Risk Factors - HMBL

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$HMBL Risk Factor changes from 00/04/06/23/2023 to 00/03/28/24/2024

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described below.

You should consider and read carefully all of the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes, before making an investment decision. The risks described below are not the only ones we face. The occurrence of any of the following risks or additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations. In such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline. You should not interpret our disclosure of any of the following risks to imply that such risks have not already materialized. 7 Table of Contents RISK FACTORS Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Prospective investors should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all of the other information included or referred to in this prospectus, before purchasing shares of our common stock. There are numerous and varied risks that may prevent us from achieving our goals. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations may be materially adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline and investors in our common stock could lose all or part of their investment. Risks Related to Our Company and Our Business Our operating losses and working capital deficiency raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. If we do not continue as a going concern, investors could lose their entire investment. Our operating losses and working capital deficiency raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. We have an accumulated deficit of $(103,241,196) as of December 31, 2023 as well as a net loss of $4,022,449 and $48,567,938 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We have an accumulated deficit of $(99,218,747) as of December 31, 2022 as well as a net loss of $48,567,938 and $49,656,004 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We may never achieve profitability. If we do not generate sufficient revenues, do not achieve profitability and do not have other sources of financing for our business, we may have to curtail or cease our development plans and operations, which could cause investors to lose the entire amount of their investment. We may not be able to raise capital when needed, if at all, which would force us to delay, reduce or eliminate our level of marketing efforts to expand the number of customers and merchants using our products and acquisition of suitable target companies and could cause our business plan to fail. We will need substantial additional funding to increase our customer base and pursue our acquisition of companies and business units that meet our desired standards. There are no assurances that future funding will be available on favorable terms or at all. The failure to fund our operating and capital requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on attractive terms, we could be forced to reduce our efforts to enlist more customers and merchants to use our technology and to delay, reduce or eliminate our acquisition strategy. Any of these events could significantly harm our business, financial condition and prospects. We may acquire other assets or businesses, or form collaborations or make investments in other companies or technologies that could harm our operating results, dilute our stockholders’ ownership, increase our debt or cause us to incur significant expense. As part of our business strategy, we may pursue acquisitions of businesses and assets or enter into strategic alliances and collaborations, to initiate and then expand our operations. We may not identify or complete these transactions in a timely manner, on a cost-effective basis, or at all, and we may not realize the anticipated benefits of any such transaction, any of which could have a detrimental effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We have limited experience with acquiring other companies and assets and limited experience with forming strategic alliances and collaborations. We may not be able to find suitable acquisition candidates, and if we make any acquisitions, we may not be able to integrate these acquisitions successfully into our existing business and we may incur additional debt or assume unknown or contingent liabilities in connection therewith. Integration of an acquired company or assets may also disrupt ongoing operations, require the hiring of additional personnel and the implementation of additional internal systems and infrastructure, especially the acquisition of commercial assets, and require management resources that would otherwise focus on developing our existing business. We may not be able to find suitable strategic alliance or collaboration partners or identify other investment opportunities, and we may experience losses related to any such investments. To finance any acquisitions or collaborations, we may choose to issue debt or equity securities as consideration. 10 Table of Contents To finance any acquisitions or collaborations, we may choose to issue debt or equity securities as consideration. Any such issuance of securities would dilute the ownership of our stockholders. If the price of our common stock is low or volatile, we may not be able to acquire other assets or companies or fund a transaction using our stock as consideration. Alternatively, it may be necessary for us to raise additional funds for acquisitions through public or private financings. Additional funds may not be available on terms that are favorable to us, or at all. 8 Table of Contents Current global financial conditions have been characterized by increased volatility which could negatively impact our business, prospects, liquidity and financial condition. Current global financial conditions have been characterized by increased volatility which could negatively impact our business, prospects, liquidity and financial condition. Current global financial conditions and recent market events have been characterized by increased volatility and the resulting tightening of the credit and capital markets has reduced the amount of available liquidity and overall economic activity. We cannot guarantee that debt or equity financing, the ability to borrow funds or cash generated by operations will be available or sufficient to meet or satisfy our initiatives, objectives or requirements. We cannot guaranty that debt or equity financing, the ability to borrow funds or cash generated by operations will be available or sufficient to meet or satisfy our initiatives, objectives or requirements. Our inability to access sufficient amounts of capital on terms acceptable to us for our operations will negatively impact our business, prospects, liquidity and financial condition. We are growing the size of our organization, and we may experience difficulties in managing any growth we may achieve. As of the date of this annual report, we have 8 full-time employees. As our growth plans proceed and development and commercialization plans and strategies develop, we expect to need additional development, managerial, operational, sales, marketing, financial, accounting, legal, and other resources. Future growth would impose significant added responsibilities on members of management. Our management may not be able to accommodate those added responsibilities, and our failure to do so could prevent us from effectively managing future growth, if any, and successfully growing our Company. Our potential for rapid growth and our entry into new markets make it difficult for us to evaluate our current and future business prospects, and we may be unable to effectively manage any growth associated with these new markets, which may increase the risk of your investment and could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow. Our entry into new markets as we seek to expand globally the adoption of our products and services may place a significant strain on our resources and increase demands on our executive management, personnel and systems, and our operational, administrative and financial resources may be inadequate. We may also not be able to effectively manage any expanded operations or achieve planned growth on a timely or profitable basis, particularly if the number of customers using our technology significantly increases or their demands and needs change as our business expands. If we are unable to manage expanded operations effectively, we may experience operating inefficiencies, the quality of our products and services could deteriorate, and our business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. If we are unable to develop and maintain our brand and reputation for our service and product offerings, our business and prospects could be materially harmed. 11 Table of Contents If we are unable to develop and maintain our brand and reputation for our service and product offerings, our business and prospects could be materially harmed. Our business and prospects depend, in part, on developing and then maintaining and strengthening our brand and reputation in the markets we will serve and for the companies we acquire. If problems arise with our future products or services, our brand and reputation could be diminished. If we fail to develop, promote and maintain our brand and reputation successfully, our business and prospects could be materially harmed. Any failure to protect our future intellectual property rights could impair our ability to protect our technology and our brand. Our success depends in part on our ability to enforce our intellectual property and other proprietary rights of the companies we expect to acquire. We expect to rely upon a combination of trademark and trade secret laws, as well as license and other contractual provisions, to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights. These laws, procedures and restrictions provide only limited protection and any of our intellectual property rights may be challenged, invalidated, circumvented, infringed or misappropriated. To the extent that our intellectual property and other proprietary rights are not adequately protected, third parties may gain access to our proprietary information, develop and market solutions similar to ours or use trademarks similar to ours, each of which could materially harm our business. The failure to adequately protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 9 Table of Contents Our expansion into new products, services, technologies, and geographic regions subjects us to additional risks. We may have limited or no experience in our newer markets, and our customers may not adopt our product or service offerings. These offerings, which can present new and difficult technology challenges, may subject us to claims if customers of these offerings experience service disruptions or failures or other quality issues. In addition, profitability, if any, in our newer activities may not meet our expectations, and we may not be successful enough in these newer activities to recoup our investments in them. Failure to realize the benefits of amounts we invest in new technologies, products, or services could result in the value of those investments being written down or written off. Our financial results fluctuate and may be difficult to forecast, and this may cause a decline in the trading price of our stock. Our revenues, expenses and operating results are difficult to predict given our limited history of current operations. We expect that our operating results will continue to fluctuate in the future due to a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include, but are not limited to: Due to all of these factors, our operating results may fall below the expectations of investors, which could cause a decline in the trading price of our common stock. Our plans for expansion cannot be implemented if we lose our key personnel or cannot recruit additional personnel. We depend substantially on the continued services, specialized knowledge and performance of our senior management, particularly Brian Foote, our President and CEO, and Jeffrey Hinshaw, our COO and CFO. We depend substantially on the continued services, specialized knowledge and performance of our senior management, particularly Brian Foote, our President and CEO, Jeffrey Hinshaw, our COO and CFO, and Michele Rivera, our Vice President, Global Partnerships. While we have employment agreements with all these executives, those employment agreements do not prevent such employees from terminating their employment with us at any time. As a result, these executives may elect to pursue other opportunities at any time. If one or more of these individuals choose to leave our company, we may lose a significant number of supplier relationships and operating expertise which they have developed over many years and which would be difficult to replace. The loss of the services of any executive officer or other key employee could hurt our business. In addition, as our business expands, we will need to add new information technology and engineering personnel to maintain and expand our website and systems and customer support personnel to serve our growing customer base. If we are unable to hire and successfully train employees or contractors in these areas, users of our website may have negative experiences and we may lose customers, which would diminish the value of our brand and harm our business. The market for recruiting qualified information technology and other personnel is extremely competitive, and we may experience difficulties in attracting and retaining employees. Should we fail to retain or attract qualified personnel, we may not be able to compete successfully or implement our plans for expansion. 10 Table of Contents We have an evolving business model with still untested growth initiatives. We have an evolving business model and intend to implement new strategies to grow our business in the future. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in developing new product categories or in entering new specialty markets or in implementing any other growth strategies. Similarly, there can be no assurance that we already have or will be able to obtain or retain any employees, consultants or other resources with any specialized skills or relationships to successfully implement our strategies in the future. We rely on third-party systems to conduct our business and relationships with payment processors, advertisers, third party sellers of our mobile apps, and our revenues and market share may decrease if these third-party relationship and systems are unavailable in the future or if they no longer offer quality performance. We rely on third-party computer systems and third-party service providers, including payment services such as Stripe, for credit card verifications and confirmations, to host our website and to advertise and deliver the products sold on our website to customers. We rely on third-party computer systems and third-party service providers, including payment services such as Stripe, and Wyre for credit card verifications and confirmations, to host our website and to advertise and deliver the products sold on our website to customers. We also rely on third-party licenses for components of the software underlying our technology platform. Any interruption in our ability to obtain the products or services of these or other third parties or deterioration in their performance could impair the timing and quality of our own service. If our service providers fail to deliver high-quality services in a timely manner to our customers, our services will not meet the expectations of our customers and our reputation and brand will be damaged. Furthermore, if our arrangements with any of these third parties are terminated, we may not find an alternate source of systems support on a timely basis or on terms as advantageous to us. In addition, our contracts or arrangements with suppliers do not provide for the continuation of particular pricing practices, for the availability of any specific services and generally may be terminated by either party. If we are unable to develop and maintain relationships with these third-party suppliers that will allow us to obtain sufficient levels of service on acceptable commercial terms, such inability could harm our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. We are subject to cybersecurity risks and risks of data loss or other security breaches. Our business involves the storage and transmission of users’ proprietary information, and security breaches could expose us to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, and to resulting claims, fines, and litigation. We have been subjected to a variety of cyber-attacks, which have increased in number and variety over time. We believe our systems are probed by potential hackers virtually 24/7, and we expect the problem will continue to grow worse over time. Cyber-attacks may target us, our customers, our suppliers, banks, credit card processors, delivery services, e-commerce in general or the communication infrastructure on which we depend. Any compromise of our security could result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws, significant legal and financial exposure, damage to our reputation, and a loss of confidence in our security measures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and business. Moreover, any insurance coverage we may carry may be inadequate to cover the expenses and other potential financial exposure we could face as a result of a cyber-attack or data breach. We may not be able to compete successfully against existing or future competitors including larger, well-established and well-financed mobile app companies. Many of our current and potential competitors have longer operating histories, larger customer bases, greater brand recognition and significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do. In addition, some of our competitors may be able to devote greater resources to marketing and promotional campaigns, adopt more aggressive pricing and devote substantially more resources to systems development than we do. Increased competition may result in reduced operating margins, loss of market share and a diminished brand franchise. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to compete successfully against existing or future competitors. Our business depends on effective marketing, including marketing via email and social networking messaging, and we intend to increase our spending on marketing and branding, which may adversely affect our financial results. We depend on effective marketing to attract customers and merchants. We depend on email and social networking messaging to promote our site and offerings and to generate a substantial portion of our revenues. If we are unable to develop, implement and maintain effective and efficient cost-effective advertising and marketing programs, it would have a material adverse effect on our financial results and business. Further, as part of our growth strategies, we intend to increase our spending on marketing and branding initiatives significantly, which may adversely affect our financial results. There is no assurance that any increase in our marketing or branding expenditures will result in increased market shares or will ultimately have a positive effect on our financial results. 11 Table of Contents If we do not respond to rapid technological changes, our services could become obsolete and we could lose customers. If we do not respond to rapid technological changes, our services could become obsolete and we could lose customers. To remain competitive, we must continue to enhance and improve the functionality and features of our e-commerce businesses. We may face material delays in introducing new services, products and enhancements. If this happens, our customers may forego the use of our websites and use those of our competitors. If competitors introduce new products and services using new technologies or if new industry standards and practices emerge, our existing technology and systems may become obsolete. Our failure to respond to technological change or to adequately maintain, upgrade and develop our computer network and the systems used to process customers’ orders and payments could harm our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Use of social media may adversely impact our reputation. There has been a marked increase in the use of social media platforms and similar devices, including blogs, social media websites and other forms of internet-based communications that allow individuals access to a broad audience of consumers and other interested persons. Consumers value readily available information concerning retailers, manufacturers, and their goods and services and often act on such information without further investigation, authentication and without regard to its accuracy. The availability of information on social media platforms and devices is virtually immediate as is its impact. Social media platforms and devices immediately publish the content their subscribers and participants post, often without filters or checks on accuracy of the content posted. The opportunity for dissemination of information, including inaccurate information, is seemingly limitless and readily available. Information concerning our company may be posted on such platforms and devices at any time. Information posted may be adverse to our interests, may be inaccurate, and may harm our performance, prospects or business. The harm may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction. Such platforms also could be used for the dissemination of trade secret information or otherwise compromise valuable company assets, all of which could harm our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. If we do not begin to generate significant revenues, we will still need to raise additional capital to meet our long-term business requirements. Any such capital raising may be costly or difficult to obtain and would likely dilute current stockholders’ ownership interests. If we are unable to secure additional financing in the future, we will not be able to continue as a going concern. If we do not begin to generate significant revenues from our operations we will need additional capital, which may not be available on reasonable terms or at all. The raising of additional capital will dilute current stockholders’ ownership interests. We may need to raise additional funds through public or private debt or equity financings to meet various objectives including, but not limited to: 12 Table of Contents Any additional capital raised through the sale of equity or equity-linked securities may dilute current stockholders’ ownership percentages and could also result in a decrease in the fair market value of our equity securities because our assets would be owned by a larger pool of outstanding equity. We may need to raise additional funds through public or private debt or equity financings to meet various objectives including, but not limited to: 15 Table of Contents Any additional capital raised through the sale of equity or equity-linked securities may dilute current stockholders’ ownership percentages and could also result in a decrease in the fair market value of our equity securities because our assets would be owned by a larger pool of outstanding equity. The terms of those securities issued by us in future capital transactions may be more favorable to new investors, and may include preferences, superior voting rights and the issuance of warrants or other derivative securities, which may have a further dilutive effect that is different from or in addition to that reflected in the capitalization described in this report. Further, any additional debt or equity financing that we may need may not be available on terms favorable to us, or at all. If we are unable to obtain required additional capital, we may have to curtail our growth plans or cut back on existing business and we may not be able to continue operating if we do not generate sufficient revenues from operations needed to stay in business. We may incur substantial costs in pursuing future capital financing, including investment banking fees, legal fees, accounting fees, securities law compliance fees and other costs. We may also be required to recognize non-cash expenses in connection with certain securities we issue, such as convertible notes and warrants, which may adversely impact our financial condition. Any failure to protect our future intellectual property rights could impair our ability to protect our technology and our brand. Our success depends in part on our ability to enforce our intellectual property and other proprietary rights of the companies we expect to acquire. We expect to rely upon a combination of trademark and trade secret laws, as well as license and other contractual provisions, to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights. These laws, procedures and restrictions provide only limited protection and any of our intellectual property rights may be challenged, invalidated, circumvented, infringed or misappropriated. To the extent that our intellectual property and other proprietary rights are not adequately protected, third parties may gain access to our proprietary information, develop and market solutions similar to ours or use trademarks similar to ours, each of which could materially harm our business. The failure to adequately protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Risks Related to Our Common Stock Our securities are “Penny Stock” and subject to specific rules governing their sale to investors. Under SEC Rule 15g-9 we are a “penny stock,” which is defined as any equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require that a broker or dealer approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks; and the broker or dealer receive from the investor a written agreement to the transaction, setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require that a broker or dealer approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks; and the broker or dealer receive from the investor a written agreement to the transaction, setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased. To approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must obtain financial information and investment experience objectives of the person; and make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks are suitable for that person and the person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to be capable of evaluating the risks of transactions in penny stocks. The broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prescribed by the SEC relating to the penny stock market, which, in highlight form sets forth the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination; and that the broker or dealer received a signed, written agreement from the investor prior to the transaction. Generally, brokers may be less willing to execute transactions in securities subject to the “penny stock” rules. This may make it more difficult for Company’s shareholders to sell shares of our common stock. Disclosure also has to be made about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading and about the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and remedies available to an investor in cases of fraud in penny stock transactions. Finally, monthly statements have to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks. 13 Table of Contents Because we became public by means of a merger, we may not be able to attract the attention of major brokerage firms. Because we became public by means of a merger, we may not be able to attract the attention of major brokerage firms. Additional risks may exist since we became public through a merger with a publicly traded company. Securities analysts of major brokerage firms may not provide coverage of us since there is little incentive to brokerage firms to recommend the purchase of our common stock. No assurance can be given that brokerage firms will want to conduct any secondary offerings on behalf in the future. Applicable regulatory requirements, including those contained in and issued under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, may make it difficult for us to retain or attract qualified officers and directors, which could adversely affect the management of our business and our ability to obtain or retain listing of our common stock. As a fully reporting company under Section 13 of the Exchange Act, we may be unable to attract and retain those qualified officers, directors and members of board committees required to provide for effective management because of the rules and regulations that govern publicly held companies, including, but not limited to, certifications by principal executive officers. The enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has resulted in the issuance of a series of related rules and regulations and the strengthening of existing rules and regulations by the SEC, as well as the adoption of new and more stringent rules by the stock exchanges. The perceived increased personal risk associated with these changes may deter qualified individuals from accepting roles as directors and executive officers. Further, some of these changes heighten the requirements for board or committee membership, particularly with respect to an individual’s independence from the corporation and level of experience in finance and accounting matters. We may have difficulty attracting and retaining directors with the requisite qualifications. If we are unable to attract and retain qualified officers and directors, the management of our business and its ability to obtain or retain listing of our shares of common stock on any stock exchange (assuming we elect to seek and are successful in obtaining such listing) could be adversely affected. If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or detect fraud. 21 Table of Contents If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or detect fraud. Consequently, investors could lose confidence in our financial reporting and this may decrease the trading price of our stock. We must maintain effective internal controls to provide reliable financial reports and detect fraud. We have been assessing our internal controls to identify areas that need improvement. Failure to identify and thereafter implement required changes to our internal controls or any others that we identify as necessary to maintain an effective system of internal controls, if any, could harm our operating results and cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information. Any such loss of confidence would have a negative effect on the trading price of our stock. The price of our common stock may become volatile, which could lead to losses by investors and costly securities litigation. The trading price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate in response to factors such as: 14 Table of Contents The stock market is subject to significant price and volume fluctuations. The trading price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate in response to factors such as: The stock market is subject to significant price and volume fluctuations. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been initiated against such a company. Litigation initiated against us, whether or not successful, could result in substantial costs and diversion of its management’s attention and resources, which could harm our business and financial condition. Our bylaws include a forum selection clause, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us, remove current management or to be acquired by a third party. 22 Table of Contents Our bylaws include a forum selection clause, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us, remove current management or to be acquired by a third party. Our bylaws require that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, either (i) the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is to be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or our stockholders, (c) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or our bylaws or (d) any action or proceeding asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine or (ii) the federal district court in the State of Delaware will be the exclusive forum for a cause of action arising under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. In addition, our bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us or to remove current management through provisions that preclude cumulative voting in the election of directors and that allow our bylaws to be adopted, amended or repealed by our board of directors. This exclusive forum provision will apply to other state and federal law claims including actions arising under the Securities Act (although our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder). Section 22 of the Securities Act, however, creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. Accordingly, there is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such a forum selection provision as written in connection with claims arising under the Securities Act. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock is deemed to have notice of and consented to the foregoing provisions. This forum selection provision in our bylaws may limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us. It is also possible that, notwithstanding the forum selection clause included in our bylaws, a court could rule that such a provision is inapplicable or unenforceable. We are an “emerging growth company,” and we cannot be certain if the reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors. We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, as amended, or the JOBS Act, and we intend to take advantage of some of the exemptions from reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including: ● being permitted to provide only two years of audited financial statements, in addition to any required unaudited interim financial statements, with correspondingly reduced “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” disclosure; ● not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements in the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting; ● not being required to comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements; 15 Table of Contents ● reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation; and ● not being required to hold a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation or obtain stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. Further, the JOBS Act permits an “emerging growth company” such as us to take advantage of an extended transition time to comply with new or revised accounting standards as applicable to public companies. Further, the JOBS Act permits an “emerging growth company” such as us to take advantage of an extended transition time to comply with new or revised accounting standards as applicable to public companies. We are choosing to elect the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. We have elected the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards pursuant to Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act until the earlier of the date we (i) are no longer an emerging growth company or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period provided in the JOBS Act. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile. We may take advantage of these reporting exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our common stock that is held by non- affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30 and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period. If we do not meet the listing standards of a national securities exchange our investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities will be limited, and we will be subject to additional trading restrictions. 23 Table of Contents If we do not meet the listing standards of a national securities exchange our investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities will be limited, and we will be subject to additional trading restrictions. Our securities currently are traded over-the-counter on OTC Pink and are not qualified to be listed on a national securities exchange, such as NASDAQ. Our securities currently are traded over-the-counter on the OTCQB and are not qualified to be listed on a national securities exchange, such as NASDAQ. Accordingly, we face significant material adverse consequences, including: ● a limited availability of market quotations for our securities; ● reduced liquidity with respect to our securities; ● our shares of common stock are currently classified as “penny stock” which requires brokers trading in our shares of common stock to adhere to more stringent rules, resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our shares of common stock; ● a limited amount of news and analyst coverage for our company; and ● a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future. The National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which is a federal statute, prevents or preempts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities, which are referred to as “covered securities.” Since our Common Stock is traded on OTC Pink, our common stock is a covered security.” Since our Common Stock is traded on OTCQB, our common stock is a covered security. Although the states are preempted from regulating the sale of our securities, the federal statute allows the states to investigate companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and, if there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular case. Further, if we were no longer traded over-the-counter, our common stock would not be a covered security and we would be subject to regulation in each state in which we offer our securities. Because we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our capital stock in the foreseeable future, capital appreciation, if any, will be your sole source of gain. We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business. In addition, the terms of any future debt agreements may preclude us from paying dividends. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our securities will be your sole source of gain for the foreseeable future. 16 Table of Contents Some provisions of our charter documents and Delaware law may have anti-takeover effects that could discourage an acquisition of us by others, even if an acquisition would be beneficial to our stockholders and may prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management. Some provisions of our charter documents and Delaware law may have anti-takeover effects that could discourage an acquisition of us by others, even if an acquisition would be beneficial to our stockholders and may prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management. Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as provisions of Delaware law, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us or increase the cost of acquiring us, even if doing so would benefit our stockholders, or remove our current management. These include provisions that: ● permit our Board of Directors to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with any rights, preferences and privileges as it may designate, of which we have designated 7,000,000 Series A preferred stock with 1,000 votes per share, all of which are held by Brian Foote, our CEO; issue 570,000 Series B preferred stock with 10,000 votes per share 371,913 of which are issued and outstanding; issue 20,000 Series C preferred stock 12,230 of which are issued and outstanding. ● provide that all vacancies on our Board of Directors, including as a result of newly created directorships, may, except as otherwise required by law, be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum; ● not provide for cumulative voting rights, thereby allowing the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors to elect all of the directors standing for election; ● provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called by a majority of the Board of Directors; and ● provide that our Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal the bylaws. These provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our Board of Directors, who are responsible for appointing the members of our management. Any provision of our articles of incorporation or bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our common stock and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our common stock. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None. ITEM IC. ITEM 1B. CYBERSECURITY Governance Our Chief Financial Officer oversees our cybersecurity risk management program described in “Risk Management and Strategy” below. While the board of directors has overall responsibility for risk oversight, it is supported in this regard by the outside consultants we have hired to help manage our cybersecurity policies and procedures and our internal cybersecurity team. While blockchain protocols typically require public addresses to be published when used in a transaction, private keys must be safeguarded and kept private in order to prevent a third party from accessing the crypto assets held in such a wallet. The cybersecurity team and our outside consultants assist the board of directors in monitoring cybersecurity risk by receiving updates from and engaging in discussions as needed with the Chief Financial Officer, that cover, among other things, our cybersecurity risk management program, response readiness and training efforts. The Chief Financial Officer updates the full board of directors on cybersecurity matters as appropriate. 17 Table of Contents Risk Management and Strategy Our cybersecurity risk management strategy focuses on several areas: .