Versus Systems Inc. 10-K

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Disclosure Controls and Procedures Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report, as required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, management has conducted an assessment using the criteria in the updated Internal Control-Integrated Framework, issued in 2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Our system of internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions and that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's report on internal control over financial reporting was not subject to attestation by our independent 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 None. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION None . ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTION THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS Not applicable. 35 PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Directors and Senior Management The following table sets forth the names and ages of the members of our board of directors and our executive officers and the positions held by each. Our board of directors elects our executive officers annually by majority vote. Each director’s term continues until his or her successor is elected or qualified at the next annual meeting, unless such director earlier resigns or is removed. Name Age Positions and Offices Matthew Pierce 46 Director and Chief Executive Officer Craig Finster 47 President and Chief Financial Officer Alex Peachey 49 Chief Technology Officer Keyvan Peymani 47 Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors Michelle Gahagan 65 Independent Director Shannon Pruitt 49 Independent Director Luis Goldner 55 Independent Director David Catzel 70 Independent Director Juan Carlos Barrera 60 Independent Director The following is information about the experience and attributes of the members of our board of directors and senior executive officers as of the date of this Annual Report. The experience and attributes of our directors discussed below provide the reasons that these individuals were selected for board membership, as well as why they continue to serve in such positions. Matthew Pierce , 46, was the Founder of Versus LLC and joined our company as Chief Executive Officer and a director in 2016. Mr. Pierce has over 20 years of experience working in entertainment and technology. Prior to founding Versus Systems, Mr. Pierce founded in June 2014 and was until June 2016 the chief executive officer of OLabs, LLC, a technology incubator that founded Versus. From April 2011 to June 2014, Mr. Pierce was Vice President of Strategy at Originate Inc., a business incubator where he worked with early-stage technology companies. Since 2014, Mr. Pierce has been a Lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles, or UCLA, Anderson School of Management and in the Economics department at UCLA, where he teaches entrepreneurship. Mr. Pierce is a graduate of Stanford University and earned his MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. Craig Finster , 47, joined our company as Chief Financial Officer in 2016 and additionally as President in 2019. Mr. Finster has over 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, and corporate development for technology companies. Between April 2010 and March 2019, Mr. Finster worked at Originate, Inc. in a variety of roles, including Sr. Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Managing Director of Originate’s Strategic Advisory Group, which focused on capital advisory for early and growth stage companies. He received his bachelor’s degrees in economics and finance from the University of Arizona and his MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. 36 Alex Peachey , 49, joined our company as Chief Technology Officer in May 2016. Mr. Peachey leads the architecture efforts for our Elixir-based Winfinite challenge platform. Prior to joining us, Mr. Peachey founded Threadbias LLC in January 2011, an online community for people who love to sew and wish to exchange ideas, share projects and join or create groups. He continues to serve as their CEO. From February 2012 to May 2016, Mr. Peachey served the Director of Engineering at Originate, Inc., where he managed a team of software engineers. He holds a BS in Computer Science from Western Washington University and an MBA from the University of Washington. Keyvan Peymani , 47, joined our company as a director in 2016 and became Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors in April 2020. Mr. Peymani is a veteran senior executive and leader working at the intersection of technology, media, and venture capital. Since April 2021 Mr. Peymani has been the Chief Marketing Officer of Cirque du Soleil. From March 2017 to January 2019, Mr. Peymani served as the Head of Startup Marketing for Amazon Web Services where he was responsible for the global marketing strategy. Since January 2016, he has been serving as a Venture Partner and Senior Advisor to Touchdown Ventures, a venture capital firm pairing with several leading corporations to establish and manage their platforms. From June 2012 to February 2016, Mr. Peymani served as the Managing Director, Digital Strategy Division at ICM Partners, one of the world’s largest talent and literary agencies, and was the firm’s chief digital executive, reporting to the Executive Board. Mr. Peymani has a BA in Religious Studies and a BA in Neurobiology with concentrations in Neuroscience from Northwestern University. He holds an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. Michelle Gahagan , 65, joined our company as a director in 2016. Since May 2006, Ms. Gahagan has been serving as the Managing Director of Intrepid Financial, a privately-held merchant bank based in Vancouver, British Columbia and London, England. In August 2014, Ms. Gahagan founded and has since been serving as a director of France Bike Rentals, a large bike rental business with over 500 rental bikes and over 2,500 annual reservations. Since January 2018, Ms. Gahagan has been serving as the Board Chair of Canadian Palladium Resources, an exploration company specializing in palladium and cobalt projects. From February 2016 to June 2018, she also served as a director at US Cobalt Inc., a Canadian-based company focused on the exploration of cobalt assets in the Idaho cobalt belt. Ms. Gahagan graduated from Queens University Law School and practiced corporate law for 20 years. Ms. Gahagan has extensive experience advising companies with respect to international tax-driven structures, mergers and acquisitions. Shannon Pruitt , 49, joined our company as a director in September 2022. Ms. Pruitt has served as the Global Chief Content Officer of Stagwell Media Network since September 2021, where she is responsible for global content-related agency and client partnerships, products and solutions. As part of the Stagwell acquisition of MDC Media Partners, where she was President of Content, Managing Director, from August 2020 to December 2021. Pruitt was promoted into her global role within the Stagwell Media Network. From July 2019 to August 2020, she was the Managing Partner, EVP: Walt Disney Television Networks Portfolio. Ms. Pruitt has extensive consumer engagement and marketing experience from her prior roles as Chief Marketing Officer of The Honest Company (2018-2019), Co-founder and President of Dentsu’s The Story Lab (2014-2017), and Chief Content Officer at Carat (2017-2018). She has also previously built and led integrated marketing and sales teams at global production powerhouses Fremantle Media, Mark Burnett Productions, Warner Bros, 19 Entertainment, and Octagon, where she was responsible for the strategy and activation of MasterCard’s FIFA World Cup, Major League Baseball and the NFL sponsorships. Luis Goldner , 55, joined our company as a director in December 2023. Mr. Goldner is a senior corporate executive, having managed and operated fortune 500 companies in LATAM and North America. Mr. Goldner has served as Chief Operating Officer of Icaro Media Group Inc. since 2019, and is responsible for global partnerships, consumer trends and operational best practices. From 2018 to 2019, Mr. Goldner was the VP of Business at Skyy Digital Media Group. Previously, Mr. Goldner served as Chief Executive Officer of Intralot do Brazil and Chief Executive Officer for Trust Impressores, a subsidiary of Oberthur Group and has also served as head of business development and Managing director of Estrategia Investimentos SA / Citibank in asset management. Mr. Goldner holds a degree in Economics from Universidade Gama Filho RJ–Brazil. David Catzel , 70, joined our company as a director in December 2023. Mr. Catzel is an accomplished business and technology executive with an extensive history of strategic alliances in media content, licensing, marketing and technology. Since 2020, Mr. Catzel has served as a consultant to the Holistyx Group and a Senior 5G Connectivity Solutions Specialist to T-Mobile. From 2017 to 2020, he was the VP Digital Transformation at FuseConnections. From 2020 to 2023 he was also a Senior Industry Digital Strategist: Automotive, Mobility, and Transportation at Microsoft. 37 Juan Carlos Barrera , 60, joined our company as a director in December 2023. Mr. Barrera is a senior corporate executive with extensive experience in finance, international investments, acquisitions and global partnerships. Since 2020, Mr. Barrera has served as Chief Commercial Officer of Icaro Media Group Inc., responsible for strategic partnerships and global strategy. From 2015 to 2019, Mr. Barrera served as President of SKYY Digital Media. He was also previously the CEO of Global Select Wealth Management, and for over twenty years Mr. Barrera worked at Prudential Financial where he served both as Director of Institutional Wealth Management at Prudential International Investments and Director of Institutional Investments at Dryden Wealth Management. Mr. Barrera holds degrees in Economics and Business Administration from Coe College. Board Practices Board Composition and Structure; Director Independence Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our board of directors. Our board of directors currently consists of seven members. The term of office for each director will be until his or her successor is elected at our annual meeting or his or her death, resignation or removal, whichever is earliest to occur. While we do not have a stand-alone diversity policy, in considering whether to recommend any director nominee, including candidates recommended by shareholders, we believe that the backgrounds and qualifications of the directors, considered as a group, should provide a significant mix of experience, knowledge and abilities that will allow our board of directors to fulfill its responsibilities. As set forth in our corporate governance guidelines, when considering whether directors and nominees have the experience, qualifications, attributes or skills, taken as a whole, to enable our board of directors to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of our business and structure, the board of directors focuses primarily on each person’s background and experience as reflected in the information discussed in each of the directors’ individual biographies set forth above. We believe that our directors and director nominees will provide an appropriate mix of experience and skills relevant to the size and nature of our business. Our board of directors expects a culture of ethical business conduct. Our board of directors encourages each member to conduct a self-review to determine if he or she is providing effective service with respect to both our company and our shareholders. Should it be determined that a member of our board of directors is unable to effectively act in the best interests of our shareholders, such member would be encouraged to resign. Board Leadership Structure Our articles and our corporate governance guidelines provide our board of directors with flexibility to combine or separate the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in accordance with its determination that utilizing one or the other structure is in the best interests of our company. Matthew Pierce currently serves as our Chief Executive Officer and Keyvan Peymani serves as Executive Chairman of the Board. As Executive Chairman of the Board, Mr. Peymani’s key responsibilities will include facilitating communication between our board of directors and management, assessing management’s performance, managing board members, preparation of the agenda for each board meeting, acting as chair of board meetings and meetings of our company’s shareholders and managing relations with shareholders, other stakeholders and the public. We will take steps to ensure that adequate structures and processes are in place to permit our board of directors to function independently of management. The directors will be able to request at any time a meeting restricted to independent directors for the purposes of discussing matters independently of management and are encouraged to do so should they feel that such a meeting is required. Foreign Private Issuer Status In our annual assessment of our foreign private issuer status on June 30, 2023, we determined that we no longer meet the requirements of a foreign private issuer. As a result, as of January 1, 2024, we are no longer permitted to follow the corporate governance practices of our home country (Canada) and to avail ourself of the reduced disclosure requirements and applicable exemptions from U.S. securities rules and regulations. Effective on January 1, 2024, we transitioned to U.S. domestic reporting status and became subject to the reporting requirements of domestic U.S. issuers. 38 Committees of our Board of Directors The standing committees of our board of directors consist of an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee. Each of the committees reports to our board of directors as they deem appropriate and as our board may request. Each committee of our board of directors has a committee charter that will set out the mandate of such committee, including the responsibilities of the chair of such committee. The composition, duties and responsibilities of these committees are set forth below. Audit Committee The audit committee is responsible for, among other matters: ● appointing, retaining and evaluating our independent registered public accounting firm and approving all services to be performed by them; ● overseeing our independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications, independence and performance; ● overseeing the financial reporting process and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm the interim and annual financial statements that we file with the SEC; ● reviewing and monitoring our accounting principles, accounting policies, financial and accounting controls and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; ● establishing procedures for the confidential anonymous submission of concerns regarding questionable accounting, internal controls or auditing matters; and ● reviewing and approving related person transactions. Our audit committee consists of three of our directors, Michelle Gahagan, Shannon Pruitt, and Juan Carlos Barrera, each of whom meets the definition of “independent director” for purposes of serving on an audit committee under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and Nasdaq listing rules. Ms. Gahagan serves as chairman of our audit committee. Our board of directors has determined that Ms. Gahagan qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act. The written charter for our audit committee is available on our corporate website at www.versussystems.com . The information on our website is not part of this Annual Report. Compensation Committee The compensation committee is responsible for, among other matters: ● reviewing key employee compensation goals, policies, plans and programs; ● reviewing and approving the compensation of our directors, chief executive officer and other executive officers; ● producing an annual report on executive compensation in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC; ● reviewing and approving employment agreements and other similar arrangements between us and our executive officers; and ● administering our stock plans and other incentive compensation plans. 39 Our compensation committee consists of three of our directors, Michelle Gahagan, Shannon Pruitt, and David Catzel, each of whom meets the definition of “independent director” under the Nasdaq rules and the definition of non-employee director under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Ms. Gahagan serves as chairman of our compensation committee. Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the compensation committee, which is available on our corporate website at www.versussystems.com . The information on our website is not part of this Annual Report. Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Our nominating and corporate governance committee will be responsible for, among other matters: ● determining the qualifications, qualities, skills and other expertise required to be a director and developing and recommending to the board for its approval criteria to be considered in selecting nominees for director; ● identifying and screening individuals qualified to become members of our board of directors, consistent with criteria approved by our board of directors; ● overseeing the organization of our board of directors to discharge our board’s duties and responsibilities properly and efficiently; ● reviewing the committee structure of the board of directors and the composition of such committees and recommending directors to be appointed to each committee and committee chairmen; ● identifying best practices and recommending corporate governance principles; and ● developing and recommending to our board of directors a set of corporate governance guidelines and principles applicable to us. Our nominating and corporate governance committee consists of three of our directors, Michelle Gahagan, Shannon Pruitt, and Luis Goldner, each of whom meets the definition of “independent director” under the Nasdaq rules. Ms. Gahagan serves as chairman of our nominating and corporate governance committee. Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the nominating and corporate governance committee, which is available on our corporate website at www.versussystems.com . The information on our website is not part of this Annual Report. Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past fiscal year has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of another entity that had one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of our board of directors or compensation committee. None of the members of our compensation committee, when appointed, will have at any time been one of our officers or employees. Other Committees Our board of directors may establish other committees as it deems necessary or appropriate from time to time. Director Term Limits Our board of directors has not adopted policies imposing an arbitrary term or retirement age limit in connection with individuals serving as directors as it does not believe that such a limit is in the best interests of our company. Our nominating and corporate governance committee will annually review the composition of our board of directors, including the age and tenure of individual directors. Our board of directors will strive to achieve a balance between the desirability of its members having a depth of relevant experience, on the one hand, and the need for renewal and new perspectives, on the other hand. 40 Risk Oversight Our board of directors oversees the risk management activities designed and implemented by our management. Our board of directors executes its oversight responsibility for risk management both directly and through its committees. The full board of directors also considers specific risk topics, including risks associated with our strategic plan, business operations and capital structure. In addition, our board of directors regularly receives detailed reports from members of our senior management and other personnel that include assessments and potential mitigation of the risks and exposures involved with their respective areas of responsibility. Our board of directors has delegated to the audit committee oversight of our risk management process. Our other board committees also consider and address risk as they perform their respective committee responsibilities. All committees report to the full board of directors as appropriate, including when a matter rises to the level of a material or enterprise level risk. Code of Ethics Our board of directors has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of our employees, including our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and principal accounting officer. Our Code of Ethics is available on our website at www.versussystems.com by clicking on “Investors.” If we amend or grant a waiver of one or more of the provisions of our Code of Ethics, we intend to satisfy the requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding the disclosure of amendments to or waivers from provisions of our Code of Ethics that apply to our principal executive officer, financial and accounting officers by posting the required information on our website at the above address within four business days of such amendment or waiver. The information on our website is not part of this Annual Report. Our board of directors, management and all employees of our company are committed to implementing and adhering to the Code of Ethics. Therefore, it is up to each individual to comply with the Code of Ethics and to be in compliance of the Code of Ethics. If an individual is concerned that there has been a violation of the Code of Ethics, he or she will be able to report in good faith to his or her superior. While a record of such reports will be kept confidential by our company for the purposes of investigation, the report may be made anonymously and no individual making such a report will be subject to any form of retribution. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Summary Compensation Table The following table provides certain summary information concerning compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the individuals who served as our principal executive officer at any time during fiscal 2023 and 2022, and our two other most highly compensated officers in fiscal 2023 and 2022. These individuals are referred to in this Annual Report as the “named executive officers.” Summary Compensation Table Name and Principal Position Year Salary ($) Bonus ($) Stock Awards ($) Option Awards ($) (1) All Other Compensation ($) Total ($) Matthew Pierce 2023 $ 225,000 $ 56,250 — $ 61,025 — $ 342,275 Chief Executive Officer 2022 $ 224,134 $ 56,250 — $ 29,520 — $ 309,904 Craig Finster 2023 $ 225,000 $ 56,250 — $ 73,745 — $ 354,995 President and Chief Financial Officer 2022 $ 224,134 $ 56,250 — $ 29,520 — $ 309,904 Alex Peachey 2023 $ 176,090 $ 60,000 — $ 70,305 — $ 306,395 Chief Technology Officer 2022 $ 200,000 $ 30,000 — $ 29,520 — $ 259,520 (1) The amounts reported in the “Option Awards” column reflect the aggregate fair value of stock-based compensation awarded during the year computed in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standard Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, or ASC 718. See Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 including elsewhere in this annual report regarding assumptions underlying the valuation of equity awards. These amounts reflect the accounting cost for these stock options and do not reflect the actual economic value that may be realized by the executive officer upon the vesting of the stock options, the exercise of the stock options, or the sale of the common stock underlying such stock options. 41 Employment Contracts and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control On June 30, 2016, we entered into employment agreement with Matthew Pierce, our Chief Executive Officer, on May 1, 2019, we entered into an employment agreement with Craig Finster, our President and Chief Financial Officer, and on April 20, 2020, we entered into an employment agreement with Keyvan Peymani, our Executive Chairman of the Board. The original terms of the employment agreements are two years, which shall be automatically renewed for one year upon expiration of the prior term unless either party provides at least six-month notice to the other party that it does not wish to renew the agreement. The following is a summary of the compensation arrangements set forth in each employment agreement described above: Executive Title Annual Base Salary Annual Cash Bonus Equity Compensation in Warrants (In Shares) (2) Equity Compensation in Options (In Shares) (3) Matthew Pierce Chief Executive Officer $ 225,000 (1 ) 1,838 735 Craig Finster Chief Financial Officer $ 225,000 (1 ) - 26 Keyvan Peymani Executive Chairman of the Board $ 160,000 (1 ) - 26 (1) Each of the executive officers receives an annual cash bonus of twenty-five percent (25%) of his base salary, and an annual performance cash bonus in accordance with EBITDA achievement in the relevant fiscal year. In particular, each executive officer receives a bonus equal to 50%, 100% or 200% of his base salary if we generate EBITDA of at least $1 million, $2 million or $4 million, respectively, within the then current fiscal year. Each executive officer is also eligible for a discretionary cash bonus determined by our board of directors. (2) Representing warrants to purchase our common shares at $741.60 per share, which shall vest in accordance with the achievements of certain performance milestones or service date. (3) The options vest in three installments with one-third vesting immediately and one-third vesting on each of the first and second anniversaries of the date of the employment agreement and have an exercise price of $508.80-$604.80 per share. If the employment agreement is terminated for “good reason” as defined therein and we receive proper notice or if the employment agreement is involuntarily terminated other than for “just cause” as defined therein, then we shall pay the executive officer (i) any accrued benefits and (ii) a severance amount equal to the sum of (w) 12 months of his then-current base salary; (x) his maximum discretionary bonus for the then-current fiscal year; (y) his annual bonus for the prior fiscal year; and (z) his maximum performance cash bonus provided in the employment agreement for the then-current fiscal year. In addition, in this circumstance, the executive’s equity compensation shall be fully and immediately vested and exercisable, as applicable. If the employment agreement is terminated without good cause, then the executive officer shall receive his accrued benefits, the prorate bonus and the performance cash bonus, if any, as of the termination date. Upon termination of this agreement, we will pay the executive officer any lump sum payment due to him under his agreement within ten business days of the date of termination. The following table summarizes the “good reason” payments: Executive Title Annual Base Salary Good Reason Payment Matthew Pierce Chief Executive Officer $ 225,000 $ 731,250 Craig Finster Chief Financial Officer $ 225,000 $ 731,250 Keyvan Peymani Executive Chairman of the Board $ 160,000 $ 520,000 Pursuant to the terms of our employment agreements entered into with certain of our executive officers, in the event of a Change of Control, immediately effective as of the date of such Change of Control, unvested Stock Options, Performance Warrants and any other options or equity awards previously granted by us to the executive officers shall fully and immediately vest, and shall be fully and immediately exercisable by the executive officer. In addition, upon a Change of Control, we are obligated to pay the executive officers immediately upon the date of the Change of Control a Performance Bonus of 200% of the base salary of the executive officer for the then-current fiscal year, in addition to any amounts that the executive officer is entitled to receive as a result of such executive officer’s termination of employment or any other event. 42 The following table summarizes the executive change of control bonuses: Executive Title Annual Base Salary Change of Control Bonus Matthew Pierce Chief Executive Officer $ 225,000 $ 450,000 Craig Finster Chief Financial Officer $ 225,000 $ 450,000 Keyvan Peymani Executive Chairman of the Board $ 160,000 $ 320,000 In the context of our employment agreements with certain of our executive officers, Change of Control means the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the receipt by us of an insider report or other statement filed in accordance with the applicable securities legislation of a relevant jurisdiction indicating that any person: (a) has become the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of our securities representing more than 50% of our common shares; or (b) has sole and/or shared voting, or dispositive, power over more than 50% of our common shares; or (ii) a change in the composition of our board of directors occurring within a two-year period prior to such change, as a result of which fewer than a majority of our directors are Incumbent Directors. “Incumbent Directors” shall mean directors who are either: (a) our directors as of the effective date of the applicable executive officer’s employment agreement (the “Effective Date”); or (b) elected, or nominated for election, to our board of directors with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the directors on our board of directors who had been directors at the Effective Date or two years prior to such change and who were still in office at the time of such election or nomination; or (iii) the solicitation of a dissident proxy, or any proxy not approved by the Incumbent Directors, the purpose of which is to change the composition of our board of directors with the result, or potential result, that fewer than a majority of our directors will be Incumbent Directors; or (iv) the consummation of our merger, amalgamation or consolidation of with or into another entity or any other corporate reorganization, if more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the continuing or surviving entity’s securities outstanding immediately after such merger, amalgamation, consolidation or reorganization are owned by persons who were not our shareholders immediately prior to such merger, amalgamation, consolidation or reorganization; or (v) the commencement by an entity, person or group (other than us or any of our wholly owned subsidiaries) of a tender offer, an exchange offer or any other offer or bid for more than 50% of our common shares; or (vi) the consummation of a sale, transfer or disposition by us of all or substantially all of our assets; or (vii) the commencement of any proceeding by or against us seeking to adjudicate us as bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking liquidation, winding-up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, protection, relief or composition of us or our debts, under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or for the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its property; or (viii) the approval by our shareholders of a plan of our complete liquidation or dissolution. In the case of the occurrence of any of the events set forth above, a Change of Control shall be deemed to occur immediately prior to the occurrence of any such events. An event does not constitute a Change of Control if its sole purpose is to change the jurisdiction of our organization or to create a holding company, partnership or trust that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held our securities immediately before such event. Additionally, a Change of Control is not deemed to have occurred, with respect to an executive officer if such executive officer is part of a purchasing group that consummates the Change of Control event. 43 Change of Control On September 28, 2019, our board of directors approved a cash distribution upon a Change of Control, defined as the acquisition by a purchaser, directly or indirectly, of our shares, which, assuming the conversion, exchange or exercise of any of our convertible or exchangeable shares beneficially owned by the purchaser, results in the purchaser beneficially owning shares that would entitle the purchaser for the first time to cast more than 50% of the votes attaching to all shares in our capital that may be cast to elect directors; the sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets to a purchaser; or an amalgamation, merger, arrangement or other business combination involving us and a purchaser that results in the purchaser or security holders of the purchaser owning, directly or indirectly, shares of the continuing entity that entitle the purchaser or such security holders of the purchaser, as the case may be, to cast more than 50% of the votes attaching to all shares in the capital of the continuing entity that may be cast to elect directors, whereby 5% of the Purchase Premium, defined as the difference between the average of our market capitalization based on the closing price of our common shares over 60 days prior to the announcement of any change of control event, and our final purchase price, if positive, be distributed to our employees and key consultants, subject to the discretion of our board of directors at the recommendation of our compensation committee. Equity Incentive Plans On May 17, 2017, our board of directors adopted our 2017 Stock Option Plan, or the 2017 Plan, to provide an additional means to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected employees and other eligible persons. Our stockholders approved the 2017 Plan on or about June 29, 2017. Employees, officers, directors, advisors and consultants that provided services to us or one of our subsidiaries are eligible to receive awards under the 2017 Plan. The total number of common shares that are at any time reserved for issuance under the 2017 Plan and under all other management option plans and employee stock purchase plans, if any, cannot exceed in the aggregate a number of common shares equal to 15% of the number of common shares issued and outstanding at that time. Options have a maximum term of ten years and vesting is determined by our board of directors. On May 15, 2021, our board of directors adopted a US sub plan as part of our 2017 Stock Option Plan. The US sub plan allows for the explicit grant of incentive stock options (“ISOs”) to US resident non-officer employees. The provision for the sub plan was subject to a confirming shareholder vote within 12 months of its adoption, which vote was taken on November 17, 2021. As of December 31, 2023, stock option grants for the purchase of an aggregate of 30,263 common shares had been made under the 2017 Plan, and 1,273 of those stock options had been cancelled or exercised. As of that date, there remained 346,912 common shares authorized under the 2017 Plan remained available for award purposes. Our board of directors may amend or terminate the 2017 Plan at any time, but no such action will affect any outstanding award in any manner materially adverse to a participant without the consent of the participant. The following information is a brief description of the 2017 Plan, which is filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report: a) Number of Shares : At no time shall the number of common shares reserved for issuance to any one person pursuant to stock options granted under the 2017 Plan or otherwise, unless permitted by regulatory authorities and by a vote of shareholders, exceed five (5%) percent of the outstanding common shares in any 12-month period. 44 b) Option Price: The option price of a stock option granted under the 2017 Plan shall be fixed by our board of directors but shall be not less than the Market Price of our common shares at the time the stock option is granted, or such lesser price as may be permitted pursuant to the rules of any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over our common shares issued, which rules may include provisions for certain discounts in respect to the option price. For the purpose of the 2017 Plan, the “Market Price” at any date in respect of our common shares shall mean, subject to a minimum exercise price of $0.10 per option, the greater of: a. the closing price of our common shares on a stock exchange on which our common shares are listed and posted for trading or a quotation system for a published market upon which the price of our common shares is quoted, as may be selected for such purpose by our board of directors (the “Market”), on the last trading day prior to the date the stock option is granted; and b. the closing price of our common shares on the Market on the date on which the stock option is granted. In the event that such shares did not trade on such trading day, the Market Price shall be the average of the bid and ask prices in respect of such shares at the close of trading on such trading day as reported thereof. In the event that our common shares are not listed and posted for trading or quoted on any Market, the Market Price shall be the fair market value of such shares as determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion. c) Reduction in Option Price : The option price of a stock option granted under the 2017 Plan to an insider of our company (as that term is defined in the Securities Act (British Columbia)) shall not be reduced without prior approval from the disinterested shareholders of our company. d) Payment : The full purchase price payable for shares under a stock option shall be paid in cash or certified funds upon the exercise thereof. A holder of a stock option shall have none of the rights of a shareholder until the shares are paid for and issued. e) Term of Option : Stock options may be granted under the 2017 Plan for a period not exceeding ten years. f) Vesting : Unless our board of directors determines otherwise at its discretion, a stock option shall vest immediately upon being granted. g) Exercise of Option : Except as specifically provided for in the 2017 Plan, no stock option may be exercised unless the optionee is at the time of exercise an Eligible Person (as defined by the 2017 Plan). If the optionee is an employee or consultant, the optionee shall represent to us that he or she is a bona fide employee or consultant of our company. The 2017 Plan shall not confer upon the optionee any right with respect to continuation of employment by our company. Leave of absence approved by an officer of our company authorized to give such approval shall not be considered an interruption of employment for any purpose of the 2017 Plan. Subject to the provisions of the 2017 Plan, a stock option may be exercised from time to time by delivery to us of written notice of exercise specifying the number of shares with respect to which the stock option is being exercised and accompanied by payment in full, by cash or certified check, of the purchase price of the shares then being purchased. h) Non-transferability of Stock Option : No stock option shall be assignable or transferable by the optionee, except to a personal holding corporation of the optionee, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. i) Applicable Laws or Regulations : Our obligation to sell and deliver shares under each stock option is subject to our compliance with any laws, rules and regulations of Canada and any provinces and/or territories thereof applying to the authorization, issuance, listing or sale of securities and is also subject to the acceptance for listing of the shares which may be issued upon the exercise thereof by each stock exchange upon which our common shares are then listed for trading. j) Termination of Options . Unless the option agreement provides otherwise, all stock options will terminate: a. in the case of stock options granted to an employee or consultant employed or retained to provide investment relations services, 30 days after the optionee ceases to be employed or retained to provide investment relations services; 45 b. in the case of stock options granted to other employees, consultants, directors, officers or advisors, 90 days following i. our termination, with or without cause, of the optionee’s employment or other relationship with our company or an affiliate of our company, or ii. the termination by the optionee of any such relationship with our company or an affiliate of our company; iii. or in the case of death or permanent and total disability of the optionee, all stock options will terminate 12 months following the death or permanent and total disability of the optionee, and the deceased optionee’s heirs or administrators may exercise all or a portion of the stock option during that period. Any stock options granted under the 2017 Plan that are cancelled, terminated or expire will remain available for granting under the 2017 Plan at the current Market Price k) Amendments . Subject to the approval of regulatory authorities having jurisdiction, our board of directors may from time to time amend or revise the terms of the 2017 Plan, or may terminate the 2017 Plan at any time; provided, however, that no such action shall adversely affect the rights of any optionee under any outstanding stock option without such optionee’s prior consent. Upon the mutual consent of the optionee and our board of directors, the terms of an option agreement may be amended, subject to regulatory approval and shareholder approval as may be required from time to time. Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End The following table sets forth outstanding equity awards to our named executive officers as of December 31, 2023: Option Awards Stock Awards Name Number of Shares Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable 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 Matthew Pierce 3 $ 604.80 April 2, 2024 - - Matthew Pierce 156 $ 1,087.20 Sept 27, 2024 - - Matthew Pierce 8 $ 715.20 July 24, 2025 - - Matthew Pierce 85 $ 715.20 July 31, 2025 - - Matthew Pierce 150 $ 1,008.00 August 19, 2026 - - Matthew Pierce 308 $ 96.00 August 19, 2027 - - Matthew Pierce 2,000 $ 14.40 February 13, 2028 - - Craig Finster 26 $ 604.80 April 2, 2024 - - Craig Finster 156 $ 1,087.20 Sept 27, 2024 - - Craig Finster 8 $ 715.20 July 24, 2025 - - Craig Finster 98 $ 715.20 July 24, 2025 - - Craig Finster 63 $ 715.20 July 31, 2025 - - Craig Finster 150 $ 1,008.00 August 19, 2026 - - Craig Finster 308 $ 96.00 August 19, 2027 - - Craig Finster 2,000 $ 14.40 February 13, 2028 - - Alex Peachey 3 $ 604.80 April 2, 2024 - - Alex Peachey 156 $ 1,087.20 Sept 27, 2024 - - Alex Peachey 8 $ 715.20 July 24, 2025 - - Alex Peachey 76 $ 715.20 July 24, 2025 - - Alex Peachey 63 $ 715.20 July 31, 2025 - Alex Peachey 150 $ 1,008.00 August 19, 2026 - - Alex Peachey 308 $ 96.00 August 19, 2027 - - Alex Peachey 2,000 $ 14.40 February 13, 2028 - - 46 Director Compensation All directors hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders at which their respective class of directors is re-elected and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. There are no family relationships among our directors or executive officers. Officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The following table sets forth the information concerning all compensation we paid during the year ended December 31, 2023 to our non-employee directors. Name Fees earned or paid in cash ($) Stock awards ($) Option awards ($) (7) Total ($) Juan Carlos Barrera (1) — — — — David Catzel (2) — — — — Michelle Gahagan $ 100,000 — $ 19,761 $ 119,761 Luis Goldner (3) — — — — Keyvan Peymani $ 200,000 — $ 57,945 $ 257,945 Jennifer Prince (4) $ 100,000 — $ 12,261 $ 112,261 Shannon Pruitt $ 100,000 — $ 7,676 $ 107,676 Brian Tingle (5) $ 100,000 — $ 19,761 $ 119,761 Paul Vlasic (6) $ 100,000 — $ 19,761 $ 119,761 (1) Mr. Barrera was elected as a director of our company at the shareholder meeting held on December 29, 2023, and was appointed as a director of our company on the same date. Mr. Barrera received no compensation in the year ended December 31, 2023. (2) Mr. Catzel was elected as a director of our company at the shareholder meeting held on December 29, 2023, and was appointed as a director of our company on the same date. Mr. Catzel received no compensation in the year ended December 31, 2023. (3) Mr. Goldner was elected as a director of our company at the shareholder meeting held on December 29, 2023, and was appointed as a director of our company on the same date. Mr. Goldner received no compensation in the year ended December 31, 2023. (4) Ms. Prince was not reelected as a director of our company at the shareholder meeting held on December 29, 2023. (5) Mr. Tingle was not reelected as a director of our company at the shareholder meeting held on December 29, 2023. (6) Mr. Vlasic was not reelected as a director of our company at the shareholder meeting held on December 29, 2023. (7) The amounts reported in the “Option Awards” column reflect the aggregate fair value of stock-based compensation awarded during the year computed in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standard Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, or ASC 718. See Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 included elsewhere in this annual report regarding assumptions underlying the valuation of equity awards. These amounts reflect the accounting cost for these stock options and do not reflect the actual economic value that may be realized by the executive officer upon the vesting of the stock options, the exercise of the stock options, or the sale of the common stock underlying such stock options. 47 ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICAL OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The following table sets forth information relating to the beneficial ownership of our common shares as of March 15, 2024 by: ● each person, or group of affiliated persons, known by us to beneficially own 5% or more of our outstanding common shares; ● each of our named executive officers and members of our board of directors; and ● all executive officers and members of our board of directors as a group. The amounts and percentages of common shares beneficially owned are reported on the basis of regulations of the SEC governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under the rules of the SEC, a person is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares “voting power,” which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of such security, or “investment power,” which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days after March 15, 2024. Under these rules, more than one person may be deemed a beneficial owner of the same securities and a person may be deemed a beneficial owner of securities as to which he has no economic interest. Except as indicated by footnote, to our knowledge, the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all common shares shown as beneficially owned by them. None of our major shareholders have different voting rights than our common shareholders. In the table below, the percentage of beneficial ownership of our common shares is based on 2,506,015 shares of our common shares outstanding as of March 15, 2024. Unless otherwise noted below, the address of the persons listed on the table is c/o Versus Systems Inc., 1558 West Hastings Street, Vancouver BC V6G 3J4 Canada. Amount and Nature of Percentage of Shares Name of Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership Beneficially Owned (1) Named Executive Officers and Directors Matthew Pierce (1) 3,481 * Craig Finster (2) 1,671 * John Alex Peachey (3) 1,631 * Keyvan Peymani (4) 2,596 * Michelle Gahagan (5) 778 * Kelsey Chin (6) 1,199 * Shannon Pruitt (7) 471 * Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (7 persons) 11,827 * 5% of Great Beneficial Owners Cronus Equity Capital Group, LLC (8) 989,903 39.5 % * Indicates beneficial ownership of less than 1% of the total outstanding common shares. (1) Director/Named Executive Officer; includes (i) 1,931 common shares, (ii) 1,524 common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share purchase options, and (iii) 26 common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants. (2) Named Executive Officer; includes (i) 44 common shares, (ii) 1,614 common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share purchase options, and (iii) 13 common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants. (3) Named Executive Officer; includes (i) 60 common shares and (ii) 1,571 common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share purchase options. (4) Director; includes (i) 592 common shares, (ii) 1,744 common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share purchase options, and (iii) 260 common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants. 48 (5) Director; includes (i) 52 common shares and (ii) 726 common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share purchase options. (6) Named Executive Officer; includes (i) 521 common shares and (ii) 678 common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share purchase options. (7) Director; includes 471 common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share purchase options. (8) Does not include the 8,888,920 common shares that Cronus Equity Capital Group, LLC subscribed for, but has failed to fund. Paul Feller, the managing member of Cronus Equity Capital Group, LLC, has discretionary authority to vote and dispose of the common shares held by Cronus Equity Capital Group, LLC and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of these common shares. The address of Cronus Equity Capital Group, LLC is 590 Madison Ave, 21 st Floor, New York, NY 10022. The percentage of our common shares held by Canadian residents, based on securityholder addresses of record, is 2% as of March 15, 2024. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE A “related party transaction” is any actual or proposed transaction, arrangement or relationship or series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships, including those involving indebtedness not in the ordinary course of business, to which we or our subsidiaries were or are a party, or in which we or our subsidiaries were or are a participant, in which the amount involved exceeded or exceeds the lesser of (i) $120,000 or (ii) one percent of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years and in which any related party had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. A “related party” includes: ● any person who is, or at any time during the applicable period was, one of our executive officers or one of our directors; ● any person who beneficially owns more than 5% of our common share; ● any immediate family member of any of the foregoing; or ● any entity in which any of the foregoing is a partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person has a 10% or greater beneficial ownership interest. Other than the transactions described below and the compensation arrangements for our named executive officers, which we describe above, there were no related party transactions to which we were a party since the beginning of our last fiscal year, or any currently proposed related party transaction. At December 31, 2023, a total of $177,500 was included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities owing to our officers, directors, or companies controlled by them in respect of accrued bonuses, expenses payable and other reimbursable expenses. These amounts are unsecured and non-interest bearing. Between November 7, 2017 and December 31, 2023, we borrowed an aggregate of $4,787,307 in 29 separate loan transactions from Brian Tingle, a former director of our company. Each loan bears interest at the prime rate of the Bank of Canada, which was 2.45% per annum and 3.95% per annum at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, compounded annually and payable quarterly, and had a maturity date of three years from the date of the respective loan. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the aggregate outstanding principal amounts of such loans was $0 and $2,604,713, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022, we paid principal and interest in respect of such loans in the aggregate amounts of $2,519,835 and $47,550, respectively. 49 ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES The following table summarizes the fees charged by Ramirez Jimenez International CPAs and Davidson & Company LLP for certain services rendered to our company during fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively. For the year ended For the year ended Ramirez Jimenez International CPAs USD $ December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Audit fees (1) $ 193,950 $ 172,775 Audit-related fees (2) 2,730 6,495 Tax fees(3) 20,000 20,000 All other fees (4) 36,425 82,440 Total $ 253,105 $ 281,710 For the year ended For the year ended Davidson & Company LLP USD $ December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Audit fees (1) $ - $ - Audit-related fees (2) - - Tax fees (3) - - All other fees (4) 12,035 40,006 Total $ 12,035 $ 40,006 (1) “Audit fees” means the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements and review of our interim financial statements. (2) “Audit-related fees” includes assurance and related services reasonably related to the financial statement audit and not included in audit services. (3) “Tax fees” means the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years for professional services rendered for tax compliance and tax advice. (4) “All other fees” includes the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years for non-audit services rendered which were not listed above. 50 ITEM 15. EXHIBIT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES. 1. The financial statements and supplementary data required by this item begin on page F-1. 2. The financial statement schedules are omitted because they are either not applicable or the information required is presented in the financial statements and notes thereto under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” 3. Exhibit Index: Incorporation by Reference Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Form Filing Date Exhibit Number 3.1 Notice of Articles of Versus Systems Inc. F-1 11/20/2020 3.1 3.2 Articles of Versus Systems Inc. F-1 11/20/2020 3.2 4.1 Specimen Stock Certificate evidencing common shares. F-1/A 1/11/2021 4.1 4.2 Warrant Agent Agreement dated January 20, 2021 between Versus System Inc. and Computershare, including forms of Unit A Warrants and Unit B Warrants. 6-K 1/21/2021 99.2 4.3 Representative Warrant Agreement dated January 20, 2021. F-1/A 12/14/2020 4.3 4.4 Description of Registered Securities 20-F 5/5/2021 2.1 10.1 Form of Loan Agreement, including form of promissory note, between Versus Systems Inc. and Brian Tingle. F-1 11/20/2020 10.1 10.2 Form of Loan Agreement, including form of promissory note, between Versus Systems Inc. and The Sandoval Pierce Family Trust Established May 20, 2015. F-1 11/20/2020 10.2 10.3 Employment Agreement dated as of June 30, 2016 among Versus Systems Inc. (formerly Opal Energy Corp.), Matthew D. Pierce and Versus LLC. F-1 11/20/2020 10.3 10.4 Employment Agreement dated as of May 1, 2019 among Versus Systems Inc., Craig C. Finster and Versus LLC. F-1 11/20/2020 10.4 10.5 Employment Agreement dated as of May 1, 2020 among Versus Systems Inc., Keyvan Peymani and Versus LLC. F-1 11/20/2020 10.5 10.6 Form of Warrant of Versus Systems Inc. F-1 11/20/2020 10.6 51 Incorporation by Reference Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Form Filing Date Exhibit Number 10.7 Versus Systems Inc. 2017 Stock Option Plan. F-1 11/20/2020 10.7 10.8 Acquisition Agreement dated as of March 16, 2016 among Versus Systems Inc. (formerly Opal Energy Corp.), Versus Systems (Holdco) Corp. (formerly Opal Energy (Holdco) Corp.), Versus LLC and the selling members of Versus LLC F-1 11/20/2020 10.8 10.9 Software License, Marketing and Linking Agreement dated as of March 6, 2019 between HP Inc. and Versus LLC. F-1 11/20/2020 10.9 14.1 Code of Conduct and Ethics. F-1/A 1/11/2021 14.1 15.1 Consent of Ramirez Jimenez International CPAs * 19.1 Insider Trading Policies and Procedures * 21.1 List of Subsidiaries of Versus Systems Inc. F-1 11/20/2020 21.1 31.1 CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 * 31.2 CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 * 32.1 CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 * 32.2 CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 * 97.1 Clawback Policy (Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation) * 99.1 Charter of the Audit Committee. F-1/A 1/11/2021 99.1 99.2 Charter of the Compensation Committee. F-1/A 1/11/2021 99.2 99.3 Charter of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee . F-1/A 1/11/2021 99.3 101.INS Inline XBRL Instance Document. 101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. 101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. 101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. 101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. 101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. 104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). * Filed herewith. # Portions of this exhibit have been redacted in compliance with Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K. Schedules, exhibits and similar supporting attachments to this exhibit are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant agrees to furnish a supplemental copy of any omitted schedule or similar attachment to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request. ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY None. 52 SIGNATURES The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on annual report on Form 10-K and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf. Versus Systems Inc. By: /s/ Matthew Pierce Name: Matthew Pierce Date: April 1, 2024 Title: Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange 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. Name Position Date /s/ Matthew Pierce Director and Chief Executive Officer April 1, 2024 Matthew Pierce (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ Craig Finster Chief Financial Officer April 1, 2024 Craig Finster (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) /s/ Keyvan Peymani Executive Chairman of the Board April 1, 2024 Keyvan Peymani /s/ David Catzel Director April 1, 2024 David Catzel /s/ Michelle Gahagan Director April 1, 2024 Michelle Gahagan /s/ Juan Carlos Barrera Director April 1, 2024 Juan Carlos Barrera /s/ Luis Goldner Director April 1, 2024 Luis Goldner /s/ Shannon Pruitt Director April 1, 2024 Shannon Pruitt 53 Versus Systems Inc. INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 820 ) F-3 Consolidated Balance Sheets F-5 Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss F-6 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity (Deficit) F-7 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow F-8 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements F-9 F- 1 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Expressed in United States dollars) AS OF AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 F- 2 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Versus Systems Inc. Board of Directors and Shareholders: Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Versus Systems Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) as of December 31 , 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cashflows for the years then ended and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (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 Versus Systems Inc. as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Going Concern The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations. In addition, the Company has not achieved positive cash flows from operations and is not able to finance day to day activities through operations. These events raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Basis for Opinion These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these 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 Versus Systems Inc. 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Versus Systems Inc. is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its 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 entity’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 Critical audit matters are arising from the current period audit of the consolidated 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. We determined that there are no critical audit matters. F- 3 /s/ Ramirez Jimenez International CPAs We have served as Versus Systems Inc. and its subsidiaries auditors since 2021. Irvine, California April 1, 2024 PCAOB ID 820 F- 4 Versus Systems Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (Expressed in US Dollars) December 31, December 31, 2023 2022 ($) ($) ASSETS Current assets Cash 4,689,007 1,178,847 Receivables, net of allowance for credit losses (Note 5) 18,222 60,749 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 160,474 223,226 Total current assets 4,867,703 1,462,822 Restricted deposit (Note 6) 8,679 8,489 Deposits - 100,000 Property and equipment, net (Note 7) 1,935 93,973 Intangible assets (Note 10) - 6,393,364 Total Assets 4,878,317 8,058,648 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 11, Note 12 and Note 14) 286,427 522,012 Deferred revenue 35,049 69,275 Notes payable - Related Party (Note 12) - 2,604,713 Lease liability (Note 19) - 128,560 Total current liabilities 321,476 3,324,560 Non-current liabilities Total liabilities 321,476 3,324,560 Equity (Deficit) Share capital (Note 13) Class A shares, no par value. Unlimited authorized shares; 0 and 21 issued or outstanding, respectively - 28,247 Common stock and additional paid in capital, no par value. Unlimited authorized shares; 2,506,015 and 260,761 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 147,130,123 136,860,283 Accumulated other comprehensive income 248,287 154,970 Deficit ( 135,434,022 ) ( 125,907,025 ) 11,944,388 11,136,475 Non-controlling interest (Note 8) ( 7,387,547 ) ( 6,402,387 ) 4,556,841 4,734,088 Total Liabilities and Equity 4,878,317 8,058,648 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. F- 5 Versus Systems Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Expressed in US Dollars) Year Ended Year Ended December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 ($) ($) REVENUES Revenues 271,169 1,108,840 Cost of revenues 103,067 617,049 Gross margin 168,102 491,791 EXPENSES Research and development 1,107,235 2,406,006 Selling, general and administrative 5,944,909 11,838,128 Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles 3,968,332 8,919,002 Total operating expenses 11,020,476 23,163,136 Operating loss ( 10,852,374 ) ( 22,671,345 ) Change in fair value of warrant liability - ( 361,055 ) Employee retention credit ( 354,105 ) - Other income/(expense), net 13,888 162,902 Loss before provision for income taxes ( 10,512,157 ) ( 22,473,192 ) Provision for income taxes - - Net loss ( 10,512,157 ) ( 22,473,192 ) Other total comprehensive income (loss): Change in foreign currency translation, net of tax 93,317 154,970 Total other comprehensive income 93,317 154,970 Total comprehensive loss ( 10,418,840 ) ( 22,318,222 ) Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest 985,160 2,146,185 Comprehensive loss attributable to shareholders ( 9,433,680 ) ( 20,172,037 ) Basic and diluted earnings per share to shareholders ( 10.44 ) ( 192.89 ) Shares used in computation 912,717 103,773 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. F- 6 Versus Systems Inc. Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity (Deficit) (Expressed in US Dollars) Number of Common Number of Class “A” Common Commitment to issue Class “A” Additional Paid in Currency translation Non-controlling Total Equity Shares Shares Shares shares Shares Capital adjustment Deficit Equity Interest (Deficit) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) Balance at December 31, 2021 64,810 21 110,226,715 2,703,326 28,247 10,661,294 - ( 101,017,387 ) 22,602,195 ( 8,632,539 ) 13,969,656 Shares issued in connection with public offering 169,206 - 12,132,360 - - - - - 12,132,360 - 12,132,360 Shares issued in connection with private placement 25,768 - 1,119,373 - - - - - 1,119,373 - 1,119,373 Shares issued in connection with acquisition 262 - 425,445 ( 2,703,326 ) - 2,277,881 - - - - - Holdco shares exchanged for common shares 715 186,294 ( 4,562,631 ) ( 4,376,337 ) 4,376,337 - Share issuance costs - - ( 1,736,662 ) - - - - - ( 1,736,662 ) - ( 1,736,662 ) Stock-based compensation - - - - - 1,567,583 - - 1,567,583 - 1,567,583 Cumulative translation adjustment - - - - - - 154,970 - 154,970 - 154,970 Loss and comprehensive loss - - - - - - - ( 20,327,007 ) ( 20,327,007 ) ( 2,146,185 ) ( 22,473,192 ) Balance at December 31, 2022 260,761 21 122,353,525 - 28,247 14,506,758 154,970 ( 125,907,025 ) 11,136,475 ( 6,402,387 ) 4,734,088 Exercise of warrants 283,875 - 4,561,200 - - - - - 4,561,200 - 4,561,200 Shares issued in connection with private placement 989,903 2,562,660 2,562,660 - 2,562,660 Shares issued in public offering 971,455 - 5,250,003 - - - - - 5,250,003 - 5,250,003 Class A shares converted 21 ( 21 ) 28,247 ( 28,247 ) - - - Share issuance costs - - ( 679,890 ) - - - - - ( 679,890 ) - ( 679,890 ) Stock-based compensation - - - - - ( 1,452,380 ) - - ( 1,452,380 ) - ( 1,452,380 ) Cumulative translation adjustment - - - - - - 93,317 - 93,317 - 93,317 Loss and comprehensive loss - - - - - - - ( 9,526,997 ) ( 9,526,997 ) ( 985,160 ) ( 10,512,157 ) Balance at December 31, 2023 2,506,015 - 134,075,745 - - 13,054,378 248,287 ( 135,434,022 ) 11,944,388 ( 7,387,547 ) 4,556,841 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. F- 7 Versus Systems Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Expressed in US Dollars) Year Ended Year Ended December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 ($) ($) Cash flows from operating activities OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Loss ( 10,512,157 ) ( 22,473,192 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash: Amortization (Note 7) 23,754 93,543 Amortization of intangible assets (Note 10) 2,444,445 2,937,423 Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles 3,968,332 8,919,002 Finance expense - 60,770 Loss on sale of equipment 63,385 - Gain from debt settlement ( 49,498 ) - Effect of foreign exchange 61,235 70,157 Change in fair value of warrant liability - ( 361,055 ) Share-based compensation ( 1,452,380 ) 1,567,583 Receivables 42,527 62,868 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 62,752 154,700 Deposits 100,000 - Deferred revenue ( 34,226 ) ( 124,231 ) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities ( 239,073 ) ( 61,112 ) Cash flows from operating activities ( 5,520,904 ) ( 9,153,544 ) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Repayment of notes payable - related party ( 2,519,835 ) ( 63,819 ) Proceeds from warrant exercises 4,561,200 - Proceeds from share issuances 7,812,663 13,251,733 Payments for lease liabilities ( 128,560 ) ( 260,185 ) Payments of share issuance costs ( 679,890 ) ( 1,736,662 ) Cash flows from financing activities 9,045,578 11,191,067 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchase of equipment - ( 40,211 ) Proceeds from sale of equipment 4,899 - Development of intangible assets ( 19,413 ) ( 2,496,621 ) Cash flows from investing activities ( 14,514 ) ( 2,536,832 ) Change in cash during the period 3,510,160 ( 499,309 ) Cash - Beginning of period 1,178,847 1,678,156 Cash - End of period 4,689,007 1,178,847 Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Note 18) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. F- 8 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS Versus Systems Inc. (the Company) was continued under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) effective January 2, 2007. The Company’s head office and registered and records office is 1558 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3J4, Canada. The Company’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol “VS”. The Company’s Unit A warrants are traded on NASDAQ under “VSSYW”. On November 9, 2022, the Company completed a one-for-15 reverse stock split of the Company’s common shares. On December 28, 2023, the Company completed a one-for-16 reverse stock split of the Company’s common shares. All share and per share data are presented to reflect the reverse share splits on a retroactive basis. The Company is engaged in the technology sector and has developed a proprietary prizing and promotions tool allowing game developers and creators of streaming media, live events, broadcast TV, games, apps, and other content to offer real world prizes inside their content. The ability to win prizes drives increased levels of consumer engagement creating an attractive platform for advertisers. In June 2021, the Company completed its acquisition of multimedia, production, and interactive gaming company Xcite Interactive, a provider of online audience engagement through its owned and operated XEO technology platform. The Company partners with professional sports franchises across Major League Baseball (MLB), National Hockey League (NHL), National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL) to drive audience engagement. The Company is in the process of considering a number of strategic alternatives for the Company focused on maximizing shareholder value, including, but not limited to, an acquisition, merger, reverse merger, sale of assets, strategic partnership, capital raise or other transaction. The Company is hopeful that the change in governing jurisdiction from British Columbia to Delaware will more appropriately reflect its shift in strategy and will (i) improve our access to capital markets, increase funding and strategic flexibility and reduce the cost of capital, (ii) improve the Company’s ability to execute an acquisitive growth strategy using its capital stock as consideration, and (iii) better focus management efforts on each U.S. and international operation and better attract and retain key employees. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the assumption that the Company will continue as a going concern, meaning it will continue in operation for the foreseeable future and will be able to realize assets and discharge liabilities in the ordinary course of operations. Different bases of measurement may be appropriate if the Company is not expected to continue operations for the foreseeable future. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has not achieved positive cash flow from operations and is not able to finance day to day activities through operations and as such, there is substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s continuation as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to attain profitable operations and generate funds therefrom and/or raise equity capital or borrowings sufficient to meet current and future obligations. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments as to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. These adjustments could be material. 2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION Basis of presentation These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). Functional and presentation currency These consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars, unless otherwise noted, which is the functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries. F- 9 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION (continued) Principles of consolidation These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Versus Systems Inc. and its subsidiaries, from the date control was acquired. Control exists when the Company possesses power over an investee, has exposure to variable returns from the investee and has the ability to use its power over the investee to affect its returns. All inter-company balances and transactions, and any unrealized income and expenses arising from inter-company transactions, are eliminated on consolidation. For partially owned subsidiaries, the interest attributable to non-controlling shareholders is reflected in non-controlling interest. Adjustments to non-controlling interest are accounted for as transactions with owners and adjustments that do not involve the loss of control are based on a proportionate amount of the net assets of the subsidiary. Name of Subsidiary Place of Incorporation Proportion of Ownership Interest Principal Activity Versus Systems (Holdco) Inc. United States of America 81.9 % Holding Company Versus Systems UK, Ltd. United Kingdom 81.9 % Sales Company Versus LLC United States of America 81.9 % Technology Company Xcite Interactive, Inc. United States of America 100.0 % Technology Company Reclassifications Certain amounts in the 2022 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications have no impact on previously reported net loss or total equity. Use of estimates The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Estimates and assumptions are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and management’s assessment of current events and other facts and circumstances that are considered to be relevant. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant assumptions about the future and other sources of estimation uncertainty that management has made at the end of the reporting year, that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the event that actual results differ from assumptions made, relate to, but are not limited to, the following: i) Deferred income taxes Deferred tax assets, including those arising from un-utilized tax losses, require management to assess the likelihood that the Company will generate sufficient taxable earnings in future periods in order to utilize recognized deferred tax assets. Assumptions about the generation of future taxable profits depend on management’s estimates of future cash flows. In addition, future changes in tax laws could limit the ability of the Company to obtain tax deductions in future periods. To the extent that future cash flows and taxable income differ significantly from estimates, the ability of the Company to realize the net deferred tax assets recorded at the reporting date could be impacted. F- 10 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION (continued) ii) Economic recoverability and probability of future economic benefits of intangible assets Management has determined that intangible asset costs which were capitalized may have future economic benefits and may be economically recoverable. Management uses several criteria in its assessments of economic recoverability and probability of future economic benefits including anticipated cash flows and estimated economic life. iii) Valuation of share-based compensation The Company uses the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model for valuation of share-based compensation. Option pricing models require the input of subjective assumptions including expected price volatility, interest rate, and forfeiture rate. Input assumptions changes can materially affect the fair value estimate and the Company’s earnings (losses). iv) Depreciation and Amortization The Company’s intangible assets and equipment are depreciated and amortized on a straight-line basis, taking into account the estimated useful lives of the assets and residual values. Changes to these estimates may affect the carrying value of these assets, net loss, and comprehensive income (loss) in future periods. v) Determination of functional currency The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the currency of the primary economic environment in which each entity operates. Determination of the functional currency may involve certain judgments to determine the primary economic environment. The functional currency may change if there is a change in events and conditions which determines the primary economic environment. vi) Revenue Recognition The Company’s contracts with customers may include promises to transfer multiple products and services. For these contracts, the Company accounts for individual performance obligations separately if they are capable of being distinct and distinct within the context of the contract. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations may require significant judgment. Judgment is also required to determine the stand-alone selling price, for each distinct performance obligation. F- 11 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basic and diluted loss per share Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the reporting periods. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed similar to basic earnings (loss) per share, except that the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares for the assumed exercise of stock options and warrants, if dilutive. The number of additional shares is calculated by assuming that outstanding stock options and warrants were exercised and that the proceeds from such exercises were used to acquire common stock at the average market price during the reporting periods. Potentially dilutive options and warrants excluded from diluted loss per share as of December 31, 2023 totaled 925,635 (December 31, 2022 – 442,573 ). Property and equipment Property and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated amortization and any impairments. Amortization is calculated based on the estimated residual value and estimated economic life of the specific assets using the straight-line method over the period indicated below: Asset Rate Computers Straight line, 3 years Right of use assets Shorter of useful life or lease term Financial instruments Classification The Company classifies its financial instruments into the following categories: at fair value through profit and loss (FVTPL), at fair value through other comprehensive income (loss) (FVTOCI), or at amortized cost. The classification of financial assets and liabilities is determined at initial recognition. For equity instruments, the Company generally classifies them at FVTPL. However, certain equity investments that are not held for trading may be measured at cost minus impairment if they do not have readily determinable fair values. Debt instruments are classified based on the Company’s business model for managing the financial assets and their contractual cash flow characteristics. Financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost, unless they are required to be measured at FVTPL, such as instruments held for trading or derivatives, or if the Company opts to measure them at FVTPL. Measurement The Company applies Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820). ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 requires disclosures to be provided for fair value measurements. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: - Level 1-Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. - Level 2-Includes other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace. - Level 3-Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity. ASC 820 recommends three main approaches for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities: the market approach, the income approach, and the cost approach. The Company uses the appropriate approach based on the nature of the asset or liability being measured. Financial instruments include Cash, Receivables, Restricted deposit, Deposits, Accounts payable, accruals, Warrant liabilities and Notes payable -related party. The carrying values of the financial instruments included in current assets and liabilities approximate their fair values due to their short-term maturities. The carrying amount of long-term borrowings approximates its fair value due to the fact that the related interest rates approximate market rates for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities. It is not practical to estimate the fair value of the Note payable – related party due to its related party nature. F- 12 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) For fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the Company uses its valuation processes to decide its valuation policies and procedures and analyze changes in fair value measurements from period to period. For assets and liabilities that are recognized in the financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorization (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting. Financial assets and liabilities at amortized cost Financial assets and liabilities at amortized cost are initially recognized at fair value plus or minus transaction costs, respectively, and subsequently carried at amortized cost less any impairment. Financial assets and liabilities at FVTPL Financial assets and liabilities carried at FVTPL are initially recorded at fair value and transaction costs are expensed in profit or loss. Realized and unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities held at FVTPL are included in profit or loss in the period in which they arise. Impairment of financial assets at amortized cost The Company applies the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) model under ASC 326 for impairment of financial assets. This model requires the recognition of an allowance for credit losses based on expected losses over the life of the asset. If the credit risk of a financial asset decreases in a subsequent period, any previously recognized impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss, limited to the extent that the carrying amount does not exceed what the amortized cost would have been had the impairment not been recognized. Intangible assets excluding goodwill Derecognition of financial assets The Company derecognizes financial assets only when the contractual rights to cash flows from the financial assets expire, or when it transfers the financial assets and substantially all of the associated risks and rewards of ownership to another entity. Gains and losses on derecognition are generally recognized in profit or loss. As at December 31, 2023, the Company does not have any derivative financial assets and liabilities. Intangible assets acquired separately are carried at cost at the time of initial recognition. Intangible assets acquired in a business combination and recognized separately from goodwill are initially recognized at their fair value at the acquisition date. Expenditure on research activities is recognized as an expense in the period in which it is incurred. Intangibles with a finite useful life are amortized and those with an indefinite useful life are not amortized. The useful life is the best estimate of the period over which the asset is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of the Company. The useful life is based on the duration of the expected use of the asset by the Company and the legal, regulatory or contractual provisions that constrain the useful life and future cash flows of the asset, including regulatory acceptance and approval, obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors. If an income approach is used to measure the fair value of an intangible asset, the Company considers the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the intangible asset, adjusted as appropriate for Company-specific factors discussed above, to determine the useful life for amortization purposes. If no regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors limit the useful life of the intangible to the Company, the useful life is considered indefinite. F- 13 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Intangibles with a finite useful life are amortized on the straight-line method unless the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed or used up are reliably determinable. The Company evaluates the remaining useful life of intangible assets each reporting period to determine whether any revision to the remaining useful life is required. If the remaining useful life is changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset will be amortized prospectively over the revised remaining useful life. The Company’s intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over 3 years. In the year development costs are incurred, amortization is based on a half year. Goodwill The Company allocates goodwill arising from business combinations to reporting units that are expected to receive the benefits from the synergies of the business combination. The carrying amount reporting units to which goodwill has been allocated is tested annually for impairment or when there is an indication that the goodwill may be impaired. Any impairment is recognized as an expense immediately. Deferred financing costs Deferred financing costs consist primarily of direct incremental costs related to the Company’s public offering of its common stock. Upon completion of the Company’s financings any deferred costs were offset against the proceeds. Impairment of intangible assets excluding goodwill There are special requirements for the development of software to be sold. The costs incurred to establish the technological feasibility of the software that will be sold are expensed as research and development when incurred. Once technological feasibility has been achieved, the Company capitalizes the remaining costs incurred to develop the software for sale. Costs are capitalized until the product is ready to be sold or marketed to customers, at which time, amortization of the capitalized costs begins. At the end of each reporting period, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of its intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered impairment losses. If any such indication exists, fair value of the reporting unit or an asset group to which the asset belongs is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment losses (if any). If the fair value of an asset (or an asset group/reporting unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or an asset group/reporting unit ) is reduced to fair value. Income taxes The Company accounts for income taxes utilizing the assets and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, and net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards, using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences reverse. F- 14 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets in these cases then management does not believe that the realization is more likely than not. While management believes that its judgements and estimates regarding deferred tax assets and liabilities are appropriate, significant differences in actual results may materially affect the Company’s future financial results. The Company recognizes any uncertain income tax positions at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50 % likelihood of being sustained. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not record any accruals for interest and penalties. The Company does not foresee material changes to its uncertain tax positions within its next twelve months. The Company’s tax years are subject to examination for 2020 and forward for U.S. Federal tax purposes and for 2019 and forward for state tax purposes. Leases The Company early adopted ASC 842, Leases, as of January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective application. The Company assesses at contract inception whether a contract is or contains a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The lease term corresponds to the non-cancellable period of each contract. All leases are accounted for as operating leases wherein rental payments are expensed on a straight-line basis over the periods of their respective leases. Operating leases (with an initial term of more than 12 months) are included in operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets, operating lease liabilities (current), and operating lease liabilities (non-current) in the consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The Company utilizes a market-based approach to estimate the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease prepayments, reduced by lease incentives and accrued rent. The lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Loss contingencies A loss contingency is recognized if, as a result of a past event, the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Loss contingencies are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. Non-controlling interest Non-controlling interest in the Company’s less than wholly owned subsidiaries are classified as a separate component of equity. On initial recognition, non-controlling interest is measured at the fair value of the non-controlling entity’s contribution into the related subsidiary. Subsequent to the original transaction date, adjustments are made to the carrying amount of non-controlling interest for the non-controlling interest’s share of changes to the subsidiary’s equity. F- 15 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Changes in the Company’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are recorded as equity transactions. The carrying amount of non-controlling interest is adjusted to reflect the change in the non-controlling interest’s relative interest in the subsidiary, and the difference between the adjustment to the carrying amount of non-controlling interests and the Company’s share of proceeds received and/or consideration paid is recognized directly in equity and attributed to owners of the Company. Valuation of Equity Units Issued in Private Placements In accordance with U.S. GAAP, particularly ASC 505-10 and ASC 815, the Company has adopted the fair value method for the valuation of equity units issued in private placements, which typically comprise common shares and warrants. For each private placement, the Company separately estimates the fair value of both the common shares and the warrants at the date of issuance. The determination of fair value is based on market conditions, volatility, and other relevant factors at the time of issuance. 1. Common Shares: The fair value of the common shares issued is measured based on observable market prices, if available, or estimated using appropriate valuation techniques considering the terms of the shares and market conditions. 2. Warrants: Warrants are valued using an appropriate option-pricing model, such as the Black-Scholes or a binomial model. The model incorporates various inputs, including the share price, expected volatility, expected term, risk-free interest rate, and any dividends. The total proceeds from the issuance of equity units are allocated between the common shares and the warrants based on their relative fair values at the date of issuance. This allocation is reflected in the equity section of the balance sheet, with the fair value of the warrants recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital in the equity section. If the warrants expire unexercised, the amount remains in additional paid-in capital. This method of valuation and allocation ensures compliance with the fair value measurement and equity classification requirements of U.S. GAAP. Warrants issued in equity financing transactions The Company engages in equity financing transactions to obtain funds necessary to continue operations. These equity financing transactions may involve issuance of common shares or units. Each unit comprises a certain number of shares and a certain number of warrants. Depending on the terms and conditions of each equity financing transaction, the warrants are exercisable into additional common shares at a price prior to expiry as stipulated by the transaction. Warrants that are part of units are assigned a value based on the residual value, if any. As of February 1, 2021, the warrants were considered a derivative liability since the obligation to issue shares was not fixed in the Company’s functional currency. The derivative warrant liability was measured as fair value at issue with subsequent changes recognized in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss. A $ 9,743,659 warrant derivative loss was recorded in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss beginning February 1, 2021 when the Company changed its functional currency. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022 the associated warrants have expired and the remaining balance of the warrant liability is $ 0 . The Company uses the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model for valuation of share-based payments and derivative financial assets (e.g. investments in warrants). Option pricing models require the input of subjective assumptions including expected price volatility, interest rates, and forfeiture rates. Changes in the input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate and the Company’s earnings. F- 16 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Share-based compensation The Company grants stock options to acquire common shares of the Company to directors, officers, employees and consultants. An individual is classified as an employee when the individual is an employee for legal or tax purposes, or provides services similar to those performed by an employee. The fair value of stock options is measured on the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, and is recognized over the vesting period. Consideration paid for the shares on the exercise of stock options is credited to capital stock. In situations where equity instruments are issued to non-employees and some or all of the goods or services received by the Company as consideration cannot be specifically identified, they are measured at fair value of the share-based payment. Otherwise, share-based payments are measured at the fair value of goods or services received. Revenue recognition In general, the Company recognizes revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Company, where there is evidence of an arrangement, when the selling price is fixed or determinable, and when specific criteria have been met or there are no significant remaining performance obligations for each of the Company’s activities as described below. Foreseeable losses, if any, are recognized in the year or period in which the loss is determined. The Company earns revenue in two primary ways: 1) the sales of software-as-a-service (SAAS) from its interactive production software platform or 2) development and maintenance of custom-built software or other professional services. The Company recognizes SAAS revenues from its interactive production sales over the life of the contract as its performance obligations are satisfied. Payment terms vary by contract and can be periodic or one-time payments. The Company recognizes revenues received from the development and maintenance of custom-built software and other professional services provided upon the satisfaction of its performance obligation in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. Performance obligations can be satisfied either at a single point in time or over time. For those performance obligations that are satisfied at a single point in time, the revenue is recognized at that time. For each performance obligation satisfied over time, the Company recognizes revenue by measuring the progress toward complete satisfaction of that performance obligation. For revenues received from the sales of advertising, the Company is deemed the agent in its revenue agreements. The Company does not own or obtain control of the digital advertising inventory. The Company recognizes revenues upon the achievement of agreed-upon performance criteria for the advertising inventory, such as a number of views, or clicks. As the Company is acting as an agent in the transaction, the Company recognizes revenue from sales of advertising on a net basis, which excludes amounts payable to partners under the Company’s revenue sharing agreements. The Company’s contracts with customers may include promises to transfer multiple products and services. For these contracts, the Company accounts for individual performance obligations separately if they are capable of being distinct and distinct within the context of the contract. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations may require significant judgment. Judgment is also required to determine the stand-alone selling price, for each distinct performance obligation. Deferred revenue Revenue recognition of sales is recorded on a monthly basis upon delivery or as the services are provided. Cash received in advance for services are recorded as deferred revenue based on the proportion of time remaining under the service arrangement as of the reporting date. F- 17 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Foreign exchange The functional currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates and has been determined for each entity within the Company. The functional currency for the Company and its subsidiaries is the United States dollar. The functional currency determinations were conducted through an analysis of the consideration factors identified in ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters. Foreign currency transactions in currencies other than the United States dollar are recorded at exchange rates prevailing on the dates of the transactions. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are generally recognized in profit or loss and presented within gain (loss) on foreign exchange. At the end of each reporting period, the monetary assets and liabilities of the Company and its subsidiaries that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange at the date of the consolidated balance sheet. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at historical rates. Revenues and expenses that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rates approximating those in effect on the date of the transactions. Foreign currency translation gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity on the consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit). Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) and represents the change in shareholders’ equity (deficit) which results from transactions and events from sources other than the Company’s shareholders. Comprehensive loss differs from net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 due to the effects of foreign translation gains and losses. Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted New accounting pronouncements In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-01, Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements. This ASU clarifies leasing transactions among entities under common control, emphasizing the use of written terms for lease existence and classification. It is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating how this will impact its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method. This ASU expands the proportional amortization method to additional types of tax equity investments. It allows entities to apply this method to a broader range of investments that generate tax credits, providing greater flexibility in accounting for these investments. ASU 2023-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating how this ASU will impact its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-03, which amends various SEC paragraphs in the Accounting Standards Codification. This includes amendments to Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205), Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480), Equity (Topic 505), and Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718). The amendments are in response to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 120 and other SEC staff announcements and guidance. This ASU does not introduce new guidance and therefore does not have a specified transition or effective date. However, for smaller reporting companies, the ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company is currently evaluating how this ASU will impact its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-05, Business Combinations—Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and Initial Measurement. This ASU addresses accounting for assets and liabilities contributed to a joint venture. It requires entities to recognize and measure these contributions at fair value as of the joint venture formation date. This ASU is applicable to all entities involved in forming joint ventures and is effective for joint ventures formed on or after January 1, 2025. Entities may choose to apply these amendments retrospectively if sufficient information is available. The Company is currently evaluating how this ASU will impact its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative. This ASU introduces changes to the disclosure requirements, aligning them more closely with the SEC's initiatives for simplification and update. It specifically addresses various amendments in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification in response to the SEC's drive for clearer and more streamlined disclosures. This ASU is effective for public business entities classified as smaller reporting companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company is currently evaluating how this ASU will impact its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This ASU enhances the disclosures related to segment reporting for public entities. It requires entities to disclose significant segment expenses for each reportable segment, providing greater transparency in segment performance. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating how this ASU will impact its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. F- 18 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-08, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Crypto Assets (Subtopic 350-60): Accounting for and Disclosure of Crypto Assets. This ASU requires certain crypto assets to be measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in net income each reporting period. It also mandates additional disclosures about crypto asset holdings. This ASU is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating how this ASU will impact its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This ASU enhances the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. It is designed to provide more detailed information about an entity’s income tax expenses, liabilities, and deferred tax items, potentially affecting how companies report and disclose their income tax-related information. The ASU is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating how this ASU will impact its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. Recent adopted accounting pronouncements In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. An entity no longer will determine goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Instead, under the amendments in this update, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. The FASB also eliminated the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. It is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the amendments in this update during the current year and the adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, which provides an exception to fair value measurement for contract assets and contract liabilities related to revenue contracts acquired in a business combination. ASU 2021-08 requires an entity (acquirer) to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606. At the acquisition date, an acquirer should account for the related revenue contracts in accordance with Topic 606 as if it had originated the contract. It is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the amendments in this update during the current year and the adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which significantly changes how entities measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments. ASU 2016-13 introduces a new model for recognizing credit losses, known as the current expected credit loss (CECL) model, which is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. Under the CECL model, entities will be required to estimate all expected credit losses over the life of the asset. This update applies to all entities holding financial assets and net investment in leases that are not accounted for at fair value through net income. This ASU is effective for public business entities classified as smaller reporting companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company adopted the amendments in this update during the current year and the adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. Management does not believe any other recently issued but not yet effective accounting pronouncement, if adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s present or future consolidated financial statements. 4. CHANGE IN FUNCTIONAL AND PRESENTATION CURRENCY The Company changed its functional currency from the Canadian dollar (CAD) to the United States dollar (USD) as of February 1, 2021. The change in functional currency coincided with the January 2021 initial public offering and listing on the Nasdaq. Considering Versus’ business activities, comprised primarily of United States dollar revenue and expenditures, as well as, United States dollar denominated financings, management determined that the functional currency of the Company is the United States dollar. All assets, liabilities, equity, and other components of stockholders’ equity (deficit) were translated into United States dollars at the exchange rate at the date of change. F- 19 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 5. RECEIVABLES As of December 31, 2023, accounts receivable consists of customer receivables of $ 8,680 (net an allowance for credit losses of $ 2,700 ) and Goods and Services Tax (GST) receivable of $ 9,542 . As of December 31, 2022, accounts receivable consists of customer receivables of $ 46,592 (net an allowance for credit losses of $ 6,100 ) and GST receivable of $ 14,157 . 6. RESTRICTED DEPOSIT As at December 31, 2023, restricted deposits consisted of $ 8,679 (December 31, 2022 - $ 8,489 ) held in a guaranteed investment certificate as collateral for a corporate credit card. 7. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Computers Right of Use Asset Total ($) ($) ($) Cost At December 31, 2021 181,390 749,202 930,592 Additions 65,329 - 65,329 At December 31, 2022 246,719 749,202 995,921 Additions - - - Disposals ( 222,468 ) - ( 222,468 ) At December 31, 2023 24,251 749,202 773,453 Accumulated amortization At December 31, 2021 113,079 523,579 636,658 Amortization for the period 39,667 225,623 265,290 At December 31, 2022 152,746 749,202 901,948 Amortization for the period 23,754 - 23,754 Disposals ( 154,184 ) - ( 154,184 ) At December 31, 2023 22,316 749,202 771,518 Carrying amounts At December 31, 2021 68,311 225,623 293,934 At December 31, 2022 93,973 - 93,973 At December 31, 2023 1,935 - 1,935 8. NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST IN VERSUS LLC As of December 31, 2018, the Company held a 41.3 % ownership interest in Versus LLC, a privately held limited liability company organized under the laws of the state of Nevada. The Company consolidates Versus LLC as a result of having full control over the voting shares. Versus LLC is a technology company that is developing a business-to-business software platform that allows video game publishers and developers to offer prize-based matches of their games to their players. During 2019, the Company increased its ownership by 25.2 % in a series of transactions through the issuance of common shares and warrants. On March 1, 2022, the Company acquired an additional 15.1 % interest in Versus LLC in exchange for 715 common shares of the Company. The common shares were determined to have a fair value of $ 186,294 . As a result, the Company increased its ownership interest to 81.9 % and recorded the excess purchase price over net identifiable assets of $ 4,562,631 against additional-paid-in-capital. The effect on non-controlling interest was a reduction of $ 4,376,337 . F- 20 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 8. NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST IN VERSUS LLC (continued) The following table presents summarized financial information before intragroup eliminations for the non-wholly owned subsidiary as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. 2023 2022 Non-controlling interest percentage 18.1 % 18.1 % ($) ($) Assets Current 2,996,250 1,011,636 Non-current 1,935 2,822,122 2,998,185 3,843,758 Liabilities Current 175,051 518,701 Non-current 45,960,372 39,774,321 46,135,423 40,293,022 Net liabilities ( 43,137,238 ) ( 36,449,264 ) Non-controlling interest ( 7,387,547 ) ( 6,402,387 ) Net loss ( 10,418,840 ) ( 22,318,222 ) Net loss attributed to non-controlling interest ( 985,160 ) ( 2,146,185 ) 9. ACQUISITION OF XCITE INTERACTIVE, INC. A) Summary of the Acquisition On June 3, 2021, the Company closed its acquisition of all the issued and outstanding common shares of Xcite Interactive Inc. (Xcite) in exchange for common shares of the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the acquisition, the Company acquired all the issued and outstanding Xcite common shares. The acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method pursuant to ASC 805, “Business Combinations”. Under the acquisition method, assets and liabilities are measured at their estimated fair value on the date of acquisition. The total consideration was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed and goodwill in the amount of $ 6.5 million was recorded. B) Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets The Company conducts an annual impairment analysis in accordance with ASC 350 and ASC 360. A number of factors influenced the performance of Xcite Interactive in 2022 and beyond, including reduced revenue projections, the time and cost involved in creating custom games, the departure of key Xcite employees, and the competitive landscape of the fan engagement industry. As a result, the Company engaged a third-party to conduct an impairment analysis as of December 31, 2022. F- 21 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 9. ACQUISITION OF XCITE INTERACTIVE, INC. (continued) The analysis determined that the fair value was $ 3,760,000 resulting in an impairment of $ 8,919,002 . The goodwill balance of $ 6,580,660 was written down to $ 0 . The additional impairment of $ 2,673,342 was attributed on a pro-rata basis to the intangible assets related the Xcite acquisition. These assets include customer relationships, tradename, and developed technology. 10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS Intangible assets are comprised of a business-to-business software platform that allows video game publishers and developers to offer prize-based matches of their games to their players. The Company continued to develop new apps, therefore additional costs were capitalized during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company completed an impairment analysis of its intangible assets and concluded the assets were impaired. As a result, they recorded an impairment change in the amount of $ 3,968,332 during the year ended December 31,2023. Software Customer Relationships Trade name Developed Technology Total Cost At December 31, 2021 12,218,908 4,840,000 750,000 1,550,000 19,358,908 Additions 2,496,621 - - - 2,496,621 Impairments - ( 1,699,034 ) ( 329,167 ) ( 340,139 ) ( 2,338,340 ) At December 31, 2022 14,715,529 3,170,966 420,833 1,209,861 19,517,189 Additions 19,413 - - - 19,413 Impairment ( 1,656,691 ) ( 1,745,854 ) ( 420,833 ) ( 144,954 ) ( 3,968,332 ) At December 31, 2023 13,078,251 1,425,112 - 1,064,907 15,568,270 Accumulated amortization At December 31, 2021 9,582,355 345,714 - 258,333 10,186,402 Amortization 1,729,326 691,430 - 516,667 2,937,423 At December 31, 2022 11,311,681 1,037,144 - 775,000 13,123,825 Amortization 1,766,570 387,968 - 289,907 2,444,445 At December 31, 2023 13,078,251 1,425,112 - 1,064,907 15,568,270 Carrying amounts At December 31, 2021 2,636,553 4,494,286 750,000 1,291,667 9,172,506 At December 31, 2022 3,403,848 2,133,822 420,833 434,861 6,393,364 At December 31, 2023 0 0 0 0 0 11. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES The Company’s accounts payable and accrued liabilities are comprised of the following: December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 ($) ($) Accounts payable (Note 12) 82,579 138,276 Due to related parties (Note 12 and Note 14) 177,500 304,623 Accrued liabilities (Note 12) 26,348 79,113 286,427 522,012 F- 22 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 12. NOTES PAYABLE – RELATED PARTY During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company repaid $ 2,519,835 of principal. As at December 31, 2023, the Company had recorded $ 0 in accrued interest. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repaid $ 64,550 of principal. As at December 31, 2022, the Company had recorded $ 23,456 in accrued interest which was included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded finance expense of $ 0 (December 31, 2022 - $ 60,770 ), related to bringing the notes to their present value. Amount ($) Balance at December 31, 2021 2,786,183 Repayments ( 64,550 ) Finance expense 60,770 Foreign exchange adjustment ( 177,690 ) Balance, December 31, 2022 2,604,713 Foreign currency adjustment ( 35,380 ) Repayments ( 2,519,835 ) Cancellation of remaining debt ( 49,498 ) Balance, December 31, 2023 - Current - Non-current - 13. SHARE CAPITAL a) Authorized share capital The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Class A Shares. The Class A Shares do not have any special rights or restrictions attached. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were 0 and 21 Class A Shares issued and outstanding, respectively. The Class A shares were converted to common shares on December 22, 2023. b) Issued share capital During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company: i) Issued 156,250 shares at a price of $ 14.40 per share for total proceeds of $ 2,250,000 in a registered direct offering. In connection with the offering, the Company incurred $ 226,544 in issuance costs as part of the transaction. ii) Issued 283,875 common shares pursuant to exercise of 283,875 warrants at a price of $ 17.37 per share for total proceeds of $ 4,561,200 . iii) Issued 815,217 shares at a price of $ 3.68 per share for total proceeds of $ 3,000,000 in a registered direct offering. In connection with the offering, the Company incurred $ 453,345 in issuance costs as part of the transaction. F- 23 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 13. SHARE CAPITAL (continued) iv) Issued 989,903 shares at a price of $ 2.59 per share for total proceeds of $ 2,562,660 in a private placement. v) Issued 21 shares upon the conversion of Class A shares. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company: vi) Issued 18,229 units at a price of $ 384.00 per unit per unit for total proceeds of $ 7,000,000 . Each unit consisted of one common share and one warrant, to purchase one common share at $ 460.80 per share until February 28, 2027. In connection with the offering, the Company incurred $ 900,720 in issuance costs as part of the transaction. vii) Issued 715 shares, which were converted from Versus Holdco shares. viii) Issued 2,461 shares at a price of $ 355.20 per unit for total proceeds of $ 874,125 as a result of the underwriter exercising the overallotment. ix) Issued 262 shares related to the Xcite acquisition and the vesting of key employee shares. x) Issued 17,271 units at a price of $ 124.80 per unit for total proceeds of $ 2,155,195 . The offering consisted of 8,750 common shares and 8,521 pre-funded warrants. In connection with the offering, the Company incurred $ 313,482 in issuance costs as part of the transaction. xi) Issued 25,768 shares at $ 43.52 per share in a private placement offering for total proceeds of $ 1,119,373 . xii) Issued 131,250 units at a price of $ 16.00 per unit for total proceeds of $ 2,099,866 . The offering consisted of 18,750 common shares and 112,500 pre-funded warrants. In connection with the offering, the Company incurred $ 522,460 in issuance costs as part of the transaction. c) Stock options The Company may grant incentive stock options to its officers, directors, employees, and consultants. The Company has implemented a rolling Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) whereby the Company can issue up to 10 % of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. Options have a maximum term of ten years and vesting is determined by the Board of Directors. F- 24 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 13. SHARE CAPITAL (continued) A continuity schedule of outstanding stock options is as follows: Number Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price ($) Balance – December 31, 2021 8,091 1,017.60 Granted 6,533 99.04 Exercised - - Forfeited ( 386 ) 1,484.96 Balance – December 31, 2022 14,238 594.08 Granted 25,000 14.40 Exercised - - Forfeited ( 10,247 ) 392.60 Balance – December 31, 2023 28,990 165.38 During the year ended December 31, 2023, 25,000 stock options were granted by the Company, and the Company recorded share-based compensation of ($ 1,452,380 ) relating to options vested during the period. During the year ended December 31, 2022, 6,533 stock options were granted by the Company, and the Company recorded share-based compensation of $ 1,567,583 relating to options vested during the period. The Company used the following assumptions in calculating the fair value of stock options for the period ended: December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Risk-free interest rate 3.93 % 2.14 % – 4.03 % Expected life of options 3.69 years 5.0 years Expected dividend yield Nil Nil Volatility 132.65 % 96.90 % – 112.40 % F- 25 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 13. SHARE CAPITAL (continued) At December 31, 2023, the Company had incentive stock options outstanding as follows: Expiry Date Options Outstanding Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Life ($) (years) April 2, 2024 432 604.80 0.25 June 27, 2024 26 614.40 0.49 September 27, 2024 962 1,087.20 0.74 October 22, 2024 52 967.20 0.81 July 24, 2025 556 715.20 1.56 July 31, 2025 546 715.20 1.58 August 10, 2025 52 715.20 1.61 June 1, 2026 236 1,689.60 2.42 June 29, 2026 44 1,356.00 2.50 August 19, 2026 1,501 1,008.00 2.64 May 10, 2027 13 189.60 3.36 August 17, 2027 3,212 96.00 3.63 September 20, 2027 140 55.20 3.72 February 13, 2028 21,218 14.40 4.12 28,990 165.38 3.69 d) Share purchase warrants A continuity schedule of outstanding share purchase warrants is as follows: Number Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price ($) Balance – December 31, 2021 18,692 1,639.20 Exercised - - Expired ( 11,662 ) 1,540.80 Issued 322,878 54.72 Balance – December 31, 2022 329,908 91.84 Exercised ( 283,875 ) 16.19 Expired - - Issued 850,612 3.83 Balance – December 31, 2023 (1) 896,645 32.36 (1) Unit A warrant balance is 7,030 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company: i) Issued 10,938 placement agent warrants in conjunction with a registered direct offering on February 2, 2023, with an exercise price of $ 14.40 per share. F- 26 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 13. SHARE CAPITAL (continued) ii) Issued 815,217 warrants in conjunction with a public offering on October 17, 2023, with an exercise price of $ 3.68 per share. iii) Issued 24,457 placement agent warrants in conjunction with a public offering on October 17, 2023, with an exercise price of $ 4.05 per share. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company: iv) Completed a public offering on February 28, 2022, and issued 18,229 units at a price of $ 384.00 per unit for total proceeds of $ 7,000,000 . Each unit consisted of one common share and one warrant, to purchase one common share at $ 460.80 per share until February 28, 2027. v) Issued 2,461 units on March 24, 2022, at a price of $ 355.20 per unit for total proceeds of $ 874,125 because the underwriter exercised its overallotment option. Each unit consisted of one common share and one warrant, to purchase one common share at $ 460.80 per share until February 28, 2027. vi) Issued 25,906 warrants on July 18, 2022, to purchase common shares, each exercisable for one common share at an exercise price of $ 124.80 per share in an offer to an investor. vii) Completed a public offering on December 9, 2022 and issued 131,250 units for total proceeds of $ 2,099,866 . Each unit consists of (1) either (a) one common share or (b) one pre-funded warrant to purchase one common share and (2) two warrants to purchase one common share each, at a public offering price of $ 16.00 per unit. The unit will have an exercise price of $ 17.60 per share, are exercisable immediately upon issuance, and will expire five years following the date of issuance. An additional 13,781 warrants were provided to placement agents with an exercise price of $ 20.00 per share. The Company used the following assumptions in calculating the fair value of the warrants for the period ended: December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Risk-free interest rate 4.13 % - 4.49 % 3.99 % - 4.22 % Expected life of warrants 2.06 – 4.80 years 3.06 – 5.05 years Expected dividend yield Nil Nil Volatility 132.78 % 119 % – 124.9 % Weighted average fair value per warrant $ 4.69 $ 4.16 At December 31, 2023, the Company had share purchase warrants outstanding as follows: Expiration Date Warrants Outstanding Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Life ($) (years) January 20, 2026 (1) 7,030 1,800.00 2.06 February 28, 2027 20,689 460.80 3.16 December 6, 2027 13,781 20.00 3.93 December 9, 2027 9,876 17.60 3.94 January 18, 2028 25,906 124.80 4.05 February 2, 2028 10,938 14.40 4.10 October 17, 2028 783,968 3.68 4.80 October 17, 2028 24,457 4.05 4.80 896,645 32.36 4.69 (1) Unit A warrant balance is 7,030 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. F- 27 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS The following summarizes the Company’s related party transactions, not disclosed elsewhere in these consolidated financial statements, during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Key management personnel includes the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and certain directors and officers and companies controlled or significantly influenced by them. Key Management Personnel 2023 2022 ($) ($) Short-term employee benefits paid or accrued to the CEO of the Company, including share-based compensation vested for incentive stock options and performance warrants. 342,275 350,657 Short-term employee benefits paid or accrued to the CFO of the Company, including share-based compensation vested for incentive stock options and performance warrants. 354,995 363,291 Short-term employee benefits paid or accrued to a member of the advisory board of the Company, including share-based compensation vested for incentive stock options and performance warrants. 54,518 215,038 Short-term employee benefits paid or accrued to the Chief Technology Officer of the Company, including share-based compensation vested for incentive stock options and performance warrants. 276,395 306,441 Short-term employee benefits paid or accrued to a Director of the Company, including share-based compensation vested for incentive stock options and performance warrants. 257,945 293,585 Short-term employee benefits paid or accrued to the Chief People Officer of the Company, including share-based compensation vested for incentive stock options and performance warrants. 205,112 205,681 Short-term employee benefits paid or accrued to other directors and officers of the Company, including share-based compensation vested for incentive stock options and performance warrants. 84,586 426,153 Total 1,575,826 2,160,846 Other Related Party Payments Office sharing and occupancy costs of $ 75,214 (December 31, 2022 - $ 64,741 ) were paid or accrued to a corporation that shares management in common with the Company. Amounts Outstanding a) At December 31, 2023, a total of $ 177,500 (December 31, 2022 - $ 304,623 ) was included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities owing to officers, directors, or companies controlled by them. These amounts are unsecured and non-interest bearing (Note 11). b) At December 31, 2023, a total of $0 (December 31, 2022 - $ 2,604,713 ) of notes are payable to a director of the Company (Note 12). F- 28 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 15. CONCENTRATION OF RISK Credit risk Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its payment obligations. The Company has no material counterparties to its financial instruments with the exception of the financial institutions which hold its cash. The Company manages its credit risk by ensuring that its cash is placed with a major financial institution with strong investment grade ratings by a primary ratings agency. The Company’s receivables consist of goods and services due from customers and tax due from the Canadian government. Financial instrument risk exposure The Company is exposed in varying degrees to a variety of financial instrument related risks. The Board approves and monitors the risk management processes. Liquidity risk The Company’s cash is invested in business accounts which are available on demand. The Company has raised additional capital during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Interest rate risk The Company’s bank account earns interest income at variable rates. The fair value of its portfolio is relatively unaffected by changes in short-term interest rates. A 1% change in interest rates would have no significant impact on profit or loss for the year ended December 31, 2023. Foreign exchange risk Foreign currency exchange rate risk is the risk that the fair value of financial instruments or future cash flows will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. The Company operates in Canada and the United States. F- 29 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 15. CONCENTRATION OF RISK (continued) The Company was exposed to the following foreign currency risk as at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022: December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 ($) ($) Cash 1,630,841 245,858 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities ( 105,941 ) ( 93,630 ) 1,524,900 152,228 As at December 31, 2023, with other variables unchanged, a +/- 10 % change in the United States dollar to Canadian dollar exchange rate would impact the Company’s net loss by $ 152,500 (December 31, 2022 - $ 15,200 ). 16. Management of Capital The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it, based on the funds available to the Company. Capital consists of items within equity (deficit). The Board of Directors does not establish quantitative return on capital criteria for management, but rather relies on the expertise of the Company’s management to sustain future development of the business. The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements. The Company remains dependent on external financing to fund its activities. In order to sustain its operations, the Company will spend its existing cash on hand and raise additional amounts as needed until the business generates sufficient revenues to be self-sustaining. Management reviews its capital management approach on an ongoing basis and believes that this approach, given the relative size of the Company, is reasonable. In order to maximize ongoing corporate development efforts, the Company does not pay out dividends. The Company’s investment policy is to keep its cash treasury invested in certificates of deposit with major financial institutions. There have been no changes to the Company’s approach to capital management during the year ended December 31, 2023. F- 30 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 17. GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTED INFORMATION The Company is engaged in three business activities, the live events business, which includes partnering with multiple professional sports franchises to drive in-stadium audience engagement; a software licensing business creating a recurring revenue stream; and a business-to-business software platform that allows video game publishers and developers to offer prize-based matches of their games to their players. Details of identifiable assets by geographic segments are as follows: Restricted deposits Deposits Property and equipment Intangible assets December 31, 2023 Canada $ 8,679 $ - $ - $ - USA - - 1,935 - $ 8,679 $ - $ 1,935 $ - December 31, 2022 Canada $ 8,489 $ - $ - $ - USA - 100,000 93,973 6,393,364 $ 8,489 $ 100,000 $ 93,973 $ 6,393,364 18. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 ($) ($) Non-cash investing and financing activities: Shares issued to acquire Holdco shares - 715 Shares issued in connection with Xcite acquisition - 262 Shares issued to convert Class A shares 28,247 - 19. LEASE OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS Lease Liabilities Lease liabilities recognized as of January 1, 2022 $ 367,884 Change in lease liabilities ( 239,324 ) Less: current portion 128,560 At December 31, non-current portion - Lease liabilities recognized as of January 1, 2023 128,560 Change in lease liabilities ( 128,560 ) At December 31, 2023 0 F- 31 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 19. LEASE OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS (continued) On August 1, 2015, the Company entered into a cost sharing arrangement agreement for the provision of office space and various administrative services. In May of 2018, the Company extended the cost sharing arrangement to July of 2022 at a monthly fee of CAD $ 7,000 plus GST per month. On September 6, 2017, the Company entered into a rental agreement for office space in Los Angeles, California. Under the terms of the agreement the Company will pay $ 17,324 per month commencing on October 1, 2017 until June 30, 2023. On April 30, 2023, the Company vacated its leased office space in Los Angeles, California in accordance with the termination of the lease. As of December 31, 2023, the Company operates using a fully remote workforce and does not have any long-term lease agreements for office space or other long-term assets. As such, the remaining right-of-use asset balance is $ 0 . 20. INCOME TAXES a) Provision for Income Taxes The components of loss before income taxes are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Domestic $ ( 8,925,899 ) $ ( 20,999,110 ) Foreign ( 1,586,258 ) ( 1,474,082 ) Total $ ( 10,512,157 ) $ ( 22,473,192 ) For purposes of reconciling the Company’s provision for income taxes at the statutory rate and the Company’s provision (benefit) for income taxes at the effective tax rate, a notional 27 % tax rate was applied as follows: 2023 2022 ($) ($) Loss for the year ( 10,512,157 ) ( 22,473,192 ) Income tax at federal statutory rate ( 2,838,000 ) ( 5,876,000 ) Increase (decrease) in tax resulting from: Change in statutory, foreign tax, foreign exchange rates and other 536,000 ( 12,000 ) Permanent differences ( 218,000 ) 1,875,000 Share issue costs - 370,000 Change in unrecognized deductible temporary differences 2,686,000 3,643,000 Other ( 166,000 ) - Income tax expense - - The difference between the statutory federal income tax rate and the Company’s effective tax rate in 2023, and 2022 is primarily attributable to the difference between the U.S. and foreign tax rates, non-deductible officer compensation, share-based compensation, true up of deferred taxes, other non-deductible permanent items, and change in valuation allowance. Note that the statutory rate will be the Canadian rate as the parent (filer) is domiciled in Canada. The net deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following: 2023 2022 ($) ($) Deferred tax assets: Non-capital losses carry-forward 15,769,000 14,379,000 Exploration and Evaluation assets 1,470,000 1,470,000 Share issuance costs 733,000 789,000 Intangible assets 2,047,000 622,000 Other deferreds 1,000 12,000 Allowable capital losses 3,635,000 3,558,000 Property and equipment 77,000 76,000 Valuation allowance ( 23,732,000 ) ( 20,906,000 ) Total deferred income taxes - - F- 32 VERSUS SYSTEMS INC. NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Expressed in United States dollars) 20. INCOME TAXES (continued) A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized based on an assessment of positive and negative evidence, including estimates of future taxable income necessary to realize future deductible amounts. A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated was the cumulative loss incurred over the three-year period ended December 31, 2023. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence such as its projections for future growth. On the basis of this evaluation, at December 31, 2023 and 2022, a valuation allowance of $ 23.7 million and $ 20.9 million, respectively, has been recorded. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has accumulated federal and state net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of $ 30.1 million and $ 15.6 million, respectively. The significant components of the Company’s temporary differences, unused tax credits and unused tax losses that have not been included on the consolidated balance sheets are as follows: Temporary Differences 2023 Expiry Date Range 2022 Expiry Date Range ($) ($) Non-capital losses available for future periods - US 45,697,000 2036 to indefinite 41,188,000 2036 to indefinite Non-capital losses available for future periods - Canada 22,862,000 2026 to 2043 21,739,000 2026 to 2041 Allowable capital losses 13,463,000 No expiry date 13,178,000 No expiry date Property and equipment 280,000 No expiry date 270,000 No expiry date Intangible assets 9,747,000 No expiry date 2,962,000 No expiry date Exploration and evaluation assets 5,446,000 No expiry date 5,446,000 No expiry date Share issuance costs 2,715,000 No expiry date 2,922,000 No expiry date The Company is subject to taxation in the United States and various states along with other foreign countries. The Company has not been notified that it is under audit by the IRS or any state, however, due to the presence of NOL carryforwards, all the income tax years remain open for examination in each of these jurisdictions. There are no audits in any foreign jurisdictions. The Company does not believe that it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease in the next 12 months. Deferred income taxes have not been provided for undistributed earnings of the Company’s consolidated foreign subsidiaries because of the Company’s intent to reinvest such earnings indefinitely in active foreign operations. Tax attributes are subject to review, and potential adjustment, by tax authorities. The Company files income tax returns with Canada, U.S. and state governments. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2019. 21. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS The Company has evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date of December 31, 2023 through April 1, 2024, the date the consolidated financial statements were issued. Based upon its evaluation, management has determined that no subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition in the accompanying consolidated financial statements or disclosure in the notes thereto. F-32