Document:

EX-10.6

   

  Exhibit 10.6

  AMENDED AND RESTATED BRIDGE PROMISSORY NOTE

  Amendment and Restatement Effective Date:  August 10, 2022 (the “Amendment and Restatement Effective Date”)

  Original Effective Date: March 18, 2022 (the “Original Effective Date”)

  FOR VALUE RECEIVED, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, GREENIDGE GENERATION HOLDINGS INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), hereby unconditionally promises to pay to the order of B. RILEY COMMERCIAL CAPITAL, LLC or its assigns (the “Noteholder,” and together with the Borrower, the “Parties”), the principal amount of  Sixteen Million Three Hundred Eighty-Nine Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty-Two and 91/100 Dollars ($16,389,782.91), together with all accrued interest thereon and all accrued fees as provided in this Bridge Promissory Note (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Note”).

  1.Definitions; Interpretation. 

  1.1Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings set forth in this 11.

  “300 Jones Road” refers to 300 Jones Road LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an indirect Subsidiary of the Borrower.

  “Additional Incremental Amount” means $497,409.81 which amount, on the Amendment and Restatement Effective Date, shall be added to the outstanding principal amount of the Loan.

  “Affiliate” as to any Person, means any other Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” of a Person means the power, directly or indirectly, either to (a) vote ten percent (10%) or more of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election of directors (or persons performing similar functions) of such Person or (b) direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether by contract or otherwise.

  “Amendment and Restatement Effective Date” has the meaning set forth above.

  “Anti-Corruption Laws” means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to the Borrower from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption, including the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977.

   “Applicable Rate” means the per annum rate equal to (i) from the Closing Date to but not including the Amendment and Restatement Effective Date, six percent (6.0%) and (ii) from and after the Amendment and Restatement Effective Date, seven and one-half percent (7.5%).

   

   

  

   

  “Beneficial Ownership Regulation” has the meaning set forth Section 13.10.

  “Borrower” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

  “Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to close.

  “Cash Equivalents” as to any Person, means (a) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support thereof) having maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition by such Person, (b) time deposits and certificates of deposit of any commercial bank having, or which is the principal banking subsidiary of a bank holding company organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or, the District of Columbia  having capital, surplus, and undivided profits aggregating in excess of Five Hundred Million and No/100 Dollars ($500,000,000.00), having maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition by such Person, (c) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than thirty (30) days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (a) above entered into with any bank meeting the qualifications specified in clause (b) above, (d) commercial paper issued by any issuer rated at least A-1 by S&P or at least P-1 by Moody’s (or carrying an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized rating agency if both of the two named rating agencies cease publishing ratings of commercial paper issuers generally), and in each case maturing not more than two hundred and seventy (270) days after the date of acquisition by such Person, or (e) investments in money market funds substantially all of whose assets are comprised of securities of the types described in clauses (a) through (d) above.

  “Change of Control” means (a) any Person or group of persons within the meaning of § 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of  fifty percent (50%)  or more of the outstanding Equity Interests of the Borrower, or (b) individuals who constitute the Continuing Directors of the Borrower on the Original Effective Date cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the Borrower, or (c) Borrower shall cease to own and control, of record and beneficially, directly or indirectly, one hundred percent (100%) of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of any Guarantor.

   “Closing Date” means the date on which the conditions precedent set forth in Section 12 are satisfied or waived.

  “Continuing Director” means a director who either was a member of the board of directors of the Borrower on Original Effective Date or who becomes a member of the board of directors subsequent to that date and whose election, appointment or nomination for election by the stockholders of the Borrower is duly approved by a majority of the continuing directors on the board of directors at the time of such approval by such election or appointment.

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  “Debt” of means as to any Person (the “primary obligor”), without duplication, all (a) indebtedness for borrowed money; (b) obligations for the deferred purchase price of property or services, except trade payables arising in the ordinary course of business which are not past due; (c) obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures, or other similar instruments; (d) obligations as lessee under capital leases; (e) obligations in respect of any interest rate swaps, currency exchange agreements, commodity swaps, caps, collar agreements, or other hedge agreements entered into by the primary obligor providing for protection against fluctuations in interest rates, currency exchange rates, or commodity prices, or the exchange of nominal interest obligations, either generally or under specific contingencies; (f) obligations under acceptance facilities and letters of credit; (g) guaranties, endorsements (other than for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business), and other contingent obligations to purchase, to provide funds for payment, to supply funds to invest in, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss, in each case, in respect of indebtedness set out in clauses (a) through (f) of a Person other than the primary obligor; (h) indebtedness set out in clauses (a) through (g) of a Person other than the primary obligor secured by any lien on any asset of the primary obligor, whether or not such indebtedness has been assumed by the primary obligor; and (i) indebtedness of any partnership, unlimited liability company, or unincorporated joint venture in which the primary obligor is a general partner, member, or a joint venturer, respectively (unless such Debt is expressly made non-recourse to the primary obligor).

  “Default” means any of the events specified in 2210 which constitute an Event of Default or which, upon the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both, pursuant to 2210, would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

  “Default Rate” means the Applicable Rate plus 9.0%.

  “Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease, or other disposition (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions, and including any sale and leaseback transaction) of any asset or property (including, without limitation, any Equity Interests) by any Person (or the granting of any option or other right to do any of the foregoing), including any sale, assignment, transfer, or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith.

  “Dollars” means the lawful currency of the United States.

  “ELOC” means that certain $500.0 million committed equity line of credit evidenced by that certain Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2022 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time), between the Borrower and B. Riley Principal Capital, LLC.

  “Environmental Law” means any federal, State and local laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, standards, policies and other government directives or requirements, as well as common law, that, at any time, apply to Borrower and Guarantor or the Property and relate to Hazardous Materials, including, without limitation, the 

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  Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

  “Environmental Report” refers to the environmental report delivered to Noteholder in connection with the Mortgage, such environmental report to be in form, scope and substance satisfactory to the Noteholder.

  “Equity Interests” means any and all shares, interests, participations, or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of a corporation, any and all equivalent ownership (or profit) interests in a Person (other than a corporation), securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, and any and all warrants, rights, or options to purchase any of the foregoing, whether voting or nonvoting, and whether or not such shares, warrants, options, rights, or other interests are authorized or otherwise existing on any date of determination.

   “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

  “ERISA Affiliate” means an entity, whether or not incorporated, that is under common control with the Borrower within the meaning of §4001 of ERISA or is part of a group that includes the Borrower and that is treated as a single employer under §414 of the Code.

  “Event of Default” has the meaning set forth in 2210.

   “Fee Letter” means, individually and collectively, that certain (i) Fee and Advisory Letter, dated as of the Original Effective Date, between the Borrower and B. Riley Securities, Inc., (ii) Advisory Fee Letter, dated as of the Amendment and Restatement Effective Date, between the Borrower and B. Riley Securities, Inc. and (iii) each other Fee Letter entered into between the Borrower, Noteholder and/or B. Riley Securities, Inc. in connection with this Note; each as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time.

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

  “Guarantor” means, individually and collectively as the context requires, (i) Greenidge South Carolina LLC, a Delaware limited liability, (ii) GSC RE LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, (iii) 300 Jones Road, and (iv) each other Person that becomes a guarantor hereunder pursuant to the terms hereof.

  “Guaranty” means, collectively and individually as the context may require, (i) that certain Guaranty, dated as of the Original Effective Date, executed by Greenidge South Carolina LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in favor of the Noteholder, (ii) that certain Guaranty, dated as of the Original Effective Date, executed by GSC RE LLC, a Delaware limited liability, in favor of the Noteholder, (iii) that certain Guaranty, dated as of 

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  the Original Effective Date, executed by 300 Jones Road in favor of the Noteholder, and (iv) each other guaranty executed after the Original Effective Date by any Person in favor of the Noteholder to guarantee the obligations under this Note and the other Loan Documents; in each case, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified ad/or confirmed from time to time.

  “Governmental Authority” means the government of any nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether at the national, state, territorial, provincial, municipal or any other level, 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, in each case, as the context may require, having jurisdiction over any of the Parties, any of the Loan Documents, or any collateral of the Loan.

  “Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.2(b).

  “Interest Payment Date” means, subject to Section 3.2 and Section 3.3, the twentieth day of each calendar month, commencing on April 20, 2022.

  “Investments” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.5.

  “Law” as to any Person, means the certificate of incorporation and by-laws or other organizational or governing documents of such Person, and any law (including common law), statute, ordinance, treaty, rule, regulation, order, decree, judgment, writ, injunction, settlement agreement, requirement 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.

  “Lien” means with respect to any Person, any security interest, lien, encumbrance or other similar interest granted or suffered to exist by such Person in any real or personal property, asset or other right owned or being purchased or acquired by such Person (including an interest in respect of a capital lease) which secures payment or performance of any obligation and shall include any mortgage, lien, encumbrance, title retention lien, charge or other security interest of any kind, whether arising by contract, as a matter of law, by judicial process or otherwise.

  “Loan” means the loan evidenced by this Note. 

  “Loan Documents” means, collectively, this Note, the Fee Letter, each Guaranty, the Mortgage, any other collateral security agreements or assignments and all other agreements, confirmations, documents, certificates, and instruments executed and delivered to the Noteholder by the Borrower or any Guarantor in connection therewith, in each case as any or all of the same may be supplemented, amended, restated and/or replaced from time to time.

  “Mandatory Repayment” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

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  “Margin Regulations” means Regulations T, U and X of the Federal Reserve Board, as amended.

  “Margin Stock” means “margin stock” as defined in the Margin Regulations, including any debt security which is by its terms convertible into “Margin Stock”.

   “Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent), operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Borrower or any Guarantor; (b) the validity or enforceability of the Note, any Guaranty, the Mortgage or any other Loan Document; (c) the perfection or priority of any Lien purported to be created under the Mortgage; (d) the rights or remedies of the Noteholder hereunder, under any Guaranty, under the Mortgage or under any other Loan Document; or (d) the Borrower’s or, as applicable, a Guarantor’s ability to perform any of its material obligations hereunder, under the applicable Guaranty, under the Mortgage or under any other Loan Document.

  “Material Contracts” with respect to any Person, means each contract to which such Person is a party involving aggregate consideration payable by or to such Person equal to at least Five Million and No/100 Dollars ($5,000,000.00) annually or which is otherwise material to the business, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, performance, properties, or prospects of such Person.  

  “Maturity Date” means the earlier of (a) June 20, 2023 and (b) the date on which all amounts under this Note shall become due and payable pursuant to 2511.

  “Mortgage” means the Hypothecated Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and Security Agreement from 300 Jones Road to the Noteholder with respect to the Property (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified and/or confirmed from time to time).

  “Multiemployer Plan” means a Plan which is a multiemployer plan as defined in § 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions.

  “net cash proceeds” means, as of the date of determination, any cash proceeds net of underwriting discounts or commissions, and legal, accounting and other expenses directly related to the applicable offering.

  “Note” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph. 

  “Noteholder” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph. 

  “OFAC” means the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

  “Original Effective Date” has the meaning set forth above.

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  “Original Loan Amount” means the loan funded on the Closing Date and evidenced by this Note in the aggregate original principal amount of Twenty-Six Million Five Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($26,500,000.00). 

  “Parties” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph. 

  “PATRIOT Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56, signed into law October 26, 2001).

  “PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established pursuant to Subtitle A of Title IV of ERISA (or any successor thereto).

  “Permitted Liens” means, collectively, (a) the Liens and security interests created by the Loan and Loan Documents; (b) any Lien, encumbrances and other matters disclosed in a title policy issued to 300 Jones Road with respect to the property subject to the Mortgage and acceptable to the Noteholder; (c) any Lien, if any, for taxes or fees in lieu of taxes imposed by any Governmental Authority not yet due or delinquent or which are otherwise being contested in compliance with this Note and do not give rise to an Material Adverse Effect; (d) any lease to any Affiliate of Borrower subject to and subordinated to the Mortgage, in form, scope and substance satisfactory to the Noteholder; (e) immaterial transfers of portions of the Property for dedication and/or the granting of easements, restrictions, covenants, reservations and rights of way in the ordinary course of business for access, water and sewer lines, telephone or other fiber optic or other data transmission lines, electric lines or other utilities or for other similar purposes, provided that no such transfer, conveyance or encumbrance set forth in this clause (e) shall impair the utility, operation and value of the Property or could reasonably be expected to give rise to a Material Adverse Effect; (f) zoning ordinances, building codes, entitlements, subdivision Laws and restrictions or other similar land use requirements or restrictions which are imposed by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Property which are not violated in any material respect by the current use of such Property; (g) unsecured obligations to tenants and other Persons (e.g., real estate leasing brokers) in connection with leases of the Property which are in effect as of Original Effective Date or otherwise entered into in accordance with the Loan Documents; (h) any workers’, mechanics’ or other similar Liens on the Property; (i) such other title and survey exceptions as the Noteholder has approved or may approve in writing in the Noteholder’s sole discretion; (j) Liens securing Debt permitted under Section 9.1(c); and (k) purchase money liens and liens securing capital leases obligations with unaffiliated third parties entered into in the ordinary course of business securing Debt permitted under Section 9.1(e) hereof.

  “Person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, limited or general partnership, unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority, or other entity.

   “Plan” at any one time, means any “employee benefit plan” that is covered by ERISA and in respect of which the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were 

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  terminated at such time, would under §4062 or §4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an “employer” as defined in §3(5) of ERISA.

  “Property” has the meaning given to such term in the Mortgage.

  “Related Parties” with respect to any Person, means such Person’s Affiliates and the directors, officers, employees, partners, agents, trustees, administrators, managers, advisors, and representatives of it and its Affiliates.

  “Reportable Event” means any of the events set forth in §4043(c) of ERISA, other than those events as to which the thirty (30) day notice period is waived.

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

  “Sanctioned Person” means, at any time, (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions-related list of designated Persons maintained by a Sanctions Authority; (b) any Person operating, organized, or resident in a Sanctioned Country, (c) any Person owned or controlled by any such Person or Persons described in the foregoing clauses (a) or (b), or (d) any Person that is the subject or target of any Sanctions. 

  “Sanctions” mean all economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered, or enforced from time to time by a Sanctions Authority.

  “Sanctions Authority” means OFAC, the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any EU member state, Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom, Canada, or other relevant sanctions authority.

  “Solvent” with respect to any Person as of any date of determination, means that on such date (a) the present fair salable value of the property and assets of such Person exceeds the debts and liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair salable value of the property and assets of such Person is greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts and other liabilities, including contingent liabilities, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured, (c) such Person does not intend to incur, or believe  that it will incur, debts and liabilities, including contingent liabilities, beyond its ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they become absolute and matured, and (d) such Person does not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in which it is engaged as such business is now conducted and is proposed to be conducted. The amount of contingent liabilities at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in the light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

  “Subsidiary” as to any Person, means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, or estate of or in which more than fifty percent (50%) of (a) the issued and outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a 

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  majority of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether at the time capital stock of any other class of such corporation may have voting power upon the happening of a contingency), (b) the interest in the capital or profits of such partnership, limited liability company, or joint venture or, (c) the beneficial interest in such trust or estate is at the time directly or indirectly owned or controlled through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise qualified, all references to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” in this Note shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower.

  “Taxes” means any and all present or future income, stamp, or other taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, charges, fees, or withholdings imposed, levied, withheld, or assessed by any Governmental Authority, together with any interest, additions to tax, or penalties imposed thereon and with respect thereto.

  1.2Interpretation. For purposes of this Note (a) the words “include,” “includes,” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (b) the word “or” is not exclusive; and (c) the words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereby,” “hereto,” and “hereunder” refer to this Note as a whole. The definitions given for any defined terms in this Note shall apply equally to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine, and neuter forms. Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein to: (x) Schedules, Exhibits, and Sections mean the Schedules, Exhibits, and Sections of this Note; (y) an agreement, instrument, or other document means such agreement, instrument, or other document as amended, supplemented, and modified from time to time to the extent permitted by the provisions thereof; and (z) a statute means such statute as amended from time to time and includes any successor legislation thereto and any regulations promulgated thereunder. This Note shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the party drafting an instrument or causing any instrument to be drafted.

  2.Bridge Loan. 

  2.1Subject to the terms and conditions of this Note, the Noteholder had made a bridge loan to the Borrower on the Closing Date in a principal amount equal to the Original Loan Amount.  The amount borrowed under this Section 2, to the extent repaid or prepaid, may not be reborrowed.

  2.2Subject to the terms and conditions of this Note, on the Amendment and Restatement Effective Date the outstanding principal amount of the Loan shall be increased by the Additional Incremental Amount, such that following such increase, the aggregate principal amount of the Loan on the Amendment and Restatement Effective Date shall be as set forth in first paragraph of this Note.

  2.3Borrower confirms that, as of the Amendment and Restatement Effective Date but prior to giving effect to this Note, Borrower has paid to Noteholder $10,764,977.13 of principal payments (whether scheduled, optional or mandatory).

  3.Payment Dates; Prepayments.

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  3.1Payment Dates. 

  (a)The aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Loan, all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, and all other amounts payable under this Note shall be due and payable on the Maturity Date, subject to Sections 3.2 or 3.3 or in 2511.

  (b)The Borrower shall repay (or, subject to the terms hereof, has repaid with respect to amounts prior to the Amendment and Restatement Effective Date) the Loan to the Noteholder in installments (each such installment herein referred to as a “Scheduled Amortization Amount”) of (i) from April 20, 2022 to the Amendment and Restatement Effective Date in the amount of $2,100,000 and (ii) following the Amendment and Restatement Effective Date, subject to Section 3.3(c) below, in the amount of $1,489,980.26, in each of sub-clauses (i) and (ii), each such Scheduled Amortization Amount payable on the twentieth calendar day of each month during the term of the Loan; provided, however, if any such payment date is not a Business Day, then the applicable Scheduled Amortization Amount shall be due as set forth in Section 6.3, and with the final Scheduled Amortization Amount to be paid on the Maturity Date, together with the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Loan.  

  3.2Optional Prepayments. The Borrower may prepay the Loan in whole or in part at any time or from time to time by paying on the date of prepayment, the principal amount to be prepaid together with, accrued interest thereon to the date of prepayment, but without premium or penalty. No prepaid amount may be reborrowed.

  1.1Mandatory Repayments. The Borrower shall be required to repay the outstanding principal balance of the Loan, together with any accrued interest thereon and fees hereunder or under the Mortgage upon the occurrence of the following events and in or to the extent of the following amounts (any such repayment, a “Mandatory Repayment”):

  (a)Upon the incurrence of any Debt incurred by the Borrower or any Subsidiary not permitted under Section 9.1, the Borrower shall repay the Loan in an amount equal to the net cash proceeds of such Debt.

  (b)Promptly upon, and in any event within five (5) days of receipt of, any net cash proceeds the Borrower or any Subsidiary receives from the issuance or sale of any debt, equity or hybrid securities (whether issued or sold through a public or private offering but other than the net cash proceeds of the ELOC which is the subject of Section 3.3(c) below), the Borrower shall repay the Loan in the amount of such net cash proceeds received.

  (c)Commencing on August 20, 2022 and continuing on the 20th day of each calendar month thereafter, Borrower shall deliver to Noteholder a duly executed officer’s certificate pursuant to which Borrower certifies and attaches (i) a reasonably detailed calculation of (A) the gross proceeds received from ELOC sales for the period from the 15th day of the prior calendar month to and including the 15th day of the then current calendar month (and for purposes of the first such report on August 20, 2022, for the period from June 15, 2022 to and including August 15, 2022)(each such period, 

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  a “Reporting Period”) and (B) the net cash proceeds received from such ELOC sales during such Reporting Period, and (ii) such other supporting documentation requested by the Noteholder (such certificate, the calculations therein and the documentation attached thereto to be acceptable to Noteholder in all respects).  Concurrently with the delivery of such officer’s certificate, Borrower shall pay Noteholder to repay the Loan in an amount equal to sixty-five percent (65%) of the net cash proceeds received in such Reporting Period (such amount, the “ELOC Payment Amount”).  If the ELOC Payment Amount is less than the Scheduled Amortization Amount due on such date, then, in addition to paying the Noteholder the ELOC Payment Amount, Borrower shall pay Noteholder an additional amount equal to the Scheduled Amortization Amount less the ELOC Payment Amount.  If the ELOC Payment Amount is equal to or greater than the Scheduled Amortization Amount due on such date, then Borrower shall pay Noteholder the ELOC Payment Amount, and Noteholder shall apply the ELOC Payment Amount as follows: (1) first, to pay in full the Scheduled Amortization Amount due on such date and (2) second, to pay the remaining Scheduled Amortization Amounts in inverse order of maturity thereof until paid in full.

  Amounts applied to repay the Loan under clauses (a) and (b) of this Section 3.3 shall be applied to the Scheduled Amortization Amounts set forth in Section 3.1 in inverse order of maturity thereof until paid in full.  Amounts applied to repay the Loan under clause (c) of this Section 3.3 shall be applied as set forth therein until paid in full.  No prepaid amount may be reborrowed.

  4.Mortgage. The Borrower’s performance of its obligations hereunder is secured by a first priority mortgage lien in the real property and other collateral specified in the Mortgage.

  5.Interest.

  5.1Interest Rate. Except as otherwise provided herein, the outstanding principal amount of the Loan made hereunder shall bear interest at the Applicable Rate from the date the Loan was made until the Loan is paid in full, whether at maturity, upon acceleration, by prepayment, or otherwise.

  5.2Interest Payment Dates.  Subject to Section 5.3, accrued and unpaid interest on the Loan shall be payable in arrears to the Noteholder on each Interest Payment Date.

  5.3Default Interest. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the then outstanding principal amount of the Loan shall bear interest at the Default Rate from the date of such non-payment until such amount is paid in full, which interest shall be payable on written demand.

  5.4Computation of Interest. All computations of interest shall be made on the basis of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and the actual number of days elapsed. Interest shall accrue on the Loan on the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on the Loan for the day on which it is paid.

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  5.5Interest Rate Limitation. If at any time and for any reason whatsoever, the interest rate payable on the Loan shall exceed the maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged by the Noteholder to the Borrower under applicable Law, such interest rate shall be reduced automatically to the maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged under applicable Law/that portion of each sum paid attributable to that portion of such interest rate that exceeds the maximum rate of interest permitted by applicable Law shall be deemed a voluntary prepayment of principal.

  5.6[Reserved].

  5.7Commitment Fee.  On the Closing Date, Borrower paid Noteholder a non-refundable commitment fee in immediately available funds in the amount of Two Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($265,000.00), which amount equates to one percent (1.0%) of the Loan funded on the Closing Date.  Such commitment fee was paid from the proceeds of the Loan funded on the Closing Date.  Such commitment fee shall not be subject to counterclaim or setoff or otherwise affected.

  6.Payment Mechanics.

  6.1Manner of Payments. All payments shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America no later than 12:00 PM Pacific Time on the date on which such payment is due (or, in the case of optional prepayments, made) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Noteholder’s account at a bank specified by the Noteholder in writing to the Borrower from time to time.

  6.2Application of Payments. All payments made under this Note shall be applied first to the payment of any fees or charges outstanding hereunder, second to accrued interest, and third to the payment of the principal amount outstanding under the Note as herein provided.

  6.3Business Day Convention. Whenever any payment to be made hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day and such extension will be taken into account in calculating the amount of interest payable under this Note.

  6.4Evidence of Debt. The Noteholder is authorized to record on the grid attached hereto as Exhibit A the Loan made to the Borrower and each payment or prepayment thereof. The entries made by the Noteholder shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations of the Borrower therein recorded; provided, however, that the failure of the Noteholder to record such payments or prepayments, or any inaccuracy therein, shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay (with applicable interest) the Loan in accordance with the terms of this Note.

  6.5Rescission of Payments. If at any time any payment made by the Borrower under this Note is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned upon the insolvency, 

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  bankruptcy, or reorganization of the Borrower or otherwise, the Borrower’s obligation to make such payment shall be reinstated as though such payment had not been made. 

  7.Representations and Warranties. The Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Noteholder on the Original Effective Date, on the Closing Date, on the date the Mortgage and related documentation is delivered to the Noteholder under Section 9.11(b) and on the Amendment and Effective Date, as follows:

  7.1Existence; Power and Authority; Compliance with Laws. The Borrower (a) is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, (b) has the requisite corporate power and authority, and the legal right, to execute and deliver this Note and the other the Loan Documents, and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder, and (c) is in compliance with all Laws, except to the extent that the failure to comply therewith has not had nor could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Each Guarantor (a) is a limited liability company duly formed, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, (b) has the requisite company power and authority, and the legal right, to execute and deliver the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and to perform its obligations thereunder, and (c) is in compliance with all Laws, except to the extent that the failure to comply therewith has not had nor could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  

  7.2Authorization; Execution and Delivery. The execution and delivery of the Loan Documents by the Borrower and each Guarantor and the performance of its obligations hereunder and thereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or company, as applicable, action  in accordance with all applicable Laws. The Borrower and each Guarantor has duly executed and delivered to the Noteholder the Loan Documents to which it is a party.

  7.3No Approvals. No consent or authorization of, filing with, notice to, or other act by, or in respect of, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is required in connection with the extension of credit hereunder or in order for the Borrower or any Guarantor to execute, deliver, or perform any of its obligations under the Loan Documents, except consents, authorizations, filings, and notices have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect. 

  7.4No Violations. The execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents by the Borrower and the Guarantors, and the consummation by the Borrower and the Guarantors of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not and will not (a) violate, in any material respect, any Law applicable to the Borrower or such Guarantor or by which any of its properties or assets may be bound; (b) result in the breach of any Material Contract, or (c) result in, or require, the creation or imposition of any Lien on any of its properties or assets pursuant to any Law applicable to the Borrower or such Guarantor or any such Material Contract by which the Borrower or such Guarantor may be bound, other than the Liens created by the Mortgage.

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  7.5Enforceability. Each of the Loan Documents is a valid, legal, and binding obligation of the Borrower and the Guarantors, enforceable against the Borrower and the Guarantors in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles (whether enforcement is sought by proceedings in equity or at law).

  7.6No Litigation. No action, suit, litigation, investigation, or proceeding of, or before, any arbitrator or Governmental Authority is pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened by or against the Borrower or any Guarantor or any of its property or assets (a) with respect any of the Loan Documents or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or (b) that have had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

  7.7PATRIOT Act; Anti-Money Laundering. The Borrower and each Guarantor is, and to the knowledge of the Borrower, their respective directors, officers, employees, and agents are, in compliance in all material respects with the PATRIOT Act, and any other applicable terrorism and money laundering laws, rules, regulations, and orders.

  7.8Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. The Borrower and each Guarantor has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance in all material respects by the Borrower, such Guarantor and their respective directors, officers, employees, and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions and the Borrower and each Guarantor is, and to the knowledge of the Borrower, their respective directors, officers, employees, and agents are, in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects. None of the Borrower or any Guarantor is, and to the knowledge of the Borrower, no director, officer, employee of the Borrower or any Guarantor, or any agent of the Borrower or any Guarantor that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the Loan, is a Sanctioned Person. No use of proceeds of the Loan or other transaction contemplated by this Note will violate any Anti-Corruption Law or applicable Sanctions.

  1.1No Default. No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

  1.2Ownership of Property; Liens. 300 Jones Road has fee simple title to, or a valid leasehold interest in, the Property, and good title to, or a valid leasehold interest in, all of its other property, and none of such property is subject to any Lien except as permitted by Section 9.2.

  1.3Insurance. The properties of the Borrower and the Guarantors are insured with financially sound and reputable insurance companies which are not Affiliates of the Borrower or any Guarantor, in such amounts, with such deductibles, and covering such risks as are customarily carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties in localities where the Borrower and the Guarantors respectively operate.  The insurance policies with respect to the Property shall name the Noteholder as an additional insured and lenders loss payee.

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  1.4Material Contracts. Neither the Borrower nor any Guarantor is in breach or in default in any material respect of or under any Material Contract beyond any express applicable notice and opportunity to cure period, and has not received any written notice of the intention of any other party thereto to terminate any Material Contract.

  1.5Financial Statements. Complete copies of the Borrower’s audited financial statements consisting of the balance sheet of the Borrower as at December 31 of each of the years 2020 and 2019 and the related statements of income and retained earnings, stockholders’ equity and cash flow for the years then ended (the “Audited Financial Statements”), and unaudited financial statements consisting of the balance sheet of the Borrower as at September 30, 2021 and the respective related statements of income and retained earnings, stockholders’ equity and cash flow for the three and nine-month periods then ended (the “Interim Financial Statements” and together with the Audited Financial Statements, the “Financial Statements”) have been filed with filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis as at the dates and throughout the periods involved, subject, in the case of the Interim Financial Statements, to normal and recurring year-end adjustments (the effect of which will not be materially adverse) and the absence of notes (that, if presented, would not differ materially from those presented in the Audited Financial Statements). The Financial Statements are based on the books and records of the Borrower, and fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the Borrower as of the respective dates with respect to which they were prepared and the results of the operations of the Borrower for the periods indicated.  At the Original Effective Date and the Amendment and Restated Effective Date, the Borrower has no material Debt or other liabilities, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise, and whether due or to become due, that are not set forth on the Financial Statements or otherwise disclosed in public filings with the SEC.  Since the last day of the latest fiscal period covered by the Financial Statements, no event or circumstance has occurred which has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

  1.6Taxes; ERISA. 

  (a)The Borrower has filed all material Federal, state, and other material tax returns that are required to be filed and has paid all material taxes shown thereon to be due, together with applicable interest and penalties, and all other material taxes, fees, or other charges imposed on it or any of its property by any Governmental Authority (except those that are currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and with respect to which reserves in conformity with GAAP have been provided on the books of the Borrower). To the knowledge of the Borrower, no material tax Lien has been filed, and no material claim is being asserted, with respect to any such tax, fee, or other charge.

  (b)ERISA. Except to the extent any failure to so comply has not resulted in nor could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect:

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  (i)Each Plan is in compliance with ERISA, the Code and any Law in all material respects; neither a Reportable Event nor an “accumulated funding deficiency” (within the meaning of §412 or §430 of the Code or §302 of ERISA) has occurred (or is reasonably likely to occur) with respect to any Plan. 

  (ii)No Single Employer Plan has terminated, and no Lien has been incurred in favor of the PBGC or a Plan. 

  (iii)Based on the assumptions used to fund each Single Employer Plan, the present value of all accrued benefits under each such Plan did not materially exceed the value of the assets of such Plan allocable to such accrued benefit as of the last annual valuation date prior to the date on which this representation is made. 

  (iv)Neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred or is reasonably expected to incur any withdrawal liability that has resulted in or could reasonably be expected to result in a material liability under ERISA, in connection with any Multiemployer Plan. 

  (v)No such Multiemployer Plan is (or is reasonably expected to be) terminated, in Reorganization, or insolvent (within the meaning of §4245 of ERISA).

  1.2Margin Regulations. Neither the Borrower nor any Guarantor is engaged in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, and no proceeds of the Loan will be used to purchase or carry any Margin Stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock.

  1.7Investment Company Act. Neither the Borrower nor any Guarantor is, nor is it required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

  1.8Accuracy of Information, Etc. The Borrower has disclosed to the Noteholder in writing all agreements, instruments, and corporate or other restrictions to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is subject, and all other matters known to it that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No statement or information contained in this Note, any other Loan Document, or any other document, certificate, or statement furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower to the Noteholder, for use in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Note or the other Loan Documents, when taken as a whole, contained, any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary to make the statement contained herein or therein not misleading. 

  1.9Mortgage. The Mortgage creates in favor of the Noteholder a legal, valid, continuing, and enforceable first priority mortgage Lien on the Property and other collateral 

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  described therein, the enforceability of which is subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.  The Borrower owns all of the assets reflected in the consolidated balance sheet of Borrower as of the balance sheet date or acquired since that date (except property and assets sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course since that date). 300 Jones Road owns the Property subject to no rights of others, including any mortgages, leases pursuant to which 300 Jones Road or any of its Affiliates is the lessee, conditional sales agreements, title retention agreements, liens or other monetary encumbrances except Permitted Liens.

  1.10Solvency. The Borrower and each Guarantor is, and after giving effect to the incurrence of all Debt and obligations incurred in connection herewith will be, Solvent.

  1.11Environmental Representations and Warranties.  Subject to Section 9.11(b), Borrower and 300 Jones Road represents and warrants that: (a) except as described in the Environmental Report, there are no Hazardous Materials or underground storage tanks in, on, or under the Property, except those that are both (i) in compliance with current Environmental Laws and with permits issued pursuant thereto (if such permits are required), and (ii) either (A) in amounts not in excess of that necessary to operate, clean, repair and maintain the Property, or (B) held by a tenant for sale to the public in its ordinary course of business, (b) except as described in the Environmental Report, there are no past, present or threatened Releases of Hazardous Materials in violation of any Environmental Law and which would require remediation by a Governmental Authority, Borrower, any Guarantor or any other Person in, on, under or from the Property; (c) except as described in the Environmental Report, there is no threat of any release of Hazardous Materials migrating to the Property; (d) except as described in the Environmental Report, there is no past or present non-compliance with current Environmental Laws, or with permits issued pursuant thereto, in connection with the Property; (e) Borrower does not know of, and has not received (nor has any Guarantor received), any written or oral notice or other communication from any Person (including but not limited to a Governmental Authority) relating to Hazardous Materials in, on, under or from the Property; and (f) Borrower has truthfully and fully provided to Noteholder, in writing, any and all information relating to environmental conditions in, on, under or from the Property known to Borrower or any Guarantor or contained in Borrower’s or Guarantor’s files and records, including but not limited to any reports relating to Hazardous Materials in, on, under or migrating to or from the Property and/or to the environmental condition of the Property).

  8.Affirmative Covenants. Until all amounts outstanding under this Note have been paid in full in cash, the Borrower shall, and shall cause the Guarantor to:

  8.1Maintenance of Existence. (a) Preserve, renew, and maintain in full force and effect its organizational existence and (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges, and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, and 

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  except, as in the case of clause (b) above, to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

  8.2Compliance. (a) Comply with all Laws applicable to it and its business, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (b) use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to achieve compliance in all material respects by the Borrower and the Guarantors and each of their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.

  8.3Payment Obligations. Pay, discharge, or otherwise satisfy at or before maturity or before they become delinquent, as the case may be, all its material obligations of whatever nature, except where the amount or validity thereof is currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and reserves in conformity with GAAP with respect thereto have been provided on its books.

  8.4Notice of Events of Default; Litigation. As soon as possible and in any event within two (2) Business Days after it becomes aware, notify the Noteholder in writing, (a) that an Event of Default has occurred, which notice shall include the nature and extent of such Event of Default and the action, if any, it has taken or proposes to take with respect to such Event of Default; (b) of any development or event that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or (c) of the threat , in writing, of or filing of any action, suit, litigation, investigation, or proceeding of, or before, any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against the Borrower or any Guarantor or relating to any of their respective assets.  Each notice pursuant to this Section 8.4 shall be accompanied by a statement of an authorized officer of the Borrower or, as applicable, such Guarantor setting forth, in reasonable detail, the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower or, as applicable, such Guarantor proposes to take with respect thereto.

  1.12[Reserved].  

  1.13Maintenance of Property; Insurance. Maintain and preserve all of its property useful and necessary in its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted; maintain insurance with respect to its property and business (including without limitation, property and casualty and business interruption insurance) with financially sound and reputable insurance companies that are not Affiliates of the Borrower or any Guarantor, in such amounts and covering such risks as are customarily insured against by similar companies engaged in the same or a similar business.

  1.14Inspection of Property’ Books and Records; Discussions. Keep proper books of records and accounts, in which full, true, and correct entries in conformity with GAAP and all Laws shall be made of all dealings and transactions and assets in relation to its business and activities, and permit the Noteholder to visit and inspect any of its properties and examine and make abstracts from any of its books and records, at reasonable times and on reasonable advance written notice, and to discuss its business operations, properties, and 

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  financial and other condition with its officers and employees and its independent certified public accountants. 

  1.15Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of the Loan to solely working capital and general corporate purposes for the Borrower and, to the extent permitted hereunder, any of its Subsidiaries.

  1.16Financial Statements; Projections.

  (a)As soon as available and in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, the Borrower shall deliver to the Noteholder complete copies of the Borrower’s audited financial statements consisting of the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower as at the dates and the related consolidated statements of income and retained earnings, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal year then-ended.

  (b)As soon as available and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower, the Borrower shall deliver to the Noteholder unaudited financial statements consisting of the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower as at such fiscal quarter end and the related consolidated statements of income and retained earnings, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the period then-ended and for the fiscal year to such period end date.

  The financial statements to be delivered under this Section 8.9 shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis as at the dates and throughout the period involved, subject, in the case of the interim financial statements delivered under clause (b) hereof, to normal and recurring year-end adjustments (the effect of which will not be materially adverse) and the absence of notes (that, if presented, would not differ materially from those presented in the audited financial statements delivered under clause (a) above).  Concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements set forth in clauses (a) and (b) above, the Chief Financial Officer of the Borrower shall certify to the Noteholder that such financial statements were prepared in compliance with this Section 8.9.

  All of the foregoing statements and reports shall be in form, scope and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Noteholder.

  1.17Further Assurances. Upon the written request of the Noteholder, promptly execute and deliver such further instruments and do or cause to be done such further acts as the Noteholder determines may be reasonably necessary or advisable to carry out the intent and purposes of this Note, the Guaranty, the Mortgage and the other Loan Documents; and provide the Noteholder with reasonable requested information.

  9.Negative Covenants. Until all amounts outstanding under this Note have been paid in full in cash, the Borrower shall not and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to:

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  9.1Indebtedness. Incur, create or assume any Debt other than Debt (a) existing or arising under this Note; (b) that was outstanding as of Original Effective Date and identified on Schedule 9.1(b) attached hereto, and any refinancings thereof, provided that the amount of such Debt is not increased at the time of refinancing thereof; (c) that when incurred is secured solely by existing or future mining equipment; provided, however, that the aggregate amount of such Debt outstanding and secured solely by such mining equipment shall not exceed One Hundred Forty-Five Million Four Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($145,400,000.00) immediately following the incurrence of any such Debt pursuant to this clause (c); (d) constituting trade debt payables incurred in the ordinary course of business and not past due; (e) constituting purchase money Debt secured only by the asset being acquired with such Debt or securing assets purchased in the 60 day period prior to the incurrence of the Debt in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed Two Million and No/100 Dollars ($2,000,000.00); or (f) that is incurred in connection with the financing of insurance premiums so long as the amount of such Debt is not in excess of the amount of the unpaid cost of, and shall be incurred only to defer the cost of, such insurance for the year in which such Debt is incurred and such Debt is outstanding only during such year.

  9.2Liens. Other than Permitted Liens, incur, create, assume or suffer to exist any Lien on any of its property or assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by it or on any income or rights in respect of any thereof, except for Liens existing as of Original Effective Date and identified on Schedule 9.2 attached hereto securing Debt identified on Schedule 9.1(b) attached hereto and Liens created pursuant to the Mortgage.

  9.3Line of Business. Enter into any business, directly or indirectly, except for those businesses in which the Borrower or, as applicable, the Guarantors are engaged on the Original Effective Date or that are reasonably related thereto.

  1.18Mergers. Merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, unless the Borrower is the continuing or surviving Person, or liquidate or dissolve.

  1.19Limitation of Investments. Make any advance, loan, extension of credit (by way of guaranty or otherwise), or capital contribution to, or purchase, hold, or acquire any Equity Interests, bonds, notes, debentures, or other debt securities of, or any assets constituting a business unit of, or make any other investment in, any Person (all of the foregoing, “Investments”), except:

  (a)to any Subsidiary of the Borrower whether now existing or hereafter formed or acquired; 

  (b)Investments in Cash Equivalents;

  (c)Investments existing on Original Effective Date and listed on Schedule 9.5(c);

  (d)Guarantees permitted by Section 9.1; and

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  (e)Extensions of trade credit in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice (including any instrument evidencing the same and any instrument, security, or other asset acquired through bona fide collection efforts with respect to the same).

  1.20Limitation on Dispositions. Dispose of (a) all or substantially all of its property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or (b) the Property, except to the extent expressly permitted under the terms of the Mortgage.

  1.2Limitation on Restricted Payments. Declare or pay any dividend on, or make any payment on account of, or set apart assets for a sinking or other analogous fund for, the purchase, redemption, defeasance, retirement, or other acquisition of, any Equity Interests of/in the Borrower, whether now or hereafter outstanding, or make any other distribution in respect thereof, either directly or indirectly, whether in cash or property or in obligations of the Borrower.

  1.21Limitation on Prepayments of Debt. Make or offer to make any optional or voluntary payment / prepayment, redemption, defeasance or purchase of any (whether principal or interest) amounts payable of or under any Debt which is contractually subordinated in right of payment to the obligations of the Borrower hereunder (other than to the Noteholder under this Note).

  1.22Limitation on Transactions With Affiliates. Enter into or be a party to any transaction including any purchase, sale, lease, or exchange of property, the rendering of any service, or the payment of any management, advisory, or similar fees, with any Affiliate, unless (a) such transaction is between the Borrower and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower, (b) such transaction is between wholly-owned Subsidiaries of the Borrower, or (c) such transaction is contemplated as of the Original Effective Date and identified on Schedule 9.9 attached hereto; in each of clauses (a)(but solely to the extent such wholly-owned Subsidiary is not a Guarantor), (b)(but solely to the extent one or more parties to such transaction is not a Guarantor) and (c), so long as such transaction is on fair and reasonable terms no less favorable to the Borrower or, as applicable, the applicable Guarantor (or the Borrower and the applicable Guarantor in the aggregate) than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction on an arm’s length basis from an unrelated Person; and, further, in each of clauses (a), (b) and (c) so long as such transaction is otherwise not prohibited by the terms of this Note.

  1.23Modifications of Certain Agreements.  Amend, restate, supplement or otherwise modified in any manner any Material Contract or any agreement evidencing Debt for borrowed money in any manner adverse to the Noteholder.

  1.24Post-Closing Obligations.  Fail to complete the following post-closing obligations and/or provide the Noteholder the documents, instruments, agreements and information listed below on or before the date set forth for such item listed below, each of which shall be completed or provided in form, scope and substance satisfactory to the Noteholder:

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  (a)On or prior to the date that is ten (10) days after the Original Effective Date (or such later date agreed to in writing by the Noteholder), deliver to the Noteholder insurance certificates and endorsements in compliance with Section 7.11.

  (b)On or prior to the date that is thirty (30) days after the Original Effective Date (or such later date agreed to in writing by the Noteholder), deliver to the Noteholder an executed and filed Mortgage (which upon filing shall give rise to perfected, first priority Liens in favor of the Noteholder in the Property), a binding title commitment and pro forma title policy, customary opinion letters with respect to the Mortgage (including opinions under New York and Delaware law as to authorization, execution, delivery and enforceability (to the extent governed by New York law) and opinions under South Carolina law, all in form, scope and substance satisfactory to the Noteholder) and such other documentation requested by the Noteholder, including the documentation identified in Section 12(b)(iii).  The Borrower shall use diligent efforts to secure the binding title policy as soon as practicable thereafter and in any event within sixty (60) days after the Original Effective Date.

  (c)On or prior to the date that is thirty (30) days after the Amendment and Restatement Effective Date (or such later date agreed to in writing by the Noteholder), deliver to the Noteholder such documents, instruments and agreements requested by the Noteholder, including an executed and record amendment to the Mortgage, and customary opinion letters with respect to the Mortgage (including opinions under New York and Delaware law as to authorization, execution, delivery and enforceability (to the extent governed by New York law) and opinions under South Carolina law, all in form, scope and substance satisfactory to the Noteholder.

  10.Events of Default. The occurrence any of the following shall constitute an “Event of Default” hereunder:

  10.1Failure to Pay. The Borrower fails to pay any principal amount of the Loan or interest, fees or any other amount under any of the Loan Documents when due.

  10.2Breach of Representations and Warranties. Any representation, warranty, certification, or other statement of fact made or deemed made by the Borrower or any Guarantor to the Noteholder hereunder or in the other Loan Documents or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder is incorrect in any material respect on the date as of which such representation or warranty was made or deemed made.

  10.3Breach of Covenants. The Borrower or any Guarantor fails to observe or perform (a) any material covenant, condition, or agreement contained in 188.4, Section 8.9 or Section 9 of this Note or (b) any other material covenant, obligation, condition, or agreement contained in the Fee Letter, the Guaranty, the Mortgage, this Note or any other Loan Document, other than those specified in clause (a) above or as specifically provided for 

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  elsewhere in this Section 10, and such failure continues for thirty (30) days after written notice to the Borrower. 

  10.4Cross-Defaults. The Borrower or any Guarantor  (a) fails to pay when due any of its Debt having an aggregate principal amount of more than $5,000,000 (other than Debt arising under this Note), or any interest or premium thereon, when due and such failure continues after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in the agreement or instrument relating to such Debt, or (b) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Debt, or any other event occurs that would constitute a default under such Debt, the effect of which default is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Debt (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with or without the giving of notice, such Debt to become due or prepaid prior to its scheduled maturity.

  10.5Bankruptcy.

  (a)The Borrower or any Guarantor commences any case, proceeding, or other action (i) under any existing or future Law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, or other relief of debtors, seeking to have an order for relief entered with respect to it, or seeking to adjudicate it as bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, winding-up, liquidation, dissolution, composition, or other relief with respect to it or its debts or (ii) seeking appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, or other similar official for it or for all or any substantial part of its assets, or the Borrower or any Guarantor makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; 

  (b)There is commenced against the Borrower or any Guarantor any case, proceeding, or other action of a nature referred to in 2310.5(a) which (i) results in the entry of an order for relief or any such adjudication or appointment or (ii) remains undismissed, undischarged, or unbonded for a period of sixty (60) days; 

  (c)There is commenced against the Borrower or any Guarantor any case, proceeding, or other action seeking issuance of a warrant of attachment, execution, or similar process against all or any substantial part of its assets which results in the entry of an order for any such relief which has not been vacated, discharged, or stayed or bonded pending appeal within thirty (30) days from the entry thereof; 

  (d)The Borrower or any Guarantor takes any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any of the acts set forth in 2310.5(a), 2310.5(b), or 2310.5(c) above; or

  (e)The Borrower or any Guarantor is generally not, or shall be unable to, or admits in writing its inability to, pay its debts as they become due.

  10.6 ERISA. (a) The Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate shall engage in any “prohibited transaction” (as defined in §406 of ERISA or §4975 of the Code) involving any 

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  Plan; (b) any failure to satisfy the minimum funding standard (within the meaning of Sections §412 or §430 of the Code or §302 of ERISA) shall exist with respect to any Plan, or any Lien in favor of the PBGC or a Plan shall arise on the assets of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate; (c) a Reportable Event shall occur with respect to, or proceedings shall commence to have a trustee appointed, or a trustee shall be appointed, to administer or to terminate, any Single Employer Plan of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate, which Reportable Event or commencement of proceedings or appointment of trustee is, in the reasonable opinion of the Noteholder, reasonably likely to result in the termination of such Plan for purposes of Title IV of ERISA; (d) any Single Employer Plan of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate shall terminate for purposes of Title IV of ERISA; or (e) the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate shall reasonably be likely to, incur any liability in connection with a withdrawal from, or the Insolvency or Reorganization of, a Multiemployer Plan; and in each case in clauses (a) through (e) above, such event or condition, together with all other such events or conditions, if any, could, in the Noteholder’s sole judgment, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

  1.25Mortgage; Loan Documents. (a) The Mortgage ceases for any reason to be valid, binding, and in full force and effect or any Lien created by the Mortgage ceases to be enforceable and of the same effect and priority purported to be created thereby (i.e., a perfected first priority Lien on the collateral thereunder), or an event of default occurs under any Loan Document not otherwise described in this Section 10, other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder; (b) any material provision of any Loan Document ceases for any reason to be valid, binding, and in full force and effect, other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder; (c) the Borrower or any Guarantor contests in any manner the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Loan Document to which it is a party; or (d) the Borrower or any Guarantor denies that it has any further liability or obligation under any provision of any Loan Document to which it is a party or purports to revoke, terminate, or rescind any provision of any Loan Document to which it is a party.

  1.1Change of Control. A Change of Control occurs.

  1.1Material Adverse Effect.  The occurrence of a Material Adverse Effect.

  1.2Judgments. One or more judgments or decrees shall be entered against the Borrower or any Guarantor in an aggregate amount for all such judgments exceeding One Million and No/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00) and all of such judgments or decrees shall not have been vacated, discharged, or stayed or bonded pending appeal within thirty (30) days from the entry thereof.

  1.3Liens of Property.  The Property becomes subject to any mechanic’s, materialman’s or other Lien, other than a Lien for local real estate taxes and assessments not then due and payable, and such Lien shall remain undischarged of record (by payment, bonding or otherwise) for a period of sixty (60) days; or any federal tax Lien or state or local income tax Lien is filed against Borrower, Guarantor or the Property and same is not discharged of record within sixty (60) days after same is filed. 

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  11.Remedies. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Noteholder may, at its option, by written notice to the Borrower (a) declare the entire principal amount of the Loan, together with all accrued interest thereon, all fees hereunder and all other amounts payable under this Note, the Mortgage and/or the other Loan Documents, immediately due and payable; and/or (b) exercise any or all of its rights, powers or remedies under this Note, the Mortgage, the other Loan Documents or applicable Law or in equity; provided, however, that if an Event of Default described in 2310.5 shall occur, the principal of and accrued interest on the Loan and all the other fees and amounts hereunder and under the other Loan Documents shall become immediately due and payable without any notice, declaration, or other act on the part of the Noteholder.  Borrower hereby waives grace, diligence, presentment, demand, notice of demand, dishonor, notice of dishonor, protest, notice of protest, any and all exemption rights against the indebtedness evidenced by this Note and the right to plead any statute of limitations as a defense to the repayment of all or any portion of this Note, and interest thereon, to the fullest extent allowed by law.  No delay, omission or failure on the part of Noteholder in exercising any right or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver of such right or remedy or any other right or remedy of Noteholder.  

  1.Conditions Precedent.  

  (a)On or prior to the Original Effective Date, the Noteholder shall have received:

  (i)this Note, duly executed and delivered by an authorized officer of the Borrower;

  (ii)each Guaranty, duly executed and delivered by an authorized officer of the applicable Guarantor;

  (iii)the Fee Letter, duly executed and delivered by an authorized officer of the Borrower;

  (iv)in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Noteholder, a certificate of the Borrower and of each Guarantor, certified by an authorized officer of the Borrower and such Guarantor, including:

  (A)a certificate of incorporation of the Borrower and the applicable Guarantor certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware;

  (B)by-laws of the Borrower and operating agreement of the applicable Guarantor, each as in effect on the date on which the resolutions referred to below were adopted;

  (C)resolutions of the governing body of the Borrower and the applicable Guarantor approving the transaction and each Loan Document to which it is or is to be a party, and of all documents evidencing other necessary corporate action;

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  (D)a certification that the names, titles, and signatures of the officers of the Borrower and each Guarantor authorized to sign each Loan Document and other documents to be delivered hereunder and thereunder are true and correct; 

  (E)a long-form good standing certificate for the Borrower and each Guarantor from the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware;

  (F)customary legal opinions of counsel to the Borrower and each Guarantor in form, scope and substance satisfactory to the Noteholder;

  (G)a certification that each of the representations and warranties made by the Borrower and the Guarantors in or pursuant to the Loan Documents are true and correct as of the Original Effective Date;

  (H)a certification that no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on such date or after giving effect to the Loan requested to be made on the Closing Date (assuming the Original Effective Date is the same date as of the Closing Date); and

  (I)such other documents as the Noteholder may reasonably request; and

  (ii)Payment of all fees required to be paid to the Noteholder or any of its Affiliates and payment of all expenses for which invoices have been presented (including the fees and expenses of legal counsel), on or before the Original Effective Date.

  (b)The obligation of the Noteholder to make the Loan required to be made by it hereunder on the Closing Date is subject to the satisfaction or the waiver by the Noteholder of the following conditions precedent:

  (i)Noteholder shall have received the documents set forth in paragraph (a) above;

  (ii)Subject to Section 9.11(a), Noteholder shall have received certificates evidencing that the Noteholder is named as mortgagee, lender loss payee and additional insured, as applicable, on all policies of insurance as required by this Note;

  (iii)subject to Section 9.11(b), Noteholder shall have received the following documents related to the Mortgage of the Property, all of which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Noteholder:

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  (A)Mortgage, duly executed and delivered by an authorized officer of 300 Jones Road, recorded, with applicable filing fees and mortgage recording taxes paid, title insurance policy issued and applicable premium paid;

  (B)Appraisals of the Property in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Noteholder, reflecting the Appraised Value for such Property;

  (C)A true copy of any management agreement, if any, relating to such Property, which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Noteholder, together with other material contracts relating to the use, occupancy, operation, maintenance, enjoyment and ownership of such Property, in each case, with respect to which the Borrower, a Guarantor or any respective Subsidiary is a party, all of which such contracts shall be collaterally assigned to Noteholder;

  (D)The Property qualification documents including Description of Property, Survey and Taxes, Title Insurance, UCC Certification, Leases, Certificates of Insurance, Zoning and Land Use Compliance, Appraisal and Environmental Disclosure, if applicable, as of the Closing Date shall have been delivered to the Noteholder at Borrower's expense and shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Noteholder; 

  (E)customary opinion letters from counsel to the Borrower and 300 Jones Road, including opinion letters addressing New York, Delaware and South Carolina law matters; and

  (F)such other documents as the Noteholder may request;

  (i)a certification that each of the representations and warranties made by the Borrower and each Guarantor in or pursuant to the Loan Documents are true and correct on the Closing Date; 

  (ii)a certification that no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on such date or after giving effect to the Loan requested to be made on the Closing Date; and  

  (iii)Payment of all fees required to be paid to the Noteholder or any of its Affiliates and payment of all expenses for which invoices have been presented (including the fees and expenses of legal counsel), on or before the Closing Date.

  (b)On or prior to the Amendment and Restatement Effective Date, the Noteholder shall have received:

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  (iv)this Note, duly executed and delivered by an authorized officer of the Borrower;

  (v)an Acknowledgment of Guarantor Obligations Under Guaranty, duly executed and delivered by an authorized officer of the applicable Guarantor;

  (vi)the Fee Letter, duly executed and delivered by an authorized officer of the Borrower;

  (vii)in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Noteholder, a certificate of the Borrower and of each Guarantor, certified by an authorized officer of the Borrower and such Guarantor, including:

  (A)a certificate of incorporation of the Borrower and the applicable Guarantor certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware;

  (B)by-laws of the Borrower and operating agreement of the applicable Guarantor, each as in effect on the date on which the resolutions referred to below were adopted;

  (C)resolutions of the governing body of the Borrower and the applicable Guarantor approving the transaction and each Loan Document to which it is or is to be a party, and of all documents evidencing other necessary corporate action;

  (D)a certification that the names, titles, and signatures of the officers of the Borrower and each Guarantor authorized to sign each Loan Document and other documents to be delivered hereunder and thereunder are true and correct; 

  (E)a long-form good standing certificate for the Borrower and each Guarantor from the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware;

  (F)subject to Section 9.11(c), customary legal opinions of counsel to the Borrower and each Guarantor in form, scope and substance satisfactory to the Noteholder, to include, without limitation, a continued perfection opinion with respect to the Collateral (including the Mortgage);

  (G)a certification that each of the representations and warranties made by the Borrower and the Guarantors in or pursuant to the Loan Documents are true and correct as of the Original Effective Date and as of the Amendment and Restatement Effective Date;

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  (H)a certification that no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the Original Effective Date and on the Amendment and Restatement Effective Date; and

  (I)such other documents as the Noteholder may reasonably request; and

  (iii)Payment of all fees required to be paid to the Noteholder or any of its Affiliates and payment of all expenses for which invoices have been presented (including the fees and expenses of legal counsel), on or before the Amendment and Restatement Effective Date.

  2.Miscellaneous.

  1.26Notices.

  (a)All notices, requests, or other communications required or permitted to be delivered hereunder shall be delivered in writing, in each case to the address specified below or to such other address as such Party may from time to time specify in writing in compliance with this provision: 

  (i)If to the Borrower:

  Greenidge Generation Holdings Inc.

  135 Rennell Drive, 3rd Floor

  Fairfield, CT  06890

  Attention: General Counsel

  Email: tburke@greenidge.com

   

  With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):

  King & Spalding LLP

  300 S Tryon Street Suite 1700

  Charlotte, NC  28202

  Attention: Christopher T. Buchanan

  Telephone: (704) 503 2602

  Email: cbuchanan@kslaw.com

   

   

  (ii)If to the Noteholder:

  11100 Santa Monica Blvd Ste 800, Los Angeles, CA 90025

  Attn: General Counsel

  Telephone: (310) 966-1444

  Email: legal@brileyfin.com

   

  With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):

  Duane Morris LLP

  1540 Broadway

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  New York, NY 10036

  Attn: James T. Seery

  Telephone: (973) 424-2088

  Email: JTSeery@duanemorris.com

  (b)Notices if (i) mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by hand or overnight courier service shall be deemed to have been given when received; and (iii) sent by email shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgment from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return email, or other written acknowledgment). 

  1.27Expenses; Indemnification. 

  (b)The Borrower shall reimburse the Noteholder on demand for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs, expenses, and fees (including reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses and fees of its counsel) incurred by the Noteholder in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby including the negotiation, documentation, and execution of this Note, the Fee Letter, each Guaranty, the Mortgage and the other Loan Documents and the enforcement of the Noteholder’s rights hereunder and thereunder, plus disbursements for searches, recording and similar expenses.

  (c)The Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Noteholder and each of its Related Parties (each, an “Indemnified Party”) from and against, any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and related expenses (including the fees, charges, and expenses of any counsel for any Indemnified Party, and shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Party from all allocated costs of internal counsel for such Indemnified Party), incurred by any Indemnified Party or asserted against any Indemnified Party by any Person (including the Borrower ) other than such Indemnified Party and its Related Parties arising out of, in connection with, or by reason of:

  (viii)the execution or delivery of this Note, the Fee Letter, a Guaranty, the Mortgage and any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated in this Note, the Fee Letter, a Guaranty, the Mortgage or any other Loan Document, the performance by the parties thereto of their respective obligations under this Note, the Fee Letter, a Guaranty, the Mortgage or any other Loan Document, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Note, the Fee Letter, a Guaranty, the Mortgage and the other Loan Documents;

  (ix)any Loan or the actual or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom;

  (x)any actual or alleged presence or release of hazardous materials on or from any property currently or formerly owned or operated by the Borrower or 

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  any Guarantor, or any environmental liability related to the Borrower or any Guarantor in any way; or

  (xi)any actual or prospective claim, investigation, litigation, or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort, or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by the Borrower or any Guarantor, and regardless of whether any Indemnified Party is a party thereto;

  provided that, such indemnity shall not be available to any Indemnified Party to the extent that such claims, damages, losses, liabilities, or related expenses (A) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Party, (B) result from a claim brought by the Borrower against any Indemnified Party for breach in bad faith of such Indemnified Party’s obligations under any Loan Document or (C) arise in connection with claims solely among the Indemnified Parties. This Section 13.2 shall only apply to Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, or similar charges arising from a non-Tax claim.

  (d)The Borrower and the Noteholder agree, by its acceptance hereof, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, not to assert, and hereby waive, any claim against the other, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential, or punitive damages (including, without limitation, any loss of profits or anticipated savings), as opposed to actual or direct damages, resulting from this Note, the Fee Letter, a Guaranty, the Mortgage or the other Loan Documents or arising out of such  other party’s activities in connection herewith or therewith (whether before or after the date of this Note).

  (e)All amounts due under Section 13.2 shall be payable not later than two (2) Business Days after written demand is made for payment by the Noteholder.

  (f)The Borrower agrees to not settle, compromise, or consent to the entry of any judgment in any pending or threatened claim, action, or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution could be sought under Section 13.2 (whether or not any Indemnified Party is an actual or potential party to such claim, action, or proceeding) without the prior written consent of the applicable Indemnified Party, unless such settlement, compromise, or consent includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such claim, action, or proceeding.

  1.28Governing Law. This Note, the Fee Letter, each Guaranty, the Mortgage (except with respect to the creation, perfection and enforcement of the Lien created by the Mortgage, which shall be governed by the Laws of the State of South Carolina) and the other Loan Documents, and any claim, controversy, dispute, or cause of action (whether in contract or tort or otherwise) based upon, arising out of, or relating thereto and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

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  1.29Submission to Jurisdiction. 

  (c)The Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agrees that any legal action, suit, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Note, the Fee Letter or the Mortgage may be brought in the courts of the State of New York or of the United States of America for the Southern District of New York and (ii) submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any such court in any such action, suit, or proceeding. Final judgment against the Borrower in any action, suit, or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction by suit on the judgment. 

  (d)Nothing in this Section 13.4 shall affect the right of the Noteholder to (i) commence legal proceedings or otherwise sue the Borrower in any other court having jurisdiction over the Borrower or (ii) to serve process upon the Borrower in any manner authorized by the laws of any such jurisdiction.

  1.30Venue. The Borrower irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Note, the Fee Letter, the Guaranty, the Mortgage or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in Section 13.4 and the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

  1.31Waiver of Jury Trial. THE BORROWER AND, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, THE NOTEHOLDER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY RELATING TO THIS NOTE, THE MORTGAGE, OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER THEORY. 

  1.32Integration. This Note, the Fee Letter, the Guaranty, the Mortgage and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire contract between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, with respect thereto. 

  1.33Successors and Assigns. This Note may not be assigned or transferred by the Noteholder to any Person other than (a) an Affiliate of the Noteholder, or (b) so long as no Event of Default is then continuing, any other Person (other than a natural person) in the business of making loans and other extensions of credit with the consent of the Borrower (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed and which consent shall be deemed granted five (5) Business Days after the Noteholder has provided the Borrower a copy of the proposed assignment agreement for approval, unless the Borrower shall object thereto by written notice to the Noteholder within five (5) Business Days after having received notice thereof and provide in such written notice the basis for such objection, or (c) to any financing source of the Noteholder in any bankruptcy or foreclosure proceeding against the Noteholder.  The Noteholder may pledge this Note and grant security interests 

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  herein to any financing source of the Noteholder.  The Borrower may not assign or transfer this Note or any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Noteholder.  This Note shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the Parties and their permitted assigns.

  1.34Waiver of Notice. The Borrower hereby waives demand for payment, presentment for payment, protest, notice of payment, notice of dishonor, notice of nonpayment, notice of acceleration of maturity, and diligence in taking any action to collect sums owing hereunder.

  1.35PATRIOT Act. The Noteholder hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the PATRIOT Act and 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230 (the “Beneficial Ownership Regulation”), it is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow the Noteholder to identify the Borrower in accordance with the PATRIOT Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, and the Borrower agrees to provide such information from time to time to the Noteholder. 

  1.36Amendments and Waivers. No term of this Note may be waived, modified, or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by both of the Parties. Any waiver of the terms hereof shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose given.

  1.37Headings. The headings of the various Sections and subsections herein are for reference only and shall not define, modify, expand, or limit any of the terms or provisions hereof.

  1.38No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies. No failure to exercise, and no delay in exercising on the part of the Noteholder, of any right, remedy, power, or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power, or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power, or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers, and privileges herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers, and privileges provided by law.

  1.39Electronic Execution. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of similar import in the Note shall be deemed to include electronic or digital signatures or electronic records, each of which shall be of the same effect, validity, and enforceability as manually executed signatures or a paper-based record-keeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for under applicable law, including the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act of 2000 (15 U.S.C. §§ 7001 to 7031), the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), or any state law based on the UETA, including the New York Electronic Signatures and Records Act (N.Y. State Tech. §§ 301 to 309). 

  1.40Severability. If any term or provision of this Note, the Fee Letter or the Mortgage is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or 

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  unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Note, the Fee Letter or the Mortgage or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. 

  1.41Amendment and Restatement. This Note amends and restates, replaces and supersedes that certain Bridge Promissory Note in the principal amount of $26,500,000 made by Borrower to the order of Noteholder dated the Original Effective Date (the "Prior Note"); provided, however, that the execution and delivery of this Note shall not in any circumstance be deemed to have terminated, extinguished or discharged Borrower's indebtedness under such Prior Note, all of which indebtedness shall continue under and be governed by this Note and the other Loan Documents. This Note is a replacement, consolidation, amendment and restatement of the Prior Note and IS NOT A NOVATION. Borrower shall also pay and this Note shall also evidence any and all unpaid interest on the Loan made by Noteholder to Borrower pursuant to Prior Note, and at the interest rate specified therein, for which this Note has been issued as replacement therefor.

  [signature page follows]

   

  34

   

   

  

   

  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has executed this Amended and Restated Bridge Promissory Note as of the date first written above.

  		
	 
	GREENIDGE GENERATION HOLDINGS INC.
 

	 
	By__________________________________
Name:  Jeffrey Kirt
Title: Chief Executive Officer

   

   

   

  

   

  Acknowledged and Agreed:

   

  B. RILEY COMMERCIAL CAPITAL, LLC

   

  By:_____________________________________
Name: Philip J. Ahn
Title: CFO

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

  

   

  Exhibit A

  Payments on the Loan

  			
	Amount of Principal Paid
	Unpaid Principal Amount of the Loan
	Name of Person Making the Notation

	  
	  
	  

	  
	  
	  

	  
	  
	  

	  
	  
	  

	  
	  
	  

	  
	  
	  

	  
	  
	  

	  
	  
	  

   

   

   

   

  

   

  Schedule 9.1(b)

   

  Permitted Debt

   

   

   

  1.           Debt pursuant to Master Equipment Finance Agreement dated as of May 25, 2021 by and between Greenidge Generation LLC and Arctos Credit, LLC.

   

  2.          Debt pursuant to Indenture dated October 13, 2021 by and between Greenidge Generation Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, a federal savings bank, as trustee, as amended by First Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 13, 2021.

   

  3.           Debt pursuant to Equipment Lease Agreement dated March 11, 2021 by and between Greenidge Generation LLC, as Lessee and Galaxy Digital Mining LLC, as Lessor.

   

  4.           Debt pursuant to Equipment Finance and Security Agreement dated December 21, 2020 by and between Greenidge Generation LLC, as Borrower and Foundry Digital LLC, as Lender.

   

  5.           Debt pursuant to Equipment Finance and Security Agreement dated March 4, 2021 by and between Greenidge Generation LLC, as Borrower and Foundry Digital LLC, as Lender.

   

  6.           Debt pursuant to Equipment Finance and Security Agreement dated March 4, 2021 by and between Greenidge Generation LLC, as Borrower and Foundry Digital LLC, as Lender.

   

  7.           Debt pursuant to Equipment Finance and Security Agreement dated December 21, 2020 by and between Greenidge Generation LLC, as Borrower and Foundry Digital LLC, as Lender.

   

  8.           Debt pursuant to Equipment Finance and Security Agreement dated December 21, 2020 by and between Greenidge Generation LLC, as Borrower and Foundry Digital LLC, as Lender.

   

  9.         Debt pursuant to Equipment Finance and Security Agreement dated December 21, 2020 by and between Greenidge Generation LLC, as Borrower and Foundry Digital LLC, as Lender.

   

  10.         Debt pursuant to Equipment Finance and Security Agreement dated December 21, 2020 by and between Greenidge Generation LLC, as Borrower and Foundry Digital LLC, as Lender.

   

   

   

   

  

   

  Schedule 9.2

   

  Permitted Liens

   

  1.UCC Financing Statement

  a.Debtor: Greenidge Generation LLC

  b.Secured Party: Foundry Digital LLC

  c.Filing No: 202012240481766

  d.Collateral: Equipment, Mined Digital Currency, rights in Blocked Wallet A and B and any proceeds thereof

  2.UCC Financing Statement

  a.Debtor: Greenidge Generation LLC

  b.Secured Party: Foundry Digital LLC

  c.Filing No: 202012240481691 

  d.Collateral: Equipment, Mined Digital Currency, rights in Blocked Wallet A and B and any proceeds thereof

  3.UCC Financing Statement

  a.Debtor: Greenidge Generation LLC

  b.Secured Party: Foundry Digital LLC

  c.Filing No: 202103110082312, as amended 202107090248204

  d.Collateral: Equipment, Mined Digital Currency, rights in Blocked Wallet A and B and any proceeds thereof

  4.UCC Financing Statement

  a.Debtor: Greenidge Generation LLC

  b.Secured Party: Foundry Digital LLC

  c.Filing No: 202103110082324, as amended 202110080373278

  d.Collateral: Equipment, Mined Digital Currency, rights in Blocked Wallet A and B and any proceeds thereof

  5.UCC Financing Statement

  a.Debtor: Greenidge Generation LLC

  b.Secured Party: Galaxy Digital Mining LLC

  c.Filing No: 202103120082895

   

  

   

  d.Collateral: Collection Account, Custodial Funds, mining pool payouts, books and records

  6.UCC Financing Statement

  a.Debtor: Greenidge Generation LLC

  b.Secured Party: Galaxy Digital Mining LLC

  c.Filing No: 202103120082807

  d.Collateral: Equipment 

  7.UCC Financing Statement

  a.Debtor: Greenidge Generation LLC

  b.Secured Party: Foundry Digital LLC

  c.Filing No: 202105040155900 and as amended by 202107260272655

  d.Collateral: Equipment, Mined Digital Currency, rights in Blocked Wallet A and B and any proceeds thereof

  8.UCC Financing Statement

  a.Debtor: Greenidge Generation LLC

  b.Secured Party: Arctos Credit LLC and NYDIG ABL LLC

  c.Filing No: 202106048254304 and as amended by 202112070466063

  d.Collateral: Equipment financing pursuant to that certain Master Equipment Finance Agreement, dated May 25, 2021

   

   

  

   

   

  Schedule 9.5(c)

   

  Permitted Investments

   

  None

   

   

  

   

   

  Schedule 9.9

   

  Affiliated Transactions

   

  1.         Borrower anticipates causing a wholly-owned subsidiary to enter into one or more agreements with one or more portfolio companies of Atlas Holdings (the “Subject Affiliate”) whereby such wholly-owned subsidiary may lease real property from a Subject Affiliate and purchase power and related services from a Subject Affiliate (or an intermediary of the Subject Affiliate) in order to enable such wholly-owned subsidiary to construct, own, operate and maintain datacenters.EX-10.7

  Exhibit 10.7

  EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

  This EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of August 15, 2022, is by and between Greenidge Generation Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Dale Irwin (“Executive”) (the Company and Executive collectively referred to as the “Parties” or individually referred to as a “Party”).

  WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed as the President of the Company; and

  WHEREAS, the Company desires to assure itself of the continued services of Executive, and Executive desires to continue to provide services to the Company pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, which shall supersede all prior commitments and agreements between Executive and the Company with respect to Executive’s employment with the Company.

  NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

  1.Term; Employment and Duties.

  (a)Term.  The term of this Agreement commences on the date this Agreement is fully executed and continues until the date of Executive’s termination of employment, unless terminated or amended prior thereto (the “Term”).

  (b)Position and Duties.  Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, Executive shall serve as the President of the Company, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO”).  Executive shall have such duties and responsibilities commensurate with Executive’s role and as may be assigned to Executive from time to time by the CEO.  Executive’s principal place of employment shall be Dresden, New York or such other location as mutually agreed between the Company and Executive, subject to travel in the performance of Executive’s duties and the business of the Company.

  (c)Exclusive Services.  For so long as Executive is employed by the Company, Executive shall devote Executive’s full business working time, attention and efforts to Executive’s duties to the Company, shall faithfully serve the Company, shall in all respects conform to and comply with the lawful and good faith directions and instructions given to Executive by the CEO and shall use Executive’s best efforts to promote and serve the interests of the Company.  Further, Executive shall not, while employed by the Company, directly or indirectly, render services to any other person or organization without the prior written consent of the Company or otherwise engage in activities that would interfere with the faithful performance of Executive’s duties to the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may (i) serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards, provided that Executive receives the prior written consent of the CEO to serve on such boards and (ii) manage personal investments and engage in charitable activities, provided that each of the foregoing activities do not contravene the first sentence of this Section 1(c).

  2.Compensation and Other Benefits.  Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, during the Term, the Company shall pay and provide the following compensation and other benefits to Executive as compensation for services rendered hereunder:

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  (a)Base Salary.  The Company shall pay to Executive a base salary at the annual rate of $450,000 (the “Base Salary”), payable in accordance with the Company’s ordinary payroll practices as established from time to time.  The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) or its delegate may review and increase, but not decrease (other than in connection with either (i) Company-wide reductions in compensation or (ii) reductions in compensation impacting similarly situated employees of the Company), Executive’s Base Salary in its sole discretion.

  (b)Annual Bonus.  For each fiscal year during the Term, Executive shall be eligible for an annual bonus (the “Annual Bonus”) with a target opportunity of up to 100% of Executive’s Base Salary, 50% of which shall be paid on the payment date in the form of restricted stock units under the Company’s equity incentive plan as in effect from time to time (“RSUs”), vesting in equal annual installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date, subject to Executive’s continued employment through each vesting date and otherwise subject to approval by the Compensation Committee of the Board or the Board, as applicable, and the terms and conditions of the applicable award agreement and the Company's equity incentive plan under which the RSUs are granted.  The Annual Bonus shall further be subject to such terms and performance conditions as determined by the Board and payable on the date annual bonuses are paid to similarly situated employees of the Company, subject to Executive’s continued employment by the Company through the applicable payment date.

  (c)Benefit Plans.  During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in the employee benefit plans and programs maintained by the Company for similarly situated employees of the Company, in accordance with the terms of the plans, as may be amended from time to time.

  (d)Expenses.  The Company shall reimburse Executive for reasonable travel and other business-related expenses incurred by Executive in the fulfillment of Executive’s duties to the Company upon presentation of written documentation thereof, in accordance with the business expense reimbursement policies and procedures of the Company as in effect from time to time.

  3.Termination of Employment.

  (a)Termination for Any or No Reason.  Executive’s employment with the Company shall at all times be on an “at‐will” basis and nothing in this Agreement shall provide Executive the right to employment for any specified period.  The Company and Executive shall each have the right to terminate Executive’s employment at any time for any reason or for no reason.  Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, whether by the Company or Executive, Executive will receive (i) Executive’s accrued Base Salary through and including the date of termination and (ii) any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided to Executive by applicable law or accrued and vested for the benefit of Executive under the benefit plans of the Company (collectively, the “Accrued Amounts”).

  (b)Termination without Cause; Resignation for Good Reason.  If Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined below) or by Executive for Good Reason (as defined below), and subject to timely execution and non‐revocation of a General Release (as defined below) and compliance with Section 4, and in lieu of any other severance benefits otherwise payable under any Company plan or policy, Executive 

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  shall be entitled to, in addition to the Accrued Amounts:  (i) continued payment of Executive’s Base Salary for a period of 12 months immediately following the date of Executive’s termination of employment; (ii) if Executive timely elects coverage under the Consolidated Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), Company-subsidized coverage (equal to the same portion of the monthly premium the Company pays for active employees) until the earliest of (x) the one-year anniversary of the date of Executive’s termination of employment or (y) the date Executive becomes eligible for health insurance under the health plans of another employer; (iii) any Annual Bonus for the completed fiscal year that ended prior to fiscal year in which Executive’s termination of employment occurred but for which the right payment thereof has not vested in accordance with Section 2(b), shall be deemed vested in an amount in accordance with the terms of Section 2(b) and payable at the same time annual bonuses are paid to similarly situated employees of the Company; (iv) an amount equal to 100% of the target amount of the Annual Bonus for the fiscal year in which Executive’s termination of employment occurs, payable as a lump sum cash payment at the end of the Restricted Period (as defined in Section 4); and (v) continued vesting of any time-vesting RSUs that would have vested in the 12-month period following Executive’s termination of employment held by Executive and unvested on the date of termination.  The amounts payable pursuant to clauses (i)‐(v) shall be payable in accordance with Company policies and practices unless provided otherwise in this Section 3(b).

  (c)Termination due to Death or Disability.  Executive’s employment with the Company will automatically terminate upon Executive’s death and may be terminated by the Company upon Executive’s Disability (as defined below).  If Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by reason of Executive’s death or Disability, and subject to timely execution and non-revocation of a General Release and compliance with Section 4, and in lieu of any other severance benefits otherwise payable under any Company plan or policy, in addition to the Accrued Amounts, (i) all time-vesting RSUs representing the deferred portion an Annual Bonus earned in respect of a prior fiscal year and held by Executive and outstanding at the time of Executive’s death or Disability shall vest in full and (ii) all other time-vesting RSUs held by Executive and outstanding at the time of Executive’s death or Disability shall vest pro rata, calculated by multiplying the number of RSUs by a fraction, the numerator of which shall equal the number of consecutive days Executive was employed by the Company Group from the applicable grant date to the date of Executive’s termination due to death or Disability, and the denominator of which shall equal the number of days in the applicable vesting period (rounded to the nearest whole number).

  (d)Termination for Cause; Resignation.  If Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for Cause or as a result of Executive’s resignation for any reason (other than for Good Reason), Executive shall only be entitled to payment of the Accrued Amounts, payable in accordance with Company policies and practices, and Executive shall have no further right to receive any other compensation or benefits from the Company or any member of the Company Group.

  (e)Execution and Delivery of General Release; Compliance with Covenants.  The Company shall not be required to make the payments and provide the benefits provided for under Sections 3(b) or 3(c) unless Executive timely executes and delivers to the Company a general waiver and release of claims in a form substantially similar to the form attached as Exhibit A (the “General Release”) and the General Release has become effective and irrevocable in its entirety.  

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  Executive’s failure or refusal to sign the General Release (or Executive’s revocation of the General Release) shall result in the forfeiture of the payments and benefits (other than the Accrued Amounts).  Additionally, the Company’s obligation to make any payments or provide benefits to Executive pursuant to this Section 3 (other than the Accrued Amounts) shall be subject to Executive’s continued compliance with all restrictive covenants Executive is subject to, including those set forth in Section 4.

  (f)Notice of Termination.  Any termination of Executive’s employment by the Company or by Executive shall be communicated by a written notice of termination to the other Party given in accordance with Section 18.  Such notice shall specify the date of termination, and, in the event of a resignation by Executive, such date shall not be less than 30 days after the giving of such notice to the Company.

  (g)Resignation from Positions.  The termination of Executive’s employment for any reason shall constitute and be deemed as Executive’s resignation from (i) all director, officer or employee positions Executive has with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (the “Company Group”) and (ii) all fiduciary positions (including as a trustee) Executive may hold with respect to any employee benefit plans or trusts established by the Company Group, without any further actions required by the Parties.

  (h)Cause.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean the termination of Executive’s employment due to:  (i) Executive’s indictment for, or entry of a plea of guilty or no contest or nolo contendere to, any felony (other than a traffic violation) under any state, federal or foreign law or any other crime involving moral turpitude; (ii) Executive’s commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, misrepresentation, malfeasance, breach of fiduciary duty or other willful and material act of misconduct; (iii) Executive’s gross negligence with respect to any member of the Company Group; (iv) Executive’s conduct that results in or is reasonably likely to result in harm to the reputation or business of any member of the Company Group or breach of any material Company policy; (v) Executive’s willful failure to substantially perform Executive’s material job functions for the Company or to carry out or comply with a lawful and reasonable directive of the Board; (vi) Executive’s unlawful use (including being under the influence) or possession of illegal drugs on the premises of any member of the Company Group or while performing Executive’s duties and responsibilities for the Company; or (vii) Executive’s breach of this Agreement or any other material breach of a written agreement between Executive and any member of the Company Group; provided, however, that no event, condition, conduct or action described in clauses (v) or (vii) shall constitute Cause unless (x) the Company gives Executive written notice of termination of employment for Cause and the grounds for such termination and (y) such grounds for termination are not corrected by Executive within 30 days of Executive’s receipt of such notice; provided, further, that with respect to any event, condition, conduct or action by Executive described in clauses (v) or (vii), which is substantially similar to prior events, conditions, conduct or actions by Executive and which the Company has previously notified Executive it believes constitutes Cause and which Executive was given the opportunity to cure, Executive shall not be provided with the opportunity to cure such event, condition, conduct or action.  For the avoidance of doubt, other than clauses (v) and (vii), Executive shall not have an opportunity to cure conduct described in this Cause definition.

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  (i)Good Reason.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean, without Executive’s written consent:  (i) relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment with the Company to a location greater than 50 miles from Executive’s principal place of employment immediately prior to such relocation; (ii) a material diminution in the authority, duties or responsibilities of Executive; (iii) the Company’s material breach of this Agreement; or (iv) a decrease in Executive’s Base Salary (other than in connection with either (x) Company-wide reductions in compensation or (y) reductions in compensation impacting similarly situated employees of the Company) or Annual Bonus target opportunity.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may not resign Executive’s employment for Good Reason unless (A) within 30 days following the initial occurrence of the event constituting Good Reason, Executive has provided the Company with prior written notice of Executive’s intent to resign for Good Reason and has set forth in reasonable detail the conduct that constitutes Good Reason and the specific provisions of this Agreement on which Executive relies; (B) the Company does not cure the conduct that constitutes Good Reason within 30 days after receipt of such notice; and (C) Executive actually terminates Executive’s employment within 30 days after the expiration of the remedy period without remedy by the Company of the conduct that constitutes Good Reason.

  (j)	Disability.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” shall be defined in the same manner as such term or a similar term is defined in the Company’s equity incentive plan.

  4.Covenants of Executive.

  (a)Confidential Information.  During Executive’s employment, the Company will continue to provide Executive with access to Confidential Information (as defined below).  Executive acknowledges that Confidential Information is the sole and exclusive property of the Company Group.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive occupies a position of trust and confidence with respect to the Company Group’s affairs and business and the Confidential Information.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that the interests afforded protection by this Agreement are the Company Group’s legitimate business interests, deserving of legal protection.  Executive agrees to take the following steps to preserve the confidential and proprietary nature of the Confidential Information:  (i) during and after Executive’s employment with the Company Group, Executive will not use, or permit others to use, misappropriate or disclose any Confidential Information, directly or indirectly, to any other person, or use Confidential Information in any way without the prior written consent of an authorized executive officer of the Company (other than Executive); provided that Executive may use the Confidential Information only for the Company’s benefit and only in the course of Executive’s employment with the Company; Executive further agrees that the Confidential Information includes information or material received by the Company Group from other parties with the intention that it be kept in confidence by its recipients; (ii) Executive shall use Executive’s best efforts and take all reasonable precautions to prevent inadvertent or accidental disclosure of Confidential Information to any third party, and Executive represents and warrants that Executive has not disclosed and shall not disclose to the Company any trade secrets or other confidential or proprietary information that may not lawfully be so disclosed by Executive, by virtue of the ownership of the same by another person or entity or otherwise; (iii) Executive acknowledges and agrees that all Confidential Information, whether prepared by Executive (either alone or in cooperation with others) or otherwise coming into Executive’s possession, shall remain the exclusive property of the Company, and Executive will not remove any Confidential Information from the Company’s premises except for use in the 

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  Company’s business.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information of the Company may be disclosed (A) where required by law or order of a court of competent jurisdiction or (B) where Executive has the legally protected right to disclose to any federal, state or local government agency under any whistleblower or similar statute; provided that, in the case of (A) and (B), to the extent reasonably practicable, Executive first gives to the Company reasonable prior written notice of such disclosure and affords the Company, to the extent reasonably practicable, the reasonable opportunity for the Company to obtain protective or similar orders, where available.  In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained, or if the Company waives compliance with the terms hereof, Executive shall disclose only that portion of the Confidential Information which, based on the advice of Executive’s legal counsel, is legally required to be disclosed and shall exercise reasonable efforts to provide that the receiving person shall agree to treat such Confidential Information as confidential to the extent possible (and permitted under applicable law) in respect of the applicable proceeding or process, and the Company shall be given an opportunity to review the Confidential Information prior to disclosure thereof.  Executive understands and acknowledges that Executive has the right under U.S. federal law to certain protections for cooperating with or reporting legal violations to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or its Office of the Whistleblower, as well as certain other governmental entities.  No provisions in this Agreement are intended to prohibit Executive from disclosing this Agreement to, or from cooperating with or reporting violations to, the SEC or any other such governmental entity, and Executive may do so without disclosure to the Company.  The Company may not retaliate against Executive for any of these activities.  Further, nothing in this Agreement precludes Executive from filing a Charge of Discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or a like charge or complaint with a state or local fair employment practice agency.  Furthermore, Executive acknowledges that pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive may not be held liable under any criminal or civil federal or state trade secret law for disclosure of a trade secret (x) made in confidence to a government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, (y) made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal or (z) made to Executive’s attorney or used in a court proceeding in an anti-retaliation lawsuit based on the reporting of a suspected violation of law, so long as any document containing the trade secret is filed under seal and Executive does not disclose the trade secret except pursuant to court order.

  (b)Assignment of Intellectual Property Rights.  In consideration of the Company’s agreement to employ Executive pursuant to this Agreement and the receipt by Executive of Confidential Information, Executive agrees to, and does hereby, assign to the Company all of Executive’s right, title and interest in all Intellectual Property (as defined below) that Executive makes or conceives, whether as a sole inventor or as a joint inventor, whether made within or outside working hours or upon the premises of the Company or elsewhere, within the scope of and during Executive’s employment with the Company or that incorporates, utilizes or reflects any Confidential Information, intellectual property or other supplies, equipment or property of the Company Group, without further compensation, including all rights or benefits therefor, including without limitation the right to sue and recover for past and future infringement.  This assignment shall not apply to Intellectual Property that Executive has an obligation to assign to a former employer.

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  (c)Non-Competition.  Executive agrees that during Executive’s employment with the Company Group and for a one-year period following Executive’s termination of employment with the Company Group (the “Restricted Period”), Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly, and whether as principal or investor or as an employee, officer, director, manager, partner, consultant, agent or otherwise, alone or in association with any other person, firm, corporation or other business organization, provide any labor, work, services or assistance to a business competitive with the Company Group, including a business engaged in or exploring the business of cryptocurrency mining or electrical power generation, in the United States and any other geographic area in which the Company Group has engaged in business, or is reasonably expected to engage in business during such Restricted Period (including, without limitation, any area in which any customer of the Company Group may be located); provided, however, that nothing herein shall limit Executive’s right to own not more than 1% of any of the debt or equity securities of any business organization.

  (d)Non-Solicitation.  Executive agrees that, during the Restricted Period, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, other than in connection with the proper performance of Executive’s duties in Executive’s capacity as an employee of the Company:  (i) solicit or induce, or attempt to solicit or induce, or assist any third party to solicit or induce, directly or indirectly, any employee of the Company Group to leave the employ of the Company Group; (ii) hire any current or former employee of the Company Group or assist in the hiring of any such employee by any person, association or entity not affiliated with the Company Group; or (iii) induce, solicit or encourage any customer or potential customer of the Company Group to cease doing business with the Company Group (or decrease the amount of business it does with the Company Group) or do business with Executive (unless for the benefit of a member of the Company Group) or any business competitive with the Company Group.  For purposes of this Agreement, a “potential customer or client” is any person or entity with whom any member of the Company Group is, at the time of Executive’s termination of employment, or was, during the one-year period immediately preceding such termination, engaged in discussions regarding one or more possible transactions with the Company Group.  Executive shall not be prohibited from advertising to the general public any employment opportunities or requests for consultancy services (which advertisements are not targeted at employees or independent contractors of the Company Group).

  (e)Non-Disparagement.  Executive agrees that during and after Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will not make any negative comments or otherwise disparage any member of the Company Group or any member’s officers, boards or individual directors, employees, shareholders or agents.  The Company agrees that during and after Executive’s employment with the Company, the Company shall direct its executive officers and members of the Board to not make any negative comments or otherwise disparage Executive.  The preceding sentences shall not be violated by truthful statements in response to legal process, required governmental testimony or filings, or administrative or arbitral proceedings (including, without limitation, depositions in connection with such proceedings).

  (f)Cooperation.  Executive shall cooperate in all reasonable respects with the Company and its directors, officers, attorneys and experts in connection with matters arising out of Executive’s service to the Company, including the transition of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to any successor and in connection with any action, proceeding, investigation or litigation involving the Company, including any such action, proceeding, investigation or litigation 

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  in which Executive is called to testify.  The Company shall reimburse Executive for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with such cooperation.

  (g)Return of Property.  Executive will return to the Company all Confidential Information and confidential materials, and all copies thereof, whether written in a fixed media or otherwise relating to the businesses of any member of the Company Group, any Company Group member’s customers and clients or any prospective customers and clients, including, among other things, any hardware loaned to Executive by the Company, at any time upon the Company’s request.  Additionally, without such request, within five days following Executive’s termination of employment for any reason or no reason, Executive (or in the event of death or Disability, Executive’s personal representatives) shall return to the Company all Confidential Information and confidential materials, and any and all copies thereof, whether prepared by them or otherwise coming into Executive’s possession, whether written in a fixed media or otherwise relating to the businesses of any member of the Company Group, any Company Group member’s customers and clients or any prospective customers and clients, including, among other things, any hardware loaned to Executive by the Company.  Executive agrees not to retain any copies of any Confidential Information or confidential materials after termination of employment for any reason whatsoever.  If any Confidential Information is stored or maintained by Executive on a computer hard drive or other electronic storage device at the time of termination, then Executive agrees to copy all files containing such Confidential Information onto a medium that can be given to the Company and to irretrievably delete and overwrite such files from Executive’s devices so that they cannot be recovered.  Executive further consents that the Company, at its expense, may engage a computer forensics investigator to inspect any computer hard drives or electronic storage devices in Executive’s possession, custody or control to determine Executive’s compliance with the provisions of this Section 4.  Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, Executive shall be entitled to retain (A) personal papers and other materials of a personal nature; provided, that such papers or materials do not include Confidential Information, (B) information showing Executive’s compensation or relating to reimbursement of expenses, and (C) copies of notices and agreements relating to Executive’s employment, or termination thereof, with the Company that Executive received in Executive’s capacity as a party to such notices or agreements.

  (h)For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” shall mean confidential information, nonpublic and proprietary information of the Company Group and its equityholders, which includes, but is not limited to, the following:  (i) all information relating to intellectual property, software, hardware and products, whether owned or licensed by any member of the Company Group, and intellectual property, hardware and software in various stages of research and development, in each case, which are not generally known to the public or within the industry in which any member of the Company Group competes (in each case, including, without limitation, trade secrets, inventions, know-how, work product, work processes, analyses, design specifications, engineering and technical data, procedures, and techniques) and the records of such information (such as drawings, specification sheets, design notes, source code, object code, load modules, schematics, flow charts, logic diagrams, procedural diagrams, work sheets, documentation, annotations, printouts, studies, manuals, proposals and any other written, electronic, digital or machine readable expressions of such information); (ii) all information concerning or relating to the way in which any member of the Company Group conducts its business that is not generally known to the public or within the industry in which any member of the Company Group competes (such as internal business procedures, controls, plans, vendor and 

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  contractor names and contacts and other vendor and contractor information, procedures, computer system passwords and other computer security controls, financial information, information supplied by clients and customers of any member of the Company Group and employee data) and the records of such information (such as check lists, samples, services and operational manuals, contracts, proposals, print-outs, correspondence, forms, listings, ledgers, financial statements, financial reports, financial and operational analyses, financial and operational studies, management reports of every kind, databases, employment records pertaining to employees other than Executive, and any other written, electronic, digital or machine-readable expressions of such information); (iii) all information that is not generally known to the public or within the industry in which any member of the Company Group competes, pertaining to any member of the Company Group’s marketing and business plans and strategies; forecasts and projections; marketing practices, procedures and policies; financial data; discounts; margins; costs; credit terms; pricing practices, procedures, formulas and policies; goals and objectives; quoting practices, procedures and policies; and customer data, including customer lists, contracts, representatives’ requirements and needs, specifications, data provided by or about prospective existing or past customers and contract terms applicable to such customers, and the records of such information (such as agreements, customer lists, printouts, databases, marketing plans, marketing reports, strategic business plans, marketing analyses and management reports, listings of potential customers and leads, brokers and their contact information, and any other written, electronic, digital or machine-readable expressions of such information); (vi) in addition to the foregoing, any information relating to any member of the Company Group’s business that is not generally known to the public or within the industry in which any member of the Company Group competes which gives the Company Group any advantage over its competitors, and the records of such information in any tangible form, whether written, electronic, digital or machine-readable in nature, is considered Confidential Information; and (v) information publicly available or generally known within the industry in which any member of the Company Group competes (other than information that has become publicly available as a result of a breach of this Agreement) is not considered Confidential Information.

  (i)For purposes of this Agreement, “Intellectual Property” means any and all inventions, technological innovations, developments, concepts, improvements, designs, formulae, models, tools, know-how, discoveries, ideas, processes, patents, trademarks, service marks, copyrights, computer software, creations, writings and other works of authorship, theses, books, lectures, illustrations, photographs, motion pictures, improvements to all such property and all tangible embodiments thereof, whether in hard copy or electronic format, whether or not patentable or registerable under copyright, trademark or similar laws, which relate in any manner to the actual or anticipated business or research and development of the Company Group.  Executive acknowledges that any rights in the Intellectual Property constituting a work made for hire under the U.S. Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. § 101 et seq. are owned upon creation by the Company or its applicable affiliate as Executive’s employer.  Executive understands and agrees that the decision whether or not to commercialize or market any of the Intellectual Property is within the Company’s sole discretion and for the Company’s or its applicable subsidiary’s or affiliate’s sole benefit and that no royalty will be due to Executive as a result of the Company’s or its applicable subsidiary’s or affiliate’s efforts to commercialize or market any such Intellectual Property.  Executive hereby agrees that Executive has not entered into, and agrees not to enter into, any oral or written agreement in conflict with Executive’s obligations in this Section 4.  To the extent Executive has any moral rights or other proprietary rights in the Intellectual Property that cannot be assigned in 

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  the manner described above, Executive unconditionally and irrevocably waives the enforcement of such proprietary rights.  Executive hereby waives and quitclaims to the Company any and all claims, of any nature whatsoever, that Executive now or may hereafter have for infringement of any proprietary rights assigned hereunder to the Company.  Executive represents and warrants that Executive has all the necessary rights to grant the Company sole ownership of the Intellectual Property, free and clear of any liens, licenses or other third-party interests.  Executive agrees not to incorporate or otherwise use any intellectual property or confidential or proprietary information of any third party or of Executive made by Executive prior to Executive’s employment with the Company (collectively, “Third-Party IP”), in the Intellectual Property without the prior written consent of the Company; provided, however, that if in the course of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive incorporates into any Intellectual Property any Third-Party IP owned by Executive or in which Executive has an interest, Executive represents and warrants that Executive has all necessary rights, powers and authorization to use such Third-Party IP in the manner it is used and such use will not infringe any right of any company, entity or person and, in such a circumstance, the Company is hereby granted and shall have a nonexclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable, transferable, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide license to use such Third-Party IP as part of or in connection with such Intellectual Property.  During and subsequent to Executive’s employment, upon the request and at the expense of the Company or its nominee and for no additional personal remuneration, Executive agrees to execute any instrument which the Company considers necessary to assign to, secure for or maintain for the benefit of the Company adequate patent and other property rights in the United States and all foreign countries with respect to any Intellectual Property.  Executive also agrees to assist the Company as required to draft said instruments and to obtain and enforce said rights.  Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Executive’s agent and attorney in fact to act for and on Executive’s behalf to execute, verify and file any such instruments and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the purposes of this Section 4 with the same legal force and effect as if executed by Executive.  Executive agrees to promptly disclose to the Company any Intellectual Property when conceived or made by Executive, in whole or in part, and to make and maintain adequate and current records thereof.  Executive agrees that any Intellectual Property disclosed or filed by Executive within one year following termination of Executive’s employment for any reason shall be considered the sole property of the Company unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, or unless and until finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been made or conceived after the termination of Executive’s employment.  Executive has no right or license to use, publish, reproduce, prepare derivative works based upon, distribute, perform or display any Intellectual Property.  Executive has no right or license to use the Company’s trademarks, service marks, trade names, logos, symbols, brand names or other designations of source or origin, except as expressly permitted by the Company.

  (j)Reasonableness.  Executive acknowledges that the geographic boundaries, scope of prohibited activities, and time duration of the covenants in this Section 4 are all reasonable in nature and no broader than are necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company Group, and Executive further acknowledges that any violation of these covenants would cause substantial irreparable injury to the Company Group.

  (k)Blue Pencil.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if a court of competent jurisdiction shall at any time deem the duration or the geographic scope of any of the provisions of this Section 4 unenforceable, the other provisions of this Section 4 shall nevertheless 

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  stand and the duration and geographic scope set forth herein shall be deemed to be the longest period or greatest size permissible by law under the circumstances, and the parties hereto agree that such court shall reduce the time period or geographic scope to permissible duration or size.

  (l)Certain Remedies.  Without intending to limit the remedies available to the Company Group, Executive agrees that a breach of any of the covenants contained in this Section 4 may result in material and irreparable injury to the Company Group for which there is no adequate remedy at law, that it will not be possible to measure damages for such injuries precisely and that, in the event of such a breach or threat thereof, any member of the Company Group shall be entitled to seek a temporary restraining order or a preliminary or permanent injunction, or both, without bond or other security, restraining Executive from engaging in activities prohibited by the covenants contained in this Section 4 or such other relief as may be required specifically to enforce any of the covenants contained in this Agreement.  Such injunctive relief in any court shall be available to the Company Group in lieu of, or prior to or pending determination in, any arbitration proceeding.  In addition to the remedies the Company may seek and obtain pursuant to this Section 4(l), the Restricted Period shall be extended by any and all periods during which Executive shall be found by a court or arbitrator possessing personal jurisdiction over Executive to have been in violation of the covenants contained in this Section 4.

  5.Section 409A of the Code.  The compensation and benefits provided by this Agreement are intended to be exempt from or comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and this Agreement shall be interpreted and construed consistent with that intent.  A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.”  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that the right to any payment (including the provision of benefits) hereunder provides for the “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A(d)(1) of the Code, the payment shall be paid (or provided) in accordance with this Section 5.  If Executive is a “Specified Employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code on the date of Executive’s termination, then to the extent required by Section 409A of the Code, no payment of any amounts or benefits considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code shall be made or commence during the period beginning on the date of Executive’s termination and ending on the date that is six months following Executive’s termination or, if earlier, on the date of Executive’s death.  The amount of any payment that would otherwise be paid to Executive during this period shall instead be paid to Executive on the fifteenth day of the first calendar month following the end of the period.  Each amount to be paid or benefit to be provided under this Agreement shall be construed as a separate and distinct payment for purposes of Section 409A.  Payments with respect to reimbursements of expenses shall be made in accordance with Company policy and in no event later than the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the relevant expense is incurred.  The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during a calendar year may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year.

  11

  

  6.Limitations on Severance Benefits and Other Payments or Benefits.  In the event that Executive receives any payments or distributions, whether payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (“Payment”) that constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and, but for this Section 6, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (“Excise Tax”), then such Payment shall either be (a) delivered in full or (b) delivered as to such lesser extent that would result in no portion of such Payment being subject to the Excise Tax, whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the Excise Tax, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the largest payment, notwithstanding that all or some portion of the Payment may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code.  The determinations to be made with respect to this Section 6 shall be made by a certified public accounting firm designated by the Company.  Any good faith determinations of the accounting firm made hereunder shall be final, binding and conclusive upon the Company and Executive.  Any reduction in payments or benefits pursuant to this paragraph will occur in the following order:  (i) reduction of cash payments; (ii) cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards other than stock options; (iii) cancellation of accelerated vesting of stock options; and (iv) reduction of other benefits payable to Executive.  This Section 6 may be amended by the Company at its discretion to comply with any changes to or successor provisions of Sections 280G or 4999 of the Code.

  7.Compensation Recovery Policy.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that, to the extent the Company adopts any clawback or similar policy, whether in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, or otherwise, Executive shall take all action necessary or appropriate to comply with such policy (including, without limitation, entering into any further agreements, amendments or policies necessary or appropriate to implement or enforce that policy).

  8.Source of Payments.  All payments provided under this Agreement, other than payments made pursuant to a plan which provides otherwise, shall be paid in cash from the general funds of the Company, and no special or separate fund shall be established, and no other segregation of assets shall be made, to assure payment.  To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company hereunder, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured creditor of the Company.

  9.Non-assignability; Binding Agreement.  This Agreement and any and all rights, duties, obligations or interests hereunder shall not be assignable or delegable by Executive.  This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the Parties, any successors to or assigns of the Company and to Executive’s heirs and the personal representatives of Executive’s estate.

  10.Withholding.  All payments made or benefits provided to Executive under this Agreement shall be reduced by any applicable withholding taxes and other authorized deductions.

  11.Amendment; Waiver.  This Agreement may not be modified, amended or waived in any manner, except by an instrument in writing signed by both parties hereto.  The waiver by either party of compliance with any provision of this Agreement by the other party shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, or of any subsequent breach by such party of a provision of this Agreement.

  12

  

  12.Severability.  All provisions of this Agreement are intended to be severable.  In the event any provision or restriction contained herein is held to be invalid or unenforceable in any respect, in whole or in part, such finding shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.  The Parties hereto further agree that any such invalid or unenforceable provision shall be deemed modified so that it shall be enforced to the greatest extent permissible under law, and to the extent that any court of competent jurisdiction determines any restriction herein to be unreasonable in any respect, such court may limit this Agreement to render it reasonable in the light of the circumstances in which it was entered into and specifically enforce this Agreement as limited.

  13.Governing Law; Dispute Resolution.  All matters affecting this Agreement, including the validity thereof, are to be subject to, and interpreted and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in the State of New York.  All actions arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be heard and determined exclusively in any state or federal court located in New York, New York (or in any appellate courts thereof) (collectively, “Specified Courts”).  Each party hereto hereby (i) submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any Specified Court for the purpose of any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement brought by any party hereto and (ii) irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert by way of motion, defense or otherwise, in any such action, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the action is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the action is improper, or that this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may not be enforced in or by any Specified Court.

  14.Survival of Certain Provisions.  The rights and obligations set forth in this Agreement that, by their terms, extend beyond the Term of this Agreement or the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company shall survive such Term or termination.

  15.Entire Agreement; Supersedes Previous Agreements.  This Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding of the Parties with respect to the matters covered herein and supersede all prior or contemporaneous negotiations, commitments, agreements and writings with respect to the subject matter hereof; all other negotiations, commitments, agreements and writings shall have no further force or effect, and the parties to any such other negotiation, commitment, agreement or writing shall have no further rights or obligations thereunder.

  16.Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed by either of the Parties in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

  17.Headings.  The headings of sections herein are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

  18.Notices.  All notices hereunder shall be in writing, addressed to:

  To the Company at its headquarters, Attention:  Jeffrey Kirt, Chief Executive Officer

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  With a copy (that shall not constitute notice) to:
Shearman & Sterling LLP
599 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attn:  Gillian Emmett Moldowan
Email:  gillian.moldowan@shearman.com

  To Executive at the address on file with the Company

  All such notices shall be conclusively deemed to be received and shall be effective (i) if sent by hand delivery, upon receipt or (ii) if sent by electronic mail or facsimile, upon receipt by the sender of confirmation of such transmission; provided, however, that any electronic mail or facsimile will be deemed received and effective only if followed, within 48 hours, by a hard copy sent by certified United States mail.

   

  [SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

   

  14

  

  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be signed by its officer pursuant to the authority of its Board, and Executive has executed this Agreement, as of the day and year first written above.

   

  GREENIDGE GENERATION HOLDINGS INC.

  	/s/ Jeffrey E. Kirt

  By:  Jeffrey E. Kirt
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

   

  EXECUTIVE

  	/s/ Dale Irwin

  Name:  Dale Irwin

  [Signature Page to Executive Employment Agreement]

  

  EXHIBIT A

  FORM OF RELEASE AGREEMENT

   

  This Release, dated as of [  ], (this “Release”) by and between Dale Irwin (“Executive”) and Greenidge Generation Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”).  

  WHEREAS, Executive and the Company entered into an employment agreement dated [  ], 2022 (the “Employment Agreement”), which provides for Executive’s employment on the terms and conditions specified therein; 

  WHEREAS, Executive’s employment with the Company has terminated effective [  ]; and

  WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 3(e) of the Employment Agreement, it is a condition precedent to the Company’s obligations to make certain payments under [Section 3(b)] [Section 3(c)] of the Employment Agreement that Executive executes and does not revoke his agreement to this Release.

  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual promises herein contained and the Employment Agreement, the sufficiency and receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, Executive and the Company agree as follows:

  1.Executive Waiver and Release.

  (a)	Pursuant to Section 3(e) of the Employment Agreement and in consideration of the amounts to be provided under [Section 3(b)][Section 3(c)] to Executive by the Company at the times and in the manner specified in the Employment Agreement, Executive, on behalf of Executive and Executive’s heirs, executors, devisees, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Releasors”), knowingly and voluntarily releases, remises and forever discharges the Company and its parents, direct and indirect subsidiaries or affiliates, together with each of their current and former principals, officers, directors, shareholders, partners, agents, representatives and employees, and each of their heirs, executors, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Releasees”), from any and all debts, demands, actions, causes of action, accounts, covenants, contracts, agreements, claims, damages, omissions, promises and any and all claims and liabilities whatsoever, of every name and nature, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, both in law and equity (collectively, “Claims”), which the Releasors ever had, now have or may hereafter claim to have against the Releasees by reason of any matter or cause whatsoever relating to Executive’s employment with the Company arising prior to the time Executive signs this Release, expressly excluding claims as set forth below.  This paragraph 1(a) shall apply to any Claim of any type, including, without limitation, any and all Claims of any type that the Releasors may have arising under the common law, under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (“ADEA”), including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002, the New York Labor Law, including the New York State Human Rights Law, the New York Retaliatory Action by Employers Law, Article 6 of the New York Labor Law, the New York Nondiscrimination for Legal Actions Law, Article 4 of the New York Civil Rights Law, each as amended, and any other federal, state, local or foreign statutes, 

  A-1

   

  

  regulations, ordinances or common law, or under any policy, agreement, contract, understanding or promise, written or oral, formal or informal, between any of the Releasees and Executive, and shall further apply, without limitation, to any and all Claims in connection with, related to or arising out of Executive’s employment relationship with the Company.

  (b)	For the purpose of implementing a full and complete release, except as set forth herein, Executive understands and agrees that this Release is intended to include all claims, if any, which the Releasors may have and which Executive does not now know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor against the Releasees, from the beginning of time until the time Executive signs this Release, and this Release extinguishes those claims.

  (c)	Executive acknowledges that the consideration given for this Release is in addition to anything of value to which Executive was already entitled.

  (d)	Notwithstanding anything in the Employment Agreement or this Release to the contrary, this Release shall not apply to and neither Executive nor any other Releasor waives or releases (i) any rights to accrued and vested benefits under the employee benefit plans of the Company; (ii) any right Executive may have to indemnification pursuant to the by-laws, other corporate documents or a directors & officers or other insurance policy; and (iii) claims with respect to the breach of any covenant to be performed by the Company pursuant to this Release.

  (e)	Executive understands and acknowledges that Executive has the right under U.S. federal law to certain protections for cooperating with or reporting legal violations to the SEC or its Office of the Whistleblower, as well as certain other governmental entities.  No provisions in this Release are intended to prohibit Executive from disclosing this Release to, or from cooperating with or reporting violations to, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the SEC or any other such governmental entity, and Executive may do so without disclosure to the Company.  The Company may not retaliate against Executive for any of these activities.  Further, nothing in this Release precludes Executive from filing a Charge of Discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or a like charge or complaint with a state or local fair employment practice agency.  However, once this Release becomes effective, Executive understands and acknowledges that Executive may not receive a monetary award or any other form of personal relief from the Company in connection with any such charge or complaint that Executive filed or is filed on Executive’s behalf.

  (f)	Executive understands and acknowledges that Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state law for any disclosure of a trade secret that:  (i) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, where such disclosure is solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding.  If Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Executive may disclose the Company’s trade secrets to Executive’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if Executive files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret except pursuant to court order.

  A-2

   

  

  (g)	By executing this Release, Executive hereby agrees that neither Executive nor any other Releasor will initiate, maintain or join any proceeding in any judicial forum relating to any matters covered by this Release.  Executive represents that neither Executive nor any other Releasor has initiated, maintained or joined any such proceeding as of the date of this Release. 

  2.Executive Representations.  Executive acknowledges and represents that this Release provides for the full and final settlement of all of the Company’s obligations with respect to Executive in connection with Executive’s employment through the date this Release is executed by Executive.  Executive understands that if Executive fails to sign this Release as required, Executive’s right to receive any payment under the Employment Agreement will not vest and will not become due and owing to Executive and will be forfeited by Executive in its entirety.

  3.Employment Agreement.  Except for the covenants and obligations pursuant to Sections 3-12, 14 and 18 of the Employment Agreement (the “Surviving Sections”), the Employment Agreement is terminated effective as of the date of the termination of Executive’s employment, and except for the Surviving Sections, shall be of no further force and effect with no further liability or obligation of any party thereto thereunder.  The Surviving Sections of the Employment Agreement survive termination of the Employment Agreement and remain in full force and effect according to their terms.  Executive expressly and specifically acknowledges, ratifies, and reaffirms Executive’s obligations under the Surviving Sections of the Employment Agreement.

  4.Consultation with Attorney; Voluntary Agreement.  Executive acknowledges that the Company has advised Executive to consult with an attorney of Executive’s choosing prior to signing this Release.  Executive understands and agrees that Executive has the right and has been given the opportunity to review this Release with an attorney.  Executive also understands and agrees that Executive is under no obligation to sign the Release.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that the payments to be made to Executive pursuant to the Employment Agreement are sufficient consideration to require Executive to abide with Executive’s obligations under this Release.  Executive represents that Executive has read this Release and understands its terms and that Executive enters into this Release freely, voluntarily and without coercion.

  5.Review.  Executive acknowledges that because this Release contains a general release of all claims including under the ADEA, and is an important legal document, he has been advised to consult with legal counsel of his own choosing.  Executive may take up to [21] days to decide whether to execute this Release, and Executive may revoke his signature by delivering or mailing a signed notice of revocation to [  ] within seven (7) days after executing it.  

  6.No Admissions.  Executive understands and acknowledges that the Releasees make no admission that any Releasee has engaged or is now engaging in any unlawful conduct, and that this Release shall not be used or construed as such in any legal or administrative proceeding.

  7.Confidentiality of Release.  Executive agrees to keep confidential this Release, except that Executive may disclose this Release to their legal and financial advisers and as otherwise may be required under applicable law, rule or regulation or pursuant to court order or in any legal proceeding to enforce rights hereunder or under the Employment Agreement.

  A-3

   

  

  8.Entire Agreement.  This Release contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof; and this Release supersedes all other agreements and drafts hereof, oral or written, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof although both parties, as noted in Section 3 of this Release, agree that the Surviving Sections of the Employment Agreement shall survive the execution of this Release and the obligations under the Surviving Sections shall continue after the date this Release is signed.  No promises, statements, understandings, representations or warranties of any kind, whether oral or in writing, express or implied, have been made to Executive to induce Executive to enter into this Release other than the express terms set forth herein, and Executive is not relying upon any promises, statements, understandings, representations, or warranties other than those expressly set forth in this Release.

  9.Successors and Assigns.  Executive may not assign this Release.  The Company may freely assign this Release at any time.  This Release shall inure to the benefit of the Releasees and their respective successors and assigns.

  10.Counterparts.  This Release may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  This Release may be executed by electronic signature, including pdf, and any such electronic signature shall have the same effect as a written signature.

  11.Captions and Headings.  The captions and headings of this Release are for convenience of reference only and will not be used to construe the terms or meaning of any provision of this Release.  All references in this Release to a section are a reference to the section of this Release unless noted otherwise.

  12.Governing Law.  All matters affecting this Release, including the validity thereof, are to be subject to, and interpreted and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in the State of New York.  All actions arising out of or relating to this Release shall be heard and determined exclusively in any state or federal court located in New York, New York (or in any appellate courts thereof) (collectively, “Specified Courts”).  Each party hereto hereby (i) submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any Specified Court for the purpose of any action arising out of or relating to this Release brought by any party hereto and (ii) irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert by way of motion, defense or otherwise, in any such action, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the action is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the action is improper, or that this Release or the transactions contemplated hereby may not be enforced in or by any Specified Court.

   

  [SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

   

  A-4

   

  

  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Release as of the date first set forth above.

  Executive has been advised to consult with counsel of Executive’s choice.  By accepting and agreeing to this Release, Executive acknowledges that this Release has been written in a way so that Executive could understand it and Executive does understand it and has had the opportunity to consult with counsel of Executive’s choice and that there was no disparity in bargaining power between or among the parties to this Release, and any presumption that ambiguities shall be construed against a drafter does not apply.  In signing this Release, Executive has acted voluntarily and has not relied upon any representation made by the Company or any affiliate of the Company.  Executive further acknowledges that Executive is aware of Executive’s rights to review and consider this Release for [21] days before signing and has 7 days after signing to revoke Executive’s signature.  

   

  GREENIDGE GENERATION HOLDINGS INC.

   

  By:
Title:

   

  EXECUTIVE

   

  Name:  Dale Irwin

  [Signature Page to Form of Release Agreement]

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