xeri_10k.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024
or
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________
Commission file number 000-54277
XERIANT, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter).
Innovation Centre 1 3998 FAU Boulevard, Suite 309Boca Raton, Florida 33431
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (561) 491-9595
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Trading Symbol(s) Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered
N/A N/A N/A
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $0.00001 par value
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated Filer ☒ Smaller reporting company ☒
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously filed financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10 D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates as of December 31, 2023, the last day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, based upon the closing price of the registrant’s common stock as reported by the OTCQB Marketplace on such date, was approximately $8.2 million. Shares of common stock held by each officer and director, and by each person who owns 10% or more of the outstanding common stock, have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This calculation does not reflect a determination that persons are affiliates for any other purposes.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. As of October 7, 2024, the registrant had 581,184,486 outstanding shares of common stock.
Documents Incorporated by Reference: None.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I.
Item 1. Business. 4
Item 1A. Risk Factors. 13
Item 1B Unresolved Staff Comments 30
Item 1C Cybersecurity 30
Item 2. Properties. 30
Item 3. Legal Proceedings. 30
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. 30
PART II.
Item 6. Reserved. 32
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 39
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. 40
Item 9B. Other Information. 41
Item 9C Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspection 41
PART III.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. 42
Item 11. Executive Compensation. 45
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services. 48
PART IV.
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. 50
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Report”) contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Any statements about our expectations, beliefs, plans, predictions, forecasts, objectives, assumptions, or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believes,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “predicts,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” “estimate,” “plans,” “projects,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expects,” “intends,” and similar words or phrases. Accordingly, these statements are only predictions and involve estimates, known and unknown risks, assumptions, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in them. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of several factors more fully described in Item 1A of this Report under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Report, including the exhibits hereto.
All forward-looking statements are only estimates of future results, and actual results may differ materially from expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates, or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements, which should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included elsewhere in this Report. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
Use of Certain Defined Terms
Except where the context otherwise requires and for the purposes of this Report only:
· “Exchange Act” refers to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
· “SEC” refers to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
· “Securities Act” refers to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
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PART I.
Item 1. Business
Xeriant, Inc. is dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of advanced materials and technology related to next generation air and spacecraft, which can be successfully integrated and commercialized for deployment across multiple industrial sectors. We seek to partner with and acquire strategic interests in visionary companies that accelerate this mission. Xeriant’s advanced materials line will be marketed under the DUREVERTM brand, and includes NEXBOARDTM, an eco-friendly, patent-pending composite building panel made from plastic and cellulose waste and a proprietary flame retardant, primarily designed to be a replacement for traditional building materials such as drywall, plywood, OSB, MDF, MgO board and other materials used in construction. Xeriant is located at the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida adjacent to the Boca Raton Airport.
Corporate History
Formation of Company
The Company was originally incorporated in Nevada on December 18, 2009, under the name Eastern World Solutions, Inc. The name was changed to Banjo & Matilda, Inc. on September 24, 2013. Effective June 22, 2020, the Company changed its name from Banjo & Matilda, Inc. to Xeriant, Inc.
Share Exchange with American Aviation Technologies
On April 16, 2019, the Company entered into a Share Exchange Agreement with American Aviation Technologies, LLC (“AAT”), an aircraft design and development company focused on the emerging segment of the aviation industry of autonomous and semi-autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
On June 28, 2019, the Company spun out two wholly owned subsidiaries: Banjo & Matilda (USA), Inc. and Banjo & Matilda Australia Pty LTD.
On September 30, 2019, the acquisition of AAT closed, and AAT became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
XTI Aircraft Joint Venture
On May 31, 2021, the Company entered into a 50/50 Joint Venture Agreement with XTI Aircraft Company (“XTI”) to form a new company, called Eco-Aero, LLC (the “JV”), with the purpose of completing the preliminary design review (“PDR”) of XTI’s TriFan 600, a 5-passenger plus pilot, hybrid electric, vertical takeoff, and landing (VTOL) fixed wing aircraft. Xeriant invested approximately $5.5 million into the joint venture after borrowing the funds from Auctus Fund, LLC (“Auctus”) through a Senior Secured Promissory Note, through an introduction from Maxim Group, LLC, the Company’s investment banker at the time. The PDR was completed during the first quarter of 2022 according to XTI. The borrowed funds from Auctus were intended to be a bridge loan that would be resolved through an IPO (Initial Public Offering) and uplist to Nasdaq in a merger with XTI, which did not occur because XTI refused to move forward with the merger in accordance with the terms outlined in the Binding Term Sheet dated December 5, 2021.
On May 17, 2022, after failed merger negotiations, the Company entered into a Letter Agreement with XTI whereby Xeriant would receive compensation for introducing Inpixon, a Nasdaq-listed company, to XTI for a combination or any other transaction. Should a combination or any other transaction occur, the compensation due to Xeriant would include a six percent (6%) fully diluted interest in XTI upon dissolution of its Joint Venture with Xeriant, and XTI would assume Xeriant’s obligations under its Senior Secured Note with Auctus. On March 10, 2023, Inpixon issued a note receivable to XTI for $300,000, a “Transaction” as defined by the Letter Agreement. On July 25, 2023, Inpixon filed an 8-K announcing that they had signed an Agreement of Plan and Merger with XTI.
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On December 6, 2023, the Company initiated legal proceedings against XTI in the Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case no. 1:23-cv-10656-JPO), along with other unnamed defendants, seeking to enforce the terms of the Letter Agreement, and alleging fraudulent acts, breach of contract and misappropriation of intellectual property.
On February 29, 2024, the Company filed a Second Amended Complaint against XTI, along with other unnamed defendants, and on March 13, 2024 XTI filed a partial Motion to Dismiss.
On March 12, 2024, XTI merged with Inpixon, the Nasdaq-listed company introduced to XTI by Xeriant, arranged through Xeriant’s investment banker at that time, Maxim Group, LLC.
On April 10, 2024, the Company filed a Memorandum of Law in Opposition to XTI’s Motion to Dismiss the Company’s Second Amended Complaint and is waiting for the court to rule on the matter.
The foregoing descriptions of the legal actions do not purport to be complete and are subject in their entirety by the full text of the court filings.
Auctus Fund LLC Senior Secured Promissory Note
On October 27, 2021, the Company was issued a convertible note payable to Auctus in the principal amount of $6,050,000, consisting of $5,142,500, which was the net amount funded due to the original issue discount of $907,500 for interest on the unpaid principal amount at the rate of zero percent per annum from the issue date until the note became due and payable on October 27, 2022, plus closing costs, which included $308,550 paid to Maxim Group, LLC. Xeriant was introduced to Auctus for the purpose of providing bridge loan funding to satisfy the requirements of a pending merger with XTI Aircraft under a letter of intent signed in September 2021.
On October 19, 2023, Xeriant filed a complaint in the United States Southern District of New York (Case no.1:23-cv-09200) against Auctus, to invalidate allegedly illegally designed contractual agreements, including contesting the enforceability of the related note and amendments, and to set aside improper and unlawful securities transactions effectuated in violation of Section 15(a)(1) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. § 78o(a)(1)) by the Defendant, alleging breaches of fiduciary duty and related claims. On February 9, 2024, the case was dismissed. The Company filed a Notice of Civil Appeal on March 13, 2024, primarily based on public welfare because of the pending litigation between the SEC and Auctus Fund Management, LLC, which complaint was filed on June 1, 2023. On June 19, 2024, the Company filed an appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (Case no. 24-682-cv), which is still pending. The foregoing descriptions of the legal actions do not purport to be complete and are subject in their entirety by the full text of the court filings.
Movychem Joint Venture
Effective April 2, 2022, the Company entered into a Joint Venture with Movychem s.r.o., a Slovakian limited liability company (“Movychem”), called Ebenberg, LLC, setting forth the terms for the establishment of a joint venture to develop and exploit certain polymer-related advanced materials. The JV was organized as a Florida limited liability company and was owned 50% by each of the Company and Movychem. Effective June 30, 2023, the Joint Venture was terminated, and the entity was subsequently dissolved.
OUR BUSINESS SUMMARY
Introduction
The commercialization of transformative aerospace technologies, including eco-friendly specialty materials, has been successfully deployed and integrated across multiple industry sectors, and has led to a more prosperous and interconnected global economy. These advancements are producing next-generation materials that can affect every facet of our lives with improved safety, durability and decreased environmental impact.
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Company Overview
Advanced Materials
A major focus of our Company is the development, acquisition and commercial exploitation of eco-friendly, advanced materials which have applications across a broad range of industries and the potential to generate significant near-term revenue. Our commercialization strategy encompasses licensing arrangements, mergers, and joint ventures, which could allow for more rapid access to the market with reduced capital requirements and financial risk. Some partner companies may provide production and distribution infrastructure, which could streamline testing and certification as well as add brand recognition. Once the Company establishes sufficient production capabilities, the advanced materials may be sold as standalone products, enhancements to existing products, or used in the development of proprietary products under new trademarked brands owned by the Company. We are currently exploring manufacturing and branding opportunities for specific products derived from advanced materials, which would involve setting up production facilities, equipment, systems and supply chains.
On August 12, 2022, the Company filed the trademark “NEXBOARD” for construction panels, namely, composite sheets and panels composed primarily of plastic, reinforcement materials and fire-retardant chemicals for use in walls, ceilings, flooring, framing, siding, roofing and decking. The trademark filing was intentionally broad and based upon demand for a general all-purpose construction panel made from a mixture of fire-retardant and recycled materials.
Beginning in mid-2023, the Company began testing two high-volume production processes for NEXBOARD, so our construction panels could be cost-effectively produced in the United States, at industrial scale. After significant research and development, the Company expects that it will be able to manufacture its composite materials into green construction products of various shapes and sizes. High volume production of certified consistent construction panels will unlock existing demand indicated by several homebuilders, green building products companies, and transportation companies seeking our environmentally friendly construction panels in varying thicknesses and sizes, including standard 48” x 96” sheets.
On March 31, 2023, the Company filed a provisional patent application titled “Multilayered Fire-Resistant Polymer Composite and Method for Producing Same” for a method of producing a unique fire-resistant thermoplastic and fiber composite material which may be formed or shaped into various construction products of different thicknesses and dimensions. This green material will be composed primarily of recycled plastic, cellulosic fiber, and a proprietary ecofriendly fire retardant, including but not limited to use in walls, ceilings, flooring, framing, siding, roofing, molding, and decking, used in construction. On April 1, 2024, the Company filed a non-provisional U.S. patent application claiming priority to the filing date of the 2023 related provisional patent application described herein.
On July 31, 2023, Xeriant filed the trademark “DUREVER” for green composite construction products made from recycled materials that could include construction panels, framing, support beams, flooring, sheathing, roofing, decking, trim, doors, and window casings. The Company’s advanced composites could also be used as a more durable wood replacement for furniture, cabinets, pallets, and potentially a variety of aerospace, automotive, and marine components that would also be marketed under the DUREVER brand. The Company may also develop and market additional fire-retardant products under DUREVER.
During the second fiscal quarter of 2024, the Company was engaged in the development and testing of its proprietary eco-friendly flame retardants for use in its construction panel, NEXBOARD. These fire retardants are effective when incorporated in a variety of thermoplastics and fiber composite materials, allowing the DUREVER products, including NEXBOARD to be fire-resistant. The Company is considering filing a patent application for its proprietary flame retardants.
After a series of research and development fire tests, the Company is now pursuing the final certification of NEXBOARD. Subject to available capital and certification, the Company is planning to build manufacturing facilities in the United States for the production of NEXBOARD in order to meet market demand, or alternatively license the technology and process. In the interim, the Company has identified potential sites for near-term contract manufacturing, a pilot plant, and larger manufacturing facilities, received bids for specialized manufacturing equipment, developed timetables related to the action plan, and hired a managing director with decades of experience to oversee the project.
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Aerospace
The Company seeks to develop, acquire and commercialize disruptive, high-growth-potential technologies in aerospace, including next-generation air and spacecraft, that have potential applications in other industries. The areas of focus that are reshaping the future of aerospace include advanced materials, advanced air mobility, unmanned aerial systems, AI, hypersonics, communications, cybersecurity, satellites, and renewable energy technology. The Company’s initial concentration was on the emerging aviation market called advanced air mobility (AAM), the transition to more efficient, eco-friendly, automated and convenient flight operations, enabled by the convergence of technological advancements in design and engineering, composite materials, propulsion systems, battery energy density and manufacturing processes. Next-generation aircraft being developed for this market offer low-cost, on-demand flight for passengers and cargo, utilizing lower altitude airspace and bypassing the traditional hub-and-spoke airport network with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities. Many of these lightweight aircraft are electrically powered through either hybrid or pure battery systems, which allows for quieter, low emission flights over urban areas, however with limited speed and range. Hydrogen powered aircraft have already been prototyped and are expected to become more prevalent over the next decade. The development of solid-state hydrogen technology may address the safety, large-area storage requirement limitations for gaseous-state hydrogen. The Company plans to partner with and acquire strategic interests in visionary companies that accelerate our mission of commercializing critical breakthrough aerospace technologies which enhance sustainability, performance, and safety.
In May of 2021, the Company executed a joint venture with XTI Aircraft Company (“XTI”) to further the development of the TriFan 600, purported to become the world’s fastest, longest-range commercial VTOL airplane, funding approximately $5.5 million. Preliminary Design Review was completed in early 2022 and XTI claims that the TriFan 600 could enter service by the end of 2027. XTI has recently stated in public announcements that the TriFan 600 has over $7 billion in conditional preorders. On March 12, 2024, XTI merged with a Nasdaq-list company. Under an agreement with XTI, the Company was to receive certain compensation and interest in XTI. The Company filed suit against XTI on December 6, 2023, to pursue a number of claims against XTI. Note 1 on page F-8 of this filings provides a further explanation, however, the full text of the complaint was filed with an 8-K on December 12, 2023, under Exhibit 99.1.
Since 2022, the Company has been developing advanced materials focused on high-performance fire-resistant polymer composites for potential applications in aerospace as well as other industries. The Company has created proprietary, eco-friendly flame retardants and a patent-pending methodology for efficiently incorporating this technology into polymer composites to create heat-resistant, superior strength-to-weight properties.
In the area of aerospace, management believes that the Company can grow expeditiously by acquiring technology and assets primarily through acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic investments, and licensing arrangements. As a publicly traded company, we offer our growth partners such benefits as improved access to capital, higher valuations and lower risk through the shared ownership of a diversified portfolio, while allowing these entities to maintain independence in their distinct operations to focus on their fields of expertise. Cost savings and efficiencies may be realized from sharing non-operational functions such as finance, legal, tax, sales and marketing, human resources, purchasing power, as well as investor and public relations.
The Company is trading on the OTCQB Venture Market under the stock symbol, XERI.
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Industry Overview
Advanced Materials
Aerospace innovation has been at the forefront of many important scientific, technological, design and engineering breakthroughs which have had broad implications across non-aerospace sectors of the economy. Research and development initiatives originally intended for aerospace applications have contributed to advances in composites and other advanced materials, health care, transportation, telecommunications, agriculture, and manufacturing, and have led to the commercialization of new technologies and products that have positively impacted our daily lives.
One of the most recognized areas of research where the aerospace industry has played a major role is polymer chemistry, which includes the development of plastics technologies and fire retardants in plastics, coatings and adhesives. Technical improvements in aircraft design have shifted from a focus on speed and range to efficiency and sustainability, creating the need for advanced materials in aerostructures and engines that are lightweight and resistant to extreme heat. Plastic composites using carbon fiber are increasingly used in the structural components of aircraft, replacing aluminum. Additionally, aircraft interior design incorporates lighter, flame-resistant polymer materials and engineered alloys for panels, seats and various components to reduce weight.
Advanced polymer materials with superior performance characteristics, including flame-resistance with non-toxic gases, have wide applicability in the construction industry. Plastic composite boards may be fabricated from a range of polymers, including polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyamide (PA), which are inherently water-resistant, and reinforced with a variety of materials, including cardboard fiber, fiberglass, wood or carbon, which provide increased mechanical strength. Additives, surface treatments and decorative finishes can further enhance the properties of the boards, which can be manufactured in standard sizes and become a replacement for gypsum and wood-based structural panels such as drywall, plywood, Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), and flooring. Composite boards made from recycled plastic and fiber are considered green building products, not only because they decrease the amount of waste materials from landfills, but because they have insulating properties that can cut energy costs. When infused with a non-toxic flame retardant, these eco-friendly composite panels can be an effective passive fire protection system, providing superior safety and minimizing property damage from flame spread and smoke.
The construction industry is seeing an accelerating demand for sustainable building practices, which is expected to drive the market growth of green building materials, as well as promote the use of non-toxic chemicals, including flame retardants. Green building materials are an environmentally friendly solution because they are produced from safe, recyclable products, which help in conserving non-renewable resources and mitigating environmental and human health considerations. Moreover, green building materials have become a durable and energy-efficient solution that makes them suitable for various infrastructure applications. As part of a major rebuilding of aging infrastructure across the globe, investments in renovations and retrofit construction, including the replacement of decaying underground materials, often mandate the use of green materials and building methods. New construction of governmental buildings, office complexes, schools and residential structures is increasingly employing eco-friendly alternatives for insulation, concrete, wallboard and rebar, which often have similar or superior performance when compared with conventional materials. Several developing countries are launching programs with subsidies and incentives to spur growth in the market and spread awareness about alternative construction methods with the goal of supplying affordable and sustainable housing. In the U.S., LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used rating system for green building practices.
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Aerospace
The aerospace industry continues to evolve and adapt as market conditions change and as technological innovation enables the development of aircraft with new capabilities, applications and business cases. Next-generation aircraft are more efficient, sustainable, reliable, automated and safer through technological improvements in design optimization and modeling, composites and advanced materials, artificial intelligence (AI), sensors, autonomy, alternative propulsion systems and manufacturing processes. Many of the airframe configurations enabled by these developments are being designed for the emerging aviation market called Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), the integration of new aircraft designs and flight technologies to move people and cargo between places not usually served by existing ground or air transportation. Increasing automobile traffic congestion in many urban environments demands alternative transportation solutions such as eco-friendly air taxi services and urban air mobility to improve the quality of life for city residents. In addition to being quieter with less or no carbon emissions, it is anticipated that these new aircraft will have lower operating, maintenance, and repair costs compared with other aircraft, including helicopters. For widespread adoption, it is critical that AAM services provide consumers with a strong value proposition to become an alternative to traditional ground transportation.
According to information extracted from a Fortune Business Insights and a July 2024 report, those aircraft servicing the 100 to 300-mile range are expected to dominate the global market during the forecast period due to growing demand for longer range vertical take-off and landing aircraft for intercity travels. The growth of the 300-1,000-mile range aircraft segment is facilitated by increasing demand of VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) vehicles for military applications.
A major obstacle restraining growth in AAM transportation is the lack of infrastructure required to enable convenient access, including development of landing sites with charging stations and staffing, which is a high cost, and may be undesirable to consumers in many areas because of safety as well as noise and visual pollution concerns.
The establishment of regulatory frameworks and support from aviation authorities is crucial for the growth of the eVTOL market. Regulatory bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are working on developing guidelines and certifications specific to eVTOL operations. This regulatory clarity is essential for ensuring safety, standardization, and public trust in eVTOL aircraft.
The development and improvement in battery energy density and the emergence of other energy technologies, like solid state hydrogen, are significant drivers for the VTOL aircraft market growth. As batteries become more powerful, lighter, and capable of faster charging times, eVTOL (Electric VTOL) aircraft can fly longer distances with shorter downtimes, making them more practical and appealing for urban air mobility and other applications.
Various manufacturers are making significant investments in the development of the complex technologies needed to address the safety and operational challenges of urban air mobility, bringing next generation VTOL aircraft closer to certification and commercialization. These innovations include real-time situational awareness and collision avoidance systems to identify and navigate in unsafe operating environments, as well as the designs, engineering and systems needed for redundant energy, propulsion, and effective vectored thrust for control. The integration of autonomous technologies into eVTOL designs is a significant driver for market growth. Autonomy in aviation can increase safety by reducing human error, enhance efficiency through optimized route planning, and eventually reduce operational costs by potentially eliminating the need for pilots. The ongoing development of AI and machine learning, algorithms, sensors, and flight control systems paves the way for fully autonomous eVTOL services in the future.
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Intellectual Property
On March 31, 2023, the Company filed a provisional patent application titled “Multilayered Fire-Resistant Polymer Composite and Method for Producing Same,” for a method of producing a unique fire-resistant thermoplastic and fiber composite material which may be formed or shaped into various construction products of different thicknesses and dimensions. This green material will be composed primarily of recycled plastic, cellulose and ecofriendly fire-retardant chemicals, including but not limited to use in walls, ceilings, flooring, framing, siding, roofing, molding, and decking, used in construction. On April 1, 2024, the Company filed a non-provisional U.S. patent application claiming priority to the filing date of the 2023 related provisional patent application described herein.
Xeriant owns a 64% interest in its subsidiary, American Aviation Technologies, LLC (“AAT”), which owns a patented VTOL drone/aircraft concept called Halo. All intellectual property rights to Halo, including patents and applications for patents, were acquired on October 2, 2018. A Halo utility patent was filed on September 28, 2018, which was a continuation of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/157,180, filed June 5, 2008, which claimed the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/941,965, filed June 5, 2007, with both prior applications fully incorporated in their entireties and for all purposes. With respect to the first and subsequent utility patent application filings we have received the following U.S. Patents, namely, U.S. Patent No. 10,450,063 issued on October 22, 2019; U.S. Patent No. 10,814,974 issued on October 27,2020; and U.S. Patent No. 11,597,512 issued on March 7, 2023.
Xeriant has filed trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office with for the following marks currently pending: Xeriant name, “Innovation Soaring,” “Evolution in Flight,” “NEXBOARDTM,” “BlueGreen,” and “DUREVERTM.”
Market Opportunity
The Company focuses on disruptive and transformative technologies with broad applications across high value industries, identifying those with exceptional market opportunity, which can be the basis for potential acquisitions, strategic partnerships or licensing arrangements. Early-stage technology companies as well as established companies that have developed breakthrough, high-market-potential technologies, unique intellectual property, that are past the concept/seed capital stage or may be at an inflection point for growth, can be the basis for potential acquisitions, strategic partnerships, licensing arrangements, or initial public offerings. Some companies may be already generating revenue while others have a clear path to revenue, while others have the potential for a combination or roll-up. In some cases, their technology originated and was developed out of an academic environment. As a strategic partner or acquiror, Xeriant can provide companies with access to capital, liquidity through an exchange of equity, new market opportunities and synergistic contacts, and university relationships for research and grants, while maintaining partners’ operational independence. The Company believes that entrepreneurial spirit, passion, and vision are critical to success, and that it can provide entrepreneurial teams with strategic guidance to execute their business plan, access to financial markets, and investor liquidity.
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Advanced Materials
A few years ago, Xeriant recognized the rapidly growing green construction materials market, and began working to develop advanced materials as a critical area of technology to address the need for next generation building products. The Company has developed a patent-pending composite construction panel, called NEXBOARDTM, made from plastic and fiber waste, and a proprietary flame retardant to replace products such as drywall, plywood, OSB, MDF, MgO board and other materials used in construction. Xeriant’s advanced materials line will be marketed under the DUREVER brand. This innovation has generated strong interest from key players in the real estate development and construction industries as well as building materials retailers in the U.S. These companies are looking to participate in the circular economy and for alternatives to the hazardous waste created from drywall, toxic chemicals used in some flame retardants, and wood because of deforestation and its degradation when exposed to fire or water. The total addressable market for green construction materials, according to Fortune Business Insights, is projected to hit $1.2 trillion by 2032. Xeriant’s composite and flame-retardant compositions have applications in a multitude of industries, including steel, transportation, furniture and cabinetry, so there will be ongoing opportunities for revenue growth.
Aerospace
In 2019, the Company identified Advanced Air Mobility (“AAM”) as a disruptive market segment with high growth potential. The AAM category refers to the next generation of aircraft designed to create more-convenient, eco-friendly on-demand flight, using new technologies including advanced materials and electric power. In our early stage, we developed and patented a prototype VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft with unique capabilities, targeted for commercial drone applications. Subsequently, in May 2021, Xeriant identified XTI Aircraft Company (“XTI”), which was developing a revolutionary VTOL aircraft with the convenience of a helicopter and the speed and range of a business jet. The aircraft’s unique design elements along with the $1 billion in pre-orders and reservations, enticed Xeriant to establish a 50/50 joint venture with XTI and invest $5.5 million to complete the preliminary design review of the TriFan 600 VTOL aircraft. According to recent press releases, there are approximately 700 presales or reservations for the TriFan 600 representing approximately $7 billion in potential future revenue for XTI. Upon dissolution of the joint venture back in May 2023, Xeriant was entitled to receive a direct interest in XTI aircraft. The Company is in litigation with XTI to enforce its rights and realize shareholder value from its investment. Further descriptions of the legal proceedings are found throughout this report.
Xeriant continues to be dedicated to the successful development and commercialization of next-generation technologies with applications in the aerospace industry. Advancements in science and engineering across a broad spectrum of disciplines are reshaping the future of air and space travel, enhancing capabilities, safety, efficiency and performance, while providing solutions to environmental concerns. The innovations in advanced materials, AI, sensors, communications, and energy technology can have a positive impact on our daily lives.
These breakthroughs are also making possible revolutionary aircraft concepts, manufacturing processes and propulsion systems, creating new business opportunities throughout the transportation ecosystem. Anticipated to become a reality in the near future, urban air mobility using electrically powered VTOL-capable aircraft or air taxis, is made possible through the convergence of numerous technological innovations. The push for electrically powered flight, known as the "third wave of aeronautics," has produced a flurry of aerospace research activity, including a comprehensive reexamination of the aircraft development process aimed at design optimization. Multidisciplinary design optimization in aircraft development requires the analysis and integration of all relevant technologies related to aerodynamics, structure, flight controls and propulsion systems. The Company is continually striving to recognize technology trends at an early stage, discover new and disruptive innovations and identify synergistic opportunities.
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Development Strategy
Xeriant is dedicated to the acquisition, development and commercialization of disruptive and transformative technologies, including eco-friendly advanced materials which can be successfully deployed and integrated across multiple industry sectors, and innovations related to the emerging aviation market called Advanced Air Mobility (“AAM”), which include next-generation aircraft. We seek to partner with and acquire strategic interests in visionary companies that accelerate this mission.
The Company is planning to commercialize a slate of green building products under the DUREVERTM brand. After completing product development with a proven production system, initially planned through a contract manufacturing arrangement and then setting up its own manufacturing plant, Xeriant will seek licensing arrangements with major industry leaders, which would allow for more rapid access to the market with reduced capital requirements and financial risk. The Company’s flagship product is a multi-purpose, high-strength fire- and water-resistant composite panel made from a formulation of a proprietary flame retardant and a fiber-reinforced polymeric resin, called NEXBOARDTM, which will be sourced from recycled materials. Implementation of the Company’s business plan depends on certification of the final product and the availability of capital.
The Company is currently working with a contract manufacturer for near-term production and is also determining the requirements to buildout manufacturing facilities in the U.S. to meet the projected demand for its composite wallboards. Potential sites and much of the specialized manufacturing equipment has been identified and priced out. A renowned global executive with decades of experience has expressed strong interest in taking the lead role to oversee the advanced materials division. The Company’s success will be dependent on the availability and cost of feedstock, including recycled materials and flame-retardant chemicals, as well as access to capital.
Xeriant maintains a strong interest in aerospace technologies, including AAM, and is currently exploring relationships with several aerospace companies that either have aircraft platforms or are working to solve issues related to lightweighting, hypersonics, additive manufacturing, miniaturization, AI, safety, autonomy, wireless connectivity, electric propulsion, batteries, hydrogen, navigation systems, computer processing, camera systems, stabilization equipment, imaging sensors and analytics software. Xeriant is pursuing strategic alliances with companies that provide complementary aircraft platforms and technologies, and access to new markets.
Morgan Stanley is forecasting a $1 trillion total addressable global market for eVTOL aircraft and AAM by 2040, which is projected to reach $9 trillion by 2050.
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CONSIDERATIONS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should give careful consideration to the following risk factors, including our financial statements and related notes, before deciding whether to invest in shares of our common stock. The occurrence of any of the adverse developments described in the following risk factors could materially and adversely harm our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR FINANCIAL POSITION AND CAPITAL NEEDS
We are in our development stage and have a limited operating history.
We are a development-stage enterprise with a limited operating history with no sales, and operating losses since its inception. We will need to continue building our organization and team to competently evaluate and secure business opportunities for the development of sophisticated technologies. As an early-stage business we will likely encounter unforeseen costs, expenses, competition and other problems to which such businesses are often subject. Our likelihood of success will depend on the problems, uncertainties, unexpected costs, difficulties, complications and delays frequently encountered in developing and expanding a new business and the competitive environment in which we plan to operate. If we fail to successfully address these risks, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially harmed.
We anticipateoperating lossesto continue into theforeseeable future andsubstantial additional capital may be required that may not be available on acceptable terms.
Currently, there is no revenue being generated and we have significant operating losses that are expected to continue into the foreseeable future. There is no assurance that we will be able to raise the capital that will be required to sustain operations and execute our business plan, which involves raising capital for acquisitions as well as developing and commercializing technologies. We are especially focused on the green construction materials business, namely DUREVERTM building products, which includes a line of composite products primarily made from recycled thermoplastics, reinforcement materials and fire-retardant chemicals for use in walls, ceilings, flooring, framing, siding, roofing, molding and decking. The production of green building materials requires establishing manufacturing operations in the United States, whether through contract manufacturing or setting up our own facilities. Should we be unable to raise sufficient capital required to set up manufacturing facilities to produce NEXBOARDTM products, we would lose the ability to deliver NEXBOARD to interested buyers and incur continued operating losses.
We expect capital outlays and operating expenditures to increase as we expand our product offerings and marketing activities. Our business or operations may change in a manner that would consume available funds more rapidly than anticipated, and substantial additional funding may be required to maintain operations, fund expansion, develop new or enhanced products or services, acquire complementary products, businesses or technologies or otherwise respond to competitive pressures and opportunities. Furthermore, any equity or debt financings, if available at all, may be on terms which are not favorable to the Company (and therefore its shareholders) and, in the case of a new equity offering by the Company, existing shareholders will be diluted unless they purchase their proportionate share of the equity offering. If adequate capital is not available on economically viable terms and conditions, the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.
We will need to meet or otherwise resolve the obligations required by the Auctus Fund LLC Senior Secured Note and the Amendment to the Note.
The Company has Senior Secured Promissory Note with Auctus Fund LLC (“Auctus”), which became due and payable on March 15, 2023. On June 1, 2023, the SEC filed a complaint against Auctus claiming that the company was operating as an unlicensed broker-dealer and the loans could result in cancellation.
At this time, there is no assurance that the SEC will be successful in its effort, or the Company will work out a favorable extension of this note. One of the related obligations of the Company is to uplist to a major exchange. If we do not perform under the Note, and Auctus elects to enforce the Note, we may lose all or substantially all of our assets. If Auctus elects to convert the note into shares of our Common Stock, our shareholders could experience substantial dilution.
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In an effort to resolve the Auctus obligation, on May 17, 2022, the Company entered into a Letter Agreement with XTI Aircraft Company (“XTI”) whereby Xeriant would receive compensation for introducing Inpixon, a Nasdaq-listed company, to XTI for a combination or any other transaction. Should a combination or any other transaction occur, the compensation due to Xeriant would include XTI assuming Xeriant’s obligations under its Senior Secured Note with Auctus and Xeriant would receive a six percent (6%) fully diluted interest in XTI upon dissolution of its Joint Venture with Xeriant. On July 25, 2023, Inpixon filed an 8-K announcing that they had signed an Agreement of Plan and Merger with XTI. On October 6, 2023, Inpixon filed an S4/A for the business combination with XTI. On March 12, 2024, XTI merged with Inpixon, the Nasdaq-listed company introduced to XTI by Xeriant, arranged through Xeriant’s investment banker at that time, Maxim Group, LLC.
On June 1, 2023, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filed a complaint in the U.S, District Court in Massachusetts (Case no. 1:23-cv-11233) against Auctus Fund Management, LLC, and its principals, Louis Posner and Alfred Sollami, predicated on their alleged failure to duly register as securities dealers in compliance with SEC regulations.
The SEC complaint charges Auctus Management, Mr. Sollami, and Mr. Posner with breaches of Sections 15(a)(1) and 20(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Pursuant to these charges, the SEC is actively seeking the imposition of permanent injunctions, disgorgement of any unauthorized proceeds coupled with the associated prejudgment interest, civil pecuniary sanctions, proscriptions related to penny stock dealings, and other forms of just and equitable relief. Additionally, the SEC complaint incorporates Auctus Fund as a relief defendant and thereby endeavors to secure disgorgement from Auctus Fund, of ill-gotten gains from the activities of Auctus Management, Mr. Sollami, and Mr. Posner.
Given that Auctus issued a Senior Secured Promissory Note to Xeriant on October 27, 2021, we believe the SEC's order to surrender and cancel any securities obtained by Auctus in connection with its convertible notes business between 2012 and 2021 (including convertible notes, warrants, and shares), may result in the extinguishment of the Xeriant Senior Secured Promissory Note although no assurance can be given that such result will occur.
Based primarily on the SEC case, on October 19, 2023, Xeriant filed a complaint in the United States Southern District of New York (Case no.1:23-cv-09200) against Auctus Fund LLC, to invalidate allegedly illegally designed contractual agreements, including contesting the enforceability of the related note and amendments, and to set aside improper and unlawful securities transactions effectuated in violation of Section 15(a)(1) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. § 78o(a)(1)) by the Defendant, alleging breaches of fiduciary duty and related claims. On February 9, 2024 the case was dismissed. The Company filed a Notice of Civil Appeal on March 13, 2024, primarily based on public welfare because of the pending litigation between the SEC and Auctus. On June 19, 2024, the Company filed an appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (Case no. 24-682-cv), which is still pending. The foregoing descriptions of the legal actions do not purport to be complete and are subject in their entirety by the full text of the court filings.
The Company’s counsel believes that the Auctus obligation will be resolved in either the pending SEC or appellate cases, although there is no certainty of an outcome favorable to the Company.
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Not obtaining sufficient financing will jeopardize our operations and the ability to execute our business plan.
We need to raise additional debt and/or equity financing to fund future operations and to provide working capital. However, there is no assurance that such financing will be consummated or obtained in sufficient amounts necessary to meet our needs. If cash resources are insufficient to satisfy our on-going cash requirements, the Company will be required to scale back or discontinue its product development programs or obtain funds if available (although there can be no certainties) through strategic alliances that may require us to relinquish rights to its technology, substantially reduce or discontinue its operations entirely. No assurance can be given that any future financing will be available or, if available, that it will be in terms that are satisfactory to us. Even if we are able to obtain financing, it may contain undue restrictions on our operations, in the case of debt financing, or cause substantial dilution for our stockholders, in the case of equity financing. As a result, we can provide no assurance as to whether or if we will ever be profitable. If we are not able to achieve and maintain profitability, the value of our company and our common stock could decline significantly.
Our recurring operating losses have raised substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern.
Our recurring operating losses raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. This condition is expected to continue for the foreseeable future until we can produce sufficient revenues to cover our costs as we seek to raise funding and invest in our operations as well as our sales and marketing efforts. Given this financial situation, no assurances can be given that we will be able to raise capital in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. As a result, our independent registered public accounting firm included an explanatory paragraph in its report in our consolidated financial statements for the most recent fiscal years with respect to this uncertainty. The perception of our ability to continue as a going concern may make it more difficult for us to obtain financing for the continuation of our operations and could result in the loss of confidence of investors, partners and employees.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS OPERATIONS
There is no assurance that we or our affiliates will be able to accomplish the design and engineering needed to demonstrate that the technologies that are undertaken will perform or operate as planned.
Because of unanticipated technological hurdles or the inability to assemble a qualified team to address these challenges, we may not be able to meet the technology development and performance objectives that are needed to be competitive in the various targeted markets.
The development timeline for the development of certain technologies could expand.
Due to unexpected challenges, the length of time to develop certain technologies may become expanded, causing cost overruns and potentially demanding the infusion of large amounts of capital and other financing, which may not be available. Because of the long timeline, there is also uncertainty regarding the uniqueness or advantages of the technologies at the time they are introduced into the market.
Some technologies are still being developed and specific market applications have not been finalized.
Because some of the anticipated technologies will be in an early stage of development, there is no certainty as to which market applications will be prioritized and targeted as well as the associated timelines and costs involved when we reach that point of determination after a technology has been proven. There is no assurance that the required selling price of our technologies will be competitive.
We will face significant industry competition.
Most of the targeted technologies will face significant competition from industry leaders or from well-funded entrants in the marketplace. We could face significant competition from companies who have developed or are developing alternative technologies that could render acquired technologies less competitive than planned. Many existing potential competitors are well-established, have or may have longer-standing relationships with customers and potential business partners, have or may have greater name recognition, and have or may have access to substantially greater financial, technical and marketing resources.
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If we are unable to effectively manage our growth, our ability to implement our business strategy and our operating results will likely be materially adversely affected.
Implementation of our business plan will place a significant strain on our management who must develop administrative, operating and financial infrastructures. To manage our business and planned growth effectively, we must successfully develop, implement, maintain and enhance our financial and accounting systems and controls, identify, hire and integrate new personnel and manage expanded operations. Salaries and benefits of additional personnel can be expected to place significant stress on our financial condition, and the availability of such qualified personnel may be limited. There is no assurance that we will be able to manage the operational requirements related to implementing our business strategy.
We are dependent on key personnel.
Our success depends on our ability to identify, hire, train and retain highly qualified, specialized and experienced management and technical personnel. In addition, as we enter new areas of technology, we will need to hire additional highly skilled personnel. Competition for personnel with the required knowledge, skill and experience may be significant, and we may not be able to attract, assimilate or retain such personnel. The inability to attract and retain the necessary managerial and technical personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are dependent on developing effective eco-friendly flame retardants for use in the production of our DUREVERTM and NEXBOARDTM products.
A significant part of our projected operations is expected to come from the sale of DUREVERTM and NEXBOARDTM products primarily made from recycled materials that use our proprietary eco-friendly industrial flame retardants. We continue testing several different flame-retardant formulas to insure effective performance in the required fire tests for the construction industry and other applications.
Operations could be adversely affected by interruptions from suppliers of components that are beyond our control.
Our technology, product development and sales could be adversely affected by interruptions in the supply of necessary components which are sourced from a variety of domestic and international vendors, suppliers and distributors, especially chemicals. We are also dependent upon third parties to timely deliver supplies that meet our specifications at competitive prices. Shortages or interruptions in the supply of these items, including electronic components, raw materials and chemicals could adversely affect the availability, quality and cost of items we sell. If such shortages result in increased cost of our supplies, we may not be able to pass along all of such increased costs to our customers. Such shortages or disruptions could be caused by transportation issues, inclement weather, natural disasters, increased demand, problems in production or distribution, restrictions on imports or exports, the inability of vendors to obtain credit, political instability in the countries in which suppliers and distributors are located, the financial instability of suppliers and distributors, suppliers’ or distributors’ failure to meet our standards, product quality issues, inflation, the price of gasoline, other factors relating to the suppliers and distributors and the countries in which they are located, safety regulations, warnings or advisories or the prospect of such pronouncements, the cancellation of supply or distribution agreements or an inability to renew such arrangements or to find replacements on commercially reasonable terms, or other conditions beyond our control. A shortage or interruption in the availability of certain electronic components, like servos and switchboards for industrial manufacturing equipment, chemicals, raw materials or supplies could increase costs and limit the availability of products critical to our operations, which in turn could lead to a significant reduction in our revenue.
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Changes in the economy could have a detrimental impact on the Company.
Changes in the general economic climate could have a detrimental impact on our revenue. It is possible that recessionary pressures and other economic factors (such as declining incomes, future potential rising interest rates, higher unemployment and tax increases) may adversely affect the Company. A worsening economy such as we are currently experiencing due to the Covid-19 pandemic may have a material adverse effect on our financial results and on your investment.
Our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely impacted by pandemics or other significant public health conditions.
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the U.S. and global economy over the past few years, resulting in significant travel restrictions, including mandated closures and orders to “shelter-in-place,” and created significant disruption of supply chains and the financial markets. The extent to which our operations may be impacted by the other public health conditions cannot be accurately predicted, including actions by government authorities to contain an outbreak or treat its impact. We may experience materially adverse impacts on our business due to a number of potential economic conditions. The impact of significant public health conditions may also exacerbate other risks discussed in these risk factors, any of which could have a material effect on us.
Our success is dependent upon our keeping pace with the advances in technology.
We are positioned as a technology company. Some of our initiatives will be dependent on the technology of other companies. Systems and components may be impacted by rapid changes in technology, including the emergence of new industry standards and practices that could require us to make modifications to its platform. Our performance will depend, in part, on our ability to continue to enhance our existing technology or develop new technology that addresses the increasingly sophisticated and varied needs of the market, license leading technologies and respond to technological advances and emerging industry standards and practices on a timely and cost-effective basis. The development of our proprietary technology entails significant technical as well as business risks. We may be unsuccessful in using new technologies effectively or adapting its systems or other proprietary technology to the requirements of emerging industry standards. If we are unable to adapt to these changes and demands, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
We could face liability or disruption from security breaches.
Our technology and development process involves the storage of critical, secure and proprietary information. Our communications and computer infrastructure are potentially vulnerable to both physical and electronic invasions, such as cyberattacks and security breaches. We may be required to expend significant capital and other resources to defend against and lessen or correct the adverse effects of these invasions. Any such invasion could result in significant damage to us. A person who is able to circumvent the security measures employed by us could capture proprietary information; alter or destroy our information; or cause interruptions of our operations.
Many of the regulations involving Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), including VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are still being established and may affect our investment in XTI Aircraft Company.
The USDOT, FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and other agencies at the federal, state and local levels are beginning to address some of the numerous certification, regulatory and legal challenges associated with AAM, including VTOL aircraft, UAV and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). A comprehensive set of standards and enforcement procedures for these new transport systems will need to be developed. New aircraft and their operators must undergo rigorous testing and certification, which may require new or modified airworthiness certification standards. These aircraft will also need to comply with existing regulations or be the subject of new regulations to cover their activities. Current regulations govern operating BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight), passenger transport, operating over people and public streets, privacy, transporting commercial cargo across state lines and instrument-based flight. The integration of UAS and UAM into the National Airspace System and air traffic management is a critical factor, requiring a remote identification process for these aircraft. The FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft System Integration Pilot Program (IPP) will provide certification necessary to operate UAVs for certain applications. It is uncertain how new or changed laws and regulations will affect the introduction of new aerial platforms into the marketplace. The time and costs involved in obtaining these certifications and regulatory compliance may adversely impact the development process.
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Litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
From time to time in the normal course of our business operations, we may become subject to litigation that may result in a liability material to our financial statements as a whole or may negatively affect our operating results if changes to our business operations are required. The cost to defend such litigation may be significant and may require a diversion of our resources. There also may be adverse publicity associated with litigation that could negatively affect customer perception of our business, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are ultimately found liable. Insurance may not be available at all or in sufficient amounts to cover any liabilities with respect to these or other matters. A judgment or other liability in excess of our insurance coverage for any claims could adversely affect our business and the results of our operations.
Our insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover all significant risk exposures.
While we intend to maintain insurance for certain risks, the amount of our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all claims or liabilities, and we may be forced to bear substantial costs resulting from risks and uncertainties of our business. It is also not possible to obtain insurance to protect against all operational risks and liabilities. The failure to obtain adequate insurance coverage on terms favorable to us, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We do not have any business interruption insurance. Any business disruption could result in substantial costs and diversion from executing our business plan.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR DEPENDENCE ON THIRD PARTIES
We may fail to retain or recruit necessary personnel, and we may be unable to secure the services of consultants.
As of the date of this filing, our management team of five people is currently paid as consultants or independent contractors. We also have engaged and plan to continue to engage outside consultants called Senior Advisors to advise us and have been and will be required to retain additional consultants and employees. Our future performance will depend in part on our ability to successfully integrate newly hired officers into our management team and our ability to develop an effective working relationship among senior management.
Certain of our directors, officers, advisors, and consultants serve as officers, directors, advisors, or consultants of other companies that might be developing competitive products. Other than corporate opportunities, none of our directors are obligated under any agreement or understanding with us to make any additional products or technologies available to us. Similarly, we can give no assurances, and we do not expect, and stockholders should not expect, that any product or technology identified by any of our directors or affiliates in the future would be made available to us other than corporate opportunities. We can give no assurances that any such other companies will not have interests that are in conflict with its interests.
Losing key personnel or failing to recruit necessary additional personnel would impede our ability to attain our development objectives. There is intense competition for qualified personnel in the technology field, and we may not be able to attract and retain the qualified personnel we need to develop our business.
We rely on independent organizations, advisors and consultants to perform certain services for us, including handling substantially all aspects of regulatory approval, manufacturing, marketing, and sales. We expect that this will continue to be the case. Such services may not always be available to us on a timely basis.
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We may be subject to claims that our consultants or independent contractors have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets of their other clients or former employers to us.
As is common in the technology industry, we engage the services of consultants to assist in the development of our products. Many of these consultants were previously employed at or may have previously been or are currently providing consulting services to other technology companies, including our competitors or potential competitors. We may become subject to claims that we or our consultants have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed trade secrets or other proprietary information about our former employers or their former or current customers. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. Even if we are successful in defending against these claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Misappropriation of our intellectual property and proprietary rights could impair our competitive position.
Our success will depend to some extent upon our proprietary patented technology. The legal protections available to us can afford only limited protection, and these means of protecting our intellectual property may be inadequate. We rely, and will continue to rely, on patents, trademarks, trade secrets and copyright laws, confidentiality agreements, employment agreements, work for hire agreements, and technical measures to protect its intellectual property. We cannot ensure that the steps taken by it will prevent misappropriation of its technology or that the agreements entered into for that purpose will be enforceable. Effective trademark, service mark, copyright and trade secret protection may not be available in every jurisdiction in which our products and services are made available online. Our intellectual property may be subject to even greater risk in foreign jurisdictions, as the laws of many countries do not protect intellectual property to the same extent as the laws of the United States. As part of its confidentiality procedures, we generally will enter into agreements with our employees and consultants and limit access to our trade secrets and technology. We cannot assure or assume, however, that former employees will not seek to start or enhance other competing products or services to our detriment, our business, results of operations and financial condition. Nevertheless, management believes that the technical and creative skills of its personnel, continued development of its proprietary systems and technology, as well as brand name recognition and development are more essential in establishing and maintaining a competitive market position.
Despite efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized persons may attempt to copy aspects of our products or services or to obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. Policing unauthorized use of our proprietary rights is difficult and requires constant attention. We may be required to spend significant resources to monitor and police our intellectual property rights. We may not be able to detect infringement and may lose our competitive position in the market before we are able to ascertain any such infringement. In addition, competitors may design around our proprietary technology or develop competing technologies.
Intellectual property litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or to defend against claims of infringement by us. Other companies, including competitors, may obtain patents or other proprietary rights that would prevent, limit or interfere with our ability to make, use or sell its products and services. Any such litigation by or against us, whether the claims are valid or not, could result in our incurring substantial costs and diversion of resources, including the attention of senior management. If we are unsuccessful in such legal proceedings, we could be subjected to significant damages; be required to license technology that is critical to our operations, if a license is available at a cost which we can pay; or be required to develop replacement technologies at substantial cost to us in money and time. Any of these results could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
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We rely on patents and patent applications and various regulatory exclusivities to protect some of our product candidates, and our ability to compete may be limited or eliminated if we are not able to protect our products.
The patent positions of companies such as ours are uncertain and involve complex legal and factual questions. We may incur significant expenses in protecting our intellectual property and defending or assessing claims with respect to intellectual property owned by others. Any patent or other infringement litigation by or against us could cause us to incur significant expenses and divert the attention of our management.
Others may file patent applications or obtain patents on similar technologies that compete with our products or those of our joint ventures. We cannot predict how broad the claims in any such patents or applications will be and whether they will be allowed. Once claims have been issued, we cannot predict how they will be construed or enforced. We and/or our joint ventures may infringe upon intellectual property rights of others without being aware of it. If another party claims we are infringing their technology, we could have to defend an expensive and time-consuming lawsuit, pay a large sum if we are found to be infringing, or be prohibited from selling or licensing our products unless we obtain a license or redesign our products, which may not be possible.
We, and/or our joint ventures, also rely on trade secrets and proprietary know-how to develop and maintain our, or our joint venture’s, competitive position. Some of our current or former employees, consultants, scientific advisors, contractors, current or prospective corporate collaborators, may unintentionally or willfully disclose our confidential information to competitors or use our proprietary technology for their own benefits. Furthermore, enforcing a claim alleging the infringement of our trade secrets would be expensive and difficult to prove, making the outcome uncertain. Our competitors may also independently develop similar knowledge, methods, and know-how or gain access to our proprietary information through some other means.
We may incur substantial costs as a result of litigation or other proceedings relating to patent and other intellectual property rights, as well as costs associated with lawsuits.
If any other person filed patent applications, or is issued patents, claiming technology also claimed by us, we may be required to participate in interference or derivation proceedings in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to determine priority and/or ownership of the invention. Our licensors or we may also need to participate in interference proceedings involving issued patents and pending applications of another entity.
The intellectual property environment in our industry is particularly complex, constantly evolving and highly fragmented. Other companies and institutions have issued patents and have filed or will file patent applications that may issue into patents that cover or attempt to cover products, processes or technologies similar to ours. We have not conducted freedom-to-use patent searches on all aspects of our product candidates or potential product candidates and may be unaware of relevant patents and patent applications of third parties. In addition, the freedom-to-use patent searches that have been conducted may not have identified all relevant issued patents or pending patent applications. We cannot provide assurance that our proposed products in this area will not ultimately be held to infringe one or more valid claims owned by third parties which may exist or come to exist in the future or that in such case we will be able to obtain a license from such parties on acceptable terms.
We cannot guarantee that our technologies will not conflict with the rights of others. In some foreign jurisdictions, we could become involved in opposition proceedings, either by opposing the validity of others’ foreign patents or by persons opposing the validity of our foreign patents.
We may also face frivolous litigation or lawsuits from various competitors or from litigious securities attorneys. The cost of any litigation or other proceeding relating to these areas, even if deemed frivolous or resolved in our favor, could be substantial and could distract management from its business. Uncertainties resulting from initiation and continuation of any litigation could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue our operations.
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If we infringe the rights of others, we could be prevented from selling products or forced to pay damages.
If our products, methods, processes, and other technologies are found to infringe the rights of other parties, we could be required to pay damages or may be required to cease using the technology or to license rights from the prevailing party. Any prevailing party may be unwilling to offer us a license on commercially acceptable terms.
We cannot be certain we will be able to obtain patent protection to protect our product candidates and technology.
We cannot be certain that all patents applied for will be issued. If a third party has also filed a patent application relating to an invention claimed by us or one or more of our licensors, we may be required to participate in an interference or derivation proceeding declared or instituted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which could result in substantial uncertainties and cost for us, even if the eventual outcome is favorable to us. The degree of future patent protection for our product candidates and technology is uncertain. For example:
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In addition, disputes may arise regarding intellectual property subject to a license agreement, including:
If disputes over the intellectual property that we have licensed prevent or impair our ability to maintain our current licensing arrangements on acceptable terms, we may be unable to successfully develop and commercialize the affected product candidates.
We may need to obtain licenses from third parties to advance our research to allow commercialization of our product candidates. We may fail to obtain any of these licenses at a reasonable cost or on reasonable terms, if at all. In that event, we would be unable to further develop and commercialize one or more of our product candidates, which could harm our business significantly.
We may infringe the intellectual property rights of others, which may prevent or delay our product development efforts and stop us from commercializing or increase the costs of commercializing our product candidates.
Our success will depend in part on our ability to operate without infringing the proprietary rights of third parties. We cannot guarantee that our products or product candidates, or manufacture or use of our products or product candidates, will not infringe third-party patents. Furthermore, a third party may claim that we are using inventions covered by the third party’s patent rights and may go to court to stop us from engaging in our normal operations and activities, including making or selling our product candidates or products. These lawsuits are costly and could affect our results of operations and divert the attention of managerial and scientific personnel. Some of these third parties may be better capitalized and have more resources than us. There is a risk that a court would decide that we are infringing the third party’s patents and would order us to stop the activities covered by the patents. In that event, we may not have a viable way to get around the patent and may need to halt commercialization of the relevant product candidate(s) or product(s). In addition, there is a risk that a court will order us to pay the other party damages for having violated the other party’s patents. In addition, we may be obligated to indemnify our licensors and collaborators against certain intellectual property infringement claims brought by third parties, which could require us to expend additional resources. The aerospace and technology industries have produced a proliferation of patents, and it is not always clear to industry participants, including us, which patents cover various types of products or methods. The coverage of patents is subject to interpretation by the courts, and the interpretation is not always uniform.
If we are sued for patent infringement, we would need to demonstrate that our products or methods either do not infringe the claims of the relevant patent or that the patent claims are invalid or unenforceable, and we may not be able to do this. Proving invalidity is difficult. For example, in the United States, proving invalidity requires a showing of clear and convincing evidence to overcome the presumption of validity enjoyed by issued patents. Even if we are successful in these proceedings, we may incur substantial costs and divert management’s time and attention in pursuing these proceedings, which could have a material adverse effect on us. If we are unable to avoid infringing the patent rights of others, we may be required to seek a license, which may not be available, and then we will have to defend an infringement action or challenge the validity of the patent in court. Patent litigation is costly and time consuming. We may not have sufficient resources to bring these actions to a successful conclusion. In addition, if we do not obtain a license, fail to develop or obtain non-infringing technology, fail to defend an infringement action successfully or have infringed patents declared invalid or unenforceable, we may incur substantial monetary damages, encounter significant delays in bringing our product candidates to market and be precluded from manufacturing or selling our product candidates.
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We cannot be certain that others have not filed patent applications for technology covered by our pending applications, or that we were the first to invent the technology, because:
● publications in the scientific literature often lag behind actual discoveries.
Our competitors may have filed, and may in the future file, patent applications covering technology similar to ours. Any such patent applications may have priority over our patent applications, which could further require us to obtain rights to issued patents covering such technologies. If another party has filed US patent applications on inventions similar to ours that claims priority to any applications filed prior to the priority dates of our applications, we may have to participate in an interference proceeding declared or a derivation proceed instituted by the USPTO to determine priority of invention in the United States. The costs of these proceedings could be substantial, and it is possible that such efforts would be unsuccessful if, unbeknownst to us, the other party had independently arrived at the same or similar inventions prior to our own inventions, resulting in a loss of our U.S. patent position with respect to such inventions. Other countries have similar laws that permit secrecy of patent applications, and thus the third party’s patent or patent application may be entitled to priority over our applications in such jurisdictions.
Some of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of complex patent litigation more effectively than we can because they have substantially greater resources. In addition, any uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of any litigation could have a material adverse effect on our ability to raise the funds necessary to continue our operations.
We may be subject to claims that our employees, consultants or independent contractors have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets.
As is common in the aerospace and technology industries, we may employ individuals who were previously employed at aerospace and technology companies, including our competitors or potential competitors. Although we try to ensure that our employees, consultants and independent contractors do not use the proprietary information or know-how of others in their work for us, we may be subject to claims that we or our employees, consultants or independent contractors have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed trade secrets or other proprietary information of their former employers. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. If we fail to defend any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we could lose valuable intellectual property rights or personnel, which could adversely impact our business. Even if we are successful in defending against these claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management.
Our intellectual property may not be sufficient to protect our products from competition, which may negatively affect our business as well as limit our partnership or acquisition appeal.
We may be subject to competition despite the existence of intellectual property we license, or we or our joint ventures own. We can give no assurances that our intellectual property will be sufficient to prevent third parties from designing around the patents we own or license and developing and commercializing competitive products. The existence of competitive products that avoid our intellectual property could materially adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. Furthermore, limitations, or perceived limitations, in our intellectual property may limit the interest of third parties to partner, collaborate or otherwise transact with us, if third parties perceive a higher than acceptable risk to commercialization of our products or future products.
Our approach involves filing patent applications covering new methods of use and/or new formulations of previously known, studied and/or marketed devices. Although the protection afforded by patents issued from our patent applications may be significant, when looking at our patents’ ability to block competition, the protection offered by our patents may be, to some extent, more limited than the protection provided by patents claiming the composition of matter previously unknown. If a competitor were able to successfully design around any method of use and formulation patents we may have in the future, our business and competitive advantage could be significantly affected.
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We may elect to sue a third party, or otherwise make a claim, alleging infringement or other violation of patents, trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, trade secrets, domain names or other intellectual property rights that we either own or license. If we do not prevail in enforcing our intellectual property rights in this type of litigation, we may be subject to:
● paying monetary damages related to the legal expenses of the third party;
A third party may also challenge the validity, enforceability or scope of the intellectual property rights that we license or own; and the result of these challenges may narrow the claim scope of or invalidate patents that are integral to our product candidates in the future. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully defend patents we own or licensed in an action against third parties due to the unpredictability of litigation and the high costs associated with intellectual property litigation, amongst other factors.
The laws of some jurisdictions do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws or rules and regulations in the United States and Europe, and many companies have encountered significant difficulties in protecting and defending such rights in such jurisdictions. The legal systems of certain countries, particularly certain developing countries, do not favor the enforcement of patents, trade secrets and other intellectual property protection, which could make it difficult for us to stop the infringement of our patents or marketing of competing products in violation of our proprietary rights generally. Proceedings to enforce our patent rights in other jurisdictions, whether or not successful, could result in substantial costs and divert our efforts and attention from other aspects of our business, could put our patents at risk of being invalidated, rendered unenforceable or interpreted narrowly and our patent applications at risk of not issuing, and could provoke third parties to assert claims against us. We may not prevail in any lawsuits that we initiate, and the damages or other remedies awarded, if any, may not be commercially meaningful. Accordingly, our efforts to enforce our intellectual property rights around the world may be inadequate to obtain a significant commercial advantage from the intellectual property that we develop or license. Furthermore, while we intend to protect our intellectual property rights in our expected significant markets, we cannot ensure that we will be able to initiate or maintain similar efforts in all jurisdictions in which we may wish to market our products or product candidates. Accordingly, our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights in such countries may be inadequate, which may have an adverse effect on our ability to successfully commercialize our product candidates in all of our expected significant foreign markets. If we or our licensors encounter difficulties in protecting, or are otherwise precluded from effectively protecting, the intellectual property rights important for our business in such jurisdictions, the value of these rights may be diminished, and we may face additional competition from others in those jurisdictions.
Changes to patent law, for example the Leahy-Smith America Invests Act, AIA or Leahy-Smith Act, of 2011 and the Patent Reform Act of 2009 and other future article of legislation in the U.S., may substantially change the regulations and procedures surrounding patent applications, issuance of patents, prosecution of patents, challenges to patent validity, and patent enforcement. We can give no assurances that our patents and those of our licensor(s) can be defended or will protect us against future intellectual property challenges, particularly as they pertain to changes in patent law and future patent law interpretations.
In addition, enforcing and maintaining our intellectual property protection depends on compliance with various procedural, document submission, fee payment and other requirements imposed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and courts, and foreign government patent agencies and courts, and our patent protection could be reduced or eliminated for non-compliance with these requirements.
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If we are not able to protect and control our unpatented trade secrets, know-how and other technological innovation, we may suffer competitive harm.
We also rely on proprietary trade secrets and unpatented know-how to protect our research and development activities, particularly when we do not believe that patent protection is appropriate or available. However, trade secrets are difficult to protect. We will attempt to protect our trade secrets and unpatented know-how by requiring our employees, consultants, collaborators, and advisors to execute a confidentiality and non-use agreement. We cannot guarantee that these agreements will provide meaningful protection, that these agreements will not be breached, that we will have an adequate remedy for any such breach, or that our trade secrets will not otherwise become known or independently developed by a third party. Our trade secrets, and those of our present or future collaborators that we utilize by agreement, may become known or may be independently discovered by others, which could adversely affect the competitive position of our product candidates.
We may incur substantial costs enforcing our patents, defending against third-party patents, invalidating third-party patents or licensing third-party intellectual property, as a result of litigation or other proceedings relating to patent and other intellectual property rights.
We may be unaware of or unfamiliar with prior art and/or interpretations of prior art that could potentially impact the validity or scope of our patents, pending patent applications, or patent applications that we will file. We may have elected, or elect now or in the future, not to maintain or pursue intellectual property rights that, at some point in time, may be considered relevant to or enforceable against a competitor.
We take efforts and enter into agreements with employees, consultants, collaborators, and advisors to confirm ownership and chain of title in intellectual property rights. However, an inventorship or ownership dispute could arise that may permit one or more third parties to practice or enforce our intellectual property rights, including possible efforts to enforce rights against us.
We may not have rights under some patents or patent applications that may cover technologies that we use in our research, product candidates and particular uses thereof that we seek to develop and commercialize, as well as synthesis of our product candidates. Third parties may own or control these patents and patent applications in the United States and elsewhere. These third parties could bring claims against us or our collaborators that would cause us to incur substantial expenses and, if successful against us, could cause us to pay substantial damages. Further, if a patent infringement suit were brought against us or our collaborators, we or they could be forced to stop or delay research, development, manufacturing or sales of the product or product candidate that is the subject of the suit. We or our collaborators therefore may choose to seek, or be required to seek, a license from the third-party and would most likely be required to pay license fees or royalties or both. These licenses may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. Even if we or our collaborators were able to obtain a license, the rights may be nonexclusive, which would give our competitors access to the same intellectual property. Ultimately, we could be prevented from commercializing a product or product candidate or forced to cease some aspect of our business operations, as a result of patent infringement claims, which could harm our business.
There has been substantial litigation and other legal proceedings regarding patent and other intellectual property rights in the broad technology industry. Although we are not currently a party to any patent litigation or any other adversarial proceeding, including any interference or derivation proceeding declared or instituted before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, regarding intellectual property rights with respect to our products, product candidates and technology, it is possible that we may become so in the future. We are not currently aware of any actual or potential third-party infringement claim involving our product candidates. The cost to us of any patent litigation or other proceeding, even if resolved in our favor, could be substantial. The outcome of patent litigation is subject to uncertainties that cannot be adequately quantified in advance, including the demeanor and credibility of witnesses and the identity of the adverse party, especially in the aerospace and technology related patent cases that may turn on the testimony of experts as to technical facts upon which experts may reasonably disagree. Some of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of such litigation or proceedings more effectively than we can because of their substantially greater financial resources. If a patent or other proceeding is resolved against us, we may be enjoined from researching, developing, manufacturing or commercializing our products or product candidates without a license from the other party and we may be held liable for significant damages. We may not be able to obtain any required license on commercially acceptable terms or at all.
Uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of patent litigation or other proceedings could harm our ability to compete in the marketplace. Patent litigation and other proceedings may also absorb significant management time.
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If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, our competitors may develop and market products with similar features that may reduce demand for our potential products.
The following factors are important to our success:
● receiving patent protection for our product candidates;
● preventing others from infringing our intellectual property rights; and
● maintaining our patent rights and trade secrets.
We will be able to protect our intellectual property rights in patents and trade secrets from unauthorized use by third parties only to the extent that such intellectual property rights are covered by valid and enforceable patents or are effectively maintained as trade secrets.
Because issues of patentability involve complex legal and factual questions, the issuance, scope and enforceability of patents cannot be predicted with certainty. Patents may be challenged, invalidated, found unenforceable, or circumvented. United States patents and patent applications may be subject to interference and derivation proceedings, United States patents may also be subject to post grant proceedings, including re-examination, derivation, Inter Partes Review and Post Grant Review, in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and foreign patents may be subject to opposition or comparable proceedings in corresponding foreign patent offices, which could result in either loss of the patent or denial of the patent application or loss or reduction in the scope of one or more of the claims of the patent or patent application. In addition, such interference, derivation, post grant and opposition proceedings may be costly. Thus, any patents that we own or license from others may not provide any protection against competitors. Furthermore, an adverse decision in an interference or derivation proceeding can result in a third-party receiving the patent rights sought by us, which in turn could affect our ability to market a potential product to which that patent filing was directed. Our pending patent applications, those that we may file in the future, or those that we may license from third parties may not result in patents being issued. If issued, they may not provide us with proprietary protection or competitive advantages against competitors with similar technology. Furthermore, others may independently develop similar technologies or duplicate any technology that we have developed. Many countries, including certain countries in Europe, have compulsory licensing laws under which a patent owner may be compelled to grant licenses to third parties. For example, compulsory licenses may be required in cases where the patent owner has failed to “work” the invention in that country, or the third-party has patented improvements. In addition, many countries limit the enforceability of patents against government agencies or government contractors. In these countries, the patent owner may have limited remedies, which could materially diminish the value of our patents. Moreover, the legal systems of certain countries, particularly certain developing countries, do not favor the enforcement of patents and other intellectual property protection, which makes it difficult to stop infringement.
In addition, our ability to enforce our patent rights depends on our ability to detect infringement. It is difficult to detect infringers who do not advertise or otherwise promote the compositions that are used in their products. Any litigation to enforce or defend our patent rights, even if we prevail, could be costly and time-consuming and would divert the attention of management and key personnel from business operations.
We will also rely on trade secrets, know-how and technology, which are not protected by patents, to maintain our competitive position. We will seek to protect this information by entering into confidentiality agreements with parties that have access to it, such as strategic partners, collaborators, employees, contractors and consultants. Any of these parties may breach these agreements and disclose our confidential information or our competitors might learn of the information in some other way. If any trade secret, know-how or other technology not protected by a patent were disclosed to, or independently developed by, a competitor, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
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RISKS RELATED TO OWNING OUR COMMON STOCK
We do not intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.
We currently anticipate that we will retain all future earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any payment of cash dividends will depend upon our financial condition, capital requirements, earnings and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.
If we are unable to establish appropriate internal financial reporting controls and procedures, it could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, result in the restatement of our financial statements, harm our operating results, subject us to regulatory scrutiny and sanction, cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information and have a negative effect on the market price for shares of our Common Stock.
Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and to effectively prevent fraud. We maintain a system of internal control over financial reporting, which is defined as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
As a public company, we have significant additional requirements for enhanced financial reporting and internal controls. We are required to document and test our internal control procedures in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. The process of designing and implementing effective internal controls is a continuous effort that requires us to anticipate and react to changes in our business and the economic and regulatory environments and to expend significant resources to maintain a system of internal controls that is adequate to satisfy our reporting obligations as a public company.
We cannot assure you that we will, in the future, identify areas requiring improvement in our internal control over financial reporting. We cannot assure you that the measures we will take to remediate any areas in need of improvement will be successful or that we will implement and maintain adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future as we continue our growth. If we are unable to establish appropriate internal financial reporting controls and procedures, it could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, result in the restatement of our financial statements, harm our operating results, subject us to regulatory scrutiny and sanction, cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information and have a negative effect on the market price for shares of our Common Stock.
The price of our common stock may be volatile and fluctuate substantially.
Our stock price has been and is likely to continue to be volatile. The stock market in general and the market for companies with smaller public floats in particular have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. As a result of this volatility, our stockholders may not be able to sell our common stock at or above the price they paid for it. The market price for our common stock may be influenced by many factors, including:
· the timing, results and capacity of our manufacturing operations;
· the success of existing or new competitive products or technologies;
· failure of discontinuation of any of our development programs;
· the success of our competitors new products entering the marketplace;
· regulatory or legal developments in the United States and other countries;
· the recruitment or departure of key personnel;
· announcement or expectation of additional financing efforts;
· sales of our common stock by us, our insiders or other stockholders;
· general economic, industry and market conditions.
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Our directors and executive officers can exert significant control over our business and affairs and have actual or potential interests that may depart from those of investors in the subsequent financings.
The interests of our directors and officers may differ from the interests of our other stockholders, including purchasers of our securities, in future financings. As a result, based on their board seats and offices, such persons will have significant influence over and control all corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, irrespective of how the Company’s other stockholders, may vote, including the following actions:
● to elect or defeat the election of our directors;
This concentration of ownership by itself may have the effect of impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover or other business consolidation, or discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer for the Common Stock which in turn could reduce our stock price or prevent our stockholders from realizing a premium over our stock price.
We may issue more shares in a future financing or pursuant to existing agreements which will result in substantial dilution.
Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of a maximum of 5,000,000,000 shares of Common Stock and a maximum of 100,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. Any future merger or acquisition effected by us would result in the issuance of additional securities without stockholder approval and the substantial dilution in the percentage of our Common Stock held by our then existing stockholders. Moreover, the Common Stock issued in any such merger or acquisition transaction may be valued on an arbitrary or non-arm’s-length basis by our management, resulting in an additional reduction in the percentage of Common Stock held by our then existing stockholders. Additionally, we expect to seek additional financing in order to provide working capital to the operating business. Our Board of Directors has the power to issue any or all of such authorized but unissued shares without stockholder approval. To the extent that additional shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock are issued in connection with and following a business combination or otherwise, dilution to the interests of our stockholders will occur and the rights of the holders of Common Stock might be materially and adversely affected.
Our Board of Directors is authorized to issue Preferred Stock without obtaining shareholder approval.
Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to 100,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock with designations, rights and preferences determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, our Board of Directors is empowered, without stockholder approval, to issue Preferred Stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting, or other rights which could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of the Common Stock. In the event of issuance, the Preferred Stock could be utilized, under certain circumstances, as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company. Although we have no present intention to issue any shares of Preferred Stock, there can be no assurance that the Company will not do so in the future.
An active trading market for our common stock may not develop, and you may not be able to sell your common stock.
There has been a limited public market for our common stock. An active trading market for shares of our common stock may never develop or be sustained following this offering. If an active trading market does not develop, you may have difficulty selling your shares of common stock at an attractive price, or at all. An inactive market may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling our common stock, and it may impair our ability to attract and motivate our employees through equity incentive awards and our ability to acquire other companies, products or technologies by using our common stock as consideration.
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Market and economic conditions may negatively impact our business, financial condition and share price.
Concerns over medical epidemics, energy costs, geopolitical issues such as the issues in the Ukraine and the Middle East, the U.S. mortgage market and a deteriorating real estate market, unstable global credit markets and financial conditions, and volatile oil prices have led to periods of significant economic instability, diminished liquidity and credit availability, declines in consumer confidence and discretionary spending, diminished expectations for the global economy and expectations of slower global economic growth, increased unemployment rates, and increased credit defaults in recent years. Our general business strategy may be adversely affected by any such economic downturns such as public health conditions, volatile business environments and continued unstable or unpredictable economic, market, and geopolitical conditions, such as the current situation in the Ukraine. If these conditions continue to deteriorate or do not improve, it may make any necessary debt or equity financing more difficult to complete, more costly, and more dilutive. Failure to secure any necessary financing in a timely manner and on favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on our growth strategy, financial performance, and share price and could require us to delay or abandon development or commercialization plans.
Future sales and issuances of our common stock could result in additional dilution of the percentage ownership of our stockholders and could cause our share price to fall.
We expect that significant additional capital will be needed in the future to continue our planned operations, including increased marketing, hiring new personnel, commercializing our product, and continuing activities as an operating public company. To the extent we raise additional capital by issuing equity securities, our stockholders may experience substantial dilution. We may sell common stock, convertible securities or other equity securities in one or more transactions at prices and in a manner we determine from time to time. If we sell common stock, convertible securities or other equity securities in more than one transaction, investors may be materially diluted by subsequent sales. Such sales may also result in material dilution to our existing stockholders, and new investors could gain rights superior to our existing stockholders.
We do not intend to pay cash dividends on our shares of common stock so any returns will be limited to the value of our shares.
We currently anticipate that we will retain future earnings for the development, operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. Any return to stockholders will therefore be limited to the increase, if any, of our share price.
We may be at risk of securities class action litigation.
We may be at risk of securities class action litigation. If we face such litigation, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could harm our business and result in a decline in the market price of our common stock.
Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws, and Nevada law may have anti-takeover effects that could discourage, delay or prevent a change in control, which may cause our stock price to decline.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws, and Nevada law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if closing such a transaction would be beneficial to our stockholders. We are authorized to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock. This preferred stock may be issued in one or more series, the terms of which may be determined at the time of issuance by our Board of Directors without further action by stockholders. The terms of any series of preferred stock may include voting rights (including the right to vote as a series on particular matters), preferences as to dividend, liquidation, conversion and redemption rights and sinking fund provisions. The issuance of any preferred stock could materially adversely affect the rights of the holders of our common stock, and therefore, reduce the value of our common stock. In particular, specific rights granted to future holders of preferred stock could be used to restrict our ability to merge with, or sell our assets to, a third party and thereby preserve control by the present management.
Provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws and Nevada law also could have the effect of discouraging potential acquisition proposals or making a tender offer or delaying or preventing a change in control, including changes a stockholder might consider favorable. Such provisions may also prevent or frustrate attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our management. In particular, the certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Nevada law, as applicable, among other things:
● place limitations on the removal of directors;
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Financial reporting obligations of being a public company in the U.S. are expensive and time-consuming, and our management will be required to devote substantial time to compliance matters.
As a publicly traded company we incur significant additional legal, accounting and other expenses. The obligations of being a public company in the U.S. require significant expenditures and will place significant demands on our management and other personnel, including costs resulting from public company reporting obligations under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations regarding corporate governance practices, including those under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and the listing requirements of the stock exchange on which our securities are listed. These rules require the establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls and procedures, internal control over financial reporting and changes in corporate governance practices, among many other complex rules that are often difficult to implement, monitor and maintain compliance with. Moreover, despite recent reforms made possible by the JOBS Act, the reporting requirements, rules, and regulations will make some activities more time-consuming. In addition, we expect these rules and regulations to make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance. Our management and other personnel will need to devote a substantial amount of time to ensure that we comply with all of these requirements and to keep pace with new regulations, otherwise we may fall out of compliance and risk becoming subject to litigation or being delisted, among other potential problems.
There will be a substantial number of common shares eligible for future sale from the conversion of Series A Preferred shares.
There were 705,895 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock outstanding as of June 30, 2024. Each preferred share is convertible into 1,000 common shares. Once converted, these shares are eligible for resale under Rule 144. The sale, or availability for sale, of the foregoing shares could adversely affect the market price of our common stock or impair our ability to raise capital through future sales of our common stock.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not Applicable.
Item 1C. Cybersecurity
Risk Management and Security
The Company’s Cybersecurity Policy outlines our guidelines and provisions for preserving the security of our data and technology infrastructure. The more the Company relies on technology to collect, store and manage information, the more vulnerable to severe security breaches the Company becomes. Human errors, hacker attacks and system malfunctions could cause significant financial damage and may jeopardize the Company’s reputation. For this reason, the Company has implemented extensive security measures, has prepared instructions in order to mitigate security risks, and has outlined both provisions in this policy.
Governance
Our Board of Directors oversees our risk management, including our information and cybersecurity policies and risk assessments. Our management reports to our Board of Directors on information security as necessary, regarding any significant cybersecurity incidents.
Item 2. Properties
The Company’s headquarters consists of 2,911 square feet of leased office space located in the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University, Innovation Centre 1, 3998 FAU Blvd., Suite 309 Boca Raton, FL 33431. The lease term ends during the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter in 2024.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
On September 1, 2021, Xeriant brought a cause of action in the Southern District of Florida against a former shareholder for claims, including but not limited to, breach of contract, misrepresentation, and asserting claims to recoup monetary and in-kind distributions made to the shareholder by the Company. The defendant submitted an affirmative defense and counterclaim on October 29, 2021, which was subsequently dismissed.
On December 6, 2023, the Company initiated legal proceedings against XTI Aircraft Company in the Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case no. 1:23-cv-10656-JPO), along with other unnamed defendants, seeking to enforce the terms of the Letter Agreement, and alleging fraudulent acts, breach of contract and misappropriation of intellectual property. The foregoing description of the legal action does not purport to be complete and is subject in its entirety by the full text of the complaint, a copy of which was filed in an 8-K on December 12, 2023, Exhibit 99.1. On February 29, 2024, the Company filed a Second Amended Complaint against XTI, along with other unnamed defendants, on February 29, 2024, and on March 13, 2024, XTI filed a partial Motion to Dismiss. On April 10, 2024, the Company filed a Memorandum of Law in Opposition to XTI’s Motion to Dismiss the Company’s Second Amended Complaint and is waiting for the court to rule on the matter.
On October 19, 2023, Xeriant filed a complaint in the United States Southern District of New York (Case no.1:23-cv-09200) against Auctus Fund LLC, to invalidate allegedly illegally designed contractual agreements, including contesting the enforceability of the related note and amendments, and to set aside improper and unlawful securities transactions effectuated in violation of Section 15(a)(1) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. § 78o(a)(1)) by the Defendant, alleging breaches of fiduciary duty and related claims. On February 9, 2024, the case was dismissed. The Company filed a Notice of Civil Appeal on March 13, 2024, primarily based on public welfare because of the pending litigation between the SEC and Auctus Fund Management, LLC, which complaint was filed on June 1, 2023. On June 19, 2024, the Company filed an appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (Case no. 24-682-cv), which is still pending. The foregoing descriptions of the legal actions do not purport to be complete and are subject in their entirety by the full text of the court filings.
There is no pending litigation against the Company and to our knowledge no litigation is contemplated or threatened. To our knowledge, none of our directors, officers, 5% shareholders or affiliates are party to any legal proceedings that would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or operating results.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not Applicable.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information
Our common stock is quoted on OTC Markets under the symbol “XERI.”
Shares of our common stock have historically been thinly traded, and as a result, our stock price as quoted by OTC Markets may not reflect an actual or perceived value. The following table sets forth the approximate high and low bid prices for our common stock for the last two fiscal years and interim periods. The quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not represent actual transactions.
Period High Bid Low Bid
Period High Bid Low Bid
Our Transfer Agent
The company recently changed stock transfer agents from Olde Monmouth Stock Transfer Company to ClearTrust, LLC, with offices at 16540 Pointe Village Dr, Suite 210 Lutz, Florida 33558 for shareholder and issuer services related to our shares of common stock. The transfer agent is responsible for all record-keeping and administrative functions in connection with our shares of common stock.
Holders
As of June 30, 2024, there were 202 holders of record of our common stock.
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Dividends
We have not declared any cash dividends, nor do we intend to do so in the foreseeable future.
Penny Stock Regulations
The SEC has adopted regulations which generally define so-called “penny stocks” to be an equity security that has a market price less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exemptions. The Registrant’s common stock is a “penny stock” and is subject to Rule 15g-9 under the Exchange Act, or the Penny Stock Rule. This rule imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers that sell such securities to persons other than established customers and “accredited investors” (generally, individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual incomes exceeding $200,000, or $300,000 together with their spouses). For transactions covered by Rule 15g-9, a broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and have received the purchaser’s written consent to the transaction prior to sale. As a result, this rule may affect the ability of broker-dealers to sell our securities and may affect the ability of purchasers to sell any of our securities in the secondary market, thus possibly making it more difficult for us to raise additional capital.
For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require delivery, prior to any transaction in penny stock, of a disclosure schedule required by the SEC relating to the penny stock market. Disclosure is also required to be made about sales commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative and current quotations for the securities. Finally, monthly statements are required to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stock.
There can be no assurance that the Registrant’s common stock will qualify for exemption from the Penny Stock Rule. Even if the Registrant’s common stock were exempt from the Penny Stock Rule, the Registrant would remain subject to Section 15(b)(6) of the Exchange Act, which gives the SEC the authority to restrict any person from participating in a distribution of penny stock, if the SEC finds that such a restriction would be in the public interest.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The Registrant does not have any equity compensation plans and accordingly there are no shares authorized for issuance under an equity compensation plan.
Item 6. Reserved.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements included elsewhere in this Report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should specifically consider the various risk factors identified in this Report that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
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Financial Results
The following discussion of the results of operations constitutes management’s review of the factors that affected the financial and operating performance for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report. The Company has a June 30 fiscal year end.
Executive Summary
Xeriant, is dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of advanced materials and technology related to next generation air and spacecraft, which can be successfully integrated and commercialized for deployment across multiple industrial sectors. The Company seeks to partner with and acquire strategic interests in visionary companies that accelerate this mission. Xeriant’s advanced materials line will be marketed under the DUREVERTM brand, and includes NEXBOARDTM, an eco-friendly, patent-pending composite building panel made from plastic and cellulose waste and a proprietary flame retardant, primarily designed to be a replacement for traditional building materials such as drywall, plywood, OSB, MDF, MgO board and other materials used in construction.
Joint Venture with XTI Aircraft
On May 31, 2021, the Company entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (the “Agreement”) with XTI Aircraft Company (“XTI”), a Delaware corporation, to form a joint venture with XTI (the “XTI JV”), named Eco-Aero, LLC, with the purpose of completing the preliminary design review (“PDR”) of XTI’s TriFan 600, a 5-passenger plus pilot, hybrid electric, eVTOL fixed wing aircraft. Under the Agreement, Xeriant would contribute capital, technology, and strategic business relationships, and XTI contributed intellectual property licensing rights and know-how. XTI and the Company each owned 50 percent of the XTI JV and would be managed by a management committee consisting of five members, three appointed by Xeriant and two by XTI. The Company invested approximately $5.5 million into the joint venture after borrowing the funds from Auctus Fund LLC (“Auctus”) through a Senior Secured Promissory Note, through an introduction from Maxim Group, LLC, the Company’s investment banker at the time. The borrowed funds from Auctus were intended to be a bridge loan that would be resolved through an IPO (Initial Public Offering) and uplist to Nasdaq in a merger with XTI, which did not occur because XTI refused to move forward with the merger. The PDR was completed during the first quarter of 2022 according to XTI.
On May 17, 2022, after failed merger negotiations, the Company entered into a confidential Letter Agreement with XTI whereby Xeriant would receive compensation for introducing Inpixon, a Nasdaq-listed company, to XTI for a combination or any other transaction. Should a combination or any other transaction occur, the compensation due to Xeriant would include a six percent (6%) fully diluted interest in XTI upon dissolution of its Joint Venture with Xeriant, and XTI would assume Xeriant’s obligations under its Senior Secured Note with Auctus.
The material terms of the May 17, 2022 Letter Agreement with XTI are briefly delineated as follows:
On June 5, 2023, after suspecting that the obligations under the Letter Agreement were possibly being evaded, the Company transmitted a formal demand letter to XTI requesting compliance with the provisions outlined in the Letter Agreement, and in accordance with section 8 of the JV Agreement with XTI.
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On July 25, 2023, Inpixon filed an 8-K announcing that they had signed an Agreement of Plan and Merger with XTI. Despite the Company’s pivotal role in facilitating this merger, as memorialized in a formal agreement, XTI repeatedly publicly disclaimed any obligation to compensate Xeriant.
On December 6, 2023, the Company initiated legal proceedings against XTI in the Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case no. 1:23-cv-10656-JPO), along with other unnamed defendants, seeking to enforce the terms of the Letter Agreement, and alleging fraudulent acts, deceptive maneuvers and intentional breaches, seeking a range of remedies. These include the recovery of losses, expenses, attorneys’ fees, punitive damages and a compensatory damage award exceeding $500 million. The legal action aims to address the alleged misconduct comprehensively and to protect the Company’s interests in the face of XTI’s actions. The foregoing description of the legal action does not purport to be complete and is subject in its entirety by the full text of the complaint, a copy of which was filed in an 8-K on December 12, 2023, Exhibit 99.1.
On February 29, 2024, the Company filed a Second Amended Complaint against XTI, along with other unnamed defendants, on February 29, 2024, and on March 13, 2024, XTI filed a partial Motion to Dismiss.
On March 12, 2024, XTI merged with Inpixon, a Nasdaq-listed company.
On April 10, 2024, the Company filed a Memorandum of Law in Opposition to XTI’s Motion to Dismiss the Company’s Second Amended Complaint and is waiting for the court to rule on the matter.
The foregoing descriptions of the legal actions do not purport to be complete and are subject in their entirety by the full text of the court filings.
Joint Venture with Movychem
Effective April 2, 2022, the Company entered into a Joint Venture with Movychem s.r.o., a Slovakian limited liability company (“Movychem”), called Ebenberg, LLC, setting forth the terms for the establishment of a joint venture to develop and exploit certain Movychem intellectual property that would be exploited by the joint venture. The JV was organized as a Florida limited liability company and was owned 50% by each of the Company and Movychem. Essentially, the Company would contribute certain funding for its capital contribution and Movychem would provide an exclusive license and assignment of its intellectual property.
The Company analyzed the transaction under ASC 810, Consolidation, to determine if the joint venture classifies as a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”). The Joint Venture qualifies as a VIE based on the fact the JV does not have sufficient equity to operate without financial support from both parties. According to ASC 810-25-38, a reporting entity shall consolidate a VIE when that reporting entity has a variable interest (or combination of variable interests) that provides the reporting entity with a controlling financial interest on the basis of the provisions in paragraphs 810-10-25-38A through 25-38J. The reporting entity that consolidates a VIE is called the primary beneficiary of that VIE. According to the JV operating agreement, the ownership interests were 50/50 and the agreement provides for a Management Committee of five members. Two of the five members are from Xeriant and Movychem, respectively and one is appointed by mutual agreement of the parties. Movychem is transferring to the Joint Venture all of its interest to certain know-how and intellectual property, and the Company is contributing cash. As such, both parties do not have substantial capital at risk. Based on these two factors, the conclusion is that no one is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. Accordingly, Xeriant has not consolidated the VIE.
After funding the JV during the remainder of 2022, the Company notified Movychem that in its determination it had not performed its obligations under the Joint Venture Agreement and discontinued payments until there was a resolution, which was followed by Movychem formally requested dissolution of the JV, which the parties agreed to and was effective June 30, 2023.
As of June 30, 2023, the Company had paid $312,919 to the Joint Venture.
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Stock Sales
During the year ended June 30, 2024, the Company received $0 by selling shares of common stock.
Convertible Notes Issued
During the year ended June 30, 2024, the Company received $2,030,000 from the issuance of convertible debt.
Litigation
On October 19, 2023, Xeriant filed a complaint in the United States Southern District of New York (Case no.1:23-cv-09200) against Auctus Fund LLC, to invalidate allegedly illegally designed contractual agreements, including contesting the enforceability of the related note and amendments, and to set aside improper and unlawful securities transactions effectuated in violation of Section 15(a)(1) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. § 78o(a)(1)) by the Defendant, alleging breaches of fiduciary duty and related claims. On February 9, 2024, the case was dismissed. The Company filed a Notice of Civil Appeal on March 13, 2024, primarily based on public welfare because of the pending litigation between the SEC and Auctus Fund Management, LLC, which complaint was filed on June 1, 2023. On June 19, 2024, the Company filed an appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (Case no. 24-682-cv), which is still pending. The foregoing descriptions of the legal actions do not purport to be complete and are subject in their entirety by the full text of the court filings.
On December 6, 2023, the Company initiated legal proceedings against XTI Aircraft Company in the Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case no. 1:23-cv-10656-JPO), along with other unnamed defendants, seeking to enforce the terms of the Letter Agreement, and alleging fraudulent acts, breach of contract and misappropriation of intellectual property. The foregoing description of the legal action does not purport to be complete and is subject in its entirety by the full text of the complaint, a copy of which was filed in an 8-K on December 12, 2023, Exhibit 99.1. On February 29, 2024, the Company filed a Second Amended Complaint against XTI, along with other unnamed defendants, on February 29, 2024, and on March 13, 2024, XTI filed a partial Motion to Dismiss. On April 10, 2024, the Company filed a Memorandum of Law in Opposition to XTI’s Motion to Dismiss the Company’s Second Amended Complaint and is waiting for the court to rule on the matter.
There is no pending litigation against the Company and to our knowledge no litigation is contemplated or threatened. To our knowledge, none of our directors, officers, 5% shareholders or affiliates are party to any legal proceedings that would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or operating results.
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Fiscal Year 2024 Results of Operations Compared with Fiscal Year 2023
For the years ended
Operating expenses:
Other expenses:
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Consulting and advisory fees
Total consulting and advisory expenses were $731,128 and $1,147,398 for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. In the prior period, there were increased expenses due to stock issuances for services.
Related Party Consulting Fees
Total related party consulting fees were $388,000 and $353,000 for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The related party consulting fees for the year ended June 30, 2024, consisted of (i) $207,500 to Ancient Investments, LLC, a company owned by Keith Duffy, CEO and Scott Duffy, Executive Director of Operations, (ii) $67,000 for AMP Web Services, LLC, a company owned by Pablo Lavigna, CIO, (iii) $78,500 to Edward DeFeudis, Director, and (iv) $35,000 for Keystone Business Development Partners, LLC, a company owned by Brian Carey, CFO. The related party consulting fees for the year ended June 30, 2023, consisted of (i) $170,000 to Ancient Investments, LLC, (ii) $56,000 for AMP Web Services, LLC, (iii) $102,000 to Edward DeFeudis, and (iv) $25,000 for Keystone Business Development Partners, LLC.
General and administrative expenses
Total general and administrative expenses were $282,249 and $280,216 for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase was primarily related to increased travel expenses.
Professional Fees
Total professional fees were $308,109 and $271,021 for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The current period increased amount was due primarily to increased audit fees.
Research and Development Expenses
Total research and development expenses were $196,422 and $0 for the years ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The research and development expenses in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, were in connection with our NEXBOARDTM development operations through BlueGreen Composites, LLC, a consolidated disregarded entity of the Company.
Other (Expenses)
Total other expenses consist of amortization of debt discount related to convertible notes, interest expense related to convertible notes, change in fair value of the convertible bridge loans, loss on impairment of investment, loss from Ebenberg JV and loss on extinguishment of debt. Total other expenses were $1,197,197 for the year ended June 30, 2024, compared to $5,045,004 for the year ended June 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to recording the loss on extinguishment of debt for the year ended June 30, 2023, in the amount of $4,259,987.
Net loss
Total net loss was $3,103,101 for the year ended June 30, 2024, compared to $7,096,639 for the year ended June 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily related to loss on extinguishment of debt of $4,259,987 for the year ended June 30, 2023. The difference was partially offset by an increase in interest expense of $1,183,885 for the current period.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared using the generally accepted accounting principles applicable to a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business. On June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company had $653,117 and $61,625 in cash, respectfully, and $8,661,248 and $6,684,867 in negative working capital, respectively. On June 30, 2024, the principal balance of the Auctus Senior Secured Promissory Note was $5,850,000 including accrued liability of $50,000. The Note matured on March 15, 2023, and the Company has been in discussions with Auctus to resolve the liability. For the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company had a net loss of $3,103,101 and $7,096,639, respectively. Continued losses may adversely affect the liquidity of the Company in the future. Therefore, the factors noted above raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The recoverability of a major portion of the recorded asset amounts shown in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is dependent upon continued operations of the Company, which in turn is dependent upon the Company’s ability to raise additional capital, obtain financing and to succeed in its future operations. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. The Company’s existence is dependent upon management’s ability to develop profitable operations and resolve its liquidity problems. The Company has been funded primarily through the issuance of convertible debt.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, our operating activities used $1,430,345 of net cash used compared to using $1,174,190 of net cash used in our operating activities during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. This difference primarily related to an increase in stock-based compensation and an increase in the change in accounts payable. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, our investing activities used $8,163 of net cash compared to using $200,130 of net cash used in our investing activities during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. The primary reason for the difference is the $197,563 in the prior period related to Investment in Movychem JV. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, our financing activities added $2,030,000 of net cash compared to adding $370,000 of net cash in our financing activities during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. This difference related to a substantial increase in the issuance of convertible notes in the current fiscal year. The Company continues to raise capital through the issuance of convertible notes and has received commitments from key investors that additional funds are available upon request. The Company maintains a fiscal policy to limit the issuance of convertible notes to our current and projected funding needs. The Company is confident that funding through this process will be adequate to cover required operating and development expenditures until cash flow from operations is sufficient.
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Funding Strategy
To date, our operations have been funded primarily through private investors. Some of these investors have verbally committed additional funding for the Company, as needed. We have had a number of discussions with broker-dealers regarding the funding required to execute the Company’s business plan, which is to acquire and develop breakthrough technologies or business interests in those companies that have developed these technologies. We plan on issuing an offering document to obtain funding for certain acquisitions that are in the discussion stages.
Off Balance Sheet Items
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, financings, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons, also known as “special purpose entities” (SPEs).
Critical Accounting Policies
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments which affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities (see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, contained in the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 contained in this filing). On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities which are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates based upon different assumptions or conditions; however, we believe that our estimates are reasonable.
Management is aware that certain changes in accounting estimates employed in generating financial statements can have the effect of making the Company look more or less profitable than it actually is. Management does not believe that the Company has made any such changes in accounting estimates.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
XERIANT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2024 and 2023
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID # 6920) F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2024 and 2023 F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-10
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Xeriant, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Xeriant, Inc. (the Company) as of June 30, 2024, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows for the year ended June 30, 2024, and the related notes and schedules (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended June 30 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Substantial Doubt about the Company’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2, the Company has incurred net losses and negative cash flow from operations since inception. These factors, and the need for additional financing in order for the Company to meet its business plans raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified with respect to that matter.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters