Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls
Our principal executive officer and principal
financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined
in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of December 31, 2024, the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K,
have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective such that the information required to be disclosed by us
in reports filed under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the
SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal
financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls
and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute
assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control
issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.
Management’s Report on Internal Control
Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing
and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Internal control
over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal
executive officer and principal financial officer, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and
the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. All internal control systems, no
matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable
assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
As of December 31, 2024, under the supervision
and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted
an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework - 2013. Based on this assessment, our management concluded that,
as of December 31, 2024, our internal control over financial reporting was not effective because it identified a material weakness. A
material weakness is a significant deficiency or a combination of significant deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting
such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented
or detected on a timely basis.
33
Specifically, management concluded that the ineffectiveness
of our internal controls over financial reporting was due to the following material weaknesses:
●
We lack segregation of duties within accounting functions duties as
a result of our limited financial resources to support hiring of personnel.
●
The lack of multiples levels of management review on complex business,
accounting and financial reporting issues.
●
We have not implemented adequate system and manual controls.
While we used the services of a third-party accountant
to provide accounting and financial reporting services to us, we lack both an adequate number of personnel with requisite expertise in
the key functional areas of finance and accounting and an adequate number of personnel to properly implement internal control over financial
reporting. These factors represent material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. Although we believe the possibility
of errors in our financial statements is remote and expect to continue to use a third-party accountant to address shortfalls in staffing
and to assist us with accounting and financial reporting responsibilities in an effort to mitigate the lack of segregation of duties,
until such time as we expand our staff with qualified personnel, we expect to continue to report material weaknesses in our internal
control over financial reporting.
Attestation Report
of our Registered Public Accounting Firm
This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include
an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. As a smaller reporting
company, our management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the
SEC that permit us to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial
Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control
over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially
affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
During our last fiscal quarter ended December
31, 2024, none of our directors or executive officers adopted , modified or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement”
or a “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” as such terms are defined under Item 408 of Regulation S K.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS
THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
34
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The following table sets forth the name, age
and positions of our executive officers and directors.
NAME
AGE
POSITION
Darin Myman
60
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
Peter Shelus
41
Chief Technology Officer and Director
Brett Blumberg
46
Chief Financial Officer
Wayne Linsley
68
Director
Joseph Nelson
41
Director
Carly Luogameno
36
Director
The business background and certain other information
about our directors and executive officers is set forth below.
Darin Myman - Chief Executive Officer
and Director
Darin Myman has served as Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman of the board of directors since January 2015. Previously, Mr. Myman served as co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of
Wally World Media, Inc., (OTC:WLYW). He also has served as the Chief Executive Officer and a member of PeopleString’s board of
directors since PeopleString’s inception. Mr. Myman developed extensive Internet skills through a variety of positions. He has
executive management and founder experience having served as a co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of BigString Corporation, a publicly
traded company, since October 2005. He also has corporate governance and board experience having served as a member of BigString’s
board of directors since BigString’s inception. Prior to BigString, Mr. Myman was a co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of LiveInsurance.com,
the first online insurance broker that pioneered the electronic storefront for large national insurance agencies. Prior to co-founding
LiveInsurance.com, he served as a Vice President of the online brokerage services unit of Westminster Securities Corporation. We believe
that Mr. Myman is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors because of his background in business and experience in senior
leadership and as a board member of public companies.
Peter Shelus - Chief Technology Officer
and Director
Peter Shelus is a co-founder of DatChat and has
served as our Chief Technology Officer since January 2016 and a member of our board of directors since December 2022. Mr. Shelus has
over 10 years of ephemeral messaging and mobile video development experience. Mr. Shelus has been at the forefront of the secure messaging
industry, having served as a lead engineer for one of the first ephemeral messaging platforms, “BigString,” where he helped
develop the patented technology that became a cornerstone of self-destructing messaging. Mr. Shelus holds Bachelor of Science degree
in computer science from Rutgers University. We believe that Mr. Shelus is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors because
of his experience in the secure messaging industry and background in technology engineering and development.
Brett Blumberg – Chief Financial
Officer
Brett Blumberg has served as our Chief Financial
Officer since February 2022. Mr. Blumberg has extensive experience in finance and accounting. He is a certified public accountant and
has been a partner of the public accounting firm Jubran, Shorr & Company since 2015. Mr. Blumberg was a senior accountant at
CohnReznick, LLP from 2013 to 2014. Prior to obtaining his CPA license Mr. Blumberg was a private banker at Wells Fargo and owned and
operated a Mortgage Brokerage/Banking Company, Canyon Financial Group, LLC from 2006 to 2012. He previously worked in recruitment and
talent acquisition for accounting and finance firms from 2000 to 2006. Mr. Blumberg holds a Bachelor of Art degree in economics and psychology
from SUNY Binghamton University.
Wayne D. Linsley – Director
Wayne D. Linsley has served as a member of the
board of directors since August 2021. Mr. Linsley has over 40 years of experience in business management. Since April 2020, Mr. Linsley
has served as a member of the board of directors of Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOTH), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company
and since January 2020, he has served as a member of the board of directors of Silo Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: SILO) a biopharmaceutical company
focused on merging traditional therapeutics with psychedelic research. From 2014 to September 2021, Mr. Linsley served as the Vice President
of Operations at CFO Oncall, Inc., a company that provides financial reporting and controller services on an outsourced basis and previously,
from 2012 to 2014, Mr. Linsley worked at CFO Oncall, Inc. as an independent contractor. Mr. Linsley holds Bachelor of Science degree
in Business Administration from Siena College.
35
Joseph Nelson – Director
Joseph Nelson has served as a member of our board
of directors since August 2021. Since April 2022, Mr. Nelson has served as Chief Financial Officer of Delta Corp Holdings Limited, a
global, asset-light, fully integrated company engaged in transportation/logistic services, asset management and servicing the maritime
industry supply chain. From December 2017 to March 2022, Mr. Nelson served as the Head of Investor Relations for GasLog Ltd., and GasLog
Partners LP, a leading international owner, operator and manager of liquefied natural gas carriers providing support to many of
the world’s largest energy companies. From November 2014 to November 2017, Mr. Nelson served as an Equity Research Analyst at Credit
Suisse. Mr. Nelson holds a Master of Business Administration degree from New York University’s Stern School of Business; a Bachelor
of Science degree in chemistry and a Bachelor of Art degree in philosophy from the Stevens Institute of Technology. We believe that
Mr. Nelson is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors because of his experience in investor relations and background
in business and finance.
Carly Luogameno – Director
Carly Luogameno has served as a member of our
board of directors since August 2021. Since May 2011, Mrs. Luogameno has worked as a digital consultant at ShmeeLive. From May 2018 to
June 2020, Mrs. Luogameno served as a digital director for Lust For Life, LLC, a subsidiary of Renewable Energy & Power, Inc. (OTCQB:
RBNW). From August 2013 to September 2015, Mrs. Luogameno served as the Marketing Director for Jerrick Media,(OTC: JMDA, now Creatd,
OTC:VOCL). Mrs. Luogameno has in-depth experience in ecommerce and digital industries with specializations in digital marketing campaign
development, content marketing strategy, SEO and paid media management. Her digital marketing background is rooted in inbound marketing
strategies and her approach focuses on listening to user needs and communicating to them via high quality content in order to attract
return visitors and engagements. Mrs. Luogameno specializes in working with start-up companies, across the technology, healthcare and
fashion industries. Mrs. Luogameno holds Bachelor of Art degree in arts, entertainment & media management from Columbia College Chicago.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among any of
our executive officers and directors.
Arrangements between Officers and Directors
Except as set forth herein, to our knowledge,
there is no arrangement or understanding between any of our officers or directors and any other person pursuant to which the officer
or director was selected to serve as an officer or director.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
We are not aware of any of our directors or officers
being involved in any legal proceedings in the past ten years relating to any matters in bankruptcy, insolvency, criminal proceedings
(other than traffic and other minor offenses), or being subject to any of the items set forth under Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K.
Committees of Our Board of Directors
Our board of directors directs the management
of our business and affairs, as provided by Nevada law, and conducts its business through meetings of the board of directors and its
standing committees. We will have a standing audit committee, compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee.
In addition, from time to time, special committees may be established under the direction of the board of directors when necessary to
address specific issues.
Audit Committee . The audit committee is
appointed by the board to assist the board in its duty to oversee the Company’s accounting, financial reporting and internal control
functions and the audit of the Company’s financial statements. The role of the audit committee is to oversee management in the
performance of its responsibility for the integrity of the Company’s accounting and financial reporting and its systems of internal
controls, the performance and qualifications of the Company’s independent auditor, including the independent auditor’s independence,
the performance of the Company’s internal audit function; and the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
36
Our audit committee consists of Wayne D. Linsley,
Carly Luogameno and Joseph Nelson, with Mr. Linsley serving as chair. Our board of directors has affirmatively determined that each meet
the definition of “independent director” under the rules of The Nasdaq Capital Market, and that they meet the independence
standards under Rule 10A-3. Each member of our audit committee meets the financial literacy requirements of Nasdaq rules. In addition,
our board of directors has determined that Wayne D. Linsley qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term
is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. Our board of directors adopted a written charter for the audit committee, which
is available on our principal corporate website at www.datchat.com .
Compensation Committee . The compensation
committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending, among other things:
●
the adequacy and form of compensation of the
board;
●
the compensation of Chief Executive Officer,
including base salary, incentive bonus, stock option and other grant, award and benefits upon hiring and on an annual basis;
●
the compensation of other senior management upon
hiring and on an annual basis; and
●
the Company’s incentive compensation and
other equity-based plans and recommending changes to such plans to our board of directors, when necessary.
Our compensation committee will consists of Wayne
D. Linsley, Carly Luogameno and Joseph Nelson, with Mr. Linsley serving as chair. Our board of directors has adopted a written charter
for the compensation committee, which is available on our principal corporate website at www.datchat.com .
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. We
do not have a designated nominating and corporate governance committee. Our independent directors, acting as a group, are responsible
for:
Our nominating and corporate governance committee
is responsible for, among other things:
●
developing criteria for membership on the board
of directors and committees;
●
identifying individuals qualified to become members
of the board of directors;
●
recommending persons to be nominated for election
as directors and to each committee of the board of directors;
●
annually reviewing our corporate governance guidelines;
and
●
monitoring and evaluating the performance of
the board of directors and leading the board in an annual self-assessment of its practices and effectiveness.
Our nominating and corporate governance committee
consists of Wayne D. Linsley, Carly Luogameno and Joseph Nelson, with Mr. Linsley serving as chair. Our board of directors has adopted
a written charter for the nominating and corporate governance committee, which is available on our principal corporate website at www.datchat.com .
Insider Trading Policy
We have adopted an insider trading policy governing the purchase, sale
and/or any other disposition of the Company’s securities and material non-public information that is reasonable designed to promote
compliance with insider trading laws, rules, regulations and applicable Nasdaq standards. Our insider trading policy applies to the Company’s
directors, officers, employees of the Company and any other persons, such as consultants, contractors, temporary staff, family members,
and controlled entities who have access to material nonpublic information or are designated by the Company as subject to such policy.
A copy of the Company’s insider trading policy is filed as Exhibit 19.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Code of Business and Ethics Conduct
We have adopted a written code of business conduct
and ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer,
principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the code posted on our website, www.datchat.com .
In addition, we intend to post on our website all disclosures that are required by law or rules concerning any amendments to, or waivers
from, any provision of the code.
37
Anti-hedging
We do not currently have a policy prohibiting
employees, officers, or directors from engaging in transactions that hedge or offset, or are designed to hedge or offset, any decrease
in the market value of the Company’s equity securities.
Changes in Nominating Procedures
None.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth for the year ended
December 31, 2024 and 2023, the compensation awarded to, paid to, or earned by, our Chief Executive Officer and two other most highly
compensated executive officers, whose total compensation during such years exceeded $100,000. We refer to these officers as our “named
executive officers.”
Name and Principal Position
Year
Salary
($)
Bonus
($)
Stock
Awards
($)
Option
Awards
($) 1
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)
All Other
Compensation
($)
Total
($)
Darin Myman
2024
$ 450,000
$ 300,000
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 750,000
Chief Executive Officer
2023
$ 450,000
$ 300,000
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 750,000
Brett Blumberg
2024
$ 60,000
-
-
$ -
-
$ -
-
$ 60,000
Chief Financial Officer
2023
$ 60,000
-
-
$ -
-
$ -
-
$ 75,543
Peter Shelus
2024
$ 275,000
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 275,000
Chief Technology Officer
2023
$ 275,000
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 275,000
(1)
As required by SEC rules, the amounts in this column reflect the grant
date or modification date fair value as required by FASB ASC Topic 718. A discussion of the assumptions and methodologies used to
calculate these amounts is contained in the notes to our financial statements under “Shareholders’ Deficit”.
38
Outstanding Equity
Awards at December 31, 2024
The following table provides information regarding
option awards held by each of our named executive officers that were outstanding as of December 31, 2024.
STOCK
AWARDS
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Name
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
options (#)
Exercisable
Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
Unexercisable
Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
Option
Expiration
Date
Number
of Shares
or Units
of Stock
that have
not
Vested
(#)
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
that
Have not
Vested
($)
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other Rights
that have
not
Vested
(#)
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
other Rights
that have not
Vested
($)
Darin Myman
25,000
—
—
350.00
9/28/2026
—
—
—
—
Brett Blumberg
5,000
—
—
15.00
9/06/2028
—
—
—
—
Non-Employee Director Compensation
The following table presents the total compensation
for each person who served as a non-employee member of our Board of Directors and received compensation for such service during
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Other than as set forth in the table and described more fully below, we did not pay any
compensation, make any equity awards or non-equity awards to, or pay any other compensation to any of the non-employee members
of our Board of Directors in 2024.
Name
Fees
earned
or paid
in
cash
($)
Stock
Awards
($)
Option
Awards
($)(1)
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
Nonqualified
deferred
compensation
earnings
($)
All Other Compensation
($)
Total
($)
Joseph Nelson
36,000
0
0
0
0
0
36,000
Carly Luogameno
36,000
0
0
0
0
0
36,000
Wayne Linsley
60,000
0
0
0
0
0
60,000
(1)
As required by SEC rules, the amounts in this column reflect the grant
date or modification date fair value as required by FASB ASC Topic 718. A discussion of the assumptions and methodologies used to
calculate these amounts is contained in the notes to our financial statements under “Shareholders’ Deficit”.
39
Equity Award Grant Timing
We do not have a written policy in place regarding
the timing of the grant and issuance of stock options in relation to the release of material non-public information. Historically, we
have granted stock option awards on an annual basis and as may otherwise be deemed appropriate by our Board or compensation committee
from time to time based on the facts and circumstances, as applicable. We have not intentionally timed the grant of stock options in anticipation
of the release of material nonpublic information, nor have we intentionally timed the release of material nonpublic information based
on stock option grant dates. During fiscal year 2024, we did not grant stock options (or similar awards) to any of our named executive
officers during the period beginning four business days before and ending one business day after the filing of any Company periodic report
on Form 10-Q or Form 10-K, or the filing or furnishing of any Company Form 8-K that disclosed any material non-public information.
Employment Agreements
On August 27, 2021, we entered into an agreement
(the “Employment Agreement”) with Darin Myman effective as of August 15, 2021 pursuant to which Mr. Myman’s (i) base
salary will increase to $450,000 per year, and (ii) Mr. Myman shall be entitled to receive an annual bonus in an amount up to $350,000,
which annual bonus may be increased by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Compensation Committee”),
in its sole discretion, upon the achievement of additional criteria established by the Compensation Committee from time to time (the
“Annual Bonus”). The term of the Employment Agreement will continue for a period of one year from the effective date and
automatically renews for successive one year periods at the end of each term until either party delivers written notice of their intent
not to review at least six (6) months prior to the expiration of the applicable term. In addition, pursuant to the Employment Agreement,
upon termination of Mr. Myman’s employment for death or Total Disability (as defined in the Employment Agreement), in addition
to any accrued but unpaid compensation and vacation pay through the date of his termination and any other benefits accrued to him under
any Benefit Plans (as defined in the Employment Agreement) outstanding at such time and the reimbursement of documented, unreimbursed
expenses incurred prior to such termination date (collectively, the “Payments”), Mr. Myman shall be entitled to the following
severance benefits: (i) 24 months of his then base salary; (ii) if Mr. Myman elects continuation coverage for group health coverage pursuant
to COBRA Rights (as defined in the Employment Agreement), then for a period of 24 months following Mr. Myman’s termination he will
be obligated to pay only the portion of the full COBRA Rights cost of the coverage equal to an active employee’s share of premiums
(if any) for coverage for the respective plan year; and (iii) payment on a pro-rated basis of any Annual Bonus or other payments earned
in connection with any bonus plan to which Mr. Myman was a participant as of the date of his termination (together with the Payments,
the “Severance”). Furthermore, pursuant to the Employment Agreement, upon Mr. Myman’s termination (i) at his option
(A) upon 90 days prior written notice to the Company or (B) for Good Reason (as defined in the Employment Agreement), (ii) termination
by the Company without Cause (as defined in the Employment Agreement) or (iii) termination of Mr. Myman’s employment within 40
days of the consummation of a Change in Control Transaction (as defined in the Employment Agreement), Mr. Myman shall receive the Severance;
provided, however, Mr. Myman shall be entitled to a pro-rated Annual Bonus of at least $200,000. In addition, any equity grants issued
to Mr. Myman shall immediately vest upon termination of Mr. Myman’s employment by him for Good Reason or by the Company at its
option upon 90 days prior written notice to Mr. Myman, without Cause.
Brett Blumberg Employment Agreement
On February 15, 2022, we entered into an employment
agreement with Brett Blumberg effective as of February 15, 2022 pursuant to which Mr. Blumberg will serve as Chief Financial Officer
of the Company (the “Blumberg Employment Agreement”). The term of the Blumberg Employment Agreement will continue for a period
of one year from the Effective Date and automatically renews for successive one year periods at the end of each term until either party
delivers written notice of their intent not to review at least 30 days prior to the applicable renewal date. Pursuant to the terms of
the Blumberg Employment Agreement, Mr. Blumberg (i) shall receive an annual base salary of $60,000 (effective as of February 15, 2022),
(ii) shall be entitled to earn a bonus, subject to the sole discretion of the Company’s Board and (iii) shall be eligible to receive
awards pursuant to the Company’s equity incentive plans, subject to the sole discretion of the Company’s compensation committee.
Mr. Blumberg is also entitled to participate in any and all Employee Benefit Plans (as defined in the Blumberg Employment Agreement),
from time to time, that are then in effect along with vacation, sick and holiday pay in accordance with the Company’s policies
established and in effect from time to time. The Blumberg Employment Agreement may be terminated by either the Company or Mr. Blumberg
at any time and for any reason upon 10 days prior written notice. Upon termination of the Blumberg Employment Agreement, Mr. Blumberg
shall be entitled to (i) any equity award that has vested prior to the termination date, (ii) reimbursement of expenses incurred on or
prior to such termination date and (iii) such employee benefits to which Mr. Blumberg may be entitled as of the termination date (collectively,
the “Accrued Amounts”). The Blumberg Employment Agreement shall also terminate upon Mr. Blumberg’s death or the Company
may terminate Mr. Blumberg’s employment upon his Disability (as defined in the Blumberg Employment Agreement). Upon the termination
of Mr. Blumberg’s employment for death or Disability, Mr. Blumberg shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts. The Blumberg
Employment Agreement also contains covenants prohibiting Mr. Blumberg from disclosing confidential information with respect to the Company.
40
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial
ownership of shares of our common stock as of March 26, 2025 by (i) each person known to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding
common stock, (ii) each of our directors, (iii) each of our named executive officers and (iv) all of our directors and named executive
officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect
to all shares beneficially owned, subject to community property laws, where applicable.
Name (1)
Shares
Percentage (2)
Darin Myman (3)
200,000
4.65 %
Peter Shelus
100,000
2.34 %
Brett Blumberg (4)
5,000
* %
Wayne D. Linsley (5)
7,500
* %
Joseph Nelson (5)
7,500
* %
Carly Luogameno (5)
7,500
* %
All Director, Director Nominees, Named Executive Officers and Named Executive Officer Nominees as a group (6 persons)
327,500
7.64 %
*
Represents beneficial ownership of less than
1%.
(1)
The address of each holder listed below, except
as otherwise indicated, is 204 Neilson Street, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901.
(2)
The calculation in this column is based upon 4,276,274 shares of common
stock outstanding on March 24, 2025. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes
voting or investment power with respect to the subject securities. Shares of common stock that are currently exercisable or convertible
within 60 days of March 26, 2025 are deemed to be beneficially owned by the person holding such securities for the purpose of computing
the percentage beneficial ownership of such person, but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage beneficial
ownership of any other person.
(3)
Includes 25,000 vested stock options.
(4)
Includes 5,000 vested stock options.
(5)
Includes 7,500 vested stock options.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity
Compensation Plans
The following table summarizes information about
our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2024.
Plan Category
Number of
securities to
be
issued
upon
exercise of
outstanding options, warrants
and rights
(a)
Weighted average
exercise
price of
outstanding options, warrants
and rights
Number of
securities remaining
available for future
issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities reflected in
column (a))
Equity compensation plans approved by security holder
114,570
$ 126.92
485,430
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holder
—
—
—
Total
114,570
$ 126.92
485,430
41
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED
TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The following includes a summary of transactions
during our fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 to which we have been a party, including transactions in which the amount involved
in the transaction exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal
years, and in which any of our directors, executive officers or, to our knowledge, beneficial owners of more than 5% of our capital stock
or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other
than equity and other compensation, termination, change in control and other arrangements, which are described elsewhere in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K. We are not otherwise a party to a current related party transaction, and no transaction is currently proposed, in
which the amount of the transaction exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last
two completed fiscal years and in which a related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
Transactions with Related Persons
Except as described below and except for employment
arrangements which are described under “executive compensation,” since January 1, 2019, there has not been, nor is there
currently proposed, any transaction in which we are or were a participant, the amount involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of
the average of the total assets at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and any of our directors, executive officers, holders of more than 5%
of our common stock or any immediate family member of any of the foregoing had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
On January 10, 2024, VR Interactive LLC (“VR
Interactive”), a company 45% owned by Darin Myman, the Company’s CEO and 3.75% owned by Peter Shelus, the Company’s
chief technology officer and director, purchased 8,000,000 shares of RPM Interactive from the Metabizz shareholders for cash amounting
to $120,000. Mr. Myman is a partner in VR Interactive. Upon purchase of the shares, VR Interactive, a related party, became a 25% non-controlling
interest in RPM Interactive.].
Related Persons Transaction Policy
We have adopted a formal policy regarding approval
of transactions with related parties. For purposes of our policy only, a related person transaction is a transaction, arrangement or
relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships, in which we and any related person are, were or will
be participants in which the amount involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of our total assets at year-end for our last
two completed fiscal years. Transactions involving compensation for services provided to us as an employee or director are not covered
by this policy. A related person is any executive officer, director or beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities,
including any of their immediate family members and any entity owned or controlled by such persons.
Under the policy, if a transaction has been identified
as a related person transaction, including any transaction that was not a related person transaction when originally consummated or any
transaction that was not initially identified as a related person transaction prior to consummation, our management must present information
regarding the related person transaction to our audit committee, or, if audit committee approval would be inappropriate, to another independent
body of our board of directors, for review, consideration and approval or ratification. The presentation must include a description of,
among other things, the material facts, the interests, direct and indirect, of the related persons, the benefits to us of the transaction
and whether the transaction is on terms that are comparable to the terms available to or from, as the case may be, an unrelated third
party or to or from employees generally. Under the policy, we will collect information that we deem reasonably necessary from each director,
executive officer and, to the extent feasible, significant shareholder to enable us to identify any existing or potential related-person
transactions and to effectuate the terms of the policy. In addition, under our code of business conduct and ethics, our employees and
directors will have an affirmative responsibility to disclose any transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give
rise to a conflict of interest. In considering related person transactions, our audit committee, or other independent body of our board
of directors, will take into account the relevant available facts and circumstances including, but not limited to:
●
the risks, costs and benefits to us;
●
the impact on a director’s independence
in the event that the related person is a director, immediate family member of a director or an entity with which a director is affiliated;
42
●
the availability of other sources for comparable
services or products; and
●
the terms available to or from, as the case may
be, unrelated third parties or to or from employees generally.
The policy requires that, in determining whether
to approve, ratify or reject a related person transaction, our audit committee, or other independent body of our board of directors,
must consider, in light of known circumstances, whether the transaction is in, or is not inconsistent with, our best interests and those
of our shareholders, as our audit committee, or other independent body of our board of directors, determines in the good faith exercise
of its discretion.
Independence of the Board of Directors
Our board of directors undertook a review of
the independence of our directors and considered whether any director has a relationship with us that could compromise that director’s
ability to exercise independent judgment in carrying out that director’s responsibilities. Our board of directors has affirmatively
determined that Wayne D. Linsley, Carly Luogameno and Joseph Nelson are each an “independent director,” as defined under
Nasdaq rules.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table sets forth the aggregate
fees billed by Salberg & Company, P.A. for the year ended December 31, 2024, and 2023:
2024
2023
Audit Fees
$
91,200
$
78,600
Audit Related Fees
$
10,900
$
–
Tax Fees
$
–
$
–
All Other Fees
$
–
$
–
Total
$
102,100
$
78,600
Audit Fees: Audit
fees consist of fees billed for the professional services rendered to us for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements
for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, reviews of the quarterly financial statements during the periods, the issuance of consent
and comfort letters in connection with registration statement filings, and all other services that are normally provided by the accounting
firm in connection with statutory and regulatory filings and engagements.
2024 and 2023 audit fees
include approximately $91,200 and $78,600, respectively, in Salberg & Company, P.A. fees in connection with the audits and quarterly
reviews for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Audit-Related Fees: Fees
not included in audit fees that are billed by the auditor for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance
of the audit of the financial statements.
Tax Fees: Fees
for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning.
All Other Fees: All other fees billed
by the auditor for products and services not included in the foregoing categories.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
In accordance with Sarbanes-Oxley, our audit committee
charter requires the audit committee to pre-approve all audit and permitted non-audit services provided by our independent registered
public accounting firm, including the review and approval in advance of our independent registered public accounting firm’s annual
engagement letter and the proposed fees contained therein. The audit committee has the ability to delegate the authority to pre-approve
non-audit services to one or more designated members of the audit committee. If such authority is delegated, such delegated members of
the audit committee must report to the full audit committee at the next audit committee meeting all items pre-approved by such delegated
members. In the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 all of the services performed by our independent registered public accounting
firm were pre-approved by the audit committee.
43
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT
SCHEDULES
(a)
The following documents are filed as part
of this report:
(1)
Financial Statements:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB Firm ID: 106)
F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets – For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss – For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity– For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows– For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-7
The consolidated financial statements required
by this Item are included beginning at page F-1.
(1)
Financial Statement Schedules:
All financial statement schedules have been omitted
because they are not applicable, not required or the information required is shown in the consolidated financial statements or the notes
thereto.
44
(b)
Exhibits
The following documents are included as exhibits
to this report.
Exhibit
Number
Title
of Document
3.1
Amended
and Restated Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form S-1 filed on July 2,
2021)
3.2
Amended
and Restated Bylaws (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Form S-1/A filed on August 9, 2021)
3.3
Amendment
No.1 to Amended and Restated Bylaws (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 26,
2022)
3.4
Certificate
of Designation of Series A Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Form S-1/A filed on August
9, 2021)
3.5
Certificate
of Designation of Series B Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form
8-K filed on August 7, 2023)
3.6
Certificate
of Amendment to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Form
S-1/A filed on August 9, 2021)
3.7
Certificate
of Change to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Company’s Form
S-1/A filed on August 9 2021)
3.8
Certificate
of Change to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed on September 19, 2023)
3.9
Certificate
of Correction to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 13, 2023)
3.10
Certificate
of Change to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form
8-K filed on December 28, 2023)
4.1
Form
of Series A Warrant Agent Agreement including Form of Series A Warrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s
Form S-1/A filed on August 9, 2021)
4.2
Form
of Representative’s Warrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Form S-1/A filed on August 9,
2021)
4.3
Form
of Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Form S-1/A filed on August 9, 2021)
4.4
2021
Equity Incentive Plan and forms of award agreements thereunder (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s
Form S-1/A filed on August 9, 2021)
4.5
Amended
and Restated 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q filed on November 13, 2023)
4.6
Underwriting
Agreement dated January 16, 2024 between DatChat, Inc. and EF Hutton LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s
Form 8-K filed on January 19, 2024)
4.7
Form of Pre-Funded Warrant (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 1.1) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 19, 2024)
4.8*
Description of Registrant’s Securities
10.1+
Employment
Agreement between the Company and Brett Blumberg (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed
on February 16, 2022)
10.2
Form
of Subscription and Investment Representation Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K
filed on August 7, 2023)
19.1*
DatChat Inc. Insider Trading Policy
21.1
Subsidiaries (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 29, 2024)
23.1*
Consent of Salberg & Company, P.A.
31.1*
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
97.1
DatChat, Inc. Clawback Policy (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 97.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 29, 2024)
101.INS*
Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
104*
Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page of the Registrant’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 is formatted in Inline XBRL
*
Filed herewith.
+
Indicates a management contract or any compensatory
plan, contract or arrangement.
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
Not applicable.
45
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements
of Section 13 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on this 28th day of March, 2025.
DATCHAT, INC.
/s/ Darin Myman
Darin Myman
Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Brett Blumberg
Brett Blumberg
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE
PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints, Darin Myman, as his or her attorney-in-fact,
with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this
Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements
of the Securities Act of 1934, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant
and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/
Darin Myman
Chief Executive Officer
and Director
March 28, 2025
Darin Myman
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/
Brett Blumberg
Chief Financial Officer
March 28, 2025
Brett Blumberg
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/
Peter Shelus
Chief Technology Officer
and Director
March 28, 2025
Peter Shelus
/s/
Wayne D. Linsley
Director
March 28, 2025
Wayne D. Linsley
/s/
Joseph Nelson
Director
March 28, 2025
Joseph Nelson
/s/
Carly Luogameno
Director
March 28, 2025
Carly Luogameno
46
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED
ENTITIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2024 and 2023
CONTENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB Firm ID: 106 ) F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets – For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss – For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity– For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows– For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-8
F- 1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors
of:
DatChat, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated
balance sheet of DatChat, Inc. and subsidiaries and consolidated entities (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023,
the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the
period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years
in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial
statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities
laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the
standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated
financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we
engaged to perform, an audit of internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding
of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess
the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures
that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the
consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide
a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated
below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be
communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial
statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit
matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by
communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or
disclosures to which they relate.
2295 NW Corporate Blvd., Suite 240 ● Boca
Raton, FL 33431-7326
Phone: (561) 995-8270 ● Toll Free: (866) CPA-8500
● Fax: (561) 995-1920
www.salbergco.com ● info@salbergco.com
Member National Association of Certified Valuation
Analysts ● Registered with the PCAOB
Member CPAConnect with Affiliated Offices Worldwide
● Member AICPA Center for Audit Quality
F- 2
Accounting Treatment of Non-Controlling Interests
As described in footnote 2 to the consolidated financial statements,
the Company entered into several transactions in 2024 that involved the equity of its subsidiary RPM Interactive, Inc. (the “subsidiary”)
which created interests in the subsidiary to be accounted for as non-controlling interests. Additionally, to properly allocate the net
loss of the subsidiary to non-controlling interests, management had to allocate certain shared expenses from the parent entity to the
subsidiary. The determination of the date to initially start accounting for non-controlling interests and the dates and method to record
additional initial non-controlling interests, and the method and accuracy of the allocation of shared expenses involved management’s
analysis, judgments and estimates which were complex and subjective.
We identified the above determinations as a critical audit matter.
Auditing management’s analysis, judgments and estimates regarding the above determinations was especially challenging.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit
matter included (a) reviewed authoritative and interpretive literature about non-controlling interests, (b) audited management’s
analysis as to when to start, when to update, and how to record initial non-controlling interests, (c) assessed the reasonableness of
the shared expenses allocation method selected by management and (d) audited the mathematical accuracy of the allocation of the shared
expenses. We agreed with management’s conclusions.
/s/ Salberg & Company, P.A.
SALBERG & COMPANY, P.A.
We have served as the Company’s auditor
since 2023 .
Boca Raton, Florida
March 28, 2025
F- 3
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED
ENTITIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
December 31,
2024
2023
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 1,196,699
$ 953,362
Short-term investments, at fair value
2,952,512
5,236,781
Accounts receivable
207
183
Prepaid expenses
138,604
185,675
Total Current Assets
4,288,022
6,376,001
N0N-CURRENT ASSETS:
Property and equipment, net
33,436
56,565
Internal-use software
1,050,000
-
Operating lease right-of-use asset, net
-
73,977
Total Non-current Assets
1,083,436
130,542
Total Assets
$ 5,371,458
$ 6,506,543
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$ 630,223
$ 322,762
Operating lease liability
-
83,674
Contract liabilities
88
118
Total Current Liabilities
630,311
406,554
Total Liabilities
630,311
406,554
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Preferred stock ($ 0.0001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized)
Series A Preferred stock ($ 0.0001 Par Value; 1 Share designated; none issued and outstanding on December 31, 2024 and 2023)
-
-
Series B Preferred stock ($ 0.0001 Par Value; 2,000,000 Share designated; 2,000,000 issued and outstanding on December 31, 2024 and 2023)
200
200
Common stock ($ 0.0001 par value; 180,000,000 shares authorized; 3,076,274 and 2,103,321 shares issued and 3,009,329 and 2,036,376 shares outstanding on December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively)
308
210
Common stock to be issued ( 139 shares on December 31, 2024 and 2023)
-
-
Additional paid-in capital
59,649,645
54,597,083
Treasury stock, at cost ( 66,945 shares on December 31, 2024 and 2023)
( 397,969 )
( 397,969 )
Accumulated other comprehensive gain
-
34,553
Accumulated deficit
( 52,373,248 )
( 48,134,088 )
Total DatChat, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity
6,878,936
6,099,989
Noncontrolling interest
( 2,137,789 )
-
Total Stockholders’ Equity
4,741,147
6,099,989
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
$ 5,371,458
$ 6,506,543
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements.
F- 4
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED
ENTITIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE
LOSS
For the Year Ended
December 31,
2024
2023
NET REVENUES
$ 436
$ 672
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Compensation and related expenses
2,320,127
4,760,180
Marketing and advertising expenses
128,656
388,444
Professional and consulting expenses
1,031,898
1,324,640
Research and development expense
857,668
1,351,415
General and administrative expenses
942,990
892,972
Impairment loss on property and equipment
-
43,671
Impairment loss on digital currencies and other digital assets
-
23,381
Total operating expenses
5,281,339
8,784,703
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
( 5,280,903 )
( 8,784,031 )
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):
Interest income, net
268,754
384,098
Gain on initial consolidation of variable interest entities
-
42,737
Gain on deconsolidation of variable interest entities
107
-
Foreign currency exchange loss
( 12,965 )
( 102 )
Realized loss on short-term investments
-
( 47,672 )
Total other income (expenses), net
255,896
379,061
NET LOSS
( 5,025,007 )
( 8,404,970 )
Net loss of subsidiary attributable to noncontrolling interest
785,847
-
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
$ ( 4,239,160 )
$ ( 8,404,970 )
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
Net loss
$ ( 5,025,007 )
$ ( 8,404,970 )
Other comprehensive (loss) gain:
Unrealized gain on short-term investments
-
47,518
Unrealized foreign currency translation gain (loss)
12,965
( 12,965 )
Comprehensive loss
$ ( 5,012,042 )
$ ( 8,370,417 )
NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:
Basic and diluted
$ ( 1.43 )
$ ( 4.14 )
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic and diluted
2,958,821
2,028,584
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements.
F- 5
DATCHAT,
INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024 AND 2023
Accumulated
Series
B
Preferred Stock
Common
Stock
Common
Stock
to be Issued
Additional
Paid-in
Treasury
Stock
Other
Comprehensive
Accumulated
Noncontrolling
Total
Stockholders’
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Capital
Shares
Amount
Gain
(Loss)
Deficit
Interest
Equity
Balance,
December 31, 2022
-
$ -
2,059,717
$ 206
139
$ -
$ 52,285,488
-
$ -
$ -
$ ( 39,729,118 )
$ -
$ 12,556,576
Accretion
of stock based compensation in connection with stock option grants
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,002,777
-
-
-
-
-
2,002,777
Accretion
of stock-based professional fees in connection with stock option grants and shares
-
-
-
-
-
-
108,022
-
-
-
-
-
108,022
Issuance
of common stock for professional services
-
-
34,102
3
-
-
199,997
-
-
-
-
-
200,000
Purchase
of treasury stock
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
66,945
( 397,969 )
-
-
-
( 397,969 )
Accumulated
other comprehensive gain
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
34,553
-
-
34,553
Sale
of Series B preferred stock
2,000,000
200
-
-
-
-
800
-
-
-
-
-
1,000
Rounding
for reverse split
-
-
9,502
1
-
-
( 1 )
-
-
-
-
-
-
Net
loss for the period
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
( 8,404,970 )
-
( 8,404,970 )
Balance,
December 31, 2023
2,000,000
200
2,103,321
210
139
-
54,597,083
66,945
( 397,969 )
34,553
( 48,134,088 )
-
6,099,989
Accretion
of stock based compensation in connection with stock option grants
-
-
-
-
-
-
16,816
-
-
-
-
-
16,816
Accretion
of stock-based professional fees in connection with stock option grants
-
-
-
-
-
-
49,764
-
-
-
-
-
49,764
Issuance
of common shares in subsidiary for services
-
-
-
-
-
-
22,500
-
-
-
-
-
22,500
Issuance
of common shares in subsidiary for cash
-
-
-
-
-
-
974,198
-
-
-
-
-
974,198
Issuance of common stock for cash, net of allocated offering costs of $ 149,248
-
-
382,972
39
-
-
559,212
-
-
-
-
-
559,251
Sale of pre-funded warrants, net of allocated offering costs of $ 229,918
-
-
-
-
-
-
861,522
-
-
-
-
-
861,522
Cashless
exercise of pre-funded warrants
-
-
589,981
59
-
-
( 59 )
-
-
-
-
-
-
Issuance
of subsidiary common stock for asset acquisition
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,050,000
-
-
-
-
-
1,050,000
Initial recording
and changes in noncontrolling interest from RPM Interactive ownership changes
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,518,609
-
-
-
-
( 1,351,942 )
166,667
Accumulated
other comprehensive loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
( 34,553 )
-
-
( 34,553 )
Net
loss for the period
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
( 4,239,160 )
( 785,847 )
( 5,025,007 )
Balance,
December 31, 2024
2,000,000
$ 200
3,076,274
$ 308
139
$ -
$ 59,649,645
66,945
$ ( 397,969 )
$ -
$ ( 52,373,248 )
$ ( 2,137,789 )
$ 4,741,147
See accompanying notes to
consolidated financial statements.
F- 6
DATCHAT, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended
December 31,
2024
2023
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss
$ ( 5,025,007 )
$ ( 8,404,970 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
23,129
28,943
Amortization of right of use asset
73,977
60,549
Stock-based compensation
16,816
2,002,777
Stock-based professional fees
106,484
251,302
Stock-based professional fees - Dragon Interactive
22,500
-
Gain from initial consolidation of variable interest
entities
-
( 42,737 )
Gain on deconsolidation of variable interest entities
( 107 )
-
Foreign currency exchange loss
12,965
102
Non-cash research and development expense
166,667
-
Impairment loss on property and equipment
-
43,671
Impairment loss on digital currencies and other
digital assets
-
23,381
Accrued interest included in short-term investments
-
( 374,817 )
Unrealized loss on short-term investments
-
47,672
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
( 24 )
201
Prepaid expenses
( 9,649 )
5,797
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
307,568
( 103,741 )
Contract liabilities
( 30 )
( 68 )
Operating lease liability
( 83,674 )
( 67,339 )
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES
( 4,388,385 )
( 6,529,277 )
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
13,004,039
14,745,000
Purchase of short-term investments, net
( 10,767,288 )
( 8,599,121 )
Purchase of property and equipment
-
( 49,485 )
Increase in cash from consolidation of variable
interest entities
-
64,538
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES
2,236,751
6,160,932
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayment of related party advances
-
( 1,315 )
Proceeds from sale of Series B preferred stock
-
1,000
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net
559,251
-
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary common stock
974,198
-
Proceeds from sale of pre-funded warrants
861,522
-
Purchase of treasury stock
-
( 397,969 )
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
2,394,971
( 398,284 )
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
243,337
( 766,629 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
-
( 12,965 )
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - beginning of year
953,362
1,732,956
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - end of year
$ 1,196,699
$ 953,362
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for:
Interest
$ -
$ -
Income taxes
$ -
$ -
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Initial recording and changes in noncontrolling
interest deficit
$ 1,351,942
$ -
Common stock issued for future
services
$ -
$ 200,000
Acquisition of intangible
assets for common stock of subsidiary
$ 1,050,000
$ -
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements.
F- 7
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION
Organization
DatChat, Inc. (the “Company”) was
incorporated in the State of Nevada on December 4, 2014 under the name of YssUp, Inc. On March 4, 2015, the Company’s corporate
name was changed to Dat Chat, Inc. In August 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company approved to change the name of the Company from
Dat Chat, Inc. to DatChat, Inc. The Company established a fiscal year end of December 31. The Company is a cybersecurity and social media
company that not only focuses on protecting privacy on personal devices but also protects user information after it is shared with others.
The Company’s flagship product, DatChat Messenger & Private Social Network, is a privacy platform and mobile application that
gives users the ability to communicate with the privacy and protection they deserve. Recently, the Company has expanded its business and
product offerings to include the development of Myseum, a social network and multi-media storage platform for consumers and enterprises.
On June 16, 2022, the Company formed a majority
owned subsidiary, RPM Interactive, Inc. under the name SmarterVerse, Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada
(“RPM Interactive”). On February 14, 2024, RPM Interactive filed a Certificate of Amendment with the State of Nevada to change
its name from SmarterVerse, Inc. to Dragon Interactive Corporation. On August 7, 2024, RPM Interactive filed a Certificate of Amendment
with the State of Nevada to change its name from Dragon Interactive Corporation to Dragon Interact, Inc. On November 21, 2024, RPM Interactive
filed a Certificate of Amendment with the State of Nevada to change its name from Dragon Interact, Inc. to RPM Interactive, Inc.
On February 14, 2023, RPM Interactive entered
into a subscription agreement with Metabizz, LLC. In connection with the subscription agreement, RPM Interactive sold Metabizz, LLC 8,000,000
shares of its common stock for $ 800 , which was 40 % of the issued and outstanding common shares of RPM Interactive. On October 2, 2023,
pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, RPM Interactive issued the Company an additional 12,000,000 shares of its common stock for $ 500,000 .
On January 10, 2024, VR Interactive LLC (“VR
Interactive”), a company 45 % owned by Darin Myman, the Company’s CEO and 3.75 % owned by Peter Shelus, the Company’s
chief technology officer and director, purchased 8,000,000 shares of RPM Interactive from the Metabizz shareholders. Mr. Myman is a partner
in VR Interactive. Therefore, VR Interactive, a related party, became a 25 % non-controlling interest in RPM Interactive.
On February 14, 2023, based on the Company’s
analysis, Metabizz, LLC and Metabizz SAS were determined to be variable interest entities (see below). Metabizz, LLC and Metabizz SAS
were formed by a group of technology professionals to provide programming services only to RPM Interactive. One of the founders of Metabizz,
LLC was the chief technology officer of RPM Interactive. On March 31, 2024, based on the Company’s analysis, the Company deconsolidated
Metabizz, LLC and Metabizz SAS. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company ceased doing business with Metabizz, LLC and
Metabizz SAS and pays technology professionals directly.
On August 27, 2024, the Company entered into an
Asset Purchase Agreement with Judaopta LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Seller”), pursuant to which it acquired
from Seller (i) certain software (the “RenAI Software”), which consists of an artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed used
for media library organization with the ability to tag and rename images for PC and MAC devices using AI with integration to Gemini, OpenAI
and Claude and (ii) certain domain names (the “Assets”) in consideration for the transfer by the Company of 8,000,000 restricted
shares of common stock of RPM Interactive.
On October 29, 2024 (the “Closing Date”
and measurement date), RPM Interactive, the Company’s subsidiary, entered into and closed on a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Share
Exchange Agreement”) with (i) RPM Interactive, Inc., a private Florida corporation incorporated on August 23, 2024 (“RPM Florida”);
and (ii) the shareholders of RPM Florida. Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, RPM Interactive acquired 100 % of the shares of RPM
Florida in exchange for 3,500,000 shares of RPM Interactive’s common stock. RPM Florida is a web publishing company that leverages
generative AI systems to offer consumers entertaining gaming apps and podcasting offerings in the sports, finance, entertainment and politics
categories (See Note 5).
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES
Basis of presentation
On September 19, 2023, the Company filed a Certificate
of Change (the “Certificate of Change”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada to effectuate a 1-for-10 reverse
stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of the Company’s issued and outstanding and authorized shares of common stock,
par value $ 0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”). The Reverse Stock Split became effective on September 19, 2023. Proportional
adjustments for the Reverse Stock Split were made to the Company’s outstanding stock options, warrants and equity incentive plans,
and authorized shares. On December 27, 2023, the Company filed a Certificate of Change (the “Certificate of Change”) with
the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada to increase the number of authorized common stock from 18,000,000 shares to 180,000,000
shares. All share and per-share data and amounts have been retroactively adjusted as of the earliest period presented in the consolidated
financial statements to reflect the Reverse Stock Split.
The Company consolidates its subsidiaries that
are wholly-owned and majority owned, and entities that are variable interest entities (“VIE”) where the Company is determined
to be the primary beneficiary. The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent entity. DatChat,
Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary, DatChat Patents II, LLC, and RPM Interactive, which was a majority-owned subsidiary through August
27, 2024 and became a VIE after August 27, 2024, and VIE entities, Metabizz, LLC and Metabizz SAS through March 31, 2024, at which date
the Metabizz VIE entities were deconsolidated. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
F- 8
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
On March 31, 2024, based on the Company’s
analysis, the Company deconsolidated Metabizz, LLC and Metabizz SAS. On or prior to March 31, 2024, the Company ceased doing business
with Metabizz, LLC and Metabizz SAS and now pays technology professionals directly. In connection with the deconsolidation of Metabizz,
LLC and Metabizz SAS, during the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded a gain on deconsolidation of $ 107 .
Noncontrolling interests
The Company follows ASC Topic 810, “Consolidation,”
governing the accounting for and reporting of noncontrolling interests (“NCI”) in partially owned consolidated subsidiaries
and the loss of control of subsidiaries. Certain provisions of this standard indicate, among other things, that NCI be treated as a separate
component of equity, not as a liability, that increases and decreases in the parent’s ownership interest that leave control intact
be treated as equity transactions rather than as step acquisitions or dilution gains or losses, and that losses of a partially-owned consolidated
subsidiary be allocated to noncontrolling interests even when such allocation might result in a deficit balance. The net loss attributed
to NCI was separately designated in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Losses attributable
to NCI in a subsidiary may exceed a NCI’s interests in the subsidiary’s equity. The excess attributable to NCI is attributed
to those interests. NCI shall continue to be attributed their share of losses even if that attribution results in a deficit NCI balance.
The Company allocates certain corporate common
expenses to its subsidiaries based on the ratio of direct subsidiary expenses to total consolidated expenses. Management believes that
this allocation method is reasonable.
The Company accounts for its noncontrolling interest
in RPM Interactive in accordance with ASC Topic 810-10-45, which requires the Company to present noncontrolling interests as a separate
component of total shareholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated net loss attributable to its noncontrolling
interest be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statements of operations. Through January 10, 2024, the date
that VR Interactive purchased 8,000,000 shares of RPM Interactive from Metabizz LLC, any noncontrolling interest eliminated in consolidation.
Because this change in ownership moved from a consolidated entity (the VIE entities) to a nonconsolidated entity (VR Interactive), subsequent
to January 10, 2024 the Company ceased eliminating the noncontrolling interest in consolidation and recorded an initial negative noncontrolling
interest in total equity for the portion of equity ownership not attributable to DatChat based on the minority interest holders’
ownership interest in the carrying value of RPM Interactive’s equity. Due to the issuance of common shares by RPM Interactive, during
the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded aggregate initial negative noncontrolling interest of $ 1,351,942 in total equity
for the portion of additional equity ownership not attributable to the Company based on the minority interest holders’ ownership
interest in the carrying value of RPM Interactive’s equity. The Company also allocated $ 785,847 of the net loss of the subsidiary
to noncontrolling interest resulting in a total noncontrolling interest deficit of $ 2,137,789 as of December 31, 2024.
Variable interest entities
Pursuant to ASC 810-10-25-22 , an entity
is defined as a VIE if it either lacks sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support,
or it is structured such that the holders of the voting rights do not substantively participate in the gains and losses of the entity.
When determining whether an entity that meets the definition of a business qualifies for a scope exception from applying VIE guidance,
the Company considers whether: (i) it has participated significantly in the design of the entity, (ii) it has provided more than half
of the total financial support to the entity, and (iii) substantially all of the activities of the VIE are conducted on its behalf. A
VIE is consolidated by its primary beneficiary, the party that has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the
VIE’s economic performance and has the right to receive benefits or the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could be
potentially significant to the VIE. The primary beneficiary assessment must be re-evaluated on an ongoing basis.
Based on the Company’s analysis, on February
14, 2023, Metabizz, LLC, a Florida corporation, and Metabizz SAS, a company incorporated under the laws of Columbia (collectively “Metabizz”),
were determined to be VIE entities in accordance with ASC 810-10-25-22 because the equity owners in Metabizz did not have the characteristics
of a controlling financial interest and the initial equity investments in these entities may be or are insufficient to meet or sustain
its operations without additional subordinated financial support from DatChat. The equity owners of Metabizz had only a nominal equity
investment at risk, and the Company absorbed or received a majority of the entity’s expected losses or benefits. The Company participated
significantly in the design of Metabizz. The Company has provided working capital advances to Metabizz to allow Metabizz to fund its day-to-day
obligations. Substantially all of the activities of Metabizz were conducted for the Company’s benefit, as evidenced by the fact
that the operations of Metabizz consisted of development of software and technologies to be used by RPM Interactive and the Company provided
working capital to Metabizz to pay employees and independent contractors to perform the development services on behalf of the Company.
Repayment of the working capital advances is not guaranteed by the equity owner of Metabizz and creditors of Metabizz do not have recourse
against the Company. Accordingly, the Company was required to consolidate the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of Metabizz using
the fair value method. Additionally, the managing partner of Metabizz was also the Chief Innovation Officer of RPM Interactive. Since
Metabizz, LLC and Metabizz SAS were considered VIE’s, any noncontrolling interest eliminated in consolidation. In connection with
the initial consolidation of Metabizz, on February 14, 2023 (the initial consolidation date), the Company recorded a gain on initial consolidation
of variable interest entities of $ 42,737 .
On March 31, 2024, based on the Company’s
analysis, the Company deconsolidated Metabizz, LLC and Metabizz SAS. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company ceased
doing business with Metabizz, LLC and Metabizz SAS and will pay technology professionals directly. In connection with the deconsolidation
of Metabizz, LLC and Metabizz SAS, during the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded a gain on deconsolidation of $ 107 .
F- 9
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
Immediately following the August 27, 2024 Asset
Purchase Agreement with the Seller (See Note 1), the Company owned 46.7 % of RPM Interactive. Based on the Company’s analysis, on
August 27, 2024, the Company determined that RPM Interactive met the definition of a VIE under the VIE model, which provides for situations
in which control may be demonstrated other than by the possession of voting rights in RPM Interactive. Based on Company’s analysis,
the Company continues to have the power to direct the activities of RPM Interactive that most significantly impact RPM Interactive’s
economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of RPM Interactive that could potentially be significant to RPM Interactive or
the right to receive benefits from RPM Interactive that could potentially be significant to RPM Interactive. As of December 31, 2024,
the Company retains approximately 39.7 % ownership of RPM Interactive.
The Company’s consolidated balance sheets
included the following assets and liabilities from its VIEs:
December 31,
December 31,
2024
2023
Cash
$ 429,714
$ 5,862
Prepaid expenses
16,956
-
Intangible assets, net
1,050,000
-
Total assets
$ 1,496,670
$ 5,862
Due to DatChat (eliminates in consolidation)
$ 4,990,706
$ 1,023,746
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
26,845
-
Total liabilities
$ 5,017,551
$ 1,023,746
Liquidity
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared
on the basis of continuity of operations, realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the ordinary course
of business. As of December 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $ 1,196,699 , short-term investments of $ 2,952,512 , and working
capital of $ 3,657,711 . Short-term investments include U.S. Treasury zero coupon bills that are all highly rated and have initial maturities
between four and twelve months . Additionally, on January 8, 2025, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase
Agreement”) with certain institutional investors pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell to such investors 1,200,000 shares
of common stock of the Company at a purchase price of $ 4.25 per share of Common Stock (the “Offering”). The closing of the
sales of these securities under the Purchase Agreement took place on January 9, 2025 and the Company received net proceeds of $ 4,537,000
(See Note 10). Net cash used in operations was $ 4,388,385 for the year ended December 31, 2024. Until such time that the Company implements
its growth strategy, it expects to continue to generate operating losses in the foreseeable future, mostly due to corporate overhead,
research and development, and costs of being a public company. The Company believes that its existing working capital of $ 3,657,711 plus
cash raised in 2025 of $ 4,537,000 will provide sufficient cash to enable the Company to meet its operating needs and debt requirements
for the next twelve months from the issuance date of this report.
Use of estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and the related disclosures at the date of the consolidated financial
statements and during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates. Significant estimates include
assumptions used in assessing impairment of long-term assets, the valuation of intangible assets, the valuation of digital currencies
and other digital assets, the valuation of lease liabilities and related right of use assets, the valuation of short-term investments,
the valuation of deferred tax assets, the fair value of assets and liabilities of VIE’s on the initial VIE consolidation date, the
allocation of corporate expenses to subsidiaries which impacts noncontrolling interest, and the fair value of non-cash equity transactions.
Cash and cash equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments
and other short-term investments with maturities of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains
cash and cash equivalent balances at one financial institution that is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).
The Company’s account at this institution is insured by the FDIC up to $ 250,000 . On December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had
cash in excess of FDIC limits of approximately $ 524,000 and $ 446,000 , respectively. To reduce its risk associated with the failure of
such financial institution, the Company evaluates at least annually the rating of the financial institution in which it holds deposits.
Any material loss that the Company may experience in the future could have an adverse effect on its ability to pay its operational expenses
or make other payments and may require the Company to move its cash to other high quality financial institutions.
Fair value measurements and fair value of
financial instruments
The carrying value of certain financial instruments,
including cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued expenses, and due to related party are carried at historical cost basis,
which approximates their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.
The Company analyzes all financial instruments
with features of both liabilities and equity under the Financial Accounting Standard Board’s (the “FASB”) accounting
standard for such instruments. Under this standard, financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest
level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
F- 10
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
The following table represents the Company’s
fair value hierarchy of its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Description
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Short-term investments
$ 2,952,512
$ -
$ -
$ 5,236,781
$ -
$ -
The Company’s short-term investments are
level 1 measurements and are based on redemption value at each date.
Short-term investments
The Company’s portfolio of short-term investments
consists of marketable debt securities which are comprised solely of highly rated U.S. government securities with maturities of more than
three months, but less than one year. The Company classifies these as available-for-sale at purchase date and will reevaluate such designation
at each period end date. The Company may sell these marketable debt securities prior to their stated maturities depending upon changing
liquidity requirements. These debt securities are classified as current assets in the consolidated balance sheet and recorded at fair
value, with unrealized gains or losses included in accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) and as a component of the consolidated
statements of comprehensive loss. Gains and losses are recognized when realized. Gains and losses are determined using the specific identification
method and are reported in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations. Short-term investments are carried
at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices for such securities, if available, or is estimated on the basis of quoted market
prices of financial instruments with similar characteristics.
An impairment loss may be recognized when the
decline in fair value of the debt securities is determined to be other-than-temporary. The Company evaluates its investments for other-than-temporary
declines in fair value below the cost-basis each quarter, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the cost basis
of the short-term investments may not be recoverable. The evaluation is based on a number of factors, including the length of time and
the extent to which the fair value has been below the cost basis, as well as adverse conditions related specifically to the security,
such as any changes to the credit rating of the security and the intent to sell or whether the Company will more likely than not be required
to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis.
Accounts receivable
The Company recognizes an allowance for losses
on accounts receivable and notes receivable in an amount equal to the estimated probable losses net of recoveries under the current expected
credit loss method. The allowance is based on an analysis of historical bad debt experience, current receivables aging and expected future
write-offs, as well as an assessment of specific identifiable customer accounts and notes receivable considered at risk or uncollectible.
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASC 326, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses”. In accordance with ASC 326, an allowance
is maintained for estimated forward-looking losses resulting from the possible inability of customers to make the required payments (current
expected losses). The amount of the allowance is determined principally on the basis of past collection experience and known financial
factors regarding specific customers. The expense associated with the allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable is recognized
in general and administrative expenses. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, accounts receivable amounted to $ 207 and $ 183 , respectively,
and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not recognize any bad debt expense.
Accounting for digital currencies and other
digital assets
The Company accounts for digital currencies and
other digital assets held as indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other
(“ASC 350”). The Company has ownership of and control over its digital currencies and digital assets and the Company may use
third-party custodial services to secure them. The digital currencies and digital assets are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently
remeasured, net of any impairment losses incurred since acquisition. The Company believes that digital currencies and other digital assets
meet the definition of indefinite-lived intangible assets and accounts for them at historical cost less impairment, applying the guidance
in ASC 350. The Company monitors any standard-setting, regulatory or technological developments that may affect the Company’s accounting
for digital currencies or its controls and processes related to digital currencies.
F- 11
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
The Company determines the fair value of its digital
currencies and other digital assets on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, based on quoted prices
on the active exchange(s) that it has determined is the principal market for Ethereum (Level 1 inputs) and other digital assets.
The Company performs an analysis each quarter to identify whether events or changes in circumstances, principally decreases in the quoted
prices on active exchanges, indicate that it is more likely than not that its digital assets are impaired. In determining if an impairment
has occurred, the Company considers the lowest market price quoted on an active exchange since acquiring the respective digital asset.
If the then current carrying value of a digital asset exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss has occurred with respect to those digital
assets in the amount equal to the difference between their carrying values and the fair value. The impaired digital assets are written
down to their fair value at the time of impairment and this new cost basis will not be adjusted upward for any subsequent increase in
fair value. Gains are not recorded until realized upon sale, at which point they are presented net of any impairment losses for the same
digital assets held. In determining the gain or loss to be recognized upon sale, the Company calculates the difference between the sales
price and carrying value of the digital assets sold immediately prior to sale. Impairment losses and gains or losses on sales are recognized
within operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company
recorded an impairment loss of $0 and $ 23,381 , respectively, which consists of the impairment of virtual real estate and digital currencies.
Based on the Company’s impairment analysis, the decrease in value of the virtual real estate and digital currencies, which was based
on the lowest market price quoted on an active exchange, was deemed to be other than temporary. Additionally, the Company determined that
it will not utilize its virtual real estate.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost and
are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from three to five years. Leasehold improvements
are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life or lease term including scheduled renewal terms. Maintenance and repairs are charged
to expense as incurred. When assets are retired or disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and
any resulting gains or losses are included in income in the year of disposition. The Company examines the possibility of decreases in
the value of these assets when events or changes in circumstances reflect the fact that their recorded value may not be recoverable.
Capitalized internal-use software costs
The Company capitalizes costs to develop or
purchase internal-use software in accordance with ASC section 350-40, Intangibles — Goodwill and
Other — Internal-Use Software . Costs incurred to develop internal-use software are expensed as incurred during
the preliminary project stage. Internal-use software development costs are capitalized upon purchase and during the application
development stage, which is after: (i) the preliminary project stage is completed; and (ii) management authorizes and commits to
funding the project and it is probable the project will be completed and used to perform the function intended. Capitalization
ceases at the point the software project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use, and after all substantial testing
is completed. Upgrades and enhancements are capitalized if it is probable that those expenditures will result in additional
functionality. Amortization is provided for on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life of the internal-use software
development costs and related upgrades and enhancements. When existing software is replaced with new software, the unamortized costs
of the old software are expensed when the new software is ready for its intended use. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and
2023, software development costs incurred internally, other than purchased software, were expensed since the Company’s
software development projects were in the preliminary project stage. Such costs were included in research and development costs on
the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
F- 12
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
Impairment of long-lived assets
In accordance with ASC Topic 360, the Company
reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may
not be fully recoverable, or at least annually. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the sum of expected undiscounted future
cash flows is less than 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.
Revenue recognition
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with
ASC Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires revenue to be recognized in a manner that depicts the transfer of
goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those
goods or services.
In accordance with ASU Topic 606 - Revenue
from Contracts with Customers , the Company recognizes revenue in accordance with that core principle by applying the following steps:
Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with
a 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 (or
as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.
The Company recognizes revenues from subscription
fees on the Company’s messaging application in the month they are earned. Annual and lifetime subscription payments received that
are related to future periods are recorded as deferred revenue to be recognized as revenues over the contract term or period. Lifetime
subscriptions are being recognized to revenues over the estimated useful life of the subscription of 12 months. During the years ended
December 31 2024 and 2023, all of the Company’s revenue was generated from subscription revenues.
Research and development
Research and development costs incurred in the
development of the Company’s products are expensed as incurred and include costs such as outside development costs, salaries and
other allocated costs incurred. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, research and development costs incurred in the development
of the Company’s software products were $ 857,668 and $ 1,351,415 , respectively. Research and development costs are included in research
and development expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
On August 27, 2024, the Company entered into an
Asset Purchase Agreement with Judaopta LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Seller”), pursuant to which it acquired
from Seller (i) certain software (the “RenAI Software”), which consists of an artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed used
for media library organization with the ability to tag and rename images for PC and MAC devices using AI with integration to Gemini, OpenAI
and Claude and (ii) certain domain names (the “Assets”) in consideration for the transfer by the Company of 8,000,000 restricted
shares of common stock of RPM Interactive. In connection with this asset acquisition, the Company recorded research and development expense
of $ 166,667 since the Company is still in the development stage and spends most of its time and efforts planning, raising capital, and
performing research and development and accordingly, the recoverability of the cost was not certain. Research and development expense
was calculated as follows:
Amount
Fair value of 8,000,000 shares RPM Interactive shares transferred based on recent sales of RPM Interactive shares at $ 0.30 per share
$ 2,400,000
Less: gain recognized as difference between fair value of 8,000,000 shares calculated above and allocated costs of investment in RPM Interactive and included in research and development
( 2,233,333 )
Research and development expense recorded, net
$ 166,667
F- 13
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
Advertising costs
The Company applies ASC 720 “Other Expenses”
to account for advertising related costs. Pursuant to ASC 720-35-25-1, the Company expenses advertising costs as they are incurred. Advertising
costs were $ 128,656 and $ 388,444 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and are included in marketing and advertising
expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
Leases
The Company applied ASC Topic 842, Leases (Topic
842) to arrangements with lease terms of 12 months or more. Operating lease right of use assets (“ROU”) represents the right
to use the leased asset for the lease term and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum
lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company use an incremental
borrowing rate based on the information available at the adoption date in determining the present value of future payments. Lease expense
for minimum lease payments is amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in general and administrative expenses
in the statements of operations.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant
to the provision of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740-10, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASC
740-10”), which requires, among other things, an asset and liability approach to calculating deferred income taxes. The asset and
liability approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is provided to offset any
net deferred tax assets for which management believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred asset will not be realized.
The Company follows the provision of ASC 740-10
related to Accounting for Uncertain Income Tax Positions. When tax returns are filed, there may be uncertainty about the merits of positions
taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. In accordance with the guidance of ASC 740-10, the benefit of
a tax position is recognized in the consolidated financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management
believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation
processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more likely than
not recognition threshold are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon
settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefit associated with tax positions taken that exceed the amount
measured as described above should be reflected as a liability for uncertain tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheet along with
any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination. The Company believes its tax positions
are all more likely than not to be upheld upon examination. As such, the Company has not recorded a liability for uncertain tax benefits.
The Company has adopted ASC 740-10-25, “Definition
of Settlement”, which provides guidance on how an entity should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the
purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits and provides that a tax position can be effectively settled upon the completion
and examination by a taxing authority without being legally extinguished. For tax positions considered effectively settled, an entity
would recognize the full amount of tax benefit, even if the tax position is not considered more likely than not to be sustained based
solely on the basis of its technical merits and the statute of limitations remains open. The federal and state income tax returns
of the Company are subject to examination by the IRS and state taxing authorities, generally for three years after they are filed.
Stock-based compensation
Stock-based compensation is accounted for based
on the requirements of ASC 718 – “Compensation–Stock Compensation ”, which requires recognition in the consolidated
financial statements of the cost of employee, non-employee and director services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments
over the period the employee or director is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively, the vesting period).
The ASC also requires measurement of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award based on the grant-date
fair value of the award. The Company has elected to account for forfeitures as they occur.
F- 14
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
Foreign currency translation
The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S.
dollar. Except for Metabizz SAS, the functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of the Company’s
VIE, Metabizz SAS, is the Columbian Peso (“COP”). For Metabizz SAS, results of operations and cash flows are translated at
average exchange rates during the period, assets and liabilities are translated at the unified exchange rate at the end of the period,
and equity is translated at historical exchange rates. As a result, amounts relating to assets and liabilities reported on the statements
of cash flows may not necessarily agree with the changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheets. Translation adjustments
resulting from the process of translating the local currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in determining comprehensive
loss. The cumulative translation adjustment and effect of exchange rate changes on cash for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
was $0 and $ 12,965 , respectively. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange
rates prevailing on the transaction dates. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional
currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date with any transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate
fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency included in the results of operations as incurred.
On March 31, 2024, based on the Company’s analysis, the Company deconsolidated Metabizz SAS (See Note 1).
For Metabizz SAS, which is located in Columbia,
asset and liability accounts on December 31, 2023 were translated at 0.0002582 COP to $ 1.00 , which was the exchange rate on the balance
sheet date, and results of operations and cash flows are translated at the average exchange rates during the period of 0.00023415 COP
to $ 1.00 .
Basic and diluted net loss per share
Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing
the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed using the
weighted average number of common shares and potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the period. The following were excluded
from the computation of diluted shares outstanding as they would have had an anti-dilutive impact on the Company’s net loss.
December 31,
2024
2023
Common stock equivalents:
Common stock warrants
67,385
67,385
Common stock options
114,570
158,670
Total
181,955
226,055
Segment reporting
The Company operates as a single operating segment as a technology-based
company that is developing social media applications and technologies. In accordance with ASC 280 – “ Segment Reporting ”,
the Company’s chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer, who reviews operating results to
make decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance for the entire Company. Existing guidance, which is based on a management
approach to segment reporting, establishes requirements to report selected segment information quarterly and to report annually entity-wide
disclosures about products and services, major customers, and the countries in which the entity holds material assets and reports revenue.
All material operating units qualify for aggregation under “Segment Reporting” due to their similarities in economic characteristics
such as nature of services; and procurement processes. All revenues and expenses as reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements
of operations and comprehensive loss are allocated to the one segment.
Reclassification
Certain line items on the consolidated statements
of operations and comprehensive loss and statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023 have been reclassified to conform
to the current period presentation. For the year ended December 31, 2023, on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive
loss, realized gain on short-term investments of $ 374,817 was reclassified to interest income. Additionally, for the year ended December
31, 2023, on the consolidated statement of cash flows, realized gain on short-term investments of $ 374,817 was reclassified to accrued
interest included in short-term investments. These reclassifications did not change the Company’s reported net loss or comprehensive
loss or net cash used in operating activities on the consolidated statement of cash flows for the ended December 31, 2023.
F- 15
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
Recent accounting pronouncements
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03,
Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40), which requires entities
to provide more detailed disaggregation of expenses in the income statement, focusing on the nature of the expenses rather than their
function. The new disclosures will require entities to separately present expenses for significant line items, including but not limited
to, depreciation, amortization, and employee compensation. Entities will also be required to provide a qualitative description of the
amounts remaining in relevant expense captions that are not separately disaggregated quantitatively, disclose the total amount of selling
expenses and, in annual reporting periods, provide a definition of what constitutes selling expenses. This pronouncement is effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, with early
adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this new guidance to have a material impact on the consolidated financial
statements.
Management does not believe that any other recently
issued, but not yet effective accounting pronouncements, if adopted, would have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 3 – SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
On December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company’s
short-term investments consisted of the following:
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Cost
Unrealized
Gain
Fair Value
Cost
Unrealized
Gain
Fair Value
US Treasury zero coupon bills
$ 2,952,512
$ -
$ 2,952,512
$ 5,189,263
$ 47,518
$ 5,236,781
Total short-term investments
$ 2,952,512
$ -
$ 2,952,512
$ 5,189,263
$ 47,518
$ 5,236,781
As of December 31, 2024, short-term investments
mature between January 2025 and November 2025.
NOTE 4 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
On December 31, 2024 and 2023, property and
equipment consisted of the following:
Useful life
December 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
Furniture and fixture
5 years
$ 56,575
$ 56,575
Computer equipment
3 – 5 years
39,590
39,590
Leasehold improvements
3 years
4,350
4,350
100,515
100,515
Less: accumulated depreciation
( 67,079 )
( 43,950 )
$ 33,436
$ 56,565
For the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023,
depreciation of property and equipment amounted to $ 23,129 and $ 28,943 , respectively.
NOTE 5 – INTERNAL-USE SOFTWARE
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, internal-use softwares, net consists
of the following:
Useful Life
(Years)
December 31,
2024 December 31,
2023
Internal-use software 3 Years $ 1,050,000 $ -
Less accumulated amortization -
-
Internal-use software, net $ 1,050,000 $ -
F- 16
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
On October 29, 2024 (the “Closing Date” and measurement
date), RPM Interactive entered into and closed on a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) with (i) RPM
Florida and (ii) the shareholders of RPM Florida (See Note 1). Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, RPM Interactive acquired 100 %
of the shares of RPM Florida in exchange for 3,500,000 shares of RPM Interactive’s common stock. RPM Florida is a web publishing
company that leverages generative AI systems to offer consumers entertaining gaming apps and podcasting offerings in the sports, finance,
entertainment and politics categories. These shares were valued at $ 1,050,000 , or $ 0.30 per share, on the measurement date based on recent
sales of shares of RPM Interactive’s common stock. Pursuant to ASU 2017-01 and ASC 805, RPM Interactive analyzed the Exchange Agreement
and the business of RPM Florida to determine if RPM Interactive acquired a business or acquired assets. Other than owning certain in-development
internal-use software, RPM Florida had no operations or no employees and was not considered a business. Based on this analysis, it was
determined that RPM Interactive acquired an asset. No goodwill was recorded since the Exchange Agreement was accounted for as an asset
purchase. In accordance with ASC 805, the fair value of the assets acquired is based on either the fair value of the consideration given
or the fair value of the assets acquired, whichever is more clearly evident, and thus, more reliably measurable. RPM Interactive used
the market price of the 3,500,000 common shares issued of $ 1,050,000 as the fair value of the assets acquired since this value was more
clearly evident, and thus, more reliable measurable than the fair value of the assets. This acquisition was treated as an asset acquisition
under ASC 805 “ Business Combinations” since RPM Interactive did not meet the definition of a business under ASC 805.
ASC 805 requires the use of the relative fair value method for asset acquisitions to allocate the purchase price, however, since only
a single internal-use software asset was acquired, the entire purchase price shall be allocated to this asset.
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023,
amortization of intangible assets amounted to $0 . The internal-use software has not yet been placed in service as of December 31, 2024.
NOTE 6 – OPERATING LEASE RIGHT-OF-USE
ASSETS AND OPERATING LEASE LIABILITIES
In January 2019, the Company renewed and extended the term of its lease
facility for a three-year period from January 2019 to December 2021 starting with a monthly base rent of $ 2,567 plus a pro rata share
of operating expenses beginning January 2019. The base rent was subject to annual increases beginning the 2 nd and 3 rd
lease year as defined in the lease agreement. In addition to the monthly base rent, the Company is charged separately for common area
maintenance which is considered a non-lease component. These non-lease component payments are expensed as incurred and are not included
in operating lease assets or liabilities. On August 27, 2021, the Company entered into an amendment agreement with the same landlord
to modify the facility lease to relocate and increase the square footage of the lease premises. The lease term commenced on October 1,
2021 with a new monthly base rent of $ 7,156 plus a pro rata share of operating expenses beginning January 2022 and the lease expired on
December 31, 2024 . The base rent was subject to a 3 % annual increase beginning in the 2 nd and 3 rd lease year as
defined in the amended lease agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, rent expense amounted to $ 90,955 and $ 95,310 ,
respectively, and were included in general and administrative expenses. As of the date of this report, the Company has not renewed the
lease and is leasing on a month-to-month basis. The Company does not record ROU assets or lease liabilities for short-term leases that
have a term of twelve months or less at lease commencement, The Company can vacate the premises without any disruption and find alternative
space, if needed.
On August 27, 2021, upon the execution of the
amendment agreement, the Company recorded right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities of $ 198,898 calculated using an incremental
borrowing rate is 18.0 % (based on historical borrowing rates).
Right-of- use assets are summarized below:
December 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
Office lease
$ 198,898
$ 198,898
Less accumulated amortization
( 198,898 )
( 124,921 )
Right-of-use asset, net
$ -
$ 73,977
Operating lease liabilities are summarized
below:
December 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
Office lease
$ 198,898
$ 198,898
Reduction of lease liability
( 198,898 )
( 115,224 )
Total lease liability
-
83,674
Less: current portion
-
83,674
Long term portion of lease liability
$ -
$ -
F- 17
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
NOTE 7 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Due to Related Party
The Company’s officer, Mr. Darin Myman,
from time to time, provided advances to the Company for working capital purposes. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company
repaid $ 1,315 of advances. On December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had no payable to the officer.
Research and Development
On July 19, 2022, the Company entered into a software
development agreement with Metabizz. On February 14, 2023, the Company began consolidating Metabizz as VIEs. For the period from January
1, 2023 to date of consolidation (February 14, 2023), the Company paid Metabizz $ 185,600 for software development services which is included
in research and development expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Other
See Note 9 for Employment Agreement with the Company’s
chief executive officer, Darin Myman .
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023,
the wife of the Company’s chief executive officer was employed as an executive secretary and earned $ 72,000 and $ 72,000 , respectively.
On January 10, 2024, VR Interactive LLC (“VR
Interactive”), a company 45 % owned by Darin Myman, the Company’s CEO and 3.75 % owned by Peter Shelus, the Company’s
chief technology officer and director, purchased 8,000,000 shares of RPM Interactive from the Metabizz shareholders for cash amounting
to $ 120,000 . Mr. Myman is a partner in VR Interactive. Therefore, VR Interactive, a related party, became a 25 % non-controlling interest
in RPM Interactive.
NOTE 8 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Shares Authorized
On September 19, 2023, the Company filed a Certificate
of Change (the “Certificate of Change”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada to effectuate a 1-for-10 reverse
stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of the Company’s issued and outstanding and authorized shares of common stock,
par value $ 0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”). The Reverse Stock Split became effective on September 19, 2023. Proportional
adjustments for the Reverse Stock Split were made to the Company’s outstanding stock options, warrants and equity incentive plans,
and authorized shares.
On November 9, 2023, the Company filed a Certificate
of Correction with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada to correct a typographical error contained in the Certificate of Change
that was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada on September 19, 2023 in order to effectuate the Reverse Stock Split.
The Certificate of Change incorrectly stated that the authorized shares of preferred stock, par value $ 0.0001 per share following the
change was 1,000,000 . The Reverse Stock Split had no impact on the number of authorized shares of preferred, par value $ 0.0001 , which
remains unchanged at 20,000,000 shares.
On December 27, 2023, the Company filed a Certificate
of Change (the “Certificate of Change”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada to increase the number of authorized
common stock from 18,000,000 shares to 180,000,000 shares.
All share and per-share data and amounts have
been retroactively adjusted as of the earliest period presented in the consolidated financial statements to reflect the Reverse Stock
Split.
The authorized capital stock consists of 200,000,000
shares, of which 180,000,000 are shares of common stock and 20,000,000 are shares of preferred stock.
2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan
On July 26, 2021, the Company adopted the 2021
Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Equity Plan”) and authorized the reservation of 200,000 shares of common stock for
future issuances under the 2021 Equity Plan. The 2021 Equity Plan provides that the Company may grant options, stock appreciation rights,
restricted stock, restricted stock units, other stock-based awards or any combination of the foregoing. On December 19, 2022, the Company
held its 2022 annual meeting of stockholders, and the shareholders approved to amend the 2021 Equity Plan to increase the number of shares
reserved for issuances thereunder to 300,000 shares from 200,000 . On November 10, 2023, the board of directors of the Company approved
the adoption of the Amended and Restated 2021 Equity Plan, the sole purpose of which was to remove any inadvertent references to the Company
being a Delaware corporation or the 2021 Equity Plan being governed under Delaware law and to properly state that the Company is a Nevada
corporation and that the 2021 Equity Plan is governed by Nevada law. On December 13, 2024, the Company held its 2024 annual meeting of
stockholders, and the shareholders approved to amend the 2021 Equity Plan to increase the number of shares reserved for issuances thereunder
to 600,000 shares from 300,000 .
F- 18
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
Preferred Stock
Series A Preferred Stock
In August 2016, the Company designated one share
of Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), which has a stated value equal
to $1.00 as may be adjusted for any stock dividends, combinations or splits. Each one (1) share of the Series A Preferred Stock shall
have voting rights equal to (x) the total issued and outstanding Common Stock eligible to vote at the time of the respective vote divided
by (y) forty-nine one hundredths (0.49) minus (z) the total issued and outstanding Common Stock eligible to vote at the time of the respective
vote. The Series A Preferred Stock does not convert into securities of the Company. The Series A Preferred Stock does not contain any
redemption provision. In the event of liquidation of the Company, the holder of Series A Preferred shall not have any priority or preferences
with respect to any distribution of any assets of the Company and shall be entitled to receive equally with the holders of the Company’s
common stock. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no Series A Preferred Stock outstanding.
Series B Preferred Stock
On August 4, 2023, the Board filed the Certificate
of Designation of Preferences (“COD”), Rights and Limitations of Series B Preferred Stock (the “Series B COD”)
with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada designating 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock as Series B (the “Series B Preferred”).
The outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall have 10 votes per share and shall vote together with the outstanding shares of
the Company’s common stock as a single class exclusively with respect to the Authorized Stock Increase (as defined in the Series
B COD) and shall not be entitled to vote on any other matter. The shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall be voted, without action by
the holder, on the Authorized Stock Increase in the same proportion as shares of Common Stock are voted (excluding any shares of Common
Stock that are not voted) on the Authorized Stock Increase. The Series B Preferred shall not have the right to vote and/or consent on
any matter other than an Authorized Stock Increase Proposal. The Series B Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to participate in any
distribution of assets or rights upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, shall not be convertible into Common
Stock or any other security of the Company, and shall not be entitled to any dividends or distributions.
The outstanding shares of Series B preferred shall
be redeemed in whole, but not in part (i) if such redemption is ordered by the board of directors, or (ii) automatically and effective
immediately after the effectiveness of an anticipated Authorized Stock increase. The aggregate consideration payable for the outstanding
Series B Preferred redeemed in the redemption shall be $ 10 in cash (the “Redemption Price”).
From and after the time at which the shares of
Series B Preferred Stock is called for Redemption (whether automatically or otherwise) in accordance with Series B COD, such shares of
Series B Preferred Stock shall cease to be outstanding, and the only right of the former holder of such shares of Series B Preferred Stock,
as such, will be to receive the applicable Redemption Price. The shares of Series B Preferred Stock redeemed by the Company pursuant to
the Series B COD shall be automatically retired and restored to the status of an authorized but unissued share of Preferred Stock, effective
immediately after such Redemption.
On August 4, 2023, the Company issued 2,000,000
of Series B preferred for aggregate cash of $ 1,000 .
Common Stock
Sale of Common Stock and Warrants
On January 16, 2024, the Company entered into
an underwriting agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with EF Hutton LLC (the “Representative”), as the representative
of the underwriters named therein (the “Underwriters”), relating to an underwritten public offering (the “Offering”)
of 382,972 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Shares”) and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 590,000 shares
of Common Stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”). The public offering price for each share of Common Stock was $ 1.85 for aggregate
gross proceeds of $ 708,498 , and public offering price for the Pre-Funded Warrants was $ 1.8499 for each Pre-Funded Warrant for aggregate
gross proceeds of $ 1,091,441 . In connection with this Offering, the Company raised aggregate gross proceeds of $ 1,799,939 and received
net proceeds of $ 1,420,773 , net of Underwriters discounts and offering costs of $ 279,166 and legal fees of $ 100,000 .
The per share exercise price for the Pre-Funded
Warrants was $ 0.0001 and the Pre-Funded Warrants were exercisable immediately. The Underwriters immediately exercised the 590,000 Pre-Funded
Warrants and the Underwriters received 589,981 shares of Common Stock since the exercise was cashless. The Pre-Funded Warrants are not
and will not be listed for trading on any national securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system.
F- 19
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
The Company is using the net proceeds from the
Offering for general corporate purposes, for sales and marketing and for research and development.
The Underwriting Agreement contained customary
representations, warranties and covenants made by the Company. It also provided for customary indemnification by each of the Company and
the Underwriters, severally and not jointly, for losses or damages arising out of or in connection with the Offering, including for liabilities
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, other obligations of the parties and termination provisions. In addition, pursuant to the
terms of the Underwriting Agreement, each of the Company’s directors and executive officers entered into “lock-up” agreements
with the Representative that generally prohibit, without the prior written consent of the Representative and subject to certain exceptions,
the sale, transfer or other disposition of securities of the Company until July 17, 2024. Further, pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting
Agreement, the Company agreed for a period of 180-days from the closing date, subject to certain exceptions, not to issue, enter into
any agreement to issue or announce the issuance or proposed issuance of any shares of capital stock of the Company or any securities convertible
or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of the Company; (ii) file any registration statement; (iii) complete any offering
of debt securities of the Company, other than entering into a line of credit with a traditional bank, or (iv) enter into any swap or other
arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of capital stock of the Company.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, RPM Interactive
entered into a Securities Purchase Agreements with institutional and accredited investors, pursuant to which RPM Interactive sold an aggregate
of 3,247,326 shares of RPM Interactive’s common stock, par value $ 0.0001 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $ 974,198 ,
or $ 0.30 per share.
2023 Stock Repurchase Plan
On January 6, 2023, the Board of Directors of
the Company approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to $ 2 million of the Company’s common stock (the
”2023 Stock Repurchase Program”). In connection with the 2023 Stock Repurchase Program, during the year ended December 31,
2023, the Company purchased 66,945 shares of its common stock for $ 397,969 , or at an average price of $ 5.94 per share, which has been
reflected as treasury stock on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet on December 31, 2024 and 2023. During the year ended December
31, 2024, the Company did not purchase any treasury shares.
Common Stock Issued for Professional Services
On March 6, 2023, the Company entered into a six-month
consulting agreement with an entity for investor relations services. In connection with this consulting agreement, the Company issued
14,300 restricted common shares of the Company to the consultant. These shares vest immediately. These shares were valued at $ 100,000 ,
or $ 6.99 per common share, based on the quoted closing price of the Company’s common stock on the measurement date. In connection
with this consulting agreement, during the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded stock-based professional fees of
$ 0 and $ 100,000 , respectively.
On July 25, 2023, the Company issued 19,802 of
its common shares pursuant to a one-year consulting agreement. These shares were valued at $ 100,000 , or a per share price of $ 5.05 , based
on the quoted closing price of the Company’s common stock on the measurement date. In connection with these shares, during the years
ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded stock-based professional fees of $ 56,720 and $ 43,280 , respectively.
F- 20
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
On January 25, 2024, RPM Interactive entered into
a 9-month consulting agreement with an individual for business development, financial and market due diligence services to be rendered
over the term of the agreement. In connection with this consulting agreement, RPM Interactive issued 1,500,000 of its shares for services
to be rendered. The RPM Interactive shares were valued at $ 22,500 , or $ 0.015 per shares, based on the sale of the RPM Interactive shares
in a private transaction. In the connection with the issuance of these shares, during the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded
stock-based compensation of $ 22,500 .
RPM Interactive Shares Issued for Asset
Purchase
On October 29, 2024, in connection with a Share
Exchange Agreement, RPM Interactive issued 3,500,000 shares of its common stock for an asset acquisition valued at $ 1,050,000 , or $ 0.30
per share, on the measurement date based on recent sales of shares of RPM Interactive’s common stock (See Note 5).
Stock Options
2023
On February 3, 2023, the Company granted an aggregate
of 7,500 options to purchase the Company’s common stock to the Company’s board of directors. The options each have a term
of 5 years from the date of grant and are exercisable at an exercise price of $ 12.50 per share. The options vest six months from date
of grant. The stock options were valued at the grant date using a Black-Scholes option pricing model which will be recognized as stock-based
compensation expense over the vesting period.
On February 3, 2023, the Company granted an aggregate
of 21,500 options to purchase the Company’s common stock to an officers, employees and consultants of the Company. The options each
have a term of 5 years from the date of grant and are exercisable at an exercise price of $ 12.50 per share. The options vest 25 % every
six months from date of grant for 2 years. The stock options were valued at the grant date using a Black-Scholes option pricing model
which will be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the vesting period.
On September 6, 2023, the Company granted an aggregate
of 10,000 options to purchase the Company’s common stock to the Company’s chief financial officer ( 5,000 options) and to an
employee of the Company ( 5,000 options). The options each have a term of 5 years from the date of grant and are exercisable at an exercise
price of $ 15.00 per share. The options vest immediately. The stock options were valued at the grant date using a Black-Scholes option
pricing model which will be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the vesting period.
The 2023 stock option grants were valued at the
respective grant dates using a Black-Scholes option pricing model using the assumptions discussed below. In connection with the stock
option grants, the Company valued these stock options at a fair value of $ 185,628 , or an average of $ 4.76 per option. and records stock-based
compensation expense over the vesting period. Upon cancellation of unvested stock options, the fair value of these cancelled options will
be reversed.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, certain
employees and consultants were terminated. Accordingly, 33,775 unvested options were forfeited and $ 133,190 of previously recognized stock-based
compensation and $ 26,144 of previously recognized stock-based professional fees was reversed.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, accretion
of stock-based expense related to stock options, which is net of the reversal of previously recognized stock-based expense due to forfeiture,
amounted to $ 2,110,799 of which $ 2,002,777 was recorded in compensation and related expenses and $ 108,022 was recorded in professional
and consulting expenses as reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.
2024
During the year ended December 31, 2024, accretion
of stock-based expense related to stock options, which is net of the reversal of previously recognized stock-based expense due to forfeiture,
amounted to $ 66,580 , of which $ 16,816 was recorded in compensation and related expenses and $ 49,764 was recorded in professional and consulting
expenses as reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.
F- 21
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
As of December 31, 2024, a balance of $ 994 remains
to be expensed over future vesting periods related to unvested stock options issued for services to be expensed over a weighted average
period of 0.05 years.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the stock
options were valued at the grant date using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions. The simplified method
was used for the expected option term and expected volatility was based on historical volatility:
2023
Dividend rate
-
%
Term (in years)
3 years
Volatility
137.0 % to 168.0 %
Risk—free interest rate
3.96 % - 4.73 %
The following is a summary of the Company’s
stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 as presented below:
Number of
Options Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
Balance on December 31, 2022 160,420 $ 109.90 3.91
Granted 39,000 13.14 -
Cancelled ( 40,750 ) 35.35 -
Balance on December 31, 2023 158,670 105.30 3.12
Cancelled ( 44,100 ) 49.13 -
Balance on December 31, 2024 114,570 $ 126.92 2.08
Options exercisable on December 31, 2024 101,695 $ 138.68 2.01
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the 2024 period $ -
On December 31, 2024, the aggregate intrinsic
value of options outstanding was $ 0 .
Common Stock Warrants
On January 16, 2024, in connection with the Underwriting
Agreement, the Company sold pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 590,000 shares of Common Stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”).
The public offering price was $ 1.8499 for each Pre-Funded Warrant for aggregate gross proceeds of $ 1,091,441 . The per share exercise price
for the Pre-Funded Warrants was $ 0.0001 and the Pre-Funded Warrants were exercisable immediately. The Underwriters immediately exercised
the 590,000 Pre-Funded Warrants and the Underwriters received 589,981 shares of Common Stock since the exercise was cashless.
A summary of the Company’s outstanding stock
warrants, including 44,252 Series A public warrants, is presented below:
Number of
Warrants Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
Balance on December 31, 2022 67,385 $ 49.80 3.65
Cancelled -
Balance on December 31, 2023 67,385 49.80 2.65
Granted 590,000
Exercised ( 590,000 ) -
-
Balance on December 31, 2024 67,385 $ 49.80 1.65
Warrants exercisable on December 31, 2024 67,385 $ 49.80 1.65
On December 31, 2024, the aggregate intrinsic
value of warrants outstanding was $ 0 .
NOTE 8 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Operating Lease Agreement
See Note 6 for disclosure on the Company’s operating lease for
its offices.
F- 22
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
Employment Agreement
On August 27, 2021 (the “Effective Date”),
the Company entered into an agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) with Darin Myman effective as of August 15, 2021 pursuant
to which Mr. Myman’s (i) base salary will increase to $ 450,000 per year, and (ii) Mr. Myman may be entitled to receive an annual
bonus in an amount up to $ 350,000 , which annual bonus may be increased by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the
Company (the “Compensation Committee”), in its sole discretion, upon the achievement of additional criteria established by
the Compensation Committee from time to time (the “Annual Bonus”). The Employment Agreement provides for a term of one
(1) year (the “ Initial Term ”) from the date of the Effective Date and shall automatically be extended for additional
terms of one (1) year each (each a “ Renewal Term ”) unless either party gives prior written notice of non-renewal to
the other party no later than six (6) months prior to the expiration of the Initial Term, or the then current Renewal Term, as the case
may be. In addition, pursuant to the Employment Agreement, upon termination of Mr. Myman’s employment for death or Total Disability
(as defined in the Employment Agreement), in addition to any accrued but unpaid compensation and vacation pay through the date of his
termination and any other benefits accrued to him under any Benefit Plans (as defined in the Employment Agreement) outstanding at such
time and the reimbursement of documented, unreimbursed expenses incurred prior to such termination date (collectively, the “Payments”),
Mr. Myman shall be entitled to the following severance benefits: (i) 24 months of his then base salary; (ii) if Mr. Myman elects continuation
coverage for group health coverage pursuant to COBRA Rights (as defined in the Employment Agreement), then for a period of 24 months following
Mr. Myman’s termination he will be obligated to pay only the portion of the full COBRA Rights cost of the coverage equal to an active
employee’s share of premiums (if any) for coverage for the respective plan year; and (iii) payment on a pro-rated basis of any Annual
Bonus or other payments earned in connection with any bonus plan to which Mr. Myman was a participant as of the date of his termination
(together with the Payments, the “Severance”). Furthermore, pursuant to the Employment Agreement, upon Mr. Myman’s termination
(i) at his option (A) upon 90 days prior written notice to the Company or (B) for Good Reason (as defined in the Employment Agreement),
(ii) termination by the Company without Cause (as defined in the Employment Agreement) or (iii) termination of Mr. Myman’s employment
within 40 days of the consummation of a Change in Control Transaction (as defined in the Employment Agreement), Mr. Myman shall receive
the Severance; provided, however, Mr. Myman shall be entitled to a pro-rated Annual Bonus of at least $ 200,000 . In addition, any equity
grants issued to Mr. Myman shall immediately vest upon termination of Mr. Myman’s employment by him for Good Reason or by the Company
at its option upon 90 days prior written notice to Mr. Myman, without Cause.
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023,
the compensation committee of the board of directors of the Company approved and the Company recorded a bonus to the Company’s chief
executive officer in the amount of $ 300,000 and $ 300,000 , respectively.
Ambassador Settlement
Prior to the Company’s IPO, the Company
initiated a proposed “Ambassador Program” as a means to reward early investors for being Company brand ambassadors, helping
the Company create value by using and letting others know about the Company and its products. However, the program never came to full
fruition. In connection with a recent review and evaluation of this initiative, management made a determination regarding the value of
what the eligible investors would have received. As a result, the Company made outreach to these investors to provide them with an opportunity
to claim their reward payments, and distributions began in January 2025. The maximum estimated total potential distribution under this
program is expected to be approximately $ 86,246 . However, the actual distribution amount may be lower if less than all contacted shareholders
claim their reward payments. The claim of reward payments has no expiration date. As of December 31, 2024, the Company accrued $ 76,428
of such claim and recorded settlement expense of $ 76,428 , which is included and general and administrative expenses on the accompanying
statement of operation and comprehensive loss.
NOTE 9 – INCOME TAXES
The Company maintains deferred tax assets and
liabilities that reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial
reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The deferred tax assets on December 31, 2024 and 2023 consist of net
operating loss carryforwards. The net deferred tax asset has been fully offset by a valuation allowance because of the uncertainty of
the attainment of future taxable income.
The Company has incurred aggregate net operating losses of approximately
$ 31,494,900 for income tax purposes as of December 31, 2024. The net operating losses carry forward for United States income taxes, which
may be available to reduce future years’ taxable income. Management believes that the realization of the benefits from these losses
appears unlikely due to the Company’s limited operating history and continuing losses for United States income tax purposes. Accordingly,
the Company has provided a 100 % valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset resulting from the net operating losses to reduce the asset
to zero. Management will review this valuation allowance periodically and make adjustments as necessary.
The items accounting for the difference between
income taxes at the effective statutory rate and the provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as
follows:
Year Ended
December 31,
2024
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
Income tax benefit at U.S. statutory rate
$ ( 1,055,252 )
$ ( 1,765,044 )
Income tax benefit – State
( 251,250 )
( 420,248 )
Non-deductible expenses
81,214
587,344
Change in valuation allowance
1,225,288
1,597,948
Total provision for income tax
$ -
$ -
F- 23
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
The Company’s approximate net deferred tax
asset on December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
Deferred Tax Asset:
December 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
Net operating loss carryforward
$ 8,188,681
$ 6,963,393
Valuation allowance
( 8,188,681 )
( 6,963,393 )
Net deferred tax asset
$ -
$ -
Of the $ 31,494,927 of available net operating
losses, $ 1,403,306 begins to expire in 2034 and $ 30,091,621 which were generated after 2018 can be utilized indefinitely subject to annual
usage limitations.
The Company provided a valuation allowance equal to the deferred income
tax asset for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 because it was not known whether future taxable income will be sufficient to
utilize the loss carryforward. The increase in the allowance was $ 1,225,288 and $ 1,597,948 in years 2024 and 2023.
Additionally, the future utilization of the net
operating loss carryforward to offset future taxable income may be subject to an annual limitation as a result of ownership changes that
could occur in the future. If necessary, the deferred tax assets will be reduced by any carryforward that expires prior to utilization
as a result of such limitations, with a corresponding reduction of the valuation allowance.
The Company does not have any uncertain tax positions
or events leading to uncertainty in a tax position. The Company’s 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 Corporate Income Tax Returns are subject
to Internal Revenue Service examination.
NOTE 10 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Sale of Common Shares
On January 8, 2025, the Company entered into a
securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain institutional investors, pursuant to which the Company
agreed to sell to such investors 1,200,000 shares (the “Shares”) of common stock of the Company (the “Common Stock”),
at a purchase price of $ 4.25 per share of Common Stock (the “Offering”), for gross proceeds from the offering were approximately
$ 5.1 million, prior to deducting placement agent’s fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. The shares of Common
Stock were offered by the Company pursuant to its shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-268058), which was declared effective
by the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 6, 2022, a base prospectus dated December 6, 2022 and a prospectus supplement dated
January 8, 2025. The closing of the sales of these securities under the Purchase Agreement took place on January 9, 2025 and the Company
received net proceeds of $ 4,537,000 after deducting placement fees and expenses of $ 563,000 . The Company intends to use the net proceeds
from the offering for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
On January 7, 2025, the Company entered into an
engagement agreement with The Benchmark Company, LLC, as exclusive placement agent (“Benchmark” or the “Placement Agent”),
pursuant to which the Placement Agent agreed to act as placement agent on a reasonable “best efforts” basis in connection
with the Offering. The Company agreed to pay the Placement Agent an aggregate cash fee equal to 7.0 % of the gross proceeds from the sale
of securities in the Offering and a non-accountable expense allowance equal to 1.0 % of the gross proceeds raised in the Offering. The
Company also agreed to issue the Placement Agent (or its designees) a warrant (the “Placement Agent Warrant”) to
purchase up to 5 % of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock sold in the offering, or warrants to purchase up to 60,000 shares
of Common Stock, at an exercise price equal to 100.0 % of the offering price per share of Common Stock, or $ 4.25 per share. The Placement
Agent Warrant is exercisable during the four-and-a-half year period commencing six months after the date of the closing of this Offering.
In addition, the Company agreed to pay the Placement Agent $ 80,000 for legal expenses and other out-of-pocket expenses.
F- 24
DATCHAT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2024 and 2023
Executive Bonus
On January 14, 2025, the compensation committee
of the board of directors of the Company approved and the Company paid a one-time bonus to the Company’s chief executive officer
in the amount of $ 350,000 .
Cancellation of RPM Interactive Shares
On January 14, 2025, the Company agreed to cancel
3,500,000 shares of RPM Common Stock for no consideration.
Stock Options
On January 14, 2025, the Company granted an aggregate
of 30,000 options to purchase the Company’s common stock to the Company’s board of directors. The options each have a term
of 10 years from the date of grant and are exercisable at an exercise price of $ 5.50 per share. The options vest in equal 25 % installments
every 6 months beginning on the 6-month anniversary of the date of grant. The stock options were valued at the grant date using a Black-Scholes
option pricing model which will be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the vesting period.
On January 14, 2025, the Company granted an aggregate of 230,000 options
to purchase the Company’s common stock to an officer, employees and consultants of the Company. The options each have a term of
10 years from the date of grant and are exercisable at an exercise price of $ 5.50 per share. The options vest in equal 25 % installments
every 6 months beginning on the 6-month anniversary of the date of grant. The stock options were valued at the grant date using a Black-Scholes
option pricing model which will be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the vesting period.
Equity Sales Agreement
On February 10, 2025, the Company entered into a Sales Agreement (the
“Sales Agreement”) with The Benchmark Company, LLC (“Benchmark”) to sell shares of the Company’s common
shares (the “Shares”) having an aggregate sales price of up to $ 6,000,000 , from time to time, through an “at the market
offering” program under which Benchmark will act as sales agent. The sales, if any, of the Shares made under the Sales Agreement
will be made by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
The Company will pay Benchmark a commission rate equal to 4.0 % of the
aggregate gross proceeds from each sale of Shares; provided however, that in the event that the amount of Shares sold under the Sales
Agreement increases to $ 1 million or more, then the commission rate will be reduced to 3 %. In addition, the Company agreed to provide
Benchmark with customary indemnification and contribution rights. The Company will also reimburse Benchmark for certain specified expenses
in connection with entering into the Sales Agreement. The Sales Agreement contains customary representations and warranties and conditions
to the sale of the Shares pursuant thereto. The Company is not obligated to sell any of the Shares under the Sales Agreement and may at
any time suspend solicitation and offers thereunder. The offering of Shares pursuant to the Sales Agreement will terminate on the earlier
of (1) the sale, pursuant to the Sales Agreement, of Shares having an aggregate offering price of $ 6,000,000 and (2) the termination
of the Sales Agreement by either us or Benchmark, as permitted therein. The Shares will be issued pursuant to our shelf registration statement
on Form S-3 (File No. 333-268058) filed by the Company with the SEC on October 28, 2022 and declared effective
by the SEC on December 6, 2022.
F- 25