EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1826011
Filing Year: 2025
Filename: 1826011_10-K_2025_0000950170-25-054303.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business.
Overview
Banzai International, Inc. (f/k/a 7GC & Co. Holdings Inc.) is a Software as a Service (“SaaS”) company operating in the marketing technology (“MarTech”) industry. We provide our customers with tools to help them market and sell with greater efficiency and impact. To date, Banzai has supported over 90,000 global customers, including entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies. Our customers include Amazon, Dell, Salesforce, Aflac, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and many other globally recognized brands.
Banzai grows in three ways: acquiring new customers through our sales and marketing efforts, expanding our platform through the development and acquisition of MarTech products, and cross-selling additional solutions to our existing customers. When evaluating acquisitions, we look for profitable businesses with customer profiles that align with our values and growth strategy. When considering additional products to purchase and offer, we look at customer satisfaction levels because we believe that is a good indicator of a product’s trajectory.
Our vision is to build a suite of mission-critical solutions that address a broad spectrum of customer needs. By integrating these tools, we aim to create efficiencies and unlock shared data and assets that power more advanced AI capabilities. Between the first quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, Banzai has acquired two companies, ClearDoc, Inc. (d/b/a OpenReel) and Vidello, Ltd. We also entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Act-On, Inc. Our platform currently includes several products, ranging across demand generation, webinar hosting, video creation and email newsletters.
We sell most of our products using a recurring subscription license model typical in SaaS businesses, with customer contracts that vary in term length from single months to multiple years. As of December 31, 2024, our customer base included over 3,070 customers operating in over 90 countries, across numerous different industries, including healthcare, financial services, e-commerce, technology, media and others. No single customer represents more than 1% of our revenue.
We were originally incorporated in Delaware in September 2020 as a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. Upon closing our initial business combination on December 14, 2023 (the “Business Combination”) pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of December 8, 2022, with Banzai Operating Co LLC (f/k/a Banzai International, Inc.) (“Legacy Banzai”), 7GC Merger Sub I, Inc. (“First Merger Sub”), and 7GC Merger Sub II, LLC (“Second Merger Sub”) (as amended by the Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 4, 2023, the “Merger Agreement”), we acquired Legacy Banzai. Legacy Banzai operates under the name “Banzai Operating Co Inc.” (the “Operating Company”) and is one of our two wholly owned subsidiaries. Legacy Banzai was incorporated in Delaware in September 2015. Our business operations are currently conducted by the Operating Company.
Industry Background and Trends
The MarTech industry has undergone rapid growth and transformation in recent years. As per the Winterberry Report (as hereinafter defined), it seems that as companies prioritize efficient growth, demand for MarTech solutions continues to rise-a trend we expect to accelerate amid increasing global competition and pressure to demonstrate profitability.
The MarTech landscape is vast and rapidly evolving, with over 14,000 vendors offering solutions across a broad spectrum of needs. According to the 2024 Marketing Technology Landscape report by ChiefMartec, the number of MarTech companies has grown by 27.8% year over year, reaching 14,106 providers. This fragmented ecosystem presents a significant opportunity for acquisitions and platform expansion. With so many vendors, competition is fierce, making it essential for Banzai to differentiate ourselves through exceptional products and customer service.
Market Size
We compete within the business-to-business (“B2B”) MarTech value chain, which encompasses functions including creating and distributing content, acquiring and nurturing leads, executing and optimizing campaigns, and managing and measuring performance.
In 2023, we engaged Verista Partners Inc., also known as Winterberry Group (“Winterberry”), to conduct a comprehensive analysis of our market opportunity within the MarTech sector. On April 14, 2023, Winterberry delivered a Strategic Due Diligence Assessment Report (the “Winterberry Report”) outlining our Total Addressable Market (TAM) and Serviceable Addressable Market (SAM). The TAM, defined as U.S. B2B spending across categories such as demand generation, marketing automation, digital events platforms, account-based marketing, CRM, engagement, content management systems, customer data platforms, measurement and attribution, and predictive and prescriptive analytics, is projected to reach $39.42 billion by 2026, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.80% from 2020 to 2026. The SAM, which includes U.S. B2B spending specifically on measurement and attribution, demand generation, and digital events platforms, is expected to reach $8.37 billion by 2026, representing a CAGR of 16.07% over the same period.
To calculate our estimated SAM and TAM, Winterberry started with the B2B MarTech stack from acquiring and nurturing leads to executing and optimizing campaigns to managing and measuring content, data and performance. Within that value chain, Winterberry identified which components were core to the Banzai business as of the date of the Winterberry Report (i.e., measurement and attribution, demand generation, and digital events platforms) and which would be natural adjacencies and future offerings (i.e., demand generation, marketing automation, digital events platforms, account-based marketing, customer relationship management, engagement, content management systems, customer data platforms, measurement and attribution, and predictive and prescriptive analytics). The identified core components make up our SAM, and both core components and adjacent and future offerings are included in our TAM. Winterberry then sized each component individually utilizing a range of sources estimating market spending and forecasted growth rates, including Winterberry proprietary models, as well as various other market research company products and forecasts. Depending on the estimate and whether it was global or included in B2B use cases, Winterberry utilized assumptions that 25% of spend is B2B and 33% of global spend is U.S.-specific.
The models provided by Winterberry were based on economic forecasts from government and private sector analysts as well as third-party media forecasts primarily provided by marketing agencies, governing bodies and associations, trade publications, and research analysts, all of which are subject to change. There are uncertainties inherent in attempting to make such projections and forecasts, and we encourage our stockholders and investors to perform their own investigation and carefully consider such uncertainties.
Products and Services
As of December 31, 2024, our platform offers five SaaS products: OpenReel, Demio, Boost, Curate, and Reach.
OpenReel
OpenReel is an AI-powered video creation platform that enables users to remotely record, edit, host, and share high-quality videos from any location. Its remote capture feature allows users to film professional-grade videos using devices like smartphones or webcams, without needing to be there in person. The platform offers AI-driven editing tools for seamless content refinement and customization, along with secure cloud storage for easy access and sharing. OpenReel's comprehensive solution streamlines the video production process, making it efficient and cost-effective for businesses and individuals.
CreateStudio
CreateStudio is a comprehensive video animation and editing software designed for both beginners and experienced creators. It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that allows users to produce a variety of content, including 3D character animations, explainer videos, social media ads, and doodle sketches. The platform provides a rich library of customizable templates, animated characters, royalty-free assets, and special effects, enabling the creation of professional-quality videos without the need for advanced technical skills. Notable features include 3D modeling, AI-powered text-to-speech, green screen editing, and dynamic camera movements. CreateStudio is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Vidello
Vidello is a comprehensive video hosting and marketing platform designed to help businesses manage, customize, and optimize their video content. It offers a customizable, fast-loading video player, along with features like A/B split testing,
dynamic variables, and automatic video SEO to enhance user engagement and conversion rates. Vidello also provides tools such as lower third animations, clickable links, buy buttons, email opt-in forms, and interactive video polls, enabling users to generate leads and drive sales directly within their videos. The platform supports seamless integration with various email autoresponders and is compatible with multiple website builders and membership platforms.
Demio
Demio is a browser-based webinar platform designed to help businesses create, host, and manage both live and automated webinars for thousands of attendees with ease. Its intuitive interface simplifies webinar setup, allowing users to customize registration pages, apply branding, and automate email reminders. Demio offers robust engagement tools-including real-time chat, polls, Q&A sessions, screen sharing, and multimedia presentations-enabling a highly interactive and professional experience. Businesses can host live sessions or schedule automated webinars to reach audiences at scale. A standout feature of this product is the Demio AI Moderator, which manages audience engagement in real time, answers key questions and ensures a smoother experience for attendees.
In addition to its core webinar functionality, Demio supports lead generation and marketing integration. It connects with CRM and marketing automation platforms, helping users streamline campaign workflows and improve follow-up. Customizable registration forms, in-webinar CTAs, and detailed analytics allow users to track attendee behavior, measure performance, and optimize webinar strategies. With the addition of AI-powered moderation and automation tools, Demio empowers businesses to deliver engaging, scalable webinars that drive lead capture, audience engagement, and sales conversion.
Boost
Boost is an add-on product integrated with Demio that helps customers increase webinar attendance by turning existing registrants into advocates. It enables attendees to share event registration links across platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and email, with built-in incentives to encourage referrals. Boost automates email notifications, provides customizable share pages, tracks link performance, and supports reward-based campaigns-all designed to simplify social sharing and drive additional signups. Its seamless integration with Demio ensures a smooth experience, helping customers amplify reach and grow webinar participation through word-of-mouth promotion.
Reach
Reach is a targeted outreach tool that helps customers boost their demand generation campaigns by connecting directly with their ideal audience. Reach generates tailored contact lists based on criteria like region, job title, company size, and revenue. It provides personalized outreach, confirmations and reminders to increase results across fourteen different campaign types including event attendance, newsletter subscriptions and opt-ins. Reach also supports privacy compliance with customizable opt-in language and allows users to include or exclude specific accounts for account-based marketing (ABM) strategies. With built-in list scrubbing to ensure high email deliverability, Reach enables customers to engage high-value leads they may not otherwise reach.
Curate
Curate by Banzai is an AI-driven newsletter platform designed to help brands grow their audience through fully automated targeted newsletters. By selecting relevant news feeds and topics, Curate automatically generates and sends engaging, branded newsletters on a daily or weekly basis, saving users significant time on content creation. The platform ensures seamless integration of a brand's voice, colors, and logo, delivering a cohesive look that resonates with the target audience. Additionally, Curate actively promotes newsletters to the ideal audience, facilitating consistent subscriber growth.
Product Roadmap and Enhancements
Improving our family of products is how we create more value for our customers and our product roadmap is an essential part of delivering on our vision of improving the value of customer interactions for companies throughout the world. The role of product management at Banzai is to identify and prioritize underserved and unmet customer and market needs and to use our deep technology experience to create products and features based on data and AI to increase customer value.
We have a unique management framework at Banzai that we feel is a core part of our success. We use this framework to align our cross-functional objectives around a set of strategies that we update as the needs of our business change. We use these
strategies to create alignment for our engineering, sales, and marketing teams. This helps us to work cohesively towards shared goals, maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of our efforts.
By prioritizing our customers in both product development and acquisitions, we demonstrate a commitment to addressing the evolving needs and expectations of the markets we serve. This customer-centric approach helps us maintain a competitive edge, as we continuously adapt our products and services to stay relevant. By identifying opportunities for new features, enhancements, and market segments, we can strategically plan and execute our growth initiatives, supporting our long-term sustainability and success.
Customer Expansion is key to our long-term vision. We believe our strategies support increasing the average amount of revenue we earn per customer per year (our average customer value or “ACV”) through development of features that are correlated with usage by higher value customers. We also develop add-on features and products that can be sold to our existing customers.
Research and Development Expenses
As a product-led company, we attain and maintain our competitive advantage through our investment in our products. Maintenance of existing products and development of new products are both essential to our long-term success. Therefore, our management team feels that significant investment in technology is required in the future. We plan to utilize a combination of in-house employees and development partners to maintain and improve our technology.
Our Growth Strategies
Our growth strategy is to expand our platform to make it more valuable to customers and find new ways to enhance a wider range of MarTech interactions. The key elements of our growth strategy are:
1.Cost Efficient Customer Acquisition: Continue to acquire new customers cost effectively through organic traffic, content, affiliates, social media, partnerships, advertising, word-of-mouth, and other sources.
2.Customer Retention and Expansion: Continue to expand our customer success and customer marketing organizations to increase customer retention and customer expansion.
3.Implement Product Improvements: Continue to develop our family of products to create defensibly differentiated solutions that are essential to customers.
4.Introduce New Products: Roll out new products that attract new customers and expand the ways we can serve existing customers.
5.Acquisition Strategy: Banzai has acquired two businesses as of March 31, 2025 - ClearDoc, Inc. (d/b/a OpenReel) and Vidello, Ltd. On January 23, 2025, the company announced a definitive agreement to acquire Act-On Software, Inc, subject to closing conditions. The Company will continue to look for future acquisition opportunities prioritizing companies that are profitable and have highly-rated solutions with customer bases that align with Banzai’s existing customer base.
OpenReel Merger
On December 18, 2024 (the “OR Closing Date”), we closed a merger (the “OR Merger”, the consummation of the Merger, the “OR Closing”) with ClearDoc, Inc., a Delaware corporation doing business as OpenReel (“OpenReel”), pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “OR Merger Agreement”), dated December 10, 2024, by and among the Company, OpenReel, certain stockholders of OpenReel (the “OpenReel Stockholders”), and Banzai Reel Acquisition, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Banzai (“Merger Sub”), that was formed solely for purposes of consummating the OR Merger. Upon Closing, the Merger Sub merged with and into OpenReel, with OpenReel being the surviving entity (the “Surviving Entity”) thereafter as our direct and wholly owned subsidiary named “OpenReel, Inc.”
OpenReel is a leading enterprise video creation and management solution that empowers companies to create high-quality content at scale and on brand. OpenReel enables businesses of all sizes to cut down on the time-and resource-intensive process of video creation and scale content creation initiatives efficiently, effectively, and securely. OpenReel is trusted by a wide range of customers from small businesses to the Fortune 500. OpenReel is based in New York, with its team distributed worldwide. OpenReel’s enterprise customer base includes global organizations, such as Bristol Myers Squibb, Ingram Micro, DXC Technology, Insider Inc., and US Steel. To learn more about the company, visit: www.openreel.com. The information
provided on OpenReel's website (or any other website referred to in this report) is not part of this Report and is not incorporated by reference as part of this Annual Report.
At the effective time of the OR Merger (the “Effective Time”), each share of capital stock of OpenReel issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than shares as to which dissenter’s rights have been properly exercised and certain other excluded shares) was converted into the right to receive Common Stock and pre-funded warrants, each exercisable for one (1) share of Common Stock at an exercise price of US$0.0001 (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”) issued in lieu thereof, in an amount equal to the quotient of $19,600,000 divided by the Conversion Price (as defined in the OR Merger Agreement) (the “OR Merger Consideration”).
The OR Merger Consideration consisted of an aggregate of 930,558 shares of Banzai Common Stock and 11,769,501 Pre-Funded Warrants. The shares of Common Stock and Pre-Funded Warrants issued by Banzai to the OpenReel Stockholders pursuant to the OR Merger Agreement were issued in reliance upon the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
To the extent that any OpenReel Stockholder’s receipt of shares of Common Stock as OR Merger Consideration would result in such OpenReel Stockholder, together with its affiliates, beneficially owning (as determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the rules promulgated thereunder) more than 9.99% of the Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately following the OR Closing (the “Beneficial Ownership Limitation”), we will issue to such OpenReel Stockholder OR Merger Consideration comprised of (i) such number of shares of Common Stock as may be issued without causing such OpenReel Stockholder to exceed the Beneficial Ownership Limitation and (ii) Pre-Funded Warrants exercisable for the number of shares of Common Stock that could not be issued to such OpenReel Stockholder due to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation.
The terms of the Pre-Funded Warrants provide that we cannot issue shares of Class A Common Stock to any holder of a Pre-Funded Warrant upon the exercise thereof to the extent that the number of shares to be issued pursuant to such exercise, taken together with the number of shares issued pursuant to the OpenReel Merger Agreement and the number of shares issued pursuant to the exercise of other Pre-Funded Warrants, would exceed 19.99% of number of shares of Class A Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the closing of the OR Merger (the “Nasdaq Ownership Limitation”). On February 28th, 2025, during the special meeting of shareholders, we obtained shareholder approval to issue all of the shares of Class A Common Stock underlying the Pre-Funded Warrants.
A copy of the OR Merger Agreement is filed herewith as Exhibit 2.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The above description of the OR Merger Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to such an exhibit. A copy of the form of the Pre-Funded Warrant is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.2 and is incorporated herein by reference. The above description of the Pre-Funded Warrants is qualified in its entirety by reference to such exhibit.
In connection with and as a condition to closing under the OR Merger Agreement, on the OR Closing Date, we executed and delivered to each OpenReel Stockholder a registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, Banzai agreed to register for resale following the Closing, the shares representing the OR Merger Consideration.
In connection with and as a condition to closing under the OR Merger Agreement, on the OR Closing Date, the Company issued one (1) share of series FE preferred stock, par value US$0.0001 per share (the “Series FE Preferred Stock”), to one of the OpenReel Stockholders, FE IV OR Aggregator, LLC, and filed the certificate of designation (the “Certificate of Designation”) of such Series FE Preferred Stock with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
Immediately prior to the OR Closing, the directors and officers of OpenReel tendered their resignation, effective upon the OR Closing. Joseph P. Davy was appointed as the sole director and President of the Surviving Entity, and Alvin Yip was appointed as Secretary and Treasurer, all of which are effective upon the OR Closing.
Vidello Acquisition
On January 31, 2025, the Company closed on the Vidello Limited acquisition, a private limited company registered in England and Wales for approximately $2.7 million in cash ($2,500,000 are withheld for indemnification expenses and other holdback provisions in accordance with the Acquisition Agreement, the “Cash Consideration”) and 898,204 shares of Banzai Class A Common Stock, pursuant to an Acquisition Agreement (the “Acquisition Agreement”), dated December 19, 2024, by and among the Company, Vidello, and certain shareholders of Vidello (the “Vidello Shareholders”). Vidello Shareholders transferred all the outstanding shares of Vidello to the Company, therefore, Vidello became a direct and wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company. The Share Consideration to the Vidello Shareholders pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement were issued in reliance upon the exemption from registration provided by Regulation D as promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
Vidello provides a suite of products for 3D video creation, royalty free music, and video marketing, with over $6.5 million in TTM revenue, $2 million in TTM EBITDA, with such operating results expected to reduce the combined company in operating losses to approximately $1.3 million per year.
Act-On Merger
On January 22, 2025, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Act-On Merger Agreement”) with Act-On Software Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Act-On”), and Banzai Passage Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Banzai (“Act-On Merger Sub”) that was formed solely for purposes of consummating the transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement (the “Act-On Merger”). Pursuant to the Act-On Merger Agreement, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth therein, upon closing of the Act-On Merger, Act-On will merge with and into the Act-On Merger Sub, with Act-On surviving the Act-On Merger (the “Surviving Entity”), thereafter being a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Banzai. The Closing of the Act-On Merger is subject to customary conditions, including (1) (A) adoption of the Act-On Merger Agreement by the Act-On Stockholders that hold the requisite percentage necessary to approve the Act-On Merger under Act-On’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and (B) approval of the Transaction by the Company’s board of directors, (2) authorization for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market of the shares of Class A Common Stock to be issued in the Act-On Merger, subject to official notice of issuance, and (3) the absence of any order, injunction, decree or other legal restraint preventing the completion of the Act-On Merger or making the completion of the Act-On Merger illegal. Each party’s obligation to complete the Act-On Merger is also subject to certain additional customary conditions, including subject to certain exceptions, the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the other party and performance in all material respects by the other party of its obligations under the Act-On Merger Agreement. The Act-On Merger Agreement also contains customary representations, warranties, and indemnities of Banzai and Act-On. Although the Company cannot guarantee that the Act-On Merger will close, the Company expects all of the closing conditions to be satisfied or waived, and to close the transaction in Q2 2025.
As part of its Open Marketing Ecosystem, the Act-On platform offers native integrations with all major CRM systems, to be vendor-agnostic without being indifferent. A separate version for agencies has an agency dashboard to centrally manage multiple client campaigns and is sold at a lower bulk price. Act-On also promotes its agency partners and third-party applications on the Act-On Partner Exchange (APEX), manages an educational resource called the Act-On Center of Excellence (ACE) and provides professional services.
Sales and Marketing
Our primary focus is on increasing mid-market and enterprise customers. Progress towards this is reflected in our acquisition of OpenReel, adding their 650 customers to the overall Banzai customer base, as well as our increase in multi-host Demio customers from 12 to 163 between January 2021 and December, 2024, an approximately 14-fold increase.
As a product-led growth company, we utilize a hybrid self-service and direct sales go-to-market approach. Our self-service customers subscribe to or purchase directly from our product websites or start free product trials which can lead to a later paid subscription or purchase. Our direct sales customers subscribe or purchase through sales representatives, who are compensated with a base salary and typically participate in incentive plans such as commissions or bonuses.
Trials, customers, and leads come from organic website visitors, affiliates and partners, and visitors from paid ads such as Google ads. We also utilize partner marketing, account-based marketing, lead generation programs, webinars, and other direct and indirect marketing activities to reach our target audience and acquire leads and customers.
We sell most of our products using a recurring subscription license model typical in SaaS businesses. Pricing is based on the number of users, desired feature sets, and product capabilities. Our customer contracts vary in term length from single months to multiple years. Our customers often purchase additional services to supplement their initial subscriptions by including additional licenses or products.
Competition, Strengths, and Differentiation
We compete across a variety of categories within the B2B MarTech landscape including digital events and webinars, demand generation, video creation, engagement platforms and marketing automation, and measurement and attribution.
We believe our strengths are our recognizable brand, and the brands of our products, our existing customers, which can be cross-sold additional products, and our operational competency in customer success, which allows us to more effectively leverage our customer base to drive expansion.
We seek to differentiate ourselves from the crowded MarTech market through data, either as a primary value proposition or an enabling feature, integrations between our products which already exist and are being developed, and AI and machine learning to deliver new capabilities or improved performance for our customers.
Intellectual Property
To establish and protect our proprietary rights, we rely on a combination of trademarks and trade secrets, including know-how, license agreements, confidentiality procedures, non-disclosure agreements with third parties, employee disclosure and invention assignment agreements, and other contractual rights. As of December 31, 2024, we held three registered trademarks in the United States: “Banzai”, "Demio" and "OpenReel". For more information regarding risks related to our intellectual property, please see “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Business and Industry-Failure to protect or enforce our intellectual property rights could harm our business and results of operations” and “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Business and Industry-Third parties may initiate legal proceedings alleging that we are infringing or otherwise violating their intellectual property rights, the outcome of which would be uncertain and could harm our business.”
Government Regulation
We are subject to federal, state, and foreign legal requirements on matters customary to the SaaS and MarTech industries such as data privacy and protection, employment and labor relations, immigration, taxation, anti-corruption, import/export controls, trade restrictions, internal and disclosure control obligations, securities regulation, and anti-competition considerations.
Regarding privacy and communications, we are subject to the following regulatory standards and laws: the GDPR, CCPA, Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 (CAN-SPAM), and others that may apply in the various regions in which we operate.
Violations of one or more of these diverse legal requirements in the conduct of our business could result in significant fines and other damages, criminal sanctions against us or our officers, prohibitions on doing business and damage to our reputation. Violations of these regulations or contractual obligations related to regulatory compliance in connection with the performance of customer contracts could also result in liability for significant monetary damages, fines and/or criminal prosecution, unfavorable publicity and other damage to our reputation, restrictions on our ability to compete for certain work and allegations by our customers that we have not performed our contractual obligations. To date, we have not experienced material fines or penalties related to these regulations.
Employees and Management
As of December 31, 2024, we had 28 full-time employees, 0 part-time employees, and 44 contractors.
Our culture is unique and an important contributor to our success. Our culture allows us to scale our business by attracting and retaining great people who are aligned to our values. Having shared values enables our team members to make independent decisions, encourages accountability, and fosters collaboration. Our culture is defined by four core values:
1.Learning. Technology and marketing are constantly changing. We value learning because adaptation is essential to delivering the best solutions for our customers. Our team members are open-minded, critical-thinkers who are willing to disagree, try new things, and change their minds when warranted.
2.Serving Others. Nothing happens without our customers. We value Serving Others because serving customers is the reason we exist. Our team members prioritize the needs of our customers, our team, and our communities.
3.Game Changing. To succeed in a competitive marketplace, we have to deliver impactful solutions for our customers. Our team members find creative solutions, raise the bar, take risks, and help our customers realize more successful outcomes.
4.“10,000 Years.” To achieve long-term success, we must plan and act with the end goal in mind. We value the symbolism of the term “10,000 Years” (the literal translation of the Japanese word “Banzai”), because it reminds us that we’re building for the future-to something greater than what we see today-and that each day we’re contributing toward that vision.
Business Combination
We were originally known as 7GC & Co. Holdings Inc. On December 14, 2023, 7GC consummated the Business Combination with Legacy Banzai pursuant to the Merger Agreement. In connection with the Closing of the Business Combination, 7GC changed its name to Banzai International, Inc. Legacy Banzai was deemed to be the accounting acquirer in the Mergers based on an analysis of the criteria outlined in Accounting Standards Codification 805. While 7GC was the legal acquirer in the Mergers, because Legacy Banzai was deemed the accounting acquirer, the historical financial statements of Legacy Banzai became the historical financial statements of the combined company upon the consummation of the Mergers. The Business Combination is described in further detail in the section titled “Business” beginning on page 77.
Reverse Stock Split
On August 29, 2024, we held a special meeting of securityholders (the “Special Meeting”). At the Special Meeting, the Company’s securityholders approved the proposal to amend our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split with respect to the Company’s issued and outstanding Class A Common Stock, at a ratio of up to 1-for-50, with the final ratio and exact timing to be determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors. On September 10, 2024, our Board determined to effect a reverse stock split at a ratio of 1-for-50 (the “Stock Split”), and filed an amendment to our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effect same; the Stock Split was implemented on September 19, 2024. A copy of the amendment is filed as Exhibit 3.3 attached hereto.
Nasdaq Listing
Due to prior noncompliance with certain Nasdaq listing rules, we had a hearing before The Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”), on September 19, 2024. Following that hearing, the Panel determined to phase our Common Stock down from The Nasdaq Global Market to The Nasdaq Capital Market. As of October 31, 2024, our Common Stock trades on The Nasdaq Capital Market, under the same symbol, BNZI.
On October 18, 2024, the Company received a letter from Nasdaq stating that the Company has regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1) (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”) by maintaining a minimum closing bid price of the Company’s common stock (the “Common Stock”) of $1.00 or greater per share for the 10 consecutive business days, from September 19, 2024 through October 18, 2024, and that the Minimum Bid Price Requirement matter is now closed. The Company must still regain compliance with Listing Rule 5450(b)(2)(A) (the (“Market Value of Listed Securities”).
On November 7, 2024, the Company also received a letter from the staff at Nasdaq in relation to a letter from April 3, 2024, notifying the Company that, for the 10 consecutive trading days, from October 24, 2024 to November 6, 2024, the Company's MVPHS had been $1,000,000 or greater, and as such the staff determined that the Company had regained compliance with Listing Rule 5550(a)(5) and the matter was closed.
On November 7, 2024, Nasdaq determined that for the 10 consecutive trading days, from October 24, 2024 to November 6, 2024, the Company’s MVPHS has been $1,000,000 or greater and therefore the Company regained compliance with Listing Rule 5550(a)(5) (the equivalent of Listing Rule 5450(b)(2)(A) for the Capital Markets) and the matter is closed.
On February 12, 2025, the Company received a letter from the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, Office of the General Counsel that Nasdaq’s Listing Qualifications staff confirmed that the Company has demonstrated compliance with all of The Nasdaq Stock Market’s listing requirements and therefore the Company’s securities will remain listed on the Exchange. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain compliance with Nasdaq listing standards. Please see “Risk Factors” for more information.
Available Information
We file with, or furnish to, the SEC reports, including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. These reports are available free of charge via EDGAR through the SEC website (www.sec.gov) and are also available free of charge on our corporate website (https://ir.banzai.io/financial-information/sec-filings) as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The foregoing website addresses are provided as inactive textual references only. The information provided on our website (or any other website referred to in this report) is not part of this Report and is not incorporated by reference as part of this Annual Report.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Investing in our securities involves risks. Before you make a decision to buy or sell our securities, in addition to the risks and uncertainties discussed above under “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” above, you should carefully consider the specific risks set forth herein. If any of these risks actually occur, it may materially harm our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. As a result, the market price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. Additionally, the risks and uncertainties described in this Annual Report are not the only risks and uncertainties that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may become material and adversely affect our business.
Risks Factors Summary
The following is a summary of the principal risks that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations in future periods. The summary should be read together with the more detailed description of each risk factor described below.
Risks Related to our Business and Industry
•We have incurred significant operating losses in the past and may never achieve or maintain profitability.
•We have a limited operating history with our current offerings, which makes it difficult to evaluate our current and future business prospects and increases the risk of your investment.
•Our revenue growth rate depends on existing customers renewing and maintaining or expanding their subscriptions, and if we fail to retain our customers at current or expanded subscriptions, our business will be harmed.
•If we are unable to attract new customers on a cost-effective basis, our business will be harmed.
•If we fail to effectively manage our growth, our business, results of operations, and financial condition may be harmed.
•We may be unable to successfully execute on our growth initiatives, business strategies, or operating plans.
•If the assumptions, analyses, and estimates upon which our forecasts, projections and outlook are based prove to be incorrect or inaccurate, our actual results may differ materially from those forecasted or projected.
•If we fail to attract and retain qualified personnel, our business could be harmed.
•Our management team has a limited history working together operating the Company and, as a result, our past results may not be indicative of future operating performance.
•We may not successfully develop or introduce new and enhanced products that achieve market acceptance, or successfully integrate acquired products or services with our existing products, and our business could be harmed and our revenue could suffer as a result.
•If we do not adequately fund our development efforts, we may not be able to compete effectively and our business and operating results may be harmed.
•Our acquisitions of, and investments in, other businesses, products, or technologies may not yield expected benefits and our inability to successfully integrate acquisitions may negatively impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
•We face significant competition from both established and new companies offering marketing, sales, and engagement software and other related applications, as well as internally developed software, which may harm our ability to add new customers, retain existing customers, and grow our business.
•Our business, results of operations, and financial condition may fluctuate on a quarterly and annual basis, which may result in a decline in our stock price if such fluctuations result in a failure to meet any projections that we may provide or the expectations of securities analysts or investors.
•Because we recognize revenue from subscriptions for our product offerings over the terms of the subscriptions, our financial results in any period may not be indicative of our financial health and future performance.
•Our sales cycle can be lengthy and unpredictable, which may cause our operating results to vary significantly.
•Covenant restrictions in our existing or future debt instruments may limit our flexibility to operate and grow our business, and if we are not able to comply with such covenants or pay amounts when due, our lenders could accelerate our indebtedness, proceed against certain collateral or exercise other remedies, which could have a material adverse effect on us.
•The impacts of geopolitical, macroeconomic, and market conditions, including pandemics, epidemics and other public health crises, have had, and may continue to have, a significant effect on our industry, which in turn affects how we and our customers are operating our respective businesses. Our business is susceptible to declines or disruptions in the demand for meetings and events, including those due to economic downturns, natural disasters, geopolitical upheaval, and global pandemics.
•Cybersecurity and data security breaches and ransomware attacks may create financial liabilities for us, damage our reputation, and harm our business.
•Privacy and data security laws and regulations could impose additional costs and reduce demand for our solutions.
•Our product offerings, solutions, and internal systems, as well as external internet infrastructure, may be subject to disruption that could harm our reputation and future sales or result in claims against us.
•Undetected defects in our product offerings could harm our reputation or decrease market acceptance of our product offerings, which would harm our business and results of operations.
•We rely on internet infrastructure, bandwidth providers, data center providers, other third parties, and our own systems for providing solutions to our customers, and any failure or interruption in the services provided by these third parties or our own systems could expose us to litigation and negatively impact our relationships with customers, adversely affecting our brand and our business.
•If we fail to effectively maintain and enhance our brands, our business may suffer.
•Our ability to use our net operating loss to offset future taxable income may be subject to certain limitations.
•We need to continue making significant investments in software development and equipment to improve our business.
•Adverse litigation results could have a material adverse impact on our business.
•Failure to protect or enforce our intellectual property rights could harm our business and results of operations.
•Third parties may initiate legal proceedings alleging that we are infringing or otherwise violating their intellectual property rights, the outcome of which would be uncertain and could harm our business.
•Our use of open source software could adversely affect our ability to offer our solutions and subject us to possible litigation.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Securities
•In order to support the growth of our business and repay our indebtedness, we will need to seek capital through new equity or debt financings or incur additional indebtedness under our credit facilities, which sources of additional capital may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all.
•Future sales of shares of Class A Common Stock may depress their stock price.
•Issuances of shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to any Advances under the SEPA (as defined below), exercise of the GEM Warrant (as defined below) and conversion of any amounts under the Notes would result in substantial dilution of our stockholders and may have a negative impact on the market price of our Class A Common Stock.
•Nasdaq (as defined below) may delist our securities from trading on its exchange, which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities and subject us to additional trading restrictions.
•If our Class A Common Stock ceases to be listed on a national securities exchange it will become subject to the so-called “penny stock” rules that impose restrictive sales practice requirements.
•Our dual class common stock structure has the effect of concentrating voting power with our Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Joseph Davy, which limits an investor’s ability to influence the outcome of important transactions, including a change in control.
•We cannot predict the impact our dual class structure will have on the market price of Class A Common Stock.
•As a “controlled company” within the meaning of Nasdaq listing rules, we qualify for exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements and have the opportunity to elect to avail ourselves of any of the exemptions afforded a controlled company. If we elect to rely on some of these exemptions, our stockholders will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such requirements.
•The market price of Class A Common Stock is likely to be highly volatile, and you may lose some or all of your investment.
•Volatility in the price of Class A Common Stock could subject us to securities class action litigation.
•If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about us, or publish negative reports, then our stock price and trading volume could decline.
•We will incur increased costs and demands upon management as a result of complying with the laws and regulations affecting public companies, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
•We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If we are unable to remediate these material weaknesses, or if we identify additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition or results of operations, which may adversely affect our business and stock price.
•Our executive officers, directors, and holders of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock collectively beneficially own approximately 65.31% of the outstanding Class A Common Stock and have substantial control over us, which will limit your ability to influence the outcome of important transactions, including a change in control.
•It is not currently anticipated that we will pay dividends on shares of Class A Common Stock, and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation, if any, in the market price of Class A Common Stock.
•The Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) and our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (“Charter”) and Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (“Bylaws”) contain certain provisions, including anti-takeover provisions, that limit the ability of stockholders to take certain actions and could delay or discourage takeover attempts that stockholders may consider favorable.
•Our Charter designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and, to the extent enforceable, the federal district courts of the United States of America as the exclusive forums for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which restricts our stockholders’ ability to choose the judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or employees.
•The exclusive forum clause set forth in the Warrant Agreement may have the effect of limiting an investor’s rights to bring legal action and could limit the investor’s ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum.
•We are an emerging growth company and smaller reporting company, and we cannot be certain if the reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and smaller reporting companies will make our shares less attractive to investors.
•If our estimates or judgments relating to our critical accounting policies prove to be incorrect or financial reporting standards or interpretations change, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
•The Warrants may never be in the money and they may expire worthless and therefore we may not receive cash proceeds from the exercise of the Warrants. The terms of the warrants may be amended in a manner adverse to a holder if holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding public warrants approve of such amendment.
•We may redeem your unexpired Public Warrants prior to their exercise at a time that is disadvantageous to you, thereby making your Public Warrants worthless.
•We may issue additional shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, including under our equity incentive plan. Any such issuances would dilute the interest of our stockholders and likely present other risks.
•Sales of a substantial number of shares of Class A Common Stock in the public market pursuant to our effective registration statement could reduce the market price of Class A Common Stock.
•If certain holders of the Class A Common Stock sell a significant portion of their securities, it may negatively impact the market price of the shares of the Class A Common Stock and such holders still may receive significant proceeds.
Risks Related to our Business and Industry
We have incurred significant operating losses in the past and may never achieve or maintain profitability.
We have incurred significant operating losses since our inception, including operating losses of $13.5 million, and $9.8 million, in the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. We expect our costs will increase substantially in the foreseeable future and our losses will continue as we expect to invest significant additional funds towards growing our business and operating as a public company and as we continue to invest in increasing our customer base, expanding our operations, hiring additional sales and other personnel, developing future products, and potentially acquiring complementary technology and businesses. These efforts may prove more expensive than we currently anticipate, and we may not succeed in increasing our revenue sufficiently to offset these higher expenses. We are unable to accurately predict when, or if, we will be able to achieve profitability. Even if we achieve profitability in the future, we may not be able to sustain profitability in subsequent periods. To date, we have financed our operations principally from the sale of our equity, revenue from sales, and the incurrence of indebtedness. Our cash flow from operations was negative for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and we may not generate positive cash flow from operations in any given period. If we are not able to achieve or maintain positive cash flow in the long term, we may require additional financing, which may not be available on favorable terms or at all and/or which would be dilutive to our stockholders. If we are unable to successfully address these risks and challenges as we encounter them, our business may be harmed. Our failure to achieve or maintain profitability or positive cash flow could negatively impact the value of our Common Stock.
There is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, and holders of our securities could suffer a total loss of their investment. We may need to raise additional capital to continue our operations. Such capital may not be available to us or may not be available at terms we deem acceptable, either of which could reduce our ability to compete and could negatively affect our business.
Management has concluded, and the report of our auditors included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K reflect, that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern within 12 months after the date of this Report. The reaction of investors to the inclusion of a going concern statement by management and our auditors and our potential inability to continue as a going concern may materially adversely affect the price of our publicly traded securities and our ability to raise new capital or enter into partnerships. If we are unable to continue as a going concern, we may have to liquidate our assets and may receive less than the value at which those assets are carried on our financial statements, and it is likely that investors will lose all or part of their investment. Further, the perception that we may be unable to continue as a going concern may impede our ability to pursue strategic opportunities or operate our business due to concerns regarding our ability to fulfill our contractual obligations. In addition, if there remains substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, investors or other financing sources may be unwilling to provide additional funding to us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve our forecast or to raise additional capital in sufficient amounts or on favorable terms, or at all. If we are unable to meet or exceed our forecast or raise adequate additional capital when required or in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to us, we may have to significantly reduce expenses, sell assets (potentially at a loss), cease operations altogether, pursue an acquisition of our company at a price that may result in up to a total loss on investment for our securityholders, file for bankruptcy or seek other protection from creditors, or liquidate all of our assets.
We have a limited operating history with our current offerings, which makes it difficult to evaluate our current and future business prospects and increases the risk of your investment.
While we served our first customer in 2017 (operating as Legacy Banzai), we have significantly altered our product offerings over the past few years and our limited operating history with respect to our current product offerings makes it difficult to effectively assess or forecast our future prospects. Legacy Banzai was a marketing technology (“MarTech”) company that produced data-driven marketing and sales solutions for businesses of all sizes; in 2021, we acquired Demio, a webinar platform startup, and integrated Demio’s platform into our service offerings, and in 2023, we launched Boost, a tool used by Demio customers to enhance participation in their Demio webinars; since then, we have acquired additional products and services that differ from our original business. For example, in 2024 we acquired ClearDoc, Inc., d/b/a OpenReel, a video creation and management solution and in 2025 we acquired Vidello Ltd., a video hosting and marketing suite. You should consider our business and prospects in light of the risks and difficulties we encounter or may encounter. These risks and difficulties include our ability to cost-effectively acquire new customers, retain existing customers, and expand the scope of the platform we sell to new and existing customers. Furthermore, in pursuit of our growth strategy, we may enter into new partnerships to further penetrate our targeted markets and adoption of our solutions, but it is uncertain whether these efforts will be successful. If we fail to address the risks and difficulties that we may face, including those associated with the challenges listed above, our business, prospects, financial condition, and operating results may be materially and adversely harmed. It is difficult to predict our future revenues and appropriately budget for our expenses, and we have limited insight into trends that may emerge and affect our business. In the event that actual results differ from our estimates or we adjust our estimates in future periods, our operating results and financial position could be materially affected.
Our revenue growth rate depends on existing customers renewing and maintaining or expanding their subscriptions, and if we fail to retain our customers at current or expanded subscriptions, our business will be harmed.
Our customers have no obligation to renew their subscriptions for our product offerings after the expiration of their subscription periods. Our customers may not renew. Our renewal and reactivation rates may decline because of a number of factors, including, among other things, customer dissatisfaction, customers’ spending levels, decreased return on investment, increased competition, or pricing changes. If our customers do not renew their subscriptions or downgrade the products purchased under their subscriptions, our revenue may decline and our business may be harmed. We also face customer retention issues associated with mergers and acquisitions. Acquiring businesses and integrating acquired businesses presents significant business risk, including the risk of lost customers. In the past, we have seen varying customer renewal rates, and our forecast for future customer renewals may not materialize. Our future success also depends in part on existing customers expanding their subscriptions. If our efforts to sell upgrades to our customers are not successful, it may decrease our revenue growth rate.
If we are unable to attract new customers on a cost-effective basis, our business will be harmed.
To grow our business, we must continue to grow our customer base in a cost-effective manner. Increasing our customer base and achieving broader market acceptance of our product offerings will depend, to a significant extent, on our ability to effectively expand our sales and marketing activities. We may not be able to recruit qualified personnel, train them to perform, and achieve an acceptable level of sales production from them on a timely basis or at all. In addition, the cost to attract new customers may increase as we market our existing and new products to different market segments. If we are unable to maintain effective sales and marketing activities, our ability to attract new customers could be harmed, our sales and marketing expenses could increase substantially, and our business may be harmed. Further, to the extent there is a sustained general economic downturn and our customers and potential customers experience delays or reductions in general customer engagement technology spending, potential customers may be unwilling to take on the additional cost associated with adopting our product offerings as an alternative to their existing products or service providers, and if they choose to adopt our products, they may not purchase additional products and services in the future due to budget limitations.
If we fail to effectively manage our growth, our business, results of operations, and financial condition would likely be harmed.
We expect to continue to experience growth in our headcount and operations, which will continue to place significant demands on our management and our administrative, operational, and financial reporting resources. Our growth will require hiring additional employees and making significant expenditures, particularly in sales and marketing but also in our technology, professional services, finance, and administration teams. Our recent acquisitions also present significant business risk, including the risk of lost customers and revenue, and the risk of increased legal, management, and regulatory expenses. Our ability to effectively manage our growth will require the allocation of management and employee resources along with improvements to operational and financial controls and reporting procedures and systems. Our expenses may increase more than we plan, and
we may fail to hire qualified personnel, expand our customer base, enhance our existing products, develop new products, integrate any acquisitions, satisfy the requirements of our existing customers, respond to competitive challenges, or otherwise execute our strategies. If we are unable to effectively manage our growth, our business, results of operations, and financial condition would likely be harmed.
We may be unable to successfully execute on our growth initiatives, business strategies, or operating plans.
We are continually executing on growth initiatives, strategies, and operating plans designed to enhance our business and extend our existing and future offerings to address evolving needs. The anticipated benefits from these efforts are based on several assumptions that may prove to be inaccurate. Moreover, we may not be able to successfully complete these growth initiatives, strategies, and operating plans and realize all of the benefits, including growth targets and cost savings, that we expect to achieve, or it may be more costly to do so than we anticipate. A variety of risks could cause us not to realize some or all of the expected benefits. These risks include, among others, delays in the anticipated timing of activities related to such growth initiatives, strategies, and operating plans, increased difficulty and cost in implementing these efforts, including difficulties in complying with new regulatory requirements, the incurrence of other unexpected costs associated with operating our business, and lack of acceptance by our customers. Moreover, our continued implementation of these programs may disrupt our operations and performance. As a result, we cannot assure you that we will realize these benefits. If, for any reason, the benefits we realize are less than our estimates or the implementation of these growth initiatives, strategies, and operating plans adversely affect our operations or cost more or take longer to effectuate than we expect, or if our assumptions prove inaccurate, our business may be harmed.
Any forecasts, projections or outlook we may provide are based upon certain assumptions, analyses, and estimates. If these assumptions, analyses, or estimates prove to be incorrect or inaccurate, our actual results may differ materially from those forecasted or projected.
Any forecasts, projections or outlook, including projected annual recurring revenue, revenue growth, cost of goods sold, operating expense, gross margin, and anticipated organic and inorganic growth, are subject to significant uncertainty and are based on certain assumptions, analyses, and estimates, including with reference to third-party forecasts, any or all of which may prove to be incorrect or inaccurate. These may include assumptions, analyses, and estimates about future pricing, and future costs, all of which are subject to a wide variety of business, regulatory, and competitive risks and uncertainties. If these assumptions, analyses, or estimates prove to be incorrect or inaccurate, our actual results may differ materially from those forecasted or projected, and may adversely affect the value of our Common Stock.
If we fail to attract and retain qualified personnel, our business could be harmed.
Our success depends in large part on our ability to attract, integrate, motivate, and retain highly qualified personnel at a reasonable cost on the terms we desire, particularly sales and marketing personnel, software developers, and technical and customer support. Competition for skilled personnel, particularly in the technology industry, is intense and we may not be successful in attracting, motivating, and retaining needed personnel. We also may be unable to attract or integrate into our operations qualified personnel on the schedule we desire. We have from time to time experienced, and we expect to continue to experience, difficulty in attracting, integrating, motivating, and retaining highly qualified personnel, which could harm our business. In addition, dealing with the loss of the services of our executive officers or other key personnel and the process to replace any of our executive officers or other key personnel may involve significant time and expense, take longer than anticipated, and significantly delay or prevent the achievement of our business objectives, which may harm our business.
Our management team has a limited history working together operating the Company and, as a result, our past results may not be indicative of future operating performance.
We have a limited history working together operating the Company, which makes it difficult to forecast our future results. Our strategy of acquiring and integrating new operating businesses further compounds this risk. You should not rely on our past quarterly operating results as indicators of future performance. In addition, you should consider and evaluate our prospects in light of the risks and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in rapidly evolving markets like ours, as well as the information included in this Report.
We may not successfully develop or introduce new and enhanced products that achieve market acceptance, or successfully integrate acquired products or services with our existing products, and our business could be harmed and our revenue could suffer as a result.
Our ability to attract new customers and increase revenue from existing customers will likely depend upon the successful development, introduction, and customer acceptance of new and enhanced versions of our product offerings and on our ability to integrate any products and services that we may acquire, as well as our ability to add new functionality and respond to technological advancements. Moreover, if we are unable to expand our product offerings, our customers could migrate to competitors. Our business could be harmed if we fail to deliver new versions, upgrades, or other enhancements to our existing products to meet customer needs on a timely and cost-effective basis. Unexpected delays in releasing new or enhanced versions of our product offerings, or errors following their release, could result in loss of sales, delay in market acceptance, or customer claims against us, any of which could harm our business. The success of any new product depends on several factors, including timely completion, adequate quality testing, and market acceptance. We may not be able to develop new products successfully or to introduce and gain market acceptance of new solutions in a timely manner, or at all. If we are unable to develop new applications or products that address our customers’ needs, or to enhance and improve our product offerings in a timely manner, we may not be able to maintain or increase customer use of our products.
Our ability to introduce new products and features is dependent on adequate development resources. If we do not adequately fund our development efforts, we may not be able to compete effectively and our business and operating results may be harmed.
To remain competitive, we must continue to develop new product offerings, applications, features, and enhancements to our existing product offerings. Maintaining adequate development personnel and resources to meet the demands of the market is essential. If we are unable to develop our product offerings internally due to certain constraints, such as high employee turnover, lack of management ability, or a lack of other research and development resources, we may miss market opportunities. Further, many of our competitors expend a considerably greater amount of funds on their development programs, and those that do not may be acquired by larger companies that would allocate greater resources to our competitors’ development programs. Our failure to maintain adequate development resources or to compete effectively with the development programs of our competitors could materially adversely affect our business.
Our acquisitions of, and investments in, other businesses, products, or technologies may not yield expected benefits and our inability to successfully integrate acquisitions may negatively impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
In the past, we have pursued acquisitions of technology and expertise to enhance the products and services we offer. For example, in 2021, we acquired webinar platform startup Demio and integrated Demio’s platform into our service offerings. We anticipate that we will continue to make acquisitions of or investments in businesses, products, and technologies in the future. We may not realize the anticipated benefits, or any benefits, from our past or future acquisitions. In addition, if we finance acquisitions by incurring debt or by issuing equity or convertible or other debt securities, our then-existing stockholders may be diluted or we could face constraints related to the repayment of indebtedness. To the extent that the acquisition consideration is paid in the form of an earnout on future financial results, the success of such an acquisition will not be fully realized by us for a period of time as it is shared with the sellers. Further, if we fail to properly evaluate and execute acquisitions or investments, our business and prospects may be harmed and the value of your investment may decline. For us to realize the benefits of past and future acquisitions, we must successfully integrate the acquired businesses, products, or technologies with ours. Some of the challenges to successful integration of our acquisitions include:
•unanticipated costs or liabilities resulting from our acquisitions;
•retention of key employees from acquired businesses;
•difficulties integrating acquired operations, personnel, technologies, or products;
•diversion of management attention from existing business operations and strategy;
•diversion of resources that are needed in other parts of our business, including integration of other acquisitions;
•potential write-offs of acquired assets;
•inability to maintain relationships with customers and partners of the acquired businesses;
•difficulty of transitioning acquired technology and related infrastructures into our existing product offerings;
•difficulty maintaining security and privacy standards of acquired technology consistent with our existing products;
•potential financial and credit risks associated with the acquired businesses or their customers;
•the need to implement internal controls, procedures, and policies at the acquired companies;
•the need to comply with additional laws and regulations applicable to the acquired businesses; and
•the income and indirect tax impacts of any such acquisitions.
Our failure to address these risks or other problems encountered in connection with our past or future acquisitions and investments could cause us to fail to realize the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions or investments and negatively impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We may not be able to find attractive targets for future acquisitions.
Our strategy of growing by acquiring and integrating businesses may prove to be more challenging due to market conditions including lack of attractive acquisition targets, challenges financing acquisitions, challenges negotiating acceptable terms for acquisitions, and challenges working with present management of newly acquired businesses. There is no guarantee we will be able to make future acquisitions or if we do, that we will be able to successfully integrate them into our other product offerings, or will be operated effectively under new management. This could adversely impact our business and our stock price.
We face significant competition from both established and new companies offering marketing, sales, and engagement software and other related applications, as well as internally developed software, which may harm our ability to add new customers, retain existing customers, and grow our business.
The marketing, sales, customer service, operations, and engagement software market is evolving, highly competitive, and significantly fragmented. With the introduction of new technologies and the potential entry of new competitors into the market, we expect competition to persist and intensify in the future, which could harm our ability to increase sales, maintain or increase renewals, and maintain our prices.
We face intense competition from other software companies that develop marketing, sales, customer service, operations, and engagement management software and from marketing services companies that provide interactive marketing services. Competition could significantly impede our ability to sell subscriptions to our products on terms favorable to us. Our current and potential competitors may develop and market new technologies that render our existing or future products less competitive or obsolete. In addition, if these competitors develop products with similar or superior functionality to our platform, we may need to decrease the prices or accept less favorable terms for our platform subscriptions in order to remain competitive. If we are unable to maintain our pricing due to competitive pressures, our margins will be reduced and our operating results will be negatively affected.
Our competitors include:
•Adobe, Vimeo, Zoom, and GoToWebinar with respect to video platforms;
•Mailchimp and Constant Contact with respect to email marketing; and
•Marketo, Hubspot, and Braze with respect to marketing automation platforms.
We compete across five distinct categories within the B2B (as defined below) MarTech landscape: digital events and webinars, demand generation, creative development, engagement platforms and marketing automation, and measurement and attribution. Our current and potential competitors within any or all of such categories may have significantly more financial, technical, marketing, and other resources than we have, be able to devote greater resources to the development, promotion, sale, and support of their products and services, may have more extensive customer bases and broader customer relationships than we have, and may have longer operating histories and greater name recognition than we have. As a result, these competitors may respond faster to new technologies and undertake more extensive marketing campaigns for their products. In a few cases, these vendors may also be able to offer additional software at little or no additional cost by bundling it with their existing suite of applications. To the extent any of our competitors has existing relationships with potential customers for either marketing software or other applications, those customers may be unwilling to purchase our products because of their existing relationships with our competitor. If we are unable to compete with such companies, the demand for our product offerings could substantially decline.
In addition, if one or more of our competitors were to merge or partner with another of our competitors, our ability to compete effectively could be adversely affected. Our competitors may also establish or strengthen cooperative relationships with our current or future strategic distribution and technology partners or other parties with whom we have relationships, thereby limiting our ability to promote and implement our product offerings. We may not be able to compete successfully against current or future competitors, and competitive pressures may harm our business.
Our business, results of operations, and financial condition may fluctuate on a quarterly and annual basis, which may result in a decline in our stock price if such fluctuations result in a failure to meet any projections that we may provide or the expectations of securities analysts or investors.
Our operating results have in the past and could in the future vary significantly from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year and may fail to match our past performance, our projections, or the expectations of securities analysts because of a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control and, as a result, should not be relied upon as an indicator of future performance. As a result, we may not be able to accurately forecast our operating results and growth rate. Any of these events could cause the market price of Common Stock to fluctuate. Factors that may contribute to the variability of our operating results include:
•our ability to attract new customers and retain existing customers;
•the financial condition of our current and potential customers;
•changes in our sales and implementation cycles;
•introductions and expansions of our product offerings, offerings, or challenges with their introduction;
•changes in our pricing or fee structures or those of our competitors;
•the timing and success of new offering introductions by us or our competitors or any other change in the competitive landscape of our industry;
•increases in operating expenses that we may incur to grow and expand our operations and to remain competitive;
•our ability to successfully expand our business;
•breaches of information security or privacy;
•changes in stock-based compensation expenses;
•the amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures related to the expansion of our business;
•adverse litigation judgments, settlements, or other litigation-related costs;
•the cost and potential outcomes of ongoing or future regulatory investigations or examinations, or of future litigation;
•changes in our effective tax rate;
•our ability to make accurate accounting estimates and appropriately recognize revenue for our existing and future offerings;
•changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations, or principles;
•instability in the financial markets;
•general economic conditions, both domestic and international;
•volatility in the global financial markets;
•political, economic, and social instability, including terrorist activities and outbreaks of public health threats, such as coronavirus, influenza, or other highly communicable diseases or viruses, and any disruption these events may cause to the global economy; and
•changes in business or macroeconomic conditions.
The impact of one or more of the foregoing and other factors may cause our operating results to vary significantly. As such, we believe that quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year comparisons of our operating results may not be meaningful and should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance.
Because we recognize revenue from subscriptions for our product offerings over the terms of the subscriptions, our financial results in any period may not be indicative of our financial health and future performance.
We generally recognize revenue from subscription fees paid by customers ratably over the terms of their subscription agreements. As a result, most of the subscription revenue we report in each quarter is the result of agreements entered into
during previous quarters. Consequently, a decline in new or renewed subscriptions in any one quarter will not be fully reflected in our revenue results for that quarter. Any such decline, however, will negatively affect our revenue in future quarters. Our subscription model also makes it difficult for us to rapidly increase our revenue through additional sales in any period, as subscription revenue from new customers must be recognized over the applicable subscription terms.
Our sales cycle can be lengthy and unpredictable, which may cause our operating results to vary significantly.
Our sales cycle, which is the time between initial contact with a potential new customer and the ultimate sale to that customer, is often lengthy and unpredictable. Potential new customers typically spend significant time and resources evaluating product offering solutions, which requires us to expend substantial time, effort, and money educating them about the value of our platform. Accordingly, it is difficult for us to forecast when or if a sale will close or the size of any specific sales to new customers. In addition, customers may delay their purchases from one quarter to another as they wait for us to develop new features, assess their budget constraints, or forecast future business activity. Any delay in closing, or failure to close, sales in a particular quarter or year could significantly harm our projected growth rates and could cause our operating results to vary significantly.
Covenant restrictions in our existing or future debt instruments may limit our flexibility to operate and grow our business, and if we are not able to comply with such covenants or pay amounts when due, our lenders could accelerate our indebtedness, proceed against certain collateral or exercise other remedies, which could have a material adverse effect on us.
On February 19, 2021, we entered into the Loan Agreement with CP BF. The Loan Agreement contains a number of provisions that impose operating and financial restrictions which, subject to certain exceptions, limit our ability to, among other things: incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make distributions or redeem or repurchase our securities, make certain investments, grant liens on assets, sell or dispose of any material assets; and acquire the assets of, or merge or consolidate with, other companies. Additionally, the Loan Agreement contains affirmative covenants that require to us take, and have taken by certain dates, specific actions, some of which have not been satisfied. As a result, on August 24, 2023, we entered into the Original Forbearance Agreement, as amended by the Forbearance Amendment dated as of December 14, 2023, under which we acknowledged that we were in default of several obligations and such holder acknowledged such defaults and agreed, subject to certain conditions, not to exercise any right or remedy under the Loan Agreement, including its right to accelerate the aggregate amount outstanding under the Loan Agreement, until June 14, 2024.
Complying with these covenants, as well as those that may be contained in any future debt agreements, may limit our ability to finance our future operations or working capital needs or to take advantage of future business opportunities. Our ability to comply with these covenants will depend on our future performance, which may be affected by events beyond our control. If we do not maintain and regain compliance with our continuing obligations or any covenants, terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement, after the expiration of the Forbearance Agreement, we could be in default and required to repay outstanding borrowings on an accelerated basis, which could subject us to decreased liquidity and other negative impacts on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In the case of an event of default, we may not have sufficient funds available to make the required payments under the Loan Agreement and may not be able to borrow sufficient funds to refinance the Loan Agreement. Even if new financing is available, it may not be on terms that are acceptable to us. If we are unable to repay amounts owed under the terms of the Loan Agreement, our Lender may choose to exercise its remedies in respect to the collateral, including a foreclosure of their lien (which may result in a sale of certain of our assets to satisfy our obligations under the Loan Agreement or ultimately in a bankruptcy or liquidation). The foregoing would materially and adversely affect the ongoing viability of our business.
The impacts of geopolitical, macroeconomic, and market conditions, including pandemics, epidemics and other public health crises, have had, and may continue to have, a significant effect on our industry, which in turn affects how we and our customers are operating our respective businesses. Our business is susceptible to declines or disruptions in the demand for meetings and events, including those due to economic downturns, natural disasters, geopolitical upheaval, and global pandemics.
The macroeconomic impacts of geopolitical events, such as pandemics, inflation, labor shortages, lack of access to capital, lack of consumer confidence, supply chain disruptions, and market volatility can pose risks to our and our customers’ business. Uncertainty about the duration of these negative macroeconomic conditions have impacted fiscal and monetary policy, including increases in interest rates, increased labor costs, and decreased corporate and consumer spending. The effects from a broadening or protracted extension of these conditions could result in a decrease in overall economic activity, hinder economic growth, or cause a recession in the United States or in the global economy. We sell our products throughout the United States, as well as in several international countries, commercial and non-profit customers. As a result, our business may be harmed by
factors in the United States and other countries such as disruptions in financial markets; reductions in spending, or downturns in economic activity in specific countries or regions, or in the various industries in which we operate; social, political, or labor conditions in specific countries or regions; or adverse changes in the availability and cost of capital, interest rates, tax rates, or regulations. Further economic weakness and uncertainty may result in significantly decreased spending on our event marketing and management solutions, which may adversely affect harm our business.
Our business depends on discretionary corporate spending. Negative macroeconomic conditions may adversely affect our customers’ businesses and reduce our customers’ operating expense budgets, which could result in reduced demand for our product offerings or cancellations, increased demands for pricing accommodations or higher rates of delays in collection of, or losses on, our accounts receivable, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position. During periods of economic slowdown and recession, consumers have historically reduced their discretionary spending, and our ability to sign new customers, and to upsell to and renew contracts with our existing customers may be significantly impacted. Additionally, challenging economic conditions also may impair the ability of our customers to pay for products and services they have purchased. As a result, our cash flow may be negatively impacted and our allowance for credit losses and write-offs of accounts receivable may increase. If we are unable to offset any decrease in revenue by increasing sales to new or existing customers, or otherwise offset higher costs through price increases, our revenue may decline. The extent to which the ongoing impacts of these negative macroeconomic conditions will impact our business, results of operations, and financial position is uncertain and will depend on political, social, economic, and regulatory factors that are outside of our control, including actions that may be taken by regulators and businesses (including our customers) in response to the macroeconomic uncertainty. Our business and financial performance may be unfavorably impacted in future periods if a significant number of our customers are unable to continue as viable businesses or they significantly reduce their operating budgets, or if there is a reduction in business confidence and activity, a decrease in government, corporate and consumer spending, or a decrease in growth in the overall market, among other factors.
Our business and financial performance are affected by the health of the worldwide meetings and events industry. Meetings and events are sensitive to business-related discretionary spending levels and tend to grow more slowly or even decline during economic downturns. Decreased expenditures by marketers and participants could also result in decreased demand for our product offerings, thereby causing a reduction in our sales. The impact of economic slowdowns on our business is difficult to predict, but has and may continue to result in reductions in events and our ability to generate revenue.
Cybersecurity and data security breaches and ransomware attacks may create financial liabilities for us, damage our reputation, and harm our business.
Our customers provide us with information that our solutions store, some of which is confidential information. In addition, we store personal information about our employees. We have security systems and information technology infrastructure designed to protect against unauthorized access to such information and money, but we may not be successful in protecting against all security breaches and cyber-attacks. Threats to and breaches of our information technology security can take various forms, including viruses, worms, ransomware, and other malicious software programs, or actions or omissions by an employee. Significant cybersecurity or data security breaches could result in the loss of business, litigation, regulatory investigations, loss of customers, and penalties that could damage our reputation and adversely affect the growth of our business.
In some cases, we must rely on the safeguards put in place by third parties to protect against security threats. These third parties, including vendors that provide products and services for our operations and our network of business application providers, could also be a source of security risk to us in the event of a failure of their own security systems and infrastructure, whether unintentionally or through a malicious backdoor. We do not review the software code included in third-party integrations in all instances.
Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, sabotage systems, or otherwise access data and/or data backups change frequently and generally are not recognized until launched against a target, we or these third parties have been and, in the future, may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. With the increasing frequency of cyber-related frauds to obtain inappropriate payments, we need to ensure our internal controls related to authorizing the transfer of funds are adequate. We may also be required to expend resources to remediate cyber-related incidents or to enhance and strengthen our cyber security. Any of these occurrences could create liability for us, put our reputation in jeopardy, and harm our business.
Privacy and data security laws and regulations could impose additional costs and reduce demand for our solutions.
We store and transmit personal information relating to our employees, customers, prospective customers, and other individuals, and our customers use our technology platform to store and transmit a significant amount of personal information
relating to their customers, vendors, employees, and other industry participants. Federal, state, and foreign government bodies and agencies have adopted, and are increasingly adopting, laws and regulations regarding the collection, use, processing, storage, and disclosure of personal or identifying information obtained from customers and other individuals. These obligations have and will likely continue to increase the cost and complexity of delivering our services.
In addition to government regulation, privacy advocates and industry groups may propose various self-regulatory standards that may legally or contractually apply to our business. As new laws, regulations, and industry standards take effect, and as we offer new services in new markets, market segments and, potentially, new industries, we will need to understand and comply with various new requirements, which may impede our plans for growth or result in significant additional costs. These laws, regulations, and industry standards have had, and will likely continue to have, negative effects on our business, including by increasing our costs and operating expenses, and/or delaying or impeding our deployment of new or existing core functionality. Failure to comply with these laws, regulations, and industry standards could result in negative publicity, subject us to fines or penalties, expose us to litigation, or result in demands that we modify or cease existing business practices. Furthermore, privacy and data security concerns may cause our customers’ customers, vendors, employees, and other industry participants to resist providing the personal information necessary to allow our customers to use our applications effectively, which could reduce overall demand for our product offerings. Any of these outcomes could harm our business.
Our product offerings, solutions, and internal systems, as well as external internet infrastructure, may be subject to disruption that could harm our reputation and future sales or result in claims against us.
Because our operations involve delivering engagement solutions to our customers through a cloud-based software platform, our continued growth depends in part on the ability of our platform and related computer equipment, third-party data centers, infrastructure, and systems to continue to support our product offerings. In addition, in delivering our products to customers, we are reliant on internet infrastructure limitations. In the past, we have experienced temporary and limited platform disruptions, outages in our product functionality, and degraded levels of performance due to human and software errors, file corruption, and first and third-party capacity constraints associated with the number of customers accessing our products simultaneously. While our past experiences have not materially impacted us, in the future we may face more extensive disruptions, outages, or performance problems. In addition, malicious third parties may also conduct attacks designed to sabotage, impede the performance, or temporarily deny customers access to, our product offerings. If an actual or perceived disruption, outage, performance problem, or attack occurs, it could harm our reputation and the market perception of our product offerings; divert the efforts of our technical and management personnel; impair our ability to operate our business; cause us to lose customer information; or harm our customers’ businesses. Any of these events may increase non-renewals, limit our ability to acquire new customers, result in delayed or withheld payments from customers, or result in claims against us.
Undetected defects in our product offerings could harm our reputation or decrease market acceptance of our product offerings, which would harm our business and results of operations.
Our product offerings may contain undetected defects, such as errors or bugs. We have experienced such defects in the past in connection with new solutions and solution upgrades, and we expect that such defects may be found from time to time in the future. Despite testing by us, defects may not be found in our product offerings until they are deployed to or used by our customers. In the past, we have discovered software defects in our product offerings after they have been deployed to customers.
Defects, disruptions in service, or other performance problems may damage our customers’ business and could hurt our reputation. We may be required, or may choose, for customer relations or other reasons, to expend additional resources to correct actual or perceived defects in our product offerings. If defects are detected or perceived to exist in our product offerings, we may experience negative publicity, loss of competitive position, or diversion of the attention of our key personnel; our customers may delay or withhold payment to us or elect not to renew their subscriptions; other significant customer relations problems may arise; or we may be subject to liability claims for damages. A material liability claim or other occurrence that harms our reputation or decreases market acceptance of our product offerings may harm our business and results of operations.
We rely on internet infrastructure, bandwidth providers, data center providers, other third parties, and our own systems for providing solutions to our customers, and any failure or interruption in the services provided by these third parties or our own systems could expose us to litigation and negatively impact our relationships with customers, adversely affecting our brand and our business.
Our ability to deliver our solutions is dependent on the development and maintenance of the infrastructure of the Internet and other telecommunications services by third parties. We currently host our technology platform, serve our customers and members, and support our operations primarily using third-party data centers and telecommunications solutions, including
cloud infrastructure services such as Amazon Web Services (“AWS”) and Google Cloud. We do not have control over the operations of the facilities of our data center providers, AWS, or Google Cloud. These facilities are vulnerable to damage or interruption from earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, cyber security attacks, terrorist attacks, power losses, telecommunications failures, and other events. The occurrence of a natural disaster or an act of terrorism, a decision to close the facilities without adequate notice, or other unanticipated problems could result in lengthy interruptions in our product offerings. The facilities also could be subject to break-ins, computer viruses, sabotage, intentional acts of vandalism, and other misconduct. Any errors, failures, interruptions, or delays experienced in connection with these third-party technologies and information services or our own systems could negatively impact our relationships with customers and harm our business and could expose us to third-party liabilities.
For some of these services, we may not maintain redundant systems or facilities. Our technology platform’s continuing and uninterrupted performance is critical to our success. Members may become dissatisfied by any system failure that interrupts our ability to provide our solutions to them. We may not be able to easily switch our AWS and Google Cloud operations to another cloud service provider if there are disruptions or interference with our use of AWS or Google Cloud. Sustained or repeated system failures would reduce the attractiveness of our technology platform to customers and members and result in contract terminations, thereby reducing revenue. Moreover, negative publicity arising from these types of disruptions could damage our reputation and may adversely impact use of our existing and future offerings. We may not carry sufficient business interruption insurance to compensate us for losses that may occur as a result of any events that cause interruptions in our service. Neither our third-party data and call center providers nor AWS or Google Cloud have an obligation to renew their agreements with us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If we are unable to renew our agreements with these providers on commercially reasonable terms, if our agreements with our providers are prematurely terminated, or if in the future we add additional data or call center providers or cloud service providers, we may experience costs or downtime in connection with the transfer to, or the addition of, new providers. If these providers were to increase the cost of their services, we may have to increase the price of our existing and future offerings. Any such increased costs or pricing may have a negative effect on our customer relationships and may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
If we fail to effectively maintain and enhance our brands, our business may suffer.
We believe that continuing to strengthen our brands will be critical to achieving widespread acceptance of our product offerings and will require continued focus on active marketing efforts. Our brand awareness efforts will require continued investment across our business, particularly as we introduce new solutions that we develop or acquire and as we continue to expand in new markets. Brand promotion activities may not yield increased revenue, and even if they do, any increased revenue may not offset the expenses incurred in building our brand. If we fail to promote and maintain our brands, or if we incur substantial expense in an unsuccessful attempt to promote and maintain our brand, our business could be harmed.
Any failure to offer high-quality customer support services could adversely affect our relationships with our customers and our operating results.
Our customers depend on our support to assist with their needs. We may be unable to accurately predict our customers’ demand for services or respond quickly enough to accommodate short-term increases in customer or member demand for services. Increased customer demand for our product offerings, without a corresponding increase in productivity or revenue, could increase costs and adversely affect our operating results. Any failure to maintain high-quality customer support, or a market perception that we do not maintain high-quality customer support, could adversely affect our reputation, our ability to sell our product offerings to existing and prospective customers, our relationships with third parties and our ability to form new partnerships, and our business and operating results.
Our ability to use our net operating loss to offset future taxable income may be subject to certain limitations.
We have incurred substantial losses during our history and do not expect to become profitable in the near future and may never achieve profitability. Under current U.S. federal income tax law, unused losses for the tax year ended December 31, 2017 and prior tax years will carry forward to offset future taxable income, if any, until such unused losses expire, and unused federal losses generated after December 31, 2017 will not expire and may be carried forward indefinitely, but will be only deductible to the extent of 80% of current year taxable income in any given year. Many states have similar laws.
In addition, both current and future unused net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards and other tax attributes may be subject to limitation under Sections 382 and 383 of the Code, if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change,” generally defined as a greater than 50 percentage point change (by value) in equity ownership by certain stockholders over a rolling three-year period. Additional ownership changes in the future could result in additional limitations on our NOL carryforwards.
Consequently, even if we achieve profitability, we may not be able to utilize a material portion of our NOL carryforwards and other tax attributes, which could have a material adverse effect on cash flow and results of operations.
We may need to make significant investments in software development and equipment to improve our business.
To improve the scalability, security, performance, efficiency, availability, and failover aspects of our product offerings, and to support the expansion of our product offerings and stay competitive, we may need to make significant capital equipment expenditures and also invest in additional software and infrastructure development. If we experience increasing demand in subscriptions, we may not be able to augment our infrastructure quickly enough to accommodate such increasing demand. To reach the goal of supporting the increasing demand, we will need additional capital to make the investments in software development and equipment either through operations or through financing. Additionally, we are continually updating our software, creating expenses for us. We may also need to review or revise our software architecture and user experience as we grow, which may require significant resources and investments. Any of these factors could negatively impact our business and results of operations.
Adverse litigation results could have a material adverse impact on our business.
We are, have been, and may be involved in regulatory and government investigations and other proceedings, involving competition, intellectual property, data security and privacy, bankruptcy, tax and related compliance, labor and employment, commercial disputes, and other matters. Such claims, suits, actions, regulatory and government investigations, and other proceedings can impose a significant burden on management and employees, could prevent us from offering one or more of our products, services, or features to customers, could require us to change our technology or business practices, or could result in monetary damages, fines, civil or criminal penalties, reputational harm, or other adverse consequences. Adverse outcomes in some or all of these claims may result in significant monetary damages or injunctive relief that could adversely affect our ability to conduct our business. Litigation and other claims are subject to inherent uncertainties and management’s view of the materiality or likely outcome of any such matters may change in the future. A material adverse impact in our consolidated financial statements could occur for the period in which the effect of an unfavorable outcome becomes probable and reasonably estimable.
Failure to protect or enforce our intellectual property rights could harm our business and results of operations.
To establish and protect our proprietary rights, we rely on a combination of trademarks and trade secrets, including know-how, license agreements, confidentiality procedures, non-disclosure agreements with third parties, employee disclosure and invention assignment agreements, and other contractual rights. As of December 31, 2024, we held three registered trademarks in the United States: “Banzai”, "Demio" and "OpenReel". We believe that our intellectual property is an essential asset of our business. If we do not adequately protect our intellectual property, our brand and reputation could be harmed and competitors may be able to use our technologies and erode or negate any competitive advantage we may have, which could harm our business, negatively affect our position in the marketplace, limit our ability to commercialize our technology, and delay or render impossible our achievement of profitability. A failure to protect our intellectual property in a cost-effective and meaningful manner could have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete. We regard the protection of our intellectual property as critical to our success.
We strive to protect our intellectual property rights by relying on federal, state, and common law rights and other rights provided under foreign laws. These laws are subject to change at any time and could further restrict our ability to protect or enforce our intellectual property rights. In addition, the existing laws of certain foreign countries in which we operate may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States.
We generally enter into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees and contractors, and confidentiality agreements with other parties, with whom we conduct business in order to limit access to, and disclosure and use of, our proprietary information. However, we may not be successful in executing these agreements with every party who has access to our confidential information or contributes to the development of our intellectual property.
The agreements that we execute may be breached, and we may not have adequate remedies for any such breach. These contractual arrangements and the other steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property may not prevent the misappropriation of our intellectual property or deter independent development of similar intellectual property by others.
Obtaining and maintaining effective intellectual property rights is expensive, including the costs of monitoring unauthorized use of our intellectual property and defending our rights. We make business decisions about when to seek patent protection for a particular technology and when to rely upon trade secret protection, and the approach we select may ultimately
prove to be inadequate. We strive to protect certain of our intellectual property rights through filing applications for trademarks, patents, and domain names in a number of jurisdictions, a process that is expensive and may not be successful in all jurisdictions. However, there is no assurance that any resulting patents or other intellectual property rights will adequately protect our intellectual property, or provide us with any competitive advantages. Moreover, we cannot guarantee that any of our pending patent or trademark applications will issue or be approved. Even where we have intellectual property rights, they may later be found to be unenforceable or have a limited scope of enforceability. In addition, we may not seek to pursue such protection in every jurisdiction. The United States Patent and Trademark Office also requires compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment, and other similar provisions during the patent application process and after a patent has issued. Noncompliance with such requirements and processes may result in abandonment or lapse of the patent or patent application, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. In such an event, our competitors might be able to develop and commercialize substantially similar and competing applications, which would harm our business.
We believe it is important to maintain, protect, and enhance our brands. Accordingly, we pursue the registration of domain names and our trademarks and service marks in the United States. Third parties may challenge our use of our trademarks, oppose our trademark applications, or otherwise impede our efforts to protect our intellectual property in certain jurisdictions. In the event that we are unable to register our trademarks in certain jurisdictions, we could be forced to rebrand our solutions, which would result in loss of brand recognition and could require us to devote resources to advertising and marketing new brands. Our competitors and others could also attempt to capitalize on our brand recognition by using domain names or business names similar to ours. Domain names similar to ours have been registered in the United States and elsewhere. We may be unable to prevent third parties from acquiring or using domain names and other trademarks that infringe on, are similar to, or otherwise decrease the value of, our brands, trademarks, or service marks. We also may incur significant costs in enforcing our trademarks against those who attempt to imitate our brand and other valuable trademarks and service marks.
In order to protect our intellectual property rights, we may be required to spend significant resources to monitor and protect these rights. We may not be able to detect infringement or unauthorized use of our intellectual property rights, and defending or enforcing our intellectual property rights, even if successfully detected, prosecuted, enjoined, or remedied, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources. Litigation has in the past and may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights, protect our proprietary rights, or determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights claimed by others. Any litigation of this nature, regardless of outcome or merit, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management and technical resources, any of which could harm our business. Furthermore, our efforts to enforce our intellectual property rights may be met with defenses, counterclaims, countersuits, and adversarial proceedings such as oppositions, inter partes review, post-grant review, re-examination, or other post-issuance proceedings, that attack the validity and enforceability of our intellectual property rights. An adverse determination of any litigation proceeding could adversely affect our ability to protect the intellectual property associated with our product offerings. Further, because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, there is a risk that some of our confidential or sensitive information could be compromised by disclosure in the event of litigation. In addition, during the course of litigation there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions, or other interim proceedings or developments. If securities analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, it could have a substantial adverse effect on the price of Common Stock. If we fail to maintain, protect, and enhance our intellectual property rights, our business may be harmed and the market price of Common Stock could decline.
Our competitors also may independently develop similar technology that does not infringe on or misappropriate our intellectual property rights. The laws of some foreign countries may not be as protective of intellectual property rights as those in the United States, and mechanisms for enforcement of intellectual property rights may be inadequate. Effective patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret protection may not be available to us in every country in which our solutions or technology are developed. Further, legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability, and scope of protection of intellectual property rights are uncertain. The laws in the United States and elsewhere change rapidly, and any future changes could adversely affect us and our intellectual property. Our failure to meaningfully protect our intellectual property could result in competitors offering solutions that incorporate our most technologically advanced features, which could seriously reduce demand for existing and future offerings.
Third parties may initiate legal proceedings alleging that we are infringing or otherwise violating their intellectual property rights, the outcome of which would be uncertain and could harm our business.
Our success depends in part on our ability to develop and commercialize our offerings and use our proprietary technology without infringing the intellectual property or proprietary rights of third parties. Intellectual property disputes can be costly to defend and may cause our business, operating results, and financial condition to suffer. As the MarTech industry in the United States expands and more patents are issued, the risk increases that there may be patents issued to third parties that relate to our offerings and technology of which we are not aware or that we must challenge to continue our operations as currently
contemplated. Whether merited or not, we may face allegations that we, our partners, our licensees, or parties indemnified by us have infringed or otherwise violated the patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights of third parties. Such claims may be made by competitors seeking to obtain a competitive advantage or by other parties.
Additionally, in recent years, individuals and groups have begun purchasing intellectual property assets for the purpose of making claims of infringement and attempting to extract settlements from companies like ours. We may also face allegations that our employees have misappropriated the intellectual property or proprietary rights of their former employers or other third parties. It may in the future be necessary for us to initiate litigation to defend ourselves in order to determine the scope, enforceability, and validity of third-party intellectual property or proprietary rights, or to establish our respective rights. Regardless of whether claims that we are infringing patents or other intellectual property rights have merit, such claims can be time-consuming, divert management’s attention and financial resources, and can be costly to evaluate and defend. Results of any such litigation are difficult to predict and may require us to stop commercializing or using our solutions or technology, obtain licenses, modify our solutions and technology while we develop non-infringing substitutes, or incur substantial damages, settlement costs, or face a temporary or permanent injunction prohibiting us from marketing or providing the affected solutions. If we require a third-party license, it may not be available on reasonable terms or at all, and we may have to pay substantial royalties, upfront fees, or grant cross-licenses to intellectual property rights for our solutions. We may also have to redesign our solutions so that they do not infringe third-party intellectual property rights, which may not be possible or may require substantial monetary expenditures and time, during which our technology and solutions may not be available for commercialization or use. Even if we have an agreement to indemnify us against such costs, the indemnifying party may be unable to uphold its contractual obligations. If we cannot or do not obtain a third-party license to the infringed technology, license the technology on reasonable terms, or obtain similar technology from another source, our revenue and earnings could be adversely impacted.
From time to time, we have been and may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business with respect to intellectual property. Some third parties may be able to sustain the costs of complex litigation more effectively than we can because they have substantially greater resources. Even if resolved in our favor, litigation or other legal proceedings relating to intellectual property claims may cause us to incur significant expenses and could distract our technical and management personnel from their normal responsibilities. In addition, there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions, or other interim proceedings or developments, and if securities analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, it could have a material adverse effect on the price of Common Stock. Moreover, any uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of any legal proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our ability to raise the funds necessary to continue our operations. Assertions by third parties that we violate their intellectual property rights could therefore harm our business.
Our use of open source software could adversely affect our ability to offer our solutions and subject us to possible litigation.
We use open source software in connection with our existing offerings and may continue to use open source software in connection with our future offerings. Some of these licenses contain requirements that we make available source code for modifications or derivative works we create based upon the open source software, and that we license such modifications or derivative works under the terms of a particular open source license or other license granting third-parties certain rights of further use. By the terms of certain open source licenses, we could be required to release the source code of our proprietary software and to make our proprietary software available under open source licenses, if we combine and/or distribute our proprietary software with open source software in certain manners. Although we monitor our use of open source software, we cannot be sure that all open source software is reviewed prior to use in our proprietary software, that our programmers have not incorporated open source software into our proprietary software, or that they will not do so in the future. Additionally, the terms of many open source licenses to which we are subject have not been interpreted by U.S. or foreign courts.
There is a risk that open source software licenses could be construed in a manner that imposes unanticipated conditions or restrictions on our ability to provide our existing and future offerings to our customers and members. In addition, the terms of open source software licenses may require us to provide software that we develop using such open source software, to others, including our competitors, on unfavorable license terms. As a result of our current or future use of open source software, we may face claims or litigation, be required to release our proprietary source code, pay damages for breach of contract, re-engineer our technology, discontinue sales in the event re-engineering cannot be accomplished on a timely basis, or take other remedial action that may divert resources away from our development efforts, any of which could harm our business.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Securities
In order to support the growth of our business and repay our indebtedness, we will need to seek capital through new equity or debt financings or incur additional indebtedness under our credit facilities, which sources of additional capital may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all.
Our operations have consumed substantial amounts of cash since inception, and we intend to continue to make significant investments to support our business growth, respond to business challenges or opportunities, develop new applications and solutions, enhance our existing product offerings, enhance our operating infrastructure, and acquire complementary businesses and technologies. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, Legacy Banzai's net cash used in operating activities was $9.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, Legacy Banzai had $1.1 million and $2.1 million of cash, respectively, which were held for working capital purposes. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, Legacy Banzai had borrowings of $8.9 million and $16.2 million, respectively, outstanding under its term loans and promissory notes.
Our future capital requirements may be significantly different from previous estimates and will depend on many factors, including the need to:
•finance unanticipated working capital requirements;
•develop or enhance our technological infrastructure and our existing product offerings;
•fund strategic relationships, including joint ventures and co-investments;
•fund additional implementation engagements;
•respond to competitive pressures; and
•acquire complementary businesses, technologies, products, or services.
Accordingly, we may need to engage in equity or debt financing to secure additional funds. We entered into the SEPA with an entity managed by Yorkville to provide liquidity to us after the Business Combination, but there can be no guarantee that we will be able to affect any advances under the SEPA or to secure additional financing on favorable terms, or at all. To the extent that cash on hand and cash generated from operations are not sufficient to fund capital requirements, or if we do not meet the conditions to sell shares to Yorkville under the SEPA, we may require proceeds from asset sales, additional debt, equity financing, or alternative financing structures. Additional financing may not be available on favorable terms, or at all.
If we raise additional funds through further issuances of equity or convertible debt securities, including shares of Common Stock issued in connection with advances under the SEPA or upon exercise of the GEM Warrant (as defined below), our existing stockholders could suffer significant dilution, and any new equity securities we issue could have rights, preferences, and privileges superior to those of holders of shares of our Common Stock. Any debt financing secured by us in the future could involve additional restrictive covenants relating to our capital-raising activities and other financial and operational matters, which may make it more difficult for us to obtain additional capital and to pursue business opportunities, including potential acquisitions. In addition, during times of economic instability, it has been difficult for many companies to obtain financing in the public markets or to obtain debt financing, and we may not be able to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. If we are unable to obtain adequate financing or financing on terms satisfactory to us when we need or want it, it could harm our business.
Future sales of shares of Common Stock may depress their stock price.
Future sales of shares of Common Stock in the public market, including the resale of shares pursuant to our effective registration statements or pursuant to Rule 144, could depress the stock price. See “Sales of a substantial number of shares of Common Stock in the public market pursuant to our registration statements could reduce the market price of Common Stock.”
In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, we and certain stockholders of Legacy Banzai, including Legacy Banzai’s officers, directors, and certain holders of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Legacy Banzai Common Stock as of the date of the Merger Agreement, entered into the lock-up agreements effective as of the Closing Date (the “Lock-Up Agreements”). Pursuant to the Lock-Up Agreements, such stockholders agree not to, without our prior written consent (subject to certain exceptions): (i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, any shares of Common Stock held by him, her, or it immediately after the Closing, any shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options to purchase shares, or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock held by him, her, or it immediately after such closing, (ii) enter into any swap or other
arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any of such shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or (ii) until 180 days after the Closing.
However, equity holders not subject to a lock-up and, following the expiration of the applicable lock-up periods, such equity holders referred to above will not be restricted from selling shares of our Common Stock held by them, other than by applicable securities laws, and sales could occur at any time and such sales could depress the stock price.
Issuances of shares of our Common Stock pursuant to any Advances under the SEPA and conversion of any amounts under the Yorkville Promissory Notes, exercise of the GEM Warrant and conversion of any amounts under the GEM Promissory Note, and conversion of any amounts under the Senior Convertible Notes would result in substantial dilution of our stockholders and may have a negative impact on the market price of our Common Stock.
At Closing of the 7GC merger, the Senior Convertible Notes and the obligation to issue the GEM Warrant automatically became our obligation. On December 15, 2023, we issued the GEM Warrant, exercisable into 16,571 shares of Common Stock at an initial exercise price of $324.50 per share, which was later adjusted to $1.83 per share, pursuant to the adjustment provisions of the GEM Warrant. GEM may exercise the GEM Warrant or redemption (the “GEM Warrant”) at any time and from time to time until December 14, 2026.
On February 5, 2024, we issued the GEM Promissory Note, which is convertible upon nonpayment of and in lieu of a monthly payment in the amount of $100,000, payable for ten months on the first of the month starting on March 1, 2024. The GEM Promissory Note provides for the issuance of shares of Common Stock at a conversion price equal to the VWAP of the trading day immediately preceding the applicable payment due date. As of the date of this Report, we have issued an aggregate of 190,000 shares of Common Stock to GEM in lieu of monthly payment obligations for a total of $784,943. The remaining balance of $215,057 was settled in cash and there is no outstanding balance as of April 10, 2025.
Further, the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Senior Convertible Notes, to the extent exercised, converted and issued, would impose significant dilution on our stockholders. As of the date of this report, up to 2,223,671 additional shares of Common Stock may be issued assuming full conversion (and no adjustments to the conversion price thereof) of the Senior Convertible Notes, which would reflect approximately 14.76% of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock as of April 10, 2025 after giving effect to such issuance.
Pursuant to the SEPA, subject to certain conditions and Yorkville’s right to require issuances while its promissory notes are outstanding, we have the option, but not the obligation, to sell to Yorkville, and Yorkville will subscribe for, an aggregate amount of up to $100,000,000 of shares of Common Stock, at our request any time during the commitment period terminating on the 36-month anniversary of the Original SEPA; provided that any Advance Notice may only be made if (x) no amount remains outstanding on the Yorkville Promissory Notes, (y) there is an effective Resale Registration Statement filed with the SEC for the resale under the Securities Act, of the shares of Common Stock to be issued pursuant to such Advance Notice, and (z) other customary conditions precedent are satisfied. The price at which we may issue and sell shares pursuant to an Advance under the SEPA may be at either (a) Pricing Option 1 or (b) Pricing Option 2, provided that we are subject to certain caps on the amount of shares of Common Stock that we may sell pursuant to any advance under the SEPA.
Additionally, at any time during the commitment period, provided there is a balance remaining outstanding under a Yorkville Promissory Note, Yorkville may deliver an Investor Notice, causing an Advance Notice to be deemed delivered to Yorkville, subject to certain conditions. The aggregate principal amount has been fully satisfied with no remaining outstanding balance under the Yorkville Promissory Notes. In addition, 14,201 shares of Common Stock had been issued in satisfaction of a deferred fee payment in the amount of $500,000. Assuming that (a) we issue and sell the full $100 million of shares of Common Stock under the SEPA to Yorkville, (b) there are no beneficial ownership limitations, and (c) the issue price for such sales is $1.00 or $3.00 per share, such additional issuances would represent in the aggregate approximately 1,871,056 or 623,685 additional shares of Common Stock, respectively, or approximately 13% or 5% of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of April 10, 2025, after giving effect to such issuance.
If our Common Stock ceases to be listed on a national securities exchange it will become subject to the so-called “penny stock” rules that impose restrictive sales practice requirements.
If we are unable to maintain the listing of our Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market or another national securities exchange, our Common Stock could become subject to the so-called “penny stock” rules if the shares have a market value of less than $5.00 per share. The SEC has adopted regulations that define a penny stock to include any stock that has a market
price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions, including an exception for stock traded on a national securities exchange. The SEC regulations impose restrictive sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell penny stocks to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. For transactions covered by this rule, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and must have received the purchaser’s written consent to the transaction prior to sale. This means that if we are unable maintain the listing of our Common Stock on a national securities exchange, the ability of stockholders to sell their common stock in the secondary market could be adversely affected. If a transaction involving a penny stock is not exempt from the SEC’s rule, a broker-dealer must deliver a disclosure schedule relating to the penny stock market to each investor prior to a transaction. The broker-dealer also must disclose the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and its registered representative, current quotations for the penny stock, and, if the broker-dealer is the sole market-maker, the broker-dealer must disclose this fact and the broker-dealer’s presumed control over the market. Finally, monthly statements must be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the customer’s account and information on the limited market in penny stocks.
Our class common stock structure has the effect of concentrating voting power with our Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Joseph Davy, which limits an investor’s ability to influence the outcome of important transactions, including a change in control.
Shares of our Class B Common Stock have 10 votes per share, while shares of our Common Stock have one vote per share; shares of our Series FE Preferred Stock have no voting rights. Mr. Davy, who is our Chief Executive Officer and is Legacy Banzai’s Co-Founder, including his affiliates and permitted transferees, holds all of the issued and outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock. Accordingly, Mr. Davy held, directly or indirectly, approximately 65.13% of our outstanding voting power as of April 10, 2025 and is able to control matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including the election of directors, amendments of our organizational documents and any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets or other major corporate transactions. Mr. Davy may have interests that differ from yours and may vote in a way with which you disagree and which may be adverse to your interests. This concentrated control may have the effect of delaying, preventing, or deterring a change in control, could deprive our stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their capital stock as part of a sale, and might ultimately affect the market price of Common Stock.
The market price of our Common Stock has been, and is likely to continue to be, highly volatile, and you may lose some or all of your investment.
The market price of our Common Stock has fluctuated, and may continue to fluctuate, significantly due to a number of factors, some of which may be beyond our control, including those factors discussed in this “Risk Factors” section and many others, such as:
•actual or anticipated fluctuations in our financial condition and operating results, including fluctuations in its quarterly and annual results;
•developments involving our competitors;
•changes in laws and regulations affecting our business;
•variations in our operating performance and the performance of its competitors in general;
•the public’s reaction to our press releases, its other public announcements and its filings with the SEC;
•additions and departures of key personnel;
•announcements of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by us or our competitors;
•our failure to meet the estimates and projections of the investment community or that it may otherwise provide to the public;
•publication of research reports about us or our industry, or positive or negative recommendations or withdrawal of research coverage by securities analysts;
•changes in the market valuations of similar companies;
•overall performance of the equity markets;
•sales of Common Stock by us or our stockholders in the future;
•trading volume of Class A Common Stock;
•significant lawsuits, including stockholder litigation;
•failure to comply with the requirements of Nasdaq;
•the impact of any natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics or other public health emergencies;
•general economic, industry and market conditions and other events or factors, many of which are beyond our control; and
•changes in accounting standards, policies, guidelines, interpretations, or principles.
Volatility in the price of our Common Stock could subject us to securities class action litigation.
In the past, securities class action litigation has often been brought against a company following a decline in the market price of its securities. If we face such litigation, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could harm our business.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about us, or publish negative reports, then our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our Common Stock will depend, in part, on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us. We do not have any control over these analysts. If our financial performance fails to meet analyst estimates or one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our Common Stock or change their opinion, then the market price of our Common Stock would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause the market price of our Common Stock or trading volume to decline.
We have incurred and will continue to incur increased costs and demands upon management as a result of complying with the laws and regulations affecting public companies, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the listing standards of Nasdaq, and other applicable securities rules and regulations. We expect that the requirements of these rules and regulations will continue to increase our legal, accounting, and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming and costly, and place significant strain on our personnel, systems and resources. For example, the Exchange Act requires, among other things, that we file annual, quarterly, and current reports with respect to our business and results of operations. As a result of the complexity involved in complying with the rules and regulations applicable to public companies, our management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns, which could harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Although we have already hired additional employees and engaged outside consultants to assist us in complying with these requirements, we will need to hire more employees in the future or may need to engage additional outside consultants, which will increase our operating expenses.
In addition, changing laws, regulations, and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure are creating uncertainty for public companies, increasing legal and financial compliance costs, and making some activities more time-consuming. These laws, regulations, and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. These factors could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We intend to invest substantial resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations, and standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management’s time and attention from business operations to compliance activities. If our efforts to comply with new laws, regulations, and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to their application and practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and our business may be harmed. We also expect that being a public company and these new rules and regulations will make it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors (our “Board”), particularly to serve on our audit committee and compensation committee, and qualified executive officers. As a result of disclosure of information in this Report and in our other public filings, our business and financial condition will become more visible, which may result in pricing pressure from customers or an increased risk of threatened or actual litigation, including by competitors and other third parties. If such claims are successful, our business
and results of operations could be harmed, and even if the claims do not result in litigation or are resolved in our favor, these claims, and the time and resources necessary to resolve them, could divert the resources of its management and harm our business.
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in the past. If we are unable to remediate these material weaknesses, or if we identify additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition or results of operations, which may adversely affect our business and stock price.
Prior to the Closing of the Business Combination, Legacy Banzai was a private company with limited accounting personnel to adequately execute its accounting processes and limited supervisory resources with which to address its internal control over financial reporting. In connection with the audit of Legacy Banzai’s financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022 and continuing through the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of Legacy Banzai’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
Legacy Banzai did not design or maintain an effective control environment under the rules and regulations of the SEC. Accordingly and specifically, (i) management does not have appropriate IT general controls in place over change management, user access, cybersecurity, and reviews of service organizations, (ii) management does not have suitable entity level controls in place in accordance with the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) (“COSO”), including reviews of the financial statements, and certain entity level controls were not performed by management, and (iii) pervasive transactional and account level reconciliations and analyses are not performed, or not performed with sufficient detail to prevent or detect a material weakness. These issues related to managements controls over the review of complex significant transactions, complex debt and equity, income and sales taxes, & revenue recognition.
We have taken certain steps, such as recruiting additional personnel, in addition to utilizing third-party consultants and specialists, to supplement our internal resources, to enhance our internal control environment and plans to take additional steps to remediate the material weaknesses. Although we plan to complete this remediation process as quickly as possible, we cannot at this time estimate how long it will take. We cannot assure you that the measures taken to date and to be taken in the future, will be sufficient to remediate the control deficiencies that led to Legacy Banzai’s material weakness in internal control over financial reporting or that it will prevent or avoid potential future material weaknesses. If the steps we take do not correct the material weakness in a timely manner, we will be unable to conclude that we maintain effective internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, there could continue to be a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
Any failure to remediate existing material weaknesses, or to develop or maintain effective controls or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement could harm our results of operations or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and may result in a restatement of our financial statements for prior periods. Any failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting also could adversely affect the results of periodic management evaluations and annual independent registered public accounting firm attestation reports regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting that we will eventually be required to include in our periodic reports that will be filed with the SEC. Ineffective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial and other information, which would likely have a negative effect on the trading price of our Common Stock. In addition, if we are unable to continue to meet these requirements, we may not be able to remain listed on Nasdaq. We will not be required to comply with the SEC rules that implement Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) and will therefore not be required to make a formal assessment of the effectiveness of control over financial reporting for that purpose. As a public company, we will be required to provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting commencing with our second annual report on Form 10-K. Our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until after we are no longer an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act. At such time, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our internal control over financial reporting is documented, designed, or operating. Any failure to maintain effective disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations and could cause a decline in the price of our Common Stock.
Our executive officers and directors collectively beneficially own approximately 65.31% of the voting power of our outstanding Common Stock and have substantial control over us, which will limit your ability to influence the outcome of important transactions, including a change in control.
Our executive officers and directors, in the aggregate, beneficially own approximately 65.31% of the voting power of our outstanding shares of Common Stock as of the date of this Report, based on the number of shares outstanding as of April 10, 2025. As a result, these stockholders, if acting together, will be able to influence or control matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors and the approval of mergers, acquisitions, or other extraordinary transactions. They may also have interests that differ from yours and may vote in a way with which you disagree, and which may be adverse to your interests. This concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying, preventing, or deterring a change in control of the Company, could deprive our stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their Common Stock as part of a sale of the Company, and might ultimately affect the market price of our Common Stock.
It is not currently anticipated that we will pay dividends on shares of our Common Stock, and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation, if any, in the market price of Common Stock.
It is currently anticipated that we will retain future earnings for the development, operation, and expansion of the business, and we do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. Any return to our stockholders will therefore be limited to the appreciation of their shares of Common Stock. There is no guarantee that shares of Common Stock will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which stockholders have purchased their shares of Common Stock.
The DGCL and our Charter and Bylaws contain certain provisions, including anti-takeover provisions, that limit the ability of stockholders to take certain actions and could delay or discourage takeover attempts that stockholders may consider favorable.
Our Charter, our Bylaws and the DGCL contain provisions that could have the effect of rendering more difficult, delaying, or preventing an acquisition deemed undesirable by the Board and therefore depress the trading price of our Common Stock. These provisions could also make it difficult for stockholders to take certain actions, including electing directors who are not nominated by the current members of the Board or taking other corporate actions, including effecting changes in our management. Among other things, our Charter and/or Bylaws include provisions regarding:
•that shares of our Class B Common Stock are entitled to 10 votes per share;
•the ability of our stockholders to take action by written consent in lieu of a meeting;
•the ability of the Board to issue shares of Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (“Preferred Stock”), including “blank check” preferred stock and to determine the price and other terms of those shares, including preferences and voting rights, without stockholder approval, which could be used to significantly dilute the ownership of a hostile acquirer;
•the limitation of the liability of, and the indemnification of, our directors and officers;
•the requirement that a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by a majority of the entire Board, the chairperson of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer which could delay the ability of stockholders to force consideration of a proposal or to take action, including the removal of directors;
•controlling the procedures for the conduct and scheduling of Board and stockholder meetings;
•the ability of the Board to amend the Bylaws, which may allow the Board to take additional actions to prevent an unsolicited takeover and inhibit the ability of an acquirer to amend the Bylaws to facilitate an unsolicited takeover attempt; and
•advance notice procedures with which stockholders must comply to nominate candidates to the Board or to propose matters to be acted upon at a stockholders’ meeting, which could preclude stockholders from bringing matters before annual or special meetings of stockholders and delay changes in the Board, and also may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.
Likewise, because our principal executive offices are located in Washington, the anti-takeover provisions of the Washington Business Corporation Act (the “WBCA”) may apply to us under certain circumstances now or in the future. These provisions prohibit a “target corporation” from engaging in any of a broad range of business combinations with any stockholder
constituting an “acquiring person” for a period of five years following the date on which the stockholder became an “acquiring person.”
These provisions, alone or together, could delay or prevent hostile takeovers and changes in control or changes in the Board or our management.
In addition, our Charter includes a provision substantially similar to Section 203 of the DGCL, which may prohibit certain stockholders holding 15% or more of our outstanding capital stock from engaging in certain business combinations with us for a specified period of time.
Our Charter designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and, to the extent enforceable, the federal district courts of the United States of America as the exclusive forums for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which restricts our stockholders’ ability to choose the judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or employees.
Our Charter provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for the following types of claims or causes of action under Delaware statutory or common law: any derivative claims or causes of action brought on our behalf; any claims or causes of action asserting a breach of a fiduciary duty; any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to the DGCL, our Charter, or our Bylaws; or any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. In addition, our Charter provides that the federal district courts of the United States of America will be the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. These choice of forum provisions will not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Such provisions are intended to benefit and may be enforced by us and our officers and directors, employees and agents.
These provisions may benefit us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law and federal securities laws by chancellors and judges, as applicable, particularly experienced in resolving corporate disputes, efficient administration of cases on a more expedited schedule relative to other forums and protection against the burdens of multi-forum litigation. 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 us or our directors, officers, or other employees, which may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims or make such lawsuits more costly for stockholders, although our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. While the Delaware courts have determined that such choice of forum provisions are facially valid, a stockholder may nevertheless seek to bring a claim in a venue other than those designated in the exclusive forum provisions, and there can be no assurance that such provisions will be enforced by a court in those other jurisdictions. If a court were to find either choice of forum provisions contained in our Charter to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions.
We are an emerging growth company and smaller reporting company, and the reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and smaller reporting companies may make our shares of Common Stock less attractive to investors.
We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act. For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies,” including exemption from compliance with the auditor attestation requirements under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of: (i) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the closing of 7GC’s initial public offering (December 22, 2025), (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion, or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our common equity that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700.0 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter; and (ii) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period.
In addition, under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have elected to use this extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards and, therefore, we will not be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.
We are also a smaller reporting company as defined in the Exchange Act. Even after we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, we may still qualify as a smaller reporting company, which would allow us to take advantage of many of the same exemptions from disclosure requirements, including exemption from compliance with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in this Report and our other periodic reports and proxy statements. We will be able to take advantage of these scaled disclosures for so long as our voting and non-voting Common Stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter, or our annual revenue is less than $100.0 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and our voting and non-voting Common Stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter.
We cannot predict if investors will find our Common Stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find Common Stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for Common Stock and its market price may be more volatile.
If our estimates or judgments relating to our critical accounting policies prove to be incorrect or financial reporting standards or interpretations change, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. We will base our estimates on historical experience, known trends and events, and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, as provided in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Critical Accounting Estimates.” The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Significant assumptions and estimates used in preparing our financial statements include, but are not limited to, estimates of impairment on goodwill, recognition and measurement of convertible, warrants and SAFEs, including the valuation of the bifurcated embedded derivatives liabilities, and measurement and recognition of stock-based compensation. Our results of operations may be adversely affected if our assumptions change or if actual circumstances differ from those in our assumptions, which could cause our results of operations to fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, resulting in a decline in the trading price of our Common Stock.
Additionally, we will regularly monitor our compliance with applicable financial reporting standards and review new pronouncements and drafts thereof that are relevant to us. As a result of new standards, changes to existing standards, and changes in their interpretation, we might be required to change our accounting policies, alter our operational policies, and implement new or enhance existing systems so that they reflect new or amended financial reporting standards, or we may be required to restate our published financial statements. Such changes to existing standards or changes in their interpretation may have an adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial position, and profit.
We may issue additional shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, including under our equity incentive plan. Any such issuances would dilute the interest of our stockholders and likely present other risks.
We may issue a substantial number of additional shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, including under our 2023 Equity Incentive Plan. On February 28, 2025, at the special shareholder meeting, our shareholders approved to increase the number of shares available for issuance under our 2023 Equity Incentive Plan to 10,000,000. The 2023 Equity Incentive Plan had 6,943,442 unissued shares authorized as of April 10, 2025. Any such issuances of additional shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock:
•may significantly dilute the equity interests of our investors;
•may subordinate the rights of holders of Common Stock if preferred stock is issued with rights senior to those afforded our Common Stock;
•could cause a change in control if a substantial number of shares of our Common Stock are issued, which may affect, among other things, our ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards, if any, and could result in the resignation or removal of our present officers and directors; and
•may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our Common Stock and/or Public Warrants.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of Common Stock in the public market pursuant to our registration statements could reduce the market price of Common Stock.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of Common Stock in the public market pursuant to our filed and effective Registration Statements on Form S-1 (the “S-1 Registration Statements”) could occur at any time. These sales, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares of Common Stock intend to sell shares, could reduce the market price of Common Stock. In particular, until such time as it is no longer effective, the S-1 Registration Statements permit the resale of shares held by Mr. Joseph Davy, who holds approximately 17.28% of outstanding Common Stock of the Company, including shares of both Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock and approximately 65.13% of our outstanding voting power, subject, in each case, to the applicable lock-up periods. The resale, or expected or potential resale, of a substantial number of shares of our Common Stock in the public market could adversely affect the market price for Common Stock and make it more difficult for you to sell your holdings at times and prices that you determine are appropriate. Furthermore, we expect that, because there is a large number of shares registered pursuant to the S-1 Registration Statements, the selling securityholders will continue to offer the securities covered thereby pursuant to the S-1 Registration Statements or pursuant to Rule 144 for a significant period of time, the precise duration of which cannot be predicted. Accordingly, the adverse market and price pressures resulting from an offering pursuant to any of our registration statements may continue for an extended period of time. We may also file additional registration statements in connection with the possible sale of other securities.
If certain holders of Common Stock sell a significant portion of their securities, it may negatively impact the market price of the shares of Common Stock and such holders still may receive significant proceeds.
As of the date of this Report, the market price of our Common Stock is below $10.00 per share, which was the price per unit sold in the IPO, the per-share value of the consideration issued to Legacy Banzai stockholders upon consummation of the Business Combination. However, certain of our stockholders hold shares of Common Stock that were originally purchased by the Sponsor in a private placement prior to the IPO (“Founder Shares”) and may nonetheless be inclined to sell such Founder Shares, as they were originally purchased at an effective price significantly less than $10.00 per share. As of December 31, 2024, there is no outstanding Common Stock pertaining to the Founder Shares.
It is not possible to predict the actual number of shares we will sell under the SEPA, or the actual gross proceeds resulting from those sales. Further, we may not have access to any or the full amount available under the SEPA.
On December 14, 2023, we entered into the SEPA with Yorkville, pursuant to which Yorkville has committed to purchase up to $100 million of Common Stock, pursuant to Advance Notices delivered by the Company any time during the commitment period terminating on the 36-month anniversary of the SEPA; provided that any Advance Notice may only be made if (x) no amount remains outstanding on the Yorkville Promissory Notes, (y) there is an effective Resale Registration Statement filed with the SEC for the resale under the Securities Act of the shares of Common Stock to be issued pursuant to such Advance Notice, and (z) other customary conditions precedent. Additionally, at any time during the commitment period, provided there is a balance remaining outstanding under a Yorkville Promissory Note, Yorkville may deliver an Investor Notice, causing an Advance Notice to be deemed delivered to Yorkville, subject to certain conditions.
Save for the issuance of shares of Common Stock following receipt of an Investor Notice (as defined in the SEPA) or pursuant to conversion of a Yorkville Promissory Note, we generally have the right to control the timing and amount of any sales of shares of Common Stock to Yorkville under the SEPA. Sales of Common Stock, if any, to Yorkville under the SEPA will depend upon market conditions and other factors to be determined by us. We may ultimately decide to sell to Yorkville all, some or none of the shares of Common Stock that may be available for us to sell to Yorkville pursuant to the SEPA.
Because the purchase price per share to be paid by Yorkville for the shares of Common Stock that we may elect to sell to Yorkville under the SEPA, if any, will fluctuate based on the market prices of Common Stock prior to each sale made pursuant to the SEPA, if any, it is not possible for us to predict, as of the date of this Report and prior to any such sales, the number of shares of Common Stock that we will sell to Yorkville under the SEPA, the purchase price per share that Yorkville will pay for shares purchased from us under the SEPA, or the aggregate gross proceeds that we will receive from those purchases by Yorkville under the SEPA, if any.
Moreover, although the SEPA provides that we may issue up to an aggregate of $100 million of our Common Stock to Yorkville, only 114,526 shares of Common Stock (excluding 6,000 shares issued to Yorkville in lieu of a commitment fee at Closing) were previously registered for resale under the Prior SEPA Registration Statement. If we issue to Yorkville all of the 114,526 shares of Common Stock registered for resale under the Prior SEPA Registration Statement, depending on the market price of our Common Stock prior to each Advance made pursuant to the SEPA, the actual gross proceeds from the sale of all such shares may be substantially less than the $100 million available to us under the SEPA. As of the date of this Report, we issued all 114,526 shares of Common Stock to Yorkville under the previously registered statement went effective on February 14, 2024.
Since it was necessary for us to issue to Yorkville more than the 114,526 shares of Common Stock under the SEPA that were previously registered, to receive aggregate gross proceeds equal to $100 million under the SEPA, we filed another registration statement effective on September 26, 2024 to register 25 million shares of Common Stock under the Securities Act the resale by Yorkville such additional shares of Common Stock we now seek to issue from time to time under the SEPA. As of the date of this Report, we issued 6,096,797 shares of Common Stock to Yorkville under this registered statement went effective on September 26, 2024 (File No.# 333-282232).
The SEPA does not obligate Yorkville to subscribe for or acquire any shares of Common Stock under the SEPA if those shares of Common Stock, when aggregated with all other shares of Common Stock acquired by Yorkville under the SEPA, would result in Yorkville beneficially owning more than 9.99% of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock.
We cannot predict the impact our dual class structure will have on the market price of Class A Common Stock.
We cannot predict whether our dual class common stock structure will result in a lower or more volatile market price of Class A Common Stock or in adverse publicity or other adverse consequences. For example, certain index providers have announced restrictions on including companies with multiple-class share structures in certain of their indices. Under the announced policies, our dual class capital structure would make us ineligible for inclusion in certain indices, and as a result, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and other investment vehicles that attempt to passively track those indices will not invest in Class A Common Stock. These policies are still fairly new and it is as of yet unclear what effect, if any, they will have on the valuations of publicly traded companies excluded from the indices, but it is possible that they may depress these valuations compared to those of other similar companies that are included. Because of our dual class structure, we will likely be excluded from certain of these indices and we cannot assure you that other stock indices will not take similar actions. Given the sustained flow of investment funds into passive strategies that seek to track certain indices, exclusion from stock indices would likely preclude investment by many of these funds and could make Class A Common Stock less attractive to other investors. As a result, the market price of Class A Common Stock could be adversely affected.
As a “controlled company” within the meaning of Nasdaq listing rules, we qualify for exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements and have the opportunity to elect to avail ourselves of any of the exemptions afforded a controlled company. If we elect to rely on some of these exemptions, our stockholders will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such requirements.
Because Mr. Davy controls more than a majority of our total voting power, we are a “controlled company” within the meaning of Nasdaq corporate governance listing rules. Under Nasdaq listing rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, a group or another company is a “controlled company” and may elect not to comply with certain Nasdaq rules regarding corporate governance, including the following:
•the requirement that a majority of its board of directors consist of independent directors;
•the requirement director nominees must be selected, or recommended for selection, by either (i) the independent directors constituting a majority of the board of directors’ independent directors in a vote in which only independent directors participate or (ii) a nominations committee comprised solely of independent directors;
•the requirement to maintain a compensation committee with prescribed duties and a written charter comprised solely of independent directors; and
•the requirement of an annual performance evaluation of our nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees.
As a “controlled company,” we may elect to rely on some or all of these exemptions. Despite the fact that we currently do not intend to take advantage of these exemptions, our status as a controlled company could make Common Stock less attractive to some investors or otherwise harm the stock price of Class A Common Stock. Further, if we elect to rely on some or all of these exemptions, our stockholders will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of Nasdaq.
The exclusive forum clause set forth in the Warrant Agreement may have the effect of limiting an investor’s rights to bring legal action and could limit the investor’s ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum.
The Warrant Agreement, dated December 22, 2020, with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent (the “Warrant Agreement”), provides that (i) any action, proceeding or claim against us arising out of or relating in any way to the Warrant Agreement will be brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the United States District Court
for the Southern District of New York and (ii) we irrevocably submit to such jurisdiction, which jurisdiction will be exclusive. We have waived or will waive any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum. However, there is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce these provisions and investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for state and federal courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, these provisions of the Warrant Agreement will not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal district courts of the United States of America are the sole and exclusive forum. 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. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any of the Public Warrants shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the forum provisions in the Warrant Agreement. If any action, the subject matter of which is within the scope of the forum provisions of the Warrant Agreement, is filed in a court other than a court of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (a “foreign action”) in the name of any holder of the Public Warrants, such holder shall be deemed to have consented to: (x) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located within the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce the forum provisions (an “enforcement action”), and (y) having service of process made upon such warrant holder in any such enforcement action by service upon such warrant holder’s counsel in the foreign action as agent for such warrant holder.
This choice-of-forum provision may limit a warrant holder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable, which may discourage such lawsuits. Alternatively, if a court were to find this provision of the Warrant Agreement inapplicable or unenforceable with respect to one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and result in a diversion of the time and resources of our management and our Board.
Outstanding warrants to purchase shares of our Class A Common Stock (the “Warrants”) may never be in the money and they may expire worthless and therefore we may not receive cash proceeds from the exercise of the Warrants. The terms of the Warrants may be amended in a manner adverse to a holder if holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding applicable Warrants approve of such amendment.
As of the date of this Annual Report, we have outstanding: (i) warrants originally issued in 7GC’s initial public offering (the “Public Warrants”) to purchase 230,000 shares of our Class A Common Stock, exercisable at an exercise price of $575.00 per share, which expire on the earlier to occur of December 14, 2028 or redemption, (ii) the GEM Warrant to purchase 16,571 shares of our Class A Common Stock, exercisable at an exercise price of $1.83 per share, which expires on the earlier to occur of December 15, 2026 or redemption, (iii) the CP BF Warrant to purchase 565,553 shares of our Class A Common Stock, exercisable at an exercise price of $3.89 per share, which expires on the earlier to occur of September 23, 2029 - (5) years from the Issue Date, or (b) the occurrence of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, or Deemed Liquidation Event, (iv) the Alco Warrant to purchase 1,331,340 shares of our Class A Common Stock, exercisable at an exercise price of $3.89 per share, which expires on the earlier to occur of September 23, 2029 - (5) years from the Issue Date, or (b) the occurrence of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, or Deemed Liquidation Event, (v) the Armistice Capital Master Fund Ltd Series A Warrant to purchase 1,176,471 shares of our Class A Common Stock, exercisable at an exercise price of $2.50 per share, which expires on the earlier to occur of September 26, 2029 or redemption, (vi) the Armistice Capital Master Fund Ltd Series B Warrant to purchase 1,176,471 shares of our Class A Common Stock, exercisable at an exercise price of $2.50 per share, which expires on the earlier to occur of March 26, 2026 or redemption, (vii) the PA Warrant (HCW) to purchase 88,235 shares of our Class A Common Stock, exercisable at an exercise price of $5.3125 per share, which expires on the earlier to occur of September 26, 2029 or redemption, (viii) the BE Warrant (AGP - Best Offer) to purchase 277,778 shares of our Class A Common Stock, exercisable at an exercise price of $9.00 per share, which expires on the earlier to occur of May 28, 2029 or redemption, and (ix) the PA Warrant (AGP - Best Offer) to purchase 16,667 shares of our Class A Common Stock, exercisable at an exercise price of $10.00 per share, which expires on the earlier to occur of May 28, 2029 or redemption, (all such outstanding warrants are collectively referred to herein as the “Warrants”). The exercise of Warrants, and any proceeds we may receive from their exercise, are highly dependent on the price of our Class A Common Stock and the spread between the exercise price of the Warrant and the price of our Class A Common Stock at the time of exercise. For example, to the extent that the price of our Class A Common Stock exceeds $575.00. per share, it is more likely that holders of our Public Warrants will exercise their Public Warrants. If the price of our Class A Common Stock is less than $575.00 per share, it is unlikely that such holders will exercise their Public Warrants. There can be no assurance that our Warrants will be in the money prior to their expiration. Our Public Warrants under certain conditions, as
described in the Warrant Agreement, are redeemable by us at a price of $0.01 per warrant. The GEM Warrant is not redeemable and, like some of the other outstanding Warrants, are exercisable on a cash or cashless basis; if such Warrants are exercised on a “cashless basis,” whether or not they are in the money, we will not receive cash for such exercise. As such, it is possible that we may never generate any cash proceeds from the exercise of our Warrants.
The Warrant Agreement, provides that the terms of the Public Warrants may be amended without the consent of any holder to cure any ambiguity or correct any defective provision, but requires the approval by the holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding Public Warrants to make any other change that affects the interests of the registered holders of the Public Warrants. Accordingly, we may amend the terms of the Public Warrants in a manner adverse to a holder if holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding Public Warrants approve of such amendment.
Although our ability to amend the terms of the Public Warrants with the consent of at least 50% of the then outstanding Public Warrants is unlimited, examples of such amendments could be amendments to, among other things, increase the exercise price of the Public Warrants, shorten the exercise period, or decrease the number of shares purchasable upon exercise of a Public Warrant.
We may redeem your unexpired Public Warrants prior to their exercise at a time that is disadvantageous to you, thereby making your Public Warrants worthless.
We have the ability to redeem the outstanding Public Warrants at any time after they become exercisable and prior to their expiration, at a price of $0.01 per warrant if, among other things, the last reported sale price of the underlying Class A Common Stock for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the Company sends the notice of redemption to the warrant holders equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, rights issuances, subdivisions, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like). Redemption of the outstanding Public Warrants as described above could force you to: (i) exercise your warrants and pay the exercise price therefor at a time when it may be disadvantageous for you to do so; (ii) sell your warrants at the then-current market price when you might otherwise wish to hold your warrants; or (iii) accept the nominal redemption price which, at the time the outstanding warrants are called for redemption, the Company expects would be substantially less than the market value of your warrants. Shares of Class A Common Stock have never traded above $18.00 per share.
We have no obligation to notify holders of the Public Warrants that they have become eligible for redemption. However, pursuant to the Warrant Agreement, in the event we decide to redeem the Public Warrants, we are required to mail notice of such redemption to the registered warrant holders not less than 30 days prior to the redemption date. The warrants may be exercised any time after notice of redemption is given and prior to the redemption date.

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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.
Our principal executive office is located at 435 Ericksen Ave NE, Suite 250, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 and, as of December 31, 2024, consists of approximately 1,800 square feet of space under the current lease terms that were extended and now expire in October 2027. We believe this facility is adequate and suitable for our current and anticipated future needs.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
From time to time, we may be party to litigation and subject to claims incident to the ordinary course of our business. As our growth continues, we may become party to an increasing number of litigation matters and claims. The outcome of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, and the resolution of these matters could materially affect our future results of operations, cash flows, or financial position. We are not presently party to any legal proceedings that, in the opinion of management, if determined adversely to us, would individually or taken together have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, or cash flows.

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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 Class A Common Stock and Public Warrants are currently listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “BNZI” and “BNZIW,” respectively. Our Class B Common Stock is not publicly traded.
Holders of Record
As of April 10, 2025, there were 60 holders of record of our Class A Common Stock and one holder of our Class B Common Stock and one holder of record of our Public Warrants. These numbers do not include beneficial owners whose securities were held in street name.
Dividend Policy
As of the date of this Annual Report, we have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our Common Stock. We expect to retain future earnings, if any, for future operations, expansion and debt repayment and have no plans to declare or pay cash dividends on our Common Stock for the foreseeable future. Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of the Board and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors that the Board may deem relevant. In addition, our ability to pay dividends may be limited by covenants of any existing and future outstanding indebtedness we or our subsidiaries incur.
Performance Graph
This item is not applicable as we are a smaller reporting company.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
7GC Class B Common Stock
Prior to the IPO, the Sponsor paid an aggregate of $25,000 to cover certain 7GC expenses on 7GC’s behalf in exchange for the issuance of 5,031,250 shares of 7GC Class B Common Stock. In December 2020, the Sponsor transferred 25,000 shares of 7GC Class B Common Stock to each of Courtney Robinson, Tripp Jones, Kent Schofield, and Patrick Eggen, each of whom served on the board of directors of 7GC, at their original per share purchase price. In December 2020, 7GC effected a stock dividend of approximately 0.43 shares for each share of 7GC Class B Common Stock, resulting in an aggregate of 5,750,000 shares of 7GC Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding. Ms. Robinson and Messrs. Jones, Schofield, and Eggen then retransferred an aggregate of 14,286 shares back to the Sponsor. Immediately prior to, and substantially concurrently with, the Closing, (i) the Sponsor surrendered and forfeited to 7GC for no consideration (i) an aggregate of 396,501 shares of 7GC Class B Common Stock pursuant to the Non-Redemption Agreements and (ii) an aggregate of 825,000 shares of 7GC Class B Common Stock pursuant to the Share Transfer Agreements. The shares of 7GC Class B Common Stock are identical to the shares of 7GC Common Stock included in the units sold in the IPO except that the shares of 7GC Class B Common Stock which automatically converted into shares of Common Stock at Closing and were subject to certain transfer restrictions, as described in more detail below. These shares of 7GC Class B Common Stock were issued in connection with the organization of 7GC pursuant to an exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
Pursuant to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of 7GC, each share of 7GC Class B Common Stock converted into one share of Common Stock at the Closing. After the Closing and following the effectiveness of our Charter, each share of 7GC Common Stock was automatically reclassified, redesignated and changed into one validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock, without any further action by the Company or any stockholder thereof. The issuance of Common Stock upon automatic conversion of 7GC Class B Common Stock at the Closing has not been registered under the Securities Act in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act.
Private Placement Warrants
Simultaneously with the consummation of the IPO, the Sponsor purchased from 7GC an aggregate of 147,000 private placement warrants (for a purchase price of approximately $7.35 million). Each Private Placement Warrant entitled the holder thereof to purchase one share of 7GC Common Stock or Common Stock at an exercise price of $575.00 per share. The sale of the Private Placement Warrants was made pursuant to an exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
Pursuant to the Sponsor Forfeiture Agreement, the Sponsor forfeited all 147,000 private placement warrants in connected with the Business Combination at Closing.
GEM Warrant
On December 15, 2023, the Company issued GEM a warrant granting GEM the right to purchase 16,571 shares of Common Stock at an at an initial exercise price of $324.50 per share, which was later adjusted to $1.83 per share, pursuant to the adjustment provisions of the GEM Warrant. The sale of the GEM Warrant was made pursuant to an exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
Share Transfer Agreements
Simultaneously with the consummation of the Business Combination, the Company issued 16,500 shares of Common Stock to Alco pursuant to the Share Transfer Agreements. Such shares have not been registered under the Securities Act in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
Senior Convertible Notes
On February 19, 2021, Legacy Banzai issued a convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $1.5 million to CP BF pursuant in connection with the Loan Agreement. The Senior Convertible Notes and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Senior Convertible Note have not been registered under the Securities Act in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
7GC Promissory Notes
On October 3, 2023 and December 12, 2023, 7GC issued unsecured promissory notes to the Sponsor in an aggregate principal amount of $2,550,000 in connection with 7GC’s IPO and the Business Combination. On February 5, 2024, the Company issued 17,813 shares of Common Stock to the Sponsor upon conversion of the 7GC Promissory Notes. The 7GC Promissory Notes and the 17,813 shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion of the 7GC Promissory Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
Yorkville Promissory Notes
On December 14, 2023, Legacy Banzai issued a convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $2.0 million to Yorkville pursuant to the SEPA and on February 5, 2024, and March 26, 2024, the Company issued convertible promissory notes in the principal amount of $1.0 million and $1.5 million, respectively, to Yorkville pursuant to the SEPA. Between January 1, 2024 and June 30, 2024, the Company issued 64,852 shares of Common Stock to Yorkville upon conversion of $1.8 million of the Yorkville Promissory Notes. In addition, on March 18, 2024, the Company issued 14,201 shares of Common Stock to Yorkville in satisfaction of a deferred fee payment in the amount of $500,000. Further, on May 3, 2024, the Company agreed to issue to Yorkville 12,000 shares of Common Stock, which shares represent satisfaction of a $200,000 Payment Premium due in accordance with the Yorkville Promissory Notes in connection with our early redemption of $2 million outstanding under the Yorkville Promissory Notes with the proceeds from the sale of our securities in this offering. The Company's issuance of the Yorkville Promissory Notes and the shares of Common Stock issued to Yorkville and issuable upon conversion of the Yorkville Promissory Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
Between January 1, 2024 and October 14, 2024, 454,158 shares of Common Stock had been issued upon conversion of the Yorkville Promissory Notes and a cash payment of $750,000 was made in May 2024. The aggregate principal amount was fully satisfied that no remaining outstanding balance under the Yorkville Promissory Notes as of December 31, 2024.
GEM Promissory Note
On February 5, 2024, the Company issued the GEM Promissory Note in the principal amount of $1.0 million to GEM pursuant to the GEM Settlement Agreement. The GEM Promissory Note provides for the issuance of shares of Common Stock at a conversion price equal to the VWAP of the trading day immediately preceding the applicable payment due date. As of the date of this Report, we have issued an aggregate of 190,001 shares of Common Stock to GEM in satisfaction of the aggregate $784,943 principal amount outstanding under the GEM Promissory Note. The remaining balance of $215,057 outstanding as of December 31, 2024 was settled in cash during Q1 2025 and there is no outstanding balance as of April 10, 2025. The issuance by the Company of the GEM Promissory Note and the shares of Common Stock issued to GEM and issuable upon conversion of any amount under the GEM Promissory Note have not been registered under the Securities Act in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
Cantor Shares
On December 28, 2023, the Company issued 22,279 shares of Common Stock to Cantor pursuant to the Fee Reduction Agreement as consideration for advisory services provided by Cantor in connection with the Business Combination. Such shares were issued in a transaction exempt from registration in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
Roth Shares
On February 2, 2024, the Company issued 3,500 shares of Common Stock to Roth pursuant to the Roth Addendum as consideration for advisory services provided by Roth in connection with the Business Combination. Such shares were issued in a transaction exempt from registration in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
Marketing Agreement Shares
Effective March 20, 2024, the Company issued to a consultant (the “Marketing Consultant”) 3,070 shares of its Common Stock, which shares represented $200,000 of compensation for the Marketing Consultant’s services under a marketing services agreement. The shares were issued to the Marketing Consultant in a transaction exempt from registration in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
Consulting Services Agreement Shares
On April 13, 2024, the Company entered into a Consulting Services Agreement with a consultant (the “Business Consultant”). The Company agreed to issue to the Business Consultant a total of 6,400 shares of its Common Stock.
Debt Equitization Issuances
From August 23, 2024 to September 23, 2024 the Company entered into various agreements to reorganize outstanding debt from certain creditors (collectively, the “Creditors”) into shares of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Shares”) (collectively, the “Debt Reorganization”). The Shares issued as part of the Debt Reorganization are a mix of Shares that are to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in a registration statement on Form S-1 and Shares that are exempt from registration. As of April 10, 2025, the Company has issued an aggregate of 1,597,944 Shares to the Creditors in exchange for the cancellation of an aggregate of $5,068,547 of debt. The Company agreed to issue an aggregate of 450,000 additional Shares pursuant to the Debt Reorganization.
On September 9, 2024, the Company issued 24,000 restricted shares of its Common Stock, partially in exchange for the various investor relations services outlined in the Consulting Agreement with MZHCI, LLC, an MZ Group Company.
On January 3, 2025, the Company issued 150,000 restricted shares of its Common Stock, partially in exchange for the business advisory services outlined in the Consulting Agreement with Hudson Global Ventures, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company.
CP BF/Alco Shares
As of April 10, 2025, we issued an aggregate of 973,573 shares of Common Stock to CP BF and Alco, pursuant to the agreements we entered into with them in September 2024 and are exempt from registration.
Hudson Global Ventures Shares
On October 15, 2024, the Company issued 45,000 shares of Common Stock to Hudson pursuant to the Consulting Agreement as consideration for advisory services provided by Hudson. Such shares were issued in a transaction exempt from registration in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
None.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Reserved

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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 of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated audited financial statements and related notes included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. In addition to historical consolidated financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere particularly in the section titled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Certain figures, such as interest rates and other percentages, included in this section have been rounded for ease of presentation. Percentage figures included in this section have not in all cases been calculated on the basis of such rounded figures but on the basis of such amounts prior to rounding. For this reason, percentage amounts in this section may vary slightly from those obtained by performing the same calculations using the figures in our consolidated financial statements or in the associated text. Certain other amounts that appear in this section may similarly not sum due to rounding.
Overview
Banzai is a Marketing Technology (MarTech) company that produces data-driven marketing and sales solutions for businesses of all sizes. Our mission is to help our customers accomplish their mission - by enabling better marketing, sales, and customer engagement outcomes. Banzai endeavors to acquire companies strategically positioned to enhance our product and service offerings, increasing the value provided to current and prospective customers.
Banzai was founded in 2015. The first product Banzai launched was Reach, a SaaS and managed services offering designed to increase registration and attendance of marketing events, followed by the acquisition of Demio, a SaaS solution for webinars designed for marketing, sales, and customer success teams, in 2021 and the launch of Boost, a SaaS solution for social sharing designed to increase attendance for Demio-hosted events by enabling easy social sharing by event registrants, in 2023. Our customer base included over 3,070 customers as of December 31, 2024 and comes from a variety of industries, including (among others) healthcare, financial services, e-commerce, technology and media, in over 90 countries. Our customers range in size from solo entrepreneurs and small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. No single customer represents more than 10% of our revenue. Since 2021, we have focused on increasing mid-market and enterprise customers for Demio. Progress towards this is reflected in our increase in multi-host Demio customers from 14 on January 1, 2021 to 163 on December 31, 2024.
We sell our products using a recurring subscription license model typical in SaaS businesses. Pricing tiers for our main product, Demio, are based on the number of host-capable users, desired feature sets, and maximum audience size. Boost pricing tiers are based on the Demio plan to which the customer subscribes. Reach pricing is based on the number of event campaigns a customer has access to run simultaneously or the maximum number of registrations a customer is allowed to generate per subscription period. Banzai’s customer contracts vary in term length from single months to multiple years.
Banzai generated revenue approximately $4.5 million and $4.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Banzai has incurred significant net losses since inception, including net losses of approximately $31.1 million and $14.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Banzai had an accumulated deficit of $78.3 million and of $46.8 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Summary of our Mergers and Acquisitions
Business Combination with 7GC
On December 14, 2023, we consummated the Business Combination with Legacy Banzai. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Business Combination was effected through (a) the merger of First Merger Sub with and into Legacy Banzai, with Legacy Banzai surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of 7GC and (b) the subsequent merger of Legacy Banzai with and into Second Merger Sub, with the Second Merger Sub being the surviving entity of the Second Merger, which ultimately resulted in Legacy Banzai becoming a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of 7GC. Upon closing the Business Combination, we changed our name from 7GC & Co. Holdings Inc. to Banzai International, Inc.
OpenReel Merger
On December 18, 2024 (the “OR Closing Date”), we closed the merger (the “Merger”, the consummation of the Merger, the “Closing”) with ClearDoc, Inc., a Delaware corporation doing business as OpenReel (“OpenReel”), pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “OR Merger Agreement”), dated December 10, 2024, by and among the Company,
OpenReel, certain stockholders of OpenReel (the “OpenReel Stockholders”), and Banzai Reel Acquisition, Inc., a Delaware corporation and our wholly owned subsidiary (“Merger Sub”), that was formed solely for purposes of consummating the Merger. Upon Closing, the Merger Sub merged with and into OpenReel, with OpenReel being the surviving entity (the “Surviving Entity”) thereafter as our direct and wholly owned subsidiary named “OpenReel, Inc.”.
At the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), each share of capital stock of OpenReel issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than shares as to which dissenter’s rights have been properly exercised and certain other excluded shares) was converted into the right to receive our Common Stock, and pre-funded warrants, each exercisable for one (1) share of Banzai Common Stock at an exercise price of US$0.0001 (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”) issued in lieu thereof, in an amount equal to the quotient of $19,600,000 divided by the Conversion Price (as defined in the OR Merger Agreement) (the “Merger Consideration”).
The Merger Consideration consisted of an aggregate of 930,558 shares of Banzai Common Stock and 11,769,501 Pre-Funded Warrants. The shares of Banzai Common Stock and Pre-Funded Warrants issued by Banzai to the OpenReel Stockholders pursuant to the OR Merger Agreement were issued in reliance upon the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. Refer to Note 3 and Note 11 for information about the accounting treatment of this merger.
Vidello Acquisition
On January 31, 2025, the Company closed on the Vidello Limited acquisition, a private limited company registered in England and Wales for approximately $2.7 million in cash ($2,500,000 are withheld for indemnification expenses and other holdback provisions in accordance with the Acquisition Agreement, the “Cash Consideration”) and 898,204 shares of Banzai Class A common stock, pursuant to an Acquisition Agreement (the “Acquisition Agreement”), dated December 19, 2024, by and among the Company, Vidello, and certain shareholders of Vidello (the “Vidello Shareholders”). Vidello Shareholders transferred all the outstanding shares of Vidello to the Company, therefore, Vidello became a direct and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Share Consideration to the Vidello Shareholders pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement were issued in reliance upon the exemption from registration provided by Regulation D as promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
Vidello provides a suite of products for 3D video creation, royalty free music, and video marketing, with over $6.5 million in TTM revenue, $2 million in TTM EBITDA, while expected to reduce the combined company in operating losses to approximately $1.3 million per year.
Act On Merger
On January 22, 2025, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “AO Merger Agreement”) with Act-On Software Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Act-On”), and Banzai Passage Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Banzai (“Passage”) that was formed solely for purposes of consummating the transactions contemplated in the AO Merger Agreement (the “AO Merger”). Pursuant to the AO Merger Agreement, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth therein, upon closing of the AO Merger (the “Closing”), Act-On will merge with and into Passage, with Act-On surviving the AO Merger (the “AO Surviving Entity”), thereafter being a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Banzai. The AO Merger is intended to qualify for federal income tax purposes as a tax-free reorganization under the provisions of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Although the Company cannot guarantee that the Act On Merger will close, the Company expects to close the transaction in Q2 2025.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the AO Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger (the “AO Effective Time”), the aggregate merger consideration to be issued to Act-On Stockholders and certain Management Employees (as defined in the AO Merger Agreement) shall be a total of approximately $35,050,000, payable in cash and in shares of our Class A Common Stock, subject to adjustment as set forth in the AO Merger Agreement (the “AO Merger Consideration”). The adjustments to the AO Merger Consideration in the AO Merger Agreement include a customary working capital adjustment based on the amount by which certain working capital items at closing are greater or less than the target working capital as defined in the AO Merger Agreement. In addition to the AO Merger Consideration, at the AO Effective Time, we will fully pay off a certain loan owed to a certain lender of Act-On as of the AO Closing (the “Payoff Amount”) and the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Act-On in connection with the AO Merger (the “Transaction Expenses”) in cash to Act-On Stockholders, and issue a number of shares of Class A Common Stock (the “AO Share Consideration”) (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof, the “AO Pre-Funded Warrants”) to Act-On Stockholders and Management Employees that equal to the quotient of $33,200,000 divided by the average of the daily volume-weighted average trading prices of Class A Common Stock for the consecutive five (5) Trading Days (as defined in the AO Merger Agreement) immediately prior to and including the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of closing (the “AO Closing Date”) (the “Banzai 5-Day VWAP”).
Notwithstanding anything in the AO Merger Agreement to the contrary, Banzai shall not issue any shares of Class A Common Stock, to the extent that the issuance of shares of Class A Common Stock as AO Share Consideration would result in the Act-On Stockholders and Management Employees receiving an aggregate number of shares of Class A Common Stock exceeding 19.99% of the total shares of Class A Common Stock and shares of Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the AO Effective Time (the “Nasdaq Ownership Limitation”). In addition, notwithstanding anything in the AO Merger Agreement and AO Pre-Funded Warrants to the contrary, Banzai shall not issue any shares of Class A Common Stock, to the extent that any issuance of the shares of Class A Common Stock as AO Share Consideration would result in an Act-On Stockholder or a Management Employee, together with its affiliates, beneficially owning (as determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder) more than 4.99% of the Class A Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately following such issuance (the “Beneficial Ownership Limitation” and, together with Nasdaq Ownership Limitation, the “Ownership Limitations”). If and to the extent either of the Ownership Limitations prevents Banzai from issuing AO Share Consideration comprised exclusively of shares of Class A Common Stock, then Banzai instead will issue as AO Share Consideration (i) the maximum number of shares of Class A Common Stock that may be issued without exceeding either Ownership Limitation, and (ii) AO Pre-Funded Warrants exercisable for the number of shares of Class A Common Stock the issuance of which was prevented by application of the Ownership Limitations.
Some of the shares of Class A Common Stock and AO Pre-Funded Warrants will be issued to the Management Employees under Banzai’s 2023 equity incentive plan, as amended, pursuant to the registration statement on Form S-8, as amended (File No. 333-278218) and some of the shares of Class A Common Stock and AO Pre-Funded Warrants will be issued to certain Act-On Stockholders and Management Employees in reliance upon exemption provided by Rule 506(b) of Regulation D promulgated thereunder of the Securities Act, pursuant to a subscription booklet (the “Subscription Booklet”).
Each AO Pre-Funded Warrant shall have an exercise price of $0.001 per each share of Class A Common Stock issuable thereunder. The AO Pre-Funded Warrants will be registered in Banzai’s books and will not be listed for trading on any stock exchange or trading market. The terms of the AO Pre-Funded Warrants will provide that Banzai shall not issue shares of Class A Common Stock to any holder of a AO Pre-Funded Warrant upon the exercise thereof to the extent that after giving effect to such issuance, such holder would beneficially own a number of shares of Class A Common Stock in excess of the Nasdaq Ownership Limitation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Nasdaq Ownership Limitation shall not apply following the receipt of the Banzai stockholder approval contemplated by Rule 5635 of the Nasdaq listing rules with respect to the issuance of shares of Class A Common Stock upon exercise of the AO Pre-Funded Warrants in excess of the Nasdaq Ownership Limitation (the “AO Stockholder Approval”). The AO Pre-Funded Warrants also contain a beneficial ownership limitation that provides that the Company shall not effect any exercise of the AO Pre-Funded Warrants, and the holders of the AO Pre-Funded Warrants shall not have the right to exercise any portion of the AO Pre-Funded Warrants, to the extent that after giving effect to such issuance after exercise, the holder would beneficially own in excess of the Beneficial Ownership Limitation.
Following the Closing, Banzai will convene and hold a special meeting of its stockholders to obtain the AO Stockholder Approval (the “AO Special Meeting”). In connection with the AO Special Meeting, on January 22, 2025, Joseph P. Davy, Banzai’s Chief Executive Officer, who holds approximately 78.55% of Banzai’s total voting power as of the date of the AO Merger Agreement, entered into a Voting and Support Agreement, with Banzai (the “Voting and Support Agreement”) that obligates him to vote all the shares of Class B Common Stock beneficially owned by him in favor of the AO Stockholder Approval.
Pursuant to the AO Merger Agreement, Banzai will withhold from the AO Share Consideration a number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the quotient of $2,000,000 divided by the Banzai’s 5-Day VWAP, as adjusted pursuant to the AO Merger Agreement (the “Indemnification Holdback Amount”), as security for the obligations of Act-On Stockholders pursuant to the AO Merger Agreement. The Indemnification Holdback Amount shall be held for a period of twelve (12) months following the Closing Date (the “Indemnification Holdback Period”) and shall be released to Act-On Stockholders and Management Employees (in accordance with the Allocation Schedule) within ten (10) business days of the expiration of the Indemnification Holdback Period. The released aggregate amount shall be equal to (a) the Indemnification Holdback Amount, as allocated to Act-On Stockholders and Management Employees in accordance with the Allocation Schedule, less (b) any amounts set off against the Indemnification Holdback Amount pursuant to the AO Merger Agreement. The Indemnification Holdback amount shall be held by the Transfer Agent for the benefit of Act-On Stockholders and Management Employees and shall be released to Act-On Stockholders and Management Employees pursuant to the terms of a certain share consideration escrow agreement (the “Escrow Agreement”) by and among Banzai, Act-On, each of Act-On Stockholders and Management Employees and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, a New York limited purpose trust company (the “Escrow Agent”).
On or prior to the consummation of the AO Merger, parties will enter into the Escrow Agreement, pursuant to which, the Escrow Agent shall hold, for the benefit of Banzai, the Indemnification Holdback Amount. The Escrow Agent shall administer the Indemnification Holdback Amount in accordance with the written instructions jointly provided by Banzai and Act-On to the Escrow Agent to release the Indemnification Holdback Amount, or any portion thereof, as set forth in such instruction.
On or prior to the consummation of the AO Merger, Banzai shall execute and deliver to the Act-On Stockholders and Management Employees a registration rights agreement (the “AO Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, Banzai will agree to register for resale, within five (5) Business Days (as defined in the AO Merger Agreement) following the AO Closing, on an applicable registration statement under the Securities Act, the shares of Class A Common Stock, to be issued to the Act-On Stockholders and Management Employees pursuant to the AO Merger Agreement and the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the AO Pre-Funded Warrants.
The Closing of the AO Merger by each of Banzai, Merger Sub, and Act-On is subject to customary conditions, including (1) (A) adoption of the AO Merger Agreement by the Act-On Stockholders that hold the requisite percentage necessary to approve the AO Merger under Act-On’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and (B) approval of the AO Transaction by Banzai’s board of directors, (2) authorization for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market of the shares of Class A Common Stock to be issued in the AO Merger, subject to official notice of issuance, and (3) the absence of any order, injunction, decree or other legal restraint preventing the completion of the AO Merger or making the completion of the AO Merger illegal. Each party’s obligation to complete the AO Merger is also subject to certain additional customary conditions, including subject to certain exceptions, the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the other party and performance in all material respects by the other party of its obligations under the AO Merger Agreement. The AO Merger Agreement also contains customary representations, warranties, and indemnities of Banzai and Act-On.
Reverse Stock Split
On August 29, 2024, we held a special meeting of securityholders (the “Special Meeting”). At the Special Meeting, the Company’s securityholders approved the proposal to amend our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split with respect to the Company’s issued and outstanding Class A Common Stock, at a ratio of up to 1-for-50, with the final ratio and exact timing to be determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors. On September 10, 2024, our Board determined to effect a reverse stock split at a ratio of 1-for-50, effective as of September 19, 2024 and filed an amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
Nasdaq Listing
Due to prior noncompliance with certain Nasdaq listing rules, we had a hearing before The Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”), on September 19, 2024. Following that hearing, the Panel determined to phase our Common Stock down from The Nasdaq Global Market to The Nasdaq Capital Market. As of October 31, 2024, our Common Stock trades on The Nasdaq Capital Market, under the same symbol, BNZI.
On October 18, 2024, the Company a letter from Nasdaq stating that the Company has regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1) (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”) by maintaining a minimum closing bid price of the Company’s common stock (the “Common Stock”) of $1.00 or greater per share for the 10 consecutive business days, from September 19, 2024 through October 18, 2024, and that the Minimum Bid Price Requirement matter is now closed. The Company must still regain compliance with Listing Rule 5450(b)(2)(A) (the (“Market Value of Listed Securities”).
On November 7, 2024, the Company also received a letter from the staff at Nasdaq in relation to a letter from April 3, 2024, notifying the Company that, for the 10 consecutive trading days, from October 24, 2024 to November 6, 2024, the Company's MVPHS had been $1,000,000 or greater, and as such the staff determined that the Company had regained compliance with Listing Rule 5550(a)(5) and the matter was closed.
On November 7, 2024, Nasdaq determined that for the 10 consecutive trading days, from October 24, 2024 to November 6, 2024, the Company’s MVPHS has been $1,000,000 or greater and therefore the Company regained compliance with Listing Rule 5550(a)(5) (the equivalent of Listing Rule 5450(b)(2)(A) for the Capital Markets) and the matter is closed.
On February 12, 2025, the Company received a letter from the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, Office of the General Counsel that Nasdaq’s Listing Qualifications staff confirmed that the Company has demonstrated compliance with all of The Nasdaq Stock Market’s listing requirements and therefore the Company’s securities will remain listed on the Exchange. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain compliance with Nasdaq listing standards. Please see “Risk Factors” for more information.
2024 Financings
The Company may seek to raise additional capital through a private placement leveraging SEPA with the proceeds to support its operation and expansion through acquisition.
On May 22, 2024, we priced a “best efforts” public offering for the sale by the Company of an aggregate of 104,556 shares of our Class A common stock, pre-funded warrants exercisable into 173,222 shares of Class A Common Stock (the “May Pre-Funded Warrants”), and common warrants exercisable into 277,778 shares of Class A Common Stock (the “Common Warrants”). The public offering price was $9.00 per aggregate share. The May Pre-Funded Warrants are exercisable immediately, may be exercised at any time until all of the May Pre-Funded Warrants are exercised in full, and have an exercise price of $0.0050. The Common Warrants are exercisable immediately for a term of five years and have an exercise price of $9.00.
A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (“AGP”) acted as placement agent for the offering, pursuant to a placement agency agreement, dated May 22, 2024, between the Company and AGP (the “Placement Agency Agreement”). Under the Placement Agency Agreement, AGP received a cash fee of $174,939 and warrants (the “Placement Agent Warrants”) to purchase 16,667 shares of our Class A Common Stock at an exercise price per share equal to $10.00. The offering closed on May 28, 2024.
Recent Wainwright Private Financing
On September 24, 2024, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with an institutional investor for the issuance and sale in a private placement (the “Private Placement”) of (i) pre-funded warrants (“HCW Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase up to 1,176,471 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), at an exercise price of $0.001 per share, (ii) Series A warrants (the “Series A Warrants”) to purchase up to 1,176,471 shares of Common Stock, at an exercise price of $4.00 per share, and (iii) Series B warrants (the “Series B Warrants” and together with the Series A Warrants and the Placement Agent Warrants (defined below), the “Warrants” ) to purchase up to 1,176,471 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.00 per share. The Series A Warrants are exercisable immediately upon issuance and have a term of exercise equal to five years from the date of issuance. The Series B Warrants are exercisable immediately upon issuance and have a term of exercise equal to eighteen (18) months from the date of issuance. The combined purchase price per HCW Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying Warrants was $4.249. The Private Placement closed on September 26, 2024.
A holder of the HCW Pre-Funded Warrants and the Warrants may not exercise any portion of such holder’s HCW Pre-Funded Warrants or Warrants to the extent that the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the holder, 9.99%) of the Company’s outstanding shares of Common Stock immediately after exercise, except that upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the holder to the Company, the holder may increase the beneficial ownership limitation to up to 9.99% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise. In the event of certain fundamental transactions, holders of the Warrants will have the right to receive the Black Scholes Value of their Warrants calculated pursuant to a formula set forth in the Warrants, payable either in cash or in the same type or form of consideration that is being offered and being paid to the holders of Common Stock.
In connection with the Private Placement, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), dated as of September 24, 2024, with the investor, pursuant to which the Company agreed to prepare and file a registration statement on Form S-1 to register the resale of the shares of Common Stock underlying the HCW Pre-Funded Warrants and the Warrants, and to use its best efforts to have the registration statement declared effective as promptly as practical thereafter, and in any event no later than forty-five (45) days following the date of the Registration Rights Agreement (or seventy-five (75) days following the date of the Registration Rights Agreement in the event of a “full review” by the SEC). The Company filed an initial registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-282506) with the SEC on October 4, 2024 and it was declared effective on November 6, 2024.
The net proceeds to the Company from the Private Placement were approximately $4.4 million, after deducting placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds received from the Private Placement to support general corporate purposes and working capital.
H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC (“Wainwright”) acted as the Company’s exclusive placement agent in connection with the Private Placement, pursuant to that certain engagement letter, dated as of September 12, 2024, as amended, between the Company and Wainwright (the “Engagement Letter”). Pursuant to the Engagement Letter, the Company paid Wainwright (i) a total cash fee equal to 7.5% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Private Placement (inclusive of the gross proceeds to be
received from the exercise of any Warrants), (ii) a management fee of 1.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Private Placement (inclusive of the gross proceeds to be received from the exercise of any Warrants), and (iii) a non-accountable expense allowance of $50,000. In addition, the Company issued to Wainwright or its designees warrants (the “Placement Agent Warrants”) to purchase up to an aggregate of 88,235 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price equal to $5.3125 per share and, if any Warrants are exercised for cash will be obligated to issue to Wainwright additional Placement Agent Warrants equal to 7.5% of the total Warrants exercised, if any. The Placement Agent Warrants have substantially the same terms as the Warrants, are exercisable immediately upon issuance and have a term of exercise equal to five (5) years from the date of issuance.
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed not to issue any shares of Common Stock or Common Stock equivalents or to file any other registration statement with the SEC (in each case, subject to certain exceptions) until sixty (60) days after the effective date of the Registration Statement. The Company has also agreed not to effect any Variable Rate Transaction (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) until one (1) year after the effective date of the Registration Statement (subject to certain exceptions). Since the OR Merger requires the Company to issue shares to the OpenReel Stockholders and file a registration statement prior to the expiration of the aforesaid period, the Wainwright Investor agreed o waive the Protective Provisions (the "Waiver"). In consideration for the Waiver, the Company agreed to reduce the exercise price of the Warrants issued to the Wainwright Investor from $4.00 to $2.50 per share.
The Engagement Letter and the Purchase Agreement contain customary representations and warranties and agreements and obligations, conditions to closing and termination provisions. The foregoing descriptions of terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement, the HCW Pre-Funded Warrants, the Series A Warrants, the Series B Warrants, the Placement Agent Warrants, and the Registration Rights Agreement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by the full text of the form of the Purchase Agreement, the form of the HCW Pre-Funded Warrant, the form of the Series A Warrant, the form of the Series B Warrant, the form of the Placement Agent Warrant, and the form of the Registration Rights Agreement, which are attached hereto as Exhibits.
Between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024, 454,158 shares of Class A Common Stock had been issued upon conversion of outstanding promissory notes issued to YA II PN, LTD, a Cayman Islands exempt limited partnership managed by Yorkville Advisors Global, LP and a cash payment of $750,000 was made in May 2024. The aggregate principal amount was fully satisfied such that there is no remaining balance under the Yorkville Promissory Notes as of December 31, 2024.
Debt Equitization Plan
From August 23, 2024 to December 31, 2024 the Company entered into various agreements to reorganize outstanding debt from certain creditors (collectively, the “Creditors”) into shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock (the “Shares”) (collectively, the “Debt Reorganization”). The Shares issued as part of the Debt Reorganization are a mix of Shares that the Company agreed to register in a registration statement on Form S-1 and Shares that are exempt from registration. As of April 10, 2025 the Company has issued an aggregate of 1,597,944 Shares to the Creditors in exchange for the cancellation of an aggregate of $5,068,547 of debt.
Amended and Restated Repayment Agreement with J.V.B Financial Group, LLC
On September 9, 2024, the Company entered into a Repayment Agreement (the “Original J.V.B Agreement”) with J.V.B Financial Group, LLC (“J.V.B”) acting through Cohen & Company Capital Markets Division (“Cohen”), pursuant to which the parties agreed that for services previously rendered valued at $115,000 (the “Outstanding Debt”), the Company shall issue J.V.B. unrestricted, freely-trading, registered shares of Common Stock pursuant to a resale registration statement on Form S-1 or S-3. On September 9, 2024, the Company and J.V.B. entered into an Amended and Restated Repayment Agreement (the “Amended J.V.B Agreement”) that allowed for the Outstanding Debt to be paid through the issuance of 29,077 Shares to J.V.B. Under the Amended J.V.B. Agreement, the Company agreed to file a Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the SEC for the public resale of the Shares. The Company shall use reasonable best efforts to cause the Registration Statement (the “Resale Registration Statement”) to be filed within 90 days after the signing of the Amended J.V.B. Agreement. If the minimum price, as defined in the Amended J.V.B. Agreement, on the date the Resale Registration Statement is declared effective is less than $3.955, the Company will issue additional Shares to J.V.B within one business day to ensure the total value of the Shares is equal the debt owed. The closing price on November 12, 2024, when the Resale Registration Statement went effective, was $1.94 which was below the minimum price. The residual unpaid fee balance, net of the 29,077 Shares paid, was $58,589 and was settled in cash as of December 31, 2024.
Addendum to Letter Agreements with Roth Capital Partners, LLC
On October 5, 2022, the Company engaged Roth Capital Partners, LLC (“Roth”) to act as financial advisor to the Company in its then proposed business combination with 7GC & Co. Holdings, Inc. (“7GC”), pursuant to an agreement (the “Roth Agreement”). On October 14, 2022, 7GC entered into a similar agreement where MKM Partners, LLC, later acquired by Roth, would act as financial advisor to 7GC in its then proposed business combination with the Company (the “7GC Agreement”, together with the Roth Agreement, the “Letter Agreements”). On February 2, 2024, the Company entered into an Addendum to the Letter Agreements with Roth (the “Addendum”), where the Company agreed to pay the fees owed under the Roth Agreement and 7GC Agreement by (1) issuing to Roth 3,500 Shares and amending the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on December 29, 2023 to include the initial 3,500 Shares to be issued, and 12,000 Shares that may be issued as additional shares, as defined in the Addendum, to Roth, and (2) on or before June 30, 2024, the Company shall pay to Roth an amount in cash equal to $300,000 (the “Cash Fee”); provided that, if, as a result of the Company’s cash position at such time, the Company determines in its reasonable discretion that the cash payment should not be made in cash, then the Company may elect to satisfy the cash payment by issuing to Roth, within three business days of such date, additional Shares. The number of Shares to be issued pursuant to the Addendum shall be determined by dividing the amount of the cash payment by the VWAP for the trading day immediately preceding the cash payment date. On September 6, 2024, the Company issued 35,294 Shares to Roth in lieu of the Cash Fee. The Shares are exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and are to be issued as restricted stock with an appropriate restrictive legend.
Activate Agreement
The Company owed Activate, Inc. $261,000 for past services rendered. The parties agreed to write off 50% of that balance and for the remaining balance to be paid at the close of the Company’s next capital raise. The remaining 50% balance due to Activate was paid upon closing of the private placement that occurred in September 2024.
Floor Price Adjustment Agreement with Yorkville Advisors
On September 20, 2024, the Company entered into a Floor Price Reduction Agreement (the “Floor Price Reduction Agreement”) with YA II PN, LTD., a Cayman Islands exempt limited partnership managed by Yorkville Advisors Global, LP (“Yorkville”). On May 3, 2024, the Company entered into a debt repayment agreement with Yorkville (the “Original Debt Repayment Agreement”) stating that $2 million of the proceeds from a registered sale of Shares and warrants would be used to repay a portion of the principal and interest on outstanding promissory notes (the “Outstanding Promissory Notes”). In return, Yorkville agreed not to convert any portion of the debt into shares or issue an investor notice under their Standby Equity Purchase Agreement (the “SEPA”) with Yorkville for 90 days (the “Standstill Period”). On May 22, 2024, the Company entered into an Amended Debt Repayment Agreement (the “Amended Debt Repayment Agreement”). Under the terms of the Amended Debt Repayment Agreement, the outstanding balance owed to Yorkville was reduced from $2 million to $750,000. Yorkville was still not allowed to convert debt into Shares or issue an investor notice for 90 days. On August 28, 2024, the Standstill Period ended, and Yorkville was free to resume delivering investor notices to convert outstanding debt into Shares. Due to the end of the Standstill Period and the Company’s recent reverse stock split, at a ratio of 1-to-50, the Company and Yorkville, pursuant to the Floor Price Adjustment Agreement, agreed to amend and restate the prior repayment agreements such that the outstanding principal under the Amended Debt Repayment Agreement was reduced to $0.7 million, with no remaining interest, the floor price, as described in the Outstanding Promissory Notes, was adjusted to $2.00, and the maturity date for the Outstanding Promissory Notes is extended by 120 days to January 17, 2025. As of the date of this Report, all of the Outstanding Promissory Notes have been settled.
Repayment Agreement with Cooley LLP
On September 19, 2024 the Company entered into a Repayment Agreement with Cooley LLP (“Cooley”) for previously provided legal services (the “Cooley Repayment Agreement”). Under the Cooley Repayment Agreement, the Company’s outstanding fees have been lowered from $1,523,029 to $400,000 (the “Cooley Unpaid Fee”) in exchange for 11 monthly installments of $36,300, with the first payment to be made on October 1, 2024. If payments are not made in accordance with the Repayment Agreement, Cooley retains the right to seek to collect the entire Cooley Unpaid Fee.
Settlement Letter with CohnReznick LLP
On September 19, 2024, the Company entered into a Settlement Letter with CohnReznick LLP (“CohnReznick”) regarding the Company’s unpaid balance totaling $817,400 for services rendered in connection with the 7GC business combination with the Company (the “Settlement Letter”). Under the Settlement Letter, the Company and CohnReznick agreed to settle the total unpaid balance due, upon CohnReznick’s receipt of $450,000 (the “Settlement Amount”), which will be paid
in 15 equal monthly installments of $30,000. In consideration of the Settlement Letter, CohnReznick has agreed to not to pursue collection efforts now or at any time in the future, except as otherwise provided in the Settlement Letter.
Repayment Agreement with Sidley Austin LLP
On September 19, 2024, the Company entered into a Repayment Agreement with Sidley Austin LLP (“Sidley”) for previously provided legal services (the “Sidley Repayment Agreement”). Under the Sidley Repayment Agreement, the Company’s outstanding fees have been lowered from $4,815,979 to $1,605,326 (the “Sidley Unpaid Fee”). Under the Sidley Repayment Agreement, the Company agrees to 12 monthly payments that Sidley applies to the balance of the Sidley Unpaid Fee on a 2 for 1 basis, such that for every one dollar ($1.00) paid by Company, Sidley shall reduce the Sidley Unpaid Fee Amount by an additional two dollars ($2.00).
Repayment Agreement with Donnelley Financial LLC
On September 13, 2024, the Company entered into a Repayment Agreement with Donnelley Financial LLC (“Donnelley”) for previously provided services (the “Donnelley Repayment Agreement”). Under the Donnelley Repayment Agreement, the Company’s outstanding fees have been lowered from $1,072,148 to $715,123 (the “Donnelley Unpaid Fee”). The Donnelley Unpaid Fee will be paid in 12 monthly installments, with the first monthly payment of $45,000 due on October 1, 2024; the remaining 11 payments shall each be in the amount of $28,366. Under the Donnelley Repayment Agreement, the Donnelley Unpaid Fee shall become immediately due and payable upon the occurrence of certain events, including failure to make a payment of the Donnelley Unpaid Fee when due and failure to pay for any additional services.
Repayment Agreement with Verista Partners, Inc.
On August 26, 2024, the Company entered into a Repayment Agreement with Verista Partners, Inc. aka Winterberry Group, (“Verista” or “Winterberry”) for previously provided services (the “Verista Repayment Agreement”). Under the Verista Repayment Agreement, the Company’s outstanding fees are $196,666 (the “Verista Unpaid Fee”). The Company and Verista have agreed that the Verista Unpaid Fee will be repaid with $66,666 worth of Shares of the Company, and $130,000 in 16 equal cash installment payments of $8,125, beginning on October 1, 2024, and on the first day of each month thereafter through January 1, 2026.
A copy of the Transaction Documents are attached hereto as Exhibits and are incorporated by reference herein. The foregoing summaries of the terms of the Transaction Documents do not purport to be a complete description of each of the documents described in this Report and are qualified in their entirety by such documents.
Alco and CP BF
On February 19, 2021, the Company, along with Joe Davy and Demio, Inc. (the “Guarantors”), issued a convertible promissory note (the “First Senior Convertible Note”) in an aggregate principal amount of $1,500,000 to CP BF Lending, LLC (“CP BF”) in connection with a loan agreement, dated February 19, 2021, between the Company and CP BF (the “Loan Agreement”). On October 10, 2022, the Loan Agreement was amended, whereby CP BF waived payment by the Company of four months of cash interest with respect to the term loan under the Loan Agreement in replacement for a convertible promissory note (the “Second Senior Convertible Note” and, together with the First Senior Convertible Note, the “Senior Convertible Notes”) issued by the Company in an aggregate principal amount of $321,345. On August 24, 2023, the Company and CP BF entered into a forbearance agreement (the “Original Forbearance Agreement”), as amended by the First Amendment to Forbearance Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2023 (collectively, the “Forbearance Agreement”), pursuant to which they agreed to amend and restate the Senior Convertible Notes so that they would not convert at the closing of a business combination as a “Change of Control” event. After the closing of the business combination that occurred on December 14, 2023, the Senior Convertible Notes became convertible, at CP BF’s option on 5 days’ written notice to the Company, into shares of the Company’s Common Stock. The Senior Convertible Notes provide that, at all times after a SPAC Transaction (as defined in the Senior Convertible Notes), the conversion price for any such conversion is approximately $4.35 per share, subject to adjustment as set forth therein.
As of September 23, 2024, the Company owed an aggregate of $10,758,775 under the Senior Convertible Notes.
After Closing, the Senior Convertible Notes became convertible, at CP BF’s option on 5 days’ written notice to the Company, into shares of Common Stock. The Senior Convertible Notes provide that, at all times after a SPAC Transaction (as defined in the Senior Convertible Notes), the conversion price for any such conversion is approximately $4.35 per share (subject to adjustment as set forth therein).
On September 5, 2024, the Company entered into a Side Letter to the Loan Agreement whereby the Company agreed to enter into definitive transaction documents with CP BF and the Guarantors, whereby each agreed that substantially all of the outstanding obligations of the Company and Guarantors with regard to the Loan Agreement shall be consolidated and evidenced by a single convertible note (the “Convertible Note”), and that, absent an event of default, the Convertible Note shall accrue interest at a rate of 15.5%, which interest shall be paid in kind monthly (collectively, the “Rate Reduction”). In exchange for agreeing to the Rate Reduction, CP BF subscribed (the “Subscription”) for, and the Company agreed to issue to CP BF, 70,000 Shares; the Company also agreed to register those shares in a registration statement on Form S-1.
On September 23, 2024, the Company entered into such definitive transaction documents with CP BF, including a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “CP BF SPA”), a Registration Rights Agreement (the “RRA”), a Lock-Up Agreement (the “Lock Up”) and issued CP BF a Common Stock Purchase Warrant (the “Warrant”) and a Pre-Funded Warrant (the “CPBF Pre-Funded Warrant,” together with the CP BF SPA, RRA, Lock Up and Warrant, the “CP BF Transaction Documents”). Pursuant to the CP BF SPA, CP BF agreed to convert $2,000,000 in debt into $2,200,000 in equity, consisting of 260,849 shares of Common Stock, Warrants to purchase up to 565,553 shares of Common Stock and CPBF Pre-Funded Warrants to purchase up to 304,704 shares of Common Stock (all such securities and shares collectively referred to as the “CP BF Registrable Securities”). Under the CP BF SPA, CP BF elected to purchase CPBF Pre-Funded Warrants in lieu of shares of Common Stock in such manner to result in them paying the full Subscription Amount ($2,000,000) to the Company. The Warrant can be exercised at an initial exercise price of $4.02 per share, subject to adjustment for a term of five years. The CPBF Pre-Funded Warrants will be exercisable at any time after the date of issuance at an exercise price of $0.0001. Neither warrant may be exercised if the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own more than 19.99% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise. Both warrants may be exercised via cash or cashless exercise.
Pursuant to the RRA, the Company agreed to file a registration statement to register the CP BF Registrable Securities and for the registration statement to become effective on or before December 9, 2024.Under the Lock-Up, the Company’s CEO, Joe Davy, agreed not to sell an aggregate of 2,311,143 shares of Class B Common Stock that he owns until such time as CP BF no longer owns any of the CP BF Registrable Securities. Under the terms of the CP BF SPA, for a period of 45 days after the date the related Registration Statement is filed, except for certain specified transactions, the Company may not issue or enter into any agreement to issue shares of common stock, without CP BF’s prior written consent; the Company is similarly prohibited from entering into any variable rate transactions for a period of 12 months.
Although the Note has a principal amount of $10,758,775, taking into account the purchase and sale pursuant to the CP BF SPA, the Company continued to owe $8,758,775 to CP BF. CP BF agreed to convert such debt into a consolidated convertible loan, evidenced by a convertible note (the “Note”), via the Second Amendment to Loan Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2024 (the “Amended Loan Agreement”). Pursuant to the Amended Loan Agreement, interest shall accrue as payable-in-kind at an annual interest rate of 15.5% per annum, which shall increase to 20% upon the occurrence of an event of default. The Company shall also pay CP BF a $900 monthly servicing fee, which may increase by 7% annually if certain fees increase in cost and paid CP BF a one-time origination fee in the amount of $160,000. The Amended Loan Agreement also provides certain instances in which the Company must prepay the loan. Until such time as the loan is paid in full, CP BF maintains the right to appoint one representative to the Company’s Board of Directors to attend and observe the Board of Director meetings. Adding in a 1% exit fee on the Note, we agreed to register an aggregate of 2,279,271 shares of Common Stock underlying the Note in the related registration statement. The Note may be converted into shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a conversion price of $3.89 per share and matures on February 19, 2027.
On September 19, 2024, the Company and Alco agreed to convert $4,708,099 of debt into $5,178,909 in equity, on the same terms as set forth in the CP BF Transaction Documents (the “Alco Transaction Documents”, together with the CP BF Transaction Documents, the “Transaction Documents”). Accordingly, Alco shall receive, and we agreed to register 282,420 shares of Common Stock, Warrants to purchase up to 1,331,340 shares of Common Stock and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 1,048,920 shares of Common Stock (collectively, the “Alco Securities”). As consideration for the repayment of all of Alco’s outstanding debt, $470,810 was credited toward the purchase price of the Alco Securities.
A copy of the Transaction Documents are attached hereto as Exhibits and are incorporated by reference herein. The foregoing summaries of the terms of the Transaction Documents do not purport to be a complete description of each of the documents described in this Report and are qualified in their entirety by such documents.
We initially filed a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-282306) on September 24, 2024 to register the shares of Common Stock issuable to CP BF and Alco pursuant to the above mentioned agreements and the registration statement was declared effective on October 10, 2024.
2025 Financings
On January 30, 2025, we entered another Convertible Promissory Note (the “2025 Note”) with Yorkville, in principal amount of $3,500,000 (the “2025 Original Principal Amount”), to be used as an advance under the outstanding SEPA. We received the payment on January 31, 2025.
The Note was issued on January 30, 2025 (the “2025 Issuance Date”) and the maturity date of the Note is July 31, 2025, but may be extended at the option of the Company (the “2025 Maturity Date”). Beginning on February 28, 2025 and continuing on March 31, 2025 and April 30, 2025, (each, an “2025 Installment Date”), the Company shall repay a portion of the outstanding balance of this Note in an amount equal to the sum of (i) $1,500,000 of Principal in respect to the first two Installment Dates, and $500,000 in respect of the third Installment Date (or the outstanding Principal if less than such amount), plus (ii) a payment premium (in an amount equal to 4% of the Principal amount being paid (the “2025 Payment Premium”), and (iii) accrued and unpaid interest hereunder as of each Installment Date (collectively, the “2025 Installment Amount”). The Company maintains the right to pay each Installment Amount in cash or via an Advance Notice pursuant to the SEPA or any combination thereof. The Note bears an interest rate of 0% for the first 90 days following the Issuance Date, and 6% thereafter (the “2025 Interest Rate”). The Interest Rate shall increase to an annual rate of 18% upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined by the Note). The Note is convertible into shares of our Class A Common Stock at a conversion price of $2.00 per share (the “2025 Conversion Price”). The Investor may elect to convert part or all of the outstanding balance of the Note at any time or from time to time after the Issuance Date. The Company may prepay the outstanding amount at any time, in whole or in part, subject to a 4% premium, provided that (i) the Company provides the Investor with at least 10 trading days’ prior written notice (each, a “2025 Redemption Notice”) of its desire to prepay the outstanding amount (an “2025 Optional Redemption”), and (ii) on the date the Redemption Notice is issued, the VWAP of the Class A Common Stock is less than the Conversion Price.
A copy of the 2025 Note is attached hereto as an Exhibit and is incorporated by reference herein. The foregoing summaries of the terms of the 2025 Note does not purport to be a complete description of the 2025 Note described in this Report and is qualified in its entirety by such document.
Operating Metrics
In the management of our businesses, we identify, measure, and evaluate a variety of operating metrics, as described below. These key performance measures and operating metrics are not prepared in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to or calculated in the same way as other similarly titled measures and metrics used by other companies. Measurements are specific to the group being measured, i.e. total customers, new customers, or other cohorts. We currently use these operating metrics with our Demio product. We do not track and use these operating metrics with prior products.
The following table presents the percentage of Banzai’s revenue generated from Demio for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 as compared to our other SaaS products.
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Revenue %
Reach
3.8
%
4.5
%
Demio
91.0
%
94.9
%
Other1
5.2
%
0.6
%
Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
1 Other includes Boost sales for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023 and OpenReel product sales from acquisition date (refer to Note 5 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) to December 31, 2024.
Net Revenue Retention (“NRR”)
NRR is a metric Banzai uses to measure the revenue retention of its existing customer base. NRR calculates the change in revenue from existing customers by cohort over a period of time, after taking into account revenue lost due to customer churn and downgrades, and revenue gained due to upgrades and reactivations.
The formula for calculating NRR is: NRR = (Revenue at the beginning of a period - Revenue lost from churn, and downgrades + Revenue gained from expansion and reactivation) / Revenue at the beginning of the period.
The following table presents average monthly NRR for Demio for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Product: Demio
Average Monthly NRR
96.7
%
95.5
%
Average Customer Value (“ACV”)
ACV is a metric Banzai uses to calculate the total revenue that it can expect to generate from a customer in a year. ACV is commonly used in the SaaS industry to measure the value of a customer to a subscription-based company over a 12-month period. Banzai uses ACV to segment its customers and to determine whether the value of new customers is growing or shrinking relative to the existing customer base. Banzai uses this information to make strategic decisions about pricing, marketing, and customer retention.
The formula for calculating ACV is: ACV = Total Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) / Total Number Customers, where ARR is defined as annual run-rate revenue of subscription agreements from all customers measured at a point in time.
The following table presents new customer ACV and total average ACV for Demio for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Product: Demio
New Customer ACV
$
1,428
$
1,355
Total Average ACV
$
1,545
$
1,406
Customer Acquisition Cost (“CAC”)
CAC is a financial metric Banzai uses to evaluate the average cost of acquiring a new customer. It includes marketing, sales, and other related expenses incurred while attracting and converting prospects into paying customers. CAC is a critical metric for Banzai to understand the efficiency and effectiveness of its marketing and sales efforts, as well as to ensure sustainable growth.
The formula for calculating CAC is: CAC = Total Sales & Marketing Cost / Number of Customers Acquired.
The following table presents CAC for Demio for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Product: Demio
Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)
$
1,519
$
1,030
Customer Churn %
Customer Churn % is the rate of customers who deactivate in a given period relative to the number of active customers at the beginning of such period or end of the prior period. Understanding drivers of churn allows Banzai to take measures to
reduce the number of customers who deactivate and increase the overall rate of customer retention. There are two types of Churn % measured: Revenue churn and Customer (or logo) churn.
The formula for calculating Churn % is: Churn % = [# or $ value of] Deactivations / [# or $ value of] Active Customers (Beginning of period).
The following table presents revenue Churn and new customer (or logo) Churn for Demio for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Product: Demio
Average Monthly Churn - Revenue
5.7
%
6.9
%
Average Monthly Churn - Customer (Logo)
6.3
%
7.9
%
Churn - Customer (Logo) represents the number of customers, whereas the non-Logo Churn is based on sales dollars.
Customer Lifetime Value (“LTV”)
LTV is a financial metric Banzai uses to estimate the total revenue it can expect to generate from a customer throughout their entire relationship. LTV helps Banzai understand the long-term value of each customer, enabling it to make informed decisions about marketing, sales, customer support, and product development strategies. It also helps Banzai allocate resources more efficiently by identifying high-value customer segments to focus on growth and retention.
The formula for calculating LTV is comprised of two metrics: Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) and Customer Life represented in # of months. Calculations for these metrics on a per-customer basis, as follows:
MRR = ACV / 12
Customer Life (# of months) = 1 / Churn %
LTV = MRR * Customer Life (# of months)
MRR is calculated by aggregating, for all customers from customer base or the group being measured during that month, monthly revenue from committed contractual amounts. For customers on annual contracts, this represents their ACV divided by 12.
The following table presents MRR, Customer Life, and LTV for Demio for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Product: Demio
MRR (New Customers)
$
$
Customer Life (months)
17.5
14.5
LTV (New Customers)
$
2,078
$
1,635
LTV / CAC Ratio
LTV / CAC ratio is a culminating metric measuring the efficiency of Sales and Marketing activities in terms of the dollar value of new business generated versus the amount invested in order to generate that new business. This provides a
measurement of ROI for Sales and Marketing activities. A segmented view of LTV / CAC ratio gives additional insight into the profitability of various business development activities.
The formula for calculating LTV / CAC ratio is: LTV / CAC for the segment or activity being measured.
The following table presents the LTV / CAC ratio for Demio for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Product: Demio
LTV / CAC Ratio
1.5
1.6
Analysis of the Impact of Key Business Drivers on Financial Performance
Banzai strives to maximize revenue growth within a reasonable cost structure through optimizing and continuous monitoring of the key business metrics described above relative to SaaS industry benchmarks, Banzai’s direct competition, and historical company performance. This is accomplished through a combination of increased revenue per customer (higher ACVs and NRR) on an increasing customer base, generated through efficient customer acquisition (LTV / CAC ratio) and improved customer retention (lower churn, higher customer life). Other business activities contribute to improved performance and metrics, including but not limited to the following:
•Customer Success and Onboarding, leading to maximum customer satisfaction and retention.
•Product Development and Support, maximizing customer value, supporting usage and expansion revenue.
•Company Initiatives, designed to improve trial experience and conversion rates, on-demand adoption, and emphasis on data to position our products as a system of automation and a system of record for our customers, supporting growth and retention.
Identification of Operational Risk Factors
There are a number of key internal and external operational risks to the successful execution of Banzai’s strategy.
Internal risks include, among others:
•Management and leadership issues: ineffective leadership, poor decision-making, or lack of direction.
•Operational inefficiencies: inadequate processes and poor resource allocation may lead to decreased productivity or insufficient ROI.
•Financial mismanagement: inadequate financial planning, improper accounting practices, or excessive debt can lead to financial instability.
•Employee-related challenges: high turnover, lack of skilled staff, or internal conflicts can impact morale and productivity.
•Technological obsolescence: failing to develop (or adapt) to new technologies in anticipation or response to changes in market trends can lead to competitive disadvantages.
External risks include, among others:
•Economic factors: including economic downturns, inflation, or currency fluctuations impacting business spending and overall market conditions.
•Competition: from established industry players to new entrants, eroding market share and profitability.
•Legal and regulatory: changes in laws or regulations that impact operations or increase compliance costs.
•Technological disruptions: from advancements in technology leading to obsolescence of existing products.
•Unforeseen events: including natural disasters, geo-political instability, and pandemics, potentially impacting market demand, operational or supply chain disruption.
Analysis of the Impact of Operational Risks on Financial Performance
The risk factors described above could have significant impacts on Banzai’s financial performance. These or other factors, including those risk factors summarized in the section titled “Risk Factors” could impact Banzai’s ability to generate and grow revenue, contain costs, or inhibit profitability, cash flow, and overall financial performance:
•Revenue and Sales: Internal risks from operating inefficiency or external factors, including economic downturns or increased competition, could lead to lower sales, impaired unit economics, and reduced revenue.
•Costs and Expenses: Internal operating mismanagement or external factors, including supplier issues, may cause increased cost relative to revenue generation, resulting in insufficient return on investment or profit margins.
By continuing to conduct comprehensive risk monitoring and analysis on financial performance, Banzai can optimize its ability to make informed decisions and improve its ability to navigate internal and external challenges. Such activities include: identification and categorization of risks, quantification and analysis of potential severity, and development of risk mitigation strategies. It is also important for Banzai to ensure financial reports and disclosures accurately reflect the potential impact of risks on financial performance, essential for transparent communication with investors and stakeholders.
The Business Combination and Public Company Costs
The Business Combination was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization. Under this method of accounting, 7GC was treated as the acquired company for financial statement reporting purposes. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the financial statements of Banzai represent a continuation of the financial statements of Legacy Banzai with the Business Combination treated as the equivalent of Legacy Banzai issuing stock for the net assets of 7GC, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net
assets of 7GC were stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Operations prior to the Business Combination are those of Legacy Banzai in this and future reports of Banzai.
Due to the Business Combination, we became the successor to an SEC-registered and Nasdaq-listed company, which required Banzai to hire additional personnel and implement procedures and processes to address public company regulatory requirements and customary practices. We incurred and expect to incur additional annual expenses as a public company for, among other things, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, director fees and additional internal and external accounting, legal and administrative resources, including increased audit and legal fees. We are qualified as an “emerging growth company.” As a result, we have been provided certain disclosure and regulatory relief. Our future results of operations and financial position may not be comparable to Legacy Banzai’s historical results of operations and financial position as a result of the Business Combination.
Results of Operations
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Year-over-
Year-over-
($ in Thousands)
Year $
Year %
Operating income:
Revenue
$
4,528
$
4,561
$
(33
)
-0.7
%
Cost of revenue
1,423
1,445
(22
)
-1.5
%
Gross profit
3,105
3,116
(11
)
-0.4
%
Operating expenses:
General and administrative expenses
16,549
12,905
3,644
28.2
%
Depreciation expense
242.9
%
Total operating expenses
16,573
12,912
3,661
28.4
%
Operating loss
(13,468
)
(9,796
)
(3,672
)
37.5
%
Other expenses (income):
SEPA commitment fee and deferred fee expense
-
3,826
(3,826
)
-100.0
%
GEM warrant expense
-
2,448
GEM commitment fee expense
-
2,000
GEM settlement fee expense
-
nm
Other expense (income), net
(63
)
-239.7
%
Interest income
-
(1
)
-100.0
%
Interest expense
-
1,068
(1,068
)
-100.0
%
Interest expense - related party
3,047
4,486
(1,439
)
-32.1
%
Gain on extinguishment of liabilities
(681
)
-
(681
)
nm
Loss on debt issuance
-
nm
Loss on extinguishment of term notes
1,072
-
1,072
nm
Loss on conversion and settlement of Alco promissory notes - related party
4,809
-
4,809
nm
Loss on conversion and settlement of CP BF notes - related party
6,529
-
6,529
nm
Change in fair value of warrant liability
(626
)
(1,807
)
1,181
-65.4
%
Change in fair value of warrant liability - related party
(573
)
(688
)
-598.3
%
Change in fair value of simple agreement for future equity
-
(208
)
-100.0
%
Change in fair value of simple agreement for future equity - related party
-
(2,752
)
2,752
-100.0
%
Change in fair value of bifurcated embedded derivative liabilities
-
(1,405
)
1,405
-100.0
%
Change in fair value of bifurcated embedded derivative liabilities - related party
(51
)
(3,063
)
3,012
-98.3
%
Change in fair value of convertible notes
(34
)
-2138.2
%
Change in fair value of term notes
-
nm
Change in fair value of convertible bridge notes
(10
)
-
(10
)
nm
Yorkville prepayment premium expense
-
nm
Goodwill impairment
2,725
-
2,725
nm
Total other expenses (income)
18,045
4,610
13,435
291.4
%
Loss before income taxes
(31,513
)
(14,406
)
(17,107
)
118.7
%
Income tax expense
-
-
-
nm
Net loss
$
(31,513
)
$
(14,406
)
$
(17,107
)
118.7
%
The percentage changes included in the tables herein that are not considered meaningful are presented as “nm".
Components of Results of Operations
Revenue Analysis
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Year-over-
Year-over-
($ in Thousands)
Year $
Year %
Revenue
$
4,528
$
4,561
$
(33
)
-0.7
%
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Banzai reported total revenue of approximately $4,528 thousand, representing a decrease of approximately $33 thousand, or approximately 0.7%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. This decrease is primarily attributable to lower Reach revenue which declined by approximately $19 thousand due to a shift in Banzai's focus to its Demio product and decision, which decision was reversed in the later part of Q1 2024, to begin phasing out the Reach product. In 2024 Banzai is revitalizing its focus on the Reach product through re-engineering and expanded sales efforts. Demio revenue was lower by approximately $223 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 due to churn and lower new sales period-over-period.
Cost of Revenue Analysis
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Year-over-
Year-over-
($ in Thousands)
Year $
Year %
Cost of revenue
$
1,423
$
1,445
$
(22
)
-1.5
%
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, Banzai’s cost of revenue totaled approximately $1,423 thousand and approximately $1,445 thousand, respectively. This represents a decrease of approximately $22 thousand, or approximately 1.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. This decrease is due primarily to lower customer base that led to an approximately 5% lower average cost per customer, driven by lower contracted services and infrastructure costs of approximately $84 thousand and $90 thousand, respectively.
Gross Profit Analysis
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Year-over-
Year-over-
($ in Thousands)
Year $
Year %
Gross profit
$
3,105
$
3,116
$
(11
)
-0.4
%
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, Banzai’s gross profit was approximately $3,105 thousand and approximately $3,116 thousand, respectively. This represents a decrease of approximately $11 thousand, or approximately 0.4% due to the decreases in revenue of approximately $33 thousand and decreases in cost of revenue of approximately $22 thousand described above.
Operating Expense Analysis	
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Year-over-
Year-over-
($ in Thousands)
Year $
Year %
Total operating expenses
$
16,573
$
12,912
$
3,661
28.4
%
Total operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, were approximately $16.6 million and approximately $12.9 million, respectively, an increase of approximately $3.7 million, or 28.4%. This increase was due primarily to an overall increase in salaries and related expenses by approximately $0.4 million, marketing expenses by approximately $0.7 million, technology expenses by approximately $0.3 million, rent expenses by approximately $0.1 million, transaction processing fees of approximately $0.3 million, costs associated with audit, technical accounting, and legal and other professional services of approximately $1.7 million. On September 16, 2024, the Company committed to a reduction in force
(the "Reduction") intended to decrease expenses and maintain a streamlined organization to support key programs and customers, and that is expected to conserve cash. As part of the Reduction, the Company reduced its headcount by 24 employees, which represented approximately 34% of the Company's full-time employees as of September 15, 2024. The cost-saving measures from the Reduction are expected to reduce annual operating expenses by approximately an additional $1.3 million beginning in the fourth quarter of 2024. The Company estimates that it will incur total restructuring charges of approximately $0.1 million, including severance payments in connection with the Reduction. The Company completed the reduction on October 1, 2024.
Other Expense Analysis
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Year-over-
Year-over-
($ in Thousands)
Year $
Year %
Total other expenses (income)
$
18,045
$
4,610
$
13,435
291.4
%
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Banzai reported total other expense of approximately $18.0 million. This represents an increase in other expenses of approximately $13.4 million from the year ended December 31, 2023, when the Company reported total other expenses of approximately $4.6 million. The change in other expenses, net was primarily driven by the following:
•Loss on conversion and settlement of CP BF notes of approximately $6.5 million.
•Loss on conversion and settlement of Alco promissory notes of approximately $4.8 million.
•GEM settlement commitment fee expense of approximately $0.2 million.
•Gain on extinguishment of debt of approximately $0.7 million recognized during the year ended December 31, 2024.
•There were no changes in fair value of the simple agreement for future equity ("SAFEs") during the year ended December 31, 2024 relative to a gain of approximately $3.0 million recognized during the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately $2.8 million of which related to related party SAFEs. All SAFEs were converted at the close of the Merger in December 2023.
•Loss on issuance of debt of approximately $0.7 million.
•Loss on extinguishment of term notes of approximately $1.1 million.
•Change in fair value of warrant liability recorded as a gain (third party & related party) of approximately $1.2 million.
•Interest expense (third party and related party) decreased by approximately $2.5 million.
•Change in fair value of bifurcated embedded derivative liabilities during the year ended December 31, 2024 was approximately $0.1 million relative to an overall expenses of approximately $4.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2023.
•Change in fair value of convertible promissory notes recorded as a loss of approximately $0.7 million.
•Change in fair value of term notes recorded as a loss of approximately $0.1 million.
•Yorkville prepayment premium expense of approximately $0.1 million.
•Goodwill impairment of approximately $2.7 million recorded during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Provision for Income Taxes
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Year-over-
Year-over-
($ in Thousands)
Year $
Year %
Income tax expense
$
-
$
-
$
-
nm
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Banzai’s reported provision for income tax expense was $0 thousand. Banzai did not report a provision for income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Due to Banzai's history of losses since inception, there is not enough evidence at this time to support that Banzai will generate future income of a sufficient amount and nature to utilize the benefits of its net deferred tax assets. Accordingly, the deferred tax assets have been reduced by a full valuation allowance, since Banzai cannot currently support that realization of its deferred tax assets is more likely than not.
At December 31, 2024, Banzai had no unrecognized tax benefits that would reduce Banzai's effective tax rate if recognized.
Net Loss Analysis
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Year-over-
Year-over-
($ in Thousands)
Year $
Year %
Net loss
$
(31,513
)
$
(14,406
)
$
(17,107
)
118.7
%
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, Banzai reported net losses of approximately $31.5 million and approximately $14.4 million, respectively. The greater net loss is primarily due to an increase in total other expenses of approximately $13.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, in addition to an increase in operating expenses of approximately $3.7 million.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience, known trends and events and various other factors that we believe are reasonable 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. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. On a recurring basis, we evaluate our judgments and estimates in light of changes in circumstances, facts, and experience. The effects of material revisions in an estimate, if any, will be reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements prospectively from the date of the change in the estimate.
We believe that the following accounting policies are those most critical to the judgments and estimates used in the determination of opening balances in purchase accounting for business combinations, and in preparation of our financial statements.
Impairment of goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually, in December, or more frequently if a triggering event occurs between impairment testing dates. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had two operating segments, which were deemed to be its reporting units, for the purpose of evaluating goodwill impairment, and the annual impairment test is performed as of December 31.
The Company’s impairment assessment begins with a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors may include, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, and other relevant entity and Company specific events. If, based on the qualitative test, the Company determines that it is "more likely than not” that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then we evaluate goodwill for impairment by comparing the fair value of our reporting unit to its respective carrying value, including its goodwill. If it is determined that it is not likely that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then no further testing is required.
The selection and assessment of qualitative factors used to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value involves significant judgment and estimates. Fair values may be determined using a combination of both income and market-based approaches.
As of the annual impairment testing date of December 31, 2024, the Company bypassed the qualitative assessment and proceeded directly to the quantitative impairment test based on the stock price of the Company on the measurement date and economic uncertainty. To perform the quantitative assessment, the Company engaged a third-party service provider to assist management with the determination of the fair value of the Company. The Company estimated fair value of equity using the market capitalization method of the market approach, consideration of initiatives unknown by the market and evaluation of any implied control premium. Management further supported the conclusions by assessing a combination of an income valuation methodology, comprising a discounted cash flow analysis and market valuation methodologies, comprising the guideline public company and guideline transaction methods.
	The market capitalization method calculated the aggregate market value of the Company based on the total number of outstanding shares of common and preferred stock and the market prices of the shares as of the assessment date. The Company evaluated conditions that were unknown by the market as of the assessment date and how a market participant would evaluate an implied control premium for the Company. The implied control premium was supported using a discounted cash flow analysis that contemplated the present value of assumed market participant cost savings and synergies.
The discounted cash flow (“DCF”) estimated the present value of future cash flows. A DCF analysis requires significant judgment to model financial forecasts, which included revenue growth, cost of sales as a percentage of revenue, gross profit margin, operating expenses as a percentage of revenue, EBITDA margin, EBITDA growth, industry and economic trends, and other relevant considerations. For periods beyond those forecasted, a terminal value was estimated based on an assumed long-term growth rate, which was derived using the Gordon Growth Model. The discount rate applied to the forecasted cash flows was calculated using a build-up approach, which starts with the risk-free interest rate, which was then calibrated for market and small stock risk premiums, including a beta, equity risk, size, and small stock risk premiums to reflect risks and
uncertainties in the financial market and in the Company’s business projections.
The market approach for the guideline public company method utilizes observable market data from comparable public companies, including revenue multiples, to estimate the Company’s fair value. This approach also incorporates a control premium to represent the Company’s expectation of a hypothetical acquisition. The market approach for the guideline transaction method utilizes observable transactions of actual prices paid for target companies that operated in comparable industries or markets facing similar risks. Both methods of the market approach require judgment in the selection of comparable companies or comparable transactions and includes those with similar business activities, and related operating environments.
The results of the quantitative assessment indicated that the carrying amount of the Company's OpenReel reporting unit exceeded its fair value, which resulted in an impairment loss of $2.7 million at December 31, 2024.
	Significant negative industry or economic trends, including declines in the market price of the Company’s stock, reduced estimates of future cash flows or business disruptions could result in impairments to goodwill in the future, which would result in recording an impairment loss. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Management will continue evaluating the economic conditions at future reporting periods for triggering events.
Business combinations
The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, which requires the recognition of acquired tangible and identifiable intangible assets and assumed liabilities at their acquisition date fair values. These fair values are a result of valuation techniques that use significant assumptions that are subject to a high degree of judgment. The excess of the acquisition price over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Results of operations related to acquired entities are included prospectively beginning with the date of acquisition. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted EBITDA
In addition to our results determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure as defined below, is useful in evaluating our operational performance distinct and apart from certain irregular,
non-cash, and non-operational expenses. We use this information for ongoing evaluation of operations and for internal planning purposes. We believe that non- GAAP financial information, when taken collectively with results under GAAP, may be helpful to investors in assessing our operating performance and comparing our performance with competitors and other comparable companies.
Non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. We endeavor to compensate for the limitation of Adjusted EBITDA, by also providing the most directly comparable GAAP measure, which is net loss, and a description of the reconciling items and adjustments to derive the non-GAAP measure. Some of these limitations are:
•Adjusted EBITDA does not consider the potentially dilutive impact of stock-based compensation.
•Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect cash capital expenditure requirements for such replacements or for new capital expenditures or contractual commitments.
•Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect impairment and restructuring costs.
•Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect interest expense or other income.
•Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect income taxes.
•Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect audit, legal, incremental accounting and other expenses tied to M&A or the Business Combination.
•Other companies, including companies in our own industry, may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently from the way we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.
Because of these limitations, Adjusted EBITDA should only be considered alongside results prepared in accordance with GAAP, including various cash-flow metrics, net income (loss) and our other GAAP results and financial performance measures.
Adjusted EBITDA Analysis
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Year-over-
Year-over-
($ in Thousands)
Year $
Year %
Adjusted EBITDA (Loss)
$
(6,506
)
$
(11,944
)
$
5,438
-45.5
%
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Banzai’s Adjusted EBITDA was approximately $6.5 million, reflecting a decrease in the earnings of approximately $5.4 million compared to a loss of approximately $11.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This period-over-period decrease in earnings is primarily attributable to increased general and administrative expenses.
Net Income/(Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Year-over-
Year-over-
($ in Thousands)
Year $
Year %
Net loss
$
(31,513
)
$
(14,406
)
$
(17,107
)
118.7
%
Other expense (income), net
(63
)
-239.7
%
Depreciation expense
242.9
%
Stock based compensation
1,166
1,246
(80
)
-6.4
%
Interest expense
-
1,068
(1,068
)
-100.0
%
Interest expense - related party
3,047
4,486
(1,439
)
-32.1
%
Income tax expense
-
-
-
nm
GEM settlement fee expense
-
nm
Gain on extinguishment of liabilities
(681
)
-
(681
)
nm
Loss on debt issuance
-
nm
Loss on issuance of term notes
1,072
-
1,072
nm
Loss on conversion and settlement of Alco promissory notes - related party
4,809
-
4,809
nm
Loss on conversion and settlement of CP BF notes - related party
6,529
-
6,529
nm
Change in fair value of warrant liability
(626
)
(1,807
)
1,181
-65.4
%
Change in fair value of warrant liability - related party
(573
)
(688
)
-598.3
%
Change in fair value of simple agreement for future equity
-
(208
)
-100.0
%
Change in fair value of simple agreement for future equity - related party
-
(2,752
)
2,752
-100.0
%
Change in fair value of bifurcated embedded derivative liabilities
-
(1,405
)
1,405
-100.0
%
Change in fair value of bifurcated embedded derivative liabilities - related party
(51
)
(3,063
)
3,012
-98.3
%
Change in fair value of convertible notes
(34
)
-2138.2
%
Change in fair value of term notes
-
nm
Change in fair value of convertible bridge notes
(10
)
-
(10
)
nm
Yorkville prepayment premium expense
-
nm
Goodwill impairment
2,725
-
2,725
nm
Transaction related expenses*
5,772
4,746
1,026
21.6
%
Adjusted EBITDA (Loss)
$
(6,506
)
$
(11,944
)
$
5,438
-45.5
%
* Transaction related expenses include
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Year-over-
Year-over-
($ in Thousands)
Year $
Year %
Professional fees - audit
$
$
$
(61
)
-10.9
%
Professional fees - legal
1,969
1,715
675.2
%
Incremental accounting
1,726
2,731
(1,005
)
-36.8
%
Market study, M&A support
1,578
1,201
31.4
%
Transaction related expenses
$
5,772
$
4,746
$
1,026
21.6
%
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Going Concern
Since inception, Banzai has financed its operations primarily from the sales of redeemable convertible preferred stock and convertible promissory notes, and proceeds from senior secured loans. As of December 31, 2024, Banzai had cash of approximately $1.1 million.
Banzai has incurred losses since its inception, had a working capital deficit of approximately $25.6 million as of December 31, 2024, and had an accumulated deficit at December 31, 2024 totaling approximately $78.3 million. As of December 31, 2024, Banzai had approximately $3.6 million and approximately $8.9 million aggregate principal amount outstanding on term/promissory notes and convertible notes, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2024, Banzai raised additional capital under the SEPA through the issuance of additional convertible notes for a total of approximately $2.5 million to fund the Company's operations. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company issued non-cash share payments of approximately $3.9 million in partial settlement of the Yorkville Promissory Note financing, and made an approximately $0.5 million non-cash share payment to settle the deferred fee liability payable to Yorkville in terms of the SEPA. In May 2024 the Company entered into the Amended Repayment Agreement which extended the maturity date on the convertible notes to September 25, 2024, and pursuant to which the Company made a cash payment of $0.8 million in partial settlement of the Yorkville Promissory Notes. In December 2024 the Company raised approximately $0.9 million through the sale of 550,000 shares of Class A Common Stock to Yorkville pursuant to the terms of the SEPA. These stock issuances described herein do not represent sources of new capital, rather the issuances were made to settle existing liabilities in lieu of cash payments, as described above. Banzai has historically used debt financing proceeds principally to fund operations. On May 22, 2024 and September 24, 2024, Banzai entered into a securities purchase agreement with accredited investors, providing for the issuance and sale of Common Stock, pre-funded warrants, and common warrants in a registered direct offering. The aggregate gross proceeds to the Company from the May 2024 and September 2024 Offerings were approximately $2.5 million and $5.0 million, respectively.
Banzai’s intends to seek additional funding through the SEPA arrangement and other equity financings in 2025. If Banzai is unable to raise such funding, Banzai will have to pursue an alternative course of action to seek additional capital through other debt and equity financing. On January 30, 2025, we entered another Convertible Promissory Note (the “2025 Note”) with Yorkville, in principal amount of $3,500,000 (the “2025 Original Principal Amount”), to be used as an advance under the outstanding SEPA. We received the payment on January 31, 2025.
On September 16, 2024, the Company committed to a reduction in force (the "Reduction") intended to decrease expenses and maintain a streamlined organization to support key programs and customers, and that is expected to conserve cash. As part of the Reduction, the Company reduced its headcount by 24 employees, which represented approximately 34% of the Company's full-time employees as of September 15, 2024. The cost-saving measures from the Reduction are expected to reduce annual operating expenses by approximately an additional $1.3 million beginning in the fourth quarter of 2024. The Company estimates that it will incur total restructuring charges of approximately $0.1 million, including severance payments in connection with the Reduction. The Company completed the reduction in October, 2024.
If Banzai is unable to raise sufficient additional capital, through future debt or equity financings or through strategic and collaborative ventures with third parties, Banzai will not have sufficient cash flows and liquidity to fund its planned business for 12 months from the issuance of these financial statements. There can be no assurances that Banzai will be able to secure alternate forms of financing at terms that are acceptable to management. In that event, Banzai might be forced to limit many of its business plans and consider other means of creating value for its stockholders. Based on the factors described above, and after considering management’s plans, there is substantial doubt about Banzai’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the date the financial statements were available to be issued. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming Banzai will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.
Cash Flows
The following table sets forth Banzai’s cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Year Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
Year-over-
Year-over-
($ in Thousands)
Year $
Year %
Net loss
$
(31,513
)
$
(14,406
)
$
(17,107
)
118.7
%
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
22,013
12,855
9,158
71.2
%
Net cash used in operating activities
(9,575
)
(1,551
)
(8,024
)
517.3
%
Net cash provided by investing activities
-
nm
Net cash provided by financing activities
8,487
2,621
5,866
223.8
%
Net increase / (decrease) in cash
$
(1,006
)
$
1,070
$
(2,076
)
-194.0
%
Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2024
Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $9.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Net cash used in operating activities consists of net loss of approximately $31.5 million, offset by total adjustments of approximately $22.0 million for non-cash items and the effect of changes in working capital. Non-cash adjustments primarily included loss on conversion and settlement of Alco promissory notes of approximately $4.8 million, loss on conversion and settlement of CP BF notes of approximately $6.5 million, non-cash settlement of the GEM commitment fee of approximately $0.2 million, non-cash share issuance for marketing expenses of approximately $0.2 million, non-cash share issuance for Yorkville redemption premium of approximately $0.1 million, stock-based compensation expense of approximately $1.2 million, gain on extinguishment of liability of approximately $0.7 million, loss on issuance of debt of approximately $0.7 million, loss on extinguishment of term notes of approximately $1.1 million, non-cash interest expense of approximately $2.3 million (approximately $1.53 million for related party), amortization of debt discount and issuance costs for related party of approximately $1.4 million, amortization of operating lease ROU assets of approximately $0.1 million, fair value adjustment for warrant liabilities gain of approximately $1.2 million (gain of approximately $0.6 million for related party), fair value adjustment to related party bifurcated embedded derivative liabilities gain of approximately $0.1 million, fair value adjustment of convertible promissory notes of approximately $0.7 million, fair value adjustment of term notes of approximately $0.1 million, goodwill impairment loss of approximately $2.7 million, and net of change in operating assets and liabilities of approximately $1.8 million.
Net cash provided by investing activities was approximately $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and was related to cash acquired in the acquisition of OpenReel.
Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, and was primarily related to proceeds from convertible debt financing of approximately $2.6 million, net proceeds from issuance of common stock of approximately $6.3 million, net proceeds from the issuance of term notes of approximately $2.8 million, proceeds from related party advance of approximately $0.1 million, proceeds from issuance of shares under the SEPA agreement of approximately $0.9 million, repayment of term notes of approximately $1.9 million, partial repayment of convertible notes with a related party of approximately $0.3 million, repayment of Yorkville convertible notes of approximately $0.8 million, and payment of the GEM commitment fee of approximately $1.2 million.
Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2023
Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Net cash used in operating activities consists of net loss of approximately $14.4 million, total adjustments of approximately $12.9 million for non-cash items and the effect of changes in working capital. Non-cash adjustments include non-cash issuance of shares to Yorkville in terms of the aggregate commitment fee of $3.3 million, non-cash issuance of warrants accounted for as liabilities of $2.4 million, non-cash GEM commitment fee of $2.0 million, stock-based compensation expense of approximately $1.2 million, non-cash interest expense of approximately $1.2 million (approximately $0.5 million for related party), amortization of debt discount and issuance costs of approximately $3.4 million (approximately $2.4 million for related party), amortization of operating lease ROU assets of approximately $0.2 million, fair value adjustments to simple agreement for future equity of approximately $3.0 million (approximately $2.8 million for related party), fair value adjustments to bifurcated embedded derivative liabilities of approximately $4.5 million (approximately $3.1 million for related party), fair value adjustment for
warrant liabilities gain of $1.7 million (loss of $0.1 million for related party), excise tax of approximately $0.3 million, and net of change in operating assets and liabilities of approximately $8.1 million.
There were no net cash investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, and was primarily related to proceeds from the issuance of convertible note, net of issuance costs of approximately $5.8 million (approximately $2.6 million for related party), related party note payable financing of $4.4 million, offset by the effect of the Business Combination, net of transaction costs of $7.6 million.
Capital Expenditure Commitments and Financing Requirements
($ in Thousands)
Total
Less than 1 year
1 - 3 Years
Debt principal - 15.5% CP BF convertible notes
$
8,259
$
-
$
8,259
Debt principal - GEM promissory note
-
Debt principal - Agile
2,270
2,270
-
Debt principal - 1800 Diagonal
-
Interest on debt
Operating leases
-
Total capital expenditure commitments and financing requirements at December 31, 2024
$
11,629
$
3,001
$
8,628
Debt principal - 15.5% CP BF Convertible Note
On September 5, 2024, the Company entered into a side letter to the loan agreement with CP BF whereby the Company agreed to consolidate the Term Note, CP BF Convertible Note and First Amendment Convertible Note (combined the "Old CP BF Notes") into a single convertible note (the "2024 CP BF Convertible Note"). In accordance with ASC 470 Debt, the Company treated the Old CP BF Notes as extinguished and recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of $6,529,402, determined by the sum of the fair value of the 2024 CP BF Convertible Note, plus the fair value of the additional equity consideration given as part of the side letter and share purchase agreement, as discussed below, in excess of the carrying value of the Old CP BF Notes. After consideration of the below transactions it was determined CP BF is a related party as they own approximately 16% of the outstanding Class A Common Stock.
In conjunction with the side letter, the Company agreed to issue to CP BF, 70,000 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock. On September 23, 2024 the transaction was finalized and the Company issued the 2024 CP BF Convertible Note with a principal amount of $10,758,775. Pursuant to the CP BF SPA, CP BF agreed to convert $2,000,000 in debt into 260,849 shares of Class A Common Stock, CP BF Warrants to purchase up to 565,553 shares of Class A Common Stock and CP BF Pre-Funded Warrants to purchase up to 304,704 shares of Class A Common Stock (all such securities and shares collectively referred to as the “CP BF Registrable Securities”). The outstanding principal balance of the 2024 CP BF Convertible Note together with accrued interest thereon, unpaid fees and expenses and any other Obligations then due, shall be paid on February 19, 2027 (“2024 Loan Maturity Date”). The 2024 CP BF Convertible Note accrues interest at a rate of 15.5% which interest shall be paid in kind monthly and is convertible at the holder's option at any time on or following the effectiveness of the first resale registration statement covering the applicable conversion shares at a fixed conversion price per share of $3.89. Upon the occurrence, and during the continuance, of an Event of Default (as defined in the agreement), interest on the 2024 CP BF Convertible Note will bear PIK interest at a per annum rate of 20% (“2024 Default Rate”).
Additionally, the Company may voluntarily prepay the principal of the 2024 CP BF Convertible Note, in accordance with their terms, in whole or in part at any time. On the date of any such prepayment, the Company will owe to Lender: (i) all accrued interest with respect to the principal amount so prepaid through the date the prepayment is made and (ii) the Exit Fee with respect to the principal amount so prepaid, calculated as 1.0% of the outstanding principal balance of the loans, with only the portion of the principal balance so converted counted for purposes of determining the applicable Exit Fee; and provided further, that, in the event of a partial prepayment of the loans, the Exit Fee shall be calculated on the principal amount so repaid and not on the entire outstanding principal balance thereof, and (iii) all other Obligations, if any, that shall have become due and payable hereunder with respect to the principal amount so prepaid
Debt principal - GEM Promissory Note
On February 5, 2024, the Company and GEM entered into a settlement agreement (the “GEM Settlement Agreement”), pursuant to which (a) the Company and GEM agreed to (i) settle the Company’s obligations under and terminate the binding term sheet entered into between Legacy Banzai and GEM, dated December 13, 2023, and (ii) terminate the share repurchase agreement, dated May 27, 2022, by and among the Company and GEM, and (b) the Company (i) agreed to pay GEM $1.2 million in cash within three business days of the GEM Settlement Agreement and (ii) issued to GEM, on February 5, 2024, an unsecured promissory zero coupon note in the amount of $1.0 million, payable in monthly installments of $100,000 beginning on March 1, 2024, with the final payment to be made on December 1, 2024 (the “GEM Promissory Note”). The Company paid GEM the $1.2 million in cash in February 2024.
The GEM Promissory Note provides that, in the event the Company fails to make a required monthly payment when due, the Company shall issue to GEM a number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the monthly payment amount divided by the VWAP of the Class A Common Stock for the trading day immediately preceding the applicable payment due date. In addition, the Company agreed to register on a registration statement 40,000 shares of Class A Common Stock that may be issuable under the terms of the GEM Promissory Note. The GEM Promissory Note contains customary events of default. If an event of default occurs, GEM may, at its option, demand from the Company immediate payment of any outstanding balance under the GEM Promissory Note.
On November 15, 2024, the Company issued additional 150,000 shares to settle partial unpaid GEM promissory note balance. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has issued an aggregate of 190,000 shares of Class A Common Stock to GEM in lieu of monthly payment obligations and the remaining balance of the GEM Promissory Note as of December 31, 2024 is $215,057.
Term Notes (Agile)
On July 22, 2024, the Company entered into a subordinated business loan and security agreement (the "July Subordinated Business Loan and Security Agreement") with Agile Lending, LLC and Agile Capital Funding, LLC as the collateral agent. On July 22, 2024, the Company issued a subordinated secured promissory note (the “July Agile Note”) for an aggregate principal amount of $787,500 and received $750,000 of proceeds, net of administrative agent fees $37,500 to the collateral agent, with a maturity date of February 5, 2025 under the subordinated business loan and security agreement. The loan under the agreement bears interest at a rate of 42% and will be calculated on a three hundred and sixty (360) day year based on the actual number of days lapsed, and interest shall accrue on the loan commencing on and including the effective date pursuant to the Agreement's weekly repayment and amortization schedule.
On September 13, 2024, the Company entered into a subordinated business loan and security agreement (the "September Subordinated Business Loan and Security Agreement") with Agile Lending, LLC and Agile Capital Funding, LLC as the collateral agent. On September 13, 2024, the Company issued a subordinated secured promissory note (the “September Agile Note”) for an aggregate principal amount of $262,500 and received $250,000 of proceeds, net of administrative agent fees $12,500 to the collateral agent, with a maturity date of March 3, 2025 under the September Note. The September Note bears interest at a rate of 48%, and interest will be calculated on a three hundred and sixty (360) day year based on the actual number of days lapsed, and interest shall accrue on the September Note commencing on and including the effective date pursuant to the September Note Agreement's weekly repayment and amortization schedule.
On December 12, 2024, the Company issued a subordinated secured promissory note (the “December Agile Note”) for an aggregate principal amount of $2,400,000 and received $1,782,438 of proceeds, net of administrative agent fees of $120,000 paid to the collateral agent, and net of payments to Agile Lending, LLC of $319,500 and $178,063 in respect to early prepayment of the remaining outstanding balances of the July Agile Note and September Agile Note, with a maturity date on the December Agile Note of July 10, 2025. The December Agile Note bears interest at a rate of 44%, and interest will be calculated on a three hundred and sixty (360) day year based on the actual number of days lapsed, and interest shall accrue on the December Agile Note commencing on and including the effective date pursuant to the December Agile Note Agreement’s weekly repayment and amortization schedule.
Upon the modification on December 12, 2024, the Company evaluated the debt modification guidance, determining that the modification is an extinguishment of the existing July Agile Note and September Agile Note due to the terms of the December Agile Note being substantially different from the terms of the July and September Agile Notes. As a result, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment of $1,071,563.
The July Agile Note, the September Agile Note, and the December Agile Note are together referred to as the “Agile Notes”.
The collateral under the subordinated business loan and security agreements consist of all of the Company’s goods, accounts, equipment, inventory, contract rights or rights to payment of money, leases, license agreements, franchise agreements, general intangibles (including intellectual property), commercial tort claims, documents, instruments (including any promissory notes), chattel paper (whether tangible or electronic), cash, deposit accounts and other collateral accounts, all certificates of deposit, fixtures, letters of credit rights, securities, and all other investment property, supporting obligations, and financial assets. Upon any Changes in Business or Management, Ownership (as defined in the agreements) or upon an Event of Default (as defined in the agreements), each of the July Agile Note and or the September Agile Note then-outstanding will become accelerated and the Company shall immediately pay to Agile an amount equal to the sum of (i) all outstanding principal of the term loan plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon accrued through the prepayment date, (ii) a Prepayment Fee (as defined in the agreements), plus (iii) all other obligations that are due and payable, including, without limitation, incremental interest at the Default Rate of 5.0% (as defined in the agreements). Additionally, the Company may voluntarily prepay the July Agile Note and or the September Agile Note, in accordance with their terms, in whole or in part at any time. On the date of such prepayment of any principal amounts, the Company will owe to Agile a Prepayment Fee comprising a make-whole premium payment on account of such principal amount prepaid, which shall be equal to the aggregate and actual amount of interest (at the contract rate of interest) that would be paid through the maturity date of the respective note, as described above.
The Agile Notes include contingent redemption (put) rights which trigger mandatory prepayment and a make-whole premium upon certain events including an event of default, and defaulted contingent interest upon an event of default.
Due to the contingent redemption put feature and default interest embedded feature within the Agile Notes, the Company elected to account for the Agile Notes at fair value at their respective dates of issuance and in subsequent reporting periods, pursuant to ASC 825 Financial Instruments (“ASC 825”). The Company will record changes in the fair value of the notes that relate to changes in credit risk to other comprehensive income. The remaining changes in fair value, including the component related to accrued interest, will be recorded through the other (income) expense section of the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss statement in a single line item.
Interest expense on the Agile Notes totaled $100,095 and $228,031 for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and is included in the fair value of the note.
Convertible Notes (1800 Diagonal)
On August 16, 2024, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement and promissory note agreement (the "August Securities Purchase Agreement") with 1800 Diagonal Lending LLC (“Lender”). On August 16, 2024 the Company issued a promissory note (the “August 1800 Diagonal Note”) for an aggregate principal amount of $184,000 and received $160,000 of proceeds, net of an original issue discount of $24,000, with a maturity date of June 15, 2025. The August Securities Purchase Agreement stipulates that the Company and Lender may mutually agree to enter into additional tranches of promissory notes over the 12 month period commencing on August 16, 2024, up to an aggregate total of $750,000. The stated interest rate on the August Note is 12% per annum, and interest shall accrue on the August Note commencing on and including the issuance date pursuant to the August Agreement's monthly repayment and amortization schedule.
On September 24, 2024, the Company issued a second promissory note (the “September 1800 Diagonal Note”) for an aggregate principal amount of $124,200 and received $108,000 of proceeds, net of an original discount of $16,200, with a maturity date of July 30, 2025. The stated interest rate on the September Note is 12% per annum, and interest shall accrue on the September Note commencing on and including the issuance date pursuant to the September Note Agreement's repayment and amortization schedule.
On December 10, 2024, the Company issued a third promissory note (the “December 1800 Diagonal Note”) for an aggregate principal amount of $124,200 and received $108,000 of proceeds, net of an original discount of $16,200, with a maturity date of October 15, 2025. The stated interest rate on the December Note is 12% per annum, and interest shall accrue on the December Note commencing on and including the issuance date pursuant to the December Note Agreement's repayment and amortization schedule.
The August 1800 Diagonal Note, the September 1800 Diagonal Note, and the December 1800 Diagonal Note are together referred to as the “1800 Diagonal Notes”.
Upon an event of default, as defined in the agreements, all or any portion of the 1800 Diagonal Notes that are then-outstanding, may become convertible at the option of the Lender into fully paid and non-assessable shares of the Company’s Common Stock up to 4.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of Common Stock. The Notes become convertible at the lender’s option upon an event of default, at a conversion price equal to the quotient resulting from dividing the Conversion Amount, measured as the sum of (1) the principal amount of the Note or Notes being converted in such conversion, plus (2) at the lender’s option, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on such principal amount at the interest rates to the respective note or notes being converted through the conversion date, plus (3) at the lender’s option, the default interest, divided by the “Conversion Price” then in effect on the date specified in the notice of conversion (the conversion date). The Conversion Price will be measured as seventy-five percent (75%) multiplied by the market price, which means the lowest trading price for the Company’s Common Stock during the ten (10) trading day period ending on the latest complete trading day prior to the conversion date.
The 1800 Diagonal Notes include optional conversion rights to the holder upon an event of default, contingent redemption (put) rights which trigger mandatory prepayment upon event of default, and defaulted contingent interest upon an event of default.
Due to these embedded features within the 1800 Diagonal Notes, the Company elected to account for the 1800 Agile Notes at fair value at their respective dates of issuance and in subsequent reporting periods, pursuant to ASC 825 Financial Instruments (“ASC 825”). The Company will record changes in the fair value of the notes that relate to changes in credit risk to other comprehensive income. The remaining changes in fair value, including the component related to accrued interest, will be recorded through the other (income) expense section of the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss statement in a single line item.
Interest expense on the 1800 Diagonal Notes totaled approximately 12,251.00 and $15,935 for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and is included in the fair value of the note.
Interest on Debt
Interest on debt totals $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, representing the aggregate interest expenses / payments obligation to be paid and to be recognized during the rest of the terms of the Loan Agreements and Notes, described above.
Operating Leases
Banzai has an operating lease for its real estate for office use. The lease term expires in October 2027. Banzai adopted ASC 842 Leases by applying the guidance at adoption date, January 1, 2022. The $22,731 balance recognized as of December 31, 2024 represents the future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as liabilities.
Debt Structure and Maturity Profile
($ in Thousands)
Principal
Debt Premium (Discount) / Issuance Cost
Carrying Value
Accrued Interest
Carrying Value and Accrued Interest
As of December 31, 2024
Debt principal - 15.5% CP BF convertible notes
8,259
8,270
8,640
Debt principal - GEM promissory note
-
-
Debt principal - Agile
2,270
3,043
3,143
Debt principal - 1800 Diagonal
Total debt carrying values at December 31, 2024
$
11,115
$
$
11,944
$
$
12,430
The Agile Notes and 1800 Diagonal Notes are presented at its fair value on the consolidated balance sheets.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Revenue
Under ASC 606, revenue is recognized throughout the life of the executed agreement. Banzai measures revenue based on considerations specified in terms and conditions agreed to by a customer. Furthermore, Banzai recognizes revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services. The performance obligation is satisfied by transferring control of the service to the customer, which occurs over time.
Leases
Banzai’s existing lease contains an escalation clause. Prior to adoption of ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2022, Banzai accounted for operating lease transactions by recording lease expense on a straight-line basis over the expected term of the lease.
Banzai entered into a sublease which it had identified as an operating lease prior to the adoption of ASC 842 Leases. Banzai remains the primary obligor to the head lease lessor, making rental payments directly to the lessor and separately billing the sublessee. The sublease is subordinated to the master lease, and the sublessee must comply with all applicable terms of the master lease. Banzai subleased the real estate to a third-party at a monthly rental payment amount that was less than the monthly cost that it pays on the headlease with the lessor.
Deferred underwriting fees
On December 28, 2023, the Company and Cantor amended the Fee Reduction Agreement to provide that the Reduced Deferred Fee was payable in the form of 22,279 shares of Class A Common Stock and to provide that Cantor is subject to a 12-month lock-up with respect to the Cantor Fee Shares. On December 28, 2023, the Company issued the Cantor Fee Shares to Cantor, covering the Reduced Deferred Fee in accordance with the Fee Reduction Agreement. The fair value of the 22,279 shares of Class A Common Stock was determined to be $2,450,639 on December 28, 2023 based on the Company's opening stock price of $110.00. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has satisfied its Cantor Registration Rights Obligations. Therefore, the liability was derecognized as of December 31, 2024 and the relief of the liability was recorded through equity.
GEM commitment fee liability
In May 2022, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with GEM Global Yield LLC SCS and GEM Yield Bahamas Limited (collectively, “GEM”) (the “GEM Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the GEM Agreement, GEM is to purchase from the Company (or its successor following a Reverse Merger Transaction (as defined in the GEM Agreement)) up to the number of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of common stock having an aggregate value of $100,000,000 (the “GEM Financing”). Further, in terms of the GEM Agreement, on the Public Listing Date, the Company was required to make and execute a warrant ("GEM Warrant") granting GEM the right to purchase up to the number of common shares of the Company that would be equal to 3% of the total equity interests, calculated on a fully diluted basis, and at an exercise price per share equal to the lesser of (i) the public offering price or closing bid price on the date of public listing or (ii) the quotient obtained by dividing $650 million by the total number of equity interests.
On December 13, 2023, the Company and GEM entered into a binding term sheet (the “GEM Term Sheet”) and, on December 14, 2023, a letter agreement (the “GEM Letter”), agreeing to terminate in its entirety the GEM Agreement by and between the Company and GEM, other than with respect to the Company’s obligation (as the post-combination company in the Merger) to issue the GEM Warrant granting the right to purchase Class A Common Stock in an amount equal to 3% of the total number of equity interests outstanding as of the Closing, calculated on a fully diluted basis, at an exercise price on the terms and conditions set forth therein, in exchange for issuance of a $2.0 million convertible debenture with a five-year maturity and 0% coupon. Due to the determination of the final terms of the planned $2.0 million convertible debenture having not been finalized, nor the final agreement related to the convertible debenture having been executed, as of December 31, 2024, the
Company recognized, concurrent with the close of the merger, a liability for the GEM commitment fee, along with a corresponding GEM commitment fee expense, in the amount of $2.0 million.
On February 5, 2024, the Company and GEM entered into a settlement agreement (the “GEM Settlement Agreement”), pursuant to which (a) the Company and GEM agreed to (i) settle the Company’s obligations under and terminate the binding term sheet entered into between Legacy Banzai and GEM, dated December 13, 2023, and (ii) terminate the share repurchase agreement, dated May 27, 2022, by and among the Company and GEM, and (b) the Company (i) agreed to pay GEM $1.2 million in cash within three business days of the GEM Settlement Agreement and (ii) issued to GEM, on February 5, 2024, an unsecured promissory note in the amount of $1.0 million, payable in monthly installments of $100,000 beginning on March 1, 2024, with the final payment to be made on December 1, 2024 (the “GEM Promissory Note”).
The GEM Promissory Note provides that, in the event the Company fails to make a required monthly payment when due, the Company shall issue to GEM a number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the monthly payment amount divided by the VWAP of the Class A Common Stock for the trading day immediately preceding the applicable payment due date. In addition, the Company agreed to register on a registration statement 40,000 shares of Class A Common Stock that may be issuable under the terms of the GEM Promissory Note. The GEM Promissory Note contains customary events of default. If an event of default occurs, GEM may, at its option, demand from the Company immediate payment of any outstanding balance under the GEM Promissory Note. As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, we have issued an aggregate of 190,000 shares of Class A Common Stock to GEM in lieu of monthly payment obligations.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Banzai had no off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2024.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
This item is not applicable as we are a smaller reporting company.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The information required by this Item 8 is included at the end of this Annual Report beginning on page and is incorporated herein by reference.

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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.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Based on an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) required by paragraph (b) of Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15, as of December 31, 2024, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that, due to the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting noted below, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting. As defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of our principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurances to our management and the Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013). The COSO Framework summarizes each of the components of a company’s internal control system, including (i) the control environment, (ii) risk assessment, (iii) control activities, (iv) information and communication, and (v) monitoring.
Based on that evaluation, as of December 31, 2024, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our internal controls and procedures are not effective, and that we have material weaknesses in our IT General Controls, adherence to the COSO Integrated Framework, and period end financial close and reporting process as described below. As a result, these control deficiencies could have resulted in a material misstatement in our financial statements that would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
(1) IT General Controls - We did not maintain an effective IT control environment because we did not maintain sufficient provisioning, deprovisioning, user access reviews, and reviews of service organizations.
(2) COSO Entity Level Controls - We did not maintain effective controls over the identification and monitoring of related party relationships and transactions and have not yet implemented a formal delegation of authority process.
(3) Period end financial close and reporting - Administrative access to the General Ledger (GL) system is not restricted to non-financial reporting users, creating a potential segregation of duties conflict. Given the concentration of responsibility includes approval of key transactions, bank account reconciliations, and journal entries, administrative access to the G/L system should be restricted to personnel outside of Accounting and Finance function.
Remediation of Material Weaknesses
We are committed to the remediation of the material weaknesses described above, as well as the continued improvement of our internal control over financial reporting. We remain in the process of taking steps to remediate the identified material weaknesses and continue to evaluate our internal controls over financial reporting, including the following:
IT General Controls:
•In FY 2025, we are utilizing the services of external consultants to review our internal controls environment and make recommendations to remediate the material weaknesses in our financial reporting, including the remediation of the design of controls over provisioning, deprovisioning, access monitoring, and reviews of service organizations and complementary user entity controls.
COSO Entity Level Controls:
•We will continue to utilize the services of external consultants to assist enhancement and robustness of entity level controls, leveraging the formal COSO mapping and maintenance of entity level controls currently being performed.
•Specifically, we will continue with the process of implementing controls to identify and monitor related party relationships and transactions and to finalize a formal delegation of authority process.
Period End Financial Close and Reporting:
•We will conduct an assessment, and where necessary perform remedial actions, of our overall security role design and privileged user access for each of our in-scope applications, including our general ledger system.
As we continue our evaluation and improve our internal control over financial reporting, management may identify and take additional measures to address control deficiencies but cannot provide absolute assurance that we will be successful in remediating the material weaknesses in a timely manner.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to exemptions provided to issuers that are non-accelerated filers as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
As required by Rule 13a-15(d) of the Exchange Act, our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, conducted an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the period ended December 31, 2024, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the merger transaction with OpenReel is considered a significant corporate event during the period ended December 31, 2024.
On December 18, 2024, our company closed and completed a merger with ClearDoc, Inc., a Delaware corporation doing business as OpenReel, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December 10, 2024, by and among the company, OpenReel, certain stockholders of OpenReel and Banzai Reel Acquisition, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Banzai, that was formed solely for purposes of consummating the Merger. As a result, there have been material changes to our internal control environment. Our management has begun to assess and adjust our internal control processes to accommodate the integration of systems, personnel, and financial reporting functions. We will work on implementing additional controls to address the combined entity’s financial reporting requirements, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and compliance. While we believe these adjustments will enhance our overall control framework, we continue to monitor and evaluate their effectiveness to maintain the highest standards of financial reporting integrity.

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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.
Directors and Executive Officers
Name
Age
Position
Joseph P. Davy
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director
Alvin Yip
Interim Chief Financial Officer
Simon Baumer
Chief Technology Officer
Jack Leeney (3)
Director
Mason Ward (1)(2)(3)
Director
Paula Boggs (1)(2)(3)
Director
Kent Schofield (1)(2)
Director
(1)	Member of the audit committee.
(2)	Member of the compensation committee.
(3)	Member of the nominating and corporate governance committee.
Executive Officer Biographies
Joseph P. Davy serves as our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board and prior to the Business Combination, served as Chief Executive Officer and as a member the Board of Legacy Banzai since co-founding Legacy Banzai in 2015. Prior to co-founding Legacy Banzai, Mr. Davy served as the General Manager at Avalara from 2013 to 2016. From 2012 to 2013, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Buystand. From 2012 to 2013, he also served as Customer Advisory Board Member at Microsoft Corp. Mr. Davy founded EvoApp in 2009 and served as its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Product Officer from 2009 to 2012. Prior to his service at EvoApp, Mr. Davy was a software engineer at International Business Machines Corp (IBM). Mr. Davy also served as a member of the board of directors of Legalpad Inc. from 2019 to 2022. Prior to joining IBM, Mr. Davy attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 2007 to 2010. We believe Mr. Davy is qualified to serve on the Board due to his extensive venture capital experience and experience as founder and chief executive officer of Legacy Banzai.
Alvin Yip serves as our Interim Chief Financial Officer and prior to this, served as Legacy Banzai’s Corporate Controller since 2022. Prior to that, Mr. Yip worked at Pax Lab Inc as Director of Accounting from 2021 to 2022, as a Chief Financial consultant at RGP from 2018 to 2021, as a Corporate Controller at 24/7.ai from 2010 to 2018.
Simon Baumer serves as our Chief Technology Officer and prior to this, served as Legacy Banzai’s Chief Technology Officer since 2021. Prior to that, Mr. Baumer worked at Verivox GmbH as Vice President of Engineering from 2018 to 2021, as Head of Software Development from 2016 to 2021, and as Teamlead for Software Development from 2015 to 2021.
Non-Executive Director Biographies
Jack Leeney has served as a member of the Board since 2023 and prior thereto, served as 7GC’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since its inception. Since September 2016, Mr. Leeney has served as a Founding Partner of 7GC & Co Sarl and is responsible for running the firm’s operations. Mr. Leeney led the firm’s investments in Cheddar TV, Capsule Pharmacy, hims & hers, Jyve, Roofstock, The Mom Project, and Reliance Jio. Since 2020, he has served as a director for The Mom Project. From December 2020 to November 2022, he served as a director of PTIC, a SPAC that closed an initial business combination with RW National Holdings, LLC (d/b/a Appreciate), the parent holding company of Renters Warehouse, in November 2022. Between April 2011 and December 2016, Mr. Leeney served on the boards of directors of Quantenna Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: QTNA), DoAt Media Ltd. (Private), CinePapaya (acquired by Comcast), Joyent (acquired by Samsung), BOKU, Inc. (AIM: BOKU), Eventful (acquired by CBS) and Blueliv (Private). Previously, Mr. Leeney served as the Head of U.S. Investing for Telefonica Ventures, the investment arm of Telefonica (NYSE: TEF), between June 2012 and September 2016 and as an investor at Hercules Capital (NYSE: HTGC) between May 2011 and June 2012. He began his career as a technology-focused investment banker at Morgan Stanley in 2007, where he worked on the initial public offerings for Tesla Motors, LinkedIn, and Pandora. Mr. Leeney holds a B.S. from Syracuse University. We believe Mr. Leeney is qualified to serve on the Board due to his extensive venture capital experience.
Mason Ward has served as a member of the Board since December 2023, and prior to this, has served as the Chief Financial Officer of Alco Investment Company since 2018, and served as its Controller and Finance Director from 2015 to 2018. Prior to joining Alco, Mr. Ward served as an Infantry Officer in multiple operations, logistics, risk management and fiscal operations roles during two deployments to Afghanistan with the United States Army. Mr. Ward holds a B.S. in Civil
Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a Certificate in Accounting and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Washington, and he is also a certified public accountant (inactive). We believe Mr. Ward is qualified to serve on the Board due to his extensive finance and accounting expertise and experience.
Paula Boggs has served as a member of the Board since December 2023, and prior to this, is the founder and owner of Boggs Media, LLC, which manages Ms. Boggs’ musical, public speaking, and other creative business endeavors. A former executive at the Starbucks Coffee Company, she led the global law department of Starbucks from 2002 to 2012 and was Corporate Secretary of the Starbucks Foundation. Prior to that, Ms. Boggs was a Vice President of Legal for products, operations and information technology at Dell Computer Corporation from 1997 to 2002 and also held the role of Senior Deputy General Counsel starting in June 1997. Before joining Dell, Ms. Boggs was a partner with the law firm of Preston Gates & Ellis LLP from 1995 to 1997. Ms. Boggs is also a voting member and Pacific Northwest Chapter Governor of the Recording Academy, and serves on the Newport Festivals Foundation board, overseeing both the Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival. She was previously on the board of Fender; a member of the Board of Premera Blue Cross and chair of its compensation and investments committees; a member of the Nominating/Trusteeship, Audit/Compliance (including six years as the chair of the audit committee) and Executive Committees of Johns Hopkins University’s board of trustees; a member of the Executive Committee of KEXP Radio, an affiliate of National Public Radio and the University of Washington; a member of the audit committee for School of Rock LLC; a member of the American Bar Association board of governors, chairing its investments committee; a member of the President’s Committee for the Arts and the Humanities from 2013 through 2017; a member of the White House Council for Community Solutions from 2010 to 2012; a member of the audit and nominating committee of the American Red Cross; and a member of the board of Sterling Financial Inc. Ms. Boggs holds a B.A. from Johns Hopkins University and a J.D. from the University of California at Berkeley. We believe Ms. Boggs is qualified to serve on the Board due to her extensive governance and Fortune 500 experience with high-growth companies.
Kent Schofield holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from UCLA and has a distinguished career in finance and corporate development. From September 2010 to June 2015, he worked for Goldman Sachs, where he served as Vice President and lead equity analyst covering technology companies in the software and hardware industries. Following Goldman Sachs, Mr. Schofield spent 5 years at Uber, from April 2017 to September 2021, in various positions including Director of Investor Relations and Corporate Development. At Uber, Mr. Schofield was one of four Uber representatives for the company’s $8.1 billion IPO roadshow; he also served as a Director of Strategic Finance at Uber. Since December 2022, Mr. Schofield has been serving as the Chief Financial Officer of Welcome Tech, a leading provider of immigrant and hourly employee subscription services. We believe Mr. Schofield is qualified to serve on the Board due to his extensive public market investing and financial experience.
Role of Board in Risk Oversight
One of the key functions of the Board is informed oversight of the Company’s risk management process. The Board does not currently have a standing risk management committee, but rather administers this oversight function directly through the Board as a whole, as well as through various standing committees of the Board that address risks inherent in their respective areas of oversight. In particular, the Board is responsible for monitoring and assessing strategic risk exposure and the Company’s audit committee (the “Audit Committee”) has the responsibility to consider and discuss the Company’s major financial risk exposures and the steps its management will take to monitor and control such exposures, including guidelines and policies to govern the process by which risk assessment and management is undertaken. The Company’s audit committee also monitors compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Company’s compensation committee (the “Compensation Committee”) assesses and monitors whether the Company’s compensation plans, policies and programs comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. See “Description of Securities-Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law and the Charter.”
Composition of the Board
The Company’s business and affairs is managed under the direction of the Board. The Board currently consists of five members, with Joseph Davy serving as Chairman of the Board. The primary responsibilities of the Board are to provide oversight, strategic guidance, counseling, and direction to the Company’s management. The Board meets on a regular basis and additionally as required.
In accordance with the terms of the Charter, the Board is divided into three classes, Class I, Class II and Class III, with only one class of directors being elected in each year and each class serving a three-year term. The Class I directors are elected to an initial one-year term (and three-year terms subsequently), the Class II directors are elected to an initial two-year term (and three-year terms subsequently) and the Class III directors are elected to an initial three-year term (and three-year terms
subsequently). There is no cumulative voting with respect to the election of directors, with the result that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voted for the election of directors can elect all of the directors.
The Board is divided into the following classes:
•Class I, which consists of Joseph Davy and Kent Schoefield, whose term will expire at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2027;
•Class II, which consists of Mason Ward, whose term will expire at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2025; and
•Class III, which consists of Paula Boggs and Jack Leeney, whose terms will expire at the Company’s third annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2026.
At each annual meeting of stockholders, the successors to directors whose terms then expire will be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting following their election and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. This classification of the Board may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in the Company’s control or management. Directors may be removed for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote at an election of directors, voting together as a single class.
Director Independence
The Board has determined that each of our directors other than Mr. Davy qualify as independent directors, as defined under the listing rules of The Nasdaq Capital Market (the “Nasdaq listing rules”), and that the Board consists of a majority of “independent directors,” as defined under the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq listing rules relating to director independence requirements.
Board Committees and Committee Composition
The Board has three standing committees: the audit committee, the compensation committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee. Each committee operates under a written charter that has been approved by the Board and satisfies the applicable listing standards of Nasdaq. Written copies of these committee charters may be obtained by contacting our Investor Relations Department at 435 Ericksen Ave NE, Suite 250, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. These documents are also available on the Corporate Governance section of our website at https://ir.banzai.io/corporate-governance/governance-overview.
The Chair of each committee reviews and discusses the agendas and materials for meetings with senior management in advance of distribution to the other committee members, and reports to the Board on actions taken at each committee meeting. The following table sets forth the current membership of each committee.
Name
Audit Committee
Compensation Committee
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Joseph P. Davy
-
-
-
Jack Leeney
-
-
Mason Ward
Chair
Paula Boggs
Chair
Kent Schofield
Chair
-
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee consists of Kent Schofield, who serves as the chairperson, Mason Ward, and Paula Boggs. Each member qualifies as an independent director under the Nasdaq corporate governance standards, and that each of Ms. Boggs and Mr. Schofield qualifies as independent under the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. In arriving at this determination, the Board examined each audit committee member’s scope of experience and the nature of their prior and/or current employment.
The Board determined that Mr. Schofield qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K and possesses financial sophistication, as defined under the rules of Nasdaq. In making this determination, the Board considered Mr. Schofield: understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements, ability to assess the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves; experience in actively supervising one or more persons engaged in preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Company’s financial statements; understanding of internal control over financial reporting; and understanding of audit committee functions. We are relying on the phase-in exemption provided under Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and the Nasdaq rules. While we believe Mr. Ward may be deemed to own in excess of 10% of our Common Stock, a class of voting securities, as of the date of this Report, which would leave him outside the safe harbor provision of SEC Rule 10A-3, Mr. Ward will serve on the Audit Committee under the phase-in exemption referenced above. In accordance with the phase-in exemption, we expect that a majority of the members of our Audit Committee will satisfy the independence standards under the Exchange Act and Nasdaq listing rules within 90 days of the closing of the Business Combination and all members of our Audit Committee will satisfy the independence standards under the Exchange Act and Nasdaq listing rules within 12 months of the Closing of the Business Combination.
The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to discharge the oversight responsibilities of the Board with respect to our corporate accounting and financial reporting processes, systems of internal control over financial reporting, and financial statement audits, as well as the quality and integrity of the financial statements and reports and to oversee the qualifications, independence, and performance of our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also provides oversight assistance in connection with legal, risk, regulatory, and ethical compliance programs established by management and the Board. Specific responsibilities of the Audit Committee include:
•helping the Board oversee its corporate accounting and financial reporting processes;
•reviewing and discussing with management the adequacy and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures;
•assisting with design and implementation of our risk assessment functions;
•managing the selection, engagement, qualifications, independence and performance of a qualified firm to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit our financial statements;
•discussing the scope and results of the audit with the independent registered public accounting firm, and reviewing, with management and the independent accountants, our interim and year-end operating results;
•developing procedures for employees to submit concerns anonymously about questionable accounting or audit matters;
•reviewing related person transactions;
•obtaining and reviewing a report by the independent registered public accounting firm at least annually that describes our internal quality control procedures, any material issues with such procedures and any steps taken to deal with such issues when required by applicable law; and
•approving or, as permitted, pre-approving, audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee consists of Mason Ward, who serves as the chairperson, Paula Boggs and Kent. Schofield. Each member is independent under the listing standards of Nasdaq, including Nasdaq’s controlled company exemption which is discussed below, and a “non-employee director” as defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
The primary purpose of the Compensation Committee will be to discharge the responsibilities of the Board in overseeing the Company’s compensation policies, plans, and programs and to review, approve, and/or recommend the compensation to be paid to its executive officers, directors, and other senior management, as appropriate. Specific responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include:
•reviewing and recommending to the Company’s Board the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers;
•reviewing and recommending to the Board the compensation of the Company’s directors;
•administering the Company’s equity incentive plans and other benefit programs;
•reviewing, adopting, amending and terminating incentive compensation and equity plans, severance agreements, profit sharing plans, bonus plans, change-of-control protections and any other compensatory arrangements for the Company’s executive officers and other senior management;
•reviewing and establishing general policies relating to compensation and benefits of the Company’s employees, including the Company’s overall compensation philosophy; and
•reviewing and evaluating with the Chief Executive Officer the succession plans for the Company’s executive officers.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consists of Paula Boggs, who serves as the chairperson, Jack Leeney and Mason Ward. Each member is independent under the listing standards of Nasdaq, including Nasdaq’s controlled company exemption which is discussed below.
Specific responsibilities of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee include:
•identifying, reviewing, and evaluating candidates, including the nomination of incumbent directors for reelection and nominees recommended by stockholders, to serve on the Board;
•considering and making recommendations to the Board regarding the composition and chairmanship of the committees of the Board;
•reviewing with the Chief Executive Officer the plans for succession to the offices of the Company’s executive officers and make recommendations to the Board with respect to the selection of appropriate individuals to succeed to these positions;
•developing and making recommendations to the Board regarding corporate governance guidelines and matters; and
•overseeing periodic evaluations of the Board’s performance, including committees of the Board.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We have a code of business conduct and ethics (the “Code of Conduct”) that applies to our directors, officers, and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. We will provide, without charge, a copy of our Code of Conduct upon written request mailed to the attention of our Investor Relations Department at 435 Ericksen Ave NE, Suite 250, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. Our Code of Conduct is available under the Corporate Governance section of our website at https://ir.banzai.io/corporate-governance/governance-overview.We will post on our website all disclosures that are required by law or the listing standards of Nasdaq concerning any amendments to, or waivers from, any provision of the Code of Conduct. The reference to our website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained at or available through our website, and you should not consider it to be a part of this Report.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of the members of the Compensation Committee is currently or has been during the Company’s last fiscal year one of its officers or employees. None of the Company’s executive officers currently serves, or has served during the last year, as a member of the Board or Compensation Committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers that serve as a member of the Board or Compensation Committee.
Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Our Charter eliminates each director’s liability for monetary damages for breaches of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent prohibited by law, unless a director violated his or her duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders, acted in bad faith, knowingly or intentionally violated the law, authorized unlawful payments of dividends, unlawful stock purchases or unlawful redemptions, or derived improper personal benefit from his or her actions as a director. The Charter eliminates directors’ liability for monetary damages to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. Our Charter requires the Company to indemnify and advance expenses to, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, its directors, officers, and agents and prohibit any retroactive changes to the rights or protections or increase the liability of any director in effect at the time of the alleged occurrence of any act or omission to act giving rise to liability or indemnification. We believe these provisions in our Charter are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers. However, these provisions may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions also may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders. Furthermore, a stockholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions.
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers, and beneficial owners of more than 10% of our common stock to file reports with the SEC indicating their holdings of, and transactions in, Banzai’s equity securities. Based solely on a review of copies of these reports, we believe that other than the reports listed below, all of our executive officers, directors, and 10% owners timely complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements in 2024. As of the date of this Report, they have all been filed, but the following persons filed his/her Form 5 late: Mr. Davy, Mr. Schoefield, Mr. Ward, Mrs. Levesque, Mrs. Boggs and Mr. Musburger.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Executive Officer Compensation
Our named executive officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, consisting of our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and the next two most highly compensated executive officers, were:
Joseph P. Davy, our Chief Executive Officer;
Mark Musburger, our Chief Financial Officer(1);
Simon Baumer, our Chief Technology Officer; and
Ashley Levesque, our Vice President of Marketing(2).
(1)
On May 29, 2024, Ashley Levesque resigned from her position as Vice President of Marketing.
(2)
On June 5, 2024, Mark Musburger resigned from his position as Chief Financial Officer.
2024 Summary Compensation Table
The following table presents the compensation paid or awarded to our named executive officers with respect to the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and, to the extent required by SEC disclosure rules, December 31, 2023.
Name and Principal Position
Year
Salary
($)
Option
Awards
($)
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
All Other
Compensation
($)(3)
Total
($)
Joseph P. Davy
$
310,417
$
529,700
(2)(7)
$
-
$
12,000
(3)
$
852,117
Chief Executive Officer
300,000
-
-
12,000
(3)
312,000
Alvin Yip (6)
220,833
(8)
60,455
(2)(7)
-
-
281,288
Interim Chief Financial Officer
71,250
84,569
(1)
-
-
155,819
Mark Musburger (4)
106,714
-
125,000
(3a)
231,714
Chief Financial Officer
216,000
1,133,105
(1)
-
-
1,349,105
Simon Baumer
291,223
7,425
(2)
-
-
298,648
Chief Technology Officer
241,574
271,920
(1)
-
-
513,494
Ashley Levesque (5)
78,750
-
3,150
(3)
81,900
Vice President of Marketing
180,000
617,768
(1)
-
7,200
804,968
(1)
The amounts disclosed represent the (i) aggregate grant date fair value of the stock options granted to our named executive officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 under the 2016 Plan Equity Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”) (Mr. Musburger, $1,104,209; Mr. Baumer $262,289; Ms. Levesque, $595,294; Mr. Yip, $84,569) and (ii) the incremental cost under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (“ASC Topic 718”) associated with a reduction in the exercise price of certain outstanding options that occurred in December 2023 (Mr. Musburger, $28,896; Mr. Baumer, $9,631; Ms. Levesque, $22,474), each computed in accordance ASC Topic 718. The assumptions used in calculating the grant date fair value of the stock options are set forth in Note 19 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. This amount does not reflect the actual economic value that may be realized by the named executive officer.
(2)
The amounts disclosed represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock options granted to our named executive officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 under the 2016 (Mr. Davy, $29,700; Mr. Yip, $10,455; and Mr. Baumer, $7,425) Plan computed in accordance with ASC Topic 718. The assumptions used in calculating the grant date fair value of the stock options are set forth in Note 19to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Report. This amount does not reflect the actual economic value that may be realized by the named executive officer.
(3)
Consists of Company contributions to the Company’s 401(k) plan.
(3a)
Consists of a retention bonus paid in 2024.
(4)
On June 5, 2024, Mark Musburger resigned from his position as Chief Financial Officer.
(5)
On May 29, 2024, Ashley Levesque resigned from her position as Vice President of Marketing.
(6)
On June 14, 2024, Alvin Yip was appointed as the Company's interim Chief Financial Officer.
(7)
The amount disclosed represents compensations fair value issued in forms of RSU on grant date (Mr. Davy, $500,000; Mr. Yip, $50,000).
(8)
In December 2024, the Board approved increasing Mr. Yip's salary to $241,500 per year, effective as of January 1, 2025.
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table
In addition to base salaries, our named executive officers are eligible to receive annual performance-based cash bonuses, which are designed to provide appropriate incentives to our employees to achieve defined performance goals. None of our named executive officers received or will receive annual performance-based cash bonuses with respect to the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.
Equity Grants
To further align the interests of our executive officers with the interests of our stockholders and to further focus our executive officers on our long-term performance, Legacy Banzai historically granted equity compensation in the form of stock options. Stock options allow the holder to exercise the stock option and receive shares upon exercise, with the exercise price determined based on the fair market value of a share of common stock at the time of grant.
The stock options granted to our named executive officers vested or will vest in a 25% increment on the one-year anniversary of the vesting commencement date and thereafter 1/48th of the total shares underlying the option award vests in 36 equal monthly installments, subject to the named executive officer’s continued service at each vesting date.
During 2023, Ms. Levesque received option grants with respect to 115,000 shares with an original exercise price of $7.36 per share. On December 6, 2023, the Board approved a repricing of the 2023 option awards granted to Ms. Levesque, reducing the exercise price to $5.15 per share, which, upon the closing of the Business Combination, then increased to $8.38 and at the same time the original option grants reduced to 70,685 shares. The exercise price further increased to $419.00 and at the same time the original grants reduced to 1,414 shares upon completion of the reversed stock split
During 2023, Mr. Baumer received option grants with respect to 50,000 shares with an original exercise price of $7.36 per share. On December 6, 2023, the Board approved a repricing of the 2023 option awards granted to Mr. Baumer, reducing the exercise price to $5.15 per share, which, upon the closing of the Business Combination, then increased to $8.38 and at the same time the original option grants reduced to 30,732 shares. The exercise price further increased to $419.00 and at the same time the original grants reduced to 615 shares upon completion of the reversed stock split
During 2023, Mr. Musburger received option grants with respect to 150,000 shares with an original exercise price of $7.36 per share. On December 6, 2023, the Board approved a repricing of the 2023 option awards granted to Mr. Musburger, reducing the exercise price to $5.15 per share, which, upon the closing of the Business Combination, then increased to $8.38 and at the same time the original option grants reduced to 92,196 shares. The exercise price further increased to $419.00 and at the same time the original grants reduced to 1,844 shares upon completion of the reversed stock split.
During December 2024, Mr. Joseph Davy received 304,878 shares of RSU grants as for the compensation Bonus of $500,000.00
During December 2024, Mr. Alvin Yip received 32,895 shares of RSU grants as for the compensation Bonus of $50,000.00
2025 Compensation Update
In December 2024, the Board approved increasing salaries of the following individuals, to take effect January 1, 2025.
Name
Title
Current Base Salary
New Base Salary
Sergei Dolukhanov
Vice President of Sales & Customer Success
$
125,000
$
150,000
Rachel Meyrowitz
Director of Demand Generation
$
150,000
$
157,500
Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2024
The following table presents the outstanding equity incentive plan awards held by each named executive officer as of December 31, 2024.
OPTION AWARDS (1)
STOCK AWARDS
Name
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
(2)
Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned Options
(#)
Options
Exercise
Prices
($)
Option
Expiration
Date
Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($)
Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Been Issued
(#)
Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or Payout
Value of Unearned
Shares, Units or
Other Rights That
Have Not Been
Issued
($)
Joseph P. Davy
-
2,000
-
50.00
5/14/2034
-
-
304,878
500,000
-
4,000
-
100.00
5/14/2034
-
6,000
-
250.00
5/14/2034
Simon Baumer
-
-
50.00
5/14/2034
-
1,000
-
100.00
5/14/2034
-
1,500
-
250.00
5/14/2034
-
419.00
3/1/2033
-
138.50
2/15/2032
-
141.00
7/14/2031
Alvin Yip
-
419.00
12/2/2033
-
14.65
5/14/2034
-
-
-
-
5/14/2034
8,790
32,895
48,356
(1)
Each of the equity awards was granted under the 2016 Plan.
(2)
25% of the total shares underlying the option award vest on the one-year anniversary of the vesting commencement date, thereafter 1/48th of the total shares underlying the option award vest in 36 equal monthly installments, subject to the named executive officer’s continued service at each vesting date.
Additional Narrative Disclosure
401(k) Plan
We maintain a 401(k) plan that provides eligible U.S. employees with an opportunity to save for retirement on a tax advantaged basis. Eligible employees are able to defer eligible compensation up to certain Code limits, which are updated annually. We make employer contributions under the 401(k) plan and also have the ability to make employer profit sharing contributions to the 401(k) plan. The 401(k) plan is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code, with the related trust intended to be tax exempt under Section 501(a) of the Code. As a tax-qualified retirement plan, contributions to the 401(k) plan are deductible by us when made, and contributions and earnings on those amounts are not generally taxable to the employees until withdrawn or distributed from the 401(k) plan.
Non-Employee Director Compensation
The Board reviews director compensation periodically to ensure that director compensation remains competitive such that the Company is able to recruit and retain qualified directors. In December 2024, the 4 non-employee directors received compensation of $371,507.00 in the form of RSUs equivalent to 30,049 shares of Banzai’s Class A Common Stock. While none of the non-employee directors received compensation during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 for services rendered to the Company, in December 2023, the Company adopted a board of directors’ compensation program that is designed to align compensation with the Company’s business objectives and the creation of stockholder value, while enabling the Company to attract, retain, incentivize, and reward directors who contribute to the long-term success of the Company. Under that program, our non-employee directors are eligible to receive the following:
•Annual base retainer of $100,000, to be paid as determined by the compensation committee;
•Committee Chair Retainers: Audit Committee, $10,000; Compensation Committee, $5,000; and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, $5,000.
•Committee Member Retainers: Audit Committee, $5,000; Compensation Committee, $2,500; and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, $2,500.
Our non-employee directors are also reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses to cover in-person attendance at and participation in Board and committee meetings.
Disclosure of Policies and Practices Related to the Grant of Certain Equity Awards Close in Time to the Release of Material Nonpublic Information.
Disclosure of Registrant's Action to Recover Erroneously Awarded Compensation
In response to Item 402(w) of Regulation S-K, there was no time during or after the last completed fiscal year that the Company was required to either prepare an accounting restatement that required recovery of erroneously awarded compensation pursuant to the Company’s compensation recovery policy, or had an outstanding balance as of the end of the last completed fiscal year of erroneously awarded compensation to be recovered from the application of the policy to a prior restatement.
Rule 10b5-1 Sales Plans
Our directors and executive officers may adopt written plans, known as Rule 10b5-1 plans, in which they will contract with a broker to buy or sell shares of our common stock on a periodic basis. Under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, a broker executes trades pursuant to parameters established by the director or executive officer when entering into the plan, without further direction from them. The director or executive officer may amend a Rule 10b5-1 plan in some circumstances and may terminate a plan at any time. Our directors and executive officers also may buy or sell additional shares outside of a Rule 10b5-1 plan when they are not in possession of material nonpublic information, subject to compliance with the terms of our insider trading policy. The sale of any shares under such a plan will be subject to the Lock-Up Agreements, to the extent that the selling director or executive officer is a party thereto.
2024 Policies and Practices Related to the Grant of Certain Equity Awards
In response to Item 402(x)(1) of Regulation S-K, the Company does not currently grant new awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, or similar option-like instruments within four business days before or one business day after the release of a Form 10-Q, 10-K, or 8-K that discloses material nonpublic information (MNPI). Accordingly, the Company has no specific policy or practice on the timing of awards of such options in relation to the disclosure of material nonpublic information by the Company. In the event the Company determines to grant new awards of such options, the Board will evaluate the appropriate steps to take in relation to the foregoing.
Emerging Growth Company Status
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act. As an emerging growth company, we are exempt from certain requirements related to executive compensation, including the requirements to hold a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and to provide information relating to the ratio of total compensation of our chief executive officer to the median of the annual total compensation of all of our employees, each as required by the Investor Protection and Securities Reform Act of 2010, which is part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

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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.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table summarizes our equity securities authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2024.
Plan Category
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a)
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b)
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) (1)
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders
658,263
$
6.34
9,255,910
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders
-
-
-
Total
658,263
$
6.34
9,255,910
(1)
Includes 9,244,352 shares available pursuant to our 2023 Equity Incentive Plan and 11,558 shares available pursuant to our Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The total number of securities remaining available for future issuance indicated above reflects the expansion of shares available under the 2023 EIP Plan, to 10,000,000 shares, which Banzai’s shareholders approved on February 28, 2025.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as of the date hereof for:
•each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock;
•each of our named executive officers;
•each of our directors; and
•all directors and named executive officers as a group.
Beneficial ownership of our Common Stock is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting and investment power with respect to the securities. Except as otherwise provided by footnote, and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by them. The number of shares of Common Stock used to calculate the percentage ownership of each listed person includes the shares of Common Stock underlying options or warrants or convertible securities held by such persons that are currently exercisable or convertible within 60 days of the date hereof, but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
Beneficial ownership as set forth below is based on our review of our record stockholders list and public ownership reports filed by certain stockholders of the Company and may not include certain securities held in brokerage accounts or beneficially owned by the stockholders described below.
The percentage of beneficial ownership is based on 12,846,807 shares of Class A Common Stock and 2,311,134 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding as of April 10, 2025.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner 
Class A Common Share
Class B Common Share
Total Voting Power %
Directors and Named Executive Officers:
Shares
%
Shares
%
Jack Leeney
3,000
*%
-
*%
*%
Joseph Davy
307,966
2.40
%
2,311,134
100%
65.13% (1)
Simon Baumer
2,248 (2)
*%
-
*%
*%
Mason Ward (4)
-
*%
-
*%
*%
Paula Boggs
3,366
*%
-
*%
*%
Alvin Yip
33,193 (3)
*%
-
*%
*%
Kent Schofield
22,849
*%
-
*%
*%
All Directors and Executive Officers of the Company as a Group (7 Individuals)
372,622
2.90
%
2,311,134
100%
65.31
%
Five Percent or Greater Holders:
Alco Investment Company (4)
330,346
2.69%
-
*%
*%
*
Less than 1%.

Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each of the following persons is c/o Banzai International, Inc., 435 Ericksen Ave NE, Suite 250, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110.

Each share of Common Stock entitles its holders to one vote per share; each share of Class B Common Stock entitles its holder to ten votes on all matters presented to our stockholders generally. As a result, percentage of voting power is based on 35,958,147 total votes.
(1)
Each share of Class B Common Stock entitles its holder to ten votes on all matters presented to our stockholders generally, which has the effect of concentrating the majority of the aggregate voting power of our Common Stock with Mr. Davy (approximately 65.13% of the aggregate voting power as of April 10, 2025).
(2)
Consists of 2,248 shares of Common Stock underlying options that are exercisable within 60 days of April 10, 2025.
(3)
Consists of 298 shares of Common Stock underlying options that are exercisable within 60 days of April 10, 2025, plus 32,895 shares of Common Stock held directly by Alvin Yip.
(4)
Mr. Ward is one of three members of the investment committee (the “Alco Investment Committee”) that exercises voting and dispositive control over the shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by Alco Investment Company Because the consent of a majority of the members of the Alco Investment Committee is required in connection with any exercise of voting or dispositive rights with respect to the Class A Common Stock, neither Mr. Ward nor the other members of the Alco Investment Committee is the beneficial owner of any shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by Alco Investment Company. This determination is based on the guidance from the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission set forth in the Southland Corp. (July 8, 1987) SEC No-Action Letter. The principal office address of Alco is 33930 Weyerhaeuser Way S., Suite 150, Federal Way, Washington 98001.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Related Party Transactions
Banzai International, Inc. Related Party Transactions
Amended & Restated Registration Rights Agreement
In connection with the Business Combination, on the Closing Date, the Company, the 7GC Sponsor and certain securityholders of 7GC and Legacy Banzai entered into the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement (the “A&R Registration Rights Agreement”), which amended and restated that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 22, 2020. The A&R Registration Rights Agreements provides these holders (and their permitted transactions) with the right to require the Company, at the Company’s expense, to register shares of Class A Common Stock that they hold on customary terms for such a Business Combination, including customary demand and piggyback registration rights. The A&R Registration Rights Agreement also provides that the Company pay certain expenses of the electing holders relating to such registrations and indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise under the Securities Act.
In addition, subject to certain exceptions, the A&R Registration Rights Agreement provides for certain restrictions on transfer with respect to the securities of the Company. Such restrictions began upon Closing and end at the earliest of (A) 180
days after the Closing and (B) the first date on which (x) the closing price of Class A Common Stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the Closing or (y) the Company completes a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of Class A Common Stock for cash, securities, or other property.
Lock-up Agreements
In connection with the Business Combination, on the Closing Date, the Company and certain stockholders and executives of Legacy Banzai, including Legacy Banzai’s officers, directors, and certain holders of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Legacy Banzai Common Stock as of the date of the Merger Agreement, entered into Lock-Up Agreements effective as of the Closing Date (each, a “Lock-Up Agreement”). The terms of the Lock-Up Agreements provide that such signatory stockholders agree not to, without the prior written consent of the Company (subject to certain exceptions): (i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, any shares of Common Stock held by him, her, or it immediately after the Closing, any shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options to purchase shares, or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock held by him, her, or it immediately after the Closing, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any of such shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or (ii) until 180 days after the Closing Date.
Share Transfer Agreements
On December 13, 2023, in connection with the Business Combination, 7GC and the 7GC Sponsor entered into a share transfer agreement (the “December Share Transfer Agreement”) with Alco, pursuant to which for each $500.00 in principal borrowed under the New Alco Note, the 7GC Sponsor agreed to forfeit three shares of 7GC Class B Common Stock held by the 7GC Sponsor, in exchange for the right of Alco to receive three shares of Class A Common Stock, in each case, at (and contingent upon) the Closing, with such forfeited and issued shares capped at an amount equal to 12,000. On October 3, 2023 and November 16, 2023, 7GC, the 7GC Sponsor, and Alco also entered into share transfer agreements, pursuant to which the 7GC Sponsor agreed to forfeit an aggregate of 45,000 shares of 7GC Class B Common Stock held by the 7GC Sponsor, in exchange for the right of Alco to receive 45,000 shares of Class A Common Stock at (and contingent upon) the Closing (such share transfer agreements together with the December Share Transfer Agreement, the “Share Transfer Agreements”). Alco is subject to a 180-day lock-up period with respect to such shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the Share Transfer Agreements, subject to customary exceptions. Additionally, in connection with the December Share Transfer Agreement, (a) Legacy Banzai issued the New Alco Note to Alco in the aggregate principal amount of $2.0 million, which bears interest at a rate of 8% per annum and will be due and payable on December 31, 2024, and (b) Legacy Banzai, Alco, and the Lender agreed to amend that certain Subordinated Promissory Note issued by Legacy Banzai to Alco on September 13, 2023 in the aggregate principal amount of $1.5 million to extend the maturity date from January 10, 2024 to September 30, 2024. Immediately prior to, and substantially concurrently with, the Closing, (i) the 7GC Sponsor surrendered and forfeited to 7GC for no consideration an aggregate of 16,500 shares of the class B common stock of 7GC and (ii) the Company issued to Alco 16,500 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the Share Transfer Agreements.
7GC Related Party Transactions
Related Party Loans
In connection with the extension of 7GC’s deadline to consummate an initial business combination, on December 21, 2022, 7GC issued to the 7GC Sponsor an unsecured promissory note, dated as of December 21, 2022 (the “2022 Promissory Note”), which provided for borrowings from time to time of up to an aggregate of $2.3 million. On October 3, 2023, 7GC also issued to the 7GC Sponsor an unsecured promissory note, dated as of October 3, 2023 (the “2023 Promissory Note,” and together with the 2022 Promissory Note, the "7GC Promissory Notes"), which provided for borrowings from time to time of up to an aggregate of $500,000.
Upon the Closing of the Business Combination, the 7GC Promissory Notes became payable, and the 7GC Sponsor gained the option, but not the obligation, to convert the principal balance of the 7GC Promissory Notes, in whole or in part, into shares of Class A Common Stock (the “Converted Shares”) equal to the principal amount of the 7GC Promissory Notes so converted
divided by $500.00. On December 12, 2023, in connection with the Business Combination, the 7GC Sponsor and 7GC amended the optional conversion provision of the 7GC Promissory Notes to provide that the 7GC Sponsor has the right to elect to convert up to the full amount of the principal balance of the 7GC Promissory Notes, in whole or in part, 30 days after the Closing at a conversion price equal to the average daily VWAP of the Class A Common Stock for the 30 trading days following the Closing. Pursuant to these amended terms, each of the 7GC Promissory Notes was converted in full on February 2, 2024, resulting in the issuance to the 7GC Sponsor of an aggregate of 17,812 shares of our Class A Common Stock.
Administrative Support Agreement
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had accrued a total of approximately $40,000 related to office space, utilities, and secretarial and administrative support services, incurred by our predecessor, 7GC.
Legacy Banzai Related Party Transactions
Convertible Note Financing
Beginning in July 2022, Legacy Banzai issued convertible promissory notes (the “2022 Notes”) to certain accredited investors in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $6.0 million (of which $4.2 million was issued to related parties). The 2022 Notes accrued interest at a rate of 8% per annum. During the year ended December 31, 2023, Legacy Banzai issued additional convertible promissory notes to certain accredited investors in an aggregate principle amount of approximately $4.0 million (of which $2.6 million was issued to related parties) under the same terms of the 2022 Notes (together with the 2022 Notes, the “Legacy Banzai Notes”). The Legacy Banzai Notes, including principal and interest, converted into shares of our Class A Common Stock in connection with the Closing of the Business Combination.
The table below sets forth the aggregate principal amount of Legacy Banzai Notes issued to Legacy Banzai’s related parties:
Stockholder
Aggregate
Principal
Amount
Entities Affiliated with DNX Partners (1)
$
1,500,000
ALCO (2)
$
5,100,538
William Bryant (3)
$
33,000
Mason Ward (4)
$
150,000
(1)
Consists of (i) a 2022 Note issued to DNX III in the principal amount of $717,000 (ii) a 2022 Note issued to DNX Japan III in the principal amount of $258,000, (iii) a 2022 Note issued to DNX S-III in the principal amount of $25,000, (iv) a 2022 Note issued to DNX III in the principal amount of $358,500, (v) a 2022 Note issued to DNX Japan III in the principal amount of $129,000, (vi) a 2022 Note issued to DNX S-III in the principal amount of $12,500 ((i)-(iii) together, the “2022 DNX Notes”, (iv)-(vi) together, the “2023 DNX Notes” and, the 2022 DNX Notes and the 2023 DNX Notes, together, the “DNX Notes”). The 2022 DNX Notes were issued in on July 1,2022 and the 2023 DNX Notes were issued on May 11, 2023.
(2)
Consists of (i) a 2022 Note issued to ALCO in the principal amount of $1,000,000 on July 1, 2022, (ii) a 2022 Note issued to ALCO in the principal amount of $2,100,538.22 on July 19, 2022, (iii) a 2023 Note issued to ALCO in the principal amount of $1,500,000 on March 8, 2023 and (iv) a 2023 Note issued to ALCO in the principal amount of $500,000 on May 10, 2023.
(3)
Consists of (i) a 2023 Note issued to William Bryant in the principal amount of $33,000 on June 6, 2023.
(4)
Consists of (i) a 2022 Note issued to Mason Ward in the principal amount of $50,000 on July 28, 2022, (ii) a 2022 Note issued to Mason Ward in the principal amount of $50,000 on September 2, 2022, and (iii) a 2023 Note issued to Mason Ward in the principal amount of $50,000 on June 14, 2023.
Promissory Notes
On August 30, 2023, the Company issued a subordinate promissory note (“Alco August Promissory Note”) in the aggregate principal amount of $150,000 to Alco. Alco held approximately 5% of the issued equity of the Company, through its ownership of Series A Preferred Stock, for all periods presented. The Alco August Promissory Note bears interest at a rate of 8% per annum. The outstanding principal and accrued interest are due and payable on April 29, 2024 as amended on December 4, 2023.
On September 13, 2023, the Company issued a subordinate promissory note (“Alco September Promissory Note” and together with the Alco August Promissory Note, the “Alco Notes”) in the aggregate principal amount of up to $1,500,000 to Alco. The Alco September Promissory Note bears interest at a rate of 8% per annum. The outstanding principal and accrued interest are due and payable on September 30, 2024 as amended on December 14, 2023. The Alco Notes, including principal and interest, converted into shares of our Class A Common Stock in connection with the Closing of the Business Combination.
On November 16, 2023, the Company issued a subordinate promissory note ("Alco November Promissory Note") in the aggregate principal amount of up to $750,000 to Alco. The Alco November Promissory Note bears interest at a rate of 8% per annum. The outstanding principal and accrued interest are due and payable on April 13, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, $750,000 of principal and $7,397 of accrued interest is outstanding under the Alco November Promissory Note recorded in note payable - related party on the consolidated balance sheets.
On December 13, 2023, the Company issued a subordinate promissory note (“Alco December Promissory Note”) in the aggregate principal amount of up to $2,000,000 to Alco. The Alco December Promissory Note bears interest at a rate of 8% per annum. The outstanding principal and accrued interest are due and payable on December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, $2,000,000 of principal and $7,890 of accrued interest is outstanding under the Alco December Promissory Note recorded in note payable - related party on the consolidated balance sheets.
Related Person Transactions Policy
The Company is in the process of formally adopting a written related person transactions policy. The Board has historically identified, reviewed and approved any transactions, arrangements or relationships (or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships) in Banzai or any of its subsidiaries and related persons are, were or would be participants, including the transactions described above. Prior to approving such a transaction, the material facts as to a director or officer’s relationship or interest in the agreement or transaction were disclosed to the Board.
Under the policy, a related person is any executive officer, director, nominee to become a director or a security holder known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of any class of our voting securities (a “significant stockholder”), including any of their immediate family members and affiliates, including entities controlled by such persons or such person has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest.
Each director and executive officer shall identify, and we shall request each significant stockholder to identify, any related person transaction involving such director, executive officer or significant stockholder or his, her or its immediate family members and inform the Chair of our Audit Committee pursuant to this policy before such related person may engage in the transaction. Each related person transaction must be reviewed and approved in accordance with our related party transactions policy either by the Audit Committee or, if the Audit Committee determines that the approval of such related party transaction should be considered by all of the disinterested, independent members of the Board, by the disinterested, independent members of the Board by the vote of a majority thereof.
In considering related person transactions, our Audit Committee or the disinterested, independent members of the Board, as the case may be, take into account the relevant available facts and circumstances, which may include, but are not limited to:
•the size of the transaction and the amount payable to a related party;
•the nature of the interest of the related party in the transaction;
•whether the transaction may involve a conflict of interest;
•whether the transaction involves the provision of goods or services to the Company that are available from unaffiliated third parties and, if so, whether the transaction is on terms and made under circumstances that are at least as favorable to the Company as would be available in comparable transactions with or involving unaffiliated third parties; and
•any other information regarding the related party transaction or related party that would be material to investors in light of the circumstances of the transaction.
Our Audit Committee or the disinterested, independent members of the Board, as the case may be, shall approve only those related party transactions that they determine in good faith, based on all of the relevant information available to them, are in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
Fees for professional services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm, Marcum LLP, for the last two fiscal years include:
For the Year Ended December 31, 2024
For the Year Ended December 31, 2023
Audit Fees(1)
$
770,000
$
560,000
Audit-Related Fees(2)
-
40,500
Total
$
770,000
$
600,500
(1) Audit Fees. Audit fees consist of fees for professional services rendered for the audit of our year-end financial statements and services rendered in connection with our statutory and regulatory filings.
(2) Audit-Related Fees. Audit-related services consist of fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” These services include attest services that are not required by statute or regulation and consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards.
Pre-Approval Policy
Except as permitted under federal law and SEC rules, all audit and non-audit services performed by our auditors must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee, including the fees and terms thereof (subject to the de minimis exceptions for non-audit services described in the Exchange Act which are approved by the audit committee prior to the completion of the audit). All services reflected in the foregoing table were pre-approved by the Audit Committee in 2024 and 2023.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
(1) Financial Statements:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 688)
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit for the Years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(2) Financial Statements Schedules:
(3) All financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, not required or the information required is shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
(4) Exhibits: The following is a list of exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Exhibit Index
Exhibit
Number
Description
2.1+
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 8, 2022, by and among Banzai, 7GC, First Merger Sub and Second Merger Sub (incorporated by reference to Annex A-1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 31, 2023).
2.2
Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated August 4, 2023, by and among the Company and 7GC (incorporated by reference to Annex A-2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 31, 2023).
2.3
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 10, 2024, by and among Banzai International, Inc., Banzai Reel Acquisition, Inc. ClearDoc, Inc., and certain stockholders of ClearDoc, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2024).
2.4
Acquisition Agreement, dated December 19, 2024, by and among Banzai International, Inc., Vidello Limited, and the Shareholders of Vidello Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2024).
2.5
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated January 22, 2025 by and between Banzai International, Inc. and Act-On Software, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2025)
3.1
Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, dated December 14, 2023. (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2023).
3.2
Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, dated December 14, 2023 (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2023).
3.3
Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, dated March 3, 2025 (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 4, 2025).
3.4
Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, dated September 11, 2024. (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 16, 2024).
3.5
Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, dated March 3, 2025. (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 4, 2025).
4.1
Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate of the Company (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2023).
4.2
Specimen Class B Common Stock Certificate of the Company (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2023).
4.3
Specimen Warrant Certificate of the Company (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2023).
4.4
Warrant Agreement, dated December 22, 2020, by and between 7GC and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by 7GC on December 28, 2020).
4.5
Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note, by and among Banzai and CP BF Lending, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by 7GC on August 30, 2023).
4.6
Subordinated Promissory Note, dated December 13, 2023, issued by the Company to Alco Investment Company (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2023).
4.7
Warrant to Purchase Shares of Common Stock of Banzai International, Inc., dated December 15, 2023, issued by the Company to GEM Yield Bahamas Limited (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.7 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2023).
4.8
Promissory Note, dated as of December 14, 2023, issued by Banzai International, Inc. to YA II PN, LTD (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2023).
4.9
Promissory Note, dated as of February 5, 2024, issued by Banzai International, Inc. to YA II PN, LTD (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.11 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on February 5, 2024).
4.10*
Promissory Note Agreement, dated as of March 26, 2024, issued by Banzai International, Inc. to YA II PN, LTD.
4.11*
Description of Securities.
4.12
Certificate of Designation of Series FE Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to the 8-K filed on December 19, 2024).
10.1
Letter Agreement, dated December 22, 2020, by and among 7GC, its officers, its directors and the 7GC Sponsor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by 7GC on December 28, 2020).
10.2
Private Placement Warrants Purchase Agreement, dated December 22, 2020, by and between 7GC and the 7GC Sponsor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by 7GC on December 15, 2020).
10.3
Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 14, 2023, by and among the Company, the 7GC Sponsor, certain stockholders of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2023).
10.4
Form of Lock-Up Agreement, by and between the Company and certain stockholders and executives of Legacy Banzai (incorporated by reference to Annex D to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 31, 2023).
10.5#
Banzai International, Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on March 25, 2024).
10.6#
Banzai International, Inc. 2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on March 25, 2024).
10.7
Loan Agreement, dated February 19, 2021, by and among the Company, Joseph P. Davy as an Individual Guarantor, Demio, Inc., as an Individual Guarantor and CP BF Lending, LLC, as Lender (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by 7GC on August 30, 2023).
10.8
Forbearance Agreement, dated August 24, 2023, by and among the Company, the guarantors party to the Loan Agreement (as defined therein), and CP BF Lending, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by 7GC on August 30, 2023).
10.9
Promissory Note, dated October 3, 2023, issued by 7GC to the 7GC Sponsor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by 7GC on October 4, 2023).
10.10
Standby Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2023, by and among the Company, YA II PN, LTD., and Banzai Operating Co LLC (f/k/a Banzai International, Inc.). (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2023).
10.11
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2023, by and between the Company and YA II PN, LTD. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2023).
10.12
Share Transfer Agreement, dated December 13, 2023, by and among the Company, the 7GC Sponsor and Alco Investment Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2023).
10.13#
Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between the Company and its directors and officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2023).
10.14
Amendment to Fee Reduction Agreement, dated December 28, 2023, by and between the Company and Cantor Fitzgerald (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10.26 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on February 5, 2024).
10.15
Settlement Agreement, dated February 5, 2024, by and between the Company, GEM Global Yield LLC SCS and GEM Yield Bahamas Limited (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10.27 of Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on February 5, 2024).
10.16
Unsecured Promissory Note, dated February 5, 2024, issued by the Company to GEM Global Yield LLC SCS (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 8 ,2024).
10.17
Supplemental Agreement, dated February 5, 2024, by and between the Company and YA II PN, LTD (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 of Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on February 5, 2024).
10.18
Addendum to Letter Agreements, dated February 5, 2024, by and between the Company and Roth Capital Partners, LLC (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10.30 of Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on February 5, 2024).
10.19
Form of Convertible Promissory Note issued to YA II PN, LTD (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2025).
10.20
Second Amendment to Loan Agreement by and among the Company, Demio Holding Inc., Banzai Operating Co. LLC and CP BF Lending, LLC, as Lender dated as of September 23, 2024 (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10.19 to the Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on September 27, 2024).
10.21
Debt Repayment Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2024, by and among the Company and Yorkville (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 16, 2024).
10.22
Amended and Restated Debt Repayment Agreement, dated as of May 22, 2024, by and between the Company and Yorkville (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to the Registration Statement filed on Form S-1 on September 19, 2024).
10.23
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 28, 2024).
10.24
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 27, 2024).
10.25
Lock-up Agreement, dated as of September 20, 2024, by and between Banzai International, Inc. and Alco Investment Company (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10.21 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2024).
10.26
Form of Registration Rights Agreement, by and between Banzai International, Inc. and Alco Investment Company (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10.20 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2024).
10.27
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2024, by and between Banzai International, Inc. and CP BF Lending, LLC (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10.17 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2024).
10.28
Lock-up Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2024, by and between Banzai International, Inc. and CP BF Lending, LLC (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10.25 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2024).
10.29
Form of Registration Rights Agreement, by and between Banzai International, Inc. and CP BF Lending, LLC (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10.24 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2024).
10.30
Form of Registration Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 27, 2024).
10.31
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 20, 2024, by and between Banzai International, Inc. and Alco Investment Company (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on October 16, 2024).
10.32
Repayment Agreement with Perkins Coie, LLP (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on October 16, 2024).
10.33
Amended and Restated Repayment Agreement with J.V.B Financial Group, LLC (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on October 16, 2024).
10.34
Investor Relations Consulting Agreement with MZHCI, LLC (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on October 16, 2024).
10.35
Side Letter to the Loan Agreement with CP BF Lending, LLC (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10.6 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2024).
10.36
Floor Price Adjustment Agreement with Yorkville Advisors (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on October 16, 2024).
10.37
Repayment Agreement with Cooley LLP (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on October 16, 2024).
10.38
Settlement Letter with CohnReznick LLP (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on October 16, 2024).
10.39
Repayment Agreement with Sidley Austin LLP (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on October 16, 2024).
10.40
Repayment Agreement with Donnelley Financial LLC (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on October 16, 2024).
10.41
Repayment Agreement with Verista Partners, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on October 16, 2024).
10.42
Consulting Agreement dated as of September 26, 2024 by and between the Company and Hudson Global Ventures, LLC (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on October 16, 2024).
10.43
Form of Registration Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 10, 2024).
10.44
Form of Pre-Funded Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 10, 2024).
10.45
Form of Subscription Booklet (incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2025)
10.46
Form of Pre-Funded Warrant (incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2025)
10.47
Voting and Support Agreement, dated January 22, 2025 by and between Banzai International, Inc and Joseph Davy (incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2025).
10.48
Form of Share Consideration Escrow Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2025).
10.49
Form of Registration Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2025).
10.50
Voting and Support Agreement, dated December 10, 2024, by and between Joseph P. Davy and Banzai International Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 10, 2024).
10.51
Form of Lock-Up Agreement (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2024).
10.52
Form of Pre-Funded Warrant (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2024).
10.53
Voting and Support Agreement, dated December 19, 2024, by and between Banzai International Inc., and Joseph P. Davy (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2024).
10.54
Closing Letter Agreement, dated January 24, 2025, by and among Banzai International, Inc., Vidello Limited and certain shareholders of Vidello Limited (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 31, 2025).
19.1*
Banzai International, Inc. Insider Trading Policy.
21.1*
List of Subsidiaries.
23.1*
Consent of Marcum, LLP.
31.1*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 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 of 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 of 2002.
97.1*
Banzai International, Inc. Policy on Recoupment of Incentive Compensation.
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema With Embedded Linkbase Documents
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith.
+
The schedules and exhibits to this agreement have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedule and/or exhibit will be furnished to the SEC upon request.
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Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.