UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
Form
10-Q
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023
or
☐
TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the transition period from _______________ to _______________ .
Commission
file number: 001-40792
BTCS
Inc.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
90-1096644
(State
or other jurisdiction
of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S.
Employer
Identification
No.)
9466
Georgia Avenue #124 , Silver Spring , MD
20910
(Address
of principal executive offices)
(Zip
Code)
Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code ( 202 ) 430-6576
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title
of each class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name
of each exchange on which registered
Common
Stock, par value $0.001
BTCS
The
Nasdaq Stock Market
(The
Nasdaq Capital Market)
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has
been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company,
or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller
reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large
accelerated filer ☐
Accelerated
filer ☐
Non-accelerated
filer ☒
Smaller
reporting company ☒
Emerging
growth company ☐
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As
of May 9, 2023, there were 13,830,303
shares of common stock, par value $0.001, issued and outstanding.
BTCS
INC.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM
1
Financial Statements
4
Condensed Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2023 (unaudited) and December 31, 2022
4
Condensed Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 (unaudited)
5
Condensed Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 (unaudited)
6
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the Three months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 (unaudited)
7
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements
8-21
ITEM
2
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
22
ITEM
3
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
28
ITEM
4
Controls and Procedures
28
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM
1
Legal Proceedings
29
ITEM
1A
Risk Factors
29
ITEM
2
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
29
ITEM
3
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
29
ITEM
4
Mine Safety Disclosures
29
ITEM
5
Other Information
29
ITEM
6
Exhibits
29
Signature
30
2
BTCS
INC.
As
used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company,”
the “Registrant,” and “BTCS Inc.,” mean BTCS Inc., unless otherwise indicated.
3
PART
I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM
1 Financial Statements
BTCS
Inc.
Balance
Sheets
March 31,
December 31,
2023
2022
(Unaudited)
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash
1,443,058
$ 2,146,783
Crypto assets/currencies
1,066
982
Investments, at value (Cost $ 100,000 )
100,000
100,000
Staked crypto assets/currencies
7,854,755
1,826,307
Prepaid expense
93,449
123,727
Total current assets
9,492,328
4,197,799
Other assets:
Property and equipment, net
9,999
11,152
Staked crypto assets/currencies - long term
-
5,708,624
Total other assets
9,999
5,719,776
Total Assets
$ 9,502,327
$ 9,917,575
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
Accounts payable and accrued expense
$ 41,954
$ 76,727
Accrued compensation
3,429
295,935
Warrant liabilities
498,750
213,750
Total current liabilities
544,133
586,412
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, 97,500,000 shares authorized at $ 0.001 par value, 13,799,745 and 13,107,149 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively
13,800
13,108
Additional paid in capital
161,839,971
160,800,263
Accumulated deficit
( 152,895,577 )
( 151,482,208 )
Total stockholders’ equity
8,958,194
9,331,163
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
$ 9,502,327
$ 9,917,575
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
4
BTCS
Inc.
Statements
of Operations
(Unaudited)
2023
2022
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
2023
2022
Revenues
Validator revenue (net of fees)
$ 311,508
$ 563,015
Total revenues
311,508
563,015
Cost of revenues
Validator expense
82,014
137,869
Gross profit
229,494
425,146
Operating expenses:
General and administrative
$ 609,829
$ 650,289
Research and development
201,625
136,718
Compensation and related expenses
462,090
1,423,896
Marketing
6,243
41,793
Impairment loss on crypto assets/currencies
94,907
3,307,428
Realized gains on crypto asset/currency transactions
( 16,831 )
( 71,110 )
Total operating expenses
1,357,863
5,489,014
Other income (expenses):
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities
( 285,000 )
( 641,250 )
Distributions to warrant holders
-
( 35,625 )
Total other income (expenses)
( 285,000 )
( 676,875 )
Net loss
$ ( 1,413,369 )
$ ( 5,740,743 )
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted
$ ( 0.10 )
$ ( 0.47 )
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic and diluted
13,673,126
12,245,278
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
5
BTCS
Inc.
Statements
of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)
For
the Three months Ended March 31, 2023
Additional
Total
Common Stock
Paid-in
Accumulated
Stockholders’
Shares
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Equity
Balance December 31, 2022
13,107,149
$ 13,108
$ 160,800,263
$ ( 151,482,208 )
$ 9,331,163
Issuance of common stock, net of offering cost / At-the-market offering
301,154
301
508,482
-
508,783
Stock-based compensation
391,442
391
531,226
-
531,617
Dividend distributions
-
-
-
-
-
Net loss
-
-
-
( 1,413,369 )
( 1,413,369 )
Balance March 31, 2023
13,799,745
$ 13,800
$ 161,839,971
$ ( 152,895,577 )
$ 8,958,194
For
the Three months Ended March 31, 2022
Additional
Total
Common Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Accumulated
Stockholders’
(Deficit)
Shares
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Equity
Balance December 31, 2021
10,528,212
$ 10,529
$ 147,682,384
$ ( 135,589,470 )
$ 12,103,443
Balance
10,528,212
$ 10,529
$ 147,682,384
$ ( 135,589,470 )
$ 12,103,443
Issuance of common stock, net of offering cost / At-the-market offering
1,790,576
1,791
10,511,976
-
10,513,767
Stock-based compensation
297,222
297
1,288,977
-
1,289,274
Dividend distributions
-
-
( 634,557 )
-
( 634,557 )
Net loss
-
-
-
( 5,740,743 )
( 5,740,743 )
Balance March 31, 2022
12,616,010
$ 12,617
$ 158,848,780
$ ( 141,330,213 )
$ 17,531,184
Balance
12,616,010
$ 12,617
$ 158,848,780
$ ( 141,330,213 )
$ 17,531,184
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
6
BTCS
Inc.
Statements
of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
2023
2022
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
2023
2022
Net Cash flows used from operating activities:
Net loss
$ ( 1,413,369 )
$ ( 5,740,743 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation expense
1,153
797
Stock-based compensation
531,617
1,289,274
Validator revenue
( 311,508 )
( 563,015 )
Blockchain network fees (non-cash)
-
1,321
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities
285,000
641,250
Realized gain on crypto assets/currencies transactions
( 16,831 )
( 71,110 )
Impairment loss on crypto assets/currencies
94,907
3,307,428
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
-
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
30,278
9,382
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
( 34,773 )
( 36,329 )
Accrued compensation
( 292,506 )
( 4,125 )
Capital shares payable
-
75,002
Dividends payable - distributions to warrant holders
-
35,625
Net cash used in operating activities
( 1,126,032 )
( 1,055,243 )
Net cash used in investing activities:
Purchase of productive crypto assets/currencies for validating
( 134,019 )
( 8,521,726 )
Sale of productive crypto assets/currencies
47,543
310,149
Purchase of investments
-
-
Purchase of property and equipment
-
( 2,558 )
Net cash used in investing activities
( 86,476 )
( 8,214,135 )
Net cash provided by financing activities:
Dividend distributions
-
( 400,194 )
Net proceeds from issuance common stock/ At-the-market offering
508,783
10,513,767
Net cash provided by financing activities
508,783
10,113,573
Net increase in cash
( 703,725 )
844,195
Cash, beginning of period
2,146,783
1,400,867
Cash, end of period
$ 1,443,058
$ 2,245,062
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities:
Dividends payable
$ -
$ 230,606
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
7
BTCS
Inc.
Notes
to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements
Note
1 - Business Organization and Nature of Operations
BTCS
Inc. (formerly Bitcoin Shop, Inc.), a Nevada corporation (“BTCS” or the “Company”) was incorporated in 2008 and
is an early entrant in the crypto asset (also referred to “cryptocurrencies”, “crypto”, or “tokens”)
market with a primary focus on blockchain infrastructure and staking. The Company operates validator nodes on various proof-of-stake
(“PoS”) and delegated proof-of-stake (“DPoS”) based blockchain networks and stakes the native crypto assets on
those blockchains to earn rewards. The Company’s Staking-as-a-Service (“StaaS”) business allows crypto asset holders
to earn rewards by participating in network consensus mechanisms through staking and delegating their crypto assets to Company-operated
validator nodes (or “nodes”). The Company believes that StaaS provides a more accessible and cost-effective way for crypto
asset holders to participate in blockchain networks’ consensus mechanisms, thereby promoting the growth and adoption of blockchain
technology. The Company’s recently launched StakeSeeker platform (the “Digital Asset Platform”), currently in beta,
is a comprehensive crypto dashboard and education center designed to empower users to better understand and grow their crypto holdings
with innovative portfolio analytics and a non-custodial process to earn staking rewards through direct participation in blockchain consensus
algorithms.
The
Company’s business is subject to various risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with the evolving regulatory landscape
for crypto assets, risks associated with the volatility of crypto asset prices, and risks associated with the development and adoption
of blockchain technology. The Company’s future success is dependent on various factors, including the growth of the crypto asset
market, the adoption of blockchain technology, and the Company’s ability to effectively operate and grow its blockchain infrastructure
operations and StaaS business.
The
Company plans to expand its PoS operations to secure other disruptive blockchain protocols that also allow for delegating and asset leveraging.
The growth of both StakeSeeker’s user base as well as the number and size of staked cryptocurrencies by delegators to Company-run
validator nodes are critical to the Company’s strategy and success.
Amendment
to Articles of Incorporation
On
August 12, 2021, the Company filed a Certificate of Change with the Nevada Secretary of State to affect a 1-for-10 reverse split of the
Company’s class of Common Stock (the “Reverse Split”). The Certificate of Change became effective on August 13, 2021.
No
fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Split and all such fractional interests were rounded up to the nearest whole
number of shares of Common Stock. The Company now has 97,500,000 shares of Common Stock authorized. Numbers of shares of the Company’s
preferred stock were not affected by the Reverse Split; however, the conversion ratios have been adjusted to reflect the Reverse Split.
The financial statements and notes to the financial statements have been retroactively restated to reflect the Reverse Split.
Note
2 - Basis of Presentation
The
accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and the rules and regulations
of the SEC. Accordingly, since they are interim statements, the accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements do not include
all of the information and notes required by GAAP for annual financial statements, but in the opinion of the Company’s management,
reflect all adjustments consisting of normal, recurring adjustments, that are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position,
results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Interim results for the three months ended March 31, 2023 are
not necessarily indicative of results for the full year ended December 31, 2023. The unaudited condensed financial statements and notes
should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes for the year ended December 31, 2022.
8
Note
3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
There
have been no material changes in the Company’s significant accounting policies to those previously disclosed in the 2022 Annual
Report.
Basis
of presentation
The
accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).
Reclassifications
Certain
prior period amounts have been reclassified in order to conform with the current period presentation. These reclassifications have no
impact on the Company’s previously reported net income (loss).
Concentration
of Cash
The
Company maintains cash balances at four financial institutions in checking accounts and money market accounts. The Company considers
all highly liquid investments with original maturities of six months or less when purchased to be cash and cash equivalents. As of March
31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had approximately $ 1.4 million and $ 2.1 million in cash. The Company has not experienced
any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash.
Financial
instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash deposits. Accounts at each
institution are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $ 250,000 . As of March 31, 2023 and December
31, 2022, the Company had approximately $ 0.7 million and $ 1.7 million in excess of the FDIC insured limit, respectively.
Revenue
Recognition
The
Company recognizes revenue under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606 , Revenue from Contracts with Customers .
The core principle of the new revenue standard is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or
services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those
goods or services. The following five steps are applied to achieve that core principle:
●
Step
1: Identify the contract with the customer
●
Step
2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract
●
Step
3: Determine the transaction price
●
Step
4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract
●
Step
5: Recognize revenue when the Company satisfies a performance obligation
Revenue
is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration
the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The Company generates revenue through staking rewards.
The
Company has entered into network-based smart contracts by running its own crypto asset validator nodes as well as by staking crypto assets
on nodes run by third-party operators (either directly or through crypto exchanges). Through these contracts, the Company provides cryptocurrency
to stake on a node for the purpose of validating transactions and adding blocks to a respective blockchain network. The term of a smart
contract can vary based on the rules of the respective blockchain and typically last a few weeks to months after it is canceled by the
operator and requires that the cryptocurrency staked remain locked up during the duration of the smart contract. In exchange for staking
the cryptocurrency and validating transactions on blockchain networks, the Company is entitled to all of the fixed cryptocurrency award
for running the Company’s own node and is entitled to a fractional share of the fixed cryptocurrency award a third-party node operator
receives (less crypto asset transaction fees payable to the node operator or exchanges, which are immaterial and are recorded as a deduction
from revenue), for successfully validating or adding a block to the blockchain. The Company’s fractional share of awards received
from delegating to a third-party validator node is based on the proportion of cryptocurrency the Company staked to the node to the total
cryptocurrency staked by delegators to the node.
9
The
provision of validating blockchain transactions is an output of the Company’s ordinary activities. Each separate block creation
or validation under a smart contract with a network represents a performance obligation. The transaction consideration the Company receives
- the cryptocurrency award - is a non-cash consideration, which the Company measures at fair value on the date received. The fair value
of the cryptocurrency award received is determined using the quoted price of the related cryptocurrency on the date of receipt. The satisfaction
of the performance obligation for processing and validating blockchain transactions occurs at a point in time when confirmation is received
from the network indicating that the validation is complete, and the awards are available for transfer. At that point, revenue is recognized.
Cost
of Revenue
The
Company’s cost of revenue consists primarily of direct production costs related to the operations of validating transactions on
the network, rent and utilities for locations housing server nodes to the extent applicable, hosting costs if cloud-based servers are
utilized and fees (including stock-based fees) paid to 3rd parties to assist in software maintenance and operations of its nodes.
Crypto
Assets Translations and Remeasurements
The
Company accounts for its crypto assets as indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill
and Other . An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is not amortized but assessed for impairment annually, or more frequently,
when events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived asset is impaired.
Impairment exists when the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. In testing for impairment, the Company has the option to first perform
a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an impairment exists. If it is determined that it is not
more likely than not that an impairment exists, a quantitative impairment test is not necessary. If the Company concludes otherwise,
it is required to perform a quantitative impairment test. To the extent an impairment loss is recognized, the loss establishes the new
cost basis of the asset. Subsequent reversal of impairment losses is not permitted.
Crypto
assets held are included in the balance sheets as either current assets or other assets if they are staked and locked up for over one
year. The Company’s crypto assets are initially recorded at fair value upon receipt (or “carrying value”). The fair
value of crypto assets is determined using the U.S. dollar spot price of the related crypto asset. On a quarterly basis, crypto assets
are measured at carrying value, net of any impairment losses incurred since receipt. The Company will record impairment losses as the
fair value falls below the carrying value of the crypto assets at any time during the period, as determined using the lowest U.S. dollar
spot price of the related crypto asset subsequent to its acquisition. The crypto assets can only be marked down when impaired and not
marked up when their value increases.
Such
impairment in the value of crypto assets is recorded as a component of costs and expenses in our Statements of Operations. The Company
recorded impairment losses related to crypto assets of approximately $ 95,000 and $ 3.3 million during the three months ended March 31,
2023, and 2022, respectively.
Impairment
losses cannot be recovered for any subsequent increase in fair value until the sale or disposal of the asset. Realized gain (loss) on
sale of crypto assets are included in other income (expense) in the Statements of Operations. The Company recorded realized gains (losses)
on crypto assets of approximately $ 17,000 and $ 71,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The
presentation of purchases and sales of crypto assets on the Statement of Cash Flows is determined by the nature of the crypto assets,
which can be characterized as productive (i.e. purchased for purposes of staking) or non-productive. The purchase of non-productive crypto
assets and currencies are included as an operating activity, whereas the purchase of productive crypto assets and currencies are included
as investing activities in accordance with ASC 230-10-20 Investing activities. Productive crypto assets that are staked with a
lock-up period of less than 12 months are presented on the Balance Sheet as current assets. Staked crypto assets with remaining lock-up
periods of greater than 12 months are presented as long-term other assets on the Balance Sheet.
10
Internally
Developed Software
Internally
developed software consists of the core technology of the Company’s Digital Asset Platform, which is being designed to allow users
to track, monitor and analyze their aggregate cryptocurrency portfolio holdings by connecting their crypto exchanges and digital wallets
as well as providing a non-custodial delegation process to earn staking rewards on crypto asset holdings. For internally developed software,
the Company uses both its own employees as well as the services of external vendors and independent contractors. The Company accounts
for computer software used in the business in accordance with ASC 985-20 and ASC 350.
ASC
985-20, Software-Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed, requires that software development costs
incurred in conjunction with product development be charged to research and development expense until technological feasibility is established.
Thereafter, until the product is released for sale, software development costs must be capitalized and reported at the lower of unamortized
cost or net realizable value of the related product. Some companies use a “tested working model” approach to establishing
technological feasibility (i.e., beta version). Under this approach, software under development will pass the technological feasibility
milestone when the Company has completed a version that contains essentially all the functionality and features of the final version
and has tested the version to ensure that it works as expected.
ASC
350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other , requires computer software costs associated with internal use software to be charged to operations
as incurred until certain capitalization criteria are met. Costs incurred during the preliminary project stage and the post-implementation
stages are expensed as incurred. Certain qualifying costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized as property,
equipment and software. These costs generally consist of internal labor during configuration, coding, and testing activities. Capitalization
begins when (i) the preliminary project stage is complete, (ii) management with the relevant authority authorizes and commits to the
funding of the software project, and (iii) it is probable both that the project will be completed, and that the software will be used
to perform the function intended.
Property
and Equipment
Property
and equipment consists of computer, equipment and office furniture and fixtures, all of which are recorded at cost. Depreciation and
amortization are recorded using the straight-line method over the respective useful lives of the assets ranging from three to five years .
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may
not be recoverable.
Use
of Estimates
The
accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect certain reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. The Company’s significant estimates and
assumptions include the recoverability and useful lives of indefinite life intangible assets, stock-based compensation, and the valuation
allowance related to the Company’s deferred tax assets. Certain of the Company’s estimates, including the carrying amount
of the indefinite life intangible assets, could be affected by external conditions, including those unique to the Company and general
economic conditions. It is reasonably possible that these external factors could have an effect on the Company’s estimates and
could cause actual results to differ from those estimates and assumptions.
Income
Taxes
The
Company recognizes income taxes on an accrual basis based on tax positions taken or expected to be taken in its tax returns. A tax position
is defined as a position in a previously filed tax return or a position expected to be taken in a future tax filing that is reflected
in measuring current or deferred income tax assets and liabilities. Tax positions are recognized only when it is more likely than not
(i.e., likelihood of greater than 50%), based on technical merits, that the position would be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities.
Tax positions that meet the more likely than not threshold are measured using a probability-weighted approach as the largest amount of
tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability
approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that
have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred
tax assets if all, or some portion, of such assets will more than likely not be realized. Should they occur, the Company’s policy
is to classify interest and penalties related to tax positions as income tax expense. Since the Company’s inception, no such interest
or penalties have been incurred.
11
Accounting
for Warrants
The
Company accounts for the issuance of Common Stock purchase warrants issued in connection with the equity offerings in accordance with
the provisions of ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). The Company classifies as equity any contracts that (i) require
physical settlement or net-share settlement or (ii) gives the Company a choice of net-cash settlement or settlement in its own shares
(physical settlement or net-share settlement). The Company classifies as assets or liabilities any contracts that (i) require net-cash
settlement (including a requirement to net-cash settle the contract if an event occurs and if that event is outside the control of the
Company) or (ii) gives the counterparty a choice of net-cash settlement or settlement in shares (physical settlement or net-share settlement).
In addition, Under ASC 815, registered Common Stock warrants that require the issuance of registered shares upon exercise and do not
expressly preclude an implied right to cash settlement are accounted for as derivative liabilities. The Company classifies these derivative
warrant liabilities on the balance sheet as a current liability.
The
Company assessed the classification of Common Stock purchase warrants as of the date of each offering and determined that such instruments
originally met the criteria for equity classification; however, as a result of the Company no longer being in control of whether the
warrants may be cash settled, the instruments no longer qualify for equity classification. Accordingly, the Company classified the warrants
as a liability at their fair value and adjusts the instruments to fair value at each reporting period. This liability is subject to re-measurement
at each balance sheet date until the warrants are exercised or expired, and any change in fair value is recognized as “change in
the fair value of warrant liabilities” in the statements of operations. The fair value of the warrants has been estimated using
a Black-Scholes valuation model (see Note 4).
Stock-based
compensation
The
Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718 Compensation – Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”).
ASC 718 addresses all forms of share-based payment awards including shares issued under employee stock purchase plans and stock incentive
shares. Under ASC 718 awards result in a cost that is measured at fair value on the awards’ grant date, based on the estimated
number of awards that are expected to vest and will result in a charge to operations.
Share-based
payment awards exchanged for services are accounted for at the fair value of the award on the estimated grant date.
Options
Stock
options issued under the Company’s long-term incentive plans are granted with an exercise price equal to no less than the market
price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant and expire up to ten years from the date of grant. These options often vest over
a one-year period.
The
Company estimates the fair value of stock option grants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the assumptions used in calculating
the fair value of stock-based awards represent management’s best estimates and involve inherent uncertainties and the application
of management’s judgment.
12
Restricted
Stock Units (RSUs)
For
awards vesting upon the achievement of a service condition, compensation cost measured on the grant date will be recognized on a straight-line
basis over the vesting period. Stock-based compensation expense for the market-based restricted stock units with explicit service conditions
is recognized on a straight-line basis over the longer of the derived service period or the explicit service period, regardless of whether
the market condition is satisfied. However, in the event that the explicit service period is not met, previously recognized compensation
cost would be reversed. Market-based restricted stock units subject to market-based performance targets require achievement of the performance
target as well as a service condition in order for these RSUs to vest.
The
Company estimates the fair value of market-based RSUs as of the grant date and expected derived term using a Monte Carlo simulation that
incorporates pricing inputs covering the period from the grant date through the end of the derived service period.
Dividends
On
January 5, 2022, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company declared a non-recurring special dividend of $ 0.05 for
each outstanding share of Common Stock of the Company, payable to holders of record as of the close of business on March 17, 2022. The
dividend distributions are considered a return of capital as the distributions are in excess of the Company’s current and accumulated
earnings and profits. The return of capital distribution reduces the Company’s additional paid in capital balance. The Company
will evaluate the appropriateness of potential future dividends as the Company continues to grow its operations. Dividend distributions
amounted to $ 0 and $ 635,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Advertising
Expense
Advertisement
costs are expensed as incurred and included in marketing expenses. Advertising and marketing expenses amounted to approximately $ 6,000
and $ 42,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Net
Loss per Share
Basic
loss per share is computed by dividing the net income or loss applicable to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive,
potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the Company’s convertible preferred stock,
convertible notes, restricted stock units, options and warrants. Diluted loss per share excludes the shares issuable upon the conversion
of preferred stock, notes and warrants from the calculation of net loss per share if their effect would be anti-dilutive.
The
following financial instruments were not included in the diluted loss per share calculation as of March 31, 2023 and 2022 because their
effect was anti-dilutive:
Schedule of Earnings Per Share Anti-diluted
2023
2022
As of March 31,
2023
2022
Warrants to purchase common stock
712,500
962,794
Options
1,170,000
1,235,000
Non-vested restricted stock awards units
1,631,399
1,668,084
Total
3,513,899
3,865,878
13
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
In
December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU
2019-12”), which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions
to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. This guidance
is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption
permitted. The Company adopted ASU No. 2019-12 effective January 1, 2021, and the adoption did not have a material impact on its financial
statements and related disclosures.
In
August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives
and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an
Entity’s Own Equity , which simplifies accounting for convertible instruments by removing major separation models required under
current U.S. GAAP. The ASU removes certain settlement conditions that are required for equity contracts to qualify for the derivative
scope exception and it also simplifies the diluted earnings per share calculation in certain areas. This guidance is effective for fiscal
years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted
ASU No. 2020-06 effective January 1, 2022, and the adoption did not have a material impact on its financial statements and related disclosures.
Other
recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, including its Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants, and the Securities and Exchange Commission did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company’s
present or future financial statements.
Note
4 – Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities
The
Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value. The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received from
selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is estimated by applying the following hierarchy, which prioritizes the
inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input
that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:
Level
1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or
liabilities.
Level
2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical
or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market
data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level
3 – Inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimate of assumptions that market participants
would use in pricing the asset or liability.
14
Financial
instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts and other receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities are carried
at cost, which management believes approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
The
following tables present the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the Company’s
estimated level within the fair value hierarchy of those assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
Schedule of Fair Value of Assets and
Liabilities Valued on Recurring Basis
Fair Value Measured at March 31, 2023
Total at
March 31,
Quoted prices in
active markets
Significant other
observable inputs
Significant
unobservable
inputs
2023
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Assets
Investments
$ 100,000
$ -
$ -
$ 100,000
Liabilities
Warrant Liabilities
$ 498,750
$ -
$ -
$ 498,750
Fair Value Measured at December 31, 2022
Total at
December 31,
Quoted prices in
active markets
Significant other
observable inputs
Significant
unobservable
inputs
2022
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Assets
Investments
$ 100,000
$ -
$ -
$ 100,000
Liabilities
Warrant Liabilities
$ 213,750
$ -
$ -
$ 213,750
The
Company did not make any transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
15
Level
3 Valuation Techniques
Level
3 financial assets consist of private equity investments for which there is no current public market for these securities such that
the determination of fair value requires significant judgment or estimation. As of March 31,2023 and December 31, 2022, the
Company’s Level 3 investments were carried at original cost of the investments, with a value of $ 100,000 .
The Company has elected to apply the measurement alternative under ASC 321, Investments—Equity Securities , for these
investments.
Level
3 financial liabilities consist of the warrant liabilities for which there is no current market for these securities such that the determination
of fair value requires significant judgment or estimation.
Changes
in fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are analyzed each period based on changes in estimates
or assumptions and recorded as appropriate.
A
significant decrease in the volatility or a significant decrease in the Company’s stock price, in isolation, would result in a
significantly lower fair value measurement. Changes in the values of the warrant liabilities are recorded in “change in fair value
of warrant liabilities” in the Company’s statements of operations.
On
March 2, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Offering”) with certain purchasers pursuant
to which the Company agreed to sell an aggregate of (i) 950,000 shares of Common Stock, and (ii) Common Stock warrants (the “Warrants”)
to purchase up to 712,500 shares of Common Stock for gross proceeds of $ 9.5 million in a private placement. The closing of the Offering
occurred on March 4, 2021.
The
Warrants require, at the option of the holder, a net-cash settlement following certain fundamental transactions (as defined in the Warrants)
at the Company. At the time of issuance, the Company maintained control of certain fundamental transactions and as such the Warrants
were initially classified in equity. As of December 31, 2022, the Company no longer maintained control of certain fundamental transactions
as they did not control a majority of shareholder votes. As such, the Company may be required to cash settle the Warrants if a fundamental
transaction occurs which is outside the Company’s control. Accordingly, the Warrants are classified as liabilities. The Warrants
have been recorded at their fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model, and will be recorded at their respective fair value at
each subsequent balance sheet date. This model incorporates transaction details such as the Company’s stock price, contractual
terms, maturity, risk-free rates, as well as volatility.
The
Warrants require the issuance of registered shares upon exercise, do not expressly preclude an implied right to cash settlement and are
therefore accounted for as derivative liabilities. The Company classifies these derivative warrant liabilities on the balance sheet as
a current liability.
A
summary of quantitative information with respect to the valuation methodology and significant unobservable inputs used for the Company’s
warrant liabilities that are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy at the date of issuance and, as of March 31, 2023
and December 31, 2022, is as follows:
Summary of Valuation Methodology and Significant Unobservable Inputs Warrant Liabilities
March 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
Risk-free rate of interest
3.60 %
3.99 %
Expected volatility
144.8 %
152.8 %
Expected life (in years)
2.93
3.18
Expected dividend yield
-
-
The
risk-free interest rate was based on rates established by the Federal Reserve Bank. For the Warrants, the Company estimates expected
volatility giving primary consideration to the historical volatility of its Common Stock. The general expected volatility is based on
the standard deviation of the Company’s underlying stock price’s daily logarithmic returns. The expected life of the warrants
was determined by the expiration date of the warrants. The expected dividend yield was based on the fact that the Company has not historically
paid dividends on its Common Stock and does not expect to pay recurring dividends on its Common Stock in the future.
The
following table sets forth a summary of the changes in the fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial assets and liabilities
for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
Schedule
of Changes in Fair Value and Other Adjustments of Warrants
Fair Value of Level 3 Financial Assets
March 31,
March 31,
2023
2022
Beginning balance
$ 100,000
$ -
Purchases
-
-
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
-
-
Ending balance
$ 100,000
$ -
Fair Value of Level 3 Financial Liabilities
March 31,
March 31,
2023
2022
Beginning balance
$ 213,750
$ 1,852,500
Warrant liabilities classification
-
-
Fair value adjustment of warrant liabilities
285,000
641,250
Ending balance
$ 498,750
$ 2,493,750
16
Note
5 – Stockholders’ Equity
Common
Stock
At
The Market Offering Agreement
On
September 14, 2021, the Company entered into an At-The-Market Offering Agreement (the “ATM Agreement”) with H.C. Wainwright
& Co., LLC, as agent (“H.C. Wainwright”), pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time-to-time through
H.C. Wainwright, shares of the Company’s Common Stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $ 98,767,500 million (the “Shares”).
The Company will pay H.C. Wainwright a commission rate equal to 3.0 % of the aggregate gross proceeds from each sale of Shares.
During
the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company sold a total of 301,154 shares of Common Stock under the ATM Agreement for aggregate
total gross proceeds of approximately $ 529,000 at an average selling price of $ 1.76 per share, resulting in net proceeds of approximately
$ 509,000 after deducting commissions and other transaction costs.
Share
Based Payments
Effective
January 19, 2023, The Board of Directors of the Company approved the issuance of $ 50,000 of common stock to each independent director.
The shares will be issued in four equal installments ($ 12,500 ) at the end of each calendar quarter beginning March 31 st , subject
to continued service on each applicable issuance date. The number of shares issuable will be based on the closing price of the Company’s
common stock on the last trading day prior to the end of the applicable calendar quarter. For the three months ended March 31, 2023,
27,576 shares of common stock were issued to independent directors.
Preferred Stock
Effective January 27, 2023, the Company’s Board
of Directors approved the issuance of a newly designated Series V Preferred Stock (“Series V”) on a one-for-one basis to the
Company’s shareholders (including restricted stock unit holders). The record date has been set for May 12, 2023 and the payment
date is June 2, 2023. The Series V: (i) is non-convertible, (ii) has a 20% liquidation preference over the shares of common stock, (iii)
is non-voting and (iv) has certain rights to dividends and distributions (at the discretion of the Board of Directors) .
2021
Equity Incentive Plan
The
Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”) was effective on January 1, 2021 and approved by shareholders
on March 31, 2021 and amended on June 13, 2022. The Company has reserved 7,000,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance pursuant to the
2021 Plan.
Options
During
the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company granted 20,000 stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $ 0.63 to non-executive
employees.
The
following weighted-average assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of options granted on the deemed grant date during the three
months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 for both the Black-Scholes formula:
Schedule of
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2023
2022
Exercise price
$ 0.63
$ -
Term (years)
5.00
-
Expected stock price volatility
152.8 %
- %
Risk-free rate of interest
3.99 %
- %
Expected
Volatility : The Company uses historical volatility as it provides a reasonable estimate of the expected volatility. Historical volatility
is based on the most recent volatility of the stock price over a period of time equivalent to the expected term of the option.
Risk-Free
Interest Rate : The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. treasury zero-coupon yield curve in effect at the time of grant for
the expected term of the option.
Expected
Term : The Company’s expected term represents the weighted-average period that the Company’s stock options are expected
to be outstanding. The expected term is based on the expected time to post-vesting exercise of options by employees. The Company uses
historical exercise patterns of previously granted options to derive employee behavioral patterns used to forecast expected exercise
patterns.
For
awards vesting upon the achievement of the market conditions which were met at the date of grant, compensation cost measured on the date
of grant was immediately recognized. For awards vesting upon the achievement of the market conditions which were not met at the date
of grant, compensation cost measured on the grant date will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period based on estimation
using a Monte-Carlo simulation.
17
A
summary of option activity under the Company’s stock option plan for three months ended March 31, 2023 is presented below:
Summary of Option Activity
Number of Shares
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Total Intrinsic Value
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
(in years)
Outstanding as of December 31, 2022
1,150,000
$ 2.15
$ -
3.3
Employee options granted
20,000
0.63
14,600
4.8
Outstanding as of March 31, 2023
1,170,000
$ 2.12
$ 14,600
3.0
Options vested and exercisable as of March 31, 2023
1,135,000
$ 2.16
$ -
3.0
RSUs
Effective
January 2, 2022, the Board of Directors of the Company ratified the following arrangements approved by its Compensation Committee:
The
Company’s executive officers were granted RSUs as part of a long-term incentive plan (“LTI”), with vesting terms set
for when the Company’s market capitalization reaches and sustains a market capitalization for 30 consecutive days above four defined
market capitalization thresholds of $ 100 million, $ 150 million, $ 200 million and $ 400 million.
Effective
February 22, 2022, upon appointment of Manish Paranjape as Chief Technology Officer of the Company, Mr. Paranjape was also granted RSUs
as part of the LTI plan, with consistent vesting terms set for when the Company’s market capitalization above the same four defined
market capitalization thresholds.
Effective January 1, 2023 (the “LTI RSU Amendment Date”), upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee
of the Board of Directors approved an amendment to the LTI plan, whereby the market capitalization threshold targets were lowered to $ 50 million, $ 100 million,
$ 150 million, and $ 300 million.
The
RSUs granted to each executive employee are as follows:
Schedule of Restricted Stock Units
Total
Market Cap Vesting Thresholds
Officer Name
Title
Grant Date
RSUs Granted
$ 50 million
$ 100 million
$ 150 million
$ 300 million
Charles Allen
Chief Executive Officer
1/2/2022
694,444
173,611
173,611
173,611
173,611
Michal Handerhan
Chief Operations Officer
1/2/2022
444,444
111,111
111,111
111,111
111,111
Michael Prevoznik
Chief Financial Officer
1/2/2022
222,224
55,556
55,556
55,556
55,556
Manish Paranjape
Chief Technology Officer
2/22/2022
160,184
40,046
40,046
40,046
40,046
1,521,296
380,324
380,324
380,324
380,324
To
the extent any market capitalization targets set forth above for Mr. Prevoznik and Mr. Paranjape are achieved, the RSUs will also be
subject to the following five-year vesting schedule: 20 % of the LTI RSUs which have met a market capitalization criteria will vest on
the one-year anniversary of the grant date, and the remaining 80 % of the LTI RSUs which have met a market capitalization criteria will
vest annually on each subsequent calendar year-end date over the four years following the one year anniversary of the grant date.
18
For
awards vesting upon the achievement of a service condition, compensation cost measured on the grant date will be recognized on a straight-line
basis over the vesting period. Stock-based compensation expense for the market-based restricted stock units with explicit service conditions
is recognized on a straight-line basis over the longer of the derived service period or the explicit service period, regardless of whether
the market condition is satisfied. However, in the event that the explicit service period is not met, previously recognized compensation
cost would be reversed. Market-based restricted stock units subject to market-based performance targets require achievement of the performance
target as well as a service condition in order for these RSUs to vest.
The
Company estimates the fair value of market-based RSUs as of the grant date and expected derived term using a Monte Carlo simulation that
incorporates pricing inputs covering the period from the grant date through the end of the derived service period. As of the LTI RSU
Amendment Date, the Company determined the pre-modification and post-modification estimated fair value of the LTI RSUs accounting for
the amended market cap criteria. The increase in fair value of the LTI RSUs attributable to the modification was added to the related
unrecognized compensation expense in accordance with ASC 718 – Share-Based Compensation , whereby any previously recognized
compensation cost that has not vested as of the modification date should be adjusted to reflect the new fair value of the equity awards
on the date of the modification.
The
following weighted-average assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of options granted during the three months ended March 31,
2023 and 2022 for the Monte-Carlo simulation:
Schedule of
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2023
(Post-Modification)
2022
(Original Grants)
Vesting Hurdle Price
$ 3.81 - $30.52
$ 8.07 - $36.99
Term (years)
4.00
5.00
Expected stock price volatility
97.30 %
103.72 %
Risk-free rate of interest
4.10 %
1.32 %
Expected
Volatility : The Company uses historical volatility as it provides a reasonable estimate of the expected volatility. Historical volatility
is based on the most recent volatility of the stock price over a period of time equivalent to the expected term of the RSUs.
Risk-Free
Interest Rate : The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. treasury zero-coupon yield curve in effect at the time of grant for
the expected term of the RSUs.
Expected
Term : The Company’s expected term represents the weighted-average period that the Company’s RSUs are expected to be outstanding.
The expected term is based on the stipulated five -year period from the grant date until the market-based criteria are achieved. If the
market-based criteria are not achieved within the five -year period from the grant date, the RSUs will not vest and shall expire.
Vesting
Hurdle Price: The vesting hurdle price is determined as the average of the vesting Market Cap criteria divided by the shares outstanding
as of the valuation dates.
19
On
December 9, 2022, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board of Directors approved the grant of 25,000 RSUs to Mr.
Prevoznik and Mr. Paranjape each, effective January 1, 2023, which vest annually over a five-year period with the first vesting date
being on the one-year anniversary of the execution date of the effective grant date, subject to continued employment on each applicable
vesting date.
A
summary of the Company’s restricted stock units granted under the 2021 Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2023 are as
follows:
Summary of Restricted Stock
Number of Restricted Stock Units
Weighted Average Grant Day Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2022
1,590,552
$ 3.34
Granted
50,000
0.63
Vested
( 9,153 )
4.37
Nonvested at March 31, 2023
1,631,399
$ 3.25
Stock
Based Compensation
Stock-based
compensation expense is recorded as a part of selling, general and administrative expenses, compensation expenses and cost of revenues.
Stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 was as follows:
Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense
2023
2022
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
2023
2022
Employee bonus stock awards
$ -
$ 894,027
Employee stock option awards
3,307
69,634
Employee restricted stock unit awards
267,338
341,990
Non-employee restricted stock awards
15,908
82,081
Stock-based compensation
$ 286,553
$ 1,387,732
20
Note
6 – Accrued Expenses
Accrued
expenses consist of the following:
Schedule
of Accrued Expenses
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Compensation and related expenses
$ 3,429
$ 295,935
Accounts Payable
41,954
76,727
Accrued Expenses
$ 45,383
$ 372,662
Accrued
compensation and related expenses include approximately $ 0 and $ 284,000 related to performance bonus accruals as of March 31, 2023 and
December 31, 2022, respectively.
Note
7 – Employee Benefit Plans
The
Company maintains defined contribution benefit plans under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code covering substantially all qualified
employees of the Company (the “401(k) Plan”). Under the 401(k) Plan, the Company may make discretionary contributions of
up to 100 % of employee contributions. For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company made contributions to the 401(k)
Plan of $ 95,000 and $ 45,000 , respectively.
Note
8 – Liquidity
The
Company follows “ Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about
an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ”. The Company’s 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 financial statements, the Company has historically incurred a net loss and has an accumulated deficit at March 31, 2023,
a net loss and net cash used in operating activities for the reporting period then ended. The Company is implementing its business plan
and generating revenue; however, the Company’s cash position and liquid crypto assets are sufficient to support its daily operations
over the next twelve months.
Note
9 – Subsequent Events
The
Company evaluates events that have occurred after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued. Based upon the
evaluation, the Company did not identify any recognized or non-recognized subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure
in the financial statements other than disclosed.
During
the period from April 1, 2023 to May 9, 2023, the Company sold a total of 30,558 shares of Common Stock under the ATM Agreement
for aggregate total gross proceeds of approximately $ 46,000 at an average selling price of $ 1.52 per share, resulting in net proceeds
of approximately $ 44,000 after deducting commissions and other transaction costs.
On
May 11, 2023, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved a performance based Annual Cash Incentive
Plan for the Company’s executives for fiscal year 2023. If an executive meets their performance milestones, the executive will
receive a bonus, payable in cash and/or equity at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, in an amount up to 54 % to 104 % of the
applicable executive’s base salary, as detailed below:
●
Charles
Allen, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer is eligible to receive up to 104 % of his base salary. Mr. Allen’s current
base salary is $ 411,419 ;
●
Michal
Handerhan, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer is eligible to receive up to 68 % of his base salary. Mr. Handerhan’s
base salary is $ 287,375 ;
●
Michael
Prevoznik, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer is eligible to receive up to 54 % of his base salary. Mr. Prevoznik’s
base salary is $ 235,125 ;
●
Manish
Paranjape, the Company’s Chief Technology Officer is eligible to receive up to 54 % of his base salary. Mr. Paranjape’s
base salary is $ 235,125 .
21
ITEM
2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The
following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our historical
financial statements and the notes to those statements that appear elsewhere in this report. Certain statements in the discussion contain
forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, such as plans, objectives, expectations
and intentions. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements
as a result of a number of factors, including those discussed in the Risk Factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2022. When we refer to the “2023 Quarter” and the “2022 Quarter” we are referring to
the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 quarters, respectively.
Company
Overview
BTCS
Inc. is an early entrant in the cryptocurrency market and a publicly-traded U.S. company focused on blockchain infrastructure and staking.
The Company specializes in operating validator nodes on various Delegated proof-of-stake (“DPoS”) and proof-of-stake (“PoS”)
based blockchain networks and stakes the native crypto assets on the validator nodes it operates to earn rewards in connection with the
validation of transactions occurring on those blockchain networks. BTCS plans to expand its PoS operations to secure other disruptive
blockchain protocols that allow for delegating, which presents a significant growth opportunity for the company.
BTCS’s
business model is focused on Staking-as-a-Service (StaaS), allowing crypto asset holders to earn rewards by participating in network
consensus mechanisms through staking and delegating their crypto assets to Company operated validator nodes. As a non-custodial
validator operator, the company receives a percentage of token holders’ staking rewards generated as a validator node fee, for
our ministerial role in hosting the validator node. This creates an opportunity for scalable revenue and business growth with
limited additional costs. The company’s StaaS strategy provides a more accessible and cost-effective way for crypto asset
holders to participate in blockchain networks’ consensus mechanisms, promoting the growth and adoption of blockchain
technology. The company’s internally-developed dashboard, StakeSeeker, is a non-custodial platform that allows users to learn
how to earn staking rewards through direct participation in blockchain consensus algorithms and analyze their crypto portfolios
across exchanges and wallets through a comprehensive crypto dashboard and education center.
22
The
table below describes BTCS’s quarterly crypto asset holdings as of the 2022 Quarter through the 2023 Quarter.
Crypto
Assets Held at Period End
Asset
2022 Q1
2022 Q2
2022 Q3
2022 Q4
2023 Q1
Bitcoin (BTC)
90
-
-
-
-
Ethereum (ETH)
8,196
8,283
8,380
8,454
8,524
Cardano (ADA)
257,757
260,555
262,860
262,860
262,860
Kusama (KSM)
5,278
5,550
6,297
6,493
6,767
Tezos (XTZ)
70,453
71,369
72,578
73,486
74,765
Solana (SOL)
7,043
7,136
7,238
7,371
7,493
Polkadot (DOT)
38,816
39,986
23,905
7,280
7,526
Terra (LUNA)
3,621
-
-
-
-
Cosmos (ATOM)
80,474
86,613
91,181
96,318
102,298
Polygon (MATIC)
454,486
466,022
474,207
480,825
486,806
Avalanche (AVAX)
14,273
14,594
14,888
17,178
17,178
Algorand (ALGO)
51,197
51,201
51,201
-
-
Axie Infinity (AXS)
22,322
31,763
37,402
42,030
46,482
Kava (KAVA)
183,966
264,917
280,293
290,909
304,968
Band Protocol (BAND)
992
992
992
Mina (MINA)
71,297
74,177
79,937
Oasis Network (ROSE)
349,661
359,607
2,569,991
Akash (AKT)
103,730
107,405
110,213
NEAR Protocol (NEAR)
74,702
75,724
Fair
Value of Crypto Assets at Period End
Asset
2022 Q1
2022 Q2
2022 Q3
2022 Q4
2023 Q1
Bitcoin (BTC)
$ 4,098,481
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Ethereum (ETH)*
26,894,723
8,840,595
11,128,675
10,117,237
15,530,133
Cardano (ADA)
294,320
119,555
114,190
64,786
104,861
Kusama (KSM)
992,851
267,583
265,505
149,981
236,070
Tezos (XTZ)
262,023
101,102
103,210
52,720
83,614
Solana (SOL)
863,854
239,700
240,377
73,426
158,625
Polkadot (DOT)
826,875
281,496
150,964
31,410
47,720
Terra (LUNA)
373,005
-
-
-
-
Cosmos (ATOM)
2,325,374
651,909
1,186,824
900,440
1,144,459
Polygon (MATIC)
735,034
222,466
368,671
364,714
544,815
Avalanche (AVAX)
1,383,403
247,059
256,021
187,286
304,341
Algorand (ALGO)
47,492
16,115
18,044
-
-
Axie Infinity (AXS)
1,416,264
461,649
470,116
253,943
389,893
Kava (KAVA)
828,742
468,634
423,326
166,752
270,486
Band Protocol (BAND)
1,215
1,396
1,857
Mina (MINA)
42,085
32,187
62,101
Oasis Network (ROSE)
21,330
12,291
156,698
Akash (AKT)
26,881
19,938
34,510
NEAR Protocol (NEAR)
93,785
150,854
Total
41,342,441
11,917,864
14,817,434
12,522,292
19,221,037
QoQ Change
13 %
-71 %
24 %
-15 %
53 %
YoY Change
105 %
-45 %
-51 %
-66 %
-54 %
23
Prices
of Crypto Assets at Period End
Asset
2022 Q1
2022 Q2
2022 Q3
2022 Q4
2023 Q1
Bitcoin (BTC)
$ 45,539
$ 19,785
$ 19,432
$ 16,547
$ 28,478
Ethereum (ETH)
3,282
1,067
1,328
1,197
1,822
Cardano (ADA)
1.14
0.46
0.43
0.25
0.40
Kusama (KSM)
188
48.21
42.16
23.10
34.89
Tezos (XTZ)
3.72
1.42
1.42
0.72
1.12
Solana (SOL)
123
33.59
33.21
9.96
21.17
Polkadot (DOT)
21.30
7.04
6.32
4.31
6.34
Terra (LUNA)
103
-
-
-
-
Cosmos (ATOM)
28.90
7.53
13.02
9.35
11.19
Polygon (MATIC)
1.62
0.48
0.78
0.76
1.12
Avalanche (AVAX)
96.92
16.93
17.20
10.90
17.72
Algorand (ALGO)
0.93
0.31
0.35
0.17
0.23
Axie Infinity (AXS)
63.45
14.53
12.57
6.04
8.39
Kava (KAVA)
4.50
1.77
1.51
0.57
0.89
Band Protocol (BAND)
1.22
1.41
1.87
Mina (MINA)
0.59
0.43
0.78
Oasis Network (ROSE)
0.06
0.03
0.06
Akash (AKT)
0.26
0.19
0.31
NEAR Protocol (NEAR)
1.26
1.99
*
The prices have been rounded to the nearest whole dollar for prices above $100
The
following table presents the Fair Value of Crypto Assets held compared to the GAAP Book Value reported on the Company’s
balance sheet.
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Book Value
Fair Value
Book Value
Fair Value
Ethereum (ETH)
$ 5,817,449
$ 15,530,133
$ 5,708,624
$ 10,117,237
Cardano (ADA)
63,178
104,861
63,178
64,786
Kusama (KSM)
148,883
236,070
142,242
149,981
Tezos (XTZ)
52,853
83,614
51,651
52,720
Solana (SOL)
62,006
158,625
60,012
73,426
Polkadot (DOT)
32,168
47,720
30,859
31,410
Terra (LUNA)
-
-
-
-
Cosmos (ATOM)
630,782
1,144,459
568,359
900,440
Polygon (MATIC)
167,117
544,815
161,293
364,714
Avalanche (AVAX)
182,964
304,341
182,964
187,286
Algorand (ALGO)
-
-
-
-
Axie Infinity (AXS)
277,651
389,893
245,443
253,943
Kava (KAVA)
161,459
270,486
165,426
166,752
Band Protocol (BAND)
982
1,857
982
1,396
Mina (MINA)
34,267
62,101
32,002
32,187
Oasis Network (ROSE)
110,927
156,698
12,045
12,291
Akash (AKT)
18,765
34,510
17,993
19,938
NEAR Protocol (NEAR)
94,370
150,854
92,840
93,785
Total
$ 7,855,821
$ 19,221,037
$ 7,535,913
$ 12,522,292
24
Results
of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
The
following tables reflect our operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
$ Change
% Change
2023
2022
2023
2023
Revenues
Validator revenue
$ 311,508
$ 563,015
$ (251,507 )
(45 )%
Total revenues
311,508
563,015
(251,507 )
(45 )%
Cost of revenues
Validator expense
82,014
137,869
(55,855 )
(41 )%
Gross profit
229,494
425,146
(195,652 )
(46 )%
Operating expenses:
General and administrative
$ 609,829
$ 650,289
$ (40,460 )
(6 )%
Research and development
201,625
136,718
64,907
47 %
Compensation and related expenses
462,090
1,423,896
(961,806 )
(68 )%
Marketing
6,243
41,793
(35,550 )
(85 )%
Impairment loss on crypto assets/currencies
94,907
3,307,428
(3,212,521 )
(97 )%
Realized gains on crypto asset/currency transactions
(16,831 )
(71,110 )
54,279
76 %
Total operating expenses
1,357,863
5,489,014
(4,131,151 )
(75 )%
Other income (expenses):
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities
(285,000 )
(641,250 )
356,250
(56 )%
Distributions to warrant holders
-
(35,625 )
35,625
N/A %
Total other income (expenses)
(285,000 )
(676,875 )
391,875
58 %
Net loss
$ (1,413,369 )
$ (5,740,743 )
$ 4,327,374
(75 )%
25
Validator
Revenue
The
decrease in revenue during the 2023 Quarter as compared to the 2022 Quarter is primarily due to a drop in the fair value of our crypto
assets earned as rewards for staking since the market’s highs in Q1 of 2022. Although we believe the number of tokens we earn from
staking and revenue recognized will increase as we continue to expand our blockchain infrastructure efforts, we recognize that volatility
in the cryptocurrency markets may impact the market prices of the crypto assets we earn from staking.
Cost
of Revenues
The
decrease in cost of revenues is due to efficiencies realized in our blockchain infrastructure validating operating costs, including streamlining
of web service hosting fees and reduction of services provided by vendors. We believe our cost of revenues will increase as we continue
to ramp up our business. However, we believe gross margin will improve as we add scale to our blockchain infrastructure operations and
reduce costs as a result of increased operational efficiencies, leading to improved gross profits.
Operating
Expenses
The
decrease in operating expenses in the 2023 Quarter is primarily due to the $3.3 million impairment loss on crypto assets (which we refer
to as a “Crypto Asset Impairment”) during the 2022 Quarter, compared to only a $95,000 Crypto Asset Impairment during the
2023 Quarter. In addition, the decrease is also due to the non-cash $1.3 million equity-based contingent bonuses granted to employees
and our non-employee directors during the 2022 Quarter for the achievement of performance milestones compared to only $271,000 equity-based
compensation during the 2023 Quarter.
We
believe operating expenses will increase as the Company continues to utilize equity-based compensation incentives as a core part of our
compensation strategy. Additionally, volatility in the cryptocurrency markets will subject the Company to the possibility of additional
impairment charges on its crypto asset holdings.
Other
Income (Expenses)
The
changes in other income for the years reported was primarily due to the increase in the
fair value of warrant liabilities. This non-cash expense is driven by the value of our stock price at the end of each quarter, which
we cannot predict.
Net
loss
The
decrease in our net loss for the 2023 Quarter was primarily due to the decrease in operating expenses and changes in other income (expenses)
as discussed above. We believe that our net loss may increase as the Company incurs increased costs related to the development of its
Digital Asset Platform and incurs additional Crypto Asset Impairment losses due to volatility in the cryptocurrency markets.
26
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
ATM
Financing
On
September 14, 2021, the Company entered into an At-The-Market Offering Agreement (the “ATM Agreement”) with H.C. Wainwright
& Co., LLC, as agent (“H.C. Wainwright”), pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time-to-time through
H.C. Wainwright, shares of the Company’s Common Stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $98,767,500. From the period
September 14, 2021 through May 10, 2023, the Company sold a total of 2,970,839 shares of Common Stock under the ATM Agreement for aggregate
total gross proceeds of approximately $15,040,000 at an average selling price of $5.06 per share, resulting in net proceeds of approximately
$14,562,000 after deducting commissions and other transaction costs.
Liquidit y
The
Company’s 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.
Liquidity
is the ability of a company to generate funds to support its current and future operations, satisfy its obligations, and otherwise operate
on an ongoing basis. As of March 31, 2023, the Company had approximately $1.4 million of cash.
We
view our crypto assets as long-term holdings and we do not plan to engage in regular trading of crypto assets. Further certain of our
staked crypto assets may be locked up depending on the specific blockchain protocol and we may be unable to unstake them in a timely
manner in order to liquidate to the extended desired. During times of instability in the market of crypto assets, we may not be able
to sell our crypto assets at reasonable prices or at all. As a result, our crypto assets may not be able to serve as a source of liquidity
for us to the same extent as cash and cash equivalents.
As
of May 10, 2023, the Company had approximately $1.1 million of cash and the fair value of the Company’s liquid crypto
assets was approximately $18.9 million, which includes $14.6 million of staked Ethereum considered to be liquid after the successful
Shanghai upgrade on Ethereum’s network in April 2023. The Company has no outstanding debt. As of May 10, 2023, the Company also
has approximately $6.4 million available under the ATM Agreement over the next twelve months under the Form S-3 baby shelf rules, although,
the amount that we may raise under the Form S-3 may increase or decrease based upon our stock price. The Company believes that the existing
cash and liquid crypto assets held by us, in addition to the funds available to the Company from the issuance of additional stock through
the ATM Agreement, provide sufficient liquidity to meet working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures and contractual
obligations for at least the next twelve months.
Cash
Flows
Cash
used in operating activities was approximately $1.1 million during the 2023 Quarter compared to $1.1 million for the 2022 Quarter.
Cash
used in investing activities was $86,000 during the 2023 Quarter compared to $8.2 million for the 2022 Quarter. Net cash outflow for
investing activities was used primarily for the purchase of crypto assets for our blockchain infrastructure operations.
Cash
provided by financing activities was $509,000 during the 2023 Quarter compared to $10.1 million for the 2022 Quarter. The cash inflows
from financing activities were entirely from proceeds from the Common Stock sold pursuant to the ATM Agreement. The Company has plans
to continue to raise proceeds from the sale of Common Stock to fund operations as needed.
27
Off
Balance Sheet Transactions
As
of March 31, 2023, there were no off-balance sheet arrangements and we were not a party to any off-balance sheet transactions. We have
no guarantees or obligations other than those which arise out of normal business operations.
RECENT
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
For
information on recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 3 to the Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements.
CAUTIONARY
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This
report contains forward-looking statements, including our liquidity, our belief that our blockchain infrastructure efforts will form
the core growth for our Digital Asset Platform, our plans and development of our Digital Asset Platform and the integration of Staking-as-a-Service,
our belief regarding blockchain, expected increase in our revenues and gross margins and future business plans. Forward-looking statements
can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “may,” “potential,” “continues,”
“plans,” “seeks,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects” and similar references
to future periods.
Forward-looking
statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because
forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that
are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. We caution
you therefore against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees
or assurances of future performance. The results anticipated by any or all of these forward-looking statements might not occur. Important
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include the rewards and costs
associated with staking or validating transactions on blockchains, regulatory issues related to our business model, a drop in the price
of our crypto assets, significant decrease in the value of our crypto assets and rewards, loss or theft of the private withdrawal keys
resulting in the complete loss of crypto assets and reward, and others which are contained in our filings with the SEC, including our
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Any forward-looking statement made by us speaks only as of the date on which it is made.
Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict
all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future
developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
ITEM
3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Not
applicable.
ITEM
4 Controls and Procedures
Evaluation
of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our
management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of
the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of March
31, 2023. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed
by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods
specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures
designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange
Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers,
as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our disclosure
controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2023.
Changes
in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There
were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act
that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect,
our internal control over financial reporting.
28
PART
II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM
1 Legal Proceedings
None.
ITEM
1A Risk Factors
Not
applicable to smaller reporting companies.
ITEM
2 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
ITEM
3 Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
ITEM
4 Mine Safety Disclosures
Not
applicable.
ITEM
5 Other Information
On
May 11, 2023, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved a performance based Annual Cash Incentive
Plan for the Company’s executives for fiscal year 2023. If an executive meets their performance milestones, the executive will
receive a bonus, payable in cash and equity at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, in an amount up to 54% to 104% of the applicable
executive’s base salary, as detailed below:
●
Charles
Allen, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer is eligible to receive up to 104% of his base salary. Mr. Allen’s current
base salary is $411,419;
●
Michal
Handerhan, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer is eligible to receive up to 68% of his base salary. Mr. Handerhan’s
base salary is $287,375;
●
Michael
Prevoznik, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer is eligible to receive up to 54% of his base salary. Mr. Prevoznik’s
base salary is $235,125;
●
Manish
Paranjape, the Company’s Chief Technology Officer is eligible to receive up to 54% of his base salary. Mr. Paranjape’s
base salary is $235,125.
ITEM
6 Exhibits
The
exhibits listed in the accompanying “Exhibit Index” are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Form 10-Q.
29
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
BTCS
Inc.
May
12, 2023
By:
/s/
Charles Allen
Charles
W. Allen
Chief
Executive Officer
(Principal
Executive Officer)
30
EXHIBIT
INDEX
Incorporated
by Reference
Filed
or Furnished
Exhibit
#
Exhibit
Description
Form
Date
Number
Herewith
2.1
Articles of Merger
8-K/A
7/31/15
3.1
2.2
Agreement and Plan of Merger
8-K/A
7/31/15
3.2
3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as of May 2010
10-K
3/31/11
3.1
3.1(a)
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation - Increase Authorized Capital
8-K
3/25/13
3.1
3.1(b)
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation - Increase Authorized Capital
8-K
2/5/14
3.1
3.1(c)
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation - Reverse Stock Split
8-K
2/16/17
3.1
3.1(d)
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation - Reverse Stock Split
8-K
4/9/19
3.1
3.1(e)
Certificate of Change – Reverse Stock Split
8-K
8/17/21
3.1
3.1(f)
Certificate of Designation – Series V
8-K
1/31/23
3.1
3.1(g)
Certificate of Amendment to the Series V Certificate of Designation
8-K
4/19/23
3.1
3.2
Bylaws
S-1
5/29/08
3.2
3.2(a)
Amendment No. 1 to the Bylaws
8-K
4/12/22
3.1
31.1
Certification of Principal Executive and Financial Officer (302)
Filed
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer (302)
Filed
32.1
Certification of Principal Executive and Principal Financial Officer (906)
Furnished**
101.INS
Inline
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104
Cover
Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
**
This
exhibit is being furnished rather than filed and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing, in accordance with
Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
Copies
of this report (including the financial statements) and any of the exhibits referred to above will be furnished at no cost to our shareholders
who make a written request to BTCS Inc., 9466 Georgia Avenue #124, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Attention: Corporate Secretary.
31
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.