Stock and the Registrable Securities held by such Holder to agree to take and hold such securities subject to the provisions and upon the conditions specified in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not require any transferee of shares pursuant to an effective registration or, following the IPO, SEC Rule 144, in each case, to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Each certificate, instrument, or book entry representing (i) the Preferred Stock, (ii) the Registrable Securities, and (iii) any other securities issued in respect of the securities referenced in clauses (i) and (ii), upon any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, or similar event, shall (unless otherwise permitted by the provisions of Subsection 2.12(c)) be notated with a legend substantially in the following form:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933. SUCH SHARES MAY NOT BE SOLD, PLEDGED, OR TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR A VALID EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION AND PROSPECTUS DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS OF SAID ACT.
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE STOCKHOLDER, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.
The Holders consent to the Company making a notation in its records and giving instructions to any transfer agent of the Restricted Securities in order to implement the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Subsection 2.12.
(c) The holder of such Restricted Securities, by acceptance of ownership thereof, agrees to comply in all respects with the provisions of this Section 2. Before any proposed sale, pledge, or transfer of any Restricted Securities, unless there is in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the proposed transaction or following the IPO, the transfer is made pursuant to SEC Rule 144, the Holder thereof shall give notice to the Company of such Holder’s intention to effect such sale, pledge, or transfer, provided that no such notice shall be required if the intended sale, pledge or transfer complies with SEC Rule 144. Each such notice shall describe the manner and circumstances of the proposed sale, pledge, or transfer in sufficient detail and, if reasonably requested by the Company, shall be accompanied at such Holder’s expense by either (i) a written opinion of legal counsel who shall, and whose legal opinion shall, be reasonably satisfactory to the Company, addressed to the Company, to the effect that the proposed transaction may be effected without registration under the Securities Act; (ii) a “no action” letter from the SEC to the effect that the proposed sale, pledge, or transfer of such Restricted Securities without registration will not result in a recommendation by the staff of the SEC that
action be taken with respect thereto; or (iii) any other evidence reasonably satisfactory to counsel to the Company to the effect that the proposed sale, pledge, or transfer of the Restricted Securities may be effected without registration under the Securities Act, whereupon the Holder of such Restricted Securities shall be entitled to sell, pledge, or transfer such Restricted Securities in accordance with the terms of the notice given by the Holder to the Company. The Company will not require such a legal opinion or “no action” letter (x) in any transaction in compliance with SEC Rule 144; or (y) in any transaction in which such Holder distributes Restricted Securities to an Affiliate of such Holder for no consideration; provided that with respect to transfers under the foregoing clause (y), each transferee agrees in writing to be subject to the terms of this Subsection 2.12. Each certificate, instrument, or book entry representing the Restricted Securities transferred as above provided shall be notated with, except if such transfer is made pursuant to SEC Rule 144, the appropriate restrictive legend set forth in Subsection 2.12(b), except that such certificate instrument, or book entry shall not be notated with such restrictive legend if, in the opinion of counsel for such Holder and the Company, such legend is not required in order to establish compliance with any provisions of the Securities Act.
2.13 Termination of Registration Rights. The right of any Holder to request registration or inclusion of Registrable Securities in any registration pursuant to Subsections 2.1 or 2.2shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of:
(a) the closing of a Deemed Liquidation Event, as such term is defined in the Certificate of Incorporation;
(b) such time after consummation of the IPO as Rule 144 or another similar exemption under the Securities Act is available for the sale of all of such Holder’s shares without limitation during a three-month period without registration; and
(c) the third anniversary of the IPO.
3. Information and Observer Rights.
3.1 Delivery of Financial Statements. The Company shall deliver to each Major Investor, provided that the Board of Directors has not reasonably determined that such Major Investor is a Competitor:
(a) as soon as practicable, but in any event within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company (i) a balance sheet as of the end of such year, (ii) statements of income and of cash flows for such year, and (iii) a statement of stockholders’ equity as of the end of such year, all audited and prepared by an independent qualified accounting firm reasonably acceptable to the Board of Directors, including at least one Preferred Director;
(b) as soon as practicable, but in any event within sixty (60) days after the end of each of the first three (3) quarters of each fiscal year of the Company, unaudited statements of income and cash flows for such fiscal quarter, and an unaudited balance sheet as of the end of such fiscal quarter, all prepared in accordance with GAAP (except that such financial statements may (i) be subject to normal year-end audit adjustments; and (ii) not contain all notes thereto that may be required in accordance with GAAP);
(c) as soon as practicable, but in any event thirty (30) days before the end of each fiscal year, a comprehensive operating budget and business plan for the next two (2) fiscal years, prepared on a month-to-month basis, including balance sheets, income statements, and statements of cash flow for such months and, promptly after prepared, any other budgets or revised budgets prepared by the Company (collectively, the “Budget”) to be approved by the Board of Directors, including at least one Preferred Director;
(d) as soon as practicable, but in any event within thirty (30) days after the end of each quarter of each fiscal year of the Company, a statement showing the number of shares of each class and series of capital stock and securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of capital stock outstanding at the end of the period, the Common Stock issuable upon conversion or exercise of any outstanding securities convertible or exercisable for Common Stock and the exchange ratio or exercise price applicable thereto, and the number of shares of issued stock options and stock options not yet issued but reserved for issuance, if any, all in sufficient detail as to permit the Major Investors to calculate their respective percentage equity ownership in the Company; provided that access to the Company’s capitalization on a capitalization table management platform that is sufficient to enable each such Major Investor to obtain such information shall satisfy the Company’s obligations pursuant to this Section 3.1(d);
(e) as soon as practicable, at the end of each quarter of each fiscal year of the Company, a management report summarizing Company operations and business outlook; and
(f) such other information relating to the financial condition, business, prospects, or corporate affairs of the Company as any Major Investor (other than an Original CEVG Investor) may from time to time reasonably request; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated under this Subsection 3.1 to provide information (i) that the Company reasonably determines in good faith to be a trade secret or confidential information (unless covered by an enforceable confidentiality agreement, in a form acceptable to the Company); or (ii) the disclosure of which would adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.
If, for any period, the Company has any subsidiary whose accounts are consolidated with those of the Company, then in respect of such period the financial statements delivered pursuant to the foregoing sections shall be the consolidated and consolidating financial statements of the Company and all such consolidated subsidiaries.
Notwithstanding anything else in this Subsection 3.1 to the contrary, the Company may cease providing the information set forth in this Subsection 3.1 during the period starting with the date sixty (60) days before the Company’s good-faith estimate of the date of filing of a registration statement if it reasonably concludes it must do so to comply with the SEC rules applicable to such registration statement and related offering; provided that the Company’s covenants under this Subsection 3.1 shall be reinstated at such time as the Company is no longer actively employing its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective.
3.2 Inspection. The Company shall permit each Major Investor (provided that the Board of Directors has not reasonably determined that such Major Investor is a Competitor), at such Major Investor’s expense, to visit and inspect the Company’s properties; examine its books of account and records; and discuss the Company’s affairs, finances, and accounts with its officers, during normal
business hours of the Company as may be reasonably requested by the Major Investor; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated pursuant to this Subsection 3.2 to provide access to any information that it reasonably and in good faith considers to be a trade secret or confidential information (unless covered by an enforceable confidentiality agreement, in form acceptable to the Company) or the disclosure of which would adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.
3.3 Observer Rights.
(a) As long as CEVF owns not less than fifty percent (50%) of the shares of Preferred Stock (or an equivalent amount of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof) held as of the date of the Final Closing (as adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend, combination, or other recapitalization or reclassification effected after the date hereof), the Company shall invite one (1) representative from CEVF to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors in a nonvoting observer capacity and, in this respect, shall give such representative copies of all notices, minutes, consents, and other materials that it provides to its directors; provided, however, that such representative shall agree to hold in confidence all information so provided; and provided further, that the Company reserves the right to withhold any information and to exclude such representative from any meeting or portion thereof if access to such information or attendance at such meeting could adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel or result in disclosure of trade secrets or a conflict of interest, or if such Investor or its representative is a competitor of the Company.
(b) As long as Engel-stein owns not less than fifty percent (50%) of the shares of Preferred Stock (or an equivalent amount of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof) held as of the date of the Final Closing (as adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend, combination, or other recapitalization or reclassification effected after the date hereof), the Company shall invite one (1) representative from Engel-stein to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors in a nonvoting observer capacity and, in this respect, shall give such representative copies of all notices, minutes, consents, and other materials that it provides to its directors; provided, however, that such representative shall agree to hold in confidence all information so provided; and provided further, that the Company reserves the right to withhold any information and to exclude such representative from any meeting or portion thereof if access to such information or attendance at such meeting could adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel or result in disclosure of trade secrets or a conflict of interest, or if such Investor or its representative is a competitor of the Company.
(c) As long as MMCF owns not less than fifty percent (50%) of the shares of Preferred Stock (or an equivalent amount of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof) held as of the date of the Final Closing (as adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend, combination, or other recapitalization or reclassification effected after the date hereof), the Company shall invite one (1) representative from MMCF to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors in a nonvoting observer capacity and, in this respect, shall give such representative copies of all notices, minutes, consents, and other materials that it provides to its directors; provided, however, that such representative shall agree to hold in confidence all information so provided; and provided further, that the Company reserves the right to withhold any information and to exclude such representative from any meeting or portion thereof if access to such information or attendance at such meeting could adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel or result in disclosure of trade secrets or a conflict of interest, or if such Investor or its representative is a competitor of the Company.
(d) As long as DC Thomson & Company Limited (“DCT”) purchases at least 392,798 shares of Series B Preferred Stock at the Initial Closing and owns not less than fifty percent (50%) of the shares of Preferred Stock (or an equivalent amount of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof) held as of the date of the Final Closing (as adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend, combination, or other recapitalization or reclassification effected after the date hereof), the Company shall invite one (1) representative from DCT to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors in a nonvoting observer capacity and, in this respect, shall give such representative copies of all notices, minutes, consents, and other materials that it provides to its directors; provided, that such representative shall agree to hold in confidence all information so provided; and provided further, that the Company reserves the right to withhold any information and to exclude such representative from any meeting or portion thereof if access to such information or attendance at such meeting could adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel or result in disclosure of trade secrets or a conflict of interest, or if such Investor or its representative is a competitor of the Company.
(e) As long as Equinor Ventures AS (“Equinor”) purchases at least 392,797 shares of Series B Preferred Stock at the Initial Closing and owns not less than fifty percent (50%) of the shares of Preferred Stock (or an equivalent amount of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof) held as of the date of the Final Closing (as adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend, combination, or other recapitalization or reclassification effected after the date hereof), the Company shall invite one (1) representative from Equinor to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors in a nonvoting observer capacity and, in this respect, shall give such representative copies of all notices, minutes, consents, and other materials that it provides to its directors; provided, that such representative shall agree to hold in confidence all information so provided; and provided further, that the Company reserves the right to withhold any information and to exclude such representative from any meeting or portion thereof if access to such information or attendance at such meeting could adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel or result in disclosure of trade secrets or a conflict of interest, or if such Investor or its representative is a competitor of the Company.
3.4 Termination of Information. The covenants set forth in Subsections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 shall terminate and be of no further force or effect (i) immediately before the consummation of the IPO, (ii) when the Company first becomes subject to the periodic reporting requirements of Section 12(g) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or (iii) upon the closing of a Deemed Liquidation Event, as such term is defined in the Certificate of Incorporation, whichever event occurs first.
3.5 Confidentiality. Each Investor agrees that such Investor will keep confidential and will not disclose, divulge, or use for any purpose (other than to monitor its investment in the Company) any confidential information obtained from the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (including notice of the Company’s intention to file a registration statement), unless such confidential information (a) is known or becomes known to the public in general (other than as a result of a breach of this Subsection 3.5 by such Investor), (b) is or has been independently developed or conceived by such Investor without use of the Company’s confidential information, or (c) is or has been made known or disclosed to such Investor by a third party without a breach of any obligation of confidentiality such third party may have to the Company; provided, however, that an Investor may disclose confidential information (i) to its attorneys, accountants, consultants, and other professionals to the extent necessary to obtain their services in connection with monitoring its investment in the Company; (ii) to any prospective purchaser of any Registrable Securities from such Investor, if such
prospective purchaser agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Subsection 3.5; (iii) to any existing Affiliate, partner, member, stockholder, or wholly owned subsidiary of such Investor in the ordinary course of business, provided that such Investor informs such Person that such information is confidential and directs such Person to maintain the confidentiality of such information; or (iv) as may otherwise be required by law, regulation, rule, court order or subpoena, provided that such Investor promptly notifies the Company of such disclosure and takes reasonable steps to minimize the extent of any such required disclosure.
4. Rights to Future Stock Issuances.
4.1 Right of First Offer. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Subsection 4.1 and applicable securities laws, if the Company proposes to offer or sell any New Securities, the Company shall first offer such New Securities to each Major Investor. A Major Investor shall be entitled to apportion the right of first offer hereby granted to it in such proportions as it deems appropriate, among (i) itself, and (ii) its Affiliates; provided that each such Affiliate (x) is not a Competitor or FOIA Party, unless such party’s purchase of New Securities is otherwise consented to by the Board of Directors, and (y) agrees to enter into this Agreement and each of the Voting Agreement and Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement of even date herewith among the Company, the Investors and the other parties named therein, as an “Investor” under each such agreement (provided that any Competitor or FOIA Party shall not be entitled to any rights as a Major Investor under Subsections 3.1, 3.2 and 4.1 hereof).
(a) The Company shall give notice (the “Offer Notice”) to each Major Investor, stating (i) its bona fide intention to offer such New Securities, (ii) the number of such New Securities to be offered, and (iii) the price and terms, if any, upon which it proposes to offer such New Securities.
(b) By notification to the Company within twenty (20) days after the Offer Notice is given, each Major Investor may elect to purchase or otherwise acquire, at the price and on the terms specified in the Offer Notice, up to that portion of such New Securities which equals the proportion that the Common Stock then held by such Major Investor (including all shares of Common Stock then issuable (directly or indirectly) upon conversion and/or exercise, as applicable, of the Preferred Stock and any other Derivative Securities then held by such Major Investor) bears to the total Common Stock of the Company then held by all Investors (assuming full conversion and/or exercise, as applicable, of all Preferred Stock and any other Derivative Securities then outstanding). At the expiration of such twenty (20) day period, the Company shall promptly notify each Major Investor that elects to purchase or acquire all the shares available to it (each, a “Fully Exercising Investor”) of any other Major Investor’s failure to do likewise. During the ten (10) day period commencing after the Company has given such notice, each Fully Exercising Investor may, by giving notice to the Company, elect to purchase or acquire, in addition to the number of shares specified above, up to that portion of the New Securities for which Major Investors were entitled to subscribe but that were not subscribed for by the Major Investors which is equal to the proportion that the Common Stock issued and held, or issuable (directly or indirectly) upon conversion and/or exercise, as applicable, of Preferred Stock and any other Derivative Securities then held, by such Fully Exercising Investor bears to the Common Stock issued and held, or issuable (directly or indirectly) upon conversion and/or exercise, as applicable, of the Preferred Stock and any other Derivative Securities then held, by all Fully Exercising Investors who wish to purchase such unsubscribed shares. The closing of any sale pursuant to this Subsection 4.1(b)
shall occur within the later of ninety (90) days of the date that the Offer Notice is given and the date of initial sale of New Securities pursuant to Subsection 4.1(c).
(c) If all New Securities referred to in the Offer Notice are not elected to be purchased or acquired as provided in Subsection 4.1(b), the Company may, during the ninety (90) day period following the expiration of the periods provided in Subsection 4.1(b), offer and sell the remaining unsubscribed portion of such New Securities to any Person or Persons at a price not less than, and upon terms no more favorable to the offeree than, those specified in the Offer Notice. If the Company does not enter into an agreement for the sale of the New Securities within such period, or if such agreement is not consummated within thirty (30) days of the execution thereof, the right provided hereunder shall be deemed to be revived and such New Securities shall not be offered unless first reoffered to the Major Investors in accordance with this Subsection 4.1.
(d) The right of first offer in this Subsection 4.1 shall not be applicable to (i) Exempted Securities (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation); (ii) shares of Common Stock issued in the IPO; and (iii) the issuance of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to Additional Purchasers pursuant to Subsection 1.3 of the Purchase Agreement.
4.2 Termination. The covenants set forth in Subsection 4.1 shall terminate and be of no further force or effect (i) immediately before the consummation of the IPO, (ii) when the Company first becomes subject to the periodic reporting requirements of Section 12(g) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or (iii) upon the closing of a Deemed Liquidation Event, as such term is defined in the Certificate of Incorporation, whichever event occurs first.
5. Additional Covenants.
5.1 Insurance. The Company shall obtain, within ninety (90) days of the date hereof, from financially sound and reputable insurers Directors and Officers liability insurance and term “key-person” insurance on Megan O’Connor, each in an amount and on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Board of Directors, and will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such insurance policies to be maintained until such time as the Board of Directors determines that such insurance should be discontinued. The key-person policy shall name the Company as loss payee, and neither policy shall be cancelable by the Company without prior approval by the Board of Directors. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Subsection 5.1 to the contrary, for so long as at least one (1) Preferred Director (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation) is serving on the Board of Directors, the Company shall not cease to maintain a Directors and Officers liability insurance policy in an amount of at least $1 million unless approved by the affirmative vote of the Board, including at least one (1) Preferred Director (the “Preferred Director Vote”), and the Company shall annually, within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, deliver to the Series A Purchasers a certification that such a Directors and Officers liability insurance policy remains in effect. Each Key Holder hereby covenants and agrees that, to the extent such Key Holder is named under such key-person policy, such Key Holder will execute and deliver to the Company, as reasonably requested, a written notice and consent form with respect to such policy.
5.2 Employee Agreements. The Company will cause (i) each Person now or hereafter employed by it or by any subsidiary (or engaged by the Company or any subsidiary as a consultant/independent contractor) with access to confidential information and/or trade secrets to enter
into a nondisclosure and proprietary rights assignment agreement; and (ii) each Key Employee to enter into a one (1) year nonsolicitation agreement, substantially in the form approved by the Board of Directors. In addition, the Company shall not amend, modify, terminate, waive, or otherwise alter, in whole or in part, any of the above-referenced agreements or any restricted stock agreement between the Company and any employee, without the consent of at least one (1) of the Preferred Directors.
5.3 Employee Stock. Unless otherwise approved by the Board of Directors, including the Preferred Director Vote, all future employees and consultants of the Company who purchase, receive options to purchase, or receive awards of shares of the Company’s capital stock after the date hereof shall be required to execute restricted stock or option agreements, as applicable, providing for (i) vesting of shares over a four (4) year period, with the first twenty-five percent (25%) of such shares vesting following twelve (12) months of continued employment or service, and the remaining shares vesting in equal monthly installments over the following thirty-six (36) months; (ii) a market stand-off provision substantially similar to that in Subsection 2.11; (iii) will be granted or exercisable at a price per share that is no less than fair market value on the date of grant, as determined in each case by the Board of Directors; and (iv) include a double trigger (requiring both change of control and termination without cause or for good reason within twelve (12) months thereafter) for acceleration of vesting. Without the prior approval by the Board of Directors, including the Preferred Director Vote, the Company shall not amend, modify, terminate, waive or otherwise alter, in whole or in part, any stock purchase, stock restriction or option agreement with any existing employee or service provider if such amendment would cause it to be inconsistent with this Subsection 5.3. In addition, unless otherwise approved by the Board of Directors, including the Preferred Director Vote, the Company shall retain (and not waive) a “right of first refusal” on employee transfers until the Company’s IPO and shall have the right to repurchase unvested shares at cost upon termination of employment of a holder of restricted stock.
5.4 Matters Requiring Preferred Director Approval. During such time or times as the holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to elect at least one (1) Preferred Director and at least one (1) such seat is filled, the Company hereby covenants and agrees with each of the Investors, that the following actions will not be taken, without approval of the Board of Directors, which approval must include the Preferred Director Vote:
(a) sales, transfers, licenses, or encumbrances of Company technology or intellectual property, other than licenses granted in the ordinary course of business;
(b) the discontinuation or material change in terms of any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage;
(c) the discontinuation of any customary insurance coverage;
(d) any change in accounting methods or policies or to the Company’s appointed auditors;
(e) any stock option or equity incentive grant;
(f) any granting of an exclusive license or distribution rights using Company intellectual property or technology;
(g) authorization of any amount of indebtedness for borrowed money that in aggregate would exceed $100,000, other than in the ordinary course of business;
(h) approval of the Company’s annual budget and or any amendments thereto;
(i) any affiliated or related party transaction, which shall also include the affirmative vote of a disinterested majority of the directors; and
(j) the appointment or termination of the Company’s chief executive officer.
5.5 Board Matters. Unless otherwise determined by the vote of a majority of the directors then in office, the Board of Directors shall meet no less than five (5) times per calendar year, of which at least two (2) shall be in person meetings subject to acceptable health and safety considerations. The Company shall reimburse the directors for all reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses incurred (consistent with the Company’s travel policy) in connection with attending meetings of the Board of Directors. The remaining Board of Directors meetings shall be held by telephone or videoconference, or by a communications method determined by the vote of a majority of the directors then in office. The Board of Directors will have the opportunity to meet in executive session without the presence of the Company executives at each Board meeting.
5.6 Successor Indemnification. If the Company or any of its successors or assignees consolidates with or merges into any other Person and is not the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger, then to the extent necessary, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assignees of the Company assume the obligations of the Company with respect to indemnification of members of the Board of Directors as in effect immediately before such transaction, whether such obligations are contained in the Company’s Bylaws, the Certificate of Incorporation, or elsewhere, as the case may be.
5.7 Expenses of Counsel. In the event of a transaction which is a Sale of the Company (as defined in the Voting Agreement of even date herewith among the Investors, the Company and the other parties named therein), the reasonable fees and disbursements, not to exceed $25,000, of one counsel for the Investors (“Investor Counsel”), in their capacities as stockholders, shall be borne and paid by the Company. At the outset of considering a transaction which, if consummated would constitute a Sale of the Company, the Company shall obtain the ability to share with the Investor Counsel (and such counsel's clients) and shall share the confidential information (including, without limitation, the initial and all subsequent drafts of memoranda of understanding, letters of intent and other transaction documents and related noncompete, employment, consulting and other compensation agreements and plans) pertaining to and memorializing any of the transactions which, individually or when aggregated with others would constitute the Sale of the Company. The Company shall be obligated to share (and cause the Company's counsel and investment bankers to share) such materials when distributed to the Company's executives and/or any one or more of the other parties to such transaction(s). In the event that Investor Counsel deems it appropriate, in its reasonable discretion, to enter into a joint defense agreement or other arrangement to enhance the ability of the parties to protect their communications and other reviewed materials under the attorney client privilege, the Company shall, and shall direct its counsel to, execute and deliver to Investor Counsel and its clients such an agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Investor Counsel and the Company’s counsel. In the event that one or more of the other party or parties to such transactions require the clients of Investor Counsel to enter into a confidentiality agreement and/or joint defense agreement in order to receive such information, then the Company shall share whatever information can be shared without entry into such agreement and shall, at the same time, in good faith work expeditiously to enable Investor Counsel and its clients to negotiate and enter into the appropriate agreement(s) without undue burden to the clients of Investor Counsel.
5.8 Indemnification Matters. The Company hereby acknowledges that one (1) or more of the directors nominated to serve on the Board of Directors by the Investors (each an “Investor Director”) may have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by one or more of the Investors and certain of their Affiliates (collectively, the “Investor Indemnitors”). The Company hereby agrees (a) that it is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its obligations to any such Investor Director are primary and any obligation of the Investor Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by such Investor Director are secondary), (b) that it shall be required to advance the full amount of expenses incurred by such Investor Director and shall be liable for the full amount of all expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement by or on behalf of any such Investor Director to the extent legally permitted and as required by the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company (or any agreement between the Company and such Investor Director), without regard to any rights such Investor Director may have against the Investor Indemnitors, and, (c) that it irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Investor Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Investor Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof. The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Investor Indemnitors on behalf of any such Investor Director with respect to any claim for which such Investor Director has sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Investor Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of such Investor Director against the Company. The Investor Directors and the Investor Indemnitors are intended third-party beneficiaries of this Subsection 5.9 and shall have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions of this Subsection 5.9 as though they were a party to this Agreement.
5.9 Right to Conduct Activities. The Company hereby agrees and acknowledges that each of CEVF, VoLo Earth, and MMCF (together with their respective Affiliates) is a professional investment organization, and as such reviews the business plans and related proprietary information of many enterprises, some of which may compete directly or indirectly with the Company’s business (as currently conducted or as currently propose to be conducted). The Company hereby agrees that, to the extent permitted under applicable law, none of CEVF, VoLo Earth, MMCF, nor their respective Affiliates shall be liable to the Company for any claim arising out of, or based upon, (i) the investment by CEVF, VoLo Earth, MMCF or their respective Affiliates in any entity competitive with the Company, or (ii) actions taken by any partner, officer, employee or other representative of CEVF, VoLo Earth, MMCF or their respective Affiliates to assist any such competitive company, whether or not such action was taken as a member of the board of directors of such competitive company or otherwise, and whether or not such action has a detrimental effect on the Company; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not relieve (x) any of the Investors from liability associated with the unauthorized disclosure of the Company’s confidential information obtained pursuant to this Agreement, or(y) any director or officer of the Company from any liability associated with his or her fiduciary duties to the Company.
5.10 ESG Standard & Reporting and Cybersecurity. The Company agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to (a) consider environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) factors in its operations and report on such matters to Investors including GHG footprint and GHG reduction potential, if request, and (b) establish a cybersecurity policy and implement procedures to affect such policy as well as periodically report on such implementation.
5.11 CFIUS and Foreign Person Limitations.
(a) Unless otherwise approved by the Board of Directors, the Company will not provide to any Foreign Person any DPA Triggering Rights. No Investor who is a Foreign Person shall be permitted to obtain any DPA Triggering Rights or a voting equity interest in the Company that exceeds nine and nine-tenths percent (9.9%) of the Company’s total voting securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Section 4 of this Agreement, or otherwise, including by way of any secondary transaction(s), without the approval of the Board of Directors.
(b) Each Investor covenants that it will notify the Company in advance of permitting any Foreign Person affiliated with Investor, whether affiliated as a limited partner or otherwise, to obtain through Investor any DPA Triggering Rights.
5.12 Termination of Covenants. The covenants set forth in this Section 5, except for Subsections 5.7 and 5.9, shall terminate and be of no further force or effect (i) immediately before the consummation of the IPO, (ii) when the Company first becomes subject to the periodic reporting requirements of Section 12(g) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or (iii) upon a Deemed Liquidation Event, as such term is defined in the Certificate of Incorporation, whichever event occurs first.
6. Miscellaneous.
6.1 Successors and Assigns. The rights under this Agreement may be assigned (but only with all related obligations) by a Holder to a transferee of Registrable Securities that (i) is an Affiliate of a Holder; (ii) is a Holder’s Immediate Family Member or trust for the benefit of an individual Holder or one or more of such Holder’s Immediate Family Members; or (iii) after such transfer, holds at least 500,000 shares of Registrable Securities (subject to appropriate adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, and other recapitalizations); provided, however, that (x) the Company is, within a reasonable time after such transfer, furnished with written notice of the name and address of such transferee and the Registrable Securities with respect to which such rights are being transferred; and (y) such transferee agrees in a written instrument delivered to the Company to be bound by and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the provisions of Subsection 2.11. For the purposes of determining the number of shares of Registrable Securities held by a transferee, the holdings of a transferee (1) that is an Affiliate or stockholder of a Holder; (2) who is a Holder’s Immediate Family Member; or (3) that is a trust for the benefit of an individual Holder or such Holder’s Immediate Family Member shall be aggregated together and with those of the transferring Holder; provided further that all transferees who would not qualify individually for assignment of rights shall, as a condition to the applicable transfer, establish a single attorney-in-fact for the purpose of exercising any rights, receiving notices, or taking any action under this Agreement. The terms and conditions of this Agreement inure to the benefit of and are binding upon the respective successors and permitted assignees of the parties. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and permitted assignees any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided herein.
6.2 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the internal law of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles that would result in the application of any law other than the law of the State of Delaware.
6.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
6.4 Titles and Subtitles. The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
6.5 Notices.
(a) All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon the earlier of actual receipt or (i) personal delivery to the party to be notified; (ii) when sent, if sent by electronic mail or facsimile during the recipient’s normal business hours, and if not sent during normal business hours, then on the recipient’s next business day; (iii) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; or (iv) one (1) business day after the business day of deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, freight prepaid, specifying next-day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the respective parties at their addresses as set forth on Schedule A or Schedule B (as applicable) hereto, or to the principal office of the Company and to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer, in the case of the Company, or to such email address, facsimile number, or address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Subsection 6.5. If notice is given to the Company, a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) shall also be sent to Foley Hoag LLP, 155 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02210, Attention: Mark A. Barnett, Esq., and if notice is given to Stockholders, a copy shall also be given to each of (i) MassMutual, [***], Attn: Andrew Dickey, Esq., and (ii) California Counsel Group, Inc., 949 W Hawthorn Street, Suite 11, San Diego, CA 92101, Attn: Matt Steiner, Esq.
(b) Consent to Electronic Notice. Each Investor and Key Holder consents to the delivery of any stockholder notice pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), as amended or superseded from time to time, by electronic transmission pursuant to Section 232 of the DGCL (or any successor thereto) at the electronic mail address or the facsimile number set forth below such Investor’s or Key Holder’s name on the Schedules hereto, as updated from time to time by notice to the Company, or as on the books of the Company. To the extent that any notice given by means of electronic transmission is returned or undeliverable for any reason, the foregoing consent shall be deemed to have been revoked until a new or corrected electronic mail address has been provided, and such attempted Electronic Notice shall be ineffective and deemed to not have been given. Each Investor and Key Holder agrees to promptly notify the Company of any change in such stockholder’s electronic mail address, and that failure to do so shall not affect the foregoing.
6.6 Amendments and Waivers. Any term of this Agreement may be amended, modified or terminated and the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance, and either retroactively or prospectively) only with the written consent of the Company and the holders of a majority of each of (i) the Registrable Securities then outstanding, (ii) the then-outstanding Series A Preferred Stock (voting as a separate series), and (iii) the then-oustanding Series B Preferred Stock (voting as a separate series); provided that the Company may in its sole discretion waive compliance with Subsection 2.12(c) (and the Company’s failure to object promptly in writing after notification of a proposed assignment allegedly in violation of Subsection
2.12(c) shall be deemed to be a waiver); and provided further that any provision hereof may be waived by any waiving party on such party’s own behalf, without the consent of any other party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) this Agreement may not be amended, modified or terminated and the observance of any term hereof may not be waived with respect to any Investor without the written consent of such Investor, unless such amendment, modification, termination, or waiver applies to all Investors in the same fashion (it being agreed that a waiver of the provisions of Section 4 with respect to a particular transaction shall be deemed to apply to all Investors in the same fashion if such waiver does so by its terms, notwithstanding the fact that certain Investors may nonetheless, by agreement with the Company, purchase securities in such transaction) and (b) Subsections 3.1 and 3.2, Section 4 and any other section of this Agreement applicable to the Major Investors (including this clause (b) of this Subsection 6.6) may not be amended, modified, terminated or waived without the written consent of the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding and held by the Major Investors. Further, this Agreement may not be amended, modified or terminated, and no provision hereof may be waived, in each case, in any way which would adversely affect the rights of the Key Holders hereunder in a manner disproportionate to any adverse effect such amendment, modification, termination or waiver would have on the rights of the Investors hereunder, without also the written consent of the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities held by the Key Holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Schedule A hereto may be amended by the Company from time to time to add transferees of any Registrable Securities in compliance with the terms of this Agreement without the consent of the other parties; and Schedule A hereto may also be amended by the Company after the date of this Agreement without the consent of the other parties to add information regarding any additional Investor who becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with Subsection 6.9. The Company shall give prompt notice of any amendment, modification or termination hereof or waiver hereunder to any party hereto that did not consent in writing to such amendment, modification, termination, or waiver. Any amendment, modification, termination, or waiver effected in accordance with this Subsection 6.6 shall be binding on all parties hereto, regardless of whether any such party has consented thereto. No waivers of or exceptions to any term, condition, or provision of this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such term, condition, or provision.
6.7 Severability. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement is for any reason held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement, and such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision shall be reformed and construed so that it will be valid, legal, and enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law.
6.8 Aggregation of Stock. All shares of Registrable Securities held or acquired by Affiliates shall be aggregated together for the purpose of determining the availability of any rights under this Agreement and such Affiliated persons may apportion such rights as among themselves in any manner they deem appropriate.
6.9 Additional Investors. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the Company issues additional shares of the Company’s Preferred Stock after the date hereof, whether pursuant to the Purchase Agreement or otherwise, any purchaser of such shares of Preferred Stock may become a party to this Agreement by executing and delivering an additional counterpart signature page to this Agreement, and thereafter shall be deemed an “Investor” for all purposes hereunder. No action or consent by the Investors shall be required for such joinder to this Agreement by such additional Investor, so long as such additional Investor has agreed in writing to be bound by all of the obligations as an “Investor” hereunder.
6.10 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including any Schedules and Exhibits hereto) constitutes the full and entire understanding and agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and any other written or oral agreement relating to the subject matter hereof existing between the parties is expressly canceled. This Agreement amends and restates the Prior Agreement in its entirety.
6.11 Dispute Resolution. The parties (a) hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submit to the jurisdiction of the state courts of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts for the purpose of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement, (b) agree not to commence any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement except in the state courts of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and (c) hereby waive, and agree not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, or otherwise, in any such suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper or that this Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such court.
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL: EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES ITS RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS, THE SECURITIES OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF OR THEREOF. THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT AND THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS TRANSACTION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS. THIS SECTION HAS BEEN FULLY DISCUSSED BY EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AND THESE PROVISIONS WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY EXCEPTIONS. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY FURTHER WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT SUCH PARTY HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL, AND THAT SUCH PARTY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.
6.12 Delays or Omissions. No delay or omission to exercise any right, power, or remedy accruing to any party under this Agreement, upon any breach or default of any other party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power, or remedy of such nonbreaching or nondefaulting party, nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of or acquiescence to any such breach or default, or to any similar breach or default thereafter occurring, nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. All remedies, whether under this Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not alternative.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
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COMPANY: |
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NTH CYCLE, INC. |
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By: |
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/s/ Megan Patricia O’Connor |
Name: |
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Megan O’Connor |
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Chief Executive Officer |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
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/s/ Megan Patricia O’Connor |
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Name: |
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Megan Patricia O’Connor |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
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/s/ Coleman Adams |
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Name: |
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Coleman Adams |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
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/s/ Chad David Vecitis |
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Name: |
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Chad David Vecitis |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
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/s/ Desiree Louise Plata Misiaszek |
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Name: |
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Desiree Louise Plata Misiaszek |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
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/s/ John Derrick |
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Name: |
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John Derrick |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
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/s/ Christopher Moore |
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Name: |
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Christopher Moore |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
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/s/ Ed Meir |
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Name: |
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Ed Meir |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: MM Catalyst Fund LLC
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By: |
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/s/ Andrew Dickey |
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(signature) |
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Andrew Dickey |
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CEO and President |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: Jeffrey Weiss and Nancy Freeman Investment Trust
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By: |
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/s/ Jeffrey Weiss |
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Name: |
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Jeffrey Weiss |
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Trustee |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: PHB Ventures LLC
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By: |
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/s/ James Ellis |
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(signature) |
Name: |
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James Ellis |
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Manager |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: MUUS 2nd Holdings LLC
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By: |
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/s/ Michael Sonnenfeldt |
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(signature) |
Name: |
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Michael Sonnenfeldt |
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Chairman |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Sandy Pool Blind Trust
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By: |
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/s/ Adam Pool Trustee Sandy Pool Blind Trust |
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(signature) |
Name: |
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Adam Pool |
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Trustee |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: Equinor Ventures AS
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By: |
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/s/ Ask Nicholas Randmæl |
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(signature) |
Name: |
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Ask Nicholas Randmæl |
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Director of Board Equinor Ventures |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: DC Thomson & Company Limited
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By: |
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/s/ JS Thomson |
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(signature) |
Name: |
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John Thomson |
Title: |
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Director |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: Engel-stein u. Grun-berger GmbH
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By: |
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/s/ Marcel Javor |
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(signature) |
Name: |
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Marcel Javor |
Title: |
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Chairman |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Quasar Holdings, LLC
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By: |
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/s/ Steven Kaufman |
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(signature) |
Name: |
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Steve Kaufman |
Title: |
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Principal |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: John D. Santoleri Revocable Trust
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By: |
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/s/ John Santoleri |
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(signature) |
Name: |
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John Santoleri |
Title: |
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Trustee |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: Clean Energy Venture Fund I, L.P.
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By: |
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/s/ Daniel Goldman |
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(signature) |
Name: |
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Daniel Goldman |
Title: |
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Managing Partner |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: ImpactAssets Inc.
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By: |
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/s/ Eric Meissner |
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(signature) |
Name: |
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Eric Meissner |
Title: |
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Director, Investment Services |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
VoLo Earth Ventures Impact Fund I, LP
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By: |
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/s/ Joseph Goodman |
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(signature) |
Name: |
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Joseph Goodman |
Title: |
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President |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
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/s/ Shawn Montgomery |
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Name: |
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Shawn Montgomery |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: John Harper 2002 Revocable Trust
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By: |
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/s/ John P. Harper |
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(signature) |
Name: |
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John Harper |
Title: |
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Trustee |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Wisdom Warrior I LP
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By: |
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/s/ Gary Griffiths |
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(signature) |
Name: |
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Gray Griffiths |
Title: |
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Managing Director |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
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/s/ Bengt Karlson |
(signature) |
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Bengt Karlson |
(print name) |
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Address: [***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: Bobrowich Consulting
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By: |
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/s/ John C. Bobrowich |
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(signature) |
Name: |
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John Bobrowich |
Title: |
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Principal |
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Address: |
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[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
INVESTOR:
Entity Name: DMC II LP
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By: |
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/s/ Coleman Adams |
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(signature) |
Name: |
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Coleman Adams |
Title: |
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Partner |
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Address: |
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[***] |
SCHEDULE A
INVESTORS
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Investor |
Address |
Bejac Investment Ltd. |
[***] |
Bengt Karlsson |
[***] |
Beresford Ventures III, LLC |
[***] |
Bobrowich Consulting |
[***] |
C Greene Solutions, Sàrl LLC |
[***] |
Clean Energy Venture Fund I, L.P. |
[***] |
DC Thomson & Company Limited |
[***] |
DMC II LP |
[***] |
Engel-stein u. Grün-berger GmbH |
[***] |
Equinor Ventures AS |
[***] |
ImpactAssets Inc. |
[***] |
Jeffrey Weiss and Nancy Freeman Investment Trust |
[***] |
John D. Santoleri Revocable Trust |
[***] |
John Harper 2002 Revocable Trust |
[***] |
Mercuria Holdings LLC |
[***] |
MM Catalyst Fund LLC |
[***] |
MUUS 2nd Holdings LLC |
[***] |
Numberoneks LLC |
[***] |
PHB Ventures LLC |
[***] |
Quasar Holdings, LLC |
[***] |
Sandy Pool Blind Trust |
[***] |
Shapiro Ventures LLC |
[***] |
Vernal Ventures, LLC |
[***] |
Volo Earth Ventures Impact Fund I, LP |
[***] |
Wisdom Warrior I LP |
[***] |
SCHEDULE B
KEY HOLDERS
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Key Holder |
Address |
Chad David Vecitis |
[***] |
Christopher Moore |
[***] |
Coleman Adams |
[***] |
Desiree Louise Plata Misiaszek |
[***] |
Ed Meir |
[***] |
Emily Jennings |
[***] |
John Derrick |
[***] |
Megan Patricia O’Connor |
[***] |
Shawn Montgomery |
[***] |
Exhibit 10.18
Execution Version
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED VOTING AGREEMENT
THIS SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED VOTING AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is made and entered into as of April 5, 2023, by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), each holder of the Series Seed Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company (“Series Seed Preferred Stock”), each holder of the Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company (“Series A Preferred Stock”), each holder of the Series B Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company (“Series B Preferred Stock” referred to herein collectively with the Series Seed Preferred Stock and Series A Preferred Stock, as the “Preferred Stock”), listed on Schedule A (together with any subsequent investors, or transferees, who become parties hereto as “Investors” pursuant to Subsections 7.1(a) or 7.2 below, the “Investors”), and those certain stockholders of the Company and holders of options to acquire shares of the capital stock of the Company listed on Schedule B (together with any subsequent stockholders or option holders, or any transferees, who become parties hereto as “Key Holders” pursuant to Subsections 7.1(b) or 7.2 below, the “Key Holders,” and together collectively with the Investors, the “Stockholders”).
RECITALS
A. The Company, the Key Holders and certain of the Investors (the “Existing Investors”) are party to that certain Voting Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2021 and amended in December 17, 2021 (the “Prior Agreement”).
B. Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, the Company and certain of the Investors (the “Series B Purchasers”) are entering into a Series B Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) providing for the sale of shares of the Series B Preferred Stock, and in connection with that agreement the parties desire to provide the Series B Purchasers with the right, among other rights, to designate the election of certain members of the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
C. It is a condition to closing of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement that the Prior Agreement be amended and restated in its entirety in the form of this Agreement.
D. The Prior Agreement may be amended by a written instrument executed by (a) the Company; (b) the Key Holders holding a majority of the Shares (as defined in the Prior Agreement) then held by the Key Holders; and (c) the holders of a majority of the shares of the Company’s Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), issued or issuable upon conversion of both (i) the shares of Preferred Stock held by the Investors (voting together as a single class) and (ii) the shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by the Investors (voting as a separate series), and the signatories hereto include the holders of such majorities.
E. The Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the “Restated Certificate”) provides that (a) a majority in interest of the holders of Common Stock who are then providing services to the Company shall be entitled to appoint two directors, one of whom shall
always be the current CEO (the “Common Directors”) and (b) the holders of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to elect a total of three members (the “Preferred Directors”).
F. The parties also desire to enter into this Agreement to set forth their agreements and understandings with respect to how shares of the capital stock of the Company held by them will be voted on, or tendered in connection with, an acquisition of the Company and an increase in the number of shares of Common Stock required to provide for the conversion of the Preferred Stock.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. Voting Provisions Regarding the Board.
1.1 Size of the Board. Each Stockholder agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, all Shares (as defined below) owned by such Stockholder, or over which such Stockholder has voting control, from time to time and at all times, in whatever manner as shall be necessary to ensure that the size of the Board shall be set and remain at seven (7) directors. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Shares” shall mean and include any securities of the Company that the holders of which are entitled to vote for members of the Board, including without limitation, all shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock, by whatever name called, now owned or subsequently acquired by a Stockholder, however acquired, whether through stock splits, stock dividends, reclassifications, recapitalizations, similar events or otherwise.
1.2 Board Composition. Each Stockholder agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, all Shares owned by such Stockholder, or over which such Stockholder has voting control, from time to time and at all times, in whatever manner as shall be necessary to ensure that at each annual or special meeting of stockholders at which an election of directors is held or pursuant to any written consent of the stockholders, subject to Section 5, the following persons shall be elected to the Board:
(a) Three (3) individuals (the “Preferred Directors”) appointed by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, (i) one (1) of whom shall be designated by Clean Energy Venture Fund I, LP (“CEVF”) for so long as CEVF continues to hold at least fifty percent (50%) of the Shares it holds as of the last closing contemplated by the Purchase Agreement (the “Final Closing”), as adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend, combination, or other recapitalization or reclassification effected after the date hereof, which individual shall initially be Daniel Goldman; (ii) one (1) of whom shall be designated by VoLo Earth Ventures Impact Fund I, LP (“VoLo Earth”) for so long as VoLo Earth continues to hold at least fifty percent (50%) of the Shares it holds as of the Final Closing, as adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend, combination, or other recapitalization or reclassification effected after the date hereof, which individual shall initially be Joseph Goodman; and (iii) one (1) of whom shall be designated by Mercuria Holdings LLC (“Mercuria”) if Mercuria purchases at least 785,595 shares of Series B Preferred Stock (the “Required Shares”) at or prior to the Final Closing and for so long as Mercuria continues to hold at least fifty percent (50%) of the Shares it holds as of the Final Closing, as adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend, combination, or other recapitalization or reclassification effected after the date hereof, which individual shall initially be Boris Bystrov; provided, that Mercuria may not designate such individual until it has purchased the Required Shares; and provided, further that if Mercuria does not purchase the Required Shares by the Final Closing, such director seat shall be designated by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock;
(b) Two (2) individuals designated by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock who are then providing services to the Company, and one (1) individual of which shall always be the current Chief Executive Officer (the “Common Directors”), which individuals shall initially be Megan O’Connor and Coleman Adams; and
(c) Two (2) individuals who are not otherwise an Affiliate of either the Company or any Investor, who have relevant industry knowledge and early-stage business experience, and are reasonably acceptable to the Common Directors and the Preferred Directors (the “Independent Director”), one such individual shall initially be Ed Meir and the other seat shall initially be vacant.
To the extent that any of clauses (a) through (c) above shall not be applicable, any member of the Board who would otherwise have been designated in accordance with the terms thereof shall instead be voted upon by all the stockholders of the Company entitled to vote thereon in accordance with, and pursuant to, the Restated Certificate.
For purposes of this Agreement, an individual, firm, corporation, partnership, association, limited liability company, trust or any other entity (collectively, a “Person”) shall be deemed an “Affiliate” of another Person who, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person, including, without limitation, any general partner, managing member, officer, director or trustee of such Person, or any venture capital fund or registered investment company now or hereafter existing that is controlled by one or more general partners, managing members or investment advisers of, or shares the same management company or investment adviser with, such Person.
1.3 Failure to Designate a Board Member. In the absence of any designation from the Persons or groups with the right to designate a director as specified above, the director previously designated by them and then serving shall be reelected if still eligible and willing to serve unless such individual has been removed as provided herein and otherwise, such Board seat shall remain vacant until otherwise filled as provided above.
1.4 Removal of Board Members. Each Stockholder also agrees to vote, or cause to be voted, all Shares owned by such Stockholder, or over which such Stockholder has voting control, from time to time and at all times, in whatever manner as shall be necessary to ensure that:
(a) no director elected pursuant to Subsections 1.2 or 1.3 of this Agreement may be removed from office unless (i) such removal is directed or approved by the affirmative vote of the Person(s), or of the holders of a majority of the shares of stock, entitled under Subsection 1.2 to designate that director; or (ii) the Person(s) originally entitled to designate or approve such director or occupy such Board seat pursuant to Subsection 1.2 is no longer so entitled to designate or approve such director or occupy such Board seat;
(b) any vacancies created by the resignation, removal or death of a director elected pursuant to Subsections 1.2 or 1.3 shall be filled pursuant to the provisions of this Section 1; and
(c) upon the request of any party entitled to designate a director as provided in Subsection 1.2 to remove such director, such director shall be removed.
All Stockholders agree to execute any written consents required to perform the obligations of this Section 1, and the Company agrees at the request of any Person or group entitled to designate directors to call a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing directors.
1.5 No Liability for Election of Recommended Directors. No Stockholder, nor any Affiliate of any Stockholder, shall have any liability as a result of designating a person for election as a director for any act or omission by such designated person in his or her capacity as a director of the Company, nor shall any Stockholder have any liability as a result of voting for any such designee in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
1.6 No “Bad Actor” Designees. Each Person with the right to designate or participate in the designation of a director as specified above hereby represents and warrants to the Company that, to such Person’s knowledge, none of the “bad actor” disqualifying events described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) (each, a “Disqualification Event”), is applicable to such Person’s initial designee named above except, if applicable, for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) is applicable. Any director designee to whom any Disqualification Event is applicable, except for a Disqualification Event to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) is applicable, is hereinafter referred to as a “Disqualified Designee”. Each Person with the right to designate or participate in the designation of a director as specified above hereby covenants and agrees (A) not to designate or participate in the designation of any director designee who, to such Person’s knowledge, is a Disqualified Designee and (B) that in the event such Person becomes aware that any individual previously designated by any such Person is or has become a Disqualified Designee, such Person shall as promptly as practicable take such actions as are necessary to remove such Disqualified Designee from the Board and designate a replacement designee who is not a Disqualified Designee.
2. Vote to Increase Authorized Common Stock. Each Stockholder agrees to vote or cause to be voted all Shares owned by such Stockholder, or over which such Stockholder has voting control, from time to time and at all times, in whatever manner as shall be necessary to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from time to time to ensure that there will be sufficient shares of Common Stock available for conversion of all of the shares of Preferred Stock outstanding at any given time.
3. Drag-Along Right.
3.1 Definitions. A “Sale of the Company” shall mean either: (a) a transaction or series of related transactions in which a Person, or a group of related Persons, acquires from stockholders of the Company shares representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the out-standing voting power of the Company (a “Stock Sale”); or (b) a transaction that qualifies as a “Deemed Liquidation Event” as defined in the Restated Certificate.
3.2 Actions to be Taken. In the event that (i) the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock then issued or issuable upon conversion of the shares of (A) Series A Preferred Stock (voting as a separate series), (B) Series B Preferred Stock (voting as a separate series), and (C) all Preferred Stock (voting as a separate class, and collectively, the “Selling Investors”); (ii) the Board; and (iii) the holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than those issued or issuable upon conversion of the shares of Preferred Stock) each voting as a separate class approve a
Sale of the Company in writing, specifying that this Section 3 shall apply to such transaction, then, subject to satisfaction of each of the conditions set forth in Subsection 3.3 below, each Stockholder and the Company hereby agree:
(a) if such transaction requires stockholder approval, with respect to all Shares that such Stockholder owns or over which such Stockholder otherwise exercises voting power, to vote (in person, by proxy or by action by written consent, as applicable) all Shares in favor of, and adopt, such Sale of the Company (together with any related amendment or restatement to the Restated Certificate required to implement such Sale of the Company) and to vote in opposition to any and all other proposals that could reasonably be expected to delay or impair the ability of the Company to consummate such Sale of the Company;
(b) if such transaction is a Stock Sale, to sell the same proportion of shares of capital stock of the Company beneficially held by such Stockholder as is being sold by the Selling Investors to the Person to whom the Selling Investors propose to sell their Shares, and, except as permitted in Subsection 3.3 below, on the same terms and conditions as the other stockholders of the Company;
(c) to execute and deliver all related documentation and take such other action in support of the Sale of the Company as shall reasonably be requested by the Company or the Selling Investors in order to carry out the terms and provision of this Section 3, including, without limitation, executing and delivering instruments of conveyance and transfer, and any purchase agreement, merger agreement, any associated indemnity agreement, or escrow agreement, any associated voting, support, or joinder agreement, consent, waiver, governmental filing, share certificates duly endorsed for transfer (free and clear of impermissible liens, claims and encumbrances), and any similar or related documents;
(d) not to deposit, and to cause their Affiliates not to deposit, except as provided in this Agreement, any Shares of the Company owned by such party or Affiliate in a voting trust or subject any Shares to any arrangement or agreement with respect to the voting of such Shares, unless specifically requested to do so by the acquirer in connection with the Sale of the Company;
(e) to refrain from (i) exercising any dissenters’ rights or rights of appraisal under applicable law at any time with respect to such Sale of the Company, or (ii); asserting any claim or commencing any suit (A) challenging the Sale of the Company or this Agreement, or (B) alleging a breach of any fiduciary duty of the Selling Investors or any affiliate or associate thereof (including, without limitation, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty) in connection with the evaluation, negotiation or entry into the Sale of the Company, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby;
(f) if the consideration to be paid in exchange for the Shares pursuant to this Section 3 includes any securities and due receipt thereof by any Stockholder would require under applicable law (i) the registration or qualification of such securities or of any person as a broker or dealer or agent with respect to such securities; or (ii) the provision to any Stockholder of any information other than such information as a prudent issuer would generally furnish in an offering made solely to “accredited investors” as defined in Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act, the Company may cause to be paid to any such Stockholder in lieu thereof, against surrender of the Shares which would have otherwise been sold by such Stockholder, an amount in cash equal to the fair value
(as determined in good faith by the Board) of the securities which such Stockholder would otherwise receive as of the date of the issuance of such securities in exchange for the Shares; and
(g) in the event that the Selling Investors, in connection with such Sale of the Company, appoint a stockholder representative (the “Stockholder Representative”) with respect to matters affecting the Stockholders under the applicable definitive transaction agreements following consummation of such Sale of the Company, (i) to consent to (A) the appointment of such Stockholder Representative, (B) the establishment of any applicable escrow, expense or similar fund in connection with any indemnification or similar obligations, and (C) the payment of such Stockholder’s pro rata portion (from the applicable escrow or expense fund or otherwise) of any and all reasonable fees and expenses to such Stockholder Representative in connection with such Stockholder Representative’s services and duties in connection with such Sale of the Company and its related service as the representative of the Stockholders, and (ii) not to assert any claim or commence any suit against the Stockholder Representative or any other Stockholder with respect to any action or inaction taken or failed to be taken by the Stockholder Representative, within the scope of the Stockholder Representative’s authority, in connection with its service as the Stockholder Representative, absent fraud, bad faith, or willful misconduct.
3.3 Conditions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, a Stockholder will not be required to comply with Subsection 3.2 above in connection with any proposed Sale of the Company (the “Proposed Sale”), unless:
(a) any representations and warranties to be made by such Stockholder in connection with the Proposed Sale are limited to representations and warranties related to authority, ownership and the ability to convey title to such Shares, including, but not limited to, representations and warranties that (i) the Stockholder holds all right, title and interest in and to the Shares such Stockholder purports to hold, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, (ii) the obligations of the Stockholder in connection with the transaction have been duly authorized, if applicable, (iii) the documents to be entered into by the Stockholder have been duly executed by the Stockholder and delivered to the acquirer and are enforceable (subject to customary limitations) against the Stockholder in accordance with their respective terms; and (iv) neither the execution and delivery of documents to be entered into by the Stockholder in connection with the transaction, nor the performance of the Stockholder’s obligations thereunder, will cause a breach or violation of the terms of any agreement to which the Stockholder is a party, or any law or judgment, order or decree of any court or governmental agency that applies to the Stockholder;
(b) such Stockholder is not required to agree (unless such Stockholder is a Company officer or employee) to any restrictive covenant in connection with the Proposed Sale (including without limitation any covenant not to compete or covenant not to solicit customers, employees or suppliers of any party to the Proposed Sale);
(c) such Stockholder and its affiliates are not required to amend, extend or terminate any contractual or other relationship with the Company, the acquirer or their respective affiliates, except that the Stockholder may be required to agree to terminate the investment-related documents between or among such Stockholder, the Company and/or other stockholders of the Company;
(d) the Stockholder is not liable for the breach of any representation, warranty or covenant made by any other Person in connection with the Proposed Sale, other than the Company (except to the extent that funds may be paid out of an escrow established to cover breach of representations, warranties and covenants of the Company as well as breach by any stockholder of any of identical representations, warranties and covenants provided by all stockholders);
(e) liability shall be limited to such Stockholder’s applicable share (determined based on the respective proceeds payable to each Stockholder in connection with such Proposed Sale in accordance with the provisions of the Restated Certificate) of a negotiated aggregate indemnification amount that applies equally to all Stockholders but that in no event exceeds the amount of consideration otherwise payable to such Stockholder in connection with such Proposed Sale, except with respect to claims related to fraud by such Stockholder, the liability for which need not be limited as to such Stockholder;
(f) upon the consummation of the Proposed Sale (i) each holder of each class or series of the capital stock of the Company will receive the same form of consideration for their shares of such class or series as is received by other holders in respect of their shares of such same class or series of stock, (ii) each holder of a series of Preferred Stock will receive the same amount of consideration per share of such series of Preferred Stock as is received by other holders in respect of their shares of such same series, (iii) each holder of Common Stock will receive the same amount of consideration per share of Common Stock as is received by other holders in respect of their shares of Common Stock, and (iv) unless waived pursuant to the terms of the Restated Certificate and as may be required by law, the aggregate consideration receivable by all holders of the Preferred Stock and Common Stock shall be allocated among the holders of Preferred Stock and Common Stock on the basis of the relative liquidation preferences to which the holders of each respective series of Preferred Stock and the holders of Common Stock are entitled in a Deemed Liquidation Event (assuming for this purpose that the Proposed Sale is a Deemed Liquidation Event) in accordance with the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation in effect immediately prior to the Proposed Sale; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Subsection 3.3(f), if the consideration to be paid in exchange for the Key Holder Shares or Investor Shares, as applicable, pursuant to this Subsection 3.3(f) includes any securities and due receipt thereof by any Key Holder or Investor would require under applicable law (A) the registration or qualification of such securities or of any person as a broker or dealer or agent with respect to such securities; or (B) the provision to any Key Holder or Investor of any information other than such information as a prudent issuer would generally furnish in an offering made solely to “accredited investors” as defined in Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act, the Company may cause to be paid to any such Key Holder or Investor in lieu thereof, against surrender of the Key Holder Shares or Investor Shares, as applicable, which would have otherwise been sold by such Key Holder or Investor, an amount in cash equal to the fair value (as determined in good faith by the Board) of the securities which such Key Holder or Investor would otherwise receive as of the date of the issuance of such securities in exchange for the Key Holder Shares or Investor Shares, as applicable;
(g) subject to clause (f) above, requiring the same form of consideration to be available to the holders of any single class or series of capital stock, if any holders of any capital stock of the Company are given an option as to the form and amount of consideration to be received as a result of the Proposed Sale, all holders of such capital stock will be given the same option; provided, however, that nothing in this Subsection 3.3(g) shall entitle any holder to receive any form of consideration that
such holder would be ineligible to receive as a result of such holder’s failure to satisfy any condition, requirement or limitation that is generally applicable to the Company’s stockholders.
3.4 Restrictions on Sales of Control of the Company. No Stockholder shall be a party to any Stock Sale unless (a) all holders of Preferred Stock are allowed to participate in such transaction(s) and (b) the consideration received pursuant to such transaction is allocated among the parties thereto in the manner specified in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation in effect immediately prior to the Stock Sale (as if such transaction(s) were a Deemed Liquidation Event), unless the holders of at least the requisite percentage required to waive treatment of the transaction(s) as a Deemed Liquidation Event pursuant to the terms of the Restated Certificate, elect to allocate the consideration differently by written notice given to the Company at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of any such transaction or series of related transactions.
4. Remedies.
4.1 Covenants of the Company. The Company agrees to use its best efforts, within the requirements of applicable law, to ensure that the rights granted under this Agreement are effective and that the parties enjoy the benefits of this Agreement. Such actions include, without limitation, the use of the Company’s best efforts to cause the nomination and election of the directors as provided in this Agreement.
4.2 Irrevocable Proxy and Power of Attorney. Each party to this Agreement hereby constitutes and appoints as the proxies of the party and hereby grants a power of attorney to the President of the Company and a designee of the Selling Investors, and each of them, with full power of substitution, with respect to the matters set forth herein, including, without limitation, votes to increase authorized shares pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof and votes regarding any Sale of the Company pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof, and hereby authorizes each of them to represent and vote, if and only if the party (a) fails to vote, or (b) attempts to vote (whether by proxy, in person or by written consent), in a manner which is inconsistent with the terms of Sections 2 and 3 of this Agreement, all of such party’s Shares in favor of the election of persons as members of the Board determined pursuant to and in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement or the increase of authorized shares or approval of any Sale of the Company pursuant to and in accordance with the terms and provisions of Sections 2 and 3, respectively, of this Agreement or to take any action reasonably necessary to effect Sections 2 and 3, respectively, of this Agreement. The power of attorney granted hereunder shall authorize the President of the Company to execute and deliver the documentation referred to in Section 3.2(c) on behalf of any party failing to do so within five (5) business days of a request by the Company. Each of the proxy and power of attorney granted pursuant to this Section 4.2 is given in consideration of the agreements and covenants of the Company and the parties in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and, as such, each is coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable unless and until this Agreement terminates or expires pursuant to Section 5 hereof. Each party hereto hereby revokes any and all previous proxies or powers of attorney with respect to the Shares and shall not hereafter, unless and until this Agreement terminates or expires pursuant to Section 5 hereof, purport to grant any other proxy or power of attorney with respect to any of the Shares, deposit any of the Shares into a voting trust or enter into any agreement (other than this Agreement), arrangement or understanding with any person, directly or indirectly, to vote, grant any proxy or give instructions with respect to the voting of any of the Shares, in each case, with respect to any of the matters set forth herein.
4.3 Specific Enforcement. Each party acknowledges and agrees that each party hereto will be irreparably damaged in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed by the parties in accordance with their specific terms or are otherwise breached. Accordingly, it is agreed that each of the Company and the Stockholders shall be entitled to an injunction to prevent breaches of this Agreement, and to specific enforcement of this Agreement and its terms and provisions in any action instituted in any court of the United States or any state having subject matter jurisdiction.
4.4 Remedies Cumulative. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not alternative.
5. “Bad Actor” Matters.
5.1 Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:
(a) “Company Covered Person” means, with respect to the Company as an “issuer” for purposes of Rule 506 promulgated under the Securities Act, any Person listed in the first paragraph of Rule 506(d)(1).
(b) “Disqualified Designee” means any director designee to whom any Disqualification Event is applicable, except for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) is applicable.
(c) “Disqualification Event” means a “bad actor” disqualifying event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) promulgated under the Securities Act.
(d) “Rule 506(d) Related Party” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that is a beneficial owner of such first Person’s securities for purposes of Rule 506(d) under the Securities Act.
5.2 Representations.
(a) Each Person with the right to designate or participate in the designation of a director pursuant to this Agreement hereby represents that (i) such Person has exercised reasonable care to determine whether any Disqualification Event is applicable to such Person, any director designee designated by such Person pursuant to this Agreement or any of such Person’s Rule 506(d) Related Parties, except, if applicable, for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) is applicable and (ii) no Disqualification Event is applicable to such Person, any Board member designated by such Person pursuant to this Agreement or any of such Person’s Rule 506(d) Related Parties, except, if applicable, for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) is applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, each Investor makes no representation regarding any Person that may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the Company’s voting equity securities held by such Investor solely by virtue of that Person being or becoming a party to (x) this Agreement, as may be subsequently amended, or (y) any other contract or written agreement to which the Company and such Investor are parties regarding (1) the voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of, such security; and/or (2) the investment power, which includes the power to dispose, or to direct the disposition of, such security.
(b) The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Investors that no Disqualification Event is applicable to the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge, any Company Covered Person, except for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii–iv) or (d)(3) is applicable.
5.3 Covenants. Each Person with the right to designate or participate in the designation of a director pursuant to this Agreement covenants and agrees (i) not to designate or participate in the designation of any director designee who, to such Person’s knowledge, is a Disqualified Designee, (ii) to exercise reasonable care to determine whether any director designee designated by such person is a Disqualified Designee, (iii) that in the event such Person becomes aware that any individual previously designated by any such Person is or has become a Disqualified Designee, such Person shall as promptly as practicable take such actions as are necessary to remove such Disqualified Designee from the Board and designate a replacement designee who is not a Disqualified Designee, and (iv) to notify the Company promptly in writing in the event a Disqualification Event becomes applicable to such Person or any of its Rule 506(d) Related Parties, or, to such Person’s knowledge, to such Person’s initial designee named in Section 1, except, if applicable, for a Disqualification Event as to which Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or(iii) or (d)(3) is applicable.
6. Term. This Agreement shall be effective as of the date hereof and shall continue in effect until and shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of (a) the consummation of the Company’s first underwritten public offering of its Common Stock (other than a registration statement relating either to the sale of securities to employees of the Company pursuant to its stock option, stock purchase or similar plan or an SEC Rule 145 transaction); (b) the consummation of a Sale of the Company and distribution of proceeds to or escrow for the benefit of the Stockholders in accordance with the Restated Certificate, provided that the provisions of Section 3 hereof will continue after the closing of any Sale of the Company to the extent necessary to enforce the provisions of Section 3 with respect to such Sale of the Company; and (c) termination of this Agreement in accordance with Subsection 7.8 below.
7. Miscellaneous.
7.1 Additional Parties.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the Company issues additional shares of Preferred Stock after the date hereof, as a condition to the issuance of such shares the Company shall require that any purchaser of such shares become a party to this Agreement by executing and delivering (i) the Adoption Agreement attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A, or (ii) a counterpart signature page hereto agreeing to be bound by and subject to the terms of this Agreement as an Investor and Stockholder hereunder. In either event, each such person shall thereafter be deemed an Investor and Stockholder for all purposes under this Agreement.
(b) In the event that after the date of this Agreement, the Company enters into an agreement with any Person to issue shares of capital stock to such Person (other than to a purchaser of Preferred Stock described in Subsection 7.1(a) above), following which such Person shall hold Shares constituting one percent (1%) or more of the then outstanding capital stock of the Company (treating for this purpose all shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of or conversion of outstanding options, warrants or convertible securities, as if exercised and/or converted or exchanged), then, the Company shall cause such Person, as a condition precedent to entering into such agreement, to become a party to
this Agreement by executing an Adoption Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, agreeing to be bound by and subject to the terms of this Agreement as a Stockholder and thereafter such person shall be deemed a Stockholder for all purposes under this Agreement.
7.2 Transfers. Each transferee or assignee of any Shares subject to this Agreement shall continue to be subject to the terms hereof, and, as a condition precedent to the Company’s recognition of such transfer, each transferee or assignee shall agree in writing to be subject to each of the terms of this Agreement by executing and delivering an Adoption Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. Upon the execution and delivery of an Adoption Agreement by any transferee, such transferee shall be deemed to be a party hereto as if such transferee were the transferor and such transferee’s signature appeared on the signature pages of this Agreement and shall be deemed to be an Investor and Stockholder, or Key Holder and Stockholder, as applicable. The Company shall not permit the transfer of the Shares subject to this Agreement on its books or issue a new certificate representing any such Shares unless and until such transferee shall have complied with the terms of this Subsection 7.2. Each certificate instrument, or book entry representing the Shares subject to this Agreement if issued on or after the date of this Agreement shall be notated by the Company with the legend set forth in Subsection 7.12.
7.3 Successors and Assigns. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective successors and assigns of the parties. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
7.4 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the internal law of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles that would result in the application of any law other than the law of the State of Delaware.
7.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
7.6 Titles and Subtitles. The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
7.7 Notices.
(a) All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon the earlier of actual receipt or (a) personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent, if sent by electronic mail or facsimile during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not sent during normal business hours, then on the recipient’s next business day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) business day after the business day of deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, freight prepaid, specifying next business day delivery,
with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the respective parties at their address as set forth on Schedule A or Schedule B hereto, or to such email address, facsimile number or address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Subsection 7.7. If notice is given to the Company, a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) shall also be sent to Foley Hoag LLP, 155 Seaport Blvd., Boston MA 02210, Attention Mark A. Barnett, and if notice is given to Stockholders, a copy shall also be given to a copy shall also be given to each of (i) MassMutual, [***], Attn: Andrew Dickey, Esq., and (ii) California Counsel Group, Inc., 949 W. Hawthorn Street, Suite 11, San Diego, CA 92101, Attn: Matt Steiner, Esq.
(b) Consent to Electronic Notice. Each Investor and Key Holder consents to the delivery of any stockholder notice pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), as amended or superseded from time to time, by electronic transmission pursuant to Section 232 of the DGCL (or any successor thereto) at the electronic mail address or the facsimile number set forth below such Investor’s or Key Holder’s name on the Schedules hereto, as updated from time to time by notice to the Company, or as on the books of the Company. To the extent that any notice given by means of electronic transmission is returned or undeliverable for any reason, the foregoing consent shall be deemed to have been revoked until a new or corrected electronic mail address has been provided, and such attempted Electronic Notice shall be ineffective and deemed to not have been given. Each Investor and Key Holder agrees to promptly notify the Company of any change in its electronic mail address, and that failure to do so shall not affect the foregoing.
7.8 Consent Required to Amend, Modify, Terminate or Waive. This Agreement may be amended, modified or terminated (other than pursuant to Section 5) and the observance of any term hereof may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only by a written instrument executed by (a) the Company; (b) the Key Holders holding a majority of the Shares then held by the Key Holders; and (c) the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon conversion of (i) the shares of Preferred Stock held by the Investors (voting together as a single class), (ii) the shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by the Investors (voting as a separate series), and (iii) the shares of Series B Preferred Stock held by the Investors (voting as a separate series). Notwithstanding the foregoing:
(a) this Agreement may not be amended, modified or terminated and the observance of any term of this Agreement may not be waived with respect to any Investor or Key Holder without the written consent of such Investor or Key Holder unless such amendment, modification, termination or waiver applies to all Investors or Key Holders, as the case may be, in the same fashion;
(b) the provisions of Subsection 1.2(a)(i) and this Subsection 7.8(b) may not be amended, modified, terminated or waived without the written consent of CEVF;
(c) the provisions of Subsection 1.2(a)(ii) and this Subsection 7.8(c) may not be amended, modified, terminated or waived without the written consent of VoLo Earth;
(d) if Mercuria has the right to appoint a director pursuant to Subsection 1.2(a)(iii), then the provisions of Subsection 1.2(a)(iii) and this Subsection 7.8(d) may not be amended, modified, terminated or waived without the written consent of Mercuria, otherwise, the provisions of Subsection 1.2(a)(iii) and this Subsection 7.8(d) may not be amended, modified, terminated or waived without the written consent of a majority of the holders of outstanding Series B Preferred Stock;
(e) the provisions of Subsection 1.2(b), Subsection 1.2(c) and this Subsection 7.8(e) may not be amended, modified, terminated or waived without the written consent of the holders of a majority of outstanding shares of Common Stock;
(f) the consent of the Key Holders shall not be required for any amendment, modification, termination or waiver if such amendment, modification, termination, or waiver either (A) is not directly applicable to the rights of the Key Holders hereunder; or (B) does not adversely affect the rights of the Key Holders in a manner that is different than the effect on the rights of the other parties hereto;
(g) Schedules A and B hereto may be amended by the Company from time to time in accordance with Sections 7.1(a) and 7.1(b), respectively, without the consent of the other parties hereto; and
(h) any provision hereof may be waived by the waiving party on such party’s own behalf, without the consent of any other party.
The Company shall give prompt written notice of any amendment, modification, termination, or waiver hereunder to any party that did not consent in writing thereto. Any amendment, modification, termination, or waiver effected in accordance with this Subsection 7.8 shall be binding on each party and all of such party’s successors and permitted assigns, whether or not any such party, successor or assignee entered into or approved such amendment, modification, termination or waiver. For purposes of this Subsection 7.8, the requirement of a written instrument may be satisfied in the form of an action by written consent of the Stockholders circulated by the Company and executed by the Stockholder parties specified, whether or not such action by written consent makes explicit reference to the terms of this Agreement.
7.9 Delays or Omissions. No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any party under this Agreement, upon any breach or default of any other party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such non-breaching or non-defaulting party nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach or default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default previously or thereafter occurring. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of any party of any breach or default under this Agreement, or any waiver on the part of any party of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement, must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not alternative.
7.10 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.
7.11 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the Exhibits and Schedules hereto), the Restated Certificate and the other Transaction Agreements (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and any other written or oral agreement relating to the subject matter hereof existing between the parties is expressly canceled. This Agreement amends and restates the Prior Agreement in its entirety.
7.12 Share Certificate Legend. Each certificate, instrument, or book entry representing any Shares issued after the date hereof shall be notated by the Company with a legend reading substantially as follows:
“THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE SUBJECT TO A VOTING AGREEMENT, AS MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, (A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED UPON WRITTEN REQUEST FROM THE COMPANY), AND BY ACCEPTING ANY INTEREST IN SUCH SHARES THE PERSON ACCEPTING SUCH INTEREST SHALL BE DEEMED TO AGREE TO AND SHALL BECOME BOUND BY ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THAT VOTING AGREEMENT, INCLUDING CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND OWNERSHIP SET FORTH THEREIN.”
The Company, by its execution of this Agreement, agrees that it will cause the certificates instruments, or book entry evidencing the Shares issued after the date hereof to be notated with the legend required by this Subsection 7.12 of this Agreement, and it shall supply, free of charge, a copy of this Agreement to any holder of such Shares upon written request from such holder to the Company at its principal office. The parties to this Agreement do hereby agree that the failure to cause the certificates, instruments, or book entry evidencing the Shares to be notated with the legend required by this Subsection 7.12 herein and/or the failure of the Company to supply, free of charge, a copy of this Agreement as provided hereunder shall not affect the validity or enforcement of this Agreement.
7.13 Stock Splits, Stock Dividends, etc. In the event of any issuance of Shares or the voting securities of the Company hereafter to any of the Stockholders (including, without limitation, in connection with any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, or the like), such Shares shall become subject to this Agreement and shall be notated with the legend set forth in Subsection 7.12.
7.14 Manner of Voting. The voting of Shares pursuant to this Agreement may be effected in person, by proxy, by written consent or in any other manner permitted by applicable law. For the avoidance of doubt, voting of the Shares pursuant to the Agreement need not make explicit reference to the terms of this Agreement.
7.15 Further Assurances. At any time or from time to time after the date hereof, the parties agree to cooperate with each other, and at the request of any other party, to execute and deliver any further instruments or documents and to take all such further action as the other party may reasonably request in order to carry out the intent of the parties hereunder.
7.16 Dispute Resolution. The parties (a) hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submit to the jurisdiction of the state courts of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts for the purpose of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement, (b) agree not to commence any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement except in the state courts of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and (c) hereby waive, and agree not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, or otherwise, in any such suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper or that this Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such court.
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL: EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES ITS RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS, THE SECURITIES OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF OR THEREOF. THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL-ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT AND THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS TRANSACTION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS. THIS SECTION HAS BEEN FULLY DISCUSSED BY EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AND THESE PROVISIONS WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY EXCEPTIONS. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY FURTHER WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT SUCH PARTY HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL, AND THAT SUCH PARTY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.
7.17 Costs of Enforcement. If any party to this Agreement seeks to enforce its rights under this Agreement by legal proceedings, the non-prevailing party shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by the prevailing party, including, without limitation, all reasonable attorneys’ fees.
7.18 Aggregation of Stock. All Shares held or acquired by a Stockholder and/or its Affiliates shall be aggregated together for the purpose of determining the availability of any rights under this Agreement, and such Affiliated persons may apportion such rights as among themselves in any manner they deem appropriate.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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COMPANY: |
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NTH CYCLE, INC. |
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By: |
/s/ Megan Patricia O’Connor |
Name: |
Megan O’Connor |
Title: |
Chief Executive Officer |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
/s/ Megan Patricia O’Connor |
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Name: |
Megan Patricia O’Connor |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
/s/ Coleman Adams |
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Name: |
Coleman Adams |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
/s/ Chad David Vecitis |
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Name: |
Chad David Vecitis |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
/s/ Ed Meir |
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Name: |
Ed Meir |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
/s/ John Derrick |
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Name: |
John Derrick |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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Entity Name: MM Catalyst Fund LLC |
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By: |
/s/ Andrew Dickey |
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(signature) |
Name: |
Andrew Dickey |
Title: |
CEO and President |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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Entity Name: DMC II LP |
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By: |
/s/ Coleman Adams |
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(signature) |
Name: |
Coleman Adams |
Title: |
Partner |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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Sandy Pool Blind Trust |
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By: |
/s/ Adam Pool Trustee Sandy Pool Blind Trust |
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(signature) |
Name: |
Adam Pool |
Title: |
Trustee |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
/s/ Desiree Louise Plata Misiaszek |
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Name: |
Desiree Louise Plata Misiaszek |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
/s/ Christopher Moore |
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Name: |
Christopher Moore |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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/s/ Bengt Karlson |
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(signature) |
Bengt Karlson |
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(print name) |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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Entity Name: Bobrowich Consulting |
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By: |
/s/ John C. Bobrowich |
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(signature) |
Name: |
John Bobrowich |
Title: |
Principal |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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Entity Name: Clean Energy Venture Fund I, L.P. |
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By: |
/s/ Daniel Goldman |
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(signature) |
Name: |
Daniel Goldman |
Title: |
Managing Partner |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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Entity Name: MUUS 2nd Holdings LLC |
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By: |
/s/ Michael Sonnenfeldt |
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(signature) |
Name: |
Michael Sonnenfeldt |
Title: |
Chairman |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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KEY HOLDER: |
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Signature: |
/s/ Shawn Montgomery |
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Name: |
Shawn Montgomery |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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Entity Name: ImpactAssets Inc. |
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By: |
/s/ Eric Meissner |
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(signature) |
Name: |
Eric Meissner |
Title: |
Director, Investment Services |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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VoLo Earth Ventures Impact Fund I, LP |
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By: |
/s/ Joseph Goodman |
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(signature) |
Name: |
Joseph Goodman |
Title: |
President |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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Entity Name: Engel-stein u. Grun-berger GmbH |
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By: |
/s/ Marcel Javor |
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(signature) |
Name: |
Marcel Javor |
Title: |
Chairman |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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Entity Name: John D. Santoleri Revocable Trust |
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By: |
/s/ John Santoleri |
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(signature) |
Name: |
John Santoleri |
Title: |
Trustee |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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Entity Name: Equinor Ventures AS |
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By: |
/s/ Ask Nicholas Randmæl |
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(signature) |
Name: |
Ask Nicholas Randmæl |
Title: |
Director of Board Equinor Ventures |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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Quasar Holdings, LLC |
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By: |
/s/ Steven Kaufman |
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(signature) |
Name: |
Steve Kaufman |
Title: |
Principal |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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Entity Name: John Harper 2002 Revocable Trust |
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By: |
/s/ John P. Harper |
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(signature) |
Name: |
John Harper |
Title: |
Trustee |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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Entity Name: DC Thomson & Company Limited |
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By: |
/s/ JS Thomson |
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(signature) |
Name: |
John Thomson |
Title: |
Director |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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Wisdom Warrior I LP |
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By: |
/s/ Gary Griffiths |
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(signature) |
Name: |
Gray Griffiths |
Title: |
Managing Director |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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Entity Name: PHB Ventures LLC |
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By: |
/s/ James Ellis |
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(signature) |
Name: |
James Ellis |
Title: |
Manager |
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Address: |
[***] |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement as of the date first written above.
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INVESTOR: |
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Entity Name: Jeffrey Weiss and Nancy Freeman Investment Trust |
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By: |
/s/ Jeffrey Weiss |
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(signature) |
Name: |
Jeffrey Weiss |
Title: |
Trustee |
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Address: |
[***] |
SCHEDULE A
INVESTORS
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Investor |
Address |
Bejac Investment Ltd. |
[***] |
Bengt Karlsson |
[***] |
Beresford Ventures III, LLC |
[***] |
Bobrowich Consulting |
[***] |
C Greene Solutions, Sàrl LLC |
[***] |
Clean Energy Venture Fund I, L.P. |
[***] |
DC Thomson & Company Limited |
[***] |
DMC II LP |
[***] |
Engel-stein u. Grün-berger GmbH |
[***] |
Equinor Ventures AS |
[***] |
ImpactAssets Inc. |
[***] |
Jeffrey Weiss and Nancy Freeman Investment Trust |
[***] |
John D. Santoleri Revocable Trust |
[***] |
John Harper 2002 Revocable Trust |
[***] |
Mercuria Holdings LLC |
[***] |
MM Catalyst Fund LLC |
[***] |
MUUS 2nd Holdings LLC |
[***] |
Numberoneks LLC |
[***] |
PHB Ventures LLC |
[***] |
Quasar Holdings, LLC |
[***] |
Sandy Pool Blind Trust |
[***] |
Shapiro Ventures LLC |
[***] |
Vernal Ventures, LLC |
[***] |
Volo Earth Ventures Impact Fund I, LP |
[***] |
Wisdom Warrior I LP |
[***] |
SCHEDULE B
KEY HOLDERS
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Key Holder |
Address |
Chad David Vecitis |
[***] |
Christopher Moore |
[***] |
Coleman Adams |
[***] |
Desiree Louise Plata Misiaszek |
[***] |
Ed Meir |
[***] |
Emily Jennings |
[***] |
John Derrick |
[***] |
Megan Patricia O’Connor |
[***] |
Shawn Montgomery |
[***] |
EXHIBIT A
ADOPTION AGREEMENT
This Adoption Agreement (“Adoption Agreement”) is executed on , 20 , by the undersigned (the “Holder”) pursuant to the terms of that certain Second Amended and Restated Voting Agreement dated as of April 5, 2023 (the “Agreement”), by and among the Company and certain of its Stockholders, as such Agreement may be amended or amended and restated hereafter. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Adoption Agreement shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Agreement. By the execution of this Adoption Agreement, the Holder agrees as follows.
1.1 Acknowledgement. Holder acknowledges that Holder is acquiring certain shares of the capital stock of the Company (the “Stock”) [or options, warrants, or other rights to purchase such Stock (the “Options”)], for one of the following reasons (Check the correct box):
As a transferee of Shares from a party in such party’s capacity as an “Investor” bound by the Agreement, and after such transfer, Holder shall be considered an “Investor” and a “Stockholder” for all purposes of the Agreement.
As a transferee of Shares from a party in such party’s capacity as a “Key Holder” bound by the Agreement, and after such transfer, Holder shall be considered a “Key Holder” and a “Stockholder” for all purposes of the Agreement.
As a new Investor in accordance with Subsection 7.1(a) of the Agreement, in which case Holder will be an “Investor” and a “Stockholder” for all purposes of the Agreement.
In accordance with Subsection 7.1(b) of the Agreement, as a new party who is not a new Investor, in which case Holder will be a “Stockholder” for all purposes of the Agreement.
1.2 Agreement. Holder hereby (a) agrees that the Stock [Options], and any other shares of capital stock or securities required by the Agreement to be bound thereby, shall be bound by and subject to the terms of the Agreement and (b) adopts the Agreement with the same force and effect as if Holder were originally a party thereto.
1.3 Notice. Any notice required or permitted by the Agreement shall be given to Holder at the address or facsimile number listed below Holder’s signature hereto.
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HOLDER: |
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ACCEPTED ANDAGREED: |
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By: |
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NTH CYCLE, INC. |
Name and Title of Signatory |
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Address: |
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By: |
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Title: |
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NOTE AND WARRANT PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement is dated as of June 27, 2025 (the “Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the individuals and entities who become parties to this Agreement by executing and delivering a Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement Signature Page in the form of Exhibit A hereto in accordance with Section 2 hereof (each a “Purchaser” and, collectively, the “Purchasers”), which Purchasers shall be set forth on the Schedule of Purchasers attached hereto.
In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Agreement, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1.Authorization; Sale of Notes and Warrants.
1.1 Authorization. The Company has duly authorized the sale and issuance, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, at one or more closings, of Subordinated Convertible Promissory Notes in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B in the aggregate principal amount of up to $25,000,000 (each a “Note” and, collectively, the “Notes”). The Company has further duly authorized the sale and issuance, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, of Warrants in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (each a “Warrant” and collectively, the “Warrants”, and the Warrants together with the Notes, the “Purchased Securities”).
1.2 Use of Proceeds. The Company will use the proceeds from the sale of the Purchased Securities for (i) establishing a European headquarters for the Company, (ii) expenses related to operation of the Company’s Ohio plant, (ii) development of a lithium carbonate product, and (iii) working capital and other general corporate purposes.
2.1 Notes. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each closing (collectively, the “Closings”) of the sale and purchase of Notes under this Agreement shall take place at Foley Hoag LLP, Seaport West, 155 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA 02210-2600 (or remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures) on or after the date hereof (the date of each such Closing, a “Closing Date”). The Company may conduct one or more additional closings to sell the remaining Notes at any time until the earlier of (i) sixty (60) days following the initial Closing Date, and (ii) the time at which the Company has executed project term sheets with tolling partners (such date, the “Final Closing Date”). At each Closing, the Company shall deliver a Note to each Purchaser participating in such Closing in the original principal amount set forth next to such Purchaser’s name on its signature page hereto, and each Purchaser shall pay to the Company the purchase price therefor, which shall be equal to such original principal amount. The Company is under no obligation to sell, and makes no representation or warranty regarding its ability to secure subscriptions for the purchase of, the full principal amount of the Notes available for issuance hereunder.
2.2 Warrants. The Company shall also issue to each Purchaser that purchases a Note on or before July 1, 2025 a Warrant exercisable for shares of Qualified Financing Securities (or Shadow Financing Securities, if applicable), into which such Purchaser’s Note converts in a Qualified Financing (collectively, the “Warrant Shares”), in an amount equal to the quotient of
(i) fifteen percent (15%) of the principal amount of the Note purchased by the Holder on or before July 1, 2025 divided by (ii) the Capped Price (as defined below). Such Warrant shall be exercisable at an exercise price equal to the Capped Price, for a period and on such terms as set forth in the Warrant.
3.Certain Terms of the Notes.
3.1 Maturity. Each Note shall be due and payable on the earlier of (i) 36 months following the initial Closing Date (the “Maturity Date”) upon the written request of the holders of the Note Approval Amount (as defined below), provided however, on or after the Maturity Date the Company may elect to pay any Note without notice or request from any Note holder, or (ii) the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined below).
3.2 Interest. The principal balance of the Notes will bear simple interest at a rate of 8% per annum.
3.3 Payments. Any payments on the Notes will be made in proportion to the outstanding principal amount each such Note represents relative to the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Notes. The Company shall not prepay any portion of the Notes without the prior written consent of holders of Notes representing a majority of the principal amount then outstanding on the Notes (the “Note Approval Amount”).
3.4 Automatic Conversion.
(a) Upon a Qualified Financing. For the purposes of this Agreement, a “Qualified Financing” shall mean an equity financing involving the sale of equity securities primarily for capital-raising purposes resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of at least $30,000,000, not including proceeds as a result of the conversion of the Notes or other indebtedness. Upon the closing of such Qualified Financing, all principal and interest on each Note shall automatically convert into that number of shares of the equity securities issued in such Qualified Financing (the “Qualified Financing Securities”) equal to the quotient of (i) the outstanding principal amount of such Note plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon divided by (ii) the lesser of (A) the Discounted Price (as defined below), or (B) the Capped Price (as defined below); provided, however, that, in the event the Qualified Financing Securities are preferred stock of the Company (“Preferred Stock”) with a corresponding liquidation preference, the Company may, at its election, issue shares of Shadow Financing Securities (as defined below) to the holder of such Note in lieu of such Qualified Financing Securities. The Purchasers agree in connection with the conversion of the Notes in accordance with this Section 3.4 to execute all necessary documents in connection with such Qualified Financing reasonably requested of the Purchasers, including executing a definitive purchase agreement, investor rights agreement and such other
financing agreements as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the other investors participating in such Qualified Financing.
(i) The “Conversion Discount” shall be equal to 20%.
(ii) The “Discounted Price” shall mean the per share price at which the shares of Qualified Financing Securities are to be sold generally in a Qualified Financing (not including any discounts applicable as a result of the Notes or any other convertible notes) reduced by the Conversion Discount.
(iii) The “Capped Price” shall be equal to the per share price implied by a fully-diluted, pre-money valuation of $235,000,000 (which valuation includes all shares of capital stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to such Qualified Financing, including all allocated and unallocated options pursuant to the Company’s 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, any increase to the option pool made prior to or at the time of such Qualified Financing and all other rights to acquire capital stock of the Company outstanding at the time of such Qualified Financing, exclusive of the Notes).
(iv) “Shadow Financing Securities” shall mean a series of Preferred Stock with substantially the same rights, preferences and privileges as the Qualified Financing Securities, except that the per share liquidation preference of the Shadow Financing Securities will equal the lesser of the Discounted Price or the Capped Price, with corresponding adjustments to any price-based antidilution and/or dividend rights provisions.
(b) Upon a Sale of the Company. The Company shall notify the holders of the Notes of the closing of a Company Sale (as defined below) at least five (5) days prior to the expected closing of such Company Sale. Such notice shall include any information generally provided by the Company to the holders of the Company’s common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (“Common Stock”) in connection with the Company Sale, if any. Upon the closing of such Company Sale, each Purchaser shall receive in respect of such Purchaser’s Note and in preference to the holders of Common Stock an amount equal to the greater of (i) 1.5X the outstanding principal balance of such Note, plus any unpaid interest, or (ii) the amount of consideration to which such Purchaser would have been entitled had all outstanding principal of and interest on such Purchaser’s Note been converted into shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a conversion price per share equal to the Capped Price, effective immediately prior to the completion of such sale of the Company. If the proceeds to the Company upon a Company Sale consist of cash and capital stock of the acquiring entity (“Acquirer Stock”), the Company may, at the reasonable discretion of the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”), elect to fulfill its obligations under this Section 3.4(b) by paying to each Purchaser the amount owed to him, her or it hereunder in a mix of cash and Acquirer Stock equivalent to the ratio of cash and Acquirer Stock received by the Company or its stockholders in such Company Sale. A “Company Sale” shall occur upon the sale, conveyance, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or the Company’s merger with or into, or consolidation with, any other entity (other than a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company) or any other transaction or series of related transactions as a result of which less than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the surviving entity (or, if the surviving entity is a wholly-owned subsidiary of another entity, the ultimate parent of the surviving entity)
is held by persons that are stockholders of the Company as of immediately prior to such event; provided, however, that a merger effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company shall not be deemed to be a Company Sale; and provided, further, that the term “Company Sale” shall not apply to equity financings primarily for capital-raising purposes.
(c) Effect of Conversion, Etc. Upon conversion of any Note pursuant to this Section 3, provided that the securities issued upon such conversion are duly and validly issued and are nonassessable, the Company will be forever released and discharged from all of its obligations and liabilities under such Note, including without limitation the obligation to pay the principal amount and accrued interest. No fractional shares shall be issuable by the Company upon conversion of any Note. In lieu of any fractional share which would otherwise be issuable upon conversion of any Note, the Company shall pay to the holder of such Note an amount in cash equal to the product of such fraction multiplied by the applicable conversion price. Upon conversion of each Note, the holder thereof shall surrender such Note, duly endorsed, at the principal offices of the Company or to any transfer agent of the Company. Following such surrender, the Company will, at its expense, issue and deliver to such holder a certificate or certificates for the securities to which such holder is entitled as a result of such conversion and a check payable to such holder for any cash amounts payable in lieu of any fractional share in accordance with this Section 3.
3.5 Events of Default. Each of the following shall constitute an “Event of Default,” unless waived in writing by holders of the Note Approval Amount:
(a) the failure by the Company to pay any amount due hereunder within 10 days of the due date thereof; or
(b) the appointment of a receiver of any property, the assignment or trust mortgage for the benefit of creditors, the commencement of any kind of insolvency proceedings under any bankruptcy or other law relating to the relief of debtors, or the entry of an order for relief with respect to the Company in any proceeding pursuant to the United States Bankruptcy Code, as amended.
3.6 Redemption from Unaccredited Investors, Bad Actors. If at any time the Company shall determine, in its sole discretion, that any holder of a Note: (i) did not or does not qualify as an “accredited investor,” as such term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D (or any successor provision or amendment thereto) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) (an “Accredited Investor”); or (ii) was or has become (or that any of such holder’s affiliates or other related parties was or has become) a “bad actor” within the meaning of Rule 506(d) promulgated under the Securities Act (“Rule 506(d)”), the Company may, at its sole election, redeem any Note held by such holder at any time without the consent of the holder thereof for an amount equal to the outstanding principal plus any accrued but unpaid interest thereon. Each holder of a Note redeemed pursuant to this Section 3.6 because such holder cannot certify to the Company that: (i) such holder is an Accredited Investor; or (ii) such holder is not a “bad actor,” as defined in Rule 506(d) (or that none of such holder’s affiliates or related parties are “bad actors”), acknowledges that: (a) such holder is not eligible to acquire securities in a Qualified Financing; (b) such holder therefore has no right to receive securities in exchange for its Note; and
(c) that payment for the redemption of such Note can occur after the closing of a Qualified Financing from the proceeds of such Qualified Financing.
4.Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to each Purchaser as of the date of this Agreement that:
4.1 Corporate Organization and Authority. The Company:
(a) is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing in the State of Delaware; and
(b) has the corporate power and authority to own and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted.
4.2 Corporate Power. The Company has all requisite legal and corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to sell and issue the Purchased Securities hereunder, and to carry out and perform its obligations under the terms of the Agreement.
4.3 Due Execution. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Purchased Securities by the Company and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of the Company. This Agreement and the Purchased Securities to be issued at each Closing have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and constitute the valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except to the extent that such enforcement may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or other laws of general application relating to or affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights and laws concerning equitable remedies.
4.4 Capitalization. The capitalization of the Company as of the date of this Agreement is set forth in Exhibit D.
5.Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser. Each Purchaser represents and warrants to and covenants with the Company as follows as of the applicable Closing Date on which such Purchaser is purchasing one or more Notes:
5.1 Authorization. When executed and delivered by the Purchaser, and assuming execution and delivery by the Company, this Agreement will constitute a valid and binding obligation of the Purchaser, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that such enforcement may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or other laws of general application relating to or affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights and laws concerning equitable remedies.
5.2 Brokers and Finders. The Purchaser has not retained any investment banker, broker, or finder in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.3 Investment. The Purchaser is acquiring the Purchased Securities as well as any shares of the Qualified Financing Securities or Shadow Financing Securities, as applicable, (collectively, the “Securities”) for investment for the Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to the sale or distribution of any part thereof. The Purchaser has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in, or otherwise distributing any Securities. By executing this Agreement, the Purchaser further represents that it has no contract, undertaking, agreement, or arrangement with any person to sell, transfer, or grant participation to such person or to any third person, with respect to any Securities.
5.4 No Public Market. The Purchaser understands and acknowledges that the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement will not be registered under the Securities Act, on the grounds that the offering and sale of securities contemplated by this Agreement are exempt from registration pursuant to one or more exemptions under the Securities Act, including without limitation the exemption provided by Section 4(a)(2) thereof, and that the Company’s reliance upon such exemption is predicated upon the Purchaser’s representations as set forth in this Agreement. The Purchaser further understands that no public market now exists for any of the securities issued by the Company and that the Company has given no assurances that a public market will ever exist for the Company’s securities.
5.5 Experience; Etc. The Purchaser represents that he, she or it: (a) has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of a prospective investment in the Purchased Securities being purchased by the Purchaser; (b) has received all the information requested from the Company that might be necessary or appropriate for deciding whether to obtain the Purchased Securities; (c) has had the opportunity to discuss the Company’s business, management, and financial affairs with the Company’s management; (d) has the ability to bear the economic risks of this investment; and (e) is able, without materially impairing its financial condition, to hold the Securities for an indefinite period of time and to suffer a complete loss on this investment.
5.6 No Reliance. The Purchaser has not relied upon any representation or warranty by the Company or its representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby other than those set forth in this Agreement.
5.7 Accredited Investor. The Purchaser hereby represents that he, she or it qualifies as an Accredited Investor, as defined herein.
5.8 “Bad Actor” Disqualification. The Purchaser hereby represents that neither it nor any of its affiliates or other related parties is a “bad actor,” as defined in Rule 506(d).
5.9 IRS Form. Each Purchaser hereby agrees to deliver to the Company at the Closing a completed IRS Form W-9 (if such Purchaser is a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes) or the appropriate IRS Form W-8 (if such Purchaser is a non-U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes). See Exhibit E for descriptions of, and links to, the relevant IRS forms.
5.10 Non-U.S. Purchasers. Each Purchaser who is a Non-U.S. person (as that term is defined in Section Error! Reference source not found. below) hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:
(a) This Agreement is made by the Company with the Purchaser, who is a Non-U.S. person, in reliance upon such Non-U.S. person’s representations, warranties and covenants made in this Section 5.10.
(b) Such Non-U.S. person has been advised and acknowledges that:
(i) the Securities have not been, and when issued, will not be registered under the Securities Act, the securities laws of any state of the United States or the securities laws of any other country;
(ii) in issuing and selling the Securities to such Non-U.S. person pursuant hereto, the Company is relying upon the “safe harbor” provided by Regulation S and/or on Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act;
(iii) it is a condition to the availability of the Regulation S “safe harbor” that the Securities not be offered or sold in the United States or to a U.S. person until the expiration of a one-year “distribution compliance period” (or a six-month “distribution compliance period,” if the issuer is a “reporting issuer,” as defined in Regulation S) following the date of issuance to such Non-U.S. person (the “Restricted Period”); and
(iv) notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, the Securities may be offered and sold by the holder thereof only if such offer and sale is made in compliance with the terms of this Agreement and either: (A) if the offer or sale is within the United States or to or for the account of a U.S. person (as such terms are defined in Regulation S), the securities are offered and sold pursuant to an effective registration statement or pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act; or (B) the offer and sale is outside the United States and to other than a U.S. person.
(c) As used herein, the term “United States” means the United States of America, its territories and possessions, any State of the United States, and the District of Columbia, and the term “U.S. person” (as defined in Regulation S) means:
(i) a natural person resident in the United States;
(ii) any partnership or corporation organized or incorporated under the laws of the United States;
(iii) any estate of which any executor or administrator is a U.S.
person;
(iv) any trust of which any trustee is a U.S. person;
(v) any agency or branch of a foreign entity located in the United States;
(vi) any nondiscretionary account or similar account (other than an estate or trust) held by a dealer or other fiduciary for the benefit or account of a U.S. person;
(vii) any discretionary account or similar account (other than an estate or trust) held by a dealer or other fiduciary organized, incorporated and (if an individual) resident in the United States; and
(viii) a corporation or partnership organized under the laws of any foreign jurisdiction and formed by a U.S. person principally for the purpose of investing in securities not registered under the Securities Act, unless it is organized or incorporated, and owned, by Accredited Investors who are not natural persons, estates or trusts.
(d) As used herein, the term “Non-U.S. person” means any person who is not a U.S. person or is deemed not to be a U.S. person under Rule 902(k)(2) of the Securities Act.
(e) Such Non-U.S. person agrees that with respect to the Securities, until the expiration of the Restricted Period:
(i) such Non-U.S. person, its agents or its representatives have not and will not solicit offers to buy, offer for sale or sell any of the Securities, or any beneficial interest therein in the United States or to or for the account of a U.S. person; and
(ii) notwithstanding the foregoing, the Securities may be offered and sold by the holder thereof only if such offer and sale is made in compliance with the terms of this Agreement and either: (A) if the offer or sale is within the United States or to or for the account of a U.S. person (as such terms are defined in Regulation S), the securities are offered and sold pursuant to an effective registration statement or pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act; or (B) the offer and sale is outside the United States and to other than a U.S. person; and
(iii) such Non-U.S. person shall not engage in hedging transactions with regard to the Securities unless in compliance with the Securities Act.
The foregoing restrictions are binding upon subsequent transferees of the Securities, except for transferees pursuant to an effective registration statement. Such Non-U.S. person agrees that after the Restricted Period, the Securities may be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account of a U.S. person only pursuant to applicable securities laws.
(f) Such Non-U.S. person has not engaged, nor is it aware that any party has engaged, and such Non-U.S. person will not engage or cause any third party to engage, in any directed selling efforts (as such term is defined in Regulation S) in the United States with respect to the Securities.
(g) Such Non-U.S. person: (i) is domiciled and has its principal place of business outside the United States; (ii) certifies that it is not a U.S. person and is not acquiring the Securities for the account or benefit of any U.S. person; and (iii) will be, at the time of the Closing, located outside the United States, as will any persons acting on such Non-U.S. person’s behalf in connection therewith.
(h) At the time of offering to such Non-U.S. person and communication of such Non-U.S. person’s order to purchase the Securities, and at the time of such Non-U.S. Person’s execution of this Agreement, the Non-U.S. person or persons acting on Non-U.S. person’s behalf in connection therewith were located outside the United States.
(i) Such Non-U.S. person is not a “distributor” (as defined in Regulation S) or a “dealer” (as defined in the Securities Act).
(j) Such Non-U.S. person acknowledges that the Company shall make a notation in its stock books regarding the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Section 5.10 and shall transfer such Securities on the books of the Company only to the extent consistent therewith.
In particular, such Non-U.S. person acknowledges that the Company shall refuse to register any transfer of any Purchased Security not made in accordance with the provisions of Regulation S, pursuant to registration under the Securities Act or pursuant to an available exemption from registration.
6.Subordination. Each Purchaser hereby agrees to enter into a Subordination Agreement with HSBC Ventures USA, Inc. (the “Senior Lender”), in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F (the “Subordination Agreement”), pursuant to which the indebtedness evidenced by the Notes shall be expressly subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of the debt owed to the Senior Lender, and to take such additional action as may be requested by the Company or the Senior Lender to evidence such subordination.
7.Legends and Restrictions on Transfer.
7.1 Securities Act. The Securities shall bear such restrictive legends as the Company and the Company’s counsel deem necessary or advisable under applicable law or pursuant to this Agreement, including, without limitation, a legend substantially in the following form:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY AND ANY SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION HEREOF HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER THE SECURITIES OR “BLUE SKY” LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION. SUCH SECURITIES AND ANY SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION HEREOF MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS THE REGISTRATION PROVISIONS OF SAID ACT AND THE REGISTRATION, QUALIFICATION AND FILING REQUIREMENTS OF ALL APPLICABLE JURISDICTIONS HAVE BEEN COMPLIED WITH OR UNLESS THE COMPANY HAS RECEIVED AN OPINION OF LEGAL COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY, IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY, THAT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION WILL BE EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION, QUALIFICATION AND FILING IN ALL SUCH JURISDICTIONS.”
7.2 No Transfer. No Purchaser may sell or transfer any Purchased Securities without the prior written consent of the Company.
8.1 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall not be assignable by any party without the written consent of the others; provided, that a merger or consolidation to which the Company is a party shall be deemed not be an assignment requiring consent; and provided, further, that the Company may assign this Agreement without the consent of the other parties hereto to any individual or entity that acquires control of the stock or all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
8.2 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties contained herein shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Closings.
8.3 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.
8.4 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware without reference to the conflicts of law provisions thereof.
8.5 Notices. All notices, requests, consents, and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand, sent by overnight courier, facsimile or e-mail, or mailed by first class certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid:
(a) If to the Company:
15 Blue Sky Drive Burlington, MA
Attn: Megan O’Connor
E-mail: [***]
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: Foley Hoag LLP
Seaport West
155 Seaport Boulevard
Boston, MA 02210-2600
Attn: Mark Barnett
E-mail: MBarnett@foleyhoag.com
(b) If to a Purchaser, at the address set forth next to the Purchaser’s name on the signature page hereto, or, in either case, at such other address for a party as such party may have furnished in writing in accordance with this Section 8.5.
Notices provided in accordance with this Section 8.5 shall be deemed delivered (i) upon personal delivery with signature required, (ii) one Business Day after they have been sent to the recipient by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid and signature required), (iii) upon confirmation of successful transmission of a facsimile message containing such notice if sent before 5 p.m., local time of the recipient, on any Business Day, and as of 9 a.m. local time of the recipient on the next Business Day if sent thereafter or on a day that is not a Business Day, (iv) if sent via e-mail, upon receipt if sent before 5 p.m., local time of the recipient, on any Business Day, and as of 9 a.m. local time of the recipient on the next Business Day if sent thereafter or on a day that is not a Business Day, or (iv) three Business Days after deposit in the United States mail. The term “Business Day” as used in this Section 8.5 shall mean any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banking institutions are not required to be open in the State of Delaware.
8.6 Complete Agreement. This Agreement (including its Exhibits) constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, written and oral, relating to such subject matter. To the extent that any provisions of this Agreement conflict with the provisions of the Notes or any other understanding between the parties, this Agreement shall control.
8.7 Amendments and Waivers. This Agreement and the corresponding terms of each Note may be amended, modified, or terminated, and the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived, with respect to all parties to this Agreement (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively), with the written consent of the Company and holders of the Note Approval Amount; provided, that no such amendment, modification or waiver shall be effective to the extent such amendment, modification or waiver adversely affects the rights of any holder of a Note in a manner different from those of such consenting holders (other than differences related to the different principal amounts or issue dates of the Notes) without the consent of each such differently affected holder; and provided, further, that consent by holders of the Note Approval Amount shall not be required for the addition of additional Purchasers as parties to this Agreement. No waivers of or exceptions to any term, condition or provision of this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be, or construed as, a further or continuing waiver of any such term, condition or provision.
8.8 Further Assurances. The parties agree to execute such further instruments and to take such further actions as may reasonably be necessary to carry out the intent of this Agreement.
8.9 Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original instrument, and all of which together shall for all purposes constitute one and the same Agreement. A signature of any party to this Agreement transmitted by facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf) or other electronic means shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
8.10 Pronouns. Whenever the context may require, any pronouns used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns and pronouns shall include the plural, and vice versa.
8.11 Section Headings and References. The section headings are for the convenience of the parties and in no way alter, modify, amend, limit, or restrict the contractual obligations of the parties. Any reference in this agreement to a particular section or subsection shall refer to a section or subsection of this Agreement, unless specified otherwise.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement as of the date set forth above.
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NTH CYCLE, INC. |
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|
By: |
/s/ Megan O’Connor |
Name: |
Megan O’Connor |
Title: |
Chief Executive Officer |
Signature Page to Nth Cycle, Inc. Note Purchase Agreement
Schedule of Purchasers
[***]
Schedule of Purchasers
[***]
Exhibit A
Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of June 27, 2025, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
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D.C. Thomson & Company Limited |
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
|
/s/ John Thomson |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
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John Thomson |
|
Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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|
|
Director |
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
|
|
|
Date: |
June 27, 2025 |
Amount Invested: |
$[***] |
Contact Person: |
John Thomson |
Address: |
[***] |
|
|
|
|
Telephone No.: |
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[***] |
|
Email Address: |
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[***] |
|
Signature Page to Nth Cycle, Inc. Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement
Exhibit A
Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of June 27, 2025, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
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ImpactAssets Inc. |
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
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/s/ Ivy Wafford Duke |
|
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
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|
Ivy Wafford Duke |
Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
|
|
General Counsel |
|
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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|
|
|
|
Date: |
June 27, 2025 |
Amount Invested: |
|
$[***] |
Contact Person: |
Ivy Wafford Duke |
Address: |
[***] |
Telephone No.: |
[***] |
Email Address: |
[***] |
Signature Page to Nth Cycle, Inc. Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement
Exhibit A
Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of June 27, 2025, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
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The Sitka Foundation |
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
|
|
/s/ Travis Inlow |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
|
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Travis Inlow |
Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
|
|
Director of Investments |
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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|
|
|
Date: |
July 2, 2025 |
Amount Invested: |
|
$[***] |
Contact Person: |
Travis Inlow |
Address: |
[***] |
Telephone No.: |
|
[***] |
Email Address: |
[***] |
Signature Page to Nth Cycle, Inc. Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement
Exhibit A
Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of June 27, 2025, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
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V.M. Salgaocar & Bro. (Singapore) Pte Ltd |
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
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/s/ Vivek Salgaocar |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
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Vivek Salgaocar |
Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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|
Founder |
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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|
|
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Date: |
July 9, 2025 |
Amount Invested: |
|
$[***] |
Contact Person: |
Vivek Salgaocar |
Address: |
|
[***] |
Telephone No.: |
[***] |
Email Address: |
[***] |
Signature Page to Nth Cycle, Inc. Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement
Exhibit A
Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of June 27, 2025, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
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Prospect Innovation Pte Ltd. |
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
|
|
/s/ Vivek Salgaocar |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
|
Vivek Salgaocar |
Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
|
|
Founder |
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
|
|
|
|
Date: |
July 9, 2025 |
Amount Invested: |
$ |
[***] |
Contact Person: |
Vivek Salgaocar |
Address: |
[***] |
Telephone No.: |
[***] |
Email Address: |
[***] |
Signature Page to Nth Cycle, Inc. Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement
Exhibit A
Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of June 27, 2025, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
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Ralph Tavakolian Morgan |
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
|
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/s/ Ralph T. Morgan |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
|
|
Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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|
|
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
|
|
|
|
Date: |
July 14, 2025 |
Amount Invested: |
$ |
[***] |
Contact Person: |
Ralph Tavakolian Morgan |
Address: |
[***] |
|
|
Telephone No.: |
[***] |
Email Address: |
[***] |
Signature Page to Nth Cycle, Inc. Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement
Exhibit A
Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of June 27, 2025, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
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MM Catalyst Fund LLC |
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
|
|
/s/ Andrew C. Dickey |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
|
|
Andrew C. Dickey |
Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
|
CEO and President |
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
|
|
|
|
Date: |
July 18, 2025 |
Amount Invested: |
$ |
[***] |
Contact Person: |
Jason Allen |
Address: |
[***] |
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|
Telephone No.: |
|
Email Address: |
[***] |
Signature Page to Nth Cycle, Inc. Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement
Exhibit A
Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of June 27, 2025, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
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Bobrowich Consulting, LLC |
Print Nameof Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
|
|
/s/ John Bobrowich |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
|
|
John Bobrowich |
Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
|
Principal |
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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|
|
|
Date: |
September 3, 2025 |
|
Amount Invested: |
$ |
[***] |
Contact Person: |
John Bobrowich |
Address: |
[***] |
|
|
Telephone No.: |
[***] |
Email Address: |
[***] |
Signature Page to Nth Cycle, Inc. Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement
Exhibit A
Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of June 27, 2025, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
|
Seth Snyder |
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
|
/s/ Seth Snyder |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
|
|
Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
|
|
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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|
|
Date: |
September 3, 2025 |
Amount Invested: |
$ [***] |
|
Contact Person: |
Seth Snyder |
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|
|
Address: |
[***] |
Telephone No.: |
[***] |
Email Address: |
[***] or [***] |
Signature Page to Nth Cycle, Inc. Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement
Exhibit A
Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of June 27, 2025, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
|
Bengt Karlsson |
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
|
|
/s/ Bengt Karlsson |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
|
|
|
Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
|
|
|
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
|
|
|
|
Date: |
September 5, 2025 |
Amount Invested: |
$ [***] |
|
Contact Person: |
Bengt Karlsson |
Address: |
[***] |
Telephone No.: |
[***] |
Email Address: |
[***] |
Signature Page to Nth Cycle, Inc. Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement
Exhibit A
Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of June 27, 2025, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
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Sahsen Investments II, LLC |
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
|
|
/s/ Bryan White |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
|
|
Bryan White |
Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
|
|
Managing Member |
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
|
|
|
|
Date: |
October 31, 2025 |
Amount Invested: |
|
$ [***] |
Contact Person: |
Bryan White |
Address: |
|
[***] |
Telephone No.: |
[***] |
Email Address: |
[***] |
Signature Page to Nth Cycle, Inc. Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement
Exhibit A
Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of June 27, 2025, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
|
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
|
|
/s/ Bryan White |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
|
|
Bryan White |
Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
|
|
|
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
|
|
Date: |
October 31, 2025 |
Amount Invested: |
$ [***] |
Contact Person: Bryan White |
|
Address: |
[***] |
Telephone No.: |
[***] |
Email Address: |
[***] |
Signature Page to Nth Cycle, Inc. Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement
Exhibit B
Form of Convertible Note See attached.
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY AND ANY SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION HEREOF HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER THE SECURITIES OR “BLUE SKY” LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION. SUCH SECURITIES AND ANY SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION HEREOF MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS THE REGISTRATION PROVISIONS OF SAID ACT AND THE REGISTRATION, QUALIFICATION AND FILING REQUIREMENTS OF ALL APPLICABLE JURISDICTIONS HAVE BEEN COMPLIED WITH OR UNLESS THE COMPANY HAS RECEIVED AN OPINION OF LEGAL COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY, IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY, THAT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION WILL BE EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION, QUALIFICATION AND FILING IN ALL SUCH JURISDICTIONS.
ANYTHING HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY NOTWITHSTANDING, THE OBLIGATIONS EVIDENCED BY THIS NOTE (AS DEFINED BELOW), THE EXERCISE OF ANY RIGHT OR REMEDY WITH RESPECT THERETO, AND CERTAIN OF THE RIGHTS OF THE HOLDER HEREOF ARE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT DATED AS OF [ ], 2025 (AS AMENDED, RESTATED, SUPPLEMENTED, OR OTHERWISE MODIFIED FROM TIME TO TIME, THE “SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT”), BY AND AMONG [HSBC VENTURES USA, INC.], HOLDER, AND THE OTHER PARTIES ITNHTEHRETEOV.ENT OF ANY CONFLICT BETWEEN THE TERMS OF THE SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT AND THIS NOTE, THE TERMS OF THE SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT SHALL GOVERN AND CONTROL.
SUBORDINATED CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTE
$[ ] [ ], 2025
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) hereby promises to pay to the order of [ ] (the “Payee”), the principal amount of
$[ ] on the Maturity Date.
This Note is one of a series of Notes that are being issued pursuant to a Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement dated as of [ ], 2025, by and among the Company and certain investors named therein, including the Payee (as it may be amended from time to time, the “Purchase Agreement”). Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meaning given to such terms in the Purchase Agreement. Each Note ranks equally and ratably with the other Notes without priority over one another. No payment shall be made hereunder unless payment is made with respect to the other Notes in an amount which bears the same ratio to the then unpaid principal and accrued but unpaid interest on such other Notes as the payment made hereon bears to the then unpaid principal and accrued but unpaid interest under this Note.
1. Interest. The principal balance of this Note outstanding from time to time shall bear simple interest at the applicable interest rate specified in the Purchase Agreement. Such interest shall accrue and shall be due and payable in arrears (together with principal) on the Maturity Date, subject to Section 4 below.
2. Payments. Payment of principal and interest shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America at the address of the Payee set forth below, or at such other place as the holder hereof shall have designated to the Company in writing.
3. Events of Default. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the entire unpaid principal balance of this Note and all unpaid accrued interest hereunder shall become immediately due and payable without notice or demand.
4. Conversion.
4.1. Qualified Financing. Upon the closing of a Qualified Financing, all of the principal and interest on this Note shall automatically convert into shares of the Qualified Financing Securities or Shadow Financing Securities, as applicable, at the applicable per share price set forth in the Purchase Agreement, and the Payee shall execute all necessary documents in connection with such Qualified Financing, all as more fully described in the Purchase Agreement.
4.2. Company Sale. Upon the closing of a Company Sale, the Payee shall be entitled to receive in respect of this Note certain consideration as more fully described in the Purchase Agreement.
5. New Note. Upon receipt of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note, the Company will issue a new promissory note, of like tenor and amount and dated the original date of this Note, in lieu of such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note, and in such event the holder thereof shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company in respect of any such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note.
6. Officers and Directors Not Liable. In no event shall any officer or director of the Company be liable for any amounts due and payable pursuant to this Note.
7. Miscellaneous.
7.1. The undersigned and every endorser or guarantor of this Note, regardless of the time, order or place of signing, waives presentment, demand, protest and notice of every kind and assents to any one or more extensions or postponements of the time of payment or any other indulgences, to any substitutions, exchanges or releases of collateral available to the Payee, if any, and to the additions or releases of any other parties or persons primarily or secondarily liable.
7.2. By accepting this Note, the Payee and each subsequent holder of this Note acknowledges and agrees that all payments under this Note shall be subordinate to any present or future debt obligation of the Company to any bank or other institutional lender and to any present or future indebtedness on account of trade payables evidenced by
secured promissory notes, including, but not limited to, debt owed to the Senior Lender as set forth in the Subordination Agreement. Upon request by the Company, the Payee and each subsequent holder of this Note agrees to confirm this subordination relationship to any such bank or institutional lender, including the Senior Lender, in a form reasonably acceptable to such bank or other institutional lender.
7.3. The provisions of this Note shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the substantive laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its principles of conflicts of laws.
7.4. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, payment of any interest, expense or other amount shall not be required if such payment would be unlawful. In any such event, this Note shall automatically be deemed amended so that interest charges and all other payments required hereunder, individually and in the aggregate, shall be equal to but not greater than the maximum permitted by law.
7.5. This Note may be amended or modified, and any provision of this Note may be waived, only with the written consent of the Company and (a) the holder hereof, or (b) holders of the Note Approval Amount (as defined in the Purchase Agreement); provided, that in the case of clause (b), no such amendment, modification or waiver shall be effective without the written consent of the holder hereof to the extent such amendment, modification or waiver adversely affects the rights of the holder of this Note in a manner different from those of the holders of the other Notes (other than differences related to the different principal amounts or issue dates of the Notes). Any amendment effected in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence shall be binding upon the Company, the Payee and each transferee of this Note.
7.6. In the event any one or more of the provisions of this Note shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part or in any respect, or in the event that any one or more of the provisions of this Note operate or would prospectively operate to invalidate this Note, then and in any such event, such provision(s) only shall be deemed null and void and shall not affect any other provision of this Note and the remaining provisions of this Note shall remain operative and in full force and effect and in no way shall be affected, prejudiced, or disturbed thereby.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]
Exhibit C
Form of Warrant
See attached.
THIS WARRANT AND THE UNDERLYING SECURITIES AND THE SECURITIES, IF ANY, ISSUABLE UPON THE CONVERSION OF SUCH SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “ACT”), AS AMENDED, OR UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED EXCEPT AS PERMITTED UNDER THE ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM. THE ISSUER OF THESE SECURITIES MAY REQUIRE AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER THAT SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION OTHERWISE COMPLIES WITH THE ACT AND ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS.
NTH CYCLE, INC. WARRANT TO PURCHASE STOCK
For value received, this Warrant is issued to [ ] (“Holder”) and entitles Holder to subscribe for and purchase at the Exercise Price from Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation, with its principal office at 15 Blue Sky Drive, Burlington, MA 01803 (the “Company”), the Warrant Shares (as defined below) upon the terms and subject to the adjustments as provided herein. This Warrant is one of a series of similar Warrants (collectively, the “Warrants”) issued pursuant to that certain Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof and executed by the Company, Holder and the other purchasers party thereto (as may be amended from time to time, the “Purchase Agreement”).
1. Definitions. As used herein, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
(a) “Deemed Liquidation Event” has the meaning given such term in the Company’s Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended from time to time.
(b) “Exercise Period” means if the Trigger Event has occurred, the date commencing on the closing of the Qualified Financing and ending on the earliest to occur of (i) thirty (30) days after the initial closing of a Qualified Financing or (ii) immediately prior to a Deemed Liquidation Event. For the avoidance of doubt, Holder acknowledges that if the Round Size Requirement is met, the Trigger Event shall not occur in which case this Warrant will never become exercisable and shall immediately terminate and expire.
(c) “Exercise Price” means the Capped Price (as defined in the Purchase Agreement).
(d) “Round Size Requirement” means an aggregate of at least $22.5 million of Subordinated Convertible Promissory Notes of the Company have been purchased by Purchasers in all Closings under the Purchase Agreement on or before the Final Closing Date.
(e) “Trigger Event” means as of the Final Closing Date the Round Size Requirement has not been met.
(f) “Warrant Shares” means a number of shares of the Qualified Financing Securities (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) equal to the quotient of (i) fifteen percent (15%) of the principal amount of the Note purchased by the Holder in the on the date hereof under the Purchase Agreement divided by (ii) the Capped Price (as defined in the Purchase Agreement).
Any capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to such term in or by reference in the Purchase Agreement.
2. Exercise of Warrant.
2.1 Cash Exercise. The rights represented by this Warrant may be exercised in whole or in part at any time during the Exercise Period, by delivery of the following to the Company at its address set forth above (or at such other address as the Company may designate in writing to Holder):
(a) an executed Notice of Exercise in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A;
(b) payment equal to the Exercise Price multiplied by the number of Warrant Shares for which the Warrant is being exercised, (i) in cash, by wire transfer or by check to the Company or (ii) by cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to Holder; and
(c) this Warrant.
Upon the exercise of the rights represented by this Warrant, a certificate or certificates for the Warrant Shares so purchased, registered in the name of Holder shall be issued and delivered to Holder as soon as practicable after the rights represented by this Warrant shall have been so exercised. In the event that this Warrant is being exercised for less than all of the then current number of Warrant Shares purchasable hereunder, the Company shall, concurrently with the issuance by the Company of the number of Warrant Shares for which this Warrant is then being exercised, issue a new Warrant exercisable for the remaining number of Warrant Shares then purchasable hereunder. The person in whose name any certificate or certificates for Warrant Shares are to be issued upon exercise of this Warrant shall be deemed to have become the holder of record of such shares on the date on which this Warrant was surrendered and payment of the Exercise Price was made, irrespective of the date of delivery of such certificate or certificates, except that,
if the date of such surrender and payment is a date when the stock transfer books of the Company are closed, such person shall be deemed to have become the holder of such shares at the close of business on the next succeeding date on which the stock transfer books are open. The Holder agrees in connection with the exercise of this Warrant to execute all necessary documents in connection with such Qualified Financing Securities reasonably requested of the Holder, including executing a definitive purchase agreement, investor rights agreement and such other financing agreements as
shall be agreed upon by the Company and the other investors participating in such Qualified Financing.
3. Fractional Shares; Effect of Exercise. No fractional shares shall be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant. In lieu of issuance of any fractional share to Holder upon exercise of this Warrant, the Company shall pay to Holder otherwise entitled to such fraction a sum in cash equal to the product obtained by multiplying the applicable Exercise Price by such fraction. Upon exercise of this Warrant, the Company shall be forever released from all its obligations and liabilities under this Warrant and this Warrant shall be deemed of no further force or effect, whether or not the original of this Warrant has been surrendered to the Company pursuant to Section 2 hereof.
4. Representations and Warranties.
4.1 Company Representations and Warranties. The Company represents and warrants to Holder all of the representations and warranties made in respect of the Purchase Agreement to the “Purchasers” thereunder. Additionally, Company, on behalf of itself and its successors and assigns, represents and warrants to Holder, that all Warrant Shares which may be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant shall, upon issuance, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and free of any liens and encumbrances except for restrictions on transfer provided for herein or under applicable federal and state securities laws. The Company covenants that it shall at all times following the closing of the Qualified Financing cause to be reserved and kept available out of its authorized and unissued capital stock such number of shares of Qualified Financing Securities and other securities as will be sufficient to permit the exercise in full of this Warrant.
4.2 Holder Representations and Warranties. Holder represents and warrants that it is acquiring the Warrant solely for its account for investment and not with a view to or for sale or distribution of said Warrant or Warrant Shares or any part thereof. Holder also represents that the entire legal and beneficial interests of the Warrant and Warrant Shares Holder is acquiring is being acquired for, and will be held for, its account only. Holder understands that the Warrant and the Warrant Shares have not been registered under the Act on the basis that no distribution or public offering of the stock of the Company is to be effected. Holder realizes that the basis for the exemption may not be present if, notwithstanding its representations, Holder has a present intention of acquiring the securities for a fixed or determinable period in the future, selling (in connection with a distribution or otherwise), granting any participation in, or otherwise distributing the securities. Holder has no such present intention. Holder recognizes that the Warrant and the Warrant Shares must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Act or an exemption from such registration is available. Holder is aware that neither the Warrant nor the Warrant Shares may be sold pursuant to Rule 144 adopted under the Act unless certain conditions are met, including, among other things, the existence of a public market for the shares, the availability of certain current public information about the Company, the resale following the required holding period under Rule 144 and the number of shares being sold during any three month period not exceeding specified limitations. Holder is aware that the conditions for resale set forth in Rule 144 have not been satisfied and that the Company presently has no plans to satisfy
these conditions in the foreseeable future. Holder is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D promulgated under the Act.
5. No Stockholder Rights. This Warrant shall not entitle Holder to any right to receive dividends, voting rights or other rights as a stockholder of the Company.
6. Lost, Stolen, Mutilated or Destroyed Warrant. The Company covenants to Holder hereof that, upon receipt of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant or any stock certificate and, in the case of any such loss, theft or destruction, upon receipt of an indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Company, or in the case of any such mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of such Warrant or stock certificate, the Company shall make and deliver a new Warrant or stock certificate, of like tenor, in lieu of the lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Warrant or stock certificate.
7. Notices. Any notice required or permitted under this Warrant shall be given in accordance with Section 8.5 of the Purchase Agreement.
8. Acceptance. Receipt of this Warrant by Holder shall constitute acceptance of and agreement to all of the terms and conditions contained herein.
9. Amendment and Waiver. Any provision of this Warrant may be amended or waived in a writing signed by both the Company and Holder.
10. Governing Law. This Warrant shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, excluding its internal rules governing the conflict of laws.
(Signature page follows)
Exhibit a
NOTICE OF EXERCISE
TO: Nth Cycle, Inc.
(1) The undersigned hereby elects to purchase shares of Qualified Financing Securities of Nth Cycle, Inc. (the “Company”) pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant, and tenders herewith payment of the Exercise Price in full, together with all applicable transfer taxes, if any by; Check all that apply:
(a) payment of US$ by wire transfer, federal reference number
, or
(b) cancellation of indebtedness in the amount of US$ , represented by the note enclosed herewith.
(2) Please issue a certificate or certificates representing said shares of Stock in the name of the undersigned or in such other name as is specified below:
Holder
Address
(3) The undersigned represents that (i) the aforesaid shares of Stock are being acquired for the account of the undersigned for investment and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, the distribution thereof and that the undersigned has no present intention of distributing or reselling such shares; (ii) the undersigned is aware of the Company’s business affairs and financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an informed and knowledgeable decision regarding the undersigned’s investment in the Company; (iii) the undersigned is experienced in making investments of this type and has such knowledge and background in financial and business matters that the undersigned is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of this investment and protecting the undersigned’s own interests; (iv) the undersigned understands that the shares of Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant have not been registered under the Securities Act, by reason of a specific exemption from the registration provisions of the Securities Act, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of the investment intent as expressed herein, and, because such securities have not been registered under the Securities Act, they must be held indefinitely unless subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available; (v) the undersignedis aware that the aforesaid shares of Stock may not be sold pursuant to Rule 144 adopted under the Securities Act unless certain conditions are met and until the undersigned has held the shares for the number of years prescribed by Rule 144, that among the conditions for use of the Rule is the availability of current information to the public about the Company and the Company has not made such information available and has no present plans to do so; (vi) the undersigned is an “accredited investor” (as defined in Rule 501 promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act); and (vii) the undersigned agrees not to make any disposition of all or any part of the aforesaid shares unless and until there is then in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering such proposed disposition and such disposition is made in accordance with said registration statement, or the
undersigned has provided the Company with an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company, stating that such registration is not required.
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Exhibit D
Capitalization of Nth Cycle, Inc.
See attached.
[***]
Exhibit E
U.S. TAX FORMS
The relevant U.S. tax forms are summarized below and hyperlinks to electronic/printable copies of such forms (and their corresponding instructions) are provided.
1. IRS Form W-9
Complete this form if you are a U.S. Person for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See the instructions to IRS Form W-9 for more information.
Form & Instructions: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf
2. IRS Form W-8BEN
Complete this form if you are a non-U.S. individual and you are not receiving income that is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States (in which case IRS Form W-8ECI is the correct form, see below). See the instructions to IRS Form W-8BEN for more information.
Form: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw8ben.pdf
Instructions: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw8ben.pdf
3. IRS Form W-8BEN-E
Complete this form if you are a non-U.S. entity and none of the IRS Forms W-8ECI, W-8EXP or W-8IMY is relevant to you. See the instructions to IRS Form W-8BEN-E for more information.
Form: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw8bene.pdf
Instructions: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw8bene.pdf
4. IRS Form W-8ECI
Complete this form if you are a non-U.S. person and you are the beneficial owner of U.S.-source income that is (or is deemed to be) effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States. See the instructions to IRS Form W-8ECI for more information.
Form: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw8eci.pdf
Instructions: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw8eci.pdf
5. IRS Form W-8EXP
Complete this form if you are a non-U.S. government, international organization, non-U.S. central bank of issue, non-U.S. tax-exempt organization or non-U.S. private foundation. See the instructions to IRS Form W-8EXP for more information.
Form: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw8exp.pdf
Instructions: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw8exp.pdf
6. IRS Form W-8IMY
This form is generally used by non-U.S. partnerships and intermediaries to claim that they are not the beneficial owner of income. Such parties can represent that they are subject to streamlined documentation and reporting requirements if they have a withholding agreement with the IRS. In addition to providing IRS Form W-8IMY, non-U.S. partnerships and intermediaries may be required to provide the IRS with IRS Forms W-9 or W-8, as applicable, for each of their respective partners or members, along with allocation information as to each partner’s/member’s share of the income paid to the partnership/intermediary. See the instructions to IRS Form W-8IMY for more information.
Form: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw8imy.pdf
Instructions: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw8imy.pdf
Exhibit F
Form of Subordination Agreement See attached.
SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT
SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT, dated [ ], 2025 (this “Agreement”), by and among
(a) the undersigned creditors set forth on the signature pages attached hereto (each individually and collectively, jointly and severally, “Subordinated Creditor”), (b) (i) NTH CYCLE INC., a Delaware corporation and (ii) NTH CYCLE HOLDINGS I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (individually and collectively, jointly and severally, the “Company”) and (c) HSBC VENTURES USA INC., a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States of America (together with its successors and assigns, the “Senior Lender”).
R E C I T A L S
A. The Company and the Senior Lender have entered into a Loan and Security Agreement dated May 2, 2024 (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Senior Credit Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, the Senior Lender has agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Senior Credit Agreement, to make certain loans and financial accommodations to the Company.
B. The Subordinated Creditor may from time to time make loans or other extensions of credit to the Company pursuant to the Subordinated Debt Documents (as hereinafter defined).
C. As an inducement to and as one of the conditions precedent to the agreement of the Senior Lender to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Senior Credit Agreement, the Senior Lender has required the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Subordinated Creditor and the Company in order to set forth the relative rights and priorities of the Senior Lender and the Subordinated Creditor under the Senior Debt Documents (as hereinafter defined) and the Subordinated Debt Documents.
NOW, THEREFORE, in order to induce the Senior Lender to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Senior Credit Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which hereby are acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
Section 1. Definitions.
Section 1.01. Certain Defined Terms. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings given to them in the Senior Credit Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
“Bankruptcy Code” shall mean Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended from time to time and any successor statute and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Collateral” means any and all property or other assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or other affiliates in or upon which a lien or other security interest is granted or purported to be granted to the Senior Lender under any of the Senior Debt Documents.
“Distribution” means, with respect to any indebtedness, obligation or security, (a) any payment or distribution by any Person of cash, securities or other property, by set-off or otherwise, on account of such indebtedness, obligation or security, (b) any redemption, purchase or other
acquisition of such indebtedness, obligation or security by any Person or (c) the granting of any lien or security interest to or for the benefit of the holders of such indebtedness, obligation or security in or upon any property of any Person.
“Enforcement Action” shall mean (a) to take from or for the account of the Company or any guarantor of the Subordinated Debt, by set-off or in any other manner, the whole or any part of any moneys which may now or hereafter be owing by the Company or any such guarantor with respect to the Subordinated Debt, (b) to sue for payment of, or to initiate or participate with others in any suit, action or proceeding against the Company or any such guarantor to (i) enforce payment of or to collect the whole or any part of the Subordinated Debt or (ii) commence judicial enforcement of any of the rights and remedies under the Subordinated Debt Documents or applicable law with respect to the Subordinated Debt, (c) to accelerate the Subordinated Debt,
(d) to exercise any put option or to cause the Company or any such guarantor to honor any redemption or mandatory prepayment obligation under any Subordinated Debt Document, (e) join with any other creditor in the commencement of any Proceeding in respect of the Company or any such guarantor or (f) to take any action under the provisions of any state or federal law or other applicable law, including, without limitation, the Uniform Commercial Code, or under any contract or agreement, to enforce, foreclose upon, take possession of or sell any property or assets of the Company or any such guarantor.
“HSBC Loan Documents” shall mean the Senior Credit Agreement and all other agreements, documents and instruments executed from time to time in connection therewith, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, general or limited partnership, limited liability company, firm, trust, association, government, governmental agency or other entity, whether acting in an individual, fiduciary or other capacity.
“Proceeding” shall mean any voluntary or involuntary insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, custodianship, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors, appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar powers or any other proceeding for the liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of a Person.
“Senior Debt” shall mean all obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of every nature of the Company or any guarantor from time to time owed to the Senior Lender under the Senior Debt Documents (other than the Warrant), including, without limitation, the principal amount of all debts, claims and indebtedness, accrued and unpaid interest and all fees, costs and expenses, whether primary, secondary, direct, contingent, fixed or otherwise, heretofore, now and from time to time hereafter owing, due or payable, whether arising before, during or after the filing of a Proceeding (including any Proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code) together with (a) any amendments, modifications, renewals or extensions thereof and (b) any interest accruing thereon
after the commencement of a Proceeding, without regard to whether or not such interest is an allowed claim (in whole or in part) in any such Proceeding. Senior Debt shall be considered to be outstanding whenever any loan commitment under the Senior Debt Documents is outstanding.
“Senior Debt Documents” shall mean the HSBC Loan Documents and, after the consummation of any refinancing of the Senior Debt under the HSBC Loan Documents, any financing documentation which replaces the HSBC Loan Documents and pursuant to which the Senior Debt under the HSBC Loan Documents is refinanced, as such financing documentation may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Subordinated Debt” shall mean all of the obligations of the Company or any guarantor to the Subordinated Creditor, whether or not evidenced by or incurred pursuant to the Subordinated Debt Documents.
“Subordinated Debt Default” shall mean a default in the payment of the Subordinated Debt or in the performance of any term, covenant or condition contained in the Subordinated Debt Documents or any other occurrence permitting the Subordinated Creditor to accelerate the payment of or cause the redemption of all or any portion of the Subordinated Debt.
“Subordinated Debt Documents” shall mean all documents, agreements and instruments now existing or hereinafter entered into evidencing or pertaining to all or any portion of the Subordinated Debt, including any guaranty with respect to the Subordinated Debt.
Section 2. Subordination.
Section 2.01. Subordination of Subordinated Debt to Senior Debt. The Company covenants and agrees, and the Subordinated Creditor likewise covenants and agrees, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any of the Subordinated Debt Documents, that the payment of any and all of the Subordinated Debt shall be subordinate and subject in right and time of payment, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth, to the prior indefeasible payment in full in cash of all Senior Debt. Each holder of Senior Debt, whether such Senior Debt is now outstanding or hereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, shall be deemed to have acquired Senior Debt in reliance upon the provisions contained in this Agreement.
Section 2.02. Liquidation, Dissolution, Bankruptcy. In the event of any Proceeding involving the Company, any guarantor of the Senior Debt or the Subordinated Debt, or any subsidiary of the Company or any such guarantor:
(a) All Senior Debt shall first be indefeasibly paid in full in cash and all commitments to lend under the Senior Debt Documents shall be terminated before any Distribution, whether in cash, securities or other property, shall be made to Subordinated Creditor on account of any Subordinated Debt.
(b) Any Distribution, whether in cash, securities or other property which would otherwise, but for the terms hereof, be payable or deliverable in respect of the Subordinated Debt shall be paid or delivered directly to the Senior Lender (to be applied by the Senior Lender in accordance with the terms of the Senior Debt Documents) until all Senior Debt is indefeasibly paid in full in cash and all commitments to lend under the Senior Debt Documents shall have been terminated. The Subordinated Creditor irrevocably authorizes, empowers and directs any debtor, debtor in possession, receiver, trustee, liquidator, custodian, conservator or other Person having authority, to pay or otherwise deliver all such Distributions to the Senior Lender. The Subordinated Creditor also irrevocably authorizes and empowers the Senior Lender, in the name of such Subordinated Creditor, to demand, sue for, collect and receive any and all such Distributions.
(c) The Subordinated Creditor agrees not to initiate, prosecute or participate in any claim, action or other proceeding challenging the enforceability, validity, perfection or priority of the Senior Debt or any liens and security interests securing the Senior Debt.
(d) The Subordinated Creditor agrees to execute, verify, deliver and file any proofs of claim in respect of the Subordinated Debt requested by the Senior Lender in connection with any such Proceeding and hereby irrevocably authorizes, empowers and appoints the Senior Lender its agent and attorney-in-fact to (i) execute, verify, deliver and file such proofs of claim upon the failure of the Subordinated Creditor promptly to do so prior to 30 days before the expiration of the time to file any such proof of claim and (ii) vote such claim in any such Proceeding upon any failure of the Subordinated Creditor to do so prior to 15 days before the expiration of the time to vote any such claim; provided the Senior Lender shall have no obligation to execute, verify, deliver, file or vote any such proof of claim. In the event that the Senior Lender votes any claim in accordance with the authority granted hereby, the Subordinated Creditor shall not be entitled to change or withdraw such vote.
(e) The Senior Debt shall continue to be treated as Senior Debt and the provisions of this Agreement shall continue to govern the relative rights and priorities of the Senior Lender and the Subordinated Creditor even if all or part of the Senior Debt or any security interest securing the Senior Debt is subordinated, set aside, avoided, invalidated or disallowed in connection with any such Proceeding, and this Agreement shall be reinstated if at any time any payment of any of the Senior Debt is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by any holder of Senior Debt or any representative of such holder.
Section 2.03. Subordinated Debt Payment Restrictions.
(a) Notwithstanding the terms of the Subordinated Debt Documents, the Company hereby agrees that it may not make, directly or indirectly, and the Subordinated Creditor hereby agrees that it will not accept without the prior written consent of Senior Lender, any Distribution with respect to the Subordinated Debt until the Senior Debt (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) is indefeasibly paid in full in cash and all commitments to lend under the Senior Debt Documents have terminated. Nothing in the foregoing paragraph shall prohibit Subordinated Creditor from converting all or any part
of the Subordinated Debt into equity securities of the Company, provided that, if such securities have any call, put or other conversion features that would obligate the Company to declare or pay dividends, make distributions, or otherwise pay any money or deliver any other securities or consideration to the holder, Subordinated Creditor hereby agrees that Company may not declare, pay or make such dividends, distributions or other payments to Subordinated Creditor, and Subordinated Creditor shall not accept any such dividends, distributions or other payments except as may be permitted in the Senior Credit Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 2.03 to the contrary, the failure of the Company to make any Distribution with respect to the Subordinated Debt by reason of the operation of this Section 2.03 shall not be construed as preventing the occurrence of a Subordinated Debt Default under the applicable Subordinated Debt Documents.
Section 2.04. Subordinated Debt Standstill Provisions. Until the date on which the Senior Debt is indefeasibly paid in full in cash and all commitments to lend under the Senior Debt Documents have been terminated, the Subordinated Creditor shall not, without the prior written consent of the Senior Lender, take any Enforcement Action with respect to the Subordinated Debt. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Subordinated Creditor may file proofs of claim against the Company in any Proceeding involving the Company. Any Distributions or other proceeds of any Enforcement Action obtained by the Subordinated Creditor shall in any event be held in trust by them for the benefit of the Senior Lender and promptly paid or delivered to the Senior Lender in the form received until all Senior Debt is indefeasibly paid in full in cash and all commitments to lend under the Senior Debt Documents have been terminated.
Section 2.05. Subrogation. Subject to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all Senior Debt and the termination of all lending commitments under the Senior Debt Documents, the Subordinated Creditor shall be subrogated to the rights of the Senior Lender to receive Distributions with respect to the Senior Debt until the Subordinated Debt is paid in full. If any Distribution on account of the Subordinated Debt not permitted to be made by the Company or accepted by the Subordinated Creditor under this Agreement is made, such Distribution shall be promptly paid over to the Senior Lender for application (in accordance with the Senior Debt Documents) to the payment of the Senior Debt then remaining unpaid, until all of the Senior Debt is paid in full in cash.
Section 2.06. Subordination of Liens and Security Interests; Agreement Not to Contest; Agreement to Release Liens. Until the Senior Debt has been indefeasibly paid in full in cash and all commitments to lend under the Senior Debt Documents have been terminated, the Subordinated Creditor agrees that it shall not hold or obtain (or seek to hold or obtain) any lien or other security interest in any Collateral or other property or assets of the Company or any of the Company’s subsidiaries or other affiliates. Furthermore, until the Senior Debt has been indefeasibly paid in full in cash and all commitments to lend under the Senior Debt Documents have been terminated, any liens and security interests of the Subordinated Creditor in the Collateral, including which may exist in breach of any such Subordinated Creditor’s agreements pursuant to this Section 2.06 or Section 4.01 below, shall be and hereby are subordinated for all purposes and in all respects to the liens and security interests of the Senior Lender in the Collateral, regardless of the time, manner or order of perfection of any such liens and security interests. The
Subordinated Creditor agrees that it will not at any time contest the validity, perfection, priority or enforceability of the Senior Debt, the Senior Debt Documents, or the liens and security interests of the Senior Lender in any Collateral securing the Senior Debt. In the event that the Subordinated Creditor obtains any liens or security interests in the Collateral, the Subordinated Creditor shall (or shall cause its agent to) promptly execute and deliver to the Senior Lender such termination statements and releases as the Senior Lender shall request to effect the release of the liens and security interests of any such Subordinated Creditor in such Collateral.
Section 2.07. Sale, Transfer or other Disposition of Subordinated Debt.
(a) No Subordinated Creditor shall sell, assign, pledge, dispose of or otherwise transfer all or any portion of the Subordinated Debt or any Subordinated Debt Document.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the subordination effected hereby shall survive any sale, assignment, pledge, disposition or other transfer of all or any portion of the Subordinated Debt in violation of the foregoing prohibition, and the terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, legatees, successors and assigns of the Subordinated Creditor, as provided in Section 5.03 hereof.
Section 2.08. Legends. Until the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 5.08 hereof, the Subordinated Creditor will cause to be clearly, conspicuously and prominently inserted on the face of each of the Subordinated Debt Documents, as well as any renewals or replacements thereof, the following legend:
“This instrument and the rights and obligations evidenced hereby are subordinate in the manner and to the extent set forth in that certain Subordination Agreement, dated as of [ ] (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Subordination Agreement”), among (a) the individuals and entities party to that certain Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of [ ], 2025, as purchasers, (b) (i) NTH CYCLE INC., a Delaware corporation and (ii) NTH CYCLE HOLDINGS I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (individually and collectively, jointly and severally, the “Company”), and (c) HSBC VENTURES USA INC. (the “Senior Lender”), to the indebtedness (including interest) owed by the Company pursuant to that certain Loan and Security Agreement, dated May 2, 2024 (the “Senior Credit Agreement”), between the Company and the Senior Lender, as such Senior Credit Agreement has been and hereafter may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time and to indebtedness refinancing the indebtedness under the Senior Credit Agreement; and each holder of this instrument, by its acceptance hereof,
irrevocably agrees to be bound by the provisions of the Subordination Agreement.”
Section 3. Modification.
Section 3.01. Modifications to Senior Debt Documents. The Senior Lender may at any time and from time to time without the consent of or notice to the Subordinated Creditor, without incurring liability to the Subordinated Creditor and without impairing or releasing the obligations of the Subordinated Creditor under this Agreement, change the manner or place of payment or extend the time of payment of or renew or alter any of the terms of the Senior Debt, or amend or otherwise modify in any manner any of the Senior Debt Documents and any other agreement, note, guaranty or other instrument evidencing or securing or otherwise relating to the Senior Debt.
Section 3.02. Modifications to Subordinated Debt Documents. Until the Senior Debt has been indefeasibly paid in full in cash and all lending commitments under the Senior Debt Documents have terminated, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Subordinated Debt Documents, the Subordinated Creditor shall not, without the prior written consent of the Senior Lender, agree to any amendment, modification or supplement to the Subordinated Debt Documents.
Section 4. Representations and Warranties.
Section 4.01. Representations and Warranties of the Subordinated Creditor. The Subordinated Creditor hereby represents and warrants to the Senior Lender that (a) such Subordinated Creditor has the power and authority to enter into, execute, deliver and carry out the terms of this Agreement, all of which have been duly authorized by all proper and necessary action; (b) the execution of this Agreement by the Subordinated Creditor will not violate or conflict with the organizational documents of the Subordinated Creditor, any material agreement binding upon the Subordinated Creditor or any law, regulation or order or require any consent or approval which has not been obtained; (c) this Agreement is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Subordinated Creditor, enforceable against the Subordinated Creditor in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by equitable principles; (d) the Subordinated Creditor is the sole owner, beneficially and of record, of its ratable share of the Subordinated Debt; and (e) the Subordinated Debt is, and at all times prior to the termination of this Agreement shall remain, an unsecured obligation of the Company.
Section 5. Miscellaneous.
Section 5.01. Notices. All notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and delivered as follows:
(a) If to the Subordinated Creditor, to the corresponding name and address as set forth on the signature pages attached hereto; or
(b) If to the Company, to it at 15 Blue Sky Drive, Burlington, MA 01803, Attention: Coleman Adams (Email: [***]); or
(c) If to the Senior Lender, to it at HSBC Ventures USA Inc., Attention: CMB Loan Service Team, Larkin U Building, 239 Van Rensselaer Street, Buffalo, New York 14210, or such other address as Senior Lender may designate in writing, (Phone: 716-841-6444), (Email: CMB.Loan.Service@us.hsbc.com).
Section 5.02. Modification. Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by each of the Subordinated Creditor, the Company and the Senior Lender. No failure or delay by the Senior Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Senior Lender hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that it would otherwise have.
Section 5.03. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be binding upon, the respective heirs, legatees, successors and assigns of the Senior Lender, the Subordinated Creditor and the Company. The Senior Lender may, from time to time, without notice to the Subordinated Creditor, but subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Senior Debt Documents, assign or transfer any or all of the Senior Debt or any interest therein to any Person and, notwithstanding any such assignment or transfer, or any subsequent assignment or transfer, the Senior Debt shall, subject to the terms hereof, be and remain Senior Debt for purposes of this Agreement, and every permitted assignee or transferee of any of the Senior Debt or of any interest therein shall, to the extent of the interest of such permitted assignee or transferee in the Senior Debt, be entitled to rely upon and be the third party beneficiary of the subordination provided under this Agreement and shall be entitled to enforce the terms and provisions hereof to the same extent as if such assignee or transferee were initially a party hereto.
Section 5.04. Further Assurances. Each party to this Agreement promptly will execute and deliver such further instruments and agreements and do such further acts and things as may be reasonably requested in writing by any other party hereto that may be necessary or desirable in order to effect fully the purposes of this Agreement.
Section 5.05. Relative Rights. This Agreement shall define the relative rights of the Senior Lender and the Subordinated Creditor. Nothing in this Agreement shall (a) impair, as between the Company and the Senior Lender and as between the Company and the Subordinated Creditor, the obligation of the Company with respect to the payment of the Senior Debt and the Subordinated Debt in accordance with their respective terms or (b) affect the relative rights of the Senior Lender or the Subordinated Creditor with respect to any other creditors of the Company.
Section 5.06. Conflict. In the event of any conflict between any term, covenant or condition of this Agreement and any term, covenant or condition of any of the Subordinated Debt Documents, the provisions of this Agreement shall control and govern.
Section 5.07. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile, in electronic (i.e., “pdf” or “tif” format, or by electronic signature shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement. The parties agree and consent to the use of electronic signatures solely for the purposes of executing this Agreement or any related transactional document (including any amendments thereto). The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of similar import in, or with respect to, this Agreement shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same effect, validity and enforceability as manually executed signatures or a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for under applicable law, including the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act of 2000 (15 USC § 7001 et seq.), the Electronic Signatures and Records Act of 1999 (NY State Technology Law §§ 301-309), or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. This Agreement constitutes the entire contract between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Such electronic signature shall be deemed to have the same full and binding effect as a handwritten signature.
Section 5.08. Severability. Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.
Section 5.09. Continuation of Subordination; Termination of Agreement. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Senior Debt and the termination of all lending commitments under the Senior Debt Documents after which this Agreement shall terminate without further action on the part of the parties hereto.
Section 5.10. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.
(a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of law principles except Title 14 of Article 5 of the New York General Obligations law.
(b) The Subordinated Creditors and the Company irrevocably and unconditionally submit, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts for the Southern District of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, and each of the parties irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may (and any such claims, cross-claims or third party claims brought against the Senior Lender or any of its Related Parties may only) be heard and determined in such federal (to the extent permitted by law) or state court. The Subordinated Creditor and the Company agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in
this Agreement shall affect any right that the Senior Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement against the Subordinated Creditor and the Company or their respective properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.
(c) The Subordinated Creditor and the Company hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section 5.10. Each of the parties irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.
(d) The Subordinated Creditors and the Company hereby irrevocably consents to the service of process in any suit, action or proceeding in such courts by the mailing thereof by the Senior Lender by (i) first class mail, (ii) registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or (iii) by reputable commercial overnight carrier that guarantees next day delivery and provides a receipt, at its address set forth in Section 5.01 hereto.
Section 5.11. Patriot Act / Beneficial Ownership Regulation. The Senior Lender hereby notifies the Subordinated Creditor and the Company that pursuant to the requirements of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Pub. L. 107-56, 115 Stat. 272 (Oct. 26, 2001)) (the “USA Patriot Act”) and the requirements of 31 C.F.R. Sec. 1010.230 (the “Beneficial Ownership Regulation”), the Senior Lender is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Subordinated Creditor and the Company, which information includes the name, address and beneficial ownership of the Subordinated Creditor and the Company and other information that will allow the Senior Lender to identify the Subordinated Creditor and the Company in accordance with the USA Patriot Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, and the Subordinated Creditor and the Company agrees to provide such information and any applicable certifications from time to time to the Senior Lender.
Section 5.12. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE SUBORDINATED CREDITOR AND THE COMPANY HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).
[Signature pages to follow.]
NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This Note Purchase Agreement is dated as of April 24, 2026 (the “Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the individuals and entities who become parties to this Agreement by executing and delivering a Note Purchase Agreement Signature Page in the form of Exhibit A hereto in accordance with Section 2 hereof (each a “Purchaser” and, collectively, the “Purchasers”), which Purchasers shall be set forth on the Schedule of Purchasers attached hereto.
In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Agreement, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1.Authorization; Sale of Notes.
1.1.Authorization. The Company has duly authorized the sale and issuance, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, at one or more closings, of Subordinated Convertible Promissory Notes in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B in the aggregate principal amount of up to $15,000,000 (each a “Note” and, collectively, the “Notes”).
1.2.Use of Proceeds. The Company will use the proceeds from the sale of the Notes for (i) expenses related to hiring additional staff, (ii) expenses related to industrialization of the Company’s rare earth and copper platforms, (iii) development of two, large-scale commercial black mass refining projects, (iv) executing a potential deSPAC transaction, and (v) working capital and other general corporate purposes.
2.1.Notes. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each closing (collectively, the “Closings”) of the sale and purchase of Notes under this Agreement shall take place at Foley Hoag LLP, Seaport West, 155 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA 02210-2600 (or remotely via the exchange of documents and signatures) on or after the date hereof (the date of each such Closing, a “Closing Date”). The Company may conduct one or more additional closings to sell the remaining Notes at any time until the earliest of (i) sixty (60) days following the initial Closing Date, (ii) the time at which the Company has executed a binding term sheet for a Series C preferred equity financing, and (iii) the time at which the Company has executed a letter of intent with a special purpose acquisition company sponsor for a de-SPAC transaction (such date, the “Final Closing Date”). At each Closing, the Company shall deliver a Note to each Purchaser participating in such Closing in the original principal amount set forth next to such Purchaser’s name on its signature page hereto, and each Purchaser shall pay to the Company the purchase price therefor, which shall be equal to such original principal amount. The Company is under no obligation to sell, and makes no representation or warranty regarding its ability to secure subscriptions for the purchase of, the full principal amount of the Notes available for issuance hereunder.
3.Certain Terms of the Notes.
3.1.Maturity. Each Note shall be due and payable on the earlier of (i) 36 months following the initial Closing Date (the “Maturity Date”) upon the written request of the holders of
the Note Approval Amount (as defined below), provided however, on or after the Maturity Date the Company may elect to pay any Note without notice or request from any Note holder, or (ii) the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined below).
3.2.Interest. The principal balance of the Notes will bear simple interest at a rate of 8% per annum.
3.3.Payments. Any payments on the Notes will be made in proportion to the outstanding principal amount each such Note represents relative to the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Notes. The Company shall not prepay any portion of the Notes without the prior written consent of holders of Notes representing a majority of the principal amount then outstanding on the Notes (the “Note Approval Amount”).
3.4.Automatic Conversion.
(a)Upon a Qualified Financing. For the purposes of this Agreement, a “Qualified Financing” shall mean an equity financing involving the sale of equity securities primarily for capital-raising purposes resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of at least $30,000,000, not including proceeds as a result of the conversion of the Notes or other indebtedness. Upon the closing of such Qualified Financing, all principal and interest on each Note shall automatically convert into that number of shares of the equity securities issued in such Qualified Financing (the “Qualified Financing Securities”) equal to the quotient of (i) the outstanding principal amount of such Note plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon divided by (ii) the lesser of (A) the Discounted Price (as defined below), or (B) the Capped Price (as defined below); provided, however, that, in the event the Qualified Financing Securities are preferred stock of the Company (“Preferred Stock”) with a corresponding liquidation preference, the Company may, at its election, issue shares of Shadow Financing Securities (as defined below) to the holder of such Note in lieu of such Qualified Financing Securities. The Purchasers agree in connection with the conversion of the Notes in accordance with this Section 3.4 to execute all necessary documents in connection with such Qualified Financing reasonably requested of the Purchasers, including executing a definitive purchase agreement, investor rights agreement and such other financing agreements as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the other investors participating in such Qualified Financing.
(i)The “Conversion Discount” shall be equal to 20%.
(ii)The “Discounted Price” shall mean the per share price at which the shares of Qualified Financing Securities are to be sold generally in a Qualified Financing (not including any discounts applicable as a result of the Notes, any other convertible notes or other convertible securities) reduced by the Conversion Discount.
(iii)The “Capped Price” shall be equal to the per share price implied by a fully-diluted, pre-money valuation of $235,000,000 (which valuation includes all shares of capital stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to such Qualified Financing, including all allocated and unallocated options pursuant to the Company’s 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, any increase to the option pool made prior to or at the time of such Qualified Financing and
all other rights to acquire capital stock of the Company outstanding at the time of such Qualified Financing, exclusive of the Notes, any other convertible notes or other convertible securities).
(iv)“Shadow Financing Securities” shall mean a series of Preferred Stock with substantially the same rights, preferences and privileges as the Qualified Financing Securities, except that the per share liquidation preference of the Shadow Financing Securities will equal the lesser of the Discounted Price or the Capped Price, with corresponding adjustments to any price-based antidilution and/or dividend rights provisions.
(b)Upon a Sale of the Company. The Company shall notify the holders of the Notes of the closing of a Company Sale (as defined below) at least five (5) days prior to the expected closing of such Company Sale. Such notice shall include any information generally provided by the Company to the holders of the Company’s common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (“Common Stock”) in connection with the Company Sale, if any. Upon the closing of such Company Sale, each Purchaser shall receive in respect of such Purchaser’s Note and in preference to the holders of Common Stock an amount equal to the greater of (i) 1.5X the outstanding principal balance of such Note, plus any unpaid interest, or (ii) the amount of consideration to which such Purchaser would have been entitled had all outstanding principal of and interest on such Purchaser’s Note been converted into shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a conversion price per share equal to the Capped Price, effective immediately prior to the completion of such sale of the Company. If the proceeds to the Company upon a Company Sale consist of cash and capital stock of the acquiring entity (“Acquirer Stock”), the Company may, at the reasonable discretion of the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”), elect to fulfill its obligations under this Section 3.4(b) by paying to each Purchaser the amount owed to him, her or it hereunder in a mix of cash and Acquirer Stock equivalent to the ratio of cash and Acquirer Stock received by the Company or its stockholders in such Company Sale. A “Company Sale” shall occur upon the sale, conveyance, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or the Company’s merger with or into, or consolidation with, any other entity (other than a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company) or any other transaction or series of related transactions as a result of which less than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the surviving entity (or, if the surviving entity is a wholly-owned subsidiary of another entity, the ultimate parent of the surviving entity) is held by persons that are stockholders of the Company as of immediately prior to such event; provided, however, that a merger effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company shall not be deemed to be a Company Sale; and provided, further, that the term “Company Sale” shall not apply to equity financings primarily for capital-raising purposes.
(c)Effect of Conversion, Etc. Upon conversion of any Note pursuant to this Section 3, provided that the securities issued upon such conversion are duly and validly issued and are nonassessable, the Company will be forever released and discharged from all of its obligations and liabilities under such Note, including without limitation the obligation to pay the principal amount and accrued interest. No fractional shares shall be issuable by the Company upon conversion of any Note. In lieu of any fractional share which would otherwise be issuable upon conversion of any Note, the Company shall pay to the holder of such Note an amount in cash equal to the product of such fraction multiplied by the applicable conversion price. Upon conversion of each Note, the holder thereof shall surrender such Note, duly endorsed, at the principal offices of the Company or to any transfer agent of the Company. Following such surrender, the Company will, at its expense, issue and deliver to such holder a certificate or certificates for the securities to
which such holder is entitled as a result of such conversion and a check payable to such holder for any cash amounts payable in lieu of any fractional share in accordance with this Section 3.
3.5.Events of Default. Each of the following shall constitute an “Event of Default,” unless waived in writing by holders of the Note Approval Amount:
(a)the failure by the Company to pay any amount due hereunder within 10 days of the due date thereof; or
(b)the appointment of a receiver of any property, the assignment or trust mortgage for the benefit of creditors, the commencement of any kind of insolvency proceedings under any bankruptcy or other law relating to the relief of debtors, or the entry of an order for relief with respect to the Company in any proceeding pursuant to the United States Bankruptcy Code, as amended.
3.6.Redemption from Unaccredited Investors, Bad Actors. If at any time the Company shall determine, in its sole discretion, that any holder of a Note: (i) did not or does not qualify as an “accredited investor,” as such term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D (or any successor provision or amendment thereto) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) (an “Accredited Investor”); or (ii) was or has become (or that any of such holder’s affiliates or other related parties was or has become) a “bad actor” within the meaning of Rule 506(d) promulgated under the Securities Act (“Rule 506(d)”), the Company may, at its sole election, redeem any Note held by such holder at any time without the consent of the holder thereof for an amount equal to the outstanding principal plus any accrued but unpaid interest thereon. Each holder of a Note redeemed pursuant to this Section 3.6 because such holder cannot certify to the Company that: (i) such holder is an Accredited Investor; or (ii) such holder is not a “bad actor,” as defined in Rule 506(d) (or that none of such holder’s affiliates or related parties are “bad actors”), acknowledges that: (a) such holder is not eligible to acquire securities in a Qualified Financing; (b) such holder therefore has no right to receive securities in exchange for its Note; and(c) that payment for the redemption of such Note can occur after the closing of a Qualified Financing from the proceeds of such Qualified Financing.
4.Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to each Purchaser as of the date of this Agreement that:
4.1.Corporate Organization and Authority. The Company:
(a)is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing in the State of Delaware; and
(b)has the corporate power and authority to own and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted.
4.2.Corporate Power. The Company has all requisite legal and corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to sell and issue the Notes hereunder, and to carry out and perform its obligations under the terms of the Agreement.
4.3.Due Execution. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Notes by the Company and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of the Company. This Agreement and the Notes to be issued at each Closing have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and constitute the valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except to the extent that such enforcement may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or other laws of general application relating to or affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights and laws concerning equitable remedies.
4.4.Capitalization. The capitalization of the Company as of the date of this Agreement is set forth in Exhibit C.
5.Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser. Each Purchaser represents and warrants to and covenants with the Company as follows as of the applicable Closing Date on which such Purchaser is purchasing one or more Notes:
5.1.Authorization. When executed and delivered by the Purchaser, and assuming execution and delivery by the Company, this Agreement will constitute a valid and binding obligation of the Purchaser, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that such enforcement may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or other laws of general application relating to or affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights and laws concerning equitable remedies.
5.2.Brokers and Finders. The Purchaser has not retained any investment banker, broker, or finder in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.3.Investment. The Purchaser is acquiring the Note as well as any shares of the Qualified Financing Securities or Shadow Financing Securities, as applicable, (collectively, the “Securities”) for investment for the Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to the sale or distribution of any part thereof. The Purchaser has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in, or otherwise distributing any Securities. By executing this Agreement, the Purchaser further represents that it has no contract, undertaking, agreement, or arrangement with any person to sell, transfer, or grant participation to such person or to any third person, with respect to any Securities.
5.4.No Public Market. The Purchaser understands and acknowledges that the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement will not be registered under the Securities Act, on the grounds that the offering and sale of securities contemplated by this Agreement are exempt from registration pursuant to one or more exemptions under the Securities Act, including without limitation the exemption provided by Section 4(a)(2) thereof, and that the Company’s reliance upon such exemption is predicated upon the Purchaser’s representations as set forth in this Agreement. The Purchaser further understands that no public market now exists for any of
the securities issued by the Company and that the Company has given no assurances that a public market will ever exist for the Company’s securities.
5.5.Experience; Etc. The Purchaser represents that he, she or it: (a) has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of a prospective investment in the Note being purchased by the Purchaser; (b) has received all the information requested from the Company that might be necessary or appropriate for deciding whether to obtain the Note; (c) has had the opportunity to discuss the Company’s business, management, and financial affairs with the Company’s management; (d) has the ability to bear the economic risks of this investment; and (e) is able, without materially impairing its financial condition, to hold the Securities for an indefinite period of time and to suffer a complete loss on this investment.
5.6.No Reliance. The Purchaser has not relied upon any representation or warranty by the Company or its representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby other than those set forth in this Agreement.
5.7.Accredited Investor. The Purchaser hereby represents that he, she or it qualifies as an Accredited Investor, as defined herein.
5.8.“Bad Actor” Disqualification. The Purchaser hereby represents that neither it nor any of its affiliates or other related parties is a “bad actor,” as defined in Rule 506(d).
5.9.IRS Form. Each Purchaser hereby agrees to deliver to the Company at the Closing a completed IRS Form W-9 (if such Purchaser is a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes) or the appropriate IRS Form W-8 (if such Purchaser is a non-U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes). See Exhibit D for descriptions of, and links to, the relevant IRS forms.
5.10.Non-U.S. Purchasers. Each Purchaser who is a Non-U.S. person (as that term is defined in Section Error! Reference source not found. below) hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:
(a)This Agreement is made by the Company with the Purchaser, who is a Non-U.S. person, in reliance upon such Non-U.S. person’s representations, warranties and covenants made in this Section 5.10.
(b)Such Non-U.S. person has been advised and acknowledges that:
(i)the Securities have not been, and when issued, will not be registered under the Securities Act, the securities laws of any state of the United States or the securities laws of any other country;
(ii)in issuing and selling the Securities to such Non-U.S. person pursuant hereto, the Company is relying upon the “safe harbor” provided by Regulation S and/or on Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act;
(iii)it is a condition to the availability of the Regulation S “safe harbor” that the Securities not be offered or sold in the United States or to a U.S. person until the expiration of a one-year “distribution compliance period” (or a six-month “distribution compliance period,” if the issuer is a “reporting issuer,” as defined in Regulation S) following the date of issuance to such Non-U.S. person (the “Restricted Period”); and
(iv)notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, the Securities may be offered and sold by the holder thereof only if such offer and sale is made in compliance with the terms of this Agreement and either: (A) if the offer or sale is within the United States or to or for the account of a U.S. person (as such terms are defined in Regulation S), the securities are offered and sold pursuant to an effective registration statement or pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act; or (B) the offer and sale is outside the United States and to other than a U.S. person.
(c)As used herein, the term “United States” means the United States of America, its territories and possessions, any State of the United States, and the District of Columbia, and the term “U.S. person” (as defined in Regulation S) means:
(i)a natural person resident in the United States;
(ii)any partnership or corporation organized or incorporated under the laws of the United States;
(iii)any estate of which any executor or administrator is a U.S.
person;
(iv)any trust of which any trustee is a U.S. person;
(v)any agency or branch of a foreign entity located in the United States;
(vi)any nondiscretionary account or similar account (other than an estate or trust) held by a dealer or other fiduciary for the benefit or account of a U.S. person;
(vii)any discretionary account or similar account (other than an estate or trust) held by a dealer or other fiduciary organized, incorporated and (if an individual) resident in the United States; and
(viii)a corporation or partnership organized under the laws of any foreign jurisdiction and formed by a U.S. person principally for the purpose of investing in securities not registered under the Securities Act, unless it is organized or incorporated, and owned, by Accredited Investors who are not natural persons, estates or trusts.
(d)As used herein, the term “Non-U.S. person” means any person who is not a U.S. person or is deemed not to be a U.S. person under Rule 902(k)(2) of the Securities Act.
(e)Such Non-U.S. person agrees that with respect to the Securities, until the expiration of the Restricted Period:
(i)such Non-U.S. person, its agents or its representatives have not and will not solicit offers to buy, offer for sale or sell any of the Securities, or any beneficial interest therein in the United States or to or for the account of a U.S. person; and
(ii)notwithstanding the foregoing, the Securities may be offered and sold by the holder thereof only if such offer and sale is made in compliance with the terms of this Agreement and either: (A) if the offer or sale is within the United States or to or for the account of a U.S. person (as such terms are defined in Regulation S), the securities are offered and sold pursuant to an effective registration statement or pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act; or (B) the offer and sale is outside the United States and to other than a U.S. person; and
(iii)such Non-U.S. person shall not engage in hedging transactions with regard to the Securities unless in compliance with the Securities Act.
The foregoing restrictions are binding upon subsequent transferees of the Securities, except for transferees pursuant to an effective registration statement. Such Non-U.S. person agrees that after the Restricted Period, the Securities may be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account of a U.S. person only pursuant to applicable securities laws.
(f)Such Non-U.S. person has not engaged, nor is it aware that any party has engaged, and such Non-U.S. person will not engage or cause any third party to engage, in any directed selling efforts (as such term is defined in Regulation S) in the United States with respect to the Securities.
(g)Such Non-U.S. person: (i) is domiciled and has its principal place of business outside the United States; (ii) certifies that it is not a U.S. person and is not acquiring the Securities for the account or benefit of any U.S. person; and (iii) will be, at the time of the Closing, located outside the United States, as will any persons acting on such Non-U.S. person’s behalf in connection therewith.
(h)At the time of offering to such Non-U.S. person and communication of such Non-U.S. person’s order to purchase the Securities, and at the time of such Non-U.S. Person’s execution of this Agreement, the Non-U.S. person or persons acting on Non-U.S. person’s behalf in connection therewith were located outside the United States.
(i)Such Non-U.S. person is not a “distributor” (as defined in Regulation S) or a “dealer” (as defined in the Securities Act).
(j)Such Non-U.S. person acknowledges that the Company shall make a notation in its stock books regarding the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Section 5.10 and shall transfer such Securities on the books of the Company only to the extent consistent therewith.
In particular, such Non-U.S. person acknowledges that the Company shall refuse to register any transfer of any Purchased Security not made in accordance with the provisions of Regulation S, pursuant to registration under the Securities Act or pursuant to an available exemption from registration.
6.Subordination. Each Purchaser hereby agrees to enter into a Subordination Agreement with HSBC Ventures USA, Inc. (the “Senior Lender”), in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E (the “Subordination Agreement”), pursuant to which the indebtedness evidenced by the Notes shall be expressly subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of the debt owed to the Senior Lender, and to take such additional action as may be requested by the Company or the Senior Lender to evidence such subordination.
7.Legends and Restrictions on Transfer.
7.1.Securities Act. The Securities shall bear such restrictive legends as the Company and the Company’s counsel deem necessary or advisable under applicable law or pursuant to this Agreement, including, without limitation, a legend substantially in the following form:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY AND ANY SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION HEREOF HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER THE SECURITIES OR “BLUE SKY” LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION. SUCH SECURITIES AND ANY SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION HEREOF MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS THE REGISTRATION PROVISIONS OF SAID ACT AND THE REGISTRATION, QUALIFICATION AND FILING REQUIREMENTS OF ALL APPLICABLE JURISDICTIONS HAVE BEEN COMPLIED WITH OR UNLESS THE COMPANY HAS RECEIVED AN OPINION OF LEGAL COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY, IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY, THAT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION WILL BE EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION, QUALIFICATION AND FILING IN ALL SUCH JURISDICTIONS.
7.2.No Transfer. No Purchaser may sell or transfer any Note without the prior written consent of the Company.
8.1.Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall not be assignable by any party without the written consent of the others; provided, that a merger or consolidation to which the Company is a party shall be deemed not be an assignment requiring consent; and provided, further, that the Company may assign this Agreement without the consent of the other parties hereto to any individual or entity that acquires control of the stock or all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
8.2.Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties contained herein shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Closings.
8.3.Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.
8.4.Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware without reference to the conflicts of law provisions thereof.
8.5.Notices. All notices, requests, consents, and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand, sent by overnight courier, facsimile or e-mail, or mailed by first class certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid:
15 Blue Sky Drive
Burlington, MA
Attn: Megan O’Connor
E-mail: [***]
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Foley Hoag LLP
Seaport West
155 Seaport Boulevard
Boston, MA 02210-2600
Attn: Mark Barnett
E-mail: MBarnett@foleyhoag.com
(b)If to a Purchaser, at the address set forth next to the Purchaser’s name on the signature page hereto, or, in either case, at such other address for a party as such party may have furnished in writing in accordance with this Section 8.5.
Notices provided in accordance with this Section 8.5 shall be deemed delivered (i) upon personal delivery with signature required, (ii) one Business Day after they have been sent to the recipient by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid and signature required), (iii) upon confirmation of successful transmission of a facsimile message containing such notice if sent before 5 p.m., local time of the recipient, on any Business Day, and as of 9 a.m. local time of the recipient on the next Business Day if sent thereafter or on a day that is not a Business Day, (iv) if sent via e-mail, upon receipt if sent before 5 p.m., local time of the recipient, on any Business Day, and as of 9 a.m. local time of the recipient on the next Business Day if sent thereafter or on a day that is not a Business Day, or (iv) three Business Days after deposit in the United States mail. The
term “Business Day” as used in this Section 8.5 shall mean any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banking institutions are not required to be open in the State of Delaware.
8.6.Complete Agreement. This Agreement (including its Exhibits) constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, written and oral, relating to such subject matter. To the extent that any provisions of this Agreement conflict with the provisions of the Notes or any other understanding between the parties, this Agreement shall control.
8.7.Amendments and Waivers. This Agreement and the corresponding terms of each Note may be amended, modified, or terminated, and the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived, with respect to all parties to this Agreement (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively), with the written consent of the Company and holders of the Note Approval Amount; provided, that no such amendment, modification or waiver shall be effective to the extent such amendment, modification or waiver adversely affects the rights of any holder of a Note in a manner different from those of such consenting holders (other than differences related to the different principal amounts or issue dates of the Notes) without the consent of each such differently affected holder; and provided, further, that consent by holders of the Note Approval Amount shall not be required for the addition of additional Purchasers as parties to this Agreement. No waivers of or exceptions to any term, condition or provision of this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be, or construed as, a further or continuing waiver of any such term, condition or provision.
8.8.Further Assurances. The parties agree to execute such further instruments and to take such further actions as may reasonably be necessary to carry out the intent of this Agreement.
8.9.Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original instrument, and all of which together shall for all purposes constitute one and the same Agreement. A signature of any party to this Agreement transmitted by facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf) or other electronic means shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
8.10.Pronouns. Whenever the context may require, any pronouns used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns and pronouns shall include the plural, and vice versa.
8.11.Section Headings and References. The section headings are for the convenience of the parties and in no way alter, modify, amend, limit, or restrict the contractual obligations of the parties. Any reference in this agreement to a particular section or subsection shall refer to a section or subsection of this Agreement, unless specified otherwise.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Note Purchase Agreement as of the date set forth above.
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NTH CYCLE, INC. |
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By: |
/s/ Megan O’Connor |
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Name: |
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Megan O’Connor |
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Title: |
CEO |
Signature Page to Nth Cycle, Inc. Note Purchase Agreement
Schedule of Purchasers
[***]
Exhibit A
Note Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of April 24, 2026, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
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D.C. Thomson & Company Limited |
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
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/s/ John Thomson |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
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John Thomson |
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Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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Director |
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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Date: |
April 24, 2026 |
Amount Invested: |
$[***] |
Contact Person: |
John Thomson |
Address: |
[***] |
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Telephone No.: |
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[***] |
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Email Address: |
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[***] |
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Exhibit A
Note Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of April 24, 2026, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
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WovenEarth Fund II, LP |
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
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WovenEarth Fund II GP, LLC |
General Partner Name |
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/s/ Denise Miller |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
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Denise Miller |
Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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Managing Member |
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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Date: |
April 24, 2026 |
Amount Invested: |
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$[***] |
Contact Person: |
Denise Miller |
Address: |
[***] |
Telephone No.: |
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Email Address: |
[***] |
Exhibit A
Note Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of April 24, 2026, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
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Wisdom Warrior I LP |
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
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/s/ Gary Griffiths |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
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Gary Griffiths |
Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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Managing Director |
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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Date: |
April 24, 2026 |
Amount Invested: |
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$[***] |
Contact Person: |
Gary Griffiths |
Address: |
[***] |
Telephone No.: |
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[***] |
Email Address: |
[***] |
Exhibit A
Note Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of April 24, 2026, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
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Patrick Elliott |
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
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/s/ Patrick Elliott |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
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Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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Date: |
April 27, 2026 |
Amount Invested: |
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$[***] |
Contact Person: |
Patrick Elliott |
Address |
[***] |
Telephone No.: |
[***] |
Email Address: |
[***] |
Exhibit A
Note Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of April 24, 2026, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
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MUUS 2nd Holdings LLC |
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
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/s/ Michael W. Sonnenfeldt |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
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Michael W. Sonnenfeldt |
Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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President and CEO |
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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Date: |
May 1, 2026 |
Amount Invested: |
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$[***] |
Contact Person: |
Kavita Patel |
Address: |
[***] |
Telephone No.: |
[***] |
Email Address: |
[***] |
Exhibit A
Note Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of April 24, 2026, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
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Sky Energy Corporation |
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
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/s/ Diana Ayre |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
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Diana Ayre |
Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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Chief Financial Officer |
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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Date: |
May 8, 2026 |
Amount Invested: |
$ |
[***] |
Contact Person: |
Kyle Haddow |
Address: |
[***] |
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Telephone No.: |
[***] |
Email Address: |
[***] |
Exhibit A
Note Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of April 24, 2026, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
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HB Asset Management Corp |
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
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/s/ T. Chen Fong |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
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T. Chen Fong |
Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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President |
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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Date: |
May 20, 2026 |
Amount Invested: |
$ |
[***] |
Contact Person: |
T. Chen Fong |
Address: |
[***] |
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Telephone No.: |
[***] |
Email Address: |
[***] |
Exhibit A
Note Purchase Agreement Signature Page
By execution and delivery of this signature page, the undersigned hereby agrees that he, she, or it is a Purchaser, as defined in that certain Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Purchasers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), dated as of April 24, 2026, acknowledges having read the representations in the Purchase Agreement contained in the section entitled “Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of each Purchaser,” and hereby represents that the statements contained therein are complete and accurate with respect to the undersigned as a Purchaser. The undersigned further hereby agrees that he, she or it is bound by the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as a “Purchaser” thereunder and authorizes this signature page to be attached to the Purchase Agreement as a counterpart signature thereto.
Executed, in counterpart, as of the date set forth below.
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WEV NC SPV, LP |
Print Name of Purchaser (Individual or Entity) |
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WovenEarth Fund II GP, LLC |
General Partner Name |
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/s/ Denise Miller |
Signature of Purchaser or Authorized Agent |
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Denise Miller |
Print Name of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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Authorized Signatory |
Title of Authorized Agent (If Entity) |
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Date: |
May 22, 2026 |
Amount Invested: |
$ [***] |
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Contact Person: |
Denise Miller |
Address: |
[***] |
Telephone No.: |
[***] |
Email Address: |
[***] |
Exhibit B
Form of Convertible Note
See attached.
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY AND ANY SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION HEREOF HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER THE SECURITIES OR “BLUE SKY” LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION. SUCH SECURITIES AND ANY SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION HEREOF MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS THE REGISTRATION PROVISIONS OF SAID ACT AND THE REGISTRATION, QUALIFICATION AND FILING REQUIREMENTS OF ALL APPLICABLE JURISDICTIONS HAVE BEEN COMPLIED WITH OR UNLESS THE COMPANY HAS RECEIVED AN OPINION OF LEGAL COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY, IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY, THAT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION WILL BE EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION, QUALIFICATION AND FILING IN ALL SUCH JURISDICTIONS.
ANYTHING HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY NOTWITHSTANDING, THE OBLIGATIONS EVIDENCED BY THIS NOTE (AS DEFINED BELOW), THE EXERCISE OF ANY RIGHT OR REMEDY WITH RESPECT THERETO, AND CERTAIN OF THE RIGHTS OF THE HOLDER HEREOF ARE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT DATED AS OF [ ], 2026 (AS AMENDED, RESTATED, SUPPLEMENTED, OR OTHERWISE MODIFIED FROM TIME TO TIME, THE “SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT”), BY AND AMONG [HSBC VENTURES USA, INC.], HOLDER, AND THE OTHER PARTIES THERETO. IN THE EVENT OF ANY CONFLICT BETWEEN THE TERMS OF THE SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT AND THIS NOTE, THE TERMS OF THE SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT SHALL GOVERN AND CONTROL.
SUBORDINATED CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTE
$[ ] [ ], 2026
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Nth Cycle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) hereby promises to pay to the order of [ ] (the “Payee”), the principal amount of $[ ] on the Maturity Date.
This Note is one of a series of Notes that are being issued pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement dated as of [ ], 2026, by and among the Company and certain investors named therein, including the Payee (as it may be amended from time to time, the “Purchase Agreement”). Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meaning given to such terms in the Purchase Agreement. Each Note ranks equally and ratably with the other Notes without priority over one another. No payment shall be made hereunder unless payment is made with respect to the other Notes in an amount which bears the same ratio to the then unpaid principal and accrued but unpaid interest on such other Notes as the payment made hereon bears to the then unpaid principal and accrued but unpaid interest under this Note.
1.Interest. The principal balance of this Note outstanding from time to time shall bear simple interest at the applicable interest rate specified in the Purchase Agreement. Such interest
shall accrue and shall be due and payable in arrears (together with principal) on the Maturity Date, subject to Section 4 below.
2.Payments. Payment of principal and interest shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America at the address of the Payee set forth below, or at such other place as the holder hereof shall have designated to the Company in writing.
3.Events of Default. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the entire unpaid principal balance of this Note and all unpaid accrued interest hereunder shall become immediately due and payable without notice or demand.
4.1.Qualified Financing. Upon the closing of a Qualified Financing, all of the principal and interest on this Note shall automatically convert into shares of the Qualified Financing Securities or Shadow Financing Securities, as applicable, at the applicable per share price set forth in the Purchase Agreement, and the Payee shall execute all necessary documents in connection with such Qualified Financing, all as more fully described in the Purchase Agreement.
4.2.Company Sale. Upon the closing of a Company Sale, the Payee shall be entitled to receive in respect of this Note certain consideration as more fully described in the Purchase Agreement.
5.New Note. Upon receipt of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note, the Company will issue a new promissory note, of like tenor and amount and dated the original date of this Note, in lieu of such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note, and in such event the holder thereof shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company in respect of any such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note.
6.Officers and Directors Not Liable. In no event shall any officer or director of the Company be liable for any amounts due and payable pursuant to this Note.
7.1.The undersigned and every endorser or guarantor of this Note, regardless of the time, order or place of signing, waives presentment, demand, protest and notice of every kind and assents to any one or more extensions or postponements of the time of payment or any other indulgences, to any substitutions, exchanges or releases of collateral available to the Payee, if any, and to the additions or releases of any other parties or persons primarily or secondarily liable.
7.2.By accepting this Note, the Payee and each subsequent holder of this Note acknowledges and agrees that all payments under this Note shall be subordinate to any present or future debt obligation of the Company to any bank or other institutional lender and to any present or future indebtedness on account of trade payables evidenced by secured promissory notes, including, but not limited to, debt owed to the Senior Lender as set forth in the Subordination Agreement. Upon request by the Company, the Payee and each subsequent holder of this Note
agrees to confirm this subordination relationship to any such bank or institutional lender, including the Senior Lender, in a form reasonably acceptable to such bank or other institutional lender.
7.3.The provisions of this Note shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the substantive laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its principles of conflicts of laws.
7.4.Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, payment of any interest, expense or other amount shall not be required if such payment would be unlawful. In any such event, this Note shall automatically be deemed amended so that interest charges and all other payments required hereunder, individually and in the aggregate, shall be equal to but not greater than the maximum permitted by law.
7.5.This Note may be amended or modified, and any provision of this Note may be waived, only with the written consent of the Company and (a) the holder hereof, or (b) holders of the Note Approval Amount (as defined in the Purchase Agreement); provided, that in the case of clause (b), no such amendment, modification or waiver shall be effective without the written consent of the holder hereof to the extent such amendment, modification or waiver adversely affects the rights of the holder of this Note in a manner different from those of the holders of the other Notes (other than differences related to the different principal amounts or issue dates of the Notes). Any amendment effected in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence shall be binding upon the Company, the Payee and each transferee of this Note.
7.6.In the event any one or more of the provisions of this Note shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part or in any respect, or in the event that any one or more of the provisions of this Note operate or would prospectively operate to invalidate this Note, then and in any such event, such provision(s) only shall be deemed null and void and shall not affect any other provision of this Note and the remaining provisions of this Note shall remain operative and in full force and effect and in no way shall be affected, prejudiced, or disturbed thereby.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Subordinated Convertible Promissory Note as an instrument under seal as of the date first above written.
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NTH CYCLE, INC. |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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Signature Page to Subordinate Convertible Promissory Note – Nth Cycle, Inc
Exhibit C
Capitalization of Nth Cycle, Inc.
See attached.
[***]
Exhibit D
U.S. TAX FORMS
The relevant U.S. tax forms are summarized below and hyperlinks to electronic/printable copies of such forms (and their corresponding instructions) are provided.
1. IRS Form W-9
Complete this form if you are a U.S. Person for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See the instructions to IRS Form W-9 for more information.
Form & Instructions: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf
2. IRS Form W-8BEN
Complete this form if you are a non-U.S. individual and you are not receiving income that is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States (in which case IRS Form W-8ECI is the correct form, see below). See the instructions to IRS Form W-8BEN for more information.
Form: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw8ben.pdf
Instructions: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw8ben.pdf
3. IRS Form W-8BEN-E
Complete this form if you are a non-U.S. entity and none of the IRS Forms W-8ECI, W-8EXP or W-8IMY is relevant to you. See the instructions to IRS Form W-8BEN-E for more information.
Form: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw8bene.pdf
Instructions: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw8bene.pdf
4. IRS Form W-8ECI
Complete this form if you are a non-U.S. person and you are the beneficial owner of U.S.-source income that is (or is deemed to be) effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States. See the instructions to IRS Form W-8ECI for more information.
Form: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw8eci.pdf
Instructions: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw8eci.pdf
5. IRS Form W-8EXP
Complete this form if you are a non-U.S. government, international organization, non-U.S. central bank of issue, non-U.S. tax-exempt organization or non-U.S. private foundation. See the instructions to IRS Form W-8EXP for more information.
Form: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw8exp.pdf
Instructions: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw8exp.pdf
6. IRS Form W-8IMY
This form is generally used by non-U.S. partnerships and intermediaries to claim that they are not the beneficial owner of income. Such parties can represent that they are subject to streamlined documentation and reporting requirements if they have a withholding agreement with the IRS. In addition to providing IRS Form W-8IMY, non-U.S. partnerships and intermediaries may be required to provide the IRS with IRS Forms W-9 or W-8, as applicable, for each of their respective partners or members, along with allocation information as to each partner’s/member’s share of the income paid to the partnership/intermediary. See the instructions to IRS Form W-8IMY for more information.
Form: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw8imy.pdf
Instructions: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw8imy.pdf
Exhibit E
Form of Subordination Agreement
See attached.
SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT
SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT, dated [___], 2026 (this “Agreement”), by and among (a) the undersigned creditors set forth on the signature pages attached hereto (each individually and collectively, jointly and severally, “Subordinated Creditor)”, (b) (i) NTH CYCLE INC., a Delaware corporation and (ii) NTH CYCLE HOLDINGS I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (individually and collectively, jointly and severally, the “Company”) and (c) HSBC VENTURES USA INC., a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States of America (together with its successors and assigns, the “Senior Lender”).
R E C I T A L S
A. The Company and the Senior Lender have entered into a Loan and Security Agreement dated May 2, 2024 (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Senior Credit Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, the Senior Lender has agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Senior Credit Agreement, to make certain loans and financial accommodations to the Company.
B. The Subordinated Creditor may from time to time make loans or other extensions of credit to the Company pursuant to the Subordinated Debt Documents (as hereinafter defined).
C. As an inducement to and as one of the conditions precedent to the agreement of the Senior Lender to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Senior Credit Agreement, the Senior Lender has required the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Subordinated Creditor and the Company in order to set forth the relative rights and priorities of the Senior Lender and the Subordinated Creditor under the Senior Debt Documents (as hereinafter defined) and the Subordinated Debt Documents.
NOW, THEREFORE, in order to induce the Senior Lender to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Senior Credit Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which hereby are acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
Section 1. Definitions.
Section1.01. Certain Defined Terms. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings given to them in the Senior Credit Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
“Bankruptcy Code” shall mean Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended from time to time and any successor statute and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Collateral” means any and all property or other assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or other affiliates in or upon which a lien or other security interest is granted or purported to be granted to the Senior Lender under any of the Senior Debt Documents.
“Distribution” means, with respect to any indebtedness, obligation or security, (a) any payment or distribution by any Person of cash, securities or other property, by set-off or otherwise, on account of such indebtedness, obligation or security, (b) any redemption, purchase or other acquisition of such indebtedness, obligation or security by any Person or (c) the granting of any lien or security interest to or for the benefit of the holders of such indebtedness, obligation or security in or upon any property of any Person.
“Enforcement Action” shall mean (a) to take from or for the account of the Company or any guarantor of the Subordinated Debt, by set-off or in any other manner, the whole or any part of any moneys which may now or hereafter be owing by the Company or any such guarantor with respect to the Subordinated Debt, (b) to sue for payment of, or to initiate or participate with others in any suit, action or proceeding against the Company or any such guarantor to (i) enforce payment of or to collect the whole or any part of the Subordinated Debt or (ii) commence judicial enforcement of any of the rights and remedies under the Subordinated Debt Documents or applicable law with respect to the Subordinated Debt, (c) to accelerate the Subordinated Debt, (d) to exercise any put option or to cause the Company or any such guarantor to honor any redemption or mandatory prepayment obligation under any Subordinated Debt Document, (e) join with any other creditor in the commencement of any Proceeding in respect of the Company or any such guarantor or (f) to take any action under the provisions of any state or federal law or other applicable law, including, without limitation, the Uniform Commercial Code, or under any contract or agreement, to enforce, foreclose upon, take possession of or sell any property or assets of the Company or any such guarantor.
“HSBC Loan Documents” shall mean the Senior Credit Agreement and all other agreements, documents and instruments executed from time to time in connection therewith, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, general or limited partnership, limited liability company, firm, trust, association, government, governmental agency or other entity, whether acting in an individual, fiduciary or other capacity.
“Proceeding” shall mean any voluntary or involuntary insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, custodianship, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors, appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar powers or any other proceeding for the liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of a Person.
“Senior Debt” shall mean all obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of every nature of the Company or any guarantor from time to time owed to the Senior Lender under the Senior Debt Documents (other than the Warrant), including, without limitation, the principal amount of all debts, claims and indebtedness, accrued and unpaid interest and all fees, costs and expenses, whether primary, secondary, direct, contingent, fixed or otherwise, heretofore, now and from time to time hereafter owing, due or payable, whether arising before, during or after the filing of a Proceeding (including any Proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code) together with (a) any amendments, modifications, renewals or extensions thereof and (b) any interest accruing thereon after the commencement of a Proceeding, without regard to whether or not such interest is an allowed claim (in whole or in part) in any such Proceeding. Senior Debt shall be considered to be outstanding whenever any loan commitment under the Senior Debt Documents is outstanding.
“Senior Debt Documents” shall mean the HSBC Loan Documents and, after the consummation of any refinancing of the Senior Debt under the HSBC Loan Documents, any financing documentation which replaces the HSBC Loan Documents and pursuant to which the Senior Debt under the HSBC Loan Documents is refinanced, as such financing documentation may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Subordinated Debt” shall mean all of the obligations of the Company or any guarantor to the Subordinated Creditor, whether or not evidenced by or incurred pursuant to the Subordinated Debt Documents.
“Subordinated Debt Default” shall mean a default in the payment of the Subordinated Debt or in the performance of any term, covenant or condition contained in the Subordinated Debt Documents or any other occurrence permitting the Subordinated Creditor to accelerate the payment of or cause the redemption of all or any portion of the Subordinated Debt.
“Subordinated Debt Documents” shall mean all documents, agreements and instruments now existing or hereinafter entered into evidencing or pertaining to all or any portion of the Subordinated Debt, including any guaranty with respect to the Subordinated Debt.
Section 2. Subordination.
Section 2.01. Subordination of Subordinated Debt to Senior Debt. The Company covenants and agrees, and the Subordinated Creditor likewise covenants and agrees, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any of the Subordinated Debt Documents, that the payment of any and all of the Subordinated Debt shall be subordinate and subject in right and time of payment, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth, to the prior indefeasible payment in full in cash of all Senior Debt. Each holder of Senior Debt, whether such Senior Debt is now outstanding or hereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, shall be deemed to have acquired Senior Debt in reliance upon the provisions contained in this Agreement.
Section 2.02. Liquidation, Dissolution, Bankruptcy. In the event of any Proceeding involving the Company, any guarantor of the Senior Debt or the Subordinated Debt, or any subsidiary of the Company or any such guarantor:
(a) All Senior Debt shall first be indefeasibly paid in full in cash and all commitments to lend under the Senior Debt Documents shall be terminated before any Distribution, whether in cash, securities or other property, shall be made to Subordinated Creditor on account of any Subordinated Debt.
(b) Any Distribution, whether in cash, securities or other property which would otherwise, but for the terms hereof, be payable or deliverable in respect of the Subordinated Debt shall be paid or delivered directly to the Senior Lender (to be applied by the Senior Lender in accordance with the terms of the Senior Debt Documents) until all Senior Debt is indefeasibly paid in full in cash and all commitments to lend under the Senior Debt Documents shall have been terminated. The Subordinated Creditor irrevocably authorizes, empowers and directs any debtor, debtor in possession, receiver, trustee, liquidator, custodian, conservator or other Person having authority, to pay or otherwise deliver all such Distributions to the Senior Lender. The Subordinated Creditor also irrevocably
authorizes and empowers the Senior Lender, in the name of such Subordinated Creditor, to demand, sue for, collect and receive any and all such Distributions.
(c) The Subordinated Creditor agrees not to initiate, prosecute or participate in any claim, action or other proceeding challenging the enforceability, validity, perfection or priority of the Senior Debt or any liens and security interests securing the Senior Debt.
(d) The Subordinated Creditor agrees to execute, verify, deliver and file any proofs of claim in respect of the Subordinated Debt requested by the Senior Lender in connection with any such Proceeding and hereby irrevocably authorizes, empowers and appoints the Senior Lender its agent and attorney-in-fact to (i) execute, verify, deliver and file such proofs of claim upon the failure of the Subordinated Creditor promptly to do so prior to 30 days before the expiration of the time to file any such proof of claim and (ii) vote such claim in any such Proceeding upon any failure of the Subordinated Creditor to do so prior to 15 days before the expiration of the time to vote any such claim; provided the Senior Lender shall have no obligation to execute, verify, deliver, file or vote any such proof of claim. In the event that the Senior Lender votes any claim in accordance with the authority granted hereby, the Subordinated Creditor shall not be entitled to change or withdraw such vote.
(e) The Senior Debt shall continue to be treated as Senior Debt and the provisions of this Agreement shall continue to govern the relative rights and priorities of the Senior Lender and the Subordinated Creditor even if all or part of the Senior Debt or any security interest securing the Senior Debt is subordinated, set aside, avoided, invalidated or disallowed in connection with any such Proceeding, and this Agreement shall be reinstated if at any time any payment of any of the Senior Debt is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by any holder of Senior Debt or any representative of such holder.
Section 2.03. Subordinated Debt Payment Restrictions.
(a) Notwithstanding the terms of the Subordinated Debt Documents, the Company hereby agrees that it may not make, directly or indirectly, and the Subordinated Creditor hereby agrees that it will not accept without the prior written consent of Senior Lender, any Distribution with respect to the Subordinated Debt until the Senior Debt (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) is indefeasibly paid in full in cash and all commitments to lend under the Senior Debt Documents have terminated. Nothing in the foregoing paragraph shall prohibit Subordinated Creditor from converting all or any part of the Subordinated Debt into equity securities of the Company, provided that, if such securities have any call, put or other conversion features that would obligate the Company to declare or pay dividends, make distributions, or otherwise pay any money or deliver any other securities or consideration to the holder, Subordinated Creditor hereby agrees that Company may not declare, pay or make such dividends, distributions or other payments to Subordinated Creditor, and Subordinated Creditor shall not accept any such dividends, distributions or other payments except as may be permitted in the Senior Credit Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 2.03 to the contrary, the failure of the Company to make any Distribution with respect to the Subordinated Debt by reason of the operation of this Section 2.03 shall not be construed as preventing the occurrence of a Subordinated Debt Default under the applicable Subordinated Debt Documents.
Section 2.04. Subordinated Debt Standstill Provisions. Until the date on which the Senior Debt is indefeasibly paid in full in cash and all commitments to lend under the Senior Debt Documents have been terminated, the Subordinated Creditor shall not, without the prior written consent of the Senior Lender, take any Enforcement Action with respect to the Subordinated Debt. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Subordinated Creditor may file proofs of claim against the Company in any Proceeding involving the Company. Any Distributions or other proceeds of any Enforcement Action obtained by the Subordinated Creditor shall in any event be held in trust by them for the benefit of the Senior Lender and promptly paid or delivered to the Senior Lender in the form received until all Senior Debt is indefeasibly paid in full in cash and all commitments to lend under the Senior Debt Documents have been terminated.
Section 2.05. Subrogation. Subject to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all Senior Debt and the termination of all lending commitments under the Senior Debt Documents, the Subordinated Creditor shall be subrogated to the rights of the Senior Lender to receive Distributions with respect to the Senior Debt until the Subordinated Debt is paid in full. If any Distribution on account of the Subordinated Debt not permitted to be made by the Company or accepted by the Subordinated Creditor under this Agreement is made, such Distribution shall be promptly paid over to the Senior Lender for application (in accordance with the Senior Debt Documents) to the payment of the Senior Debt then remaining unpaid, until all of the Senior Debt is paid in full in cash.
Section 2.06. Subordination of Liens and Security Interests; Agreement Not to Contest; Agreement to Release Liens. Until the Senior Debt has been indefeasibly paid in full in cash and all commitments to lend under the Senior Debt Documents have been terminated, the Subordinated Creditor agrees that it shall not hold or obtain (or seek to hold or obtain) any lien or other security interest in any Collateral or other property or assets of the Company or any of the Company’s subsidiaries or other affiliates. Furthermore, until the Senior Debt has been indefeasibly paid in full in cash and all commitments to lend under the Senior Debt Documents have been terminated, any liens and security interests of the Subordinated Creditor in the Collateral, including which may exist in breach of any such Subordinated Creditor’s agreements pursuant to this Section 2.06 or Section 4.01 below, shall be and hereby are subordinated for all purposes and in all respects to the liens and security interests of the Senior Lender in the Collateral, regardless of the time, manner or order of perfection of any such liens and security interests. The Subordinated Creditor agrees that it will not at any time contest the validity, perfection, priority or enforceability of the Senior Debt, the Senior Debt Documents, or the liens and security interests of the Senior Lender in any Collateral securing the Senior Debt. In the event that the Subordinated Creditor obtains any liens or security interests in the Collateral, the Subordinated Creditor shall (or shall cause its agent to) promptly execute and deliver to the Senior Lender such termination
statements and releases as the Senior Lender shall request to effect the release of the liens and security interests of any such Subordinated Creditor in such Collateral.
Section 2.07. Sale, Transfer or other Disposition of Subordinated Debt.
(a) No Subordinated Creditor shall sell, assign, pledge, dispose of or otherwise transfer all or any portion of the Subordinated Debt or any Subordinated Debt Document.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the subordination effected hereby shall survive any sale, assignment, pledge, disposition or other transfer of all or any portion of the Subordinated Debt in violation of the foregoing prohibition, and the terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, legatees, successors and assigns of the Subordinated Creditor, as provided in Section 5.03 hereof.
Section 2.08. Legends. Until the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 5.08 hereof, the Subordinated Creditor will cause to be clearly, conspicuously and prominently inserted on the face of each of the Subordinated Debt Documents, as well as any renewals or replacements thereof, the following legend:
“This instrument and the rights and obligations evidenced hereby are subordinate in the manner and to the extent set forth in that certain Subordination Agreement, dated as of [ ] (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Subordination Agreement”), among (a) the individuals and entities party to that certain Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of [ ], 2026, as purchasers, (b) (i) NTH CYCLE INC., a Delaware corporation and (ii) NTH CYCLE HOLDINGS I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (individually and collectively, jointly and severally, the “Company”), and (c) HSBC VENTURES USA INC. (the “Senior Lender”), to the indebtedness (including interest) owed by the Company pursuant to that certain Loan and Security Agreement, dated May 2, 2024 (the “Senior Credit Agreement”), between the Company and the Senior Lender, as such Senior Credit Agreement has been and hereafter may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time and to indebtedness refinancing the indebtedness under the Senior Credit Agreement; and each holder of this instrument, by its acceptance hereof, irrevocably agrees to be bound by the provisions of the Subordination Agreement.”
Section 3. Modification.
Section 3.01. Modifications to Senior Debt Documents. The Senior Lender may at any time and from time to time without the consent of or notice to the Subordinated Creditor, without incurring liability to the Subordinated Creditor and without impairing or releasing the obligations of the Subordinated Creditor under this Agreement, change the manner or place of payment or extend the time of payment of or renew or alter any of the terms of the Senior Debt, or amend or otherwise modify in any manner any of the Senior Debt Documents and any other agreement, note, guaranty or other instrument evidencing or securing or otherwise relating to the Senior Debt.
Section 3.02. Modifications to Subordinated Debt Documents. Until the Senior Debt has been indefeasibly paid in full in cash and all lending commitments under the Senior Debt Documents have terminated, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Subordinated Debt Documents, the Subordinated Creditor shall not, without the prior written consent of the Senior Lender, agree to any amendment, modification or supplement to the Subordinated Debt Documents.
Section 4. Representations and Warranties.
Section 4.01. Representations and Warranties of the Subordinated Creditor. The Subordinated Creditor hereby represents and warrants to the Senior Lender that (a) such Subordinated Creditor has the power and authority to enter into, execute, deliver and carry out the terms of this Agreement, all of which have been duly authorized by all proper and necessary action; (b) the execution of this Agreement by the Subordinated Creditor will not violate or conflict with the organizational documents of the Subordinated Creditor, any material agreement binding upon the Subordinated Creditor or any law, regulation or order or require any consent or approval which has not been obtained; (c) this Agreement is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Subordinated Creditor, enforceable against the Subordinated Creditor in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by equitable principles; (d) the Subordinated Creditor is the sole owner, beneficially and of record, of its ratable share of the Subordinated Debt; and (e) the Subordinated Debt is, and at all times prior to the termination of this Agreement shall remain, an unsecured obligation of the Company.
Section 5. Miscellaneous.
Section 5.01. Notices. All notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and delivered as follows:
(a) If to the Subordinated Creditor, to the corresponding name and address as set forth on the signature pages attached hereto; or
(b) If to the Company, to it at 15 Blue Sky Drive, Burlington, MA 01803, Attention: Raffi Freeman (Email: [***]); or
(c) If to the Senior Lender, to it at HSBC Ventures USA Inc., Attention: CMB Loan Service Team, Larkin U Building, 239 Van Rensselaer Street, Buffalo, New York 14210, or such other address as Senior Lender may designate in writing, (Phone: 716-841-6444), (Email: CMB.Loan.Service@us.hsbc.com).
Section 5.02. Modification. Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by each of the Subordinated Creditor, the Company and the Senior Lender. No failure or delay by the Senior Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Senior Lender hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that it would otherwise have.
Section 5.03. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be binding upon, the respective heirs, legatees, successors and assigns of the Senior Lender, the Subordinated Creditor and the Company. The Senior Lender may, from time to time, without notice to the Subordinated Creditor, but subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Senior Debt Documents, assign or transfer any or all of the Senior Debt or any interest therein to any Person and, notwithstanding any such assignment or transfer, or any subsequent assignment or transfer, the Senior Debt shall, subject to the terms hereof, be and remain Senior Debt for purposes of this Agreement, and every permitted assignee or transferee of any of the Senior Debt or of any interest therein shall, to the extent of the interest of such permitted assignee or transferee in the Senior Debt, be entitled to rely upon and be the third party beneficiary of the subordination provided under this Agreement and shall be entitled to enforce the terms and provisions hereof to the same extent as if such assignee or transferee were initially a party hereto.
Section 5.04. Further Assurances. Each party to this Agreement promptly will execute and deliver such further instruments and agreements and do such further acts and things as may be reasonably requested in writing by any other party hereto that may be necessary or desirable in order to effect fully the purposes of this Agreement.
Section 5.05. Relative Rights. This Agreement shall define the relative rights of the Senior Lender and the Subordinated Creditor. Nothing in this Agreement shall (a) impair, as between the Company and the Senior Lender and as between the Company and the Subordinated Creditor, the obligation of the Company with respect to the payment of the Senior Debt and the Subordinated Debt in accordance with their respective terms or (b) affect the relative rights of the Senior Lender or the Subordinated Creditor with respect to any other creditors of the Company.
Section 5.06. Conflict. In the event of any conflict between any term, covenant or condition of this Agreement and any term, covenant or condition of any of the Subordinated Debt Documents, the provisions of this Agreement shall control and govern.
Section 5.07. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile, in electronic (i.e., “pdf” or “tif” format), or by electronic signature shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement. The parties agree and consent to the use of electronic signatures solely for the purposes of executing this Agreement or any related transactional document (including any amendments thereto). The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of similar import in, or with respect to, this Agreement shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same effect, validity and enforceability as manually executed signatures or a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for under applicable law, including the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act of 2000 (15 USC § 7001 et seq.), the Electronic Signatures and Records Act of 1999 (NY State Technology Law §§ 301-309), or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. This Agreement constitutes the entire contract between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the
subject matter hereof. Such electronic signature shall be deemed to have the same full and binding effect as a handwritten signature.
Section 5.08. Severability. Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.
Section 5.09. Continuation of Subordination; Termination of Agreement. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Senior Debt and the termination of all lending commitments under the Senior Debt Documents after which this Agreement shall terminate without further action on the part of the parties hereto.
Section 5.10. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.
(a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of law principles except Title 14 of Article 5 of the New York General Obligations law.
(b) The Subordinated Creditors and the Company irrevocably and unconditionally submit, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts for the Southern District of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, and each of the parties irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may (and any such claims, cross-claims or third party claims brought against the Senior Lender or any of its Related Parties may only) be heard and determined in such federal (to the extent permitted by law) or state court. The Subordinated Creditor and the Company agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right that the Senior Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement against the Subordinated Creditor and the Company or their respective properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.
(c) The Subordinated Creditor and the Company hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section 5.10. Each of the parties irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.
(d) The Subordinated Creditors and the Company hereby irrevocably consents to the service of process in any suit, action or proceeding in such courts by the mailing thereof by the Senior Lender by (i) first class mail, (ii) registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or (iii) by reputable commercial overnight carrier that guarantees next day delivery and provides a receipt, at its address set forth in Section 5.01 hereto.
Section 5.11. Patriot Act / Beneficial Ownership Regulation. The Senior Lender hereby notifies the Subordinated Creditor and the Company that pursuant to the requirements of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Pub. L. 107-56, 115 Stat. 272 (Oct. 26, 2001)) (the “USA Patriot Act”) and the requirements of 31 C.F.R. Sec. 1010.230 (the “Beneficial Ownership Regulation”), the Senior Lender is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Subordinated Creditor and the Company, which information includes the name, address and beneficial ownership of the Subordinated Creditor and the Company and other information that will allow the Senior Lender to identify the Subordinated Creditor and the Company in accordance with the USA Patriot Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, and the Subordinated Creditor and the Company agrees to provide such information and any applicable certifications from time to time to the Senior Lender.
Section 5.12. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE SUBORDINATED CREDITOR AND THE COMPANY HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).
[Signature pages to follow.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Subordinated Creditor, the Company and the Senior Lender have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.
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SUBORDINATED CREDITOR: |
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NTH CYCLE INC. |
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NTH CYCLE HOLDINGS I, LLC |
By: Nth Cycle Inc., its sole member |
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HSBC VENTURES USA INC. |
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