EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1357671
Filing Year: 2023
Filename: 1357671_10-K_2023_0001213900-23-030833.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
Creatd, Inc. provides economic opportunities for creators through access to its curated social platform called Vocal, enabling creators to share their stories, build an audience, and be rewarded. In addition to revenues generated directly from the platform from subscribers and microtransactions, the existence of Vocal, and the first-party data it produces, has resulted in the creation of numerous derivative business opportunities for the Company. Secondary opportunities with the potential to eventually exceed the core Vocal revenues include well-known brands activating through the Vocal platform under Creatd’s “Vocal for Brands” business unit. In addition to this branded content production, the establishment of a portfolio of consumer brands owned and operated in-house, will similarly leverage the core data and intelligence derived from the Company’s core Vocal platform.
Creator-Centric Strategy
Creatd exists to support the boundless capacity of creators. Our mission is to empower creators by providing best-in-class tools, supportive audience communities, and avenues for monetization. Our creator-first approach is the cornerstone of our culture and purpose and is what drives every decision we make. We are committed to channeling our resources toward fueling the dreams and ambitions of creators and helping them to unleash their full potential.
That’s why we built our flagship proprietary technology platform, Vocal-a home base for creators offering an unparalleled suite of digital tools and resources, curated communities, and monetization opportunities.
Vocal
Our flagship technology, Vocal, provides the Company with a core platform that is highly scalable on its own but also provides the foundation upon which other revenue sources rely. The first direct core business of Vocal has proven to be a scalable revenue source-Creator Subscriptions. The core will be augmented in the near term with the introduction of the ability for writers and creators to monetize their followings further by directly charging for premium content such as newsletters. Vocal will charge a recurring commission on these new premium content subscriptions. As discussed above, the core Vocal platform underlies numerous derivative revenue sources for the Company.
Since its launch in 2016, Vocal has quickly become the go-to platform for content creators of all kinds, with over 1.5 million registered creators and counting. Whether you’re a blogger, social media influencer, podcaster, founder, musician, photographer, or anything in between, Vocal has everything you need to unleash your creativity and monetize your content.
Creators can opt to use Vocal for free, or upgrade to the premium membership tier, Vocal+. Upon joining Vocal, either as a freemium or premium member, creators can immediately begin to utilize Vocal’s storytelling tools to create and publish their stories, as well as benefit from Vocal’s monetization features.
At Creatd, we believe in rewarding creators for their hard work and dedication. That’s why we offer a range of monetization features on Vocal, whereby creators earn in numerous ways including i) the number of ‘reads’ their story receives; ii) via Vocal Challenges, or writing contests with cash prizes; iii) receiving Bonuses; iv) by participating in Vocal for Brands marketing campaigns; v) through ‘Subscribe,’ which enables creators to receive payment directly from their audience via monthly subscriptions and one-off microtransactions; vi) via Vocal’s Ambassador Program, which enables creators to be compensated for referring new premium members. But what sets Vocal apart from other platforms is our commitment to innovation and scalability. Built on Keystone, the same open-source framework used by industry leaders in the SaaS space, Vocal’s technology is designed for speed, sustainability, and scalability. And with our capital-light infrastructure and focus on research and development, we are able to continuously improve and enhance the platform, without incurring the operational costs that have weighed down legacy media platforms.
Creatd firmly believes that the future belongs to creators. And with Vocal, we’re proud to be leading the charge in providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Branded Content
In developing our creator ecosystem, we came to understand that like individual creators, all brands have a unique story to tell. That’s why we’ve developed Vocal for Brands, our in-house content studio that specializes in creating best-in-class organic marketing campaigns. Our approach combines the production of branded content influencer and performance marketing initiatives that work together to increase sales, revenue, visibility, and brand affinity for our clients.
We work with leading brands to pair them with our network of creators, tapping into their communities to help share their stories in a way that is engaging, direct-response driven, and non-interruptive. Similarly, through Sponsored Challenges, we prompt the creation of thousands of high-quality stories that are centered around the brand’s mission, further disseminated through creators’ respective social channels and promotional outlets.
Our campaigns are amplified with the help of Vocal’s first-party data insights, allowing us to create highly targeted, segmented audiences for brands with optimal results.
Consumer Products Group
At Creatd, we are proud of our internally owned and operated e-commerce businesses and associated technology and infrastructure. Our Consumer Products Group has grown to become a significant revenue contributor and we continue to invest in our portfolio to support direct-to-consumer brands with a wide range of services including design and development, marketing and distribution, and go-to-market strategies. We additionally remain on the lookout for up-and-coming brands that can potentially be acquired and easily consolidated into our shared supply chain, resources, and infrastructure to further broaden our portfolio.
The Company’s Consumer Products portfolio currently includes:
Camp, a direct-to-consumer (DTC) food brand which creates healthy upgrades to classic comfort food favorites. Each of Camp’s products is created with servings of vegetables and contains Vitamins A, C, D, E, B1, and B6. Since its launch in 2020, Camp continues to add new products to its line of healthy, veggie-based, family-friendly foods, with flavors including Classic Cheddar Mac ‘N’ Cheese, White Cheddar Mac ‘N’ Cheese, Vegan Cheezy Mac, and Twist Veggie Pasta.
Dune Glow Remedy (“Dune”), which the Company purchased and brought to market in 2021, is a beverage brand focused on promoting wellness and beauty from within. Each beverage in Dune’s product line is meticulously crafted with functional ingredients that nourish skin from the inside out and enhance one’s natural glow. During 2022, Dune has continued to advance its retail and wholesale distribution strategy, securing numerous partnerships including with lifestyle retailer Urban Outfitters, Equinox, and the Los Angeles-based Erewhon Market.
Basis is a hydrating electrolyte drink mix that was acquired in the first quarter of 2022. This brand has a history of strong sales volume both on the brand’s website as well as through third-party distribution channels such as Amazon.
Brave is a plant-based food company that provides convenient and healthy breakfast food products. Our Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Brave Foods, LLC in September 2022. What started as a search for a better morning routine evolved into a business serving thousands of go-getters of every type. We are thrilled to have these amazing brands as part of our portfolio and we are excited to continue expanding our Consumer Products portfolio.
IP Development and Production
At Creatd, we’re always looking for ways to bring our creators’ stories to new audiences across different media. Our IP Development and Production efforts involve partnering with our top creators to develop their content for television, film, podcasts, and print. With our cutting-edge Vocal platform, we have access to a wealth of intellectual property that’s constantly being curated by a blend of human moderation and advanced machine learning models. Our Vocal technology allows us to analyze community, creator, and audience insights to surface the best candidates for transmedia adaptations. We’re committed to leveraging our vast library of compelling stories to create engaging and impactful content across multiple platforms. As of early 2023, Creatd announced a series of newly released and production projects. They include podcasts, books, and Web 3.0 opportunities.
Application of First-Party Data
First-party data is information that a creator platform collects directly from its users, such as their demographics, interests, and behaviors. By utilizing this data, Vocal’s creator platform can gain insights into its users’ preferences and tailor marketing campaigns accordingly.
For example, a large segment of Vocal users is interested in health and fitness, as evidenced through the Longevity community. This information can additionally be used not only to create more personalized experiences for Vocal audiences, but additionally to help fitness-oriented brands create targeted campaigns for workout equipment, supplements, or fitness apparel. With our ability to understand users’ niche interests and behaviors, the platform can create campaigns that resonate with its audience and drive better engagement and conversions.
The use of first-party data also helps the creator platform maintain a closer relationship with its users, as it enables a more personalized experience of content consumption and engagement for Vocal users. This can lead to higher retention rates, increased user loyalty, and improved user satisfaction. Finally, our business intelligence team pairs first-party Vocal data with third-party data from distribution platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Snapchat providing a more granular profile of creators, brands, and audiences. By generating this valuable first-party data, the Company can continually enrich and refine its targeting capabilities for branded content marketing and creator acquisition, specifically, to reduce creator acquisition costs (CAC) and subscriber acquisition costs (SAC).
Competitive Advantage
The idea for Vocal came as a response to what Creatd’s founders recognized as systemic flaws inherent to the digital media industry and its operational infrastructures, and the competitive advantage that a closed and safe platform ecosystem would provide. First-party data is widely understood as a tool for companies to collect and analyze data about their users directly from the source, providing valuable insights into their behaviors, preferences, and interests. Importantly, by leveraging this data within a closed and safe platform ecosystem, companies can create more personalized experiences for their users, deliver more relevant content and advertising, and increase user engagement and retention.
A secondary, and crucial, advantage of a closed ecosystem is that it allows companies to control the user experience and ensure a high level of safety and security. By controlling the data that is shared and the interactions that take place within the ecosystem, companies can minimize the risk of fraud, abuse, and other harmful behaviors that can undermine user trust and loyalty. This can be particularly important in industries where user safety and privacy are paramount, such as social networking, e-commerce, and financial services.
Finally, the existence of Vocal and its ecosystem enables the Company to optimize our operations and increase efficiencies, effectively creating a more defensible business model by reducing the risk of competition and disintermediation. By controlling the data and interactions within the ecosystem, we create barriers to entry for competitors and reduce the risk of users migrating to other platforms. This can be particularly important in an industry such as Creatd’s, in which network effects and economies of scale are critical to success, such as social networking, e-commerce, and digital advertising.
Leveraging these advantages has enabled the Company to differentiate itself in the market, attract and retain users, and drive sustainable growth and profitability.
Acquisition Strategy
Creatd’s strategic business line expansion has led to the acquisition of several complementary businesses. These acquisitions have allowed Creatd to expand its reach and diversify its revenue streams, enabling the company to leverage its internal resources and expertise to drive continued growth. In addition, the acquisitions have provided opportunities for cost synergies and operational efficiencies, further enhancing the company’s profitability and positioning it for long-term success.
Revenue Model
Creatd’s revenues are primarily generated through:
Platform: Creatd’s flagship technology product, Vocal, generates revenues through subscription fees from premium Vocal creators, a membership program known as Vocal+. The Vocal+ subscription offering provides creators with increased monetization and access to premium tools and features. At approximately $10 per month, Vocal+ offers creators a strong value proposition for freemium users to upgrade, while providing a scalable source of monthly recurring gross revenue for Creatd. Additional platform-based revenues are generated from Tipping and other transactions that occur on the platform. For each such transaction, which are designed to enable Vocal audiences to engage and support their favorite creators, Vocal takes platform processing fees ranging from approximately 3% to 7%.
E-commerce: The majority of the Company’s e-commerce revenues comes from sales associated with Creatd’s portfolio of internally owned and operated e-commerce businesses, Camp, Dune, Basis, and Brave. Additionally, the Company’s e-commerce strategy involves revitalizing archival imagery and media content in dormant legacy portfolios. Creatd maintains an exclusive license to leverage the stories housed on Vocal, reimagining them for films, episodic shows, games, graphic novels, collectibles, books, and more.
Agency: The Company derives revenues from marketing partnerships through its internal branded content studio, Vocal for Brands, which specializes in pairing leading brands with select Vocal creators to produce content marketing campaigns, including sponsored Challenges, that leverage the power of Vocal. Branded stories and Challenges are distributed to a targeted audience based on Vocal’s first-party data, and are optimized for conversions to maximize revenue growth.
Corporate History and Information
We were originally incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on December 30, 1999 under the name LILM, Inc. The Company changed its name on December 3, 2013 to Great Plains Holdings, Inc.
On February 5, 2016 (the “Merger Closing Date”), we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with GPH Merger Sub, Inc., a Nevada corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiary (“Merger Sub”), and Jerrick Ventures, Inc., a privately-held Nevada corporation headquartered in New Jersey (“Jerrick”), pursuant to which the Merger Sub was merged with and into Jerrick, with Jerrick surviving as our wholly-owned subsidiary (the “Merger”). Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, we acquired, through a reverse triangular merger, all of the outstanding capital stock of Jerrick in exchange for issuing Jerrick’s shareholders (the “Jerrick Shareholders”), pro-rata, a total of 475,000 shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”). Additionally, we assumed 33,415 shares of Jerrick’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Jerrick Series A Preferred”) and 8,064 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Jerrick Series B Preferred”).
Upon closing of the Merger on February 5, 2016, the Company changed its business plan to our current plan.
In connection with the Merger, on the Merger Closing Date, we entered into a Spin-Off Agreement with Kent Campbell (the “Spin-Off Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Campbell purchased (i) all of our interest in Ashland Holdings, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, and (ii) all of our interest in Lil Marc, Inc., a Utah corporation, in exchange for the cancellation of 13,030 shares of our common stock held by Mr. Campbell. In addition, Mr. Campbell assumed all of our debts, obligations and liabilities, including any existing prior to the Merger, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Spin-Off Agreement.
Effective February 28, 2016, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Statutory Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which we became the parent company of Jerrick Ventures, LLC, our wholly-owned operating subsidiary (the “Statutory Merger”).
On February 28, 2016, we changed our name to Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc. to better reflect our new business strategy.
On July 25, 2019, we filed a certificate of amendment to our articles of incorporation, as amended (the “Amendment”), with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada to effectuate a one-for-twenty (1:20) reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of our common stock without any change to its par value. The Amendment became effective on July 30, 2019. The number of shares of authorized common stock was proportionately reduced as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. The number of shares of authorized preferred stock was not affected by the Reverse Stock Split. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split as all fractional shares were “rounded up” to the next whole share.
On September 11, 2019, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Seller’s Choice, LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company (“Seller’s Choice”). Seller’s Choice is digital e-commerce agency based in New Jersey. On March 3, 2022, the Company settled the Seller’s Choice Note for a cash payment of $799,000.
On July 13, 2020, upon approval from our board of directors and stockholders, we filed Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada for the purpose of increasing our authorized shares of Common Stock to 100,000,000.
On August 13, 2020, we filed a certificate of amendment to our second amended and restated articles of incorporation (the “Amendment”), with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada to effectuate a one-for-three (1:3) reverse stock split (the “August 2020 Reverse Stock Split”) of our common stock without any change to its par value. The Amendment became effective on August 17, 2020. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the August 2020 Reverse Stock Split as all fractional shares were rounded down to the next whole share. All share and per share amounts of our common stock listed in this Form 10-K have been adjusted to give effect to the August 2020 Reverse Stock Split.
On September 9, 2020, the Company filed a certificate of amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada to change our name to “Creatd, Inc.”, which became effective on September 10, 2020.
On June 4, 2021, the Company acquired 89% of the membership interests of Plant Camp, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Plant Camp”), which the Company subsequently rebranded as Camp. Camp is a direct-to-consumer (DTC) food brand which creates healthy upgrades to classic comfort food favorites. The results of Plant Camp’s operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statements of Operations.
On July 20, 2021, the Company acquired 44% of the membership interests of WHE Agency, Inc. WHE Agency, Inc, is a talent management and public relations agency based in New York (“WHE”). WHE has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 55% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statements of Operations.
Between October 21, 2020, and August 16, 2021, the Company acquired 21% of the membership interests of Dune, Inc. Dune, Inc. is a direct-to-consumer brand focused on promoting wellness through its range of health-oriented beverages.
On October 3, 2021, the Company acquired an additional 29% of the membership interests of Dune, Inc., bringing our total membership interests to 50%. Dune, Inc., has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 50% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statements of Operations.
On March 7, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Denver Bodega, LLC, d/b/a Basis, a Colorado limited liability company (“Basis”). Basis is a direct-to-consumer functional beverage brand that makes high-electrolyte mixes meant to aid hydration. Denver Bodega, LLC has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 100% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statement of Operations.
On August 1, 2022, the Company acquired 51% of the membership interests of Orbit Media LLC, a New York limited liability company. Orbit is a app-based stock trading platform designed to empower a new generation of investors. Orbit has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 51% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statement of Operations.
On September 13, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Brave Foods, LLC, a Maine limited liability company. Brave is a plant-based food company that provides convenient and healthy breakfast food products. Brave Foods, LLC has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 100% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statement of Operations.
Recent Developments
May 2022 Securities Purchase Agreement
On May 31, 2022 the Company entered into and closed securities purchase agreements with eight accredited investors, whereby the Investors purchased from the Company for an aggregate of $3,600,036 in subscription amount (i) debentures in the principal amount of $4,000,000; (ii) 2,000,000 Series C Common Stock Purchase Warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share; and (iii) 2,000,000 Series D Common Stock Purchase Warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock. The Company and the Investors also entered into registration rights agreements pursuant to the securities purchase agreements. The Debentures had an original issue discount of 10%, a term of six months with a maturity date of November 30, 2022, may be extended by six months at the Company’s option subject to certain conditions, and are convertible into shares of Common Stock at a conversion price of $2.00 per share, subject to adjustment upon certain events including a one-time adjustment to the price of the Common Stock offered in the Rights Offering (as defined therein), with such adjusted conversion price not to be lower than $1.00. The Warrants are exercisable for a term of five years from the initial exercise date of November 30, 2022, until November 30, 2027. The Series C Warrants are exercisable at an exercise price of $3.00, subject to adjustment upon certain events including a one-time adjustment to the price of the Common Stock offered in the Rights Offering, with such adjusted exercise price not to be lower than $0.96. The Series D Warrants are exercisable at an exercise price of $6.00 subject to adjustment upon certain events including a one-time adjustment to the price of the Common Stock offered in the Rights Offering, with such adjusted exercise price not to be lower than $0.96. The Warrants provide for cashless exercise to the extent that there is no registration statement available for the underlying shares of Common Stock. The securities purchase agreements contain customary representations, warranties, covenants, indemnification and other terms for transactions of a similar nature. Additionally, in connection with the securities purchase agreements, the subsidiaries of the Company delivered a guarantee in favor of the Investors whereby each such subsidiary guaranteed the full payment and performance of all obligations of the Company pursuant to the securities purchase agreements. The Debentures, Warrants, Common Stock underlying the Debentures and the Common Stock underlying the Warrants were not registered under the Securities Act, but qualified for exemption under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506 promulgated thereunder.
July 2022 Securities Purchase Agreement
On July 25, 2022, the Company, entered into and closed securities purchase agreements with five accredited investors, whereby the Investors purchased from the Company for an aggregate of $1,935,019 in subscription amount (i) debentures in the principal amount of $2,150,000; (ii) 1,075,000 Series E Common Stock Purchase Warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share; and (iii) 1,075,000 Series F Common Stock Purchase Warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock. The Company and the investors also entered into registration rights agreements pursuant to the securities purchase agreements. The debentures have an original issue discount of 10%, have a maturity date of November 30, 2022, may be extended by six months at the Company’s option subject to certain conditions, and are convertible into shares of Common Stock at a conversion price of $2.00 per share, subject to adjustment upon certain events including a one-time adjustment to the price of the Common Stock offered in the rights offering, with such adjusted conversion price not to be lower than $1.25. The Warrants are immediately exercisable for a term of five years until July 25, 2027. The Series E Warrants are exercisable at an exercise price of $3.00, subject to adjustment upon certain events including a one-time adjustment to the price of the Common Stock offered in the rights offering, with such adjusted exercise price not to be lower than $1.01. The Series F Warrants are exercisable at an exercise price of $6.00 subject to adjustment upon certain events including a one-time adjustment to the price of the Common Stock offered in the rights offering, with such adjusted exercise price not to be lower than $1.01. The warrants provide for cashless exercise to the extent that there is no registration statement available for the underlying shares of Common Stock. Additionally, in connection with the security purchase agreements, the subsidiaries of the Company delivered a guarantee in favor of the investors whereby each such subsidiary guaranteed the full payment and performance of all obligations of the Company pursuant to the securities purchase agreements. The debentures, warrants, Common Stock underlying the debentures and the Common Stock underlying the warrants were not registered under the Securities Act, but qualified for exemption under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506 promulgated thereunder.
Trigger of Price Reset
On July 29, 2022, the Company announced that it was not moving forward with its previously announced Rights Offering. In doing so, it triggered a price reset in the July 2022 Financing and the May 2022 Securities Purchase Agreement. As a result of this price reset, the May 2022 Securities Purchase Agreement debentures now have a conversion price of $1.00, and both the Series C and Series D warrants have exercise prices of $0.96. As a result of the price reset, the July 2022 Financing debentures now have a conversion price of $1.25, and both the Series E and Series F warrants have exercise prices of $1.01.
Registered direct offering
On September 15, 2022, the Company entered into and closed a securities purchase agreement with five accredited investors resulting in the raise of $800,000 in gross proceeds to the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the securities purchase agreement, the Company agreed to sell in a registered direct offering an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share. In a concurrent private placement, the Company issued to such investors warrants to purchase up to 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock, representing 100% of the shares of common stock purchased in the offering. The warrants and the shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants are not being registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Gross proceeds from the offering totaled $800,000, before deducting offering expenses. The warrants are immediately exercisable for a term of five years until September 15, 2027. The warrants are exercisable at an exercise price of $0.20, subject to adjustment upon certain events. The warrants provide for cashless exercise to the extent that there is no registration statement available for the underlying shares of Common Stock.
Restructuring Agreement
On September 15, 2022, in connection with the offering, the Company entered into an agreement with the holders of certain of the Company’s previously issued securities (the “Restructuring Agreement”).
The Restructuring Agreement, among other things, modified certain provisions of the following securities of the Company:
(i) Original Issue Discount Senior Convertible Debentures issued on May 31, 2022 (the “May 2022 Debentures”);
(ii)
Original Issue Discount Senior Convertible Debentures issued on July 25, 2022 (the “July 2022 Debentures” and, together with the May 2022 Debentures, the “Debentures”);
(iii) Common Stock Purchase Warrants issued on February 28, 2022 (the “February 2022 Warrants”);
(iv) Common Stock Purchase Warrants issued on March 9, 2022 (the “March 2022 Warrants”);
(v) Series C Common Stock Purchase Warrants issued on May 31, 2022 (the “Series C Warrants”);
(vi) Series D Common Stock Purchase Warrants issued on May 31, 2022 (the “Series D Warrants”);
(vii) Series E Common Stock Purchase Warrants issued on July 25, 2022 (the “Series E Warrants”);
(viii)
Series F Common Stock Purchase Warrants issued on July 25, 2022 (the “Series F Warrants” and, together with the February 2022 Warrants, the March 2022 Warrants, Series C Warrants, Series D Warrants and Series E Warrants, the “Restructured Warrants”);
Pursuant to the Restructuring Agreement, the Company and the Holders agreed to, among other things, to (i) reduce the conversion price of the Debentures down to $0.20, subject to adjustment for reverse and forward stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations and other similar transactions of the Common Stock; (ii) reduce the exercise price of the Restructured Warrants down to $0.20, subject to adjustment for reverse and forward stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations and other similar transactions of the Common Stock; (iii) extend the maturity dates for the Debentures to March 31, 2023; (iv) permit the Company’s contemplated rights offering to proceed, provided that the per share offering price in the rights offering is not less than $0.20; and (v) require that the Company’s cash burn rate not exceed $600,000 per month; provided, however, that with the prior written consent of a majority in interest of the Holders, such permitted monthly burn rate can be increased by $150,000, provided such additional amount is used for marketing purposes.
Additionally, in connection with the Restructuring Agreement, (i) the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (“Registration Rights Agreement”), providing for the filing of a registration statement covering the Restructured Warrants and shares underlying the Warrants by not later than 10 trading days after the date of the Registration Rights Agreement or the earliest practical date on which the Company is permitted by Commission guidance to file such registration statement; (ii) the Company and its subsidiaries entered into a Security Agreement (the “Security Agreement”), whereby the Company granted a first priority security interest in all of their respective assets to the Holders and (iii) the subsidiaries of the Company delivered a guarantee (the “Guarantee”) in favor of the Holders whereby each such subsidiary guaranteed the full payment and performance of all obligations of the Company pursuant to the Debentures.
Each of our directors and officers entered into lock-up agreements (the “Lock-up Agreements”) in favor of the Holders, whereby they agreed not to offer, sell, agree to sell, directly or indirectly, or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock without the prior written consent of the Holders for a period of 180 days after the date of the Restructuring Agreement. The Lock-up Agreements provide limited exceptions and their restrictions may be waived at any time by the Holders.
October 2022 Common Stock Purchase Agreement, Securities Purchase Agreement and Promissory Note
On October 20, 2022, the Company entered into a common stock purchase agreement (the “Investment Agreement”) with an otherwise unaffiliated third party (the “Investor”). Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Agreement, for a period of thirty-six (36) months commencing on the trading day immediately following the date of effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the Investor purchase up to $15,000,000 of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, pursuant to drawdown notices, covering the registrable securities. The purchase price of the shares under the Investment Agreement is equal to 82% of the lowest volume weighted average price (VWAP) during the last ten trading days after the Company delivers to the Investor a put notice or drawdown notice in writing requiring Investor to purchase shares of the Company, subject to the terms of the Investment Agreement. On October 20, 2022, the Company also entered into a securities purchase agreement with the Investor, pursuant to which the Company issued to the Investor on that date a Promissory Note (the “Note”) in the principal amount of $300,000 in exchange for a purchase price of $255,000, which the Investor funded on October 20,2022. The proceeds of the Note to be used by the Company for general working capital purposes. The Note bears interest at the rate of 10% per annum. Starting on the fifth month anniversary of the funding of the Note, and for the next six months thereafter, the Company will make seven equal monthly payments of $47,142.85 to the Investor. On October 20, 2022, in connection with the entry by the Company and the Investor into the economic agreements, (i.e., the Investment Agreement, the Purchase Agreement, and the Note and the funding thereof), the Company issued 800,000 shares of its common stock to the Investor.
October 2022 Securities Purchase Agreement; Side Letter
On October 24, 2022, the Company entered into and closed a securities purchase agreement with one accredited investor, whereby the Investor purchased from the Company for an aggregate of $1,500,000 in subscription amount, an unsecured debenture in the principal amount of $1,666,650. The Company and the Investor also entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to the securities purchase agreement. The debenture has an original issue discount of 10%, a term of six months with a maturity date of April 24, 2023, may be extended by six months at the Company’s option subject to certain conditions, and are convertible into shares of Common Stock at a conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to adjustment upon certain events. The Company also entered into a side letter agreement with the holders of debentures of the Company, the Series C Warrants and Series D Warrants issued as of May 31, 2022 (the “May Investors”) and the holders of debentures of the Company, the Series E Warrants and Series F Warrants issued as of July 25, 2022 (the “July Investors”). Pursuant to the letter agreement each of the May Investors and the July Investors have entered into a lock-up agreement whereby they may not sell any such debentures, warrants, the shares into which such debentures may be converted, or certain shares underlying such warrants until the date that is 30 days after the date on which the registration statement registering for resale the shares of the Company’s common stock underlying the debenture is declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Additionally, the letter agreement, provides that the May Investors and July Investors have agreed to a further lock up of such shares for a further 30 days upon the receipt of a certain amount of the proceeds from future potential issuances of debentures, common stock or similar securities by the Company. Additionally, pursuant to the letter agreement, the May Investors and the July Investors agreed to exchange and return for cancellation the Series C Warrants, Series D Warrants, Series E Warrants and Series F Warrants, receiving replacement warrants from the Company (the “Replacement Warrants”), in consideration for (i) the Company’s payment of $750,000 of the proceeds from the sale of the debenture to the May Investors and July Investors on a pro rata basis and (ii) the Company’s agreement to pay, on a pro rata basis to the May Investors and July Investors, the greater of (x) $750,000 and (y) 50% of the gross proceeds raised in a subsequent financing. The Replacement Warrants reflect a reduction in the number of Series C and Series D Warrants from 1,550,000 in each class to 1,536,607 in each class and a reduction in the number of Series E and Series F Warrants from 1,075,000 in each class to 807,143 in each class, and the initial exercise date for the Replacement Warrants are unchanged from the date as set forth in the respective exchanged Series C, Series D, Series E or Series F Warrant. The debenture, and the Common Stock underlying the warrants were not registered under the Securities Act, but qualified for exemption under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506 promulgated thereunder.
November 2022 Warrant Amendment and Issuance
On November 18, 2022, the Company entered into a letter agreement with the respective holders of an aggregate of 471,953 warrants issued as placement agent fees in connection with the Company’s entry into securities purchase agreements with 33 accredited investors, whereby, at the closing, the investors agreed to purchase from the Company an aggregate of (i) 7,778 shares of the Company’s Series E Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series E Preferred Stock”); and (ii) 2,831,721 warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, pursuant to which the exercise price of such warrants was amended and such warrants were immediately exercised. Additionally, pursuant to the letter agreement, the Company issued to such warrant holders 471,953 new warrants, exercisable immediately, for a term of 60 months, at a price of $0.77 per share, subject to customary adjustment provisions. As a result of the triggering of such adjustment provisions, the number of warrants increased to 1,817,019 and the exercise price decreased to $0.20.
December 2022 Securities Purchase Agreement
On December 12, 2022, the Company entered into and closed a securities purchase agreement with one accredited investor, whereby the Investor purchased from the Company for an aggregate of $750,000 in subscription amount, an unsecured debenture in the principal amount of $750,000. The Company and the investor also entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to the securities purchase agreement. The debenture has a term of six months with a maturity date of June 12, 2023, which may be extended by six months at the Company’s option subject to certain conditions and monthly redemption options at the election of the holder and are convertible into shares of Common Stock at a conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to adjustment upon certain events.
December 2022 Warrant Amendment and Issuance
On December 22, 2022, the Company entered into a letter agreement with the respective holders of an aggregate of 4,775,000 warrants. Pursuant to the letter agreement, in exchange for the immediate exercise of the 4,775,000 warrants at an exercise price of $0.20, the Company issued to such warrant holders 4,775,000 new warrants, exercisable immediately, for a term of 60 months, at a price of $0.77 per share, subject to customary adjustment provisions.
Dorado Goose Transaction
On January 18, 2023, the Company, entered into and closed two securities purchase agreements with Dorado Goose LLC or the investor, whereby the investor purchased from the Company for an aggregate of $1,500,000 in subscription amount, (i) an unsecured debenture in the principal amount of $847,500 and (ii) 1,562,500 shares of common stock. The Company and the investor also entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to the securities purchase agreements. The subsidiaries of the Company delivered a guarantee in favor of the investor whereby each such subsidiary guaranteed the full payment and performance of all obligations of the Company pursuant to the debenture. The debenture has an original issue discount of 13%, has a maturity date of June 13, 2023, may be extended by six months at the Company’s option subject to certain conditions, and are convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to adjustment upon certain events. The debenture and the common stock were not registered under the Securities Act but qualified for exemption under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506 promulgated thereunder.
Nasdaq Notice of Delisting
On January 4, 2021, the Company received a letter from the staff of The Nasdaq Capital Market (the “Exchange”) notifying the Company that the Exchange had determined to delist the Company’s common stock and warrants from the Exchange based on the Company’s non-compliance with the Exchange’s (i) $5 million stockholders’ equity requirement for initial listing pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5505(b), (ii) the $2.5 million stockholders’ equity requirement or any of the alternatives for continued listing pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b), and (iii) the Company’s failure to provide material information to the Exchange pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(a)(1). On February 11, 2021, the Company met with the Exchange’s Hearings Panel (the “Panel”) with respect to such determination, in accordance with the Exchange’s rules and, pursuant to such request by the Company to appeal, the delisting of the Company’s securities and the Form 25 Notification of Delisting filing was stayed pending the Panel’s decision. On March 9, 2021, the Exchange notified the Company that the Panel had determined to continue the listing of the Company on the Exchange. Notwithstanding the Panel’s determination to continue the listing of the Company’s securities on the Exchange, the Panel issued a public reprimand letter to the Company, pursuant to Listing Rule 5815(c)(1)(D), based on its finding “that the Company failed to meet the initial listing criteria with respect to stockholders’ equity and failed to provide Nasdaq with material information with respect to that deficiency.” Specifically, the Panel found that the Company failed to comply with Listing Rule 5250(a)(1), requiring it to notify Nasdaq of certain significant developments that led to the Company’s prior representations about its ability to satisfy the initial listing requirements being inaccurate. In reaching its determination to continue the listing of the Company on Nasdaq, the Panel acknowledged that the Company had since demonstrated compliance with the initial listing requirement for stockholders’ equity and all other applicable initial listing requirements. The Panel also determined that the violations were inadvertent and that the Company had relied on advice of counsel at the time in its interactions with the Nasdaq staff (“Staff”). The Panel also acknowledged the Company’s efforts to implement structural changes within the Company to avoid similar misstatements in the future and that would allow for proper accounting and disclosure on an ongoing basis. A Panel Monitor was implemented under Listing Rule 5815(d)(4)(A) for a period of one year from the date of the Letter. In the event that the Company became deficient with respect to any continued listing requirement, the Company would not be afforded the opportunity to submit a compliance plan for Staff’s consideration and Staff would issue a Delist Determination Letter and promptly schedule a new hearing under Listing Rule 5810(c)(2), at which the Company may present a compliance plan for the Panel’s consideration. In the event of a new hearing, any suspension or delisting action would be stayed pending the completion of the hearings process and the expiration of any additional extension period granted by the Panel following the hearing.
On March 1, 2022, the Company received a letter from the staff of the Exchange notifying the Company that the Exchange had determined to delist the Company’s common stock from the Exchange based on the Company’s Market Value of Listed Securities for the 30-consecutive day period between January 15, 2022 and February 25, 2022 falling short of the requirements under Listing Rule 5550(b)(2) (the “Rule”). Although a 180-day period is typically allowed for an issuer to regain compliance, the Company was not eligible to use such compliance period, as the Exchange had instituted a Panel Monitor through March 9, 2022.
On April 22, 2022, the Company received a letter from the Exchange notifying the Company that the Nasdaq Hearing Panel had determined to continue the listing of the Company on the Exchange, subject to the following conditions: (i) on or before May 16, 2022, the Company would file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2022 demonstrating compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 550(b)(1) requiring shareholders’ equity of $2.5 million and (ii) on or before August 29, 2022, the Company would file a Form 8-K documenting the successful completion of any fund-raising activity that had taken place since April 14, 2022 and the Company’s long-term compliance with the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market. The Panel advised that August 29, 2022 represented the full extent of the Panel’s discretion to grant continued listing during the time the Company was non-compliant and should the Company fail to demonstrate compliance by such date, the Panel would issue a final delist determination and the Company would be suspended from trading on the Exchange.
On September 2, 2022, the Company received a letter from the Exchange notifying the Company that the Nasdaq Hearings Panel had determined to delist the Company’s common stock from the Exchange, based on the Company’s failure to comply with the listing requirements of Nasdaq Rule 5550(b)(1) as a result of the Company’s shareholder equity deficit for the period ended June 30, 2022, as demonstrated in Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 15, 2022, following the Company having not complied with the market value of listed securities requirement in Nasdaq Rule 5550(b)(2) on March 1, 2022, while the Company was under a Panel Monitor, as had been previously disclosed, suspension of trading in the Company’s shares on the Exchange would be effective at the opening of business on September 7, 2022. Following passage of the proscribed 15-day time period for appeal as stated in the letter, on October 26, 2022, Nasdaq completed the delisting by filing a Form 25 Notification of Delisting with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company’s receipt of the Letter does not affect the Company’s business, operations or reporting requirements with the Commission.
Quotation on OTCQB
Effective on September 7, 2022, our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB Marketplace operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. (“OTCQB”) under the symbol “CRTD.” Effective April 4, 2023, our symbol changed to “VOCL.”
Board of Directors and Management
On June 1, 2022, the Board of Directors approved the Creatd, Inc. 2022 Omnibus Securities and Incentive Plan. On November 10, 2022, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to the Creatd, Inc. 2022 Omnibus Securities and Incentive Plan. The plan provides for the granting of distribution equivalent rights, incentive share options, non-qualified share options, performance unit awards, restricted share awards, restricted share unit awards, share appreciation rights, tandem share appreciation rights, unrestricted share awards or any combination of the foregoing, as may be best suited to the circumstances of the particular employee, director or consultant as provided in the plan. the aggregate number of common shares (including common shares underlying options designated as incentive share options or non-qualified share options) that may be issued under the plan shall not exceed the sum of (i) 30,000,000 common shares plus (ii) an annual increase on the first day of each calendar year beginning January 1, 2023 and ending on and including January 1, 2031 equal to the lesser of (a) five percent (5%) of the common shares outstanding on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year, and (b) such smaller number of common shares as determined by the Board.
On January 18, 2023, the Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The results of the matters voted on by the Company’s stockholders included the election of Directors to serve on the Company’s board; Amendment to our Articles of Incorporation to Increase Authorized Stock; and the approval of Creatd 2022 Omnibus Securities and Incentive Plan.
On February 8, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Creatd, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”) approved, based on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board, certain equity and cash compensation for certain key members of the Company’s management team and non-employee directors as discussed below.
The Company has made certain equity awards to the key members of the Company’s management team (the “Equity Awards”), comprised of 10,692,308 shares of the Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”) to Jeremy Frommer, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, 5,894,788 shares of Common Stock to Justin Maury, Chief Operating Officer of the Company, and 1,663,223 shares of Common Stock to Chelsea Pullano, Chief Financial Officer of the Company. As a condition to receiving the Equity Awards, each such officer agreed to lock-up terms such that only 10% of the shares comprising such individual’s Equity Award can be sold until 90 days after the date of the issuance of the Equity Awards (the “Lock Up Period”) and that during the Lock Up Period, and for nine months thereafter, each such individual can only sell the number of shares equal to the lesser of 5% of the trailing 30 day average volume or 25,000 shares in any single trading day. Additionally, beginning one year after the issuance of the Equity Awards, each individual receiving Equity Awards can only sell the number of shares equal to the lesser of 5% of the trailing 30-day average volume or 40,000 shares in any single trading day (the “Volume Restrictions”).
The Company will also pay cash bonuses to the key members of the Company’s management team (the “Executive Bonuses”) in the amounts of $125,000 to Jeremy Frommer, $62,500 to Justin Maury and $31,250 to Chelsea Pullano, to be paid out on a discretionary basis as determined by the Committee. In addition, each of Jeremy Frommer and Justin Maury will receive monthly housing stipends in the amount of $6,300 (the “Housing Stipends”).
Additionally, the Company will make certain cash payments and equity awards to the non-employee members of the Board (the “Director Compensation”), comprised of annual cash compensation of $140,000, payable in monthly installments, an annual grant of $140,000 in Common Stock, issued quarterly and priced at the average of the last five trading days of the previous quarter. In the fiscal year 2023, each independent director shall be eligible for a cash bonus of $20,000, which shall be paid on a discretionary basis. As a share bonus, 1,700,000 shares of Common Stock shall be issuable to Peter Majar and 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock shall be issuable to Erica Wagner, with such shares subject to the same lock-up and volume restrictions as the Equity Awards.
The Company will offer the chair of the audit committee of the Board (the “Audit Committee Chair”) an additional annual cash compensation of $20,000, payable in monthly installments, and an annual grant of $20,000 in Common Stock, issued quarterly and priced at the average of the last five trading days of the previous quarter.
All equity awards made to the independent directors of the Company are made pursuant to the Creatd, Inc. 2022 Omnibus Securities and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).
The February 2023 Securities Purchase Agreement
On February 1, 2023, the Company entered into and closed a securities purchase agreement with one accredited investor, whereby the Investor purchased from the Company for an aggregate of $1,250,000 in subscription amount, an unsecured debenture in the principal amount of $1,250,000. The Company and the investor also entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to the securities purchase agreement. The debenture has a term of six months with a maturity date of August 1, 2023, which may be extended by six months at the Company’s option subject to certain conditions and monthly redemption options at the election of the holder and are convertible into shares of Common Stock at a conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to adjustment upon certain events.
Listing on Upstream
On February 14, 2023, the Company completed the listing on Upstream of the Company’s shares of common stock, comprising the same class of common shares currently registered with the Commission that are currently issued and outstanding. Upstream is the trading app for digital securities and NFTs powered by Horizon Fintex and MERJ Exchange Limited (“MERJ”). The shares listed on Upstream are represented on MERJ Exchange as a “digital security” in the form of uncertificated securities that have the same shareholder rights as all other shares of such issuer. It is a representation of common stock in an uncertificated form. The Company has not issued any new securities pursuant to the listing on Upstream. All common shares have been registered with the Commission and comprise the entire number of shares of the Company issued and outstanding and all of the Company’s shares of common stock have the same CUSIP/ISIN number.
MERJ operates Upstream as a fully regulated and licensed integrated securities exchange, clearing system and depository for digital and non-digital securities. MERJ is an affiliate of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), recognized by HM Revenue and Customs UK, a full member of the Association of National Numbering Agencies (ANNA) and a Qualifying Foreign Exchange for OTC Markets in the US. MERJ is also a member of the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative. MERJ is regulated in the Seychelles by the Financial Services Authority Seychelles, https://fsaseychelles.sc/. MERJ is not registered or regulated in any manner in the United States.
Upstream is accessible via the major app stores. After downloading the application, users will have access to review all the securities that trade on Upstream including trading activity, regulatory disclosures and other corporate information. Further there is a direct link of information on our Company at https://investors.creatd.com/resources/faqs/default.aspx. This includes a listing particulars document, which is a required disclosure as part of the requirements of MERJ Exchange Limited as defined by Securities Act 2007 of the Seychelles (as amended) and any other measure prescribed thereunder by the Minister or the Securities Authority. Investors are encouraged to review the listing particulars that may be found at the following link: https://upstream.exchange/creatd.
Pursuant to Upstream’s policy, terms and conditions, investors based in the United States or Canada are prohibited from buying shares on the Upstream secondary market. However, U.S.- and Canada-based investors may sell securities they previously purchased or acquired from an issuer, stockbroker or stock exchange that has dual-listed on Upstream. U.S.- or Canada-based investors are those investors who citizens of the United States or Canada, including those living abroad, or permanent residents of the United States or Canada. To the extent shares had been deposited at a time prior to Upstream’s policy prohibiting such deposits, such shares cannot be sold at this time, and such shareholder would need to have such shares returned to the Company’s transfer agent to complete a sale.
The Press Release stated, “Global investors can now trade by downloading Upstream from their preferred app store at https://upstream.exchange/, creating an account by tapping sign up...”. This was not to suggest that investors based in the United States or Canada can buy shares on the Upstream secondary market, but to suggest that investors who are not U.S.- and Canada-based can trade on Upstream.
Investors who have deposited shares with Upstream may subsequently elect, at any time, to transfer such shares to from Upstream to the Company’s transfer agent for trade via their U.S. broker.
The Company is providing our investors with detailed information on the process on how to deposit and trade shares on Upstream directly on our website at the following link: https://investors.creatd.com/resources/faqs/default.aspx.
Shares transferred into Upstream will be effected via the Company’s Transfer Agent, Pacific Stock Transfer Company (“Pacific”). For shares already recorded with Pacific, investors can transfer such shares to Upstream by taking the following steps: Open Upstream, then choose Investor: Manage Securities, Deposit Securities and, next, Enter the Company’s Ticker Symbol and Number of Shares their requesting to deposit. Investors would then confirm the shares are unrestricted or “free trading” and tap Submit. The value of each share deposit request on the Upstream app may not exceed $100,000, with such value determined by the closing price of the security on the previous trading day multiplied by the number of shares being deposited. Once the investor makes the share deposit request using the Upstream app, and the transfer agent has the investor’s shares in ‘book entry’, the deposit is typically processed within 48 hours during business days. Once the transfer has been completed investors will receive a push notification in the Upstream app and see the share deposit in their Upstream Portfolio.
If the investor’s shares are currently in the investor’s brokerage account, then the investor will be required to transfer its shares to Pacific to have shares recorded as “direct registration” in “book entry” with Pacific. To make such transfer request, an investor would need to contact their brokerage firm and request to transfer their shares back to “book entry” with the transfer agent.
All shares transferred to Upstream shall be held in MERJ Dep., which is a company licensed as a Securities Facility pursuant to the Seychelles Securities Act, 2007. The Company has appointed MERJ Dep. to act as the Depository Nominee in respect of any securities traded which are quoted on Upstream and granted MERJ Dep. as the Depository Nominee, pursuant to the Securities Facility Rules Directive on Depository Interests.
Shares may be withdrawn from Upstream back to the transfer agent. The Upstream app has a function under Investor Services, Manage Securities, Withdraw Securities. The shareholder then enters the ticker symbol and the number of shares to being withdrawn and taps ‘Notarize’ to cryptographically sign this transaction. The shares are removed from the user’s Upstream portfolio and an email is sent to the transfer agent with a share withdrawal request whereafter the transfer agent will liaise directly with the shareholder to ensure the share balance is entered in ‘book entry’ into the user’s name & address. Third party share withdrawals from Upstream are not permitted, the share withdrawal request name and address (as retrieved from the Upstream know your customer (KYC) information by Upstream compliance) is required to be the same name and address that will be entered in the transfer agents ‘book entry’ for such shareholder.
The NFTs traded on Upstream are issued by the Company and convey no ownership interest in the Company, nor do they provide any dividends, royalties, or other equity interests or rights that would indicate an expectation of profit. The NFTs are issued only on Upstream and can only be traded on Upstream.
The Commission evaluates whether a particular digital asset, including an NFT, is a security based on what is commonly referred to as the Howey Test. The Howey Test looks at four factors: (i) an investment of money (ii) in a common enterprise (iii) with the expectation of profit (iv) to be derived from the efforts of others. We believe the commemorative NFTs issued by Creatd do not meet the definition for securities under the Howey Test. Such NFTs, issued to investors who deposited shares of Creatd with Upstream, are commemorative in nature, memorializing the listing on Upstream, as a novelty item, being akin to a tombstone, plaque, sticker, poster or t-shirt commemorating the listing, similar to what NASDAQ and the NYSE may provide to its issuers. The NFT issued by Creatd conveys no ownership interest in Creatd, nor does it provide any dividends, royalties, or other equity interests or rights that would indicate an expectation of profit. The NFTs are issued only on Upstream and can only be traded on Upstream. No consideration was paid for the NFTs, and such investors are still able to transfer such shares back to Pacific Stock Transfer following receipt of the NFTs.
To trade on Upstream, users create a trading account using the Upstream smartphone app, with a random-generated username (in the form of an address that’s a 42-character hexadecimal address derived from the last 20 bytes of a random public key) and a password (in the form of a random cryptographic private key).The public and private key (the cryptographic keypair) is generated locally on the smartphone and only the public key is ever known to Upstream, MERJ Dep., or peer to peer trading counterparties on Upstream. Only the individual users hold their private keys. This privacy ensures that only the Upstream user can cryptographically sign a securities transaction (bid/offer/buy/sell/cancel) for it to be executed on Upstream, that is, all transactions such as share sales are self-directed, peer to peer, and instantly settled using the Upstream distributed ledger platform.
In order to buy, sell, deposit or withdraw shares on Upstream, an Upstream user that has created their account as outlined in the previous paragraph, is required to submit KYC information for the Upstream compliance team to review. KYC information is then linked to the user’s public key, and if the user passes KYC review, then this user’s cryptographic keypair’s transactions will be accepted as legitimate self-directed securities transaction requests to Upstream for execution on the platform.
Shareholders should be aware that there are risks and uncertainties with the Company’s dual listing on Upstream. In particular, the restriction on trading for US- and Canada-based investors may affect the liquidity of our common stock and lead to volatility in the price and trading volume of our common stock.
In addition, though the NFTs traded on Upstream are commemorative in nature, the regulatory regime governing blockchain technologies, cryptocurrencies and tokens is uncertain, and new regulations or policies may materially affect our NFT marketplace and our business generally.
Although we believe that these NFTs are not securities, there is risk that the issuance of NFTs may be considered a public offering in violation of the federal securities laws, and perhaps certain state securities laws. For issuances that are deemed to be public offerings under federal securities laws or in violation of certain state securities laws, purchasers of such products might be granted the right to rescind the sale of these products and demand that we return the purchase price of these products. We did not receive a purchase price for these NFTs; however, there is risk that the Company may be subject to other penalties or that other remedies may apply.
Additional information regarding Upstream can be found at Revolutionary exchange & trading app for digital securities (upstream.exchange).
Appointment of New Directors
On February 17, 2022, the Board appointed Joanna Bloor, Brad Justus, and Lorraine Hendrickson to serve as members of the Board.
On September 2, 2022, the Board appointed Jeremy Frommer, Executive Chairman, as Chief Executive Officer.
On September 2, 2022, the Board appointed Justin Maury, President and Chief Operating Officer, as Director to the Board
On November 2, 2022, the Board appointed Peter Majar as Director to the Board.
On November 16, 2022, the Board appointed Erica Wagner as Director to the Board.
Departure of Directors
On February 17, 2022, the Board received notice that effective immediately, Mark Standish resigned as Chair of the Board, Chair of the Audit Committee and as a member of the Compensation Committee and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee; Leonard Schiller resigned as member of the Board, Chair of the Compensation Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee; and LaBrena Martin resigned as a member of the Board, Chair of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee. Such resignations are not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.
On September 2, 2022, the Company entered into an executive separation agreement with Laurie Weisberg the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors setting forth the terms and conditions related to the executive’s resignation as Chief Executive Officer, Director and any other positions held with the Company or any subsidiary. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company agreed to pay the severance in the aggregate amount of $475,000, payable as follows: (i) 1/24 of the severance amount paid to executive on each of September 15, 2022, October 1, 2022 and November 1, 2022, respectively; (ii) 1/8 of the severance amount paid on each of December 1, 2022, January 1, 2023 and February 1, 2023, respectively; (iii) 1/4 of the severance amount to be paid on April 1, 2023; and (iv) the balance of the severance amount to be paid on May 1, 2023. Under the agreement, all unvested and/or outstanding stock options held by the executive as of the effective date that are not subject to metric-based vesting shall automatically and fully vest as of the effective date. The executive shall continue to hold all unvested and/or outstanding stock options held by the executive as of the effective date that are subject to metric-based vesting and such metric based vesting options shall vest in accordance with their respective original terms. In connection with the separation agreement with Ms. Weisberg, the Company entered into a Confession of Judgment, to which $475,000 in amounts owed through May 1, 2023 is subject, accounting for payments made to Ms. Weisberg from time to time in partial satisfaction of such amounts owing.
On September 21, 2022, the Board received notice from Brad Justus of his resignation as a member of the Board, and from all committees of the Board on which he served, with such resignation to become effective on September 30, 2022. Such resignation was not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.
On November 1, 2022, the Board received notice from Lorraine Hendrickson of her resignation as a Director and from all committees of the Board on which she served, effective as of such date. Ms. Hendrickson’s resignation as a member of the Board was not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.
On November 17, 2022, the Board received notice from Joanna Bloor of her resignation as a Director and from all committees of the Board on which she served, effective as of such date. Ms. Bloor’s resignation as a member of the Board was not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.
Acquisition Transactions
Denver Bodega, LLC Acquisition
On March 7, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Denver Bodega, LLC, d/b/a Basis, a Colorado limited liability company (“Basis”). Basis is a direct-to-consumer functional beverage brand that makes high-electrolyte mixes meant to aid hydration. Denver Bodega, LLC has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 100% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the statement of operations.
Orbit Media LLC Acquisition
On August 1, 2022, the Company acquired 51% of the membership interests of Orbit Media LLC, a New York limited liability company. Orbit is a app-based stock trading platform designed to empower a new generation of investors. Orbit has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 51% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the statement of operations. Pursuant to the agreement, Creatd acquired fifty one percent (51%) of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Orbit Media LLC for consideration of forty-four thousand dollars ($44,000) in cash and 57,576 shares of the Company’s Common Stock.
Brave Foods, LLC Acquisition
On September 13, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Brave Foods, LLC, a Maine limited liability company. Brave is a plant-based food company that provides convenient and healthy breakfast food products. Brave Foods, LLC has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 100% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the statement of operations.
Employees
As of April 17, 2023, we had 14 full-time employees and 8 part-time employees. None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement, and we believe our relationship with our employees to be good.
We believe that our future success will depend in part on our continued ability to attract, hire and retain qualified personnel. Our human capital resources objectives include identifying, recruiting, retaining, incentivizing and integrating our existing and new employees, advisors and consultants. The principal purposes of our equity and cash incentive plans are to attract, retain and reward personnel through the granting of stock-based and cash-based compensation awards, in order to increase stockholder value and the success of our company by motivating such individuals to perform to the best of their abilities and achieve our objectives.
Corporate Information
The Company’s address is 419 Lafayette Street, 6th Floor New York, New York 10003. The Company’s telephone number is (929) 504-3090. Our website is https://creatd.com. The information on, or that can be accessed through, this website is not part of this Form 10-K, and you should not rely on any such information in making the decision whether to purchase the Common Stock.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
You should consider carefully the following risk factors, together with all of the other information included or incorporated in this Annual Report. Each of these risk factors, either alone or taken together, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and adversely affect the value of an investment in our Common Stock. There may be additional risks that we do not know of or that we believe are immaterial that could also impair our business and financial condition.
Risks Related to our Business
The Company is a development stage business and subject to the many risks associated with new businesses.
Our current line of business has a limited operating history and our business is subject to all of the risks inherent in the establishment of a new business enterprise. Our likelihood of success must be considered in light of the problems, expenses, difficulties, complications and delays frequently encountered in connection with development and expansion of a new business enterprise. We have incurred losses and may continue to operate at a net loss for at least the next several years as we execute our business plan. We had a net loss of approximately $35.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, and a working capital deficit and an accumulated deficit of approximately $13.7 million and approximately $146.1 million, respectively.
Our financial situation creates doubt whether we will continue as a going concern.
There can be no assurances that we will be able to achieve a level of revenues adequate to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or obtain funding or additional financing through private placements, public offerings and/or bank financing necessary to support our working capital requirements. To the extent that funds generated from any private placements, public offerings and/or bank financing are insufficient, we will have to raise additional working capital and no assurance can be given that additional financing will be available, or if available, will be on acceptable terms. These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. If adequate working capital is not available, we may be forced to discontinue operations, which would cause investors to lose their entire investment.
The Company’s management has determine that there exists substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of one year from the issuance of these financial statements. The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that it will continue as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business.
We are not profitable and may never be profitable.
Since inception through the present, we have been dependent on raising capital to support our working capital needs. During this same period, we have recorded net accumulated losses and are yet to achieve profitability. Our ability to achieve profitability depends upon many factors, including our ability to develop and commercialize our websites. There can be no assurance that we will ever achieve any significant revenues or profitable operations.
Our operating expenses exceed our revenues and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
We are in an early stage of our development and we have not generated sufficient revenues to offset our operating expenses. Our operating expenses will likely continue to exceed our operating income for the foreseeable future, until such time as we are able to monetize our brands and generate substantial revenues, particularly as we undertake payment of the increased costs of operating as a public company.
We have assumed a significant amount of debt and our operations may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows to meet our debt obligations, which could reduce our financial flexibility and adversely impact our operations.
Currently the Company has considerable obligations under notes, related party notes and lines of credit outstanding with various lenders. Our ability to make payments on such indebtedness will depend on our ability to generate cash flow. The Company may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to enable us to repay this indebtedness and to fund other liquidity needs, including capital expenditure requirements. Such indebtedness could affect our operations in several ways, including the following:
● a significant portion of our cash flows could be required to be used to service such indebtedness;
● a high level of debt could increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
● any covenants contained in the agreements governing such outstanding indebtedness could limit our ability to borrow additional funds, dispose of assets, pay dividends and make certain investments;
● a high level of debt may place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that are less leveraged and, therefore, our competitors may be able to take advantage of opportunities that our indebtedness may prevent us from pursuing; and
● debt covenants to which we may agree may affect our flexibility in planning for, and reacting to, changes in the economy and in our industry.
A high level of indebtedness increases the risk that we may default on our debt obligations. We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows to pay the principal or interest on our debt. If we cannot service or refinance our indebtedness, we may have to take actions such as selling significant assets, seeking additional equity financing (which will result in additional dilution to stockholders) or reducing or delaying capital expenditures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition. If we do not have sufficient funds and are otherwise unable to arrange financing, our assets may be foreclosed upon which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We will need additional capital, which may be difficult to raise as a result of our limited operating history or any number of other reasons.
We expect that we will need to raise additional capital within the next 12 months. However, in the event that we exceed our expected growth, we would need to raise additional capital. There is no assurance that additional equity or debt financing will be available to us when needed, on acceptable terms, or even at all. Our limited operating history makes investor evaluation and an estimation of our future performance substantially more difficult. As a result, investors may be unwilling to invest in us or such investment may be offered on terms or conditions that are not acceptable. In the event that we are not able to secure financing, we may have to scale back our growth plans or cease operations.
We face intense competition. If we do not provide digital content that is useful to users, we may not remain competitive, and our potential revenues and operating results could be adversely affected.
Our business is rapidly evolving and intensely competitive, and is subject to changing technologies, shifting user needs, and frequent introductions of new products and services. Our ability to compete successfully depends heavily on providing digital content that is useful and enjoyable for our users and delivering our content through innovative technologies in the marketplace.
We face competition from others in the digital content creation industry and media companies. Our current and potential competitors range from large and established companies to emerging start-ups. Established companies have longer operating histories and more established relationships with customers and users, and they can use their experience and resources in ways that could affect our competitive position, including by making acquisitions, investing aggressively in research and development, aggressively initiating intellectual property claims (whether or not meritorious) and competing aggressively for advertisers and websites. Emerging start-ups may be able to innovate and provide products and services faster than we can.
Additionally, our operating results would suffer if our digital content is not appropriately timed with market opportunities, or if our digital content is not effectively brought to market. As technology continues to develop, our competitors may be able to offer user experiences that are, or that are seen to be, substantially similar to or better than, ours. This may force us to compete in different ways and expend significant resources in order to remain competitive. If our competitors are more successful than we are in developing compelling content or in attracting and retaining users and advertisers, our revenues and operating results could be adversely affected.
If we fail to retain existing users or add new users, or if our users decrease their level of engagement with our products, our revenue, financial results, and business may be significantly harmed.
The size of our user base and our user’s level of engagement are critical to our success. Our financial performance will be significantly determined by our success in adding, retaining, and engaging active users of our products, particularly Vocal. We anticipate that our active user growth rate will generally decline over time as the size of our active user base increases, and it is possible that the size of our active user base may fluctuate or decline in one or more markets, particularly in markets where we have achieved higher penetration rates. If people do not perceive Vocal to be useful, reliable, and trustworthy, we may not be able to attract or retain users or otherwise maintain or increase the frequency and duration of their engagement. A number of other content management systems and publishing platforms that achieved early popularity have since seen their active user bases or levels of engagement decline, in some cases precipitously. There is no guarantee that we will not experience a similar erosion of our active user base or engagement levels. Our user engagement patterns have changed over time, and user engagement can be difficult to measure, particularly as we introduce new and different products and services. Any number of factors could potentially negatively affect user retention, growth, and engagement, including if:
● Users increasingly engage with other competitive products or services;
● We fail to introduce new features, products or services that users find engaging or if we introduce new products or services, or make changes to existing products and services, that are not favorably received;
● User behavior on any of our products changes, including decreases in the quality and frequency of content shared on our products and services;
● There are decreases in user sentiment due to questions about the quality or usefulness of our products or our user data practices, or concerns related to privacy and sharing, safety, security, well-being, or other factors;
● We are unable to manage and prioritize information to ensure users are presented with content that is appropriate, interesting, useful, and relevant to them;
● We are unable to obtain or attract engaging third-party content;
● Users adopt new technologies where our products may be displaced in favor of other products or services, or may not be featured or otherwise available;
● There are changes mandated by legislation, regulatory authorities, or litigation that adversely affect our products or users;
● Technical or other problems prevent us from delivering our products in a rapid and reliable manner or otherwise affect the user experience, such as security breaches or failure to prevent or limit spam or similar content;
● We adopt terms, policies, or procedures related to areas such as sharing, content, user data, or advertising that are perceived negatively by our users or the general public;
● We elect to focus our product decisions on longer-term initiatives that do not prioritize near-term user growth and engagement;
● We make changes in how we promote different products and services across our family of apps;
● Initiatives designed to attract and retain users and engagement are unsuccessful or discontinued, whether as a result of actions by us, third parties, or otherwise;
● We fail to provide adequate customer service to users, marketers, developers, or other partners;
● We, developers whose products are integrated with our products, or other partners and companies in our industry are the subject of adverse media reports or other negative publicity, including as a result of our or their user data practices; or
● Our current or future products, such as our development tools and application programming interfaces that enable developers to build, grow, and monetize mobile and web applications, reduce user activity on our products by making it easier for our users to interact and share on third-party mobile and web applications.
If we are unable to maintain or increase our user base and user engagement, our revenue and financial results may be adversely affected. Any decrease in user retention, growth, or engagement could render our products less attractive to users, marketers, and developers, which is likely to have a material and adverse impact on our revenue, business, financial condition, and results of operations. If our active user growth rate continues to slow, we will become increasingly dependent on our ability to maintain or increase levels of user engagement and monetization in order to drive revenue growth.
We face competition from traditional media companies, and we may not be included in the advertising budgets of large advertisers, which could harm our operating results.
In addition to internet companies, we face competition from companies that offer traditional media advertising opportunities. Most large advertisers have set advertising budgets, a very small portion of which is allocated to Internet advertising. We expect that large advertisers will continue to focus most of their advertising efforts on traditional media. If we fail to convince these companies to spend a portion of their advertising budgets with us, or if our existing advertisers reduce the amount they spend on our programs, our operating results would be harmed.
Acquisitions may disrupt growth.
We may pursue strategic acquisitions in the future. Risks in acquisition transactions include difficulties in the integration of acquired businesses into our operations and control environment, difficulties in assimilating and retaining employees and intermediaries, difficulties in retaining the existing clients of the acquired entities, assumed or unforeseen liabilities that arise in connection with the acquired businesses, the failure of counterparties to satisfy any obligations to indemnify us against liabilities arising from the acquired businesses, and unfavorable market conditions that could negatively impact our growth expectations for the acquired businesses. Fully integrating an acquired company or business into our operations may take a significant amount of time. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered with acquisitions and other strategic transactions. These risks may prevent us from realizing the expected benefits from acquisitions and could result in the failure to realize the full economic value of a strategic transaction or the impairment of goodwill and/or intangible assets recognized at the time of an acquisition. These risks could be heightened if we complete a large acquisition or multiple acquisitions within a short period of time.
Our business depends on strong brands and relationships, and if we are not able to maintain our relationships and enhance our brands, our ability to expand our base of users, advertisers and affiliates will be impaired and our business and operating results could be harmed.
Maintaining and enhancing our brands’ profiles may require us to make substantial investments and these investments may not be successful. If we fail to promote and maintain the brands’ profiles, or if we incur excessive expenses in this effort, our business and operating results could be harmed. We anticipate that, as our market becomes increasingly competitive, maintaining and enhancing our brands’ profiles may become increasingly difficult and expensive. Maintaining and enhancing our brands will depend largely on our ability to be a technology leader and to continue to provide attractive products and services, which we may not do successfully.
We depend on our key management personnel and the loss of their services could adversely affect our business.
We place substantial reliance upon the efforts and abilities of our executive officers and directors. Though no individual is indispensable, the loss of the services of these executive officers could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, revenues or prospects. We do not currently maintain key man life insurance on the lives of these individuals.
If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, the value of our brands and other intangible assets may be diminished, and our business may be adversely affected.
We rely and expect to continue to rely on a combination of confidentiality, assignment, and license agreements with our employees, consultants, and third parties with whom we have relationships, as well as trademark, copyright, patent, trade secret, and domain name protection laws, to protect our proprietary rights. In the United States and internationally, we have filed various applications for protection of certain aspects of our intellectual property, and we currently hold a number of registered trademarks and issued patents in multiple jurisdictions and have acquired patents and patent applications from third parties. Third parties may knowingly or unknowingly infringe our proprietary rights, third parties may challenge proprietary rights held by us, and pending and future trademark and patent applications may not be approved. In addition, effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which we operate or intend to operate our business. In any or all of these cases, we may be required to expend significant time and expense in order to prevent infringement or to enforce our rights. Although we have generally taken measures to protect our proprietary rights, there can be no assurance that others will not offer products or concepts that are substantially similar to ours and compete with our business. In addition, we regularly contribute software source code under open source licenses and have made other technology we developed available under other open licenses, and we include open source software in our products. If the protection of our proprietary rights is inadequate to prevent unauthorized use or appropriation by third parties, the value of our brands and other intangible assets may be diminished and competitors may be able to more effectively mimic our products, services, and methods of operations. Any of these events could have an adverse effect on our business and financial results.
We are subject to payment processing risk.
We accept payments using a variety of different payment methods, including credit and debit cards and direct debit. We rely on third parties to process payments. Acceptance and processing of these payment methods are subject to certain certifications, rules and regulations. To the extent there are disruptions in our or third-party payment processing systems, material changes in the payment ecosystem, failure to recertify and/or changes to rules or regulations concerning payment processing, we could be subject to fines and/or civil liability, or lose our ability to accept credit and debit card payments, which would harm our reputation and adversely impact our results of operations.
We are subject to risk as it relates to software that we license from third parties.
We license software from third parties, much of which is integral to our systems and our business. The licenses are generally terminable if we breach our obligations under the license agreements. If any of these relationships were terminated or if any of these parties were to cease doing business or cease to support the applications we currently utilize, we may be forced to spend significant time and money to replace the licensed software.
Failures or reduced accessibility of third-party software on which we rely could impair the availability of our platform and applications and adversely affect our business.
We license software from third parties for integration into our Vocal platform, including open source software. These licenses might not continue to be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. While we are not substantially dependent upon any third-party software, the loss of the right to use all or a significant portion of our third-party software required for the development, maintenance and delivery of our applications could result in delays in the provision of our applications until we develop or identify, obtain and integrate equivalent technology, which could harm our business.
Any errors or defects in the hardware or software we use could result in errors, interruptions, cyber incidents or a failure of our applications. Any significant interruption in the availability of all or a significant portion of such software could have an adverse impact on our business unless and until we can replace the functionality provided by these applications at a similar cost. Furthermore, this software may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. The loss of the right to use all or a significant portion of this software could limit access to our platform and applications. Additionally, we rely upon third parties’ abilities to enhance their current applications, develop new applications on a timely and cost-effective basis and respond to emerging industry standards and other technological changes. We may be unable to effect changes to such third-party technologies, which may prevent us from rapidly responding to evolving customer requirements. We also may be unable to replace the functionality provided by the third-party software currently offered in conjunction with our applications in the event that such software becomes obsolete or incompatible with future versions of our platform and applications or is otherwise not adequately maintained or updated.
We need to manage growth in operations to maximize our potential growth and achieve our expected revenues and our failure to manage growth will cause a disruption of our operations, resulting in the failure to generate revenue.
In order to maximize potential growth in our current and potential markets, we believe that we must expand our marketing operations. This expansion will place a significant strain on our management and our operational, accounting, and information systems. We expect that we will need to continue to improve our financial controls, operating procedures, and management information systems. We will also need to effectively train, motivate, and manage our employees. Our failure to manage our growth could disrupt our operations and ultimately prevent us from generating the revenues we expect.
In order to achieve the general strategies of our company we need to maintain and search for hard-working employees who have innovative initiatives, while at the same time, keep a close eye on any and all expanding opportunities in our marketplace.
We plan to generate a significant portion of our revenues from advertising and affiliate sales relationships, and a reduction in spending by or loss of advertisers and general decrease in online spending could adversely harm our business.
We plan to generate a substantial portion of our revenues from advertisers. Our advertisers may be able to terminate prospective contracts with us at any time. Advertisers will not continue to do business with us if their investment in advertising with us does not generate sales leads, and ultimately customers, or if we do not deliver their advertisements in an appropriate and effective manner. If we are unable to remain competitive and provide value to our advertisers, they may stop placing ads with us, which would adversely affect our revenues and business. In addition, expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions and budgeting and buying patterns. Adverse macroeconomic conditions can also have a material negative impact on the demand for advertising and cause our advertisers to reduce the amounts they spend on advertising, which could adversely affect our revenues and business.
Security breaches could harm our business.
Security breaches have become more prevalent in the technology industry. We believe that we take reasonable steps to protect the security, integrity and confidentiality of the information we collect, use, store and disclose, but there is no guarantee that inadvertent (e.g., software bugs or other technical malfunctions, employee error or malfeasance, or other factors) or unauthorized data access or use will not occur despite our efforts. Although we have not experienced any material security breaches to date, we may in the future experience attempts to disable our systems or to breach the security of our systems. Techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to personal information, confidential information and/or the systems on which such information are stored and/or to sabotage systems change frequently and generally are not recognized until launched against a target. As a result, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures.
If an actual or perceived security breach occurs, the market perception of our security measures could be harmed, and we could lose sales and customers and/or suffer other negative consequences to our business. A security breach could adversely affect the digital content experience and cause the loss or corruption of data, which could harm our business, financial condition and operating results. Any failure to maintain the security of our infrastructure could result in loss of personal information and/or other confidential information, damage to our reputation and customer relationships, early termination of our contracts and other business losses, indemnification of our customers, financial penalties, litigation, regulatory investigations and other significant liabilities. In the event of a major third-party security incident, we may incur losses in excess of their insurance coverage.
Moreover, if a high-profile security breach occurs with respect to us or another digital entertainment company, our customers and potential customers may lose trust in the security of our business model generally, which could adversely impact our ability to retain existing customers or attract new ones.
The laws and regulations concerning data privacy and data security are continually evolving; our or our platform providers’ actual or perceived failure to comply with these laws and regulations could harm our business.
Customers view our content online, using third-party platforms and networks and on mobile devices. We collect and store significant amounts of information about our customers-both personally identifying and non-personally identifying information. We are subject to laws from a variety of jurisdictions regarding privacy and the protection of this player information. For example, the European Union (EU) has traditionally taken a broader view than the United States and certain other jurisdictions as to what is considered personal information and has imposed greater obligations under data privacy regulations. The U.S. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) also regulates the collection, use and disclosure of personal information from children under 13 years of age. While none of our content is directed at children under 13 years of age, if COPPA were to apply to us, failure to comply with COPPA may increase our costs, subject us to expensive and distracting government investigations and could result in substantial fines.
Data privacy protection laws are rapidly changing and likely will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The U.S. government, including the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Commerce, is continuing to review the need for greater regulation over the collection of personal information and information about consumer behavior on the Internet and on mobile devices and the EU has proposed reforms to its existing data protection legal framework. Various government and consumer agencies worldwide have also called for new regulation and changes in industry practices. In addition, in some cases, we are dependent upon our platform providers to solicit, collect and provide us with information regarding our players that is necessary for compliance with these various types of regulations.
Customer interaction with our content is subject to our privacy policy and terms of service. If we fail to comply with our posted privacy policy or terms of service or if we fail to comply with existing privacy-related or data protection laws and regulations, it could result in proceedings or litigation against us by governmental authorities or others, which could result in fines or judgments against us, damage our reputation, impact our financial condition and harm our business. If regulators, the media or consumers raise any concerns about our privacy and data protection or consumer protection practices, even if unfounded, this could also result in fines or judgments against us, damage our reputation, and negatively impact our financial condition and damage our business.
In the area of information security and data protection, many jurisdictions have passed laws requiring notification when there is a security breach for personal data or requiring the adoption of minimum information security standards that are often vaguely defined and difficult to implement. Our security measures and standards may not be sufficient to protect personal information and we cannot guarantee that our security measures will prevent security breaches. A security breach that compromises personal information could harm our reputation and result in a loss of confidence in our products and ultimately in a loss of customers, which could adversely affect our business and impact our financial condition. This could also subject us to liability under applicable security breach-related laws and regulations and could result in additional compliance costs, costs related to regulatory inquiries and investigations, and an inability to conduct our business.
Changes to federal, state or international laws or regulations applicable to our company could adversely affect our business.
Our business is subject to a variety of federal, state and international laws and regulations, including those with respect privacy, data, and other laws. These laws and regulations, and the interpretation or application of these laws and regulations, could change. In addition, new laws or regulations affecting our business could be enacted. These laws and regulations are frequently costly to comply with and may divert a significant portion of management’s attention. If we fail to comply with these applicable laws or regulations, we could be subject to significant liabilities which could adversely affect our business.
If any of our relationships with internet search websites terminate, if such websites’ methodologies are modified or if we are outbid by competitors, traffic to our websites could decline.
We depend in part on various internet search websites, such as Google.com, Bing.com, Yahoo.com and other websites to direct a significant amount of traffic to our websites. Search websites typically provide two types of search results, algorithmic and purchased listings. Algorithmic listings generally are determined and displayed as a result of a set of unpublished formulas designed by search engine companies in their discretion. Purchased listings generally are displayed if particular word searches are performed on a search engine. We rely on both algorithmic and purchased search results, as well as advertising on other internet websites, to direct a substantial share of visitors to our websites and to direct traffic to the advertiser customers we serve. If these internet search websites modify or terminate their relationship with us or we are outbid by our competitors for purchased listings, meaning that our competitors pay a higher price to be listed above us in a list of search results, traffic to our websites could decline. Such a decline in traffic could affect our ability to generate advertising revenue and could reduce the desirability of advertising on our websites.
Our business involves risks of liability claims arising from our media content, which could adversely affect our ability to generate revenue and could increase our operating expenses.
As a distributor of media content, we face potential liability for defamation, invasion of privacy, negligence, copyright or trademark infringement, obscenity, violation of rights of publicity and/or obscenity laws and other claims based on the nature and content of the materials distributed. These types of claims have been brought, sometimes successfully, against broadcasters, publishers, online services and other disseminators of media content. Any imposition of liability that is not covered by insurance or is in excess of our insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, measures to reduce our exposure to liability in connection with content available through our internet websites could require us to take steps that would substantially limit the attractiveness of our internet websites and/or their availability in certain geographic areas, which could adversely affect our ability to generate revenue and could increase our operating expenses.
Intellectual property litigation could expose us to significant costs and liabilities and thus negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be subject to claims of infringement of third-party patents and trademarks and other violations of third-party intellectual property rights. Intellectual property disputes are generally time-consuming and expensive to litigate or settle and the outcome of such disputes is uncertain and difficult to predict. The existence of such disputes may require us to set-aside substantial reserves and has the potential to significantly affect our overall financial standing. To the extent that claims against us are successful, they may subject us to substantial liability, and we may have to pay substantial monetary damages, change aspects of our business model, and/or discontinue any of our services or practices that are found to be in violation of another party’s rights. Such outcomes may severely restrict or hinder ongoing business operations and impact the value of our business. Successful claims against us could also result in us having to seek a license to continue our practices. Under such conditions, a license may or may not be offered or otherwise made available to us. If a license is made available to us, the cost of the license may significantly increase our operating burden and expenses, potentially resulting in a negative effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Although we have been and are currently involved in multiple areas of commerce, internet services, and high technology where there is a substantial risk of future patent litigation, we have not obtained insurance for patent infringement losses. If we are unsuccessful at resolving pending and future patent litigation in a reasonable and affordable manner, it could disrupt our business and operations, including by negatively impacting areas of commerce or putting us at a competitive disadvantage.
If we are unable to obtain or maintain key website addresses, our ability to operate and grow our business may be impaired.
Our website addresses, or domain names, are critical to our business. We currently own more than 415 domain names. However, the regulation of domain names is subject to change, and it may be difficult for us to prevent third parties from acquiring domain names that are similar to ours, that infringe our trademarks or that otherwise decrease the value of our brands. If we are unable to obtain or maintain key domain names for the various areas of our business, our ability to operate and grow our business may be impaired.
We may have difficulty scaling and adapting our existing network infrastructure to accommodate increased traffic and technology advances or changing business requirements, which could cause us to incur significant expenses and lead to the loss of users and advertisers.
To be successful, our network infrastructure has to perform well and be reliable. The greater the user traffic and the greater the complexity of our products and services, the more computer power we will need. We could incur substantial costs if we need to modify our websites or our infrastructure to adapt to technological changes. If we do not maintain our network infrastructure successfully, or if we experience inefficiencies and operational failures, the quality of our products and services and our users’ experience could decline. Maintaining an efficient and technologically advanced network infrastructure is particularly critical to our business because of the pictorial nature of the products and services provided on our websites. A decline in quality could damage our reputation and lead us to lose current and potential users and advertisers. Cost increases, loss of traffic or failure to accommodate new technologies or changing business requirements could harm our operating results and financial condition.
Operating a network open to all internet users may result in legal consequences.
Our Terms and Conditions clearly state that our network and services are only to be used by users who are over 13 years old. Although we will terminate accounts that are known to be held by persons age 13 or younger, it is impractical to independently verify that all activity occurring on our network fits into this description. As such, we run the risk of federal and state law enforcement prosecution.
Risks Related To Our Common Stock
The price of our common stock may be subject to wide fluctuations.
The market price of our Common Stock may be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to a variety of factors and risks, many of which are beyond our control. In addition to the risks noted elsewhere in this Form 10-K, some of the other factors affecting our stock price may include:
● Variations in our operating results;
● The level and quality of securities analysts’ coverage of our Common Stock;
● Announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
● Announcements by third parties of significant claims or proceedings against us; and
● Future sales of our Common Stock.
For these reasons, comparing our operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful, and you should not rely on past results as an indication of future performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a public company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against the public company. Regardless of its outcome, this type of litigation could result in substantial costs to us and a likely diversion of our management’s attention.
You may lose all of your investment.
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. As an investor, you might never recoup all, or even part of, your investment and you may never realize any return on your investment. You must be prepared to lose all your investment.
We may, in the future, issue additional shares of common stock, which would reduce investors’ percent of ownership and dilute our share value
Our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of 1,500,000,000 shares of common stock, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Currently the Company has 450 shares of Preferred Series E stock outstanding. Additionally, as of April 19, 2023 there are outstanding (i) warrants to purchase 35,665,533 shares of our common stock; (ii) options exercisable into 4,408,267 shares of our common stock; and (iii) 109,223 shares underlying the conversion of Preferred Series E shares.
Assuming all of the Company’s currently outstanding warrants and options are exercised and all convertible notes be converted, the Company would have to issue an additional 64,758,023 shares of common stock representing 75% of our current issued and outstanding common stock. As of the date of this filing, none of the Company’s outstanding convertible notes are currently convertible into Common Stock. The future issuance of this common stock would result in substantial dilution in the percentage of our common stock held by our then existing shareholders. We may value any Common Stock issued in the future on an arbitrary basis. The issuance of common stock for future services or acquisitions or other corporate actions may have the effect of diluting the value of the shares held by our investors and might have an adverse effect on any trading market for our common stock.
Liability of directors for breach of duty is limited under Nevada law.
Nevada law provides that directors must discharge their duties as a director in good faith and with a view to the interests of the corporation. Under Nevada law, directors owe a fiduciary duty to the corporation, which is generally comprised of the duty of care and duty of loyalty to the corporation. Except under limited circumstances set forth in NRS 78.138(7), or unless our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or an amendment thereto provide for greater individual liability (which ours does not provide), a director or officer is not individually liable to the corporation or its stockholders or creditors for any damages as a result of any act or failure to act in his or her capacity as a director or officer unless it is proven that the director’s or officer’s act or failure to act constituted a breach of his or her fiduciary duties as a director or officer, and the breach of those duties involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law. Our stockholders’ ability to recover damages for fiduciary breaches may be reduced by this statute.
We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future and, as such, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock will be your sole source of gain for the foreseeable future.
We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. In addition, and any future loan arrangements we enter into may contain, terms prohibiting or limiting the amount of dividends that may be declared or paid on our common stock. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock will be your sole source of gain for the foreseeable future.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market by certain of our stockholders could cause our stock price to fall.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market or the perception that these sales might occur, could depress the market price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities. We are unable to predict the effect that sales may have on the prevailing market price of our common stock.
We may issue additional shares of preferred stock in the future that may adversely impact your rights as holders of our common stock.
Pursuant to our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, the aggregate number of shares of capital stock which we are authorized to issue is 1,520,000,000 shares, of which 1,500,000,000 shares are common stock, and 20,000,000 shares are “blank check” preferred stock with such designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by our board of directors. Our board of directors is empowered, without stockholder approval, to issue one or more series of preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights which could dilute the interest of, or impair the voting power of, our common stockholders. As of the date of this Form 10-K, we have 450 shares of Preferred Series E stock outstanding.
The issuance of a series of preferred stock could be used as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control. For example, it would be possible for our board of directors to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change control of our Company. In addition, advanced notice is required prior to stockholder proposals, which might further delay a change of control. Additionally, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that would grant to holders preferred rights to our assets upon liquidation, the right to receive dividends before dividends are declared to holders of our common stock, and the right to the redemption of such preferred shares, together with a premium, prior to the redemption of the common stock. To the extent that we do issue such additional shares of preferred stock, your rights as holders of common stock could be impaired thereby, including, without limitation, dilution of your ownership interests in us.
Each of our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that the Eighth Judicial District Court of Clark County, Nevada will be the sole and exclusive forum for certain disputes which could limit stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with the Company or its directors, officers, employees or agents.
Each of our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Eighth Judicial District Court of Clark County, Nevada shall be the sole and exclusive forum for state law claims with respect to: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought in the name or right of the Company or on its behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim for breach of any fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, employee or agent of the Company to the Company or the Company’s stockholders, (iii) any action arising or asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of Nevada Revised Statutes Chapters 78 or 92A or any provision of the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or Amended and Restated Bylaws or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, including, without limitation, any action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or Amended and Restated Bylaws. This exclusive forum provision would not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. To the extent that any such claims may be based upon federal law claims, Section 27 of the Exchange Act creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.
Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. However, each of our Second Amended Articles of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws contain a federal forum provision which provides that unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America will be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Company are deemed to have notice of and consented to this provision. As this provision applies to Securities Act claims, there may be uncertainty whether a court would enforce such a provision.
These choice of forum provisions may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with the Company or its directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against the Company and its directors, officers and other employees. Alternatively, if a court were to find our choice of forum provisions contained in either our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or Amended and Restated Bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, the Company may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm its business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Dual listing on OTCQB and Upstream may lead to additional stock price volatility and heightened regulation.
Dual listing on two stock exchanges has the risk of the additional regulatory and compliance requirements that come with operating on multiple exchanges. We will need to comply with the rules and regulations of each of OTCQB and Upstream, which may include different reporting requirements, disclosure obligations, and accounting standards. Dual listing may increase the exposure of the Company to market risks, including currency fluctuations and geopolitical events, as it may be subject to different economic conditions and political environments in each exchange, which could potentially lead to greater volatility in the Company’s stock price and may negatively impact investor sentiment. There also is a risk that the additional scrutiny and regulatory requirements associated with dual listing may discourage some investors from investing in the Company, or make it more difficult for the Company to attract new investors. This could potentially limit the Company’s access to capital and its ability to fund its growth and expansion plans.
There are risks associated with issuing NFTs, including a potential finding of a violation of securities laws by a regulatory authority.
In connection with its listing on Upstream, the Company issued NFTs to shareholders who transferred their shares to the Upstream platform. The NFTs traded on Upstream are issued by the Company and convey no ownership interest in the Company, nor do they provide any dividends, royalties, or other equity interests or rights that would indicate an expectation of profit. The NFTs are issued only on Upstream and can only be traded on Upstream.
The Commission evaluates whether a particular digital asset, including an NFT, is a security based on what is commonly referred to as the Howey Test. The Howey Test looks at four factors: (i) an investment of money (ii) in a common enterprise (iii) with the expectation of profit (iv) to be derived from the efforts of others. We believe the commemorative NFTs issued by Creatd do not meet the definition for securities under the Howey Test. Such NFTs, issued to investors who deposited shares of Creatd with Upstream, are commemorative in nature, memorializing the listing on Upstream, as a novelty item, being akin to a tombstone, plaque, sticker, poster or t-shirt commemorating the listing, similar to what NASDAQ and the NYSE may provide to its issuers. The NFT issued by Creatd conveys no ownership interest in Creatd, nor does it provide any dividends, royalties, or other equity interests or rights that would indicate an expectation of profit. The NFTs are issued only on Upstream and can only be traded on Upstream. No consideration was paid for the NFTs, and such investors are still able to transfer such shares back to Pacific Stock Transfer following receipt of the NFTs.
Although we believe that these NFTs are not securities, there is risk that the issuance of NFTs may be considered a public offering in violation of the federal securities laws, and perhaps certain state securities laws. For issuances that are deemed to be public offerings under federal securities laws or in violation of certain state securities laws, purchasers of such products might be granted the right to rescind the sale of these products and demand that we return the purchase price of these products. We did not receive a purchase price for these NFTs; however, there is risk that the Company may be subject to other penalties or that other remedies may apply.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements contain information about our expectations, beliefs or intentions regarding our product development and commercialization efforts, business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies or prospects, and other similar matters. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. These statements may be identified by words such as “expects,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “may,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “should,” “intends,” “estimates,” and other words of similar meaning.
These statements relate to future events or our future operational or financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, those listed under the section titled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Any forward-looking statement in this Annual Report reflects our current view with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our business, results of operations, industry and future growth. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance. You should read this Annual Report and the documents that we reference herein and therein and have filed as exhibits hereto and thereto completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future.
This Annual Report also contains or may contain estimates, projections and other information concerning our industry, our business and the markets for our products, including data regarding the estimated size of those markets and their projected growth rates. Information that is based on estimates, forecasts, projections or similar methodologies is inherently subject to uncertainties and actual events or circumstances may differ materially from events and circumstances reflected in this information. Unless otherwise expressly stated, we obtained these industry, business, market and other data from reports, research surveys, studies and similar data prepared by third parties, industry and general publications, government data and similar sources. In some cases, we do not expressly refer to the sources from which these data are derived.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company currently does not own any properties. Our corporate headquarters consists of a total of approximately 8,000 square feet and is located at 419 Lafayette Street, 6th Floor New York, NY 10003. The current lease term is effective May 1, 2022 through April 29, 2029 with monthly rent of $39,000 for the first year of the leasing period, with a 3% increase for each subsequent year.
We believe that our facilities are adequate to meet our needs for the immediate future, and that, should it be needed, suitable additional space will be available to accommodate any such expansion of our operations.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings, which arise in the ordinary course of business. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business. Except as set forth below, we are currently not aware of any such legal proceedings or claims that will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results.
Skube v. WHE Agency Inc., et al
A complaint against WHE, Creatd and Jeremy Frommer filed December 22, 2022, was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, by Jessica Skube, making certain claims alleging conversion, trespass to chattel, unjust enrichment, breach of contract, fraud in the inducement, seeking damages of $161,000 and punitive damages of $500,000. Skube filed an Order to Show Cause, which the Company opposed, which is currently pending. Given the premature nature of this case, it is still too early for the Company to make an assessment as to
liability, but the $161,000 figure is far more likely than the $500,000.
Lind Global v. Creatd, Inc.
A complaint against Creatd dated September 21, 2022, has been filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, by Lind Global Macro Fund LP and Lind Global Fund II LP, making certain claims alleging breach of contract related to two Securities Purchase Agreements executed on May 31, 2022, seeking damages in excess of $920,000. The Company filed a Motion to Dismiss, which is currently pending. Given the premature nature of this case, it is still too early for the Company to make an assessment as to liability.
Laurie Weisberg v. Creatd, Inc.
A confession of judgment against Creatd dated September 2, 2022, has been filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, by Laurie Weisberg, making certain claims alleging breach of contract related to an executive separation agreement also dated September 2, 2022, seeking damages of approximately $415,000 and legal fees amounting to approximately $5,000. The Company and Ms. Weisberg are actively negotiating in an attempt to resolve the dispute. Given the premature nature of this matter, is still too early for the Company to make an assessment as to liability.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not Applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB Marketplace operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. (“OTCQB”) under the symbol “VOCL.” Our stock had previously been quoted on OTCQB under the symbol “CRTD,” with such change having become effective on April 4, 2023, following approval from FINRA.
Our common stock is dual-listed on Upstream under the symbol “VOCL.” Upstream is the trading app for digital securities and NFTs powered by Horizon Fintex and MERJ Exchange Limited (“MERJ”). U.S. investors are not permitted to purchase, deposit or sell securities listed on Upstream.
Holders
As of December 31, 2022, there were approximately 194 registered holders of record of our Common Stock, and approximately 5 holders of record of our Series E Convertible Preferred Stock. Since certain shares of our Common Stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, the foregoing number of holders of our Common Stock is not representative of the number of beneficial holders of our Common Stock.
Dividends
To date, we have not paid cash dividends on our Common Stock and do not plan to pay such dividends in the foreseeable future. Our Board will determine our future dividend policy on the basis of many factors, including results of operations, capital requirements, and general business conditions. Dividends, under the Nevada Revised Statutes, may only be paid from our net profits or surplus. To date, we have not had a fiscal year with net profits and, subject to a valuation by the Board of the present value of the Company’s assets, do not have surplus.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
During the three months ended December 31, 2022, we issued securities that were not registered under the Securities Act and were not previously disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as listed below. All of the securities discussed in this Item 2 were issued in reliance on the exemption under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
Warrant Exercises
During the three months ended December 31, 2022, 2,602,143 warrants were cashlessly exercised, resulting in the issuance of 2,150,848 shares and the cancellation of 2,602,143 warrants.
Consultant Shares
During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company issued 369,843 shares of Common Stock to consultants and employees.
Debt Conversion
During the three months ended December 31, 2022, 2 lenders converted $163,407 in promissory notes into 256,479 shares of Common Stock.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. [Reserved]
Not applicable.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. In addition to historical information, this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to those set forth in “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
This Form 10-K and other reports filed by Creatd, Inc., formerly Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”), from time to time with the SEC (collectively, the “Filings”) contain or may contain forward-looking statements and information that are based upon beliefs of, and information currently available to, the Company’s management as well as estimates and assumptions made by Company’s management. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. When used in the Filings, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “intend,” “plan,” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions as they relate to the Company or the Company’s management identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current view of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors, including the risks relating to the Company’s business, industry, and the Company’s operations and results of operations. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, or planned.
Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, the Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.
Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). These accounting principles require us to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions. We believe that the estimates, judgments and assumptions upon which we rely are reasonable based upon information available to us at the time that these estimates, judgments and assumptions are made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Our financial statements would be affected to the extent there are material differences between these estimates and actual results. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP and does not require management’s judgment in its application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially different result. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
We intend for this discussion to provide information that will assist in understanding our financial statements, the changes in certain key items in those financial statements, and the primary factors that accounted for those changes, as well as how certain accounting principles affect our financial statements.
Overview
The creator economy is well-established and thriving, consisting of hundreds of millions of creators and billions of viewers. Creatd plays a crucial role within this ecosystem, with a range of businesses established to help creators realize their potential both creatively and monetarily, partnering with peers in their community and brands when the opportunity arises. At the center of our businesses lies Vocal, our core technology platform that hosts our creator community and generates the first-party data that powers our revenue generation.
Results of Operations
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table summarizes total current assets, liabilities and working capital at December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021:
December 31,
December 31,
Increase /
(Decrease)
Current Assets $ 1,479,164 $ 4,475,242 $ (2,996,078 )
Current Liabilities $ 15,207,316 $ 5,421,015 $ 9,786,301
Working Capital (Deficit) $ (13,728,152 ) $ (945,773 ) $ (12,782,379 )
At December 31, 2022, the Company had a working capital deficit of $13,728,152 as compared to a working capital deficit of $945,773 at December 31, 2021, an increase in working capital deficit of $12,782,379. The increase is primarily attributable to the decrease in cash, and prepaids and other current assets, as well as an increase in accounts payable, notes payable and deferred revenue. This was offset by an increase in accounts receivable and inventory.
Net Cash
Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, and 2021, was $16,805,429 and $20,518,807, respectively. The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022, and 2021 was $35,676,315 and $37,379,153, respectively. This change is primarily attributable to the net loss for the current period offset by share-based payments in the amount of $4,183,844 to employees and consultants for services rendered, accretion of debt discount and debt issuance costs of $4,668,039, due to incentives given with debentures, and a change in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $4,773,551.
The decreased net cash used in 2022 reflected an extraordinary cash outlay for marketing in 2021 that went toward generating a lower creator acquisition cost for paid Vocal subscribers and was not repeated in 2022, as well as a decrease in payroll expenses from 2021 to 2022.
Net cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $373,206. This is primarily attributable to the sale of minority interest in OG Collection, Inc. This was offset by the sale and purchase of digital assets.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, and 2021 was $13,405,624 and $17,615,915, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s operations were predominantly financed by net proceeds of $1,781,947 from the exercise of warrants, the proceeds from sale of common stock and warrants of $5,722,300, and the proceeds from loans and notes of $10,611,124, which were partially offset by the repayment of notes and loans of $4,693,967. Similarly, the Company’s financing activity for the year ended December 31, 2021, generated $4,358,428 from loans and note issuances, the proceeds of which were partially offset by repayment of notes of $1,398,113.
Summary of Statements of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2022, and 2021:
Year Ended
December 30,
Revenue $ 4,796,474 $ 4,299,717
Cost of revenue $ 6,109,206 $ 5,300,037
Operating expenses $ (27,718,380 ) $ (32,368,400 )
Loss from operations $ (29,031,112 ) $ (33,368,720 )
Other expenses $ 6,645,203 $ 4,010,433
Net loss $ (35,676,315 ) $ (37,379,153 )
Loss per common share - basic and diluted $ (1.66 ) $ (2.98 )
Revenue
Revenue was $4,796,474 for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $4,299,717 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase of $496,757 was attributable to our ecommerce business, which grew from $90,433 in revenue in 2021 to $1,456,593 in 2022. This growth in ecommerce revenues was partially offset by a decrease in agency revenues in a slowing market for influencer-based sales. Vocal revenues were stable though down year over year as the company transitioned from a pay-to-play marketing model to an organic growth framework.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $6,109,206 as compared to $5,300,037 for the year ended December 31, 2021, an increase of $809,169 attributable to increased supply side costs in our direct-to-consumer product business, a portion of which were due to our increased revenue in our direct-to-consumer businesses.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022, were $27,718,380 as compared to $32,368,400 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease of $4,650,020 is primarily attributable to a significant reduction in overhead, including an almost $5 million reduction in marketing spend and reductions in research and development. In addition, there was a reduction in stock-based compensation from $9.7 million in 2021 to $4.2 million in 2022. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in impairment of intangible assets, legal and consulting fees, as well as office rent.
Loss from Operations
Loss from operations for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $29,031,112 as compared to $33,368,720 for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Other Expenses
Other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022, were $6,645,203 as compared to $4,010,433 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in other expenses was predominantly due to an increase in accretion of debt discount and issuance cost, interest expense, loss of extinguishment of debt, and loss from settlement of vendor liabilities. This was offset by the decrease from the impairment of investment and change in derivative liability.
Net Loss
Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $35,676,315, or loss per share of $1.66, as compared to a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $37,703,652, or loss per share of $2.98, for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2022, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Significant Accounting Policies
We believe that the following accounting policies are the most critical to aid you in fully understanding and evaluating this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.”
Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.
These significant accounting estimates or assumptions bear the risk of change due to the fact that there are uncertainties attached to these estimates or assumptions, and certain estimates or assumptions are difficult to measure or value.
Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.
Management regularly evaluates the key factors and assumptions used to develop the estimates utilizing currently available information, changes in facts and circumstances, historical experience and reasonable assumptions. After such evaluations, if deemed appropriate, those estimates are adjusted accordingly. The Company uses estimates in accounting for, among other items, revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, stock-based compensation, income tax provisions, excess and obsolete inventory reserve, and impairment of intellectual property.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value measurement disclosures are grouped into three levels based on valuation factors:
● Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical investments
● Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments and market corroborated inputs)
● Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs (including our own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)
The Company’s Level 1 assets/liabilities include cash, accounts receivable, marketable trading securities, accounts payable, prepaid and other current assets, and due to related parties. Management believes the estimated fair value of these accounts at December 31, 2022 approximate their carrying value as reflected in the balance sheets due to the short-term nature of these instruments or the use of market interest rates for debt instruments.
The Company’s Level 2 assets/liabilities include certain of the Company’s notes payable and capital lease obligations. Their carrying value approximates their fair values based upon a comparison of the interest rate and terms of such debt given the level of risk to the rates and terms of similar debt currently available to the Company in the marketplace.
The Company’s Level 3 assets/liabilities include goodwill, intangible assets, marketable debt securities, equity investments at cost, and derivative liabilities. Inputs to determine fair value are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The fair values are therefore determined using model-based techniques, including option pricing models and discounted cash flow models. Unobservable inputs used in the models are significant to the fair values of the assets and liabilities.
Long-lived Assets Including Acquired Intangible Assets
We evaluate the recoverability of property and equipment, acquired finite-lived intangible assets and, purchased infinite life digital assets for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Recoverability of these assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate from the use and eventual disposition. Digital assets accounted for as intangible assets are subject to impairment losses if the fair value of digital assets decreases other than temporarily below the carrying value. The fair value is measured using the quoted price of the crypto asset at the time its fair value is being measured. If such review indicates that the carrying amount of property and equipment and intangible assets is not recoverable, the carrying amount of such assets is reduced to fair value. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $2,043,011 for intangible assets. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $688,127 for intangible assets.
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We routinely review the remaining estimated useful lives of property and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets. If we change the estimated useful life assumption for any asset, the remaining unamortized balance is amortized or depreciated over the revised estimated useful life. The remaining weighted average life of the intangible assets is 8.06 years.
Goodwill
Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to periodic testing for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 350 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment” (“ASC Topic 350”). The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of the last day of the Company’s fiscal December each year or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change indicating that the fair value of the goodwill may be below its carrying amount. The Company uses an income-based approach to determine the fair value of the reporting units. This approach uses a discounted cash flow methodology and the ability of our reporting units to generate cash flows as measures of fair value of our reporting units.
During the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company completed its annual impairment tests of goodwill. The Company performed the qualitative assessment as permitted by ASC 350-20 and determined for one of its reporting units that the fair value of that reporting unit was more likely than not greater than its carrying value, including Goodwill. However, based on this qualitative assessment, the Company determined that the carrying value of the Denver Bodega, Dune, Plant Camp and, WHE Agency reporting units was more likely than not greater than their carrying value, including Goodwill. Based on the completion of the annual impairment tests, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,433,815 and $1,035,795 for goodwill for the years ended December 31 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Derivative Liability
The Company evaluates its debt and equity issuances to determine if those contracts or embedded components of those contracts qualify as derivatives to be separately accounted for in accordance with paragraph 815-10-05-4 and Section 815-40-25 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The result of this accounting treatment is that the fair value of the embedded derivative is marked-to-market each balance sheet date and recorded as either an asset or a liability. In the event that the fair value is recorded as a liability, the change in fair value is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations as other income or expense. Upon conversion, exercise or cancellation of a derivative instrument, the instrument is marked to fair value at the date of conversion, exercise or cancellation and then the related fair value is reclassified to equity.
In circumstances where the embedded conversion option in a convertible instrument is required to be bifurcated and there are also other embedded derivative instruments in the convertible instrument that are required to be bifurcated, the bifurcated derivative instruments are accounted for as a single, compound derivative instrument.
The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is re-assessed at the end of each reporting period. Equity instruments that are initially classified as equity that become subject to reclassification are reclassified to liability at the fair value of the instrument on the reclassification date. Derivative instrument liabilities will be classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument is expected within 12 months of the balance sheet date.
The Company adopted Section 815-40-15 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Section 815-40-15”) to determine whether an instrument (or an embedded feature) is indexed to the Company’s own stock. Section 815-40-15 provides that an entity should use a two-step approach to evaluate whether an equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded feature) is indexed to its own stock, including evaluating the instrument’s contingent exercise and settlement provisions.
The Company utilizes a Monte Carlo simulation model for the make whole feature (see note 10) and a binomial option model for convertible notes that have an option to convert at a variable number of shares to compute the fair value of the derivative and to mark to market the fair value of the derivative at each balance sheet date. The inputs utilized in the application of the Monte Carlo model included a starting stock price, an expected term of each debenture remaining from the valuation date to maturity, an estimated volatility, drift, and a risk-free rate. The inputs utilized in the application of the Binomial model included a stock price on valuation date, an expected term of each debenture remaining from the valuation date to maturity, an estimated volatility, and a risk-free rate. The Company records the change in the fair value of the derivative as other income or expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Revenue Recognition
Under Topic 606, revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
We determine revenue recognition through the following steps:
● identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer;
● identification of the performance obligations in the contract;
● determination of the transaction price. The transaction price for any given subscriber could decrease based on any payments made to that subscriber. A subscriber may be eligible for payment through one or more of the monetization features offered to Vocal creators, including earnings through reads (on a cost per mille basis) and cash prizes offered to Challenge winners;
● allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and
● recognition of revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue consists of billings and payments from clients in advance of revenue recognition. The Company has two types of deferred revenue, subscription revenue whereas the revenue is recognized over the subscription period and contract liabilities where the performance obligation was not satisfied. The Company will recognize the deferred revenue within the next twelve months. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had deferred revenue of $299,409 and $234,159 respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes compensation expense for all equity-based payments granted in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718 “Compensation - Stock Compensation”. Under fair value recognition provisions, the Company recognizes equity-based compensation over the requisite service period of the award. The company has a relatively low forfeiture rate of stock-based compensation and forfeitures are recognized as they occur.
Restricted stock awards are granted at the discretion of the Company. These awards are restricted as to the transfer of ownership and generally vest over the requisite service periods.
The fair value of an option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The Black-Scholes option valuation model requires the development of assumptions that are inputs into the model. These assumptions are the value of the underlying share, the expected stock volatility, the risk-free interest rate, the expected life of the option, the dividend yield on the underlying stock and forfeitures are recognized as they occur.. Expected volatility is derived from the Company’s historical data over the expected option life and other appropriate factors. Risk-free interest rates are calculated based on continuously compounded risk-free rates for the appropriate term. The dividend yield is assumed to be zero as the Company has never paid or declared any cash dividends on its Common stock and does not intend to pay dividends on its Common stock in the foreseeable future. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur.
Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of equity-based payment awards requires the input of the subjective assumptions described above. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of equity-based payment awards represent management’s best estimates, which involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. As a result, if factors change and the Company uses different assumptions, our equity-based compensation could be materially different in the future. The Company issues awards of equity instruments, such as stock options and restricted stock units, to employees and certain non-employee directors. Compensation expense related to these awards is based on the fair value of the underlying stock on the award date and is amortized over the service period, defined as the vesting period. The vesting period is generally one to three years. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for restricted stock units. Compensation expense is reduced for actual forfeitures as they occur.
Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU-2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 affects loans, debt securities, trade receivables, and any other financial assets that have the contractual right to receive cash. The ASU requires an entity to recognize expected credit losses rather than incurred losses for financial assets. On October 16, 2019, FASB approved a final ASU delaying the effective date of ASU 2016-13 for small reporting companies to interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments to the Company’s financial position and results of operations and currently does not know or cannot reasonably quantify the impact of the adoption of the amendments as a result of the complexity and extensive changes from the amendments. The adoption of the guidance will affect disclosures and estimates around accounts receivable.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt-Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. This ASU amends the guidance on convertible instruments and the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity, and also improves and amends the related EPS guidance for both Subtopics. ASU 2020-06 is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Upon adoption, the Company would no longer recognize the intrinsic value of beneficial conversion features underlying convertible debt. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the company recognized approximately $2.0 million relating to a beneficial conversion feature.
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations - Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (Topic 805), Which aims to improve the accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination by addressing diversity in recognition and payment terms that effect subsequent revenue recognition. ASU 2021-08 is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company expects that there would be no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon the adoption of this ASU.

---

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Creatd, Inc.
December 31, 2022 and 2021
Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Contents Page(s)
Report Of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB Firm ID 0089)
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Creatd, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Creatd, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Substantial Doubt about the Company’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 3 to the financial statements, the Company had a significant accumulated deficit, significant net loss and net cash used in operating activities that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 3. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Goodwill and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Evaluation
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, management conducts a goodwill impairment assessment on an annual basis and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The fair value of a reporting unit is determined through the use of the income approach using estimates of future cash flows attributable to the respective reporting units. As a result of the annual impairment assessment, the Company recognized approximately $1.4 million of goodwill impairment related to its reporting units.
Additionally, as discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, management evaluates the recoverability of acquired finite-lived intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate from their use and eventual disposition. As a result of the intangible asset impairment assessment, the Company recognized approximately $1.9 million of impairment related to finite-lived intangible assets.
We identified the impairment of Goodwill and finite-lived intangible assets as a critical audit matter because of significant judgments required by management to estimate the fair value, including forecasted cash flows, revenue growth rates and expectations for operating expenses. The Goodwill assessment also requires judgment related to the discount rate utilized and other significant valuation assumptions. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s cash flow estimates and the selection of cash flow multiples used in the income approach for valuing Goodwill.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the forecasts of management’s estimates of future cash flows, the selection of cash flow multiples for the Company’s reporting units, and the evaluation of the discount rate for Goodwill assessments included the following, among others:
- We obtained an understanding of the controls over the assessment of Goodwill and intangible asset impairment, including those over qualitative assessments and the determination of fair value based on relevant cash flow forecasts.
- Tested the mathematical accuracy of the calculations and evaluated significant assumptions and the underlying data used by the Company by performing procedures to test the projected revenues, projected direct costs, and projected operating expenses by comparing them with the historical forecasted results of the respective entities’ operations, evaluating the feasibility of generating revenues and cost-cutting strategies and assessing the impacts of internal and/or external economic factors.
- We used experienced personnel to evaluate the expertise, valuation assumptions and methodologies utilized by valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge engaged by the Company, and critically evaluated management’s assumptions used in the valuations.
Inventory
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value and are periodically evaluated to identify obsolete or otherwise impaired products and are written off when management determines usage is not probable. The Company estimates the balance of excess and obsolete inventory by analyzing inventory by age using last used and original purchase date and existing sales pipeline for which the inventory could be used.
We identified the audit of inventory as a critical audit matter for the following reasons based on different aspects of the audit of inventory.
(a) Existence of inventory - we encountered difficulty in gaining timely access to observe physical inventory counts at multiple locations or confirm existence in other locations. Certain counts could only be done virtually. These factors required the need for inventory roll back procedures, which were also complicated.
(b) Valuation of inventory - (1) The determination of the proper allocation of inventory value to unit costs was complex and the Company lacked formal controls over this area; (2) The determination of inventory obsolescence required significant assumptions about expiration and spoilage or breakage.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the testing the existence and valuation of inventory included the following, among others:
- We obtained an understanding of the controls over inventory recognition, valuation and monitoring, including those related to allocation of unit costs, inventory obsolescence, and tracking of remote inventories.
- Tested the mathematical accuracy of the calculations and evaluated significant assumptions and the underlying data used by the Company in allocating unit costs by performing procedures to test the underlying value of inventory components in relation to historical bill of materials and finished goods observed during inventory counts. We also evaluated this information by performing our own independent allocations of predicted unit costs and comparing to Company estimates.
- We critically evaluated the assumptions and methodology employed by the Company in evaluating inventory obsolescence, including consideration of subsequent events, and assessing the reasonableness of estimates to historical data for spoilage or breakage.
- During inventory observations, we required live counts, ensured that count procedures were prepared and properly followed, the counting team member was adequately familiar with the inventory items to be counted, count locations were properly identified and tracked accurately, and observed the contents of certain boxes and observed all sides of palleted items.
- We tested the verifiability of inventory reports and tested detailed transactions for the inventory roll back procedures.
/s/ Rosenberg Rich Baker Berman, P.A.
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.
Somerset, New Jersey
April 18, 2023
Creatd, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31,
December 31,
Assets
Current Assets
Cash $ 706,224 $ 3,794,734
Accounts receivable, net 239,423 337,440
Inventory 404,970 106,403
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 128,547 236,665
Total Current Assets 1,479,164 4,475,242
Property and equipment, net 212,545 102,939
Intangible assets 230,084 2,432,841
Goodwill 46,460 1,374,835
Deposits and other assets 797,231 718,951
Minority investment in businesses -
50,000
Operating lease right of use asset 2,054,265 18,451
Total Assets $ 4,819,749 $ 9,173,259
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 7,565,720 $ 3,730,540
Convertible Notes, net of debt discount and issuance costs 5,369,599 159,193
Current portion of operating lease payable 326,908 18,451
Note payable, net of debt discount and issuance costs 1,645,680 1,278,672
Deferred revenue 299,409 234,159
Total Current Liabilities 15,207,316 5,421,015
Non-current Liabilities:
Note payable 38,014 63,992
Operating lease payable 2,077,618 -
Total Non-current Liabilities 2,115,632 63,992
Total Liabilities 17,322,948 5,485,007
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized
Series E Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 8,000 shares authorized 450 and 500 shares issued and outstanding, respectively -
-
Common stock par value $0.001: 100,000,000 shares authorized; 39,062,386 issued and 38,969,013 outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and 16,691,170 issued and 16,685,513 outstanding as of December 31, 2021 39,062 16,691
Additional paid in capital 134,570,600 111,563,618
Less: Treasury stock, 93,373 and 5,657 shares, respectively (78,456 ) (62,406 )
Accumulated deficit (146,142,373 ) (109,632,574 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (140,183 ) (78,272 )
Total Creatd, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity (11,751,350 ) 1,807,057
Non-controlling interest in consolidated subsidiaries (751,849 ) 1,881,195
(12,503,199 ) 3,688,252
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) $ 4,819,749 $ 9,173,259
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Creatd, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
For the Year Ended For the Year Ended
December 31,
December 31,
Net revenue $ 4,796,474 $ 4,299,717
Cost of revenue 6,109,206 5,300,037
Gross margin (loss) (1,312,732 ) (1,000,320 )
Operating expenses
Compensation 4,678,390 5,812,057
Research and development 951,414 983,528
Marketing 4,700,171 9,626,982
Stock based compensation 4,183,844 9,661,168
Impairment of goodwill 1,433,815 1,035,795
Impairment of intangible assets 2,043,011 688,127
General and administrative 9,727,735 4,560,743
Total operating expenses 27,718,380 32,368,400
Loss from operations (29,031,112 ) (33,368,720 )
Other income (expenses)
Other income 396,223
Interest expense (821,051 ) (372,106 )
Accretion of debt discount and issuance cost (4,668,039 ) (3,612,669 )
Derivative expense -
(100,502 )
Change in derivative liability 3,729 (1,096,287 )
Impairment of investment (50,000 ) (589,461 )
Settlement of vendor liabilities (265,717 ) 59,692
Loss on marketable securities (11,742 ) -
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt (832,482 ) 1,025,655
Gain on forgiveness of debt -
279,022
Other income (expenses), net (6,645,203 ) (4,010,433 )
Loss before income tax provision (35,676,315 ) (37,379,153 )
Income tax provision -
-
Net loss (35,676,315 ) (37,379,153 )
Non-controlling interest in net loss 3,383,044 86,251
Net Loss attributable to Creatd, Inc. (32,293,271 ) (37,292,902 )
Deemed dividend (4,216,528 ) (410,750 )
Net loss attributable to common shareholders $ (36,509,799 ) $ (37,703,652 )
Comprehensive loss
Net loss (35,676,315 ) (37,379,153 )
Currency translation loss (61,911 ) (41,038 )
Comprehensive loss $ (35,738,226 ) $ (37,420,191 )
Per-share data
Basic and diluted loss per share
$ (1.66 ) $ (2.98 )
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
22,035,260 12,652,470
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Creatd, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
For the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and
Series E
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Treasury stock
Additional
Paid In
Subscription
Accumulated
Non-Controlling
Other
Comprehensive
Stockholders’
Equity
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Capital
Receivable
Deficit
Interest
Income
(Deficit)
Balance, January 1, 2021
7,738
$
8,736,378
$ 8,737
(5,657 )
$ (62,406 )
$ 77,505,013
$ (40,000 )
$ (71,928,922 )
$ -
$ (37,234 )
$ 5,445,196
Stock based compensation
-
-
388,411
-
-
9,446,687
-
-
-
-
9,447,075
Shares issued for prepaid services
-
-
50,000
-
-
226,450
-
-
-
-
226,500
Shares issued to settle vendor liabilities
-
-
294,895
-
-
791,091
-
-
-
-
791,386
Common stock issued upon conversion of notes payable
-
-
1,128,999
1,129
-
-
5,155,865
-
-
-
-
5,156,994
Exercise of warrants to stock
-
-
2,250,691
2,251
-
-
9,484,972
-
-
-
-
9,487,223
Cash received for common stock and warrants
-
-
1,687,500
1,687
-
-
5,665,263
-
-
-
-
5,666,950
Cash received for preferred series E and warrants
-
-
-
-
-
(4,225 )
40,000
-
-
-
35,775
Conversion of preferred series E to stock
(7,278 )
(8 )
1,766,449
1,766
-
-
(1,758 )
-
-
-
-
-
Stock warrants issued with note payable
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,665,682
-
-
-
-
1,665,682
Shares issued for acquisition
-
-
387,847
-
-
1,217,828
-
-
1,967,446
-
3,185,662
Foreign currency translation adjustments
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(41,038 )
(41,038 )
Dividends
-
-
-
-
-
-
410,750
-
(410,750 )
-
-
-
Net loss for the year months ended December 31, 2021
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(37,292,902 )
(86,251 )
-
(37,379,153 )
Balance, December 31, 2021
$ -
16,691,170
$ 16,691
(5,657 )
$ (62,406 )
$ 111,563,618
$ -
$ (109,632,574 )
$ 1,881,195
$ (78,272 )
$ 3,688,252
Conversion of preferred series E to stock
(50 )
12,136
-
-
(12 )
-
-
-
-
-
Stock based compensation
-
-
444,162
-
-
4,086,960
-
-
-
-
4,087,404
Shares issued to settle vendor liabilities
-
-
307,342
-
-
410,192
-
-
-
-
410,499
Shares issued for prepaid services
-
-
150,000
-
-
141,000
-
-
-
-
141,150
Shares issued for in process research and development
-
-
57,576
-
-
40,937
-
-
-
-
40,995
BCF issued with note payable
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,008,227
-
-
-
-
2,008,227
Exercise of warrants to stock
-
-
9,172,772
9,173
-
-
1,772,774
-
-
-
-
1,781,947
Purchase of treasury stock
-
-
-
-
(87,716 )
(16,050 )
-
-
-
-
-
(16,050 )
Stock warrants issued with note payable
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,149,270
-
-
-
-
3,149,270
Cash received for common stock and warrants, net of $190,000 of issuance costs
-
-
7,046,314
7,046
-
-
5,715,254
-
-
-
-
5,722,300
Stock issued with note payable
-
-
815,000
-
-
409,130
-
-
-
-
409,945
Common stock issued upon conversion of notes payable
-
-
4,365,914
4,366
-
-
1,056,722
-
-
-
-
1,061,088
Foreign currency translation adjustments
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(61,911 )
(61,911 )
Sale of non-controlling interest in OG Collection Inc.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
750,000
-
750,000
Deemed Dividends
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,216,528
-
(4,216,528 )
-
-
-
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(32,293,271 )
(3,383,044 )
-
(35,676,315 )
Balance, December 31, 2022
$ -
39,062,386
$ 39,062
(93,373 )
$ (78,456 )
$ 134,570,600
$ -
$ (146,142,373 )
$ (751,849 )
$ (140,183 )
$ (12,503,199 )
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Creatd, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended For the Year Ended
December 31,
December 31,
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss $ (35,676,315 ) $ (37,379,153 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 586,109 397,440
Impairment of investment 50,000 589,461
Impairment of intangible assets 1,433,815 1,038,905
Impairment of goodwill 2,043,011 688,127
impairment of ROU 101,623 -
Accretion of debt discount and issuance cost 4,668,039 3,612,669
Share-based compensation 4,183,844 9,661,174
Shares issued for in process research and development 40,994 -
Bad debt expense 398,130 110,805
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt 832,482 (1,304,677 )
Settlement of vendor liabilities 265,717 (59,692 )
Change in fair value of derivative liability (3,729 ) 1,096,287
Derivative Expense - 100,502
Loss on marketable securities 11,742 -
Non cash lease expense 274,784 82,511
Reserve for obsolete inventory 399,058 -
Equity interest granted for other income -
(123,710 )
Equity in net loss from unconsolidated investment -
16,413
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses 86,155 (174,819 )
Inventory (479,356 ) (39,182 )
Accounts receivable (755,907 ) (80,407 )
Deposits and other assets (78,280 ) (527,115 )
Deferred revenue 65,250 144,851
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 4,773,551 1,714,902
Operating lease liability (26,146 ) (84,099 )
Net Cash Used In Operating Activities (16,805,429 ) (20,518,807 )
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid for property and equipment (212,249 ) (95,935 )
Cash paid for minority investment in business -
(325,000 )
Cash paid for equity method investment -
(510,000 )
Cash paid for investments in marketable securities (48,878 ) -
Sale of marketable securities 37,135 -
Cash received from the Sale of non-controlling interest in OG Collection Inc. 750,000 -
Cash consideration for acquisition (31,679 ) (225,947 )
Purchases of digital assets (410,369 ) (11,241 )
Sale of digital assets 289,246 -
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities 373,206 (1,168,123 )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from the exercise of warrant 1,781,947 9,487,223
Net proceeds from issuance of notes 2,219,219 747,937
Repayment of notes (2,830,382 ) (456,233 )
Proceeds from issuance of convertible note 8,391,905 3,610,491
Repayment of convertible notes (1,863,315 ) (941,880 )
Repayment of note payable - related party -
(538,574 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants 5,722,300 5,666,951
Cash received for preferred series E and warrants -
40,000
Purchase of treasury stock (16,050 ) -
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities 13,405,624 17,615,915
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (61,911 ) (41,038 )
Net Change in Cash (3,088,510 ) (4,112,053 )
Cash - Beginning of period 3,794,734 7,906,787
Cash - End of period $ 706,224 $ 3,794,734
SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash Paid During the Year for:
Income taxes $ -
$ -
Interest $ 650,000 $ 60,073
SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Settlement of vendor liabilities $ -
$ 168,667
Beneficial conversion feature on convertible notes $ 2,008,227 $ -
Warrants issued with debt $ 3,149,270 $ 1,665,682
Shares issued with debt $ 409,945 $ -
Issuance of common stock for prepaid services $ 141,150 $ 226,500
Recognition of Right-of-use asset and corresponding operating lease liability $ 2,412,221 $ -
Deferred offering costs $ -
$ 4,225
Common stock and warrants issued upon conversion of notes payable $ 1,061,088 $ 5,156,994
Shares issued for acquisition $ - $ 1,318,218
Reduction of ROU asset related to re-measurement of lease liability $ -
$ 135,086
Repayment of promissory notes from Australian R&D credits $ -
$ 146,630
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Creatd, Inc.
December 31, 2022
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 - Organization and Operations
Creatd, Inc., formerly Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc. (“we,” “us,” the “Company,” or “Creatd”), is a technology company focused on providing economic opportunities for creators, which it accomplishes through its four main business pillars: Creatd Labs, Creatd Partners, Creatd Ventures, and Creatd Studios. Creatd’s flagship product, Vocal, delivers a robust long-form, digital publishing platform organized into highly engaged niche-communities capable of hosting all forms of rich media content. Through Creatd’s proprietary algorithm dynamics, Vocal enhances the visibility of content and maximizes viewership, providing advertisers access to target markets that most closely match their interests.
The Company was originally incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on December 30, 1999 under the name LILM, Inc. The Company changed its name on December 3, 2013 to Great Plains Holdings, Inc. as part of its plan to diversify its business.
On February 5, 2016 (the “Closing Date”), GTPH, GPH Merger Sub, Inc., a Nevada corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of GTPH (“Merger Sub”), and Jerrick Ventures, Inc., a privately-held Nevada corporation headquartered in New Jersey (“Jerrick”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger”) pursuant to which the Merger Sub was merged with and into Jerrick, with Jerrick surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of GTPH (the “Merger”). GTPH acquired, pursuant to the Merger, all of the outstanding capital stock of Jerrick in exchange for issuing Jerrick’s shareholders (the “Jerrick Shareholders”), pro-rata, a total of 475,000 shares of GTPH’s common stock. In connection therewith, GTPH acquired 33,415 shares of Jerrick’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Jerrick Series A Preferred”) and 8,064 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Jerrick Series B Preferred”).
In connection with the Merger, on the Closing Date, GTPH and Kent Campbell entered into a Spin-Off Agreement (the “Spin-Off Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Campbell purchased from GTPH (i) all of GTPH’s interest in Ashland Holdings, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, and (ii) all of GTPH’s interest in Lil Marc, Inc., a Utah corporation, in exchange for the cancellation of 39,091 shares of GTPH’s Common Stock held by Mr. Campbell. In addition, Mr. Campbell assumed all debts, obligations and liabilities of GTPH, including any existing prior to the Merger, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Spin-Off Agreement.
Upon closing of the Merger on February 5, 2016, the Company changed its business plan to that of Jerrick.
Effective February 28, 2016, GTPH entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Statutory Merger Agreement”) with Jerrick, pursuant to which GTPH became the parent company of Jerrick Ventures, LLC, a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of Jerrick (the “Statutory Merger”) and GTPH changed its name to Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc. to better reflect its new business strategy.
On September 11, 2019, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Seller’s Choice, LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company (“Seller’s Choice”), a digital e-commerce agency.
On September 9, 2020, the Company filed a certificate of amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada to change our name to “Creatd, Inc.”, which became effective on September 10, 2020.
On June 4, 2021, the Company acquired 89% of the membership interests of Plant Camp, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Plant Camp”), which the Company subsequently rebranded as Camp. Camp is a direct-to-consumer (DTC) food brand which creates healthy upgrades to classic comfort food favorites. The results of Plant Camp’s operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statements of Operations.
On July 20, 2021, the Company acquired 44% of the membership interests of WHE Agency, Inc. WHE Agency, Inc, is a talent management and public relations agency based in New York (“WHE”). WHE has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 55% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statements of Operations.
Between October 21, 2020, and August 16, 2021, the Company acquired 21% of the membership interests of Dune, Inc. Dune, Inc. is a direct-to-consumer brand focused on promoting wellness through its range of health-oriented beverages.
On October 3, 2021, the Company acquired an additional 29% of the membership interests of Dune, Inc., bringing our total membership interests to 50%. Dune, Inc., has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 50% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statements of Operations.
On March 7, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Denver Bodega, LLC, d/b/a Basis, a Colorado limited liability company (“Basis”). Basis is a direct-to-consumer functional beverage brand that makes high-electrolyte mixes meant to aid hydration. Denver Bodega, LLC has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 100% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statement of Operations.
On August 1, 2022, the Company acquired 51% of the membership interests of Orbit Media LLC, a New York limited liability company. Orbit is a app-based stock trading platform designed to empower a new generation of investors. Orbit has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 51% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statement of Operations.
On September 13, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Brave Foods, LLC, a Maine limited liability company. Brave is a plant-based food company that provides convenient and healthy breakfast food products. Brave Foods, LLC has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 100% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statement of Operations.
On December 13, 2022, an investor entered into a Subscription Agreement whereby it purchased from OG Collection, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company (“OG”), 150,000 shares of common stock of OG for a purchase price of $750,000, and, in connection therewith OG, the Company, and the Investor entered into a Shareholder Agreement.
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Practices
Management of the Company is responsible for the selection and use of appropriate accounting policies and the appropriateness of accounting policies and their application. Critical accounting policies and practices are those that are both most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results and require management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. The Company’s significant and critical accounting policies and practices are disclosed below as required by the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.
These significant accounting estimates or assumptions bear the risk of change due to the fact that there are uncertainties attached to these estimates or assumptions, and certain estimates or assumptions are difficult to measure or value.
Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.
Management regularly evaluates the key factors and assumptions used to develop the estimates utilizing currently available information, changes in facts and circumstances, historical experience and reasonable assumptions. After such evaluations, if deemed appropriate, those estimates are adjusted accordingly. The Company uses estimates in accounting for, among other items, revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, stock-based compensation, income tax provisions, excess and obsolete inventory reserve, and impairment of intellectual property.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Principles of consolidation
The Company consolidates all majority-owned subsidiaries, if any, in which the parent’s power to control exists.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries and/or entities are as follows:
Name of combined affiliate State or other
jurisdiction of
incorporation
or organization Company
Ownership
Interest
Jerrick Ventures LLC Delaware 100 %
Abacus Tech Pty Ltd Australia 100 %
Creatd Ventures LLC Delaware 100 %
Dune Inc. Delaware 50 %
OG Collection, Inc. Delaware 89 %
Orbit Media LLC New York 51 %
WHE Agency, Inc. Delaware 44 %
As of December 31, 2022, Creatd Ventures, LLC (formerly Creatd Partners, LLC) is operating three DBAs for Brave Foods, Plant Camp, and Basis (formerly Denver Bodega, LLC).
All other previously consolidated subsidiaries have been dissolved.
All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated. The consolidated financial statements include Denver Bodega, LLC activity since March 7, 2022, Orbit Media LLC activity since August 1, 2022, and Brave Foods, LLC activity since September 13, 2022.
Variable Interest Entities
Management performs an ongoing assessment of its noncontrolling interests from investments in unrelated entities to determine if those entities are variable interest entities (VIEs), and if so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. If an entity in such a transaction, by design, meets the definition of a VIE and the Company determines that it, or a consolidated subsidiary is the primary beneficiary, the Company will include the VIE in its consolidated financial statements. If such an entity is deemed to not be consolidated, the Company records only its investment in equity securities as a marketable security or investment under the equity method, as applicable.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value measurement disclosures are grouped into three levels based on valuation factors:
● Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical investments
● Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments and market corroborated inputs)
● Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs (including our own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)
The Company’s Level 1 assets/liabilities include cash, accounts receivable, marketable trading securities, accounts payable, marketable trading securities, prepaid and other current assets, line of credit and due to related parties. Management believes the estimated fair value of these accounts at December 31, 2022 approximate their carrying value as reflected in the balance sheets due to the short-term nature of these instruments or the use of market interest rates for debt instruments.
The Company’s Level 2 assets/liabilities include certain of the Company’s notes payable. Their carrying value approximates their fair values based upon a comparison of the interest rate and terms of such debt given the level of risk to the rates and terms of similar debt currently available to the Company in the marketplace.
The Company’s Level 3 assets/liabilities include goodwill, intangible assets, equity investments at cost, and derivative liabilities. Inputs to determine fair value are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The fair values are therefore determined using model-based techniques, including option pricing models and discounted cash flow models. Unobservable inputs used in the models are significant to the fair values of the assets and liabilities.
The following tables provide a summary of the relevant assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
Fair Value Measurements as of
December 31, 2021
Total Quoted
Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets or
Liabilities
(Level 1) Quoted
Prices
for Similar
Assets or
Liabilities in
Active
Markets
(Level 2) Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
Marketable securities - debt securities $ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Total assets $ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities $ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Total Liabilities -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Fair Value Measurements as of
December 31, 2022
Total Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets or
Liabilities
(Level 1) Quoted
Prices for
Similar
Assets or
Liabilities
in Active Markets
(Level 2) Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
Marketable securities - equity securities $ - $ - $ - $ -
Total assets $ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Our marketable equity securities are publicly traded stocks measured at fair value using quoted prices for identical assets in active markets and classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Marketable equity securities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 are $0.
The change in net realized depreciation on equity trading securities that have been included in other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $11,742 and $0, respectively.
The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in marketable securities - available-for-sale debt securities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
For the
years ended
December 31,
2022 and
Total
As of January 1, 2021 $ 62,733
Purchase of marketable securities -
Interest due at maturity -
Other than temporary impairment (62,733 )
Conversion of marketable securities -
December 31, 2021 and 2022 $ -
The following are the changes in the derivative liabilities during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Years Ended
December 31, 2022 and 2021
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Derivative liabilities as January 1, 2021 $ -
$ -
$ 42,231
Addition -
-
417,24
Extinguishment -
-
(431,458 )
Conversion to Note payable - related party -
-
(1,124,301 )
Changes in fair value -
-
1,096,287
Derivative liabilities as December 31, 2021 -
-
-
Addition -
-
100,532
Changes in fair value -
-
(3,729 )
Extinguishment -
-
(96,803 )
Derivative liabilities as December 31, 2022 $ -
$ -
$ -
The following tables provide a summary of the relevant assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis:
Fair Value Measurements as of
December 31, 2021
Total Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets or
Liabilities
(Level 1) Quoted
Prices for
Similar
Assets or
Liabilities
in Active Markets
(Level 2) Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
Equity investments, at cost $ 50,000 $ -
$ -
$ 50,000
Intangible assets 2,432,841 - - 2,432,841
Goodwill 1,374,835 - - 1,374,835
Total assets $ 3,857,676 $ -
$ -
$ 3,857,676
Fair Value Measurements as of
December 31, 2022
Total Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets or
Liabilities
(Level 1) Quoted
Prices for
Similar
Assets or
Liabilities
in Active Markets
(Level 2) Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
Equity investments, at cost $ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Intangible assets 230,084 - - 230,084
Goodwill 46,460 - - 46,460
Total assets $ 276,544 $ - $ - $ 276,544
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
At times, cash balances may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or Financial Claims Scheme (“FCS”) insurable limits. The Company has never experienced any losses related to these balances. The uninsured cash balance as of December 31, 2022, was $308,474. The Company does not believe it is exposed to significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties
The Company provides credit in the normal course of business. The Company maintains allowances for credit losses on factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends, and other information.
The Company operates in Australia and holds total assets of $700,268. It is reasonably possible that operations located outside an entity’s home country will be disrupted in the near term.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for major additions and betterments are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method (after taking into account their respective estimated residual values) over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets as follows:
Estimated
Useful Life
(Years)
Computer equipment and software
Furniture and fixtures
Leasehold Improvements
Upon sale or retirement of property and equipment, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.
Long-lived Assets Including Acquired Intangible Assets
We evaluate the recoverability of property and equipment, acquired finite-lived intangible assets and, purchased infinite life digital assets for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Recoverability of these assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate from the use and eventual disposition. Digital assets accounted for as intangible assets are subject to impairment losses if the fair value of digital assets decreases other than temporarily below the carrying value. The fair value is measured using the quoted price of the crypto asset at the time its fair value is being measured. If such review indicates that the carrying amount of property and equipment and intangible assets is not recoverable, the carrying amount of such assets is reduced to fair value. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $2,043,111 for intangible assets. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $688,127 for intangible assets.
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We routinely review the remaining estimated useful lives of property and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets. If we change the estimated useful life assumption for any asset, the remaining unamortized balance is amortized or depreciated over the revised estimated useful life. The remaining weighted average life of the intangible assets is 8.06 years.
Scheduled amortization over the next five years are as follows:
Twelve months ending December 31,
$ 32,097
32,098
28,863
18,966
18,964
Thereafter 76,313
Total 207,301
Intangible assets not subject to amortization 22,783
Total Intangible Assets $ 230,084
Amortization expense was $483,484 and $348,186 for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Goodwill
Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to periodic testing for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 350 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment” (“ASC Topic 350”). The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of the last day of the Company’s fiscal December each year or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change indicating that the fair value of the goodwill may be below its carrying amount. The Company uses an income-based approach to determine the fair value of the reporting units. This approach uses a discounted cash flow methodology and the ability of our reporting units to generate cash flows as measures of fair value of our reporting units.
During the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company completed its annual impairment tests of goodwill. The Company performed the qualitative assessment as permitted by ASC 350-20 and determined for one of its reporting units that the fair value of that reporting unit was more likely than not greater than its carrying value, including Goodwill. However, based on this qualitative assessment, the Company determined that the carrying value of the Denver Bodega, Dune, Plant Camp and, WHE Agency reporting units was more likely than not greater than their carrying value, including Goodwill. Based on the completion of the annual impairment tests, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,433,815 and $1,035,795 for goodwill for the years ended December 31 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022.
For the
years ended
December 31,
2021 and
Total
As of January 1, 2021 $ 1,035,795
Goodwill acquired in a business combination 1,374,835
Impairment of goodwill (1,035,795 )
As of December 31, 2021 1,374,835
Goodwill acquired in business combinations 105,440
Impairment of goodwill (1,433,815 )
As of December 31, 2022 46,460
Investments
Marketable securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recognized in earnings. Debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity or as trading are classified as available-for-sale, and are carried at fair market value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included in the determination of comprehensive income and reported in stockholders’ equity.
The Company accounts for its investments in available-for-sale debt securities, in accordance with sub-topic 320-10 of the FASB ASC (“Sub-Topic 320-10”). Accrued interest on these securities is included in fair value and amortized cost.
Pursuant to Paragraph 320-10-35, investments in debt securities that are classified as available for sale shall be measured subsequently at fair value in the statement of financial position. Unrealized holding gains and losses for available-for-sale securities (including those classified as current assets) shall be excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income until realized.
The Company follows FASB ASC 320-10-35 to assess whether an investment in debt securities is impaired in each reporting period. An investment in debt securities is impaired if the fair value of the investment is less than its amortized cost. If the Company intends to sell the debt security (that is, it has decided to sell the security), an other-than-temporary impairment shall be considered to have occurred. If the Company more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis or it otherwise does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, an other-than-temporary impairment shall be considered to have occurred. The Company considers the expected cash flows from the investment based on reasonable and supportable forecasts as well as several other factors to estimate whether a credit loss exists. If the Company intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss, the other-than-temporary impairment shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date.
The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in marketable securities - available-for-sale debt securities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
For the
years ended
December 31,
2022 and
Total
As of January 1, 2021 $ 62,733
Purchase of marketable securities -
Interest due at maturity -
Other than temporary impairment (62,733 )
Conversion of marketable securities -
December 31, 2021 and 2022 $ -
We invest in debt securities. Our investments in debt securities are subject to interest rate risk. To minimize the exposure due to an adverse shift in interest rates, we invest in securities with maturities of two years or less and maintain a weighted average maturity of one year or less. As of December 31, 2021, all of our investments had maturities between one and three years. The marketable debt security investments are evaluated for impairment if events or circumstances arise that indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. During the years ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized a $62,733 from the impairment of the debt security.
The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in equity investments, at cost that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis:
For the
years ended
December 31,
2021 and
Total
As of January 1, 2021 $ 217,096
Purchase of equity investments 150,000
Other than temporary impairment (102,096 )
Conversion to equity method investments (215,000 )
As of December 31, 2021 50,000
Purchase of equity investments -
Other than temporary impairment (50,000 )
Conversion to equity method investments -
As of December 31, 2022 $ -
The Company has elected to measure its equity securities without a readily determinable fair value at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. An election to measure an equity security in accordance with this paragraph shall be made for each investment separately.
The Company performed a qualitative assessment considering impairment indicators to evaluate whether these investments were impaired. Impairment indicators that the Company considered included the following: a) a significant deterioration in the earnings performance, credit rating, asset quality or business prospects of the investee; b) a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic or technology environment of the investee; c) a significant adverse change in the general market condition of either the geographical area or the industry in which the investee operates; d) a bona fide offer to purchase or an offer by the investee to sell the investment; e) factors that raise significant concerns about the investee’s ability to continue as a going concern. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 the Company recognized a $50,000 and $102,096 impairment of the equity security respectively.
Equity Method Investments
Investments in unconsolidated entities over which we have significant influence are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company does not consolidate the investment’s financial statements within its consolidated financial statements. Equity method investments are initially recorded at cost, then our proportional share of the underlying net income or loss is recorded as equity in net loss from equity method investments in our statement of operations, with a corresponding increase or decrease to the carrying value of the investment. Distributions received from the investee reduce our carrying value of the investment and are recorded in the consolidated statements of cash flows using the cumulative earnings approach. These investments are evaluated for impairment if events or circumstances arise that indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. There were indicators of impairment related to our equity method investments for the year ended December 31, 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $50,000 and $487,365 respectively for equity method investments.
Commitments and Contingencies
The Company follows subtopic 450-20 of the FASB ASC to report accounting for contingencies. Certain conditions may exist as of the date the consolidated financial statements are issued, which may result in a loss to the Company, but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The Company assesses such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company or un-asserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company evaluates the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or un-asserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein.
If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability would be accrued in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potential material loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, and an estimate of the range of possible losses, if determinable and material, would be disclosed.
Loss contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed unless they involve guarantees, in which case the guarantees would be disclosed.
Foreign Currency
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at our Consolidated Balance Sheet dates. Results of operations and cash flows are translated using the average exchange rates throughout the periods. The effect of exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of assets and liabilities is included as a component of stockholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive income. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions, which are included in operating expenses, have not been significant in any period presented.
Derivative Liability
The Company evaluates its debt and equity issuances to determine if those contracts or embedded components of those contracts qualify as derivatives to be separately accounted for in accordance with paragraph 815-10-05-4 and Section 815-40-25 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The result of this accounting treatment is that the fair value of the embedded derivative is marked-to-market each balance sheet date and recorded as either an asset or a liability. In the event that the fair value is recorded as a liability, the change in fair value is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations as other income or expense. Upon conversion, exercise or cancellation of a derivative instrument, the instrument is marked to fair value at the date of conversion, exercise or cancellation and then the related fair value is reclassified to equity.
In circumstances where the embedded conversion option in a convertible instrument is required to be bifurcated and there are also other embedded derivative instruments in the convertible instrument that are required to be bifurcated, the bifurcated derivative instruments are accounted for as a single, compound derivative instrument.
The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is re-assessed at the end of each reporting period. Equity instruments that are initially classified as equity that become subject to reclassification are reclassified to liability at the fair value of the instrument on the reclassification date. Derivative instrument liabilities will be classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument is expected within 12 months of the balance sheet date.
The Company adopted Section 815-40-15 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Section 815-40-15”) to determine whether an instrument (or an embedded feature) is indexed to the Company’s own stock. Section 815-40-15 provides that an entity should use a two-step approach to evaluate whether an equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded feature) is indexed to its own stock, including evaluating the instrument’s contingent exercise and settlement provisions.
The Company utilizes a binomial option model for convertible notes that have an option to convert at a variable number of shares to compute the fair value of the derivative and to mark to market the fair value of the derivative at each balance sheet date. The inputs utilized in the application of the Binomial model included a stock price on valuation date, an expected term of each debenture remaining from the valuation date to maturity, an estimated volatility, and a risk-free rate. The Company records the change in the fair value of the derivative as other income or expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Shipping and Handling Costs
The Company classifies freight billed to customers as sales revenue and the related freight costs as cost of revenue.
Revenue Recognition
Under Topic 606, revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
We determine revenue recognition through the following steps:
● identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer;
● identification of the performance obligations in the contract;
● determination of the transaction price. The transaction price for any given subscriber could decrease based on any payments made to that subscriber. A subscriber may be eligible for payment through one or more of the monetization features offered to Vocal creators, including earnings through reads (on a cost per mile basis) and cash prizes offered to Challenge winners;
● allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and
● recognition of revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation.
Revenue disaggregated by revenue source for the year ended December 30, 2022 and 2021 consists of the following:
Years Ended
December 31,
Agency (Managed Services, Branded Content, & Talent Management Services) $ 1,914,647 $ 2,256,546
Platform (Creator Subscriptions) 1,417,094 1,926,135
Ecommerce 1,457,161 90,433
Affiliate Sales 7,572 26,453
Other Revenue -
$ 4,796,474 $ 4,299,717
The Company utilizes the output method to measures the results achieved and value transferred to a customer over time. Timing of revenue recognition for the three and years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 consists of the following:
Years Ended
December 31,
Products and services transferred over time $ 3,331,741 $ 4,182,681
Products transferred at a point in time 1,464,733 117,036
$ 4,796,474 $ 4,299,717
Agency Revenue
Managed Services
The Company provides Studio/Agency Service offerings to business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) product and service brands which encompasses a full range of digital marketing and e-commerce solutions. The Company’s services include the setup and ongoing management of clients’ websites, Amazon and Shopify storefronts and listings, social media pages, search engine marketing, and other various tools and sales channels utilized by e-commerce sellers for sales and growth optimization. Contracts are broken into three categories: Partners, Monthly Services, and Projects. Contract amounts for Partner and Monthly Services clients range from approximately $500-$7,500 per month while Project amounts vary depending on the scope of work. Partner and Monthly clients are billed monthly for the work completed within that month. Partner Clients may or may not have an additional billing component referred to as Sales Performance Fee, which is a fee based upon a previously agreed upon percentage point of the client’s total sales for the month. Some Partners may also have projects within their contracts that get billed and recognized as agreed upon project milestones are achieved. Revenue is recognized over time as service obligations and milestones in the contract are met.
Branded Content
Branded content represents the revenue recognized from the Company’s obligation to create and publish branded articles and/or branded challenges for clients on the Vocal platform and promote said stories, tracking engagement for the client. In the case of branded articles, the performance obligation is satisfied when the Company successfully publishes the articles on its platform and meets any required promotional milestones as per the contract. In the case of branded challenges, the performance obligation is satisfied when the Company successfully closes the challenge and winners have been announced. The Company utilizes the completed contract method when revenue is recognized over time as the services are performed and any required milestones are met. Certain contracts contain separate milestones whereas the Company separates its performance obligations and utilizes the stand-alone selling price method and residual method to determine the estimate of the allocation of the transaction price.
Below are the significant components of a typical agreement pertaining to branded content revenue:
● The Company collects fixed fees ranging from $10,000 to $110,000, with branded challenges ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 and branded articles ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 per article.
● Branded articles are created and published, and challenges are completed, within three months of the signed agreement, or as previously negotiated with the client.
● Branded articles and challenges are promoted per the contract and engagement reports are provided to the client.
● Most contracts include provisions for clients to acquire content rights at the end of the campaign for a flat fee.
Talent Management Services
Talent Management represents the revenue recognized by WHE Agency, Inc. (“WHE”) from the Company’s obligation to manage and oversee influencer-led campaigns from the contract negotiation stage through content creation and publication. WHE acts in an agent capacity for influencers and collects a management fee of approximately 20% of the value of an influencer’s contract with a brand. Revenue is recognized net of the 80% of the contract that is collected by the influencer and is recognized when performance obligations of the contract are met. Performance obligations are complete when milestones and deliverables of contracts are delivered to the client.
Below are the significant components of a typical agreement pertaining to talent management revenue:
● Total gross contracts range from $500-$100,000.
● The Company collects fixed fees in the amount of 20 to 25% of the gross contract amount, ranging from $100 to $25,000 in net revenue per contract.
● The campaign is created and made live by the influencer within the timeframe specified in the contract.
● Campaigns are promoted per the contract and the customer is provided a link to the live deliverables on the influencer’s social media channels.
● Most billing for contracts occur 100% at execution of the performance obligation. Net payment terms vary by client.
Platform Revenue
Creator Subscriptions
Vocal+ is a premium subscription offering for Vocal creators. In addition to joining for free, Vocal creators now have the option to sign up for a Vocal+ membership for either $9.99 monthly or $99 annually, though these amounts are subject to promotional discounts and free trials. Vocal+ subscribers receive access to value-added features such as increased rate of cost per mille (thousand) (“CPM”) monetization, a decreased minimum withdrawal threshold, a discount on platform processing fees, member badges for their profiles, access to exclusive Vocal+ Challenges, and early access to new Vocal features. Subscription revenues stem from both monthly and annual subscriptions, the latter of which is amortized over a twelve-month period. Any customer payments received are recognized over the subscription period, with any payments received in advance being deferred until they are earned.
The transaction price for any given subscriber could decrease based on any payments made to that subscriber. A subscriber may be eligible for payment through one or more of the monetization features offered to Vocal creators, including earnings through reads (on a cost per mille basis) and cash prizes offered to Challenge winners. Potential revenue offset is calculated by reviewing a subscriber’s earnings in conjunction with payments made by the subscriber on a monthly and/or annual basis.
Affiliate Sales Revenue
Affiliate sales represents the commission the Company receives from views or sales of its multimedia assets. Affiliate revenue is earned on a “click through” basis, upon visitors viewing or purchasing the relevant video, book, or other media asset and completing a specific conversion. The revenue is recognized upon receipt as reliable estimates could not be made.
E-Commerce Revenue
The Company’s e-commerce businesses are housed under Creatd Ventures, and currently consists of four majority-owned e-commerce companies, Camp (previously Plant Camp), Dune Glow Remedy (“Dune”), Basis, and Brave. The Company generates revenue through the sale of Camp, Dune, Basis, and Brave’s consumer products through its e-commerce distribution channels. The Company satisfies its performance obligation upon shipment of product to its customers and recognizes shipping and handling costs as a fulfillment cost. Customers have 30 days from receipt of an item to return unopened, unused, or damaged items for a full refund for Camp, Dune, and Basis, and 7 days from receipt of purchase for Brave. All returns are processed within the relevant recording period and accounted for as a reduction in revenue. The Company runs discounts from time to time to promote sales, improve market penetration, and increase customer retention. Any discounts are run as coupon codes applied at the time of transaction and accounted for as a reduction in gross revenue. The Company assesses variable consideration using the most likely amount method.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue consists of billings and payments from clients in advance of revenue recognition. The Company has two types of deferred revenue, subscription revenue whereas the revenue is recognized over the subscription period and contract liabilities where the performance obligation was not satisfied. The Company will recognize the deferred revenue within the next twelve months. As of December 31, 2022, and 2021, the Company had deferred revenue of $299,409 and $234,159 respectively.
Accounts Receivable and Allowances
Accounts receivable are recorded and carried when the Company has performed the work in accordance with managed services, project, partner, consulting and branded content agreements. For example, we bill a managed service client monthly when we have updated their Amazon store, modified SEO, or completed the other services listed in the agreement. For projects and branded content, we will bill the client and record the receivable once milestones are reached that are set in the agreement. We make estimates for the allowance for doubtful accounts and allowance for unbilled receivables based upon our assessment of various factors, including historical experience, the age of the accounts receivable balances, credit quality of our customers, current economic conditions, and other factors that may affect our ability to collect from customers. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded $398,130 and $110,805, respectively as a bad debt expense. As of December 31, 2022, the Company has an allowance for doubtful accounts of $585,077. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has an allowance for doubtful accounts of $186,147.
Inventory
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value. Inventories are periodically evaluated to identify obsolete or otherwise impaired products and are written off when management determines usage is not probable. The Company estimates the balance of excess and obsolete inventory by analyzing inventory by age using last used and original purchase date and existing sales pipeline for which the inventory could be used. As of December 31, 2022, and 2021, the Company had a valuation allowance of $399.058 and $0 respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 the Company recorded $399,058 and $0 respectively for product obsolescence.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes compensation expense for all equity-based payments granted in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718 “Compensation - Stock Compensation”. Under fair value recognition provisions, the Company recognizes equity-based compensation over the requisite service period of the award. The company has a relatively low forfeiture rate of stock-based compensation and forfeitures are recognized as they occur.
Restricted stock awards are granted at the discretion of the Company. These awards are restricted as to the transfer of ownership and generally vest over the requisite service periods.
The fair value of an option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The Black-Scholes option valuation model requires the development of assumptions that are inputs into the model. These assumptions are the value of the underlying share, the expected stock volatility, the risk-free interest rate, the expected life of the option, the dividend yield on the underlying stock and forfeitures are recognized as they occur. . Expected volatility is derived from the Company’s historical data over the expected option life and other appropriate factors. Risk-free interest rates are calculated based on continuously compounded risk-free rates for the appropriate term. The dividend yield is assumed to be zero as the Company has never paid or declared any cash dividends on its Common stock and does not intend to pay dividends on its Common stock in the foreseeable future. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur.
Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of equity-based payment awards requires the input of the subjective assumptions described above. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of equity-based payment awards represent management’s best estimates, which involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. As a result, if factors change and the Company uses different assumptions, our equity-based compensation could be materially different in the future. The Company issues awards of equity instruments, such as stock options and restricted stock units, to employees and certain non-employee directors. Compensation expense related to these awards is based on the fair value of the underlying stock on the award date and is amortized over the service period, defined as the vesting period. The vesting period is generally one to three years. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for restricted stock units. Compensation expense is reduced for actual forfeitures as they occur.
Loss Per Share
Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is determined using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding excludes common stock equivalents because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
The Company had the following common stock equivalents at December 31, 2022 and 2021:
December 31,
Series E preferred 109,223 121,359
Options 3,061,767 2,902,619
Warrants 16,261,699 5,658,830
Convertible notes 27,823,250 -
Totals 47,255,939 8,682,808
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts in the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto have been reclassified where necessary to conform to the current year’s presentation. These reclassifications did not affect the prior period’s total assets, total liabilities, stockholders’ deficit, net loss or net cash used in operating activities. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we adopted a change in presentation on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss in order to present a gross profit line, the presentation of which is consistent with our peers. Under the new presentation, we began allocating payroll and related expenses, professional services and creator payouts. Prior periods have been revised to reflect this change in presentation.
Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance
In May 2021, the FASB issued authoritative guidance intended to clarify and reduce diversity in an issuer’s accounting for modifications or exchanges of freestanding equity-classified written call options that remain equity classified after modification or exchange. (ASU 2021-04), “Derivatives and Hedging Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Topic 815). This guidance’s amendments provide measurement, recognition, and disclosure guidance for an issuer’s accounting for modifications or exchanges of freestanding equity-classified written call options that remain equity classified after modification or exchange. The updated guidance, which became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized a deemed dividend of $3,187,906 from the modification of warrants.
Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU-2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 affects loans, debt securities, trade receivables, and any other financial assets that have the contractual right to receive cash. The ASU requires an entity to recognize expected credit losses rather than incurred losses for financial assets. On October 16, 2019, FASB approved a final ASU delaying the effective date of ASU 2016-13 for small reporting companies to interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments to the Company’s financial position and results of operations and currently does not know or cannot reasonably quantify the impact of the adoption of the amendments as a result of the complexity and extensive changes from the amendments. The adoption of the guidance will affect disclosures and estimates around accounts receivable.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt-Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. This ASU amends the guidance on convertible instruments and the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity, and also improves and amends the related EPS guidance for both Subtopics. ASU 2020-06 is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Upon adoption, the Company would no longer recognize the intrinsic value of beneficial conversion features underlying convertible debt. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the company recognized approximately $2.0 million relating to a beneficial conversion feature.
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations - Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (Topic 805), Which aims to improve the accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination by addressing diversity in recognition and payment terms that effect subsequent revenue recognition. ASU 2021-08 is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company expects that there would be no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon the adoption of this ASU.
Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective accounting pronouncements, when adopted, will have a material effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Note 3 - Going Concern
The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that it will continue as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business.
As reflected in the consolidated financial statements, as of December 31, 2022, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $146.2 million, a net loss of $35.7 million and net cash used in operating activities of $16.7 million for the reporting period then ended. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of one year from the issuance of these financial statements.
The Company is attempting to further implement its business plan and generate sufficient revenues; however, its cash position may not be sufficient to support its daily operations. While the Company believes in the viability of its strategy to further implement its business plan and generate sufficient revenues and in its ability to raise additional funds by way of a public or private offering of its debt or equity securities, there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so on reasonable terms, or at all. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to further implement its business plan and generate sufficient revenues and its ability to raise additional funds by way of a public or private offering.
The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
Note 4 - Inventory
Inventory was comprised of the following at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
December 31,
December 31,
Raw Materials
$ -
$ -
Packaging
34,632
2,907
Finished goods
$ 370,335
103,496
$ 404,970
$ 106,403
Note 5 - Property and Equipment
Property and equipment stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation, consisted of the following:
December 31,
December 31,
Computer Equipment $ 447,860 $ 353,880
Furniture and Fixtures 184,524 102,416
Leasehold Improvements 47,616 11,457
680,000 467,753
Less: Accumulated Depreciation (467,455 ) (364,814 )
$ 212,545 $ 102,939
Depreciation expense was $102,643 and $49,254 for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Note 6 - Notes Payable
Notes payable as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
Outstanding
Principal as of
December 31,
December 31,
Interest
Rate Maturity
Date
Seller’s Choice Note $ - $ 660,000 30 % September 2020
The April 2020 PPP Loan Agreement 198,577 198,577 1 % May 2022
The First December 2021 Loan Agreement - 185,655 10 % June 2023
The Second December 2021 Loan Agreement - 313,979 14 % June 2022
First Denver Bodega LLC Loan 38,014 -
5 % March 2025
The Third May 2022 Loan Agreement 9,409 -
-
% November 2022
The Fourth May 2022 Loan Agreement 31,701 -
-
% November 2022
The Second June Loan agreement 39,500
- - % October 2022
The First August 2022 Loan Agreement 130,615 -
14 % November 2022
The Second August 2022 Loan Agreement 387,950 -
-
% January 2023
The First September 2022 Loan Agreement 73,236 -
-
% September 2023
The Second September 2022 Loan Agreement 763,625 -
-
% May 2023
The Third September 2022 Loan Agreement 256,964 -
-
% April 2023
The November 2022 Loan 68,211 -
-
% June 2023
1,683,694 1,358,211
Less: Debt Discount (314,108 ) (15,547 )
Less: Debt Issuance Costs -
-
1,683,694 1,342,664
Less: Current Debt (1,645,680 ) (1,278,672 )
Total Long-Term Debt $ 38,014 $ 63,992
Seller’s Choice Note
On September 11, 2019, the Company entered into Seller’s Choice Purchase Agreement with Home Revolution LLC. As a part of the consideration provided pursuant to the Seller’s Choice Acquisition, the Company issued the Seller’s Choice Note to the Seller in the principal amount of $660,000. The Seller’s Choice Note bears interest at a rate of 9.5% per annum and is payable on March 11, 2020 (the “Seller’s Choice Maturity Date”) at which time all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts become due. Upon maturity the Company utilized an automatic extension up to 6 months. This resulted in a 5% increase in the interest rate every month the Seller’s Choice Note is outstanding. As of December 31, 2021, the Company was in default on the Seller’s Choice note.
On March 3, 2022, after substantial motion practice, Creatd successfully settled the dispute with Home Revolution, LLC for a total of $799,000, which includes $660,000 of note principal and $139,000 of accrued interest. The matter has been dismissed. As part of the settlement the Company recorded a Gain on extinguishment of debt of $147,256.
The April 2020 PPP Loan Agreement
On April 30, 2020, the Company was granted a loan with a principal amount of $282,432 (the “Loan”), pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) under Division A, Title I of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which was enacted on March 27, 2020. The Loan, which was in the form of a Note dated April 30, 2020, matures on April 30, 2022, and bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.00% per annum, payable monthly commencing on October 30, 2020. The Note may be prepaid by the Company at any time prior to maturity without payment of any premium. Funds from the Loan may only be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or make mortgage payments, lease payments and utility payments.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company accrued interest of $1,637.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company repaid $83,855 in principal.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company accrued interest of $10,850.
As of December 31, 2022, the Loan is in default, and the lender may require immediate payment of all amounts owed under the Loan or file suit and obtain judgment.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company made a repayment of $5,000 towards this note.
The May 2020 PPP Loan Agreement
On May 4, 2020, Jerrick Ventures, LLC (“Jerrick Ventures”), the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, was granted a loan from PNC Bank, N.A. with a principal amount of $412,500, pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”). The Loan, which was in the form of a Note dated May 4, 2020, matures on May 4, 2022, and bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.00% per annum, payable monthly commencing on November 4, 2020. The Note may be prepaid by Jerrick Ventures at any time prior to maturity without payment of any premium. Funds from the Loan may only be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or make mortgage payments, lease payments and utility payments. Jerrick Ventures intends to use the entire Loan amount for qualifying expenses. Under the terms of the PPP, certain amounts of the Loan may be forgiven if they are used for qualifying expenses as described in the CARES Act.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company accrued interest of $396.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company repaid $136,597 in principal and was forgiven $275,903 of principal and $3,119 of accrued interest.
The October 2020 Loan Agreement
On October 6, 2020, the Company entered into a secured loan agreement (the “October 2020 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “October 2020 Lender”), whereby the October 2020 Lender issued the Company a secured promissory note of $74,300 AUD or $54,412 United States Dollars (the “October 2020 Note”). Pursuant to the October 2020 Loan Agreement, the October 2020 Note has an effective interest rate of 14%. The maturity date of the October 2020 Note is September 30, 2021 (the “October 2020 Maturity Date”) at which time all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the October 2020 Loan Agreement are due. The loan is secured by the Australian research & development credit.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company accrued $4,850 AUD in interest.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company’s repaid $111,683 in principal and $6,408 in interest from our R&D tax credit receivable.
The November 2020 Loan Agreement
On November 24, 2020, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “November 2020 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “November 2020 Lender”) whereby the November 2020 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $34,000 (the “November 2020 Note”). Pursuant to the November 2020 Loan Agreement, the November 2020 Note has an effective interest rate of 14%. The maturity date of the November 2020 Note is May 25, 2021 (the “November 2020 Maturity Date”), at which time all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the November 2020 Note are due.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company repaid $10,284 in principal.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company repaid $23,716 in principal and $4,736 of accrued interest.
The February 2021 Loan Agreement
On February 24, 2021, the Company entered into a secured loan agreement (the “February 2021 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “February 2021 Lender”), whereby the February 2021 Lender issued the Company a secured promissory note of $111,683 AUD or $81,789 United States Dollars (the “February 2021 Note”). Pursuant to the February 2021 Loan Agreement, the February 2021 Note has an effective interest rate of 14%. The maturity date of the February 2021 Note is July 31, 2021 (the “February 2021 Maturity Date”) at which time all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the February 2021 Loan Agreement are due. The loan is secured by the Australian research & development credit.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company accrued $9,339 AUD in interest.
The April 2021 Loan Agreement
On April 9, 2021, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “April 2021 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “April 2021 Lender”) whereby the April 2021 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $128,110 (the “April 2021 Note”). Pursuant to the April 2021 Loan Agreement, the April 2021 Note has an effective interest rate of 11%. The maturity date of the April 2021 Note is October 8, 2022 (the “April 2021 Maturity Date”), at which time all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the April 2021 Note are due.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company repaid $92,140 in principal and converted $35,970 into the July 2021 Loan Agreement. As part of the conversion the Company recorded $8,341 as extinguishment expense.
The July 2021 Loan Agreement
On July 2, 2021, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “July 2021 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “July 2021 Lender”) whereby the July 2021 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $137,625 (the “July 2021 Note”). Pursuant to the July 2021 Loan Agreement, the July 2021 Note has an effective interest rate of 10%. The maturity date of the July 2021 Note is December 31, 2022 (the “July 2021 Maturity Date”), at which time all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the July 2021 Note are due.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company repaid $113,606 in principal and converted $24,019 into the Second December 2021 Loan. As part of the conversion the Company recorded $7,109 as extinguishment expense.
The First December 2021 Loan Agreement
On December 3, 2021, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “First December 2021 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “First December 2021 Lender”) whereby the First December 2021 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $191,975 (the “First December 2021 Note”). Pursuant to the First December 2021 Loan Agreement, the First December 2021 Note has an effective interest rate of 9%. The maturity date of the First December 2021 Note is June 3, 2023 (the “First December 2021 Maturity Date”), at which time all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the First December 2021 Note are due.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company repaid $6,320 in principal.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $185,655 in principal.
The Second December 2021 Loan Agreement
On December 14, 2021, the Company entered into a secured loan agreement (the “Second December 2021 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “Second December 2021 Lender”), whereby the Second December 2021 Lender issued the Company a secured promissory note of $438,096 AUD or $329,127 United States Dollars (the “Second December 2021 Note”). Pursuant to the Second December 2021 Loan Agreement, the Second December 2021 Note has an effective interest rate of 14%. The maturity date of the Second December 2021 Note is June 30, 2022 (the “Second December 2021 Maturity Date”) at which time all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the Second December 2021 Loan Agreement are due. The Company has the option to extend the Maturity date by 60 days. The loan is secured by the Australian research & development credit.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $293,499 of principal and $26,115 of interest.
The First February 2022 Loan Agreement
On February 22, 2022, the Company entered into a secured loan agreement (the “First February 2022 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “First February 2022 Lender”), whereby the First February 2022 Lender issued the Company a secured promissory note of $222,540 AUD or $159,223 United States Dollars (the “First February 2022 Note”). Pursuant to the First February 2022 Loan Agreement, the First February 2022 Note has an effective interest rate of 14%. The maturity date of the First February 2022 Note is June 30, 2022 (the “First February 2022 Maturity Date”) at which time all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the First February 2022 Loan Agreement are due. The Company has the option to extend the Maturity date by 60 days. The loan is secured by the Australian research & development credit.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $159,223 of principal and $8,120 of interest.
Denver Bodega LLC Notes Payable
On March 7, 2022, The Company acquired five note payable agreements from the acquisition of Denver Bodega LLC. See note 12. The total liabilities of these notes amounted to $293,888. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $255,874. As of December 31, 2022, the Company has one note outstanding. This note has a principal balance of $38,014, bears interest at 5%, and requires 36 monthly payments of $1,496.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company made payments totaling $5,994 towards this note.
The First May 2022 Loan Agreement
On May 9, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “First May 2022 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “First May 2022 Lender”), whereby the First May 2022 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $693,500 (the “First May 2022 Note”). The Company received cash proceeds of $455,924. Pursuant to the First May 2022 Loan Agreement, the First May 2022 Note has an effective interest rate of 143%. The maturity date of the First May 2022 Note is December 18, 2022 (the “First May 2022 Maturity Date”). The Company is required to make weekly payment of $21,673. The First May 2022 Note is secured by officers of the Company.
The Company recorded a $237,576 debt discount relating to an original issue discount. The debt discount is being accreted over the life of the note to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $390,114 in principal.
On September 22, 2022, the Company and the First May 2022 Lender entered into an exchange agreement whereas both parties agreed to roll the remaining $303,386 in the Second September 2022 Loan Agreement. Since the PV cashflows of the new and old debt were more than 10% differences the company used extinguishment accounting. As part of the agreement the Company recognized $33,079 as loss on extinguishment of debt due to the remaining debt discount on the First May 2022 Loan Agreement.
The Second May 2022 Loan Agreement
On May 9, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Second May 2022 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “Second May 2022 Lender”), whereby the Second May 2022 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $401,500 (the “Second May 2022 Note”). The Company received cash proceeds of $263,815. Pursuant to the Second May 2022 Loan Agreement, the Second May 2022 Note has an effective interest rate of 162 %. The maturity date of the Second May 2022 Note is November 20, 2022 (the “Second May 2022 Maturity Date”). The Company is required to make weekly payment of $14,339. The Second May 2022 Note is secured by officers of the Company.
The Company recorded a $137,685 debt discount relating to an original issue discount. The debt discount is being accreted over the life of the note to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $272,447 in principal.
On September 23, 2022, the Company and the Second May 2022 Lender entered into an exchange agreement whereas both parties agreed to roll the remaining $129,053 in the Third September 2022 Loan Agreement. Since the PV cashflows of the new and old debt were more than 10% differences the company used extinguishment accounting. As part of the agreement the Company recognized $3,905 as loss on extinguishment of debt due to the remaining debt discount on the Second May 2022 Loan Agreement.
The Third May 2022 Loan Agreement
On May 25, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Third May 2022 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “Third May 2022 Lender”), whereby the Third May 2022 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $27,604 (the “Third May 2022 Note”). Pursuant to the Third May 2022 Loan Agreement, the Third May 2022 Note has an effective interest rate of 20%. The maturity date of the Third May 2022 Note is November 23, 2022 (the “Third May 2022 Maturity Date”). The Company is required to make monthly payments of $3,067.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $18,195 in principal.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company made repayments of $4,432 towards this note.
The Fourth May 2022 Loan Agreement
On May 26, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Fourth May 2022 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “Fourth May 2022 Lender”), whereby the Fourth May 2022 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $45,200 (the “Fourth May 2022 Note”). Pursuant to the Fourth May 2022 Loan Agreement, the Fourth May 2022 Note has an effective interest rate of 17%. The maturity date of the Fourth May 2022 Note is November 23, 2022 (the “Fourth May 2022 Maturity Date”).
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $13,499 in principal.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company made repayments of $7,097 towards this note.
The First June 2022 Loan Agreement
On June 17, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “First June 2022 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “First June 2022 Lender”), whereby the First June 2022 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $568,000 (the “First June 2022 Note”). The Company received cash proceeds of $378,000. Pursuant to the First June 2022 Loan Agreement, the First June 2022 Note has an effective interest rate of 217%. The maturity date of the First June 2022 Note is November 4, 2022 (the “First June 2022 Maturity Date”). The Company is required to make weekly payment of $28,400. The First June 2022 Note is secured by officers of the Company.
The Company recorded a $190,000 debt discount relating to an original issue discount. The debt discount is being accreted over the life of the note to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $255,600 in principal.
On August 19, 2022, the Company and the First June 2022 Lender entered into an exchange agreement whereas both parties agreed to roll the remaining $312,400 in the Third September 2022 Loan Agreement. Since the PV cashflows of the new and old debt were more than 10% differences the company used extinguishment accounting. As part of the agreement the Company recognized $66,749 as loss on extinguishment of debt due to the remaining debt discount on the Second May 2022 Loan Agreement.
The Second June 2022 Loan Agreement
On June 17, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Second June 2022 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “Second June 2022 Lender”), whereby the Second June 2022 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $104,500 (the “Second June 2022 Note”). The Note holder repaid a vendor liability of $104,500. The maturity date of the Second June 2022 Note is October 15, 2022 (the “Second June 2022 Maturity Date”).
The First August 2022 Loan Agreement
On August 18, 2022, the Company entered into a secured loan agreement (the “First August 2022 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “First August 2022 Lender”), whereby the First August 2022 Lender issued the Company a secured promissory note of $193,500 AUD or $134,070 United States Dollars (the “First August 2022 Note”). Pursuant to the First August 2022 Loan Agreement, the First August 2022 Note has an effective interest rate of 14%. The maturity date of the First August 2022 Note is June 30, 2023 (the “First August 2022 Maturity Date”) at which time all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the First August 2022 Loan Agreement are due. The Company has the option to extend the Maturity date by 60 days. The loan is secured by the Australian research & development credit.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company accrued $2,037 AUD in interest.
The Second August 2022 Loan Agreement
On August 19, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Second August 2022 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “Second August 2022 Lender”), whereby the Second August 2022 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $923,000 (the “Second August 2022 Note”). The Company received cash proceeds of $300,100 and rolled the remaining $312,400 of principal from the June 2022 Loan Agreement. Pursuant to the Second August 2022 Loan Agreement, the Second August 2022 Note has an effective interest rate of 167%. The maturity date of the Second August 2022 Note is January 9, 2022 (the “Second August 2022 Maturity Date”). The Company is required to make weekly payment of $46,150. The Second August 2022 Note is secured by officers of the Company.
The Company recorded a $310,500 debt discount relating to an original issue discount. The debt discount is being accreted over the life of the note to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $535,050 in principal.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company made repayments of $312,000 towards this note.
The First September 2022 Loan Agreement
On September 1, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “First September 2022 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “First September 2022 Lender”), whereby the First September 2022 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $87,884 (the “First September 2022 Note”). Pursuant to the First September 2022 Loan Agreement, the First September 2022 Note has an effective interest rate of 13%. The maturity date of the First September 2022 Note is September 1, 2023 (the “First September 2022 Maturity Date”).
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $14,647 in principal.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company made payments totaling $21,971 towards this note.
The Second September 2022 Loan Agreement
On September 22, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Second September 2022 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “Second September 2022 Lender”), whereby the Second September 2022 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $876,000 (the “Second September 2022 Note”). The Company received cash proceeds of $272,614 and rolled the remaining $303,386 of principal from the First May 2022 Loan Agreement. Pursuant to the Second September 2022 Loan Agreement, the Second September 2022 Note has an effective interest rate of 100%. The maturity date of the Second September 2022 Note is May 5, 2023 (the “Second September 2022 Maturity Date”). The Company is required to make weekly payment of $27,375. The Second September 2022 Note is secured by officers of the Company.
The Company recorded a $300,000 debt discount relating to an original issue discount. The debt discount is being accreted over the life of the note to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $112,375 in principal.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company made repayments of $117,000 towards these notes.
The Third September 2022 Loan Agreement
On September 22, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Third September 2022 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “Third September 2022 Lender”), whereby the Third September 2022 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $365,000 (the “Third September 2022 Note”). The Company received cash proceeds of $110,762 and rolled the remaining $129,053 of principal from the Second May 2022 Loan Agreement. Pursuant to the Third September 2022 Loan Agreement, the Third September 2022 Note has an effective interest rate of 143%. The maturity date of the Third September 2022 Note is May 5, 2023 (the “Second September 2022 Maturity Date”). The Company is required to make weekly payment of $13,036. The Third September 2022 Note is secured by officers of the Company.
The Company recorded a $300,000 debt discount relating to an original issue discount. The debt discount is being accreted over the life of the note to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $108,036 in principal.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company made repayments of $140,000 towards this note.
The November 2022 Loan Agreement
On November 15, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “November 2022 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “November 2022 Lender”) whereby the November 2022 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $80,325 (the “November 2022 Note”). Pursuant to the November 2022 Loan Agreement, the November 2022 Note has an effective interest rate of 21%. The maturity date of the November 2022 Note is June 3, 2023 (the “November 2022 Maturity Date”), at which time all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the November 2022 Note are due.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $12,114 in principal.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company made repayments of $36,468 towards this note.
Note 7 - Convertible Notes Payable
Convertible notes payable as of December 31, 2022, is as follows:
Outstanding
Principal as of
December 31,
Outstanding
Principal as of
December 31,
Interest Conversion
Maturity Warrants granted
Rate Price
Date Quantity Exercise Price
The July 2021 Convertible Loan Agreement - 168,850 6.0 % -
(*)
July -22 - -
The May 2022 Convertible Loan Agreement 50,092 - 11 % -
(*)
May-23 - -
The May 2022 Convertible Note Offering 990,000 - 18 % 2.00 (*)
November-22 4,000,000 $3.00 - $6.00
The July 2022 Convertible Note Offering 3,750,000 - 18 % 0.20 (*)
March-23 2,150,000 $3.00 - $6.00
The First October 2022 Convertible Loan Agreement 104,250 - 10 % -
(*)
September-23
The Second October 2022 Convertible Loan Agreement 300,000 - 10 % -
(*)
October-23
The Third October 2022 Convertible Loan Agreement 866,650 - 10 % 0.20 (*)
April-23
The December 2022 Convertible Loan Agreement 750,000 - - % 0.20 (*)
April-23 562,500.00 $ 0.20
6,810,992 168,850
Less: Debt Discount (1,426,728 ) (8,120 )
Less: Debt Issuance Costs (14,665 ) (1,537 )
5,369,599 159,193
(*) As subject to adjustment as further outlined in the notes
The First July 2020 Convertible Loan Agreement
On July 1, 2020, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “First July 2020 Loan Agreement”) with an individual (the “First July 2020 Lender”), whereby the First July 2020 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $68,000 (the “First July 2020 Note”). Pursuant to the First July 2020 Loan Agreement, the First July 2020 Note has interest of ten percent (10%). The First July 2020 Note matures on June 29, 2021.
Upon default or 180 days after issuance the First July 2020 Note is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $.001 per share (“Conversion Shares”) equal to 61% multiplied by the lowest trade of the common stock during the twenty (15) consecutive trading day period immediately preceding the date of the respective conversion.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the First July 2020 Note became convertible. Due to the fact that these convertible notes have an option to convert at a variable amount, they are subject to derivative liability treatment. The Company has applied ASC 815, due to the potential for settlement in a variable quantity of shares. The conversion feature has been measured at fair value using a Binomial model at the conversion date and the period end. The conversion feature of First July 2020 Note gave rise to a derivative liability of $112,743. The Company recorded $68,000 as a debt discount and $44,743 was recorded to derivative expense. The debt discount is charged to accretion of debt discount over the remaining term of the convertible note.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company converted $68,000 in principal and $3,400 in interest into 35,469 shares of the Company’s common stock.
The September 2020 Convertible Loan Agreement
On September 23, 2020, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “September 2020 Loan Agreement”) with an individual (the “September 2020 Lender”), whereby the September 2020 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $385,000 (the “September 2020 Note”). Pursuant to the September 2020 Loan Agreement, the September 2020 Note has interest of twelve percent (12%). The September 2020 Note matures on September 23, 2021.
Upon default or 180 days after issuance the Second July 2020 Note is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $.001 per share equal to the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the date of the respective conversion.
The Company recorded a $68,255 debt discount relating to original issue discount associated with this note. The Company recorded a $146,393 debt discount relating to 85,555 warrants issued to investors based on the relative fair value of each equity instrument on the dates of issuance. The debt discount is being accreted over the life of the note to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company repaid $341,880 in principal and $46,200 in interest.
The October 2020 Convertible Loan Agreement
On October 2, 2020, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “October 2020 Loan Agreement”) with an individual (the “October 2020 Lender”), whereby the October 2020 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $169,400 (the “October 2020 Note”). Pursuant to the October 2020 Loan Agreement, the October 2020 Note has interest of six percent (6%). The October 2020 Note matures on the first (12th) month anniversary of its issuance date.
Upon default or 180 days after issuance the October 2020 Note is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Conversion Shares”) equal to 75% of average the lowest three trading prices of the Company’s common stock on the fifteen-trading day immediately preceding the date of the respective conversion.
The Company recorded a $19,400 debt discount relating to original issue discount associated with this note. The debt discount is being accreted over the life of the note to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Second July 2020 Note became convertible. Due to the fact that these convertible notes have an option to convert at a variable amount, they are subject to derivative liability treatment. The Company has applied ASC 815, due to the potential for settlement in a variable quantity of shares. The conversion feature has been measured at fair value using a Binomial model at the conversion date and the period end. The conversion feature of Second July 2020 Note gave rise to a derivative liability of $74,860. The Company recorded this as a debt discount. The debt discount is charged to accretion of debt discount over the remaining term of the convertible note.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company converted $169,400 in principal and $4,620 in interest into 55,631 shares of the Company’s common stock.
The First December 2020 convertible Loan Agreement
On December 9, 2020, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “First December 2020 Loan Agreement”) with an individual (the “First December 2020 Lender”), whereby the First December 2020 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $600,000 (the “First December 2020 Note”). Pursuant to the First December 2020 Loan Agreement, the First December 2020 Note has interest of twelve percent (12%). As additional consideration for entering in the First December 2020 convertible Loan Agreement, the Company issued 45,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The First December 2020 Note matures on the first (12th) month anniversary of its issuance date.
Upon default the First December 2020 Note is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $.001 per share (“Conversion Shares”) equal to the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the date of the respective conversion.
The Company recorded a $110,300 debt discount relating to original issue discount associated with this note. The Company recorded a $113,481 debt discount relating to 45,000 shares issued to investors based on the relative fair value of each equity instrument on the dates of issuance. The debt discount is being accreted over the life of the note to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company repaid $600,000 in principal and $4,340 in interest.
The May 2021 Convertible Note Offering
On May 14, 2021, the Company conducted multiple closings of a private placement offering to accredited investors (the “May 2021 Convertible Note Offering”) of units of the Company’s securities by entering into subscription agreements with “accredited investors” (the “May 2021 Investors”) for aggregate gross proceeds of $3,690,491. The May 2021 convertible notes are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $.001 per share at a conversion price of $5.00 per share. As additional consideration for entering in the May 2021 Convertible Note Offering, the Company issued 1,090,908 warrants of the Company’s common stock. The May 2021 Convertible Note matures on November 14, 2022.
The Company recorded a $1,601,452 debt discount relating to 1,090,908 warrants issued to investors based on the relative fair value of each equity instrument on the dates of issuance. The debt discount is being accreted over the life of these notes to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
The Company recorded a $666,669 debt discount relating to an original issue discount and $539,509 of debt issuance costs related to fees paid to vendors relating to the offering. The debt discount and debt issuance costs are being accreted over the life of the note to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company converted $4,666,669 in principal into 933,334 shares of the Company’s common stock.
The July 2021 Convertible Loan Agreement
On July 6, 2021, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “July 2021 Loan Agreement”) with an individual (the “July 2021 Lender”), whereby the July 2021 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $168,850 (the “July 2021 Note”). Pursuant to the July 2021 Loan Agreement, the July 2021 Note has interest of six percent (6%). The July 2021 Note matures on the first (12th) month anniversary of its issuance date.
Upon default or 180 days after issuance the July 2021 Note is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Conversion Shares”) equal to 75% of average the lowest three trading prices of the Company’s common stock on the fifteen-trading day immediately preceding the date of the respective conversion.
The Company recorded a $15,850 debt discount relating to an original issue discount and $3,000 of debt issuance costs related to fees paid to vendors relating to the offering. The debt discount and debt issuance costs are being accreted over the life of the note to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the July 2021 Note became convertible. Due to the fact that these convertible notes have an option to convert at a variable amount, they are subject to derivative liability treatment. The Company has applied ASC 815, due to the potential for settlement in a variable quantity of shares. The conversion feature has been measured at fair value using a Binomial model at the conversion date. The conversion feature of July 2021 Note gave rise to a derivative liability of $100,532. The Company recorded this as a debt discount. The debt discount is charged to accretion of debt discount over the remaining term of the convertible note.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the note holder converted $168,850 of principal and $4,605 of interest into 109,435 shares of the Company’s common stock. The unamortized debt discount of $96,803 was recorded to extinguishment of debt due to conversion.
The Second February 2022 Loan Agreement
On February 22, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Second February 2022 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “Second February 2022 Lender”), whereby the Second February 2022 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $337,163 (the “Second February 2022 Note”). Pursuant to the Second February 2022 Loan Agreement, the Second February 2022 Note has an interest rate of 11%. The maturity date of the Second February 2022 Note is February 22, 2023 (the “Second February 2022 Maturity Date”). The Company is required to make 10 monthly payments of $37,425.
Upon default the Second February 2022 Note is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Conversion Shares”) equal to 75% of average the lowest three trading prices of the Company’s common stock on the ten-trading day immediately preceding the date of the respective conversion.
The Company recorded a $37,163 debt discount relating to an original issue discount. The debt discount is being accreted over the life of the note to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $299,400 in principal and converted $74,850 in principal into 216,842 shares of the Company’s common stock.
The May 2022 Convertible Loan Agreement
On May 20, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “May 2022 Loan Agreement”) with an individual (the “May 2022 Lender”), whereby the May 2022 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $115,163 (the “May 2022 Note”). Pursuant to the May 2022 Loan Agreement, the May 2022 Note has an interest rate of 11%. The May 2022 Note matures on the first (12th) month anniversary of its issuance date.
Upon default the May 2022 Note is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Conversion Shares”) equal to 75% of average the lowest three trading prices of the Company’s common stock on the ten-trading day immediately preceding the date of the respective conversion.
The Company recorded a $15,163 debt discount relating to an original issue discount The debt discount and debt issuance costs are being accreted over the life of the note to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $63,915 in principal and converted $12,783 in principal into 39,637 shares of the Company’s common stock.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the May 2022 Lender converted $51,132 in principal into shares of the Company’s common stock and repaid the remaining note balance.
The May 2022 Convertible Note Offering
During May of 2022, the Company conducted multiple closings of a private placement offering to accredited investors (the “May 2022 Convertible Note Offering”) of units of the Company’s securities by entering into subscription agreements with “accredited investors” (the “May 2022 Investors”) for aggregate gross proceeds of $4,000,000. The May 2022 convertible notes are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $.001 per share at a conversion price of $2.00 per share. As additional consideration for entering in the May 2022 Convertible Note Offering, the Company issued 4,000,000 warrants of the Company’s common stock. The May 2022 Convertible Note matures on November 30, 2022.
The Company recorded a $1,895,391 debt discount relating to 4,000,000 warrants issued to investors based on the relative fair value of each equity instrument on the dates of issuance. The debt discount is being accreted over the life of these notes to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
The Company recorded a $399,964 debt discount relating to an original issue discount and $125,300 of debt issuance costs related to fees paid to vendors relating to the offering. The debt discount and debt issuance costs are being accreted over the life of the note to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
On September 2, 2022, the Company went into default on these notes. As part of the default terms the Company owes 110% of the principal outstanding and the notes accrue interest at a rate of 18%.
On September 15, 2022, the Company and six out of eight lenders May 2022 Investors agreed to forgive default interest and extend the maturity date to March 31, 2023, for a reduced conversion price of $0.20 for the convertible notes and warrants. Since the PV cashflows of the new and old debt were more than 10% differences the company used extinguishment accounting. As part of the agreement the Company recognized $1,083,684 as loss on extinguishment of debt due to the remaining debt discount and recognized $331,861 as a gain on extinguishment of debt due to the forgiveness of interest. The company also recognized an additional $75,610 of debt discount from the change in relative fair value on the warrants.
During the year ended December 31, 2022 the Company repaid $1,314,286 in principal.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company accrued $75,674 in interest that was not forgiven. As of December 31, 2022, the Company is in default on $900,000 of principal and $75,674 of interest.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company made repayments totaling $785,714 towards these notes.
The July 2022 Convertible Note Offering
During July of 2022, the Company conducted multiple closings of a private placement offering to accredited investors (the “July 2022 Convertible Note Offering”) of units of the Company’s securities by entering into subscription agreements with “accredited investors” (the “July 2022 Investors”) for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,150,000. The July 2022 convertible notes are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $.001 per share at a conversion price of $2.00 per share. As additional consideration for entering in the July 2022 Convertible Note Offering, the Company issued 2,150,000 warrants of the Company’s common stock. The July 2022 Convertible Note matures on November 30, 2022.
The Company recorded a $863,792 debt discount relating to 2,150,000 warrants issued to investors based on the relative fair value of each equity instrument on the dates of issuance. The debt discount is being accreted over the life of these notes to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
The Company recorded a $214,981 debt discount relating to an original issue discount. The debt discount are being accreted over the life of the note to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
On September 2, 2022, the Company went into default on these notes. As part of the default terms the Company owes 110% of the principal outstanding and the notes accrue interest at a rate of 18%.
On September 15, 2022, the Company and the July Investors agreed to forgive default interest and extend the maturity date to March 31, 2023, for a reduced conversion price of $0.20 for the convertible notes and warrants. Since the present value of the cash flows of the new and old debt were more than 10% different, the company used extinguishment accounting. As part of the agreement the Company recognized $339,594 as loss on extinguishment of debt due to the remaining debt discount and recognized $230,162 as a gain on extinguishment of debt due to the forgiveness of interest.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $185,714 in principal.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company made repayments totaling $714,286 towards these notes.
The First October 2022 Loan Agreement
On October 3, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “First October 2022 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “First October 2022 Lender”), whereby the First October 2022 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $104,250 (the “First October 2022 Note”). Pursuant to the First October 2022 Loan Agreement, the First October 2022 Note has an interest rate of 10%. The maturity date of the First October 2022 Note is September 29, 2023 (the “First October 2022 Maturity Date”).
On April 1, 2023, the First October 2022 Note is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Conversion Shares”) equal to 75% of average the lowest three trading prices of the Company’s common stock on the ten-trading day immediately preceding the date of the respective conversion.
The Company recorded a $4,250 debt discount relating to an original issue discount. The debt discount is being accreted over the life of the note to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
The Second October 2022 Loan Agreement
On October 20, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Second October 2022 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “Second October 2022 Lender”), whereby the Second October 2022 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $300,000 (the “Second October 2022 Note”). Pursuant to the Second October 2022 Loan Agreement, the Second October 2022 Note has an interest rate of 10%. The maturity date of the Second October 2022 Note is October 20, 2023 (the “Second October 2022 Maturity Date”).
Upon default, the Second October 2022 Note is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Conversion Shares”) equal to the lowest VWAP of the Company’s common stock on the twenty-trading day immediately preceding the date of the respective conversion.
The Company recorded a $45,000 debt discount relating to an original issue discount, $409,945 relating to the fair value of 815,000 shares of common stock issue to the lender, and $17,850 of debt issuance costs related to fees paid to vendors relating to the debt agreement. The debt discount and debt issuance cost are being accreted over the life of the note to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company made a repayment of $47,143 towards the balance of the Second October 2022 Note.
The Third October 2022 Loan Agreement
On October 24, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “Third October 2022 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “Third October 2022 Lender”), whereby the Third October 2022 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $1,666,650 (the “Third October 2022 Note”). Pursuant to the Third October 2022 Loan Agreement. The maturity date of the Third October 2022 Note is April 24, 2023 (the “Third October 2022 Maturity Date”).
The Third October 2022 Note is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Conversion Shares”) equal to $0.20.
The Company recorded a $1,833,300 debt discount relating to a $166,650 original issue discount and $1,666,650 from a beneficial conversion feature. The debt discount and debt issuance cost are being accreted over the life of the note to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the lender converted $800,000 into 4,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Third October 2022 Lender converted the remaining balance of $866,650 into 4,333,250 shares of the Company’s common stock.
The December 2022 Loan Agreement
On December 12, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “December 2022 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “December 2022 Lender”), whereby the December 2022 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $750,000 (the “December 2022 Note”). Pursuant to the December 2022 Loan Agreement. The maturity date of the Third October 2022 Note is April 24, 2023 (the “Third October 2022 Maturity Date”).
The Second October 2022 Note is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Conversion Shares”) equal to $0.20.
The Company recorded a $241,773 debt discount relating to 562,500 warrants issued to investors based on the relative fair value of each equity instrument on the dates of issuance and $508,227 relating to the beneficial conversion feature. The debt discount is being accreted over the life of these notes to accretion of debt discount and issuance cost.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the December 2022 Lender converted $500,000 into 2,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.
Note 8 - Related Party
Notes payable
The September 2020 Goldberg Loan Agreement
On September 15, 2020, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “September 2020 Goldberg Loan Agreement”) with Goldberg whereby the Company issued a promissory note of $16,705 (the “September 2020 Goldberg Note”). Pursuant to the September 2020 Goldberg Loan Agreement, the September 2020 Goldberg Note has an interest rate of 7%. The maturity date of the September 2020 Goldberg Note is September 15, 2022 (the “September 2020 Goldberg Maturity Date”), at which time all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under note are due. The September 2020 Goldberg Loan is secured by the tangible and intangible property of the Company.
Since the September 2020 Goldberg Note has a make-whole provision if the shares of the Company’s common stock issued to the lender in accordance with the Lender’s Exchange Agreement (see note 10) have a value equal to or less than $6,463,363 determined by using the lowest VWAP of the last 30 days prior to September 14, 2021. The principal amount of the September 2020 Goldberg Note shall increase by 200% of the difference between the initial consideration and the September 14, 2021, value. The Company has applied ASC 815, due to the potential for settlement in a variable quantity of shares. The make-whole feature gave rise to a derivative liability that has been marked to market during the year ended December 31, 2021, and the change in derivative liability is recorded on Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss.
On September 15, 2021, the make-whole provision was triggered, causing an increase in principal of the September 2020 Goldberg Note by $939,022.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company accrued interest of $3,576.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company entered into a settlement agreement whereas the Company agreed to pay $200,000 in cash and $150,000 in shares of Common Stock.
The September 2020 Rosen Loan Agreement
On September 15, 2020, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “September 2020 Rosen Loan Agreement”) with Rosen whereby the Company issued a promissory note of $3,295 (the “September 2020 Rosen Note”). Pursuant to the September 2020 Rosen Loan Agreement, the September 2020 Rosen Note has an interest rate of 7%. The maturity date of the September 2020 Rosen Note is September 15, 2022 (the “September 2020 Rosen Maturity Date”), at which time all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the note are due. The September 2020 Rosen Loan is secured by the tangible and intangible property of the Company.
Since the September 2020 Rosen Note has a make-whole provision if the shares of the Company’s common stock issued to the lender in accordance with the Lender’s Exchange Agreement (see note 10) have a value equal to or less than $1,274,553 determined by using the lowest VWAP of the last 30 days prior to September 14, 2021. The principal amount of the September 2020 Rosen Note shall increase by 200% of the difference the initial consideration and the September 14, 2021 value. The Company has applied ASC 815, due to the potential for settlement in a variable quantity of shares. The make-whole feature of gave rise to a derivative that has been marked to market during the year ended December 31, 2021, and the change in derivative liability is recorded on Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss.
On September 15, 2021 the make-whole provision was triggered, causing an increase in principal of the September 2020 Rosen Note by $185,279.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company accrued interest of $1,610.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company repaid $188,574 in principal and $1,677 in interest.
Revenue
During the year ended December 31, 2021 the Company received revenue of $80,000 from Dune for branded content services prior to consolidation but after recognition as an equity method investee.
Equity raises
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company conducted two equity raises in which officers, directors, employees, and an affiliate of an officer cumulatively invested $484,753 for 277,000 shares of common stock and 272,000 warrants to purchase common stock.
Officer compensation
During the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company paid $172,091 and $138,713, respectively for living expenses for officers of the Company.
Note 9 - Derivative Liabilities
The Company has identified derivative instruments arising from convertible notes that have an option to convert at a variable number of shares in the Company’s convertible notes payable during the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. For the terms of the conversion features see Note 7. The Company had no derivative assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2022 or 2021.
The Company utilizes either a Monte Carlo simulation model or a binomial option model for convertible notes that have an option to convert at a variable number of shares to compute the fair value of the derivative and to mark to market the fair value of the derivative at each balance sheet date. The inputs utilized in the application of the Binomial model included a stock price on valuation date, an expected term of each debenture remaining from the valuation date to maturity, an estimated volatility, and a risk-free rate. The Company records the change in the fair value of the derivative as other income or expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Risk-free interest rate: The Company uses the risk-free interest rate of a U.S. Treasury Note adjusted to be on a continuous return basis to align with the Monte Carlo simulation model and binomial model.
Dividend yield: The Company uses a 0% expected dividend yield as the Company has not paid dividends to date and does not anticipate declaring dividends in the near future.
Volatility: The Company calculates the expected volatility based on the company’s historical stock prices with a look back period commensurate with the period to maturity.
Expected term: The Company’s remaining term is based on the remaining contractual maturity of the convertible notes.
The following are the changes in the derivative liabilities during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Years Ended
December 31, 2022 and 2021
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Derivative liabilities as January 1, 2021 $ -
$ -
$ 42,231
Addition -
-
417,24
Extinguishment -
-
(431,458 )
Conversion to Note payable - related party -
-
(1,124,301 )
Changes in fair value -
-
1,096,287
Derivative liabilities as December 31, 2021 -
-
-
Addition -
-
100,532
Changes in fair value -
-
(3,729 )
Extinguishment -
-
(96,803 )
Derivative liabilities as December 31, 2022 $ -
$ -
$ -
Note 10 - Stockholders’ Equity
Shares Authorized
The Company is authorized to issue up to one billion, five hundred and twenty million (1,520,000,000) shares of capital stock, of which one billion five hundred million (1,500,000,000) shares are designated as common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and twenty million (20,000,000) are designated as preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share.
Preferred Stock
Series E Convertible Preferred Stock
The Company has designated 8,000 shares of Series E Convertible Preferred stock and has 450 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022.
The shares of Series E Preferred Stock have a stated value of $1,000 per share and are convertible into Common Stock at the election of the holder of the Series E Preferred Stock, at any time following the Original Issue Date at a price of $4.12 per share, subject to adjustment. Each holder of Series E Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, with respect to each share of Series E Preferred Stock then outstanding and held by such holder, dividends on an as-converted basis in the same form as dividends actually paid on shares of the Common Stock when, as and if such dividends are paid on shares of the Common Stock.
The holders of Series E Preferred Stock shall be paid pari passu with the holders of Common Stock with respect to payment of dividends and rights upon liquidation and shall have no voting rights. In addition, as further described in the Series E Designation, as long as any of the shares of Series E Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Company shall not, without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of Series E Preferred Stock, (a) alter or change adversely the powers, preferences or rights given to the Series E Preferred Stock or alter or amend this Series E Designation, (b) amend its certificate of incorporation or other charter documents in any manner that adversely affects any rights of the holders of the Series E Preferred Stock, (c) increase the number of authorized shares of Series E Preferred Stock, or (d) enter into any agreement with respect to any of the foregoing.
Each share of Series E Preferred Stock shall be convertible, at any time and from time to time at the option of the holder of such shares, into that number of shares of Common Stock determined by dividing the Series E Stated Value by the Conversion Price, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company received the $40,000 of the subscription receivable for the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock. The Company has recorded $4,225 to stock issuance costs, which are part of Additional Paid-in Capital.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, investors converted 7,278 shares of the Company’s Series E Convertible Preferred Stock into 1,766,449 shares of the Company’s common stock.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, investors converted 50 shares of the Company’s Series E Convertible Preferred Stock into 12,136 shares of the Company’s common stock.
Common Stock
On January 14, 2021, the Company issued 30,000 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $133,200.
On January 20, 2021, the Company issued 40,000 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for a year of services at a fair value of $192,000. On May 24, 2021, the Company amended the contract and issued and additional 10,000 shares of its restricted common stock. these shares had a fair value of $34,500. The shares issued to the consultant were recorded as common stock issued for prepaid services and will be expensed over the life of the consulting contract to share based payments. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded $99,908 to stock-based compensation expense related to these shares.
On February 1, 2021, the Company issued 50,000 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $196,000.
On February 3, 2021, the Company issued 1,929 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $8,198.
On February 8, 2021, the Company entered into a consulting agreement whereas the Company issued a total of 2,092 shares of common stock in exchange for services at a fair value of $7,502.
On February 18, 2021, the Company issued 10,000 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $48,000.
On February 18, 2021, the Company issued 10,417 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $50,002.
On February 26, 2021, the Company issued 291 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $1,499.
On March 17, 2021, the Company issued 9,624 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $49,371.
On March 28, 2021, the Company issued 31,782 shares of its restricted common stock to settle outstanding vendor liabilities of $125,000.
On March 31, 2021, the Company issued 13,113 shares of its restricted common stock to settle outstanding vendor liabilities of $43,667. In connection with this transaction the Company also recorded a loss on settlement of vendor liabilities of $12,719.
On April 10, 2021, the Company issued 16,275 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $69,332.
On April 21, 2021, the Company entered into a consulting agreement whereas the Company issued a total of 1,048 shares of common stock in exchange for services at a fair value of $3,587.
On June 17, 2021, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement with The Benchmark Company LLC, pursuant to which we agreed to sell to the Underwriter in a firm commitment underwritten public offering an aggregate of 750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at a public offering price of $3.40 per share. The Company also granted the Underwriter a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 112,500 shares of Common Stock to cover over-allotments, if any. The Offering closed on June 21, 2021. The net proceeds to the Company from the equity raise was $2,213,500. As part of the underwriting agreement the Company issued 46,667 warrants of the Company’s common stock to Benchmark. The warrants have an exercise price $5.40 and a term of five years. On July 9, 2021, the Representative exercised the over-allotment option to purchase an additional 954,568 shares of Common Stock.
On July 20, 2021, the Company issued 2,154 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $8,570.
On July 15, 2021, the Company issued 715 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $2,500.
On August 15, 2021, the Company issued 820 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $2,500.
On August 26, 2021, the Company issued 348 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $999.
On September 15, 2021, the Company issued 793 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $2,500.
On October 25, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with institutional investors resulting in the raise of $3,407,250 in gross proceeds to the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement, the Company agreed to sell, in a registered direct offering, an aggregate of 850,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, at a purchase price of $4.50 per Share.
On November 5, 2021, the Company issued 25,000 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $85,750.
On November 15, 2021, the Company issued 13,392 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $41,917.
On November 29, 2021, the Company issued 250,000 shares of its restricted common stock to settle outstanding vendor liabilities of $576,783. In connection with this transaction the Company also recorded a loss on settlement of vendor liabilities of $33,217.
On November 29, 2021, the Company issued 101,097 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $246,676.
On December 3, 2021, the Company issued 194 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $429.
On December 14, 2021, the Company issued 211 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $452.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company issued 307,342 shares of its restricted common stock to settle outstanding vendor liabilities of $138,125. In connection with this transaction the Company also recorded a loss on settlement of vendor liabilities of $265,717.
On January 6, 2022, the Company issued 8,850 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $19,736.
On February 24, 2022, the Company issued 50,000 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for four months of services at a fair value of $69,000. These shares were recorded as common stock issued for prepaid services and will be expensed over the life of the consulting contract to share based payments. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022 the Company recorded $69,000 to share based payments.
On March 1, 2022, the Company entered into securities purchase agreements with twenty-eight accredited investors whereby, at the closing, such investors purchased from the Company an aggregate of 1,401,457 shares of the Company’s common stock and (ii) 1,401,457 warrants to purchase shares of common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $2,452,550. Such warrants are exercisable for a term of five-years from the date of issuance, at an exercise price of $1.75 per share. The Company has recorded $40,000 to stock issuance costs, which are part of Additional Paid-in Capital.
On March 7, 2022, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with thirteen accredited investors resulting in the raise of $2,659,750 in gross proceeds to the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to sell in a registered direct offering an aggregate of 1,519,857 shares of the Company’s common stock together with warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,519,857 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.75 per share. The warrants are immediately exercisable and will expire on March 9, 2027. The Company has recorded $75,000 to stock issuance costs, which are part of Additional Paid-in Capital.
During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company issued 7,488 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $8,364.
On April 5, 2022 the Company issued 185,000 shares of its restricted common stock to officers of the company in exchange for services at a fair value of $192,400.
On June 24, 2022, the Company issued 50,000 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for four months of services at a fair value of $37,200. These shares were recorded as common stock issued for prepaid services and will be expensed over the life of the consulting contract to share based payments. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022 the Company recorded $2,405 to share based payments.
During the three months ended June 30, 2022, the Company issued 29,387 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $24,001.
On September 15, 2022, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with five accredited investors resulting in the raise of $796,000 in gross proceeds to the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to sell in a registered direct offering an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock together with warrants to purchase an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.20 per share. The warrants are immediately exercisable and will expire on September 15, 2027. The Company has recorded $75,000 to stock issuance costs, which are part of Additional Paid-in Capital.
During the three months ended September 30, 2022, the Company issued 50,000 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for prepaid services at a fair value of $34,900.
During the three months ended September 30, 2022, the Company issued 107,206 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $22,892.
During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company issued 111,324 shares of its restricted common stock to consultants in exchange for services at a fair value of $44,894.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the company repurchased 87,716 shares of common stock for $16,050.
Stock Options
The assumptions used for options granted during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, are as follows:
December 31,
Exercise price $ 1.10 - 1.90
Expected dividends 0 %
Expected volatility 165.38% - 166.48 %
Risk free interest rate 2.69% - 2.95 %
Expected life of option 5 years
December 31,
Exercise price $ 2.09 - 4.89
Expected dividends 0 %
Expected volatility 169.78 - 242.98 %
Risk free interest rate 0.46 - 1.26 %
Expected life of option 5 - 7 years
The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity:
Options Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
(in years)
Balance - January 1, 2021 - outstanding 541,021 12.75 3.27
Granted 2,425,762 5.97 5.91
Exercised -
-
-
Forfeited/Cancelled (64,164 ) 13.06 -
Balance - December 31, 2021 - outstanding 2,902,619 7.07 4.71
Granted 1,940,000 1.38 5.00
Exercised -
-
-
Forfeited/Cancelled (434,352 ) 13.56 -
Balance - December 31, 2022 - outstanding 4,408,267 4.05 4.29
Balance - December 31, 2022 - exercisable 3,061,767 4.19 4.07
Option Outstanding Option Exercisable
Exercise price Number
Outstanding Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
(in years) Weighted Average
Exercise Price Number
Exercisable Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
(in years)
$ 4.05 4,408,267 4.29 4.19 3,061,767 4.07
Stock-based compensation for stock options has been recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and totaled $7,616,195, for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Stock-based compensation for stock options has been recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and totaled $3,757,514, for the year ended December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2022, there was $237,522 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested employee options granted under the Company’s share-based compensation plans that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.14 years.
Warrants
The Company applied fair value accounting for all share-based payments awards. The fair value of each warrant granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
The assumptions used for warrants granted during the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
December 31,
Exercise price
$ 0.20 - 6.00
Expected dividends
%
Expected volatility
164.34% - 175.30 %
Risk free interest rate
2.81% - 3.75 %
Expected life of warrant
5-5.5 years
December 31, 2021
Exercise price $ 4.50 - 5.40
Expected dividends 0 %
Expected volatility 232.10% - 237.14 %
Risk free interest rate 0.82% - 0.89 %
Expected life of warrant 5 - 5.5 years
Warrant Activities
The following is a summary of the Company’s warrant activity:
Warrant Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Balance - January 1, 2022 - outstanding 6,130,948 4.96
Granted 1,961,267 5.60
Exercised (2,414,218 ) 4.55
Forfeited/Cancelled (19,167 ) 24.00
Balance - December 31, 2021 - outstanding 5,658,830 4.98
Granted 22,460,182 2.07
Exercised (9,624,067 ) 5.18
Forfeited/Cancelled (2,233,246 ) 4.73
Balance - December 31, 2022 - outstanding 16,261,699 2.18
Balance - December 31, 2022 - exercisable 16,261,699 $ 2.79
Warrants Outstanding Warrants Exercisable
Exercise price Number
Outstanding Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
(in years) Weighted Average
Exercise Price Number
Exercisable Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$ 2.18 16,261,699 4.20 2.79 16,261,699 4.20
During the Year ended December 31, 2021, the Company issued 2,250,691 shares of common stock to a certain warrant holder upon the exercise of 2,414,218 warrants. The Company received $9,487,223 in connection with the exercise of the warrant.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, a total of 486,516 warrants were issued in connection with the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock raise.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, a total of 1,137,575 warrants were issued with convertible notes. The warrants have a grant date fair value of $3,258,955 using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the above assumptions.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, some of the Company’s warrants had a down-round provision triggered that also resulted in an additional 127,801 warrants to be issued. A deemed dividend of $410,750 was recorded to the Statements of Comprehensive Loss.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company issued 80,000 warrants in connection with the underwriting agreement.
Stock-based compensation for stock warrants of 129,375 has been recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss and totaled $480,863, for the year ended December 31, 2021.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the company granted warrant holders 5,246,953 warrants to exercise existing warrants. A deemed dividend of $4,216,528 was recorded to the Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, a total of 6,712,500 warrants were issued with convertible notes (See Note 7 above). The warrants have a grant date fair value of $6,172,614 using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the above assumptions and a relative fair value of $3,171,076.
Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
Skube v. WHE Agency Inc., et al
A complaint against WHE, Creatd and Jeremy Frommer filed December 22, 2022, was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, by Jessica Skube, making certain claims alleging conversion, trespass to chattel, unjust enrichment, breach of contract, fraud in the inducement, seeking damages of $161,000 and punitive damages of $500,000. Skube filed an Order to Show Cause, which the Company opposed, which is currently pending. The contingency is probable that a material loss of $161,000 has been incurred and is accrued in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Lind Global v. Creatd, Inc.
A complaint against Creatd dated September 21, 2022, has been filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, by Lind Global Macro Fund LP and Lind Global Fund II LP, making certain claims alleging breach of contract related to two Securities Purchase Agreements executed on May 31, 2022, seeking damages in excess of $920,000. The Company filed a Motion to Dismiss, which is currently pending. Given the premature nature of this case, it is still too early for the Company to make an assessment as to liability.
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) was signed into law. The IRA includes a 15% Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (“Corporate AMT”) for tax years beginning after December 31, 2022. We do not expect the Corporate AMT to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Additionally, the IRA imposes a 1% excise tax on net repurchases of stock by certain publicly traded corporations. The excise tax is imposed on the value of the net stock repurchased or treated as repurchased. The new law will apply to stock repurchases occurring after December 31, 2022.
Lease Agreements
The Company currently does not own any properties. Our corporate headquarters consists of a total of 8,000 square feet and is located at 419 Lafayette Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10003. The current lease term is 7 years commencing May 1, 2022. The total amount due under this lease is $3,502,033.
On April 19, 2022, the Company signed a 2-year lease for approximately 2,252 square feet of office space at 1 Westmount Square, Westmount, Qc H3Z2P9. Commencement date of the lease is July 1, 2022. The total amount due under this lease is $72,064. During the year ended December 31, 2022, it was decided the company would not be using the office space and recorded an impairment of $63,472 on the right-of-use asset. As of December 31, 2022, the company was in breach of this lease agreement and subsequently reached a settlement agreement to terminate the lease.
On July 28, 2022, the Company signed a 3-year lease for approximately 1,364 square feet of office space at 1674 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach, FL, 33131. Commencement date of the lease is July 28, 2022. The total amount due under this lease is $181,299. During the year ended December 31, 2022, it was decided the company would not be using the office space and recorded an impairment of $101,623 on the right-of-use asset. As of December 31, 2022, the company is in breach of this lease agreement.
On September 9, 2021, the Company signed a 1-year lease for approximately 3,200 square feet at 648 Broadway, Suite 200, New York, NY 10012. Monthly rent under the lease was $12,955 for the leasing period. As of December 31, 2022, the company is in breach of this lease agreement.
The components of lease expense were as follows:
Year Ended
December 31,
Operating lease cost $ 398,498
Short term lease cost 139,136
Total net lease cost $ 537,634
Supplemental cash flow and other information related to leases was as follows:
Year Ended
December 31,
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating lease payments 206,944
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years): 6.02
Weighted average discount rate: 12.50 %
Total future minimum payments required under the lease as of December 31, are as follows:
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, Operating
Leases
$ 583,728
550,705
517,231
532,424
548,073
Thereafter 754,064
Total lease payments 3,486,225
Less: Amounts representing interest (1,081,698 )
Total lease obligations 2,404,526
Less: Current (326,908 )
$ 2,077,618
Rent expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $590,100 and $216,845, respectively.
Market price risk of crypto (“digital”) assets
The Company holds crypto and digital assets in third-party wallets. Crypto asset price risk could adversely affect its operating results and will depend upon the market price of Bitcoin, ETH, as well as other crypto assets. Crypto asset prices have fluctuated significantly from quarter to quarter. There is no assurance that crypto asset prices will reflect historical trends. A decline in the market price of Bitcoin, ETH, and Other crypto assets could have an adverse effect on our earnings, the carrying value of the crypto assets, and future cash flows. This may also affect the liquidity and the ability to meet our ongoing obligations.
Appointment of New Directors
On February 17, 2022, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company appointed Joanna Bloor, Brad Justus, and Lorraine Hendrickson to serve as members of the Board. Ms. Bloor has been nominated to, and will serve as, chair of the Compensation Committee, and to be a member of the Audit Committee and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Justus has been nominated, and will serve as, chair of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee, and to be a member of the Compensation Committee and Audit Committee. Ms. Hendrickson has been nominated to, and will serve as, chair of the Audit Committee and to be a member of the Compensation and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee.
Management Restructuring
On February 17, 2022, the Board of the Company approved the restructuring of the Company’s senior management team to eliminate the Co-Chief Executive Officer role, appointing Jeremy Frommer as Executive Chairman and Founder, and appointing Laurie Weisberg as Chief Executive Officer (the “Second Restructuring”). Prior to the Second Restructuring, Mr. Frommer and Ms. Weisberg served as the Company’s co-Chief Executive Officers and Ms. Weisberg served as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer. The Second Restructuring does not impact the role or functions of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Chelsea Pullano, or the role or functions of the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Justin Maury.
Departure of Directors
On February 17, 2022, the Board received notice that effective immediately, Mark Standish resigned as Chair of the Board, Chair of the Audit Committee and as a member of the Compensation Committee and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee; Leonard Schiller resigned as member of the Board, Chair of the Compensation Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee; and LaBrena Martin resigned as a member of the Board, Chair of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee. Such resignations are not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.
On September 2, 2022, the Company entered into an Executive Separation Agreement with Laurie Weisberg the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors setting forth the terms and conditions related to the Executive’s resignation for good reason as Chief Executive Officer, Director and any other positions held with the Company or any subsidiary.
On September 21, 2022, the Board received notice from Brad Justus of his resignation as a member of the Board, and from all committees of the Board on which he served, with such resignation to become effective on September 30, 2022. Such resignation was not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.
On November 1, 2022, the Board received notice from Lorraine Hendrickson of her resignation as a Director and from all committees of the Board on which she served, effective as of such date. Ms. Hendrickson’s resignation as a member of the Board was not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.
On November 17, 2022, the Board received notice from Joanna Bloor of her resignation as a Director and from all committees of the Board on which she served, effective as of such date. Ms. Bloor’s resignation as a member of the Board was not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.
Appointment of New Directors
On September 2, 2022, the Board appointed Justin Maury, President and Chief Operating Officer, as Director to the Board
On November 2, 2022, the Board appointed Peter Majar as Director to the Board. Mr. Majar has been nominated to, and will serve as, chair of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee and to be a member of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee.
On November 16, 2022, the Board appointed Erica Wagner as Director to the Board. Ms. Wagner has been nominated, and will serve as, chair of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee, and to be a member of the Compensation Committee.
Nasdaq Notice of Delisting
On September 2, 2022, the Company received a letter from the staff of The Nasdaq Capital Market notifying the Company that the Nasdaq Hearings Panel has determined to delist the Company’s common stock from the Exchange, based on the Company’s failure to comply with the listing requirements of Nasdaq Rule 5550(b)(1) as a result of the Company’s shareholder equity deficit for the period ended June 30, 2022, as demonstrated in Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 15, 2022, following the Company having not complied with the market value of listed securities requirement in Nasdaq Rule 5550(b)(2) on March 1, 2022, while the Company was under a Panel Monitor, as had been previously disclosed. Suspension of trading in the Company’s shares on the Exchange became effective at the opening of business on September 7, 2022, at which time the Company’s common stock, under the symbol “CRTD,” and publicly-traded warrants, under the symbol “CRTDW,” was quoted on the OTCPink marketplace operated by OTC Markets Group Inc.
Following passage of the proscribed 15-day time period for appeal as stated in the Letter, on October 26, 2022, Nasdaq completed the delisting by filing a Form 25 Notification of Delisting with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Company’s common stock, under the symbol “CRTD,” is quoted on the OTCQB marketplace operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. effective as of September 26, 2022. Effective April 4, 2023, our symbol changed to “VOCL.” The Company’s publicly-traded warrants, under the symbol “CRTDW,” are quoted on the OTCPink marketplace operated by OTC Markets Group Inc.
Employment Agreements
On April 5, 2022, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee of the Board, the Board approved employment agreements with, and equity issuances for, (i) Jeremy Frommer, Executive Chairman, who will receive (a) an signing award of $80,000, (b) an annual salary of $420,000; (c) 121,000 options, to vest immediately with a strike price of $1.75, and (d) 50,000 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock; (ii) Laurie Weisberg, Chief Executive Officer, who will receive (a) an annual salary of $475,000; (b) 121,000 options, to vest immediately with a strike price of $1.75, and (c) 50,000 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock; (iii) Justin Maury, Chief Operating Officer & President, who will receive (a) an annual salary of $475,000 (b) 81,000 options, to vest immediately with a strike price of $1.75, and (c) 50,000 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock; and (iv) Chelsea Pullano, Chief Financial Officer, who will receive (a) an annual salary of $250,000; (b) 37,000 options, to vest immediately with a strike price of $1.75, and (c) 35,000 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock (collectively, the “Executive Employment Arrangements”).
Pursuant to the Executive Employment Arrangements, the Company entered into executive employment agreements with each of the respective executives as of April 5, 2022 (the “Executive Employment Agreements”). The Executive Employment Agreements contain customary terms, conditions and rights.
Executive Separation Agreement
On September 2, 2022, the Company entered into an Executive Separation Agreement with Laurie Weisberg the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors setting forth the terms and conditions related to the Executive’s resignation for good reason as Chief Executive Officer, Director and any other positions held with the Company or any subsidiary.
The Company will pay severance in the aggregate amount of $475,000, payable as follows: (i) 1/24 will be paid on each of September 15, 2022, October 1, 2022 and November 1, 2022, respectively; (ii) 1/8 will be paid on each of December 1, 2022, January 1, 2023 and February 1, 2023, respectively; (iii) 1/4 will be paid on April 1, 2023; and (iv) the balance will be paid on May 1, 2023. The Company has executed and delivered a Confession of Judgment concerning the severance amount, which is being held in escrow pending satisfaction of payment.
Additionally, all unvested and/or outstanding stock options held by Ms. Weisberg as of the date of the separation agreement that are not subject to metric based vesting shall automatically and fully vest. All unvested and/or outstanding stock options held by Ms. Weisberg as of the date of the separation agreement that are subject to metric based vesting shall vest in accordance with their respective original terms.
Note 12 - Acquisitions
Plant Camp LLC
On June 1, 2021, the Company, entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the “MIPA”) with Angela Hein (“Hein”) and Heidi Brown (“Brown”, and together with Hein, the “Sellers”), pursuant to which the Purchaser acquired 490,863 common units (the “Membership Interests”) of Plant Camp LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Plant Camp”) from the Sellers, resulting in the Purchaser owning 33% of the issued and outstanding equity of Plant Camp. The Membership Interests were purchased for $175,000.
On June 4, 2021, the Company, entered into a MIPA with Sellers, pursuant to which the Purchaser acquired 841,005 common units of Plant Camp from the Sellers, resulting in the Purchaser owning a total of 89% of the issued and outstanding equity of Plant Camp. The additional Membership Interests were purchased for $300,000. The acquisition was accounted for as a step acquisition however there was no change in value of the Company’s existing equity interest. The Company utilized the fair value of the consideration to determine the fair value of the existing equity interest based on the total merger consideration offered.
The following sets forth the components of the purchase price:
Purchase price:
Cash paid to seller $ 300,000
Fair value of equity investment purchased on June 1, 2021 175,000
Total purchase price 475,000
Assets acquired:
Cash 5,232
Accounts Receivable 7,645
Inventory 19,970
Total assets acquired 32,847
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 5,309
Deferred Revenue
Total liabilities assumed 5,980
Net assets acquired 26,867
Non-controlling interest in consolidated subsidiary 56,865
Excess purchase price $ 504,998
The following table provides a summary of the final allocation of the excess purchase price.
Goodwill $ 7,198
Trade Names & Trademarks 100,000
Know-How and Intellectual Property 316,500
Website 51,300
Customer Relationships 30,000
Excess purchase price $ 504,998
The goodwill represents the assembled workforce, acquired capabilities, and future economic benefits resulting from the acquisition.
WHE Agency, Inc.
On July 20, 2021, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement to purchase 44% ownership and 55% of voting power of the issued and outstanding shares of WHE Agency, Inc., (“WHE”). The aggregate closing consideration was $1,038,271, which consists of a combination of $144,750 in cash and $893,521 in the form of 224,503 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock at a price of $3.98 per share. Based on the purchase price of $1,038,271 for 44% ownership, the fair value of the non-controlling interest was estimated to be $1,190,000 based on the consideration from the Company.
WHE is a talent management and public relations agency dedicated to the representation and management of family- and lifestyle-focused influencers and digital creators.
The following sets forth the components of the purchase price:
Purchase price:
Cash paid to seller $ 144,750
Shares granted to seller 893,521
Total purchase price 1,038,271
Assets acquired:
Cash 26,575
Accounts Receivable 446,272
Total assets acquired 472,847
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 353,017
Total liabilities assumed 353,017
Net assets acquired 119,830
Non-controlling interest in consolidated subsidiary 1,190,000
Excess purchase price $ 2,108,442
The following table provides a summary of the final allocation of the excess purchase price.
Goodwill $ 1,349,697
Trade Names & Trademarks 85,945
Non-Compete Agreements 45,190
Influencers / Customers 627,610
Excess purchase price $ 2,108,442
The goodwill represents the assembled workforce, acquired capabilities, and future economic benefits resulting from the acquisition.
Dune Inc.
Prior to October 3, 2021, the Company invested $732,297 into Dune See note 6 & 7. Using step acquisition accounting, the Company decreased the value of its existing equity interest to its fair value based on its purchase price on October 3, 2021, resulting in the recognition of an impairment in investment of $424,632, which was included in within our consolidated statements of operations. The Company utilized the fair value of the consideration to determine the fair value of the existing equity interest based on the total merger consideration offered and the Company’s stock price at acquisition.
On October 3, 2021, we, through Creatd Partners, LLC (“Buyer”), entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Dune Agreement”) with Standard Holdings, Inc. (“SHI”) and Mark De Luca (“De Luca”) (SHI and De Luca, collectively the “Dune Sellers”), and Stephanie Roy Dufault, whereby Buyer purchased a majority stake in Dune, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Dune”). Pursuant to the Dune Agreement, which closed on October 4, 2021, Buyer acquired a total of 3,905,634 shares of the common stock of Dune (the “Purchased Shares”). The Company issued 163,344 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock to the Dune Sellers.
In addition, pursuant to the Dune Agreement, $50,000 worth of the Company’s common stock issuable to the Dune Sellers on a pro rata basis, priced in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Dune Agreement (the “Indemnification Escrow Amount”), shall be held in escrow and reserved in each Dune Seller’s name by the Company’s transfer agent until such time as release is authorized under the Agreement.
The following sets forth the components of the purchase price:
Purchase price:
Shares granted to seller $ 424,698
Fair value of equity investment purchased before October 4, 2021 307,665
Total purchase price 732,363
Assets acquired:
Cash 186,995
Inventory 47,250
Total assets acquired 234,246
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable 40,000
Total liabilities assumed 40,000
Net assets acquired 194,246
Non-controlling interest in consolidated subsidiary 720,581
Excess purchase price $ 1,258,698
Due to the limited amount of time since the acquisition date, the assets and liabilities of Dune Inc. were recorded based primarily on their acquisition date carrying values. Management believes the estimated fair value of these accounts on the acquisition date approximates their carrying value as reflected in the table above due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The remaining assets and liabilities primarily consisted of goodwill, customer relationships, know how, and tradenames. We will adjust the remaining assets and liabilities to fair value as valuations are completed and we obtain information necessary to complete the analyses, but no later than one year from the acquisition data.
The following table provides a summary of the final allocation of the excess purchase price.
Goodwill $ 64,230
Trade Names & Trademarks 208,304
Know-How and Intellectual Property 858,300
Website 127,864
Excess purchase price $ 1,258,698
The goodwill represents the assembled workforce, acquired capabilities, and future economic benefits resulting from the acquisition.
Denver Bodega, LLC d/b/a Basis
On March 7, 2022, the Company entered into a Membership Interest Purchase (the “Agreement”) with Henry Springer and Kyle Nowak (collectively the “Sellers”), whereby the Company purchased a majority stake in Denver Bodega, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company whose product is Basis, a direct-to-consumer functional beverage brand that makes high-electrolyte mixes meant to aid hydration. Pursuant to the Agreement, Creatd acquired all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Denver Bodega, LLC for consideration of one dollar ($1.00), as well as the Company’s payoff, assumption, or satisfaction of certain debts and liabilities.
The following sets forth the components of the purchase price:
Purchase price:
Cash paid to seller $ 1
Total purchase price
Assets acquired:
Cash 44,977
Accounts Receivable 2,676
Inventory 194,365
Total assets acquired 242,018
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 127,116
Notes payable 293,888
Total liabilities assumed 421,004
Net liabilities acquired (178,986 )
Excess purchase price $ 178,987
The following table provides a summary of the preliminary allocation of the excess purchase price.
Goodwill $ 12,691
Trade Names & Trademarks 19,970
Know-How and Intellectual Property 107,633
Customer Relationships 38,693
Excess purchase price $ 178,987
The goodwill represents the assembled workforce, acquired capabilities, and future economic benefits resulting from the acquisition.
Orbit Media, LLC
On August 1, 2022 the Company entered into a Membership Interest Purchase (the “Agreement”) with Zachary Shenkman, Wuseok Jung, Wesley Petry, Nicholas Scibilia, Gary Rettig, Brandon Fallin (collectively the “Sellers”), whereby the Company purchased a majority stake in Orbit Media LLC, a New York limited liability company whose product is an app-based stock trading platform designed to empower a new generation of investors, providing users with a like-minded community as well as access to tools, content, and other resources to learn, train, and excel in the financial markets. Pursuant to the Agreement, Creatd acquired fifty one percent (51%) of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Orbit Media LLC for consideration of forty-four thousand dollars ($44,000) in cash and 57,576 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. This transaction was considered to be an acquisition of in-process research and development with no alternative future use. Orbit Media, LLC is part of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 2022.
Brave Foods, LLC
On September 13, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Brave Foods, LLC, a Maine limited liability company for $150,000. Brave is a plant-based food company that provides convenient and healthy breakfast food products.
The following sets forth the components of the purchase price:
Purchase price:
Cash paid to seller $ 150,000
Total purchase price 150,000
Assets acquired:
Cash 73,344
Inventory 46,375
Total assets acquired 119,719
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,316
Notes payable 75,000
Total liabilities assumed 76,316
Net assets acquired 43,403
Excess purchase price $ 106,596
The excess purchase price amounts are provisional and may be adjusted during the one-year measurement period as required by U.S. GAAP. It is likely that all intangible assets will be reallocated during the measurement period. The following table provides a summary of the allocation of the excess purchase price.
Goodwill $ 46,460
Trade Names & Trademarks 16,705
Know-How and Intellectual Property 16,704
Website 16,704
Customer Relationships 10,023
Excess purchase price $ 106,596
The goodwill represents the assembled workforce, acquired capabilities, and future economic benefits resulting from the acquisition.
The following presents the unaudited pro-forma combined results of operations of the Company with Plant Camp, WHE, Dune, Denver Bodega, and Brave as if the entities were combined on January 1, 2021.
Year
Ended
Revenues $ 6,492,696
Net loss attributable to common shareholders $ (44,422,150 )
Net loss per share $ (3.43 )
Weighted average number of shares outstanding 12,934,549
Year
Ended
Revenues $ 5,482,827
Net loss attributable to common shareholders $ (36,638,249 )
Net loss per share $ (1.66 )
Weighted average number of shares outstanding 22,092,836
Note 13 - Segment Information
We operate in three reportable segments: Creatd Labs, Creatd Ventures, and Creatd Partners. Our segments were determined based on the economic characteristics of our products and services, our internal organizational structure, the manner in which our operations are managed and the criteria used by our Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) to evaluate performance, which is generally the segment’s operating losses.
Operations of:
Products and services provided:
Creatd Labs
Creatd Labs is the segment focused on development initiatives. Creatd Labs houses the Company’s proprietary technology, including its flagship platform, Vocal, as well as oversees the Company’s content creation framework, and management of its digital communities. Creatd Labs derives revenues from Vocal creator subscriptions, platform processing fees and technology licensing fees.
Creatd Ventures
Creatd Ventures builds, develops, and scales e-commerce brands. This segment generates revenues through product sales of its two majority-owned direct-to-consumer brands, Camp and Dune Glow Remedy.
Creatd Partners
Creatd Partners fosters relationships between brands and creators through its suite of agency services, including content marketing (Vocal for Brands), performance marketing (Seller’s Choice), and influencer marketing (WHE Agency). Creatd Partners derives revenues in the form of brand fees and talent management commissions.
The following tables present certain financial information related to our reportable segments and Corporate:
As of December 31, 2022
Creatd
Labs Creatd
Ventures Creatd
Partners Corporate Total
Accounts receivable, net $ -
$ 11,217 $ 228,206 $ -
$ 239,423
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 23,712 40,681 -
64,154 128,547
Deposits and other assets 629,955 2,600 -
164,676 797,231
Intangible assets - 207,301 - 22,783 230,084
Goodwill -
46,460 - -
46,460
Inventory 30,125 374,845 -
-
404,970
All other assets -
-
-
2,973,034 2,973,034
Total Assets $ 683,792 $ 683,104 $ 228,206 $ 3,224,647 $ 4,819,749
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 8,495 $ 1,635,298 $ 509,931 $ 5,411,996 $ 7,565,720
Note payable, net of debt discount and issuance costs 130,615 184,160 -
1,368,919 1,683,694
Deferred revenue 275,017 - 24,392 -
299,409
All other Liabilities -
-
-
7,774,125 7,774,125
Total Liabilities $ 414,217 $ 1,819,458 $ 534,323 $ 14,555,040 $ 17,322,948
As of December 31, 2021
Creatd
Labs Creatd
Ventures Creatd
Partners Corporate Total
Accounts receivable, net $ -
$ 2,884 $ 334,556 $ -
$ 337,440
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 48,495 -
-
188,170 236,665
Deposits and other assets 626,529 -
-
92,422 718,951
Intangible assets -
1,637,924 783,676 11,241 2,432,841
Goodwill -
25,139 1,349,696 -
1,374,835
Inventory -
106,403 -
-
106,403
All other assets -
-
-
3,966,124 3,966,124
Total Assets $ 675,024 $ 1,772,350 $ 2,467,928 $ 4,257,957 $ 9,173,259
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 9,693 $ 766,253 $ 6,232 $ 2,948,362 $ 3,730,540
Note payable, net of debt discount and issuance costs 313,979 -
-
1,028,685 1,342,664
Deferred revenue 161,112 13,477 59,570 -
234,159
All other Liabilities -
-
-
177,644 177,644
Total Liabilities $ 484,784 $ 779,730 $ 65,802 $ 4,154,691 $ 5,485,007
For the year December 30, 2022
Creatd
Labs Creatd Ventures Creatd Partners Corporate Total
Net revenue $ 1,616,278 $ 1,456,593 $ 1,723,603 $ -
$ 4,796,474
Cost of revenue 2,000,970 2,807,285 1,300,951 -
6,109,206
Gross margin (loss) (384,692 ) (1,350,692 ) 422,652 -
(1,312,732 )
Compensation 1,794,003 826,185 931,158 1,127,044 4,678,390
Research and development 606,211 -
345,203 -
951,414
Marketing 2,722,579 1,675,083 302,509 -
4,700,171
Stock based compensation 864,507 781,928 887,627 1,649,782 4,183,844
General and administrative not including depreciation, amortization, or Impairment 246,540 592,210 509,757 7,675,921 9,024,428
Depreciation and amortization - 143,360 132,683 316,096 592,139
Impairment of intangibles 213,141 365,732 -
3,009,121 3,587,994
Total operating expenses $ 4,439,837 $ 3,558,313 $ 2,177,779 $ 12,650,920 $ 27,718,380
Interest expense (33,938 ) -
(787,411 ) (821,051 )
All other expenses -
-
-
(5,824,152 ) (5,824,152 )
Other expenses, net (33,938 ) -
(6,611,563 ) (6,645,203 )
Loss before income tax provision $ (4,858,467 ) $ (4,908,707 ) $ (1,755,127 ) $ (19,262,483 ) $ (35,676,315 )
For the year ended December 31, 2021
Creatd Labs Creatd Ventures Creatd Partners Corporate Total
Net revenue $ 1,926,374 $ 90,194 $ 2,283,149 $ - $ 4,299,717
Cost of revenue 3,186,240 148,989 1,964,808 - 5,300,037
Gross margin (1,259,866 ) (58,940 ) 318,341 - (1,000,320 )
Research and development 758,293 225,104 - 983,528
Marketing 8,182,935 - 962,698 481,349 9,626,982
Stock based compensation 1,727,021 1,560,546 1,884,986 4,488,615 9,661,168
Impairment of goodwill - - 1,035,795 - 1,035,795
General and administrative not including depreciation, amortization, or Impairment 3,918,130 1,665,783 1,600,212 2,791,236 9,975,360
Depreciation and amortization - 100,633 252,730 44,076 397,440
Impairment of intangibles - - 688,127 - 688,127
Total operating expenses $ 14,586,379 $ 3,327,093 $ 6,649,652 $ 11,803,003 $ 32,368,400
Interest expense (12,706 ) - - (359,400 ) (372,106 )
All other expenses - - - (3,638,327 ) (3,638,327 )
Other expenses, net (12,706 )
(3,997,727 ) (4,010,433 )
Loss before income tax provision and equity in net loss from unconsolidated investments $ (15,858,951 ) $ (3,385,888 ) $ (6,331,311 ) $ (11,803,003 ) $ (37,379,153 )
Note 14 -Income Taxes
Components of deferred tax assets are as follows:
December 31,
December 31,
Net deferred tax assets - Non-current:
Depreciation $ (24,850 ) $ (70,194 )
Amortization (876,459 ) 95,115
Stock based compensation 5,545,450 4,369,372
Expected income tax benefit from NOL carry-forwards 20,744,537 15,073,606
Less valuation allowance (25,388,679 ) (19,467,900 )
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance $ -
$ -
Income Tax Provision in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate and the effective income tax rate as a percentage of income before income taxes is as follows:
For the
Year Ended
December 31,
For the
Year Ended
December 31,
Federal statutory income tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 %
State tax rate, net of federal benefit 7.1 % 7.1 %
Change in valuation allowance on net operating loss carry-forwards (28.1 )% (28.1 )%
Effective income tax rate 0.0 % 0.0 %
Based on the available objective evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets of the Company will not be fully realizable for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. Accordingly, management had applied a full valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had approximately $74 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards available to reduce future taxable income which will begin to expire in 2035 for both federal and state purposes.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Act”) was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Act reduces the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. ASC 470 requires the Company to remeasure the existing net deferred tax asset in the period of enactment. The Act also provides for immediate expensing of 100% or the costs of qualified property that is incurred and placed in service during the period from September 27, 2017, to December 31, 2022. Beginning January 1, 2023, the immediate expensing provision is phased down by 20% per year until it is completely phased out as of January 1, 2027. Additionally, effective January 1, 2018, the Act imposes possible limitations on the deductibility of interest expense. As a result of the provisions of the Act, the Company’s deduction for interest expense could be limited in future years. The effects of other provisions of the Act are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
On December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to provide guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that begins in the reporting period that includes the Act’s enactment date and ends when an entity has obtained, prepared and analyzed the information that was needed in order to complete the accounting requirements under ASC 720. However, in no circumstance should the measurement period extend beyond one year from the enactment date. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect in its financial statements the income tax effects of those aspects of the Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. SAB 118 provides that to the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act is incomplete, but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements.
The Company does not reflect a deferred tax asset in its financial statements but includes that calculation and valuation in its footnotes. We are still analyzing the impact of certain provisions of the Act and refining our calculations. The Company will disclose any change in the estimates as it refines the accounting for the impact of the Act.
Federal and state tax laws impose limitations on the utilization of net operating losses and credit carryforwards in the event of an ownership change for tax purposes, as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, the Company’s ability to utilize these carryforwards may be limited as a result of an ownership change which may have already happened or may happen in the future. Such an ownership change could result in a limitation in the use of the net operating losses in future years and possibly a reduction of the net operating losses available.
Note 15 - Subsequent Events
Increase in Authorized Shares
On January 18, 2023, upon approval from our board of directors and stockholders, we filed Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada for the purpose of increasing our authorized shares of Common Stock to 1,500,000,000.
Note Conversions
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, $1,417,782 in principal of three convertible notes converted into 6,946,851 shares of common stock.
Note Repayments and Warrant Cancellations
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $1,500,000 in convertible notes, resulting in the cancellation of 1,216,008 warrants, per the Restructuring Agreements entered into on September 15, 2022.
Securities Purchase Agreements
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with an investor to purchase 1,562,500 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $750,000.
Convertible Notes
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company entered into 3 convertible promissory notes with 3 investors for proceeds of $2,364,250.
Minority Investment in OG Collection, Inc.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, an investor entered into a Subscription Agreement whereby it purchased from OG Collection, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company (“OG”), 50,000 shares of common stock of OG for a purchase price of $250,000, and, in connection therewith OG, the Company and the Investor entered into a Shareholder Agreement.
Additional Purchase of Orbit Media, LLC
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company acquired an additional 5% of the membership interests of Orbit Media, LLC., bringing our total membership interests to 56%. Orbit Media LLC., has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 85% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statements of Operations.
February 2023 Warrant Exchange
On February 10, 2023 the Company entered into a letter agreement (the “Letter Agreement”), between Creatd and the respective holders of an aggregate of 2,161,415 warrants (the “Warrants”) to issue to the holders, for each Warrant held by such Selling Stockholder, one new warrant to purchase one share of the Company’s common stock in exchange for the immediate exercise of the Warrants. The new warrants are exercisable immediately, for a term of 60 months, at a price of $0.77, subject to customary adjustment provisions.
March 2023 Warrant Exchange
On March 6, 2023 the Company entered a letter agreement (the “Letter Agreement”), between Creatd, Inc. and the respective holders of an aggregate of 1,607,050 warrants (the “Warrants”) to issue to the holders, for each Warrant held by such Selling Stockholder, one new warrant to purchase one share of the Company’s common stock in exchange for the immediate exercise of the Warrants. The new warrants are exercisable immediately, for a term of 60 months, at a price of $0.77, subject to customary adjustment provisions.
Additional Purchase of Dune, Inc.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company acquired an additional 23% equity interest in Dune, Inc. bringing our total ownership to 85% . Dune, Inc., has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of over 50% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statements of Operations.
Additional Purchase of WHE Agency, Inc.
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company acquired an additional 51% of the equity interest in WHE Agency, Inc. bringing our total ownership to 95%. WHE Agency, Inc., has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of over 50% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statements of Operations.
Consultant Shares
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company issued 3,142,780 shares of Common Stock to consultants.
Employee & Officer Equity Awards
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, in recognition of certain employees having accepted reduced salaries beginning August 22, 2023, the Company issued equity awards totaling 7,512,918 shares to non-officer employees and 18,250,319 to officers of the Company. The fair value of these issuances is $16,134,193 and the Company will be paying approximately $3,477,062 in payroll taxes on behalf of employees receiving these awards.
Equity Line of Credit
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, the Company drew down from its outstanding Equity Line of Credit for total proceeds of $300,000.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure and Control Procedures
Based on an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our principal executive and financial officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(c) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are not effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in report that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
This Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls. Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
(1) Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the issuer;
(2) Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the issuer are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the registrant; and
(3) Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the issuer’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Securities Exchange is appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the specified time periods.
Management has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on the framework established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework-2013 issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).
As of period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective. The Company’s assessment identified certain material weaknesses which are set forth below:
Functional Controls and Segregation of Duties
Because of the Company’s limited resources, there are limited controls over information processing.
There is an inadequate segregation of duties consistent with control objectives. Our Company’s management is composed of a small number of individuals resulting in a situation where limitations on segregation of duties exist. In order to remedy this situation, we would need to hire additional staff to provide greater segregation of duties.
Accordingly, as the result of identifying the above material weakness we have concluded that these control deficiencies resulted in a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by the Company’s internal controls.
Management believes that the material weaknesses set forth above were the result of the scale of our operations and are intrinsic to our small size and believes these weaknesses did not have a material effect on our financial results. Management continues to take actions to remedy these weaknesses, including the process of hiring additional staff to create the necessary segregation of duties to improve controls over information processing. Additionally, management has initiated the process of building a risk management framework with plans to embed the principles of this framework across all aspects of the business.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the SEC that permit the Company to provide only management’s report herein.
(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The following table and biographical summaries set forth information, including principal occupation and business experience, about our directors and executive officers as of the date of this Form 10-K:
Name
Age
Positions
Jeremy Frommer
Chief Executive Officer
Peter Majar
Director
Erica Wagner
Director
Justin Maury
Director
Chelsea Pullano
Chief Financial Officer
Robert Tal
Chief Information Officer
Jeremy Frommer - Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Frommer was appointed Executive Chairman in February 2022 and has been a member of our board of directors since February 2016. Previously, he served as our Chief Executive Officer from February 2016 to August 2021, and Co-Chief Executive Officer from August 2021 to February 2022. Mr. Frommer has over 20 years of experience in the financial technology industry. Previously, Mr. Frommer held key leadership roles in the investment banking and trading divisions of large financial institutions. From 2009 to 2012, Mr. Frommer was briefly retired until beginning concept formation for Jerrick Ventures which he officially founded in 2013. From 2007 to 2009, Mr. Frommer was Managing Director of Global Prime Services at RBC Capital Markets, the investment banking arm of the Royal Bank of Canada, the largest financial institution in Canada, after the sale of Carlin Financial Group, a professional trading firm. From 2004 to 2007, Mr. Frommer was the Chief Executive Officer of Carlin Financial Group after the sale of NextGen Trading, a software development company focused on building equity trading platforms. From 2002 to 2004, Mr. Frommer was Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NextGen Trading. From 2000 to 2002, he was Managing Director of Merger Arbitrage Trading at Bank of America, a financial services firm. Mr. Frommer was also a director of LionEye Capital, a hedge fund from June 2012 to June 2014. He holds a B.A. from the University of Albany. We believe Mr. Frommer is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to his financial and leadership experience.
Peter Majar - Director
Peter Majar was appointed to the Board on November 2, 2022. Mr. Majar, is the Founder and Managing Member of Majar Advisors, combines over 25 years of experience in investment banking, financial services and technology, and management consulting, having held numerous senior management and executive positions including Chief Financial Officer, Head of Financial Technology, Head of Strategy, as well as several Managing Director positions. From 2015 to 2017, Mr. Majar served as Managing Director in Investment Banking and co-Head of Diversified Financial Services at Piper Jaffray & Co. (now Piper Sandler Companies). From 2017 to 2018, Mr. Majar provided management consulting services through his self-established firm, Majar Advisors LLC, which remains in operation through the present. From 2018 to 2021, Mr. Majar served as Managing Director, Head of Financial Technology at New York-based investment banking and financial advisory firm, TAP Advisors, LLC. Between 2021 and 2022, Mr. Majar served as Chief Financial Officer at information technology company Hoyos Integrity Corp., having previously served as a longtime advisor to the firm. Mr. Majar holds an undergraduate degree from University of Washington and an MBA from Columbia University. As a board director, Mr. Majar will add considerable value, including through his comprehensive and diverse investment management experience, deep knowledge of financial technology services and transactions, and broad experience with corporate development, strategy consulting, and executive leadership.
Erica Wagner - Director
Erica Wagner joins the Board with over 25 years of experience as a journalist, broadcaster, editor and author. From 2016 through 2021, Ms. Wagner was a Lecturer, and later Senior Lecturer, at Goldsmith’s College, University of London, where she taught creative writing. Ms. Wagner was previously Lead Editorial Innovator for Creatd, Inc., has previously and currently held roles as a freelance editor, journalist, and contributing writer for numerous outlets both in the U.K. and the U.S., including The New Statesman, Harper’s Bazaar, the Economist, the Observer, the New York Times. Ms. Wagner is also a freelance literary and creative consultant for Chanel, as well as the host of their branded podcast. She has twice been a judge of the Booker Prize and has been judge and Chair of the Goldsmiths Prize. In 2015, Ms. Wagner was awarded an Honorary PhD by the University of East Anglia, and currently Goldsmith’s College Distinguished Writers’ Centre Fellow. She has an undergraduate degree from University of Cambridge, a Master’s degree from University of East Anglia, and an Honorary PhD from the University of East Anglia. As a member of Creatd’s board of directors, Ms. Wagner will add significant expertise with respect to informing the Company’s literary and creative direction, having worked closely with news organizations, commercial companies and publishers, to advise their creative direction and its application towards commercial success.
Justin Maury - Chief Operating Officer and President
Mr. Maury served as our President since January 2019, and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in August 2021, on September 2, 2022, Mr. Maury was appointed to serve as Director of the Company’s Board. Mr Maury is a full stack design director with an expertise in product development. With over ten years of design and product management experience in the creative industry, Mr. Maury’s passion for the creative arts and technology ultimately resulted in the vision for Vocal. Since joining Creatd in 2013, Maury has overseen the development and launch of the company’s flagship product, Vocal, an innovative platform that provides storytelling tools and engaged communities for creators and brands to get discovered while funding their creativity. Under Maury’s supervision, Vocal has achieved growth to over 380,000 creators across 34 genre-specific communities in its first two years since launch. As a director, we believe Mr. Maury will add considerable value, including through by providing a unique perspective into Creatd’s product performance and evolution and by providing invaluable direct input to help guide the Company’s ongoing refinement of its technology roadmap and maturation of its business model.
Chelsea Pullano - Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Pullano has been our Chief Financial Officer since June 2020. She has a long history of leadership at Creatd, serving as a member of the Company’s Management Committee for four years. Prior to her current role, Ms. Pullano was an integral member of our finance department since 2017, most recently serving as our Head of Corporate Finance, a role in which she coordinated our periodic reports under the Exchange Act and other financial matters. Prior to joining the Finance Department, Ms. Pullano was a member of our operations team from 2015 to 2017. She holds a B.A. from the State University of New York College at Geneseo.
Robert Tal - Chief Information Officer
Robert Tal is Chief Information Officer at Creatd, Inc., a role to which he was appointed following nearly eight years of experience building and running data management and analytics capabilities, leading the Company’s growth marketing strategy and team encompassing acquisition and lifecycle, managing data science projects focused on subscription growth and maintaining strong collaboration with the product team; under Mr. Tal’s supervision, the Company has significantly increased its return on advertising spend as well as lowered its customer acquisition costs. During his lengthy tenure with Creatd, beginning in 2015, Mr. Tal has gained in-depth knowledge of the Company’s business and operations, and has worked closely with executive team, board of directors, and leaders of each of Creatd’s business units to advance the Company’s business intelligence capabilities, develop and maintain information systems controls and strengthen Creatd’s information technology organization. Mr. Tal has an undergraduate degree in information technology and informatics from Rutgers University.
Director Terms; Qualifications
Members of our board of directors serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders, or until their successors have been duly elected.
When considering whether directors and nominees have the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills to enable the board of directors to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of the Company’s business and structure, the board of directors focuses primarily on the industry and transactional experience, and other background, in addition to any unique skills or attributes associated with a director.
Director or Officer Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
There are no material proceedings to which any director or officer, or any associate of any such director or officer, is a party that is adverse to our Company or any of our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to our Company or any of our subsidiaries. No director or executive officer has been a director or executive officer of any business which has filed a bankruptcy petition or had a bankruptcy petition filed against it during the past ten years. No director or executive officer has been convicted of a criminal offense or is the subject of a pending criminal proceeding during the past ten years. No director or executive officer has been the subject of any order, judgment or decree of any court permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities during the past ten years. No director or officer has been found by a court to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law during the past ten years.
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance
The Company has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance insuring its directors and officers against liability for acts or omissions in their capacities as directors or officers, subject to certain exclusions. Such insurance also insures the Company against losses, which it may incur in indemnifying its officers and directors. In addition, officers and directors also have indemnification rights under applicable laws, and the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws.
Director Independence
Our board of directors has undertaken a review of the independence of our directors and considered whether any director has a material relationship with it that could compromise his or her ability to exercise independent judgment in carrying out his or her responsibilities. Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning his background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, the board of directors has determined that Peter Majar is “independent” as that term is defined under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”). In making these determinations, our board of directors considered the current and prior relationships that each non-employee director has with the Company and all other facts and circumstances our board of directors deemed relevant in determining their independence, including the beneficial ownership of the Company’s capital stock by each non-employee director, and any transactions involving them described in the section captioned “-Certain relationships and related transactions and director independence.”
Board Committees
The Company’s Board has established three standing committees: Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance. Each of the committees operates pursuant to its charter. The committee charters will be reviewed annually by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. If appropriate, and in consultation with the chairs of the other committees, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may propose revisions to the charters. The responsibilities of each committee are described in more detail below.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee, among other things, is responsible for:
● Appointing; approving the compensation of; overseeing the work of; and assessing the independence, qualifications, and performance of the independent auditor;
● Reviewing the internal audit function, including its independence, plans, and budget;
● Approving, in advance, audit and any permissible non-audit services performed by our independent auditor;
● Reviewing our internal controls with the independent auditor, the internal auditor, and management;
● Reviewing the adequacy of our accounting and financial controls as reported by the independent auditor, the internal auditor, and management;
● Overseeing our financial compliance system; and
● Overseeing our major risk exposures regarding the Company’s accounting and financial reporting policies, the activities of our internal audit function, and information technology.
The board of directors has affirmatively determined that each member of the Audit Committee meets the additional independence criteria applicable to audit committee members under SEC rules and Nasdaq listing rules. The board of directors has adopted a written charter setting forth the authority and responsibilities of the Audit Committee. The Board has affirmatively determined that each member of the Audit Committee is financially literate, and that Mr. Majar meets the qualifications of an Audit Committee financial expert.
The Audit Committee consists of Mr. Majar, Chair.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee will be responsible for:
● Reviewing and making recommendations to the Board with respect to the compensation of our officers and directors, including the CEO;
● Overseeing and administering the Company’s executive compensation plans, including equity-based awards;
● Negotiating and overseeing employment agreements with officers and directors; and
● Overseeing how the Company’s compensation policies and practices may affect the Company’s risk management practices and/or risk-taking incentives.
The board of directors has adopted a written charter setting forth the authority and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee consists of Mr. Majar, who serves as chair, and Ms. Wagner. The board of directors has affirmatively determined that Peter Majar meets the independence criteria applicable to compensation committee members under SEC rules and Nasdaq listing rules. The Company believes that the composition of the Compensation Committee meets the requirements for independence under, and the functioning of such Compensation Committee will comply with, any applicable requirements of the rules and regulations of Nasdaq listing rules and the SEC.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, among other things, is responsible for:
● Reviewing and assessing the development of the executive officers and considering and making recommendations to the Board regarding promotion and succession issues;
● Evaluating and reporting to the Board on the performance and effectiveness of the directors, committees and the Board as a whole;
● Working with the Board to determine the appropriate and desirable mix of characteristics, skills, expertise and experience, including diversity considerations, for the full Board and each committee;
● Annually presenting to the Board a list of individuals recommended to be nominated for election to the Board;
● Reviewing, evaluating, and recommending changes to the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles and Committee Charters;
● Recommending to the Board individuals to be elected to fill vacancies and newly created directorships;
● Overseeing the Company’s compliance program, including the Code of Conduct; and
● Overseeing and evaluating how the Company’s corporate governance and legal and regulatory compliance policies and practices, including leadership, structure, and succession planning, may affect the Company’s major risk exposures.
The board of directors has adopted a written charter setting forth the authority and responsibilities of the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consists of Ms. Wagner, who serves as chair, and Mr. Majar. The Company’s board of directors has determined that Peter Majar is independent within the meaning of the independent director guidelines of Nasdaq listing rules.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of the Company’s executive officers serves, or in the past has served, as a member of the compensation committee, or other committee serving an equivalent function, of any entity that has one or more executive officers who serve as members of the Company’s board of directors or its compensation committee.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
The Company’s Board of Directors has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics applicable to its employees, directors and officers, in accordance with applicable U.S. federal securities laws and the corporate governance rules of Nasdaq. The code of business conduct and ethics will be publicly available on the Company’s website. Any substantive amendments or waivers of the code of business conduct and ethics or code of ethics for senior financial officers may be made only by the Company’s board of directors and will be promptly disclosed as required by applicable U.S. federal securities laws and the corporate governance rules of Nasdaq.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
The Company’s board of directors has adopted corporate governance guidelines in accordance with the corporate governance rules of Nasdaq.
Delinquent Section 16(A) Reports.
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s officers and directors, and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC and are required to furnish copies to the Company. Based solely on the review of the Changes of Beneficial Ownership disclosures on Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the following persons filed the following number of transactions on Section 16 beneficial ownership disclosure filings late for transactions:
● Mr. Jeremy Frommer filed one Form 4 late with respect to three transaction.
● Mr. Peter Majar is late with respect to one Form 3 filing.
● Ms. Erica Wagner is late with respect to one Form 3 filing.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following information is related to the compensation paid, distributed or accrued by us for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 for our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) serving during the year ended December 31, 2022 and the three other executive officers serving at December 31, 2021 whose total compensation exceeded $100,000 (the “Named Executive Officers”).
Name and
Principal
Position Year Salary
($) Bonus
($) Stock
Awards
($) Option
Awards
($) Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($) Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($) All Other
Compensation
($) Total
($)
Laurie Weisberg $ 361,234 - $ 52,000 $ 316,949 - - $ 542,679 (1) $ 1,272,862
Former Chief Executive Officer (9) $ 313,750 $ 25,000 $ 20,226 763,894 - - $ 24,925 (2) $ 1,147,795
Justin Maury $ 426,731 $ 62,500 $ 52,000 $ 859,011 - - $ 8,344 (3) $ 828,164
President & Chief Operating Officer $ 306,923 $ 5,000
- $ 1,479,328 - - $ 7,919 (4) $ 1,799,170
Chelsea Pullano $ 230,961 $ 31,250 $ 36,400 $ 319,788 - - $ 8,706 (5) $ 394,315
Chief Financial Officer $ 207,616 - - $ 610,052 - - $ 7,632 (6) $ 825,300
Jeremy Frommer $ 329,344 $ 342,317 $ 52,000 $ 937,721 - - $ 87,363 (7) $ 1,127,974
Chief Executive Officer (10) $ 665,433 $ 200,000 - $ 1,709,628 - - $ 98,237 (8) $ 2,673,298
(1) The $542,679 includes payment to Ms. Weisberg for living expenses, health insurance, and severance pay.
(2) The $24,925 includes payment to Ms. Weisberg for health insurance.
(3) The $8,344 includes payment to Mr. Maury for health insurance.
(4) The $7,919 includes payment to Mr. Maury for health insurance.
(5) The $8,706 includes payment to Ms. Pullano for health insurance.
(6) The $7,632 includes payment to Ms. Pullano for health insurance.
(7) The $87,363 includes payment to Mr. Frommer for living expenses, health insurance and a vehicle allowance.
(8) The $98,237 includes payment to Mr. Frommer for living expenses, health insurance and a vehicle allowance.
(9) Ms. Weisberg served as Chief Operating Officer from September 2020 to August 2021, Co-Chief Executive Officer with Jeremy Frommer from August 2021 to February 2022, and Chief Executive Officer from February 2022 until her resignation in September 2022.
(10) Mr. Frommer served as Chief Executive Officer until August 2021, Co-Chief Executive Officer with Laurie Weisberg from August 2021 to February 2022, Executive Chairman from February 2022 to September 2022, and Chief Executive Officer after September 2022.
Employment Agreements
On April 5, 2022, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee of the Board, the Board approved employment agreements with, and equity issuances for, (i) Jeremy Frommer, Executive Chairman, who will receive (a) an signing award of $80,000, (b) an annual salary of $420,000; (c) 121,000 options, to vest immediately with a strike price of $1.75, and (d) 50,000 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock; (ii) Laurie Weisberg, Chief Executive Officer, who will receive (a) an annual salary of $475,000; (b) 121,000 options, to vest immediately with a strike price of $1.75, and (c) 50,000 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock; (iii) Justin Maury, Chief Operating Officer & President, who will receive (a) an annual salary of $475,000 (b) 81,000 options, to vest immediately with a strike price of $1.75, and (c) 50,000 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock; and (iv) Chelsea Pullano, Chief Financial Officer, who will receive (a) an annual salary of $250,000; (b) 37,000 options, to vest immediately with a strike price of $1.75, and (c) 35,000 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock (collectively, the “Executive Employment Arrangements”).
Pursuant to the Executive Employment Arrangements, the Company entered into executive employment agreements with each of the respective executives as of April 5, 2022 (the “Executive Employment Agreements”). The Executive Employment Agreements contain customary terms, conditions and rights.
2022 Equity Incentive Plan
Our Omnibus Securities and Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”) provides for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and other stock-based awards and there are 30,000,000 shares originally reserved under the 2022 Plan.
No further awards may be issued under the Jerrick Ventures 2015 Incentive and Award Plan (the “2015 Plan”) or the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”) but all awards under the 2015 Plan and the 2020 Plan that are outstanding as of the Effective Date will continue to be governed by the terms, conditions and procedures set forth in the 2015 Plan and any applicable award agreement.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
At December 31, 2022, we had outstanding equity awards as follows:
Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options Weighted Average
Exercise Price Expiration
Date Number of
Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested Market
Value of
Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have
Not
Vested Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have
Not
Vested
Jeremy Frommer(1) 726,188 395,000 - $ 3.89 February 19, 2028(5) - $ - - -
Laurie Weisberg (2) 540,750 195,000 - $ 3.18 February 19, 2028(6) - $ - - -
Justin Maury (3) 612,333 382,000 - $ 3.79 February 19, 2028(7) - $ - - -
Chelsea Pullano (4) 249,000 125,000 - $ 3.30 February 19, 2028 (8) - $ - - -
(1) Mr. Frommer served as Chief Executive Officer until August 2021, Co-Chief Executive Officer with Laurie Weisberg from August 2021 to February 2022, Executive Chairman from February 2022 to September 2022, and Chief Executive Officer after September 2022.
(2) Ms. Weisberg served as Chief Operating Officer from September 2020 to August 2021, Co-Chief Executive Officer with Jeremy Frommer from August 2021 to February 2022, and Chief Executive Officer from February 2022 until her resignation in September 2022.
(3) Effective January 31, 2019, to August 13, 2021, Justin Maury was appointed as our President. Starting August 13, 2021, Justin Maury was appointed Chief Operating Officer in addition to President.
(4) Effective June 29, 2020, Chelsea Pullano was appointed Chief Financial Officer.
(5) 89,188 options expire on April 1, 2026; 121,000 options expire on October 28, 2026; 200,000 options expire on February 19, 2027; 121,000 options expire on April 5, 2027; 195,000 options expire on June 1, 2027; 195,000 options expire on December 31, 2027; 200,000 options expire on February 19, 2028.
(6) 53,750 options expire on February 4, 2026; 121,000 options expire on October 28, 2026; 25,000 options expire on February 19, 2027; 121,000 options expire on April 5, 2027; 195,000 options expire on June 1, 2027; 195,000 options expire on December 31, 2027; 25,000 options expire on February 19, 2028.
(7) 68,333 options expire on April 1, 2026; 81,000 options expire on October 28, 2026; 187,000 options expire on February 19, 2027; 81,000 options expire on April 5, 2027; 195,000 options expire on June 1, 2027; 195,000 options expire on December 31, 2027; 187,000 options expire on February 19, 2028.
(8) 50,000 options expire on April 1, 2026; 37,000 options expire on October 28, 2026; 75,000 options expire on February 19, 2027; 37,000 options expire on April 5, 2027; 50,000 options expire on June 1, 2027; 50,000 options expire on December 31, 2027; 75,000 options expire on February 19, 2028.
Director Compensation
The following table presents the total compensation for each person who served as a non-employee member of our board of directors and received compensation for such service during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. Other than as set forth in the table and described more fully below, we did not pay any compensation, make any equity awards or non-equity awards to, or pay any other compensation to any of the non-employee members of our board of directors in 2022.
Director Option
Awards (1) Fees
Earned or
Paid in Cash Total
Mark Standish (2) $ 35,249 $ - $ 35,249
Leonard Schiller (2) $ 18,760 $ - $ 18,760
LaBrena Martin (2) $ 18,224 $ - $ 18,224
Laurie Weisberg (3) $ 474,948 $ - $ 474,948
Brad Justus (4) $ - $ 49,600 $ 49,600
Joanna Bloor (5) $ - $ 49,600 $ 49,600
Lorraine Hendrickson (6) $ - $ 49,600 $ 49,600
Peter Majar $ - $ 40,000 $ 40,000
Erica Wagner $ - $ 30,000 $ 30,000
(1) Amounts shown in this column do not reflect dollar amounts actually received by our non-employee directors. Instead, these amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of stock option awards determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
(2) Mark Standish, Leonard Schiller, and LaBrena Martin resigned from the board of directors effective February 17, 2022.
(3) Laurie Weisberg resigned from the board of directors effective September 2, 2022.
(4) Brad Justus resigned from the board of directors effective September 30, 2022.
(5) Joanna Bloor resigned from the board of directors effective November 17, 2022.
(6) Lorraine Hendrickson resigned from the board of directors effective November 1, 2022.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth certain information, as of April 19, 2023, with respect to the beneficial ownership of the outstanding common stock by (i) any holder of more than five (5%) percent; (ii) each of the Company’s executive officers and directors; and (iii) the Company’s directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, each of the stockholders listed below has sole voting and investment power over the shares beneficially owned. Except as otherwise indicated, each of the stockholders listed below has sole voting and investment power over the shares beneficially owned. The address for each person is 419 Lafayette Street, 6th Floor New York, New York 10003.
Shares
Beneficially
Owned (1) Percentage
Ownership
Executive Officers and Directors
Jeremy Frommer 12,537,609 (2) 14.31 %
Justin Maury 6,860,324 (3) 7.86 %
Chelsea Pullano 2,034,041 (4) 2.34 %
Robert Tal 808,077 (5) 0.93
%
Peter Majar 1,938,806 (6) 2.24 %
Erica Wagner 1,241,722 (7) 1.44 %
All current directors and officers as a group 25,420,579 29.12 %
(1) The securities “beneficially owned” by a person are determined in accordance with the definition of “beneficial ownership” set forth in the regulations of the SEC and accordingly, may include securities owned by or for, among others, the spouse, children or certain other relatives of such person, as well as other securities over which the person has or shares voting or investment power or securities which the person has the right to acquire within 60 days.
(2) Includes 11,417,070 shares of common stock, 926,188 shares of common stock underlying stock options, and 194,351 shares of common stock underlying warrants.
(3) Includes 6,053,848 shares of common stock, 799,333 shares of common stock underlying stock options, and 7,143 shares of common stock underlying warrants.
(4) Includes 1,708,041 shares of common stock, 324,000 shares of common stock underlying stock options, and 2,000 shares of common stock underlying warrants.
(5) Includes 592,020 shares of common stock, 212,667 shares of common stock underlying stock options and 3,390 shares of common stock underlying warrants.
(6) Includes 1,938,806 shares of common stock.
(7) Includes 1,216,008 shares of common stock, 20,000 shares of common stock underlying stock options, and 5,714 shares of common stock underlying warrants.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
As of December 31, 2022, we had awards outstanding under our 2020 Equity Incentive Plan:
Number of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options and
warrants Weighted-
average
exercise price of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights Number of
securities
remaining
available for
future issuance
under equity
compensation
plans (excluding
securities
reflected in
column (a)
Plan Category (a) (b) (c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 2,950,402 (1) $ 1.38 2,272,475
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders N/A N/A N/A
Total 2,950,402 $ 1.38 2,272,475
(1) During the year ended December 31, 2022, we had awards outstanding under the 2020 Plan. As of the end of fiscal year 2022, we had 4,408,267 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options granted pursuant to the 2020 Plan. The securities available under the Plan for issuance and issuable pursuant to exercises of outstanding options may be adjusted in the event of a change in outstanding stock by reason of stock dividend, stock splits, reverse stock splits, etc. Pursuant to the terms of the 2020 Plan we can grant stock options, restricted stock unit awards, and other awards at levels determined appropriate by our Board and/or compensation committee. The 2020 Plan also allows us to utilize a broad array of equity incentives and performance cash incentives in order to secure and retain the services of our employees,

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The following includes a summary of transactions during our fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 to which we have been a party, including transactions in which the amount involved in the transaction exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years, and in which any of our directors, executive officers or, to our knowledge, beneficial owners of more than 5% of our capital stock or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than equity and other compensation, termination, change in control and other arrangements, which are described elsewhere in this Annual Report. We are not otherwise a party to a current related party transaction, and no transaction is currently proposed, in which the amount of the transaction exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years and in which a related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
Revenue
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company received revenue of $80,000 from Dune for branded content services prior to consolidation but after recognition as an equity method investee.
Equity raises
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company conducted two equity raises in which officers, directors, employees, and an affiliate of an officer cumulatively invested $476,003 for 272,000 shares of common stock and 272,000 warrants to purchase common stock.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.
Audit Fees
$ 269,350
$ 237,810
Audit-Related Fees
$ -
$ -
Tax Fees
$ 15,000
$ 12,500
All Other Fees
$ -
$ -
Total
$ 284,350
$ 250,310
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Exhibits. The exhibits listed below are filed as a part of this annual report.
Exhibit No.
Description
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated February 5, 2016 by and among the Company, GPH Merger Sub., Inc., and Jerrick Ventures, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 11, 2016).
2.2
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated February 28, 2016 by and among the Company and Jerrick Ventures, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 3, 2016).
3.1
Articles of Incorporation, filed with the Nevada Secretary of State on December 30, 1999 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-SB filed with the Commission on March 30, 2006).
3.2
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, filed with the Nevada Secretary of State on November 6, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 4, 2013).
3.3
Certificate of Designation, Preferences, and Rights of Series A Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 8, 2014).
3.4
Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series B Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 4, 2014).
3.5
Certificate of Designation of Series C Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 3, 2015).
3.6
Certificate of Designation of Series D Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(f) of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 11, 2016).
3.7
Jerrick Ventures, Inc. Certificate of Designation of Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(g) of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 11, 2016).
3.8
Jerrick Ventures, Inc. Amendment to Certificate of Designation of Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(h) of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 11, 2016).
3.9
Jerrick Ventures, Inc. Certificate of Designation of Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(i) of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 11, 2016).
3.10
Certificate of Withdrawal of Certificate of Designation for Series A Preferred Stock. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 3, 2016).
3.11
Certificate of Withdrawal of Certificate of Designation for Series B Preferred Stock. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 3, 2016).
3.12
Certificate of Withdrawal of Certificate of Designation for Series C Preferred Stock. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 3, 2016).
3.13
Certificate of Designation for Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 3, 2016).
3.14
Certificate of Designation for Series C Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 3, 2016).
3.15
Bylaws (incorporated by reference to the Company’s 8-K filed on May 12, 2020).
3.16
Certificate of Incorporation of Jerrick Ventures, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 11, 2016).
4.1*
Description of Securities Registered Under Section 12 of the Exchange Act
4.2
Form of Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8- K filed with the Commission on March 21, 2017).
4.3
Form of Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 21, 2017).
4.4
Form of Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 18, 2017)
4.5
Form of Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 2, 2018)
4.6
Form of Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 2, 2018)
4.7
Form of Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 29, 2018)
4.8
Form of Purchaser Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 31, 2018)
4.9
Form of Incentive Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 31, 2018)
4.10
Form of Warrant Agency Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.22 to the Company’s current report on Form S-1/A filed with the Commission on September 10, 2020).
4.11
Form of Underwriters’ Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.23 to the Company’s current report on Form S-1/A filed with the Commission on September 10, 2020).
4.12
Form of Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 27, 2021).
4.13
Form of Underwriter Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 17, 2021).
10.1
Spin-Off Agreement dated as of February 5, 2016 between the Company and Kent Campbell. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 11, 2016).
10.2
Share Exchange Agreement dated as of February 5, 2016 by and among Great Plains Holdings, Inc., Kent Campbell, Denis Espinoza and Sarah Campbell. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 11, 2016).
10.3
Form of Stock Purchase Agreement. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 11, 2016).
10.4
Form of Subscription Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 21, 2017).
10.5
Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated May 12, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 15, 2017).
10.6
Line of Credit Agreement, dated May 9, 2017, by and between the Company and Arthur Rosen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 15, 2017).
10.7
Promissory Note Issued in Favor of Grawin, LLC, Dated May 12, 2017, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 15, 2017).
10.8
Form of Subscription Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 21, 2017).
10.9
Form of 8.5% Convertible Redeemable Debentures due April 18, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 21, 2017).
10.10
Jerrick Media Holdings Inc. 8.5% Convertible Redeemable Note Due April 11, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 15, 2017)
10.11
First Amendment to 8.5% Convertible Redeemable Note Due April 11, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 15, 2017)
10.12
Securities Purchase Agreement between the Company and Diamond Rock LLC dated July 24, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 15, 2017)
10.13
Form of Subscription Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 18, 2017)
10.14
Form of Registration Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 14, 2018)
10.15
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 13, 2018)
10.16
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 2, 2018)
10.17
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 29, 2018)
10.18
Form of Promissory Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 29, 2018)
10.19
Form Registration Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 31, 2018)
10.20
Form of Lock-Up Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 31, 2018)
10.21
Form of Series A Preferred Stock Conversion Letter Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 31, 2018)
10.22
Form of Series B Preferred Stock Conversion Letter Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 31, 2018)
10.23
Form of Promissory Note Conversion Letter Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 31, 2018)
10.24
Lease Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on August 20, 2018)
10.25
Jerrick Ventures, Inc. 2015 Incentive Stock and Award Plan and forms of award agreements thereunder (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.53 the Company’s Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed with the Commission on August 21, 2020)
10.26
2020 Equity Incentive Plan and forms of award agreements thereunder (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.54 the Company’s Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed with the Commission on August 21, 2020)
10.27
Warrant Agreement, including form of Warrant, dated September 15, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 15, 2020).
10.28
Weisberg Employment Letter Agreement, dated September 28, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 1, 2020).
10.29
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 5, 2021).
10.30
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 5, 2021).
10.31
Form of Registration Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 5, 2021).
10.32
Form of PA Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 5, 2021).
10.33
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 27, 2021).
10.34
Placement Agency Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 27, 2021).
10.35
Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2021, by and among, Creatd Partners, LLC, Angela Hein and Heidi Brown (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 10, 2021).
10.36
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 20, 2021, by and among, Creatd Partners, LLC, WHE Agency, Inc., and individuals named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 26, 2021).
10.37
Voting Agreement and Proxy, dated as of July 19, 2021, by and among, Creatd Partners, LLC, and individuals named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 26, 2021).
10.38
Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Standard Holdings Inc., Mark De Luca, Stephanie Roy Dufault, Dune Inc. and Creatd Partners, LLC dated October 3, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 7, 2021).
10.39
Stockholders Agreement by and among Dune Inc., Creatd Partners, LLC, Mark De Luca and Standard Holdings Inc. dated October 3, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 7, 2021).
10.40
Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and Jeremy Frommer
10.41
Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and Laurie Weisberg
10.42
Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and Justin Maury
10.43
Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and Chelsea Pullano
16.1
Letter from Sadler, Gibb & Associates, LLC dated January 7, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 8, 2019)
21.1
List of Subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 30, 2020)
23.1*
Consent of Rosenberg Rich Baker Berman, P.A.
31.1*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), As adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), As adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002
32.2*
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002
101.INS*
Inline XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
* Filed herewith