PART
I
Unless
the context otherwise requires, “we,” “us,” or “the Company” refers to (i) “Simplicity Esports
and Gaming Company” after the consummation of the acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC, (ii) “Smaaash Entertainment Inc.”
before the consummation of the acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC but after the closing of the transactions with Smaaash Entertainment
Private Limited, and (iii) I-AM Capital Acquisition Company prior to the closing of the transactions with Smaaash Entertainment Private
Limited. “Simplicity Esports LLC” means our wholly owned subsidiary, Simplicity Esports, LLC, a Florida limited liability
company, and its consolidated subsidiaries. “Simplicity One” means our 76% owned subsidiary, Simplicity One Brasil Ltda,
a Brazilian limited liability company, and its consolidated subsidiaries. “Smaaash Private” means Smaaash Entertainment Private
Limited, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of India, and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Industry
Overview
Esports
is the competitive playing of video games by amateur and professional teams for cash prizes. Esports typically takes the form of organized,
multiplayer video games that include real-time strategy, fighting, first-person shooter, and multiplayer online battle arena games. As
of July 7, 2021, the three largest selling esports games are Dota 2®, League of Legends® (both multiplayer online battle arena
games) and Counter Strike: Global Offensive® (a first-person shooter game). Other popular games include SMITE®, StarCraft II®,
Call of Duty®¸ Heroes of the Storm®, Hearthstone® and Fortnite®. Most major professional esports events and a wide
range of amateur esports events are broadcast live via streaming services including twitch.tv, azubu.tv, ustream.tv and youtube.com.
Esports also includes games which can be played, primarily by amateurs, in multiplayer competitions on the Sony PlayStation®, Microsoft
Xbox® and WII Nintendo® systems.
Although
official competitions have long been a part of video game culture, participation and spectatorship of such events have seen a global
surge in popularity over the last few years with the rapid growth of online streaming. The advent of online streaming technology has
turned esports into a global industry that includes professional players and teams competing in major events that are simultaneously
watched in person in stadiums, and by online viewers, which regularly exceed 1,000,000 viewers for major tournaments. According to Business
Insider, over 100 million viewers saw the 2019 League of Legends® World Championships in person and online. CNBC reported in April
2019 that League of Legends® World Championships attract more viewers than the Super Bowl. Much like how there is a worldwide gaming
market for the sports industry, there has now developed a worldwide gaming market for the esports industry. The impact has been so significant
that many video game developers are now building features into their games designed to facilitate competition.
According
to Newzoo, a global leader in esports, games and mobile intelligence, the total global esports audience was 500 million in 2019, with
an anticipated 27.5 million American gamers, and such global audience is expected to reach 646 million by 2023. In addition, according
to Newzoo, esports produced $950 million in 2019 revenue and was projected to reach $1.1 billion in 2020 and $1.6 billion in 2023. Esports
enthusiasts, which are people who watch professional esports content at least once a month, made up 201.2 million of the 2018 total,
up from 143.2 million in 2017. With a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) (2017-2022) of +15.7%, this number is expected
to reach almost 297 million in 2022. The global average revenue per esports enthusiast, which includes not only gaming revenue, but also
sponsorships advertising and all other esports related revenues, is projected to be $5.45 in 2019, up +8.9% from $5.00 in 2018. The number
of occasional esports viewers, (people who watch professional esports content less than once a month), is expected to reach 252.6 million
in 2019, up from 221.6 million in 2018, and is projected to grow with a CAGR of +12.6% to surpass 347 million in 2022. The number of
people who are aware of esports worldwide was expected to reach 1.8 billion in 2019, up from 1.6 billion in 2018. According to Newtech
Mag, China and the U.S. have the largest populations of esports fans, with Brazil ranking first in Latin America, which is the fastest
growing gaming market, and third globally, with 20 million fans. The increasing prominence of esports as a mainstream entertainment industry
is driving the growth in awareness in most regions. Audience and awareness growth in the emerging regions of Latin America, Middle East
and Africa, Southeast Asia, and Rest of Asia is largely driven by improving IT infrastructure and urbanization. We believe the rise of
new franchises, such as Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds® or PubG®, is an important global growth factor as the influx of
millennials should continue to drive the growth of the esports industry’s audience and in turn, the esports gaming industry.
In
2019, globally there were 885 major esports events that generated an estimated $56.3 million in ticket revenues. The total prize
money of all esports events held in 2019 reached $167.4 million, a slight increase from $150.8 million in 2018. The League of Legends®
World Championship was 2019’s biggest tournament by live viewership hours on Twitch and YouTube, with 105.5 million hours. It also
produced $1.9 million in ticket revenues. The Overwatch® League was the most-watched league by live viewership hours on Twitch and
YouTube, generating 104.1 million hours. A report by Forbes estimates that the top 12 esports teams had 2019 revenues of between $8 million
and $29 million and were valued at between $120 million and $400 million.
Business
Overview
We
are a global esports organization, that is capitalizing on the growth in esports through three business units, Simplicity One Brasil
Ltda (“Simplicity One”), Simplicity Esports, LLC (“Simplicity Esports LLC”) and PLAYlive Nation, Inc. (“PLAYlive”).
We believe that we are the only Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) reporting, completely integrated-esports
company that owns a League of Legends franchise. Additionally, we have the largest network of corporate and franchisee owned esports
gaming centers in North America.
Our
Esports Teams
We
own and manage multiple professional esports teams domestically and internationally. Revenue is generated from prize winnings,
corporate sponsorships, advertising, league subsidy payments and potential league revenue sharing payments from the publishers of video
games.
Domestic
Esports Teams – Simplicity Esports LLC
Through
our wholly owned subsidiary, Simplicity Esports LLC, we own and manage multiple professional esports teams competing in games
such as Heroes of the Storm. We are committed to growing and enhancing the esports industry, fostering the development of amateurs to
compete professionally and signing established professional gamers to support their paths to greater success.
International
Esports Team - Simplicity One
Since
January 2020, through our 76% owned subsidiary Simplicity One, we manage Flamengo eSports, one of the leading Brazilian League of Legends®
teams competing in the top tier league CBLoL. CBLoL was the most talked about esports league in the world, on Twitter for the first half
of 2021, with Call of Duty League and Overwatch League ranking 2nd and 3rd respectively. Flamengo eSports was established in 2017 as
the Esports division of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, a successful Brazilian sports organization, with over 30 million followers across
social media accounts, known for its world-famous soccer team. Flamengo eSports’ League of Legends® team won the CBLoL Championship
in September 2019, which qualified the team to compete at the 2019 League of Legends® World Championship in Europe as one of 24 teams
from 13 different regions around the world. Flamengo Esports @flaesports was ranked as the 6th most tweeted about esports organization
in the world, ahead of Team Liquid and Cloud 9 ranking 7th and 10th respectively, for the first half of 2021.
Online
Tournaments
In
response to demand from customers for online esports tournaments which was in all likelihood triggered by the social distancing protocols
attendant to the COVID-19 pandemic, we introduced in March 2020 an initiative of online esports tournaments. Since March 2020, through
our wholly owned subsidiary, Simplicity Esports LLC, we have been holding online esports tournaments in the United States. In addition,
we commenced promoting these weekly online tournaments via text messages to our database of over 400,000 paying esports gaming center
customers, which we acquired in our acquisition of PLAYlive. If we can convert merely 1% of these existing customers from the PLAYlive
database to play in our paid online tournaments, we anticipate this business unit may generate approximately $1 million in annual revenues.
At a 5% conversion rate, this business segment may generate approximately $5 million in annual revenue. Management also intends to sell
sponsorship and marketing activations for these online tournaments which would create additional revenue. We also announced our initiative
to offer play at home online tournaments in Brazil. These tournaments
are a way for us to engage with our customer base from home during periods of required social distancing or quarantine.
Our
Gaming Centers
As
of August 30, 2021, we have 28 operational locations (16 corporate locations and 12 franchise locations), through our subsidiaries
throughout the U.S., giving casual gamers the opportunity to play in a social setting with other members of the gaming community. In
addition, aspiring and established professional gamers have an opportunity to compete in local and national esports tournaments held
in our gaming centers for prizes, notoriety, and potential contracts to play for one of our professional esports teams. In this business
unit, revenue is generated from franchise royalties, the sale of game time, memberships, tournament entry fees, birthday party events,
corporate party events, concessions and gaming-related merchandise.
Our
business plan encompasses a brick and click physical and digital approach to further recognize revenue from all verticals, which we believe
to be unique in the industry. The physical centers, together with our esports teams, lifestyle brand and marketing campaigns offer opportunities
for additional revenue via strategic partnerships with both endemic and non-endemic brands. Our ultimate goal is to further engage a
diverse fan base with a 360-degree approach driving traffic to both our digital platform, tournaments (online and in-person), and physical
real estate to maximize the monetization opportunities with these relationships. In addition, we have proprietary intellectual capital,
fan engagement strategies and brand development blueprints which complement our publicly available information.
Optimally,
the esports gaming centers of Simplicity Esports LLC (“Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers”) will measure between 2,000
and 4,000 square feet, with dozens of gaming stations. The Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers will feature cutting edge technology,
futuristic aesthetic décor and dynamic high-speed gaming equipment. We believe our brick-and-click strategy will present attractive
opportunities for sponsors and advertisers to connect with our audience, creating an intriguing monetization opportunity for sponsors
and advertisers. Currently our company owned stores operate in approximately 40,000 square feet of retail space
in desirable, high traffic locations.
Creating
content that engages fans, sponsors and developers, while promoting our brand is one of our primary goals. In August 2021, we announced
a partnership with Television Korea 24 (“ESTV”) to provide esports and gaming content for their 24-7 live linear channel
around the world. ESTV can be viewed in over 45 countries including the U.S. and Brazil. We seek to reach a broad demographic encompassing
the casual, amateur and professional gaming community. Our philosophy is to enhance our footprint for both endemic and non-endemic partnerships.
We believe we possess a deep perception of our markets and understand the new age of branding while maintaining authenticity to the gaming
community that comprises our fanbase.
As
a result of COVID-19 (discussed below), all of our corporate and franchised Simplicity Gaming Centers were closed effective April 1,
2020. We commenced reopening Simplicity Gaming Centers on May 1, 2020 and have since reopened 16 corporate and 12 franchised Simplicity
Gaming Centers as of August 30, 2021, the majority of which are operating at restricted capacity based on local COVID-19 regulations.
See “Risk Factors—Public health epidemics or outbreaks, such as COVID-19, could materially and adversely impact our business.”
Corporate
Gaming Centers
As
of year end May 31, 2021, through our subsidiary entities, we currently
operate 15 corporate-owned retail Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers, one of which was acquired during the third fiscal quarter ended
February 28, 2021 and two of which were acquired in the fourth fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2021. Subsequent to year end, we added
one additional gaming center. Furthermore, we have engaged a national tenant representation
real estate broker to assist in the strategic planning and negotiations for our future Simplicity Esports Gaming Center locations. We
contemplate that new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers will be funded by us as well as a combination of tenant improvement allowances
from landlords and sponsorships. The Company intends to continue the expansion of its corporate owned esports gaming center footprint
through the buildout of new esports gaming centers. The disruptions in commercial real estate caused by COVID-19 lockdowns have allowed
the Company to strengthen its existing relationships with national landlords by signing new locations with percentage rent leases. The
locations will range between 2,000 and 4,000 sq ft and be primarily located inside of shopping malls.
As
announced in June 2020, we are in discussions with commercial property owners regarding their desire to have us open 7,000 to 12,000
square foot Arenas at their properties. There are multiple locations available to us with a percentage of gross sales rent lease structure
(as opposed to fixed rent payments), and construction funds offered by the landlord to assist with the build out and equipping of our
planned Arenas. These Arenas are planned as hubs in our hub and spoke model that will see smaller corporate and franchisee owned gaming
centers as spokes connected to Arenas as hubs for larger events and tournaments.
Franchised
Gaming Centers
Due
to interest from potential franchisees, in 2019 we launched a franchising program to accelerate the expansion of our planned nationwide
footprint. We sell specific franchise territories, through our wholly owned subsidiary PLAYlive, and assist with the establishment and
buildout of esports gaming centers to potential business owners that desire to use our branding, infrastructure and process to open and
operate gaming centers. We currently operate 12 fully constructed franchise esports gaming centers.
The 12 franchise owned gaming centers that we have acquired to date generated over $1 million of revenue
in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2021 despite operating with limited capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions. Due
to interest from potential franchisees, we have launched a franchising program to accelerate the expansion of our planned nationwide
footprint. We sell specific franchise territories, through our wholly owned subsidiary PLAYlive, and assist with the establishment and
buildout of esports gaming centers to potential business owners that desire to use our branding, infrastructure and process to open and
operate gaming centers. Franchise revenue is generated from the sale of franchise territories, supplying furniture, equipment and merchandise
to the franchisees for buildout of their centers, a gross sales royalty fee and a national marketing fee. We license the use of our branding,
assist in identifying and negotiating commercial locations, assist in overseeing the buildout and development, provide access to proprietary
software for point of sale, inventory management, employee training and other HR functions. Franchisees also have an opportunity to participate
in our national esports tournament events, and benefit from the growing profile of our professional esports teams. Once an esports gaming
center is opened, we provide operational guidance, support and use of branding elements in exchange for a monthly royalty fee calculated
as 6% of gross sales. On January 1, 2020, we implemented a national marketing fee of 1% of gross sales. To date, we have sold five of
these franchise territories. COVID-19 travel restrictions caused us to suspend the sale of new franchise territories from April 1, 2020
until October 1, 2020. During this time, a pipeline of interested applicants has accumulated, and we anticipate new franchise territory
sales over the next 12 months as a result.
The
combination of the esports gaming centers, owned or franchised by our wholly owned subsidiaries Simplicity Esports LLC or PLAYlive, provides
us with what we believe is one of the largest esports gaming center footprints in North America. Over the next 12 months, existing PLAYlive
esports gaming centers will be rebranded to Simplicity Esports gaming centers. All newly opened franchise esports gaming centers will
be branded as Simplicity Esports gaming centers and have numerous gaming PC’s. All gaming centers in our footprint will be participating
venues in our national esports tournaments.
Franchise
Roll Up Strategy
We
began implementing a franchise roll-up strategy in July 2020 as a result of the disruption caused by COVID-19 related stay at home orders,
and the disruption it caused to the commercial real estate market. The reduction in revenues for some franchisees because of stay-at-home
orders, and government mandates to remain closed created significant accrued rent payments due to landlords. We have been able to come
to terms with many franchisees to acquire the assets of their gaming centers and make them corporate owned. We have simultaneously negotiated
new leases with some of the largest national mall chains, including Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management, and are in
the process of negotiating additional locations with other landlords. The new leases involve significant reductions in or elimination
of fixed rent and the addition of percentage of revenues rent terms. During the fiscal year we signed 13 letters of intent and
executed definitive agreements for all of those locations, most of which were operational prior to year-end. We expect
each of these locations to be profitable as a result of the significant reduced rent expense via the percentage rent structure.
Our
Stream Team
The
Simplicity Esports LLC and Flamengo Esports stream teams encompass over 20 commentators (commonly known as “casters”), influencers
and personalities who connect to a dedicated fan base. Our electric group of live personalities
represent our organization to the fullest with their own unique style. We are proud to support and present a diverse group of gamers
as we engage fans across a multiple of esports genres. Our Twitch affiliation has enabled our stream team influences to reach a broad
fan base. Additionally, we have created several niches within the streaming community which has enabled us to engage fans within certain
titles on a 24/7 basis. Our notoriety in the industry is evidenced by our audience that views millions of minutes of Simplicity
Esports’ and Flamengo Esports’ content monthly, via various social media outlets including YouTube, Twitter and Twitch. Through
Simplicity Esports LLC, we have begun to implement a unique approach to ensure the ultimate fan friendly esports experience. Our intention
is to have gamers involved at the grassroots level and feel a sense of unity as we compete with top class talent. Our management and
players are known within the esports community and we plan to use their skills to create a seamless content creation plan helping gamers
feel closer to our brand than any other in the industry.
Material
Acquisitions and Licensing
Acquisition
of Simplicity Esports, LLC
On
January 4, 2019, the Company consummated the transactions contemplated by that certain share exchange agreement, dated December 21, 2018
(as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Share Exchange Agreement, dated December 28, 2018 and by Amendment No. 2 to Share Exchange Agreement,
dated December 30, 2018, the “Share Exchange Agreement”) by and among the Company, Simplicity Esports, LLC, a Florida limited
liability company (“Simplicity Esports LLC”), each of the equity holders of Simplicity Esports LLC (“Simplicity Owners”)
and Jed Kaplan, in the capacity as the representative of the Simplicity Owners (the “Representative”). Pursuant to the Share
Exchange Agreement the Simplicity Owners transferred all the issued and outstanding equity interests of Simplicity Esports LLC to the
Company in exchange for an aggregate of 375,000 (3,000,000 pre-reverse split) shares of common stock of the Company (the “Simplicity
Esports Acquisition”). As of January 4, 2019, upon the completion of the Simplicity Esports Acquisition, esports gaming became
the primary business of the Company.
On
January 4, 2019, the Simplicity Owners received an aggregate of 37,500 (300,000 pre-reverse split) shares of common stock at the closing
of the Acquisition and an additional aggregate of 87,500 (700,000 pre-reverse split) shares of common stock on January 7, 2019. The Simplicity
Owners were initially entitled to receive an additional 250,000 (2,000,000 pre-reverse split) shares upon the Company’s receipt
of the approval of its stockholders to such issuance. This condition was removed as the stockholder approval was only necessary due to
the Company’s stock being listed on Nasdaq. Upon completion of the Simplicity Esports LLC acquisition, the Company decided that
moving off the Nasdaq was appropriate, and the 250,000 (2,000,000 pre-reverse split) shares were issued to the Simplicity Owners on March
27, 2019.
In
connection with the acquisition of Simplicity Esports LLC, on January 2, 2019, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to the Company’s
Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate Amendment”) with the Delaware Secretary of State to change the Company’s
name from “Smaaash Entertainment, Inc.” to “Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company”. In addition, the Company
changed the ticker symbols of its common stock and public warrants to “WINR” and “WINRW,” respectively, and commenced
trading of its common stock and public warrants under such new ticker symbols on the OTCQB on January 10, 2019.
Acquisition
of PLAYlive Nation, Inc.
On
July 30, 2019, we acquired a 100% interest in PLAYlive by way of merger pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 25, 2019,
whereby we acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of PLAYlive from the selling stockholders (“PLAYlive Stockholders”)
of PLAYlive in exchange for 150,000 (750,000 shares pre-reverse split) shares of our common stock. Following this merger, PLAYlive became
our wholly owned subsidiary. On the closing date of this merger, each of the PLAYlive Stockholders entered into a one-year lock-up agreement
with the Company and each of Duncan Wood, Jordan C. Jenson, and Alec T. Carpenter entered into an employment agreement with PLAYlive.
Licensing
of Flamengo Esports
Effective
January 20, 2020, Simplicity One Brasil entered into an Exclusive Trademark and Symbol Use License Agreement, and Other Covenants (the
“License Agreement”), dated November 5, 2019 with Clube de Regatas do Flamengo (one of the most successful Brazilian sports
organizations, known for its world-famous soccer team), whereby Clube de Regatas do Flamengo agreed to exclusively license its intellectual
property rights (“Flamengo IP Rights”) to Simplicity One Brasil (an entity which the Company and Team One E-Sports Ltda –
ME owned a 90% and 10% equity interest in, respectively), authorizing Simplicity One Brasil to use the Flamengo IP Rights on a League
of Legends team in esports as well as in other modalities in esports, which will be maintained and assembled by Simplicity One Brasil
during the term of the Licensing Agreement. The License Agreement has a term of three years, beginning on January 1, 2020 and ending
on December 31, 2022, and may be renewed by mutual written agreement by the parties. In exchange for the exclusive license, the Company
shall pay Clube de Regatas do Flamengo an annual fee for the first, second and third year in the amount of $32,300 (Reais$170,000.00),
$35,150 (Reais$185,000.00), and $38,000 (Reais$200,000.00), respectively, as well as the payment of royalties in the amount of 8% of
the gross revenues (less taxes) of the eSports teams pursuant to the terms of the Licensing Agreement. If either party unilaterally terminates
the Agreement or gives rise to certain termination grounds set forth in the Agreement, the terminating party will pay the other party
a non-compensatory fine in the amount of approximately $19,000 (Reais $100,000) to indemnify the other party, without prejudice to any
losses or damages that exceed such amount.
Flamengo
Esports was established in 2017 as the Esports division of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, a successful Brazilian sports organization,
known for its world-famous soccer team. Flamengo Esports’ League of Legends® team won the CBLoL Championship in September 2019
and competed at the 2019 League of Legends® World Championship in Europe as one of 24 teams from 13 different regions around the
world.
On
April 1, 2020, the Company released multiple players and staff members from Simplicity One Brasil Ltd as part of a restructuring in an
effort to make the Flamengo Esports project profitable. The Company was approved for ownership of a franchise spot in League of Legends
Brazil (CBLoL) in October 2020.
In
June 2020, while Simplicity One Brasil was preparing its initial application for purchasing from Riot Games a franchise in Campeonato
Brasileiro de League of Legends, Simplicity One Brasil become aware that the 10%-ownership interest of Team One E-Sports Ltda (“Team
One E-Sports”) in Simplicity One Brasil was in contravention of Riot Games’ policy that only one League of Legend esports
team could be owned by an owner at one time because Team One had already submitted an application for purchasing a franchise for another
League of Legend esports team. Accordingly, Simplicity One Brasil needed Team One E-Sports to divest itself of its 10%-equity interest
in Simplicity One Brasil in order for Simplicity One Brasil to proceed with its franchise application. Therefore, on June 22, 2020, Mr.
Kaplan entered into a Quota Purchase Agreement with Team One E-Sports, pursuant to which Mr. Kaplan acquired Team One Esports’
10%-ownership equity interest for $45,000 in cash. In addition, the Company transferred a 2%-equity interest (an aggregate of 4%) to
each of Laila De Braga Cavalcanti Loss and Frederico Tannure. Ms. Loss lives in Brazil and run the operations of Simplicity One
Brasil, in order to comply with Riot Games’ policy requiring local ownership in Brazil in order to apply for a franchise of a league
of legends sports team. Furthermore, on June 22, 2020, Mr. Kaplan agreed to forgive the debt of the Kaplan Promissory Note with a principal
balance of $90,000 in exchange for the Company assigning to Mr. Kaplan a 10% equity interest in Simplicity One Brasil. In light of the
restructuring of the ownership interest in Simplicity One Brasil, as of August 30, 2021, the Company, Mr. Kaplan, Ms. Cavalcanti
Loss, and Mr. Tannure own a 76%, 20%, 2% and 2% equity interest in Simplicity One Brasil.
COVID-19
In
December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. While initially the outbreak was largely
concentrated in China and caused significant disruptions to its economy, it has now spread to several other countries and infections
have been reported globally.
Because
COVID-19 infections have been reported throughout the United States, certain federal, state and local governmental authorities have issued
stay-at-home orders, proclamations and/or directives aimed at minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Additional, more restrictive proclamations
and/or directives may be issued in the future. As a result, all of our corporate and franchised Simplicity Gaming Centers were closed
effective April 1, 2020. We commenced reopening Simplicity Gaming Centers on May 1, 2020 and have since reopened 15 corporate and 12
franchised Simplicity Gaming Centers, the majority of which are operating at restricted capacity based on local COVID-19 regulations.
Although our franchise agreements with franchisees of Simplicity Gaming Centers require a minimum monthly royalty payment to us from
the franchisees regardless of whether the franchised Simplicity Gaming Centers are operating, a limited number of the franchisees of
Simplicity Gaming Centers have defaulted on their obligations to pay their minimum monthly royalty payment to us. This has resulted in
either an increase in accounts receivables or a bad debt expense where account receivables are no longer collectible due to franchisee’s
inability to pay the minimum monthly royalty payments owed by the franchisee. As of May 31, 2021, we have recorded an allowance for doubtful
accounts of approximately $28 thousand and have written off $112 thousand, partly in conjunction with taking back certain franchises
and converting them to company owned stores. We have experienced an increase in our account receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful
accounts of approximately $32 thousand during the year ended May 31, 2021 and an increase of $128 thousand for the year ended May 31,
2020, as there were no accounts receivable at year end May 31, 2019. Notwithstanding our efforts to support franchisees and still collect
on receivables, it is unclear exactly how much of the increase in accounts receivables is attributable to the impact of COVID-19. We
have waived the minimum monthly royalty payment obligations from July 2020 through present day and are instead billing the franchisees
a true-up of 6% of gross sales without a minimum. We continue to assess possible similar accommodations to the franchisees in light of
the impact of COVID-19. Additionally, the disruptions in commercial real estate caused by COVID-19 lockdowns have allowed the Company
to strengthen its existing relationships with national landlords by signing new locations with percentage rent leases.
The
ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s operations is unknown and will depend on future developments, which are
highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak, new information which may
emerge concerning the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and any additional preventative and protective actions that governments, or
the Company, may direct, which may result in an extended period of continued business disruption, reduced customer traffic and reduced
operations. Any resulting financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time but is anticipated to have a material adverse
impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The
measures taken to date adversely impacted the Company’s business during the year ended May 31, 2021 and will potentially continue
to impact the Company’s business. Management expects that all of its business segments, across all of its geographies, will be
impacted to some degree, but the significance of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the Company’s business and the duration
for which it may have an impact cannot be determined at this time.
Corporate
History
Formation
We
were initially a blank check company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on April 17, 2017 under the name I-AM Capital
Acquisition Company. We were formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization
or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Although we were not limited to a particular industry or geographic region
for purposes of consummating a business combination, we focused on businesses with a connection to India. On November 20, 2018, we changed
our name from I-AM Capital Acquisition Company to Smaaash Entertainment, Inc. On January 2, 2019, we changed our name from Smaaash Entertainment,
Inc. to Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company.
Smaaash
Entertainment Private Limited
Business
Combination
On
November 20, 2018, the Company and Smaaash Entertainment Private Limited, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of India
(“Smaaash Private”), consummated the transactions (the “Transactions” or the “Business Combination”)
contemplated by the share subscription agreement (as amended, the “Subscription Agreement”), following the approval at the
special meeting of the stockholders of the Company held on November 9, 2018 (the “Special Meeting”).
Pursuant
to the Subscription Agreement, the purchase price of $150,000 was paid by the Company to Smaaash Private in exchange for 294,360 newly
issued equity shares of Smaaash Private at the closing of the Transactions (the “Closing”), representing less than 1% of
Smaaash Private at such time.
At
the time of the Closing, AHA Holdings Private Limited (“AHA Holdings”) and Shripal Morakhia (together with AHA Holdings,
the “Smaaash Founders”) agreed to transfer all of their ownership interest in Smaaash Private (the “Additional Smaaash
Shares”) to the Company in exchange for newly issued shares of our Common Stock (the “Transferred Company Shares”).
In
furtherance of the foregoing, at the Closing, the Company issued an aggregate of 250,000 shares of its common stock to the Smaaash Founders
as an upfront portion of the Transferred Company Shares (the “Upfront Company Shares”). In connection with the issuance of
the Upfront Company Shares, the Company and the Smaaash Founders entered into an escrow agreement pursuant to which the Upfront Company
Shares would be held in escrow and will be either, (i) if the Additional Smaaash Shares are not transferred in full to the Company within
the designated six-month period, cancelled, or (ii) if the Additional Smaaash Shares are transferred in full to the Company within the
designated six-month period, released from escrow and the number of Upfront Company Shares will be deducted from the Transferred Company
Shares that will be issued to the Smaaash Founders upon the delivery of the Additional Smaaash Shares. Pursuant to the terms of the escrow
agreement, the Upfront Company Shares have been cancelled because the Additional Smaaash Shares were not transferred in full to the Company
in the designated six-month period.
In
connection with the Closing, the Company changed its name from I-AM Capital Acquisition Company to Smaaash Entertainment Inc. changed
its stock symbols for its Common Stock, Public Rights and Public Warrants to “IAM,” “IAMXR,” and “IAMXW,”
respectively, and entered into a master franchise agreement (“Master Franchise Agreement”) and a master license and distribution
agreement (“Master Distribution Agreement”) with Smaaash Private. After the Closing, the Company’s primary assets consisted
of shares in Smaaash Private and the rights granted under the Master Franchise Agreement and the Master Distribution Agreement.
Business
of Smaaash Private
At
the time of closing of the Smaaash transaction, Smaaash Private operated 40 games and entertainment centers (“Smaaash Centers”),
including 39 Smaaash Centers in India and one international Smaaash Center in the U.S., in addition to carrying out product sales of
its games and equipment that Smaaash has developed in-house, supported by its sponsorship and other revenues.
Smaaash
Private’s core concept was to offer an interactive, immersive and fun experience to customers at its Smaaash Centers, blending
Augmented Reality (“AR”) and Virtual Reality (“VR”) and other games, indoor entertainment, and attractive food
and beverage options, customized to the tastes and preferences of a diverse set of customers across age groups, genders and backgrounds,
including corporate customers, families, friends and children. Smaaash Private’s game concepts are supported by its in-house technology,
value engineering and systems integration capabilities.
Master
Franchise Agreement
Under
the Master Franchise Agreement, Smaaash Private granted to the Company an exclusive right to establish and operate Smaaash Centers (as
defined under the Master Franchise Agreement) and to sublicense the right to establish and operate Smaaash Centers to third party franchisees,
and a license to use the products and other services developed by Smaaash Private with respect to the Smaaash Centers, in the United
States (“Territory”). Further, Smaaash Private has granted to the Company the limited license to use the Trademarks of Smaaash
Private (as set out in the Master Franchise Agreement) for the purposes of establishing and operating the Smaaash Centers in the Territory.
The Master Franchise Agreement has been executed on an arms’ length basis between Smaaash Private and the Company.
On
November 29, 2018, the Company and Smaaash Private executed an addendum to the Master Franchise Agreement (the “Amendment”).
Pursuant to the Amendment, Smaaash Private granted the Company the exclusive rights to set up family and entertainment centers under
the name “Total Sports Center” in the United States (“Total Sports Centers”) in which 51% of the investment will
be borne by the Company and 49% by Smaaash Private. Smaaash Private will be responsible for identifying the locations for setting up,
managing and controlling the Total Sports Centers and will carry out all the fit out requirements for such centers. Smaaash Private will
also appoint the management team for the centers. Smaaash Private will be entitled to 3% of the net revenue of each center, subject to
conditions to be confirmed by the parties.
Master
License and Distribution Agreement
Under
the Master Distribution Agreement, Smaaash Private granted to the Company an exclusive right to purchase from Smaaash Private specialized
video game equipment and products related to sports and recreational activities (“Products”) in the territory under the brand
name of Smaaash Private and sell them with a 15% markup to the customers which will be the sub-franchisees of the Company who will operate
the Smaaash Centers, as specified in the Master Franchise Agreement.
Shift
of Business Focus to Esports Gaming
Following
the January 2019 acquisition of Simplicity Esports LLC described below, we determined to shift our current primary focus to esports gaming.
Accordingly, we did not generate any revenues from Smaaash in 2019. The Master Franchise Agreement, as amended, and the Master Distribution
Agreement continue in full force and effect, however, and we may now or in the future pursue Smaaash Private business opportunities.
Polar
and K2
On
November 2, 2018, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with each of Polar Asset Management Partners Inc. (“Polar”)
and K2 Principal Fund L.P. (“K2”), pursuant to which Polar and K2 agreed to sell up to 61,250 (490,000 pre-reverse split)
and 27,500 (220,000 pre-reverse split) shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock to the Company 30 days after the consummation
of the transactions at a price of $89.84 ($11.23 pre-reverse split) contemplated by the share subscription agreement with Smaaash Private.
On
December 20, 2018, the Company, Polar, K2 and the Escrow Agent, entered into an Amendment (the “Amendment”), pursuant to
which, among other things, the stock purchase agreements with Polar and K2 were amended to (x) reduce the purchase price per share payable
by the Company at the closing of the Stock Sales from $89.84 ($11.23 pre-reverse split) per share to (1) first $48.00 ($6.00 pre-reverse
split) per share up to 20% of the original number of Shares (as defined in the respective Purchase Agreement), (2) then $40.00 ($5.00
pre-reverse split) per remaining share up to 20% of the original number of Shares, (3) then $32.00 ($4.00 pre-reverse split) per remaining
share up to 20% of the original number of Shares, (4) then $24.00 ($3.00 pre-reverse split) per remaining Share up to 20% of the original
number of Shares, and (5) then $16.00 ($2.00 pre-reverse split) per remaining Share up to 20% of the original number of Shares, (y) to
extend the outside date of the closing of the Stock Sales until January 18, 2019, and (z) to authorize the issuance of $3,542,700 and
$1,590,600 from the Escrow Account to Polar and K2, respectively, as partial payment for the Shares prior to the final closing of the
Stock Sales.
The
Amendment also included provisions regarding the reduction of the exercise price and amendment of redemption provisions of the Company’s
Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants. On August 18, 2019, the Company held a special meeting of its public warrant holders
to approve the foregoing. However, these proposals were not approved by the requisite votes.
Nasdaq
Delisting
On
December 10, 2018, the Company received a written notice (the “Notice”) from the Listing Qualifications Division of The Nasdaq
Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) indicating that the Company has not complied with the requirements of IM-5101-2 of the listing
rules of Nasdaq (the “Listing Rules”).
The
Notice stated that after its Business Combination, the Company had not demonstrated that its common stock met Listing Rule 5505(b)(1)
that requires a market value of publicly held shares of at least $15 million. Additionally, the Company has not provided evidence that
its common stock has at least 300 round lot holders as required by Listing Rule 5505(a)(3) and that its warrant has at least 400 round
lot holders as required by Listing Rule 5515(a)(4). Finally, the Company does not comply with Listing Rule 5515(a)(2) which requires
that for initial listing of a warrant the underlying security must be listed on Nasdaq.
On
January 7, 2019, the Company received a second written notice from Nasdaq informing it that the Company failed to comply with Listing
Rule 5250(e)(2) which requires companies listed on Nasdaq to timely file notification forms for the Listing of Additional Shares (the
“LAS Notification”).
The
Company was required to submit the LAS Notification 15 days prior to the issuance of the securities, however, the Company filed the LAS
Notification for the issuance of the Series A-1 Note and Series A-2 Note and for the share exchange under our Share Exchange Agreement
after such 15-day periods. Nasdaq notified the Company that each of these matters serves as an additional and separate basis for delisting
the Company’s securities and that the review panel will consider these matters in rendering a determination regarding the Company’s
continued listing on Nasdaq.
Management
of Simplicity Esports and Gamily Company has decided that moving from The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) to the OTCQB is
more appropriate for the Company at this time, while the Company builds out its planned network of retail esport centers.
On
April 1, 2019, the Company was notified by Nasdaq that it would delist the Company’s common stock and warrants. The Company’s
common stock and warrants were previously suspended from trading on Nasdaq, effective January 25, 2019.
On
April 2, 2019, Nasdaq filed a Notification of Removal from Listing and/or Registration under Section 12(b) of the Securities and Exchange
Act of 1934 on Form 25 with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the Company’s common stock and warrants. As a result,
the Company’s common stock and warrants were delisted from Nasdaq effective April 2, 2019.
The
Company’s common stock and warrants currently have been quoted on the OTCQB under the symbols “WINR” and “WINRW,”
respectively.
Registration
Rights
Pursuant
to a registration rights agreement the Company entered into with its initial stockholders and initial purchasers of the Private Units
(and constituent securities) at the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the Company is required to register certain securities for
sale under the Securities Act. These holders are entitled under the registration rights agreement to make up to three demands that the
Company register certain of its securities held by them for sale under the Securities Act and to have the securities covered thereby
registered for resale pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act. In addition, these holders have the right to include their securities
in other registration statements filed by the Company. The Company will bear the costs and expenses of filing any such registration statements.
Unit
Purchase Option
The
Company sold to the underwriters (and/or their designees), for $100, an option to purchase up to a total of 250,000 Units (which increased
to 260,000 Units upon the partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option), exercisable at $11.50 per Unit (or an aggregate
exercise price of $2,990,000) upon the closing of the Initial Public Offering. The UPO may be exercised for cash or on a cashless basis,
at the holder’s option, at any time during the period commencing on the later of the first anniversary of the effective date of
the registration statement relating to the Initial Public Offering and the closing of the Company’s initial Business Combination
and terminating on the fifth anniversary of such effectiveness date. The Units issuable upon exercise of this UPO are identical to those
offered in the Initial Public Offering, except that the exercise price of the warrants underlying the Units sold to the underwriters
is $13.00 per share.
Acquisition
of Simplicity Esports, LLC
In
connection with the Simplicity Esports Acquisition, the Simplicity Owners received an aggregate of 37,500 (300,000 pre-reverse split)
shares of common stock at the closing on January 4, 2019, an additional aggregate of 87,500 (700,000 pre-reverse split) shares of common
stock on January 7, 2019 and the remaining 250,000 (2,000,000 pre-reverse split) shares in March of 2019.
In
connection with the Simplicity Esports Acquisition, on January 2, 2019, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to the Company’s
Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate Amendment”) with the Delaware Secretary of State
to change the Company’s name from “Smaaash Entertainment, Inc.” to “Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company.”
In addition, the Company changed the ticker symbols of its common stock and public warrants to “WINR” and “WINRW,”
respectively, and commenced trading of its common stock and public warrants under such new ticker symbols on the OTCQB on January 10,
2019.
During
the year, the Company acquired thirteen gaming centers from prior franchisees in various locations throughout the United States. On a
consolidated basis, the Company paid for these acquisitions by issuing shares of stock to former franchise owners in return for the property,
plant and equipment, the inventory on hand at the time of the acquisition and the leasehold improvements of the leased spaces. As part
of the acquisition effort, the Company was able to renegotiate the lease terms with the landlords in order to provide more favorable
operating terms to the Company.
Equity
Line
On
March 12, 2020, the Company entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement with Triton Funds LP (“Triton”), dated as of March
11, 2020, pursuant to which, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, Triton was committed to purchase shares of the Company’s
common stock at an aggregate price of up to $500,000 (the “Maximum Commitment Amount”) over the course of the commitment
period which ends on the earlier of (i) the date on which Triton purchases the Maximum Commitment Amount and (ii) December 31, 2020 (the
“Equity Line”). In connection with the execution of the Common Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company registered the resale
of up to 90,625 (725,000 pre-reverse split) shares of common stock issuable under the Equity Line in the amount of the Maximum Commitment
Amount pursuant to a registration statement declared effective by the SEC on March 30, 2020.
On
April 9, 2020, the Company delivered a Purchase Notice to Triton pursuant to the terms of the Common Stock Purchase Agreement requiring
Triton to acquire 15,625 (125,000 pre-reverse split) shares of common stock, which resulted in $87,700 in proceeds to the Company. Pursuant
to the terms of the Common Stock Purchase Agreement, on April 9, 2020, the Company instructed the transfer agent to issue 15,625 (125,000
pre-reverse split) shares of common stock to a custodial account of Triton. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of
the Securities Act.
During
the year ended May 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company applied for a loan payable under the Payroll Protection Plan (“PPP”). As
of the year end, the Company owes $83.000 and $41,000 respectively. The Company is applying for permanent relief for the loans payable
under the PPP federal guidelines.
Debt
Obligations
10%
Fixed Convertible Promissory Note
On
April 29, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), the Company issued a 10% Fixed Convertible Promissory Note (the “Harbor Gates
Note”), with a maturity date of October 29, 2020 (the “Maturity Date”), in the principal sum of $152,500 in favor of
Harbor Gates Capital, LLC (“Harbor Gates”). Pursuant to the terms of the Harbor Gates Note, the Company agreed to pay to
Harbor Gates $152,500 (the “Principal Sum”) and to pay “guaranteed” interest on the principal balance at an amount
equivalent to 10% of the Principal Sum, to the extent such Principal Sum and “guaranteed” interest and any other interest,
fees, liquidated damages and/or items due to Harbor Gates have not been repaid or converted into Company common stock in accordance with
the terms of the Harbor Gates Note. The Harbor Gates Note carries an original issue discount (“OID”) of $2,500. Accordingly,
on the Effective Date, Harbor Gates delivered $150,000 to the Company in exchange for the Harbor Gates Note.
In
addition to the “guaranteed” interest, and upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as hereinafter defined), additional
interest will accrue from the date of the Event of Default at the rate equal to the lower of 20% per annum or the highest rate permitted
by law.
The
Company may prepay the Harbor Gates Note according to the following schedule:
Days
Since
Effective
Date
|
|
Payment
Amount
|
Under
30
|
|
115%
of Principal Amount (as hereinafter defined) so paid
|
31-60
|
|
120%
of Principal Amount so paid
|
61-90
|
|
125%
of Principal Amount so paid
|
91-180
|
|
135%
of Principal Amount so paid
|
135%
of the remaining unpaid and unconverted Principal Amount, plus all accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable on the Maturity
Date. “Principal Amount” refers to the sum of (i) the original principal amount of the Harbor Gates Note (including the OID);
(ii) all guaranteed and other accrued but unpaid interest under the Harbor Gates Note; (iii) any fees due under the Harbor Gates Notes;
(iv) liquidated damages; and (v) any default payments owing under the Harbor Gates Note, in each case previously paid or added to the
Principal Amount.
Pursuant
to the terms of the Harbor Gates Note, the Company agreed to issue Harbor Gates shares of Company common stock in two tranches as follows:
|
(i)
|
1,250
shares of common stock within three trading days of the Effective Date; and
|
|
(ii)
|
In
the event the average of the three volume weighted average prices for the Company’s common stock during the three consecutive
trading days immediately preceding the date which is the 180th day following the Effective Date is less than $8.00 per
share, then Harbor Gates will be entitled, and the Company will issue to Harbor Gates additional shares of common stock as set forth
in the Harbor Gates Note.
|
If
an Event of Default (as defined in the Promissory Note) occurs, the outstanding Principal Amount of the Harbor Gates Note owing in respect
thereof through the date of acceleration, shall become, at Harbor Gates’ election, immediately due and payable in cash at the “Mandatory
Default Amount”. The Mandatory Default Amount means 35% of the outstanding Principal Amount of the Harbor Gates Note will be automatically
added to the Principal Sum of the Harbor Gates Note and tack back to the Effective Date for purposes of Rule 144 promulgated under the
1934 Act. Commencing five days after the occurrence of any Event of Default that results in the eventual acceleration of the Harbor Gates
Note, the Harbor Gates Note will accrue additional interest, in addition to the Harbor Gates Note’s “guaranteed” interest,
at a rate equal to the lesser of 20% per annum or the maximum rate permitted under applicable law.
If
the Harbor Gates Note is not retired on or before the Maturity Date, then at any time and from time to time after the Maturity Date,
and subject to the terms hereof and restrictions and limitations contained in the Harbor Gates Note, Harbor Gates has the right, at Harbor
Gates’ sole option, to convert in whole or in part the outstanding and unpaid Principal Amount under the Harbor Gates Note into
shares of the Company’s common stock at the Variable Conversion Price. The “Variable Conversion Price” will be equal
to the lower of: (a) $8.00, or (b) 70% of the lowest volume weighted average price of the Company’s common stock during the 15
consecutive trading days prior to the date on Harbor Gates elects to convert all or part of the Harbor Gates Note.
On
July 2, 2020, the Company repaid $152,500 and $15,2500 in accrued interest and $33,550 in prepayment penalty in full satisfaction
of the 10% Convertible Promissory Harbor Gates Note.
Kaplan
Promissory Note
On
May 12, 2020 (the “Issue Date”), the Company issued a promissory note (the “Kaplan Note”) in the principal sum
of $90,000 in favor of Jed Kaplan, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, interim Chief Financial Officer, member of the Company’s
Board of Directors and greater than 5% stockholder of the Company. The Kaplan Note matured on October 12, 2020 (the “Maturity Date”).
The Company used the proceeds of the Kaplan Note to fund the operations of Simplicity One Brasil Ltda, the Company’s majority owned
subsidiary (“Simplicity Brasil”).
Pursuant
to the terms of the Kaplan Note, the Company agreed to pay to Mr. Kaplan the lesser of (i) the principal sum of $90,000 (the “Maximum
Commitment”), or (ii) the aggregate principal amount of all direct advances of the proceeds of the Kaplan Note (each, an “Advance”),
together with any interest thereon, and any and all other amounts which may be due and payable thereunder from time to time.
Subject
to the terms of the Kaplan Note, Mr. Kaplan agreed to make one direct Advance to and for the benefit of the Company on the Issue Date
in the amount of $45,000, and one additional Advance to and for the benefit of the Company at such time as the Company may request during
the two-month period following the Issue Date. The total of the aggregate principal balance of all Advances (collectively referred to
herein as the “Principal Amount”) outstanding at any time shall not exceed the Maximum Commitment. Advances made by Mr. Kaplan
to the Company under the Kaplan Note which have been repaid may not be borrowed again.
Prior
to the Maturity Date or an Event of Default (as hereinafter defined), the Principal Amount outstanding under the Kaplan Note will bear
interest at a rate of 3% (the “Interest Rate”). From and after the Maturity Date or upon and during the continuance of an
Event of Default, interest will accrue on the unpaid Principal Amount during any such period at an annual rate (the “Default Rate”)
equal to 10% plus the Interest Rate; provided, however, that in no event will the Default Rate exceed the maximum rate permitted by law.
The
Company could prepay the Kaplan Note, in whole or in part, without a prepayment penalty, at any time provided that an Event of Default
has not then occurred.
As
of May 31, 2020, advances under the terms of this note were $64,728. On various dates subsequent to May 31, 2020, Mr. Kaplan funded $25,272
pursuant to the Kaplan Promissory Note. With the contributions subsequent to May 31, 2020, the principal balances outstanding and due
Mr. Kaplan amounted to $90,000. On June 22, 2020, Mr. Kaplan agreed to forgive the debt of the Kaplan Promissory Note with a principal
balance of $90,000 in exchange for the Company assigning to Mr. Kaplan a 10% equity interest in Simplicity One, a subsidiary of the Company.
Self-Amortization
Promissory Note
On
June 18, 2020 (the “Issue Date”), the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “SPA”) with an
accredited investor (the “Holder”), pursuant to which the Company issued a 12% self-amortization promissory note (the “Amortization
Note”) with a maturity date of June 18, 2021 (the “Maturity Date”), in the principal sum of $550,000. Pursuant to the
terms of the Amortization Note, the Company agreed to pay to $550,000 (the “Principal Sum”) to the Holder and to pay interest
on the Principal Sum at the rate of 12% per annum. The Amortization Note carries an original issue discount (“OID”) of $55,000.
Accordingly, on the Closing Date (as defined in the SPA), the Holder paid the purchase price of $495,000 in exchange for the Amortization
Note. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the SPA, the Company agreed to issue 6,875 shares of the Company’s common stock to
the Holder as additional consideration.
The
Company may prepay the Amortization Note at any time prior to the date that an Event of Default (as defined in the Amortization Note)
(each an “Event of Default”) occurs at an amount equal to 100% of the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued and unpaid
interest with no prepayment premium. The Amortization Note contains customary events of default relating to, among other things, payment
defaults, breach of representations and warranties, and breach of provisions of the Amortization Note or SPA.
The
Company is required to make amortization payments to the Holder according to the following schedule:
Payment
Date
|
|
Payment
Amount
|
|
10/16/2020
|
|
$
|
66,125.00
|
|
11/16/2020
|
|
$
|
66,125.00
|
|
12/16/2020
|
|
$
|
66,125.00
|
|
01/18/2021
|
|
$
|
66,125.00
|
|
02/18/2021
|
|
$
|
66,125.00
|
|
03/18/2021
|
|
$
|
66,125.00
|
|
04/16/2021
|
|
$
|
66,125.00
|
|
05/18/2021
|
|
$
|
66,125.00
|
|
06/18/2021
|
|
$
|
65,921.26
|
|
Total:
|
|
$
|
594,921.26
|
|
In
connection with the November 23, 2020 SPA discussed below, we repaid principal and interest of $198,375.
Upon
the Holder’s provision of notice to the Company of the occurrence of any Event of Default, which has not been cured within five
calendar days as provided in the Amortization Note, the Amortization Note shall become immediately due and payable and the Company shall
pay to the Holder, in full satisfaction of its obligations hereunder, an amount equal to the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued
interest multiplied by 125% (the “Default Amount”). Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, additional interest will
accrue from the date of the Event of Default at the rate equal to the lower of 15% per annum or the highest rate permitted by law. The
Company shall have the right to pay the Default Amount in cash at any time, provided, however that the Holder may convert the Amortization
Note into the Company’s common stock (subject to the beneficial ownership limitations of 4.99% contained in the Amortization Note)
at any time after the date that is five calendar days after the Amortization Note becomes immediately due and payable as a result of
an Event of Default until the Company has repaid the Amortization Note in cash. If the aforementioned event occurs, the conversion price
will be equal to the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the date of the respective
conversion. The Company intends to repay the Amortization Note in accordance with its terms so that no amount under the Amortization
Note is converted into shares of the Company’s common stock.
While
any portion of this Note is outstanding, if the Company receives cash proceeds of more than $2,000,000.00 (the “Minimum Threshold”)
in the aggregate from public offerings or private placements to investors, the Company shall, within two business days of Company’s
receipt of such proceeds, inform the Holder of such receipt, following which the Holder shall have the right in its sole discretion to
require the Company to immediately apply up to 50% of all proceeds received by the Company after the Minimum Threshold is reached to
repay the outstanding amounts owed under this Note. As of_____the Company repaid principal and interest of $ in satisfaction of the
outstanding note.
August
7, 2020 Self-Amortization Promissory Note
On
August 7, 2020 (the “Issue Date”), the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “SPA”) with
FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC, an accredited investor (the “Holder”), pursuant to which the Company issued a 12%
self-amortization promissory note (the “Self-Amortization Note”) with a maturity date of August 7, 2021 (the “Maturity
Date”), in the principal sum of $333,333. Pursuant to the terms of the Self-Amortization Note, the Company agreed to pay $333,333
(the “Principal Sum”) to the Holder and to pay interest on the principal balance at the rate of 12% per annum. The Amortization
Note carries an original issue discount of $33,333. Accordingly, on the Closing Date (as defined in the SPA), the Holder paid the purchase
price of $300,000 in exchange for the Self-Amortization Note. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the SPA, the Company agreed to issue
4,167 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Holder as additional consideration.
The
Company may prepay the Self-Amortization Note at any time prior to the date that an Event of Default (as defined in the Amortization
Note) (each an “Event of Default”) occurs at an amount equal to 100% of the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued and
unpaid interest with no prepayment premium. The Self-Amortization Note contains customary events of default relating to, among other
things, payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, and breach of provisions of the Self-Amortization Note or SPA.
The
Company is required to make amortization payments to the Holder according to the following schedule:
Payment
Date
|
|
Payment
Amount
|
|
12/07/2020
|
|
$
|
40,075.75
|
|
01/07/2021
|
|
$
|
40,075.75
|
|
02/08/2021
|
|
$
|
40,075.75
|
|
03/08/2021
|
|
$
|
40,075.75
|
|
04/07/2021
|
|
$
|
40,075.75
|
|
05/07/2021
|
|
$
|
40,075.75
|
|
06/07/2021
|
|
$
|
40,075.75
|
|
07/07/2021
|
|
$
|
40,075.75
|
|
08/07/2021
|
|
$
|
39,952.34
|
|
Total:
|
|
$
|
360,558.34
|
|
On
March 10, 2021, we repaid the outstanding principal and interest on the Self-Amortization Note.
Upon
the Holder’s provision of notice to the Company of the occurrence of any Event of Default, which has not been cured within five
calendar days as provided in the Amortization Note, the Amortization Note shall become immediately due and payable and the Company shall
pay to the Holder, in full satisfaction of its obligations hereunder, an amount equal to the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued
interest multiplied by 125% (the “Default Amount”). Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, additional interest will
accrue from the date of the Event of Default at the rate equal to the lower of 15% per annum or the highest rate permitted by law. The
Company shall have the right to pay the Default Amount in cash at any time, provided, however that the Holder may convert the Amortization
Note into the Company’s common stock (subject to the beneficial ownership limitations of 4.99% contained in the Amortization Note)
at any time after the date that is five calendar days after the Amortization Note becomes immediately due and payable as a result of
an Event of Default until the Company has repaid the Amortization Note in cash. If the aforementioned event occurs, the conversion price
will be equal to the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the date of the respective
conversion. The Company intends to repay the Amortization Note in accordance with its terms so that no amount under the Amortization
Note is converted into shares of the Company’s common stock.
While
any portion of this Note is outstanding, if the Company receives cash proceeds of more than $2,000,000.00 (the “Minimum Threshold”)
in the aggregate from public offerings or private placements to investors, the Company shall, within two business days of Company’s
receipt of such proceeds, inform the Holder of such receipt, following which the Holder shall have the right in its sole discretion to
require the Company to immediately apply up to 50% of all proceeds received by the Company after the Minimum Threshold is reached to
repay the outstanding amounts owed under this Note.
November
23, 2020 Self-Amortization Promissory Note
On
November 25, 2020, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “November 2020 SPA”), dated as of November
23, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), with an accredited investor (the “Holder”) pursuant to which the Company issued
a 12% self-amortization promissory note (the “November Amortization Note”) with a maturity date of November 23, 2021 (the
“Maturity Date”), in the principal sum of $750,000. Pursuant to the terms of the November Amortization Note, the Company
agreed to pay to $750,000 (the “Principal Sum”) to the Holder and to pay interest on the principal balance at the rate of
12% per annum. The Company received net proceeds of $441,375, net of original issue discount of $75,000, origination fees of $35,250,
and the partial repayment of principal and interest of $198,375 on the June 18, 2020 Note. In connection with the November Amortization
Note, during the first twelve months of this note, interest equal to $90,000 shall be guaranteed and earned in full as of the Effective
Date, provided, however, that if the November Amortization Note is repaid in its entirety on or prior to February 23, 2021, then the
interest shall be accrued on a per annum basis based on the number of days elapsed as of the repayment date from the Effective Date.
In
connection with the November 23, 2020 SPA, the Company is required to issue warrants equal to 375,000 divided by the Exercise Price (as
defined below) (the “Warrant Shares”) (whereby such number may be adjusted from time to time pursuant to the terms and conditions
of this Warrant) at the Exercise Price per share then in effect. For purposes of this Warrant, the term “Exercise Price”
shall mean 110% of the public offering price of the Company’s common stock under the public offering contemplated by the registration
statement on Form S-1 filed by the Company on October 23, 2020 (the “Uplist Offering”), provided, however, that if the Uplist
Offering has not been consummated on or before May 23, 2021, then the Exercise Price shall mean the closing bid price of the Company’s
common stock on December 23, 2020, subject to adjustment as provided in the warrant (including but not limited to cashless exercise),
and the term “Exercise Period” shall mean the period commencing on the earlier of (i) the date of the Company’s consummation
of the Uplist Offering or (ii) May 23, 2021, and ending on the five-year anniversary thereof. In connection with the issuance of these
warrants, on the initial measurement date, the relative fair value of the warrants of $157,438 was recorded as a debt discount and an
increase in paid-in capital.
The
Company may prepay the Amortization Note at any time prior to the date that an Event of Default (as defined in the Amortization Note)
(each an “Event of Default”) occurs at an amount equal to 100% of the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued and unpaid
interest (no prepayment premium). The Amortization Note contains customary events of default relating to, among other things, payment
defaults, breach of representations and warranties, and breach of provisions of the November Amortization Note or the November 2020 SPA.
The
Company is required to make amortization payments to the Holder according to the following schedule:
Payment
Date
|
|
Payment
Amount
|
|
2/23/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
3/23/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
4/23/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
5/21/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
6/23/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
7/23/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
8/23/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
9/23/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
10/22/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
11/23/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
Total:
|
|
$
|
840,000.00
|
|
On
February 19, 2021, we repaid the outstanding principal and interest on the November Amortization Note.
Upon
the Holder’s provision of notice to the Company of the occurrence of any Event of Default, which has not been cured within five
(5) calendar days (provided, however, that this cure period shall not apply to certain events of default as set forth in the November
Amortization Note), the November Amortization Note shall become immediately due and payable and the Company shall pay to the Holder,
in full satisfaction of its obligations hereunder, an amount equal to the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued interest multiplied
by 125% (the “Default Amount”). Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as hereinafter defined), additional interest
will accrue from the date of the Event of Default at the rate equal to the lower of 15% per annum or the highest rate permitted by law.
The Company shall have the right to pay the Default Amount in cash at any time, provided, however that the Holder may convert the November
Amortization Note into the Company’s common stock (subject to the beneficial ownership limitations of 4.99% contained in the Amortization
Note) at any time after the date that is five (5) calendar days after the November Amortization Note becomes immediately due and payable
as a result of an Event of Default until the Company has repaid the Amortization Note in cash. If the aforementioned event occurs, the
conversion price will be equal to the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock on the trading day immediately preceding
the date of the respective conversion.
The
Holder shall have the right, at any time following an Uncured Default Date (as defined in this Note), to convert all or any portion of
the then outstanding and unpaid principal amount and interest (including any default interest) into shares of the Company’s common
stock at the Conversion Price. Following the Uncured Default Date, the Conversion Price shall equal the lesser of (i) 105% multiplied
by the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock or (ii) the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock immediately
preceding the date of the respective conversion (the “Conversion Price”).
Amendments
to the Series A-2 Exchange Convertible Note
On
or about December 20, 2018, the Company issued that certain Series A-2 exchange convertible note in the original principal amount of
$1,000,000 (the “Series A-2 Note”) to Maxim.
On
June 18, 2020, the Company and Maxim entered into that certain first amendment to the Series A-2 Note (the “First Amendment”),
pursuant to which such parties agreed to the following: (i) Maxim’s resale of the Company’s common stock (the “Common
Stock”) underlying the Series A-2 Note shall be limited to 10% of the daily volume of the Common Stock on each respective trading
day, (ii) the maturity date of the Series A-2 Note was extended to December 31, 2020, (iii) the principal amount of the Series A-2 Note
was increased by $100,000 and (iv) the conversion price was reduced from $15.44 ($1.93 pre-reverse split) to $9.20 ($1.15 pre-reverse
split).
On
December 31, 2020, the Company and Maxim entered into a second amendment to the Series A-2 Note to extend the maturity date of Series
A-2 Note to February 15, 2021.
February
19, 2021 12% Promissory Note and Securities Purchase Agreement
On
February 19, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “SPA”) dated as of February 19, 2021, with
an accredited investor (the “Holder”), pursuant to which the Company issued a 12% promissory note (the “Note”)
with a maturity date of February 19, 2022 (the “Maturity Date”), in the principal sum of $1,650,000. In addition, the Company
issued 10,000 shares of its common stock to the Holder as a commitment fee pursuant to the SPA. Pursuant to the terms of the Note, the
Company agreed to pay to $1,650,000 (the “Principal Sum”) to the Holder and to pay interest on the principal balance at the
rate of 12% per annum (provided that the first twelve months of interest shall be guaranteed). The Note carries an original issue discount
(“OID”) of $165,000. Accordingly, on the Closing Date (as defined in the SPA), the Holder paid the purchase price of $1,485,000
in exchange for the Note. The Company intends to use the proceeds for its operational expenses, the repayment of those certain self-amortization
promissory notes previously issued to the Holder on June 18, 2020 and November 23, 2020, and the repayment of certain other existing
debt obligations. The Holder may convert the Note into the Company’s common stock (subject to the beneficial ownership limitations
of 4.99% in the Note) at any time at a conversion price equal to $11.50 per share.
The
Company may prepay the Note at any time prior to the date that an Event of Default (as defined in the Note) (each an “Event of
Default”) occurs at an amount equal to 100% of the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued and unpaid interest (no prepayment
premium). The Note contains customary events of default relating to, among other things, payment defaults, breach of representations
and warranties, and breach of provisions of the Note or SPA.
The
Company is required to make an interim payment to the Holder in the amount of $363,000, on or before August 19, 2021, towards the repayment
of the balance of the Note.
Upon
the Holder’s provision of notice to the Company of the occurrence of any Event of Default, which has not been cured within five
(5) calendar days (provided, however, that this five (5) calendar day cure period shall not apply to any event of default under Sections
3.1, 3.2, and 3.19 of the Note), the Note shall become immediately due and payable and the Company shall pay to the Holder, in full satisfaction
of its obligations hereunder, an amount equal to the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued interest multiplied by 125% (the “Default
Amount”). Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, additional interest will accrue from the date of the Event of Default at
the rate equal to the lower of 15% per annum or the highest rate permitted by law.
FirstFire
Global 12% Promissory Note and Securities Purchase Agreement
On
March 10, 2021, the Company, entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “First Fire SPA”) dated as of March 10, 2021,
with FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Holder”), pursuant to which the
Company issued a 12% promissory note with a maturity date of March 10, 2022, in the principal sum of $560,000. The Company received net
proceeds of $130,606, net of OID of $56,000, net of origination fees of $8,394, and the repayment of principal and interest of $365,000
on the August 7, 2020 Note. In addition, the Company issued 3,394 (27,152 pre-reverse split) shares of its common stock to the Holder
as a commitment fee pursuant to the SPA. Pursuant to the terms of the Note, the Company agreed to pay to $560,000 (the “Principal
Sum”) to the Holder and to pay interest on the principal balance at the rate of 12% per annum (provided that the first twelve months
of interest shall be guaranteed). The Note carries an OID of $56,000. Accordingly, on the Closing Date (as defined in the First Fire
SPA), the Holder paid the purchase price of $504,000 in exchange for the Note. The Holder may convert the Note into the Company’s
common stock (subject to the beneficial ownership limitations of 4.99% in the Note) at any time at a conversion price equal to $11.50
per share.
The
Company may prepay the Note at any time prior to the date that an Event of Default (as defined in the Note) (each an “Event of
Default”) occurs at an amount equal to 100% of the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued and unpaid interest (no prepayment
premium). The Note contains customary events of default relating to, among other things, payment defaults, breach of representations
and warranties, and breach of provisions of the Note or SPA.
The
Company is required to make an interim payment to FirstFire in the amount of $123,200, on or before September 10, 2021, towards the repayment
of the balance of the Note.
Upon
FirstFire’s provision of notice to the Company of the occurrence of any Event of Default, which has not been cured within five
(5) calendar days (provided, however, that this five (5) calendar day cure period shall not apply to any event of default under Sections
3.1, 3.2, and 3.19 of the Note), the Note shall become immediately due and payable and the Company shall pay to FirstFire, in full satisfaction
of its obligations hereunder, an amount equal to the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued interest multiplied by 125% (the “Default
Amount”). Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, additional interest will accrue from the date of the Event of Default at
the rate equal to the lower of 15% per annum or the highest rate permitted by law.
GS
Capital Securities Purchase Agreement & Note
On
June 16, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “GS SPA”) dated as of June 10, 2021, with GS
Capital Partners, LLC (“GS Capital”), pursuant to which the Company issued a 12% promissory note (the “GS Note”)
with a maturity date of June 10, 2023 (the “GS Maturity Date”), in the principal sum of $333,333. In addition, the Company
issued 3,125 shares of its common stock to GS as a commitment fee pursuant to the GS SPA. Pursuant to the terms of the GS Note, the Company
agreed to pay to $300,000.00 (the “GS Principal Sum”) to GS and to pay interest on the principal balance at the rate of 12%
per annum (provided that the first six months of interest shall be guaranteed and the remaining 18 months of interest shall be deemed
earned in full if any amount is outstanding under the GS Note after 180 days from June 10, 2021). The GS Note carries an original issue
discount (“OID”) of $33,333. Accordingly, GS paid the purchase price of $300,000.00 in exchange for the GS Note. The Company
intends to use the proceeds for working capital and to pay off an existing promissory note issued by the Company in favor of Maxim. GS
may convert the GS Note into the Company’s common stock (subject to the beneficial ownership limitations of 4.99% in the GS Note;
provided however, that the limitation on conversion may be waived (up to 9.99%) by GS upon, at the election of GS, not less than 61 days’
prior notice to the Company) at any time at a conversion price equal to $11.50 per share, as the same may be adjusted as provided in
the GS Note.
The
Company may prepay the GS Note at any time prior to maturity in accordance with the terms of the GS Note. The GS Note contains customary
events of default relating to, among other things, payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, and breach of provisions
of the GS Note or the GS SPA.
Upon
the occurrence of any Event of Default (as defined in the GS Note), which has not been cured within three calendar days, the GS Note
shall become immediately due and payable and the Company shall pay to GS, in full satisfaction of its obligations hereunder, an amount
equal to the principal amount then outstanding plus accrued interest multiplied by 125%.
Pursuant
to the terms of the GS SPA, the Company also issued to GS a three-year warrant to purchase 156,250 shares of the Company’s common
stock at an exercise price equal to (i) 110% of the per share offering price of the offering made in connection with any uplisting of
the Company’s common stock; or (ii) prior to the determination of the per share offering price of the offering made in connection
with any uplisting of the common stock and following such time if the uplisting contemplated in clause (i) is not completed by November
1, 2021, $10.73.
The
Company also agreed to prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement covering the resale of all shares issued or issuable pursuant
to the GS SPA, including shares issued upon conversion of the GS Note or exercise of the GS Warrant. The Company agreed to use its commercially
reasonable efforts to have the registration statement filed with the SEC within 90 days following June 10, 2021 and to have the registration
statement declared effective by the SEC within 120 days following June 10, 2021.
PLAYlive
Nation Merger
On
July 25, 2019, the Company entered an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Esports Merger Sub, Inc.,
a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), PLAYlive, Duncan Wood, Robert J. Steinberger, Eric J. Charneski,
Jordan C. Jenson, and Alec T. Carpenter (collectively, Messrs. Wood, Steinberger, Charneski, Jenson and Carpenter are referred to herein
as the “PLAYlive Stockholders”), and Mr. Wood in his capacity as representative of the Stockholders (the “Stockholder
Representative”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of PLAYlive by
way of a merger (the “PLAYlive Merger”) pursuant to which Merger Sub merged with and into PLAYlive, with PLAYlive surviving
the Merger and continuing as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in exchange for 750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock
(the “Merger Consideration”). The PLAYlive Merger closed on July 30, 2019.
The
name of the surviving corporation remained “PLAYlive Nation, Inc.,” the Certificate of Incorporation of the surviving corporation
is the certificate of incorporation of PLAYlive, and the bylaws of the surviving corporation are the bylaws of PLAYlive. The directors
and officers of Merger Sub immediately prior to the effective time of the PLAYlive Merger became the directors and officers, respectively,
of PLAYlive.
At
the effective time of the PLAYlive Merger, by virtue of the PLAYlive Merger and without any action on the part of Merger Sub, PLAYlive
or the holders of shares of PLAYlive common stock, each share of PLAYlive common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
effective time of the PLAYlive Merger, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement was cancelled and
extinguished and was converted automatically into the right to receive the per share Merger Consideration upon surrender of the certificate
representing such shares of PLAYlive common stock as provided in the Merger Agreement. Each share of common stock of Merger Sub issued
and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger was converted into and exchanged for one validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable share of common stock of PLAYlive. Each stock certificate of Merger Sub evidencing ownership of any such shares
continues to evidence ownership of such shares of capital stock of PLAYlive.
Promptly
following the effective time of the PLAYlive Merger, the Company made available for exchange in accordance with the terms of the Merger
Agreement that portion of the Merger Consideration issuable pursuant to the Merger Agreement in exchange for outstanding PLAYlive common
stock, provided, however, that the Company deposited into escrow 75,000 shares of Company common stock out of the aggregate Merger Consideration
otherwise issuable to the PLAYlive Stockholders pursuant to the Merger Agreement as partial security for the indemnification obligations
set forth in the Merger Agreement. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the PLAYlive Merger. The number of shares of Company
common stock issued to each PLAYlive Stockholder in connection with the PLAYlive Merger (after aggregating all fractional shares of Company
common stock that otherwise would have been received by such holder) were rounded up to the next whole share in lieu of such fractional
share.
At
the closing of the PLAYlive Merger, PLAYlive was required to have not less than $10,000 in cash net of issued but uncleared checks, ACHs,
and drafts, on deposit in PLAYlive’s principal bank account (“Minimum Cash”). Within 60 days after the closing date,
the Company may deliver a notice to the Stockholder Representative setting forth a description of any item which caused Minimum Cash
to exceed or fall below $10,000 and the actual amount of Minimum Cash on deposit in PLAYlive’s principal bank account as of the
closing (a “Minimum Cash Adjustment Notice”). If the actual amount of Minimum Cash as of the closing is more than $10,000,
then the Company will pay to the Stockholder Representative (for distribution to the PLAYlive Stockholders), the amount by which Minimum
Cash exceeds $10,000 provided, however, in no event shall the cash payment exceed an amount that will permit the transactions contemplated
by the Merger Agreement to qualify for the intended tax treatment. If the actual amount of Minimum Cash as of the closing is less than
$10,000, then the Stockholder Representative (on behalf of the PLAYlive Stockholders) will pay to the Company the amount by which Minimum
Cash is less than $10,000.
Concurrently
with execution of the Merger Agreement, the PLAYlive Stockholders executed and delivered a restrictive covenant agreement as provided
in the Merger Agreement. At closing, each of Messrs. Wood, Jenson, and Carpenter entered into an employment agreement with PLAYlive,
and each of the PLAYlive Stockholders entered into a one-year lock-up agreement with the Company.
The
PLAYlive Merger is intended to be a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the “Code”), and the Merger Agreement is intended to be a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of the
regulations promulgated under Section 368(a) of the Code and for the purpose of qualifying as a tax-free transaction for federal income
tax purposes.
Private
Unit Offering
In
2019, the Company sold an aggregate of 987,500 units (the “Units”) at a purchase price of $2.00 per Unit to 12 accredited
investors in exchange for receipt of $1,975,000. Each unit consists of (i) one share of common stock, and (ii) a 5-year warrant to purchase
one share of common stock at a purchase price of $4.00.
Settlement
Agreement
In
March 2019, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with its prior attorney. The settlement agreement called for $200,000 to
be paid upon signing the settlement agreement and then another $525,000 to be paid over-time. As of May 31, 2021, the Company owed this
attorney $125,000.
Debt
Conversion
On
May 31, 2019, we issued 100,000 shares of Common Stock to affiliates of Polar in exchange for Polar’s forgiveness of $143,476 owed
by us to Polar under that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2018, between Polar and us.
Overview
of Smaaash Entertainment Private Limited
Smaaash
Private operates state-of-the-art games and entertainment centers (“Smaaash Centers”) in India, in addition to carrying out
product sales of its games and equipment that Smaaash has developed in-house, supported by its sponsorship and other revenues. Smaaash
Private’s core concept is to offer an interactive, immersive and fun experience to customers at its Smaaash Centers, blending Augmented
Reality (“AR”) and Virtual Reality (“VR”) and other games, indoor entertainment, and attractive food and beverage
options, customized to the tastes and preferences of a diverse set of customers across age groups, genders and backgrounds, including
corporate customers, families, friends and children.
Following
the January 2019 acquisition of Simplicity Esports LLC, we determined to shift our current primary focus to the Simplicity Esports LLC
business. Accordingly, we do not anticipate generating any material revenues from Smaaash in the next 12 months. The Master Franchise
Agreement, as amended, and the Master Distribution Agreement continue in full force and effect, however, and we may now or in the future
pursue Smaaash business opportunities.
Restructuring
the Ownership in Simplicity One Brasil, LTDA
In
June 2020, while Simplicity One Brasil Ltda (“Simplicity One Brasil”) was preparing its initial application for purchasing
a franchise in Campeonato Brasileiro de League of Legends, Simplicity One Brasil become aware that the 10%-ownership interest of Team
One E-Sports Ltda (“Team One E-Sports”) in Simplicity One Brasil was in contravention of Riot Games’ policy that only
one League of Legend esports team could be owned by an owner at one time because Team One had already submitted an application for purchasing
a franchise for another League of Legend esports team. Accordingly, Simplicity One Brasil needed Team One E-Sports to divest itself of
its 10%-equity interest in Simplicity One Brasil in order for Simplicity One Brasil to proceed with its franchise application. Therefore,
on June 22, 2020, Mr. Kaplan entered into a Quota Purchase Agreement with Team One E-Sports, pursuant to which Mr. Kaplan acquired Team
One Esports’ 10%-ownership equity interest for $45,000 in cash. In addition, the Company transferred a 2%-equity interest (an aggregate
of 4%) to each of Laila De Braga Cavalcanti Loss and Frederico Tannure. Ms. Loss lives in Brazil and run the operations of Simplicity
One Brasil, in order to comply with Riot Games’ policy requiring local ownership in Brazil in order to apply for a franchise of
a league of legends sports team. Furthermore, on June 22, 2020, Mr. Kaplan agreed to forgive the debt of the Kaplan Promissory Note with
a principal balance of $90,000 in exchange for the Company assigning to Mr. Kaplan a 10% equity interest in Simplicity One Brasil. In
light of the restructuring of the ownership interest in Simplicity One Brasil, as of August 30, 2021, the Company, Mr. Kaplan, Ms. Cavalcanti
Loss, and Mr. Tannure own a 76%, 20%, 2% and 2% equity interest in Simplicity One Brasil.
Recent
Developments
Form
S-8 Registration Statement
On
March 18, 2021, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-8 for the purpose of resale or reoffer thereof, of 18,125 (145,000
pre-reverse split) shares of the Company’s common stock issued prior to the filing of such registration statement and held by the
selling stockholder named therein in connection with such selling stockholder’s provision of services to the Company. On June 4,
2021, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-8 for the purpose of resale or reoffer thereof, of 1,000,000 shares of the
Company’s common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to the Company’s 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
Appointment
of Mr. Kaplan as Chairman, Mr. Franklin as Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Lau as Chief Financial Officer; New Executive Officer Agreements
On
March 25, 2021, our board of directors appointed Jed Kaplan, our then-Chief Executive Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer and a
member of the Board, as Chairman of the Board, effective March 29, 2021. Also on March 25, 2021, Mr. Kaplan submitted his resignation
as Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer. On the same date, our board of directors appointed Roman Franklin, our
then- President and Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Board, as our Chief Executive Officer, effective March 29, 2021. Also
on March 25, 2021, our board of directors appointed Knicks Lau to serve as our Chief Financial Officer, effective March 29, 2021. Donald
R. Caldwell, who served as Chairman of the Board until March 29, 2021, continues to serve as a member of our board of directors and as
Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Compensation Committee.
In
connection with Mr. Franklin’s appointment, on March 25, 2021, the Company entered into an employment agreement, dated as of March
29, 2021 by and between the Company and Mr. Franklin. See “Executive Compensation—Executive Officer and Director Compensation—Executive
Employment Agreements” for information regarding Mr. Franklin’s employment agreement.
In
connection with Mr. Lau’s appointment, on March 23, 2021, the Company entered into an employment agreement, dated as of March 29,
2021 by and between the Company and Mr. Lau. See “Executive Compensation—Executive Officer and Director Compensation—Executive
Employment Agreements” for information regarding Mr. Lau’s employment agreement. On May 7, 2021, the Board of Directors of
the Company appointed Laila Cavalcanti Loss to serve as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. On May 10, 2021, Knicks Lau
resigned as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer for personal reasons. On May 11, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors
appointed Nancy Hennessey as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, effective May 17, 2021.
In
connection with Ms. Hennessey’s appointment as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer effective May 17, 2021, on May 11, 2021,
the Company entered into an employment agreement, dated as of May 17, 2021 by and between the Company and Ms. Hennessey. See “Executive
Compensation—Executive Officer and Director Compensation—Executive Employment Agreements” for information regarding
Ms. Hennessey’s employment agreement.
In
May 2021, the Company hired Julianne Blanchette to serve as its Corporate Secretary to assist with Board of Directors and corporate governance
matters.
Tiger
Trout SPA
On
March 31, 2021, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (this “Agreement”) by and between the Company and Tiger
Trout Capital Puerto Rico, LLC (“Tiger Trout”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell to Tiger Trout an
aggregate of 125,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company (the “Common Stock”) at a purchase
price of $12.00 per share, for a total purchase price of $1,500,000.
The
Agreement provides that the sale will occur in two tranches, as follows:
|
●
|
The Company agreed to
issue and sell to Tiger Trout on March 31, 2021 41,667 shares of Common Stock (the “First Tranche Shares”) at a purchase
price of $12.00 per share, for a total purchase price of $500,004 (the “First Tranche Purchase Price”). The closing of
the purchase and sale of the First Tranche Shares is referred to herein as the “First Closing”.
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Subject to the satisfaction
or waiver, by the party for whose benefit such conditions exist, of the conditions to the Second Closing (as hereinafter defined),
at such time and pursuant to the terms and conditions in the Agreement, the Company agreed to issue and sell to Tiger Trout 83,333
shares of Common Stock (the “Second Tranche Shares” and together with the First Tranche Shares, the “Shares”)
at a purchase price of $12.00 per share, for a total purchase price of $999,996 (the “Second Tranche Purchase Price”
and together with the First Tranche Purchase Price, the “Purchase Price”). The closing of the purchase and sale of the
Second Tranche Shares is referred to herein as the “Second Closing”.
|
In
the Agreement, the Company agreed that, following the First Closing, the Company will utilize its commercially reasonable efforts to
file a resale registration statement (the “Registration Statement”) pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
“Securities Act”), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) for the resale of the Shares,
and will use its commercially reasonable efforts to have such registration statement declared effective by the Commission within 30 calendar
days, but not more than 90 calendar days after March 31, 2021.
The
Company also agreed to, among other things, (i) make and keep adequate current public information available, as those terms are understood
and defined in Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, and (ii) file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents
required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act so long as the Company remains subject to such requirements and
the filing of such reports and other documents as required for the applicable provisions of Rule 144.
The
obligations of Tiger Trout to consummate the Second Closing is subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to: (i) the
Registration Statement shall have become effective, and (ii) from March 31, 2021 to the date of the Second Closing, trading in the shares
of Common Stock shall not have been suspended by the Commission of the Company’s principal Trading Market (as defined in the Agreement),
and, at any time prior to the date of the Second Closing, trading in securities generally as reported by Bloomberg L.P. shall not have
been suspended or limited, or minimum prices shall not have been established on securities whose trades are reported by such services,
or on any Trading Market, nor shall a banking moratorium have been declared either by the United States or New York State authorities
nor shall there have occurred any material outbreak or escalation of hostilities or other national or international calamity of such
magnitude in its effect on, or any material adverse change in, any financial market which, in each case, in the reasonable judgment of
Tiger Trout, makes it impracticable or inadvisable to purchase the Second Tranche Shares at the Second Closing.
On
April 28, 2021, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with File No. 333-255584, to register up to 125,000 (1,000,000
pre-reverse split) shares of the Company’s common stock by Tiger Trout pursuant to the Agreement, and the Form S-1 was declared
effective by the SEC on May 10, 2021.
The
Agreement contains customary representations and warranties of the Company and the Purchaser and other customary covenants and agreements.
The Agreement may be terminated by either the Company or Tiger Trout if the Second Closing has not occurred by the date that is 90 calendar
days after March 31, 2021. As of August ___, 2021, the Agreement is still in effect.
FMW
Media Works
Effective
April 1, 2021, in connection with compensation for services to be rendered, the Company issued 12,500 (100,000 pre-reverse split) shares
of common stock to FMW Media Works.
Maxim
Note Payable
On
April 14, 2021, the Company and Maxim entered into the third amendment to the Series A-2 Note with Maxim pursuant to which the Company
and Maxim agreed to the following:
(i)
|
The maturity date of
the Series A-2 Note is extended to October 15, 2021.
|
|
|
(ii)
|
The principal balance
of the Series A-2 Note is increased by $50,000 as of April 14, 2021.
|
|
|
(iii)
|
The Series A-2 Note
was not repaid in its entirety (in cash and/or shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to conversion(s) of the Series
A-2 Note) on or before April 30, 2021, and accordingly, the principal balance of the Series A-2 Note increased by an additional $50,000.
|
|
|
(iv)
|
The Series A-2 Note
was not repaid in its entirety (in cash and/or shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to conversion(s) of the Series
A-2 Note) on or before May 15, 2021, and accordingly, the principal balance of the Series A-2 Note increased by an additional $50,000.
|
(v)
|
If the Series A-2 Note
is not repaid in its entirety (in cash and/or shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to conversion(s) of the Series
A-2 Note) on or before July 15, 2021, the principal balance of the Series A-2 Note will increase by an additional $100,000.
|
|
|
(vi)
|
If the Series A-2 Note
is not repaid in its entirety (in cash and/or shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to conversion(s) of the Series
A-2 Note) on or before September 15, 2021, the principal balance of the Series A-2 Note will increase by an additional $100,000,
representing a total cumulative increase in the principal balance of $350,000 if the Series A-2 Note is not repaid in its entirety
on or before September 15, 2021.
|
|
|
(vii)
|
The Company will, within
five business days after the Company’s receipt of the Second Tranche Purchase Price of $999,996, pay $500,000 to Maxim, which
will reduce the principal owed under the Series A-2 Note by $500,000.
|
While
any portion of the Series A-2 Note is outstanding, if the Company receives cash proceeds from public offerings or private placements
of the Company’s common stock to investors (except with respect to proceeds from officers and directors of the Company), the Company
will, within five business days of the Company’s receipt of such proceeds, inform Maxim or such receipt, following which Maxim
will have the right in its sole discretion to require the Company to immediately apply up to 25% of such proceeds received by the Company
to repay the outstanding amounts owed under the Series A-2 Note. The parties understand that (a) each dollar applied toward repayment
pursuant to this clause (viii) will reduce the balance owed under the Series A-2 Note by one dollar, and (b) this clause (viii) will
not apply to the Tiger Trout transaction.
Form
S-1 Registration Statement
On
April 28, 2021, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with File No. 333-255584, to register up to 125,000 (1,000,000
pre-reverse split) shares of the Company’s common stock issued to Tiger Trout Capital Puerto Rico, LLC, a Puerto Rico limited liability
company, which was declared effective by the SEC on May 10, 2021.
Resignation
of Knicks Lau; Appointment of Nancy Hennessey as Chief Financial Officer and Appointment of Laila Cavalcanti Loss as a Director; New
Executive Officer Agreement and Corporate Secretary
June
11 FirstFire Global 12% Promissory Note and Securities Purchase Agreement
On
June 11, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “FirstFire SPA”) dated as of June 10, 2021,
with FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC (“FirstFire”), pursuant to which the Company issued a 12% promissory note (the
“FirstFire Note”) with a maturity date of June 10, 2023 (the “FirstFire Maturity Date”), in the principal sum
of $1,266,666. In addition, the Company issued 11,875 shares of its common stock to FirstFire as a commitment fee pursuant to the FirstFire
SPA. Pursuant to the terms of the FirstFire Note, the Company agreed to pay to $1,266,666 (the “FirstFire Principal Sum”)
to FirstFire and to pay interest on the principal balance at the rate of 12% per annum (provided that the first six months of interest
shall be guaranteed and the remaining 18 months of interest shall be deemed earned in full if any amount is outstanding under the FirstFire
Note after 180 days from June 10, 2021). The FirstFire Note carries an original issue discount (“OID”) of $126,666. Accordingly,
FirstFire paid the purchase price of $1,140,000 in exchange for the FirstFire Note. The Company intends to use the proceeds for working
capital and to pay off an existing promissory note issued by the Company in favor of Maxim. FirstFire may convert the FirstFire Note
into the Company’s common stock (subject to the beneficial ownership limitations of 4.99% in the FirstFire Note; provided however,
that the limitation on conversion may be waived (up to 9.99%) by FirstFire upon, at the election of FirstFire, not less than 61 days’
prior notice to the Company) at any time at a conversion price equal to $11.50 per share, as the same may be adjusted as provided in
the FirstFire Note.
The
Company may prepay the FirstFire Note at any time prior to maturity in accordance with the terms of the FirstFire Note. The FirstFire
Note contains customary events of default relating to, among other things, payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties,
and breach of provisions of the FirstFire Note or the FirstFire SPA.
Upon
the occurrence of any Event of Default (as defined in the FirstFire Note), which has not been cured within three calendar days, the FirstFire
Note shall become immediately due and payable and the Company shall pay to FirstFire, in full satisfaction of its obligations hereunder,
an amount equal to the FirstFire Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued interest multiplied by 125%.
Pursuant
to the terms of the FirstFire SPA, the Company also issued to FirstFire a three-year warrant (the “FirstFire Warrant”) to
purchase 593,750 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price equal to (i) 110% of the per share offering price of
the offering made in connection with any uplisting of the Company’s common stock; or (ii) prior to the determination of the per
share offering price of the offering made in connection with any uplisting of the common stock and following such time if the uplisting
contemplated in clause (i) is not completed by November 1, 2021, $10.73.
The
Company also agreed to prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement covering the resale of all
shares issued or issuable pursuant to the FirstFire SPA, including shares issued upon conversion of the FirstFire Note or exercise of
the FirstFire Warrant. The Company agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the registration statement filed with the
SEC within 90 days following June 10, 2021 and to have the registration statement declared effective by the SEC within 120 days following
June 10, 2021.
GS
Capital Securities Purchase Agreement & Note
On
June 16, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “GS SPA”) dated as of June 10, 2021, with GS
Capital Partners, LLC (“GS Capital”), pursuant to which the Company issued a 12% promissory note (the “GS Note”)
with a maturity date of June 10, 2023 (the “GS Maturity Date”), in the principal sum of $333,333. In addition, the Company
issued 3,125 shares of its common stock to GS as a commitment fee pursuant to the GS SPA. Pursuant to the terms of the GS Note, the Company
agreed to pay to $300,000.00 (the “GS Principal Sum”) to GS and to pay interest on the principal balance at the rate of 12%
per annum (provided that the first six months of interest shall be guaranteed and the remaining 18 months of interest shall be deemed
earned in full if any amount is outstanding under the GS Note after 180 days from June 10, 2021). The GS Note carries an original issue
discount (“OID”) of $33,333. Accordingly, GS paid the purchase price of $300,000.00 in exchange for the GS Note. The Company
intends to use the proceeds for working capital and to pay off an existing promissory note issued by the Company in favor of Maxim. GS
may convert the GS Note into the Company’s common stock (subject to the beneficial ownership limitations of 4.99% in the GS Note;
provided however, that the limitation on conversion may be waived (up to 9.99%) by GS upon, at the election of GS, not less than 61 days’
prior notice to the Company) at any time at a conversion price equal to $11.50 per share, as the same may be adjusted as provided in
the GS Note.
The
Company may prepay the GS Note at any time prior to maturity in accordance with the terms of the GS Note. The GS Note contains customary
events of default relating to, among other things, payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, and breach of provisions
of the GS Note or the GS SPA.
Upon
the occurrence of any Event of Default (as defined in the GS Note), which has not been cured within three calendar days, the GS Note
shall become immediately due and payable and the Company shall pay to GS, in full satisfaction of its obligations hereunder, an amount
equal to the principal amount then outstanding plus accrued interest multiplied by 125%.
Pursuant
to the terms of the GS SPA, the Company also issued to GS a three-year warrant to purchase 156,250 shares of the Company’s common
stock at an exercise price equal to (i) 110% of the per share offering price of the offering made in connection with any uplisting of
the Company’s common stock; or (ii) prior to the determination of the per share offering price of the offering made in connection
with any uplisting of the common stock and following such time if the uplisting contemplated in clause (i) is not completed by November
1, 2021, $10.73.
The
Company also agreed to prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement covering the resale of all shares issued or issuable pursuant
to the GS SPA, including shares issued upon conversion of the GS Note or exercise of the GS Warrant. The Company agreed to use its commercially
reasonable efforts to have the registration statement filed with the SEC within 90 days following June 10, 2021 and to have the registration
statement declared effective by the SEC within 120 days following June 10, 2021.
Nasdaq
Capital Market or NYSE American Listing, Reverse Stock Split and Increase in Authorized Shares of Common Stock
We
intend to list our common stock and warrants on the Nasdaq Capital Market or NYSE American. There is no assurance that our listing application
will be approved by the Nasdaq Capital Market or NYSE American.
In
order to obtain Nasdaq Capital Market or NYSE American listing approval, we obtained approval of our board of directors and shareholders
of (i) a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of our common stock in the range from one-for-two (1-for-2) to one-for-ten (1-for-10),
which ratio was to be selected by the board of directors and (ii) an increase in our authorized shares of common stock from 20,000,000
to 36,000,000 shares of common stock.
On
August 17, 2020, we filed a Certificate of Amendment to increase the authorized shares of common stock from 20,000,000 to 36,000,000.
Accordingly, our authorized capital stock consists of (i) 36,000,000 shares of common stock, and (ii) 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock.
On
November 17, 2020, our board of directors approved the reverse stock split in a ratio of 1-for-8 and on November 17, 2020, we filed an
amended and restated certificate of amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, implementing the reverse stock split in
a ratio of 1-for-8, effective November 19, 2020; provided, however, the reverse stock split became effective for trading purposes on
November 20, 2020 when it had been processed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The reverse stock
split is intended to allow us to meet the minimum share price requirement of the Nasdaq Capital Market or NYSE American. There is no
assurance that our listing application will be approved by the Nasdaq Capital Market or NYSE American.
Information
About Our Executive Officers
Roman
Franklin. Mr. Franklin has been a member of our Board of Directors since August 16, 2017, and our President since December 31,
2018. Mr. Franklin was promoted to Chief Executive Officer in March 2021. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Franklin was Chief Investment
Officer of SMC Global USA from March 2016 until December 31, 2016, and prior, President of Franklin Financial Planning from 2005 to 2016.
Roman Franklin is a 16-year veteran of the financial services industry. By the age of 22 he held FINRA Series 7, Series 66, and Life,
Health, and Variable Insurance Licenses. In 2005, he founded a fee-only registered investment advisory firm. In 2008, he was one of the
youngest recipients of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (“NAPFA”) Registered Financial Advisor (RFA)
designation. In 2015, he was elected as a Board Member of the NAPFA, South Region Board of Directors, overseeing more than a dozen states
from Texas, to Florida, to North Carolina. Mr. Franklin has experience in domestic and international investments, and has been involved
in multiple international business transactions. Mr. Franklin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Barry University
and an M.B.A. in Finance from the Graduate School of Business at Stetson University. His civic organization roles include School Advisory
Council for Volusia County Schools, City of DeLand Economic Development Committee, and the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of Central
Florida.
We
believe Mr. Franklin’s strong expertise in finance and international and domestic business transactions qualifies him to serve
on our Board of Directors.
Nancy
Hennessey. Ms. Hennessey joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer in May 2021. Prior to this she worked as the Senior Vice
President of Financial Planning and Analysis and as a consultant to the Chief Executive Officer of Travel and Leisure, formerly Wyndham
Destinations, an NYSE listed $5 billion market cap company. From 1990 to 2011, Ms. Hennessey served multiple companies as Vice President
of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Hennessey began her career by working for Ernst & Young as a Senior Auditor from 1986
until 1990. Ms. Hennessey is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a BBA and MBA in Public Accounting from the Lubin School of Business
at Pace University.
We
believe Ms. Hennessey’s extensive experience in corporate finance qualifies her to serve as an Executive Officer of the Company.
Employees
As
of August 30, 2021, we had approximately 20 full-time employees and 30 part-time employees. None of our employees is represented by a
union. We consider our relations with our employees to be good.
Legal
Proceedings
On
August 5, 2020, a lawsuit styled Duncan Wood v. PLAYlive Nation, Inc. and Simplicity eSports and Gaming Company (Case No. 20-1043) was
filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. The complaint alleges unlawful failure to make timely and reasonable payment
of wages, breach of contract, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing and unjust enrichment. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages
for compensation alleged to be owed, treble damages, interest on all wage compensation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and other relief
as the Court deems just and proper. On October 30, 2020, Mr. Wood and Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company executed a mutual General
Release and the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice.
From
time to time, we are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. To the knowledge of our
management, there are no legal proceedings currently pending against us which we believe would have a material effect on our business,
financial position or results of operations and, to the best of our knowledge, there are no such legal proceedings contemplated or threatened.
Properties
Our
corporate headquarters are located at 7000 W. Palmetto Park Road, Suite 505, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, where we lease approximately
250 rentable square feet of office space from an unaffiliated third party. This lease expires on June 1, 2022. Terms of the office lease
provide for a base rent payment of $800 per month. In total we lease approximately 40,000 rentable square feet of retail and office space
from unaffiliated third parties in 17 locations in Florida, Oregon, Texas, California, Missouri, Montana, and Washington State for our
corporate offices and gaming centers. These leases expire at various times, with the first expiration being May of 2022 and the last
being July of 2030. Terms of the office and retail leases currently provide for aggregate base rent payments of approximately $39,000
per month with annual price escalations. We believe that these facilities are adequate for our current and near-term future needs.
RISK
FACTORS
An
investment in our securities carries a significant degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risks, as well as the
other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our historical financial statements and related notes included
elsewhere herein, before you decide to purchase our securities. Any one of these risks and uncertainties has the potential to cause material
adverse effects on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results which could cause actual results to differ materially
from any forward-looking statements expressed by us and a significant decrease in the value of our common shares and warrants. Refer
to “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”.
We
may not be successful in preventing the material adverse effects that any of the following risks and uncertainties may cause. These potential
risks and uncertainties may not be a complete list of the risks and uncertainties facing us. There may be additional risks and uncertainties
that we are presently unaware of, or presently consider immaterial, that may become material in the future and have a material adverse
effect on us. You could lose all or a significant portion of your investment due to any of these risks and uncertainties.
Below
is a summary of material risks, uncertainties and other factors that could have a material effect on the Company and its operations:
|
●
|
our history of losses;
|
|
●
|
our inability to attract
sufficient demand for our services and products;
|
|
●
|
our ability to successfully
execute our growth and acquisition strategy and manage effectively our growth;
|
|
●
|
changes in the competitive
environment in our industry and the markets we serve, and our ability to compete effectively;
|
|
●
|
our dependence on a
strong brand image;
|
|
●
|
our cash needs and the
adequacy of our cash flows and earnings;
|
|
●
|
our ability to access
additional capital;
|
|
●
|
our dependence upon
our executive officers, founders and key employees;
|
|
●
|
our ability to attract
and retain qualified personnel;
|
|
●
|
our reliance on our
technology systems, the impact of technological changes and cybersecurity risks;
|
|
●
|
changes in applicable
laws or regulations;
|
|
●
|
our ability to protect
our trademarks or other intellectual property rights;
|
|
●
|
potential litigation
from competitors or customers;
|
|
●
|
public health epidemics
or outbreaks (such as the novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19)) and our responses to such events could materially
and adversely impact our business; and
|
|
●
|
the possibility that
we may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors.
|
Risks
Related to Our Business
We
have a relatively limited operating history and limited revenues to date and thus are subject to risks of business development and you
have no basis on which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective.
Because
we have a relatively limited operating history and limited revenues to date, you should consider and evaluate our operating prospects
in light of the risks and uncertainties frequently encountered by early-stage operating companies in rapidly evolving markets. These
risks include:
|
●
|
that we may not have
sufficient capital to achieve our growth strategy;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
that we may not develop
our product and service offerings in a manner that enables us to be profitable and meet our customers’ requirements;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
that our growth strategy
may not be successful; and
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
that fluctuations in
our operating results will be significant relative to our revenues.
|
Our
future growth will depend substantially on our ability to address these and the other risks described in this section. If we do not successfully
address these risks, our business could be significantly harmed.
We
have a history of operating losses and our management has concluded that factors raise substantial
doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern and our auditor has included an explanatory paragraph relating to our ability
to continue as a going concern in its audit report for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2021 and 2020.
To
date, we have not been profitable and have incurred significant losses and cash flow deficits. For the fiscal years ended May 31, 2021
and 2020 we reported net losses of $6,283,083 and $2,665,779, respectively, and negative cash flow from operating activities of $1,283,979
and $1,522,486 respectively. As of May 31, 2021, we had an aggregate accumulated deficit of $12,380,154. We anticipate that we will continue
to report losses and negative cash flow. Our management has concluded that our historical
recurring losses from operations and negative cash flows from operations as well as our dependence on private equity and financings raise
substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern and our auditor has included an explanatory paragraph relating to
our ability to continue as a going concern in its audit report for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2021 and 2020.
Our
consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. These adjustments
would likely include substantial impairment of the carrying amount of our assets and potential contingent liabilities that may arise
if we are unable to fulfill various operational commitments. In addition, the value of our securities, including common stock issued
in this offering, would be greatly impaired. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon generating sufficient cash
flow from operations and obtaining additional capital and financing, including funds to be raised in this offering. If our ability to
generate cash flow from operations is delayed or reduced and we are unable to raise additional funding from other sources, we may be
unable to continue in business even if this offering is successful. For further discussion about our ability to continue as a going concern
and our plan for future liquidity, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Ability
to Continue as a Going Concern.”
We
are a holding company and depend upon our subsidiaries for our cash flows.
We
are a holding company. All of our operations are conducted, and almost all of our assets are owned, by our subsidiaries. Consequently,
our cash flows and our ability to meet our obligations depend upon the cash flows of our subsidiaries and the payment of funds by these
subsidiaries to us in the form of dividends, distributions or otherwise. The ability of our subsidiaries to make any payments to us depends
on their earnings, the terms of their indebtedness, including the terms of any credit facilities and legal restrictions. Any failure
to receive dividends or distributions from our subsidiaries when needed could have a material adverse effect on our business, results
of operations or financial condition.
Future
acquisitions or strategic investments could disrupt our business and harm our business, results of operations or financial condition.
We
may in the future explore potential acquisitions of companies or strategic investments to strengthen our business. Even if we identify
an appropriate acquisition candidate, we may not be successful in negotiating the terms or financing of the acquisition, and our due
diligence may fail to identify all of the problems, liabilities or other shortcomings or challenges of an acquired business.
Acquisitions
involve numerous risks, any of which could harm our business, including:
|
●
|
straining our financial
resources to acquire a company;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
anticipated benefits
may not materialize as rapidly as we expect, or at all;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
diversion of management
time and focus from operating our business to address acquisition integration challenges;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
retention of employees
from the acquired company;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
cultural challenges
associated with integrating employees from the acquired company into our organization;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
integration of the acquired
company’s accounting, management information, human resources and other administrative systems;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
the need to implement
or improve controls, procedures and policies at a business that prior to the acquisition may have lacked effective controls, procedures
and policies; and
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
litigation or other
claims in connection with the acquired company, including claims from terminated employees, former stockholders or other third parties.
|
Failure
to appropriately mitigate these risks or other issues related to such strategic investments and acquisitions could result in reducing
or completely eliminating any anticipated benefits of transactions, and harm our business generally. Future acquisitions could also result
in dilutive issuances of our equity securities, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities, amortization expenses or the impairment
of goodwill, any of which could have a material adverse effect on business, results of operations or financial condition.
We
may require additional funding for our growth plans, and such funding may result in a dilution of your investment.
We
attempted to estimate our funding requirements in order to implement our growth plans. If the costs of implementing such plans should
exceed these estimates significantly or if we come across opportunities to grow through expansion plans which cannot be predicted at
this time, and our funds generated from our operations prove insufficient for such purposes, we may need to raise additional funds to
meet these funding requirements.
These
additional funds may be raised by issuing equity or debt securities or by borrowing from banks or other resources. We cannot assure you
that we will be able to obtain any additional financing on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. If we fail to obtain additional
financing on terms that are acceptable to us, we will not be able to implement such plans fully if at all. Such financing even if obtained,
may be accompanied by conditions that limit our ability to pay dividends or require us to seek lenders’ consent for payment of
dividends, or restrict our freedom to operate our business by requiring lender’s consent for certain corporate actions.
Further,
if we raise additional funds by way of a rights offering or through the issuance of new shares, any shareholders who are unable or unwilling
to participate in such an additional round of fund raising may suffer dilution in their investment.
We
may not have sufficient capital to fund our ongoing operations, effectively pursue our strategy or sustain our growth initiatives.
After
the consummation of the acquisition of Simplicity Esports LLC and PLAYlive Nation, Inc., our remaining liquidity and capital resources
may not be sufficient to allow us to fund our ongoing operations, effectively pursue our strategy or sustain our growth initiatives.
If we require additional capital resources, we may seek such funds directly from third party sources; however, we may not be able to
obtain sufficient equity capital and/or debt financing from third parties to allow us to fund our expected ongoing operations or we may
not be able to obtain such equity capital or debt financing on acceptable terms or conditions. Factors affecting the availability of
equity capital or debt financing to us on acceptable terms and conditions include:
|
●
|
Our current and future
financial results and position;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
the collateral availability
of our otherwise unsecured assets;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
the market’s,
investors and lenders’ view of our industry and products;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
the perception in the
equity and debt markets of our ability to execute our business plan or achieve our operating results expectations; and
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
the price, volatility
and trading volume and history of our Common Stock.
|
If
we are unable to obtain the equity capital or debt financing necessary to fund our ongoing operations, pursue our strategy and sustain
our growth initiatives, we may be forced to scale back our operations or our expansion initiatives, and our business and operating results
will be materially adversely affected.
Our
growth strategy depends on the availability of suitable locations for our Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers and our ability to open new
Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers and operate them profitably.
A
key element of our growth strategy is to extend our brand by opening corporate owned as well as franchising retail Simplicity Esports
Gaming Centers in locations in the United States that we believe will provide attractive returns on investment. We have identified numerous
sites for potential corporate Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers and many other sites for potential franchised esports gaming centers,
in the United States, however, desirable locations for additional Simplicity Esports Gaming Center openings may not be available at an
acceptable cost when we identify a particular opportunity for a new Simplicity Esports Gaming Center.
In
addition, our ability to open new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers
on a timely and cost-effective basis, or at all, is dependent on a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including
our ability or the ability of the selected franchisee to:
|
●
|
reach acceptable agreements
regarding the lease of the locations;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
comply with applicable
zoning, licensing, land use and environmental regulations;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
raise or have available
an adequate amount of cash or currently available financing for construction and opening costs;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
timely hire, train and
retain the skilled management and other employees necessary to meet staffing needs;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
obtain, for acceptable
cost, required permits and approvals, including liquor licenses; and
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
efficiently manage the
amount of time and money used to build and open each new Simplicity Esports Gaming Center.
|
If
we succeed in opening new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers on a timely and cost-effective basis, we may nonetheless be unable to attract
enough customers to the new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers because potential customers may be unfamiliar with our brands or concepts,
or our entertainment and menu options might not appeal to them. Our new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers may not meet or exceed our
performance targets, including target cash-on-cash returns. New Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers may even operate at a loss, which could
have a significant adverse effect on our overall operating results.
Our
operations of Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers are significantly dependent on changes in public and customer tastes and discretionary
spending patterns. Our inability to successfully anticipate customer preferences or to gain popularity for such Simplicity Esports Gaming
Centers games may negatively impact our profitability.
Our
success depends significantly on public and customer tastes and preferences, which can be unpredictable. If we are unable to successfully
anticipate customer preferences or increase the popularity of the games offered at the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers, the per capita
revenue and overall customer expenditures at the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers may decrease, and thereby negatively impact our profitability.
In response to such developments, we may need to increase our marketing and product development efforts and expenditures, adjust our
game or product sale pricing, modify the games themselves, or take other actions, which may further erode our profit margins, or otherwise
adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In particular, we may need to expend considerable cost and effort
in carrying out extensive research and development to assess the potential interest in a game, testing and launching new games, and to
remain abreast with continually evolving technology and trends, as well as the success and popularity of Simplicity stream team’s
casters, influencers and personalities among Simplicity Esports LLC’s dedicated fan base.
While
we may incur significant expenditures of this nature, including in the future as we continue to expand our operations, there can be no
assurance that any such expenditures or investments by us will yield expected or commensurate returns or results, within a reasonable
or anticipated time, or at all.
The
nature of our business exposes us to negative publicity or customer complaints, including in relation to, among other things, accidents,
injuries or thefts at the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers, or health and safety concerns arising from improper use of our game equipment
or at our food and beverage venues.
Our
business inherently exposes us to negative publicity or customer complaints as a result of accidents, injuries, or in extreme cases,
deaths, arising from instances of air-borne, water-borne or food-borne contagion or illness, food contamination, spoilage, tampering,
equipment failure, improper use of our equipment, fire, explosion, terrorist attacks or civil riots, and other safety or security issues,
such as kidnapping, or associated risks arising from other actual or perceived non-compliance with safety, quality or service standards
or norms in relation to the various game, entertainment and food and beverage attractions at the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers. Even
isolated or sporadic incidents or accidents may have a negative impact on our brand image and reputation, and the Simplicity Esports
Gaming Centers’, or games’ or our own popularity with customers. The considerable expansion of social media in recent years
has compounded the effect of any potential negative publicity.
We
cannot guarantee that our or our franchisee’s employee training, internal controls and other precautions will be sufficient to
prevent any such occurrence at the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers, in relation to our Simplicity global virtual reality gaming and
fully integrated esports platform, or to control or mitigate any negative consequences. In addition, we or our franchisees rely on third-party
security and housekeeping staff for certain non-core functions, as well as certain technology vendors and partners. Although we monitor
vendors and partners and, in certain cases, may have a contractual indemnity or recourse in case of any default on their part, our ability
to assure a safe and satisfactory experience to our customers is necessarily limited to the extent of our or our franchisees’,
dependence on third parties, from time to time. Moreover, we may not be able to distance or insulate ourselves from any adverse publicity
or reputational damage arising from any act, omission or negligence on the part of a vendor or other third party, which may negatively
affect a customer’s experience at any of the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers.
We
or our franchisees may not be able to operate in the United States, or obtain and maintain licenses and permits necessary for such operation,
in compliance with laws, regulations and other requirements, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial
condition.
Each
Simplicity Esports Gaming Center will be subject to licensing and regulation by alcoholic beverage control, amusement, health, sanitation,
safety, building code and fire agencies in the country, state, county and/or municipality in which the Simplicity Esports Gaming Center
is located. In the United States, each Simplicity Esports Gaming Center with a restaurant or bar will be required to obtain a license
to sell alcoholic beverages on the premises from a state authority and, in certain locations, county and municipal authorities. Typically,
licenses must be renewed annually and may be revoked or suspended for cause at any time. In some states, the loss of a license for cause
with respect to one Simplicity Esports Gaming Center may lead to the loss of licenses at all Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers in that
state and could make it more difficult to obtain additional licenses in that state. Alcoholic beverage control regulations relate to
numerous aspects of the daily operations of each Simplicity Esports Gaming Center, including minimum age of patrons and employees, hours
of operation, advertising, wholesale purchasing, inventory control and handling and storage and dispensing of alcoholic beverages. Our
failure or a failure by a franchisee in obtaining and maintaining the required licenses, permits and approvals at any one Simplicity
Esports Gaming Center could impact the continuing operations of existing Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers, or delay or prevent the opening
of new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers. Although we do not anticipate any material difficulties occurring in the future, the failure
to receive or retain a liquor license, or any other required permit or license, in a particular location, or to continue to qualify for,
or renew licenses, could have a material adverse effect on operations and our ability to obtain such a license or permit in other locations.
As
a result of operating certain entertainment games and attractions, including skill-based games that offer redemption prizes, the Simplicity
Esports Gaming Centers in the United States are subject to amusement licensing and regulation by the countries, states, provinces, counties
and municipalities in which our Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers are located. These laws and regulations can vary significantly by country,
state, province, county, and municipality and, in some jurisdictions, may require us to modify our business operations or alter the mix
of redemption games and simulators we offer. Moreover, as more states in the United States and local communities implement legalized
gambling, the laws and corresponding enabling regulations may also be applicable to our redemption games and regulators may create new
licensing requirements, taxes or fees, or restrictions on the various types of redemption games we offer. Furthermore, other states,
provinces, counties and municipalities may make changes to existing laws to further regulate legalized gaming and illegal gambling. Adoption
of these laws, or adverse interpretation of existing laws, after we have established a Simplicity Esports Gaming Center in the jurisdiction
could require the existing center in these jurisdictions to alter the mix of games, modify certain games, change the mix of prizes that
we may offer or terminate the use of specific games, any of which could adversely affect our operations.
We
are also subject to laws and regulations governing our relationship with our employees, including those related to minimum wage requirements,
exempt status, overtime, health insurance mandates, working and safety conditions, immigration status requirements, child labor, and
non-discrimination. Additionally, changes in federal labor laws, including card verification regulations, could result in portions of
our workforce being subjected to greater organized labor influence, which could result in an increase to our labor costs. A significant
portion of Simplicity Esports Gaming Center personnel will be paid at minimum wage rates established by federal, state and municipal
law. Increases in the minimum wage result in higher labor costs, which may be only partially offset by price increases and operational
efficiencies.
We
are also subject to the rules and regulations of the Federal Trade Commission and various state laws regulating the offer and sale of
franchises. The Federal Trade Commission and various state laws require that we furnish a franchise disclosure document containing certain
information to prospective franchisees, and a number of states require registration of the franchise disclosure document with state authorities.
State laws that regulate the franchisor-franchisee relationship presently exist in a substantial number of states, and bills have been
introduced in Congress from time to time that would provide for federal regulation of the franchisor-franchisee relationship. The state
laws often limit, among other things, the duration and scope of non-competition provisions, the ability of a franchisor to terminate
or refuse to renew a franchise and the ability of a franchisor to designate sources of supply. We shall endeavor to make sure that any
franchise disclosure document we provide, together with any applicable state versions or supplements, and franchising procedures, comply
in all material respects with both the Federal Trade Commission guidelines and all applicable state laws regulating franchising in those
states in which we have offered franchises.
If
we and our franchisees fail to comply with such laws and regulations, we may be subject to various sanctions and/or penalties and fines
or may be required to cease operations until we achieve compliance, which could have an adverse effect on our business and our financial
results.
Our
growth through franchising may not occur as rapidly as we currently anticipate and may be subject to additional risks.
As
part of our growth strategy, we will continue to seek franchisees to operate Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers in certain strategic domestic
locations or venues. We believe that our ability to recruit, retain and contract with qualified franchisees will be increasingly important
to our operations as we expand. Our franchisees are dependent upon the availability of adequate sources of financing in order to meet
their development obligations. Such financing may not be available to our franchisees, or only available upon disadvantageous terms.
Our franchise strategy may not enhance our results of operations.
Expanding
through franchising exposes our business and brand to risks because the quality of the franchised operations will be beyond our immediate
control, including risks associated with our confidential information, intellectual properties (including trademarks) and brand reputation.
Even if we have contractual remedies to cause franchisees to maintain operational standards, enforcing those remedies may require litigation
and therefore our image and reputation may suffer, unless and until such litigation is successfully concluded.
We
could face liability from or as a result of our franchisees.
Various
state and federal laws will govern the relationship between us and our franchisees and the potential sale of a franchise. If we fail
to comply with these laws, we could be liable for damages to franchisees and fines or other penalties. A franchisee or government agency
may bring legal action against us based on the franchisee/franchisor relationship. Also, under the franchise business model, we may face
claims and liabilities based on vicarious liability, joint-employer liability, or other theories or liabilities. Such legal actions could
result in expensive litigation with our franchisees or government agencies that could adversely affect both our profit and our important
relations with our franchisees. In addition, regulatory or legal developments could result in changes to laws or the franchisor/franchisee
relationship that could negatively impact the franchise business model and, accordingly, our profit.
We
may not be able to compete favorably in the highly competitive out-of-home and home-based entertainment market in the United States,
which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
The
out-of-home entertainment market in the United States is highly competitive. Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers that we or our franchisees
operate will compete for customers’ discretionary entertainment dollars with providers of out-of-home entertainment, including
localized attraction facilities such as movie theatres, sporting events, bowling alleys, sports activity centers, arcades and entertainment
centers, nightclubs and restaurants as well as theme parks. Many of the entities operating these businesses are larger and have significantly
greater financial resources, a greater number of locations, have been in business longer, have greater name and brand recognition and
are better established in the local markets where Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers are planned to be located. As a result, they may
be able to invest greater resources than we can in attracting customers and succeed in attracting customers who would otherwise come
to the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers we or our franchisees operate. In the United States, the legalization of casino gambling in
geographic areas near any future Simplicity Esports Gaming Center would create the possibility for adult entertainment alternatives,
which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. We will also face competition from local, regional
and national establishments that offer entertainment experiences similar to us. Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers we or our franchisees
operate will also face competition from increasingly sophisticated home-based forms of entertainment, such as internet and video gaming
and home movie streaming and delivery. If we fail to compete favorably in the competitive out-of-home and home-based entertainment markets
it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our
senior management team has limited experience in establishing, operating, licensing rights to and franchising entertainment centers and
related products.
The
members of our senior management team have extensive backgrounds in finance and the management of financial services businesses, however,
they have limited prior experience in establishing, operating, licensing rights to and franchising entertainment centers. We will need
to expand our management team, to include individuals with expertise in establishing and operating entertainment centers as well as individuals
with expertise in product licensing and franchise operations. If we are unable to recruit professionals with acceptable backgrounds in
establishing and operating entertainment centers and with backgrounds in product licensing and financing, we may not be able to pursue
our growth strategy which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Our
success depends upon our ability to recruit and retain qualified management and operating personnel at Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers.
We
and our franchisees must attract, retain and motivate a sufficient number of qualified management and operating personnel in order to
maintain consistency in our service, hospitality, quality and atmosphere of our Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers. Qualified management
and operating personnel are typically in high demand. If we and our franchisees are unable to attract and retain a satisfactory number
of qualified management and operating personnel, labor shortages could delay the planned openings of new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers
which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Acquisitions,
other strategic alliances and investments could result in operating difficulties, dilution, and other harmful consequences that may adversely
impact our business and results of operations.
Acquisitions
are an important element of our overall corporate strategy and use of capital, and these transactions could be material to our financial
condition and results of operations. We expect to continue to evaluate and enter into discussions regarding a wide array of potential
strategic transactions. The process of integrating an acquired company, business, or product has created, and will continue to create,
unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. The areas where we face risks may include, but are not limited to:
|
●
|
diversion of management’s
time and focus from operating our business to acquisition integration challenges;
|
|
●
|
failure to successfully
further develop the acquired business or product lines;
|
|
●
|
implementation or remediation
of controls, procedures and policies at the acquired company;
|
|
●
|
integration of the acquired
company’s accounting, human resources and other administrative systems, and coordination of product, engineering and sales
and marketing functions;
|
|
●
|
transition of operations,
users and customers onto our existing platforms;
|
|
●
|
reliance on the expertise
of our strategic partners with respect to market development, sales, local regulatory compliance and other operational matters;
|
|
●
|
failure to obtain required
approvals on a timely basis, if at all, from governmental authorities, or conditions placed upon approval, under competition and
antitrust laws which could, among other things, delay or prevent us from completing a transaction, or otherwise restrict our ability
to realize the expected financial or strategic goals of an acquisition;
|
|
●
|
in the case of foreign
acquisitions, the need to integrate operations across different cultures and languages and to address the particular economic, currency,
political and regulatory risks associated with specific countries;
|
|
●
|
cultural challenges
associated with integrating employees from the acquired company into our organization, and retention of employees from the businesses
we acquire;
|
|
●
|
liability for or reputational
harm from activities of the acquired company before the acquisition or from our strategic partners, including patent and trademark
infringement claims, violations of laws, commercial disputes, tax liabilities and other known and unknown liabilities; and
|
|
●
|
litigation or other
claims in connection with the acquired company, including claims from terminated employees, customers, former shareholders or other
third parties.
|
Our
failure to address these risks or other problems encountered in connection with our past or future acquisitions and investments or strategic
alliances could cause us to fail to realize the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions, investments or alliances, incur unanticipated
liabilities, and harm our business generally.
Our
acquisitions could also result in dilutive issuances of our equity securities, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities or amortization
expenses, or impairment of goodwill and purchased long-lived assets, and restructuring charges, any of which could harm our financial
condition or results of operations and cash flows. Also, the anticipated benefits of many of our acquisitions may not materialize.
Our
insurance coverage may not adequately protect us against all future risks, which may adversely affect our business and prospects.
We
maintain insurance coverage, including for fire, acts of god and perils, terrorism, burglary, money, loss of profit, fidelity guarantee,
fixed glass and sanitary fitting, electronic equipment, machinery breakdown, portable equipment, sign boards, commercial general liability,
marine transit, and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, as well as employee health and medical insurance, with
standard exclusions in each instance. While we maintain insurance in amounts that we consider reasonably sufficient for a business of
our nature and scale, with insurers that we consider reliable and credit worthy, we may face losses and liabilities that are uninsurable
by their nature, or that are not covered, fully or at all, under our existing insurance policies. Moreover, coverage under such insurance
policies would generally be subject to certain standard or negotiated exclusions or qualifications and, therefore, any future insurance
claims by us may not be honored by our insurers in full, or at all. In addition, our premium payments under our insurance policies may
require a significant investment by us.
To
the extent that we suffer loss or damage that is not covered by insurance or that exceeds our insurance coverage, the loss will have
to be borne by us and our business, cash flow, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be adversely affected.
Changes
in laws or regulations, or a failure to comply with any laws and regulations, may adversely affect our business, investments and results
of operations.
We
are subject to laws and regulations enacted by national, regional and local governments. In particular, we are required to comply with
certain SEC and other legal requirements. Compliance with, and monitoring of, applicable laws and regulations may be difficult, time
consuming and costly. Those laws and regulations and their interpretation and application may also change from time to time and those
changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, investments and results of operations. In addition, a failure to comply
with applicable laws or regulations, as interpreted and applied, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of
operations.
We
are dependent upon our executive officers and directors and their departure could adversely affect our ability to operate.
Our
operations are dependent upon a relatively small group of individuals and, in particular, our executive officers and directors. We believe
that our success depends on the continued service of our executive officers and directors. We do not have key-man insurance on the life
of any of our directors or executive officers. The unexpected loss of the services of one or more of our directors or executive officers
could have a detrimental effect on us.
Our
executive officers, directors, security holders and their respective affiliates may have competitive pecuniary interests that conflict
with our interests.
We
have not adopted a policy that expressly prohibits our directors, executive officers, security holders or affiliates from having a direct
or indirect pecuniary or financial interest in any investment to be acquired or disposed of by us or in any transaction to which we are
a party or have an interest. While our employment agreements with our key executive officers contain non-compete provisions, we do not
have a policy that expressly prohibits any such persons from engaging for their own account in business activities of the types conducted
by us. Accordingly, such persons or entities may have a conflict between their interests and ours.
We
are an emerging growth company within the meaning of the Securities Act, and if we take advantage of certain exemptions from disclosure
requirements available to emerging growth companies, this could make our securities less attractive to investors and may make it more
difficult to compare our performance with other public companies.
We
are an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups
Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are
applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply
with the auditor internal controls attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations
regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding
advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As a result,
our stockholders may not have access to certain information they may deem important. We could be an emerging growth company for up to
five years, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of our Common Stock held
by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of any November 30 before that time, in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth
company as of the following May 31. We cannot predict whether investors will find our securities less attractive because we will rely
on these exemptions. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result of our reliance on these exemptions, the trading
prices of our securities may be lower than they otherwise would be, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and
the trading prices of our securities may be more volatile.
Further,
Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting
standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do
not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting
standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements
that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. We have elected not to opt out of such extended
transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private
companies, we, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised
standard. This may make comparison of our financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company
nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential
differences in accounting standards used.
Compliance
obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may require substantial financial and management resources.
Section
404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we evaluate and report on our system of internal controls. As long as we remain an emerging
growth company, we will not be required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement on our
internal control over financial reporting.
Provisions
in our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and Delaware law may inhibit a takeover of us, which could
limit the price investors might be willing to pay in the future for our Common Stock and could entrench management.
Our
third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, contains provisions that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposals
that stockholders may consider to be in their best interests. These provisions include a staggered board of directors and the ability
of the board of directors to designate the terms of and issue new series of preferred shares, which may make more difficult the removal
of management and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our
securities.
If
we fail to keep pace with changing industry technology and consumer preferences, we will be at a competitive disadvantage.
The
Simplicity products and services compete within industries that are characterized by swiftly changing technology, evolving industry standards,
frequent new and enhanced product introductions, rapidly changing consumer preferences and product obsolescence. In order to continue
to compete effectively, we need to respond quickly to technological changes and to understand their impact on customers’ preferences.
We may take significant time and resources to respond to these technological changes and changes in consumer preferences. Our business
and results of operations may be negatively impacted if our products and services fail to keep pace with these changes.
Various
product safety laws and governmental regulations applicable to the distributor of Simplicity Esports LLC’s and/or PLAYlive Nation,
Inc.’s products may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our
distribution of Simplicity Esports LLC’s and/or PLAYlive Nation, Inc.’s products will be subject to numerous federal, state,
provincial, local and foreign laws and regulations, including laws and regulations with respect to product safety, including regulations
enforced by the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission. We and our franchisees could incur costs in complying with these regulations
and, if they fail to comply, could incur significant penalties. A failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, or concerns
about product safety, may also lead to a recall or post-manufacture repair of selected Simplicity Esports LLC’s and/or PLAYlive
Nation, Inc.’s products, resulting in the rejection of the products by our franchisees, lost sales, increased customer service
and support costs, and costly litigation.
Public
health epidemics or outbreaks, such as COVID-19, could materially and adversely impact our business.
In
December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. While initially the outbreak was largely
concentrated in China and caused significant disruptions to its economy, it has now spread to several other countries and infections
have been reported globally.
Because
COVID-19 infections have been reported throughout the United States, certain federal, state and local governmental authorities have issued
stay-at-home orders, proclamations and/or directives aimed at minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Additional, more restrictive proclamations
and/or directives may be issued in the future. As a result, all of our corporate and franchised Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers were
closed effective April 1, 2020. We commenced reopening Simplicity Gaming Centers on May 1, 2020 and have since reopened one corporate
and 21 franchised Simplicity Gaming Centers as of June 28, 2020. Although our franchise agreements with franchisees of Simplicity Esports
Gaming Centers require a minimum monthly royalty payment to us from the franchisees regardless of whether the franchised Simplicity Gaming
Centers are operating, there is a potential risk that franchisees of Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers will default in their obligations
to pay their minimum monthly royalty payment to us.
The
ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s operations is unknown and will depend on future developments, which are
highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak, new information which may
emerge concerning the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and any additional preventative and protective actions that governments, or
the Company, may direct, which may result in an extended period of continued business disruption, reduced customer traffic and reduced
operations. Any resulting financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time but is anticipated to have a material adverse
impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The
measures taken to date will impact the Company’s business for the fiscal fourth quarter and potentially beyond. Management expects
that all of its business segments, across all of its geographies, will be impacted to some degree, but the significance of the impact
of the COVID-19 outbreak on the Company’s business and the duration for which it may have an impact cannot be determined at this
time.
Risks
Relating to Our Esports Business
Our
esports businesses are substantially dependent on the continuing popularity of the esports industry as a whole.
The
esports industry is in the early stages of its respective development. Although the esports industry has experienced rapid growth, consumer
preferences may shift and there is no assurance this growth will continue in the future. We have taken steps to diversify their businesses
and mitigate these risks to an extent and continue to seek out new opportunities in the esports industry. However, due to the rapidly
evolving nature of technology and online gaming, the esports industry may experience volatile and declining popularity as new options
for online gaming and esports become available, or consumer preferences shift to other forms of entertainment, and as a consequence,
our businesses and results of operations may be materially negatively affected.
Our
esports business faces intense and wide-ranging competition, which may have a material negative effect on our business and results of
operations.
The
success of our esports business is dependent upon the performance and/or popularity of its teams. Simplicity Esports LLC’s teams
compete, in varying respects and degrees, with other live sporting events, and with sporting events delivered over television networks,
radio, the Internet and online services, mobile applications and other alternative sources. For example, our esports teams compete for
attendance, viewership and advertising with a wide range of alternatives available in major metropolitan areas. During some or all of
the esports season, our teams face competition, in varying respects and degrees, from professional and collegiate basketball, hockey,
baseball, football, and soccer, among others.
As
a result of the large number of options available, we face strong competition for the sports and gaming fan. We must compete with other
esports teams, traditional sports teams and sporting events, in varying respects and degrees, including on the basis of the quality of
the teams we field, their success in the leagues, tournaments and genres in which they compete, our ability to provide an entertaining
environment at any esports games that we host at our centers, prices charged for tickets and the viewing availability of our teams on
multiple media alternatives. Given the nature of esports and sports in general, there can be no assurance that we will be able to compete
effectively, including with companies that may have greater resources than we have, and as a consequence, our business and results of
operations may be materially negatively affected by competition.
Our
businesses are substantially dependent on the continued popularity and/or competitive success of Simplicity Esports LLC’s teams,
which cannot be assured.
Our
future financial results will be dependent on the Simplicity teams becoming and remaining popular with our fan base and, in varying degrees,
on the teams achieving in-game success, which can generate fan enthusiasm, resulting in sustained ticket and merchandise sales during
the season. Furthermore, success in the regular season at certain tournaments may qualify one or more of our esports teams for participation
in post-season playoffs, which provides us with additional revenue from prize money by increasing the number of games played by our sports
teams and, more importantly, by generating increased excitement and interest in our esports teams, which can improve attendance in subsequent
seasons. There can be no assurance that any of our esports teams, will develop a significant fan base, maintain continued popularity
or compete in post-season play in the future.
Defection
of our esports players to other teams or managers could hinder our success.
We
compete with other esports athlete management businesses to sign and retain world class esports players, some of which have greater resources
or brand recognition and popularity than ours. Our players may choose to defect to other esports organizations for various reasons, including
that they have been made a superior offer or they have chosen to pursue new or other opportunities. The loss or defection of any of our
esports players could have negative consequences on our businesses and results of operations. While we take or intend to take, all appropriate
steps to retain our players and protect their interests, there can be no assurances that players will not defect to other esports organizations.
The
actions of the various esports leagues and tournaments may have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.
The
governing bodies of the various esports leagues and tournaments, under certain circumstances, can take actions that they deem to be in
the best interests of their respective leagues or tournaments, which may not necessarily be consistent with maximizing our results of
operations and which could affect our esports teams in ways that are different than the impact on other esports teams. For example they
can take actions relating to the rights to telecast the games of league members or tournament participants, including the Simplicity
team, licensing of the rights to produce and sell merchandise bearing the logos and/or other intellectual property of our esports teams
and the leagues or tournaments, and the internet-based activities of our esports teams. Certain of these decisions by the esports leagues
and tournaments could have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations. From time to time, we may disagree with
or challenge actions that the leagues or tournaments take or the power and authority they assert.
We
may be unable to effectively manage the growth in the scope and complexity of our business, including our expansion into the esports
business which is untested and into adjacent business opportunities.
Our
future success depends, in part, on our ability to manage our expanded business, including our aspirations for continued expansion. We
intend to dedicate resources to a new business model that is largely untested, as is the case with esports. We do not know to what extent
our future expansions will be successful. Further, even if successful, the growth of our business could create significant challenges
for our management, operational, and financial resources, and could increase existing strain on, and divert focus from, our core businesses.
If not managed effectively, this growth could result in the over-extension of our operating infrastructure, and our management systems,
information technology systems, and internal controls and procedures may not be adequate to support this growth. Failure to adequately
manage our growth in any of these ways may cause damage to our brand, damage our reputation or otherwise negatively impact our business.
Our
industry is subject to rapid technological change, and if we do not adapt to, and appropriately allocate our resources among, emerging
technologies and business models, our business may be negatively impacted.
Technology
changes rapidly in the interactive entertainment industry. We must continually anticipate and adapt our products, services and business
models to emerging technologies and delivery platforms in order to stay competitive. Forecasting our revenues and profitability for these
new products, services and business models is inherently uncertain and volatile, and if we invest in the development of interactive entertainment
products or services incorporating a new technology or for a new platform that does not achieve significant commercial success, whether
because of competition or otherwise, we may not recover the often substantial “up front” costs of developing and marketing
those products and services, or recover the opportunity cost of diverting management and financial resources away from other products
or services. Further, our competitors may adapt to an emerging technology or business model more quickly or effectively than we do, creating
products that are technologically superior to ours, more appealing to consumers, or both.
If,
on the other hand, we elect not to pursue the development of products or services incorporating a new technology or for new platforms,
or otherwise elect not to pursue new business models, that achieve significant commercial success, it may have adverse consequences.
It may take significant time and resources to shift product development resources to that technology, platform or business model, as
the case may be, and may be more difficult to compete against existing products and services incorporating that technology or for that
platform or against companies using that business model.
Many
elements of our business are unique, evolving and relatively unproven. Our business and prospects depend on the continuing development
of live streaming of competitive esports gaming. The market for esports and amateur online gaming competition is relatively new and rapidly
developing and are subject to significant challenges. Our business relies upon our ability to cultivate and grow an active gamer community,
and our ability to successfully monetize such community through tournament fees, subscriptions for our esports gaming services, and advertising
and sponsorship opportunities. In addition, our continued growth depends, in part, on our ability to respond to constant changes in the
esports gaming industry, including rapid technological evolution, continued shifts in gamer trends and demands, frequent introductions
of new games and titles and the constant emergence of new industry standards and practices. Developing and integrating new games, titles,
content, products, services or infrastructure could be expensive and time-consuming, and these efforts may not yield the benefits we
expect to achieve at all. We cannot assure you that we will succeed in any of these aspects or that the esports gaming industry will
continue to grow as rapidly as it has in the past.
We
may encounter difficulties in integrating Simplicity Esports LLC’s esports businesses or otherwise realizing the anticipated benefits
of the transaction.
As
part of our business strategy, from time to time, we acquire, make investments in, or enter into strategic alliances and joint ventures
with complementary businesses. The acquisition of Simplicity Esports LLC involves significant risks and uncertainties, including: (i)
the potential for Simplicity Esports LLC’s business to underperform relative to our expectations and the acquisition price, (ii)
the potential for Simplicity Esports LLC’s business to cause our financial results to differ from expectations in any given period,
or over the longer-term, (iii) unexpected tax consequences from the acquisition, or the tax treatment of Simplicity Esports LLC’s
business’s operations going forward, giving rise to incremental tax liabilities that are difficult to predict, (iv) difficulty
in integrating Simplicity Esports LLC’s business, its operations and its employees in an efficient and effective manner, (v) any
unknown liabilities or internal control deficiencies assumed as part of the acquisition, and (vi) the potential loss of key employees
of Simplicity Esports LLC’s businesses. Further, the transaction may involve the risk that our senior management’s attention
will be excessively diverted from our other operations, the risk that the gaming industry does not evolve as anticipated and that any
intellectual property or personnel skills acquired do not prove to be those needed for our future success, and the risk that our strategic
objectives, cost savings or other anticipated benefits are otherwise not achieved.
Our
business may be harmed if our licensing partners, or other third parties with whom we do business, act in ways that put our brand at
risk.
We
anticipate that our business partners shall be given access to sensitive and proprietary information or control over our intellectual
property in order to provide services and support to our teams. These third parties may misappropriate our information or intellectual
property and engage in unauthorized use of it or otherwise act in a way that places our brand at risk. The failure of these third parties
to provide adequate services and technologies, the failure of third parties to adequately maintain or update their services and technologies
or the misappropriation or misuse of this information or intellectual property could result in a disruption to our business operations
or an adverse effect on our reputation and may negatively impact our business.
Our
business is highly dependent on the success and availability of video game platforms manufactured by third parties.
We
expect to derive a substantial portion of our revenues from esports games played on game platforms manufactured by third parties, such
as Sony’s PS4®, Microsoft’s Xbox One®, and Nintendo’s Wii U® and Switch®, and PCs. The success of our
business will be driven in large part by our ability to accurately predict which platforms will be successful in the marketplace. We
also rely on the availability of an adequate supply of these video game consoles and the continued support for these consoles by their
manufacturers. We may be required to commit significant resources well in advance of the anticipated introduction of a new platform.
If increased costs are not offset by higher revenues and other cost efficiencies, our business could be negatively impacted. If the platforms
for which we invested resources do not attain significant market acceptance, we may not be able to recover our costs, which could be
significant.
The
games we support are subject to scrutiny regarding the appropriateness of their content. If the publishers and distributors we partner
with fail to receive their target ratings for certain titles, or if retailers refuse to sell such titles due to what they perceive to
be objectionable content, it could have a negative impact on our business.
Console
and PC games are subject to ratings by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (the “ESRB”), a self-regulatory body based
in the U.S. that provides U.S. and Canadian consumers of interactive entertainment software with ratings information, including information
on the content in such software, such as violence, nudity or sexual content, along with an assessment of the suitability of the content
for certain age groups. Certain other countries have also established content rating systems as prerequisites for product sales in those
countries. In addition, certain stores use other ratings systems, such as Apple’s use of its proprietary “App Rating System”
and Google Play’s use of the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) rating system. If the software publishers that supply our
games are unable to obtain the ratings they have targeted for their products, it could have a negative impact on our business. In some
instances, the software publishers and developers may be required to modify their products to comply with the requirements of the rating
systems, which could delay or disrupt the release of any given product, or may prevent its sale altogether in certain territories, which
would limited its availability for use in the games that our teams play.
We
will depend on servers to operate our games with online features. If we were to lose server functionality for any reason, our business
may be negatively impacted.
Our
business at our game centers will rely on the continuous operation of servers, some of which are owned and operated by third parties.
Although we shall strive to maintain more than sufficient server capacity, and provide for active redundancy in the event of limited
hardware failure, any broad-based catastrophic server malfunction, a significant service-disrupting attack or intrusion by hackers that
circumvents security measures, a failure of disaster recovery service or the failure of a company on which we are relying for server
capacity to provide that capacity for whatever reason would likely degrade or interrupt the functionality of our games with online features,
and could prevent the operation of such games altogether, any of which could result in the loss of sales for, or in, such games.
We
also rely on networks operated by third parties, such as the PlayStation® Network, Xbox Live® and Steam®, for the functionality
of the games we use which have online features. An extended interruption to any of these services could adversely affect our ability
to operate our games with online features, negatively impacting our business.
Further,
insufficient server capacity could also negatively impact our game center business. Conversely, if we overestimate the amount of server
capacity required by our business, we may incur unnecessary additional operating costs.
The
esports gaming industry is very “hit” driven. We may not have access to “hit” games or titles.
Select
game titles dominate competitive esports and online gaming, including League of Legends, Minecraft, Fortnite and Overwatch, and many
new games titles are regularly introduced in each major industry segment (console, mobile and PC free-to-download). Despite the number
of new entrants, only a very few “hit” titles account for a significant portion of total revenue in each segment.
The
size and engagement level of our online and in person gamers are critical to our success and are closely linked to the quality and popularity
of the esports game publishers with which we have licenses. Esports game publishers on our gaming platform, including those who have
entered into license agreements with us, may leave us for other gaming platforms or leagues which may offer better competition, and terms
and conditions than we do. Furthermore, we may lose esports game publishers if we fail to generate the number of gamers to our tournaments
and league competitions expected by such publishers. In addition, if popular esports game publishers cease to license their games to
us, or our live streams fail to attract gamers, we may experience a decline in gamer traffic, subscriptions and engagement, which may
have a material and adverse impact on our results of operations and financial conditions.
We
must continue to attract and retain the most popular esports gaming titles in order to maintain and increase the popularity of our leagues,
tournaments and competitions, and ensure the sustainable growth of our gamer community. We must continue to identify and enter into license
agreements with esports gaming publishers developing “hit’ games that resonate with our community on an ongoing basis. We
cannot assure you that we can continue to attract and retain the same level of first-tier esports game publishers and our ability to
do so is critical to our future success.
If
we fail to keep our existing gamers highly engaged, to acquire new gamers, to successfully implement a membership model for our gaming
community, our business, profitability and prospects may be adversely affected.
Our
success depends on our ability to maintain and grow the number of gamers attending and participating in our in-person and online tournaments
and competitions, and using our gaming platform, and keeping our gamers highly engaged. Of particular importance is the successful deployment
and expansion of our membership model to our gaming community for purposes of creating predictable recurring revenues.
In
order to attract, retain and engage gamers and remain competitive, we must continue to develop and expand our leagues, including internationally,
produce engaging tournaments and competitions, successfully license the newest “hit” esports games and titles, implement
new technologies and strategies, improve features of our gaming platform and stimulate interactions in our gamer community.
A
decline in the number of our gamers in our ecosystem may adversely affect the engagement level of our gamers, the vibrancy of our gamer
community, or the popularity of our league play, which may in turn reduce our monetization opportunities, and have a material and adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to attract and retain gamers, our revenues may
decline and our results of operations and financial condition may suffer.
We
cannot assure you that our online and in person gaming platform and centers will remain sufficiently popular with gamers to offset the
costs incurred to operate and expand them. It is vital to our operations that we remain sensitive and responsive to evolving gamer preferences
and offer first-tier esports game content that attracts our gamers. We must also keep providing gamers with new features and functions
to enable superior content viewing, and social interaction. Further, we will need to continue to develop and improve our gaming platform
and centers and to enhance our brand awareness, which may require us to incur substantial costs and expenses. If such increased costs
and expenses do not effectively translate into an improved gamer experience and long-term engagement, our results of operations may be
materially and adversely affected.
Risks
Related to International Operations
The
risks related to international operations, in particular in countries outside of the United States, could negatively affect the Company’s
results.
It
is expected that the Company will derive between 15% to 20% of its revenue from transactions denominated in currencies other than the
United States dollar, such as Brazil, and the Company expects that receivables with respect to foreign sales will account for a significant
amount of its total accounts and receivables. As such, the Company’s operations may be adversely affected by changes in foreign
government policies and legislation or social instability and other factors which are not within the control of the Company, including,
but not limited to, recessions in foreign economies, expropriation, nationalization and limitation or restriction on repatriation of
funds, assets or earnings, longer receivables collection periods and greater difficulty in collecting accounts receivable, changes in
consumer tastes and trends, renegotiation or nullification of existing contracts or licenses, changes in gaming policies, regulatory
requirements or the personnel administering them, currency fluctuations and devaluations, exchange controls, economic sanctions and royalty
and tax increases, risk of terrorist activities, revolution, border disputes, implementation of tariffs and other trade barriers and
protectionist practices, taxation policies, including royalty and tax increases and retroactive tax claims, volatility of financial markets
and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, difficulties in the protection of intellectual property particularly in countries with fewer
intellectual property protections, the effects that evolving regulations regarding data privacy may have on the Company’s online
operations, adverse changes in the creditworthiness of parties with whom the Company has significant receivables or forward currency
exchange contracts, labor disputes and other risks arising out of foreign governmental sovereignty over the areas in which the Company’s
operations are conducted. The Company’s operations may also be adversely affected by social, political and economic instability
and by laws and policies of such foreign jurisdictions affecting foreign trade, taxation and investment. If the Company’s operations
are disrupted and/or the economic integrity of its contracts is threatened for unexpected reasons, its business may be harmed.
The
Company’s international activities may require protracted negotiations with host governments, national companies and third parties.
Foreign government regulations may favor or require the awarding of contracts to local contractors or require foreign contractors to
employ citizens of, or purchase supplies from, a particular jurisdiction. In the event of a dispute arising in connection with the Company’s
operations in a foreign jurisdiction where it conducts its business, the Company may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of foreign
courts or may not be successful in subjecting foreign persons to the jurisdictions of the courts of United States or enforcing American
judgments in such other jurisdictions. The Company may also be hindered or prevented from enforcing its rights with respect to a governmental
instrumentality because of the doctrine of sovereign immunity. Accordingly, the Company’s activities in foreign jurisdictions could
be substantially affected by factors beyond the Company’s control, any of which could have a material adverse effect on it. The
Company believes that management’s experience to date in commercializing its products, services and solutions in Brazil may be
of assistance in helping to reduce these risks. Some countries in which the Company may operate may be considered politically and economically
unstable.
Doing
business in the industries in which the Company operates often requires compliance with numerous and extensive procedures and formalities.
These procedures and formalities may result in unexpected or lengthy delays in commencing important business activities. In some cases,
failure to follow such formalities or obtain relevant evidence may call into question the validity of the entity or the actions taken.
Management of the Company is unable to predict the effect of additional corporate and regulatory formalities which may be adopted in
the future including whether any such laws or regulations would materially increase the Company’s cost of doing business or affect
its operations in any area.
The
Company may in the future enter into agreements and conduct activities outside of the jurisdictions where it currently carries on business,
which expansion may present challenges and risks that the Company has not faced in the past, any of which could adversely affect the
results of operations and/or financial condition of the Company.
The
Company is subject to foreign exchange and currency risks that could adversely affect its operations, and the Company’s ability
to mitigate its foreign exchange risk through hedging transactions may be limited.
The
Company expects that it will derive between 15% and 20% of its revenues in currencies other than the United States dollar; however, a
substantial portion of the Company’s operating expenses are incurred in United States dollars. Fluctuations in the exchange rate
between the U.S. dollar, the Real (Brazil) and other currencies may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial
condition and operating results. The Company’s consolidated financial results are affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Foreign currency exchange rate exposures arise from current transactions and anticipated transactions denominated in currencies other
than United States dollars and from the translation of foreign-currency-denominated balance sheet accounts into United States dollar-denominated
balance sheet accounts. The Company is exposed to currency exchange rate fluctuations because portions of its revenue and expenses are
denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, particularly the Real. In particular, uncertainty regarding economic conditions
in Brazil pose risk to the stability of the Real. Exchange rate fluctuations could adversely affect the Company’s operating results
and cash flows and the value of its assets outside of United States. If a foreign currency is devalued in a jurisdiction in which the
Company is paid in such currency, then the Company’s customers may be required to pay higher amounts for the Company’s products
or services, which they may be unable or unwilling to pay.
While
the Company may enter into forward currency swaps and other derivative instruments intended to mitigate the foreign currency exchange
risk, there can be no assurance the Company will do so or that any instruments that the Company enters into will successfully mitigate
such risk. If the Company enters into foreign currency forward or other hedging contracts, the Company would be subject to the risk that
a counterparty to one or more of these contracts defaults on its performance under the contracts. During an economic downturn, a counterparty’s
financial condition may deteriorate rapidly and with little notice, and the Company may be unable to take action to protect its exposure.
In the event of a counterparty default, the Company could lose the benefit of its hedging contract, which may harm its business and financial
condition. In the event that one or more of the Company’s counterparties becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy, its ability
to eventually recover any benefit lost as a result of that counterparty’s default may be limited by the liquidity of the counterparty.
The Company expects that it will not be able to hedge all of its exposure to any particular foreign currency, and it may not hedge its
exposure at all with respect to certain foreign currencies. Changes in exchange rates and the Company’s limited ability or inability
to successfully hedge exchange rate risk could have an adverse impact on the Company’s liquidity and results of operations.
We
may be unable to obtain licenses in new jurisdictions where our customers operate.
We
are subject to regulation in any jurisdiction where our customers access our website. To expand into any such jurisdiction, we may need
to be licensed, or obtain approvals of our products or services. If we do not receive, or receive a revocation of a license in a particular
jurisdiction for our products or services, we would not be able to sell or place our products or services in that jurisdiction. Any such
outcome could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and any growth plans for our business.
Privacy
concerns could result in regulatory changes and impose additional costs and liabilities on the Company, limit its use of information,
and adversely affect its business.
Personal
privacy has become a significant issue in the United States, Brazil, Europe, and many other countries in which the Company currently
operates and may operate in the future. Many federal, state, and foreign legislatures and government agencies have imposed or are considering
imposing restrictions and requirements about the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information obtained from individuals. Changes
to laws or regulations affecting privacy could impose additional costs and liability on the Company and could limit its use of such information
to add value for customers. If the Company were required to change its business activities or revise or eliminate services, or to implement
burdensome compliance measures, its business and results of operations could be harmed. In addition, the Company may be subject to fines,
penalties, and potential litigation if it fails to comply with applicable privacy regulations, any of which could adversely affect the
Company’s business, liquidity and results of operation.
The
Company’s results of operations could be affected by natural events in the locations in which it operates or where its customers
or suppliers operate.
The
Company, its customers, and its suppliers have operations in locations subject to natural occurrences such as severe weather and other
geological events, including hurricanes, earthquakes, or flood that could disrupt operations. Any serious disruption at any of the Company’s
facilities or the facilities of its customers or suppliers due to a natural disaster could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s
revenues and increase its costs and expenses. If there is a natural disaster or other serious disruption at any of the Company’s
facilities, it could impair its ability to adequately supply its customers, cause a significant disruption to its operations, cause the
Company to incur significant costs to relocate or re-establish these functions and negatively impact its operating results. While the
Company intends to seek insurance against certain business interruption risks, such insurance may not adequately compensate the Company
for any losses incurred as a result of natural or other disasters. In addition, any natural disaster that results in a prolonged disruption
to the operations of the Company’s customers or suppliers may adversely affect its business, results of operations or financial
condition.
Risks
Related to Regulation
The
Company is subject to various laws relating to trade, export controls, and foreign corrupt practices, the violation of which could adversely
affect its operations, reputation, business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.
We
are subject to risks associated with doing business outside of the United States, including exposure to complex foreign and U.S. regulations
such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) and other anti-corruption laws which generally prohibit U.S. companies
and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Violations
of the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws may result in severe criminal and civil sanctions and other penalties. It may be difficult
to oversee the conduct of any contractors, third-party partners, representatives or agents who are not our employees, potentially exposing
us to greater risk from their actions. If our employees or agents fail to comply with applicable laws or company policies governing our
international operations, we may face legal proceedings and actions which could result in civil penalties, administration actions and
criminal sanctions. Any determination that we have violated any anti-corruption laws could have a material adverse impact on our business.
Changes in trade sanctions laws may restrict the Company’s business practices, including cessation of business activities in sanctioned
countries or with sanctioned entities.
Violations
of these laws and regulations could result in significant fines, criminal sanctions against the Company, its officers or its employees,
requirements to obtain export licenses, disgorgement of profits, cessation of business activities in sanctioned countries, prohibitions
on the conduct of its business and its inability to market and sell the Company’s products or services in one or more countries.
Additionally, any such violations could materially damage the Company’s reputation, brand, international expansion efforts, ability
to attract and retain employees and the Company’s business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.
Regulations
that may be adopted with respect to the internet and electronic commerce may decrease the growth in the use of the internet and lead
to the decrease in the demand for Esports’ products and services.
The
Company may become subject to any number of laws and regulations that may be adopted with respect to the internet and electronic commerce.
New laws and regulations that address issues such as user privacy, pricing, online content regulation, taxation, advertising, intellectual
property, information security, and the characteristics and quality of online products and services may be enacted. As well, current
laws, which predate or are incompatible with the internet and electronic commerce, may be applied and enforced in a manner that restricts
the electronic commerce market. The application of such pre-existing laws regulating communications or commerce in the context of the
internet and electronic commerce is uncertain. Moreover, it may take years to determine the extent to which existing laws relating to
issues such as intellectual property ownership and infringement, libel and personal privacy are applicable to the internet. The adoption
of new laws or regulations relating to the internet, or particular applications or interpretations of existing laws, could decrease the
growth in the use of the internet, decrease the demand for esports’ products and services, increase esports’ cost of doing
business or could otherwise have a material adverse effect on esports’ business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.
Risk
Factors Relating to Our Securities and Capital Structure
We
have not paid dividends on our Common Stock in the past and do not expect to pay dividends on our Common Stock in the future. Any return
on investment in our common stock may be limited to the value of our Common Stock.
We
have never paid cash dividends on our Common Stock and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable
future. The payment of dividends on our Common Stock would depend on earnings, financial condition, and other business and economic factors
affecting us at such time as our board of directors may consider relevant. If we do not pay dividends on our Common Stock, our Common
Stock may be less valuable because a return on your investment will only occur if its stock price appreciates.
Trading
on the OTC Markets is volatile and sporadic, which could depress the market price of our common stock and make it difficult for our security
holders to resell their common stock and/or warrants.
Our
Common Stock and Public Warrants are quoted on the OTCQB tier of the OTC Markets Group, Inc. (“OTC Markets”). Trading
in securities quoted on the OTC Markets is often thin and characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices, due to many factors,
some of which may have little to do with our operations or business prospects. This volatility could depress the market price of our
common stock for reasons unrelated to operating performance. Moreover, the OTC Markets is not a stock exchange, and trading of securities
on the OTC Markets is often more sporadic than the trading of securities listed on a quotation system like Nasdaq or a stock exchange
like the NYSE American. These factors may result in investors having difficulty reselling any shares of our common stock.
Our
stock price is likely to be highly volatile because of several factors, including a limited public float.
The
market price of our Common Stock and Public Warrants have been volatile in the past and the market price of our Common Stock and Public
Warrants and Private Placement Warrants are likely to be highly volatile in the future. You may not be able to resell shares of our Common
Stock and/or Private Placement Warrants following periods of volatility because of the market’s adverse reaction to volatility.
Other
factors that could cause such volatility may include, among other things:
|
●
|
actual or anticipated
fluctuations in our operating results;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
we may have a low trading
volume for a number of reasons, including that a large portion of our stock is closely held;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
overall stock market
fluctuations;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
announcements concerning
our business or those of our competitors;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
actual or perceived
limitations on our ability to raise capital when we require it, and to raise such capital on favorable terms;
|
|
●
|
conditions or trends
in the industry;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
litigation;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
changes in market valuations
of other similar companies;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
future sales of common
stock;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
departure of key personnel
or failure to hire key personnel; and
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
general market conditions.
|
Any
of these factors could have a significant and adverse impact on the market price of our Common Stock and/or Private Placement Warrants.
In addition, the stock market in general has at times experienced extreme volatility and rapid decline that has often been unrelated
or disproportionate to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading
price of our Common Stock and/or Private Placement Warrants, regardless of our actual operating performance.
If
securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports about the Company, its business, or its market,
or if they change their recommendations regarding our securities adversely, the price and trading volume of our securities could decline.
The
trading market for our securities will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts may publish about
us, our business, our market, or our competitors. Securities and industry analysts do not currently, and may never, publish research
on the Company. If no securities or industry analysts commence coverage of the Company, our stock price and trading volume would likely
be negatively impacted. If any of the analysts who may cover the Company change their recommendation regarding our securities adversely,
or provide more favorable relative recommendations about our competitors, the price of our securities would likely decline. If any analyst
who may cover the Company were to cease coverage of the Company or fail to regularly publish reports on it, we could lose visibility
in the financial markets, which could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.
Our
common stock has in the past been a “penny stock” under SEC rules, and our warrants may be subject to the “penny stock”
rules. It may be more difficult to resell securities classified as “penny stock.”
In
the past, our common stock was a “penny stock” under applicable SEC rules (generally defined as non-exchange traded stock
with a per-share price below $5.00). Unless we successfully list our common stock and our warrants on a national stock exchange, or maintain
a per-share price above $5.00, these rules impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers that recommend the purchase
or sale of penny stocks to persons other than those who qualify as “established customers” or “accredited investors.”
For example, broker-dealers must determine the appropriateness for non-qualifying persons of investments in penny stocks. Broker-dealers
must also provide, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, a standardized risk disclosure document
that provides information about penny stocks and the risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer
with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, disclose the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the
transaction, furnish monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account, provide
a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser, and receive the purchaser’s written
agreement to the transaction.
Legal
remedies available to an investor in “penny stocks” may include the following:
|
●
|
If a “penny stock”
is sold to the investor in violation of the requirements listed above, or other federal or states securities laws, the investor may
be able to cancel the purchase and receive a refund of the investment.
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
If a “penny stock”
is sold to the investor in a fraudulent manner, the investor may be able to sue the persons and firms that committed the fraud for
damages.
|
However,
investors who have signed arbitration agreements may have to pursue their claims through arbitration.
These
requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity, if any, in the secondary market for a security that becomes
subject to the penny stock rules. The additional burdens imposed upon broker-dealers by such requirements may discourage broker-dealers
from effecting transactions in our securities, which could severely limit the market price and liquidity of our securities. These requirements
may restrict the ability of broker-dealers to sell our common stock or our Private Placement Warrants and may affect your ability to
resell our common stock and our Private Placement Warrants.
Many
brokerage firms will discourage or refrain from recommending investments in penny stocks. Most institutional investors will not invest
in penny stocks. In addition, many individual investors will not invest in penny stocks due, among other reasons, to the increased financial
risk generally associated with these investments.
For
these reasons, penny stocks may have a limited market and, consequently, limited liquidity. We can give no assurance at what time, if
ever, our common stock or our Private Placement Warrants will not be classified as a “penny stock” in the future.
A
sale of a substantial number of shares of our Common Stock may cause the price of the Common Stock to decline.
If
our stockholders sell substantial amounts of our Common Stock in the public market, the market price of our Common Stock could fall.
These sales also may make it more difficult for us to sell our equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price
that we deem reasonable or appropriate. This risk is significant because of concentrated positions of our Common Stock held by a small
group of investors.
Because
certain of our stockholders control a significant number of shares of our Common Stock, they may have effective control over actions
requiring stockholder approval.
Our
directors, executive officers and principal stockholders, and their respective affiliates, beneficially own approximately 30.4% of our
outstanding shares of Common Stock. Accordingly, our executive officers, directors and principal stockholders, and their respective affiliates,
will have significant influence on the ability to control the Company and the outcome of issues submitted to our stockholders.
If
the benefits of any proposed acquisition of do not meet the expectations of investors, stockholders or financial
analysts, the market price of our Common Stock may decline.
If
the benefits of any proposed acquisition of do not meet the expectations of investors or securities analysts, the market price of our
Common Stock prior to the closing of the proposed acquisition may decline. The market values of our Common Stock at the time of the proposed
acquisition may vary significantly from their prices on the date the acquisition target was identified.
In
addition, broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of our Common Stock irrespective of our operating performance.
The stock market in general has experienced price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating
performance of the particular companies affected. The trading prices and valuations of these stocks, and of our securities, may not be
predictable. A loss of investor confidence in the market for retail stocks or the stocks of other companies which investors perceive
to be similar to us could depress our stock price regardless of our business, prospects, financial conditions or results of operations.
A decline in the market price of our securities also could adversely affect our ability to issue additional securities and our ability
to obtain additional financing in the future.
Changes
in accounting principles and guidance, or their interpretation, could result in unfavorable accounting charges or effects, including
changes to our previously filed financial statements, which could cause our stock price to decline.
We
prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).
These principles are subject to interpretation by the SEC and various bodies formed to interpret and create appropriate accounting principles
and guidance. A change in these principles or guidance, or in their interpretations, may have a significant effect on our reported results
and retroactively affect previously reported results.
Being
a public company results in additional expenses, diverts management’s attention and could also adversely affect our ability to
attract and retain qualified directors.
As
a public reporting company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. These requirements generate significant
accounting, legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more difficult, time consuming or costly and may place significant
strain on our personnel and resources. The Exchange Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls
and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. In order to establish the requisite disclosure controls and procedures
and internal control over financial reporting, significant resources and management oversight are required.
As
a result, management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns, which could have an adverse and even material effect
on our business, financial condition and results of operations. These rules and regulations may also make it more difficult and expensive
for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance. If we are unable to obtain appropriate director and officer insurance, our
ability to recruit and retain qualified officers and directors, especially those directors who may be deemed independent, could be adversely
impacted.
We
are an “emerging growth company” and our election to delay adoption of new or revised accounting standards applicable to
public companies may result in our financial statements not being comparable to those of some other public companies. As a result of
this and other reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies, our securities may be less attractive to investors.
As
a public reporting company with less than $1,070,000,000 in revenue during our last fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth
company” under the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of certain reduced reporting requirements and is relieved
of certain other significant requirements that are otherwise generally applicable to public companies. In particular, as an emerging
growth company we:
|
●
|
are not required to
obtain an attestation and report from our auditors on our management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting
pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
are not required to
provide a detailed narrative disclosure discussing our compensation principles, objectives and elements and analyzing how those elements
fit with our principles and objectives (commonly referred to as “compensation discussion and analysis”);
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
are not required to
obtain a non-binding advisory vote from our stockholders on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements (commonly referred
to as the “say-on-pay,” “say-on-frequency” and “say-on-golden-parachute” votes);
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
are exempt from certain
executive compensation disclosure provisions requiring a pay-for-performance graph and CEO pay ratio disclosure;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
may present only two
years of audited financial statements and only two years of related Management’s Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (“MD&A”); and
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
are eligible to claim
longer phase-in periods for the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards under §107 of the JOBS Act.
|
We
intend to take advantage of all of these reduced reporting requirements and exemptions, including the longer phase-in periods for the
adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards under §107 of the JOBS Act. Our election to use the phase-in periods may
make it difficult to compare our financial statements to those of non-emerging growth companies and other emerging growth companies that
have opted out of the phase-in periods under §107 of the JOBS Act.
Certain
of these reduced reporting requirements and exemptions were already available to us due to the fact that we also qualify as a “smaller
reporting company” under SEC rules. For instance, smaller reporting companies are not required to obtain an auditor attestation
and report regarding management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting; are not required to provide a compensation
discussion and analysis; are not required to provide a pay-for-performance graph or Chief Executive Officer pay ratio disclosure; and
may present only two years of audited financial statements and related MD&A disclosure.
Under
the JOBS Act, we may take advantage of the above-described reduced reporting requirements and exemptions for up to five years after our
initial sale of common equity pursuant to a registration statement declared effective under the Securities Act, or such earlier time
that we no longer meet the definition of an emerging growth company. In this regard, the JOBS Act provides that we would cease to be
an “emerging growth company” if we have more than $1,070,000,000 in annual revenues, have more than $700 million in market
value of our Common Stock held by non-affiliates, or issue more than $1.0 billion in principal amount of non-convertible debt over a
three-year period. Further, under current SEC rules we will continue to qualify as a “smaller reporting company” for so long
as we have a public float (i.e., the market value of common equity held by non-affiliates) of less than $75 million as of the last business
day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter.
We
cannot predict if investors will find our securities less attractive due to our reliance on these exemptions.
Failure
to establish and maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have a material
adverse effect on our business and stock price.
We
are required to comply with the SEC’s rules implementing Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which require management
to certify financial and other information in our quarterly and annual reports and provide an annual management report on the effectiveness
of controls over financial reporting. However, as an emerging growth company, our independent registered public accounting firm will
not be required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 until
the end of the fiscal year for which our second annual report is due or the date we are no longer an emerging growth company. At such
time, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the
level at which our controls are documented, designed or operating.
To
comply with the requirements of being a public company, we have undertaken various actions, and may need to take additional actions,
such as implementing new internal controls and procedures and hiring additional accounting or internal audit staff. Testing and maintaining
internal control can divert our management’s attention from other matters that are important to the operation of our business.
Additionally, when evaluating our internal control over financial reporting, we may identify material weaknesses that we may not be able
to remediate in time to meet the applicable deadline imposed upon us for compliance with the requirements of Section 404. If we identify
any material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting or are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404
in a timely manner or assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public
accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting once we are
no longer an emerging growth company, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the
market price of our Common Stock could be negatively affected, and we could become subject to investigations by the Financial Industry
Regulatory Agency, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.
Anti-takeover
provisions contained in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as provisions of Delaware law, could impair a takeover attempt.
The
Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that could have the effect of delaying or preventing changes
in control or changes in our management without the consent of our board of directors. These provisions include:
|
●
|
no cumulative voting
in the election of directors, which limits the ability of minority stockholders to elect director candidates;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
the exclusive right
of our board of directors to elect a director to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of the board of directors or the resignation,
death, or removal of a director, which prevents stockholders from being able to fill vacancies on our board of directors;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
the ability of our board
of directors to determine whether to issue shares of our preferred stock and to determine the price and other terms of those shares,
including preferences and voting rights, without stockholder approval, which could be used to significantly dilute the ownership
of a hostile acquirer;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
limiting the liability
of, and providing indemnification to, our directors and officers;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
controlling the procedures
for the conduct and scheduling of stockholder meetings;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
providing that directors
may be removed prior to the expiration of their terms by stockholders only for cause; and
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
advance notice procedures
that stockholders must comply with in order to nominate candidates to our board of directors or to propose matters to be acted upon
at a stockholders’ meeting, which may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to
elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of the Company.
|
These
provisions, alone or together, could delay hostile takeovers and changes in control of the Company or changes in our board of directors
and management.
Any
provision of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control
could limit the opportunity for our security holders to receive a premium for their securities and could also affect the price that some
investors are willing to pay for our securities.
In
the event that our common stock price does not exceed the exercise price of the Private Placement Warrants during the period when the
Private Placement Warrants are exercisable, the Private Placement Warrants may not have any value.
The
warrants will be immediately exercisable and expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance. The Private Placement Warrants
will have an initial exercise price per share equal to $11.50. In the event that our common stock price does not exceed the exercise
price of the Private Placement Warrants during the period when the Private Placement Warrants are exercisable, the Private Placement
Warrants may not have any value.
There
is no established trading market for the Private Placement Warrants and the market for the Private Placement Warrants may be highly volatile
or may decline regardless of our operating performance. We do not intend to list the Private Placement Warrants, nor do we expect the
Private Placement Warrants to be quoted, on any securities exchange.
There
must be a current registration statement in order for you to exercise the Private Placement Warrants.
Holders
of Private Placement Warrants will be able to exercise the Private Placement Warrants only if a current registration statement relating
to the common stock underlying the Private Placement Warrants is then in effect. Although we will attempt to maintain the effectiveness
of a current registration statement covering the common stock underlying the Private Placement Warrants, there can be no assurance that
we will be able to do so. If the registration statement covering the shares issuable upon exercise of the Private Placement Warrants
is no longer effective, the Private Placement Warrants may only be exercised on a “cashless” basis and will be issued with
restrictive legends unless such shares are eligible for sale under Rule 144 of the Securities Act.
Holders
of our Private Placement Warrants will have no rights as a common stockholder until they acquire our common stock.
Until
you acquire shares of our common stock upon exercise of your Private Placement Warrants, you will have no rights with respect to our
common stock. Upon exercise of your Private Placement Warrants, you will be entitled to exercise the rights of a common stockholder only
as to matters for which the record date occurs after the exercise date.
Item
1B.
|
Unresolved Staff
Comments
|
Not
applicable.
Our
corporate headquarters are located at 7000 W. Palmetto Park Road, Suite 505, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, where we lease approximately
250 rentable square feet of office space from an unaffiliated third party. This lease expires on June 1, 2022. Terms of the office lease
provide for a base rent payment of $800 per month. In total we lease approximately 40,000 rentable square feet of retail and office space
from unaffiliated third parties in eleven locations in Florida, Oregon, Texas, California, Missouri, Montana, and Washington State for
our corporate offices and gaming centers. These leases expire at various times, with the first expiration being May of 2022 and the last
being July of 2030. Terms of the office and retail leases currently provide for aggregate base rent payments of approximately $39,000
per month with annual price escalations. We believe that these facilities are adequate for our current and near-term future needs.
Item
3.
|
Legal Proceedings
|
On
August 5, 2020, a lawsuit styled Duncan Wood v. PLAYlive Nation, Inc. and Simplicity eSports and Gaming Company (Case No. 20-1043) was
filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. The complaint alleges unlawful failure to make timely and reasonable payment
of wages, breach of contract, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing and unjust enrichment. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages
for compensation alleged to be owed, treble damages, interest on all wage compensation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and other relief
as the Court deems just and proper. On October 30, 2020, Mr. Wood and Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company executed a mutual General
Release and the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice.
Item
4.
|
Mine Safety Disclosures
|
Not
applicable.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
NOTE
1 — ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Simplicity
Esports and Gaming Company F/K/A Smaaash Entertainment Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” or “our”), was
an organized as a blank check company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on April 17, 2017. The Company was formed under
the name I-AM Capital Acquisition Company for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization
or similar business combination with one or more businesses (“Business Combination”). On November 20, 2018, the Company changed
its name from I-AM Capital Acquisition Company to Smaaash Entertainment Inc. On January 2, 2019, the Company changed its name from Smaaash
Entertainment Inc. to Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company.
Through
our wholly subsidiary, Simplicity Esports, LLC, acquired on January 2, 2019 (see Note 6). The Company has begun to implement a unique
approach to ensure the ultimate fan friendly esports experience. Our intention is to have gamers involved at the grassroots level and
feel a sense of unity as we compete with top class talent. Our management and players are known within the esports community and we plan
to use their skills to create a seamless content creation plan helping gamers feel closer to our brand than any other in the industry.
Simplicity is an established brand in the Esports industry with an engaged fan base competing in popular games across different genres,
including PUBG, Gears of War, Smite, Guns of Boom, and multiple EA Sports titles. Additionally, the Simplicity stream team encompasses
a unique group of casters, influencers, and personalities all of whom connect to Simplicity’s dedicated fan base. Simplicity also
has begun to open and operate esports gaming centers that will provide the public an opportunity to experience and enjoy gaming and Esports
in a social setting, regardless of skill or experience.
Through
our wholly owned subsidiary, PLAYlive Nation, Inc. (“PLAYlive”), acquired on July 29, 2019 (see Note 6), the Company has
a network of franchised Gaming Centers. As May 31, 2020, approximately 43 locations were open and operating, in various states including
Arizona, California, Idaho, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Washington. PLAYlive
offers a video gaming lounge concept to qualified franchisees. PLAYlive currently offers single-unit location franchises as well as agreements
to develop multiple locations. This PLAYlive model is being interlaced with the esports gaming centers mentioned above to create the
ultimate gaming center.
The
Company’s sponsor was I-AM Capital Partners LLC (the “Sponsor”). The Company selected May 31 as its fiscal year end.
Initial
Business Combination
The
Company’s management had broad discretion with respect to the specific application of the net proceeds of the Initial Public Offering.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
On
August 21, 2018, the Company deposited into the Trust Account an aggregate of $303,610 (including interest earned on the funds in the
Trust Account available for withdrawal), representing $0.058 per public share. As a result of such payment, the Company extended the
period of time it had to consummate a Business Combination by three months to November 21, 2018.
On
November 20, 2018, the parties consummated the initial Business Combination.
Upon
consummation of the Business Combination, the Company issued 208,000 restricted shares to Chardan Capital Markets in consideration for
advisory services provided. These restricted shares are valued at $10.21 per share totaling $2,125,000 and are on the statement of operations
included in general and administrative expenses.
At
the special meeting of stockholders held on November 9, 2018, holders of 4,448,260 shares of the Company’s common stock sold in
its Initial Public Offering (“Public Shares”) exercised their right to redeem those shares for cash at a price of
$10.2187363 per share, for an aggregate of approximately $45,455,596. Immediately after giving effect to the initial Business Combination
(including as a result of the redemptions described above) the issuance of 2,000,000 shares of common stock to the Smaaash founders,
the issuance of 520,000 shares of common stock upon conversion of the rights at the Closing and the issuance of 208,000 shares of common
stock to Chardan Capital Markets as consideration for services), there were 5,119,390 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase
approximately 5,461,500 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. Upon the Closing, the Company’s rights ceased to exist,
and its common stock and warrants began trading on The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”).
On
the Closing Date, the Company entered into a master franchise agreement (“Master Franchise Agreement”) and a master license
and distribution agreement (“Master Distribution Agreement”) with Smaaash. As of May 31, 2020, the Master Franchise Agreement
and Master Distribution Agreement continue to be in effect.
NOTE
2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis
of Presentation
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”). The Company views its operations as one reporting entity and accordingly does not report on segments.
Emerging
Growth Company
Section
102(b)(1) of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”) exempts emerging growth companies from being
required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a registration
statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), declared effective or do not have a class
of securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), are required to comply
with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition
period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such an election to opt out is irrevocable.
The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it
has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised
standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard.
Basis
of Consolidation
The
consolidated financial statements include the operations of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Simplicity Esports, LLC, PLAYlive
Nation, Inc., and PLAYlive Nation Holdings, LLC, its 76% owned subsidiary Simplicity One Brasil Ltd, and its 79% owned subsidiaries
Simplicity Happy Valley, LLC and Simplicity Redmond, LLC and its 51% owned subsidiary Simplicity El Paso.
All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash
and cash equivalents
The
Company considers short-term interest-bearing investments with initial maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The
Company has no cash equivalents.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
Concentration
of Credit Risk
Financial
instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash accounts in a financial institution,
which at times, may exceed the Federal depository insurance coverage of $250,000. The Company has not experienced losses on these accounts
and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such accounts.
Financial
Instruments
The
fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under Financial Accounting Standards
Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,”
approximates the carrying amounts represented in the consolidated balance sheet.
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue
Recognition
As
of January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASC 606”). The new guidance sets
forth a new five-step revenue recognition model which replaces the prior revenue recognition guidance in its entirety and is intended
to eliminate numerous industry-specific pieces of revenue recognition guidance that have historically existed in GAAP. The underlying
principle of the new standard is that a business or other organization will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods
or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects to receive in exchange for the goods or services. The standard also
requires more detailed disclosures and provides additional guidance for transactions that were not addressed completely in the prior
accounting guidance. The Company adopted the standard using the modified retrospective method and the adoption did not have a material
impact on its financial statements.
The
Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with the customer are satisfied. Product sales
occur once control is transferred upon delivery to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects
to receive in exchange for transferring goods and services.
The
following describes principal activities, separated by major product or service, from which the Company generates its revenues.
Company-owned
Stores Sales
The
Company-owned stores principally generate revenue from retail esports gaming centers. Revenues from Company-owned stores are recognized
when the products are delivered, or the service is provided.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
Franchise
Royalties and Fees
Franchise
royalties which are based on six percent of franchise store sales after a minimum level of sales occur and are recognized as sales
occur. Any royalty reductions, including waivers or those offered as part of a new store development incentive or as incentive for other
behaviors are recognized at the same time as the related royalty as they are not separately distinguishable from the full royalty rate.
Franchise royalties are billed on a monthly basis.
The
Company recognizes initial franchise license fee revenue, when the Company has performed substantially all the services required in the
franchise agreement. Fees received that do not meet these criteria are recorded as deferred revenues until earned. The pre-opening services
provided to franchisees do not contain separate and distinct performance obligations from the franchise right; thus, the fees collected
will be amortized on a straight-line basis beginning at the store opening date through the term of the franchise agreement, which is
typically 10 years. Franchise license renewal fees, which generally occur every 10 years, are billed before the renewal date. Fees received
for future license renewal periods are amortized over the life of the renewal period.
The
Company offers various incentive programs for franchisees including royalty incentives, new store opening incentives (i.e. development
incentives) and other support initiatives. Royalties and franchise fees sales are reduced to reflect any royalty incentives earned or
granted under these programs that are in the form of discounts.
Commissary
sales are comprised of food and supplies sold to franchised stores and are recognized as revenue upon shipment or delivery of the related
products to the franchisees. Payments are generally due within 30 days.
Fees
for information services, including software maintenance fees, marketing fees and website maintenance, graphic and promotion fees are
recognized as revenue as such services are provided.
Esports
Revenue
Esports
revenue is a form of competition using video games. Most commonly, esports takes the form of organized, single player and multiplayer
video game competitions, particularly between professional players, individually or as teams. Revenues from Esports revenue are recognized
when the competition is completed, and prize money is awarded. Revenues earned from league sponsorships from the Company’s share
of league revenues including domestic esports teams competing in games such as Overwatch, Apex Legends, PUBG and more are included here.
Revenue from international esports teams including Flamengo esports are included here. League revenues are earned through sponsorship
fees on a per tournament, or per season basis. As of March 22, 2020, the Company commenced online esports tournaments promoted directly
to its existing customer base. Revenue from these tournaments, comprised of registration fees on a per player basis, is included here.
Deferred
Revenues
Deferred
revenues are classified as current or long-term based on when management estimates the revenues will be recognized.
The
Company receives payments from franchisees in advance of all performance obligations having been met, including but not limited to franchise
locations being opened. As certain conditions agreed to in these franchise agreements are performed, revenues are recognized.
Deferred
costs include commissions paid to brokers related to the sale of specific new franchises which have not met revenue recognition criteria
as of May 31, 2021 and 2020. These costs are recognized in the same period as the initial franchise fee revenue is recognized.
Accounts
Receivable
The
Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on an analysis of specific customers (i.e. franchisees), taking into consideration
the age of past due accounts and an assessment of the customer’s ability to pay. Accounts receivable are written off against the
allowance when management determines it is probable the receivable is worthless. Customer account balances with invoices dated over 90
days old are considered delinquent and considered in the allowance assessment. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers
and, generally, requires no collateral. Management has assessed accounts receivable as of May 31, 2021 and 2020, and an allowance for
doubtful accounts of approximately $38,000 and $52,400, respectively has been recorded
Property
and equipment
Property
and equipment and leasehold improvements are recorded at its historical cost. The cost of property and equipment is depreciated over
the estimated useful lives, when placed in service, (ranging from 3 -5 years) of the related assets utilizing the straight-line method
of depreciation. The cost of leasehold improvements is depreciated (amortized) over the lesser of the length of the related leases or
the estimated useful lives of the assets. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed when incurred and major repairs will be capitalized
and expensed if it benefits future periods.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
Intangible
Assets and impairment
Intangible
assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for potential impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that carrying
amounts may not be recoverable. Assets not subject to amortization are tested for impairment at least annually. These costs were included
in intangible assets on our balance sheet and amortized on a straight-line basis when placed into service over the estimated useful lives
of the costs, which is 3 to 5 years.
The
Company periodically reviews its intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the sum of expected undiscounted future
cash flows is less that the carrying amount of the asset. The amount of impairment is measured as the difference between the asset’s
estimated fair value and its book value. For the year ended May 31, 2021, we performed a third-party evaluation of the intangible
assets which indicated no impairment was required.
Goodwill
Goodwill
is the excess of our purchase cost over the fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses. We do not amortize goodwill, but we
assess our goodwill for impairment at least annually. Our assessment date was May 31, 2020, and we performed a third-party evaluation
of the goodwill value at May 31, 2021 which quantitative and qualitative considerations indicated no impairment.
Franchise
Locations
Through
PLAYlive, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, the Company has entered into franchise agreements with third parties. As May 31,
2021, approximately 12 locations were open and operating, in various states including Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Maryland,
Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Washington.
Stock-based
compensation
The
Company records stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation and ASC 505-50, Equity-Based
Payments to Non-Employees. All transactions in which goods or services are the consideration received for the issuance of equity
instruments are accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instrument issued,
whichever is more reliably measurable. Equity instruments issued to employees and the cost of the services received as consideration
are measured and recognized based on the fair value of the equity instruments issued and are recognized over the employees required service
period, which is generally the vesting period.
Non
employee stock-based payments
The
Company records stock based payments made to non-employees in accordance with ASU 2018-07, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic
718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which aligns accounting for share-based payments issued to nonemployees
to that of employees under the existing guidance of Topic 718, with certain exceptions.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
Leases
In
February of 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02-Leases (Topic 842), which significantly
amends the way companies are required to account for leases. Under the updated leasing guidance, some leases that did not have to be
reported previously are now required to be presented as an asset and liability on the balance sheet. In addition, for certain leases,
what was previously classified as an operating expense must now be allocated between amortization expense and interest expense. The Company
adopted this update as of January l, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method and prior periods have not been restated.
Upon implementation, the Company recognized initial operating lease right-of-use assets of $110,003 and operating lease liabilities of
$107,678. Due to the simplistic nature of the Company’s leases, no retained earnings adjustment was required. See Note 9 for further
details.
Deferred
Financing Costs
The
Company complies with the requirements of ASC 340-10-S99-1 and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) Topic 5A — “Expenses of
Offering”. Offering costs of $307,494 and $98,198 consisting principally of legal and professional fees have been recorded as an
asset as of May 31, 2021, and 2020, respectively. These amounts will be charged to additional paid in capital upon the completion of
the Company’s ongoing Public Offering.
Basic
Income (Loss) per share
The
Company complies with accounting and disclosure requirements ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share.” Net income (loss) per share
is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted
earnings or loss per common share is calculated by dividing net income or loss available to common stockholders by the diluted weighted-average
number of common shares outstanding, which includes the effect of potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities for
this calculation consist primarily of warrants, outstanding options, and shares into which the convertible notes are convertible.
When
the Company records a loss from operations, all potentially dilutive shares are anti-dilutive and are consequently excluded from the
calculation of diluted net loss per common share.
Income
Taxes
The
Company complies with the accounting and reporting requirements of ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” which requires an
asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed
for differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in future taxable or deductible
amounts, based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income.
Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
ASC
Topic 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax
positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not
to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting
standards promulgated by the FASB are subject to change. Changes in such standards may have an impact on the Company’s future financial
statements. The following are a summary of recent accounting developments.
The
Company periodically reviews new accounting standards that are issued. Although some of these accounting standards may be applicable
to the Company, the Company has not identified any other new standards that it believes merit further discussion, and the Company expects
that none would have a significant impact on its financial statements.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
In
February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), followed by other related ASUs that provided targeted improvements
and additional practical expedient options (collectively “ASC 842”). ASC 842 requires lessees to recognize right-of-use (“ROU”)
assets and lease payment liabilities on the balance sheet for leases representing the Company’s right to use the underlying assets
over the lease term. Each lease that is recognized on the balance sheet is classified as either finance or operating, with such classification
affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the Statements of Operations and presentation within the Statements
of Cash Flows.
The
Company adopted ASC 842 on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method. The Company elected as part of its adoption to also
use the optional transition methodology whereby previously reported periods continue to be reported in accordance with historical accounting
guidance for leases that were in effect for those prior periods. Policy elections and practical expedients that the Company has implemented
as part of adopting ASC 842 include (a) excluding from the balance sheet leases with terms that are less than or equal to one year, (b)
for all existing asset classes that contain both lease and non-lease components, combining these components together and accounting for
them as a single lease component, (c) the package of practical expedients, which among other things, allows the Company to avoid reassessing
contracts that commenced prior to adoption that were properly evaluated under legacy GAAP, and (d) excluding land easements, which were
not accounted for under the previous leasing guidance, that existed or expired before adoption of ASC 842. The scope of ASC 842 does
not apply to leases used in the exploration for minerals or use thereof, including oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids.
The
Company’s adoption of ASC 842 resulted in an increase in other assets, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and other liabilities
line items on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as a result of the additional ROU assets and related lease liabilities.
Upon adoption on January 1, 2019, the Company recognized approximately $0.5 million in ROU assets and liabilities for its operating leases.
There was no cumulative effect to accumulated deficit upon the adoption of this guidance.
Going
Concern, Liquidity and Management’s Plan
The
Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that it will continue as a going concern, which contemplates
continuity of operations, realization of assets, and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business.
As
reflected in the consolidated financial statements, the Company has an accumulated deficit as of May 31, 2021 and 2020 of $12,291,899
and $6,195,044 respectively. The Company also has a net loss for the year ended May 31, 2021 and 2020 of $6,096,855 and $2,620,238, respectively.
Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended May 31, 2021 and 2020 was $1,408,609 and $1,523,262, respectively. These factors
raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the of the date that the
financial statements are issued.
The
Company’s cash position may not be sufficient to support the Company’s daily operations. Management plans to raise additional
funds by way of a private or ongoing public offering. While the Company believes in the viability of its strategy and its ability to
generate sufficient revenue and to raise additional funds, there can be no assurances to that effect. Should the Company fail to raise
additional capital, it may be compelled to reduce the scope of its planned future business activities.
The
ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Company’s ability to further implement its business
plan, to generate sufficient revenue and to raise additional funds by way of public and/or private offerings.
The
consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts
or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
In
December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. While initially the outbreak was largely
concentrated in China and caused significant disruptions to its economy, it has now spread to several other countries and infections
have been reported globally.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
Because
COVID-19 infections have been reported throughout the United States, certain federal, state and local governmental authorities have issued
stay-at-home orders, proclamations and/or directives aimed at minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Additional, more restrictive proclamations
and/or directives may be issued in the future. As a result, all of our corporate and franchised Simplicity Gaming Centers had been closed
effective April 1, 2020. Although our franchise agreements with franchisees of Simplicity Gaming Centers require a minimum monthly royalty
payment to us from the franchisees regardless of whether the franchised Simplicity Gaming Centers are operating, there is a potential
risk that franchisees of Simplicity Gaming Centers will default in their obligations to pay their minimum monthly royalty payment to
us. As of May 31, 2021 all but one company owned store and a few franchise stores have begun to re-open in conformity with local and
state COVID-19 regulations.
The
ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s operations is unknown and will depend on future developments, which are
highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak, new information which may
emerge concerning the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and any additional preventative and protective actions that governments, or
the Company, may direct, which may result in an extended period of continued business disruption, reduced customer traffic and reduced
operations. Any resulting financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time but is anticipated to have a material adverse
impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The
measures taken to date impacted the Company’s business for the fiscal year and potentially beyond. Management expects that
all of its business segments, across all of its geographies, will be impacted to some degree, but the significance of the impact of the
COVID-19 outbreak on the Company’s business and the duration for which it may have an impact cannot be determined at this time.
NOTE
3 — INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING AND PRIVATE PLACEMENT
Initial
Public Offering
On
August 22, 2017, the Company sold 625,000 Public Units at a purchase price of $80.00 per Public Unit, on a pre reverse-split basis,
in the Initial Public Offering, generating gross proceeds of $50.0 million. The Company incurred offering costs of approximately
$3.7 million, inclusive of approximately $3.2 million of underwriting fees. The Company paid $1 million of underwriting fees upon the
closing of the Initial Public Offering, issued 50,000 shares of common stock, on a pre reverse-split basis, for underwriting fees,
and deferred $1.82 million of underwriting fees until the consummation of the initial Business Combination.
Each
Unit consisted of one share of the Company’s common stock, one right to receive one-tenth of one share of the Company’s common
stock upon consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination (“Right”), and one redeemable warrant (“Warrant”).
Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $92.00 on a pre reverse-split basis,
per share, subject to adjustment. No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of the Warrants. The Warrants became exercisable
30 days after the completion of the initial Business Combination and will expire five years after the completion of the initial Business
Combination or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.
The
Company may redeem the Warrants, in whole and not in part, at a price of $0.01 per Warrant upon 30 days’ notice (“30-day
redemption period”), only in the event that the last sale price of the common stock equals or exceeds $21.00 per share for any
20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which notice of redemption is given,
provided there is an effective registration statement with respect to the shares of common stock underlying such Warrants and a current
prospectus relating to those shares of common stock is available throughout the 30-day redemption period. If the Company calls the Warrants
for redemption as described above, the Company’s management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise Warrants
to do so on a “cashless basis.” In determining whether to require all holders to exercise their warrants on a “cashless
basis,” management will consider, among other factors, the Company’s cash position, the number of Warrants that are outstanding
and the dilutive effect on the Company’s stockholders of issuing the maximum number of shares of common stock issuable upon the
exercise of the Warrants.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
Each
holder of a Right received one-tenth (1/10) of one share of common stock upon consummation of the Business Combination. No fractional
shares were issued upon exchange of the Rights. No additional consideration was paid by a holder of Rights in order to receive its additional
shares upon consummation of the Business Combination as the consideration related thereto has been included in the Unit purchase price
paid for by investors in the Initial Public Offering.
The
Company granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 93,750 additional Public Units to cover any over-allotment, at the
initial public offering price less any underwriting discounts and commissions. On September 13, 2017, the underwriters purchased 25,000
additional Public Units for gross proceeds of $2,000,000, less commissions of $110,000, of which $70,000 are deferred.
The
Company issued Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”), as compensation for the Initial Public Offering, an aggregate of 6,500 shares,
including 250 shares issued in connection with the partial exercise of the over-allotment option. The Company accounted for the fair
value of these shares as an expense of the Initial Public Offering resulting in a charge directly to stockholders’ equity.
Settlement
Agreement
On
November 20, 2018, the Company entered into a settlement and release agreement (“Settlement Agreement”) with Maxim. Pursuant
to the Settlement Agreement, the Company made a cash payment of $20,000 to Maxim and issued the Note in favor of Maxim in order to settle
the payment obligations of the Company under the underwriting agreement dated August 16, 2017, by and between the Company and Maxim.
The Company also agreed to remove the restrictive legends on an aggregate of 6,500 shares of its common stock held by Maxim and its affiliate.
See “Note Payable” under Note 8 below.
Unit
Purchase Option
At
the time of the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the Company sold to Maxim, for an aggregate of $100, an option (the “UPO”)
to purchase 31,250 Units (which increased to 32,500 units upon the partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option).
The Company has accounted for the fair value of the UPO, inclusive of the receipt of the $100 cash payment, as an expense of the Initial
Public Offering resulting in a charge directly to shareholders’ equity. The Company estimates that the fair value of this UPO is
approximately $743,600 (or $2.86 per Unit) using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of the UPO is estimated as of
the date of grant using the following assumptions: (1) expected volatility of 35%, (2) risk-free interest rate of 1.73% and (3) expected
life of five years. The UPO may be exercised for cash or on a “cashless” basis, at the holder’s option (except in the
case of a forced cashless exercise upon the Company’s redemption of the Warrants, as described above), such that the holder may
use the appreciated value of the UPO (the difference between the exercise prices of the UPO and the underlying Warrants and Rights, and
the market price of the Units and underlying shares of common stock) to exercise the UPO without the payment of any cash. The Company
will have no obligation to net cash settle the exercise of the UPO or the Warrants or Rights underlying the UPO. The holder of the UPO
will not be entitled to exercise the UPO or the Warrants or Rights underlying the UPO unless a registration statement covering the securities
underlying the UPO is effective or an exemption from registration is available. If the holder is unable to exercise the UPO or underlying
Warrants or Rights, the UPO, Warrants or Rights, as applicable, will expire worthless.
The
Company granted the holders of the UPO, demand and “piggy back” registration rights for periods of five and seven years,
respectively, from the effective date of the registration statement relating to the Initial Public Offering, including securities directly
and indirectly issuable upon exercise of the UPO.
Private
Placement
Concurrently
with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 31,812 Private Units at $80.00 per Private Unit,
generated gross proceeds of $2,545,000 in a Private Placement all on a pre reverse-split basis. The proceeds from the Private
Units were added to the proceeds from the Initial Public Offering held in the Trust Account. The Private Units (including their component
securities) were not transferable, assignable or salable until 30 days after the completion of the initial Business Combination and the
warrants included in the Private Units (the “Private Placement Warrants”) will be non-redeemable so long as they are held
by the Sponsor or their permitted transferees. If the Private Placement Warrants are held by someone other than the Sponsor or their
permitted transferees, the Private Placement Warrants will be redeemable by the Company and exercisable by such holders on the same basis
as the Warrants included in the Public Units sold in the Initial Public Offering. Otherwise, the Private Placement Warrants and the Rights
underlying the Private Units have terms and provisions that are identical to those of the Warrants and Rights, respectively, sold as
part of the Public Units in the Initial Public Offering and have no net cash settlement provisions.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
On
September 13, 2017, the Sponsor purchased 875 additional Private Units for gross proceeds of $70,000 upon the partial exercise of the
over-allotment option.
NOTE
4 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The
following is a summary of property, plant, and equipment—at cost, less accumulated depreciation:
|
|
May 31,
|
|
|
May 31,
|
|
|
|
2021
|
|
|
2020
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
|
|
110,849
|
|
|
|
52,189
|
|
Property and equipment
|
|
|
755,741
|
|
|
|
243,314
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost
|
|
|
866,590
|
|
|
|
295,503
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(292,282
|
)
|
|
|
(62,771
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net, property plant
and equipment
|
|
$
|
574,308
|
|
|
$
|
232,733
|
|
Depreciation
expense for the years ended May 31, 2021, and 2020 was $229,511 and $57,473, respectively.
NOTE
5 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The
following tables set forth the intangible assets, including accumulated amortization at May 31, 2021 and 2020:
|
|
May
31, 2021
|
|
|
|
Remaining
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
Net
Carrying
|
|
|
|
Useful
Life
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
Amortization
|
|
|
Value
|
|
Non-Competes
|
|
4.50
years
|
|
$
|
1,023,118
|
|
|
$
|
498,799
|
|
|
$
|
524,319
|
|
Trademarks
|
|
Indefinite
|
|
|
866,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
866,000
|
|
Customer
Contracts
|
|
10
years
|
|
|
546,000
|
|
|
|
301,675
|
|
|
|
244,325
|
|
Internet
domain
|
|
2.50
years
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
|
|
2,417
|
|
|
|
583
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,438,118
|
|
|
$
|
802,891
|
|
|
$
|
1,635,227
|
|
|
|
May
31, 2020
|
|
|
|
Remaining
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
Net Carrying
|
|
|
|
Useful
Life
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
Amortization
|
|
|
Value
|
|
Non-Competes
|
|
4.50 years
|
|
$
|
1,023,118
|
|
|
$
|
289,884
|
|
|
$
|
733,234
|
|
Trademarks
|
|
Indefinite
|
|
|
866,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
866,000
|
|
Customer Contracts
|
|
10 years
|
|
|
546,000
|
|
|
|
5,443
|
|
|
|
540,557
|
|
Internet domain
|
|
2.50 years
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
|
|
1,417
|
|
|
|
1,583
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,438,118
|
|
|
$
|
296,744
|
|
|
$
|
2,141,374
|
|
The
following table sets forth the future amortization of the Company’s intangible assets at May 31, 2021:
|
|
2022
|
|
|
2023
|
|
|
2024
|
|
|
2025
|
|
|
2026
|
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Non-Competes
|
|
$
|
204,624
|
|
|
$
|
204,624
|
|
|
$
|
119,363
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
528,611
|
|
Customer contracts
|
|
|
89,647
|
|
|
|
20,897
|
|
|
|
14,647
|
|
|
|
14,647
|
|
|
|
14,647
|
|
|
|
89,840
|
|
|
|
244,325
|
|
Internet
domain
|
|
|
583
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
583
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
260,224
|
|
|
$
|
259,807
|
|
|
$
|
259,224
|
|
|
$
|
173,962
|
|
|
$
|
54,600
|
|
|
$
|
267,557
|
|
|
$
|
1,275,374
|
|
Amortization
expense for the years ended May 31, 2021, and 2020 was $295,709 and $211,067, respectively.
Goodwill
The
Company’s goodwill carrying amounts relate to the acquisitions of Simplicity Esports LLC and PLAYlive Nation Inc. The composition
of the goodwill balance, is as follows:
|
|
Fiscal
Year
Ended
May 31, 2021
|
|
|
Fiscal
Year
Ended
May 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Simplicity Esports LLC
|
|
$
|
4,456,250
|
|
|
$
|
4,456,250
|
|
PLAYlive Nation Inc.
|
|
|
698,891
|
|
|
|
698,891
|
|
Ft. Bliss
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
Total
Goodwill
|
|
$
|
5,180,141
|
|
|
$
|
5,180,141
|
|
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
NOTE
6 - ACQUISITIONS
The
Simplicity Esports, LLC Acquisition
On
January 4, 2019, the Company consummated the transactions contemplated by the share exchange agreement, dated December 21, 2018 (as amended
by Amendment No. 1 to Share Exchange Agreement, dated December 28, 2018 and by Amendment No. 2 to Share Exchange Agreement, dated December
30, 2018, the “Share Exchange Agreement”) by and among the Company, Smaaash Entertainment, Inc. (“Smaaash”),
each of the equity holders of Simplicity (“Simplicity Owners”) and Jed Kaplan, in the capacity as the representative of the
Simplicity Owners (the “Representative”). Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement the Simplicity Owners transferred all
the issued and outstanding equity interests of Simplicity to the Company in exchange for newly issued shares of common stock of the Company
(the “Acquisition”).
The
Simplicity Owners received an aggregate of 37,500 shares of common stock at the closing of the Acquisition and an additional aggregate
of 87,500 shares of common stock on January 7, 2019 and the remaining 250,000 shares in March of 2019.
The
acquisition of Simplicity, in an all-stock deal, creates a pure play esports team and entertainment platform opportunity, which we believe
will increase shareholder value and boost our growth strategy as we endeavor the build out of our brick and mortar esports centers.
The
acquisition was accounted for by the Company using the acquisition method under business combination accounting. Under this method, the
purchase price paid by the acquirer is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date based on the
fair value. Determining the fair value of certain assets and liabilities assumed is judgmental in nature and often involves the use of
significant estimates and assumptions. All fair value measurements of acquired assets and liabilities assumed are non-recurring in nature
and classified as level 3 on the fair value hierarchy.
The
aggregate purchase price consisted of the following:
Restricted
stock consideration
|
|
|
6,090,000
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
6,090,000
|
|
As
noted in the table above, the Company issued 375,000 restricted shares of common stock as consideration which was valued at market at
the date of the closing, fair value of approximately $6,090,000.
The
following table summarizes the estimated fair value of The Simplicity Esports, LLC assets acquired, and liabilities assumed at the date
of acquisition:
Cash
|
|
|
76,000
|
|
Internet Domain
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
Trade names and trademarks
|
|
|
588,000
|
|
Non-Competes
|
|
|
1,023,118
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
|
|
(56,000
|
)
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
4,455,882
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
6,090,000
|
|
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
PLAYlive
Nation Acquisition
On
July 29, 2019, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire PLAYlive for total consideration of 93,750 shares of common
stock. The PLAYlive acquisition closed on July 30, 2019.
The
acquisition was accounted for by the Company using the acquisition method under business combination accounting. Under this method, the
purchase price paid by the acquirer is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date based on the
fair value. Determining the fair value of certain assets and liabilities assumed is judgmental in nature and often involves the use of
significant estimates and assumptions. All fair value measurements of acquired assets and liabilities assumed are non-recurring in nature
and classified as level 3 on the fair value hierarchy.
The
aggregate purchase price consisted of the following:
Restricted
stock consideration
|
|
|
1,440,000
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
1,440,000
|
|
As
noted in the table above, the Company issued 93,750 restricted shares of common stock as consideration which was valued at market at
the date of the closing, fair value of approximately $1,440,000.
The
following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the PLAYlive assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
Cash
|
|
|
26,000
|
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
Net deferred revenue
|
|
|
(115,000
|
)
|
Customer relationships
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
|
|
(4,000
|
)
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
699,000
|
|
Trademarks
|
|
|
278,000
|
|
Customer contracts
|
|
|
546,000
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
1,440,000
|
|
Revenue
and net loss included in the year ended May 31, 2021 and 2020, consolidated financial statements attributable to PLAYlive is approximately
$306,000 and $301,000_ and $523,000 and $124,000, respectively.
Company
owned store acquisitions
During
the year, the Company acquired thirteen gaming centers from prior franchisees in various locations throughout the United States. On a
consolidated basis, the Company paid for these acquisitions by issuing 64,714 shares of stock to former franchise owners in return for
the property, plant and equipment, the inventory on hand at the time of the acquisition and the leasehold improvements of the leased
spaces. As part of the acquisition effort, the Company was able to renegotiate the lease terms with the landlords in order to provide
more favorable operating terms to the Company.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
NOTE
7 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Private
Units
In
addition, the Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 31,812 Private Units, on a pre reverse-split asis, at $80.00 per Private Unit
on a pre reverse-split basis for proceeds of $2,545,000 in the aggregate in the Private Placement. This purchase took place on
a private placement basis simultaneously with the completion of the Initial Public Offering. This issuance was be made pursuant to the
exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
The
Sponsor committed to purchase from the Company up to an additional 3,281 Private Units if the underwriters’ over-allotment option
was exercised in full.
On
September 13, 2017, 7,000 additional Private Units, on a pre reverse-split basis were purchased by the Sponsor at $80.00 per Private
Unit on a pre reverse-split basis upon the partial exercise of the over-allotment option.
Kaplan
Promissory Note
On
May 12, 2020 (the “Issue Date”), the Company issued a promissory note (the “Kaplan Note”) in the principal sum
of $90,000 in favor of Jed Kaplan, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, interim Chief Financial Officer, member of the Company’s
Board of Directors and greater than 5% stockholder of the Company. The Kaplan Note matures on the first business day following the 150-day
anniversary of the Issue Date (the “Maturity Date”). The Company will use the proceeds of the Kaplan Note to fund the operations
of Simplicity One Brasil Ltda, the Company’s majority owned subsidiary (“Simplicity Brasil”). As of May 31, 2020, advances
under the terms of this note were $64,728 (Note 8). Inconsideration for a 10% equity stake in Brasil Ltda., the Kaplan Note was retired
during the year ended May 31, 2021.
Equity
Sales
On
May 7, 2020, we authorized the sale of 2,867 shares of our restricted Common Stock at $8.72 per share to William H. Herrmann, Jr. a member
of our board of directors for $25,000 (Note 10).
The
Company maintains its cash balance at a financial services company that is owned by an officer of the Company.
NOTE
8 – DEBT
The
table below presents outstanding debt instruments as of May 31:
|
|
2021
|
|
|
2020
|
|
Convertible Promissory Notes
|
|
|
3,157,970
|
|
|
|
152,500
|
|
Less: Related
Discount
|
|
|
(946,873
|
)
|
|
|
(25,180
|
)
|
Related Party Note
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
64,728
|
|
Convertible Note
Payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
2,211,097
|
|
|
$
|
1,192,048
|
|
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
10%
Fixed Convertible Promissory Note
On
April 29, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), the Company issued a 10% Fixed Convertible Promissory Note (the “Harbor Gates
Note”), with a maturity date of October 29, 2020 (the “Maturity Date”), in the principal sum of $152,000 in favor of
Harbor Gates Capital, LLC (“Harbor Gates”). Pursuant to the terms of the Harbor Gates Note, the Company agreed to pay to
Harbor Gates $152,500 (the “Principal Sum”) and to pay “guaranteed” interest on the principal balance at an amount
equivalent to 10% of the Principal Sum, to the extent such Principal Sum and “guaranteed” interest and any other interest,
fees, liquidated damages and/or items due to Harbor Gates have not been repaid or converted into Company common stock in accordance with
the terms of the Harbor Gates Note. The Harbor Gates Note carries an original issue discount (“OID”) of $2,500. Accordingly,
on the Effective Date, Harbor Gates delivered $150,000 to the Company in exchange for the Harbor Gates Note.
In
addition to the “guaranteed” interest, and upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as hereinafter defined), additional
interest will accrue from the date of the Event of Default at the rate equal to the lower of 20% per annum or the highest rate permitted
by law.
The
Company may prepay the Harbor Gates Note according to the following schedule:
Days
Since
Effective Date
|
|
Payment
Amount
|
Under
30
|
|
115%
of Principal Amount (as hereinafter defined) so paid
|
31-60
|
|
120%
of Principal Amount so paid
|
61-90
|
|
125%
of Principal Amount so paid
|
91-180
|
|
135%
of Principal Amount so paid
|
135%
of the remaining unpaid and unconverted Principal Amount, plus all accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable on the Maturity
Date. “Principal Amount” refers to the sum of (i) the original principal amount of the Harbor Gates Note (including the OID,
prorated if the Harbor Gates Note has not been funded in full); (ii) all guaranteed and other accrued but unpaid interest under the Harbor
Gates Note; (iii) any fees due under the Harbor Gates Notes; (iv) liquidated damages; and (v) any default payments owing under the Harbor
Gates Note, in each case previously paid or added to the Principal Amount.
Pursuant
to the terms of the Harbor Gates Note, the Company agreed to issue Harbor Gates shares of Company common stock in two tranches as follows:
|
(i)
|
1,250
shares of common stock within three trading days of the Effective Date; and
|
|
(ii)
|
In
the event the average of the three volume weighted average prices for the Company’s common stock during the three consecutive
trading days immediately preceding the date which is the 180th day following the Effective Date is less than $1.00 per
share, then Harbor Gates will be entitled, and the Company will issue to Harbor Gates additional shares of common stock as set forth
in the Harbor Gates Note.
|
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
If
an Event of Default (as defined in the Promissory Note) occurs, the outstanding Principal Amount of the Harbor Gates Note owing in respect
thereof through the date of acceleration, shall become, at Harbor Gates’ election, immediately due and payable in cash at the “Mandatory
Default Amount”. The Mandatory Default Amount means 35% of the outstanding Principal Amount of the Harbor Gates Note will be automatically
added to the Principal Sum of the Harbor Gates Note and tack back to the Effective Date for purposes of Rule 144 promulgated under the
1934 Act. Commencing five days after the occurrence of any Event of Default that results in the eventual acceleration of the Harbor Gates
Note, the Harbor Gates Note will accrue additional interest, in addition to the Harbor Gates Note’s “guaranteed” interest,
at a rate equal to the lesser of 20% per annum or the maximum rate permitted under applicable law.
If
the Harbor Gates Note is not retired on or before the Maturity Date, then at any time and from time to time after the Maturity Date,
and subject to the terms hereof and restrictions and limitations contained in the Harbor Gates Note, Harbor Gates has the right, at Harbor
Gates’ sole option, to convert in whole or in part the outstanding and unpaid Principal Amount under the Harbor Gates Note into
shares of the Company’s common stock at the Variable Conversion Price. The “Variable Conversion Price” will be equal
to the lower of: (a) $1.00, or (b) 70% of the lowest volume weighted average price of the Company’s common stock during the 15
consecutive trading days prior to the date on Harbor Gates elects to convert all or part of the Harbor Gates Note. The Company intends
to prepay the Harbor Gates Note in accordance with its terms so that no amount under the Harbor Gates Note is converted into shares of
the Company’s common stock.
This
note along with guaranteed interest of $15,000 was repaid on July 2, 2020.
Kaplan
Promissory Note
On
May 12, 2020 (the “Issue Date”), the Company issued a promissory note (the “Kaplan Note”) in the principal sum
of $90,000 in favor of Jed Kaplan, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, interim Chief Financial Officer, member of the Company’s
Board of Directors and greater than 5% stockholder of the Company. The Kaplan Note matures on the first business day following the 150-day
anniversary of the Issue Date (the “Maturity Date”). The Company will use the proceeds of the Kaplan Note to fund the operations
of Simplicity One Brasil Ltda, the Company’s majority owned subsidiary (“Simplicity Brasil”).
Pursuant
to the terms of the Kaplan Note, the Company agreed to pay to Mr. Kaplan the lesser of (i) the principal sum of $90,000 (the “Maximum
Commitment”), or (ii) the aggregate principal amount of all direct advances of the proceeds of the Kaplan Note (each, an “Advance”),
together with any interest thereon, and any and all other amounts which may be due and payable thereunder from time to time.
Subject
to the terms of the Kaplan Note, Mr. Kaplan agreed to make one direct Advance to and for the benefit of the Company on the Issue Date
in the amount of $45,000, and one additional Advance to and for the benefit of the Company at such time as the Company may request during
the two month period following the Issue Date. The total of the aggregate principal balance of all Advances (collectively referred to
herein as the “Principal Amount”) outstanding at any time shall not exceed the Maximum Commitment. Advances made by Mr. Kaplan
to the Company under the Kaplan Note which have been repaid may not be borrowed again.
Prior
to the Maturity Date or an Event of Default (as hereinafter defined), the Principal Amount outstanding under the Kaplan Note will bear
interest at a rate of 3% (the “Interest Rate”). From and after the Maturity Date or upon and during the continuance of an
Event of Default, interest will accrue on the unpaid Principal Amount during any such period at an annual rate (the “Default Rate”)
equal to 10% plus the Interest Rate; provided, however, that in no event will the Default Rate exceed the maximum rate permitted by law.
The
Company may prepay the Kaplan Note, in whole or in part, without a prepayment penalty, at any time provided that an Event of Default
has not then occurred.
During
the year ended May 31, 2021, the Kaplan Note was retired in exchange for a 10% equity stake in Simplicity Brasil.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
Self-Amortization
Promissory Note
On
June 18, 2020 (the “Issue Date”), the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “SPA”) with an
accredited investor (the “Holder”), pursuant to which the Company issued a 12% self-amortization promissory note (the “Amortization
Note”) with a maturity date of June 18, 2021 (the “Maturity Date”), in the principal sum of $550,000. Pursuant to the
terms of the Amortization Note, the Company agreed to pay to $550,000 (the “Principal Sum”) to the Holder and to pay interest
on the Principal Sum at the rate of 12% per annum. The Amortization Note carries an original issue discount (“OID”) of $55,000.
Accordingly, on the Closing Date (as defined in the SPA), the Holder paid the purchase price of $495,000 in exchange for the Amortization
Note. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the SPA, the Company agreed to issue 6,875 shares of the Company’s common stock to
the Holder as additional consideration.
The
Company may prepay the Amortization Note at any time prior to the date that an Event of Default (as defined in the Amortization Note)
(each an “Event of Default”) occurs at an amount equal to 100% of the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued and unpaid
interest with no prepayment premium. The Amortization Note contains customary events of default relating to, among other things, payment
defaults, breach of representations and warranties, and breach of provisions of the Amortization Note or SPA.
The
Company is required to make amortization payments to the Holder according to the following schedule:
Payment
Date
|
|
|
Payment
Amount
|
|
10/16/2020
|
|
$
|
66,125.00
|
|
11/16/2020
|
|
$
|
66,125.00
|
|
12/16/2020
|
|
$
|
66,125.00
|
|
01/18/2021
|
|
$
|
66,125.00
|
|
02/18/2021
|
|
$
|
66,125.00
|
|
03/18/2021
|
|
$
|
66,125.00
|
|
04/16/2021
|
|
$
|
66,125.00
|
|
05/18/2021
|
|
$
|
66,125.00
|
|
06/18/2021
|
|
$
|
65,921.26
|
|
Total:
|
|
$
|
594,921.26
|
|
In
connection with the November 23, 2020 SPA discussed below, we repaid principal and interest of $198,375 on this June 18, 2020 Note.
Upon
the Holder’s provision of notice to the Company of the occurrence of any Event of Default, which has not been cured within five
calendar days as provided in the Amortization Note, the Amortization Note shall become immediately due and payable and the Company shall
pay to the Holder, in full satisfaction of its obligations hereunder, an amount equal to the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued
interest multiplied by 125% (the “Default Amount”). Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, additional interest will
accrue from the date of the Event of Default at the rate equal to the lower of 15% per annum or the highest rate permitted by law. The
Company shall have the right to pay the Default Amount in cash at any time, provided, however that the Holder may convert the Amortization
Note into the Company’s common stock (subject to the beneficial ownership limitations of 4.99% contained in the Amortization Note)
at any time after the date that is five calendar days after the Amortization Note becomes immediately due and payable as a result of
an Event of Default until the Company has repaid the Amortization Note in cash. If the aforementioned event occurs, the conversion price
will be equal to the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the date of the respective
conversion. The Company intends to repay the Amortization Note in accordance with its terms so that no amount under the Amortization
Note is converted into shares of the Company’s common stock.
While
any portion of this Note is outstanding, if the Company receives cash proceeds of more than $2,000,000.00 (the “Minimum Threshold”)
in the aggregate from public offerings or private placements to investors, the Company shall, within two business days of Company’s
receipt of such proceeds, inform the Holder of such receipt, following which the Holder shall have the right in its sole discretion to
require the Company to immediately apply up to 50% of all proceeds received by the Company after the Minimum Threshold is reached to
repay the outstanding amounts owed under this Note. As of November, 2020, we repaid the entire amount of principal and interest.
August
7, 2020 Self-Amortization Promissory Note
On
August 7, 2020 (the “Issue Date”), the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “SPA”) with
FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC, an accredited investor (the “Holder”), pursuant to which the Company issued a 12%
self-amortization promissory note (the “Self-Amortization Note”) with a maturity date of August 7, 2021 (the “Maturity
Date”), in the principal sum of $333,333. Pursuant to the terms of the Self-Amortization Note, the Company agreed to pay $333,333
(the “Principal Sum”) to the Holder and to pay interest on the principal balance at the rate of 12% per annum. The Amortization
Note carries an original issue discount of $33,333. Accordingly, on the Closing Date (as defined in the SPA), the Holder paid the purchase
price of $300,000 in exchange for the Self-Amortization Note. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the SPA, the Company agreed to issue
4,167 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Holder as additional consideration.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
The
Company may prepay the Self-Amortization Note at any time prior to the date that an Event of Default (as defined in the Amortization
Note) (each an “Event of Default”) occurs at an amount equal to 100% of the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued and
unpaid interest with no prepayment premium. The Self-Amortization Note contains customary events of default relating to, among other
things, payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, and breach of provisions of the Self-Amortization Note or SPA.
The
Company is required to make amortization payments to the Holder according to the following schedule:
Payment
Date
|
|
|
Payment
Amount
|
|
12/07/2020
|
|
$
|
40,075.75
|
|
01/07/2021
|
|
$
|
40,075.75
|
|
02/08/2021
|
|
$
|
40,075.75
|
|
03/08/2021
|
|
$
|
40,075.75
|
|
04/07/2021
|
|
$
|
40,075.75
|
|
05/07/2021
|
|
$
|
40,075.75
|
|
06/07/2021
|
|
$
|
40,075.75
|
|
07/07/2021
|
|
$
|
40,075.75
|
|
08/07/2021
|
|
$
|
39,952.34
|
|
Total:
|
|
$
|
360,558.34
|
|
On
March 10, 2021, we repaid the outstanding principal and interest on the Self-Amortization Note.
Upon
the Holder’s provision of notice to the Company of the occurrence of any Event of Default, which has not been cured within five
calendar days as provided in the Amortization Note, the Amortization Note shall become immediately due and payable and the Company shall
pay to the Holder, in full satisfaction of its obligations hereunder, an amount equal to the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued
interest multiplied by 125% (the “Default Amount”). Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, additional interest will
accrue from the date of the Event of Default at the rate equal to the lower of 15% per annum or the highest rate permitted by law. The
Company shall have the right to pay the Default Amount in cash at any time, provided, however that the Holder may convert the Amortization
Note into the Company’s common stock (subject to the beneficial ownership limitations of 4.99% contained in the Amortization Note)
at any time after the date that is five calendar days after the Amortization Note becomes immediately due and payable as a result of
an Event of Default until the Company has repaid the Amortization Note in cash. If the aforementioned event occurs, the conversion price
will be equal to the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the date of the respective
conversion. The Company intends to repay the Amortization Note in accordance with its terms so that no amount under the Amortization
Note is converted into shares of the Company’s common stock.
While
any portion of this Note is outstanding, if the Company receives cash proceeds of more than $2,000,000.00 (the “Minimum Threshold”)
in the aggregate from public offerings or private placements to investors, the Company shall, within two business days of Company’s
receipt of such proceeds, inform the Holder of such receipt, following which the Holder shall have the right in its sole discretion to
require the Company to immediately apply up to 50% of all proceeds received by the Company after the Minimum Threshold is reached to
repay the outstanding amounts owed under this Note.
November
23, 2020 Self-Amortization Promissory Note
On
November 25, 2020, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “November 2020 SPA”), dated as of November
23, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), with an accredited investor (the “Holder”) pursuant to which the Company issued
a 12% self-amortization promissory note (the “November Amortization Note”) with a maturity date of November 23, 2021 (the
“Maturity Date”), in the principal sum of $750,000. Pursuant to the terms of the November Amortization Note, the Company
agreed to pay to $750,000 (the “Principal Sum”) to the Holder and to pay interest on the principal balance at the rate of
12% per annum. The Company received net proceeds of $441,375, net of original issue discount of $75,000, origination fees of $35,250,
and the partial repayment of principal and interest of $198,375 on the June 18, 2020 Note. In connection with the November Amortization
Note, during the first twelve months of this note, interest equal to $90,000 shall be guaranteed and earned in full as of the Effective
Date, provided, however, that if the November Amortization Note is repaid in its entirety on or prior to February 23, 2021, then the
interest shall be accrued on a per annum basis based on the number of days elapsed as of the repayment date from the Effective Date.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
In
connection with the November 23, 2020 SPA, the Company is required to issue warrants equal to 375,000 divided by the Exercise Price (as
defined below) (the “Warrant Shares”) (whereby such number may be adjusted from time to time pursuant to the terms and conditions
of this Warrant) at the Exercise Price per share then in effect. For purposes of this Warrant, the term “Exercise Price”
shall mean 110% of the public offering price of the Company’s common stock under the public offering contemplated by the registration
statement on Form S-1 filed by the Company on October 23, 2020 (the “Uplist Offering”), provided, however, that if the Uplist
Offering has not been consummated on or before May 23, 2021, then the Exercise Price shall mean the closing bid price of the Company’s
common stock on December 23, 2020, subject to adjustment as provided in the warrant (including but not limited to cashless exercise),
and the term “Exercise Period” shall mean the period commencing on the earlier of (i) the date of the Company’s consummation
of the Uplist Offering or (ii) May 23, 2021, and ending on the five-year anniversary thereof. In connection with the issuance of these
warrants, on the initial measurement date, the relative fair value of the warrants of $157,438 was recorded as a debt discount and an
increase in paid-in capital.
The
Company may prepay the Amortization Note at any time prior to the date that an Event of Default (as defined in the Amortization Note)
(each an “Event of Default”) occurs at an amount equal to 100% of the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued and unpaid
interest (no prepayment premium). The Amortization Note contains customary events of default relating to, among other things, payment
defaults, breach of representations and warranties, and breach of provisions of the November Amortization Note or the November 2020 SPA.
The
Company is required to make amortization payments to the Holder according to the following schedule:
Payment
Date
|
|
|
Payment
Amount
|
|
2/23/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
3/23/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
4/23/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
5/21/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
6/23/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
7/23/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
8/23/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
9/23/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
10/22/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
11/23/2021
|
|
$
|
84,000.00
|
|
Total:
|
|
$
|
840,000.00
|
|
On
February 19, 2021, we repaid the outstanding principal and interest on the November Amortization Note.
Upon
the Holder’s provision of notice to the Company of the occurrence of any Event of Default, which has not been cured within five
(5) calendar days (provided, however, that this cure period shall not apply to certain events of default as set forth in the November
Amortization Note), the November Amortization Note shall become immediately due and payable and the Company shall pay to the Holder,
in full satisfaction of its obligations hereunder, an amount equal to the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued interest multiplied
by 125% (the “Default Amount”). Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as hereinafter defined), additional interest
will accrue from the date of the Event of Default at the rate equal to the lower of 15% per annum or the highest rate permitted by law.
The Company shall have the right to pay the Default Amount in cash at any time, provided, however that the Holder may convert the November
Amortization Note into the Company’s common stock (subject to the beneficial ownership limitations of 4.99% contained in the Amortization
Note) at any time after the date that is five (5) calendar days after the November Amortization Note becomes immediately due and payable
as a result of an Event of Default until the Company has repaid the Amortization Note in cash. If the aforementioned event occurs, the
conversion price will be equal to the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock on the trading day immediately preceding
the date of the respective conversion.
The
Holder shall have the right, at any time following an Uncured Default Date (as defined in this Note), to convert all or any portion of
the then outstanding and unpaid principal amount and interest (including any default interest) into shares of the Company’s common
stock at the Conversion Price. Following the Uncured Default Date, the Conversion Price shall equal the lesser of (i) 105% multiplied
by the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock or (ii) the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock immediately
preceding the date of the respective conversion (the “Conversion Price”).
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
Amendments
to the Series A-2 Exchange Convertible Note
On
or about December 20, 2018, the Company issued that certain Series A-2 exchange convertible note in the original principal amount of
$1,000,000 (the “Series A-2 Note”) to Maxim.
On
June 18, 2020, the Company and Maxim entered into that certain first amendment to the Series A-2 Note (the “First Amendment”),
pursuant to which such parties agreed to the following: (i) Maxim’s resale of the Company’s common stock (the “Common
Stock”) underlying the Series A-2 Note shall be limited to 10% of the daily volume of the Common Stock on each respective trading
day, (ii) the maturity date of the Series A-2 Note was extended to December 31, 2020, (iii) the principal amount of the Series A-2 Note
was increased by $100,000 and (iv) the conversion price was reduced from $15.44 ($1.93 pre-reverse split) to $9.20 ($1.15 pre-reverse
split).
On
December 31, 2020, the Company and Maxim entered into a second amendment to the Series A-2 Note to extend the maturity date of Series
A-2 Note to February 15, 2021.
On
April 14, 2021, the Company and Maxim entered into the third amendment to the Series A-2 Note with Maxim pursuant to which the Company
and Maxim agreed to the following:
(i)
|
The maturity date of
the Series A-2 Note is extended to October 15, 2021.
|
|
|
(ii)
|
The principal balance
of the Series A-2 Note is increased by $50,000 as of April 14, 2021.
|
|
|
(iii)
|
The Series A-2 Note
was not repaid in its entirety (in cash and/or shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to conversion(s) of the Series
A-2 Note) on or before April 30, 2021, and accordingly, the principal balance of the Series A-2 Note increased by an additional $50,000.
|
|
|
(iv)
|
The Series A-2 Note
was not repaid in its entirety (in cash and/or shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to conversion(s) of the Series
A-2 Note) on or before May 15, 2021, and accordingly, the principal balance of the Series A-2 Note increased by an additional $50,000.
|
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
(v)
|
If the Series A-2 Note
is not repaid in its entirety (in cash and/or shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to conversion(s) of the Series
A-2 Note) on or before July 15, 2021, the principal balance
of the Series A-2 Note will increase by an additional $100,000.
|
|
|
(vi)
|
If the Series A-2 Note
is not repaid in its entirety (in cash and/or shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to conversion(s) of the Series
A-2 Note) on or before September 15, 2021, the principal balance of the Series A-2 Note will increase by an additional $100,000,
representing a total cumulative increase in the principal balance of $350,000 if the Series A-2 Note is not repaid in its entirety
on or before September 15, 2021.
|
|
|
(vii)
|
The Company will, within
five business days after the Company’s receipt of the Second Tranche Purchase Price of $999,996, pay $500,000 to Maxim, which
will reduce the principal owed under the Series A-2 Note by $500,000.
|
While
any portion of the Series A-2 Note is outstanding, if the Company receives cash proceeds from public offerings or private placements
of the Company’s common stock to investors (except with respect to proceeds from officers and directors of the Company), the Company
will, within five business days of the Company’s receipt of such proceeds, inform Maxim or such receipt, following which Maxim
will have the right in its sole discretion to require the Company to immediately apply up to 25% of such proceeds received by the Company
to repay the outstanding amounts owed under the Series A-2 Note. The parties understand that (a) each dollar applied toward repayment
pursuant to this clause (viii) will reduce the balance owed under the Series A-2 Note by one dollar, and (b) this clause (viii) will
not apply to the Tiger Trout transaction.
On August 19, 2021, the Company and Maxim entered
into the fourth amendment (the “Fourth Amendment”) to the Series A-2 Maxim Note, as amended, pursuant to which the Company
and Maxim agreed that all obligations under the Series A-2 Maxim Note, as amended, shall be extinguished, and the Series A-2 Maxim Note,
as amended, shall be deemed repaid in its entirety, upon the satisfaction of the following obligations: (i) the Company’s payment
of $500,000 to Maxim within three business days of August 19, 2021, (ii) the Company’s issuance of 20,000 restricted shares of
the Company’s common stock to Maxim within seven business days of August 19, 2021, and (iii) the Company’s issuance of a
common stock purchase warrant to Maxim on August 19, 2021 for the purchase of 365,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The
Company also granted Maxim an irrevocable right of first refusal superseding all others to act as Company’s sole managing underwriter
and sole bookrunner or exclusive placement agent or financial advisor, or finder in connection with any public or private offering by
the Company or any subsidiary of or successor to the Company (if applicable) of its equity, equity linked or debt securities (including
convertible securities) while the Company’s common stock is listed on any of the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the
Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, or the New York Stock Exchange (or any successors to any of the foregoing, each,
a “National Exchange”), within the period beginning on August 19, 2021 and ending on the close of business on January 1,
2023.
On August 19, 2021, the Company issued to Maxim
a common stock purchase warrant (the “Warrant”) for the purchase of 365,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the
“Warrant Shares”) at an exercise price of $13.00, subject to adjustment as provided in the Warrant. The Warrant is exercisable
during the period commencing on August 19, 2021 and ending at 5:00 p.m. eastern standard time on the date that is the earlier of (i)
three years from the effective date of a registration statement registering for resale by Maxim or its assigns the Warrant Shares (provided
that such registration statement remains in effect at the end of the exercise period) and (ii) the 42 month anniversary after August
19, 2021.
The Company has paid the Maxim note, in its entirety by August 24,
2021
February
19, 2021 12% Promissory Note and Securities Purchase Agreement
On
February 19, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “SPA”) dated as of February 19, 2021, with
an accredited investor (the “Holder”), pursuant to which the Company issued a 12% promissory note (the “Note”)
with a maturity date of February 19, 2022 (the “Maturity Date”), in the principal sum of $1,650,000. In addition, the Company
issued 10,000 shares of its common stock to the Holder as a commitment fee pursuant to the SPA. Pursuant to the terms of the Note, the
Company agreed to pay to $1,650,000 (the “Principal Sum”) to the Holder and to pay interest on the principal balance at the
rate of 12% per annum (provided that the first twelve months of interest shall be guaranteed). The Note carries an original issue discount
(“OID”) of $165,000. Accordingly, on the Closing Date (as defined in the SPA), the Holder paid the purchase price of $1,485,000
in exchange for the Note. The Company intends to use the proceeds for its operational expenses, the repayment of those certain self-amortization
promissory notes previously issued to the Holder on June 18, 2020 and November 23, 2020, and the repayment of certain other existing
debt obligations. The Holder may convert the Note into the Company’s common stock (subject to the beneficial ownership limitations
of 4.99% in the Note) at any time at a conversion price equal to $11.50 per share.
The
Company may prepay the Note at any time prior to the date that an Event of Default (as defined in the Note) (each an “Event of
Default”) occurs at an amount equal to 100% of the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued and unpaid interest (no prepayment
premium). The Note contains customary events of default relating to, among other things, payment defaults, breach of representations
and warranties, and breach of provisions of the Note or SPA.
The
Company is required to make an interim payment to the Holder in the amount of $363,000, on or
before August 19, 2021, towards the repayment of the balance of the Note. Currently the Company and the Holder have agreed to extend
the terms of this payment. The extension provides that the Company paid $100,000 to the Holder by the interim payment date and has agreed
to pay an additional $100,000 upon the completion of a new debt deal that is anticipated to close by September 1, 2021 and the Company
has agreed to pay $163,000 to the Holder at the earlier of the Company stock uplist or September 30, 2021,
Upon
the Holder’s provision of notice to the Company of the occurrence of any Event of Default, which has not been cured within five
(5) calendar days (provided, however, that this five (5) calendar day cure period shall not apply to any event of default under Sections
3.1, 3.2, and 3.19 of the Note), the Note shall become immediately due and payable and the Company shall pay to the Holder, in full satisfaction
of its obligations hereunder, an amount equal to the Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued interest multiplied by 125% (the “Default
Amount”). Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, additional interest will accrue from the date of the Event of Default at
the rate equal to the lower of 15% per annum or the highest rate permitted by law.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
Note
Payable
On
November 20, 2018, the Company paid its underwriter $20,000 and issued its underwriter a secured demand promissory note (the “Note”)
in the amount of $1,800,000. The Note accrued interest at 8% per annum from the date of the Note through and including May 20, 2019,
12% per annum from and including May 21, 2019, through and including August 20, 2019, and 15% per annum from and including August 21,
2019, through and including November 20, 2019. If a late payment had occurred and continued, the interest rate would have increased to
12% per annum from the date of the Note through and including August 20, 2019 and 18% per annum from after August 21, 2019. If a late
payment had remained outstanding for over 48 hours, Maxim could have required the Company to redeem all or any part of the Note at a
redemption price equal to 125% of the Alternate Payment Amount.
The
principal and interest of the Note was payable upon demand by Maxim or from time to time, in accordance the following schedule:
|
(i)
|
one
third of the principal, accrued and unpaid interest and any late charges on May 20, 2019;
|
|
(ii)
|
one
third of the principal, accrued and unpaid interest and any late charges on August 20, 2019; and
|
|
(iii)
|
one
third of the principal, accrued and unpaid interest and any late charges on November 20, 2019.
|
The
Note was secured by a first priority security interest in all personal property and assets of the Company excluding the assets held in
escrow with respect to (i) that certain stock purchase agreement with Polar, pursuant to which Polar agreed to sell up to 490,000 shares
of the Company’s common stock to the Company thirty days after the consummation of the Business Combination and (ii) that certain
stock purchase agreement with K2, pursuant to which K2 agreed to sell up to 220,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the
Company thirty days after the consummation of the Business Combination.
The
amount payable under the Note could also have been paid in shares of common stock of the Company or securities convertible or exercisable
into shares of common stock of the Company (the “Alternate Equity Payment”) if and only if the Company and Maxim mutually
agree on both the purchase price and, if applicable, the conversion and/or exercise price of each security of the Company issued in such
Alternative Equity Payment. Otherwise, the payment should be made in cash only.
So
long as any amount under the Note remained outstanding, all cash proceeds received by the Company from any sales of its securities was
to be used to repay this Note.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
NOTE
9 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Unit
Purchase Option
The
Company sold to the underwriters (and/or their designees), for $100, an option to purchase up to a total of 250,000 Units (which increased
to 260,000 Units upon the partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option), exercisable at $11.50 per Unit (or an aggregate
exercise price of $2,990,000) upon the closing of the Initial Public Offering. The UPO may be exercised for cash or on a cashless basis,
at the holder’s option, at any time during the period commencing on the later of the first anniversary of the effective date of
the registration statement relating to the Initial Public Offering and the closing of the Company’s initial Business Combination
and terminating on the fifth anniversary of such effectiveness date. The Units issuable upon exercise of this UPO are identical to those
offered in the Initial Public Offering, except that the exercise price of the warrants underlying the Units sold to the underwriters
is $13.00 per share.
Operating
Lease Right of Use Obligation
The
Company adopted Topic 842 on January 1, 2019. The Company elected to adopt this standard using the optional modified retrospective transition
method and recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment to the consolidated balance sheet on the date of adoption. Comparative periods have
not been restated. With the adoption of Topic 842, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet now contains the following line items:
Operating lease right-of-use assets, Current portion of operating lease liabilities and Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion.
As
all the existing leases subject to the new lease standard were previously classified as operating leases by the Company, they were similarly
classified as operating leases under the new standard. The Company has determined that the identified operating leases did not contain
non-lease components and require no further allocation of the total lease cost. Additionally, the agreements in place did not contain
information to determine the rate implicit in the leases, so we used our incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. Our weighted
average discount rate is 10.4% and the weighted average remaining lease terms are 41 months.
As
of May 31, 2021, operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities arising from operating leases was $1,527,286 and $1,527,967, respectively.
As of May 31, 2020, operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities
arising from operating leases was $490,984 and $490,983, respectively. During the year ended May 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company
recorded operating lease expense of approximately $353,000 and $147,000, respectively.
The
following is a schedule showing the future minimum lease payments under operating leases by years and the present value of the minimum
payments as of May 31, 2021.
2022
|
|
$
|
471,063
|
|
2023
|
|
$
|
450,377
|
|
2024
|
|
$
|
452,511
|
|
2025
|
|
$
|
405,795
|
|
2026
|
|
$
|
153,601
|
|
Total Operating Lease Obligations
|
|
$
|
1,945,347
|
|
Less: Amount representing
interest
|
|
$
|
(418,061
|
)
|
Present
Value of minimum lease payments
|
|
$
|
1,527,286
|
|
Employment
Agreements, Board Compensation and Bonuses
On
July 29, 2020, the Company entered into a new employment agreement (the “Kaplan 2020 Agreement”) with Mr. Kaplan. Such employment
agreement replaced the Kaplan 2018 Agreement. As a result, the Kaplan 2018 Agreement was terminated and is of no further force or effect.
Pursuant to the terms of the Kaplan 2020 Agreement, the Company agreed to pay Mr. Kaplan a monthly base salary of $5,000; provided, however,
that the parties agreed that such base salary will be deferred and will accumulate until the Company has sufficient cash available to
make such payments, to be reasonably determined by the Board of Directors and Mr. Kaplan, at which time all accrued and unpaid base salary
will be paid. In addition, Mr. Kaplan will receive an equity grant of 15,000 shares of common stock per month, which shares will be fully
vested upon grant. Mr. Kaplan will also be eligible to receive a quarterly bonus in the form of cash or equity shares and will be entitled
to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans. In addition, if, during the term of the Kaplan 2020 Agreement, the Company’s
shares are approved for listing on a U.S. national securities exchange, the Company will pay Mr. Kaplan a $50,000 cash bonus, to be paid
upon such listing begin effective.
The
term of the Kaplan 2020 Agreement is for an initial one-year term, which shall automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless
either party provides 60 days’ advance written notice of its intention not to renew the Kaplan 2020 Agreement at the conclusion
of the then applicable term. The term of the Kaplan 2020 Agreement may be terminated by the Company with or without cause or by Mr. Kaplan
with or without good reason, as such terms are defined therein.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
On
July 29, 2020, the Board of Directors approved for Mr. Kaplan a $75,000 cash bonus and authorized the issuance of 250,000 shares of the
Company’s common stock both related to his performance during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020. As of May 31, 2020, the Company
has accrued $75,000 related to Mr. Kaplans cash bonus and $216,625 related to the Common Shares to be issued to Mr. Kaplan.
On
July 29, 2020, the Company entered into a new employment agreement (the “Franklin 2020 Agreement”) with Mr. Franklin. Such
employment agreement replaced the Franklin 2018 Agreement. As a result, the Franklin 2018 Agreement was terminated and is of no further
force or effect. Pursuant to the terms of the Franklin 2020 Agreement, the Company agreed to pay Mr. Franklin a monthly base salary of
$12,500; provided, however, that the parties agreed that such base salary will be deferred and will accumulate until the Company has
sufficient cash available to make such payments, to be reasonably determined by the Board of Directors and Mr. Franklin, at which time
all accrued and unpaid base salary will be paid. In addition, Mr. Franklin will receive an equity grant of 6,250 shares of common stock
per month, which shares will be fully vested upon grant. Mr. Franklin will also be eligible to receive a quarterly bonus in the form
of cash or equity shares and will be entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans. In addition, if, during the
term of the Franklin 2020 Agreement, the Company’s shares are approved for listing on a U.S. national securities exchange, the
Company will pay Mr. Franklin a $50,000 cash bonus, to be paid upon such listing begin effective.
On
July 29, 2020, the Board of Directors approved for Mr. Franklin a $75,000 cash bonus and authorized the issuance of 250,000 fully vested
shares of the Company’s common stock both related to his performance during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020. As of May 31, 2020,
the Company has accrued $75,000 related to Mr. Franklins cash bonus and $216,625 related to the Common Shares to be issued to Mr. Franklin.
On
July 29, 2020, the Board of Directors approved the issuance of 192,000 shares of common stock to an employee and the Directors of the
Company for services provided during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2020. As of May 31, 2020, the Company has accrued $166,675 related
to the authorized issuance of these shares.
During
the year ended May 31, 2021, the Board of Directors approved the issuance of 17,125 shares of common stock for the Company’s Directors.
These shares were issued during the year. The Board of Directors has not issued any year end stock awards for the year ended May 31,
2021 and there is no guarantee that they will issue any of this stock.
Litigation
On
August 5, 2020, a lawsuit styled Duncan Wood v. PLAYlive Nation, Inc. and Simplicity eSports and Gaming Company (Case No. 20-1043) was
filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. The complaint alleges unlawful failure to make timely and reasonable payment
of wages, breach of contract, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing and unjust enrichment. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages
for compensation alleged to be owed, treble damages, interest on all wage compensation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and other relief
as the Court deems just and proper. Defendants’ responsive pleading is not yet due and has not been filed. The litigation is in
its initial stages and the Company is unable to reasonably predict its potential outcome. The Company, however, believes that the lawsuit
is without merit and intends to vigorously defend the claims. On SOME DATE the lawsuit was withdrawn without prejudice.
NOTE
10 — STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred
Stock
The
Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. At May 31, 2021 and 2020, there
were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding.
Common
Stock
The
Company is authorized to issue 36,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Holders of the shares of the
Company’s common stock are entitled to one vote for each share. At May 31, 2021, and May 31, 2020, there were 1,427,124 and 988,622
shares of common stock issued and outstanding respectively.
2020
Transactions
During
the year ended May 31, 2020, the Company issued 123,000 shares of its common stock on a post reverse split basis. Shares were issued
in conjunction with the acquisition of Playlive Nation of 94,000, for compensation for employees, officers and directors in the amount
of 14,000 shares, and 15,000 shares were issued for cash.
2021
Transactions
During
the year ended May 31, 2021, the Company issued 429,000 shares of its common stock. Shares were issued for compensation for employees,
officers and directors in the amount of 240,000 shares, 84,000 shares in connection with notes payable, 65,000 shares for the acquisition
of company owned stores from prior franchisees, 37,000 shares as satisfaction to vendors for services rendered and 3,000 shares were
issued for cash.
Common
Shares Issued subsequent May 31, 2021
From
June 1, 2021 through August 27, 2021 the Company has issued 42,000 shares of its common stock. Of this, 21,000 shares were issued in
satisfaction to vendors for services rendered, 15,000 shares were issued in connection with notes payable and 6,000 shares were issued
for the acquisition of a company owned store from a prior franchisee.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
Private
Placement
Beginning
in February of 2019 and closing in May of 2019, the Company sold units in connection with a private offering by the Company to raise
working capital of up to $2,000,000 (the “Offering Amount”) through the sale to accredited investors only of up to up to
1,000,000 “Units” of the Company’s securities, at a purchase price of $2.00 per Unit, with each Unit consisting of
(i) one share of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company (the “Common Stock”) and (ii) a warrant to purchase
one share of Common Stock, exercisable at a price of $4.00 per share, exercisable at any time within five years of issuance (each, a
“Warrant”) as provided for in the Company’s Term Sheet for Unit Offering dated February 6, 2019 (the “Term Sheet”).
The
Company sold 962,500 units for gross proceeds of $1,925,000.
Stock
Based Compensation
For
the year ended May 31, 2020 the Company authorized the issuance of
95,000 shares of common stock to employees, officers and directors of the Company. The shares were issued in conjunction
with their employment agreements or services such individuals provided to the Company and vested ratably through May 31, 2020.
For
the year ended May 31, 2021, the Company authorized the issuance of 240,000 shares of common stock to employees, officers and directors
of the Company. The shares were issued in conjunction with their employment agreements or services such individuals provided to the Company
and vested ratably through May 31, 2021.
For
the years ended May 31, 2021 and 2020, in connection
with these issuances the Company recorded share-based compensation expense of $1,690,000 and $828,000 respectively. At May 31,
2021 and 2020, the Company has no unrecognized share-based compensation.
Warrants
During
the year ended May 31, 2021, we issued 3,116 shares of common stock to an accredited investor upon the exercise of previously issued
warrants. The warrants were exercised on a cashless or “net” basis. Accordingly, we did not receive any proceeds from such
exercises. The cashless exercise of such warrants resulted in the cancellation of previously issued warrants. During the year ended May
31, 2020, there was no warrant activity.
A
summary of the status of the Company’s outstanding stock warrants for the years ended May 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
|
|
Number
of
Shares
|
|
|
Average
Exercise
Price
|
|
Outstanding – May 31, 2019
|
|
|
803,001
|
|
|
$
|
83.01
|
|
Outstanding – May 31, 2020
|
|
|
803,001
|
|
|
|
83.01
|
|
Granted – May 31, 2020
|
|
|
17,063
|
|
|
|
20.66
|
|
Outstanding – May 31, 2021
|
|
|
820,064
|
|
|
$
|
81.71
|
|
NOTE
11 - INCOME TAXES
For
the year ended May 31, 2021 and 2020, the income tax provisions for current taxes were $0.
Deferred
income taxes reflect the net tax effects of permanent and temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities
for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The temporary differences that result in deferred tax
assets and liabilities are the results of carry forward tax losses, amortization and impairment expense.
The
components of the net deferred tax assets for the year ended May 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
|
|
Year
ended
May 31, 2021
|
|
|
Year
ended
May 31, 2020
|
|
Net Operating Loss
|
|
$
|
1,926,000
|
|
|
$
|
770,000
|
|
Impairment of cost
method investment
|
|
|
129,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Accrued Expenses
|
|
|
98,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for
Doubtful Accounts
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross deferred tax asset
|
|
|
2,163,000
|
|
|
|
770,000
|
|
Less: Valuation allowance
|
|
|
(1,972,000
|
)
|
|
|
(825,000
|
)
|
Net deferred tax asset
|
|
$
|
191,000
|
|
|
$
|
55,000
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of intangible
assets
|
|
|
(98,000
|
)
|
|
|
(55,000
|
)
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
(93,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred assets/liabilities
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
In
assessing the realization of the deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of all
of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of
future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences representing net future deductible amounts become deductible.
Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies
in making this assessment. After consideration of all of the information available, management believes that significant uncertainty
exists with respect to future realization of the deferred tax assets and has therefore established a valuation allowance, in an amount
equal to gross deferred tax assets less deferred tax liabilities. For the years ended May 31, 2021 and 2020, the change
in the valuation allowance was $1,257,000 and $444,000, respectively.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
The
table below summarizes the reconciliation of our income tax provision computed at the federal statutory rate of 21% for the years ended
May 31, 2021 and 2020 and the actual tax provisions for the year ended May 31, 2021 and 2020.
|
|
2021
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected provision (benefit) at
statutory rate
|
|
|
(21.0
|
)%
|
|
|
(21.0
|
)%
|
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit
|
|
|
(4.4
|
)%
|
|
|
(4.4
|
)%
|
Permanent differences-stock based compensation
|
|
|
9.0
|
|
|
|
15.0
|
|
Increase in valuation
allowance
|
|
|
16.4
|
%
|
|
|
10.4
|
%
|
Total provision (benefit)
for income taxes
|
|
|
0.0
|
%
|
|
|
0.0
|
%
|
At
May 31, 2021 and May 31, 2020, the Company had Federal net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $7,600,000 and $3,800,000,
respectively. The net operating loss of approximately $7,600,000 can be carried forward indefinitely subject to annual usage
limitations. In accordance with Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, deductibility of the Company’s NOLs may be subject to
an annual limitation in the event of a change in control as defined under the regulations.
The
Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and local jurisdictions and is subject to examination
by the various taxing authorities.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
NOTE
12 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Acquisitions
Simplicity
Salinas, LLC:
On
July 22, 2021, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Simplicity Salinas, LLC (“Simplicity Salinas”) entered into an
Asset Purchase Agreement (“Simplicity Salinas APA”) with an existing franchisee (“”), to acquire the franchisee’s
assets in exchange for 6,000 shares of the Company’s common stock with fair value of $65,100, or $10.85 per share, based on the
fair value of assets acquired.
Debt
Instruments Issued
June
11 FirstFire Global 12% Promissory Note and Securities Purchase Agreement
On
June 11, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “FirstFire SPA”) dated as of June 10, 2021,
with FirstFire Global Opportunities Fund, LLC (“FirstFire”), pursuant to which the Company issued a 12% promissory note (the
“FirstFire Note”) with a maturity date of June 10, 2023 (the “FirstFire Maturity Date”), in the principal sum
of $1,266,666. In addition, the Company issued 11,875 shares of its common stock to FirstFire as a commitment fee pursuant to the FirstFire
SPA. Pursuant to the terms of the FirstFire Note, the Company agreed to pay to $1,266,666 (the “FirstFire Principal Sum”)
to FirstFire and to pay interest on the principal balance at the rate of 12% per annum (provided that the first six months of interest
shall be guaranteed and the remaining 18 months of interest shall be deemed earned in full if any amount is outstanding under the FirstFire
Note after 180 days from June 10, 2021). The FirstFire Note carries an original issue discount (“OID”) of $126,666. Accordingly,
FirstFire paid the purchase price of $1,140,000 in exchange for the FirstFire Note. The Company intends to use the proceeds for working
capital and to pay off an existing promissory note issued by the Company in favor of Maxim. FirstFire may convert the FirstFire Note
into the Company’s common stock (subject to the beneficial ownership limitations of 4.99% in the FirstFire Note; provided however,
that the limitation on conversion may be waived (up to 9.99%) by FirstFire upon, at the election of FirstFire, not less than 61 days’
prior notice to the Company) at any time at a conversion price equal to $11.50 per share, as the same may be adjusted as provided in
the FirstFire Note.
The
Company may prepay the FirstFire Note at any time prior to maturity in accordance with the terms of the FirstFire Note. The FirstFire
Note contains customary events of default relating to, among other things, payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties,
and breach of provisions of the FirstFire Note or the FirstFire SPA.
Upon
the occurrence of any Event of Default (as defined in the FirstFire Note), which has not been cured within three calendar days, the FirstFire
Note shall become immediately due and payable and the Company shall pay to FirstFire, in full satisfaction of its obligations hereunder,
an amount equal to the FirstFire Principal Sum then outstanding plus accrued interest multiplied by 125%.
Pursuant
to the terms of the FirstFire SPA, the Company also issued to FirstFire a three-year warrant (the “FirstFire Warrant”) to
purchase 593,750 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price equal to (i) 110% of the per share offering price of
the offering made in connection with any uplisting of the Company’s common stock; or (ii) prior to the determination of the per
share offering price of the offering made in connection with any uplisting of the common stock and following such time if the uplisting
contemplated in clause (i) is not completed by November 1, 2021, $10.73.
The
Company also agreed to prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement covering the resale of all
shares issued or issuable pursuant to the FirstFire SPA, including shares issued upon conversion of the FirstFire Note or exercise of
the FirstFire Warrant. The Company agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the registration statement filed with the
SEC within 90 days following June 10, 2021 and to have the registration statement declared effective by the SEC within 120 days following
June 10, 2021.
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
GS
Capital Securities Purchase Agreement & Note
On
June 16, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “GS SPA”) dated as of June 10, 2021, with GS
Capital Partners, LLC (“GS Capital”), pursuant to which the Company issued a 12% promissory note (the “GS Note”)
with a maturity date of June 10, 2023 (the “GS Maturity Date”), in the principal sum of $333,333. In addition, the Company
issued 3,125 shares of its common stock to GS as a commitment fee pursuant to the GS SPA. Pursuant to the terms of the GS Note, the Company
agreed to pay to $300,000.00 (the “GS Principal Sum”) to GS and to pay interest on the principal balance at the rate of 12%
per annum (provided that the first six months of interest shall be guaranteed and the remaining 18 months of interest shall be deemed
earned in full if any amount is outstanding under the GS Note after 180 days from June 10, 2021). The GS Note carries an original issue
discount (“OID”) of $33,333. Accordingly, GS paid the purchase price of $300,000.00 in exchange for the GS Note. The Company
intends to use the proceeds for working capital and to pay off an existing promissory note issued by the Company in favor of Maxim. GS
may convert the GS Note into the Company’s common stock (subject to the beneficial ownership limitations of 4.99% in the GS Note;
provided however, that the limitation on conversion may be waived (up to 9.99%) by GS upon, at the election of GS, not less than 61 days’
prior notice to the Company) at any time at a conversion price equal to $11.50 per share, as the same may be adjusted as provided in
the GS Note.
The
Company may prepay the GS Note at any time prior to maturity in accordance with the terms of the GS Note. The GS Note contains customary
events of default relating to, among other things, payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, and breach of provisions
of the GS Note or the GS SPA.
Upon
the occurrence of any Event of Default (as defined in the GS Note), which has not been cured within three calendar days, the GS Note
shall become immediately due and payable and the Company shall pay to GS, in full satisfaction of its obligations hereunder, an amount
equal to the principal amount then outstanding plus accrued interest multiplied by 125%.
Pursuant
to the terms of the GS SPA, the Company also issued to GS a three-year warrant to purchase 156,250 shares of the Company’s common
stock at an exercise price equal to (i) 110% of the per share offering price of the offering made in connection with any uplisting of
the Company’s common stock; or (ii) prior to the determination of the per share offering price of the offering made in connection
with any uplisting of the common stock and following such time if the uplisting contemplated in clause (i) is not completed by November
1, 2021, $10.73.
The
Company also agreed to prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement covering the resale of all shares issued or issuable pursuant
to the GS SPA, including shares issued upon conversion of the GS Note or exercise of the GS Warrant. The Company agreed to use its commercially
reasonable efforts to have the registration statement filed with the SEC within 90 days following June 10, 2021, and to have the registration
statement declared effective by the SEC within 120 days following June 10, 2021.
Pursuant
to the terms of the Series A-2 Maxim Note Amendments, on July 15, 2021 the Company was required to either pay the Maxim Series A-2 Note
in its entirety or the Company would increase the Maxim Note to include an additional $100,000 in principal to Maxim. On July 15, 2021
the Company increased the Maxim Note by $100,000.
Fourth
Amendment to Series A-2 Maxim Note
On
August 19, 2021, the Company and Maxim entered into the fourth amendment (the “Fourth Amendment”) to the Series A-2 Maxim
Note, as amended, pursuant to which the Company and Maxim agreed that all obligations under the Series A-2 Maxim Note, as amended, shall
be extinguished, and the Series A-2 Maxim Note, as amended, shall be deemed repaid in its entirety, upon the satisfaction of the following
obligations: (i) the Company’s payment of $500,000 to Maxim within three business days of August 19, 2021, (ii) the Company’s
issuance of 20,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock to Maxim within seven business days of August 19, 2021, and
(iii) the Company’s issuance of a common stock purchase warrant to Maxim on August 19, 2021 for the purchase of 365,000 shares
of the Company’s common stock. The Company also granted Maxim an irrevocable right of first refusal superseding all others to act
as Company’s sole managing underwriter and sole bookrunner or exclusive placement agent or financial advisor, or finder in connection
with any public or private offering by the Company or any subsidiary of or successor to the Company (if applicable) of its equity, equity
linked or debt securities (including convertible securities) while the Company’s common stock is listed on any of the NYSE American,
the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, or the New York Stock Exchange (or any successors
to any of the foregoing, each, a “National Exchange”), within the period beginning on August 19, 2021 and ending on the close
of business on January 1, 2023.
On
August 19, 2021, the Company issued to Maxim a common stock purchase warrant (the “Warrant”) for the purchase of 365,000
shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Warrant Shares”) at an exercise price of $13.00, subject to adjustment as
provided in the Warrant. The Warrant is exercisable during the period commencing on August 19, 2021 and ending at 5:00 p.m. eastern standard
time on the date that is the earlier of (i) three years from the effective date of a registration statement registering for resale by
Maxim or its assigns the Warrant Shares (provided that such registration statement remains in effect at the end of the exercise period)
and (ii) the 42 month anniversary after August 19, 2021.
The Company
is expected to pay the Maxim note, in its entirety by the end of August, 2021.
Jefferson
Street Capital Stock Purchase Agreement & 12% Convertible Promissory Jefferson Note
On
August 23, 2021, the Company entered into that certain securities purchase agreement (the “Jefferson SPA”), dated as of August
23, 2021, by and between the Company and Jefferson Street Capital LLC (“Jefferson”). Pursuant to the terms of the Jefferson
SPA, (i) the Company agreed to issue and sell to Jefferson the Jefferson Note (as hereinafter defined); (ii) the Company agreed to issue
to Jefferson the Warrant (as hereinafter defined); and (iii) the Company agreed to issue to Jefferson 3,125 commitment shares; and (iv)
Jefferson agreed to pay to the Company $300,000.00 (the “Purchase Price”).
SIMPLICITY
ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY
31, 2021
Pursuant
to the terms of the Jefferson SPA, on August 23, 2021, the Company issued a 12% convertible promissory Jefferson Note (the “Jefferson
Note”) with a maturity date of August 23, 2023 (the “Maturity Date”), in the principal amount of $333,333.33. Pursuant
to the terms of the Jefferson Note, the Company agreed to pay to Jefferson $333,333.33 (the “Principal Amount”), with a purchase
price of $300,000 plus an original issue discount in the amount of $333,333.33 (the “OID”), and to pay interest on the Principal
Amount at the rate of 12% per annum, with the understanding that the first six months of interest is guaranteed and the remaining 18
months of interest is deemed earned in full if any amount is outstanding under the Jefferson Note after 180 days from August 23, 2021.
Any
Principal Amount or interest on the Jefferson Note that is not paid when due will bear interest at the rate of the lesser of (i) 20%,
or (b) the maximum rate allowed by law.
Jefferson
may, at any time while the shares issuable upon conversion of the Jefferson Note are subject to an effective registration statement,
or if no registration statement covering such shares is effective, at any time after 180 days from August 23, 2021, so long as there
are amounts outstanding under the Jefferson Note, convert all or any portion of the then outstanding and unpaid Principal Amount and
interest into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $11.50 per share; provided, however, that upon failure
to make any payment under the Jefferson Note, the conversion price will be $10.00 per share, as the same may be adjusted as provided
in the Jefferson Note. The Jefferson Note has a 4.99% equity blocker; provided, however, that the 4.99% equity blocker may be waived
(up to 9.99%) by Jefferson, at Jefferson’s election, on not less than 61 days’ prior notice to the Company.
On
August 23, 2021, Jefferson paid the purchase price of $300,000 in exchange for the Jefferson Note. The Company intends to use the proceeds
for its operational expenses and to pay off certain debt.
The
Company may prepay the Jefferson Note at any time in accordance with the terms of the Jefferson Note. While any portion of the outstanding
Principal Amount and interest are due and owing, if the Company receives cash proceeds from any source or series of related or unrelated
sources, including but not limited to, the issuance of equity or debt, the conversion of outstanding warrants of the Company, the issuance
of securities pursuant to an equity line of credit of the Company or the sale of assets, the Company must inform Jefferson of such receipt,
following which Jefferson may, in its sole discretion, require the Company to immediately apply up to 50% of the proceeds therefrom to
repay all or any portion of the outstanding Principal Amount and interest then due under the Jefferson Note; provided, however, that
the first $3,000,000 of equity financing received by the Company will be excepted from this requirement.
The
Jefferson SPA and the Jefferson Note contain customary events of default relating to, among other things, payment defaults, breach of
representations and warranties, and breach of provisions of the Jefferson Note or Jefferson SPA.
Jefferson
Street Capital Registration Rights Agreement
On
August 23, 2021, the Company also entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Jefferson Registration Rights Agreement”)
with Jefferson pursuant to which the Company is obligated to file a registration statement to register the resale of the shares issuable
pursuant to the Jefferson SPA. Pursuant to the Jefferson Registration Rights Agreement, the Company must (i) file the registration statement
within 90 calendar days from August 23, 2021, and (ii) use reasonable best efforts to cause the registration statement to be declared
effective under the Securities within 120 calendar days after August 23, 2021.
The Company also agreed that it would not file any other registration statement, including those on Form S-8 or Form S-4, for other securities,
for a period of 12 months from August 23, 2021, unless it has the prior written approval from Jefferson.
The
Jefferson Registration Rights Agreement contains customary indemnification provisions.
Jefferson
Street Capital Common Stock Purchase Warrant
Also
on August 23, 2021, pursuant to the terms of the Jefferson SPA, the Company issued to Jefferson a common stock purchase warrant (the
“Jefferson Warrant”) for the purchase of 156,250 shares of the Company’s common stock. The per share exercise price
under the Jefferson Warrant is, subject to adjustment as described therein, as follows: (i) 110% of the per share offering price of the
offering made in connection with any “up-listing” of the Company’s common stock; or (ii) prior to the determination
of the per share offering price of the offering made in connection with any “up-listing” of the common stock and following
such time if the “up-listing” contemplated in the Jefferson Warrant is not completed by November 1, 2021, the exercise price
shall be $10.73. The Jefferson Warrant is exercisable during the period commencing on August 23, 2021 and ending at the close of business
on August 23, 2024.