OLB OLB Group Inc

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

 

 

SCHEDULE 14A

 

 

(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Filed by the Registrant ☒

 

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

 

Check the appropriate box:

 

☐		Preliminary Proxy Statement
☐		Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as Permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
☒		Definitive Proxy Statement
☐		Definitive Additional Materials
☐		Solicitation Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or rule 14a-12

 

The OLB Group, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

☒		No fee required.
☐		Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
☐		Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 

 

 

THE OLB GROUP, INC.
1120 Avenue of the Americas, Fourth Floor
New York, New York 10036

 

 

To the Stockholders of The OLB Group, Inc.:

 

You are cordially invited to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of The OLB Group, Inc. (the “Company”) to be held virtually at http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/OLB2024 on December 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, for the following purposes:

 

1.

To elect Alina Dulimof, Ronny Yakov, Amir Sternhell and Ehud Ernst as directors (the “Director Nominees”) to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) for a one-year term that expires at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or until their successors are elected and qualified;

 

2.

To ratify the appointment by the Board of RBSM, LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024;

 

3.

To approve the Second Amended and Restated 2020 Share Incentive Plan (the “New Plan”);

 

4.

To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement; and

 

5.

To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

 

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES, “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2024, “FOR” the approval of the NEW PLAN and “FOR” approval, on an advisory basis, OF the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement.

 

The Board has fixed the close of business on November 8, 2024 as the record date (the “Record Date”) for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof. Accordingly, only stockholders of record at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to notice of, and shall be entitled to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof.

 

Your vote is important. You are requested to carefully read the Proxy Statement and accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting for a more complete statement of matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting.

 

 

IMPORTANT

 

WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND PROMPTLY VOTE YOUR PROXY VIA THE INTERNET, BY TELEPHONE OR, IF YOU RECEIVED A PRINTED FORM OF PROXY IN THE MAIL, BY COMPLETING, DATING, SIGNING AND RETURNING THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN ORDER TO ASSURE REPRESENTATION OF YOUR SHARES AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. YOUR PROXY, GIVEN THROUGH THE RETURN OF THE PROXY CARD, MAY BE REVOKED PRIOR TO ITS EXERCISE BY FILING WITH OUR CORPORATE SECRETARY PRIOR TO THE ANNUAL MEETING A WRITTEN NOTICE OF REVOCATION OR A DULY EXECUTED PROXY BEARING A LATER DATE, OR BY VIRTUALY ATTENDING THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING.

 

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY VOTED OR DELIVERED YOUR PROXY FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOUR VOTE WILL BE COUNTED, AND YOU DO NOT HAVE TO VOTE YOUR SHARES AGAIN. IF YOU WISH TO CHANGE YOUR VOTE, YOU SHOULD REVOTE YOUR SHARES.

 

THE PROXY STATEMENT, OUR FORM OF PROXY CARD, AND OUR ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 ARE AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT WWW.olb.com/public-fillings OR AT THE SEC’S WEBSITE AT HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV. YOU WILL NEED TO USE THE CONTROL NUMBER APPEARING ON YOUR PROXY CARD TO VOTE PRIOR TO OR AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.

 

 

THE OLB GROUP, INC.
1120 Avenue of the Americas, Fourth Floor
New York, New York 10036

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

November 29, 2024

 

To the Stockholders of The OLB Group, Inc.:

 

You are cordially invited to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of The OLB Group, Inc. (the “Company”) to be held virtually at http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/OLB2024 on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, for the following purposes:

 

1.

To elect Alina Dulimof, Ronny Yakov, Amir Sternhell and Ehud Ernst as directors (the “Director Nominees”) to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) for a one-year term that expires at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or until their successors are elected and qualified;

 

2.

To ratify the appointment by the Board of RBSM, LLC (the “Auditor”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024;

 

3.

To approve the Second Amended and Restated 2020 Share Incentive Plan (the “New Plan”);

 

4.

To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement; and

 

5.

To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

 

Our Board recommends a vote “FOR” the election of each of the Director Nominees, “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of the Auditor as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 20244, “for” the Approval of the New Plan and “FOR” the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement.

 

Stockholders of record of our common stock at the close of business on November 8, 2024 (the “Record Date”) will be entitled to notice of, and are cordially invited to, attend this Annual Meeting and to attend any adjournment or postponement thereof. However, to assure your representation at the Annual Meeting, please vote your proxy via the internet, by telephone, or, if you received a printed form of proxy in the mail, by completing, dating, signing and returning the enclosed proxy. Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting, please read the Proxy Statement and then promptly vote your proxy in order to ensure your representation at the Annual Meeting.

 

You may cast your vote by visiting http://www.proxyvote.com. You may also have access to the materials for the Annual Meeting by visiting the website: www.investors.olb.com. You will need to use the control number appearing on your proxy card to vote prior to or at the Annual Meeting.

 

Each share of common stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote and each share of Preferred Stock entitles the holder to 11.11 votes per share. A complete list of stockholders of record entitled to vote at this Annual Meeting will be available for ten days before this Annual Meeting at the principal executive office of the Company for inspection by stockholders during ordinary business hours for any purpose germane to this Annual Meeting.

 

You are urged to review carefully the information contained in the enclosed proxy statement prior to deciding how to vote your shares.

 

 

This notice and the attached proxy statement are first being disseminated to stockholders on or about November 29, 2024.

 

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
/s/ Ronny Yakov
Ronny Yakov
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The OLB Group, Inc.

 

IF YOU RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD WITHOUT AN INDICATION OF HOW YOU WISH TO VOTE, YOUR SHARES WILL BE VOTED “FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES, “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2024, “FOR” the approval of the New Plan and “FOR” approval, on an advisory basis, OF the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement.

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting to be Held on December 27, 2024: This Proxy Statement, along with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, is available at: http://www.olb.com/.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

		Page
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THESE PROXY MATERIALS		1
THE ANNUAL MEETING		4
PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS		7
PROPOSAL 2 – RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR FISCAL 2024		19
PROPOSAL 3 – APPROVAL OF THE NEW PLAN		20
PROPOSAL 4 – Approval on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement		25
OTHER INFORMATION		30

 

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

THE OLB GROUP, INC.
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
to be held virtually
at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time on Friday, December 27, 2024

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THESE PROXY MATERIALS

 

Why am I receiving this Proxy Statement?

 

The Company has made these materials available to you in connection with the Company’s solicitation of proxies for use at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held virtually on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time, and at any postponement(s) or adjournment(s) thereof. These materials were first sent or given to stockholders on or about November 29, 2024. This proxy statement gives you information on these proposals so that you can make an informed decision.

 

In this proxy statement, we refer to The OLB Group, Inc. as the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our” or similar terminology.

 

What is included in these materials?

 

These materials include:

 

●

This Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting; and

 

●

The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

Who can vote at the annual meeting of stockholders?

 

Stockholders who owned shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”) or Series A Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”), on November 8, 2024 (the “Record Date”) may vote at the Annual Meeting. There were 1,965,040 shares of Common Stock and 1,021 shares of Preferred Stock outstanding on the Record Date and holders of the Preferred Stock have the right to 11.11 votes per share together with the holders of the Common Stock. All shares of Common Stock have one vote per share and vote together with the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock as a single class. Information about the stockholdings of our directors and executive officers is contained in the section of this Proxy Statement entitled “Beneficial Ownership of Principal Stockholders, Officers and Directors” on page 31 of this Proxy Statement.

 

What is the proxy card?

 

The proxy card enables you to appoint Mr. Matthew Kepke, Corporate Counsel, as your representative at the Annual Meeting. By completing and returning the proxy card or voting online as described herein, you are authorizing Mr. Kepke to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting in accordance with your instructions on the proxy card. This way, your shares will be voted whether or not you attend the Annual Meeting. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we think that it is a good idea to complete and return your proxy card before the Annual Meeting date just in case your plans change. If a proposal comes up for vote at the Annual Meeting that is not on the proxy card, the proxy will vote your shares, under your proxy, according to his best judgment. The proxy card (or voter information form) will also contain your control number. You will need to use the control number appearing on your proxy card to vote prior to or at the Annual Meeting.

 

What am I voting on?

 

You are being asked to vote:

 

1.

To elect Alina Dulimof, Ronny Yakov, Amir Sternhell and Ehud Ernst as directors (the “Director Nominees”) to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) for a one-year term that expires at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or until their successors are elected and qualified;

 

2.

To ratify the appointment by the Board of RBSM, LLC (the “Auditor”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024;

 

3.

To approve the New Plan;

 

4.

To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement; and

 

5.

To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

 

 

How does the Board recommend that I vote?

 

Our Board recommends that the stockholders vote “FOR” each of the Director Nominees, “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of RBSM, LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, “for” the approval of the New Plan and “FOR” the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement.

 

What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner?

 

Most of our stockholders hold their shares in an account at a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee holder, rather than holding share certificates in their own name. As summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially.

 

Stockholder of Record

 

If, on the Record Date, your shares were registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Transfer Online, you are a “stockholder of record” who may vote at the Annual Meeting, and we are sending these proxy materials directly to you. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to direct the voting of your shares as described below. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please complete, date and sign the enclosed proxy card to ensure that your vote is counted.

 

Beneficial Owner

 

If, on the Record Date, your shares were held in an account at a brokerage firm or at a bank or other nominee holder, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held “in street name,” and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by or at the direction of your broker or nominee who is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to vote your shares and to attend the Annual Meeting as described below. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please vote prior to the Annual Meeting as described below to ensure that your vote is counted.

 

How do I vote my shares?

 

There are four ways to vote:

 

(1)

Via the Internet. Use the internet to vote by going to the internet address listed on your proxy card; have your proxy card or in hand as you will be prompted to enter your control number to create and submit an electronic vote. If you vote in this manner, your “proxy,” whose name is listed on the proxy card, will vote your shares as you instruct on the proxy card. If you sign and return the proxy card or submit an electronic vote but do not give instructions on how to vote your shares, your shares will be voted as recommended by the Board.

 

(2)

Via telephone. Using a touch-tone telephone, you may transmit your voting instructions to the number provided on your proxy card . Have your proxy card in hand as you will be prompted to enter your control number to create and submit a telephonic vote.

 

(3)

In person. You may vote at the Annual Meeting by following the instructions when you log-in for the Annual Meeting. Have your proxy card in hand as you will be prompted to enter your control number to vote at the Annual Meeting. If you hold your shares through an intermediary, such as a bank or broker, you must register in advance to gain access to the virtual Annual Meeting to vote your shares during the meeting or ask questions during the meeting. You will not be able to vote at the meeting unless you have submitted proof of a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee issued in your name giving you the right to vote your shares.

 

(4)

By Mail. You may vote by mail. If you request printed copies of the proxy materials by mail and are a record holder, you may vote by proxy by filling out the proxy card and sending it back in the envelope provided. If you are a beneficial holder you may vote by proxy by filling out the vote instruction form and sending it back in the envelope provided by your brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer or other similar organization that holds your shares.

 

What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card?

 

You may have multiple accounts at the transfer agent and/or with brokerage firms. Please sign and return all proxy cards to ensure that all of your shares are voted.

 

 

What if I change my mind after I return my proxy?

 

You may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the polls close at the Annual Meeting. You may do this by:

 

●

sending a written notice to Matthew Kepke, our Corporate Counsel, stating that you would like to revoke your proxy of a particular date;

 

●

signing another proxy card with a later date and returning it before the polls close at the Annual Meeting; or

 

●

Voting at the Annual Meeting.

 

Please note, however, that if your shares are held of record by a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee, you may need to instruct your broker, bank or other nominee that you wish to change your vote by following the procedures on the voting form provided to you by the broker, bank or other nominee.

 

Will my shares be voted if I do not sign and return my proxy card?

 

If your shares are held in your name and you do not sign and return your proxy card, your shares will not be voted unless you vote at the Annual Meeting. If you hold your shares in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee, your nominee may determine to vote your shares at its own discretion on certain routine matters, such as the ratification of the Auditor, absent instructions from you. However, due to voting rules that will prevent your bank or broker from voting your uninstructed shares on a discretionary basis in the election of directors and the other non-routine matters, it is important that you cast your vote.

 

How may I vote with respect to each proposal and how are votes counted?

 

Your voting options will be dependent on the particular proposal for which you wish to cast a vote. With respect to proposal 1 (the election of directors), you may vote “for” all of the Director Nominees or “withhold” authority to vote for one or all of the Director Nominees. With respect to proposals 2, 3 and 4, you may vote “for” or “against” the proposal or you may “abstain” from casting a vote on such proposal. Abstentions, votes marked “withheld” and broker non-votes will be counted for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting.

 

Broker non-votes occur on a matter when a broker is not permitted to vote on that matter without instructions from the beneficial owner and instructions are not given. These matters are referred to as “non-routine” matters. The election of the directors, approval of the New Plan and the approval on an advisory basis of the compensation of our named executive officers are “non-routine.” Thus, in tabulating the voting result for these proposals, shares that constitute broker non-votes are not considered votes cast on that proposal. The ratification of the appointment of the Auditor is “routine” matters and therefore a broker may vote on this matter without instructions from the beneficial owner as long as instructions are not given.

 

How many votes are required to approve each of the proposals?

 

For the Director Election Proposal, the four persons receiving the highest number of affirmative votes at the Annual Meeting will be elected.

 

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting by the holders of Common Stock and Preferred Stock is required to approve each of the other proposals.

 

What happens if I don’t indicate how to vote my proxy?

 

If you just sign your proxy card without providing further instructions, your shares will be counted as a “FOR” vote for each of the Director Nominees, “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of the Auditor as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, “FOR” the approval of the New Plan and “FOR” the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement.

 

Is my vote kept confidential?

 

Proxies, ballots and voting tabulations identifying stockholders are kept confidential and will not be disclosed except as may be necessary to meet legal requirements.

 

Where do I find the voting results of the Annual Meeting?

 

We will announce voting results at the Annual Meeting and file a Current Report on Form 8-K announcing the voting results of the Annual Meeting.

 

Who can help answer my questions?

 

You can contact our Corporate Counsel, Matthew Kepke, at (212) 278-0900 or by sending a letter to Mr. Kepke at the offices of the Company at 1120 Avenue of the Americas, 4^th Floor, New York, NY 10036 with any questions about proposals described in this Proxy Statement or how to execute your vote.

 

 

THE ANNUAL MEETING

 

General

 

This Proxy Statement is being furnished to you, as a stockholder of The OLB Group, Inc., as part of the solicitation of proxies by our Board for use at the Annual Meeting to be held on December 27, 2024, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. This Proxy Statement is first being furnished to stockholders on or about November 29, 2024. This Proxy Statement provides you with information you need to know to be able to vote or instruct your proxy how to vote at the Annual Meeting.

 

Date, Time, Place of Annual Meeting

 

The Annual Meeting will be held virtually at ww.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/OLB2024 on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, or such other date, time and place to which the Meeting may be adjourned or postponed.

 

Purpose of the Annual Meeting

 

At the Annual Meeting, the Company will ask stockholders to consider and vote upon the following proposals:

 

1.

To elect Alina Dulimof, Ronny Yakov, Amir Sternhill and Ehud Ernst as directors (the “Director Nominees”) to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) for a one-year term that expires at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or until their successors are elected and qualified;

 

2.

To ratify the appointment by the Board of RBSM, LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024;

 

3.

To approve the New Plan;

 

4.

To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement; and

 

5.

To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

 

Recommendations of the Board

 

Our Board recommends that the stockholders vote “FOR” each of the Director Nominees, “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of the Auditor as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, “FOR” the approval of the New Plan and “FOR” the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement.

 

Record Date and Voting Power

 

Our Board fixed the close of business on November 8, 2024, as the record date for the determination of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to notice of, and to vote on, the matters presented at this Annual Meeting. As of the Record Date, there were 1,965,040 shares of Common Stock and 1,021 shares of Preferred Stock. Each share of Common Stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote and each share of Preferred Stock entitles the holder to 11.11 votes per share. Accordingly, a total of 1,976,383 votes may be cast at this Annual Meeting.

 

Quorum and Required Vote

 

A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present at the meeting if a majority of the voting power of the Common Stock and Preferred Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is represented at the Annual Meeting or by proxy. Abstentions, votes marked “withheld” and broker non-votes will count as present for purposes of establishing a quorum.

 

In the election of directors, the four persons receiving the highest number of affirmative votes cast at the Annual Meeting will be elected. Votes marked “withheld” and broker non-votes will have no effect on the election of directors.

 

 

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is required to ratify the Auditor as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2024, to approve the New Plan and to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement. Abstentions will have no effect on the ratification of the appointment of the Auditor, the approval of the New Plan or the approval, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement

 

Brokers may use their discretion to vote shares held by them of record for ratification of the appointment of the Auditor if they have not been provided with voting instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares of Common Stock.

 

Voting

 

There are four ways to vote:

 

1.

Via the Internet. Use the internet to vote by going to the internet address listed on your proxy card or; have your proxy card or in hand as you will be prompted to enter your control number to create and submit an electronic vote. If you vote in this manner, your “proxy,” whose name is listed on the proxy card and will vote your shares as you instruct on the proxy card. If you sign and return the proxy card or submit an electronic vote but do not give instructions on how to vote your shares, your shares will be voted as recommended by the Board.

 

2.

Via Telephone. Using a touch-tone telephone, you may transmit your voting instructions to the number provided on your proxy card. Have your proxy card in hand as you will be prompted to enter your control number to create and submit a telephonic vote.

 

3.

In person. You may vote at the Annual Meeting by following the instructions when you log-in for the Annual Meeting. Have your proxy card in hand as you will be prompted to enter your control number to vote at the Annual Meeting. If you hold your shares through an intermediary, such as a bank or broker, you must register in advance to gain access to the virtual Annual Meeting to vote your shares during the meeting or ask questions during the meeting. You will not be able to vote at the meeting unless you have submitted proof of a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee issued in your name giving you the right to vote your shares.

 

4.

By mail. You may vote by mail. If you request printed copies of the proxy materials by mail and are a record holder, you may vote by proxy by filling out the proxy card and sending it back in the envelope provided. If you request printed copies of the proxy materials by mail and are a beneficial holder you may vote by proxy by filling out the vote instruction form and sending it back in the envelope provided by your brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer or other similar organization that holds your shares.

 

While we know of no other matters to be acted upon at this year’s Annual Meeting, it is possible that other matters may be presented at the Annual Meeting. If that happens and you have signed and not revoked a proxy card, your proxy will vote on such other matters in accordance with his best judgment.

 

Expenses

 

The expense of preparing, printing and mailing this Proxy Statement, exhibits and the proxies solicited hereby will be borne by the Company. In addition to the use of the mails, proxies may be solicited by officers, directors and regular employees of the Company, without additional remuneration, by personal interviews, telephone, email or facsimile transmission. The Company will also request brokerage firms, nominees, custodians and fiduciaries to forward proxy materials to the beneficial owners of shares of Common Stock held of record and will provide reimbursements for the cost of forwarding the material in accordance with customary charges.

 

 

Revocability of Proxies

 

Proxies given by stockholders of record for use at the Annual Meeting may be revoked at any time prior to the exercise of the powers conferred. In addition to revocation in any other manner permitted by law, stockholders of record giving a proxy may revoke the proxy by an instrument in writing, executed by the stockholder or his attorney authorized in writing or, if the stockholder is a corporation, under its corporate seal, by an officer or attorney thereof duly authorized, and deposited either at the corporate headquarters of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day of the Annual Meeting, or any adjournments thereof, at which the proxy is to be used, or with the chairman of such Annual Meeting on the day of the Annual Meeting or adjournments thereof, and upon either of such deposits the proxy is revoked.

 

No Right of Appraisal

 

None of Delaware law, our Certificate of Incorporation, or our Bylaws, as amended, provides for appraisal or other similar rights for dissenting stockholders in connection with any of the proposals to be voted upon at this Annual Meeting. Accordingly, our stockholders will have no right to dissent and obtain payment for their shares.

 

Who Can Answer Your Questions About Voting Your Shares

 

You can contact our Corporate Counsel, Matthew Kepke, at (212) 278-0900 or by sending a letter to Mr. Kepke at the offices of the Company at 1120 Avenue of the Americas, 4^th Floor, New York, NY 10036 with any questions about proposals described in this Proxy Statement or how to execute your vote.

 

Principal Offices

 

The principal executive offices of the Company are located 1120 Avenue of the Americas, 4^th Floor, New York, NY 10036. The Company’s telephone number at such address is (212) 278-0900.

 

ALL PROXIES RECEIVED WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CHOICES SPECIFIED ON SUCH PROXIES. PROXIES WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOR OF EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND PROPOSALS IF NO CONTRARY SPECIFICATION IS MADE. ALL VALID PROXIES OBTAINED WILL BE VOTED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE PERSONS NAMED IN THE PROXY WITH RESPECT TO ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.

 

 

PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

Introduction

 

The Board has nominated the Director Nominees to stand for election at the Annual Meeting. Stockholders will be asked to elect each of the Director Nominees, each to hold office until the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until his or her successor is elected and qualified. The enclosed proxy, if returned, and unless indicated to the contrary, will be voted for the election of each of the Director Nominees.

 

We have been advised by each of the Director Nominees that he or she is willing to be named as a nominee and each is willing to serve, or continue to serve as a director if elected. If some unexpected occurrence should make necessary, in the discretion of the Board, the substitution of some other person for the nominees, it is the intention of the persons named in the proxy to vote for the election of such other persons as may be designated by the Board.

 

Board Qualifications

 

We believe that the collective skills, experiences and qualifications of our directors provide our Board with the expertise and experience necessary to advance the interests of our stockholders. In selecting directors, the Board considers candidates that possess qualifications and expertise that will enhance the composition of the Board, including the considerations set forth below. The considerations set forth below are not meant as minimum qualifications, but rather as guidelines in weighing all of a candidate’s qualifications and expertise. In addition to the individual attributes of each of our current directors described below, we believe that our directors should have the highest professional and personal ethics and values, consistent with our longstanding values and standards. They should have broad experience at the policy-making level in business, exhibit commitment to enhancing stockholder value and have sufficient time to carry out their duties and to provide insight and practical wisdom based on their past experience.

 

Director Nominees

 

Our Board currently consists of four directors, Ronny Yakov, Amir Sternhell, Ehud Ernst and Alina Dulimof.

 

The Nominating Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board indicated its desire to continue with the current composition of the Board. Accordingly, at the Annual Meeting, the four incumbent directors (Ronny Yakov, Amir Sternhell, Ehud Ernst and Alina Dulimof) were nominated each to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until his or her successor shall be elected and shall qualify. Each of the current directors that has determined to stand for reelection at the Annual Meeting has been nominated for reelection to the Board. All of the Director Nominees are available for election as members of the Board. If for any reason a Director Nominee becomes unavailable for election, the proxies solicited by the Board will be voted for a substitute nominee selected by the Board.

 

The following sets forth the biographical background information for all of our Director Nominees:

 

Ronny Yakov has been Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, founder and majority shareholder of the Company since 2004. Mr. Yakov has over 25 years of experience of concept-to-print, software and e-commerce marketing experience with Fortune 500 and 1,000 companies and a proven track record of helping clients adapt their businesses to technological developments. In 1996, Mr. Yakov entered into the electronic mail-order catalog business with Playboy Enterprises, creating and hosting two e-commerce sites: Critics’ Choice Video and Collectors’ Choice Music. As founder of the Company, Mr. Yakov has since developed a number of other branded e-commerce sites for clients, selling a variety of products including sporting goods, chocolates and cosmetics, with which the company now partners to provide ongoing hosting and maintenance. Other significant accomplishments of Mr. Yakov have included establishing an AT&T wholesale e-commerce platform for 180,000 employees and working with high-profile clients such as Disney, Cisco Systems, Pfizer, Motorola, and Microsoft, among many others. Mr. Yakov also developed and maintains a complex extranet/intranet infrastructure that allows Doremus, an Omnicom Communication subsidiary, to provide its advertising services to 50 of the top financial institutions on a real-time basis. Mr. Yakov qualifies as a Director as a result of him being the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and his work experience in the software and payment processing marketplaces.

 

 

Ehud Ernst is one of our independent directors and has served on our Board since August 2020. Since 2015, Mr. Ernst has been the chief executive officer of HyperTail.es. From 2007 to 2017, Mr. Ernst founded and was the chief executive officer of Feelternet, a creative digital agency, which served some of the largest brands in the Israeli market. From 2004 to 2007, Mr. Ernst served as division manager at Data-Pro Proximity/BBDO, a large direct marketing and analytics agency in Israel. From 1985 to 1999, Mr. Ernst founded and was the chief executive officer of Ernst Meron studios, one of the largest commercial photography production studio in Israel. Mr. Ernst also co-founded Impressia.com, a marketing technology start-up venture enabling product displays at e-commerce stores. Mr. Ernst graduated from ICP New York with a degree in Photography and Art. Mr. Ernst qualifies as a Director because of his extensive experience in the technology marketplace and his experience as an entrepreneurial executive.

 

Amir Sternhell is one of our independent directors and has served on our Board since August 2020. Since 2016, Mr. Sternhell has served as chief strategy officer of Sertainty, a data optimization company. Mr. Sternhell has 24 years of experience in the IT and Corporate Learning industries, including two-decades at .2013, where he was head of a business intelligence unit representing Microstrategy, and, chief learning officer, representing Harvard Business Publishing. Mr. Sternhell was the founder of the first Non-Profit Organization that assisted Israel’s Incubator System, in which he hand-held over 100 high-tech companies. Mr. Sternhell was the vice chairman of the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce and Industry, overseeing its initiatives, and a recipient of its Business Leadership Award. Mr. Sternhell served in the Directorate of Military Intelligence for the Israel Defense Forces, and was awarded the Most Outstanding Soldier of the Corp. in 1981. Mr. Sternhell holds an AB in Political Science and Psychology from Tel Aviv University, an MIA in International Economics from Columbia University and an MBA from the ‘Grand Ecole’ EDHEC ‘92 specializing in IT and Management where he graduated first in his class. Mr. Ernst qualifies as a Director because of his experience working with companies in the technology and cybersecurity marketplaces.

 

Alina Dulimof is nominated to be an independent director. She is currently Chief Operating Officer and Head of Investor Relations and Business Development at Dorset Management LLC, a commodity trading hedge fund she co-founded. Since 2017, she has served as a managing director responsible for business development with Park Avenue Securities (PAS), a wealth management advisory firm in New York. Prior to PAS, from 2012 to 2017, she was a partner with Nationwide Planning Associates and from 2007-2009, she was a VP, Private Banking at Merrill Lynch in New York. She has passed the Series 7 (FINRA-General. Securities Representative exam) and Series 66 (NASAA_Uniform Combined State Law exam) exams. From 1999 to 2007, Ms. Dulimof was an Investment Manager with BrainHeart, a VC firm in Stockholm, where she was responsible for investment decisions, while supporting the management teams of its portfolio companies. As an entrepreneur, Ms. Dulimof achieved successful exits from 2 of her startups, prior to joining BrainHeart. For over 15 years she had managed, advised and invested in a wide range of companies in Blockchain technology, Fintech, 5G, IoT, Cybersecurity, AI, Robotics, E-commerce, Creator economy, Mobile, OOH advertising and Biotech, alongside entrepreneurs, venture capital and private equity firms. Prior to her investment management career, she was a technology executive, starting at Ericsson in Stockholm, directly after her graduation with distinction with a degree in Nuclear Physics from Bucharest University in 1988. At Ericsson, she held executive positions within diverse business areas, from research to product development, marketing and strategic partnerships. During her tenure at Ericsson she earned an Executive MBA from Stockholm School of Economics in 2001. She is a CFA charter holder. Ms. Dulimof qualifies as a Director because of her extensive experience in the finance, technology and cryptocurrency industries.

 

 

We believe that our Director Nominees represent a desirable mix of backgrounds, skills, experiences, genders and members of underrepresented communities. Below are some of the specific experiences, qualifications, attributes or skills of each Director Nominee in addition to the biographical information provided above that led to the conclusion that each person should serve as one of our directors in light of our business and structure:

 

Board Diversity Matrix

 

The following Board Diversity Matrix presents our Board diversity statistics in accordance with Nasdaq Rule 5606, as self-disclosed by our Directors.

 

Board Diversity Matrix (as of November 1, 2024)
Part I: Gender Identity		Male		Female		Non-Binary		Did Not Disclose Gender
Directors (4 total)		3		1		0		0

 

Part II: Demographic Background		Male		Female		Non-Binary		Did Not Disclose Gender
African American or Black		0		0		0		0
Alaskan Native or American Indian		0		0		0		0
Asian		0		0		0		0
Hispanic, Latino or Latina		0		0		0		0
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander		0		0		0		0
White		3		1		0		0
Two or More Races or Ethnicities		0		0		0		0
LGBTQ+		0		0		0		0
Undisclosed		0		0		0		0

 

In addition to the foregoing, we believe that each of the Director Nominees that is nominated for reelection is well-qualified to serve as a member of our Board due to their prior experience and work with and on our Board.

 

Required Vote

 

In the election of directors, the four persons receiving the highest number of affirmative votes cast at the Annual Meeting will be elected.

 

Recommendation of the Board

 

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” ELECTION OF EACH OF THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR.

 

 

Current Directors and Executive Officers as of the Date of this Proxy Statement

 

Listed below are the names of the current directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages and positions held as of the Record Date and biographies if not disclosed above:

 

Name		Age		Position(s)
Ronny Yakov		66		Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director Nominee
Rachel Boulds		54		Chief Financial Officer
Patrick Smith		51		Vice President
Alina Dulimof		57		Director Nominee
Ehud Ernst		64		Director Nominee and Chairman of the Audit Committee
Amir Sternhell		62		Director Nominee

 

See above the biographies of Mr. Yakov, Mr. Ernst, Mr. Sternhell and Ms. Dulimof.

 

Rachel Boulds is Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Ms. Boulds currently works for the Company on a part-time basis (spending approximately 80% of her time working for the Company) while also operating her sole accounting practice which she has led since 2009 and which provides all aspects of consulting and accounting services to clients, including the preparation of full disclosure financial statements for public companies to comply with GAAP and SEC requirements. Ms. Boulds also currently provides outsourced chief financial officer services for two other companies. From August 2004 through July 2009, she was employed as a Senior Auditor for HJ & Associates, LLC, where she performed audits and reviews of public and private companies, including the preparation of financial statements to comply with GAAP and SEC requirements. From 2003 through 2004, Ms. Boulds was employed as a Senior Auditor at Mohler, Nixon and Williams. From September 2001 through July 2003, Ms. Boulds worked as an ABAS Associate for PriceWaterhouseCoopers. From April 2000 through February 2001, Ms. Boulds was employed as an e-commerce Accountant for the Walt Disney Group’s GO.com. Ms. Boulds earned a B.S. in Accounting from San Jose University in 2001 and is licensed as a CPA in the state of Utah.

 

Patrick Smith is Vice President of the Company. Mr. Smith has over 20 years of finance, accounting and operational experience in the merchant services industry. Mr. Smith joined eVance (Formerly Calpian Commerce) in 2014 as Director of Finance. Prior to eVance, Mr. Smith spent 2 years as Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at Cynergy Data, an ISO with over 75,000 merchants. He worked with Pay by Touch, a biometric payments start-up company based in San Francisco, and was part of the financial team that raised over $300M in its capital funding. From 1996 to 2004, Mr. Smith worked for Concord EFS, a large merchant acquirer. His titles at Concord included Internal Audit, Financial Analyst and Vice President/Controller. While at Concord EFS, he was part of the diligence team that worked on several large acquisitions, including those of Star and EPS Debit networks.

 

None of our directors or officers are related to each other. There are no arrangements or understandings with any of our principal stockholders, customers, suppliers, or any other person, pursuant to which any of our directors or executive officers were appointed.

 

No officer or director has, during the past five years, been involved in (a) any bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time, (b) any conviction in a criminal proceeding or being subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses), (c) any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities or (d) a finding by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated.

 

To the best of the Company’s knowledge, there are no arrangements or understandings between any director, Director Nominee or executive officer and any other person pursuant to which any person was selected as a director, Director Nominee or executive officer. There are no family relationships between any of the Company’s directors, Director Nominees or executive officers. To the Company’s knowledge there have been no material legal proceedings as described in instruction 4 to Item 103 of Regulation S-K or Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K during the last ten years that are material to an evaluation of the ability or integrity of any of the Company’s directors, Director Nominees or executive officers.

 

 

Board of Directors and Corporate Governance

 

Role of the Board of Directors in Risk Oversight

 

The Board of Directors is responsible for assessing the risks facing our company and considers risk in every business decision and as part of our business strategy. The Board of Directors recognizes that it is neither possible nor prudent to eliminate all risk, and that strategic and appropriate risk-taking is essential for us to compete in our industry and in the global market and to achieve our growth and profitability objectives. Effective risk oversight, therefore, is an important priority of the Board of Directors.

 

While the Board of Directors oversees our risk management, management is responsible for day-to-day risk management processes. Our Board of Directors expects management to consider risk and risk management in each business decision, to proactively develop and monitor risk management strategies and processes for day-to-day activities and to effectively implement risk management strategies that are adopted by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors expects to review and adjust our risk management strategies at regular intervals or as needed.

 

Committees of the Board

 

On August 6, 2020, the Board established an audit committee (the “Audit Committee”), compensation committee (the “Compensation Committee”) and nominating and corporate governance committee (the “Nominating Committee”). Each committee has a charter which will be reviewed on an annual basis by the members of such committee. A current copy of each committee charter is available to stockholders on the Company’s website at www.olb.com.

 

Audit Committee

 

We have a separately-designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Nasdaq Listing Rules. The audit committee will be at all times composed of exclusively independent directors who are “financially literate,” meaning they are able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including the Company’s balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. In addition, the committee will have at least one member who qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

The principal duties and responsibilities of the Company’s audit committee are to appoint the Company’s independent auditors, oversee the quality and integrity of the Company’s financial reporting and the audit of the Company’s financial statements by its independent auditors and in fulfilling its obligations, the Company’s audit committee will review with the Company’s management and independent auditors the scope and result of the annual audit, the auditors’ independence and the Company’s accounting policies.

 

The audit committee will be required to report regularly to the Board to discuss any issues that arise with respect to the quality or integrity of the Company’s financial statements, its compliance with legal or regulatory requirements and the performance and independence of the Company’s independent auditors.

 

Our Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Committee.

 

 

Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee consists of Amir Sternhell, Ehud Ernst and Alina Dulimof with Mr. Ernst serving as Chairman. The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in discharging its responsibilities relating to the financial management of our Company and oversight of our accounting and financial reporting, our independent registered public accounting firm and their audits, our internal financial controls and the continuous improvement of our financial policies and practices. In addition, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and discussing with management our policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management. The responsibilities of the Audit Committee, as set forth in its charter, includes:

 

●

appointing, approving the compensation of, and assessing the independence of our independent registered public accounting firm;

 

●

pre-approving audit and permissible non-audit services, and the terms of such services, to be provided by our independent registered public accounting firm;

 

●

reviewing and discussing with management and the independent registered public accounting firm our annual and quarterly financial statements and related disclosures;

 

●

coordinating the oversight and reviewing the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting;

 

●

establishing policies and procedures for the receipt and retention of accounting-related complaints, whistleblowers, and concerns; and

 

●

reviewing and approving any related party transactions.

 

The composition of our Audit Committee complies with all applicable requirements of the SEC and the listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market. We intend to comply with future requirements to the extent they become applicable to us.

 

Review with Management. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed our audited financial statements with management.

 

Review and Discussions with Independent Auditors. The Audit Committee discussed with the Auditor the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol. 1, AU section 380), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) in Rule 3200T.

 

The Audit Committee also received written disclosures and the letter from the Auditor required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the Auditor’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and has discussed with the Auditor their independence.

 

Conclusion. Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee determined to include our audited financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2023, for filing with the SEC.

 

Compensation Committee

 

The Compensation Committee consists of Alina Dulimof, Ehud Ernst and Amir Sternhell with Mr. Ernst serving as Chairman. The Compensation Committee assists the Board of Directors in setting and maintaining the Company’s compensation philosophy and in discharging its responsibilities relating to executive and other human resources hiring, assessment and compensation, and succession planning. The responsibilities of the Compensation Committee, as set forth in its charter, includes:

 

●

reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to compensation of our chief executive officer;

 

●

evaluating the performance of our chief executive officer in light of such corporate goals and objectives and determining the compensation of our chief executive officer;

 

●

determining the compensation of all our other officers and reviewing periodically the aggregate amount of compensation payable to such officers;

 

●

overseeing and making recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to our incentive-based compensation and equity plans; and

 

●

reviewing and making recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to director compensation.

 

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consists of Alina Dulimof, Ehud Ernst and Amir Sternhell with Mr. Sternhell serving as Chairman. The responsibilities of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, as set forth in its charter, includes:

 

●

making recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the size and composition of the Board of Directors;

 

●

recommending qualified individuals as nominees for election as directors;

 

●

reviewing the appropriate skills and characteristics required of director nominees;

 

●

establishing and administering a periodic assessment procedure relating to the performance of the Board of Directors as a whole and its individual members; and

 

●

periodically reviewing the corporate governance guidelines and supervising the management representative charged with implementing the Company’s corporate governance procedures.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

None of the members of the Compensation Committee is (or was at any time previously) an officer or employee. None of our executive officers serve or in the past fiscal year has served as a member of the Board of Directors or Compensation Committee of any other entity that has one or more executive officers serving as a member of our Board of Directors or expected to serve on the Compensation Committee.

 

Attendance

 

There were four meetings, exclusive of action by unanimous written consent, of the Board held during fiscal year 2023. Each of our directors attended all of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board that they were eligible to attend.

 

There were four meetings, exclusive of action by unanimous written consent, of the Audit Committee held during fiscal year 2023. Each of the committee members attended all of the meetings of the Audit Committee that they were eligible to attend.

 

There was one meeting, exclusive of action by unanimous written consent, of the Compensation Committee held during fiscal year 2023. Each of the committee members attended all the meetings of the Compensation Committee that they were eligible to attend.

 

There were no meetings, exclusive of action by unanimous written consent, of the Nominating Committee held during fiscal year 2023.

 

Code of Business Conduct

 

Our Board of Directors has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics, the “Code of Business Conduct,” to ensure that our business is conducted in a consistently legal and ethical manner. Our policies and procedures cover all major areas of professional conduct, including employee policies, conflicts of interest, protection of confidential information, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Code of Business Conduct is available at our website at http://www.olb.com/code-of-conduct/. The reference to our website address in this Annual Report does not include or incorporate by reference the information on our website into this Annual Report. We intend to disclose future amendments to certain provisions of our code of conduct, or waivers of these provisions, on our website or in public filings.

 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and ten percent stockholders to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our Common Stock with the SEC. Directors, executive officers and ten percent stockholders are also required to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms that they file. Based upon a review of these filings, we believe that all required Section 16(a) fillings were made on a timely basis during fiscal year 2023 Please confirm.

 

 

Transactions with Related Persons

 

Aside from compensation arrangements with executive officers described below, we are a party to certain related party transactions, as described below.

 

On January 3, 2022, the Company entered into a share exchange agreement with all of the shareholders of Crowd Ignition, Inc. (“Crowd Ignition”) whereby the Company purchased 100% of the equity of Crowd Ignition in exchange for 131,840 shares of the common stock, par value $0.0001 of the Company (the “CI Issued Shares”). The value of the CI Issued Shares was, for purposes of the Agreement, based on the closing trading price of the Company on October 1, 2021 (the date on which a third-party fairness opinion was issued), resulting in an aggregate purchase price for Crowd Ignition of $5.3 million. The purchase price was used solely to establish the agreed upon purchase price between the parties and not for accounting purposes.

 

Crowd Ignition is a web-based crowdfunding software system. Ronny Yakov, Chairman and CEO of the Company and John Herzog, a significant shareholder of the Company, collectively owned 100% of the equity of Crowd Ignition. The acquisition of Crowd Ignition., was determined to be a common control transaction as each Company has the same two shareholders with a majority ownership. As a result, the assets and liabilities assumed were recorded on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements at their respective carry-over basis; however, as of January 3, 2022, Crowd Ignition has no assets, liabilities or other operations.

 

On December 14, 2022, Mr. Herzog converted 3,612 shares of Series A Preferred Stock together with $932,193 of accrued dividends into 50,491 shares of common stock.

 

The Company is obliged to issue shares worth of $165,000 to Directors for their service during the year ended December 31, 2022 – a provision for this compensation has been accrued in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2022.

 

On December 31, 2022, the Company granted 4,132 shares of common stock to Alina Dulimof, Director, for services. The shares were valued at $12.10, the closing stock price on the date of grant, for total non-cash stock compensation expense of $50,000. As of December 31, 2022, the shares were not yet issued by the transfer agent and were recorded as an accrued liability as of that date. The shares were issued on February 15, 2023, resulting in a reduction of the accrued liability and an increase to common stock and additional paid-in capital during the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

On December 31, 2022, the Company granted 4,132 shares of common stock to Amir Sternhell, Director, for services. The shares were valued at $12.10, the closing stock price on the date of grant, for total non-cash stock compensation expense of $50,000. As of December 31, 2022, the shares were not yet issued by the transfer agent and were recorded as an accrued liability as of that date. The shares were issued on February 15, 2023, resulting in a reduction of the accrued liability and an increase to common stock and additional paid-in capital during the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

On December 31, 2022, the Company granted 5,371 shares of common stock to Ehud Ernst, Director, for services. The shares were valued at $12.10, the closing stock price on the date of grant, for total non-cash stock compensation expense of $65,000. As of December 31, 2022, the shares were not yet issued by the transfer agent and were recorded as an accrued liability as of that date. The shares were issued on February 15, 2023, resulting in a reduction of the accrued liability and an increase to common stock and additional paid-in capital during the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

On February 14, 2023, a shareholder reported to the Company that they had incurred short swing profits of $114,654 in connection with a series of purchases and sales of the Company’s stock on the open market. The shareholder disgorged such short-swing profits to the Company on February 28, 2023.

 

During December 2023, Mr. Yakov made payments on behalf of the company in the amount of $12,678. The amount is non-interest bearing and due on demand.

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company accrued $124,222 for dividends on the Series A preferred stock held by Mr. Yakov. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, total accrued dividends on the Series A preferred stock due to Mr. Yakov is $418,606 and $294,384, respectively.

 

Statement of Policy

 

All future transactions between us and our officers, directors or five percent stockholders, and respective affiliates will be on terms no less favorable than could be obtained from unaffiliated third parties and will be approved by a majority of our independent directors who do not have an interest in the transactions and who had access, at our expense, to our legal counsel or independent legal counsel.

 

To the best of our knowledge, during the past three fiscal years, other than as set forth above, there were no material transactions, or series of similar transactions, or any currently proposed transactions, or series of similar transactions, to which we were or are to be a party, in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and in which any director or executive officer, or any security holder who is known by us to own of record or beneficially more than 5% of any class of our common stock, or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons, has an interest (other than compensation to our officers and directors in the ordinary course of business).

 

Executive Compensation

 

The following table sets forth certain information for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, with respect to compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (the “Named Executive Officers”). No other executive officer received total compensation in excess of $100,000 during fiscal year 2023

 

The table below summarizes all compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to each named executive officer for our last two completed fiscal years for all services rendered to us.

 

Name and Principal Position		Year		Salary ($)				Bonus ($)				Stock Awards ($)				Option Awards ($) (2)				Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)				Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)				All Other Compensation ($) (1)				Total
Ronny Yakov,		2023		$	750,000			$	300,000				-			$	541,999				-				-			$	30,000			$	1,621,999
CEO, Chairman		2022		$	750,000			$	300,000				-			$	1,217,264				-				-			$	30,000			$	2,297,264
Patrick Smith,		2023		$	350,000			$	150,000				-				-				-				-				-			$	450,000
Vice President		2022		$	350,000			$	150,000				-			$	279,412				-				-				-			$	779,412
Rachel Boulds,		2023		$	36,000				-				-				-				-				-				-			$	36,000
CFO		2022		$	36,000				-				-				-				-				-				-			$	36,000

 

(1)

Car allowance

 

(2)

Stock based compensation reflects fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, each with an exercise price of $0.10 per share. 50% of options vested as of the date of grant, 25% vested on January 1, 2023 and 50% vested on January 1, 2024. Options expire after ten years from grant date if not exercised.

 

 

Employment Agreements

 

On January 11, 2022, the Company entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Yakov (the “Yakov Agreement”) and a new employment agreement with Mr. Smith (the “Smith Agreement”). The Yakov Agreement maintains Mr. Yakov’s role as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer through December 31, 2027 and extended for one-year terms thereafter. The Smith Agreement maintains Mr. Smith’s role as the Company’s Vice President, Finance unless terminated or upon his resignation.

 

The Yakov Agreement sets Mr. Yakov’s base salary at $750,000 and he is eligible for insurance coverages and benefits available to the Company’s employees pursuant to the terms of the Company’s insurance and benefit plans. Mr. Yakov received a $490,000 bonus for acquisitions closed by the Company in 2020 and 2021 and he will be eligible to receive an acquisition bonus equal to two percent (2%) of the gross purchase price paid in connection with a future acquisition. Mr. Yakov shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000) based on performance criteria established by the Board. In addition, on an annual basis, Mr. Yakov shall receive options to purchase up to 20,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.10 per share.

 

The Yakov Agreement also states that, if Mr. Yakov’s employment is terminated without cause or he voluntarily terminates his employment for good reason, he will continue to receive his base salary for the remainder of the term along with all earned bonuses. In the event the termination is in connection with Mr. Yakov’s death, disability or bankruptcy of the Company, he will receive the pro rata amount of his base salary through the termination date and all bonuses earned through the termination date.

 

The Smith Agreement sets Mr. Smith’s base salary to $350,000 and he is eligible for insurance coverages and benefits available to the Company’s employees pursuant to the terms of the Company’s insurance and benefit plans. Mr. Smith shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000) based on performance criteria established by the Compensation Committee. In addition, Mr. Smith shall receive options (the “Options”) to purchase up to 27,500 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.10 per share.

 

The Smith Agreement also states that, if Mr. Smith’s employment is terminated without cause or he voluntarily terminates his employment for good reason, he will continue to receive his base salary for the remainder of the term along with all earned bonuses. In the event the termination is in connection with Mr. Smith’s death, disability or bankruptcy of the Company, he will receive the pro rata amount of his base salary through the termination date and all bonuses earned through the termination date.

 

On April 8, 2024, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 (the “Amendment”) to the Employment Agreement with Mr. Yakov (the “Yakov Agreement”). The Amendment corrected a ministerial error in the terms relating to the exercise price of stock options awarded and automobile allowance for Mr. Yakov. The Amendment affirmed that the exercise price of stock options issued under the Agreement (the “Stock Options”) shall have a per share exercise price equal to ten cents ($0.10) and expire ten years after the date of grant. Each Stock Option granted shall become exercisable as follows: 50% upon the grant date, then 25% upon each of the second and third anniversary of the date on which it is granted. In addition, the notices provision of the Yakov Agreement was amended to the reflect the current business address of the Company.

 

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

As of December 31, 2023, the following equity awards were outstanding:

 

Per the terms of Mr. Smith’s employment agreement, he was granted stock options to purchase up to 26,517 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.03 per share. The grant vests at the rate of 1/5 beginning on each anniversary of the effective date of grant (April 10, 2018). The stock options will cease vesting after the termination of Mr. Smith’s employment and any unvested options shall be forfeited upon the termination of employment.

 

Pursuant to the Smith Agreement, on December 23, 2022, Mr. Smith received options to purchase up to 27,500 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.10 per share.

 

Per the terms of Mr. Yakov’s employment agreement, effective on January 1, 2018, and on each anniversary thereafter during the term of his employment agreement, the Company granted to him options to purchase up to 666 shares of common stock with a per share exercise price equal to $0.30 per share. Each stock option shall become exercisable in increments of one-third upon each anniversary of the date on which it is granted.

 

On November 13, 2019, the Company entered into an agreement with Mr. Smith and on November 25, 2019, the Company entered into an agreement Mr. Yakov, whereby the Company and option holders each agreed that the exercise price pertaining to those options only would not be adjusted for the effects of a November 2019 reverse stock split.

 

Pursuant to the Yakov Agreement, on each of December 23, 2022 and January 1, 2023, Mr. Yakov received options to purchase up to 20,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.10 per share for a total of 40,000 options to purchase common stock.

 

At December 31, 2023, there were a total of 156,898 options to purchase common stock, of which 124,801 were vested and exercisable.

 

2020 Equity Incentive Plan

 

The Board of Directors have adopted a 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for the Company and the holders of majority of our outstanding shares of common stock have approved such plan. On December 22, 2022, the shareholders of the Company approved an amendment and restate of the Plan to increase the number of our shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the 2020 Plan from 24,000 to 200,000 shares. Grants of 71,500 options to purchase shares of common stock have been issued under the Plan as of December 31, 2023. In general, awards under the Plan shall vest ratably over a period of three years (on the first, second and third anniversaries of the agreement) subject to accelerated vesting upon a change of control of our company (although awards may be granted with different vesting terms). Further, pursuant to the Yakov Agreement, on an annual basis until December 31, 2027, Mr. Yakov received up to 40,000 options under the Plan.

 

The purpose of our Plan is to attract and retain directors, officers, consultants, advisors and employees whose services are considered valuable, to encourage a sense of proprietorship and to stimulate an active interest of such persons in our development and financial achievements. The 2020 Equity Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors or by the full Board, which may determine, among other things, the (a) terms and conditions of any option or stock purchase right granted, including the exercise price and the vesting schedule, (b) persons who are to receive options and stock purchase rights and (c) the number of shares to be subject to each option and stock purchase right. The Plan provides for the grant of (i) “incentive” options (qualified under section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) to employees of our company and (ii) non-qualified options to directors and consultants of our company.

 

 

In connection with the administration of our Plan, our Compensation Committee:

 

●

determines which employees and other persons will be granted awards under our Plan;

 

●

grants the awards to those selected to participate;

 

●

determines the exercise price for options; and

 

●

prescribes any limitations, restrictions and conditions upon any awards, including the vesting conditions of awards.

 

Any grant of awards to any of directors under our Plan must be approved by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. In addition, our Compensation Committee will: (i) interpret our Plan; and (ii) make all other determinations and take all other action that may be necessary or advisable to implement and administer our Plan.

 

The 2020 Equity Incentive Plan provides that in the event of a change of control, the Compensation Committee or our Board of Directors shall have the discretion to determine whether and to what extent to accelerate the vesting, exercise or payment of an award.

 

In addition, our Board of Directors may amend our Plan at any time. However, without stockholder approval, our Plan may not be amended in a manner that would:

 

●

increase the number of shares that may be issued under our Plan;

 

●

materially modify the requirements for eligibility for participation in our Plan;

 

●

materially increase the benefits to participants provided by our Plan; or

 

●

otherwise disqualify our Plan for coverage under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

 

Awards previously granted under our Plan may not be impaired or affected by any amendment of our Plan, without the consent of the affected grantees.

 

Director Compensation

 

Our directors are entitled to the following fixed compensation for their services as directors during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

 

Name and Principal Position		Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)				Stock Awards ($) (1)				Option Awards ($)				Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)				Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)				All Other Compensation ($)				Total
Alina Dulimof		$	0			$	50,000			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	50,000
Ehud Ernst		$	0			$	65,000			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	65,000
Amir Sternhell		$	0			$	50,000			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	50,000

 

(1)

Directors were reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with their duties. Through December 31, 2023, on an annual basis, each independent director earned compensation in the form of shares of our Common Stock with a fair market value equal to $50,000 as of the date of issuance and they will be reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with their duties. The Chairman of the Audit Committee received additional shares of Common Stock with a fair market value equal to $15,000 as of the date of issuance.

 

(2)

Beginning in 2024, all Directors will receive a fee equal to $10,000 per year, payable in four installments of $2500 on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year.

 

 

PROPOSAL 2

RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE
COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR FISCAL 2024

 

Introduction

 

On July 15, 2024, the Committee approved the engagement of RBSM LLP (“RBSM”) as the Company’s new independent registered public accounting firm. On November 13, 2024, the Audit Committee appointed them as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.

 

Stockholders will be asked to ratify the Audit Committee’s appointment of the Auditor to serve as our independent auditors. The Board, through its Audit Committee, is directly responsible for appointing the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Board is not bound by the outcome of this vote but will consider these voting results when selecting the Company’s independent auditor for fiscal year 2025. A representative of the Auditor is not expected to be present at the Annual Meeting.

 

The following table describes fees for professional audit services rendered and billed by Mac Accounting Group & CPAs, LLP, our present independent registered public accounting firm and principal accountant, for the review of our quarterly consolidated financial statements and for other services during fiscal year 2023 and for professional audit services rendered and billed by Daszkal Bolton LLP for the audit of our consolidated financial statements and for other services during fiscal year 2022.

 

Type of Fee		2023				2022
Audit Fees(1)		$	84,341			$	92,000
Audit Related Fees(2)		$	5,000			$
Total		$	89,341			$	92,000

 

(1)

Audit fees for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 represent fees billed for services rendered by Mac Accounting Group & CPAs, LLP, and Daszkal Bolton LLP in 2022 and 2023 for the audit of our consolidated financial statements and review of our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

 

(2)

Audit related fees for fiscal years 2023 represent fees billed for services rendered by Accounting Group & CPAs, LLP in connection with our DMint Registration Statements filed during fiscal year 2023.

 

Our Audit Committee has determined that the services provided by the Auditor are compatible with maintaining the independence of the Auditor as our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

The Board has established pre-approval policies and procedures pursuant to which the Board approved the foregoing audit, tax and non-audit services provided by the Auditor in 2022. Consistent with the Audit Committee’s responsibility for engaging our independent auditors, all audit and permitted non-audit services require pre-approval by the Audit Committee. Fee estimates for these services are approved by the Chairman of the Board based on information provided by our management.

 

Our Audit Committee has determined that the services provided by the Auditor are compatible with maintaining the independence of the Auditor as our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

The Board has established pre-approval policies and procedures pursuant to which the Board approved the foregoing audit, tax and non-audit services provided by the Auditor in 2023. Consistent with the Audit Committee’s responsibility for engaging our independent auditors, all audit and permitted non-audit services require pre-approval by the Audit Committee. Fee estimates for these services are approved by the Chairman of the Board based on information provided by our management.

 

Required Vote

 

Ratification of the appointment by the Audit Committee of the Auditor as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at this Annual Meeting.

 

Recommendation of the Board

 

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT BY THE BOARD OF RBSMLLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2024.

 

 

PROPOSAL 3

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED 2020 SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN

 

Overview

 

Our Board has approved the second amendment and restatement of the 2020 Share Incentive Plan, which is our primary plan for providing equity incentive compensation to our eligible employees, directors and consultants, a copy of which is attached to this proxy statement as Annex A. Our Board believes that the number of shares of Common Stock currently available in the 2020 Plan is insufficient to achieve the purpose of the 2020 Plan, which is to attract and retain key personnel and to provide a means for directors, officers, employees, consultants and advisors to acquire and maintain an interest in us, which interest may be measured by reference to the value of our Common Stock. We are amending the 2020 Plan principally to increase the number of our shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the 2020 Plan from 200,000 to 400,000 shares.

 

As of the Record Date, and excluding the requested share increase, there are 200,000 shares authorized for issuance under the 2020 Plan and no shares of Common Stock remain available for future grants of awards under the 2020 Plan.

 

If stockholders approve the New Plan, the total number of shares available for grants under the New Plan would be 400,000 shares of Common Stock.

 

Summary Description of the New Plan as amended and restated

 

The following is a summary of the material features of the New Plan, as amended and restated. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the New Plan, a copy of which is included as Annex A to this proxy statement.

 

Eligibility

 

Persons eligible to participate in the New Plan will be officers, employees, non-employee directors and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries as selected from time to time by the plan administrator in its discretion. As of the date of this proxy statements, approximately 24 individuals will be eligible to participate in the New Plan, which includes approximately 3 officers, 15 employees who are not officers, 3 non-employee directors and 3 consultants.

 

Administration

 

The New Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee, the Board, or such other similar committee pursuant to the terms of the New Plan. The plan administrator, which initially will be the Compensation Committee, will have full power to select, from among the individuals eligible for awards, the individuals to whom awards will be granted, to make any combination of awards to participants, and to determine the specific terms and conditions of each award, subject to the provisions of the New Plan. The plan administrator may delegate to one or more officers of the Company the authority to grant awards to individuals who are not subject to the reporting and other provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

 

 

Share Reserve

 

Subject to the adjustment provisions contained in the New Plan, the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the New Plan is equal to 400,000, which is also the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued upon the exercise of incentive stock options. Shares issuable under the New Plan may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired shares of Common Stock.

 

Shares underlying any awards under the New Plan that are forfeited, cancelled, held back upon exercise of an option or settlement of an award to cover the exercise price or tax withholding, satisfied without the issuance of stock or otherwise terminated (other than by exercise) will be added back to the shares available for issuance under the New Plan.

 

Annual Limitation on Awards to Non-Employee Directors

 

The New Plan contains a limitation whereby the value of all awards under the New Plan and all other cash compensation paid by the Company to any non-employee director may not exceed $750,000 for the first calendar year a non-employee director is initially appointed to the Board, and $500,000 in any other calendar year.

 

Types of Awards

 

The New Plan provides for the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards (collectively, “awards”).

 

Stock Options. The New Plan permits the granting of both options to purchase Common Stock intended to qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code and options that do not so qualify. Options granted under the New Plan will be nonqualified options if they fail to qualify as incentive stock options or exceed the annual limit on incentive stock options. Incentive stock options may only be granted to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. Nonqualified options may be granted to any persons eligible to receive awards under the New Plan.

 

The option exercise price of each option will be determined by the plan administrator but generally may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of Common Stock on the date of grant or, in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a ten percent stockholder, 110% of such share’s fair market value. The term of each option will be fixed by the plan administrator and may not exceed ten years from the date of grant (or five years for an incentive stock option granted to a ten percent stockholder). The plan administrator will determine at what time or times each option may be exercised, including the ability to accelerate the vesting of such options.

 

Upon exercise of options, the option exercise price must be paid in full either in cash, check or cash equivalent, or by delivery (or attestation to the ownership) of shares of Common Stock that are beneficially owned by the optionee free of restrictions or were purchased in the open market. Subject to applicable law, the exercise price may also be made by means of a broker-assisted cashless exercise. In addition, the plan administrator may permit nonqualified options to be exercised using a “net exercise” arrangement that reduces the number of shares issued to the optionee by the largest whole number of shares with fair market value that does not exceed the aggregate exercise price.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights. The plan administrator may award stock appreciation rights subject to such conditions and restrictions as it may determine. Stock appreciation rights entitle the recipient to shares of Common Stock or cash equal to the value of the appreciation in the stock price of Common Stock over the exercise price. The exercise price generally may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of Common Stock on the date of grant. The term of each stock appreciation right will be fixed by the plan administrator and may not exceed ten years from the date of grant. The plan administrator will determine at what time or times each stock appreciation right may be exercised, including the ability to accelerate the vesting of such stock appreciation rights.

 

Restricted Stock. A restricted stock award is an award of Common Stock that vests in accordance with the terms and conditions established by the plan administrator. The plan administrator will determine the persons to whom grants of restricted stock awards are made, the number of restricted shares to be awarded, the price (if any) to be paid for the restricted shares, the time or times within which awards of restricted stock may be subject to forfeiture, the vesting schedule and rights to acceleration thereof, and all other terms and conditions of restricted stock awards. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, a participant generally will have the rights and privileges of a stockholder as to such restricted shares, including without limitation the right to vote such restricted shares and the right to receive dividends, if applicable.

 

 

Restricted Stock Units. Restricted stock units are the right to receive Common Stock at a future date in accordance with the terms of such grant upon the attainment of certain conditions specified by the plan administrator. Restrictions or conditions could include, but are not limited to, the attainment of performance goals, continuous service with the Company or its subsidiaries, the passage of time or other restrictions or conditions. The plan administrator determines the persons to whom grants of restricted stock units are made, the number of restricted stock units to be awarded, the time or times within which awards of restricted stock units may be subject to forfeiture, the vesting schedule and rights to acceleration thereof, and all other terms and conditions of the restricted stock unit awards. The value of the restricted stock units may be paid in Common Stock, cash, other securities, other property or a combination of the foregoing, as determined by the plan administrator.

 

The holders of restricted stock units will have no voting rights. Prior to settlement or forfeiture, restricted stock units awarded under the New Plan may, at the plan administrator’s discretion, provide for a right to dividend equivalents. Such right entitles the holder to be credited with an amount equal to all dividends paid on one share of Common Stock while each restricted stock unit is outstanding. Dividend equivalents may be converted into additional restricted stock units. Settlement of dividend equivalents may be made in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities, other property, or a combination of the foregoing. Prior to distribution, any dividend equivalents shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as the restricted stock units to which they are payable.

 

Other Stock-Based Awards. Other stock-based awards may be granted either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with, other awards granted under the New Plan and/or cash awards made outside of the New Plan. The plan administrator shall have authority to determine the persons to whom and the time or times at which other stock-based awards will be made, the amount of such other stock-based awards, and all other conditions, including any dividend and/or voting rights.

 

Tax Withholding

 

Participants in the New Plan are responsible for the payment of any federal, state, or local taxes that the Company or its subsidiaries are required by law to withhold upon the exercise of options or stock appreciation rights or vesting of other awards. The plan administrator may cause any tax withholding obligation of the Company or its subsidiaries to be satisfied, in whole or in part, by the applicable entity withholding from shares of Common Stock to be issued pursuant to an award a number of shares with an aggregate fair market value that would satisfy the withholding amount due. The plan administrator may also require any tax withholding obligation of the Company or its subsidiaries to be satisfied, in whole or in part, by an arrangement whereby a certain number of shares issued pursuant to any award are immediately sold and proceeds from such sale are remitted to the Company or its subsidiaries in an amount that would satisfy the withholding amount due.

 

Equitable Adjustments

 

In the event of a merger, consolidation, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or other change in corporate structure affecting shares of Common Stock, the maximum number and kind of shares reserved for issuance or with respect to which awards may be granted under the New Plan will be adjusted to reflect such event, and the plan administrator will make such adjustments as it deems appropriate and equitable in the number, kind, and exercise price of shares of Common Stock covered by outstanding awards made under the New Plan.

 

Change in Control

 

In the event of any proposed change in control (as defined in the New Plan), the plan administrator will take any action as it deems appropriate, which action may include, without limitation, the following: (i) the continuation of any award, if the Company is the surviving corporation; (ii) the assumption of any award by the surviving corporation or its parent or subsidiary; (iii) the substitution by the surviving corporation or its parent or subsidiary of equivalent awards; (iv) accelerated vesting of the award, with all performance objectives and other vesting criteria deemed achieved at targeted levels, and a limited period during which to exercise the award prior to closing of the change in control, or (v) settlement of any award for the change in control price (less, to the extent applicable, the per share exercise price).

 

Transferability

 

Unless determined otherwise by the plan administrator, an award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred or disposed of in any manner, except to a participant’s estate or legal representative, and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the participant, only by the participant. If the plan administrator makes an award transferable, such award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the plan administrator deems appropriate.

 

 

Term

 

The 2020 Plan became effective when adopted by the Board on August 6, 2020 and, unless terminated, the New Plan will continue in effect for a term ending August 6, 2030.

 

Amendment and Termination

 

The Board may amend or terminate the New Plan at any time. Any such termination will not affect outstanding awards. No amendment, alteration, suspension, or termination of the New Plan will materially impair the rights of any participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the participant and the Company. Approval of the stockholders shall be required for any amendment, where required by applicable law, as well as (i) to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the New Plan and (ii) to change the persons or class of persons eligible to receive awards under the New Plan.

 

Form S-8

 

Following the approval of the stockholders of the New Plan, the Company intends to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-8 covering the shares of Common Stock issuable under the New Plan.

 

Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations

 

The following is a general summary under current law of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations related to awards and certain transactions under the New Plan, based upon the current provisions of the Code and regulations promulgated thereunder. This summary deals with the general federal income tax principles that apply and is provided only for general information. It does not describe all federal tax consequences under the New Plan, nor does it describe state, local, or foreign income tax consequences or federal employment tax consequences. The rules governing the tax treatment of such awards are quite technical, so the following discussion of tax consequences is necessarily general in nature and is not complete. In addition, statutory provisions are subject to change, as are their interpretations, and their application may vary in individual circumstances. This summary is not intended as tax advice to participants, who should consult their own tax advisors.

 

The New Plan is not qualified under the provisions of Section 401(a) of the Code and is not subject to any of the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. The Company’s ability to realize the benefit of any tax deductions described below depends on the Company’s generation of taxable income as well as the requirement of reasonableness and the satisfaction of the Company’s tax reporting obligations.

 

Incentive Stock Options. No taxable income is generally realized by the optionee upon the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option. If shares of Common Stock issued to an optionee pursuant to the exercise of an incentive stock option are sold or transferred after two years from the date of grant and after one year from the date of exercise, then generally (i) upon sale of such shares, any amount realized in excess of the option exercise price (the amount paid for the shares) will be taxed to the optionee as a long-term capital gain, and any loss sustained will be a long-term capital loss, and (ii) the Company will not be entitled to any deduction for federal income tax purposes; provided that such incentive stock option otherwise meets all of the technical requirements of an incentive stock option. The exercise of an incentive stock option will give rise to an item of tax preference that may result in alternative minimum tax liability for the optionee.

 

If shares of Common Stock acquired upon the exercise of an incentive stock option are disposed of prior to the expiration of the two-year and one-year holding periods described above (a “disqualifying disposition”), generally (i) the optionee will realize ordinary income in the year of disposition in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock at exercise (or, if less, the amount realized on a sale of such shares) over the option exercise price thereof, and (ii) the Company will be entitled to deduct such amount. Special rules will apply where all or a portion of the exercise price of the incentive stock option is paid by tendering shares of Common Stock.

 

If an incentive stock option is exercised at a time when it no longer qualifies for the tax treatment described above, the option is treated as a nonqualified option. Generally, an incentive stock option will not be eligible for the tax treatment described above if it is exercised more than three months following termination of employment (or one year in the case of termination of employment by reason of disability). In the case of termination of employment by reason of death, the three-month rule does not apply.

 

 

Nonqualified Options. No income is generally realized by the optionee at the time a nonqualified option is granted. Generally (i) at exercise, ordinary income is realized by the optionee in an amount equal to the difference between the option exercise price and the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock on the date of exercise, and the Company receives a tax deduction for the same amount, and (ii) at disposition, appreciation or depreciation after the date of exercise is treated as either short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending on how long the shares have been held. Special rules will apply where all or a portion of the exercise price of the nonqualified option is paid by tendering shares of Common Stock. Upon exercise, the optionee will also be subject to Social Security taxes on the excess of the fair market value over the exercise price of the option.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Other Stock-Based Awards. The current federal income tax consequences of other awards authorized under the New Plan generally follow certain basic patterns: (i) stock appreciation rights are taxed and deductible in substantially the same manner as nonqualified options; (ii) nontransferable restricted stock subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture results in income recognition equal to the excess of the fair market value over the price paid, if any, only at the time the restrictions lapse (unless the recipient elects to accelerate recognition as of the date of grant through a Section 83(b) election); and (iii) restricted stock units, dividend equivalents and other stock or cash based awards are generally subject to tax at the time of payment. The Company or our subsidiaries or affiliates generally should be entitled to a federal income tax deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary income recognized by the participant at the time the participant recognizes such income.

 

The participant’s basis for the determination of gain or loss upon the subsequent disposition of shares acquired from a stock appreciation right, restricted stock, restricted stock unit, or other stock-based award will be the amount paid for such shares plus any ordinary income recognized when the shares were originally delivered, and the participant’s capital gain holding period for those shares will begin on the day after they are transferred to the participant.

 

Parachute Payments. The vesting of any portion of an award that is accelerated due to the occurrence of a change in control (such as a corporate transaction) may cause all or a portion of the payments with respect to such accelerated awards to be treated as “parachute payments” as defined in the Code. Any such parachute payments may be non-deductible to the Company, in whole or in part, and may subject the recipient to a non-deductible 20% federal excise tax on all or a portion of such payment (in addition to other taxes ordinarily payable).

 

Section 409A. The foregoing description assumes that Section 409A of the Code does not apply to an award under the New Plan. In general, stock options and stock appreciation rights are exempt from Section 409A if the exercise price per share is at least equal to the fair market value per share of the underlying stock at the time the option or stock appreciation right was granted. Restricted stock awards are not generally subject to Section 409A. Restricted stock units are subject to Section 409A unless they are settled within two and one half months after the end of the later of (1) the end of the Company’s fiscal year in which vesting occurs or (2) the end of the calendar year in which vesting occurs. If an award is subject to Section 409A and the provisions for the exercise or settlement of that award do not comply with Section 409A, then the participant would be required to recognize ordinary income whenever a portion of the award vested (regardless of whether it had been exercised or settled). This amount would also be subject to a 20% U.S. federal tax and premium interest in addition to the U.S. federal income tax at the participant’s usual marginal rate for ordinary income.

 

Vote Required for Approval

 

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting by the holders of Common Stock and Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class is required to approve the New Plan.

 

Recommendation of the Board

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDED ANA RESTATED 2020 SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN PROPOSAL.

 

The existence of financial and personal interests of one or more of directors may result in a conflict of interest on the part of such director(s) between what he, she or they may believe is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and what he, she or they may believe is best for himself, herself or themselves in determining to recommend that stockholders vote for the proposals.

 

 

PROPOSAL 4

THE SAY-ON-PAY PROPOSAL

 

We are providing our stockholders the opportunity to vote to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers in accordance with Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). This advisory vote is often referred to as the “say-on-pay” vote and allows our stockholders to express their views on the overall compensation paid to our named executive officers. Our company values the views of its stockholders and is committed to the efficiency and effectiveness of our company’s executive compensation program.

 

The stockholders at their 2021 annual meeting of stockholders resolved that the frequency at which future advisory votes on executive compensation should be held would be every three years. The last advisory vote on executive compensation was held in 2021.

 

We are seeking stockholder approval of the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement in accordance with applicable SEC rules, which include the disclosures under “Executive Compensation,” the compensation tables (including all related footnotes) and any additional narrative discussion of compensation included herein. Stockholders are encouraged to read the “Executive Compensation” section of this proxy statement, which provides an overview of our company’s executive compensation policies and procedures.

 

In accordance with Section 14A of the Exchange Act, and Rule 14a-21(a) promulgated thereunder, and as a matter of good corporate governance, our board of directors is asking stockholders to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to our company’s named executive officers, as disclosed in this proxy statement pursuant to the rules of the SEC.

 

Although this vote is advisory and non-binding on our board and our company, our board and the compensation committee, which is responsible for designing and administering our company’s executive compensation program, value the opinions expressed by our stockholders in their vote on this proposal and will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation policies and decisions for named executive officers.

 

Required Vote

 

This advisory resolution, which we refer to as the say-on-pay proposal, will be considered approved if it receives the affirmative vote of a majority of the combined voting power of the outstanding shares of our common stock and preferred stock that are present in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote at the annual meeting, voting together as a single class.

 

Recommendation of the Board

 

OUR BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE SAY-ON-PAY PROPOSAL.

 

 

PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE

 

Pay Versus Performance

 

The following Pay Versus Performance information presents the compensation of our Principal Executive Office (“PEO”) and Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”) disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table as well as Compensation Actually Paid (“CAP”) to our NEOs and certain performance measures prepared in accordance with Item 402(v) of SEC Regulations S-K.

 

As discussed further below, the CAP amounts do not necessarily represent actual compensation earned or realized by our NEOs in a given year. The Compensation Committee did not consider the Pay Versus Performance information in 2023 in making its compensation decisions for our NEOs. For additional information about our performance-based pay philosophy and how the Compensation Committee aligns executive compensation with our performance, refer generally to the sections above.

 

		Summary Compensation Table				Compansation Actually				Average Summary Compensation Table Total for				Average Compansation Actually Paid to				Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based on (3):
Year		Total for PEO				Paid to PEO (2)				Non-PEO NEOs (1)				Non-PEO NEOs (2)				TSR				Net Income
2023		$	1,621,999			$	1,050,000			$	500,000			$	500,000			$	39.48			$	(17,583,327	)
2022		$	2,297,264			$	1,050,000			$	779,412			$	500,000			$	30.96			$	(5,721,558	)

 

(1)

Non-PEO consists of one person

 

(2)

The CAP amounts presented reflects the following adjustments to compensation reported within the Summary Compensation Table as required by the SEC:

 

Adjustments to Summary Compensation Table amounts to CAP amounts		PEO ($)				Average Non-PEO NEOs ($)				PEO ($)				Average Non-PEO NEOs ($)
Summary Compensation Table		$	1,621,999.00			$	500,000.00			$	2,297,264.00			$	779,412.00
Grant Date FV of option awards granted in fiscal year		$	(571,999.00	)		$	-			$	(1,247,264.00	)		$	(279,412.00	)
Total Compansation Actually Paid		$	1,050,000			$	500,000			$	1,050,000			$	500,000

 

(3)

Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) represents cumulative total shareholder return on a fixed investment of $100 in our common stock for the period beginning on the last trading day of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 through the last trading day of the applicable fiscal year.

 

Relationship between CAP and Performance Measures

 

In accordance with Item 402(v) requirements, we are providing the following charts to describe the relationships between CAP to our PEO and NEOs and our financial performance, in each case presented in the charts below: 1) TSR of the Company and 2) Net Income.

 

Relationship between CAP and Performance Measures

 

In accordance with Item 402(v) requirements, we are providing the following charts to describe the relationships between CAP to our PEO and NEOs and our financial performance, in each case presented in the charts below: 1) TSR of the Company and 2) Net Income.

 

 

Compensation Actually Paid vs Cumulative TSR

 

		2022				2023
PEO		$	1,050,000			$	1,050,000
NEO		$	500,000			$	500,000
TSR		$	31			$	39

 

 

 

 

Compensation Actually Paid vs Net Income

 

		2022				2023
PEO		$	1,050,000			$	1,050,000
NEO		$	500,000			$	500,000
Net Income		$	(5,721,558	)		$	(17,583,327	)

 

 

 

 

In the normal course of business, the Company may be involved in legal proceedings, claims and assessments arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company records legal costs associated with loss contingencies as incurred and accrues for all probable and estimable settlements.

 

On November 24, 2021, we entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated as of November 15, 2021, with FFS Data Corporation (“FFS”) whereby we acquired a portfolio of merchants utilizing financial transaction processing services (the “Acquired Merchant Portfolio”). The purchase price was $20 million, with $16 million paid at closing, $2 million payable within six months after closing, and a $2 million payment to be transferred to an escrow account, contingent upon an Attrition Adjustment, as described in the Agreement. However, the Company is engaged ongoing litigation with FFS relating to allegations of, among other things, breaches of contract in connection with the Acquired Merchant Portfolio whereby FFS is claiming to be paid the full purchase price of the Acquired Merchant Portfolio and the Company is making a claim to recover the purchase price of the Acquired Merchant Portfolio based on misrepresentations made about the Acquired Merchant Portfolio and related fraud and other claims, which resulted in a termination of the bank processing agreement by Clear Fork Bank (the “Bank”) and eventual termination of all payment processing business with the merchants. In addition, in connection with the litigation with FFS, the Company has also made a claim against the Bank for damages the Company suffered as a result of it having to cease processing transactions for the merchants underlying the Acquired Merchant Portfolio. The Bank has filed a counterclaim for fees incurred by it in connection with the transactions processed since the acquisition of the Acquired Merchant Portfolio by the Company. However, the damages claimed have been materially reduced over time due to account balancing which was not completed at the time of the counterclaim. The litigations are currently in discovery and dates for trial are not yet finalized.

 

Due to the ongoing litigation with FFS relating to a breach of contract in connection with the Acquired Merchant Portfolio, the Company has written off the asset and recognized a $12,642,857 loss on impairment for the year ended December 31, 2023. Without the write off, the 2023 net loss would have been $4,940,470, less than the previous year.

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Proxy Solicitation

 

All costs of solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company. In addition to solicitation by mail, the Company’s officers and regular employees may solicit proxies personally or by telephone. The Company does not intend to utilize a paid solicitation agent.

 

Proxies

 

A stockholder may revoke his, her or its proxy at any time prior to its use by giving written notice to the Secretary of the Company, by executing a revised proxy at a later date. Proxies in the form enclosed, unless previously revoked, will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the specifications made thereon or, in the absence of such specifications in accordance with the recommendations of the Board.

 

Securities Outstanding; Votes Required

 

As of the close of business on the Record Date there were 1,965,040 shares of Common Stock and 1,021 shares of Preferred Stock outstanding. Stockholders are entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock owned and holders of each share of Preferred Stock are entitled to 11.11 votes for each share on an, as converted, basis. In the election of directors, the four persons receiving the highest number of affirmative votes cast at the Annual Meeting will be elected. The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock present and votes cast at the Annual Meeting or by proxy is required for approval of proposals 2, 3 and 4.

 

Shares of the Common Stock and Preferred Stock represented by executed proxies received by the Company will be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum at the Annual Meeting, regardless of how or whether such shares are voted on any specific proposal.

 

Other Business

 

Our Board knows of no other matter to be presented at the Annual Meeting. If any additional matter should properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote such proxy in accordance with their judgment on any such matters.

 

 

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

 

The following table sets forth, as of October 31, 2024, information regarding the beneficial ownership of each class of our voting securities by: (i) our officers and directors; (ii) all of our officers and directors as a group; and (iii) each person known by us to beneficially own 5% or more of any class of our outstanding voting securities. Generally, a person is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares the power to dispose or to direct the disposition of such security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities of which the person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days.

 

The address of each holder listed below, except as otherwise indicated, is c/o The OLB Group, Inc., 1120 Avenue of the Americas, 4^th Floor, New York, NY.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner		Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned**				Percent of Common Stock Beneficially Owned(1)**				Shares of Series A Preferred Stock Beneficially Owned(2)**				Percent of Series A Preferred Stock Beneficially Owned(2)**				Number of Voting Shares Beneficially Owned**				Percent of Voting Shares Beneficially Owned(4)**
5% Beneficial Owners
John Herzog(4)			111,581				5.67	%			—				—				111,581				5.7	%
Directors and Officers
Ronny Yakov			582,970	(5)			29.67	%			11,344				100	%			594,3144	(5)			30.1	%
Rachel Boulds			83				*				—				—				83				*
Patrick Smith(6)			102,400				5.21	%			—				—				102,400				5.18	%
Alina Dulimof			5.212				*				—				—				5.212				*
Ehud Ernst			7,619				*				—				—				7,619				*
Amir Sternhell			6,046				*				—				—				6,046				*
All directors and executive officers as a group (6 persons)			704,330				38.84	%			11,344				100	%			715,674				36.21	%

 

*

Less than 1%.

 

**

Under SEC rules, beneficial ownership includes shares over which the individual or entity has voting or investment power and any shares which the individual or entity has the right to acquire within sixty days.

 

(1)

Percentage ownership of common stock is based on 1,965,040 shares of Common Stock plus 11,344 shares of common stock underlying Series A Preferred Stock outstanding on the Record Date for which holders will exercise voting power on an as-converted basis.

 

(2)

The number of shares and percentage ownership of Series A Preferred Stock is presented on an as-converted basis and is based on 1,021 shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding (which such shares of Series A Preferred Stock are convertible into 11,344 shares of common stock accordance with the Certificate of Designations (as hereinafter defined)). The holders of the Series A Preferred Stock have the right to vote their shares of Series A Preferred Stock with the holders of common stock on an as-converted basis.

 

(3)

Percentage of voting stock is based on 1,965,040 shares of Common Stock and 1,021 shares of Series A Preferred Stock (convertible into 11,344 shares of common stock) outstanding on October 31, 2024.

 

(4)

As reported on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on November 14, 2024.

 

(5)

Includes (i) 17,667 vested options, (ii) 11,344 shares of common stock underlying Series A Preferred Stock, and (iii) shares of common stock underlying 22,700 Series A Warrants to purchase one share of common stock each at a purchase price of $9.00 per share and 5,675 Series B Warrants to purchase one share of common stock each at a purchase price of $4.50 per share, which warrants are exercisable within 60 days of this Annual Report.

 

(6)

Consists of 31,232 vested options.

 

 

Deadline for Submission of Stockholder Proposals for 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

 

For any proposal to be considered for inclusion in our proxy statement and form of proxy for submission to the stockholders at our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, it must be submitted in writing and comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act. Such proposals must be received by the Company at its offices at 1120 Avenue of the Americas, Fourth Floor, New York, New York 10036 no later than July 29, 2025.

 

Stockholders may present proposals intended for inclusion in our proxy statement for our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders provided that such proposals are received by the Secretary of the Company in accordance with the time schedules set forth in, and otherwise in compliance with, applicable SEC regulations, and the Company’s Bylaws, as amended, as applicable. Proposals submitted not in accordance with such regulations will be deemed untimely or otherwise deficient; however, the Company will have discretionary authority to include such proposals in the 2025 Proxy Statement.

 

Stockholder Communications

 

Stockholders wishing to communicate with the Board may direct such communications to the Board c/o the Company, Attn: Ronny Yakov. Mr. Yakov will present a summary of all stockholder communications to the Board at subsequent Board meetings. The directors will have the opportunity to review the actual communications at their discretion.

 

Additional Information

 

Accompanying this Proxy Statement is a copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Such Report includes the Company’s audited financial statements for the 2023 fiscal year and certain other financial information, which is incorporated by reference herein.

 

In addition, we are subject to certain informational requirements of the Exchange Act and in accordance therewith file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Such reports, proxy statements and other information are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Stockholders who have questions in regard to any aspect of the matters discussed in this Proxy Statement should contact Matthew Kepke, Corporate Counsel of the Company, at 1120 Avenue of the Americas, Fourth Floor, New York, New York 10036.

 

 

PROXY

 

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY APPOINTS MATTHEW KEPKE AS PROXY OF THE UNDERSIGNED, WITH FULL POWER OF SUBSTITUTION, TO VOTE ALL THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AND SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK OF THE OLB GROUP, INC. HELD OF RECORD BY THE UNDERSIGNED ON NOVEMBER 8, 2024, AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 27, 2024, OR ANY ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.

 

1. Election of Ronny Yakov, Amir Sternhell, Ehud Ernst and Alina Dulimof to hold office until the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or their successors are elected and qualified.

 

☐

FOR ALL THE NOMINEES

 

☐

WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR THE NOMINEES

 

☐

FOR ALL EXCEPT (see instructions)

 

☐

Ronny Yakov

 

☐

Amir Sternhell

 

☐

Ehud Ernst

 

☐

Alina Dulimof

 

Instructions: to withhold authority for any individual nominee, mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT” and fill in the circle next to the nominee you wish to withhold for.

 

2. To ratify the appointment by the Board of RBSM, LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024:

 

☐ FOR

☐ AGAINST

☐ ABSTAIN

 

3. To approve the Second Amended and Restated 2020 Share Incentive Plan:

 

☐ FOR

☐ AGAINST

☐ ABSTAIN

 

4. To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement

 

☐ FOR

☐ AGAINST

☐ ABSTAIN

 

The shares represented by this proxy, when properly executed, will be voted as specified by the undersigned stockholder(s). If this card contains no specific voting instructions, the shares will be voted FOR each of the directors and proposals described on this card.

 

In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

 

Please mark, sign, date and return this proxy promptly using the accompanying postage pre-paid envelope. THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE OLB GROUP, INC.

 

Signature of Stockholder(s)				Date

 

When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign the corporate name by the president or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in the partnership name by an authorized person.

 

VOTE BY INTERNET — You may cast your vote by visiting http://www.proxyvote.com.

 

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the website and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

 

 

Annex A

 

SECOND amended and restated
OLB Group, Inc.
2020 SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN

 

1.

Purpose. The purposes of this Plan are to:

 

(a)

attract, retain, and motivate Employees, Directors, and Consultants,

 

(b)

provide additional incentives to Employees, Directors, and Consultants, and

 

(c)

promote the success of the Company’s business,

 

by providing Employees, Directors, and Consultants with opportunities to acquire the Company’s Shares, or to receive monetary payments based on the value of such Shares. Additionally, the Plan is intended to assist in further aligning the interests of the Company’s Employees, Directors, and Consultants to those of its shareholders.

 

2.

Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions will apply:

 

(a)

“Administrator” means a committee of at least one Director of the Company as the Board may appoint to administer this Plan or, if no such committee has been appointed by the Board, the Board.

 

(b)

“Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards or equity compensation plans under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Shares are listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan.

 

(c)

“Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, or Other Stock-Based Awards.

 

(d)

“Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement, consistent with the terms of the Plan, between the Company and the Participant, setting forth the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan.

 

(e)

“Board” means the Company’s Board of Directors, as constituted from time to time and, where the context so requires, reference to the “Board” may refer to a committee to whom the Board has delegated authority to administer any aspect of this Plan.

 

(f)

“Cause” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term, or term of similar effect, in any offer letter, employment, consulting, severance, or similar agreement, including any Award Agreement, between the Participant and the Company or any Subsidiary; provided, that in the absence of an offer letter, employment, severance, or similar agreement containing such definition, “Cause” means any of the following, as reasonably determined by the Company:

 

(i)

intentional misconduct by Participant that has a material adverse effect on the Company;

 

(ii)

any material misappropriation or embezzlement by Participant of the property of the Company;

 

(iii)

Participant’s conviction of, confession to, or guilty or nolo contendere plea to a felony; or

 

(iv)

Participant’s breach of any material term of any agreement or understanding between the Company or any Subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company and the Participant regarding the terms of the Participant’s service as an Employee, Director, or Consultant to the Company or any Subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company;

 

 

provided that, prior to making any determination that Cause has occurred, the Company shall provide Participant with written notice describing in detail the particular conduct at issue, after which time Participant shall have no less than thirty (30) days to cure such conduct, to the extent cure is possible.

 

(g)

“Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(i)

any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities;

 

(ii)

the consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets;

 

(iii)

a change in the composition of the Board occurring within a two-year period, as a result of which fewer than a majority of the directors are Incumbent Directors. “Incumbent Directors” means directors who either (A) are Directors as of the Effective Date, or (B) are elected, or nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors at the time of such election or nomination (but will not include an individual whose election or nomination is in connection with an actual or threatened proxy contest relating to the election of directors to the Company); or

 

(iv)

the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its parent) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or its parent outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control if its sole purpose is to change the jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction. In addition, if a Change in Control constitutes a payment event with respect to any Award which provides for a deferral of compensation and is subject to Code Section 409A, then notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or applicable Award Agreement, the transaction with respect to such Award must also constitute a “change in control event” as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) to the extent required by Code Section 409A.

 

(h)

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Any reference to a section of the Code herein will be a reference to any successor or amended section of the Code.

 

(i)

“Company” means The OLB Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.

 

(j)

“Consultant” means a consultant or adviser who provides bona fide services to the Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary as an independent contractor and who qualifies as a consultant or advisor under Instruction A.1.(a)(1) of Form S-8 under the Securities Act.

 

(k)

“Director” means a member of the Board.

 

(l)

“Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Code Section 22(e)(3), provided that in the case of an Award other than an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.

 

(m)

“Effective Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 24.

 

 

(n)

“Employee” means any person, including officers and Directors, employed by the Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.

 

(o)

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(p)

“Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of a Share, determined as follows:

 

(i)

if the Shares are readily tradable on an established securities market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such shares (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such market for the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

 

(ii)

if the Shares are regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair Market Value will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for a Share for the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or

 

(iii)

if the Shares are not readily tradable on an established securities market, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.

 

Notwithstanding the preceding, for federal, state, and local income tax reporting purposes and for such other purposes as the Administrator deems appropriate, the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Administrator in accordance with uniform and nondiscriminatory standards adopted by it from time to time. In addition, the determination of Fair Market Value in all cases shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth under Code Section 409A to the extent necessary for an Award to comply with, or be exempt from, Code Section 409A. The Administrator’s determination shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.

 

(q)

“Incentive Stock Option” means a Stock Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Code Section 422 and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(r)

“Non-Employee Director” means a Director who is a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Exchange Act Rule 16b-3.

 

(s)

“Nonqualified Stock Option” means a Stock Option that by its terms, or in operation, does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

 

(t)

“Other Stock-Based Awards” means any other awards not specifically described in the Plan that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on, Shares and are created by the Administrator pursuant to Section 11.

 

(u)

“Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(e).

 

(v)

“Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award granted under the Plan.

 

(w)

“Period of Restriction” means the period during which the transfer of Restricted Stock is subject to restrictions and a substantial risk of forfeiture. Such restrictions may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of certain performance criteria, or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Administrator.

 

(x)

“Plan” means The OLB Group, Inc. 2020 Share Incentive Plan, as amended and restated.

 

(y)

“Restricted Stock” means Shares, subject to a Period of Restriction or certain other specified restrictions (including, without limitation, a requirement that the Participant remain continuously employed or provide continuous services for a specified period of time), granted under Section 9 or issued pursuant to the early exercise of a Stock Option.

 

 

(z)

“Restricted Stock Unit” or “RSU” means an unfunded and unsecured promise to deliver Shares, cash, other securities, or other property, subject to certain restrictions (including, without limitation, a requirement that the Participant remain continuously employed or provide continuous services for a specified period of time), granted under Section 10.

 

(aa)

“Service” means service as a Service Provider. In the event of any dispute over whether and when Service has terminated, the Administrator shall have sole discretion to determine whether such termination has occurred and the effective date of such termination.

 

(bb)

“Service Provider” means an Employee, Director, or Consultant, including any prospective Employee, Director, or Consultant who has accepted an offer of employment or service and will be an Employee, Director, or Consultant after the commencement of their service.

 

(cc)

“Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means an Award pursuant to Section 8 that is designated as a SAR.

 

(dd)

“Shares” means the Company’s shares of common stock, par value of $0.0001 per share.

 

(ee)

“Stock Option” means an option granted pursuant to the Plan to purchase Shares, whether designated as an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option.

 

(ff)

“Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(f).

 

3.

Awards.

 

(a)

Award Types. The Plan permits the grant of Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Other Stock-Based Awards.

 

(b)

Award Agreements. Awards shall be evidenced by Award Agreements (which need not be identical) in such forms as the Administrator may from time to time approve; provided, however, that in the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Plan and any such Award Agreements, the provisions of the Plan shall prevail.

 

(c)

Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Award will be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such later date as is determined by the Administrator, consistent with Applicable Laws. Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.

 

4.

Shares Available for Awards.

 

(a)

Basic Limitation. Subject to the provisions of Section 14, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan is 400,000 (the “Plan Share Limit”). The Shares subject to the Plan may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired shares.

 

(b)

Awards Not Settled in Shares Delivered to Participant. Upon payment in Shares pursuant to the exercise or settlement of an Award, the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan shall be reduced only by the number of Shares actually issued in such payment. If a Participant pays the exercise price (or purchase price, if applicable) of an Award through the tender of Shares, or if the Shares are tendered or withheld to satisfy any tax withholding obligations, the number of the Shares so tendered or withheld shall again be available for issuance pursuant to future Awards under the Plan, although such Shares shall not again become available for issuance as Incentive Stock Options.

 

(c)

Cash-Settled Awards. Shares shall not be deemed to have been issued pursuant to the Plan with respect to any portion of an Award that is settled in cash.

 

  

(d)

Lapsed Awards. If any outstanding Award expires or is terminated or canceled without having been exercised or settled in full, or if the Shares acquired pursuant to an Award subject to forfeiture or repurchase are forfeited or repurchased by the Company, the Shares allocable to the terminated portion of such Award or such forfeited or repurchased Shares shall again be available for grant under the Plan.

 

(e)

Code Section 422 Limitations. No more than 200,000 Shares (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 14) may be issued under the Plan upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options.

 

(f)

Non-Employee Director Award Limit. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the Plan or in any policy of the Company regarding Non-Employee Director compensation, the sum of the grant date fair value (determined as of the grant date in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, or any successor thereto) of all equity-based Awards and the maximum amount that may become payable pursuant to all cash-based Awards that may be granted to a Service Provider as compensation for services as a Non-Employee Director during any calendar year shall not exceed $750,000 for such Service Provider’s first year of service as a Non-Employee Director and $500,000 for each year thereafter.

 

(g)

Share Reserve. The Company, during the term of the Plan, shall at all times keep available such number of Shares authorized for issuance as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.

 

(h)

Substitute Awards. Awards may, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, be granted under the Plan in assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an entity acquired by the Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary or with which the Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary combines (“Substitute Awards”). Substitute Awards shall not be counted against the Plan Share Limit; provided, however, that Substitute Awards issued in connection with the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding options intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options shall be counted against the Incentive Stock Option limit in Section 4(e).

 

5.

Administration. The Plan will be administered by the Administrator.

 

(a)

Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Administrator will have the authority, in its discretion to:

 

(i)

determine Fair Market Value;

 

(ii)

select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted;

 

(iii)

determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to Participants under the Plan and number of the Shares to be covered by each Award;

 

(iv)

approve forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan;

 

(v)

determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Awards may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting criteria or Periods of Restriction, any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture or repurchase restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine;

 

(vi)

construe and interpret the terms of the Plan, any Award Agreement, and Awards granted pursuant to the Plan;

 

(vii)

prescribe, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable foreign laws and/or qualifying for preferred tax treatment under applicable tax laws;

 

 

(viii)

modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 18(c)), including (A) the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Awards and (B) accelerate the satisfaction of any vesting criteria or waiver of forfeiture or repurchase restrictions;

 

(ix)

allow Participants to satisfy withholding tax obligations by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares or cash to be issued upon exercise or vesting of an Award that number of the Shares or cash having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld. The Fair Market Value of any Shares to be withheld will be determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. All elections by a Participant to have Shares or cash withheld for this purpose will be made in such form and under such conditions as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable;

 

(x)

authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator;

 

(xi)

allow a Participant to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of the Shares that would otherwise be due to such Participant under an Award, subject to compliance (or exemption) from Code Section 409A;

 

(xii)

determine whether Awards will be settled in cash, Shares, other securities, other property, or in any combination thereof;

 

(xiii)

determine whether Awards will be adjusted for dividend equivalents;

 

(xiv)

create Other Stock-Based Awards for issuance under the Plan;

 

(xv)

impose such restrictions, conditions, or limitations as it determines appropriate as to the timing and manner of any resales by a Participant or other subsequent transfers by the Participant of any securities issued as a result of or under an Award, including without limitation, (A) restrictions under an insider trading policy, and (B) restrictions as to the use of a specified brokerage firm for such resales or other transfers; and

 

(xvi)

make all other determinations and take any other action deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan and due compliance with Applicable Laws, stock market or exchange rules or regulations or accounting or tax rules or regulations.

 

(b)

Prohibition on Repricing. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 5(a) and except for an adjustment pursuant to Section 14 or a repricing approved by shareholders, in no case may the Administrator (i) amend an outstanding Stock Option or SAR to reduce the exercise price of the Award, (ii) cancel, exchange, or surrender an outstanding Stock Option or SAR in exchange for cash or other awards for the purpose of repricing the Award, or (iii) cancel, exchange, or surrender an outstanding Stock Option or SAR in exchange for an option or SAR with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original Award.

 

(c)

Section 16. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Exchange Act Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be approved by the entire Board or a committee of two or more Non-Employee Directors.

 

(d)

Delegation of Authority. Except to the extent prohibited by Applicable Laws, the Administrator may delegate to one or more officers of the Company some or all of its authority under the Plan, including the authority to grant all types of Awards, in accordance with Applicable Law (except that such delegation shall not apply to any Award for a Participant then covered by Section 16 of the Exchange Act), and the Administrator may delegate to one or more committees of the Board (which may consist solely of one Director) some or all of its authority under this Plan, including the authority to grant all types of Awards, in accordance with Applicable Law. Such delegation may be revoked at any time. The acts of such delegates shall be treated as acts of the Administrator, and such delegates shall report regularly to the Administrator regarding the delegated duties and responsibilities and any Awards granted.

 

  

(e)

Effect of Administrator’s Decision. The Administrator’s decisions, determinations, and interpretations will be final and binding on all persons, including Participants and any other holders of Awards.

 

6.

Eligibility. The Administrator has the discretion to select any Service Provider to receive an Award, although Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees. Designation of a Participant in any year shall not require the Administrator to designate such person to receive an Award in any other year or, once designated, to receive the same type or amount of Award as granted to the Participant in any other year. The Administrator shall consider such factors as it deems pertinent in selecting Participants and in determining the type and amount of their respective Awards.

 

7.

Stock Options. The Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Stock Options under the Plan to Service Providers. Each Stock Option shall be subject to such terms and conditions consistent with the Plan as the Administrator may impose from time to time, subject to the following limitations:

 

(a)

Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of a Stock Option will be determined by the Administrator, but shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant, subject to Section 7(e). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Stock Option may be granted with an exercise price lower than that set forth in the preceding sentence if such Stock Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or substitution for another option in a manner satisfying the provisions of Code Section 424(a) and Code Section 409A, to the extent applicable.

 

(b)

Exercise Period. Stock Options granted under the Plan shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Administrator; provided, however, that no Stock Option shall be exercisable later than ten (10) years after the date it is granted. Stock Options shall terminate at such earlier times and upon such conditions or circumstances as the Administrator shall in its discretion set forth in such Award Agreement at the date of grant; provided, however, the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, later waive any such condition.

 

(c)

Payment of Exercise Price. To the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, the Participant may pay the Stock Option exercise price by:

 

(i)

cash;

 

(ii)

check;

 

(iii)

surrender of other Shares which meet the conditions established by the Administrator to avoid adverse accounting consequences to the Company (as determined by the Administrator);

 

(iv)

if approved by the Administrator, as determined in its sole discretion, by a broker-assisted cashless exercise in accordance with procedures approved by the Administrator, whereby payment of the exercise price may be satisfied, in whole or in part, with Shares subject to the Stock Option by delivery of an irrevocable direction to a securities broker (on a form prescribed by the Administrator) to sell Shares and to deliver all or part of the sale proceeds to the Company in payment of the aggregate exercise price;

 

(v)

if approved by the Administrator for a Nonqualified Stock Option, as determined in its sole discretion, by delivery of a notice of “net exercise” to the Company, pursuant to which the Participant shall receive the number of Shares underlying the Stock Option so exercised reduced by the number of Shares equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Stock Option divided by the Fair Market Value on the date of exercise;

 

(vi)

such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws; or

 

(vii)

any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.

 

  

(d)

Exercise of Stock Option.

 

(i)

Procedure for Exercise. Any Stock Option granted hereunder will be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. A Stock Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share. Exercising a Stock Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available for purchase under the Stock Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Stock Option is exercised.

 

(ii)

Exercise Requirements. A Stock Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (A) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Award Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Stock Option, and (B) full payment of the exercise price (including provision for any applicable tax withholding).

 

(iii)

Non-Exempt Employees. If a Stock Option is granted to an Employee who is a non-exempt employee for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, the Stock Option will not be first exercisable for any Shares until at least six (6) months following the date of grant of the Stock Option (although the Stock Option may vest prior to such date). Consistent with the provisions of the Worker Economic Opportunity Act, (A) if such non-exempt Employee dies or suffers a Disability, (B) upon a Change in Control in which such Stock Option is not assumed, continued, or substituted, or (C) upon the Participant’s retirement (as such term may be defined in the Participant’s Award Agreement, in another agreement between the Participant and the Company, or, if no such definition, in accordance with the then current employment policies and guidelines of the Company or employing Subsidiary), the vested portion of any Stock Option may be exercised earlier than six (6) months following the date of grant. The foregoing provision is intended to operate so that any income derived by a non-exempt employee in connection with the exercise or vesting of a Stock Option will be exempt from the Participant’s regular rate of pay. To the extent permitted and/or required for compliance with the Worker Economic Opportunity Act to ensure that any income derived by a non-exempt employee in connection with the exercise, vesting, or issuance of any Shares under any other Award will be exempt from the employee’s regular rate of pay, the provisions of this Section 7(d)(iii) will apply to all Awards and are hereby incorporated by reference into such Award Agreements.

 

(iv)

Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, the Participant may exercise the Stock Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Stock Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Stock Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Stock Option will remain exercisable for three (3) months (or one (1) month in the case of a voluntary resignation or twelve (12) months in the case of termination on account of Disability or death) following the Participant’s termination. If a Participant commits an act of Cause, all vested and unvested Stock Options shall be forfeited as of such date. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to a Stock Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Stock Option will be forfeited and will revert to the Plan and again will become available for grant under the Plan. If after termination, the Participant does not exercise a Stock Option as to all of the vested Shares within the time specified by the Administrator, the Stock Option will terminate, and remaining Shares covered by such Stock Option will be forfeited and will revert to the Plan and again will become available for grant under the Plan.

 

(v)

Extension of Exercisability. A Participant may not exercise a Stock Option at any time that the issuance of Shares upon such exercise would violate Applicable Laws. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, if a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider for any reason other than for Cause and, at any time during the last thirty (30) days of the applicable post-termination exercise period: (A) the exercise of the Participant’s Stock Option would be prohibited solely because the issuance of Shares upon such exercise would violate Applicable Laws, or (B) the immediate sale of any Shares issued upon such exercise would violate the Company’s trading policy, then the applicable post-termination exercise period will be extended to the last day of the calendar month that commences following the date the Award would otherwise expire, with an additional extension of the exercise period to the last day of the next calendar month to apply if any of the foregoing restrictions apply at any time during such extended exercise period, generally without limitation as to the maximum permitted number of extensions); provided, however, that in no event may such Award be exercised after the expiration of its maximum term.

 

  

(vi)

Beneficiary. If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Stock Option may be exercised following the Participant’s death by the Participant’s designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has been designated and received by the Administrator prior to the Participant’s death in a form acceptable to the Administrator. If no such beneficiary has been properly designated by the Participant, then such Stock Option may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate or by the persons to whom the Stock Option is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution.

 

(vii)

Shareholder Rights. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent or depositary of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder will exist with respect to the Shares, notwithstanding the exercise of the Stock Option. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 14 or the applicable Award Agreement.

 

(e)

Incentive Stock Option Limitations.

 

(i)

Each Stock Option will be designated in the Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option. However, notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such Stock Options will be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 7(e)(i), Incentive Stock Options will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the Stock Option is granted.

 

(ii)

In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the term will be ten (10) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement. Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns shares representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock Option will be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement and the exercise price shall not be less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

 

(iii)

No Stock Option shall be treated as an Incentive Stock Option unless this Plan has been approved by the shareholders of the Company in a manner intended to comply with the shareholder approval requirements of Code Section 422(b)(1), provided that any Stock Option intended to be an Incentive Stock Option shall not fail to be effective solely on account of a failure to obtain such approval, but rather such Stock Option shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option unless and until such approval is obtained.

 

 

(iv)

In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the terms and conditions of such grant shall be subject to and comply with such rules as may be prescribed by Code Section 422. If for any reason a Stock Option intended to be an Incentive Stock Option (or any portion thereof) shall not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, then, to the extent of such nonqualification, such Stock Option or portion thereof shall be regarded as a Nonqualified Stock Option appropriately granted under this Plan.

 

8.

Stock Appreciation Rights. The Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant SARs to Service Providers. Each SAR shall be subject to such terms and conditions, consistent with the Plan, as the Administrator may impose from time to time, subject to the following limitations:

 

(a)

SAR Award Agreement. Each SAR will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the SAR, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.

 

(b)

Number of Shares. The Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Shares subject to any SAR.

 

(c)

Exercise Price and Other Terms. The per share exercise price for the Shares that will determine the amount of the payment to be received upon exercise of a SAR will be determined by the Administrator and will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Otherwise, the Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, will have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of SARs granted under the Plan.

 

(d)

Expiration of Stock Appreciation Rights. A SAR granted under the Plan will expire upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 7(d) relating to the maximum term and exercise also will apply to SARs.

 

(e)

Payment of Stock Appreciation Right Amount. Upon exercise of a SAR, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying:

 

(i)

The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price; times

 

(ii)

The number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised.

 

(f)

Payment Form. At the discretion of the Administrator, the payment upon SAR exercise may be in cash, in Shares, other securities, or other property of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof.

 

(g)

Tandem Awards. Any Stock Option granted under this Plan may include tandem SARs (i.e., SARs granted in conjunction with an Award of Stock Options under this Plan). The Administrator also may award SARs to a Service Provider independent of any Stock Option.

 

9.

Restricted Stock. The Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Restricted Stock to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine, subject to the following limitations:

 

(a)

Restricted Stock Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Stock will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Period of Restriction and the applicable restrictions, the number of Shares granted, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. Restricted Stock may be awarded in consideration for (i) cash, check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company, (ii) past services to the Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary, or (iii) any other form of legal consideration (including future services) that may be acceptable to the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and permissible under Applicable Laws.

 

 

(b)

Removal of Restrictions. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, Restricted Stock will be held by the Company as escrow agent until the restrictions on such Restricted Stock have lapsed. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed.

 

(c)

Voting Rights. During the Period of Restriction, a Participant holding Restricted Stock may exercise the voting rights applicable to those restricted Shares, unless the Administrator determines otherwise.

 

(d)

Dividends and Other Distributions. During the Period of Restriction, a Participant holding Restricted Stock will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Restricted Stock unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement. If any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, such Shares will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.

 

(e)

Transferability. Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable Period of Restriction.

 

(f)

Return of Restricted Stock to Company. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed will be forfeited and will revert to the Company and again will become available for grant under the Plan.

 

10.

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant RSUs under the Plan to Service Providers. Each RSU shall be subject to such terms and conditions, consistent with the Plan, as the Administrator may impose from time to time, subject to the following limitations:

 

(a)

RSU Award Agreement. Each Award of RSUs will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the terms, conditions, and restrictions related to the grant, including the number of RSUs and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.

 

(b)

Vesting Criteria and Other Terms. The Administrator will set vesting criteria in its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which the criteria are met, will determine the number of RSUs that will be paid out to the Participant. The Administrator may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, business unit, or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment or Service), or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.

 

(c)

Earning Restricted Stock Units. Upon meeting the applicable vesting criteria, the Participant will be entitled to receive a payout as determined by the Administrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time after the grant of RSUs, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any vesting criteria that must be met to receive a payout.

 

(d)

Form and Timing of Payment. Payment of earned RSUs will be made as soon as practicable after the date(s) determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may settle earned RSUs in cash, Shares, other securities, other property, or a combination of both.

 

(e)

Voting and Dividend Equivalent Rights. The holders of RSUs shall have no voting rights as the Company’s shareholders. Prior to settlement or forfeiture, RSUs awarded under the Plan may, at the Administrator’s discretion, provide for a right to dividend equivalents. Such right entitles the holder to be credited with an amount equal to all dividends paid on one Share while the RSU is outstanding. Dividend equivalents may be converted into additional RSUs. Settlement of dividend equivalents may be made in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, other property, or in a combination of the foregoing. Prior to distribution, any dividend equivalents shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as the RSUs to which they attach.

 

(f)

Cancellation. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned RSUs will be forfeited to the Company.

 

 

11.

Other Stock-Based Awards. Other Stock-Based Awards may be granted either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with, other Awards granted under the Plan and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan. The Administrator shall have authority to determine the Service Providers to whom and the time or times at which Other Stock-Based Awards shall be made, the amount of such Other Stock-Based Awards, and all other conditions of the Other Stock-Based Awards including any dividend and/or voting rights.

 

12.

Vesting.

 

(a)

Vesting Conditions. Each Award may or may not be subject to vesting, a Period of Restriction, and/or other conditions as the Administrator may determine. Vesting shall occur, in full or in installments, upon satisfaction of the conditions specified in the Award Agreement. Vesting conditions may include Service-based conditions, performance-based conditions, such other conditions as the Administrator may determine, or any combination thereof. Unless specifically set forth in the Award Agreement, Awards shall not be considered subject to any performance-based condition. An Award Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting upon certain specified events.

 

(b)

Performance Criteria. The Administrator may establish performance-based conditions for an Award as specified in the Award Agreement, which may be based on the attainment of specific levels of performance of the Company (and/or one or more Subsidiaries, divisions, business segments or operational units, or any combination of the foregoing) and may include, without limitation, any of the following: (i) net earnings or net income (before or after taxes); (ii) basic or diluted earnings per share (before or after taxes); (iii) revenue or revenue growth (measured on a net or gross basis); (iv) gross profit or gross profit growth; (v) operating profit (before or after taxes); (vi) return measures (including, but not limited to, return on assets, capital, invested capital, equity, or sales); (vii) cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow, free cash flow, net cash provided by operations and cash flow return on capital); (viii) financing and other capital raising transactions (including, but not limited to, sales of the Company’s equity or debt securities); (ix) earnings before or after taxes, interest, depreciation and/or amortization; (x) gross or operating margins; (xi) productivity ratios; (xii) share price (including, but not limited to, growth measures and total shareholder return); (xiii) expense targets; (xiv) margins; (xv) productivity and operating efficiencies; (xvi) customer satisfaction; (xvii) customer growth; (xviii) working capital targets; (xix) measures of economic value added; (xx) inventory control; (xxi) enterprise value; (xxii) sales; (xxiii) debt levels and net debt; (xxiv) combined ratio; (xxv) timely launch of new facilities; (xxvi) client retention; (xxvii) employee retention; (xxviii) timely completion of new product rollouts; (xxix) cost targets; (xxx) reductions and savings; (xxxi) productivity and efficiencies; (xxxii) strategic partnerships or transactions; and (xxxiii) personal targets, goals or completion of projects. Any one or more of the performance criteria may be used on an absolute or relative basis to measure the performance of the Company and/or one or more Subsidiaries as a whole or any business unit(s) of the Company and/or one or more Subsidiaries or any combination thereof, as the Administrator may deem appropriate, or any of the above performance criteria may be compared to the performance of a selected group of comparison or peer companies, or a published or special index that the Administrator, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate, or as compared to various stock market indices. The Administrator also has the authority to provide for accelerated vesting of any Award based on the achievement of performance criteria specified in this paragraph. Any performance criteria that are financial metrics, may be determined in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) or may be adjusted when established to include or exclude any items otherwise includable or excludable under GAAP.

 

(c)

Default Vesting. Unless otherwise set forth in an individual Award Agreement, each Award shall vest over a three (3) year period, with one-third (1/3) of the Award vesting on each annual anniversary of the date of grant.

 

(d)

Leaves of Absence. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, vesting of Awards granted hereunder will be suspended during any Employee’s unpaid leave of absence and will resume on the date the Employee returns to work on a regular schedule as determined by the Administrator; provided, however, that no vesting credit will be awarded for the time vesting has been suspended during such leave of absence. A Service Provider will not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or the employing Subsidiary, although any leave of absence not provided for in the applicable employee manual of the Company or employing Subsidiary needs to be approved by the Administrator, or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no leave of absence may exceed ninety (90) days, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company or employing Subsidiary is not so guaranteed, then three (3) months following the 91st day of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant will cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for federal tax purposes as a Nonqualified Stock Option.

 

  

(e)

In the event a Service Provider’s regular level of time commitment in the performance of services for the Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary is reduced (for example, and without limitation, if the Service Provider is an Employee of the Company and the Employee has a change in status from a full-time Employee to a part-time Employee) after the date of grant of any Award to the Service Provider, the Administrator has the right in its sole discretion to (i) make a corresponding reduction in the number of Shares subject to any portion of such Award that is scheduled to vest or become payable after the date of such change in time commitment, and (ii) in lieu of or in combination with such a reduction, extend the vesting or payment schedule applicable to such Award. In the event of any such reduction, the Service Provider will have no right with respect to any portion of the Award that is so reduced or extended.

 

13.

Non-Transferability of Awards. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner, except to the Participant’s estate or legal representative, and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant, although the Administrator, in its discretion, may permit Award transfers for purposes of estate planning or charitable giving. If the Administrator makes an Award transferable, such Award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.

 

14.

Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Change in Control.

 

(a)

Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, share split, reverse share split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs such that an adjustment is determined by the Administrator (in its sole discretion) to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the Administrator shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust the number and class of Shares which may be delivered under the Plan, the number, class and price of Shares subject to outstanding awards, and the numerical limits in Section 4. Notwithstanding the preceding, the number of Shares subject to any Award always shall be a whole number.

 

(b)

Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator will notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for a Participant to have the right to exercise an Award, to the extent applicable, until ten (10) days prior to such transaction as to all of the Shares covered thereby, including Shares as to which the Award would not otherwise be exercisable. In addition, the Administrator may provide that any Company repurchase option or forfeiture rights applicable to any Award shall lapse 100%, and that any Award vesting shall accelerate 100%, provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation takes place at the time and in the manner contemplated. To the extent it has not been previously vested and, if applicable, exercised, an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.

 

 

(c)

Change in Control.

 

(i)

In the event of a Change in Control, each outstanding Award shall be assumed or an equivalent award substituted by the acquiring or successor corporation or a parent of the acquiring or successor corporation.

 

(ii)

Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, in the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Award, the Participant shall fully vest in and have the right to exercise the Award as to all of the Shares, including those as to which it would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all applicable restrictions will lapse, and all performance objectives and other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at targeted levels. If a Stock Option is not assumed or substituted in the event of a Change in Control, the Administrator shall notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the Stock Option shall be exercisable, to the extent vested, for a period of up to fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, and the Stock Option shall terminate upon the expiration of such period.

 

(iii)

For the purposes of this Section 14(c), the Award shall be considered assumed if, following the Change in Control, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control, the consideration (whether shares, cash, or other securities or property) received in the Change in Control by holders of Shares for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Change in Control is not solely common shares of the acquiring or successor corporation or its parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the acquiring or successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received, for each Share subject to the Award, to be solely common shares of the acquiring or successor corporation or its parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Shares in the Change in Control. Payments under this provision may be delayed to the same extent that payment of consideration to the holders of the Shares in connection with the Change in Control is delayed as a result of escrows, earn outs, holdbacks, or any other contingencies. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, an Award that vests, is earned, or is paid out upon the satisfaction of one or more performance goals will not be considered assumed if the Company or the acquiring or successor corporation modifies any of such performance goals without the Participant’s consent; provided, however, that a modification to such performance goals only to reflect the acquiring or successor corporation’s post-Change in Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.

 

15.

Taxes.

 

(a)

General. It is a condition to each Award under the Plan that a Participant or such Participant’s successor shall make such arrangements that may be necessary, in the opinion of the Administrator or the Company, for the satisfaction of any federal, state, local, or foreign withholding tax obligations that arise in connection with any Award granted under the Plan. The Company shall not be required to issue any Shares or make any cash payment under the Plan unless such obligations are satisfied.

 

(b)

Share Withholding. To the extent that Applicable Laws subject a Participant to tax withholding obligations, the Administrator may permit such Participant to satisfy all or part of such obligations by having the Company, its Parent, or a Subsidiary withhold all or a portion of any Share that otherwise would be issued to such Participant or by surrendering all or a portion of any Share that the Participant previously acquired. Such Share shall be valued on the date withheld or surrendered. Any payment of taxes by assigning Shares to the Company, its Parent, or a Subsidiary may be subject to restrictions, including any restrictions required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, accounting, or other rules.

 

 

(c)

Discretionary Nature of Plan. The benefits and rights provided under the Plan are wholly discretionary and, although provided by the Company, do not constitute regular or periodic payments. Unless otherwise required by Applicable Laws, the benefits and rights provided under the Plan are not to be considered part of a Participant’s salary or compensation or for purposes of calculating any severance, resignation, redundancy or other end of service payments, vacation, bonuses, long-term service awards, indemnification, pension or retirement benefits, or any other payments, benefits, or rights of any kind. By acceptance of an Award, a Participant waives any and all rights to compensation or damages as a result of the termination of Service for any reason whatsoever insofar as those rights result or may result from this Plan or any Award.

 

(d)

Code Section 409A. Awards will be designed and operated in such a manner that they are either exempt from the application of, or comply with, the requirements of Code Section 409A and will be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. To the extent that an Award or payment, or the settlement or deferral thereof, is subject to Code Section 409A, the Award will be granted, paid, settled, or deferred in a manner that will meet the requirements of Code Section 409A, such that the grant, payment, settlement, or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Code Section 409A.

 

(e)

Deferral of Award Settlement. The Administrator, in its discretion, may permit selected Participants to elect to defer distributions of Restricted Stock or RSUs in accordance with procedures established by the Administrator to assure that such deferrals comply with applicable requirements of the Code. Any deferred distribution, whether elected by the Participant or specified by the Award Agreement or the Administrator, shall comply with Code Section 409A, to the extent applicable.

 

(f)

Limitation on Liability. Neither the Company, nor its Parent, nor any Subsidiary, nor any person serving as Administrator shall have any liability to a Participant in the event an Award held by the Participant fails to achieve its intended characterization under applicable tax law.

 

16.

No Rights as a Service Provider. Neither the Plan, nor an Award Agreement, nor any Award shall confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing a relationship as a Service Provider, nor shall they interfere in any way with the right of the Participant or the right of the Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause.

 

17.

Recoupment Policy. All Awards granted under the Plan, all amounts paid under the Plan and all Shares issued under the Plan shall be subject to recoupment, clawback, or recovery by the Company in accordance with Applicable Laws and with Company policy (whenever adopted) regarding same, whether or not such policy is intended to satisfy the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or other Applicable Laws, as well as any implementing regulations and/or listing standards.

 

18.

Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

 

(a)

Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend, alter, suspend, or terminate the Plan.

 

(b)

Shareholder Approval. The Company may obtain shareholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary or, as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, desirable to comply with Applicable Laws, including any amendment that (i) increases the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan or (ii) changes the persons or class of persons eligible to receive Awards.

 

(c)

Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration, suspension, or termination of the Plan will materially impair the rights of any Participant with respect to outstanding Awards, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company. Termination of the Plan will not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.

 

 

19.

Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

 

(a)

Legal Compliance. Shares will not be issued pursuant to an Award unless the exercise of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

 

(b)

Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise or receipt of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising or receiving such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise or receipt that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required or desirable.

 

20.

Severability. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan or an Award Agreement, if any one or more of the provisions (or any part thereof) of this Plan or an Award Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, such provision shall be modified so as to make it valid, legal, and enforceable, and the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions (or any part thereof) of the Plan or Award Agreement, as applicable, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

21.

Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, will relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority will not have been obtained.

 

22.

Shareholder Approval. The Plan will be subject to approval by the shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted. Such shareholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws. All Awards hereunder are contingent on approval of the Plan by shareholders. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, if the Plan is not approved by the shareholders within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted, the Plan and any Awards hereunder shall be automatically terminated.

 

23.

Choice of Law. The Plan will be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to any choice of law principles.

 

24.

Effective Date.

 

(a)

The Plan shall be effective as of December 27, 2024, the date on which the Plan was adopted by the Board and the Company’s shareholders (the “Effective Date”).

 

(b)

Unless terminated earlier under Section 18, this Plan shall terminate on December 27, 2034, ten years after the Effective Date.

 

 

Annex A-16

 

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