Document:

EX-10.4

   

  EXHIBIT 10.4

   

  Certain portions of this exhibit (indicated by asterisks) have been omitted as the Registrant has determined that the information is both not material and is the type that the Registrant treats as private or confidential

   

  SECOND AMENDMENT TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

  THIS SECOND AMENDMENT TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”), dated as of June 30, 2022 (the “Amendment Effective Date”), is entered into by and among Geron Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Borrower”), each of its Subsidiaries (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Borrower”), other than any Excluded Subsidiaries, and Silicon Valley Bank, a California corporation (“SVB”), HERCULES CAPITAL, INC., a Maryland corporation (“Hercules”), each as a Lender, the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders”), and Hercules, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for itself and the Lender (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, “Agent”).

  The Borrower, the Lenders and Agent are parties to a Loan and Security Agreement dated as of September 30, 2020 (as amended by the First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 12, 2021, the “Existing Loan and Security Agreement”).  Borrower, Lenders and Agent desire to modify the terms of the Existing Loan and Security Agreement as set forth in this Amendment and as further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time (as set forth in Exhibit B hereto, the “Loan and Security Agreement”).

  Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

  SECTION 1	Definitions; Interpretation.

  (a)Terms Defined in Loan and Security Agreement.  All capitalized terms used in this Amendment (including in the recitals hereof) and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Loan and Security Agreement.

  (b)Interpretation.  The rules of interpretation set forth in Sections 1.3 and 1.4 of the Loan and Security Agreement shall be applicable to this Amendment and are incorporated herein by this reference.

  SECTION 2	Amendments to the Existing Loan and Security Agreement.

  (a)Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 3 hereof, the Existing Loan and Security Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

  (i)Exhibit A attached hereto sets forth a clean copy of the Loan and Security Agreement as amended hereby;

  (ii)In Exhibit B hereto, deletions of the text in the Existing Loan and Security Agreement (including, to the extent included in such Exhibit B, each Schedule or Exhibit to the Existing Loan and Security Agreement) are indicated by struck-through text, and insertions of text are indicated by bold, double-underlined text.

  (b)References Within Existing Loan and Security Agreement.  Each reference in the Existing Loan and Security Agreement to “this Agreement” and the words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder,” or words of like import, shall mean and be a reference to the Existing Loan and Security Agreement as amended by this Amendment.  This Amendment shall be a Loan Document.

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  SECTION 3.	Conditions of Effectiveness.  The effectiveness of Section 2 of this Amendment shall be subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions precedent:

  (a)This Amendment.  Agent shall have received this Amendment, executed by Agent, the Lenders and Borrower.

  (b)Tranche 3 Facility Charge.  On or prior to the Amendment Effective Date, Borrower shall have paid the applicable Tranche 3 Facility Charge, being zero point five percent (0.50%) of the Tranche 3 Commitment amount.  

  (c)Representations and Warranties; No Default. On the Amendment Effective Date, after giving effect to the amendment of the Loan and Security Agreement contemplated hereby: 

  (i)The representations and warranties contained in Section 4 shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Amendment Effective Date as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, after giving effect in all cases to any standard(s) of materiality contained in the Agreement as to such representations and warranties (which updates may be disclosed to Agent); and

  (ii)There exist no Events of Default or events that with the passage of time would result in an Event of Default.

  SECTION 4.	Representations and Warranties.  To induce Agent and Lender to enter into this Amendment, Borrower hereby confirms, as of the Amendment Effective Date, (a) that the representations and warranties made by it in Section 5 of the Loan and Security Agreement and in the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects; provided, however, that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof; (b) that there has not been and there does not exist a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) that the information included in the Perfection Certificate delivered to Agent prior to or on the Amendment Effective Date is true and correct in all material respects (which updates may be disclosed to Agent). For the purposes of this Section 4, (i) each reference in Section 5 of the Loan and Security Agreement to “this Agreement,” and the words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder,” or words of like import in such Section, shall mean and be a reference to the Loan and Security Agreement as amended by this Amendment, and (ii) any representations and warranties which relate solely to an earlier date shall not be deemed confirmed and restated as of the date hereof (provided that such representations and warranties shall be true, correct and complete as of such earlier date). 

  SECTION 5	Miscellaneous.

  (a)Loan Documents Otherwise Not Affected; Reaffirmation; No Novation.  

  (i)Except as expressly amended pursuant hereto or referenced herein, the Loan and Security Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects.  The Lenders’ and Agent’s execution and delivery of, or acceptance of, this Amendment shall not be deemed to create a course of dealing or otherwise create any express or implied duty by any of them to provide any other or further amendments, consents or waivers in the future. 

  (ii)Borrower hereby reaffirms the grant of security under Section 3.1 of the Loan and Security Agreement, subject to the provisions set forth in Section 3.2 of the Loan and Security Agreement, and hereby reaffirms that such grant of security in the Collateral secures all Secured Obligations under the Loan and Security Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

  (iii)This Amendment is not a novation and the terms and conditions of this Amendment shall be in addition to and supplemental to all terms and conditions set forth in the Loan Documents.  Nothing in this Amendment is intended, or shall be construed, to constitute an accord and satisfaction of Borrower’s Secured Obligations under or in connection with the Loan and Security Agreement and any other Loan Document or to modify, 

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  affect or impair the perfection or continuity of Agent’s security interest in, (on behalf of itself and the Lenders) security titles to or other liens on any Collateral for the Secured Obligations.

  (b)Conditions.  For purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in Section 3, each Lender that has signed this Amendment shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the Amendment Effective Date specifying its objection thereto.

  (c)Release.  Borrower hereby fully, finally and forever acquits, quitclaims, releases and discharges Agent and Lenders and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, successors and assigns of and from any and all obligations, claims, liabilities, damages, demands, debts, liens, deficiencies or cause or causes of action to, of or for the benefit (whether directly or indirectly) of Borrower, at law or in equity, known or unknown, contingent or otherwise, whether asserted or unasserted, whether now known or hereafter discovered, whether statutory, in contract or in tort, as well as any other kind or character of action now held, owned or possessed (whether directly or indirectly) by Borrower on account of, arising out of, related to or concerning, whether directly or indirectly, proximately or remotely (i) the negotiation, review, preparation or documentation of the Loan Documents or any other documents or agreements executed in connection therewith, (ii) the administration of the Loan Documents, (iii) the enforcement, protection or preservation of Agent’s and Lenders’ rights under the Loan Documents, or any other documents or agreements executed in connection therewith, (iv) the negotiation, review, preparation and documentation of this Amendment or any other documents or agreements executed in connection herewith, and/or (v) any action or inaction by Agent or Lender in connection with any such documents, instruments and agreements. 

  Borrower acknowledges having read and understood and hereby waives the benefits of Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, which provides as follows (and hereby waives the benefits of any similar law of the state that may be applicable):

  “A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party.”

  Borrower acknowledges that the foregoing provisions of this Section 5(c) are intended to be a general release with respect to the matters described therein. Borrower does hereby expressly acknowledge and agree that the waivers and releases contained in this Amendment shall not be construed as an admission of and/or the existence of any claims of Borrower against Agent or Lender. Borrower does hereby acknowledge and agree that the value to Borrower of this Amendment and of the covenants and agreements on the part of Lender contained in this Amendment substantially and materially exceeds any and all value of any kind or nature whatsoever of any claims or liabilities waived or released by Borrower hereunder.

  (d)No Reliance.  Each Borrower hereby acknowledges and confirms to Agent and the Lender that such Borrower is executing this Amendment on the basis of its own investigation and for its own reasons without reliance upon any agreement, representation, understanding or communication by or on behalf of any other Person. .

  (e)Costs and Expenses.  Each Borrower agrees to pay to Agent on the Amendment Effective Date the reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of Agent and the Lenders party hereto, and the fees and disbursements of counsel to Agent and the Lenders party hereto (including allocated costs of internal counsel), in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment and any other documents to be delivered in connection herewith on the Amendment Effective Date or after such date. .

  (f)Binding Effect.  This Amendment binds and is for the benefit of the successors and permitted assigns of each party.  

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  (g)Governing Law.  This Amendment and the other Loan Documents shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of California, excluding conflict of laws principles that would cause the application of laws of any other jurisdiction. 

  (h)Complete Agreement; Amendments.  This Amendment and the Loan Documents represent the entire agreement about this subject matter and supersede prior negotiations or agreements with respect to such subject matter. All prior agreements, understandings, representations, warranties, and negotiations between the parties about the subject matter of this Amendment and the Loan Documents merge into this Amendment and the Loan Documents..  

  (i)Severability of Provisions.  Each provision of this Amendment is severable from every other provision in determining the enforceability of any provision.

  (j)Counterparts.  This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, is an original, and all taken together, constitute one Amendment.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Amendment by facsimile, portable document format (.pdf) or other electronic transmission will be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

  (k)Loan Documents. This Amendment shall constitute a Loan Document. 

  (l)Electronic Execution of Certain Other Documents. The words “execution,” “execute”, “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in or related to any document to be signed in connection with this Amendment and the transactions contemplated hereby (including without limitation assignments, assumptions, amendments, waivers and consents) shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, the electronic matching of assignment terms and contract formations on electronic platforms approved by the Agent, or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

   [Balance Of Page Intentionally Left Blank; Signature Pages Follow]

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

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  Exhibit A

  Conformed Loan and Security Agreement through Second Amendment

  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Amendment, as of the date first above written.

   

  		
	BORROWER:

	GERON CORPORATION.

	Signature:
	/s/ Olivia K. Bloom

	Print Name:
	Olivia K. Bloom

	Title:
	Chief Financial Officer 

   

   

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  [Signature Page to Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement]

  

   

  		
	AGENT:

	HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

	Signature:
	/s/ Seth Meyer

	Print Name:
	Seth Meyer

	Title:
	Chief Financial Officer

   

   

  		
	LENDER:

	HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

	Signature:
	/s/ Seth Meyer

	Print Name:
	Seth Meyer

	Title:
	Chief Financial Officer

   

   

  		
	HERCULES PRIVATE GLOBAL VENTURE GROWTH FUND I L.P.

	Signature:
	/s/ Seth Meyer

	Print Name:
	Seth Meyer

	Title:
	Authorized Signatory 

   

   

  			
	HERCULES PRIVATE CREDIT FUND I L.P.

	By:
	Hercules Adviser LLC, its Investment Adviser.

	Signature:
	/s/ Seth Meyer

	Print Name:
	Seth Meyer

	Title:
	Authorized Signatory

   

   

  		
	LENDER:

	SILICON VALLEY BANK

	Signature:
	/s/ Peter Sletteland

	Print Name:
	Peter Sletteland

	Title:
	Director

   

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  [Signature Page to Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement]

  

  Exhibit A

  Conformed Loan and Security Agreement through Second Amendment

  EXHIBIT A

  LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT 

  THIS LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT is made and dated as of September 30, 2020 and is entered into by and among GERON CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, and each of its Subsidiaries (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Borrower”) other than any Excluded Subsidiaries, SILICON VALLEY BANK, a California corporation (“SVB”), HERCULES CAPITAL, INC., a Maryland corporation (“Hercules”), and the other several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties to this Agreement (collectively, referred to as the “Lenders”) and Hercules, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for itself and the Lenders (in such capacity, the “Agent”).  

  RECITALS

  A.	Borrower has requested the Lenders make available to Borrower a loan in an aggregate principal amount of up to One Hundred Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($125,000,000) (the “Term Loan”); and 

  B.	The Lenders are willing to make the Term Loan on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

  AGREEMENT

  NOW, THEREFORE, Borrower, Agent and the Lenders agree as follows:

  SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

  1.1 Unless otherwise defined herein, the following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:

  “Account Control Agreement(s)” means any agreement entered into by and among the Agent, Borrower and a third party bank or other institution (including a Securities Intermediary) in which Borrower maintains a Deposit Account or an account holding Investment Property and which perfects Agent’s first priority security interest in the subject account or accounts.

  “ACH Authorization” means the ACH Debit Authorization Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit H to the Disclosure Letter, which account numbers shall be redacted for security purposes if and when filed publicly by the Borrower.

  “Acquisition” means any transaction or series of related transactions for the purpose of or resulting, directly or indirectly, in (a) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of a Person, or of any business, line of business or division or other unit of operation of a Person, (b) the acquisition of fifty percent (50%) or more of the Equity Interests of any Person, whether or not involving a merger, consolidation or similar transaction with such other Person, or otherwise causing any Person to become a Subsidiary of Borrower, or (c) the acquisition or exclusive in-licensing of any product, product line or Intellectual Property of or from any other Person.

  “Advance” means a Term Loan Advance.

  “Advance Date” means the funding date of any Advance.

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  “Advance Request” means a request for an Advance submitted by Borrower to Agent in substantially the form of Exhibit A to the Disclosure Letter, which account numbers shall be redacted for security purposes if and when filed publicly by the Borrower.

  “Affiliate” means (a) any Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Person in question, (b) any Person directly or indirectly owning, controlling or holding with power to vote [***] or more of the outstanding voting securities of another Person or (c) any Person [***] or more of whose outstanding voting securities are directly or indirectly owned, controlled or held by another Person with power to vote such securities.  As used in the definition of “Affiliate,” the term “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

  “Agreement” means this Loan and Security Agreement, as amended from time to time.

  “Amortization Date” means November 1, 2022; provided however, if the Performance Milestone I Interest Only Extension Conditions are satisfied, then May 1, 2023, and provided further, if the Performance Milestone II Interest Only Extension Conditions are satisfied, then April 1, 2024, and provided further, if the Performance Milestone III Interest Only Extension Conditions are satisfied, then January 1, 2025.

  “Anti-Corruption Laws” means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to Borrower or any of its Affiliates from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption, including without limitation the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, the UK Bribery Act 2010 and other similar legislation in any other jurisdictions.

  “Anti‐Terrorism Laws” means any laws, rules, regulations or orders relating to terrorism or money laundering, including without limitation Executive Order No. 13224 (effective September 24, 2001), the USA PATRIOT Act, the laws comprising or implementing the Bank Secrecy Act, and the laws administered by OFAC.

  “Blocked Person” means any Person:  (a) listed in the annex to, or is otherwise subject to the provisions of, Executive Order No. 13224, (b) a Person owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, any Person that is listed in the annex to, or is otherwise subject to the provisions of, Executive Order No. 13224, (c) a Person with which any Lender is prohibited from dealing or otherwise engaging in any transaction by any Anti-Terrorism Law, (d) a Person that commits, threatens or conspires to commit or supports “terrorism” as defined in Executive Order No. 13224, or (e) a Person that is named a “specially designated national” or “blocked person” on the most current list published by OFAC or other similar list.

  “Borrower Products” means all products, software, service offerings, technical data or technology currently being designed, manufactured or sold by Borrower or which Borrower intends to sell, license, or distribute in the future including any products or service offerings under development, collectively, together with all products, software, service offerings, technical data or technology that have been sold, licensed or distributed by Borrower since its incorporation.

  “Borrower’s Books” means Borrower’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ books and records including ledgers, federal, state, local and foreign tax returns, records regarding Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ assets or liabilities, the Collateral, business operations or financial condition, and all computer programs or storage or any equipment containing such information.

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  “Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday and any other day on which banking institutions in the State of California are closed for business.

  “Cash” means all cash, cash equivalents and liquid funds.

  “Change in Control” means any (x) reorganization, recapitalization, consolidation or merger (or similar transaction or series of related transactions) of Borrower, sale or exchange of outstanding shares (or similar transaction or series of related transactions) of Borrower in which the holders of Borrower’s outstanding shares immediately before consummation of such transaction or series of related transactions do not, immediately after consummation of such transaction or series of related transactions, retain shares representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the surviving entity of such transaction or series of related transactions (or the parent of such surviving entity if such surviving entity is wholly owned by such parent), in each case without regard to whether Borrower is the surviving entity or (y) “change of control”, “fundamental change” or any comparable term under and as defined in any indenture governing any Permitted Convertible Debt has occurred.

  “Closing Date” means the date of this Agreement.

  “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

  “Common Stock” means the Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share, of the Borrower.

  “Contingent Obligation” means, as applied to any Person, any direct or indirect liability, contingent or otherwise, of that Person with respect to (i) any Indebtedness, lease, dividend, letter of credit or other obligation of another, including any such obligation directly or indirectly guaranteed, endorsed, co-made or discounted or sold with recourse by that Person, or in respect of which that Person is otherwise directly or indirectly liable; (ii) any obligations with respect to undrawn letters of credit, corporate credit cards or merchant services issued for the account of that Person; and (iii) all obligations arising under any Hedging Agreement; provided, however, that the term “Contingent Obligation” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.  The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determined amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Contingent Obligation is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by such Person in good faith; provided, however, that such amount shall not in any event exceed the maximum amount of the obligations under the guarantee or other support arrangement.  For the avoidance of doubt, no Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or Permitted Warrant Transaction will be considered a Contingent Obligation of Borrower.

  “Copyright License” means any written agreement granting any right to use any Copyright or Copyright registration, now owned or hereafter acquired by Borrower or in which Borrower now holds or hereafter acquires any interest.

  “Copyrights” means all copyrights, whether registered or unregistered, held pursuant to the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof, or of any other country.

  “Corporate Collaborations” means any corporate collaborations, including without limitation: cost-sharing arrangements with collaborative partners, collaborative work on manufacturing process improvements and academic or development collaborations for discovery research projects, arrangements with contract research organizations, preclinical work, animal studies or investigator-sponsored clinical trials or proof of concept studies. 

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   “Deposit Accounts” means any “deposit accounts,” as such term is defined in the UCC, and includes any checking account, savings account, or certificate of deposit.

  “Disclosure Letter” means that certain letter, dated the date hereof, delivered by Borrower to Agent.

  “Disqualified Equity Interests” means any Equity Interests that are not Qualified Equity Interests.

  “Dollars,” “dollars” or use of the sign “$” means only lawful money of the United States and not any other currency, regardless of whether that currency uses the “$” sign to denote its currency or may be readily converted into lawful money of the United States.

  “Dollar Equivalent” is, at any time, (a) with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, such amount, and (b) with respect to any amount denominated in a Foreign Currency, the equivalent amount therefor in Dollars as determined by Agent at such time on the basis of the then-prevailing rate of exchange in San Francisco, California, for sales of the Foreign Currency for transfer to the country issuing such Foreign Currency.

  “Domestic Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary organized under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof, the District of Columbia, or any other jurisdiction within the United States of America.

  “Due Diligence Fee” means $50,000, which fee is due to the Lenders on or/has been paid to the Lenders prior to the Closing Date, and shall be deemed fully earned on such date regardless of the early termination of this Agreement.

  “Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, the capital stock, partnership or limited liability company interest, or other equity securities or equity ownership interests of such Person.

  “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

  “Excluded Accounts” means (i) any Deposit Account that is used solely as a payroll account for the employees of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or the funds in which consist solely of funds held in trust for any director, officer or employee of such Borrower or Subsidiary or any employee benefit plan maintained by such Borrower or Subsidiary or funds representing deferred compensation for the directors and employees of such Borrower or Subsidiary, collectively not to exceed [***] of the amount to be paid in the ordinary course of business in the then-next payroll cycle, (ii) escrow accounts, Deposit Accounts and trust accounts, in each case holding assets that are pledged or otherwise encumbered pursuant to clauses (vi), (xv), (xviii) or (xxi) of the definition of Permitted Liens (but only to the extent required to be excluded pursuant to the underlying documents entered into in connection with such Permitted Liens in the ordinary course of business), (iii) accounts containing no (zero) balance or (iv) any Deposit Account with a balance less than [***]; provided, that the aggregate balance of all such Deposit Accounts excluded pursuant to this clause (iv) shall at no time exceed [***]. 

  “Excluded Subsidiary” means each direct and indirect Subsidiary of the Borrower that is a Foreign Subsidiary (and any Domestic Subsidiary whose only material assets are Equity Interests in one or more Foreign Subsidiaries).

  “FDA” means the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any successor thereto.

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  “Forecast” means the monthly net product revenue projections for Borrower, as delivered to Agent 6 months prior to the Tranche 5 Advance, for a period covering at least 6 months preceding the Tranche 5 Advance, in the event Borrower elects to comply with Performance Covenant C, and every 6 month period thereafter in the event Borrower elects to comply with Performance Covenant C, in each case, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Lenders; provided however, that Borrower may from time to time update the Forecast with a forecast approved by the board of directors of the Borrower and deliver such updated Forecast to Agent.

  “Foreign Currency” means lawful money of a country other than the United States.

  “Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary other than a Domestic Subsidiary.

  “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, as in effect from time to time.

  “Governmental Authority” means the government of any nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state, local, territory, province or otherwise, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supranational bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

  “Hedging Agreement” means any interest rate exchange agreement, foreign currency exchange agreement, commodity price protection agreement or other interest or currency exchange rate or commodity price hedging arrangement incurred by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries not for speculative purposes and entered into in the ordinary course of business.

  “Indebtedness” means indebtedness of any kind, including (a) all indebtedness for borrowed money or the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding trade credit entered into in the ordinary course of business), including reimbursement and other obligations with respect to surety bonds and letters of credit, (b) all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments, (c) all capital lease obligations, (d) Disqualified Equity Interests, (e) “earnouts”, purchase price adjustments, profit sharing arrangements, deferred purchase money amounts and similar payment obligations or continuing obligations of any nature arising out of purchase and sale contracts, and (f) all Contingent Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt no Permitted Warrant Transaction shall be considered Indebtedness of the Borrower.

  “Initial Facility Charge” means Three Hundred Ninety Five Thousand Dollars ($395,000), which is payable to the Lenders in accordance with Section 4.1(f).

  “Insolvency Proceeding” means any proceeding by or against any Person under the United States Bankruptcy Code, or any other bankruptcy or insolvency law, including assignments for the benefit of creditors, compositions, extensions generally with its creditors, or proceedings seeking reorganization, arrangement, or other similar relief.

  “Intellectual Property” means all of Borrower’s Copyrights; Trademarks; Patents; Licenses; trade secrets and inventions; mask works; service marks, designs, business names, data base rights, design rights, domain names, moral rights, inventions, confidential information, know-how and other intellectual property rights and interests whether registered or unregistered; Borrower’s applications therefor and reissues, extensions, or renewals thereof; and Borrower’s goodwill associated with any of the foregoing, together with Borrower’s rights to sue for past, present and future infringement of Intellectual Property and the goodwill associated therewith.

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  “Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain Intercreditor Agreement dated as of the Closing Date by and between Hercules (on behalf of itself and its Affiliates party hereto from time to time) and SVB, as may be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions thereof.

  “Investment” means, of any Person, (a) any beneficial ownership (including stock, partnership, limited liability company interests, or other securities) of or in any other Person, (b) any loan, advance or capital contribution to any other Person or (c) any Acquisition.

  “IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service. 

  “Janssen License” means that certain License Agreement, dated as of September 15, 2016, by and between Geron Corporation, as licensor, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., as licensee.

  “Joinder Agreements” means for each Subsidiary, a completed and executed Joinder Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit F.

  “License” means any Copyright License, Patent License, Trademark License or other license of rights or interests.

  “Lien” means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment for security, security interest, encumbrance, levy, lien or charge of any kind, whether voluntarily incurred or arising by operation of law or otherwise, against any property, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, and any lease in the nature of a security interest.

  “Loan” means the Advances made under this Agreement.

  “Loan Documents” means this Agreement, the promissory notes (if any), the ACH Authorization, the Account Control Agreements, the Joinder Agreements, all UCC Financing Statements, the Intercreditor Agreement and any other documents executed in connection with the Secured Obligations or the transactions contemplated hereby, as the same may from time to time be amended, modified, supplemented or restated.

  “Market Capitalization” means, as of any date of determination, the product of (a) the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock publicly disclosed in the most recent filing of Borrower with the United States Securities Exchange Commission as outstanding as of such date of determination and (b) the closing price of Borrower’s Common Stock (as quoted on Bloomberg L.P.’s page or any successor page thereto of Bloomberg L.P. or if such page is not available, any other commercially available source).

  “Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect upon: (i) the business, operations, properties, assets or financial condition of Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; or (ii) the ability of Borrower to perform or pay the Secured Obligations in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents, or the ability of Agent or the Lenders to enforce any of its rights or remedies with respect to the Secured Obligations; or (iii) the Collateral or Agent’s Liens on the Collateral or the priority of such Liens.

  “Maximum Term Loan Amount” means One Hundred Twenty Five Million Dollars ($125,000,000). 

  “NDA” means a new drug application submitted to the FDA under 21 U.S.C. § 355(b)(1) seeking authorization to commercialize a new drug product in the United States.

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  “NDA Milestone” means the achievement of both of the following: (i) Performance Milestone II; and (ii) the Borrower has [***].

  “Non-Disclosure Agreement” means that certain Non-Disclosure Agreement/Confidentiality Agreement by and between the Borrower and Agent, dated as of February 21, 2020.

  “OFAC” is the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control.

  “OFAC Lists” are, collectively, the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List maintained by OFAC pursuant to Executive Order No. 13224, 66 Fed. Reg. 49079 (Sept. 25, 2001) and/or any other list of terrorists or other restricted Persons maintained pursuant to any of the rules and regulations of OFAC or pursuant to any other applicable Executive Orders.

  “Patent License” means any written agreement granting any right with respect to any invention on which a Patent is in existence or a Patent application is pending, in which agreement Borrower now holds or hereafter acquires any interest.

  “Patents” means all letters patent of, or rights corresponding thereto, in the United States of America or in any other country, all registrations and recordings thereof, and all applications for letters patent of, or rights corresponding thereto, in the United States of America or any other country.

  “Perfection Certificate” means a completed certificate delivered by Borrower to Agent and the Lenders, signed by Borrower entitled “Hercules Capital, Inc. Perfection Certificate and Diligence Request”. 

  “Performance Covenant A” means Borrower, solely during the period such Performance Covenant A is elected, maintains Qualified Cash in an amount not less than forty percent (40%) of the sum of the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan Advances.

  “Performance Covenant B” means satisfaction of each of the following solely during the period such Performance Covenant B is elected: (i) Borrower’s Market Capitalization is or exceeds Seven Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($750,000,000), and (ii) Borrower maintains Qualified Cash in an amount not less than twenty five percent (25%) of the sum of the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan Advances.

  “Performance Covenant C” means from and after [***], Borrower shall, solely during the period such Performance Covenant C is elected, maintain T6M Net Product Revenue of at least 70% of the T6M Net Product Revenue included in the Forecast, with such compliance to be tested at the end of the applicable month during the period such covenant is elected by Borrower.

  “Performance Milestone I” means the achievement of both of the following: (i) the Borrower has publicly announced no later than [***] that the Phase 3 portion of the IMerge clinical trial of imetelstat in patients with lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes (“MDS”) has completed full enrollment of One Hundred Seventy (170) patients, and (ii) Borrower has publicly announced that the planned Phase 3 Refractory MF clinical trial of imetelstat in patients with intermediate-2 or high-risk myelofibrosis (“MF”) has been initiated with the first patient dosed, in each case, subject to reasonable verification by the Agent (including supporting documentation reasonably requested by the Agent).

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  “Performance Milestone I Interest Only Extension Conditions” shall mean satisfaction of each of the following events: (a) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and (b) the Borrower shall have achieved Performance Milestone I on or prior to [***].

  “Performance Milestone II” means the achievement of both of the following: (i) prior to [***], the Borrower has [***] and that [***] such that the [***] and (ii) either [***] in each case, subject to reasonable verification by the Agent (including supporting documentation reasonably requested by Agent), or [***] in, cumulatively, [***]; in each case, subject to verification by Agent (including supporting documentation reasonably requested by Agent).

   “Performance Milestone II Interest Only Extension Conditions” shall mean satisfaction of each of the following events:  (a) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; (b) the Borrower shall have achieved the Performance Milestone I Interest Only Extension Conditions on or prior to [***]; and (c) the Borrower shall have achieved Performance Milestone II on or prior to [***].

  “Performance Milestone III” means the achievement of both of the following: (i) the Borrower has publicly announced that the FDA has approved imetelstat [***] (the “FDA Approval Date”); and (ii) [***], in each case, subject to reasonable verification by the Agent (including supporting documentation reasonably requested by Agent).

  “Performance Milestone III Interest Only Extension Conditions” shall mean satisfaction of each of the following events:  (a) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; (b) the Borrower shall have achieved the Performance Milestone I Interest Only Extension Conditions on or prior to [***]; (c) the Borrower shall have achieved Performance Milestone II on or prior to[***]; and (d) the Borrower shall have achieved Performance Milestone III on or prior to [***].

  “Permitted Acquisition” means any Acquisition (including Corporate Collaborations constituting Acquisitions) which is conducted in accordance with the following requirements:

  (i)of a business or Person or product engaged in a line of business similar, related or complementary to that of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries;

  (ii)if such Acquisition is structured as a stock acquisition, then the Person so acquired shall either (i) become a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Borrower or of a Subsidiary and the Borrower shall comply, or cause such Subsidiary to comply, with 7.13 hereof or (ii) such Person shall be merged with and into Borrower (with the Borrower being the surviving entity);

  (iii)if such Acquisition is structured as the acquisition or exclusive in-licensing of any product, product line or Intellectual Property, such product, product line or Intellectual Property shall be acquired by Borrower, and shall be free and clear of Liens other than Permitted Liens;

  (iv)the Borrower shall have delivered to the Lenders not less than ten (10) nor more than forty five (45) days prior to the date of such Acquisition, notice of such Acquisition together with pro forma projected financial information (to the extent available or applicable), copies of then-current drafts of all material documents relating to such acquisition, and historical financial statements (to the extent available or applicable) for such acquired entity, division or line of business, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Lenders (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld), demonstrating compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.20 hereof on a pro forma basis immediately prior to and immediately after the consummation of such transaction and subject to the confidentiality provisions of Section 11.13;

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  (v)both immediately before and immediately after such Acquisition no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

  (vi)the cash consideration for the purchase price of such proposed new Acquisition (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Acquisitions permitted pursuant to clause (iii) of the definition of Permitted Licenses), when taken together with all consideration paid in respect of earnouts, milestones and other similar deferred purchase price consideration as and when paid, in each case by the Borrower with respect thereto, and including the amount of Permitted Indebtedness assumed or to which such assets, businesses or business or ownership interest or shares, or any Person so acquired, remain subject (excluding Indebtedness comprised of performance-based milestones, earnouts, or royalties that qualify as Permitted Indebtedness pursuant to subsection (vi) of the definition thereof and have not been paid) may not exceed [***] with respect to consideration other than Equity Interests of the Borrower, provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, the remainder of such purchase price may be paid in Equity Interests of the Borrower or the net cash proceeds of any substantially concurrent offering of Equity Interests of the Borrower, in each case, to the extent permitted hereunder.

  “Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction” means any call or capped call option (or substantively equivalent derivative transaction) relating to the Common Stock (or other securities or property following a merger event or other change of the Common Stock) purchased by Borrower in connection with the issuance of any Permitted Convertible Debt and as may be amended in accordance with its terms; provided, that the terms, conditions and covenants of each such call option transaction are customary for agreements of such type, as determined in good faith by the Borrower.

  “Permitted Convertible Debt” means Indebtedness of the Borrower that is convertible, at the option of the holders thereof, into shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property following a merger event or other change of the Common Stock), cash or any combination thereof, at the election of the Borrower; provided that such Indebtedness shall (a) not require any scheduled amortization or otherwise require payment of principal prior to, or have a scheduled maturity date, earlier than, [***] after the Term Loan Maturity Date, (b) be unsecured, (c) not be guaranteed by any Subsidiary of Borrower that has not executed a Joinder Agreement and (d) be on terms and conditions customary for Indebtedness of such type, as determined in good faith by the Borrower; provided further, that any cross-default or cross-acceleration event of default (each howsoever defined) provision contained therein that relates to indebtedness or other payment obligations of Borrower (or any of its Subsidiaries) (such indebtedness or other payment obligations, a “Cross-Default Reference Obligation”) contains a cure period of at least thirty (30) calendar days (after written notice to the issuer of such Indebtedness by the trustee or to such issuer and such trustee by holders of at least [***] in aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness then outstanding) before a default, event of default, acceleration or other event or condition under such Cross-Default Reference Obligation results in an event of default under such cross-default or cross-acceleration provision.

  “Permitted Indebtedness” means: 

  (i)Indebtedness of Borrower in favor of the Lenders or Agent arising under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; 

  (ii)Indebtedness existing on the Closing Date which is disclosed in Schedule 1A to the Disclosure Letter; 

  (iii)Indebtedness of up to [***] at any time outstanding, secured by a Lien described in clause (vii) of the defined term “Permitted Liens,” provided such Indebtedness does not exceed the cost of the assets financed with such Indebtedness; 

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  (iv)Indebtedness to trade creditors incurred in the ordinary course of business;

  (v)Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business (i) with corporate credit cards, merchant cards, purchase cards and debit cards in an amount not to exceed [***] at any time outstanding, and (ii) in connection with cash management services in an amount not to exceed [***] at any time outstanding; 

  (vi)Indebtedness that also constitutes a Permitted Investment and Indebtedness consisting of obligations under deferred or contingent consideration arrangements (including, without duplication, earn-outs, milestone payments, royalties and other contingent or deferred obligations as long as such obligations are not evidenced by any “seller notes” or similar Indebtedness in connection with Permitted Acquisitions); 

  (vii)Subordinated Indebtedness; 

  (viii)reimbursement obligations in connection with letters of credit provided by financial institutions other than SVB that are secured by Cash and issued on behalf of the Borrower or a Subsidiary thereof in an amount not to exceed [***] at any time outstanding;

  (ix)other unsecured Indebtedness not otherwise permitted hereunder in an amount not to exceed [***]  at any time outstanding; 

  (x)intercompany Indebtedness as long as each of the obligor and the obligee under such Indebtedness is the Borrower or a Subsidiary that has executed a Joinder Agreement or otherwise in connection solely with Permitted Investments in Subsidiaries of Borrower; 

  (xi)extensions, refinancings and renewals of any items of Permitted Indebtedness, provided that the principal amount is not increased or the terms modified to impose materially more burdensome terms upon Borrower or its Subsidiary, as the case may be; 

  (xii)any Permitted Convertible Debt not to exceed [***] in principal amount at any one time outstanding;

  (xiii)Indebtedness to non-Affiliate third parties limited to synthetic royalty participations (and not royalty purchases or buyouts) and specific asset-level financings, in each case to the extent such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Secured Obligations in amounts and on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and the Lenders (collectively, the “Permitted Third Party Financings”); 

  (xiv)obligations under any Hedging Agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business for non-speculative purposes in an aggregate amount not to exceed [***] at any time outstanding;

  (xv)Permitted Licenses, solely to the extent involving the incurrence of Permitted Indebtedness;

  (xvi)financing of insurance premiums in the ordinary course of business;

  (xvii)Contingent Obligations of Permitted Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business, in each case without duplication for the amount(s) of Permitted Indebtedness otherwise permitted hereunder;

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  (xviii)advances or deposits received in the ordinary course of business from customers or vendors; 

  (xix)Indebtedness with respect to performance bonds, appeal bonds and other similar obligations, in an aggregate amount not to exceed [***] at any time outstanding; and

  (xx)guarantees of the obligations of suppliers, customers and licensees of the Borrower incurred to third parties for the purpose of enabling such suppliers, customers and licensees to purchase products that will be supplied, or incorporated into products that will be supplied, to the Borrower by such suppliers, customers or licensees, in an amount not to exceed [***] in the aggregate in any fiscal year.

  “Permitted Investment” means: 

  (i)Investments existing on the Closing Date which are disclosed in Schedule 1B to the Disclosure Letter;

  (ii)(a) marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency or any State thereof maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof currently having a rating of at least A-2 or P-2 from either Standard & Poor’s Corporation or Moody’s Investors Services, (b) commercial paper maturing no more than one year from the date of creation thereof and currently having a rating of at least A-2 or P-2 from either Standard & Poor’s Corporation or Moody’s Investors Service, (c) certificates of deposit issued by any bank with assets of at least [***] maturing no more than one year from the date of investment therein, (d) money market accounts and (e) other Investments described in Borrower’s investment policy as approved by Agent in writing and the Borrower’s Board of Directors from time to time;

  (iii)(A) repurchases of shares or stock from former or current employees, directors, or consultants of Borrower under the terms of applicable repurchase agreements at the original issuance price of such securities in an aggregate amount not to exceed [***] in any fiscal year or (B) equity derivatives and stock repurchases (including without limitation by means of accelerated stock repurchases and forward purchases) as permitted by Section 7.7, in each case provided that no Event of Default has occurred, is continuing or would exist immediately after giving effect to such derivatives or repurchases; 

  (iv)Investments accepted in connection with Permitted Transfers; 

  (v)Investments (including debt obligations) (a) received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of customers or suppliers and in settlement of delinquent or doubtful obligations of, and other disputes with, customers or suppliers arising in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business and (b) consisting of the endorsement of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection or similar transactions in the ordinary course of business; 

  (vi)Investments consisting of notes receivable of, or prepaid royalties and other credit extensions, to customers and suppliers who are not Affiliates, in the ordinary course of business, provided that this subparagraph (vi) shall not apply to Investments of Borrower in any Subsidiary; 

  (vii)Investments consisting of loans not involving the net transfer on a substantially contemporaneous basis of cash proceeds to employees, officers or directors relating to the purchase of capital stock of Borrower pursuant to employee share or stock purchase plans or other similar agreements approved by Borrower’s Board of Directors; 

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  (viii)Investments consisting of travel advances, relocation loans, and other loan advances (or guarantees thereof) to employees, officers and directors in the ordinary course of business; 

  (ix)Investments (A) in Borrower and (B) in Subsidiaries that have entered into a Joinder Agreement and executed such other documents as shall be reasonably requested by Agent; 

  (x)Investments in Subsidiaries that have not executed a Joinder Agreement in an aggregate amount not to exceed [***] in any fiscal year;

  (xi)joint ventures or strategic alliances in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business, provided that any cash Investments by Borrower do not exceed [***] in the aggregate in any fiscal year; provided further, that such joint ventures and strategic alliances shall not include any licenses other than Permitted Licenses;

  (xii)Borrower’s entry into (including payments of premiums in connection therewith), and the performance of obligations under, and the receipt of Common Stock upon termination, settlement or unwind of, any Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and Permitted Warrant Transactions; 

  (xiii)Permitted Acquisitions; 

  (xiv)Hedging Agreements permitted under clause (xiv) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness; 

  (xv)Permitted Licenses, to the extent constituting Investments; 

  (xvi)Patents assigned by Janssen Biotech, Inc. and its Affiliates; and 

  (xvii)additional Investments not otherwise permitted hereunder that do not exceed [***] in the aggregate.

  “Permitted Licenses” means: 

  (i)the Janssen License; 

  (ii)licenses and similar arrangements for the use of Intellectual Property (including Corporate Collaborations not constituting Acquisitions) satisfying each of the following conditions:  (a) such license is entered into in the ordinary course of business, (b) such license could not result in a legal transfer of title of the licensed property, (c) such license is entered into with non-Affiliate third parties and constitutes an arms-length transaction on commercially reasonably terms, and (d) such license is (x) non-exclusive, (y) exclusive as to territory but only as to discrete geographical areas outside of the United States of America in the ordinary course of business, or (z) exclusive as to any territory including the United States solely with respect to co-promotion, co-development and co-commercialization agreements entered into with counterparties typically party to such agreements in the ordinary course of their business; provided that, solely with respect to this clause (ii)(d)(z), both immediately prior to and upon consummation of any such transaction the Borrower is in compliance with Section 7.20(b) and no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and

  (iii)any in-license permitted hereunder that relates to [***]; provided that, the consideration paid in connection with such in-license does not exceed [***] and, both immediately 

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  prior to and upon consummation of any such in-license, no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. 

   “Permitted Liens” means: 

  (i)Liens in favor of Agent or the Lenders; 

  (ii)Liens existing on the Closing Date which are disclosed in Schedule 1C to the Disclosure Letter; 

  (iii)Liens for taxes, fees, assessments or other governmental charges or levies, either not delinquent or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted; provided, that Borrower maintains adequate reserves therefor on Borrower’s Books in accordance with GAAP (to the extent required thereby); 

  (iv)Liens securing claims or demands of materialmen, artisans, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen, landlords and other like Persons arising in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business and imposed without action of such parties; provided, that the payment thereof is not yet sixty (60) days past due;

  (v)Liens arising from judgments, decrees or attachments in circumstances which do not constitute an Event of Default hereunder; 

  (vi)the following deposits, to the extent made in the ordinary course of business:  deposits to secure the performance of obligations (including by way of deposits to secure letters of credit issued to secure the same) under commercial supply and/or manufacturing agreements, deposits under worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance, social security and other similar laws, or to secure the performance of bids, tenders or contracts (other than for the repayment of borrowed money) or to secure indemnity, performance or other similar bonds for the performance of bids, tenders or contracts (other than for the repayment of borrowed money) or to secure statutory obligations (other than Liens arising under ERISA or environmental Liens) or surety or appeal bonds, or to secure indemnity, performance or other similar bonds; 

  (vii)Liens on Equipment or software or other intellectual property constituting purchase money Liens and Liens in connection with capital leases securing Indebtedness permitted in clause (iii) of “Permitted Indebtedness”;  

  (viii)Liens incurred in connection with Subordinated Indebtedness;

  (ix)leasehold interests in leases or subleases (whether as lessor or lessee thereunder) and licenses or sublicenses granted in the ordinary course of business and not interfering in any material respect with the business of the licensor (including any non-exclusive licenses of personal property (other than Intellectual Property) granted to third parties in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business), if such leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses do not prohibit granting Agent a security interest therein; 

  (x)to the extent constituting Liens, Permitted Licenses;

  (xi)Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of custom duties that are promptly paid on or before the date they become due; 

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  (xii)Liens on insurance proceeds securing the payment of financed insurance premiums that are promptly paid on or before the date they become due (provided that such Liens extend only to such insurance proceeds and not to any other property or assets); 

  (xiii)statutory and common law rights of set-off and other similar rights as to deposits of cash and securities in favor of banks, other depository institutions and brokerage firms; 

  (xiv)easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business so long as they do not materially impair the value or marketability of the related property; 

  (xv)(A) Liens on Cash securing obligations permitted under clause (viii) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness and (B) security deposits in connection with real property leases, the combination of (A) and (B) in an aggregate amount not to exceed [***] at any time; 

  (xvi)Liens incurred in connection with Permitted Third Party Financings; provided that such Liens are limited to the specific assets financed and not all assets or substantially all assets of the Borrower;

  (xvii)additional Liens not otherwise permitted hereunder in an aggregate amount not to exceed [***] at any time; provided that such liens be limited to specific assets and not all assets or substantially all assets of any Borrower;

  (xviii)Liens on Cash securing obligations permitted under clause (v) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness;

  (xix)Liens in favor of financial institutions arising in connection with Borrower’s deposit and/or securities accounts held at such institutions, provided that (i) such accounts are permitted by this Agreement and (ii) Agent has a first priority perfected security interest in the amounts held in such deposit and/or securities accounts other than Excluded Accounts; 

  (xx)Liens incurred in connection with sales, transfers, licenses, sublicenses, leases, subleases or other dispositions of assets in the ordinary course of business and permitted by Section 7.8 and, in connection therewith, customary rights and restrictions contained in agreements relating to such transactions pending the completion thereof or during the term thereof, and any option or other agreement to sell, transfer, license, sublicense, lease, sublease or dispose of an asset permitted by Section 7.8; 

  (xxi)Liens in the nature of deposits, or liens on deposit accounts, to secure (i) the performance of tenders, bids, trade and commercial contracts, licenses and leases, statutory obligations, surety bonds, performance bonds, bank guaranties and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business (including earnest money deposits in respect of any asset acquisition) or (ii) indemnification obligations relating to any disposition; provided that, in each case, such Liens do not secure Indebtedness for borrowed money and are incurred in the ordinary course of business;

  (xxii)good faith deposits required in connection with any Permitted Acquisition in the ordinary course of business;

  (xxiii)to the extent constituting Liens, escrow arrangements securing indemnification obligations associated with any acquisition;

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  (xxiv)  Liens incurred in connection with the extension, renewal or refinancing of the Indebtedness secured by Liens of the type described in clauses (i) through (xi) above; provided, that any extension, renewal or replacement Lien shall be limited to the property encumbered by the existing Lien and the principal amount of the Indebtedness being extended, renewed or refinanced (as may have been reduced by any payment thereon) does not increase.

  “Permitted Transfers” means: 

  (i)sales, transfers or other dispositions of Inventory in the ordinary course of business; 

  (ii)transfers consisting of Permitted Licenses; 

  (iii)dispositions of worn-out, obsolete or surplus Equipment at fair market value in the ordinary course of business; 

  (iv)transfers expressly permitted under Sections 7.5, 7.6 or 7.7; 

  (v)the surrender, waiver or settlement of contractual rights in the ordinary course of business, or the surrender, waiver or settlement of claims and litigation claims (whether or not in the ordinary course of business) as long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

  (vi)the use of cash and cash equivalents subject to the restrictions and limitations set forth in the Loan Documents; 

  (vii)dispositions of Borrower’s Investment in Bard1 Life Sciences Limited identified on Schedule 1B to the Disclosure Letter; 

  (viii)the Janssen License; 

  (ix)retirements of abandoned or expired Intellectual Property not material to Borrower’s business; and

  (x)other transfers not otherwise permitted hereunder of assets (other than Intellectual Property) having a fair market value of not more than [***] in the aggregate in any fiscal year. 

  “Permitted Warrant Transaction” means any call option, warrant or right to purchase (or substantively equivalent derivative transaction) relating to Common Stock (or other securities or property following a merger event or other change of the Common Stock) and/or cash (in an amount determined by reference to the price of such Common Stock) sold by Borrower substantially concurrently with any purchase by Borrower of a related Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction and as may be amended in accordance with its terms; provided that (x) that the terms, conditions and covenants of each such call option transaction are customary for agreements of such type, as determined in good faith by the Borrower and (y) such call option transaction would be classified as an equity instrument in accordance with GAAP.

  “Person” means any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association, corporation, limited liability company, institution, other entity or government.

  “Qualified Cash” means unrestricted Cash of the Borrower maintained in domestic Deposit Accounts or other domestic accounts in the Borrower’s name subject to an Account Control Agreement in favor of Agent. 

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  “Qualified Equity Interests” means Equity Interests of Borrower that do not include a cash dividend (other than dividends that are solely payable as and when declared by Borrower’s board of directors) and are not mandatorily redeemable by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or redeemable at the option of the holder of such Equity Interests, in each case prior to the [***] following the Term Loan Maturity Date (other than redemptions solely for Qualified Equity Interests in such Person and cash in lieu of fractional shares of such Equity Interests and redemptions upon the occurrence of an “asset sale” or a “change in control” (or similar event, however denominated) so long as any such redemption requirement becomes operative only after repayment in full (or waiver thereof) of all the Secured Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations); provided, however, that an Equity Interest in any Person that is issued to any employee or to any plan for the benefit of employees or by any such plan to such employees shall constitute a Qualified Equity Interest notwithstanding any obligation of Borrower or any Subsidiary to repurchase such Equity Interest in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employee’s termination, death or disability).

  “Receivables” means (i) all of Borrower’s Accounts, Instruments, Documents, Chattel Paper, Supporting Obligations, letters of credit, proceeds of any letter of credit, and Letter of Credit Rights, and (ii) all customer lists, software, and business records related thereto.

  “Redemption Conditions” means, with respect to any payment of cash in respect of the principal amount of any Permitted Convertible Debt, satisfaction of each of the following events: (a) no Event of Default shall exist or result therefrom, and (b) both immediately before and at all times after such redemption, Borrower’s Qualified Cash shall be no less than the sum of [***] of the outstanding Secured Obligations. 

  “Register” has the meaning specified in Section 11.7.

  “Required Lenders” means, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, at any time, the holders of more than 50% of the sum of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Term Loan Advances then outstanding.

  “Requirement of Law” means, as to any Person, the certificate of incorporation and by-laws or other organizational or governing documents of such Person, and any law, treaty, rule or regulation or determination of an arbitrator or a court or other Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

  “Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country or territory which is the subject or target of any Sanctions.

  “Sanctioned Person” means, at any time, (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions-related list of designated Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State, or by the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or any EU member state, (b) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country or (c) any Person controlled by any such Person.

  “Sanctions” means economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by (a) the U.S. government, including those administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State, or (b) the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom.

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  “Second Amendment” means that certain Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, effective as of the Second Amendment Closing Date, by and among the Borrower, Agent and the Lenders.

  “Second Amendment Closing Date” means the date on which the Second Amendment is executed by the Borrower, Agent and the Lenders.

  “Secured Obligations” means Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement and any Loan Document including any obligation to pay any amount now owing or later arising.

  “Subordinated Indebtedness” means Indebtedness subordinated to the Secured Obligations on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Agent in its sole discretion and subject to a subordination agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Agent in its sole discretion.

  “Subsidiary” means an entity, whether a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or otherwise, in which Borrower owns or controls 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities, including each entity listed on Schedule 1 to the Disclosure Letter.

  “T6M Net Product Revenue” means the Borrower’s net product revenue (as determined in accordance with GAAP), measured on a trailing six-month basis as of the date of the most recently delivered monthly financial statements in accordance with Section 7.1(a).  For the avoidance of doubt, net product revenue shall not include any of the following to the extent not recognizable as revenue in accordance with GAAP (i) trade, quantity and cash discounts allowed by the Borrower, (ii) discounts, refunds, rebates, charge backs, retroactive price adjustment and any other allowances which effectively reduce net selling price, (iii) product returns and allowances, (iv) allowances for shipping or other distribution expenses, (v) set-offs and counterclaims, and (vi) any other similar and customary deductions that are typically deducted from gross revenue and not included in net revenue in accordance with GAAP.

  “Taxes” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any governmental authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

  “Term Commitment” means as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Term Loan Advance to the Borrower in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading “Term Commitment” opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1.1.  

  “Term Loan Advance” means: each Tranche 1 Advance, Tranche 2 Advance, Tranche 3 Advance, Tranche 4 Advance, Tranche 5 Advance, Tranche 6 Advance, and any other term loan funds advanced under this Agreement. 

  “Term Loan Interest Rate” means for any day a per annum rate of interest equal to the greater of either (i) 9.00% plus the prime rate as reported in The Wall Street Journal minus 3.25%, and (ii) 9.00%.

  “Term Loan Maturity Date” means October 1, 2024; provided, however, that if Borrower achieves Performance Milestone II prior to September 15, 2024, then April 1, 2025, and if Borrower achieves Performance Milestone III prior to March 15, 2025, then October 1, 2025, provided further, that if the applicable day is not a Business Day, the Term Loan Maturity Date shall be the immediately preceding Business Day.

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  “Trademark License” means any written agreement granting any right to use any Trademark or Trademark registration, now owned or hereafter acquired by Borrower or in which Borrower now holds or hereafter acquires any interest. 

  “Trademarks” means all trademarks (registered, common law or otherwise) and any applications in connection therewith, including registrations, recordings and applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or in any similar office or agency of the United States of America, any State thereof or any other country or any political subdivision thereof.

  “Tranche” means, with respect to the Tranche 1A Commitment, all Tranche 1A Advances; with respect to the Tranche 1B Commitment, all Tranche 1B Advances; with respect to the Tranche 2 Commitment, all Tranche 2 Advances; with respect to the Tranche 3 Commitment, all Tranche 3 Advances; with respect to the Tranche 4 Commitment, all Tranche 4 Advances; with respect to the Tranche 5 Commitment, all Tranche 5 Advances; with respect to the Tranche 6 Commitment, all Tranche 6 Advances.

  “Tranche 1A Commitment” means as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Term Loan Advance to Borrowers in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading “Tranche 1A Commitment” opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1.1.  

  “Tranche 1B Commitment” means as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Term Loan Advance to Borrowers in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading “Tranche 1B Commitment” opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1.1.  

  “Tranche 2 Commitment” means as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Term Loan Advance to Borrowers in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading “Tranche 2 Commitment” opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1.1.  

  “Tranche 2 Facility Charge” means One Hundred and Five Thousand Dollars ($105,000), which is payable to the Lenders in accordance with Section 4.2(d).  

  “Tranche 3 Commitment” means as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Term Loan Advance to Borrowers in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading “Tranche 3 Commitment” opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1.1.  

   “Tranche 3 Facility Charge” means (i) zero point five percent (0.50%) of the Tranche 3 Commitment amount, due and payable on or prior to the Second Amendment Closing Date, and (ii) [***]  of any Tranche 3 Advance, due and payable prior to such Tranche 3 Advance; which is payable to the Lenders in accordance with Section 4.2(e).

  “Tranche 4 Commitment” means as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Term Loan Advance to Borrowers in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading “Tranche 4 Commitment” opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1.1.  

   “Tranche 4 Facility Charge” means [***] of the principal amount of any Tranche 4 Advance, which is payable to the Lenders in accordance with Section 4.2(f).

  “Tranche 5 Commitment” means as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Term Loan Advance to Borrowers in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading “Tranche 5 Commitment” opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1.1.  

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   “Tranche 5 Facility Charge” means [***] of the principal amount of any Tranche 5 Advance, which is payable to the Lenders in accordance with Section 4.2(g).

  “Tranche 6 Commitment” means as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Term Loan Advance to Borrowers in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading “Tranche 6 Commitment” opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1.1.  

   “Tranche 6 Facility Charge” means [***] of the principal amount of any Tranche 6 Advance, which is payable to the Lenders in accordance with Section 4.2(h).

  “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as the same is, from time to time, in effect in the State of California; provided, that in the event that, by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any or all of the attachment, perfection or priority of, or remedies with respect to, Agent’s Lien on any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as the same is, from time to time, in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of California, then the term “UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect, from time to time, in such other jurisdiction solely for purposes of the provisions thereof relating to such attachment, perfection, priority or remedies and for purposes of definitions related to such provisions.  

  “U.S. Person” means any Person that is a “United States person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

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  1.2     The following terms are defined in the Sections or subsections referenced opposite such terms:

  		
	Defined Term
	Section

	Agent
	Preamble

	Assignee
	11.14

	Borrower
	Preamble

	Claims
	11.11

	Collateral
	3.1

	Confidential Information
	11.13

	Cross Default Reference Obligation 
	“Permitted Convertible Debt”

	End of Term Charge
	2.6

	Event of Default
	9

	FDA Approval Date
	“Performance Milestone III”

	Financial Statements
	7.1

	Indemnified Person
	6.3

	Lenders
	Preamble

	Liabilities
	6.3

	Market Cap Threshold
	7.1(a)

	Maximum Rate
	2.3

	Open Source License
	5.10

	Participant Register
	11.8

	Permitted Third Party Financings
	“Permitted Indebtedness”

	[***]
	[***]

	Prepayment Charge
	2.5

	Publicity Materials
	11.19

	Register
	11.7

	Rights to Payment
	3.1

	Tranche 1 Advance
	2.2(a)(ii)

	Tranche 2 Advance
	2.2(a)(iii)

	Tranche 3 Advance
	2.2(a)(iv) 

	Tranche 4 Advance
	2.2(a)(v)

	Tranche 5 Advance
	2.2(a)(vi)

	Tranche 6 Advance
	2.2(a)(vii)

   

  1.3     Unless otherwise specified, all references in this Agreement or any Annex or Schedule hereto to a “Section,” “subsection,” “Exhibit,” “Annex,” or “Schedule” shall refer to the corresponding Section, subsection, Exhibit, Annex, or Schedule in or to this Agreement or the Disclosure Letter, as applicable.  Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, any accounting term used in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents shall have the meaning customarily given such term in accordance with GAAP, and all financial computations hereunder shall be computed in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied; provided that, no effect shall be given to Accounting Standards Codification 842, Leases (or any other 

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  Accounting Standards Codification having similar result or effect) (and related interpretations) to the extent any lease (or similar arrangement) would be required to be treated as a capital lease thereunder where such lease (or arrangement) would have been treated as an operating lease under GAAP as in effect immediately prior to the effectiveness of such Accounting Standards Codification. Unless otherwise defined herein or in the other Loan Documents, terms that are used herein or in the other Loan Documents and defined in the UCC shall have the meanings given to them in the UCC.  For all purposes under the Loan Documents, in connection with any division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdiction’s laws): (a) if any asset, right, obligation or liability of any Person becomes the asset, right, obligation or liability of a different Person, then it shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person and (b) if any new Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Equity Interests at such time.

  1.4     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made without giving effect to any treatment of Indebtedness in respect of convertible debt instruments under Accounting Standards Codification 470-20 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any such Indebtedness in a reduced or bifurcated manner as described therein, and such Indebtedness shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, and without limitation of the foregoing, Permitted Convertible Debt shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof and shall not include any reduction or appreciation in value of the shares deliverable upon conversion thereof.

  SECTION 2. THE LOAN

  2.1[RESERVED]. 

  2.2Term Loan.

  (a)Advances. 

  (i)Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Lenders will severally (and not jointly) make in an amount not to exceed its respective Tranche 1A Commitment, and Borrower agrees to draw, a Term Loan Advance of Twenty Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000) on the Closing Date (the “Tranche 1A Advance”). 

  (ii)Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, beginning on the Closing Date and continuing through June 15, 2021, Borrower may request and the Lenders shall severally (and not jointly) make in an amount not to exceed its respective Tranche 1B Commitment an additional Term Loan Advance in a principal amount of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) (the “Tranche 1B Advance” and together with the Tranche 1A Advance, each a “Tranche 1 Advance”).

  (iii)Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and satisfaction of Performance Milestone I, beginning on January 1, 2021 and continuing through December 15, 2021, Borrower may request and the Lenders shall severally (and not jointly) make in an amount not to exceed its respective Tranche 2 Commitment an additional Term Loan Advance in a principal amount of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000) (the “Tranche 2 Advance”).

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  (iv)Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and satisfaction of Performance Milestone II, beginning on the date of satisfaction of Performance Milestone II and continuing through the earlier date of 30 days following the satisfaction of Performance Milestone II and September 15, 2023, Borrower may request and the Lenders shall severally (and not jointly) make in an amount not to exceed its respective Tranche 3 Commitment an additional Term Loan Advance in a principal amount of Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) (the “Tranche 3 Advance”).

  (v)Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and satisfaction of the NDA Milestone, beginning on January 1, 2023 and continuing through December 15, 2023, Borrower may request and the Lenders shall severally (and not jointly) make in an amount not to exceed its respective Tranche 4 Commitment an additional Term Loan Advance in a principal amount of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) (the “Tranche 4 Advance”).

  (vi)Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and satisfaction of Performance Milestone III, beginning on September 15, 2023 and continuing through September 15, 2024, Borrower may request and the Lenders shall severally (and not jointly) make in an amount not to exceed its respective Tranche 5 Commitment an additional Term Loan Advance in a principal amount of Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) (the “Tranche 5 Advance”). 

  (vii)Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and conditioned on future approval by each Lender’s investment committee, which shall be granted or denied in its sole and unfettered discretion, on or prior to December 31, 2024, Borrower may request, and Lenders may severally (and not jointly) make, an additional Term Loan Advance of $25,000,000 (the “Tranche 6 Advance”).  The aggregate outstanding Term Loan Advances may be up to the Maximum Term Loan Amount.

  (b)Advance Request.  To obtain a Term Loan Advance, Borrower shall complete, sign and deliver an Advance Request (at least one (1) Business Day before the Closing Date and at least five (5) Business Days before each Advance Date other than the Closing Date) to Agent. The Lenders shall fund the Term Loan Advance in the manner requested by the Advance Request provided that each of the conditions precedent to such Term Loan Advance is satisfied as of the requested Advance Date.

  (c)Interest.  

  (i)Term Loan Interest Rate.  The principal balance shall bear interest thereon from such Advance Date at the Term Loan Interest Rate based on a year consisting of 360 days, with interest computed daily based on the actual number of days elapsed.  The Term Loan Interest Rate will float and change on the day the prime rate changes from time to time.

  (d)Payment.  Borrower will pay interest on each Term Loan Advance on the first Business Day of each month, beginning the month after the applicable Advance Date.  Borrower shall repay the aggregate principal balance of the Term Loan Advances that are outstanding on the day immediately preceding the Amortization Date, in equal monthly installments of principal and interest (mortgage style) beginning on the Amortization Date and continuing on the first Business Day of each month thereafter until the Term Loan Advances (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) together with all other Secured Obligations owing in connection therewith are repaid. The entire principal balance of the Term Loan Advances and all accrued but unpaid interest hereunder, shall be due and payable on the Term Loan Maturity Date.  Borrower shall make all 

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  payments under this Agreement without setoff, recoupment or deduction and regardless of any counterclaim or defense.  If a payment hereunder becomes due and payable on a day that is not a Business Day, the due date thereof shall be the immediately preceding Business Day.  The Lenders will initiate debit entries to the Borrower’s account as authorized on the ACH Authorization (i) on each payment date of all periodic obligations payable to the Lenders under each Term Loan Advance and (ii) reasonable and documented out-of-pocket legal fees and costs incurred by Agent or the Lenders in connection with Section 11.12 of this Agreement; provided that, with respect to clause (i) above, in the event that the Lenders or Agent inform Borrower in writing that the Lenders will not initiate a debit entry to Borrower’s account for a certain amount of the periodic obligations due on a specific payment date, Borrower shall pay to the Lenders such amount of periodic obligations in full in immediately available funds on such payment date; provided, further, that, with respect to clause (i) above, if the Lenders or Agent inform Borrower in writing that the Lenders will not initiate a debit entry as described above later than the date that is three (3) Business Days prior to such payment date, Borrower shall pay to the Lenders such amount of periodic obligations in full in immediately available funds on the date that is three (3) Business Days after the date on which the Lenders or Agent notify Borrower of such; provided further that with respect to clause (ii) above (other than fees paid on the Closing Date), Borrower shall pay to the Lenders such amount in full in immediately available funds within ten (10) Business Days of Agent or the Lenders furnishing Borrower an invoice of such out-of-pocket legal fees and costs incurred by Agent or the Lenders.

  2.3Maximum Interest.  Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, it is the parties’ intent not to contract for, charge or receive interest at a rate that is greater than the maximum rate permissible by law that a court of competent jurisdiction shall deem applicable hereto (which under the laws of the State of California shall be deemed to be the laws relating to permissible rates of interest on commercial loans) (the “Maximum Rate”).  If a court of competent jurisdiction shall finally determine that Borrower has actually paid to the Lenders an amount of interest in excess of the amount that would have been payable if all of the Secured Obligations had at all times borne interest at the Maximum Rate, then such excess interest actually paid by Borrower shall be applied as follows:  first, to the payment of the Secured Obligations consisting of the outstanding principal; second, after all principal is repaid, to the payment of the Lenders’ accrued interest, costs, expenses, professional fees and any other Secured Obligations; and third, after all Secured Obligations are repaid, the excess (if any) shall be refunded to Borrower.  

  2.4Default Interest.  In the event any payment is not paid on the scheduled payment date (other than a failure to pay due solely to an administrative or operational error of Agent or the Lenders or Borrower’s bank if Borrower had the funds to make the payment when due and makes the payment within three (3) Business Days following Borrower’s knowledge of such failure to pay), an amount equal to five percent (5.00%) of the past due amount shall be payable on demand. In addition, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default hereunder, all Secured Obligations, including principal, interest, compounded interest, and professional fees, shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the rate set forth in Section 2.2(c) plus five percent (5%) per annum.  In the event any interest is not paid when due hereunder, delinquent interest shall be added to principal and shall bear interest on interest, compounded at the rate set forth in Section 2.2(c) or Section 2.4, as applicable.

  2.5Prepayment.  At its option upon at least seven (7) Business Days prior written notice to Agent, Borrower may prepay all, or a portion of the outstanding Advances by paying the entire principal balance (or such portion thereof), all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, together with a prepayment charge equal to the following percentage of the Advance amount being prepaid: (i) with respect to each Advance made pursuant to Tranche 1 and Tranche 2, if such Advance 

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  amounts are prepaid in any of the first thirty-six (36) months following the Closing Date, 1.50%, and thereafter, 0.00%, and (ii) with respect to each Advance made pursuant to Tranche 3, Tranche 4, Tranche 5, or Tranche 6 after the Second Amendment Closing Date, if such Advance amounts are prepaid in any of the first thirty-six (36) months following the Second Amendment Closing Date, 1.50%, and thereafter, 0.00% (each, a “Prepayment Charge”); provided that any partial prepayment shall be in minimum increments of principal in the amount of $5,000,000 (or such lesser amount as is then outstanding).  If at any time Borrower elects to make a prepayment, and at such time, there are outstanding Advances under multiple Tranches, the Prepayment Charge shall be determined by applying the amount of such prepayment in the following order: first, to the outstanding principal amount (and accrued but unpaid interest thereon) of Advances outstanding under the Tranche with the latest initial funding date; second, to the outstanding principal amount (and accrued but unpaid interest thereon) of Advances outstanding under the Tranche with the next latest initial funding date and so on until the entire principal balance of all Advances made hereunder (and all accrued but unpaid interest thereon) is paid in full. Borrower agrees that the Prepayment Charge is a reasonable calculation of the Lenders’ lost profits in view of the difficulties and impracticality of determining actual damages resulting from an early repayment of the Advances.  Borrower shall prepay the outstanding amount of all principal and accrued interest through the prepayment date and the Prepayment Charge upon the occurrence of a Change in Control or any other prepayment hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Agent and the Lenders agree to waive the Prepayment Charge if Agent and the Lenders (in their sole and absolute discretion) agree in writing to refinance the Advances prior to the Term Loan Maturity Date. Any amounts paid under this Section shall be applied by Agent to the then unpaid amount of any Secured Obligations (including principal and interest) in such order and priority as Agent may choose in its sole discretion.  

  2.6 End of Term Charge.  

  (a)On any date that Borrower partially prepays the outstanding Secured Obligations pursuant to Section 2.5, Borrower shall pay to the Lenders a charge of 6.55% of such Term Loan Advances being repaid. 

  (b)On the earliest to occur of (i) the Term Loan Maturity Date, (ii) the date that Borrower prepays the outstanding Secured Obligations (other than any inchoate indemnity obligations and any other obligations which, by their terms, are to survive the termination of this Agreement) in full, or (iii) the date that the Secured Obligations become due and payable, Borrower shall pay the Lenders a charge of (x) 6.55% of the aggregate amount of all Term Loan Advances funded minus (y) the aggregate amount of payments made pursuant to Section 2.5 (collectively with any charge made pursuant to Section 2.5, the “End of Term Charge”).

  (c)Notwithstanding the required payment date of such End of Term Charge, the applicable pro rata portion of the End of Term Charge shall be deemed earned by the Lenders as of each date a Term Loan Advance is made.  For the avoidance of doubt, if a payment hereunder becomes due and payable on a day that is not a Business Day, the due date thereof shall be the immediately preceding Business Day.

  2.7Pro Rata Treatment.  Each payment (including prepayment) on account of any fee and any reduction of the Term Loan Advances shall be made pro rata according to the Term Commitments of the relevant Lender.

  2.8Taxes; Increased Costs.  The Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders each hereby agree to the terms and conditions set forth on Addendum 1 attached hereto.

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  2.9Treatment of Prepayment Charge and End of Term Charge.  Except as otherwise required by applicable Tax law, Borrower agrees that any Prepayment Charge and any End of Term Charge payable prior to the Term Loan Maturity Date shall be presumed to be the liquidated damages sustained by each Lender as the result of the early termination, and Borrower agrees that it is reasonable under the circumstances currently existing and existing as of the Closing Date.  The Prepayment Charge and the End of Term Charge shall also be payable in the event the Secured Obligations (and/or this Agreement) are satisfied or released by foreclosure (whether by power of judicial proceeding), deed in lieu of foreclosure, or by any other means.  Borrower expressly waives (to the fullest extent it may lawfully do so) the provisions of any present or future statute or law that prohibits or may prohibit the collection of the foregoing Prepayment Charge and End of Term Charge in connection with any such acceleration.  Borrower agrees (to the fullest extent that each may lawfully do so): (a) each of the Prepayment Charge and the End of Term Charge is reasonable and is the product of an arm’s length transaction between sophisticated business people, ably represented by counsel; (b) each of the Prepayment Charge and the End of Term Charge shall be payable notwithstanding the then prevailing market rates at the time payment is made; (c) there has been a course of conduct between the Lenders and Borrower giving specific consideration in this transaction for such agreement to pay the Prepayment Charge and the End of Term Charge in the event of prepayment or acceleration; (d) Borrower shall be estopped from claiming differently than as agreed to in this paragraph.  Borrower expressly acknowledges that its agreement to pay each of the Prepayment Charge and the End of Term Charge to the Lenders as herein described was on the Closing Date and continues to be a material inducement to the Lenders to provide the Term Loan Advances. For U.S. federal and applicable state and local income tax purposes, the parties acknowledge and agree that the Term Loan is being issued with original issue discount within the meaning of Section 1273 of the Code and shall take all tax reporting positions consistent with the foregoing unless otherwise required by a Governmental Authority. 

  SECTION 3. SECURITY INTEREST

  3.1As security for the prompt and complete payment when due (whether on the payment dates or otherwise) of all the Secured Obligations, Borrower grants to Agent a security interest in all of Borrower’s right, title, and interest in, to and under all of Borrower’s personal property and other assets including without limitation the following (except as set forth herein) whether now owned or hereafter acquired (collectively, the “Collateral”):  (a) Receivables; (b) Equipment; (c) Fixtures; (d) General Intangibles (other than Intellectual Property); (e) Inventory; (f) Investment Property; (g) Deposit Accounts; (h) Cash; (i) Goods; and all other tangible and intangible personal property of Borrower whether now or hereafter owned or existing, leased, consigned by or to, or acquired by, Borrower and wherever located, and any of Borrower’s property in the possession or under the control of Agent; and, to the extent not otherwise included, all Proceeds of each of the foregoing and all accessions to, substitutions and replacements for, and rents, profits and products of each of the foregoing; provided, however, that the Collateral shall include all Accounts and General Intangibles that consist of rights to payment and proceeds from the sale, licensing or disposition of all or any part, or rights in, the Intellectual Property (the “Rights to Payment”).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a judicial authority (including a U.S. Bankruptcy Court) holds that a security interest in the underlying Intellectual Property is necessary to have a security interest in the Rights to Payment, then the Collateral shall automatically, and effective as of the date of this Agreement, include the Intellectual Property to the extent necessary to permit perfection of Agent’s security interest in the Rights to Payment.

  3.2Notwithstanding the broad grant of the security interest set forth in Section 3.1, above, the Collateral shall not include (a) any property, right or asset held by Borrower to the extent that a grant of a security interest therein is prohibited by any Requirement of Law of a Governmental 

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  Authority or constitutes a breach or default under or results in the termination of or requires any consent not obtained under, any contract, license, agreement, instrument or other document evidencing or giving rise to such property, right or asset, except (A) to the extent that the terms in such contract, license, instrument or other document providing for such prohibition, breach, default or termination, or requiring such consent are not permitted under this Agreement or (B) to the extent that such Requirement of Law or the term in such contract, license, agreement, instrument or other document providing for such prohibition, breach, default or termination or requiring such consent is ineffective under Section 9406, 9407, 9408 or 9409 of the UCC (or any successor provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable law (including the Bankruptcy Code of the United States); provided, however, that such security interest shall attach immediately at such time as such Requirement of Law is not effective or applicable, or such prohibition, breach, default or termination is no longer applicable or is waived, and to the extent severable, shall attach immediately to any portion of the Collateral that does not result in such consequences, (b) any Excluded Accounts, (c) the assets of any non-wholly owned Subsidiaries pursuant to customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements governing joint ventures or strategic alliances in the ordinary course of business, provided that Borrower has exercised its good faith best efforts to not agree to such contractual limitations, (d) interests in joint ventures that constitute Permitted Investments pursuant to customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements governing such joint ventures in the ordinary course of business, provided that Borrower has exercised its good faith best efforts to not agree to such contractual limitations, or (e) with respect to shares or stock in Excluded Subsidiaries, more than 65% to the extent that the pledge of more than 65% of such shares or stock of any Excluded Subsidiary would result in an adverse tax consequence to Borrower.

  3.3[Reserved].

  3.4If this Agreement is terminated, Agent’s Lien in the Collateral shall continue until the Secured Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) are repaid in full in cash.  Upon payment in full in cash of the Secured Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) and at such time as the Lenders’ obligation to make credit extensions has terminated, Agent shall, at the sole cost and expense of Borrower, release its Liens in the Collateral and all rights therein shall revert to Borrower. 

  SECTION 4. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO LOAN

  The obligations of the Lenders to make the Loan hereunder are subject to the satisfaction by Borrower of the following conditions:

  4.1Initial Advance.  On or prior to the Closing Date, Borrower shall have delivered to Agent the following:

  (a)other than as permitted pursuant to Schedule 4.4 of the Disclosure Letter, executed copies of the Loan Documents, Account Control Agreements, and all other documents and instruments reasonably required by Agent to effectuate the transactions contemplated hereby or to create and perfect the Liens of Agent with respect to all Collateral, in all cases in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent;

  (b)a legal opinion of Borrower’s counsel in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent; 

  (c)a certificate executed by Borrower’s corporate secretary, which shall attach and contain customary certifications as to: (i) the resolutions of Borrower’s board of directors and the 

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  financing committee of Borrower’s board of directors evidencing approval of the Loan and other transactions evidenced by the Loan Documents; (ii) certified copies of the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws, as amended through the Closing Date, of Borrower; and (iii) a certificate of good standing for Borrower from its state of incorporation and similar certificates from all other jurisdictions in which it does business and where the failure to be qualified could have a Material Adverse Effect;

  (d)payment of the Due Diligence Fee, Initial Facility Charge and reimbursement of Agent’s and the Lenders’ current expenses reimbursable pursuant to this Agreement, which amounts may be deducted from the initial Advance; 

  (e)all certificates of insurance and copies of each insurance policy required hereunder;

  (f)an executed copy of the Perfection Certificate and Addendum 1 thereto; and 

  (g)such other documents as Agent may reasonably request.

  4.2All Advances.  On each Advance Date:

  (a)Agent shall have received (i) an Advance Request for the relevant Advance as required by Section 2.2(b), each duly executed by Borrower’s Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, and (ii) any other documents Agent may reasonably request.

  (b)The representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Advance Date with the same effect as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date.

  (c)Borrower shall be in compliance with all the terms and provisions set forth herein and in each other Loan Document on its part to be observed or performed, and at the time of and immediately after such Advance no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

  (d)With respect to any Advance pursuant to Tranche 2, Borrower shall have paid the applicable Tranche 2 Facility Charge. 

  (e)With respect to any Advance pursuant to Tranche 3, Borrower shall have paid the applicable Tranche 3 Facility Charge.

  (f)With respect to any Advance pursuant to Tranche 4, Borrower shall have paid the applicable Tranche 4 Facility Charge. 

  (g)With respect to any Advance pursuant to Tranche 5, Borrower shall have paid the applicable Tranche 5 Facility Charge. 

  (h)With respect to any Advance pursuant to Tranche 6, (x) each Lender’s investment committee shall, in its sole and absolute discretion, have approved the requested Advances, as contemplated by Section 2.2(a)(vii) and (y) Borrower shall have paid the Tranche 6 Facility Charge.

  (i)Each Advance Request shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by Borrower on the relevant Advance Date as to the matters specified in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this Section 4.2 and as to the matters set forth in the Advance Request.

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  4.3No Default.  As of the Closing Date and each Advance Date, (i) no fact or condition exists that would (or would, with the passage of time, the giving of notice, or both) constitute an Event of Default and (ii) no event that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect has occurred and is continuing.

  4.4Post-Close Obligations. The Borrower agrees to deliver all items as required under Schedule 4.4 to the Disclosure Letter within the corresponding timeframes as set forth in Schedule 4.4 to the Disclosure Letter or such later date as Agent may agree in writing in its sole discretion.

  SECTION 5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BORROWER

  Borrower represents and warrants that:

  5.1Corporate Status.  Borrower is a corporation duly organized, legally existing and in good standing under the laws its state of incorporation, and is duly qualified as a foreign corporation in all jurisdictions in which the nature of its business or location of its properties require such qualifications and where the failure to be qualified could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Borrower’s present name, former names (if any), locations, place of formation, taxpayer identification number, organizational identification number and other information are correctly set forth in Exhibit B to the Disclosure Letter, as may be updated by Borrower in a written notice (including any Compliance Certificate) provided to Agent after the Closing Date. 

  5.2Collateral.  Borrower owns the Collateral and the Intellectual Property, free of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens.  Borrower has the power and authority to grant to Agent a Lien in the Collateral as security for the Secured Obligations.  

  5.3Consents.  Borrower’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and all other Loan Documents, (i) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of Borrower, (ii) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon the Collateral, other than Permitted Liens and the Liens created by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (iii) do not violate any provisions of Borrower’s Certificate or Articles of Incorporation (as applicable), bylaws, or any, law, regulation, order, injunction, judgment, decree or writ to which Borrower is subject and (iv) except as described on Schedule 5.3 to the Disclosure Letter, do not violate any material contract or material agreement or require the consent or approval of any other Person which has not already been obtained.  The individual or individuals executing the Loan Documents are duly authorized to do so.

  5.4Material Adverse Effect.  Since December 31, 2019, no event that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect has occurred and is continuing. 

  5.5Actions Before Governmental Authorities.  Except as disclosed on the Perfection Certificate, there are no actions, suits or proceedings at law or in equity or by or before any Governmental Authority now pending or, to the knowledge of Borrower, threatened in writing against or affecting Borrower or its property, that is reasonably expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. 

  5.6Laws.  Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any law, rule or regulation, or in default with respect to any judgment, writ, injunction or decree of any Governmental Authority, where such violation or default is reasonably expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  Borrower is not in default in any manner under any material provision of any 

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  agreement or instrument evidencing material Indebtedness, or any other material agreement to which it is a party or by which it is bound.  

  Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.  Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged as one of its important activities in extending credit for margin stock (under Regulations X, T and U of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors).  Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has complied in all material respects with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.  Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is a “holding company” or an “affiliate” of a “holding company” or a “subsidiary company” of a “holding company” as each term is defined and used in the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005.  Neither Borrower’s nor any of its Subsidiaries’ properties or assets has been used by Borrower or such Subsidiary or, to Borrower’s Knowledge, by previous Persons, in disposing, producing, storing, treating, or transporting any hazardous substance other than in material compliance with applicable laws.  Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has obtained all material consents, approvals and authorizations of, made all declarations or filings with, and given all notices to, all Governmental Authorities that are necessary to continue their respective businesses as currently conducted.

  None of Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or, to Borrower’s knowledge, any of Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ Affiliates or any of their respective agents acting or benefiting in any capacity in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is (i) in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law, (ii) engaging in or conspiring to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading or avoiding or attempts to violate, any of the prohibitions set forth in any Anti-Terrorism Law, or (iii) is a Blocked Person.  None of Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or to the knowledge of Borrower and any of their Affiliates or agents, acting or benefiting in any capacity in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (x) conducts any business or engages in making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of any Blocked Person, or (y) deals in, or otherwise engages in any transaction relating to, any property or interest in property blocked pursuant to Executive Order No. 13224, any similar executive order or other Anti-Terrorism Law.  None of the funds to be provided under this Agreement will be used, directly or indirectly, (a) for any activities in violation of any applicable anti-money laundering, economic sanctions and anti-bribery laws and regulations laws and regulations or (b) for any payment to any governmental official or employee, political party, official of a political party, candidate for political office, or anyone else acting in an official capacity, in order to obtain, retain or direct business or obtain any improper advantage, in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.

  5.7Information Correct and Current.  No written information, report, Advance Request, financial statement, exhibit or schedule furnished, by or on behalf of Borrower to Agent in connection with any Loan Document or included therein or delivered pursuant thereto contained, or, when taken as a whole, contains or will contain any material misstatement of fact or, when taken together with all other such written information or documents, omitted, omits or will omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were, are or will be made, not materially misleading at the time such statement was made or deemed made. Additionally, any and all financial or business projections provided by Borrower to Agent, whether prior to or after the Closing Date, shall be (i) provided in good faith and based on the most current data and information available to Borrower at the time delivered, and (ii) the most current of such projections provided to Borrower’s Board of Directors (it being understood that such projections are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of Borrower, that no assurance is given that any particular projections will be realized, and that actual results may differ). 

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  5.8Tax Matters.  Except as described on Schedule 5.8 to the Disclosure Letter, (a) Borrower and its Subsidiaries have filed all federal and state income Tax returns and other material Tax returns that they are required to file, (b) Borrower and its Subsidiaries have duly paid all federal and state income Taxes and other material Taxes or installments thereof that they are required to pay as and when due, except (i) Taxes being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which Borrower and its Subsidiaries maintain adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP or (ii) to the extent the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (c) to the best of Borrower’s knowledge, no proposed or pending Tax assessments, deficiencies, audits or other proceedings with respect to Borrower or any Subsidiary have had, or could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

  5.9Intellectual Property Claims.  Borrower is the sole owner of, or otherwise has the right to use, the Intellectual Property material to Borrower’s business.  Except as described on Schedule 5.9 to the Disclosure Letter (as may be supplemented by disclosures provided in the Compliance Certificate or as disclosed to Agent), (i) each of the material registered Copyrights, registered Trademarks and issued Patents is valid and enforceable, (ii) no material part of the Intellectual Property has been judged invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, and (iii) no claim has been made to Borrower that any material part of the Intellectual Property violates the rights of any third party. Borrower is not in material breach of, nor has Borrower failed to perform any material obligations under, any of the contracts, licenses or agreements identified in Sections 5(c) and 5(d) of the Perfection Certificate and, to Borrower’s knowledge, no third party to any such contract, license or agreement is in material breach thereof or has failed to perform any material obligations thereunder.  

  5.10Intellectual Property.  Except as described on Schedule 5.10 to the Disclosure Letter (as may be supplemented by disclosures provided in the Compliance Certificate or as disclosed to Agent), Borrower has all material rights with respect to Intellectual Property necessary or material in the operation or conduct of Borrower’s business as currently conducted and proposed to be conducted by Borrower.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and in the case of Licenses, except for restrictions that are unenforceable under Division 9 of the UCC, Borrower has the right, to the extent required to operate Borrower’s business, to freely transfer, license or assign Intellectual Property necessary or material in the operation or conduct of Borrower’s business as currently conducted and proposed to be conducted by Borrower, without condition, restriction or payment of any kind (other than license payments in the ordinary course of business) to any third party, and Borrower owns or has the right to use, pursuant to valid licenses, all software development tools, library functions, compilers and all other third-party software and other items that are material to Borrower’s business and used in the design, development, promotion, sale, license, manufacture, import, export, use or distribution of Borrower Products except customary covenants in inbound license agreements and equipment leases where Borrower is the licensee or lessee. 

  No material software or other materials used by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (or used in any Borrower Products or any Subsidiaries’ products) are subject to an open-source or similar license (including but not limited to the General Public License, Lesser General Public License, Mozilla Public License, or Affero License) (collectively, “Open Source Licenses”) in a manner that would cause such software or other materials to have to be (i) distributed to third parties at no charge or a minimal charge (royalty-free basis); (ii) licensed to third parties to modify, make derivative works based on, decompile, disassemble, or reverse engineer; or (iii) used in a manner that could require disclosure or distribution in source code form.

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  5.11Borrower Products.  Except as described on Schedule 5.11 to the Disclosure Letter (as may be supplemented by disclosures provided in the Compliance Certificate or as disclosed to Agent), no material Intellectual Property owned by Borrower or Borrower Product has been or is subject to any actual or, to the knowledge of Borrower, threatened litigation in writing, proceeding (including any proceeding in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any corresponding foreign office or agency) or outstanding decree, order, judgment, settlement agreement or stipulation that restricts in any material manner Borrower’s use, transfer or licensing thereof or that may affect the validity, use or enforceability thereof. There is no decree, order, judgment, agreement, stipulation, arbitral award or other provision entered into in connection with any litigation or proceeding that obligates Borrower to grant licenses or ownership interest in any material future Intellectual Property related to the operation or conduct of the business of Borrower or Borrower Products.  Borrower has not received any written notice or claim, or, to the knowledge of Borrower, oral notice or claim, challenging or questioning Borrower’s ownership in any material Intellectual Property (or written notice of any claim challenging or questioning the ownership in any licensed Intellectual Property of the owner thereof) or suggesting that any third party has any claim of legal or beneficial ownership with respect thereto nor, to Borrower’s knowledge, is there a reasonable basis for any such claim, in each case to where such notice or claim would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  To Borrower’s knowledge, neither Borrower’s use of its Intellectual Property nor the production and sale of Borrower Products infringes the valid Intellectual Property or other rights of others in any material respect. 

  5.12Financial Accounts.  Exhibit D to the Disclosure Letter, as may be updated by the Borrower in a written notice provided to Agent after the Closing Date, is a true, correct and complete list of (a) all banks and other financial institutions at which Borrower or any Subsidiary maintains Deposit Accounts and (b) all institutions at which Borrower or any Subsidiary maintains an account holding Investment Property, and such exhibit correctly identifies the name, address and telephone number of each bank or other institution, the name in which the account is held, a description of the purpose of the account, and the complete account number therefor.

  5.13Employee Loans.  Except as permitted hereunder, Borrower has no outstanding loans to any employee, officer or director of the Borrower nor has Borrower guaranteed the payment of any loan made to an employee, officer or director of the Borrower by a third party.

  5.14Capitalization and Subsidiaries.  Borrower does not own any stock, partnership interest or other securities of any Person, except for Permitted Investments.  Attached as Schedule 5.14 to the Disclosure Letter, as may be updated by Borrower in a written notice provided after the Closing Date, is a true, correct and complete list of each Subsidiary.

  SECTION 6. INSURANCE; INDEMNIFICATION

  6.1Coverage.  Borrower shall cause to be carried and maintained commercial general liability insurance, on an occurrence form, against risks customarily insured against in Borrower’s line of business.  Such risks shall include the risks of bodily injury, including death, property damage, personal injury, advertising injury, and contractual liability per the terms of the indemnification agreement found in Section 6.3.  Borrower must maintain a minimum of $2,000,000 of commercial general liability insurance for each occurrence.  Borrower has and agrees to maintain a minimum of $2,000,000 of directors’ and officers’ insurance for each occurrence and $5,000,000 in the aggregate. So long as there are any Secured Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) outstanding, Borrower shall also cause to be carried and maintained insurance upon the Collateral, insuring against all risks of physical loss or damage howsoever caused as is standard for companies in Borrower’s industry and location, in an amount not less than the full replacement cost of the Collateral, provided 

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  that such insurance may be subject to standard exceptions and deductibles. If Borrower fails to obtain the insurance called for by this Section 6.1 or fails to pay any premium thereon or fails to pay any other amount which Borrower is obligated to pay under this Agreement or any other Loan Document or which may be required to preserve the Collateral, Agent may obtain such insurance or make such payment, and all amounts so paid by Agent are immediately due and payable, bearing interest at the then highest rate applicable to the Secured Obligations, and secured by the Collateral.  Agent will make reasonable efforts to provide Borrower with notice of Agent obtaining such insurance at the time it is obtained or within a reasonable time thereafter.  No payments by Agent are deemed an agreement to make similar payments in the future or Agent’s waiver of any Event of Default.

  6.2Certificates.  Borrower shall deliver to Agent certificates of insurance that evidence Borrower’s compliance with its insurance obligations in Section 6.1 and the obligations contained in this Section 6.2.  Borrower’s insurance certificate shall state Agent (shown as “Hercules Capital, Inc., as Agent”) is an additional insured for commercial general liability, a lenders loss payable for all risk property damage insurance, subject to the insurer’s approval, and a lenders loss payable for property insurance and additional insured for liability insurance for any future insurance that Borrower may acquire from such insurer.  Attached to the certificates of insurance will be additional insured endorsements for liability and lender’s loss payable endorsements for all risk property damage insurance.  All certificates of insurance will provide for a minimum of thirty (30) days advance written notice to Agent of cancellation (other than cancellation for non-payment of premiums, for which ten (10) days’ advance written notice shall be sufficient).  Any failure of Agent to scrutinize such insurance certificates for compliance is not a waiver of any of Agent’s rights, all of which are reserved.  Borrower shall provide Agent with copies of each insurance policy, and upon entering or amending any insurance policy required hereunder, Borrower shall provide Agent with copies of such policies and shall promptly deliver to Agent updated insurance certificates with respect to such policies.

  6.3Indemnity.  Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold Agent, the Lenders and their officers, directors, employees, agents, in-house attorneys, representatives and shareholders (each, an “Indemnified Person”) harmless from and against any and all claims, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities (including such claims, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities based on liability in tort, including strict liability in tort), including reasonable and documented out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees and disbursements and other costs of investigation or defense (including those incurred upon any appeal) (collectively, “Liabilities”), that may be instituted or asserted against or incurred by such Indemnified Person as the result of credit having been extended, suspended or terminated under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or the administration of such credit, or in connection with or arising out of the transactions contemplated hereunder and thereunder, or any actions or failures to act in connection therewith, or arising out of the disposition or utilization of the Collateral, excluding in all cases Liabilities to the extent resulting solely from any Indemnified Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.  This Section 6.3 shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim.  In no event shall any Indemnified Person be liable on any theory of liability for any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (including any loss of profits, business or anticipated savings). This Section 6.3 shall survive the repayment of indebtedness under, and otherwise shall survive the expiration or other termination of, this Agreement.

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  SECTION 7. COVENANTS OF BORROWER

  Borrower agrees as follows:

  7.1Financial Reports.  Borrower shall furnish to the Agent the financial statements and reports listed hereinafter (the “Financial Statements”):

  (a)if Borrower’s Market Capitalization is less than [***] for a period of thirty (30) consecutive trading days (the “Market Cap Threshold”), Borrower shall furnish to the Agent and Lenders, as soon as practicable beginning with the month following the trigger of the Market Cap Threshold (and in any event within thirty (30) days) after the end of each month, unaudited monthly non-GAAP financial statements as of the end of such month, including balance sheet and related statements of income accompanied by a report detailing any material contingencies (including the commencement of any material litigation by or against Borrower) or any other occurrence that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, all certified by Borrower’s Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer; provided that, if Borrower’s Market Capitalization is greater than [***] for a period of thirty (30) consecutive trading days following the trigger of the Market Cap Threshold, Borrower shall no longer be required to deliver monthly financials pursuant to this Section 7.1(a); 

  (b)if Borrower’s Market Capitalization is greater than or equal to the Market Cap Threshold, as soon as practicable (and in any event within forty-five (45) days) after the end of each of the first three calendar quarters, unaudited interim and year-to-date financial statements as of the end of such calendar quarter, including balance sheet and related statements of income and cash flows accompanied by a report detailing any material contingencies (including the commencement of any material litigation by or against Borrower) or any other occurrence that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, certified by Borrower’s Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer to the effect that they have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, except (i) for the absence of footnotes, and (ii) that they are subject to normal year-end adjustments;

  (c)as soon as practicable (and in any event within ninety (90) days) after the end of each fiscal year, unqualified (other than a going concern qualification based on Borrower having negative profits or based on a determination that Borrower has less than twelve (12) months liquidity) audited financial statements as of the end of such year (prepared on a consolidated basis, if applicable), including balance sheet and related statements of income and cash flows, and setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the preceding fiscal year, certified by a firm of independent certified public accountants selected by Borrower and reasonably acceptable to Agent, accompanied by any management report from such accountants (it being understood that Ernst & Young LLP and any other firm of national standing are reasonably acceptable to Agent); 

  (d)(x) if monthly Financial Statements are required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(a), as soon as practicable (and in any event within 30 days) after the end of each such month, a Compliance Certificate in the form of Exhibit E, or (y) if quarterly Financial Statements are required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(b), as soon as practicable (and in any event within 45 days) after the end of each of the first three calendar quarters and concurrently with the Financial Statements delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(c), a Compliance Certificate in the form of Exhibit E;

  (e)to the extent not provided pursuant to Section 7.1(a), as soon as practicable (and in any event within 30 days) after the end of each month, a cash balance report;

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  (f)promptly after the sending or filing thereof, as the case may be, copies of any regular, periodic and special reports or registration statements that Borrower files with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any governmental authority that may be substituted therefor, or any national securities exchange;

  (g)as soon as practicable after the end of each calendar quarter, a report detailing [***] during the calendar quarter just ended; 

  (h)annually, within ten (10) days following approval thereof by Borrower’s board of directors, a summary of Borrower’s annual budget; 

  (i)prompt notice if Borrower or any Subsidiary has knowledge that Borrower, or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of Borrower, is listed on the OFAC Lists or (a) is convicted on, (b) pleads nolo contendere to, (c) is indicted on, or (d) is arraigned and held over on charges involving money laundering or predicate crimes to money laundering. 

  Borrower shall not, without prior notice to Agent, make any change in its (a) accounting policies or reporting practices, except as required by GAAP or (b) fiscal years or fiscal quarters. 

  The executed Compliance Certificate, and all Financial Statements required to be delivered pursuant to clauses (c) and (e)  shall be sent via e-mail to [***] and with a copy to [***], provided, that if e-mail is not available or sending such Financial Statements via e-mail is not possible, they shall be faxed to Agent at: [***], attention Account Manager: Geron Corporation. 

  Notwithstanding the foregoing, documents required to be delivered under Sections 7.1(a), (b), (c) or (f) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date on which Borrower files such documents with the SEC and such documents are publicly available on the SEC’s EDGAR filing system or any successor thereto.

  For the avoidance of doubt, any reports, communications, information or other documents provided pursuant to this Section 7.1 shall be subject to the confidentiality provisions of Section 11.13.

  7.2Management Rights.  Borrower shall permit any representative that Agent or the Lenders authorizes, including its attorneys and accountants, to inspect the Collateral and examine and make copies and abstracts of the books of account and records of Borrower at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice during normal business hours; provided, however, that such examinations shall be limited to no more often than twice per fiscal year.  In addition, upon two (2) Business Days’ prior written notice, any such representative shall have the right to meet with management and officers of Borrower to discuss such books of account and records.  In addition, upon two (2) Business Days’ prior written notice, Agent or the Lenders shall be entitled at reasonable times and intervals to consult with and advise the management and officers of Borrower concerning significant business issues affecting Borrower.  Such consultations shall not unreasonably interfere with Borrower’s business operations.  The parties intend that the rights granted Agent and the Lenders shall constitute “management rights” within the meaning of 29 C.F.R. Section 2510.3-101(d)(3)(ii), but that any advice, recommendations or participation by Agent or the Lenders with respect to any business issues shall not be deemed to give Agent or the Lenders, nor be deemed an exercise by Agent or the Lenders of, control over Borrower’s management or policies.

  7.3Further Assurances.  Borrower shall from time to time execute, deliver and file, alone or with Agent, any financing statements, security agreements, collateral assignments, notices, control agreements or other documents to perfect, give the highest priority to Agent’s Lien on the Collateral, 

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  subject to Permitted Liens which may have priority over Agent’s Lien in accordance with applicable law, or otherwise evidence Agent’s rights herein.  Borrower shall from time to time procure any instruments or documents as may be reasonably requested by Agent, and take all further action that may be necessary, or that Agent may reasonably request, to perfect and protect the Liens granted hereby and thereby.  In addition, and for such purposes only, Borrower hereby authorizes Agent to execute and deliver on behalf of Borrower and to file such financing statements (including an indication that the financing statement covers “all assets or all personal property other than intellectual property” of Borrower in accordance with Section 9-504 of the UCC), collateral assignments, notices, control agreements, security agreements and other documents without the signature of Borrower either in Agent’s name or in the name of Agent as agent and attorney-in-fact for Borrower.  Borrower shall protect and defend Borrower’s title to the Collateral and Agent’s Lien thereon against all Persons claiming any interest adverse to Borrower or Agent other than Permitted Liens.  

  7.4Indebtedness.  Borrower shall not create, incur, assume, guarantee or be or remain liable with respect to any Indebtedness, or permit any Subsidiary so to do, other than Permitted Indebtedness, or prepay any Indebtedness or take any actions which impose on Borrower an obligation to prepay any Indebtedness, except for (a) the conversion of Indebtedness into equity securities and the payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares in connection with such conversion, (b) in connection with refinancing or replacement Indebtedness, (c) (i) purchase money Indebtedness pursuant to its then applicable payment schedule or (ii) Indebtedness owed pursuant to clause (v) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness and prepaid in the ordinary course of business, (d) prepayment by any Subsidiary of (i) inter-company Indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary to any Borrower, or (ii) if such Subsidiary is not a Borrower, intercompany Indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary to another Subsidiary that is not a Borrower, (e) trade debt incurred in the ordinary course of business or (f) as otherwise permitted hereunder or approved in writing by Agent.

  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, the issuance of, performance of obligations under (including any payments of interest), and conversion, exercise, repurchase, redemption, settlement or early termination or cancellation of (whether in whole or in part and including by netting or set-off) (in each case, whether in cash, Common Stock, or following a merger event or other change of the Common Stock, other securities or property), or the satisfaction of any condition that would permit or require any of the foregoing, any Permitted Convertible Debt shall not constitute a prepayment of Indebtedness by Borrower for the purposes of this Section 7.4; provided that principal payments in cash (other than cash in lieu of fractional shares) shall only be allowed if the Redemption Conditions are satisfied in respect of such payment and at all times after such payment; provided further that, to the extent both (a) the aggregate amount of cash payable upon conversion or payment of any Permitted Convertible Debt (excluding any required payment of interest with respect to such Permitted Convertible Debt and excluding any payment of cash in lieu of a fractional share due upon conversion thereof) exceeds the aggregate principal amount thereof and (b) such conversion or payment does not trigger or correspond to an exercise or early unwind or settlement of a corresponding portion of the Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions relating to such Permitted Convertible Debt (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the case where there is no Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction relating to such Permitted Convertible Debt), the payment of such excess cash shall not be permitted by the preceding sentence.

  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower may repurchase, exchange or induce the conversion of Permitted Convertible Debt by delivery of shares of Common Stock and/or a different series of Permitted Convertible Debt and/or by payment of cash (in an amount that does not exceed the proceeds received by Borrower from the substantially concurrent issuance of Common Stock and/or Permitted Convertible Debt plus the net cash proceeds, if any, received by Borrower pursuant 

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  to the related exercise or early unwind or termination of the related Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and Permitted Warrant Transactions, if any, pursuant to the immediately following proviso).

  7.5Collateral.  Borrower shall at all times keep the Collateral, the Intellectual Property and all other property and assets used in Borrower’s business or in which Borrower now or hereafter holds any interest free and clear from any Liens whatsoever (except for Permitted Liens), and shall give Agent prompt written notice of any legal process adverse to the Collateral, the Intellectual Property, or such other property and assets, or any Liens thereon, provided however, that the Collateral and such other property and assets may be subject to Permitted Liens.  Borrower shall not agree with any Person other than Agent or the Lenders not to encumber its property other than pursuant to (a) any agreements governing any purchase money Liens or capital lease obligations otherwise permitted hereby (in which case, any prohibition or limitation shall only be effective against the assets financed thereby) and (b) customary restrictions on assets subject to Liens permitted under clause (xv) of the definition of “Permitted Liens” (in which case, any prohibition or limitation shall only be effective against the cash collateral provided thereto). Borrower shall not enter into or suffer to exist or permit to become effective any agreement that prohibits or limits the ability of any Borrower to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property (including Intellectual Property), whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to secure its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party other than (a) this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (b) any agreements governing any purchase money Liens or capital lease obligations otherwise permitted hereby (in which case, any prohibition or limitation shall only be effective against the assets financed thereby), (c) customary restrictions on the assignment of leases, licenses and other agreements, (d) customary restrictions on the assignment, sublicense or sublease of leases, licenses and other agreements, (e) customary restrictions in agreements relating to Corporate Collaborations permitted herein and (f) customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements governing joint ventures or strategic alliances in the ordinary course of business. Borrower shall cause its Subsidiaries to use commercially reasonable efforts to protect and defend such Subsidiary’s title to its assets from and against all Persons claiming any interest adverse to such Subsidiary, and Borrower shall cause its Subsidiaries at all times to keep such Subsidiary’s property and assets free and clear from any Liens whatsoever (except for Permitted Liens or as otherwise permitted by this Section 7.5), and shall give Agent prompt written notice of any legal process adverse to such Subsidiary’s assets in an amount greater than [***]. 

  7.6Investments.  Borrower shall not directly or indirectly acquire or own, or make any Investment in or to any Person, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to do so, other than Permitted Investments. 

  Notwithstanding the foregoing, and for the avoidance of doubt, this Section 7.6 shall not prohibit the conversion by holders of (including any payment upon conversion, whether in cash, Common Stock or a combination thereof), or required payment of any principal or premium on (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in respect of a required repurchase in connection with the redemption of Permitted Convertible Debt upon satisfaction of a condition related to the stock price of the Common Stock) or required payment of any interest with respect to, any Permitted Convertible Debt in each case, in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing such Permitted Convertible Debt; provided that principal payments in cash (other than cash in lieu of fractional shares) shall only be allowed if the Redemption Conditions are satisfied in respect of such payment and at all times after such payment; provided further that, to the extent both (a) the aggregate amount of cash payable upon conversion or payment of any Permitted Convertible Debt (excluding any required payment of interest with respect to such Permitted Convertible Debt and excluding any payment of cash in lieu of a fractional share due upon conversion thereof) exceeds the aggregate 

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  principal amount thereof and (b) such conversion or payment does not trigger or correspond to an exercise or early unwind or settlement of a corresponding portion of the Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions relating to such Permitted Convertible Debt (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the case where there is no Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction relating to such Permitted Convertible Debt), the payment of such excess cash shall not be permitted by the preceding sentence.

  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower may repurchase, exchange or induce the conversion of Permitted Convertible Debt by delivery of Common Stock and/or a different series of Permitted Convertible Debt and/or by payment of cash (in an amount that does not exceed the proceeds received by Borrower from the substantially concurrent issuance of Common Stock and/or Permitted Convertible Debt plus the net cash proceeds, if any, received by Borrower pursuant to the related exercise or early unwind or termination of the related Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and Permitted Warrant Transactions, if any, pursuant to the immediately following proviso).

  7.7Distributions.  Borrower shall not, and shall not allow any Subsidiary to, (a) repurchase or redeem any class of shares, stock or other Equity Interest other than (i) pursuant to employee, director or consultant repurchase plans or other similar agreements, provided, however, in each case the repurchase or redemption consideration does not exceed the original consideration paid for such shares, stock or Equity Interest, (ii) repurchases of such shares, stock or Equity Interest deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such repurchased shares, stock or Equity Interest represents a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants, (iii) repurchases of such shares, stock or Equity Interest deemed to occur upon the withholding of a portion of such shares, stock or Equity Interest granted or awarded to a current or former officer, director, employee or consultant to pay for the Taxes payable by such Person upon such grant or award (or upon vesting thereof), (iv) purchases of capital stock pledged as collateral for loans to employees, provided that such purchases do not exceed [***] in the aggregate, (v) [reserved], (vi) purchases of fractional shares of capital stock arising out of stock dividends, splits or combinations or business combinations or in connection with exercises or conversions of options, warrants and other convertible securities, (vii) the payment of the net purchase price in respect of any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction with the proceeds of the issuance of Permitted Convertible Debt, provided that such purchase price (net of any payments to Borrower in respect of any Permitted Warrant Transaction) is less than [***]  of the net proceeds of such Permitted Convertible Debt and (viii) the settlement, unwind or other termination of all or any portion of any Permitted Warrant Transaction by (x) set-off against the concurrent settlement, unwind or other termination of all or any portion of any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or (y) delivery of shares of Common Stock, or (b) declare or pay any cash dividend or make any other cash distribution on any class of stock or other Equity Interest, except that a Subsidiary may pay dividends or make other distributions to Borrower or any Subsidiary of Borrower, or (c) lend money to any employees, officers or directors or guarantee the payment of any such loans granted by a third party in excess of [***] in the aggregate or (d) waive, release or forgive any Indebtedness owed by any employees, officers or directors in excess of [***] in the aggregate.

  Notwithstanding the foregoing, and for the avoidance of doubt, this Section 7.7 shall not prohibit the conversion by holders of (including any payment upon conversion, whether in cash, Common Stock or a combination thereof), or required payment of any principal or premium on (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in respect of a required repurchase in connection with the redemption of Permitted Convertible Debt upon satisfaction of a condition related to the stock price of the Common Stock) or required payment of any interest with respect to, any Permitted Convertible Debt in each case, in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing such Permitted Convertible Debt; provided that principal payments in cash (other than cash in lieu of fractional shares) shall only be allowed if the Redemption Conditions are satisfied in respect of such payment and at all times after such payment; provided further that, to the extent both (a) the aggregate amount of cash payable upon conversion or payment of any Permitted Convertible Debt (excluding any 

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  required payment of interest with respect to such Permitted Convertible Debt and excluding any payment of cash in lieu of a fractional share due upon conversion thereof) exceeds the aggregate principal amount thereof and (b) such conversion or payment does not trigger or correspond to an exercise or early unwind or settlement of a corresponding portion of the Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions relating to such Permitted Convertible Debt (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the case where there is no Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction relating to such Permitted Convertible Debt), the payment of such excess cash shall not be permitted by the preceding sentence.

  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower may repurchase, exchange or induce the conversion of Permitted Convertible Debt by delivery of Common Stock and/or a different series of Permitted Convertible Debt and/or by payment of cash (in an amount that does not exceed the proceeds received by Borrower from the substantially concurrent issuance of Common Stock and/or Permitted Convertible Debt plus the net cash proceeds, if any, received by Borrower pursuant to the related exercise or early unwind or termination of the related Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and Permitted Warrant Transactions, if any, pursuant to the immediately following proviso).

  7.8Transfers.  Except for Permitted Transfers, Borrower shall not, and shall not allow any Subsidiary to, voluntarily or involuntarily transfer, sell, lease, license, lend or in any other manner convey any equitable, beneficial or legal interest in any material portion of its assets.

  7.9Mergers and Consolidations.  Borrower shall not merge or consolidate, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to merge or consolidate, with or into any other business organization (other than (a) Permitted Acquisitions, (a) mergers or consolidations of a Subsidiary which is not a Borrower into another Subsidiary or into Borrower or (b) mergers or consolidations of a Borrower into another Borrower).

  7.10Taxes.  Borrower shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, pay when due all material Taxes of any nature whatsoever now or hereafter imposed or assessed against Borrower or the Collateral or upon Borrower’s ownership, possession, use, operation or disposition thereof or upon Borrower’s rents, receipts or earnings arising therefrom.  Borrower shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, accurately file on or before the due date therefor (taking into account proper extensions) all federal and state income Tax returns and other material Tax returns required to be filed.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower and its Subsidiaries may contest, in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, Taxes for which Borrower and its Subsidiaries maintain adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP.

  7.11Corporate Changes.  Neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall change its corporate name, legal form or jurisdiction of formation without twenty (20) days’ prior written notice to Agent.  Neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall suffer a Change in Control.  Neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall relocate its chief executive office or its principal place of business unless: (i) it has provided prior written notice to Agent; and (ii) such relocation shall be within the continental United States of America.  Neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall relocate any item of Collateral (other than (w) drug supplies or clinical trial materials utilized in the ordinary course of business, (x) sales of assets made in accordance with Section 7.8, (y) relocations of Equipment having an aggregate value of up to [***], and (z) relocations of Collateral from a location described on Exhibit B to the Disclosure Letter to another location described on Exhibit B to the Disclosure Letter) unless (i) it has provided prompt written notice to Agent, (ii) such relocation is within the continental United States of America and, (iii) if such relocation is to a third party bailee, if not prohibited by applicable law, it has delivered a bailee agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent.

  7.12Deposit Accounts.  Other than Excluded Accounts, neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall maintain any Deposit Accounts, or accounts holding Investment Property, except 

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  with respect to which Agent has an Account Control Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the accounts described in Section 4.4 to the Disclosure Letter may be maintained without an Account Control Agreement for the period of time required by Section 4.4, so long as Borrower maintains Cash in an amount of not less than the aggregate amount of all Term Loan Advances at all times until all accounts described in Section 4.4 to the Disclosure Letter are subject to Account Control Agreements. 

  7.13Formation or Acquisition of Subsidiaries.  Borrower shall notify Agent of each Subsidiary formed or acquired (in accordance with the terms hereof) subsequent to the Closing Date and, within thirty (30) days of formation, shall cause any such Subsidiary (unless such Subsidiary is an Excluded Subsidiary) to execute and deliver to Agent a Joinder Agreement.

  7.14[RESERVED]. 

  7.15Notification of Event of Default.  Borrower shall notify Agent promptly (and in any event within two (2) Business Days) after becoming aware of the occurrence of any Event of Default.

  7.16[RESERVED]. 

  7.17Use of Proceeds.  Borrower agrees that the proceeds of the Loans shall be used solely to pay related fees and expenses in connection with this Agreement and for working capital and general corporate purposes.  The proceeds of the Loans will not be used in (i) violation of Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions, or (ii) for personal, family, household or agricultural purposes. 

  7.18[RESERVED]. 

  7.19Compliance with Laws.

  Borrower shall maintain, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to maintain, compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws, rules or regulations (including any law, rule or regulation with respect to the making or brokering of loans or financial accommodations), and shall, or cause its Subsidiaries to, obtain and maintain all required material governmental authorizations, approvals, licenses, franchises, permits or registrations reasonably necessary in connection with the conduct of Borrower’s business.

  Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall, nor shall Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries permit any Affiliate to, directly or indirectly, knowingly enter into any documents, instruments, agreements or contracts with any Person listed on the OFAC Lists.  Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall, nor shall Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, permit any Affiliate to, directly or indirectly, (i) conduct any business or engage in any transaction or dealing with any Blocked Person, including, without limitation, the making or receiving of any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of any Blocked Person, (ii) deal in, or otherwise engage in any transaction relating to, any property or interests in property blocked pursuant to Executive Order No. 13224 or any similar executive order or other Anti‐Terrorism Law, or (iii) engage in or conspire to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the prohibitions set forth in Executive Order No. 13224 or other Anti‐Terrorism Law.

  Borrower has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, 

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  employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions, and Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their respective officers and employees and, to the knowledge of Borrower, its directors and agents, are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects.

  None of Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective directors, officers or employees, or to the knowledge of Borrower, any agent for Borrower or its Subsidiaries that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the credit facility established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person.  No Loan, use of proceeds or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement will violate Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions.

  7.20Financial Covenants.  

  (a)Pre-FDA Approval Minimum Cash.  If the FDA Approval Date has not occurred, inclusive of any Qualified Cash amounts maintained in accordance with Sections 7.20(c) and 7.20(d) from and after June 1, 2022, Borrower shall at all times maintain Qualified Cash in an amount equal to the greater of (i) not less than fifty percent (50%) of the sum of the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan Advances, or (ii) not less than $30,000,000.

  (b)Post-FDA Approval Performance Covenant.  If the FDA Approval Date has occurred, Borrower shall thereafter elect (at its option and at any time) and satisfy any one of the following performance covenants: (i) Performance Covenant A, tested at all times during the period such covenant is elected by Borrower, (ii) Performance Covenant B, tested at all times during the period such covenant is elected by Borrower, or (iii) Performance Covenant C, tested at the end of the applicable month during the period such covenant is elected by Borrower.  Borrower shall indicate its election(s) of the applicable performance covenant(s) during the period covered by the Compliance Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(d).

  (c)Inclusive of any Qualified Cash amounts maintained in accordance with Sections 7.20(a) (or Section 7.20(b) if applicable) and 7.20(d), from and after the date that Borrower first enters into a transaction described in clause (ii)(d)(z) of the definition of Permitted Licenses, Borrower shall at all times maintain Qualified Cash in an amount of not less than $35,000,000.

  (d)Inclusive of any Qualified Cash amounts maintained in accordance with Sections 7.20(a) (or Section 7.20(b) if applicable) and 7.20(c), if Borrower makes cash payment in respect of Permitted Convertible Debt subject to satisfaction of the Redemption Conditions, Borrower shall, at all times thereafter, maintain Qualified Cash in the amount required by the defined term “Redemption Conditions”.

  7.21Intellectual Property.  Borrower shall (i) protect, defend and maintain the validity and enforceability of its material Intellectual Property; (ii) promptly advise Agent in writing of material infringements of its Intellectual Property known to Borrower; and (iii) not allow any Intellectual Property material to Borrowers’ business to be abandoned, forfeited or dedicated to the public without Agent’s written consent, in each case subject to Borrower’s reasonable discretion and standard commercial practices.  

  7.22Transactions with Affiliates.  Borrower shall not and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into or permit to exist any transaction of any kind with any Affiliate of Borrower or such Subsidiary on terms that are less favorable to Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, than those that might be obtained in an arm’s length transaction from a Person who is not an Affiliate of Borrower or such Subsidiary.  

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  SECTION 8.  [Reserved].

  SECTION 9. EVENTS OF DEFAULT

  The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall be an Event of Default:

  9.1Payments.  Borrower fails to pay any amount due under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents on the due date; provided, however, that an Event of Default shall not occur on account of a failure to pay due solely to an administrative or operational error of Agent or the Lenders or Borrower’s bank if Borrower had the funds to make the payment when due and makes the payment within three (3) Business Days following Borrower’s knowledge of such failure to pay; or

  9.2Covenants.  Borrower breaches or defaults in the performance of any covenant or Secured Obligation under this Agreement, or any of the other Loan Documents, and (a) with respect to a default under any covenant under this Agreement (other than under Sections 6, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 7.15, 7.17, 7.19, 7.21, and 7.22) or any other Loan Document, such default continues for more than thirty (30) days after the earlier of the date on which (i) Agent or the Lenders have given notice of such default to Borrower and (ii) Borrower has actual knowledge of such default or (b) with respect to a default under any of Sections 6, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 7.15, 7.17, 7.19, 7.20, 7.21, and 7.22, the occurrence of such default; or 

  9.3Material Adverse Effect.  A circumstance has occurred that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided that, solely for purposes of this Section 9.3, the following events shall not, in each case in and of itself, constitute a Material Adverse Effect: (a) adverse results or delays in any nonclinical or clinical trial, (b) the failure to achieve any clinical or non-clinical trial goals or objectives, including without limitation, the failure to demonstrate the desired safety or efficacy of any drug or companion diagnostic, (c) the denial, delay or limitation of approval of, or taking of any other regulatory action (e.g., a clinical hold) by the applicable regulatory authority with respect to any drug, delivery system or companion diagnostic, (d) a change in or discontinuation of a strategic partnership or other collaboration or license arrangement so long as the same does not affect the ability of Borrower to perform the Secured Obligations or (e) failure to achieve Performance Milestone I, Performance Milestone II or Performance Milestone III so long as the same does not affect the ability of Borrower to perform the Secured Obligations; or 

  9.4Representations.  Any representation or warranty made by Borrower in any Loan Document shall have been false or misleading in any material respect when made or when deemed made; or 

  9.5Insolvency.  Borrower (A) (i) shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or (ii) shall be unable to pay its debts as they become due, or be unable to pay or perform under the Loan Documents, or shall become insolvent; or (iii) shall file a voluntary petition in bankruptcy; or (iv) shall file any petition, answer, or document seeking for itself any reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under any present or future statute, law or regulation pertinent to such circumstances; or (v) shall seek or consent to or acquiesce in the appointment of any trustee, receiver, or liquidator of Borrower or of all or any substantial part (i.e., 33-1/3% or more) of the assets or property of Borrower; or (vi) shall cease operations of its business as its business has normally been conducted, or terminate substantially all of its employees; or (vii) Borrower or its directors or majority shareholders shall take any action initiating any of the foregoing actions described in clauses (i) through (vi); or (B) either (i) thirty (30) days shall have expired after the commencement of an involuntary action against Borrower seeking reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under any present 

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  or future statute, law or regulation, without such action being dismissed or all orders or proceedings thereunder affecting the operations or the business of Borrower being stayed; or (ii) a stay of any such order or proceedings shall thereafter be set aside and the action setting it aside shall not be timely appealed; or (iii) Borrower shall file any answer admitting or not contesting the material allegations of a petition filed against Borrower in any such proceedings; or (iv) the court in which such proceedings are pending shall enter a decree or order granting the relief sought in any such proceedings; or (v) thirty (30) days shall have expired after the appointment, without the consent or acquiescence of Borrower, of any trustee, receiver or liquidator of Borrower or of all or any substantial part of the properties of Borrower without such appointment being vacated; or

  9.6Attachments; Judgments.  Any material portion of Borrower’s assets is attached or seized, or a levy is filed against any such assets, or a judgment or judgments is/are entered for the payment of money (not covered by independent third party insurance as to which liability has not been rejected by such insurance carrier), individually or in the aggregate, of at least [***], and such judgment remains unsatisfied, unvacated or unstayed for a period of twenty (20) days after the entry thereof, or Borrower is enjoined or in any way prevented by court order from conducting any material part of its business; or

  9.7Other Obligations.  The occurrence of any default (after giving effect to any grace period or cure period) under any agreement or obligation of Borrower involving any Indebtedness in excess of [***], which has resulted in a right by the holder of such Indebtedness, whether exercised or not, to accelerate the maturity of such Indebtedness, or any early payment is required or unwinding or termination occurs with respect to any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or Permitted Warrant Transaction, or any condition giving rise to the foregoing is met, in each case, with respect to which Borrower or its Affiliate is the “affected party” or “defaulting party” under the terms of such Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or Permitted Warrant Transaction, as a result thereof Borrower would be required to make cash payments or otherwise settle any such unwind or termination in cash and if a Material Adverse Effect could reasonably be expected to result from such default, early payment, unwinding or termination.  

  SECTION 10. REMEDIES

  10.1General.  Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of any one or more Events of Default, Agent may, and at the direction of the Required Lenders shall, without notice or demand, do any or all of the following: (i) accelerate and demand payment of all or any part of the Secured Obligations together with a Prepayment Charge and declare them to be immediately due and payable (provided, that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default of the type described in Section 9.5, all of the Secured Obligations (including, without limitation, the Prepayment Charge and the End of Term Charge) shall automatically be accelerated and made due and payable, in each case without any further notice or act); (ii) place a “hold” on any account maintained with SVB and/or deliver a notice of exclusive control, any entitlement order, or other directions or instructions pursuant to any Control Agreement or similar agreements providing control of any Collateral.  In addition, upon the occurrence of any one or more Events of Default, any Lender may stop advancing money or extending credit for Borrower’s benefit under this Agreement or under any other agreement between Borrower and such Lender. 

  Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints Agent as its lawful attorney-in-fact to:  (a) exercisable following the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default, (i) sign Borrower’s name on any invoice or bill of lading for any account or drafts against account debtors; (ii) demand, collect, sue, and give releases to any account debtor for monies due, settle and adjust disputes and claims about the accounts directly with account debtors, and compromise, prosecute, or defend any action, claim, case, or proceeding about any 

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  Collateral (including filing a claim or voting a claim in any bankruptcy case in Agent’s or Borrower’s name, as Agent may elect); (iii) make, settle, and adjust all claims under Borrower’s insurance policies; (iv) pay, contest or settle any Lien, charge, encumbrance, security interest, or other claim in or to the Collateral, or any judgment based thereon, or otherwise take any action to terminate or discharge the same; (v) transfer the Collateral into the name of Agent or a third party as the UCC permits; and (vi) receive, open and dispose of mail addressed to Borrower; (vii) endorse Borrower’s name on any checks, payment instruments, or other forms of payment or security; and (viii) notify all account debtors to pay Agent directly.  Borrower hereby appoints Agent as its lawful attorney-in-fact to sign Borrower’s name on any documents necessary to perfect or continue the perfection of Agent’s security interest in the Collateral regardless of whether an Event of Default has occurred until all Secured Obligations have been satisfied in full and the Loan Documents have been terminated.  Agent’s foregoing appointment as Borrower’s attorney in fact, and all of Agent’s rights and powers, coupled with an interest, are irrevocable until all Secured Obligations have been fully repaid and performed and the Loan Documents have been terminated.  Agent may, and at the direction of the Required Lenders shall, exercise all rights and remedies with respect to the Collateral under the Loan Documents or otherwise available to it under the UCC and other applicable law, including the right to release, hold, sell, lease, liquidate, collect, realize upon, or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Collateral and the right to occupy, utilize, process and commingle the Collateral.  All Agent’s rights and remedies shall be cumulative and not exclusive.

  10.2Collection; Foreclosure.  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, Agent may, and at the direction of the Required Lenders shall, at any time or from time to time, apply, collect, liquidate, sell in one or more sales, lease or otherwise dispose of, any or all of the Collateral, in its then condition or following any commercially reasonable preparation or processing, in such order as Agent may elect.  Any such sale may be made either at public or private sale at its place of business or elsewhere.  Borrower agrees that any such public or private sale may occur upon ten (10) calendar days’ prior written notice to Borrower.  Agent may require Borrower to assemble the Collateral and make it available to Agent at a place designated by Agent that is reasonably convenient to Agent and Borrower.  The proceeds of any sale, disposition or other realization upon all or any part of the Collateral shall be applied by Agent in the following order of priorities:

  	First, to Agent and the Lenders in an amount sufficient to pay in full Agent’s and the Lenders’ reasonable costs and professionals’ and advisors’ fees and expenses as described in Section 11.12;

  	Second, to the Lenders in an amount equal to the then unpaid amount of the Secured Obligations (including principal, interest, and the Default Rate interest), in such order and priority as Agent may choose in its sole discretion; and

  	Finally, after the full and final payment in Cash of all of the Secured Obligations (other than inchoate obligations), to any creditor holding a junior Lien on the Collateral, or to Borrower or its representatives or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.

  Agent shall be deemed to have acted reasonably in the custody, preservation and disposition of any of the Collateral if it complies with the obligations of a secured party under the UCC.

  10.3No Waiver.  Agent shall be under no obligation to marshal any of the Collateral for the benefit of Borrower or any other Person, and Borrower expressly waives all rights, if any, to require Agent to marshal any Collateral.  

  10.4Cumulative Remedies.  The rights, powers and remedies of Agent hereunder shall be in addition to all rights, powers and remedies given by statute or rule of law and are cumulative.  The 

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  exercise of any one or more of the rights, powers and remedies provided herein shall not be construed as a waiver of or election of remedies with respect to any other rights, powers and remedies of Agent.

  SECTION 11. MISCELLANEOUS

  11.1Severability.  Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement shall be prohibited by or invalid under such law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent and duration of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

  11.2Notice.  Except as otherwise provided herein, any notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration, service of process or other communication (including the delivery of Financial Statements) that is required, contemplated, or permitted under the Loan Documents or with respect to the subject matter hereof shall be in writing, and shall be deemed to have been validly served, given, delivered, and received upon the earlier of: (i) the day of transmission by electronic mail or hand delivery or delivery by an overnight express service or overnight mail delivery service; or (ii) the third calendar day after deposit in the United States of America mails, with proper first class postage prepaid, in each case addressed to the party to be notified as follows:

  (a)If to Agent:

  HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.
Legal Department
Attention: [***]
400 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 310
Palo Alto, CA  94301
email: [***]
Telephone:  [***]

  (b)If to the Lenders:

  HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.
Legal Department
Attention:  [***]
400 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 310
Palo Alto, CA  94301
email: [***]
Telephone:  [***]]

  SILICON VALLEY BANK

  505 Howard Street, Floor 3

  San Francisco, CA 94105
Attn: 	[***]
Email: [***]  

  Telephone:  [***]

  (c)If to Borrower:

  Geron Corporation

  919 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Suite 250 

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  Foster City, CA 94404

  Attention:  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Legal Officer 
email:  [***]
Telephone: 650-473-7700

   

  With a copy to:

   

  COOLEY LLP

  101 California Street, 5th Floor

  San Francisco, CA 94111

  Attn:  [***]

  Email:  [***]

   

  or to such other address as each party may designate for itself by like notice.

  11.3Entire Agreement; Amendments.  

  (a)This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter hereof and thereof, and supersede and replace in their entirety any prior proposals, term sheets, non-disclosure or confidentiality agreements, letters, negotiations or other documents or agreements, whether written or oral, with respect to the subject matter hereof or thereof (including Agent’s revised proposal letter dated September 1, 2020 and the Non-Disclosure Agreement).  

  (b)Neither this Agreement, any other Loan Document, nor any terms hereof or thereof may be amended, supplemented or modified except in accordance with the provisions of this Section 11.3(b).  The Required Lenders and Borrower party to the relevant Loan Document may, or, with the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Agent and the Borrower party to the relevant Loan Document may, from time to time, (i) enter into written amendments, supplements or modifications hereto and to the other Loan Documents for the purpose of adding any provisions to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or changing in any manner the rights of the Lenders or of the Borrower hereunder or thereunder or (ii) waive, on such terms and conditions as the Required Lenders or the Agent, as the case may be, may specify in such instrument, any of the requirements of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or any default or Event of Default and its consequences; provided, however, that no such waiver and no such amendment, supplement or modification shall (A) forgive the principal amount or extend the final scheduled date of maturity of any Loan, extend the scheduled date of any amortization payment in respect of any Term Loan, reduce the stated rate of any interest (or fee payable hereunder) or extend the scheduled date of any payment thereof, in each case without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby; (B) eliminate or reduce the voting rights of any Lender under this Section 11.3(b) without the written consent of such Lender; (C) reduce any percentage specified in the definition of Required Lenders, consent to the assignment or transfer by the Borrower of any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, release all or substantially all of the Collateral or release a Borrower from its obligations under the Loan Documents, in each case without the written consent of all Lenders; or (D) amend, modify or waive any provision of Section 11.18 or Addendum 3 without the written consent of the Agent.  Any such waiver and any such amendment, supplement or modification shall apply equally to each Lender and shall be binding upon Borrower, the Lender, the Agent and all future holders of the Loans.

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  11.4No Strict Construction.  The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement.  In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provisions of this Agreement.

  11.5No Waiver.  The powers conferred upon Agent and the Lenders by this Agreement are solely to protect its rights hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and its interest in the Collateral and shall not impose any duty upon Agent or the Lenders to exercise any such powers.  No omission or delay by Agent or the Lenders at any time to enforce any right or remedy reserved to it, or to require performance of any of the terms, covenants or provisions hereof by Borrower at any time designated, shall be a waiver of any such right or remedy to which Agent or the Lenders is entitled, nor shall it in any way affect the right of Agent or the Lenders to enforce such provisions thereafter.

  11.6Survival.  All agreements, representations and warranties contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto shall be for the benefit of Agent and the Lenders and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement. Sections 6.3, 11.13, 11.14, 11.15 and 11.17 shall survive the termination of this Agreement, subject in each case to the applicable statute of limitations.

  11.7Successors and Assigns.  The provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall inure to the benefit of and be binding on Borrower and its permitted assigns (if any).  Borrower shall not assign its obligations under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents without Agent’s express prior written consent, and any such attempted assignment shall be void and of no effect.  Agent and the Lenders may assign, transfer, or endorse its rights hereunder and under the other Loan Documents without prior notice to Borrower, and all of such rights shall inure to the benefit of Agent’s and the Lenders’ successors and assigns; provided that as long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, neither Agent nor any Lender may assign, transfer or endorse its rights hereunder or under the Loan Documents to any party that is a direct competitor of Borrower (as reasonably determined by Agent), it being acknowledged that in all cases, any transfer to an Affiliate of any Lender or Agent shall be allowed.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) in connection with any assignment by a Lender as a result of a forced divestiture at the request of any regulatory agency, the restrictions set forth herein shall not apply and Agent and the Lenders may assign, transfer or indorse its rights hereunder and under the other Loan Documents to any Person or party and (y) in connection with a Lender’s own financing or securitization transactions, the restrictions set forth herein shall not apply and Agent and the Lenders may assign, transfer or indorse its rights hereunder and under the other Loan Documents to any Person or party providing such financing or formed to undertake such securitization transaction and any transferee of such Person or party upon the occurrence of a default, event of default or similar occurrence with respect to such financing or securitization transaction; provided that no such sale, transfer, pledge or assignment under this clause (y) shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such Person or party for such Lender as a party hereto until Agent shall have received and accepted an effective assignment agreement from such Person or party in form satisfactory to Agent executed, delivered and fully completed by the applicable parties thereto, and shall have received such other information regarding such assignee as Agent reasonably shall require.  The Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices in the United States a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lender(s), and the Term Commitments of, and principal amounts (and stated interest) of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”).  The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agent and the Lender(s) shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the 

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  Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement.  The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. 

  11.8Participations.  Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any participant or any information relating to a participant's interest in any commitments, loans, its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations.  The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Agent (in its capacity as Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.  Borrower agrees that each participant shall be entitled to the benefits of the provisions in Addendum 1 attached hereto (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 7 of Addendum 1 attached hereto (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 7 of Addendum 1 attached hereto shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 11.7; provided that such participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Addendum 1 attached hereto, with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a change in law that occurs after the participant acquired the applicable participation.

  11.9Governing Law.  This Agreement and the other Loan Documents have been negotiated and delivered to Agent and the Lenders in the State of California, and shall have been accepted by Agent and the Lenders in the State of California.  Payment to Agent and the Lenders by Borrower of the Secured Obligations is due in the State of California.  This Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of California, excluding conflict of laws principles that would cause the application of laws of any other jurisdiction.

  11.10Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue.  All judicial proceedings (to the extent that the reference requirement of Section 11.11 is not applicable) arising in or under or related to this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents may be brought in any state or federal court located in the State of California.  By execution and delivery of this Agreement, each party hereto generally and unconditionally: (a) consents to nonexclusive personal jurisdiction in Santa Clara County, State of California; (b) waives any objection as to jurisdiction or venue in Santa Clara County, State of California; (c) agrees not to assert any defense based on lack of jurisdiction or venue in the aforesaid courts; and (d) irrevocably agrees to be bound by any judgment rendered thereby in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents.  Service of process on any party hereto in any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be effective if given in accordance with the requirements for notice set forth in Section 11.2, and shall be deemed effective and received as set forth in Section 11.2.  Nothing herein shall affect the right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or shall limit the right of either party to bring proceedings in the courts of any other jurisdiction.

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  11.11Mutual Waiver of Jury Trial / Judicial Reference.  

  (a)Because disputes arising in connection with complex financial transactions are most quickly and economically resolved by an experienced and expert Person and the parties wish applicable state and federal laws to apply (rather than arbitration rules), the parties desire that their disputes be resolved by a judge applying such applicable laws.  EACH OF BORROWER, AGENT AND THE LENDERS SPECIFICALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CAUSE OF ACTION, CLAIM, CROSS-CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM, THIRD PARTY CLAIM OR ANY OTHER CLAIM (COLLECTIVELY, “CLAIMS”) ASSERTED BY BORROWER AGAINST AGENT, THE LENDERS OR THEIR RESPECTIVE ASSIGNEE OR BY AGENT, THE LENDERS OR THEIR RESPECTIVE ASSIGNEE AGAINST BORROWER.  This waiver extends to all such Claims, including Claims that involve Persons other than Agent, Borrower and the Lenders; Claims that arise out of or are in any way connected to the relationship among Borrower, Agent and the Lenders; and any Claims for damages, breach of contract, tort, specific performance, or any equitable or legal relief of any kind, arising out of this Agreement, any other Loan Document.  

  (b)If the waiver of jury trial set forth in Section 11.11(a) is ineffective or unenforceable, the parties agree that all Claims shall be resolved by reference to a private judge sitting without a jury, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 638, before a mutually acceptable referee or, if the parties cannot agree, a referee selected by the Presiding Judge of the Santa Clara County, California.  Such proceeding shall be conducted in Santa Clara County, California, with California rules of evidence and discovery applicable to such proceeding.    

  (c)In the event Claims are to be resolved by judicial reference, either party may seek from a court identified in Section 11.10, any prejudgment order, writ or other relief and have such prejudgment order, writ or other relief enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law notwithstanding that all Claims are otherwise subject to resolution by judicial reference.

  11.12Professional Fees.  Borrower promises to pay Agent’s and the Lenders’ reasonable fees and expenses necessary to finalize the loan documentation, including but not limited to reasonable and documented out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees, UCC searches, filing costs, and other miscellaneous expenses. In addition, Borrower promises to pay any and all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket attorneys’ and other professionals’ fees and expenses incurred by Agent and the Lenders after the Closing Date in connection with or related to:  (a) the Loan; (b) the collection, or enforcement of the Loan; (c) the amendment or modification of the Loan Documents; (d) any waiver, consent, release, or termination under the Loan Documents; (e) the protection, preservation, audit, field exam, sale, lease, liquidation, or disposition of Collateral or the exercise of remedies with respect to the Collateral; (f) any legal, litigation, administrative, arbitration, or out of court proceeding in connection with or related to Borrower or the Collateral, and any appeal or review thereof; and (g) any bankruptcy, restructuring, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors, workout, foreclosure, or other action related to Borrower, the Collateral, the Loan Documents, including representing Agent or the Lenders in any adversary proceeding or contested matter commenced or continued by or on behalf of Borrower’s estate, and any appeal or review thereof.

  11.13Confidentiality.  Agent and the Lenders acknowledge that the Collateral and information provided to Agent and the Lenders by Borrower are confidential and proprietary information of Borrower, if and to the extent such information should reasonably be understood to be confidential (the “Confidential Information”).  Accordingly, Agent and the Lenders agree that any Confidential Information shall not be disclosed to any other Person or entity in any manner whatsoever, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of Borrower, except that Agent and 

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  the Lenders may disclose any such information:  (a) to its Affiliates and its partners, investors, lenders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors, counsel, accountants, counsel, representative and other professional advisors if Agent or the Lenders in their sole discretion determines that any such party should have access to such information in connection with such party’s responsibilities in connection with the Loan or this Agreement and, provided that such recipient of such Confidential Information either (i) agrees to be bound by the confidentiality provisions of this paragraph or (ii) is otherwise subject to confidentiality restrictions that reasonably protect against the disclosure of Confidential Information; (b) if such information is generally available to the public or to the extent such information becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or becomes available to Agent or any Lender, or any of their respective Affiliates on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Borrower; (c) if required or appropriate in any report, statement or testimony submitted to any governmental authority having or claiming to have jurisdiction over Agent or the Lenders and any rating agency; (d) if required or appropriate in response to any summons or subpoena or in connection with any litigation, to the extent permitted or deemed advisable by Agent’s or the Lenders’ counsel; (e) to comply with any legal requirement or law applicable to Agent or the Lenders or demanded by any governmental authority; (f) to the extent reasonably necessary in connection with the exercise of, or preparing to exercise, or the enforcement of, or preparing to enforce, any right or remedy under any Loan Document (including Agent’s sale, lease, or other disposition of Collateral after default), or any action or proceeding relating to any Loan Document; (g) to any participant or assignee of Agent or the Lenders or any prospective participant or assignee, provided, that such participant or assignee or prospective participant or assignee is subject to the confidentiality provisions of this Section 11.13; (h) otherwise to the extent consisting of general portfolio information, aggregate datasets, for analyses or reporting, that does not identify Borrower; or (i) otherwise with the prior consent of Borrower; provided, that any disclosure made in violation of this Agreement shall not affect the obligations of Borrower or any of its Affiliates or any guarantor under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents. Agent’s and the Lenders’ obligations under this Section 11.13 shall supersede all of their respective obligations under the Non-Disclosure Agreement.

  11.14Assignment of Rights.  Borrower acknowledges and understands that Agent or the Lenders may, subject to Section 11.7, sell and assign all or part of its interest hereunder and under the Loan Documents to any Person or entity (an “Assignee”).  After such assignment the term “Agent” or “Lender” as used in the Loan Documents shall mean and include such Assignee, and such Assignee shall be vested with all rights, powers and remedies of Agent and the Lenders hereunder with respect to the interest so assigned; but with respect to any such interest not so transferred, Agent and the Lenders shall retain all rights, powers and remedies hereby given.  No such assignment by Agent or the Lenders shall relieve Borrower of any of its obligations hereunder.  Each Lender agrees that in the event of any transfer by it of the promissory note(s) (if any), it will endorse thereon a notation as to the portion of the principal of the promissory note(s), which shall have been paid at the time of such transfer and as to the date to which interest shall have been last paid thereon.

  11.15Revival of Secured Obligations.  This Agreement and the Loan Documents shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be effective if any petition is filed by or against Borrower for liquidation or reorganization, if Borrower becomes insolvent or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, if a receiver or trustee is appointed for all or any significant part of Borrower’s assets, or if any payment or transfer of Collateral is recovered from Agent or the Lenders.  The Loan Documents and the Secured Obligations and Collateral security shall continue to be effective, or shall be revived or reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment and performance of the Secured Obligations or any transfer of Collateral to Agent, or any part thereof is rescinded, avoided or avoidable, reduced in amount, or must otherwise be restored or returned by, or is recovered from, Agent, the Lenders or by any obligee of the Secured Obligations, whether as a “voidable 

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  preference,” “fraudulent conveyance,” or otherwise, all as though such payment, performance, or transfer of Collateral had not been made.  In the event that any payment, or any part thereof, is rescinded, reduced, avoided, avoidable, restored, returned, or recovered, the Loan Documents and the Secured Obligations shall be deemed, without any further action or documentation, to have been revived and reinstated except to the extent of the full, final, and indefeasible payment to Agent or the Lenders in Cash.

  11.16Counterparts.  This Agreement and any amendments, waivers, consents or supplements hereto may be executed in any number of counterparts, and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so delivered shall be deemed an original, but all of which counterparts shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

  11.17No Third Party Beneficiaries.  No provisions of the Loan Documents are intended, nor will be interpreted, to provide or create any third-party beneficiary rights or any other rights of any kind in any Person other than Agent, the Lenders and Borrower unless specifically provided otherwise herein, and, except as otherwise so provided, all provisions of the Loan Documents will be personal and solely among Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower. 

  11.18Agency.  Agent and each Lender hereby agree to the terms and conditions set forth on Addendum 3 attached hereto.  Borrower acknowledges and agrees to the terms and conditions set forth on Addendum 3 attached hereto.

  11.19Publicity.  None of the parties hereto nor any of its respective member businesses and Affiliates shall, without the other parties’ prior written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), publicize or use (a) the other party's name (including a brief description of the relationship among the parties hereto), logo or hyperlink to such other parties’ web site, separately or together, in written and oral presentations, advertising, promotional and marketing materials, client lists, public relations materials or on its web site (together, the "Publicity Materials"); (b) the names of officers of such other parties in the Publicity Materials; and (c) such other parties’ name, trademarks, servicemarks in any news or press release concerning such party; provided however, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no such consent shall be required (i) to the extent necessary to comply with the requests of any regulators, legal requirements or laws applicable to such party, pursuant to any listing agreement with any national securities exchange (so long as such party provides prior notice to the other party hereto to the extent reasonably practicable) and (ii) to comply with Section 11.13.

  11.20[RESERVED].

  11.21Electronic Execution of Certain Other Documents.  The words “execution,” “execute”, “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in or related to any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including without limitation assignments, assumptions, amendments, waivers and consents) shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, the electronic matching of assignment terms and contract formations on electronic platforms approved by the Agent, or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the California Uniform Electronic Transaction Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

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  11.22Termination Prior to Term Loan Maturity Date.  So long as Borrower has satisfied the Secured Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations), this Agreement may be terminated prior to the Term Loan Maturity Date by Borrower, effective seven (7) Business Days after written notice of termination is given to Agent.  Those obligations that are expressly specified in this Agreement as surviving this Agreement’s termination shall continue to survive notwithstanding this Agreement’s termination.  No termination of this Agreement shall in any way affect or impair any right or remedy of Agent or any Lender, nor shall any such termination relieve Borrower of any Secured Obligation to any Lender, until all of the Secured Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) have been paid and performed in full. Those Secured Obligations that are expressly specified in this Agreement as surviving this Agreement’s termination shall continue to survive notwithstanding this Agreement’s termination and payment in full of the Secured Obligations then outstanding. 

  (SIGNATURES TO FOLLOW)

   

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  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower, Agent and the Lenders have duly executed and delivered this Loan and Security Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

  BORROWER:

  GERON CORPORATION 

  Signature:	_______________________

  Print Name:	_______________________

  Title:		_______________________

  Accepted in Palo Alto, California:

  AGENT:

  HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

  Signature:	_______________________

  Print Name:	_______________________

  Title:		_______________________

  LENDERS:

  HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

  Signature:	_______________________

  Print Name:	_______________________

  Title:		_______________________

  SILICON VALLEY BANK

  Signature:	_______________________

  Print Name:	_______________________

  Title:		_______________________

   

   

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  Table of Addenda, Exhibits and Schedules

  		
	 Addendum 1:
	Taxes; Increased Costs

	 Addendum 2:
	[RESERVED]

	 Addendum 3:
	Agent and Lender Terms

	 Exhibit A:
	[RESERVED]

	 Exhibit B:
	[RESERVED]

	 Exhibit C:
	[RESERVED]

	 Exhibit D:
	[RESERVED]

	 Exhibit E:
	Compliance Certificate

	 Exhibit F:
	Joinder Agreement

	 Exhibit G:
	[RESERVED]

	 Exhibit H:
	[RESERVED]

	 Exhibit I:
	[RESERVED]

	 Exhibit J-1:
	Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

	 Exhibit J-2:
	Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

	 Exhibit J-3:
	Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

	 Exhibit J-4:
	Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

	 Schedule 1.1
	Commitments

   

   

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  ADDENDUM 1 to LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

  TAXES; INCREASED COSTS

  1.Defined Terms.  For purposes of this Addendum 1:

  a.“Connection Income Taxes” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.

  b.“Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, (i) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (A) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (B) that are Other Connection Taxes, (ii) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Term Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (A) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Term Commitmvent or (B) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2 or Section 4 of this Addendum 1, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (iii) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 7 of this Addendum 1 and (iv) any withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

  c.“FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code, and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement, treaty or convention among governmental authorities and implementing such Sections of the Code.

  d.“Foreign Lender” means a Lender that is not a U.S. Person.

  e.“Indemnified Taxes” means (i) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower under any Loan Document and (ii) to the extent not otherwise described in clause (i), Other Taxes.

  f.“Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document).

  g.“Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security 

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  interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment.

  h.“Recipient” means the Agent or any Lender, as applicable.

  i.“Withholding Agent” means the Borrower and the Agent.

  2.Payments Free of Taxes.  Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower under any Loan Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable law.  If any applicable law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable Withholding Agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a Withholding Agent, then the applicable Withholding Agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant governmental authority in accordance with applicable law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the Borrower shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2 or Section 4 of this Addendum 1) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

  3.Payment of Other Taxes by Borrower.  The Borrower shall timely pay to the relevant governmental authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of the Agent timely reimburse it for the payment of, any Other Taxes.

  4.Indemnification by Borrower.  The Borrower shall indemnify each Recipient, within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under Section 2 of this Addendum 1 or this Section 4) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant governmental authority.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender (with a copy to the Agent), or by the Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error. 

  5.Indemnification by the Lenders.  Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Agent, within 10 days after demand therefor, for (a) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that the Borrower has not already indemnified the Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so), (b) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 11.8 of the Agreement relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (c) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Agent in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant governmental authority.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  Each Lender hereby authorizes the Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Loan Document or otherwise payable by the Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Agent under this Section 5.

  6.Evidence of Payments.  As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by the Borrower to a governmental authority pursuant to the provisions of this Addendum 1, the Borrower shall deliver to the Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such governmental authority evidencing 

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  such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.

  7.Status of Lenders.

  a.Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding.  In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Sections 7(b)(i), 7(b)(ii) and 7(b)(iv) of this Addendum 1) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

  b.Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that the Borrower is a U.S. Person,

  i.any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Agent), executed copies of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;

  ii.any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

  A.in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;

  B.executed copies of IRS Form W-8ECI;

  C.in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit J-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender 

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  is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E; or

  D.to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed copies of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit J-2 or Exhibit J-3, IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit J-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;

  iii.any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Agent), executed copies of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower or the Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and

  iv.if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount, if any, to deduct and withhold from such payment.  Solely for purposes of this clause (iv), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

  c.Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower and the Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

  8.Treatment of Certain Refunds.  If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to the provisions of this Addendum 1 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to the provisions of this Addendum 1), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under the provisions of this Addendum 1 with respect to the 

  5

  

   

  Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant governmental authority with respect to such refund).  Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this Section 8 (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant governmental authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such governmental authority.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 8, in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this Section 8 the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid.  This Section 8 shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

  9.Increased Costs.  If any change in applicable law shall subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (ii) through (iv) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto, and the result shall be to increase the cost to such Recipient of making, converting to, continuing or maintaining any Term Loan or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan, or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Recipient (whether of principal, interest or any other amount), then, upon the request of such Recipient, the Borrower will pay to such Recipient such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Recipient for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered. Failure or delay on the part of any Recipient to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 9 shall not constitute a waiver of such Recipient’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Recipient pursuant to this Section 9 for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine months prior to the date that such Recipient notifies the Borrower of the change in law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions, and of such Recipient’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the change in law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

  10.Survival.  Each party’s obligations under the provisions of this Addendum 1 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Term Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document.

   

   

  6

  

   

  ADDENDUM 3 to LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

  Agent and Lender Terms

  (a)Each Lender hereby irrevocably appoints Hercules Capital, Inc. to act on its behalf as the Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.

  (b)Each Lender agrees to indemnify the Agent in its capacity as such (to the extent not reimbursed by Borrower and without limiting the obligation of Borrower to do so), according to its respective Term Commitment percentages (based upon the total outstanding Term Commitments) in effect on the date on which indemnification is sought under this Addendum 3, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind whatsoever that may at any time be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Agent in any way relating to or arising out of, this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents or any documents contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken or omitted by the Agent under or in connection with any of the foregoing.  The agreements in this Section shall survive the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.

  (c)Agent in Its Individual Capacity.  The Person serving as the Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Agent and the term “Lender” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include each such Person serving as Agent hereunder in its individual capacity.  Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to Lenders. 

  (d)Exculpatory Provisions.  The Agent shall have no duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Agent shall not:

  (i)be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether any default or any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

  (ii)have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Lenders, provided that the Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law; and

  (iii)except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and the Agent shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by any Person serving as the Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.

   

  

   

  The Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Lenders or as the Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct.

  The Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any default or Event of Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Section 4 or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Agent. 

  (e)Reliance by Agent.  Agent may rely, and shall be fully protected in acting, or refraining to act, upon, any resolution, statement, certificate, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, bond or other paper or document that it has no reason to believe to be other than genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties or, in the case of cables, telecopies and telexes, to have been sent by the proper party or parties.  In the absence of its gross negligence or willful misconduct, Agent may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to Agent and conforming to the requirements of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.  Agent may consult with legal counsel, independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.  Agent shall have the right at any time to seek instructions concerning the administration of the Collateral from any court of competent jurisdiction.  Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents in accordance with a request of the Lenders, and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon Lenders and all future holders of the Loans.

   

   

  

   

  EXHIBIT E

  COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

  Hercules Capital, Inc. (as “Agent”)
400 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 310
Palo Alto, CA 94301

  Reference is made to that certain Loan and Security Agreement dated September 30, 2020 and the Loan Documents (as defined therein) entered into in connection with such Loan and Security Agreement all as may be amended from time to time (hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Loan Agreement”) by and among Hercules Capital, Inc. (the “Agent”), the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “Lender”) and GERON CORPORATION (the “Company”) as Borrower. All capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the same meaning as defined in the Loan Agreement.

  The undersigned is an Officer of the Company, knowledgeable of all Company financial matters, and is authorized to provide certification of information regarding the Company; hereby certifies, in such capacity, that in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement, the Company is in compliance for the period ending ___________ of all covenants, conditions and terms and hereby reaffirms that all representations and warranties contained therein are true and correct on and as of the date of this Compliance Certificate with the same effect as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, after giving effect in all cases to any standard(s) of materiality contained in the Loan Agreement as to such representations and warranties.  Attached are the required documents supporting the above certification. [The undersigned further certified that these are prepared in accordance with GAAP (except for the absence of footnotes with respect to unaudited financial statements and subject to normal year end adjustments) and are consistent from one period to the next except as explained below.]1

  			
	REPORTING REQUIREMENT
	REQUIRED
	CHECK IF ATTACHED

	[Interim Financial Statements
	Monthly within 30 days]2
	 

	[Interim Financial Statements 
	Quarterly within 45 days]3
	 

	Audited Financial Statements 
	FYE within 90 days
	See SEC filings

   

  ACCOUNTS OF BORROWER AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES

   

  1 To be deleted if Compliance Certificate for monthly financial statements delivered in connection with Section 7.1(a). 

  2 To be delivered if Borrower’s Market Capitalization is less than [***] for a period of thirty (30) consecutive trading days. No longer required if Borrower’s Market Capitalization has been greater than [***] for a period of thirty (30) consecutive trading days following the Closing Date.

  3 To be delivered if Borrower’s Market Capitalization is greater than [***] for a period of thirty (30) consecutive trading days.

   

   

  

   

  The undersigned hereby also confirms the below disclosed accounts represent all depository accounts and securities accounts presently open in the name of the Borrower or Borrower’s Subsidiary/Affiliate, as applicable.

  Each new account that has been opened since delivery of the previous Compliance Certificate is designated below with a “*”.

  							
	 
	 
	Depository AC #
	Financial Institution
	Account Type (Depository / Securities)
	Last Month Ending Account Balance
	Purpose of Account

	BORROWER Name/Address:
	 

	 
	1
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	2
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	3
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	4
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	5
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	6
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	7
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 

	SUBSIDIARY / AFFILIATE Name/Address
	 

	 
	1
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	2
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	3
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	4
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	5
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	6
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	7
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 

   

   

  

   

  Section 7.20 - Financial Covenants

  To the extent applicable, the undersigned hereby confirms that the Borrower is in compliance with Section 7.20 of the Loan Agreement (as applicable, below are the required calculations supporting this certification, as of the date first set forth above). 

  				
	Financial Covenant
	Required
	Actual
	In Compliance?

	Pre-FDA Approval Minimum Cash Section 7.20(a) of the Loan Agreement
	Greater than or equal to the greater of (i) fifty percent (50%) of the sum of the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan Advances, or (ii) $30,000,000.
	 
	Yes
No
N/A

	Post-FDA Approval Performance Covenant A
Section 7.20(b) of the Loan Agreement
	“Performance Covenant A” means Borrower at all times maintains Qualified Cash in an amount not less than forty percent (40%) of the sum of the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan Advances.
	 
	Elected: Y/N
Compliance:
Yes
No
N/A

	Post-FDA Approval Performance Covenant B
Section 7.20(b) of the Loan Agreement
	(i) Borrower’s Market Capitalization is or exceeds Seven Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($750,000,000), and (ii) Borrower maintains Qualified Cash in an amount not less than twenty five percent (25%) of the sum of the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan Advances.
	 
	Elected: Y/N
Compliance:
Yes
No
N/A

	Post-FDA Approval Performance Covenant C
Section 7.20(b) of the Loan Agreement
	Borrower achieves T6M Net Product Revenue of at least 70% of the T6M Net Product Revenue included in the Forecast, determined at the end of the applicable month.
	 
	Elected: Y/N
Compliance:
Yes
No
N/A

  
Effective from and after June 1, 2022, or the date that Borrower first enters into a transaction described in clause (ii)(d)(z)] of the definition of Permitted Licenses. See Section 7.20. 		

  (a)  The amount of Qualified Cash as of the date hereof:  $_________________

  Is the amount reported in clause (a) equal to or greater than $35,000,000*?

  	__ Yes; __ No

  		If No: not in compliance

  * Upon the date that Borrower first enters into a transaction described in clause (ii)(d)(z) of the definition of Permitted Licenses, the Qualified Cash Amount shall be permanently increased to $35,000,000. 

   

  

   

  Very Truly Yours,

  GERON CORPORATION

  By:	____________________________

  Name:   _____________________________

  Its:	____________________________

   

   

   

   

  

   

  EXHIBIT F

  FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

  This Joinder Agreement (the “Joinder Agreement”) is made and dated as of [          ], 20[  ], and is entered into by and between__________________., a ___________ corporation (“Subsidiary”), and HERCULES CAPITAL, INC., a Maryland corporation (as “Agent”).  

  RECITALS

  A.  Subsidiary’s Affiliate, [                              ] (“Company”) [has entered/desires to enter] into that certain Loan and Security Agreement dated September 30, 2020, with the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time party thereto as lender (collectively, the “Lenders”) and the Agent, as such agreement may be amended (the “Loan Agreement”), together with the other agreements executed and delivered in connection therewith; 

  B.  Subsidiary acknowledges and agrees that it will benefit both directly and indirectly from Company’s execution of the Loan Agreement and the other agreements executed and delivered in connection therewith;

  AGREEMENT

  NOW THEREFORE, Subsidiary and Agent agree as follows:

  1.The recitals set forth above are incorporated into and made part of this Joinder Agreement.  Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning provided in the Loan Agreement.

  2. By signing this Joinder Agreement, Subsidiary shall be bound by the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement the same as if it were the Borrower (as defined in the Loan Agreement) under the Loan Agreement, mutatis mutandis, provided however, that (a) with respect to (i) Section 5.1 of the Loan Agreement, Subsidiary represents that it is an entity duly organized, legally existing and in good standing under the laws of [        ], (b) neither Agent nor the Lenders shall have any duties, responsibilities or obligations to Subsidiary arising under or related to the Loan Agreement or the other Loan Documents, (c) that if Subsidiary is covered by Company’s insurance, Subsidiary shall not be required to maintain separate insurance or comply with the provisions of Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Loan Agreement, and (d) that as long as Company satisfies the requirements of Section 7.1 of the Loan Agreement, Subsidiary shall not have to provide Agent separate Financial Statements.  To the extent that Agent or the Lenders has any duties, responsibilities or obligations arising under or related to the Loan Agreement or the other Loan Documents, those duties, responsibilities or obligations shall flow only to Company and not to Subsidiary or any other Person or entity.  By way of example (and not an exclusive list): (i) Agent’s providing notice to Company in accordance with the Loan Agreement or as otherwise agreed among Company, Agent and the Lenders shall be deemed provided to Subsidiary; (ii) a Lender’s providing an Advance to Company shall be deemed an Advance to Subsidiary; and (iii) Subsidiary shall have no right to request an Advance or make any other demand on the Lenders.

  3.Subsidiary agrees not to certificate its equity securities without Agent’s prior written consent, which consent may be conditioned on the delivery of such equity securities to Agent in order to perfect Agent’s security interest in such equity securities.

  4.Subsidiary acknowledges that it benefits, both directly and indirectly, from the Loan Agreement, and hereby waives, for itself and on behalf on any and all successors in interest (including without limitation any assignee for the benefit of creditors, receiver, bankruptcy trustee or itself as debtor-in-possession under any bankruptcy proceeding) to the fullest extent provided by law, any and all claims, rights or 

   

  

   

  defenses to the enforcement of this Joinder Agreement on the basis that (a) it failed to receive adequate consideration for the execution and delivery of this Joinder Agreement or (b) its obligations under this Joinder Agreement are avoidable as a fraudulent conveyance.

  5.As security for the prompt, complete and indefeasible payment when due (whether on the payment dates or otherwise) of all the Secured Obligations, Subsidiary grants to Agent a security interest in all of Subsidiary’s right, title, and interest in and to the Collateral.

  [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

   

  

   

  [SIGNATURE PAGE TO JOINDER AGREEMENT]

  			
	SUBSIDIARY:

	.

	 
	 
	 

	 
	By:
	 

	 
	Name:
	 

	 
	Title: 
	 

	 
	 
	 

	 
	Address:
	 

	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 

	 
	Telephone:
	 

	 
	email:
	 

   

   

  			
	AGENT:
	 

	 
	 

	HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.
	 

	 
	 

	 
	By:
	 

	 
	Name:
	 

	 
	Title:
	 

	 
	 
	 

	 
	Address:

	 
	400 Hamilton Ave., Suite 310
Palo Alto, CA 94301
email: legal@htgc.com
Telephone:  650-289-3060

   

   

   

   

   

  15

   

  

   

  EXHIBIT J-1

  FORM OF U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

  (For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

  Reference is hereby made to the Loan and Security Agreement dated as of September 30, 2020 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Loan Agreement”) by and among GERON CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, and each of its Subsidiaries (as defined in the Loan Agreement) (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Borrower”), the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties to the Loan Agreement (collectively, referred to as the “Lenders”), and HERCULES CAPITAL, INC., a Maryland corporation, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for itself and the Lenders (in such capacity, the “Agent”).

  Pursuant to the provisions of Addendum 1 of the Loan Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any promissory note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a “ten percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (iv) it is not a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

  The undersigned has furnished the Agent and the Borrower with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided in this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

  Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Loan Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Loan Agreement.

   

  									
	Date:
	 
	 
	 
	, 20
	 
	 
	[NAME OF LENDER]

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	By:
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	Name:
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	Title:
	 

   

   

  16

   

  

   

  EXHIBIT J-2

  FORM OF U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

  (For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

  Reference is hereby made to the Loan and Security Agreement dated as of September 30, 2020 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Loan Agreement”) by and among GERON CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, and each of its Subsidiaries (as defined in the Loan Agreement) (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Borrower”), the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties to the Loan Agreement (collectively, referred to as the “Lenders”), and HERCULES CAPITAL, INC., a Maryland corporation, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for itself and the Lenders (in such capacity, the “Agent”).

  Pursuant to the provisions of Addendum 1 of the Loan Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a “ten percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (iv) it is not a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

  The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided in this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender in writing, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

  Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Loan Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Loan Agreement.

   

  									
	Date:
	 
	 
	 
	, 20
	 
	 
	[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	By:
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	Name:
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	Title:
	 

   

   

  17

   

  

   

  EXHIBIT J-3

  FORM OF U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

  (For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

  Reference is hereby made to the Loan and Security Agreement dated as of September 30, 2020 as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time (the “Loan Agreement”), by and among GERON CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, and each of its Subsidiaries (as defined in the Loan Agreement) (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Borrower”), the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties to the Loan Agreement (collectively, referred to as the “Lenders”), and HERCULES CAPITAL, INC., a Maryland corporation, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for itself and the Lenders (in such capacity, the “Agent”).

  Pursuant to the provisions of Addendum 1 of the Loan Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such participation, (iii) with respect to such participation, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a “bank” extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a “ten percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

  The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided in this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

  Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Loan Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Loan Agreement.

   

  									
	Date:
	 
	 
	 
	, 20
	 
	 
	[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	By:
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	Name:
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	Title:
	 

   

   

  18

   

  

   

  EXHIBIT J-4

  FORM OF U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

  (For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

  Reference is hereby made to the Loan and Security Agreement dated as of September 30, 2020 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Loan Agreement”) by and among GERON CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, and each of its Subsidiaries (as defined in the Loan Agreement) (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Borrower”), the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties to the Loan Agreement (collectively, referred to as the “Lenders”), and HERCULES CAPITAL, INC., a Maryland corporation, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for itself and the Lenders (in such capacity, the “Agent”).

  Pursuant to the provisions of Addendum 1 of the Loan Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any promissory note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such Loan(s) (as well as any promissory note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)), (iii) with respect to the extension of credit pursuant to this Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a “bank” extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a “ten percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

  The undersigned has furnished the Agent and the Borrower with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided in this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

  Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Loan Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Loan Agreement.

   

  									
	Date:
	 
	 
	 
	, 20
	 
	 
	[NAME OF LENDER]

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	By:
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	Name:
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	Title:
	 

   

  19

   

  

   

  SCHEDULE 1.1

  COMMITMENTS

  									
	LENDERS
	TRANCHE 1A TERM COMMITMENT
	TRANCHE 1B TERM COMMITMENT
	TRANCHE 2 TERM COMMITMENT
	TRANCHE 3 TERM COMMITMENT
	TRANCHE 4 TERM COMMITMENT
	TRANCHE 5 TERM COMMITMENT
	TRANCHE 6 TERM COMMITMENT
	TERM COMMITMENT

	Hercules Capital, Inc.
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 

	Hercules Private Credit Fund 1 L.P.
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 

	Hercules Private Global Venture Growth Fund I L.P.
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 

	Silicon Valley Bank
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 

	TOTAL COMMITMENTS
	$25,000,000 
	$10,000,000 
	$15,000,000 
	$20,000,000
	$10,000,000
	$20,000,000
	$25,000,000
	$125,000,000*

   

  *Funding of Tranche 6 is subject to approval by the Lenders’ investment committee in its sole discretion.

  20

   

  

  Exhibit B

  Marked Conformed Loan and Security Agreement through Second Amendment

  EXHIBIT B

  LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT 

  THIS LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT is made and dated as of September 30, 2020 and is entered into by and among GERON CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, and each of its Subsidiaries (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Borrower”) other than any Excluded Subsidiaries, SILICON VALLEY BANK, a California corporation (“SVB”), HERCULES CAPITAL, INC., a Maryland corporation (“Hercules”), and the other several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties to this Agreement (collectively, referred to as the “Lenders”) and Hercules, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for itself and the Lenders (in such capacity, the “Agent”).  

  RECITALS

  A.	Borrower has requested the Lenders make available to Borrower a loan in an aggregate principal amount of up to Seventy-Five One Hundred Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($75,000,000 125,000,000) (the “Term Loan”); and 

  B.	The Lenders are willing to make the Term Loan on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

  AGREEMENT

  NOW, THEREFORE, Borrower, Agent and the Lenders agree as follows:

  SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

  1.1 Unless otherwise defined herein, the following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:

  “Account Control Agreement(s)” means any agreement entered into by and among the Agent, Borrower and a third party bank or other institution (including a Securities Intermediary) in which Borrower maintains a Deposit Account or an account holding Investment Property and which perfects Agent’s first priority security interest in the subject account or accounts.

  “ACH Authorization” means the ACH Debit Authorization Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit H to the Disclosure Letter, which account numbers shall be redacted for security purposes if and when filed publicly by the Borrower.

  “Acquisition” means any transaction or series of related transactions for the purpose of or resulting, directly or indirectly, in (a) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of a Person, or of any business, line of business or division or other unit of operation of a Person, (b) the acquisition of fifty percent (50%) or more of the Equity Interests of any Person, whether or not involving a merger, consolidation or similar transaction with such other Person, or otherwise causing any Person to become a Subsidiary of Borrower, or (c) the acquisition or exclusive in-licensing of any product, product line or Intellectual Property of or from any other Person.

  “Advance” means a Term Loan Advance.

  “Advance Date” means the funding date of any Advance.

  1

   

  

   

  “Advance Request” means a request for an Advance submitted by Borrower to Agent in substantially the form of Exhibit A to the Disclosure Letter, which account numbers shall be redacted for security purposes if and when filed publicly by the Borrower.

  “Affiliate” means (a) any Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Person in question, (b) any Person directly or indirectly owning, controlling or holding with power to vote [***] or more of the outstanding voting securities of another Person or (c) any Person [***] or more of whose outstanding voting securities are directly or indirectly owned, controlled or held by another Person with power to vote such securities.  As used in the definition of “Affiliate,” the term “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

  “Agreement” means this Loan and Security Agreement, as amended from time to time.

  “Amortization Date” means November 1, 2022; provided however, if the Performance Milestone I Interest Only Extension Conditions are satisfied, then May 1, 2023, and provided further, if the Performance Milestone II Interest Only Extension Conditions are satisfied, then November April 1, 2023 2024, and provided further, if the Performance Milestone III Interest Only Extension Conditions are satisfied, then January 1, 2025.

  “Anti-Corruption Laws” means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to Borrower or any of its Affiliates from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption, including without limitation the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, the UK Bribery Act 2010 and other similar legislation in any other jurisdictions.

  “Anti‐Terrorism Laws” means any laws, rules, regulations or orders relating to terrorism or money laundering, including without limitation Executive Order No. 13224 (effective September 24, 2001), the USA PATRIOT Act, the laws comprising or implementing the Bank Secrecy Act, and the laws administered by OFAC.

  “Blocked Person” means any Person:  (a) listed in the annex to, or is otherwise subject to the provisions of, Executive Order No. 13224, (b) a Person owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, any Person that is listed in the annex to, or is otherwise subject to the provisions of, Executive Order No. 13224, (c) a Person with which any Lender is prohibited from dealing or otherwise engaging in any transaction by any Anti-Terrorism Law, (d) a Person that commits, threatens or conspires to commit or supports “terrorism” as defined in Executive Order No. 13224, or (e) a Person that is named a “specially designated national” or “blocked person” on the most current list published by OFAC or other similar list.

  “Borrower Products” means all products, software, service offerings, technical data or technology currently being designed, manufactured or sold by Borrower or which Borrower intends to sell, license, or distribute in the future including any products or service offerings under development, collectively, together with all products, software, service offerings, technical data or technology that have been sold, licensed or distributed by Borrower since its incorporation.

  “Borrower’s Books” means Borrower’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ books and records including ledgers, federal, state, local and foreign tax returns, records regarding Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ assets or liabilities, the Collateral, business operations or financial condition, and all computer programs or storage or any equipment containing such information.

  2

   

  

   

  “Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday and any other day on which banking institutions in the State of California are closed for business.

  “Cash” means all cash, cash equivalents and liquid funds.

  “Change in Control” means any (x) reorganization, recapitalization, consolidation or merger (or similar transaction or series of related transactions) of Borrower, sale or exchange of outstanding shares (or similar transaction or series of related transactions) of Borrower in which the holders of Borrower’s outstanding shares immediately before consummation of such transaction or series of related transactions do not, immediately after consummation of such transaction or series of related transactions, retain shares representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the surviving entity of such transaction or series of related transactions (or the parent of such surviving entity if such surviving entity is wholly owned by such parent), in each case without regard to whether Borrower is the surviving entity or (y) “change of control”, “fundamental change” or any comparable term under and as defined in any indenture governing any Permitted Convertible Debt has occurred.

  “Closing Date” means the date of this Agreement.

  “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

  “Common Stock” means the Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share, of the Borrower.

  “Contingent Obligation” means, as applied to any Person, any direct or indirect liability, contingent or otherwise, of that Person with respect to (i) any Indebtedness, lease, dividend, letter of credit or other obligation of another, including any such obligation directly or indirectly guaranteed, endorsed, co-made or discounted or sold with recourse by that Person, or in respect of which that Person is otherwise directly or indirectly liable; (ii) any obligations with respect to undrawn letters of credit, corporate credit cards or merchant services issued for the account of that Person; and (iii) all obligations arising under any Hedging Agreement; provided, however, that the term “Contingent Obligation” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.  The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determined amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Contingent Obligation is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by such Person in good faith; provided, however, that such amount shall not in any event exceed the maximum amount of the obligations under the guarantee or other support arrangement.  For the avoidance of doubt, no Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or Permitted Warrant Transaction will be considered a Contingent Obligation of Borrower.

  “Copyright License” means any written agreement granting any right to use any Copyright or Copyright registration, now owned or hereafter acquired by Borrower or in which Borrower now holds or hereafter acquires any interest.

  “Copyrights” means all copyrights, whether registered or unregistered, held pursuant to the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof, or of any other country.

  “Corporate Collaborations” means any corporate collaborations, including without limitation: cost-sharing arrangements with collaborative partners, collaborative work on manufacturing process improvements and academic or development collaborations for discovery research projects, arrangements with contract research organizations, preclinical work, animal studies or investigator-sponsored clinical trials or proof of concept studies. 

  3

   

  

   

   “Deposit Accounts” means any “deposit accounts,” as such term is defined in the UCC, and includes any checking account, savings account, or certificate of deposit.

  “Disclosure Letter” means that certain letter, dated the date hereof, delivered by Borrower to Agent.

  “Disqualified Equity Interests” means any Equity Interests that are not Qualified Equity Interests.

  “Dollars,” “dollars” or use of the sign “$” means only lawful money of the United States and not any other currency, regardless of whether that currency uses the “$” sign to denote its currency or may be readily converted into lawful money of the United States.

  “Dollar Equivalent” is, at any time, (a) with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, such amount, and (b) with respect to any amount denominated in a Foreign Currency, the equivalent amount therefor in Dollars as determined by Agent at such time on the basis of the then-prevailing rate of exchange in San Francisco, California, for sales of the Foreign Currency for transfer to the country issuing such Foreign Currency.

  “Domestic Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary organized under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof, the District of Columbia, or any other jurisdiction within the United States of America.

  “Due Diligence Fee” means $50,000, which fee is due to the Lenders on or/has been paid to the Lenders prior to the Closing Date, and shall be deemed fully earned on such date regardless of the early termination of this Agreement.

  “Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, the capital stock, partnership or limited liability company interest, or other equity securities or equity ownership interests of such Person.

  “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

  “Excluded Accounts” means (i) any Deposit Account that is used solely as a payroll account for the employees of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or the funds in which consist solely of funds held in trust for any director, officer or employee of such Borrower or Subsidiary or any employee benefit plan maintained by such Borrower or Subsidiary or funds representing deferred compensation for the directors and employees of such Borrower or Subsidiary, collectively not to exceed [***] of the amount to be paid in the ordinary course of business in the then-next payroll cycle, (ii) escrow accounts, Deposit Accounts and trust accounts, in each case holding assets that are pledged or otherwise encumbered pursuant to clauses (vi), (xv), (xviii) or (xxi) of the definition of Permitted Liens (but only to the extent required to be excluded pursuant to the underlying documents entered into in connection with such Permitted Liens in the ordinary course of business), (iii) accounts containing no (zero) balance or (iv) any Deposit Account with a balance less than [***]; provided, that the aggregate balance of all such Deposit Accounts excluded pursuant to this clause (iv) shall at no time exceed [***]. 

  “Excluded Subsidiary” means each direct and indirect Subsidiary of the Borrower that is a Foreign Subsidiary (and any Domestic Subsidiary whose only material assets are Equity Interests in one or more Foreign Subsidiaries).

  4

   

  

   

  “FDA” means the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any successor thereto.

  “Forecast” means the monthly net product revenue projections for Borrower, as delivered to Agent 6 months prior to the Tranche 5 Advance, for a period covering at least 6 months preceding the Tranche 5 Advance, in the event Borrower elects to comply with Performance Covenant C, and every 6 month period thereafter in the event Borrower elects to comply with Performance Covenant C, in each case, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Lenders; provided however, that Borrower may from time to time update the Forecast with a forecast approved by the board of directors of the Borrower and deliver such updated Forecast to Agent.

  “Foreign Currency” means lawful money of a country other than the United States.

  “Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary other than a Domestic Subsidiary.

  “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, as in effect from time to time.

  “Governmental Authority” means the government of any nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state, local, territory, province or otherwise, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supranational bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

  “Hedging Agreement” means any interest rate exchange agreement, foreign currency exchange agreement, commodity price protection agreement or other interest or currency exchange rate or commodity price hedging arrangement incurred by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries not for speculative purposes and entered into in the ordinary course of business.

  “Indebtedness” means indebtedness of any kind, including (a) all indebtedness for borrowed money or the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding trade credit entered into in the ordinary course of business), including reimbursement and other obligations with respect to surety bonds and letters of credit, (b) all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments, (c) all capital lease obligations, (d) Disqualified Equity Interests, (e) “earnouts”, purchase price adjustments, profit sharing arrangements, deferred purchase money amounts and similar payment obligations or continuing obligations of any nature arising out of purchase and sale contracts, and (f) all Contingent Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt no Permitted Warrant Transaction shall be considered Indebtedness of the Borrower.

  “Initial Facility Charge” means Three Hundred Ninety Five Thousand Dollars ($395,000), which is payable to the Lenders in accordance with Section 4.1(f).

  “Insolvency Proceeding” means any proceeding by or against any Person under the United States Bankruptcy Code, or any other bankruptcy or insolvency law, including assignments for the benefit of creditors, compositions, extensions generally with its creditors, or proceedings seeking reorganization, arrangement, or other similar relief.

  “Intellectual Property” means all of Borrower’s Copyrights; Trademarks; Patents; Licenses; trade secrets and inventions; mask works; service marks, designs, business names, data base rights, design rights, domain names, moral rights, inventions, confidential information, know-how and other intellectual property rights and interests whether registered or unregistered; Borrower’s applications 

  5

   

  

   

  therefor and reissues, extensions, or renewals thereof; and Borrower’s goodwill associated with any of the foregoing, together with Borrower’s rights to sue for past, present and future infringement of Intellectual Property and the goodwill associated therewith.

  “Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain Intercreditor Agreement dated as of the Closing Date by and between Hercules (on behalf of itself and its Affiliates party hereto from time to time) and SVB, as may be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions thereof.

  “Investment” means, of any Person, (a) any beneficial ownership (including stock, partnership, limited liability company interests, or other securities) of or in any other Person, (b) any loan, advance or capital contribution to any other Person or (c) any Acquisition.

  “IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service. 

  “Janssen License” means that certain License Agreement, dated as of September 15, 2016, by and between Geron Corporation, as licensor, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., as licensee.

  “Joinder Agreements” means for each Subsidiary, a completed and executed Joinder Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit F.

  “License” means any Copyright License, Patent License, Trademark License or other license of rights or interests.

  “Lien” means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment for security, security interest, encumbrance, levy, lien or charge of any kind, whether voluntarily incurred or arising by operation of law or otherwise, against any property, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, and any lease in the nature of a security interest.

  “Loan” means the Advances made under this Agreement.

  “Loan Documents” means this Agreement, the promissory notes (if any), the ACH Authorization, the Account Control Agreements, the Joinder Agreements, all UCC Financing Statements, the Intercreditor Agreement and any other documents executed in connection with the Secured Obligations or the transactions contemplated hereby, as the same may from time to time be amended, modified, supplemented or restated.

  “Market Capitalization” means, as of any date of determination, the product of (a) the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock publicly disclosed in the most recent filing of Borrower with the United States Securities Exchange Commission as outstanding as of such date of determination and (b) the closing price of Borrower’s Common Stock (as quoted on Bloomberg L.P.’s page or any successor page thereto of Bloomberg L.P. or if such page is not available, any other commercially available source).

  “Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect upon: (i) the business, operations, properties, assets or financial condition of Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; or (ii) the ability of Borrower to perform or pay the Secured Obligations in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents, or the ability of Agent or the Lenders to enforce any of its rights or remedies with respect to the Secured Obligations; or (iii) the Collateral or Agent’s Liens on the Collateral or the priority of such Liens.

  6

   

  

   

  “Maximum Term Loan Amount” means Seventy- One Hundred Twenty Five Million Dollars ($75,000,00 125,000,000). 

  “NDA” means a new drug application submitted to the FDA under 21 U.S.C. § 355(b)(1) seeking authorization to commercialize a new drug product in the United States.

  “NDA Milestone” means the achievement of both of the following: (i) Performance Milestone II; and (ii) the Borrower has [***].

  “Non-Disclosure Agreement” means that certain Non-Disclosure Agreement/Confidentiality Agreement by and between the Borrower and Agent, dated as of February 21, 2020.

  “OFAC” is the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control.

  “OFAC Lists” are, collectively, the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List maintained by OFAC pursuant to Executive Order No. 13224, 66 Fed. Reg. 49079 (Sept. 25, 2001) and/or any other list of terrorists or other restricted Persons maintained pursuant to any of the rules and regulations of OFAC or pursuant to any other applicable Executive Orders.

  “Patent License” means any written agreement granting any right with respect to any invention on which a Patent is in existence or a Patent application is pending, in which agreement Borrower now holds or hereafter acquires any interest.

  “Patents” means all letters patent of, or rights corresponding thereto, in the United States of America or in any other country, all registrations and recordings thereof, and all applications for letters patent of, or rights corresponding thereto, in the United States of America or any other country.

  “Perfection Certificate” means a completed certificate delivered by Borrower to Agent and the Lenders, signed by Borrower entitled “Hercules Capital, Inc. Perfection Certificate and Diligence Request”. 

  “Performance Covenant A” means Borrower, solely during the period such Performance Covenant A is elected, maintains Qualified Cash in an amount not less than forty percent (40%) of the sum of the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan Advances.

  “Performance Covenant B” means satisfaction of each of the following solely during the period such Performance Covenant B is elected: (i) Borrower’s Market Capitalization is or exceeds Seven Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($750,000,000), and (ii) Borrower maintains Qualified Cash in an amount not less than twenty five percent (25%) of the sum of the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan Advances.

  “Performance Covenant C” means from and after [***], Borrower shall, solely during the period such Performance Covenant C is elected, maintain T6M Net Product Revenue of at least 70% of the T6M Net Product Revenue included in the Forecast, with such compliance to be tested at the end of the applicable month during the period such covenant is elected by Borrower.

  “Performance Milestone I” means the achievement of both of the following: (i) the Borrower has publicly announced no later than [***] that the Phase 3 portion of the IMerge clinical trial of imetelstat in patients with lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes (“MDS”) has completed full enrollment 

  7

   

  

   

  of One Hundred Seventy (170) patients, and (ii) Borrower has publicly announced that the planned Phase 3 Refractory MF clinical trial of imetelstat in patients with intermediate-2 or high-risk myelofibrosis (“MF”) has been initiated with the first patient dosed, in each case, subject to reasonable verification by the Agent (including supporting documentation reasonably requested by the Agent).

  “Performance Milestone I Interest Only Extension Conditions” shall mean satisfaction of each of the following events: (a) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and (b) the Borrower shall have achieved Performance Milestone I on or prior to [***].

  “Performance Milestone II” means the achievement of both of the following: (i) prior to [***], the Borrower has [***], and that [***], such that the [***] and (ii) either [***], in each case, subject to reasonable verification by the Agent (including supporting documentation reasonably requested by Agent), or [***] in, cumulatively, [***]; in each case, subject to verification by Agent (including supporting documentation reasonably requested by Agent).

   “Performance Milestone II Interest Only Extension Conditions” shall mean satisfaction of each of the following events:  (a) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; (b) the Borrower shall have achieved the Performance Milestone I Interest Only Extension Conditions on or prior to [***]; and (c) the Borrower shall have achieved Performance Milestone II on or prior to [***].

  “Performance Milestone III” means the achievement of both of the following: (i) the Borrower has publicly announced that the FDA has approved imetelstat [***]  (the “FDA Approval Date”); and (ii) [***], in each case, subject to reasonable verification by the Agent (including supporting documentation reasonably requested by Agent).

  “Performance Milestone III Interest Only Extension Conditions” shall mean satisfaction of each of the following events:  (a) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; (b) the Borrower shall have achieved the Performance Milestone I Interest Only Extension Conditions on or prior to [***]; (c) the Borrower shall have achieved Performance Milestone II on or prior to [***]; and (d) the Borrower shall have achieved Performance Milestone III on or prior to [***].

  “Permitted Acquisition” means any Acquisition (including Corporate Collaborations constituting Acquisitions) which is conducted in accordance with the following requirements:

  (i)of a business or Person or product engaged in a line of business similar, related or complementary to that of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries;

  (ii)if such Acquisition is structured as a stock acquisition, then the Person so acquired shall either (i) become a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Borrower or of a Subsidiary and the Borrower shall comply, or cause such Subsidiary to comply, with 7.13 hereof or (ii) such Person shall be merged with and into Borrower (with the Borrower being the surviving entity);

  (iii)if such Acquisition is structured as the acquisition or exclusive in-licensing of any product, product line or Intellectual Property, such product, product line or Intellectual Property shall be acquired by Borrower, and shall be free and clear of Liens other than Permitted Liens;

  (iv)the Borrower shall have delivered to the Lenders not less than ten (10) nor more than forty five (45) days prior to the date of such Acquisition, notice of such Acquisition together with pro forma projected financial information (to the extent available or applicable), copies of 

  8

   

  

   

  then-current drafts of all material documents relating to such acquisition, and historical financial statements (to the extent available or applicable) for such acquired entity, division or line of business, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Lenders (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld), demonstrating compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.20 hereof on a pro forma basis immediately prior to and immediately after the consummation of such transaction and subject to the confidentiality provisions of Section 11.13;

  (v)both immediately before and immediately after such Acquisition no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

  (vi)the cash consideration for the purchase price of such proposed new Acquisition (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Acquisitions permitted pursuant to clause (iii) of the definition of Permitted Licenses), when taken together with all consideration paid in respect of earnouts, milestones and other similar deferred purchase price consideration as and when paid, in each case by the Borrower with respect thereto, and including the amount of Permitted Indebtedness assumed or to which such assets, businesses or business or ownership interest or shares, or any Person so acquired, remain subject (excluding Indebtedness comprised of performance-based milestones, earnouts, or royalties that qualify as Permitted Indebtedness pursuant to subsection (vi) of the definition thereof and have not been paid) may not exceed [***] with respect to consideration other than Equity Interests of the Borrower, provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, the remainder of such purchase price may be paid in Equity Interests of the Borrower or the net cash proceeds of any substantially concurrent offering of Equity Interests of the Borrower, in each case, to the extent permitted hereunder.

  “Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction” means any call or capped call option (or substantively equivalent derivative transaction) relating to the Common Stock (or other securities or property following a merger event or other change of the Common Stock) purchased by Borrower in connection with the issuance of any Permitted Convertible Debt and as may be amended in accordance with its terms; provided, that the terms, conditions and covenants of each such call option transaction are customary for agreements of such type, as determined in good faith by the Borrower.

  “Permitted Convertible Debt” means Indebtedness of the Borrower that is convertible, at the option of the holders thereof, into shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property following a merger event or other change of the Common Stock), cash or any combination thereof, at the election of the Borrower; provided that such Indebtedness shall (a) not require any scheduled amortization or otherwise require payment of principal prior to, or have a scheduled maturity date, earlier than, [***] after the Term Loan Maturity Date, (b) be unsecured, (c) not be guaranteed by any Subsidiary of Borrower that has not executed a Joinder Agreement and (d) be on terms and conditions customary for Indebtedness of such type, as determined in good faith by the Borrower; provided further, that any cross-default or cross-acceleration event of default (each howsoever defined) provision contained therein that relates to indebtedness or other payment obligations of Borrower (or any of its Subsidiaries) (such indebtedness or other payment obligations, a “Cross-Default Reference Obligation”) contains a cure period of at least thirty (30) calendar days (after written notice to the issuer of such Indebtedness by the trustee or to such issuer and such trustee by holders of at least [***]  in aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness then outstanding) before a default, event of default, acceleration or other event or condition under such Cross-Default Reference Obligation results in an event of default under such cross-default or cross-acceleration provision.

  “Permitted Indebtedness” means: 

  9

   

  

   

  (i)Indebtedness of Borrower in favor of the Lenders or Agent arising under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; 

  (ii)Indebtedness existing on the Closing Date which is disclosed in Schedule 1A to the Disclosure Letter; 

  (iii)Indebtedness of up to [***] at any time outstanding, secured by a Lien described in clause (vii) of the defined term “Permitted Liens,” provided such Indebtedness does not exceed the cost of the assets financed with such Indebtedness; 

  (iv)Indebtedness to trade creditors incurred in the ordinary course of business;

  (v)Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business (i) with corporate credit cards, merchant cards, purchase cards and debit cards in an amount not to exceed [***] at any time outstanding, and (ii) in connection with cash management services in an amount not to exceed [***]  at any time outstanding; 

  (vi)Indebtedness that also constitutes a Permitted Investment and Indebtedness consisting of obligations under deferred or contingent consideration arrangements (including, without duplication, earn-outs, milestone payments, royalties and other contingent or deferred obligations as long as such obligations are not evidenced by any “seller notes” or similar Indebtedness in connection with Permitted Acquisitions); 

  (vii)Subordinated Indebtedness; 

  (viii)reimbursement obligations in connection with letters of credit provided by financial institutions other than SVB that are secured by Cash and issued on behalf of the Borrower or a Subsidiary thereof in an amount not to exceed [***] at any time outstanding;

  (ix)other unsecured Indebtedness not otherwise permitted hereunder in an amount not to exceed [***] at any time outstanding; 

  (x)intercompany Indebtedness as long as each of the obligor and the obligee under such Indebtedness is the Borrower or a Subsidiary that has executed a Joinder Agreement or otherwise in connection solely with Permitted Investments in Subsidiaries of Borrower; 

  (xi)extensions, refinancings and renewals of any items of Permitted Indebtedness, provided that the principal amount is not increased or the terms modified to impose materially more burdensome terms upon Borrower or its Subsidiary, as the case may be; 

  (xii)any Permitted Convertible Debt not to exceed [***] in principal amount at any one time outstanding;

  (xiii)Indebtedness to non-Affiliate third parties limited to synthetic royalty participations (and not royalty purchases or buyouts) and specific asset-level financings, in each case to the extent such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Secured Obligations in amounts and on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and the Lenders (collectively, the “Permitted Third Party Financings”); 

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  (xiv)obligations under any Hedging Agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business for non-speculative purposes in an aggregate amount not to exceed [***]  at any time outstanding;

  (xv)Permitted Licenses, solely to the extent involving the incurrence of Permitted Indebtedness;

  (xvi)financing of insurance premiums in the ordinary course of business;

  (xvii)Contingent Obligations of Permitted Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business, in each case without duplication for the amount(s) of Permitted Indebtedness otherwise permitted hereunder;

  (xviii)advances or deposits received in the ordinary course of business from customers or vendors; 

  (xix)Indebtedness with respect to performance bonds, appeal bonds and other similar obligations, in an aggregate amount not to exceed [***] at any time outstanding; and

  (xx)guarantees of the obligations of suppliers, customers and licensees of the Borrower incurred to third parties for the purpose of enabling such suppliers, customers and licensees to purchase products that will be supplied, or incorporated into products that will be supplied, to the Borrower by such suppliers, customers or licensees, in an amount not to exceed [***] in the aggregate in any fiscal year.

  “Permitted Investment” means: 

  (i)Investments existing on the Closing Date which are disclosed in Schedule 1B to the Disclosure Letter;

  (ii)(a) marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency or any State thereof maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof currently having a rating of at least A-2 or P-2 from either Standard & Poor’s Corporation or Moody’s Investors Services, (b) commercial paper maturing no more than one year from the date of creation thereof and currently having a rating of at least A-2 or P-2 from either Standard & Poor’s Corporation or Moody’s Investors Service, (c) certificates of deposit issued by any bank with assets of at least [***] maturing no more than one year from the date of investment therein, (d) money market accounts and (e) other Investments described in Borrower’s investment policy as approved by Agent in writing and the Borrower’s Board of Directors from time to time;

  (iii)(A) repurchases of shares or stock from former or current employees, directors, or consultants of Borrower under the terms of applicable repurchase agreements at the original issuance price of such securities in an aggregate amount not to exceed [***] in any fiscal year or (B) equity derivatives and stock repurchases (including without limitation by means of accelerated stock repurchases and forward purchases) as permitted by Section 7.7, in each case provided that no Event of Default has occurred, is continuing or would exist immediately after giving effect to such derivatives or repurchases; 

  (iv)Investments accepted in connection with Permitted Transfers; 

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  (v)Investments (including debt obligations) (a) received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of customers or suppliers and in settlement of delinquent or doubtful obligations of, and other disputes with, customers or suppliers arising in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business and (b) consisting of the endorsement of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection or similar transactions in the ordinary course of business; 

  (vi)Investments consisting of notes receivable of, or prepaid royalties and other credit extensions, to customers and suppliers who are not Affiliates, in the ordinary course of business, provided that this subparagraph (vi) shall not apply to Investments of Borrower in any Subsidiary; 

  (vii)Investments consisting of loans not involving the net transfer on a substantially contemporaneous basis of cash proceeds to employees, officers or directors relating to the purchase of capital stock of Borrower pursuant to employee share or stock purchase plans or other similar agreements approved by Borrower’s Board of Directors; 

  (viii)Investments consisting of travel advances, relocation loans, and other loan advances (or guarantees thereof) to employees, officers and directors in the ordinary course of business; 

  (ix)Investments (A) in Borrower and (B) in Subsidiaries that have entered into a Joinder Agreement and executed such other documents as shall be reasonably requested by Agent; 

  (x)Investments in Subsidiaries that have not executed a Joinder Agreement in an aggregate amount not to exceed [***] in any fiscal year;

  (xi)joint ventures or strategic alliances in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business, provided that any cash Investments by Borrower do not exceed [***] in the aggregate in any fiscal year; provided further, that such joint ventures and strategic alliances shall not include any licenses other than Permitted Licenses;

  (xii)Borrower’s entry into (including payments of premiums in connection therewith), and the performance of obligations under, and the receipt of Common Stock upon termination, settlement or unwind of, any Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and Permitted Warrant Transactions; 

  (xiii)Permitted Acquisitions; 

  (xiv)Hedging Agreements permitted under clause (xiv) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness; 

  (xv)Permitted Licenses, to the extent constituting Investments; 

  (xvi)Patents assigned by Janssen Biotech, Inc. and its Affiliates; and 

  (xvii)additional Investments not otherwise permitted hereunder that do not exceed [***] in the aggregate.

  “Permitted Licenses” means: 

  (i)the Janssen License; 

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  (ii)licenses and similar arrangements for the use of Intellectual Property (including Corporate Collaborations not constituting Acquisitions) satisfying each of the following conditions:  (a) such license is entered into in the ordinary course of business, (b) such license could not result in a legal transfer of title of the licensed property, (c) such license is entered into with non-Affiliate third parties and constitutes an arms-length transaction on commercially reasonably terms, and (d) such license is (x) non-exclusive, (y) exclusive as to territory but only as to discrete geographical areas outside of the United States of America in the ordinary course of business, or (z) exclusive as to any territory including the United States solely with respect to co-promotion, co-development and co-commercialization agreements entered into with counterparties typically party to such agreements in the ordinary course of their business; provided that, solely with respect to this clause (ii)(d)(z), both immediately prior to and upon consummation of any such transaction the Borrower is in compliance with Section 7.20(b) and no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and

  (iii)any in-license permitted hereunder that relates to [***]; provided that, the consideration paid in connection with such in-license does not exceed [***] and, both immediately prior to and upon consummation of any such in-license, no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. 

   “Permitted Liens” means: 

  (i)Liens in favor of Agent or the Lenders; 

  (ii)Liens existing on the Closing Date which are disclosed in Schedule 1C to the Disclosure Letter; 

  (iii)Liens for taxes, fees, assessments or other governmental charges or levies, either not delinquent or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted; provided, that Borrower maintains adequate reserves therefor on Borrower’s Books in accordance with GAAP (to the extent required thereby); 

  (iv)Liens securing claims or demands of materialmen, artisans, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen, landlords and other like Persons arising in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business and imposed without action of such parties; provided, that the payment thereof is not yet sixty (60) days past due;

  (v)Liens arising from judgments, decrees or attachments in circumstances which do not constitute an Event of Default hereunder; 

  (vi)the following deposits, to the extent made in the ordinary course of business:  deposits to secure the performance of obligations (including by way of deposits to secure letters of credit issued to secure the same) under commercial supply and/or manufacturing agreements, deposits under worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance, social security and other similar laws, or to secure the performance of bids, tenders or contracts (other than for the repayment of borrowed money) or to secure indemnity, performance or other similar bonds for the performance of bids, tenders or contracts (other than for the repayment of borrowed money) or to secure statutory obligations (other than Liens arising under ERISA or environmental Liens) or surety or appeal bonds, or to secure indemnity, performance or other similar bonds; 

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  (vii)Liens on Equipment or software or other intellectual property constituting purchase money Liens and Liens in connection with capital leases securing Indebtedness permitted in clause (iii) of “Permitted Indebtedness”;  

  (viii)Liens incurred in connection with Subordinated Indebtedness;

  (ix)leasehold interests in leases or subleases (whether as lessor or lessee thereunder) and licenses or sublicenses granted in the ordinary course of business and not interfering in any material respect with the business of the licensor (including any non-exclusive licenses of personal property (other than Intellectual Property) granted to third parties in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business), if such leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses do not prohibit granting Agent a security interest therein; 

  (x)to the extent constituting Liens, Permitted Licenses;

  (xi)Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of custom duties that are promptly paid on or before the date they become due; 

  (xii)Liens on insurance proceeds securing the payment of financed insurance premiums that are promptly paid on or before the date they become due (provided that such Liens extend only to such insurance proceeds and not to any other property or assets); 

  (xiii)statutory and common law rights of set-off and other similar rights as to deposits of cash and securities in favor of banks, other depository institutions and brokerage firms; 

  (xiv)easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business so long as they do not materially impair the value or marketability of the related property; 

  (xv)(A) Liens on Cash securing obligations permitted under clause (viii) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness and (B) security deposits in connection with real property leases, the combination of (A) and (B) in an aggregate amount not to exceed [***] at any time; 

  (xvi)Liens incurred in connection with Permitted Third Party Financings; provided that such Liens are limited to the specific assets financed and not all assets or substantially all assets of the Borrower;

  (xvii)additional Liens not otherwise permitted hereunder in an aggregate amount not to exceed [***] at any time; provided that such liens be limited to specific assets and not all assets or substantially all assets of any Borrower;

  (xviii)Liens on Cash securing obligations permitted under clause (v) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness;

  (xix)Liens in favor of financial institutions arising in connection with Borrower’s deposit and/or securities accounts held at such institutions, provided that (i) such accounts are permitted by this Agreement and (ii) Agent has a first priority perfected security interest in the amounts held in such deposit and/or securities accounts other than Excluded Accounts; 

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  (xx)Liens incurred in connection with sales, transfers, licenses, sublicenses, leases, subleases or other dispositions of assets in the ordinary course of business and permitted by Section 7.8 and, in connection therewith, customary rights and restrictions contained in agreements relating to such transactions pending the completion thereof or during the term thereof, and any option or other agreement to sell, transfer, license, sublicense, lease, sublease or dispose of an asset permitted by Section 7.8; 

  (xxi)Liens in the nature of deposits, or liens on deposit accounts, to secure (i) the performance of tenders, bids, trade and commercial contracts, licenses and leases, statutory obligations, surety bonds, performance bonds, bank guaranties and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business (including earnest money deposits in respect of any asset acquisition) or (ii) indemnification obligations relating to any disposition; provided that, in each case, such Liens do not secure Indebtedness for borrowed money and are incurred in the ordinary course of business;

  (xxii)good faith deposits required in connection with any Permitted Acquisition in the ordinary course of business;

  (xxiii)to the extent constituting Liens, escrow arrangements securing indemnification obligations associated with any acquisition;

  (xxiv)  Liens incurred in connection with the extension, renewal or refinancing of the Indebtedness secured by Liens of the type described in clauses (i) through (xi) above; provided, that any extension, renewal or replacement Lien shall be limited to the property encumbered by the existing Lien and the principal amount of the Indebtedness being extended, renewed or refinanced (as may have been reduced by any payment thereon) does not increase.

  “Permitted Transfers” means: 

  (i)sales, transfers or other dispositions of Inventory in the ordinary course of business; 

  (ii)transfers consisting of Permitted Licenses; 

  (iii)dispositions of worn-out, obsolete or surplus Equipment at fair market value in the ordinary course of business; 

  (iv)transfers expressly permitted under Sections 7.5, 7.6 or 7.7; 

  (v)the surrender, waiver or settlement of contractual rights in the ordinary course of business, or the surrender, waiver or settlement of claims and litigation claims (whether or not in the ordinary course of business) as long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

  (vi)the use of cash and cash equivalents subject to the restrictions and limitations set forth in the Loan Documents; 

  (vii)dispositions of Borrower’s Investment in Bard1 Life Sciences Limited identified on Schedule 1B to the Disclosure Letter; 

  (viii)the Janssen License; 

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  (ix)retirements of abandoned or expired Intellectual Property not material to Borrower’s business; and

  (x)other transfers not otherwise permitted hereunder of assets (other than Intellectual Property) having a fair market value of not more than [***] in the aggregate in any fiscal year. 

  “Permitted Warrant Transaction” means any call option, warrant or right to purchase (or substantively equivalent derivative transaction) relating to Common Stock (or other securities or property following a merger event or other change of the Common Stock) and/or cash (in an amount determined by reference to the price of such Common Stock) sold by Borrower substantially concurrently with any purchase by Borrower of a related Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction and as may be amended in accordance with its terms; provided that (x) that the terms, conditions and covenants of each such call option transaction are customary for agreements of such type, as determined in good faith by the Borrower and (y) such call option transaction would be classified as an equity instrument in accordance with GAAP.

  “Person” means any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association, corporation, limited liability company, institution, other entity or government.

  “Qualified Cash” means unrestricted Cash of the Borrower maintained in domestic Deposit Accounts or other domestic accounts in the Borrower’s name subject to an Account Control Agreement in favor of Agent. 

  “Qualified Equity Interests” means Equity Interests of Borrower that do not include a cash dividend (other than dividends that are solely payable as and when declared by Borrower’s board of directors) and are not mandatorily redeemable by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or redeemable at the option of the holder of such Equity Interests, in each case prior to the [***] following the Term Loan Maturity Date (other than redemptions solely for Qualified Equity Interests in such Person and cash in lieu of fractional shares of such Equity Interests and redemptions upon the occurrence of an “asset sale” or a “change in control” (or similar event, however denominated) so long as any such redemption requirement becomes operative only after repayment in full (or waiver thereof) of all the Secured Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations); provided, however, that an Equity Interest in any Person that is issued to any employee or to any plan for the benefit of employees or by any such plan to such employees shall constitute a Qualified Equity Interest notwithstanding any obligation of Borrower or any Subsidiary to repurchase such Equity Interest in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employee’s termination, death or disability).

  “Receivables” means (i) all of Borrower’s Accounts, Instruments, Documents, Chattel Paper, Supporting Obligations, letters of credit, proceeds of any letter of credit, and Letter of Credit Rights, and (ii) all customer lists, software, and business records related thereto.

  “Redemption Conditions” means, with respect to any payment of cash in respect of the principal amount of any Permitted Convertible Debt, satisfaction of each of the following events: (a) no Event of Default shall exist or result therefrom, and (b) both immediately before and at all times after such redemption, Borrower’s Qualified Cash shall be no less than the sum of [***]  of the outstanding Secured Obligations. 

  “Register” has the meaning specified in Section 11.7.

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  “Required Lenders” means, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, at any time, the holders of more than 50% of the sum of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Term Loan Advances then outstanding.

  “Requirement of Law” means, as to any Person, the certificate of incorporation and by-laws or other organizational or governing documents of such Person, and any law, treaty, rule or regulation or determination of an arbitrator or a court or other Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

  “Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country or territory which is the subject or target of any Sanctions.

  “Sanctioned Person” means, at any time, (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions-related list of designated Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State, or by the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or any EU member state, (b) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country or (c) any Person controlled by any such Person.

  “Sanctions” means economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by (a) the U.S. government, including those administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State, or (b) the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom.

  “Second Amendment” means that certain Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, effective as of the Second Amendment Closing Date, by and among the Borrower, Agent and the Lenders.

  “Second Amendment Closing Date” means the date on which the Second Amendment is executed by the Borrower, Agent and the Lenders.

  “Secured Obligations” means Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement and any Loan Document including any obligation to pay any amount now owing or later arising.

  “Subordinated Indebtedness” means Indebtedness subordinated to the Secured Obligations on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Agent in its sole discretion and subject to a subordination agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Agent in its sole discretion.

  “Subsidiary” means an entity, whether a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or otherwise, in which Borrower owns or controls 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities, including each entity listed on Schedule 1 to the Disclosure Letter.

  “T6M Net Product Revenue” means the Borrower’s net product revenue (as determined in accordance with GAAP), measured on a trailing six-month basis as of the date of the most recently delivered monthly financial statements in accordance with Section 7.1(a).  For the avoidance of doubt, net product revenue shall not include any of the following to the extent not recognizable as revenue in accordance with GAAP (i) trade, quantity and cash discounts allowed by the Borrower, (ii) discounts, refunds, rebates, charge backs, retroactive price adjustment and any other allowances which effectively reduce net selling price, (iii) product returns and allowances, (iv) allowances for shipping or other distribution expenses, (v) set-offs and counterclaims, and (vi) any 

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  other similar and customary deductions that are typically deducted from gross revenue and not included in net revenue in accordance with GAAP.

  “Taxes” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any governmental authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

  “Term Commitment” means as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Term Loan Advance to the Borrower in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading “Term Commitment” opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1.1.  

  “Term Loan Advance” means: each Tranche 1 Advance, Tranche 2 Advance, Tranche 3 Advance, Tranche 4 Advance, Tranche 5 Advance, Tranche 6 Advance, and any other term loan funds advanced under this Agreement. 

  “Term Loan Interest Rate” means for any day a per annum rate of interest equal to the greater of either (i) 9.00% plus the prime rate as reported in The Wall Street Journal minus 3.25%, and (ii) 9.00%.

  “Term Loan Maturity Date” means October 1, 2024; provided, however, that if Borrower achieves Performance Milestone II prior to September 15, 2024, then April 1, 2025, and if Borrower achieves Performance Milestone III prior to March 15, 2025, then October 1, 2025, provided further, that if the applicable day is not a Business Day, the Term Loan Maturity Date shall be the immediately preceding Business Day.

  “Trademark License” means any written agreement granting any right to use any Trademark or Trademark registration, now owned or hereafter acquired by Borrower or in which Borrower now holds or hereafter acquires any interest. 

  “Trademarks” means all trademarks (registered, common law or otherwise) and any applications in connection therewith, including registrations, recordings and applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or in any similar office or agency of the United States of America, any State thereof or any other country or any political subdivision thereof.

  “Tranche” means, with respect to the Tranche 1A Commitment, all Tranche 11A Advances; with respect to the Tranche 1B Commitment, all Tranche 1B Advances; with respect to the Tranche 2 Commitment, all Tranche 2 Advances; with respect to the Tranche 3 Commitment, all Tranche 3 Advances; with respect to the Tranche 4 Commitment, all Tranche 4 Advances; with respect to the Tranche 5 Commitment, all Tranche 5 Advances; with respect to the Tranche 6 Commitment, all Tranche 6 Advances.

  “Tranche 1A Commitment” means as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Term Loan Advance to Borrowers in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading “Tranche 1A Commitment” opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1.1.  

  “Tranche 1B Commitment” means as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Term Loan Advance to Borrowers in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading “Tranche 1B Commitment” opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1.1.  

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  “Tranche 2 Commitment” means as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Term Loan Advance to Borrowers in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading “Tranche 2 Commitment” opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1.1.  

  “Tranche 2 Facility Charge” means One Hundred and Five Thousand Dollars ($105,000), which is payable to the Lenders in accordance with Section 4.2(d).  

  “Tranche 3 Commitment” means as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Term Loan Advance to Borrowers in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading “Tranche 3 Commitment” opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1.1.  

   “Tranche 3 Facility Charge” means (i) zero point five percent (0.50%) of the Tranche 3 Commitment amount, due and payable on or prior to the Second Amendment Closing Date, and (ii) [***] of any Tranche 3 Advance, due and payable prior to such Tranche 3 Advance; which is payable to the Lenders in accordance with Section 4.2(e).

  “Tranche 4 Commitment” means as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Term Loan Advance to Borrowers in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading “Tranche 4 Commitment” opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1.1.  

   “Tranche 34 Facility Charge” means [***] of the principal amount of any Tranche 34Advance, which is payable to the Lenders in accordance with Section 4.2(3)4.2(f).

  “Tranche 5 Commitment” means as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Term Loan Advance to Borrowers in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading “Tranche 5 Commitment” opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1.1.  

   “Tranche 5 Facility Charge” means [***] of the principal amount of any Tranche 5 Advance, which is payable to the Lenders in accordance with Section 4.2(g).

  “Tranche 6 Commitment” means as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Term Loan Advance to Borrowers in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading “Tranche 6 Commitment” opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1.1.  

   “Tranche 6 Facility Charge” means [***] of the principal amount of any Tranche 6 Advance, which is payable to the Lenders in accordance with Section 4.2(h).

  “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as the same is, from time to time, in effect in the State of California; provided, that in the event that, by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any or all of the attachment, perfection or priority of, or remedies with respect to, Agent’s Lien on any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as the same is, from time to time, in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of California, then the term “UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect, from time to time, in such other jurisdiction solely for purposes of the provisions thereof relating to such attachment, perfection, priority or remedies and for purposes of definitions related to such provisions.  

  “U.S. Person” means any Person that is a “United States person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

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  1.2     The following terms are defined in the Sections or subsections referenced opposite such terms:

   

  		
	Defined Term
	Section

	Agent
	Preamble

	Assignee
	11.14

	Borrower
	Preamble

	Claims
	11.11

	Collateral
	3.1

	Confidential Information
	11.13

	Cross Default Reference Obligation 
	“Permitted Convertible Debt”

	End of Term Charge
	2.6

	Event of Default
	9

	FDA Approval Date
	“Performance Milestone III”

	Financial Statements
	7.1

	Indemnified Person
	6.3

	Lenders
	Preamble

	Liabilities
	6.3

	Market Cap Threshold
	7.1(a)

	Maximum Rate
	2.3

	Open Source License
	5.10

	Participant Register
	11.8

	Permitted Third Party Financings
	“Permitted Indebtedness”

	[***]
	[***]

	Prepayment Charge
	2.5

	Publicity Materials
	11.19

	Register
	11.7

	Rights to Payment
	3.1

	Tranche 1 Advance
	2.2(a)(ii)

	Tranche 2 Advance
	2.2(a)(iii)

	Tranche 3 Advance
	2.2(a)(iv) 

	Tranche 4 Advance
	2.2(a)(v)

	Tranche 5 Advance
	2.2(a)(vi)

	Tranche 6 Advance
	2.2(a)(vii)

   

  1.3     Unless otherwise specified, all references in this Agreement or any Annex or Schedule hereto to a “Section,” “subsection,” “Exhibit,” “Annex,” or “Schedule” shall refer to the corresponding Section, subsection, Exhibit, Annex, or Schedule in or to this Agreement or the Disclosure Letter, as applicable.  Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, any accounting term used in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents shall have the meaning customarily given such term in accordance with GAAP, and all financial computations hereunder shall be computed in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied; 

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  provided that, no effect shall be given to Accounting Standards Codification 842, Leases (or any other Accounting Standards Codification having similar result or effect) (and related interpretations) to the extent any lease (or similar arrangement) would be required to be treated as a capital lease thereunder where such lease (or arrangement) would have been treated as an operating lease under GAAP as in effect immediately prior to the effectiveness of such Accounting Standards Codification. Unless otherwise defined herein or in the other Loan Documents, terms that are used herein or in the other Loan Documents and defined in the UCC shall have the meanings given to them in the UCC.  For all purposes under the Loan Documents, in connection with any division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdiction’s laws): (a) if any asset, right, obligation or liability of any Person becomes the asset, right, obligation or liability of a different Person, then it shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person and (b) if any new Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Equity Interests at such time. 

  1.4     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made without giving effect to any treatment of Indebtedness in respect of convertible debt instruments under Accounting Standards Codification 470-20 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any such Indebtedness in a reduced or bifurcated manner as described therein, and such Indebtedness shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, and without limitation of the foregoing, Permitted Convertible Debt shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof and shall not include any reduction or appreciation in value of the shares deliverable upon conversion thereof.

  SECTION 2. THE LOAN

  2.1[RESERVED]. 

  2.2Term Loan.

  (a)Advances. 

  (i)Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Lenders will severally (and not jointly) make in an amount not to exceed its respective Tranche 1A Commitment, and Borrower agrees to draw, a Term Loan Advance of Twenty Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000) on the Closing Date (the “Tranche 1A Advance”). 

  (ii)Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, beginning on the Closing Date and continuing through June 15, 2021, Borrower may request and the Lenders shall severally (and not jointly) make in an amount not to exceed its respective Tranche 1B Commitment an additional Term Loan Advance in a principal amount of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) (the “Tranche 1B Advance” and together with the Tranche 1A Advance, each a “Tranche 1 Advance”).

  (iii)Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and satisfaction of Performance Milestone I, beginning on January 1, 2021 and continuing through December 15, 2021, Borrower may request and the Lenders shall severally (and not jointly) make in an amount not to exceed its respective Tranche 2 Commitment an additional Term Loan 

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  Advance in a principal amount of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000) (the “Tranche 2 Advance”).

  (iv)Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and satisfaction of Performance Milestone II, beginning on the date of satisfaction of Performance Milestone II and continuing through the earlier date of 30 days following the satisfaction of Performance Milestone II and September 15, 2023, Borrower may request and the Lenders shall severally (and not jointly) make in an amount not to exceed its respective Tranche 3 Commitment an additional Term Loan Advance in a principal amount of Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) (the “Tranche 3 Advance”).

  (v)Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and satisfaction of the NDA Milestone, beginning on January 1, 2023 and continuing through December 15, 2023, Borrower may request and the Lenders shall severally (and not jointly) make in an amount not to exceed its respective Tranche 4 Commitment an additional Term Loan Advance in a principal amount of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) (the “Tranche 4 Advance”).

  (vi)Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and satisfaction of Performance Milestone III, beginning on September 15, 2023 and continuing through September 15, 2024, Borrower may request and the Lenders shall severally (and not jointly) make in an amount not to exceed its respective Tranche 5 Commitment an additional Term Loan Advance in a principal amount of Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) (the “Tranche 5 Advance”). 

  (vii)  (iv) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and conditioned on future approval by each Lender’s investment committee, which shall be granted or denied in its sole and unfettered discretion, on or prior to December 31, 2022 2024, Borrower may request, and Lenders may severally (and not jointly) make, an additional Term Loan Advance of $25,000,000 (the “Tranche 36 Advance”).  The aggregate outstanding Term Loan Advances may be up to the Maximum Term Loan Amount.

  (b)Advance Request.  To obtain a Term Loan Advance, Borrower shall complete, sign and deliver an Advance Request (at least one (1) Business Day before the Closing Date and at least five (5) Business Days before each Advance Date other than the Closing Date) to Agent. The Lenders shall fund the Term Loan Advance in the manner requested by the Advance Request provided that each of the conditions precedent to such Term Loan Advance is satisfied as of the requested Advance Date.

  (c)Interest.  

  (i)Term Loan Interest Rate.  The principal balance shall bear interest thereon from such Advance Date at the Term Loan Interest Rate based on a year consisting of 360 days, with interest computed daily based on the actual number of days elapsed.  The Term Loan Interest Rate will float and change on the day the prime rate changes from time to time.

  (d)Payment.  Borrower will pay interest on each Term Loan Advance on the first Business Day of each month, beginning the month after the applicable Advance Date.  Borrower shall repay the aggregate principal balance of the Term Loan Advances that are outstanding on the day 

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  immediately preceding the Amortization Date, in equal monthly installments of principal and interest (mortgage style) beginning on the Amortization Date and continuing on the first Business Day of each month thereafter until the Term Loan Advances (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) together with all other Secured Obligations owing in connection therewith are repaid. The entire principal balance of the Term Loan Advances and all accrued but unpaid interest hereunder, shall be due and payable on the Term Loan Maturity Date.  Borrower shall make all payments under this Agreement without setoff, recoupment or deduction and regardless of any counterclaim or defense.  If a payment hereunder becomes due and payable on a day that is not a Business Day, the due date thereof shall be the immediately preceding Business Day.  The Lenders will initiate debit entries to the Borrower’s account as authorized on the ACH Authorization (i) on each payment date of all periodic obligations payable to the Lenders under each Term Loan Advance and (ii) reasonable and documented out-of-pocket legal fees and costs incurred by Agent or the Lenders in connection with Section 11.12 of this Agreement; provided that, with respect to clause (i) above, in the event that the Lenders or Agent inform Borrower in writing that the Lenders will not initiate a debit entry to Borrower’s account for a certain amount of the periodic obligations due on a specific payment date, Borrower shall pay to the Lenders such amount of periodic obligations in full in immediately available funds on such payment date; provided, further, that, with respect to clause (i) above, if the Lenders or Agent inform Borrower in writing that the Lenders will not initiate a debit entry as described above later than the date that is three (3) Business Days prior to such payment date, Borrower shall pay to the Lenders such amount of periodic obligations in full in immediately available funds on the date that is three (3) Business Days after the date on which the Lenders or Agent notify Borrower of such; provided further that with respect to clause (ii) above (other than fees paid on the Closing Date), Borrower shall pay to the Lenders such amount in full in immediately available funds within ten (10) Business Days of Agent or the Lenders furnishing Borrower an invoice of such out-of-pocket legal fees and costs incurred by Agent or the Lenders.

  2.3Maximum Interest.  Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, it is the parties’ intent not to contract for, charge or receive interest at a rate that is greater than the maximum rate permissible by law that a court of competent jurisdiction shall deem applicable hereto (which under the laws of the State of California shall be deemed to be the laws relating to permissible rates of interest on commercial loans) (the “Maximum Rate”).  If a court of competent jurisdiction shall finally determine that Borrower has actually paid to the Lenders an amount of interest in excess of the amount that would have been payable if all of the Secured Obligations had at all times borne interest at the Maximum Rate, then such excess interest actually paid by Borrower shall be applied as follows:  first, to the payment of the Secured Obligations consisting of the outstanding principal; second, after all principal is repaid, to the payment of the Lenders’ accrued interest, costs, expenses, professional fees and any other Secured Obligations; and third, after all Secured Obligations are repaid, the excess (if any) shall be refunded to Borrower.  

  2.4Default Interest.  In the event any payment is not paid on the scheduled payment date (other than a failure to pay due solely to an administrative or operational error of Agent or the Lenders or Borrower’s bank if Borrower had the funds to make the payment when due and makes the payment within three (3) Business Days following Borrower’s knowledge of such failure to pay), an amount equal to five percent (5.00%) of the past due amount shall be payable on demand. In addition, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default hereunder, all Secured Obligations, including principal, interest, compounded interest, and professional fees, shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the rate set forth in Section 2.2(c) plus five percent (5%) per annum.  In the event any interest is not paid when due hereunder, delinquent interest shall be added to principal and shall 

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  bear interest on interest, compounded at the rate set forth in Section 2.2(c) or Section 2.4, as applicable.

  2.5Prepayment.  At its option upon at least seven (7) Business Days prior written notice to Agent, Borrower may prepay all, or a portion of the outstanding Advances by paying the entire principal balance (or such portion thereof), all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, together with a prepayment charge equal to the following percentage of the Advance amount being prepaid: (i) with respect to each Advance made pursuant to Tranche 1 and Tranche 2, if such Advance amounts are prepaid in any of the first thirty-six (36) months following the Closing Date, 1.50%;, and thereafter, 0.00%, and (ii) with respect to each Advance made pursuant to Tranche 3, Tranche 4, Tranche 5, or Tranche 6 after the Second Amendment Closing Date, if such Advance amounts are prepaid in any of the first thirty-six (36) months following the Second Amendment Closing Date, 1.50%, and thereafter, 0.00% (each, a “Prepayment Charge”); provided that any partial prepayment shall be in minimum increments of principal in the amount of $5,000,000 (or such lesser amount as is then outstanding).  If at any time Borrower elects to make a prepayment, and at such time, there are outstanding Advances under multiple Tranches, the Prepayment Charge shall be determined by applying the amount of such prepayment in the following order: first, to the outstanding principal amount (and accrued but unpaid interest thereon) of Advances outstanding under the Tranche with the latest initial funding date; second, to the outstanding principal amount (and accrued but unpaid interest thereon) of Advances outstanding under the Tranche with the next latest initial funding date and so on until the entire principal balance of all Advances made hereunder (and all accrued but unpaid interest thereon) is paid in full. Borrower agrees that the Prepayment Charge is a reasonable calculation of the Lenders’ lost profits in view of the difficulties and impracticality of determining actual damages resulting from an early repayment of the Advances.  Borrower shall prepay the outstanding amount of all principal and accrued interest through the prepayment date and the Prepayment Charge upon the occurrence of a Change in Control or any other prepayment hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Agent and the Lenders agree to waive the Prepayment Charge if Agent and the Lenders (in their sole and absolute discretion) agree in writing to refinance the Advances prior to the Term Loan Maturity Date. Any amounts paid under this Section shall be applied by Agent to the then unpaid amount of any Secured Obligations (including principal and interest) in such order and priority as Agent may choose in its sole discretion.  

  2.6End of Term Charge.  

  (a)On any date that Borrower partially prepays the outstanding Secured Obligations pursuant to Section 2.5, Borrower shall pay to the Lenders a charge of 6.55% of such Term Loan Advances being repaid. 

  (b)On the earliest to occur of (i) the Term Loan Maturity Date, (ii) the date that Borrower prepays the outstanding Secured Obligations (other than any inchoate indemnity obligations and any other obligations which, by their terms, are to survive the termination of this Agreement) in full, or (iii) the date that the Secured Obligations become due and payable, Borrower shall pay the Lenders a charge of (x) 6.55% of the aggregate amount of all Term Loan Advances funded minus (y) the aggregate amount of payments made pursuant to Section 2.5 (collectively with any charge made pursuant to Section 2.5, the “End of Term Charge”).

  (c)Notwithstanding the required payment date of such End of Term Charge, the applicable pro rata portion of the End of Term Charge shall be deemed earned by the Lenders as of each date a Term Loan Advance is made.  For the avoidance of doubt, if a payment hereunder 

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  becomes due and payable on a day that is not a Business Day, the due date thereof shall be the immediately preceding Business Day.

  2.7Pro Rata Treatment.  Each payment (including prepayment) on account of any fee and any reduction of the Term Loan Advances shall be made pro rata according to the Term Commitments of the relevant Lender.

  2.8Taxes; Increased Costs.  The Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders each hereby agree to the terms and conditions set forth on Addendum 1 attached hereto.

  2.9Treatment of Prepayment Charge and End of Term Charge.  Except as otherwise required by applicable Tax law, Borrower agrees that any Prepayment Charge and any End of Term Charge payable prior to the Term Loan Maturity Date shall be presumed to be the liquidated damages sustained by each Lender as the result of the early termination, and Borrower agrees that it is reasonable under the circumstances currently existing and existing as of the Closing Date.  The Prepayment Charge and the End of Term Charge shall also be payable in the event the Secured Obligations (and/or this Agreement) are satisfied or released by foreclosure (whether by power of judicial proceeding), deed in lieu of foreclosure, or by any other means.  Borrower expressly waives (to the fullest extent it may lawfully do so) the provisions of any present or future statute or law that prohibits or may prohibit the collection of the foregoing Prepayment Charge and End of Term Charge in connection with any such acceleration.  Borrower agrees (to the fullest extent that each may lawfully do so): (a) each of the Prepayment Charge and the End of Term Charge is reasonable and is the product of an arm’s length transaction between sophisticated business people, ably represented by counsel; (b) each of the Prepayment Charge and the End of Term Charge shall be payable notwithstanding the then prevailing market rates at the time payment is made; (c) there has been a course of conduct between the Lenders and Borrower giving specific consideration in this transaction for such agreement to pay the Prepayment Charge and the End of Term Charge in the event of prepayment or acceleration; (d) Borrower shall be estopped from claiming differently than as agreed to in this paragraph.  Borrower expressly acknowledges that its agreement to pay each of the Prepayment Charge and the End of Term Charge to the Lenders as herein described was on the Closing Date and continues to be a material inducement to the Lenders to provide the Term Loan Advances. For U.S. federal and applicable state and local income tax purposes, the parties acknowledge and agree that the Term Loan is being issued with original issue discount within the meaning of Section 1273 of the Code and shall take all tax reporting positions consistent with the foregoing unless otherwise required by a Governmental Authority. 

  SECTION 3. SECURITY INTEREST

  3.1As security for the prompt and complete payment when due (whether on the payment dates or otherwise) of all the Secured Obligations, Borrower grants to Agent a security interest in all of Borrower’s right, title, and interest in, to and under all of Borrower’s personal property and other assets including without limitation the following (except as set forth herein) whether now owned or hereafter acquired (collectively, the “Collateral”):  (a) Receivables; (b) Equipment; (c) Fixtures; (d) General Intangibles (other than Intellectual Property); (e) Inventory; (f) Investment Property; (g) Deposit Accounts; (h) Cash; (i) Goods; and all other tangible and intangible personal property of Borrower whether now or hereafter owned or existing, leased, consigned by or to, or acquired by, Borrower and wherever located, and any of Borrower’s property in the possession or under the control of Agent; and, to the extent not otherwise included, all Proceeds of each of the foregoing and all accessions to, substitutions and replacements for, and rents, profits and products of each of the foregoing; provided, however, that the Collateral shall include all Accounts and General Intangibles 

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  that consist of rights to payment and proceeds from the sale, licensing or disposition of all or any part, or rights in, the Intellectual Property (the “Rights to Payment”).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a judicial authority (including a U.S. Bankruptcy Court) holds that a security interest in the underlying Intellectual Property is necessary to have a security interest in the Rights to Payment, then the Collateral shall automatically, and effective as of the date of this Agreement, include the Intellectual Property to the extent necessary to permit perfection of Agent’s security interest in the Rights to Payment.

  3.2Notwithstanding the broad grant of the security interest set forth in Section 3.1, above, the Collateral shall not include (a) any property, right or asset held by Borrower to the extent that a grant of a security interest therein is prohibited by any Requirement of Law of a Governmental Authority or constitutes a breach or default under or results in the termination of or requires any consent not obtained under, any contract, license, agreement, instrument or other document evidencing or giving rise to such property, right or asset, except (A) to the extent that the terms in such contract, license, instrument or other document providing for such prohibition, breach, default or termination, or requiring such consent are not permitted under this Agreement or (B) to the extent that such Requirement of Law or the term in such contract, license, agreement, instrument or other document providing for such prohibition, breach, default or termination or requiring such consent is ineffective under Section 9406, 9407, 9408 or 9409 of the UCC (or any successor provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable law (including the Bankruptcy Code of the United States); provided, however, that such security interest shall attach immediately at such time as such Requirement of Law is not effective or applicable, or such prohibition, breach, default or termination is no longer applicable or is waived, and to the extent severable, shall attach immediately to any portion of the Collateral that does not result in such consequences, (b) any Excluded Accounts, (c) the assets of any non-wholly owned Subsidiaries pursuant to customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements governing joint ventures or strategic alliances in the ordinary course of business, provided that Borrower has exercised its good faith best efforts to not agree to such contractual limitations, (d) interests in joint ventures that constitute Permitted Investments pursuant to customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements governing such joint ventures in the ordinary course of business, provided that Borrower has exercised its good faith best efforts to not agree to such contractual limitations, or (e) with respect to shares or stock in Excluded Subsidiaries, more than 65% to the extent that the pledge of more than 65% of such shares or stock of any Excluded Subsidiary would result in an adverse tax consequence to Borrower.

  3.3[Reserved].

  3.4If this Agreement is terminated, Agent’s Lien in the Collateral shall continue until the Secured Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) are repaid in full in cash.  Upon payment in full in cash of the Secured Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) and at such time as the Lenders’ obligation to make credit extensions has terminated, Agent shall, at the sole cost and expense of Borrower, release its Liens in the Collateral and all rights therein shall revert to Borrower. 

  SECTION 4. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO LOAN

  The obligations of the Lenders to make the Loan hereunder are subject to the satisfaction by Borrower of the following conditions:

  4.1Initial Advance.  On or prior to the Closing Date, Borrower shall have delivered to Agent the following:

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  (a)other than as permitted pursuant to Schedule 4.4 of the Disclosure Letter, executed copies of the Loan Documents, Account Control Agreements, and all other documents and instruments reasonably required by Agent to effectuate the transactions contemplated hereby or to create and perfect the Liens of Agent with respect to all Collateral, in all cases in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent;

  (b)a legal opinion of Borrower’s counsel in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent; 

  (c)a certificate executed by Borrower’s corporate secretary, which shall attach and contain customary certifications as to: (i) the resolutions of Borrower’s board of directors and the financing committee of Borrower’s board of directors evidencing approval of the Loan and other transactions evidenced by the Loan Documents; (ii) certified copies of the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws, as amended through the Closing Date, of Borrower; and (iii) a certificate of good standing for Borrower from its state of incorporation and similar certificates from all other jurisdictions in which it does business and where the failure to be qualified could have a Material Adverse Effect;

  (d)payment of the Due Diligence Fee, Initial Facility Charge and reimbursement of Agent’s and the Lenders’ current expenses reimbursable pursuant to this Agreement, which amounts may be deducted from the initial Advance; 

  (e)all certificates of insurance and copies of each insurance policy required hereunder; 

  (f)an executed copy of the Perfection Certificate and Addendum 1 thereto; and 

  (g)such other documents as Agent may reasonably request.

  4.2All Advances.  On each Advance Date:

  (a)Agent shall have received (i) an Advance Request for the relevant Advance as required by Section 2.2(b), each duly executed by Borrower’s Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, and (ii) any other documents Agent may reasonably request.

  (b)The representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Advance Date with the same effect as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date.

  (c)Borrower shall be in compliance with all the terms and provisions set forth herein and in each other Loan Document on its part to be observed or performed, and at the time of and immediately after such Advance no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

  (d)With respect to any Advance pursuant to Tranche 2, Borrower shall have paid the applicable Tranche 2 Facility Charge. 

  (e)With respect to any Advance pursuant to Tranche 3, Borrower shall have paid the applicable Tranche 3 Facility Charge.

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  (f)With respect to any Advance pursuant to Tranche 4, Borrower shall have paid the applicable Tranche 4 Facility Charge. 

  (g)With respect to any Advance pursuant to Tranche 5, Borrower shall have paid the applicable Tranche 5 Facility Charge. 

  (h) (e) 	With respect to any Advance pursuant to Tranche 36, (x) each Lender’s investment committee shall, in its sole and absolute discretion, have approved the requested Advances, as contemplated by Section 2.2(a)(iv) 2.2(a)(vii) and (y) Borrower shall have paid the Tranche 36 Facility Charge;.

  (i) (f) 	Each Advance Request shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by Borrower on the relevant Advance Date as to the matters specified in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this Section 4.2 and as to the matters set forth in the Advance Request.

  4.3No Default.  As of the Closing Date and each Advance Date, (i) no fact or condition exists that would (or would, with the passage of time, the giving of notice, or both) constitute an Event of Default and (ii) no event that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect has occurred and is continuing.

  4.4Post-Close Obligations. The Borrower agrees to deliver all items as required under Schedule 4.4 to the Disclosure Letter within the corresponding timeframes as set forth in Schedule 4.4 to the Disclosure Letter or such later date as Agent may agree in writing in its sole discretion.

  SECTION 5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BORROWER

  Borrower represents and warrants that:

  5.1Corporate Status.  Borrower is a corporation duly organized, legally existing and in good standing under the laws its state of incorporation, and is duly qualified as a foreign corporation in all jurisdictions in which the nature of its business or location of its properties require such qualifications and where the failure to be qualified could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Borrower’s present name, former names (if any), locations, place of formation, taxpayer identification number, organizational identification number and other information are correctly set forth in Exhibit B to the Disclosure Letter, as may be updated by Borrower in a written notice (including any Compliance Certificate) provided to Agent after the Closing Date. 

  5.2Collateral.  Borrower owns the Collateral and the Intellectual Property, free of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens.  Borrower has the power and authority to grant to Agent a Lien in the Collateral as security for the Secured Obligations.  

  5.3Consents.  Borrower’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and all other Loan Documents, (i) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of Borrower, (ii) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon the Collateral, other than Permitted Liens and the Liens created by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (iii) do not violate any provisions of Borrower’s Certificate or Articles of Incorporation (as applicable), bylaws, or any, law, regulation, order, injunction, judgment, decree or writ to which Borrower is subject and (iv) except as described on Schedule 5.3 to the Disclosure Letter, do not violate any material contract or material agreement or require the consent or approval of any other Person which has not already 

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  been obtained.  The individual or individuals executing the Loan Documents are duly authorized to do so.

  5.4Material Adverse Effect.  Since December 31, 2019, no event that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect has occurred and is continuing. 

  5.5Actions Before Governmental Authorities.  Except as disclosed on the Perfection Certificate, there are no actions, suits or proceedings at law or in equity or by or before any Governmental Authority now pending or, to the knowledge of Borrower, threatened in writing against or affecting Borrower or its property, that is reasonably expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. 

  5.6Laws.  Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any law, rule or regulation, or in default with respect to any judgment, writ, injunction or decree of any Governmental Authority, where such violation or default is reasonably expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  Borrower is not in default in any manner under any material provision of any agreement or instrument evidencing material Indebtedness, or any other material agreement to which it is a party or by which it is bound.  

  Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.  Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged as one of its important activities in extending credit for margin stock (under Regulations X, T and U of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors).  Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has complied in all material respects with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.  Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is a “holding company” or an “affiliate” of a “holding company” or a “subsidiary company” of a “holding company” as each term is defined and used in the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005.  Neither Borrower’s nor any of its Subsidiaries’ properties or assets has been used by Borrower or such Subsidiary or, to Borrower’s Knowledge, by previous Persons, in disposing, producing, storing, treating, or transporting any hazardous substance other than in material compliance with applicable laws.  Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has obtained all material consents, approvals and authorizations of, made all declarations or filings with, and given all notices to, all Governmental Authorities that are necessary to continue their respective businesses as currently conducted.

  None of Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or, to Borrower’s knowledge, any of Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ Affiliates or any of their respective agents acting or benefiting in any capacity in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is (i) in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law, (ii) engaging in or conspiring to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading or avoiding or attempts to violate, any of the prohibitions set forth in any Anti-Terrorism Law, or (iii) is a Blocked Person.  None of Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or to the knowledge of Borrower and any of their Affiliates or agents, acting or benefiting in any capacity in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (x) conducts any business or engages in making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of any Blocked Person, or (y) deals in, or otherwise engages in any transaction relating to, any property or interest in property blocked pursuant to Executive Order No. 13224, any similar executive order or other Anti-Terrorism Law.  None of the funds to be provided under this Agreement will be used, directly or indirectly, (a) for any activities in violation of any applicable anti-money laundering, economic sanctions and anti-bribery laws and regulations laws and regulations or (b) for any payment to any governmental official or employee, political party, official of a political party, candidate for political office, or anyone else acting in an official capacity, in order to obtain, retain or direct 

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  business or obtain any improper advantage, in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.

  5.7Information Correct and Current.  No written information, report, Advance Request, financial statement, exhibit or schedule furnished, by or on behalf of Borrower to Agent in connection with any Loan Document or included therein or delivered pursuant thereto contained, or, when taken as a whole, contains or will contain any material misstatement of fact or, when taken together with all other such written information or documents, omitted, omits or will omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were, are or will be made, not materially misleading at the time such statement was made or deemed made. Additionally, any and all financial or business projections provided by Borrower to Agent, whether prior to or after the Closing Date, shall be (i) provided in good faith and based on the most current data and information available to Borrower at the time delivered, and (ii) the most current of such projections provided to Borrower’s Board of Directors (it being understood that such projections are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of Borrower, that no assurance is given that any particular projections will be realized, and that actual results may differ). 

  5.8Tax Matters.  Except as described on Schedule 5.8 to the Disclosure Letter, (a) Borrower and its Subsidiaries have filed all federal and state income Tax returns and other material Tax returns that they are required to file, (b) Borrower and its Subsidiaries have duly paid all federal and state income Taxes and other material Taxes or installments thereof that they are required to pay as and when due, except (i) Taxes being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which Borrower and its Subsidiaries maintain adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP or (ii) to the extent the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (c) to the best of Borrower’s knowledge, no proposed or pending Tax assessments, deficiencies, audits or other proceedings with respect to Borrower or any Subsidiary have had, or could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

  5.9Intellectual Property Claims.  Borrower is the sole owner of, or otherwise has the right to use, the Intellectual Property material to Borrower’s business.  Except as described on Schedule 5.9 to the Disclosure Letter (as may be supplemented by disclosures provided in the Compliance Certificate or as disclosed to Agent), (i) each of the material registered Copyrights, registered Trademarks and issued Patents is valid and enforceable, (ii) no material part of the Intellectual Property has been judged invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, and (iii) no claim has been made to Borrower that any material part of the Intellectual Property violates the rights of any third party. Borrower is not in material breach of, nor has Borrower failed to perform any material obligations under, any of the contracts, licenses or agreements identified in Sections 5(c) and 5(d) of the Perfection Certificate and, to Borrower’s knowledge, no third party to any such contract, license or agreement is in material breach thereof or has failed to perform any material obligations thereunder.  

  5.10Intellectual Property.  Except as described on Schedule 5.10 to the Disclosure Letter (as may be supplemented by disclosures provided in the Compliance Certificate or as disclosed to Agent), Borrower has all material rights with respect to Intellectual Property necessary or material in the operation or conduct of Borrower’s business as currently conducted and proposed to be conducted by Borrower.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and in the case of Licenses, except for restrictions that are unenforceable under Division 9 of the UCC, Borrower has the right, to the extent required to operate Borrower’s business, to freely transfer, license or assign Intellectual Property necessary or material in the operation or conduct of Borrower’s business as 

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  currently conducted and proposed to be conducted by Borrower, without condition, restriction or payment of any kind (other than license payments in the ordinary course of business) to any third party, and Borrower owns or has the right to use, pursuant to valid licenses, all software development tools, library functions, compilers and all other third-party software and other items that are material to Borrower’s business and used in the design, development, promotion, sale, license, manufacture, import, export, use or distribution of Borrower Products except customary covenants in inbound license agreements and equipment leases where Borrower is the licensee or lessee. 

  No material software or other materials used by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (or used in any Borrower Products or any Subsidiaries’ products) are subject to an open-source or similar license (including but not limited to the General Public License, Lesser General Public License, Mozilla Public License, or Affero License) (collectively, “Open Source Licenses”) in a manner that would cause such software or other materials to have to be (i) distributed to third parties at no charge or a minimal charge (royalty-free basis); (ii) licensed to third parties to modify, make derivative works based on, decompile, disassemble, or reverse engineer; or (iii) used in a manner that could require disclosure or distribution in source code form.

  5.11Borrower Products.  Except as described on Schedule 5.11 to the Disclosure Letter (as may be supplemented by disclosures provided in the Compliance Certificate or as disclosed to Agent), no material Intellectual Property owned by Borrower or Borrower Product has been or is subject to any actual or, to the knowledge of Borrower, threatened litigation in writing, proceeding (including any proceeding in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any corresponding foreign office or agency) or outstanding decree, order, judgment, settlement agreement or stipulation that restricts in any material manner Borrower’s use, transfer or licensing thereof or that may affect the validity, use or enforceability thereof. There is no decree, order, judgment, agreement, stipulation, arbitral award or other provision entered into in connection with any litigation or proceeding that obligates Borrower to grant licenses or ownership interest in any material future Intellectual Property related to the operation or conduct of the business of Borrower or Borrower Products.  Borrower has not received any written notice or claim, or, to the knowledge of Borrower, oral notice or claim, challenging or questioning Borrower’s ownership in any material Intellectual Property (or written notice of any claim challenging or questioning the ownership in any licensed Intellectual Property of the owner thereof) or suggesting that any third party has any claim of legal or beneficial ownership with respect thereto nor, to Borrower’s knowledge, is there a reasonable basis for any such claim, in each case to where such notice or claim would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  To Borrower’s knowledge, neither Borrower’s use of its Intellectual Property nor the production and sale of Borrower Products infringes the valid Intellectual Property or other rights of others in any material respect. 

  5.12Financial Accounts.  Exhibit D to the Disclosure Letter, as may be updated by the Borrower in a written notice provided to Agent after the Closing Date, is a true, correct and complete list of (a) all banks and other financial institutions at which Borrower or any Subsidiary maintains Deposit Accounts and (b) all institutions at which Borrower or any Subsidiary maintains an account holding Investment Property, and such exhibit correctly identifies the name, address and telephone number of each bank or other institution, the name in which the account is held, a description of the purpose of the account, and the complete account number therefor.

  5.13Employee Loans.  Except as permitted hereunder, Borrower has no outstanding loans to any employee, officer or director of the Borrower nor has Borrower guaranteed the payment of any loan made to an employee, officer or director of the Borrower by a third party.

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  5.14Capitalization and Subsidiaries.  Borrower does not own any stock, partnership interest or other securities of any Person, except for Permitted Investments.  Attached as Schedule 5.14 to the Disclosure Letter, as may be updated by Borrower in a written notice provided after the Closing Date, is a true, correct and complete list of each Subsidiary.

  SECTION 6. INSURANCE; INDEMNIFICATION

  6.1Coverage.  Borrower shall cause to be carried and maintained commercial general liability insurance, on an occurrence form, against risks customarily insured against in Borrower’s line of business.  Such risks shall include the risks of bodily injury, including death, property damage, personal injury, advertising injury, and contractual liability per the terms of the indemnification agreement found in Section 6.3.  Borrower must maintain a minimum of $2,000,000 of commercial general liability insurance for each occurrence.  Borrower has and agrees to maintain a minimum of $2,000,000 of directors’ and officers’ insurance for each occurrence and $5,000,000 in the aggregate. So long as there are any Secured Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) outstanding, Borrower shall also cause to be carried and maintained insurance upon the Collateral, insuring against all risks of physical loss or damage howsoever caused as is standard for companies in Borrower’s industry and location, in an amount not less than the full replacement cost of the Collateral, provided that such insurance may be subject to standard exceptions and deductibles. If Borrower fails to obtain the insurance called for by this Section 6.1 or fails to pay any premium thereon or fails to pay any other amount which Borrower is obligated to pay under this Agreement or any other Loan Document or which may be required to preserve the Collateral, Agent may obtain such insurance or make such payment, and all amounts so paid by Agent are immediately due and payable, bearing interest at the then highest rate applicable to the Secured Obligations, and secured by the Collateral.  Agent will make reasonable efforts to provide Borrower with notice of Agent obtaining such insurance at the time it is obtained or within a reasonable time thereafter.  No payments by Agent are deemed an agreement to make similar payments in the future or Agent’s waiver of any Event of Default.

  6.2Certificates.  Borrower shall deliver to Agent certificates of insurance that evidence Borrower’s compliance with its insurance obligations in Section 6.1 and the obligations contained in this Section 6.2.  Borrower’s insurance certificate shall state Agent (shown as “Hercules Capital, Inc., as Agent”) is an additional insured for commercial general liability, a lenders loss payable for all risk property damage insurance, subject to the insurer’s approval, and a lenders loss payable for property insurance and additional insured for liability insurance for any future insurance that Borrower may acquire from such insurer.  Attached to the certificates of insurance will be additional insured endorsements for liability and lender’s loss payable endorsements for all risk property damage insurance.  All certificates of insurance will provide for a minimum of thirty (30) days advance written notice to Agent of cancellation (other than cancellation for non-payment of premiums, for which ten (10) days’ advance written notice shall be sufficient).  Any failure of Agent to scrutinize such insurance certificates for compliance is not a waiver of any of Agent’s rights, all of which are reserved.  Borrower shall provide Agent with copies of each insurance policy, and upon entering or amending any insurance policy required hereunder, Borrower shall provide Agent with copies of such policies and shall promptly deliver to Agent updated insurance certificates with respect to such policies.

  6.3Indemnity.  Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold Agent, the Lenders and their officers, directors, employees, agents, in-house attorneys, representatives and shareholders (each, an “Indemnified Person”) harmless from and against any and all claims, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities (including such claims, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities based on liability in tort, including strict liability in tort), including reasonable and documented out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees 

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  and disbursements and other costs of investigation or defense (including those incurred upon any appeal) (collectively, “Liabilities”), that may be instituted or asserted against or incurred by such Indemnified Person as the result of credit having been extended, suspended or terminated under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or the administration of such credit, or in connection with or arising out of the transactions contemplated hereunder and thereunder, or any actions or failures to act in connection therewith, or arising out of the disposition or utilization of the Collateral, excluding in all cases Liabilities to the extent resulting solely from any Indemnified Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.  This Section 6.3 shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim.  In no event shall any Indemnified Person be liable on any theory of liability for any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (including any loss of profits, business or anticipated savings). This Section 6.3 shall survive the repayment of indebtedness under, and otherwise shall survive the expiration or other termination of, this Agreement.

  SECTION 7. COVENANTS OF BORROWER

  Borrower agrees as follows:

  7.1Financial Reports.  Borrower shall furnish to the Agent the financial statements and reports listed hereinafter (the “Financial Statements”):

  (a)if Borrower’s Market Capitalization is less than [***] for a period of thirty (30) consecutive trading days (the “Market Cap Threshold”), Borrower shall furnish to the Agent and Lenders, as soon as practicable beginning with the month following the trigger of the Market Cap Threshold (and in any event within thirty (30) days) after the end of each month, unaudited monthly non-GAAP financial statements as of the end of such month, including balance sheet and related statements of income accompanied by a report detailing any material contingencies (including the commencement of any material litigation by or against Borrower) or any other occurrence that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, all certified by Borrower’s Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer; provided that, if Borrower’s Market Capitalization is greater than [***] for a period of thirty (30) consecutive trading days following the trigger of the Market Cap Threshold, Borrower shall no longer be required to deliver monthly financials pursuant to this Section 7.1(a); 

  (b)if Borrower’s Market Capitalization is greater than or equal to the Market Cap Threshold, as soon as practicable (and in any event within forty-five (45) days) after the end of each of the first three calendar quarters, unaudited interim and year-to-date financial statements as of the end of such calendar quarter, including balance sheet and related statements of income and cash flows accompanied by a report detailing any material contingencies (including the commencement of any material litigation by or against Borrower) or any other occurrence that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, certified by Borrower’s Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer to the effect that they have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, except (i) for the absence of footnotes, and (ii) that they are subject to normal year-end adjustments;

  (c)as soon as practicable (and in any event within ninety (90) days) after the end of each fiscal year, unqualified (other than a going concern qualification based on Borrower having negative profits or based on a determination that Borrower has less than twelve (12) months liquidity) audited financial statements as of the end of such year (prepared on a consolidated basis, if applicable), including balance sheet and related statements of income and cash flows, and setting 

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  forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the preceding fiscal year, certified by a firm of independent certified public accountants selected by Borrower and reasonably acceptable to Agent, accompanied by any management report from such accountants (it being understood that Ernst & Young LLP and any other firm of national standing are reasonably acceptable to Agent); 

  (d)(x) if monthly Financial Statements are required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(a), as soon as practicable (and in any event within 30 days) after the end of each such month, a Compliance Certificate in the form of Exhibit E, or (y) if quarterly Financial Statements are required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(b), as soon as practicable (and in any event within 45 days) after the end of each of the first three calendar quarters and concurrently with the Financial Statements delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(c), a Compliance Certificate in the form of Exhibit E;

  (e)to the extent not provided pursuant to Section 7.1(a), as soon as practicable (and in any event within 30 days) after the end of each month, a cash balance report;

  (f)promptly after the sending or filing thereof, as the case may be, copies of any regular, periodic and special reports or registration statements that Borrower files with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any governmental authority that may be substituted therefor, or any national securities exchange;

  (g)as soon as practicable after the end of each calendar quarter, a report detailing [***] during the calendar quarter just ended; 

  (h)annually, within ten (10) days following approval thereof by Borrower’s board of directors, a summary of Borrower’s annual budget; 

  (i)prompt notice if Borrower or any Subsidiary has knowledge that Borrower, or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of Borrower, is listed on the OFAC Lists or (a) is convicted on, (b) pleads nolo contendere to, (c) is indicted on, or (d) is arraigned and held over on charges involving money laundering or predicate crimes to money laundering. 

  Borrower shall not, without prior notice to Agent, make any change in its (a) accounting policies or reporting practices, except as required by GAAP or (b) fiscal years or fiscal quarters. 

  The executed Compliance Certificate, and all Financial Statements required to be delivered pursuant to clauses (c) and (e)  shall be sent via e-mail to [***] and with a copy to [***], provided, that if e-mail is not available or sending such Financial Statements via e-mail is not possible, they shall be faxed to Agent at: [***], attention Account Manager: Geron Corporation. 

  Notwithstanding the foregoing, documents required to be delivered under Sections 7.1(a), (b), (c) or (f) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date on which Borrower files such documents with the SEC and such documents are publicly available on the SEC’s EDGAR filing system or any successor thereto.

  For the avoidance of doubt, any reports, communications, information or other documents provided pursuant to this Section 7.1 shall be subject to the confidentiality provisions of Section 11.13.

  7.2Management Rights.  Borrower shall permit any representative that Agent or the Lenders authorizes, including its attorneys and accountants, to inspect the Collateral and examine and make copies and abstracts of the books of account and records of Borrower at reasonable times and 

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  upon reasonable notice during normal business hours; provided, however, that such examinations shall be limited to no more often than twice per fiscal year.  In addition, upon two (2) Business Days’ prior written notice, any such representative shall have the right to meet with management and officers of Borrower to discuss such books of account and records.  In addition, upon two (2) Business Days’ prior written notice, Agent or the Lenders shall be entitled at reasonable times and intervals to consult with and advise the management and officers of Borrower concerning significant business issues affecting Borrower.  Such consultations shall not unreasonably interfere with Borrower’s business operations.  The parties intend that the rights granted Agent and the Lenders shall constitute “management rights” within the meaning of 29 C.F.R. Section 2510.3-101(d)(3)(ii), but that any advice, recommendations or participation by Agent or the Lenders with respect to any business issues shall not be deemed to give Agent or the Lenders, nor be deemed an exercise by Agent or the Lenders of, control over Borrower’s management or policies.

  7.3Further Assurances.  Borrower shall from time to time execute, deliver and file, alone or with Agent, any financing statements, security agreements, collateral assignments, notices, control agreements or other documents to perfect, give the highest priority to Agent’s Lien on the Collateral, subject to Permitted Liens which may have priority over Agent’s Lien in accordance with applicable law, or otherwise evidence Agent’s rights herein.  Borrower shall from time to time procure any instruments or documents as may be reasonably requested by Agent, and take all further action that may be necessary, or that Agent may reasonably request, to perfect and protect the Liens granted hereby and thereby.  In addition, and for such purposes only, Borrower hereby authorizes Agent to execute and deliver on behalf of Borrower and to file such financing statements (including an indication that the financing statement covers “all assets or all personal property other than intellectual property” of Borrower in accordance with Section 9-504 of the UCC), collateral assignments, notices, control agreements, security agreements and other documents without the signature of Borrower either in Agent’s name or in the name of Agent as agent and attorney-in-fact for Borrower.  Borrower shall protect and defend Borrower’s title to the Collateral and Agent’s Lien thereon against all Persons claiming any interest adverse to Borrower or Agent other than Permitted Liens.  

  7.4Indebtedness.  Borrower shall not create, incur, assume, guarantee or be or remain liable with respect to any Indebtedness, or permit any Subsidiary so to do, other than Permitted Indebtedness, or prepay any Indebtedness or take any actions which impose on Borrower an obligation to prepay any Indebtedness, except for (a) the conversion of Indebtedness into equity securities and the payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares in connection with such conversion, (b) in connection with refinancing or replacement Indebtedness, (c) (i) purchase money Indebtedness pursuant to its then applicable payment schedule or (ii) Indebtedness owed pursuant to clause (v) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness and prepaid in the ordinary course of business, (d) prepayment by any Subsidiary of (i) inter-company Indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary to any Borrower, or (ii) if such Subsidiary is not a Borrower, intercompany Indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary to another Subsidiary that is not a Borrower, (e) trade debt incurred in the ordinary course of business or (f) as otherwise permitted hereunder or approved in writing by Agent.

  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, the issuance of, performance of obligations under (including any payments of interest), and conversion, exercise, repurchase, redemption, settlement or early termination or cancellation of (whether in whole or in part and including by netting or set-off) (in each case, whether in cash, Common Stock, or following a merger event or other change of the Common Stock, other securities or property), or the satisfaction of any condition that would permit or require any of the foregoing, any Permitted Convertible Debt shall not constitute a prepayment of Indebtedness by Borrower for the purposes of this Section 7.4; provided 

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  that principal payments in cash (other than cash in lieu of fractional shares) shall only be allowed if the Redemption Conditions are satisfied in respect of such payment and at all times after such payment; provided further that, to the extent both (a) the aggregate amount of cash payable upon conversion or payment of any Permitted Convertible Debt (excluding any required payment of interest with respect to such Permitted Convertible Debt and excluding any payment of cash in lieu of a fractional share due upon conversion thereof) exceeds the aggregate principal amount thereof and (b) such conversion or payment does not trigger or correspond to an exercise or early unwind or settlement of a corresponding portion of the Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions relating to such Permitted Convertible Debt (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the case where there is no Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction relating to such Permitted Convertible Debt), the payment of such excess cash shall not be permitted by the preceding sentence.

  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower may repurchase, exchange or induce the conversion of Permitted Convertible Debt by delivery of shares of Common Stock and/or a different series of Permitted Convertible Debt and/or by payment of cash (in an amount that does not exceed the proceeds received by Borrower from the substantially concurrent issuance of Common Stock and/or Permitted Convertible Debt plus the net cash proceeds, if any, received by Borrower pursuant to the related exercise or early unwind or termination of the related Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and Permitted Warrant Transactions, if any, pursuant to the immediately following proviso).

  7.5Collateral.  Borrower shall at all times keep the Collateral, the Intellectual Property and all other property and assets used in Borrower’s business or in which Borrower now or hereafter holds any interest free and clear from any Liens whatsoever (except for Permitted Liens), and shall give Agent prompt written notice of any legal process adverse to the Collateral, the Intellectual Property, or such other property and assets, or any Liens thereon, provided however, that the Collateral and such other property and assets may be subject to Permitted Liens.  Borrower shall not agree with any Person other than Agent or the Lenders not to encumber its property other than pursuant to (a) any agreements governing any purchase money Liens or capital lease obligations otherwise permitted hereby (in which case, any prohibition or limitation shall only be effective against the assets financed thereby) and (b) customary restrictions on assets subject to Liens permitted under clause (xv) of the definition of “Permitted Liens” (in which case, any prohibition or limitation shall only be effective against the cash collateral provided thereto). Borrower shall not enter into or suffer to exist or permit to become effective any agreement that prohibits or limits the ability of any Borrower to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property (including Intellectual Property), whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to secure its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party other than (a) this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (b) any agreements governing any purchase money Liens or capital lease obligations otherwise permitted hereby (in which case, any prohibition or limitation shall only be effective against the assets financed thereby), (c) customary restrictions on the assignment of leases, licenses and other agreements, (d) customary restrictions on the assignment, sublicense or sublease of leases, licenses and other agreements, (e) customary restrictions in agreements relating to Corporate Collaborations permitted herein and (f) customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements governing joint ventures or strategic alliances in the ordinary course of business. Borrower shall cause its Subsidiaries to use commercially reasonable efforts to protect and defend such Subsidiary’s title to its assets from and against all Persons claiming any interest adverse to such Subsidiary, and Borrower shall cause its Subsidiaries at all times to keep such Subsidiary’s property and assets free and clear from any Liens whatsoever (except for Permitted Liens or as otherwise permitted by this Section 7.5), and shall give Agent prompt written notice of any legal process adverse to such Subsidiary’s assets in an amount greater than [***]. 

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  7.6Investments.  Borrower shall not directly or indirectly acquire or own, or make any Investment in or to any Person, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to do so, other than Permitted Investments. 

  Notwithstanding the foregoing, and for the avoidance of doubt, this Section 7.6 shall not prohibit the conversion by holders of (including any payment upon conversion, whether in cash, Common Stock or a combination thereof), or required payment of any principal or premium on (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in respect of a required repurchase in connection with the redemption of Permitted Convertible Debt upon satisfaction of a condition related to the stock price of the Common Stock) or required payment of any interest with respect to, any Permitted Convertible Debt in each case, in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing such Permitted Convertible Debt; provided that principal payments in cash (other than cash in lieu of fractional shares) shall only be allowed if the Redemption Conditions are satisfied in respect of such payment and at all times after such payment; provided further that, to the extent both (a) the aggregate amount of cash payable upon conversion or payment of any Permitted Convertible Debt (excluding any required payment of interest with respect to such Permitted Convertible Debt and excluding any payment of cash in lieu of a fractional share due upon conversion thereof) exceeds the aggregate principal amount thereof and (b) such conversion or payment does not trigger or correspond to an exercise or early unwind or settlement of a corresponding portion of the Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions relating to such Permitted Convertible Debt (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the case where there is no Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction relating to such Permitted Convertible Debt), the payment of such excess cash shall not be permitted by the preceding sentence.

  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower may repurchase, exchange or induce the conversion of Permitted Convertible Debt by delivery of Common Stock and/or a different series of Permitted Convertible Debt and/or by payment of cash (in an amount that does not exceed the proceeds received by Borrower from the substantially concurrent issuance of Common Stock and/or Permitted Convertible Debt plus the net cash proceeds, if any, received by Borrower pursuant to the related exercise or early unwind or termination of the related Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and Permitted Warrant Transactions, if any, pursuant to the immediately following proviso).

  7.7Distributions.  Borrower shall not, and shall not allow any Subsidiary to, (a) repurchase or redeem any class of shares, stock or other Equity Interest other than (i) pursuant to employee, director or consultant repurchase plans or other similar agreements, provided, however, in each case the repurchase or redemption consideration does not exceed the original consideration paid for such shares, stock or Equity Interest, (ii) repurchases of such shares, stock or Equity Interest deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such repurchased shares, stock or Equity Interest represents a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants, (iii) repurchases of such shares, stock or Equity Interest deemed to occur upon the withholding of a portion of such shares, stock or Equity Interest granted or awarded to a current or former officer, director, employee or consultant to pay for the Taxes payable by such Person upon such grant or award (or upon vesting thereof), (iv) purchases of capital stock pledged as collateral for loans to employees, provided that such purchases do not exceed [***] in the aggregate, (v) [reserved], (vi) purchases of fractional shares of capital stock arising out of stock dividends, splits or combinations or business combinations or in connection with exercises or conversions of options, warrants and other convertible securities, (vii) the payment of the net purchase price in respect of any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction with the proceeds of the issuance of Permitted Convertible Debt, provided that such purchase price (net of any payments to Borrower in respect of any Permitted Warrant Transaction) is less than [***] of the net proceeds of such Permitted Convertible Debt and (viii) the settlement, unwind or other termination of all or any portion of any Permitted Warrant Transaction by (x) set-off against the concurrent settlement, unwind or other termination of all or any portion of any Permitted Bond Hedge 

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  Transaction or (y) delivery of shares of Common Stock, or (b) declare or pay any cash dividend or make any other cash distribution on any class of stock or other Equity Interest, except that a Subsidiary may pay dividends or make other distributions to Borrower or any Subsidiary of Borrower, or (c) lend money to any employees, officers or directors or guarantee the payment of any such loans granted by a third party in excess of [***] in the aggregate or (d) waive, release or forgive any Indebtedness owed by any employees, officers or directors in excess of [***] in the aggregate.

  Notwithstanding the foregoing, and for the avoidance of doubt, this Section 7.7 shall not prohibit the conversion by holders of (including any payment upon conversion, whether in cash, Common Stock or a combination thereof), or required payment of any principal or premium on (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in respect of a required repurchase in connection with the redemption of Permitted Convertible Debt upon satisfaction of a condition related to the stock price of the Common Stock) or required payment of any interest with respect to, any Permitted Convertible Debt in each case, in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing such Permitted Convertible Debt; provided that principal payments in cash (other than cash in lieu of fractional shares) shall only be allowed if the Redemption Conditions are satisfied in respect of such payment and at all times after such payment; provided further that, to the extent both (a) the aggregate amount of cash payable upon conversion or payment of any Permitted Convertible Debt (excluding any required payment of interest with respect to such Permitted Convertible Debt and excluding any payment of cash in lieu of a fractional share due upon conversion thereof) exceeds the aggregate principal amount thereof and (b) such conversion or payment does not trigger or correspond to an exercise or early unwind or settlement of a corresponding portion of the Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions relating to such Permitted Convertible Debt (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the case where there is no Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction relating to such Permitted Convertible Debt), the payment of such excess cash shall not be permitted by the preceding sentence.

  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower may repurchase, exchange or induce the conversion of Permitted Convertible Debt by delivery of Common Stock and/or a different series of Permitted Convertible Debt and/or by payment of cash (in an amount that does not exceed the proceeds received by Borrower from the substantially concurrent issuance of Common Stock and/or Permitted Convertible Debt plus the net cash proceeds, if any, received by Borrower pursuant to the related exercise or early unwind or termination of the related Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and Permitted Warrant Transactions, if any, pursuant to the immediately following proviso).

  7.8Transfers.  Except for Permitted Transfers, Borrower shall not, and shall not allow any Subsidiary to, voluntarily or involuntarily transfer, sell, lease, license, lend or in any other manner convey any equitable, beneficial or legal interest in any material portion of its assets.

  7.9Mergers and Consolidations.  Borrower shall not merge or consolidate, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to merge or consolidate, with or into any other business organization (other than (a) Permitted Acquisitions, (a) mergers or consolidations of a Subsidiary which is not a Borrower into another Subsidiary or into Borrower or (b) mergers or consolidations of a Borrower into another Borrower).

  7.10Taxes.  Borrower shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, pay when due all material Taxes of any nature whatsoever now or hereafter imposed or assessed against Borrower or the Collateral or upon Borrower’s ownership, possession, use, operation or disposition thereof or upon Borrower’s rents, receipts or earnings arising therefrom.  Borrower shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, accurately file on or before the due date therefor (taking into account proper extensions) all federal and state income Tax returns and other material Tax returns required to be filed.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower and its Subsidiaries may contest, in good faith and 

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  by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, Taxes for which Borrower and its Subsidiaries maintain adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP.

  7.11Corporate Changes.  Neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall change its corporate name, legal form or jurisdiction of formation without twenty (20) days’ prior written notice to Agent.  Neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall suffer a Change in Control.  Neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall relocate its chief executive office or its principal place of business unless: (i) it has provided prior written notice to Agent; and (ii) such relocation shall be within the continental United States of America.  Neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall relocate any item of Collateral (other than (w) drug supplies or clinical trial materials utilized in the ordinary course of business, (x) sales of assets made in accordance with Section 7.8, (y) relocations of Equipment having an aggregate value of up to [***], and (z) relocations of Collateral from a location described on Exhibit B to the Disclosure Letter to another location described on Exhibit B to the Disclosure Letter) unless (i) it has provided prompt written notice to Agent, (ii) such relocation is within the continental United States of America and, (iii) if such relocation is to a third party bailee, if not prohibited by applicable law, it has delivered a bailee agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent.

  7.12Deposit Accounts.  Other than Excluded Accounts, neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall maintain any Deposit Accounts, or accounts holding Investment Property, except with respect to which Agent has an Account Control Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the accounts described in Section 4.4 to the Disclosure Letter may be maintained without an Account Control Agreement for the period of time required by Section 4.4, so long as Borrower maintains Cash in an amount of not less than the aggregate amount of all Term Loan Advances at all times until all accounts described in Section 4.4 to the Disclosure Letter are subject to Account Control Agreements. 

  7.13Formation or Acquisition of Subsidiaries.  Borrower shall notify Agent of each Subsidiary formed or acquired (in accordance with the terms hereof) subsequent to the Closing Date and, within thirty (30) days of formation, shall cause any such Subsidiary (unless such Subsidiary is an Excluded Subsidiary) to execute and deliver to Agent a Joinder Agreement.

  7.14[RESERVED]. 

  7.15Notification of Event of Default.  Borrower shall notify Agent promptly (and in any event within two (2) Business Days) after becoming aware of the occurrence of any Event of Default.

  7.16[RESERVED]. 

  7.17Use of Proceeds.  Borrower agrees that the proceeds of the Loans shall be used solely to pay related fees and expenses in connection with this Agreement and for working capital and general corporate purposes.  The proceeds of the Loans will not be used in (i) violation of Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions, or (ii) for personal, family, household or agricultural purposes. 

  7.18[RESERVED]. 

  7.19Compliance with Laws.

  Borrower shall maintain, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to maintain, compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws, rules or regulations (including any law, rule or regulation 

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  with respect to the making or brokering of loans or financial accommodations), and shall, or cause its Subsidiaries to, obtain and maintain all required material governmental authorizations, approvals, licenses, franchises, permits or registrations reasonably necessary in connection with the conduct of Borrower’s business.

  Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall, nor shall Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries permit any Affiliate to, directly or indirectly, knowingly enter into any documents, instruments, agreements or contracts with any Person listed on the OFAC Lists.  Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall, nor shall Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, permit any Affiliate to, directly or indirectly, (i) conduct any business or engage in any transaction or dealing with any Blocked Person, including, without limitation, the making or receiving of any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of any Blocked Person, (ii) deal in, or otherwise engage in any transaction relating to, any property or interests in property blocked pursuant to Executive Order No. 13224 or any similar executive order or other Anti‐Terrorism Law, or (iii) engage in or conspire to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the prohibitions set forth in Executive Order No. 13224 or other Anti‐Terrorism Law.

  Borrower has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions, and Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their respective officers and employees and, to the knowledge of Borrower, its directors and agents, are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects.

  None of Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective directors, officers or employees, or to the knowledge of Borrower, any agent for Borrower or its Subsidiaries that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the credit facility established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person.  No Loan, use of proceeds or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement will violate Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions.

  7.20Financial Covenant Covenants.  

  (a)Inclusive Pre-FDA Approval Minimum Cash.  If the FDA Approval Date has not occurred, inclusive of any Qualified Cash amounts maintained in accordance with Sections 7.20(bc) and 7.20(cd) from and after June 1, 2022, Borrower shall at all times maintain Qualified Cash in an amount of equal to the greater of (i) not less than fifty percent (50%) of the sum of the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan Advances, or (ii) not less than $30,000,000; provided that, upon and after the FDA Approval Date, Borrower shall at all times maintain Qualified Cash in an amount of not less than $20,000,000.

  (b)Post-FDA Approval Performance Covenant.  If the FDA Approval Date has occurred, Borrower shall thereafter elect (at its option and at any time) and satisfy any one of the following performance covenants: (i) Performance Covenant A, tested at all times during the period such covenant is elected by Borrower, (ii) Performance Covenant B, tested at all times during the period such covenant is elected by Borrower, or (iii) Performance Covenant C, tested at the end of the applicable month during the period such covenant is elected by Borrower.  Borrower shall indicate its election(s) of the applicable performance covenant(s) during the period covered by the Compliance Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(d).

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  (c) (b)	Inclusive of any Qualified Cash amounts maintained in accordance with Sections 7.20(a) (or Section 7.20(b) if applicable) and 7.20(cd), from and after the date that Borrower first enters into a transaction described in clause (ii)(d)(z) of the definition of Permitted Licenses, Borrower shall at all times maintain Qualified Cash in an amount of not less than $35,000,000.

  (d) (c) 	Inclusive of any Qualified Cash amounts maintained in accordance with Sections 7.20(a) and (or Section 7.20(b) if applicable) and 7.20(c), if Borrower makes cash payment in respect of Permitted Convertible Debt subject to satisfaction of the Redemption Conditions, Borrower shall, at all times thereafter, maintain Qualified Cash in the amount required by the defined term “Redemption Conditions”.

  7.21Intellectual Property.  Borrower shall (i) protect, defend and maintain the validity and enforceability of its material Intellectual Property; (ii) promptly advise Agent in writing of material infringements of its Intellectual Property known to Borrower; and (iii) not allow any Intellectual Property material to Borrowers’ business to be abandoned, forfeited or dedicated to the public without Agent’s written consent, in each case subject to Borrower’s reasonable discretion and standard commercial practices.  

  7.22Transactions with Affiliates.  Borrower shall not and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into or permit to exist any transaction of any kind with any Affiliate of Borrower or such Subsidiary on terms that are less favorable to Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, than those that might be obtained in an arm’s length transaction from a Person who is not an Affiliate of Borrower or such Subsidiary.  

  SECTION 8.  [Reserved].

  SECTION 9. EVENTS OF DEFAULT

  The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall be an Event of Default:

  9.1Payments.  Borrower fails to pay any amount due under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents on the due date; provided, however, that an Event of Default shall not occur on account of a failure to pay due solely to an administrative or operational error of Agent or the Lenders or Borrower’s bank if Borrower had the funds to make the payment when due and makes the payment within three (3) Business Days following Borrower’s knowledge of such failure to pay; or

  9.2Covenants.  Borrower breaches or defaults in the performance of any covenant or Secured Obligation under this Agreement, or any of the other Loan Documents, and (a) with respect to a default under any covenant under this Agreement (other than under Sections 6, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 7.15, 7.17, 7.19, 7.21, and 7.22) or any other Loan Document, such default continues for more than thirty (30) days after the earlier of the date on which (i) Agent or the Lenders have given notice of such default to Borrower and (ii) Borrower has actual knowledge of such default or (b) with respect to a default under any of Sections 6, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 7.15, 7.17, 7.19, 7.20, 7.21, and 7.22, the occurrence of such default; or 

  9.3Material Adverse Effect.  A circumstance has occurred that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided that, solely for purposes of this Section 9.3, the following events shall not, in each case in and of itself, constitute a Material Adverse Effect: (a) adverse results or delays in any nonclinical or clinical trial, (b) the failure to achieve any clinical or 

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  non-clinical trial goals or objectives, including without limitation, the failure to demonstrate the desired safety or efficacy of any drug or companion diagnostic, (c) the denial, delay or limitation of approval of, or taking of any other regulatory action (e.g., a clinical hold) by the applicable regulatory authority with respect to any drug, delivery system or companion diagnostic, (d) a change in or discontinuation of a strategic partnership or other collaboration or license arrangement so long as the same does not affect the ability of Borrower to perform the Secured Obligations or (e) failure to achieve Performance Milestone I, Performance Milestone II or Performance Milestone III so long as the same does not affect the ability of Borrower to perform the Secured Obligations; or 

  9.4Representations.  Any representation or warranty made by Borrower in any Loan Document shall have been false or misleading in any material respect when made or when deemed made; or 

  9.5Insolvency.  Borrower (A) (i) shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or (ii) shall be unable to pay its debts as they become due, or be unable to pay or perform under the Loan Documents, or shall become insolvent; or (iii) shall file a voluntary petition in bankruptcy; or (iv) shall file any petition, answer, or document seeking for itself any reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under any present or future statute, law or regulation pertinent to such circumstances; or (v) shall seek or consent to or acquiesce in the appointment of any trustee, receiver, or liquidator of Borrower or of all or any substantial part (i.e., 33-1/3% or more) of the assets or property of Borrower; or (vi) shall cease operations of its business as its business has normally been conducted, or terminate substantially all of its employees; or (vii) Borrower or its directors or majority shareholders shall take any action initiating any of the foregoing actions described in clauses (i) through (vi); or (B) either (i) thirty (30) days shall have expired after the commencement of an involuntary action against Borrower seeking reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under any present or future statute, law or regulation, without such action being dismissed or all orders or proceedings thereunder affecting the operations or the business of Borrower being stayed; or (ii) a stay of any such order or proceedings shall thereafter be set aside and the action setting it aside shall not be timely appealed; or (iii) Borrower shall file any answer admitting or not contesting the material allegations of a petition filed against Borrower in any such proceedings; or (iv) the court in which such proceedings are pending shall enter a decree or order granting the relief sought in any such proceedings; or (v) thirty (30) days shall have expired after the appointment, without the consent or acquiescence of Borrower, of any trustee, receiver or liquidator of Borrower or of all or any substantial part of the properties of Borrower without such appointment being vacated; or

  9.6Attachments; Judgments.  Any material portion of Borrower’s assets is attached or seized, or a levy is filed against any such assets, or a judgment or judgments is/are entered for the payment of money (not covered by independent third party insurance as to which liability has not been rejected by such insurance carrier), individually or in the aggregate, of at least [***], and such judgment remains unsatisfied, unvacated or unstayed for a period of twenty (20) days after the entry thereof, or Borrower is enjoined or in any way prevented by court order from conducting any material part of its business; or

  9.7Other Obligations.  The occurrence of any default (after giving effect to any grace period or cure period) under any agreement or obligation of Borrower involving any Indebtedness in excess of [***], which has resulted in a right by the holder of such Indebtedness, whether exercised or not, to accelerate the maturity of such Indebtedness, or any early payment is required or unwinding or termination occurs with respect to any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or Permitted Warrant Transaction, or any condition giving rise to the foregoing is met, in each case, with respect to which 

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  Borrower or its Affiliate is the “affected party” or “defaulting party” under the terms of such Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or Permitted Warrant Transaction, as a result thereof Borrower would be required to make cash payments or otherwise settle any such unwind or termination in cash and if a Material Adverse Effect could reasonably be expected to result from such default, early payment, unwinding or termination.  

  SECTION 10. REMEDIES

  10.1General.  Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of any one or more Events of Default, Agent may, and at the direction of the Required Lenders shall, without notice or demand, do any or all of the following: (i) accelerate and demand payment of all or any part of the Secured Obligations together with a Prepayment Charge and declare them to be immediately due and payable (provided, that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default of the type described in Section 9.5, all of the Secured Obligations (including, without limitation, the Prepayment Charge and the End of Term Charge) shall automatically be accelerated and made due and payable, in each case without any further notice or act); (ii) place a “hold” on any account maintained with SVB and/or deliver a notice of exclusive control, any entitlement order, or other directions or instructions pursuant to any Control Agreement or similar agreements providing control of any Collateral.  In addition, upon the occurrence of any one or more Events of Default, any Lender may stop advancing money or extending credit for Borrower’s benefit under this Agreement or under any other agreement between Borrower and such Lender. 

  Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints Agent as its lawful attorney-in-fact to:  (a) exercisable following the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default, (i) sign Borrower’s name on any invoice or bill of lading for any account or drafts against account debtors; (ii) demand, collect, sue, and give releases to any account debtor for monies due, settle and adjust disputes and claims about the accounts directly with account debtors, and compromise, prosecute, or defend any action, claim, case, or proceeding about any Collateral (including filing a claim or voting a claim in any bankruptcy case in Agent’s or Borrower’s name, as Agent may elect); (iii) make, settle, and adjust all claims under Borrower’s insurance policies; (iv) pay, contest or settle any Lien, charge, encumbrance, security interest, or other claim in or to the Collateral, or any judgment based thereon, or otherwise take any action to terminate or discharge the same; (v) transfer the Collateral into the name of Agent or a third party as the UCC permits; and (vi) receive, open and dispose of mail addressed to Borrower; (vii) endorse Borrower’s name on any checks, payment instruments, or other forms of payment or security; and (viii) notify all account debtors to pay Agent directly.  Borrower hereby appoints Agent as its lawful attorney-in-fact to sign Borrower’s name on any documents necessary to perfect or continue the perfection of Agent’s security interest in the Collateral regardless of whether an Event of Default has occurred until all Secured Obligations have been satisfied in full and the Loan Documents have been terminated.  Agent’s foregoing appointment as Borrower’s attorney in fact, and all of Agent’s rights and powers, coupled with an interest, are irrevocable until all Secured Obligations have been fully repaid and performed and the Loan Documents have been terminated.  Agent may, and at the direction of the Required Lenders shall, exercise all rights and remedies with respect to the Collateral under the Loan Documents or otherwise available to it under the UCC and other applicable law, including the right to release, hold, sell, lease, liquidate, collect, realize upon, or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Collateral and the right to occupy, utilize, process and commingle the Collateral.  All Agent’s rights and remedies shall be cumulative and not exclusive.

  10.2Collection; Foreclosure.  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, Agent may, and at the direction of the Required Lenders shall, at any time or from time to time, apply, collect, liquidate, sell in one or more sales, lease or otherwise dispose of, any or all of the Collateral, in its then condition or following any commercially reasonable preparation or 

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  processing, in such order as Agent may elect.  Any such sale may be made either at public or private sale at its place of business or elsewhere.  Borrower agrees that any such public or private sale may occur upon ten (10) calendar days’ prior written notice to Borrower.  Agent may require Borrower to assemble the Collateral and make it available to Agent at a place designated by Agent that is reasonably convenient to Agent and Borrower.  The proceeds of any sale, disposition or other realization upon all or any part of the Collateral shall be applied by Agent in the following order of priorities:

  	First, to Agent and the Lenders in an amount sufficient to pay in full Agent’s and the Lenders’ reasonable costs and professionals’ and advisors’ fees and expenses as described in Section 11.12;

  	Second, to the Lenders in an amount equal to the then unpaid amount of the Secured Obligations (including principal, interest, and the Default Rate interest), in such order and priority as Agent may choose in its sole discretion; and

  	Finally, after the full and final payment in Cash of all of the Secured Obligations (other than inchoate obligations), to any creditor holding a junior Lien on the Collateral, or to Borrower or its representatives or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.

  Agent shall be deemed to have acted reasonably in the custody, preservation and disposition of any of the Collateral if it complies with the obligations of a secured party under the UCC.

  10.3No Waiver.  Agent shall be under no obligation to marshal any of the Collateral for the benefit of Borrower or any other Person, and Borrower expressly waives all rights, if any, to require Agent to marshal any Collateral.  

  10.4Cumulative Remedies.  The rights, powers and remedies of Agent hereunder shall be in addition to all rights, powers and remedies given by statute or rule of law and are cumulative.  The exercise of any one or more of the rights, powers and remedies provided herein shall not be construed as a waiver of or election of remedies with respect to any other rights, powers and remedies of Agent.

  SECTION 11. MISCELLANEOUS

  11.1Severability.  Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement shall be prohibited by or invalid under such law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent and duration of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

  11.2Notice.  Except as otherwise provided herein, any notice, demand, request, consent, approval, declaration, service of process or other communication (including the delivery of Financial Statements) that is required, contemplated, or permitted under the Loan Documents or with respect to the subject matter hereof shall be in writing, and shall be deemed to have been validly served, given, delivered, and received upon the earlier of: (i) the day of transmission by electronic mail or hand delivery or delivery by an overnight express service or overnight mail delivery service; or (ii) the third calendar day after deposit in the United States of America mails, with proper first class postage prepaid, in each case addressed to the party to be notified as follows:

  (a)If to Agent:

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  HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.
Legal Department
Attention:  [***]
400 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 310
Palo Alto, CA  94301
email: [***]
Telephone:  [***]

  (b)If to the Lenders:

  HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.
Legal Department
Attention: [***]
400 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 310
Palo Alto, CA  94301
email: [***]
Telephone:  [***]

  SILICON VALLEY BANK

  505 Howard Street, Floor 3

  San Francisco, CA 94105
Attn: 	[***]
Email:  [***]

  Telephone: [***]

  (c)If to Borrower:

  Geron Corporation

  919 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Suite 250 

  Foster City, CA 94404

  Attention:  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Legal Officer 
email:  [***]
Telephone: 650-473-7700

   

  With a copy to:

   

  COOLEY LLP

  101 California Street, 5th Floor

  San Francisco, CA 94111

  Attn:  [***]

  Email:  [***]

   

  or to such other address as each party may designate for itself by like notice.

  11.3Entire Agreement; Amendments.  

  (a)This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter hereof and thereof, and supersede and replace in their entirety any prior proposals, term sheets, non-disclosure or confidentiality 

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  agreements, letters, negotiations or other documents or agreements, whether written or oral, with respect to the subject matter hereof or thereof (including Agent’s revised proposal letter dated September 1, 2020 and the Non-Disclosure Agreement).  

  (b)Neither this Agreement, any other Loan Document, nor any terms hereof or thereof may be amended, supplemented or modified except in accordance with the provisions of this Section 11.3(b).  The Required Lenders and Borrower party to the relevant Loan Document may, or, with the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Agent and the Borrower party to the relevant Loan Document may, from time to time, (i) enter into written amendments, supplements or modifications hereto and to the other Loan Documents for the purpose of adding any provisions to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or changing in any manner the rights of the Lenders or of the Borrower hereunder or thereunder or (ii) waive, on such terms and conditions as the Required Lenders or the Agent, as the case may be, may specify in such instrument, any of the requirements of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or any default or Event of Default and its consequences; provided, however, that no such waiver and no such amendment, supplement or modification shall (A) forgive the principal amount or extend the final scheduled date of maturity of any Loan, extend the scheduled date of any amortization payment in respect of any Term Loan, reduce the stated rate of any interest (or fee payable hereunder) or extend the scheduled date of any payment thereof, in each case without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby; (B) eliminate or reduce the voting rights of any Lender under this Section 11.3(b) without the written consent of such Lender; (C) reduce any percentage specified in the definition of Required Lenders, consent to the assignment or transfer by the Borrower of any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, release all or substantially all of the Collateral or release a Borrower from its obligations under the Loan Documents, in each case without the written consent of all Lenders; or (D) amend, modify or waive any provision of Section 11.18 or Addendum 3 without the written consent of the Agent.  Any such waiver and any such amendment, supplement or modification shall apply equally to each Lender and shall be binding upon Borrower, the Lender, the Agent and all future holders of the Loans.

  11.4No Strict Construction.  The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement.  In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provisions of this Agreement.

  11.5No Waiver.  The powers conferred upon Agent and the Lenders by this Agreement are solely to protect its rights hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and its interest in the Collateral and shall not impose any duty upon Agent or the Lenders to exercise any such powers.  No omission or delay by Agent or the Lenders at any time to enforce any right or remedy reserved to it, or to require performance of any of the terms, covenants or provisions hereof by Borrower at any time designated, shall be a waiver of any such right or remedy to which Agent or the Lenders is entitled, nor shall it in any way affect the right of Agent or the Lenders to enforce such provisions thereafter.

  11.6Survival.  All agreements, representations and warranties contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto shall be for the benefit of Agent and the Lenders and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement. Sections 6.3, 11.13, 11.14, 11.15 and 11.17 shall survive the termination of this Agreement, subject in each case to the applicable statute of limitations.

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  11.7Successors and Assigns.  The provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall inure to the benefit of and be binding on Borrower and its permitted assigns (if any).  Borrower shall not assign its obligations under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents without Agent’s express prior written consent, and any such attempted assignment shall be void and of no effect.  Agent and the Lenders may assign, transfer, or endorse its rights hereunder and under the other Loan Documents without prior notice to Borrower, and all of such rights shall inure to the benefit of Agent’s and the Lenders’ successors and assigns; provided that as long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, neither Agent nor any Lender may assign, transfer or endorse its rights hereunder or under the Loan Documents to any party that is a direct competitor of Borrower (as reasonably determined by Agent), it being acknowledged that in all cases, any transfer to an Affiliate of any Lender or Agent shall be allowed.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) in connection with any assignment by a Lender as a result of a forced divestiture at the request of any regulatory agency, the restrictions set forth herein shall not apply and Agent and the Lenders may assign, transfer or indorse its rights hereunder and under the other Loan Documents to any Person or party and (y) in connection with a Lender’s own financing or securitization transactions, the restrictions set forth herein shall not apply and Agent and the Lenders may assign, transfer or indorse its rights hereunder and under the other Loan Documents to any Person or party providing such financing or formed to undertake such securitization transaction and any transferee of such Person or party upon the occurrence of a default, event of default or similar occurrence with respect to such financing or securitization transaction; provided that no such sale, transfer, pledge or assignment under this clause (y) shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such Person or party for such Lender as a party hereto until Agent shall have received and accepted an effective assignment agreement from such Person or party in form satisfactory to Agent executed, delivered and fully completed by the applicable parties thereto, and shall have received such other information regarding such assignee as Agent reasonably shall require.  The Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices in the United States a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lender(s), and the Term Commitments of, and principal amounts (and stated interest) of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”).  The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agent and the Lender(s) shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement.  The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. 

  11.8Participations.  Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any participant or any information relating to a participant's interest in any commitments, loans, its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations.  The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Agent (in its capacity as Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.  Borrower agrees that each participant shall be entitled to the benefits of the provisions in Addendum 1 attached hereto (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 7 of Addendum 1 attached hereto (it being 

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  understood that the documentation required under Section 7 of Addendum 1 attached hereto shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 11.7; provided that such participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Addendum 1 attached hereto, with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a change in law that occurs after the participant acquired the applicable participation.

  11.9Governing Law.  This Agreement and the other Loan Documents have been negotiated and delivered to Agent and the Lenders in the State of California, and shall have been accepted by Agent and the Lenders in the State of California.  Payment to Agent and the Lenders by Borrower of the Secured Obligations is due in the State of California.  This Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of California, excluding conflict of laws principles that would cause the application of laws of any other jurisdiction.

  11.10Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue.  All judicial proceedings (to the extent that the reference requirement of Section 11.11 is not applicable) arising in or under or related to this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents may be brought in any state or federal court located in the State of California.  By execution and delivery of this Agreement, each party hereto generally and unconditionally: (a) consents to nonexclusive personal jurisdiction in Santa Clara County, State of California; (b) waives any objection as to jurisdiction or venue in Santa Clara County, State of California; (c) agrees not to assert any defense based on lack of jurisdiction or venue in the aforesaid courts; and (d) irrevocably agrees to be bound by any judgment rendered thereby in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents.  Service of process on any party hereto in any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be effective if given in accordance with the requirements for notice set forth in Section 11.2, and shall be deemed effective and received as set forth in Section 11.2.  Nothing herein shall affect the right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or shall limit the right of either party to bring proceedings in the courts of any other jurisdiction.

  11.11Mutual Waiver of Jury Trial / Judicial Reference.  

  (a)Because disputes arising in connection with complex financial transactions are most quickly and economically resolved by an experienced and expert Person and the parties wish applicable state and federal laws to apply (rather than arbitration rules), the parties desire that their disputes be resolved by a judge applying such applicable laws.  EACH OF BORROWER, AGENT AND THE LENDERS SPECIFICALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CAUSE OF ACTION, CLAIM, CROSS-CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM, THIRD PARTY CLAIM OR ANY OTHER CLAIM (COLLECTIVELY, “CLAIMS”) ASSERTED BY BORROWER AGAINST AGENT, THE LENDERS OR THEIR RESPECTIVE ASSIGNEE OR BY AGENT, THE LENDERS OR THEIR RESPECTIVE ASSIGNEE AGAINST BORROWER.  This waiver extends to all such Claims, including Claims that involve Persons other than Agent, Borrower and the Lenders; Claims that arise out of or are in any way connected to the relationship among Borrower, Agent and the Lenders; and any Claims for damages, breach of contract, tort, specific performance, or any equitable or legal relief of any kind, arising out of this Agreement, any other Loan Document.  

  (b)If the waiver of jury trial set forth in Section 11.11(a) is ineffective or unenforceable, the parties agree that all Claims shall be resolved by reference to a private judge sitting without a 

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  jury, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 638, before a mutually acceptable referee or, if the parties cannot agree, a referee selected by the Presiding Judge of the Santa Clara County, California.  Such proceeding shall be conducted in Santa Clara County, California, with California rules of evidence and discovery applicable to such proceeding.    

  (c)In the event Claims are to be resolved by judicial reference, either party may seek from a court identified in Section 11.10, any prejudgment order, writ or other relief and have such prejudgment order, writ or other relief enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law notwithstanding that all Claims are otherwise subject to resolution by judicial reference.

  11.12Professional Fees.  Borrower promises to pay Agent’s and the Lenders’ reasonable fees and expenses necessary to finalize the loan documentation, including but not limited to reasonable and documented out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees, UCC searches, filing costs, and other miscellaneous expenses. In addition, Borrower promises to pay any and all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket attorneys’ and other professionals’ fees and expenses incurred by Agent and the Lenders after the Closing Date in connection with or related to:  (a) the Loan; (b) the collection, or enforcement of the Loan; (c) the amendment or modification of the Loan Documents; (d) any waiver, consent, release, or termination under the Loan Documents; (e) the protection, preservation, audit, field exam, sale, lease, liquidation, or disposition of Collateral or the exercise of remedies with respect to the Collateral; (f) any legal, litigation, administrative, arbitration, or out of court proceeding in connection with or related to Borrower or the Collateral, and any appeal or review thereof; and (g) any bankruptcy, restructuring, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors, workout, foreclosure, or other action related to Borrower, the Collateral, the Loan Documents, including representing Agent or the Lenders in any adversary proceeding or contested matter commenced or continued by or on behalf of Borrower’s estate, and any appeal or review thereof.

  11.13Confidentiality.  Agent and the Lenders acknowledge that the Collateral and information provided to Agent and the Lenders by Borrower are confidential and proprietary information of Borrower, if and to the extent such information should reasonably be understood to be confidential (the “Confidential Information”).  Accordingly, Agent and the Lenders agree that any Confidential Information shall not be disclosed to any other Person or entity in any manner whatsoever, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of Borrower, except that Agent and the Lenders may disclose any such information:  (a) to its Affiliates and its partners, investors, lenders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors, counsel, accountants, counsel, representative and other professional advisors if Agent or the Lenders in their sole discretion determines that any such party should have access to such information in connection with such party’s responsibilities in connection with the Loan or this Agreement and, provided that such recipient of such Confidential Information either (i) agrees to be bound by the confidentiality provisions of this paragraph or (ii) is otherwise subject to confidentiality restrictions that reasonably protect against the disclosure of Confidential Information; (b) if such information is generally available to the public or to the extent such information becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or becomes available to Agent or any Lender, or any of their respective Affiliates on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Borrower; (c) if required or appropriate in any report, statement or testimony submitted to any governmental authority having or claiming to have jurisdiction over Agent or the Lenders and any rating agency; (d) if required or appropriate in response to any summons or subpoena or in connection with any litigation, to the extent permitted or deemed advisable by Agent’s or the Lenders’ counsel; (e) to comply with any legal requirement or law applicable to Agent or the Lenders or demanded by any governmental authority; (f) to the extent reasonably necessary in connection with the exercise of, or preparing to exercise, or the enforcement of, or preparing to enforce, any right or remedy under any Loan Document (including Agent’s sale, lease, or other 

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  disposition of Collateral after default), or any action or proceeding relating to any Loan Document; (g) to any participant or assignee of Agent or the Lenders or any prospective participant or assignee, provided, that such participant or assignee or prospective participant or assignee is subject to the confidentiality provisions of this Section 11.13; (h) otherwise to the extent consisting of general portfolio information, aggregate datasets, for analyses or reporting, that does not identify Borrower; or (i) otherwise with the prior consent of Borrower; provided, that any disclosure made in violation of this Agreement shall not affect the obligations of Borrower or any of its Affiliates or any guarantor under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents. Agent’s and the Lenders’ obligations under this Section 11.13 shall supersede all of their respective obligations under the Non-Disclosure Agreement.

  11.14Assignment of Rights.  Borrower acknowledges and understands that Agent or the Lenders may, subject to Section 11.7, sell and assign all or part of its interest hereunder and under the Loan Documents to any Person or entity (an “Assignee”).  After such assignment the term “Agent” or “Lender” as used in the Loan Documents shall mean and include such Assignee, and such Assignee shall be vested with all rights, powers and remedies of Agent and the Lenders hereunder with respect to the interest so assigned; but with respect to any such interest not so transferred, Agent and the Lenders shall retain all rights, powers and remedies hereby given.  No such assignment by Agent or the Lenders shall relieve Borrower of any of its obligations hereunder.  Each Lender agrees that in the event of any transfer by it of the promissory note(s) (if any), it will endorse thereon a notation as to the portion of the principal of the promissory note(s), which shall have been paid at the time of such transfer and as to the date to which interest shall have been last paid thereon.

  11.15Revival of Secured Obligations.  This Agreement and the Loan Documents shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be effective if any petition is filed by or against Borrower for liquidation or reorganization, if Borrower becomes insolvent or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, if a receiver or trustee is appointed for all or any significant part of Borrower’s assets, or if any payment or transfer of Collateral is recovered from Agent or the Lenders.  The Loan Documents and the Secured Obligations and Collateral security shall continue to be effective, or shall be revived or reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment and performance of the Secured Obligations or any transfer of Collateral to Agent, or any part thereof is rescinded, avoided or avoidable, reduced in amount, or must otherwise be restored or returned by, or is recovered from, Agent, the Lenders or by any obligee of the Secured Obligations, whether as a “voidable preference,” “fraudulent conveyance,” or otherwise, all as though such payment, performance, or transfer of Collateral had not been made.  In the event that any payment, or any part thereof, is rescinded, reduced, avoided, avoidable, restored, returned, or recovered, the Loan Documents and the Secured Obligations shall be deemed, without any further action or documentation, to have been revived and reinstated except to the extent of the full, final, and indefeasible payment to Agent or the Lenders in Cash.

  11.16Counterparts.  This Agreement and any amendments, waivers, consents or supplements hereto may be executed in any number of counterparts, and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so delivered shall be deemed an original, but all of which counterparts shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

  11.17No Third Party Beneficiaries.  No provisions of the Loan Documents are intended, nor will be interpreted, to provide or create any third-party beneficiary rights or any other rights of any kind in any Person other than Agent, the Lenders and Borrower unless specifically provided otherwise herein, and, except as otherwise so provided, all provisions of the Loan Documents will be personal and solely among Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower. 

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  11.18Agency.  Agent and each Lender hereby agree to the terms and conditions set forth on Addendum 3 attached hereto.  Borrower acknowledges and agrees to the terms and conditions set forth on Addendum 3 attached hereto.

  11.19Publicity.  None of the parties hereto nor any of its respective member businesses and Affiliates shall, without the other parties’ prior written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), publicize or use (a) the other party's name (including a brief description of the relationship among the parties hereto), logo or hyperlink to such other parties’ web site, separately or together, in written and oral presentations, advertising, promotional and marketing materials, client lists, public relations materials or on its web site (together, the "Publicity Materials"); (b) the names of officers of such other parties in the Publicity Materials; and (c) such other parties’ name, trademarks, servicemarks in any news or press release concerning such party; provided however, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no such consent shall be required (i) to the extent necessary to comply with the requests of any regulators, legal requirements or laws applicable to such party, pursuant to any listing agreement with any national securities exchange (so long as such party provides prior notice to the other party hereto to the extent reasonably practicable) and (ii) to comply with Section 11.13.

  11.20[RESERVED].

  11.21Electronic Execution of Certain Other Documents.  The words “execution,” “execute”, “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in or related to any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including without limitation assignments, assumptions, amendments, waivers and consents) shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, the electronic matching of assignment terms and contract formations on electronic platforms approved by the Agent, or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the California Uniform Electronic Transaction Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

  11.22Termination Prior to Term Loan Maturity Date.  So long as Borrower has satisfied the Secured Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations), this Agreement may be terminated prior to the Term Loan Maturity Date by Borrower, effective seven (7) Business Days after written notice of termination is given to Agent.  Those obligations that are expressly specified in this Agreement as surviving this Agreement’s termination shall continue to survive notwithstanding this Agreement’s termination.  No termination of this Agreement shall in any way affect or impair any right or remedy of Agent or any Lender, nor shall any such termination relieve Borrower of any Secured Obligation to any Lender, until all of the Secured Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations) have been paid and performed in full. Those Secured Obligations that are expressly specified in this Agreement as surviving this Agreement’s termination shall continue to survive notwithstanding this Agreement’s termination and payment in full of the Secured Obligations then outstanding. 

  (SIGNATURES TO FOLLOW)

   

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  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower, Agent and the Lenders have duly executed and delivered this Loan and Security Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

  BORROWER:

  GERON CORPORATION 

  Signature:	_______________________

  Print Name:	_______________________

  Title:		_______________________

  Accepted in Palo Alto, California:

  AGENT:

  HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

  Signature:	_______________________

  Print Name:	_______________________

  Title:		_______________________

  LENDERS:

  HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

  Signature:	_______________________

  Print Name:	_______________________

  Title:		_______________________

  SILICON VALLEY BANK

  Signature:	_______________________

  Print Name:	_______________________

  Title:		_______________________

   

   

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  Table of Addenda, Exhibits and Schedules

   

  		
	Addendum 1:
	Taxes; Increased Costs

	Addendum 2:
	[RESERVED]

	Addendum 3:
	Agent and Lender Terms

	Exhibit A:
	[RESERVED]

	Exhibit B:
	[RESERVED]

	Exhibit C:
	[RESERVED]

	Exhibit D:
	[RESERVED]

	Exhibit E:
	Compliance Certificate

	Exhibit F:
	Joinder Agreement

	Exhibit G:
	[RESERVED]

	Exhibit H:
	[RESERVED]

	Exhibit I:
	[RESERVED]

	Exhibit J-1:
	Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

	Exhibit J-2:
	Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

	Exhibit J-3:
	Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

	Exhibit J-4:
	Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

	Schedule 1.1
	Commitments

   

   

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  ADDENDUM 1 to LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

  TAXES; INCREASED COSTS

  1.Defined Terms.  For purposes of this Addendum 1:

  a.“Connection Income Taxes” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.

  b.“Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, (i) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (A) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (B) that are Other Connection Taxes, (ii) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Term Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (A) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Term Commitment or (B) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2 or Section 4 of this Addendum 1, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (iii) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 7 of this Addendum 1 and (iv) any withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

  c.“FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code, and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement, treaty or convention among governmental authorities and implementing such Sections of the Code.

  d.“Foreign Lender” means a Lender that is not a U.S. Person.

  e.“Indemnified Taxes” means (i) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower under any Loan Document and (ii) to the extent not otherwise described in clause (i), Other Taxes.

  f.“Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document).

  g.“Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, 

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  performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment.

  h.“Recipient” means the Agent or any Lender, as applicable.

  i.“Withholding Agent” means the Borrower and the Agent.

  2.Payments Free of Taxes.  Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower under any Loan Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable law.  If any applicable law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable Withholding Agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a Withholding Agent, then the applicable Withholding Agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant governmental authority in accordance with applicable law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the Borrower shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2 or Section 4 of this Addendum 1) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

  3.Payment of Other Taxes by Borrower.  The Borrower shall timely pay to the relevant governmental authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of the Agent timely reimburse it for the payment of, any Other Taxes.

  4.Indemnification by Borrower.  The Borrower shall indemnify each Recipient, within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under Section 2 of this Addendum 1 or this Section 4) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant governmental authority.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender (with a copy to the Agent), or by the Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error. 

  5.Indemnification by the Lenders.  Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Agent, within 10 days after demand therefor, for (a) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that the Borrower has not already indemnified the Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so), (b) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 11.8 of the Agreement relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (c) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Agent in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant governmental authority.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  Each Lender hereby authorizes the Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Loan Document or otherwise payable by the Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Agent under this Section 5.

  6.Evidence of Payments.  As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by the Borrower to a governmental authority pursuant to the provisions of this Addendum 1, the Borrower shall deliver to 

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  the Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such governmental authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.

  7.Status of Lenders.

  a.Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding.  In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Sections 7(b)(i), 7(b)(ii) and 7(b)(iv) of this Addendum 1) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

  b.Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that the Borrower is a U.S. Person,

  i.any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Agent), executed copies of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;

  ii.any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

  A.in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;

  B.executed copies of IRS Form W-8ECI;

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  C.in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit J-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E; or

  D.to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed copies of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit J-2 or Exhibit J-3, IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit J-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;

  iii.any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Agent), executed copies of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower or the Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and

  iv.if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount, if any, to deduct and withhold from such payment.  Solely for purposes of this clause (iv), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

  c.Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower and the Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

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  8.Treatment of Certain Refunds.  If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to the provisions of this Addendum 1 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to the provisions of this Addendum 1), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under the provisions of this Addendum 1 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant governmental authority with respect to such refund).  Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this Section 8 (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant governmental authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such governmental authority.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 8, in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this Section 8 the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid.  This Section 8 shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

  9.Increased Costs.  If any change in applicable law shall subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (ii) through (iv) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto, and the result shall be to increase the cost to such Recipient of making, converting to, continuing or maintaining any Term Loan or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan, or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Recipient (whether of principal, interest or any other amount), then, upon the request of such Recipient, the Borrower will pay to such Recipient such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Recipient for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered. Failure or delay on the part of any Recipient to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 9 shall not constitute a waiver of such Recipient’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Recipient pursuant to this Section 9 for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine months prior to the date that such Recipient notifies the Borrower of the change in law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions, and of such Recipient’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the change in law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

  10.Survival.  Each party’s obligations under the provisions of this Addendum 1 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Term Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document.

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  ADDENDUM 3 to LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

  Agent and Lender Terms

  (a)Each Lender hereby irrevocably appoints Hercules Capital, Inc. to act on its behalf as the Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.

  (b)Each Lender agrees to indemnify the Agent in its capacity as such (to the extent not reimbursed by Borrower and without limiting the obligation of Borrower to do so), according to its respective Term Commitment percentages (based upon the total outstanding Term Commitments) in effect on the date on which indemnification is sought under this Addendum 3, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind whatsoever that may at any time be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Agent in any way relating to or arising out of, this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents or any documents contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken or omitted by the Agent under or in connection with any of the foregoing.  The agreements in this Section shall survive the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.

  (c)Agent in Its Individual Capacity.  The Person serving as the Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Agent and the term “Lender” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include each such Person serving as Agent hereunder in its individual capacity.  Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to Lenders. 

  (d)Exculpatory Provisions.  The Agent shall have no duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Agent shall not:

  (i)be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether any default or any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

  (ii)have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Lenders, provided that the Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law; and

  (iii)except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and the Agent shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by any Person serving as the Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.

   

  

   

  The Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Lenders or as the Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct.

  The Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any default or Event of Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Section 4 or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Agent. 

  (e)Reliance by Agent.  Agent may rely, and shall be fully protected in acting, or refraining to act, upon, any resolution, statement, certificate, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, bond or other paper or document that it has no reason to believe to be other than genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties or, in the case of cables, telecopies and telexes, to have been sent by the proper party or parties.  In the absence of its gross negligence or willful misconduct, Agent may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to Agent and conforming to the requirements of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.  Agent may consult with legal counsel, independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.  Agent shall have the right at any time to seek instructions concerning the administration of the Collateral from any court of competent jurisdiction.  Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents in accordance with a request of the Lenders, and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon Lenders and all future holders of the Loans.

   

   

  

   

  EXHIBIT E

  COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

  Hercules Capital, Inc. (as “Agent”)
400 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 310
Palo Alto, CA 94301

  Reference is made to that certain Loan and Security Agreement dated September 30, 2020 and the Loan Documents (as defined therein) entered into in connection with such Loan and Security Agreement all as may be amended from time to time (hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Loan Agreement”) by and among Hercules Capital, Inc. (the “Agent”), the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “Lender”) and GERON CORPORATION (the “Company”) as Borrower. All capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the same meaning as defined in the Loan Agreement.

  The undersigned is an Officer of the Company, knowledgeable of all Company financial matters, and is authorized to provide certification of information regarding the Company; hereby certifies, in such capacity, that in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement, the Company is in compliance for the period ending ___________ of all covenants, conditions and terms and hereby reaffirms that all representations and warranties contained therein are true and correct on and as of the date of this Compliance Certificate with the same effect as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, after giving effect in all cases to any standard(s) of materiality contained in the Loan Agreement as to such representations and warranties.  Attached are the required documents supporting the above certification. [The undersigned further certified that these are prepared in accordance with GAAP (except for the absence of footnotes with respect to unaudited financial statements and subject to normal year end adjustments) and are consistent from one period to the next except as explained below.]4

  			
	REPORTING REQUIREMENT
	REQUIRED
	CHECK IF ATTACHED

	[Interim Financial Statements
	Monthly within 30 days]5
	 

	[Interim Financial Statements 
	Quarterly within 45 days]6
	 

	Audited Financial Statements 
	FYE within 90 days
	See SEC filings

   

  ACCOUNTS OF BORROWER AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES

   

  4.To be deleted if Compliance Certificate for monthly financial statements delivered in connection with Section 7.1(a).

  5.To be delivered if Borrower’s Market Capitalization is less than [***] for a period of thirty (30) consecutive trading days. No longer required if Borrower’s Market Capitalization has been greater than [***] for a period of thirty (30) consecutive trading days following the Closing Date.

  6.To be delivered if Borrower’s Market Capitalization is greater than [***] for a period of thirty (30) consecutive trading days.

   

   

  

   

  The undersigned hereby also confirms the below disclosed accounts represent all depository accounts and securities accounts presently open in the name of the Borrower or Borrower’s Subsidiary/Affiliate, as applicable.

  Each new account that has been opened since delivery of the previous Compliance Certificate is designated below with a “*”.

  							
	 
	 
	Depository AC #
	Financial Institution
	Account Type (Depository / Securities)
	Last Month Ending Account Balance
	Purpose of Account

	BORROWER Name/Address:
	 

	 
	1
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	2
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	3
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	4
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	5
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	6
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	7
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 

	SUBSIDIARY / AFFILIATE Name/Address
	 

	 
	1
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	2
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	3
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	4
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	5
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	6
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	7
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 

   

   

  

   

  Section 7.20 - Financial Covenants

  To the extent applicable, the undersigned hereby confirms that the Borrower is in compliance with Section 7.20 of the Loan Agreement (as applicable, below are the required calculations supporting this certification, as of the date first set forth above). 

  				
	Financial Covenant
	Required
	Actual
	In Compliance?

	Pre-FDA Approval Minimum Cash Section 7.20(a) of the Loan Agreement
	Greater than or equal to the greater of (i) fifty percent (50%) of the sum of the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan Advances, or (ii) $30,000,000.
	 
	Yes
No
N/A

	Post-FDA Approval Performance Covenant A
Section 7.20(b) of the Loan Agreement
	“Performance Covenant A” means Borrower at all times maintains Qualified Cash in an amount not less than forty percent (40%) of the sum of the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan Advances.
	 
	Elected: Y/N
Compliance:
Yes
No
N/A

	Post-FDA Approval Performance Covenant B
Section 7.20(b) of the Loan Agreement
	(i) Borrower’s Market Capitalization is or exceeds Seven Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($750,000,000), and (ii) Borrower maintains Qualified Cash in an amount not less than twenty five percent (25%) of the sum of the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan Advances.
	 
	Elected: Y/N
Compliance:
Yes
No
N/A

	Post-FDA Approval Performance Covenant C
Section 7.20(b) of the Loan Agreement
	Borrower achieves T6M Net Product Revenue of at least 70% of the T6M Net Product Revenue included in the Forecast, determined at the end of the applicable month.
	 
	Elected: Y/N
Compliance:
Yes
No
N/A

  
Name of Test		Required Level		Actual Level		In Compliance Y/N?

  Qualified Cash Amount

  [Effective from and after June 1, 2022, or the date that Borrower first enters into a transaction described in clause (ii)(d)(z)] of the definition of Permitted Licenses. See Section 7.20.] 		

  (a)  The amount of Qualified Cash as of the date hereof:  $_________________

  Is the amount reported in clause (a) equal to or greater than [$25,000,000]*[$30,000,000]*35,000,000*?

  	__ Yes; __ No

  		If No: not in compliance

  * Upon the FDA Approval Date, the Qualified Cash Amount shall be permanently reduced to $20,000,000. 

  * Upon the date that Borrower first enters into a transaction described in clause (ii)(d)(z) of the definition of Permitted Licenses, the Qualified Cash Amount shall be permanently increased to $30,000,000 35,000,000. 

   

  

   

  Very Truly Yours,

  GERON CORPORATION

  By:	____________________________

  Name:   _____________________________

  Its:	____________________________

   

   

   

  

   

  EXHIBIT F

  FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

  This Joinder Agreement (the “Joinder Agreement”) is made and dated as of [          ], 20[  ], and is entered into by and between__________________., a ___________ corporation (“Subsidiary”), and HERCULES CAPITAL, INC., a Maryland corporation (as “Agent”).  

  RECITALS

  A.  Subsidiary’s Affiliate, [                              ] (“Company”) [has entered/desires to enter] into that certain Loan and Security Agreement dated September 30, 2020, with the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time party thereto as lender (collectively, the “Lenders”) and the Agent, as such agreement may be amended (the “Loan Agreement”), together with the other agreements executed and delivered in connection therewith; 

  B.  Subsidiary acknowledges and agrees that it will benefit both directly and indirectly from Company’s execution of the Loan Agreement and the other agreements executed and delivered in connection therewith;

  AGREEMENT

  NOW THEREFORE, Subsidiary and Agent agree as follows:

  1.The recitals set forth above are incorporated into and made part of this Joinder Agreement.  Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning provided in the Loan Agreement.

  2. By signing this Joinder Agreement, Subsidiary shall be bound by the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement the same as if it were the Borrower (as defined in the Loan Agreement) under the Loan Agreement, mutatis mutandis, provided however, that (a) with respect to (i) Section 5.1 of the Loan Agreement, Subsidiary represents that it is an entity duly organized, legally existing and in good standing under the laws of [        ], (b) neither Agent nor the Lenders shall have any duties, responsibilities or obligations to Subsidiary arising under or related to the Loan Agreement or the other Loan Documents, (c) that if Subsidiary is covered by Company’s insurance, Subsidiary shall not be required to maintain separate insurance or comply with the provisions of Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Loan Agreement, and (d) that as long as Company satisfies the requirements of Section 7.1 of the Loan Agreement, Subsidiary shall not have to provide Agent separate Financial Statements.  To the extent that Agent or the Lenders has any duties, responsibilities or obligations arising under or related to the Loan Agreement or the other Loan Documents, those duties, responsibilities or obligations shall flow only to Company and not to Subsidiary or any other Person or entity.  By way of example (and not an exclusive list): (i) Agent’s providing notice to Company in accordance with the Loan Agreement or as otherwise agreed among Company, Agent and the Lenders shall be deemed provided to Subsidiary; (ii) a Lender’s providing an Advance to Company shall be deemed an Advance to Subsidiary; and (iii) Subsidiary shall have no right to request an Advance or make any other demand on the Lenders.

  3.Subsidiary agrees not to certificate its equity securities without Agent’s prior written consent, which consent may be conditioned on the delivery of such equity securities to Agent in order to perfect Agent’s security interest in such equity securities.

  4.Subsidiary acknowledges that it benefits, both directly and indirectly, from the Loan Agreement, and hereby waives, for itself and on behalf on any and all successors in interest (including without limitation any assignee for the benefit of creditors, receiver, bankruptcy trustee or itself as debtor-in-possession under any bankruptcy proceeding) to the fullest extent provided by law, any and all claims, rights or 

   

  

   

  defenses to the enforcement of this Joinder Agreement on the basis that (a) it failed to receive adequate consideration for the execution and delivery of this Joinder Agreement or (b) its obligations under this Joinder Agreement are avoidable as a fraudulent conveyance.

  5.As security for the prompt, complete and indefeasible payment when due (whether on the payment dates or otherwise) of all the Secured Obligations, Subsidiary grants to Agent a security interest in all of Subsidiary’s right, title, and interest in and to the Collateral.

  [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

   

  

   

  [SIGNATURE PAGE TO JOINDER AGREEMENT]

  			
	SUBSIDIARY:

	.

	 
	 
	 

	 
	By:
	 

	 
	Name:
	 

	 
	Title: 
	 

	 
	 
	 

	 
	Address:
	 

	 
	 
	 

	 
	Telephone:
	 

	 
	email:
	 

   

   

  			
	AGENT:
	 

	 
	 

	HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.
	 

	 
	By:
	 

	 
	Name:
	 

	 
	Title:
	 

	 
	 
	 

	 
	Address:

	 
	400 Hamilton Ave., Suite 310
Palo Alto, CA 94301
email: legal@htgc.com
Telephone:  650-289-3060

   

   

   

   

  

   

  EXHIBIT J-1

  FORM OF U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

  (For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

  Reference is hereby made to the Loan and Security Agreement dated as of September 30, 2020 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Loan Agreement”) by and among GERON CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, and each of its Subsidiaries (as defined in the Loan Agreement) (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Borrower”), the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties to the Loan Agreement (collectively, referred to as the “Lenders”), and HERCULES CAPITAL, INC., a Maryland corporation, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for itself and the Lenders (in such capacity, the “Agent”).

  Pursuant to the provisions of Addendum 1 of the Loan Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any promissory note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a “ten percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (iv) it is not a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

  The undersigned has furnished the Agent and the Borrower with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided in this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

  Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Loan Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Loan Agreement.

   

  									
	Date:
	 
	 
	 
	, 20
	 
	 
	[NAME OF LENDER]

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	By:
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	Name:
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	Title:
	 

   

   

   

  

   

  EXHIBIT J-2

  FORM OF U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

  (For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

  Reference is hereby made to the Loan and Security Agreement dated as of September 30, 2020 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Loan Agreement”) by and among GERON CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, and each of its Subsidiaries (as defined in the Loan Agreement) (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Borrower”), the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties to the Loan Agreement (collectively, referred to as the “Lenders”), and HERCULES CAPITAL, INC., a Maryland corporation, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for itself and the Lenders (in such capacity, the “Agent”).

  Pursuant to the provisions of Addendum 1 of the Loan Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a “ten percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (iv) it is not a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

  The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided in this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender in writing, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

  Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Loan Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Loan Agreement.

   

  									
	Date:
	 
	 
	 
	, 20
	 
	 
	[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	By:
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	Name:
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	Title:
	 

   

   

   

  

   

  EXHIBIT J-3

  FORM OF U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

  (For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

  Reference is hereby made to the Loan and Security Agreement dated as of September 30, 2020 as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time (the “Loan Agreement”), by and among GERON CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, and each of its Subsidiaries (as defined in the Loan Agreement) (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Borrower”), the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties to the Loan Agreement (collectively, referred to as the “Lenders”), and HERCULES CAPITAL, INC., a Maryland corporation, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for itself and the Lenders (in such capacity, the “Agent”).

  Pursuant to the provisions of Addendum 1 of the Loan Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such participation, (iii) with respect to such participation, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a “bank” extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a “ten percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

  The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided in this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

  Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Loan Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Loan Agreement.

   

  									
	Date:
	 
	 
	 
	, 20
	 
	 
	[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	By:
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	Name:
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	Title:
	 

   

   

   

  

   

  EXHIBIT J-4

  FORM OF U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

  (For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

  Reference is hereby made to the Loan and Security Agreement dated as of September 30, 2020 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Loan Agreement”) by and among GERON CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, and each of its Subsidiaries (as defined in the Loan Agreement) (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Borrower”), the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties to the Loan Agreement (collectively, referred to as the “Lenders”), and HERCULES CAPITAL, INC., a Maryland corporation, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for itself and the Lenders (in such capacity, the “Agent”).

  Pursuant to the provisions of Addendum 1 of the Loan Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any promissory note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such Loan(s) (as well as any promissory note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)), (iii) with respect to the extension of credit pursuant to this Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a “bank” extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a “ten percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

  The undersigned has furnished the Agent and the Borrower with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided in this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

  Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Loan Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Loan Agreement.

   

  									
	Date:
	 
	 
	 
	, 20
	 
	 
	[NAME OF LENDER]

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	By:
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	Name:
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	 
	Title:
	 

   

   

  

   

  SCHEDULE 1.1

  COMMITMENTS

  									
	LENDERS
	TRANCHE 1A TERM COMMITMENT
	TRANCHE 1B TERM COMMITMENT
	TRANCHE 2 TERM COMMITMENT
	TRANCHE 3 TERM COMMITMENT
	TRANCHE 4 TERM COMMITMENT
	TRANCHE 5 TERM COMMITMENT
	TRANCHE 36 TERM COMMITMENT
	TERM COMMITMENT

	Hercules Capital, Inc.
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 

	Hercules Private Credit Fund 1 L.P.
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 

	Hercules Private Global Venture Growth Fund I L.P.
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 

	Silicon Valley Bank
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 
	[***] 

	TOTAL COMMITMENTS
	$25,000,000 
	$10,000,000 
	$15,000,000 
	$20,000,000
	$10,000,000
	$20,000,000
	$25,000,000
	$75,000,000
125,000,000*

   

  *Funding of Tranche 36 is subject to approval by the Lenders’ investment committee in its sole discretion.EX-10.6

   

  Exhibit 10.6

   

  CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION (MARKED BY BRACKETS AS "[***]" HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS BOTH (I) NOT MATERIAL AND (II) WOULD BE COMPETITIVELY HARMFUL IF PUBLICLY DISCLOSED. 

   

  TERRASCEND EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT  

  This Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) is hereby made and effective as of May 16, 2022 (“Effective Date”) by and between TerrAscend USA, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“TerrAscend” or the “Company”) and Lynn Gefen (“Employee”), residing at [***].  The Company and Employee are sometimes individually referred to as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”  

  EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

  WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Employee, and the Employee is willing to be employed by the Company, upon and subject to the terms and conditions provided below; and  

  WHEREAS, the Company desires to be assured that Employee will maintain the Company’s proprietary and confidential information and will not share or disclose any trade secrets, confidential and/or proprietary information of the Company in violation of this Agreement.  

  NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties wishing to memorialize the terms and conditions of their agreement and in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual promises contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:  

  ARTICLE I  

  EMPLOYMENT  

  1.1 At-Will Employment. Commencing on Effective Date, the Company shall employ Employee on an at-will basis and Employee hereby accepts such at-will employment upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. As an at-will employee, Employee’s employment will have no specified period and may be terminated by Employee or the Company at any time, and for any reason, with or without notice.  

  ARTICLE II  

  DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, LOCATION AND HOURS

  2.1Duties and Scope of Employment. Employee shall be employed by the Company in the exempt position of Chief Legal Officer and Employee shall perform such duties as are consistent with this position as may be assigned by Employee’s manager or his or her designee.  During Employee’s employment with the Company, Employee shall diligently, to the best of Employee’s ability, and with all highest degree of good faith and loyalty, perform all such duties incident to the position and use best efforts to promote the interests of the Company.

  

   

   

  2.2 Reporting Relationship. Employee will report to the President and Chief Operating Officer or to such other officer or employee as determined in the sole discretion of the Company.

  2.3 Location of Employment. The Company’s corporate and operating headquarters are in King of Prussia, PA and the Company currently has work sites in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Michigan, California, Florida, and Canada. It is anticipated that Employee will be working primarily from a home office located in [***] (or such other location agreed to by the Company) but will be expected to travel temporarily to other TerrAscend facilities throughout the United States and potentially in Canada in order to perform duties.  

  2.4 Obligations to the Company. While employed by the Company, Employee shall devote Employee’s normal and regular business time and attention to the business of the Company. Employee shall not engage in any other business activities that is reasonably likely (a) to materially interfere with the reasonable performance of Employee’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, or (b) are competitive with the Business (as defined in Section 4.3) of the Company without the express written consent of the Company. Subject to any applicable restrictions concerning related party transactions and/or conflicts of interest, Employee is precluded from using Employee’s position with the Company or the Company’s relationship with its investors, partners, customers, vendors, suppliers and/or contractors (or  that of its affiliates and/or related entities) for private gain or to obtain benefits for Employee or members  of Employee’s family, or anyone else. Employee shall comply with the Company’s policies and rules, including the Company’s employee handbook, as they may be in effect from time to time during Employee’s employment with the Company.  

  2.5 No Conflicting Obligations. Employee has completely and fully disclosed to the Company any obligations, restriction, covenants, commitments, or agreements to which Employee may be bound, or the rights of any other person or entity, whether contractual or otherwise, that may be inconsistent with Employee’s obligations under this Agreement. Employee represents and warrants to the Company that (a) the Company has not made any representations, warranty or otherwise provided any advice, legal or otherwise, that Employee’s employment with the Company as contemplated by this Agreement will neither infringe on or violate any such obligations, restriction, covenants, commitments, agreements or rights, and (b) Employee has consulted with an attorney of Employee’s choice regarding the foregoing and has not relied on any inducements, promises, or representations regarding the foregoing from the Company, any of its affiliates or any of their respective representatives. Without limiting the foregoing, Employee shall not use or disclose any trade secrets or confidential information, or property belonging to any of Employee’s former employers or any other person or entity, without proper authorization from them. Additionally, the Company agrees that the existence of, or its receipt of, any  notice, litigation or cause of action against or involving the Employee by any former employer of  Employee relating to any such obligations, restriction, covenants, commitments, or agreements to which  Employee may be bound, or the rights of any other person or entity, whether contractual or otherwise, that  may be inconsistent with Employee’s obligations under this Agreement shall not be Cause for termination,  as defined in Section 5.1(a), and shall not give rise to termination of Employee for Cause unless otherwise  ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.  

   

  

   

  ARTICLE III  

  COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS  

  3.1 Compensation. In consideration of Employee’s employment with the Company, execution of this Agreement, and compliance with all terms and conditions set forth herein, the Company agrees to provide Employee the compensation and benefits set forth in this Article III of the Agreement.  

  (a) Salary. Employee shall earn an annual base salary of US$ 325,000.00, less all applicable taxes and withholdings as required by law, and such other payroll deductions as are determined by Company policy or as Employee may approve from time-to-time (“Salary”), which shall be paid consistent with the Company’s ordinary and regular payroll practices and in accordance with applicable law. This position is classified as exempt under federal and state wage and hour laws, meaning that Employee will not be eligible for overtime pay. The Company reserves the right to modify Employee’s Salary in its sole discretion any time and in accordance with applicable law.  

  (b) Annual Bonus. Employee will be eligible to participate in the Company’s annual performance bonus program, as may be in effect from time to time and shall be eligible for a bonus in the amount of 40% of Employee’s Salary on an annual basis. The objectives, terms, and conditions of Employee’s Bonus program shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Company. The amount and frequency of any bonus payments shall be reviewed at least annually and determined in the sole discretion of the Company. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend, revoke, or rescind the Bonus program in part or in whole at any time. In order to receive payment of any bonus (or any portion thereof), Employee must be an employee of the Company on the date such bonuses are generally paid, and Employee must not have given or received notice of the termination of Employee’s employment. The Company shall guarantee a pro-rata bonus for the 2022 calendar year which will be calculated based on time worked.   

   

  (c)  Long Term Incentive (LTI). Employee shall be eligible to receive LTI in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) pursuant to the Company’s Share Unit Plan and as determined by the Board of Directors from time to time. In light of Employee’s role within the Company, Employee will be eligible for an award with a value of up to 40% of Employee’s Salary in RSUs. The Company shall guarantee a pro-rata RSU grant as LTI for the 2022 calendar year which will be calculated based on time worked. RSUs granted as LTI vest equally over a four-year period and will be granted in the first available open trading window in the year in which they are granted; provided, that in the event of Employee’s employment is terminated without Cause, due to a Disability, or Employee’s death, the unvested RSUs shall vest pro rata on a monthly basis through the date of such termination.  

  (d) Stock Option Plan. The CEO (or designee) will recommend to the Company’s Board of Directors that Employee be granted 275,000 options for shares of common stock of the Company (the “Option”), in accordance with the TerrAscend Stock Option Plan (“Stock Option Plan”), which shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. Pursuant to the terms of the Company’s  then existing Stock Option Plan and upon approval by the Company’s Board of Directors, the Option will  have the following terms and conditions, which shall be evidenced in an option grant agreement: (i) the  exercise price (per share) for each share of common stock of the Company associated with the Option will  be equal to the fair market value of the underlying shares of common stock of the Company on the Effective  Date; (ii) unless otherwise described in Employee’s option grant agreement, the Option will vest in equal  increments on the 12-month, 24-month, 36 and 48-month anniversary dates of the grant; provided that  Employee is employed by the Company on each of the corresponding dates; provided, further, that in  the 

  

   

  event of Employee’s employment is terminated without Cause, due to a Disability, or Employee’s  death, the unvested Options shall vest pro rata through the date of such termination; (iii) unless otherwise  described in Employee’s option grant agreement, the Option will be handled as defined in the Stock Option  Plan and (iv) the Option will expire ten (10) years from the date of issuance. By signing this Agreement, Employee agrees to only purchase or sell Company stock in compliance with the Company’s then existing policies, procedures, and black-out periods, and other terms and conditions as established by the Stock Option Plan and Employee’s option grant agreement. If there is any discrepancy between the description of the Stock Option Plan in this Section and the Stock Option Plan document, the Stock Option Plan document will control.  

  3.2 Benefits. During Employee’s employment with the Company, Employee shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans, practices, and programs maintained by the Company, as in effect from time to time (collectively, “Employee Benefit Plans”), on a basis which is no less favorable than is provided to other similarly situated employees of the Company, to the extent consistent with applicable law and the terms of the applicable Employee Benefit Plans. The Company reserves the right to amend or terminate any Employee Benefit Plans, at any time in its sole discretion, subject to the terms of such Employee Benefit Plan and applicable law.  

  3.3 Paid Time Off. Employee will receive 25 days of paid time off (“PTO”) (including vacation, sick, personal time off and company holidays) per calendar year, which shall be taken in accordance with Company policies as in effect from time to time, which may be modified in the sole discretion of the Company, and applicable law. The Company will additionally provide Employee with any paid or unpaid leave and any other benefits to which Employee is entitled and eligible to receive under applicable federal, state, and or local law.  

  3.4 General Business Expenses. Employee shall be reimbursed for reasonable, necessary, and authorized travel and other business expenses in connection with Employee’s duties for the Company, pursuant to and consistent with the Company’s policies and procedures, as may be modified from time to-time in the sole discretion of the Company. The Company shall reimburse Employee for such expenses upon presentation of an itemized account and appropriate supporting documentation in accordance with the Company’s policy and procedure.  

  ARTICLE IV  

  CONFIDENTIALITY; RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS; AND ASSIGNMENT OF INVENTIONS  

  4.1 Confidentiality. The Employee understands and acknowledges that during Employee’s employment with the Company, Employee will be exposed to Confidential Information (defined below) concerning the business or affairs of the Company that is proprietary and which rightfully belongs to the Company. Employee further understands and acknowledges that this Confidential Information and the  Company’s ability to reserve it for the exclusive knowledge and use of the Company is of great  competitive importance and commercial value to the Company, and that improper use or disclosure of the  Confidential Information by Employee might cause the Company to incur financial costs, loss of business  advantage, liability under confidentiality agreements with third parties, civil damages and criminal  penalties. Employee will not use for Employee’s own benefit, either directly or indirectly, or disclose any such Confidential information, at any time, either during or after Employee’s employment with the Company, to any other person, other than the Company or its employees, without the prior written consent or authorization of the 

  

   

  Company. Employee shall take all reasonable steps to safeguard such Confidential Information and to protect such information against disclosure, misuse, loss and theft. Employee’s obligations under this Section 4.1 with respect to any specific Confidential Information shall cease when that specific portion of the Confidential Information becomes generally known to the public or the relevant trade or industry other than as a result of the Employee’s actions or omissions. In the event Employee is required by law to make any disclosure of Confidential Information, Employee shall promptly notify the Company, in writing, of the basis for the extent of the required disclosure and shall cooperate with the Company to preserve in full confidentiality of all Confidential Information and other proprietary rights.  

  The term “Confidential information” means any confidential or proprietary information of the  Company, its affiliates, and/or its related entities, that is not generally known to the public or in the relevant  trade or industry, which was obtained from the Company, its affiliates, and/or its related entities, or which  was learned, discovered, developed, conceived, originated or prepared during or in the course of the  performance of any services by Employee on behalf of the Company, its affiliates, and/or or any of its  related entities, whether in physical or electronic form or any other medium, and which falls within the  following categories: (i) trade secrets of the Company, any affiliate, and/or any related entity; (ii) trade  secrets of any investor, partner, or customer of the Company, any affiliate, and/or related entity, which  was obtained pursuant to a confidentiality agreement; (iii) information that relates to existing or  contemplated products, services, distribution, agreements, proposals, manuals, technology, designs,  processes, formulae, algorithms and research or product developments of the Company, any affiliate,  and/or any related entity or of any customer, investor, or partner of the Company, any affiliate, and/or  related entity; (iv) information relating to business plans, pricing, sales and marketing methods and data,  methods of doing business, financial or personnel information, customer lists, customer usages and/or  requirements, supplier information of the Company, any affiliate, and/or related entity or of any customer,  investor, or partner of the Company, any affiliate, and/or related entity; (v) information relating to  proposals, contracts, content strategies, content performance analytics, of the Company, any affiliate, or  any related entity, or of any customer, investor, or partner of the Company, any affiliate, and/or related  entity; and (vi) any other confidential information which the Company, any affiliate, and/or related entity,  or of any customer, investor, or partner of the Company, any affiliate, and/or related entity have protected  by patent, patent applications, copyright or by keeping it secret and confidential.  

  Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent disclosure of Confidential Information as may be required or permitted by applicable law or regulation, or pursuant to the valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that the disclosure does not exceed the extent of disclosure required by such law, regulation, or order. Nothing in this section is intended to waive, restrict, or limit Employee’s rights, communications, or actions that cannot be waived by agreement, including, but not limited to any nonwaivable rights that Employee may have under the National Labor Relations Act or concerning communications with fair employment practices agencies.  

  4.2 DTSA Notice. Pursuant to the Federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“DTSA”), an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. An individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. An individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a 

  

   

  suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing  the trade secret under seal, and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.  

   

   

  4.3 Restrictive Covenants.  

  (a)   Non-Competition. During Employee’s employment with the Company and for a period of twelve (12) months after the cessation of Employee’s employment with the Company, for whatever reason, Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, participate in any Restricted Activity (defined below) within the Restricted Territory (defined below).  

  (i) For purposes of this Agreement, “Restricted Territory” means the Territories in which TerrAscend operates.  

  (ii) For purposes of this Agreement, “Business of the Company” means the business of the cultivation, extraction, processing or formulation of cannabinoid-containing products, and/or the development or commercialization of any technologies for use in the same or services, businesses, or products currently in competition with the Company.  

  (iii) For purposes of this Agreement, “Restricted Activity” means, either  directly or indirectly, owning, managing, engaging in, operating, controlling, working for,  consulting with, rendering services to, doing business with, maintaining any interest in or  participating in the ownership, management, operations or control of, any business, in whatever  form, which competes with the Business of the Company (a “Competing Business”), where (A)  Employee is acting in the same or similar capacity that he/she acted with the Company for a  Competing Business; (B) Employee is performing the same or similar duties and responsibilities  as Employee performed with the Company for a Competing Business; (C) Employee is sharing  Confidential Information with a Competing Business or utilizing Confidential Information for the  benefit of a Competing Business; or (D) Employee is soliciting the Company’s customers or other  protected business relationships for purposes of seeking to induce such customers to alter or end  their relationship with the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood by the Parties  that a Competing Business is a person, business entity or organization that is in the business of or  is engaged, in whole or in part, either alone or together with its affiliates or related entities, in the  business of the cultivation, extraction, processing or formulation of cannabinoid-containing  products, and/or the development or commercialization of any technologies for use in the same.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employee may make passive investments in publicly traded entities not to exceed one percent (1%) of the outstanding voting securities of such public entity.  

  (iv) As used herein, “competes with” means selling, soliciting, marketing or  otherwise making available any product, program, process, system or service for any person or  entity other than for the Company, which is the same as or similar to or is in competition with, or  has a use allied to, or may be substituted for or supplied by, any product, program, process, system  or service 

  

   

  of the Company, whether in existence or under development during Employee’s  employment with the Company, or about which Employee acquired Confidential Information  (defined below) during Employee’s employment with the Company.  

  (b) Non-Solicitation of Customers and Employees. During Employee’s employment  with the Company and for a period of twelve (12) months after the cessation of Employee’s employment  with the Company, for whatever reason, Employee agrees not to, directly or indirectly, call upon, accept  business from, or deal with any of the customers of Company with whom Employee had contact or about  whom Employee obtained Confidential Information during Employee’s employment with the Company  for the purpose of inducing said customer to alter or end its relationship with the Company or to do  business with a person or entity that is a Competing Business or preparing to compete against the  Company. In addition, for the same period of time, Employee agrees not to, directly or indirectly, solicit, recruit, or attempt to solicit any employee, agent, consultant or independent contractor, member, officer or agent of the Company to alter or terminate his/her/its employment or other relationship with the Company or breach any agreement with or obligation owed to the Company.  

  (c) Extension of Restraints. If Employee violates any restraints specified in this Agreement, whether or not there is litigation relating to such violation, Employee agrees that the period of the restraint shall automatically be extended for the period of the violation. Employee understands that the purpose of this Section 4.3(c) is to give the Company the protection of the restraint for the full agreed upon duration.  

  (d) Adjustment of Restraints. In the event that any one (1) or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remainder hereof shall not, in any way, be affected or impaired thereby, and any such provision or provisions shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. Moreover, if any one (1)  or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement is held to be excessively broad as to duration, scope,  activity or subject (including, but not limited to, the restrictive covenants contained in this Agreement),  such provisions will be construed by excising, limiting, and/or reducing them so that this Agreement is  enforceable to the maximum extent compatible with applicable law.  

  (e) Employee Acknowledgments, Representations, and Warranties. For purposes  of Article IV, Employee warrants, acknowledges, and agrees that (i) the Company has expended  substantial resources in the development of near permanent relationships with its customers and that  Employee would not have contact with those customers but for Employee’s employment at the Company,  (ii) the Company has a protectable interest in its customers and other Confidential Information, (iii) the  post-employment restrictions contained in this Agreement are necessary to protect the Company, they are  reasonable and narrowly tailored, and they do not restrict Employee’s ability to obtain employment or  earn a living following Employee’s employment with the Company, (iv) Employee willing, voluntarily,  and knowingly is entering into this Agreement subject to the reasonable, post-employment restrictions  contained in this Agreement, (v) entering into this Agreement does not constitute a breach of any contract  or legal obligation with or to any third party, and (vi) Employee has disclosed to the Company any existing  restrictions or other legal restrictions that may impact Employee’s ability to provide services to the  Company.  

  (f) Remedies. Employee agrees that if Employee violates any provision of this Agreement, the Company will suffer immediate and irreparable injury for which it has no adequate remedy at law. If Employee violates any of such provisions, Employee agrees that in addition to any other remedies that may 

  

   

  apply, Employee’s strict compliance with this Agreement should be ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction, and the Company is therefore entitled to emergency, preliminary, and final injunctive relief to enforce this Agreement. The Company’s remedies for breach of this Agreement are cumulative and pursuit of one (1) remedy shall not exclude any other remedy.  

  (g) No Reliance. Employee acknowledges that Employee has read this Agreement carefully and understands its meaning and consequences, and that Employee has not relied on any oral or written statement or representation made by anyone relating to the terms of Employee’s employment, other than as set forth in this Agreement. Employee further declares that Employee has had the opportunity to have the contents of this Agreement fully explained to Employee by the legal counsel of Employee’s own selection and has acted voluntarily and of Employee’s own free will in executing this Agreement.  

  (h) Employee Acknowledges Sufficient Consideration. Employee acknowledges and agrees that employment with the Company constitutes sufficient consideration for Employee’s promises, duties, obligations and responsibilities hereunder and, further, that the compensation, Option, benefits, severance and other consideration described in this Agreement constitutes consideration to which Employee is not otherwise entitled to receive if Employee did not enter into the Agreement.  

  (i) Notice to Subsequent Employers. Before Employee is hired or engaged by any other person or entity that performs services that are the same as or are similar to the Company’s services (“Similar Services”), Employee shall provide a complete copy of this Agreement to the person or entity to or for which or whom Employee intends to provide services. Employee hereby authorizes the Company to provide a copy of this Agreement to any person or entity providing Similar Services that the Company believes may hire or engage Employee.  

  4.4 Assignment of Inventions. All inventions, modifications, alterations, enhancements,  betterments, ideas, designs, techniques, know-how or discoveries which are the result, directly or  indirectly, from Employee’s employment and/or affiliation with the Company and/or the Employee’s  access to Confidential Information (collectively “Inventions”) shall be the sole and exclusive property of  the Company and are considered a “work made for hire" for the purposes of the Company’s rights under  copyright and other laws. All copyrights, patents, trade secrets, or other intellectual property rights associated with any Inventions, processes, or works of authorship developed or created by Employee during the course of performing Company work (collectively, “Work Product”) shall belong exclusively to the Company and shall, to the extent possible, be considered a “work made for hire.” Employee automatically assigns to the Company, at the time of creation of the Work Product, without any requirement of further consideration, any right, title, or interest Employee may have in such Work Product, including any copyrights or other intellectual property rights pertaining thereto. Upon request of the Company, and at its sole expense, Employee shall take such further actions, including execution and delivery of instruments of conveyance, as may be appropriate to give full and proper effect to such assignment.  

  4.5 Personal Electronic Equipment. Employee acknowledges that, in the performance of services for the Company, Employee may use electronic equipment such as a laptop computer, cell phone, or other electronic device that is owned by Employee (collectively, “Personal Electronic Equipment”).  Employee acknowledges that all Company information that may become contained on the Personal Electronic Equipment is the sole and exclusive property of the Company. Employee agrees that the Company has the right to access such Company information, at any time, to inspect and/or recover any Company information 

  

   

  stored thereon. Employee acknowledges and agrees that Company is not liable for any damage caused to the Personal Electronic Equipment while in its possession or for damaging or deleting any personal Employee information contained thereon.  

  Employee shall abide by all Company policies and procedures concerning device usage, maintenance, and protection, including, but not limited to preservation of Confidential Information on such devices. Employee agrees to use Company-owned equipment, records, and materials for purposes of Company business only, and to protect them against unauthorized or accidental access, use, modification, destruction, loss, theft or disclosure. Employee agrees to continue to protect the privacy of sensitive, proprietary, and/or Confidential Information. Employee will not leave such sensitive documents in common areas and will take reasonable steps to ensure confidentiality when discussing sensitive information on phone calls or in virtual meetings. Employee agrees and understands that Company equipment and devices are being provided to Employee for business purposes only. Any incidental personal use of Company-owned equipment should not interfere with the use of the equipment for Company business. Employee agrees to immediately report to their supervisor any instances of loss, damage, or unauthorized access.  

  4.6 Return of Company Property. Immediately on the effective date of Employee’s termination of employment with the Company, for any reason, or at any time upon request of the  Company, Employee shall return all property in Employee’s possession belonging to the Company,  whether tangible or intangible, including, but not limited to, all physical and electronically stored data, emails, keys, credit cards, equipment, computers, Confidential Information, tablets, cell phones, vehicles, books, records, customer information, programs and data compilation, contracts, communications and  other materials belonging to the Company, including any Company information stored on Employee’s Personal Electronic Equipment.  

  4.7 Non-Disparagement. During Employee’s employment with the Company and at all times thereafter, Employee shall not divulge, disclose, or communicate to others, in any manner whatsoever, information or statements that disparage or are intended to disparage the Company, including its officers,  directors, shareholders, employees, and agents, and its/his/her/their business reputation. Notwithstanding  the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement is intended to waive, restrict, or limit Employee’s rights,  communications, or actions that cannot be waived by agreement, including, but not limited to, Employee’s  rights under the National Labor Relations Act, the right to disclose information about unlawful acts in the  workplace, including, but not limited to, sexual harassment, the right to testify in an administrative,  legislative, or judicial proceeding about alleged sexual harassment, or alleged criminal conduct by another  party, including the Company, its agents, or employees, if and when Employee has been required or  requested to attend the proceeding pursuant to a court order, subpoena, or written request from an  administrative agency or the legislature, and the right to make disclosures to or comply with proceedings  before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or any other federal, state, or local fair  employment practices agency, or pursuant to a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction; provided  that, such compliance does not exceed that required by the law, regulation, or order. Nothing in this Agreement prohibits or restricts Employee from initiating communications directly with, responding to an inquiry from, or providing testimony before the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or any  other self-regulatory organization, or any other federal or state regulatory authority.  

  ARTICLE V  

  TERMINATION AND SEVERANCE  

  5.1 Termination of Employment.  

  

   

  (a) Termination for Cause. The Company shall have the right to terminate Employee’s employment, at any time, for Cause (as defined below) by giving Employee written notice of the effective date of such termination. In the event of such termination for Cause, Employee shall be entitled to receive Employee’s Salary accrued and unpaid through the date of termination, together with all accrued and unpaid PTO, and expenses reimbursable pursuant to this Agreement (herein, “Earned Pay”).  For purposes of this Agreement only, the term “Cause” means any of the following: (a) Employee  materially breaches any fiduciary duty owed to the Company or its affiliates, including the duty of loyalty;  (b) Employee fails to comply with any valid and legal directive of the Company that is material and is  consistent with Employee’s obligations under this Agreement, which has not been complied with within  ten (10) calendar days of written notice to Employee of such noncompliance; (c) Employee is convicted  of or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to a crime that constitutes a felony (or state law equivalent) or a  crime that constitutes a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or that results in material, reputational, or financial harm to the Company, its agents, representatives, or its affiliates; (d) Employee engages in any  act or omission that constitutes a material breach by Employee of any of Employee’s duties,  responsibilities, and obligations under this Agreement, or any material written policy (as they may be in  effect from time to time during Employee’s employment) of the Company or any of its affiliates, assuming  such obligations are lawful, which has not been cured within ten (10) calendar days of written notice to  the Employee; (e) Employee commits an act which negatively impacts, in a material way, the Company  or its employees including, but not limited to, engaging in competition with the Company, disclosing  confidential information or engaging in sexual harassment or discrimination in violation of Company  policies; or (f) Employee engages in the unauthorized disclosure of Confidential Information of the  Company. For purposes of this definition of “Cause,” an act or failure to act shall not be deemed willful or intentional unless Employee acted (or failed to act) in bad faith or without a reasonable belief that Employee’s action or omission was in the best interest of the Company. For avoidance of doubt, Employee’s failure to meet performance goals or objectives, by itself, shall not constitute Cause. In all instances, the Company’s CEO, in consultation with Legal and the Board of Directors as appropriate, shall determine, in good faith, whether Cause exists for purposes of this Agreement and whether Employee’s employment shall be terminated for Cause. The Company’s CEO shall have the authority to waive the consequences under this Agreement of the existence or occurrence of any events, acts, or omissions that constitute Cause.  

  (b) Termination without Cause. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company may, at any time, terminate Employee’s employment without “Cause” (as defined above) by giving Employee at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of the effective date of  Employee’s termination. In the event of such termination of employment without Cause, Employee shall  be entitled to receive (i) Earned Pay, (ii) severance benefits, which shall consist of an after-tax, lump sum  payment equal to the Company’s share of Employee’s medical coverage under the Company’s group  health plan, measured as if Employee properly and timely elected continuation coverage as prescribed by  the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) for the Severance  Period (defined in Section 5.2 below) (the “COBRA Cash Stipend”), (iii) severance pay, which shall be  equal to Employee’s Salary for the Severance Period (as defined in Section 5.2), payable in regular  installments in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices (“Severance Pay”), (iv) Employee shall also be entitled to receive the pro-rata bonuses (cash or equivalent)  guaranteed in Section 3.1(b) should termination occur during the 2022 calendar year. The Company shall commence payment of Severance Pay and other applicable payments hereunder within sixty (60) days of Employee’s termination of employment; provided, that Employee has executed, delivered, and not revoked the Waiver and General Release described in 

  

   

  Section 5.3 of this Agreement. Employee must satisfy, at all times, the conditions described in Section 5.3, Section 5.4, Article IV and Article VI to receive the COBRA Cash Stipend and continue to receive Severance Pay under this Section 5.1(b) following Employee’s termination of employment. In the event such a sixty-day time period spans two calendar years, payment will be made in the second calendar year. If, during the Severance Period, Employee engages in any Restricted Activity with any Competing Business, Employee shall notify the Company in writing no later than 5 business days from the date Employee has commenced such Restricted Activity (“Commencement Date”). Further, upon determination by a court of competent jurisdiction that Employee has violated the restrictive covenants set forth in Article IV, Employee shall repay all Severance Pay paid to Employee following the cessation of Employee’s employment with the Company.  

  (c) Termination on Account of Resignation. Employee may, at any time, terminate Employee’s employment by voluntary resignation by giving the Company at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of the effective date of such termination. In the event of Employee’s termination of  employment due to voluntary resignation not covered by Section 5.1(d), neither the COBRA Cash Stipend  nor the Severance Pay shall be provided under this Agreement and all rights, duties, and obligations of  the Parties under this Agreement, other than those obligations expressed in Article IV and Article VI, and  Employee’s right to receive Earned Pay, shall cease as of the employment termination date.  

  (d) Termination on Account of Resignation with Good Reason. Employee shall have the right to terminate Employee’s employment by voluntary resignation with Good Reason. The term “Good Reason” means any one (1) or more of the following events that occurs without the prior written  consent of Employee: (i) a material diminution in Employee’s Salary; (ii) a change in reporting  relationship of Employee to someone other than the Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer or other  officer pursuant to Section 2.2; or (iii) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the  Company of the terms of this Agreement. To qualify as a voluntary resignation with “Good Reason,” Employee shall provide the Company with notice of the existence of the event described above within  ninety (90) days of the initial existence of such event, and the Company shall have thirty (30) days to  remedy the event measured from the date it received Employee’s notice. If the event that qualifies as Good  Reason is not cured and the Employee resigns within six (6) months of the initial existence of such Good  Reason event, then Employee’s voluntary resignation shall be treated in all respects as an involuntary  termination of employment without Cause by the Company of Employee’s employment under Section  5.1(b), and the COBRA Cash Stipend and Severance Pay provided in connection with an involuntary  termination without Cause (together with the conditions described in Section 5.3, Section 5.4, Article IV  and Article VI) shall apply. 

  (e) Termination on Account of Disability. If Employee is determined to have a  “Disability” (defined herein), Employee shall be entitled to receive Employee’s Salary and to continue to  participate in the employee benefit plans and programs described in Section 3.2, as in effect with respect  to Employee immediately prior to such determination, for six (6) months (or, if less, until Employee is  able to return to active employment with the Company). If Employee is unable to return to work with the Company at the completion of that six (6) month period, the Company may elect to terminate Employee’s employment by sending written notice of such election to Employee. In such event, the Company shall provide Employee Earned Pay and the COBRA Cash Stipend for the same period, as described in Section 5.1(b) (as if employment had been terminated involuntarily by the Company without Cause at the completion of such 

  

   

  initial six (6) month period), but not the Severance Pay. The term “Disability” shall mean Employee is unable to engage in any substantially gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months. Any determination of whether Employee has a Disability shall be based upon sufficient medical evidence from a physician selected by Employee (or Employee’s personal representative or guardian) for that purpose. If any question arises as to whether during any period Employee has a Disability, Employee shall, at the request of the Company, submit to the Company a certification, in reasonable detail by a physician selected by the Company to whom Employee (or Employee’s personal representative or guardian) has no reasonable objection, as to whether Employee has a Disability or how long the Disability will continue. Employee shall cooperate with any reasonable request of the physician in connection with such certification. If a question arises and Employee fails to submit such certification, the Company’s determination of such issue shall be binding on Employee. Nothing in this Section 5.1(e) shall be construed to waive Employee’s rights, if any, under existing law including, without limitation, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, 29 U.S.C. §2601 et seq. and the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq. 

  (f) Termination on Account of Death. In the event of Employee’s death while in the employ of the Company, the personal representative of Employee’s estate shall be entitled to receive Employee’s Earned Pay, pro-rated bonus and any vested but unexercised options. All other rights of Executive hereunder shall terminate as of such date of death.  

  5.2 Severance Period. The term “Severance Period” means 12 months.  

  5.3 Waiver and Release. A condition precedent to (a) the payment of COBRA Cash Stipend and (b) the commencement and continued receipt of Severance Pay, which shall be payable pursuant to Section 5.1(b) or Section 5.1(d), as applicable, shall be the execution by Employee of a waiver and general release of all claims, which is not revoked during the revocation period. Such waiver and general release of all claims shall be in a form and substance as reasonably required by Company. The failure of Employee to execute the Waiver and General Release (or any revocation during the revocation period) shall relieve the Company of all obligations under Section 5.1(b) or Section 5.1(d) but shall not relieve Employee of Employee’s obligations under Article IV and Article VI herein.  

  5.4 Other Conditions on Severance Benefits and Pay.  

  (a) Welfare Benefits. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Employee shall not continue to be eligible for health and welfare benefit plan coverage (other than the right to elect continuation coverage under COBRA or similar state continuation coverage laws) after Employee’s termination of employment. In the event Employee properly and timely elects continuation coverage under COBRA, Employee shall be required to pay such portion of the cost of such continuation coverage, as is paid by other similarly situated active executives.  

  (b) Limitations and Conditions. Any employee health and welfare benefits provided under Sections 3.2 shall be discontinued effective as of the date Employee becomes eligible for substantially equivalent benefits (determined without regard to Employee’s election to waive coverage or access).  

  

   

  (c) Code Section 409A Compliance. For purposes of this Agreement, phrases similar to “terminate employment” mean the date Employee ceases to be an employee of the Company and all members of the Company’s “controlled group of corporations” as described in Treasury Regulation §1.409A-1(h)(3). Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, Employee must incur a “separation from service” as that term is defined in Code Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) and in Treasury Regulation §1.409A 1(h), to terminate employment under this Agreement and receive Severance Pay. Any payment or benefit that Employee receives shall be treated as “separate payments” for the application of Code Section 409A. 

   

  ARTICLE VI  

  COOPERATION  

  6.1 Cooperation. The Parties agree that certain matters in which Employee will be involved during Employee’s employment with Company may necessitate Employee’s cooperation in the future.  Accordingly, following Employee’s termination of employment for any reason, to the extent reasonably  requested by the Company and provided that advanced notice is given and is coordinated to the extent  possible with Employee, Employee shall cooperate with the Company in connection with internal  investigations, third party investigations, investigations by governmental agencies, claims made by third  parties, litigation, arbitration, meditation and all other matters related to the Company, in which Employee  has personal knowledge; provided that, Company shall make reasonable efforts to minimize disruption of  Employee’s personal and professional activities. Company shall reimburse Employee for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with such cooperation (e.g., airfare, lodging, rental car, mileage, meals, etc.).  

  ARTICLE VII

  GENERAL PROVISIONS

  7.1 Severability and Modification by Court. If any term or provision of this Agreement shall, for any reason, be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, such judgement shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of this Agreement, but shall be confined in its operation to the provisions of this Agreement directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered. Notwithstanding the above, in the event any provision as presently set forth is determined to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the Parties agree that this Agreement shall be appropriately modified by the court so that each and every provision of this Agreement is enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law.  

  7.2 Waiver. No waiver by the Company of any breach of this Agreement shall be a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach. No waiver by the Company of any right under this Agreement shall be construed as a waiver of any other right. The Company shall not be required to give notice to enforce strict adherence to all terms of this Agreement.  

  7.3 Survival and Assignability. The provisions of this Agreement that would naturally survive the termination of Employee’s employment with the Company shall survive such termination and shall continue in full force and effect. This Agreement is personal to Employee and may not be assigned by Employee. 

  

   

  The Company may assign this Agreement to any successor or assign (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company.  

  7.4 Notices. Any notices required under this Agreement shall be sent by personal delivery, registered or certified mail, electronic mail or overnight carrier to: (i) the Company, at TerrAscend, 357 South Gulph Road, Suite 330, King of Prussia, PA 19406 and to legal@terrascend.com; (ii) the Employee, to their home mailing address and email address on file.  

  7.5 Entire Agreement. Employee hereby ratifies, accepts, and agrees to the terms of this Agreement, and acknowledges receipt of a copy hereof. The Parties to this Agreement mutually agree that it shall be binding upon them, their heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, successors and assigns; that the provisions hereof shall survive this Agreement and shall not be merged into its performance. This Agreement constitutes the final, complete, and exclusive agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and merges all prior agreements or discussions with the Company on this subject matter. Any modification, amendment, or addenda to this Agreement shall be null, void, and unenforceable unless made in a writing that makes specific reference to the section of this Agreement being amended and executed by both Parties.  

  7.6 Governing Law. This Agreement, for all purposes, shall be construed in accordance with the laws of Pennsylvania without regard to conflicts of law principles.  

  7.7 Controversies Arising Out of Agreement. The Parties agree that any judicially cognizable controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or its breach shall be resolved through a confidential and binding arbitration before a single neutral arbitrator in Pennsylvania in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (“JAMS”), except as otherwise set forth below. The JAMS rules and procedures may be found online at https://www.jamsadr.com/rules-employment-arbitration/. The arbitrator may grant any remedy or relief that the arbitrator deems just and equitable under the law, including, but not limited to, any remedy or relief that would have been available to the Parties had the matter been heard in court. Both Employee and the Company expressly waive their right to a jury trial. This Section 7.7 is intended to be the exclusive method for resolving any and all claims by the Parties against each other for payment of damages under this Agreement or relating to Employee’s employment. Nothing in this Agreement shall restrict or limit Employee’s rights that cannot be waived by agreement, including any nonwaivable right to file or participate in a complaint or investigation by a law enforcement or government agency. This Agreement shall not limit either Party’s right to obtain a provisional remedy from any court of competent jurisdiction as may be necessary to protect their rights and interests pending the outcome of arbitration, including without limitation injunctive relief, in any court of competent jurisdiction. Seeking any such relief shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such Party’s right to compel arbitration. The prevailing party shall be entitled to recover all fees and costs from the other party arising from any arbitration brought pursuant to this Section. All costs of the arbitration, including the JAMS’ administrative fees and the fee of the arbitrator, shall be borne by the Company.  

  7.8 Advice of Counsel. Each of the Parties to this Agreement warrants and represents that in executing this Agreement such Party was encouraged to, and provided ample time to, consult with an attorney of the Party’s choice. The Parties acknowledge and represent that, in executing this Agreement, they have not relied on any inducements, promises, or representations other than those matters expressly set forth in this Agreement.  

  

   

  7.9 Acknowledgement of Full Understanding. EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT EMPLOYEE HAS FULLY READ, UNDERSTANDS, AND VOLUNTARILY ENTERS INTO THIS AGREEMENT. THE EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT EMPLOYEE HAS HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS AND CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY OF EMPLOYEE'S CHOICE BEFORE SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT.  

  7.10  Code Section 409A.  

  (a) The Parties agree that this Agreement shall be interpreted to comply with Code Section 409A, and all provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Code Section 409A. In no event whatsoever will the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest, or penalties that may be imposed on Employee under Code Section 409A or any damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.  

  (b) To the extent any reimbursement of costs and expenses provided for under this Agreement constitutes taxable income to Employee for Federal income tax purposes, all such reimbursements shall be made no later than December 31 of the calendar year in which the expenses to be  reimbursed are incurred.  

  [Signature page follows] 

   

  

   

   

  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Employee have duly executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date above.  

   

   

  			
	TERRASCEND
	 
	EMPLOYEE

	/s/ Ziad Ghanem
	 
	/s/ Lynn Gefen

	Ziad Ghanem
	 
	Lynn Gefen, Esq. 

	Title: President and Chief Operating Officer
	 
	 

	Date: 5/1/2022
	 
	Date: 4/29/2022

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