Item 1. Business
ITEM
1. BUSINESS
Overview
We
are a global public safety technology and services company that delivers safe and effective policing solutions to law enforcement and
security personnel worldwide. We are leading the movement for safer outcomes by equipping law enforcement with safer, non-painful compliance
tools, and immersive training fit for modern society. We began sales of our first public safety product, the BolaWrap 100 remote restraint
device, in late 2018. In the first quarter of 2022, we delivered a new generation product, the BolaWrap 150. The BolaWrap 150 is electronically
deployed and is more robust, smaller, lighter and simpler to deploy than the BolaWrap 100 that has since been phased out. In late 2020
we added a new solution to our public safety technologies, our virtual reality (“VR”) training platform, Wrap Reality, and
in August 2023 we acquired Intrensic, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Intrensic”), which added a Body-Worn Camera
(“BWC”) and Digital Evidence Management (“DEM”) solution to our portfolio of policing solutions. Wrap Reality
is now sold to law enforcement agencies for simulation training as well as corrections departments for the societal reentry scenarios.
Our
target market for our solutions includes approximately 900,000 full-time sworn law enforcement officers in over 18,000 federal, state,
and local law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and over 12 million police officers in more than 100 countries. Additionally, we are exploring
opportunities in other domestic markets, such as military and private security. Our international focus is on countries with the largest
police forces. According to 360iResearch, a market research consulting firm, our non-lethal products are part of a global market segment
expected to grow to $16.1 billion by 2027.
We
focus our efforts on the following products and services:
BolaWrap
Remote Restraint Device – a hand-held remote restraint device that discharges a seven and half-foot Kevlar tether to entangle
an individual at a range of 10-25 feet. BolaWrap assists law enforcement to safely and effectively control encounters early without resorting
to painful force options.
Wrap
Reality – a law enforcement 3D training system employing immersive computer graphics VR with proprietary software-enabled content.
It allows up to two participants to enter a simulated training environment simultaneously, and customized weapons controllers enable
trainees to engage in strategic decision making along the force continuum. Wrap Reality has 45 scenarios for law enforcement and corrections
and 15 scenarios for societal reentry. Wrap Reality is one of the most robust 3D Virtual Reality solutions on the market for law enforcement
and societal reentry today.
Wrap
Intrensic – a Body-Worn Camera and Digital Evidence Management solutions provider. BWC and DEM play crucial roles in capturing,
storing, and managing digital evidence, such as video and audio recordings for various purposes, including criminal investigations and
maintaining transparency in public interactions. The Wrap Intrensic X2 camera hardware and storage and data management capability, along
with awareness of front-line operations, provides customers with a solution to meet their challenges. Wrap Intrensic Evidence on our
cloud-based video storage platform provides an unlimited video storage platform that includes video and other evidence uploading, search,
retrieval, redaction, and evidence sharing while reducing the need for resources required to manage this evidence.
In
addition to the US law enforcement market, we have shipped our restraint products to 62 countries. We have established an active distributor
network representing 50 states and one dealer representing the US territory of Puerto Rico. We have distribution agreements with 23 international
distributors covering 63 countries. We focus significant sales, training and business development efforts to support our distribution
network in addition to our internal sales team.
We
focus significant resources on research and development innovations and continue to enhance our products and plan to introduce new products.
We believe we have established a strong brand and market presence globally and have established significant competitive advantages in
our markets.
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Industry
Background
The
market for non-lethal and less-lethal products and devices serves law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, military agencies,
private security guard companies, and retail consumers. As thought leaders in new public safety products, we focus on the law enforcement
agency segment of the market with our BolaWrap remote restraint solution, Wrap Reality virtual reality system, and our Body-Worn Camera
and Digital Evidence Management solutions. Recent trends, such as the rise in mental health cases, police reform, and reorganization
of police departments, have started a growing conversation across the country on the need for de-escalation before applying a pain-compliance
policing policy. As this de-escalation movement unfolds, there are thousands of law enforcement, police, and sheriff’s offices
focusing on training, policies, and the use of more non-lethal restraining solutions. This movement highlights a growing need for new
approaches, which we believe will drive demand for our innovative and safe law enforcement solutions.
When
law enforcement seeks to detain an individual, there usually is a use of force continuum that an agency follows, starting with officer
presence and verbal commands. If verbal commands break down, agencies may authorize the use of less lethal pain inducing compliance tools,
such as pepper spray, pepper ball, wooden batons or metal collapsible batons, launchers and bean bags, and conducted energy weapons,
such as Taser®. Our BolaWrap product offers an alternative. It can be used in many cases to restrain an individual after verbal commands
break down and prior to the need to use pain-inducing compliance tools. The use of nonlethal solutions like BolaWrap potentially could
lead to a reduction in use of force incidents that result in ending careers as well as the number of legal cases filed against agencies
for excessive use of force, wrongful death, and injury, thus decreasing expensive litigation, settlements, and insurance costs.
We
anticipate that use of the BolaWrap by public safety agencies can increase goodwill between public safety agencies and their communities,
especially in a time when interactions with public safety officers are increasingly subject to public and media scrutiny. We believe
the law enforcement community’s response to BolaWrap demonstrates the need for the product and its utility in safely detaining
individuals. Our goal is to equip every public safety officer with a BolaWrap remote restraint solution that they carry with them each
day.
Markets
We
participate in the global non-lethal market that, according to the January 2022 report by 360iResearch, was expected to grow to $16.1
billion by 2027. The following segments are our target markets:
Domestic
and International Law Enforcement
Our
products and services are primarily targeted at federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in the U.S. As of 2018, there were
over 18,000 law enforcement agencies and 800,000 full-time local and state law enforcement officers in the US, while the US Department
of Justice reported over 100,000 full-time federal officers based on 2016 data. Our product line, including BolaWrap, can be an effective
tool for safe detention of individuals under the jurisdiction of these agencies.
We
have also identified an international market opportunity of over 12.1 million police officers in the 100 largest police forces outside
the US. We have delivered products to 62 countries and have entered into agreements with international distributors. We anticipate that
sales attributable to international markets will represent a significant portion of our sales in the future due in part to the centralized
purchase decision-making process at the national level in these markets. Often, the international markets have large national police
forces. Conversely, in the US, the market is more fragmented with many smaller agencies and longer procurement and sales cycles. We expect
international sales to continue to be lumpy due the timing of purchase decisions and relatively large size of orders.
Correctional
Facilities
In
2019, the US Bureau of Justice statistics (“Census of State and Federal Correctional Facilities, 2019,” US Department of
Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, published November 2022) estimated that there were 240,000 correctional officers in over 1,000
federal and state correctional facilities in the U.S., representing a large potential market for our products and services. Most correctional
facilities fall under federal, state or local law enforcement jurisdiction and we believe these facilities could leverage Wrap Reality
for law enforcement and societal reentry platforms as well as BolaWrap inside and outside of the correctional facility.
Private
Security Firms and Guard Services
According
to the 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (“Occupational Employment Statistics,” US Department of Labor), there were
1.1 million privately employed security guards in the U.S. They represent a broad range of individuals, including those employed by investigation
and security services, hospitals, schools, local government, and others. We believe that the use of BolaWrap by security personnel could
effectively de-escalate some encounters without eliminating other devices available today. Providing security personnel with the BolaWrap
may also reduce the potential liability of private security companies and personnel in such encounters.
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Today,
ATF classifications play a role in restricting Wrap’s ability to transfer easily to non-government security firms. We believe the
classification is overly onerous and we will continue to work with the ATF and others to change our nonlethal product’s classification.
It is important to note that countries in which we have international customers do not have any transfer or possession restrictions on
the non-lethal BolaWrap devices and we believe this should be the future for BolaWrap in the United States.
Virtual
Reality Training Market
The
virtual training and simulation market is projected to reach $602 billion by 2027, according to a 2019 report by Allied Market Research.
We expect the growth of virtual reality and simulation to continue expanding into many nascent industries, including law enforcement,
corrections, military, school, and private security although it currently represents a relatively small segment of the overall market.
The law enforcement and military sectors are important segments of the market, and increasing awareness of the benefits of virtual training
and simulation is driving market growth. Advancements in technology now enable virtual reality to recreate real-world scenarios in a
360-degree immersive environment.
Wrap
Products and Services
BolaWrap
Remote Restraint
Our
BolaWrap product line includes the BolaWrap 100, which was our first remote restraint product and which has been phased out, and the
BolaWrap 150, delivered to the market in the first quarter of 2022. The BolaWrap 150 offers electronic deployment and is more robust,
smaller, lighter, and simpler to use than the BolaWrap 100. The BolaWrap is a handheld remote restraint device that discharges a seven
and a half-foot Kevlar tether, entangling an individual from a range of 10-25 feet. Developed in collaboration with law enforcement professionals,
this device enables safe and effective control of low-force encounters, providing a valuable tool for law enforcement officers.
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The
BolaWrap is a remote restraint device that safely wraps around an individual’s arms and/or legs to impede movement and prevent
harm to themselves or others. The device provides a valuable tool for law enforcement officers to safely and humanely take subjects into
custody without injury, especially when verbal commands are ineffective.
With
a wide effectiveness zone and a guiding seven dot green laser for accurate placement of the Kevlar tether, the BolaWrap mitigates the
risk of injury to the subject, officer and potential bystanders. Its small, light, and rugged design allows officers to maintain other
use of force continuum options while providing a non-lethal alternative to potentially injurious less-lethal forces or firearms.
BolaWrap’s
effectiveness in restraining individuals and hindering their ability to flee or fight has been proven. Not only does it allow officers
to act safely and effectively in difficult situations by minimizing the need for other uses of force, including hand-to-hand combat and
other more injurious less lethal or lethal weapons, but also it helps minimize injury and prevent a force frenzy that can occur after
chasing a fleeing subject.
Unlike
other less-lethal tools that rely on pain compliance and may lead to escalation of incidents and serious injuries, the BolaWrap does
not rely on pain or electricity-enabled neuromuscular incapacitation. BolaWrap does not induce paralyzed falls or recovery time, making
the BolaWrap an ideal non-lethal tool for law enforcement officers. Additionally, the fight or flight response that comes from less lethal
tools that cause pain and injury is minimized by being wrapped by a BolaWrap device.
We
spend significant resources training law enforcement on the safe and effective use of the BolaWrap in conjunction with de-escalation
and apprehension techniques. However, like any restraining action, some injuries may result from the use of BolaWrap. Our training includes
primary use cases that fall into the three broad categories routinely encountered by law enforcement and security personnel:
●
To
remotely restrain and limit the mobility of an individual who is experiencing a mental health crisis, narcotics-induced psychosis,
or other crisis condition rendering them incapable of responding to law enforcement’s verbal commands but that presents a danger
to law enforcement, the public or themselves if not restrained;
●
To
remotely restrain and limit the mobility of an individual attempting to evade arrest or questioning, as well as individuals ignoring
verbal commands from law enforcement. These individuals are commonly referred to as passively resistant or non-compliant; and
●
To
assist in subduing individuals actively resisting arrest by limiting mobility, possibly making other engagement options less risky
to officers and less injurious to individuals.
Law
enforcement encounters involving individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis can be challenging, resulting in public controversy
and costly consequences. The Treatment Advocacy Center: Office of Research & Public Affairs reported that one in ten police encounters
involve individuals with mental illness, with at least one in four fatal police encounters involving individuals with mental illness
(“Overlooked in the Undercounted: The Role of Mental Illness in Fatal Law Enforcement Encounters,” Office of Research & Public Affairs (2015)).
A
field deployment should be considered successful by law enforcement agencies if compliance is achieved, and no additional higher-level
use of force tool is required after the BolaWrap is displayed or used. Agencies have reported achieving compliance by utilizing the BolaWrap
in the following ways:
●
by
pointing the BolaWrap’s seven dot green line dot laser at the suspect in conjunction with verbal commands;
●
by
the sound emitted by the BolaWrap upon deployment and causing a distraction;
●
through
the feeling of being wrapped and/or the restraint of the Kevlar cord around the suspect’s legs, arms, or torso; and
●
when
used in conjunction with other less-lethal tools.
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While
we encourage all law enforcement agencies to fill out a Use of Device Report when the BolaWrap is used during an encounter in the field,
agencies do not always report all field deployments. Some agencies consider the deployment of the BolaWrap to be a non-use of force or
a de minimis use of force that does not require any reporting. While some deployments have been captured on bodycam and shared with the
public, others were reported by the agency or the media but were not captured on bodycam. Some agencies capture deployments on body worn
cameras but do not allow the sharing of the video or allow them to be shared for learning purposes but not publicized for other marketing
purposes. Some local jurisdictions have department policies, collective bargaining agreements, and city, county or state laws regarding
the distribution of body worn camera video.
As
more agencies incorporate the BolaWrap onto their duty belts and carry it every day on shift we expect to see an increase in the rate
of field deployments, which we believe will contribute to even further adoption of the device by law enforcement agencies worldwide.
In 2022, following the release of our strategic roadmap in mid-2022 Q3, we focused our customer service team on modifying their approach
to become a customer success operation. As part of this strategic change, our team focuses on reaching out to drive agency wide adoption.
We made this pivot in part because many agencies in the first few years of BolaWrap only deployed a small number of trial units without
the immediate follow-up to grow their deployment to agency-wide. We have trained our sales team to focus on agency-wide deployment to
drive the highest level of immediate success with the device and to integrate it into department-wide use of force polices.
BolaWrap
150
In
late Q1 2022, we delivered the latest generation of our BolaWrap device, the BolaWrap 150. Production of the previous model, the BolaWrap
100, ceased in 2021. We intend to continue to supply cartridges for the BolaWrap 100 to our customers for the foreseeable future. Unlike
the BolaWrap 100, the BolaWrap 150 utilizes cassettes that are unique to the device and cannot be interchanged between models. We have
positioned the BolaWrap 150 as our primary product and plan to support it for 5 to 10 years from the product launch date.
To
support the increased production volume for the BolaWrap 150, we implemented a more automated supply chain in the production, quality
control, and testing lines in 2022.
We
believe the BolaWrap 150 offers important benefits, including:
●
Modern
electronic deployment;
●
Smaller
size and less weight;
●
Reduced
production costs;
●
LED
status indicator for ease of operation;
●
Long
laser battery life;
●
LED
target illumination to improve accuracy;
●
Hardened
plastic for increased durability; and
●
Enhanced
water resistance for harsh environments.
The
BolaWrap 150 employs two micro-gas generators to individually expel each entangling projectile. Micro-gas generators are micro explosive
parts used in a variety of industrial products, including automobile airbags.
See
“Risk Factors” included below in this Annual Report for additional information regarding risks and uncertainties associated
with our business.
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Wrap
Reality
In
2019, we partnered with an independent technology company to create a virtual reality system with training scenarios. We acquired NSENA
Inc. in December 2020, a provider of law enforcement training employing immersive computer graphics virtual reality with proprietary
software-enabled content. We branded the system as Wrap Reality Virtual Training and kept building and improving that platform and today
it offers 38 built out scenarios targeting law enforcement. Countless additional scenarios can be made by using the Wrap Reality adapt
functionality to pick and choose key components to build a scenario. It takes advantage of advanced virtual reality hardware and allows
up to two participants to enter the simulated training environment simultaneously.
In
August 2021, we announced the development of an expanded Wrap Reality Virtual Training platform through a collaboration with Amazon Web
Services (AWS). This new platform combines our law enforcement simulator with secure cloud services to track training progress and provide
the ability to replay recorded training sessions. We continue to upgrade scenarios and develop de-escalation techniques into new scenarios
and seek to enhance the Wrap Reality experience through continued software and platform innovation.
We
are optimistic about the potential for future growth of WRAP Reality by public safety agencies, given our early adoption and deployment
of robust virtual reality training technology. By leveraging our existing platform and our investment in cloud software, we now will
have the opportunity to develop and offer critical training scenarios at very competitive price points.
We
have the ability to offer both on-premises and full cloud capabilities with multiple hardware options. This expansion enables us to deliver
the platform to a broad range of customers, including law enforcement agencies, public and private security, corrections and the general
public for firearms, concealed weapon, and safety training.
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Wrap
Intrensic
In
August 2023, Wrap entered into the Intrensic Purchase Agreement (as defined herein) for the acquisition of Intrensic, an innovator of
DEMS and body-worn cameras. The integration of Intrensic’s offerings into the Company’s product suite allows the Company
to expand its relationship with existing customers, increase its addressable market, and further innovate its technology offering. The
acquisition helps the Company broaden its addressable market by appealing to a wider range of law enforcement and public safety agencies
that are looking for integrated solutions combining non-lethal devices and digital evidence management. By offering a more comprehensive
set of tools and technologies, the Company strengthened its position in the public safety technology market by differentiating itself
from competitors that only offer single solutions.
Wrap
Intrensic offers a robust digital evidence management platform that enables law enforcement agencies to securely store, manage, and share
digital evidence, including body-worn camera footage, dashboard camera videos, and other digital files. The platform is equipped with
features such as secure cloud storage, easy file retrieval, evidence tagging, chain of custody documentation, and sharing capabilities
to streamline workflows and ensure data integrity. Wrap Intrensic also provides body-worn camera solutions designed to capture high-quality
video evidence in various law enforcement scenarios. These cameras feature HD recording, night vision, and secure data upload capabilities
and seamlessly integrate with the digital evidence management platform for efficient video uploading and management.
Since
completing the acquisition in August 2023, Wrap has launched a host of new features and functionality to the Intrensic platform including
WrapAI, a suite of artificial intelligence-powered functionality for Wrap Intrensic BWC and DEMS. This suite includes AI video redaction,
AI video transcription, and AI assisted contextual content search, keeping Wrap Intrensic on the cutting edge of innovation in the DEMS
and BWC marketplace.
By
offering comprehensive solutions for video evidence management, Wrap Intrensic enhances accountability and transparency within law enforcement
agencies. The technology facilitates improved documentation of interactions and incidents, which is critical in investigations and when
building public trust. The solutions are used in various settings, including routine patrols, traffic stops, and large-scale public events.
Wrap Intrensic’s platform simplifies digital evidence management, reducing the administrative burden on law enforcement personnel.
Secure cloud storage and rigorous chain-of-custody protocols protect digital evidence against unauthorized access and tampering. The
integration of non-lethal tools like BolaWrap with digital evidence solutions contributes to safer interactions between law enforcement
officers and the community, strengthening Wrap Technologies’ position in the public safety technology market by offering an end-to-end
solution that combines innovative de-escalation devices with state-of-the-art evidence management.
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The
Company remains optimistic on the outlook of Wrap Intrensic as a competitive and innovative solution set in the marketplace.
Selling,
Marketing and Training
Our
sales, marketing and training organizations work together closely to drive revenue growth by enhancing market awareness of our solutions,
generating leads, building a strong sales pipeline, and cultivating customer and distributor relationships. Our training not only supports
our sales, but it also provides revenue due to the extreme value our customers place on our training services. We started charging for
our training services in the third quarter of 2022.
Sales
Our
primary target market is law enforcement agencies in the US and globally. The purchasing decision for our BolaWrap products and accessories
is typically made by a group including agency heads, procurement, training staff, and use of force experts, and may involve political
decision-makers such as city council members. The decision-making process may take several weeks to over a year due to budget constraints
and other considerations.
We
use product demonstrations as a primary sales tool and follow up with sales activities. Our goal is to convert demonstration and training
deliveries into sales and long-term expansion. We provide fee-based training services to agencies, as we believe that departments with
knowledgeable instructors are more likely to purchase our products.
In
2019, we adopted a channel distribution approach, in tandem with our internal sales team, where we supply our products to independent
regional police equipment distributors, who in turn sell to local law enforcement agencies. Our current focus is on cultivating partnerships
with major agencies and providing active assistance to our distributors through our dedicated sales, business development, and support
teams. We sell through distributors in most cases and go direct to our end customers where the right distributor skill set, and capability
is not available.
We
currently have distribution agreements with a network of distributors representing 50 states and one dealer representing Puerto Rico.
These agreements provide certain territorial rights to distributors and allow us to sell direct to certain agencies under certain terms.
We
have distribution agreements with 23 international distributors covering 63 countries. These agreements generally require minimum sales
and follow-up performance and allow us to sell direct to customers if performance is not being met. We focus significant sales and business
development efforts to support our international distributors.
We
have invested in training our sales, distribution, demonstration, training, and customer success teams, as well as our distributors,
to build awareness and drive sales of our BolaWrap and our Wrap Reality virtual reality training product. Additionally, we are actively
seeking partnerships with other organizations to further enhance our sales, marketing, and technology efforts. We engage with other industry
experts to ensure our virtual reality scenarios align with industry standards of engagement.
Marketing
Prospective
customers become aware of Wrap solutions through a variety of marketing channels such as social media, paid advertising, media coverage,
press releases, web searches, sales calls, and public relations. We also distribute body and dash camera videos of successful BolaWrap
use in policing encounters to generate leads. Once a lead is generated, it is qualified by our inside sales team, and a sales representative
or distributor communicates with the prospective customer to discuss their needs and the solutions we offer.
We
track our marketing and sales activities to provide immediate insight into activities, leads, quotes, and pipeline opportunities. Our
marketing staff engages with law enforcement agencies, personnel, and risk management organizations to educate them on the benefits of
BolaWrap remote restraint, as well as Wrap Reality and we participate in various domestic and international trade shows and conferences
to promote our brands. We intend to increase the use of our trademarks throughout our product distribution chain to enhance brand awareness
and believe our strong reputation as a pioneer in remote restraint, with excellent training and product support, gives us a competitive
edge.
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Demonstration,
Training and Customer Success
As
part of its sales and marketing activities, the Company has a department dedicated to conducting demonstrations and training. The Company
offers in-person, webinar, and online demonstrations, as well as paid use of force and de-escalation training, to law enforcement agencies.
The training can take place before or after the initial or subsequent purchase or deployment of the Company’s products. The Company
believes that providing training and demonstrations to law enforcement officers and trainers increases their support for purchasing and
deploying the products within their departments.
Generally,
agencies will adapt their use of force policy to incorporate remote restraint and the BolaWrap into a key new area of their policy for
non-invasive tools that often did not previously exist. BolaWrap is typically not a categorical use of force, or if classified as force,
and is typically at the lowest level on a department policy, below all other less lethal weapons like pepper spray, pepperball, batons,
bean bags, Tasers® and conducted energy weapons.
In
order to provide comprehensive training and sales support, we initiated the Wrap “Train the Trainer” program in October 2018.
The program is structured such that our Master BolaWrap Instructors educate BolaWrap Instructors at local agencies, who then train front-line
officers in compliance with the agency’s policies.
BolaWrap
Instructors are typically sworn law enforcement officers, who are commonly department trainers, defensive tactic instructors, or SWAT
officers. They undergo a five-hour BolaWrap Instructor certification course, which includes passing a written exam and demonstrating
proficiency in deploying and using the BolaWrap. We provide support to the instructors to share lessons learned and best practices for
teaching line officers in the use of BolaWrap. Instructor certification is valid for two years and requires renewal afterward. BolaWrap
training curriculum is submitted by departments to their Post Officers Standards and Training (POST) for credit for in-service training
hours. Most departments who leverage the BolaWrap across all field officers incorporate BolaWrap training into most other training materials
and in service training throughout the year. An example would be officers doing an in-service training on Driving under the Influence
(DUI) arrests using the BolaWrap during the arrest portion of training on individuals under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If departments
are conducting in-service training on responding to those in a mental health crisis, they also need to train and have ongoing practice
on deploying BolaWrap on those in crisis and practice taking these individuals safely into protective custody. Another in service training
example would be when departments practice warrant service, and during the arrest and apprehension efforts, they leverage BolaWrap after
verbal commands breakdown but before they are justified in using pain compliance tools such as pepper spray, pepperball, batons, Tasers
or conducted electrical weapons.
In
order to schedule and organize training events, registration, and training records, we utilize a cloud-based software system called the
Wrap Learning Management System. This system is also home to a Resource Library which we highly encourage distributors and purchasers
to use to educate themselves on the use of BolaWrap.
In
the modern world of policing, we understand that it is crucial to provide equipment and services that are well-supported, and that officers
receive proper training and procedures to perform their duties effectively and safely. As a result, we have developed a professional
team dedicated to training and sales support, as well as the necessary systems to provide this support. This approach not only gives
us a competitive edge but also creates a significant barrier to new competition. We are confident that our training and support teams
are equipped to assist agencies of all sizes.
Our
Strategy
In
the world of law enforcement, defense, public safety, and security, our product and training solutions are gaining recognition and worldwide
awareness. We have a strong global brand and product foundation that we are continuously expanding to reach new markets and customers,
thereby contributing to significant business growth. We are confident that we can capitalize on the growing demand for non-lethal policing
in the world, particularly as non-compliant individuals continue to pose a threat. Our training programs and virtual reality platform
are also well positioned to grow rapidly in global markets.
Our
commercialization strategy concentrates on the immediately addressable domestic market, comprising more than 18,000 federal, state, and
local law enforcement agencies, with approximately 900,000 full-time sworn officers in just the US alone. We also aim to target the 100
largest police forces internationally, which have over 12 million police officers. Our objective is to unlock the full potential of our
technology solutions suite, which targets law enforcement and security personnel on a global scale.
We
plan to maintain financial prudence and deliver value to our stockholders. Our focus will remain on expanding our revenues through pursuing
business opportunities both domestically and internationally. In addition to enhancing our current product portfolio, we aim to develop
new and improved products, which can be utilized by security personnel and related professionals. We also seek to pursue strategic business
initiatives and collaborations, including potential acquisitions, to complement our existing offerings and sales network.
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Manufacturing
and Suppliers
Manufacturing
We
believe that maintaining scalable assembly capabilities is crucial to the performance of our products and the growth of our business.
Our assembly processes involve unique systems and materials, and we contract with third-party suppliers to produce various parts, components,
and subassemblies. We established initial startup production in Las Vegas in 2018, and in October 2019, we completed a move to and began
production at our current facility in Arizona. In this facility, we perform manufacturing, final assembly, testing, and shipping of our
products. We have refined our internal processes to improve how we design, test, and qualify products, and we continue to implement rigorous
manufacturing and quality processes to track production and field issues. We periodically implement design and component changes to reduce
our product costs and improve product reliability and manufacturability. We aim to continually improve our operations to meet the growing
demand for our products and better serve our customers.
Suppliers
We
have established strong relationships with our key suppliers, and their timely and reliable delivery is crucial to our ability to meet
customer demand. However, we are subject to challenges in our global supply chain, such as component shortages, increased lead times,
cost fluctuations, and logistics constraints, which can affect our production schedules and have a negative impact on our financial performance.
In late 2022, we started to ensure we have more final product inventory on hand to meet new business needs. To support our continued
growth and operational needs, we relocated our manufacturing facility to Virginia, where a larger space will allow us to further enhance
our processes and scalability. While we anticipate supply chain challenges to improve in the remainder of 2025, we recognize that future
supplier shortages and logistics issues could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial results.
Backlog
As
of December 31, 2024, we had backlog of approximately $64 thousand that was delivered in the first quarter of 2025. The amount of backlog
at any point in time is dependent upon order timing, scheduled delivery dates to our customers and product lead times. Most orders are
shipped shortly after order and backlog is typically associated with larger police agency orders. Because of our history of shipping
shortly after order, we do not currently believe backlog at any period end is predictive of future order volume or revenues beyond the
reported amount. Distributor and customer orders for future deliveries are generally subject to modification, rescheduling or in some
instances, cancellation in the normal course of business.
Warranties
Our
products come with a warranty that guarantees their quality and performance for up to one year from the date of purchase. This warranty
is generally limited and may include certain shipping costs for the customer. We also offer the option for our customers to purchase
additional one-year warranty increments for their products.
Competition
The
Company positions the BolaWrap product as a new non-invasive remote restraint solution for law enforcement rather than a replacement
for other devices currently in use. When looking at the use of force continuum, we place our solution in a category completely separate
from common less lethal solutions that use pain compliance and can cause serious injuries or even death in some circumstances. We believe
every law enforcement officer in the world who carries handcuffs should carry a BolaWrap at the same time as BolaWrap is leveraged just
prior to handcuffs.
However,
we do compete with other use of force products for budget allocations. The BolaWrap product may also be perceived as an alternative to
other solutions despite our valuable and separate positioning. Because we believe the BolaWrap may be used more often than certain other
tools given, we expect to stand in a category of our own. Many agencies with the BolaWrap do not consider it a use-of-force tool, which
uniquely distinguishes it from every other tool on an officer’s belt. The most common interactions officers have with the public
revolve around de-escalating situations. In such scenarios, the BolaWrap stands out as one of the safest de-escalation tool available.
Given these factors, we believe the BolaWrap may be used more often than certain other tools, positioning us to be widely recognized
as standing in a category of our own.
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Indirectly,
other use of force devices such as tasers (CEWs), pepper spray, pepperball, batons, and impact weapons may try to compete with the BolaWrap
product. However, many law enforcement personnel consider these to be distinct tools, each best-suited to a particular set of higher
use of force circumstances. Purchasing one tool does not preclude the purchase of others, but budgetary considerations and space limitations
on officer’s belts may limit the number of devices purchased and carried. The BolaWrap’s unique remote restraint use, effectiveness,
and low possibility of injury positions it as an effective competitor against all other alternatives. We believe that in time the non-invasive
BolaWrap will be prioritized over these other less lethal devices for its ease of use, safety, and high probability of use throughout
a given year to officers in the field.
In
the virtual reality training space, there are numerous competitors offering simulators for law enforcement, including established video-based
2D simulators. Furthermore, other virtual reality providers and developers focused on other applications may choose to compete in the
law enforcement training market in the future.
We
recognize that some of our competitors have substantially greater resources to devote to compete in the law enforcement market and may
introduce products with features and performance competitive to our product. However, we believe that our unique positioning, strong
product and technology foundation, and dedicated professional training and sales support team provide a competitive advantage.
Overall,
we believe that the depth and capability of our 3D Virtual Reality (VR) Wrap Reality Capability will prove to be impressive. We have
38 fully formed law enforcement scenarios and 25 corrections and societal reentry scenarios in 3D in addition to the customizability
of Wrap Reality Adapt which we believe provides more robust 3D options than our competitors. The largest capitalized competitor in this
space currently offers only three 3D scenarios and is selling subscriptions of more than six million dollars a year.
Government
Regulation
As
a global company, we are subject to a wide range of domestic, federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as international
laws and regulations regarding shipments, customs, import, export, safe working conditions, manufacturing practices, environmental protection,
and hazardous substances disposal. Compliance with these laws and regulations may entail significant costs, and failure to comply may
result in penalties or other enforcement actions.
Our
BolaWrap products are classified as firearms and AOWs by the ATF, and we hold the necessary licenses to manufacture and deal in such
firearms. We believe these devices have been classified as AOW due to the lack of updates to outdated statutes and firearms regulations.
We are actively working to improve the legislation and to allow our products to be directly transferred to private security forces and
private individuals due to its safe effective capabilities standing alone in the non-invasive non-lethal category.
We
are also subject to state and international regulations, which may vary. We comply with shipping regulations for dangerous goods, and
our products comply with standard safety requirements in the US and international markets. We follow data protection laws and have a
privacy policy in place. We work with distributors and advisors familiar with applicable import regulations in our international markets.
Intellectual
Property Rights and Proprietary Information
We
have a policy of protecting our intellectual property assets, which include issued domestic and international patents, pending patents,
trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and contractual obligations. We enter into confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements with employees,
consultants, and third parties to whom we disclose proprietary information. These agreements prohibit disclosure of confidential information
both during and after the duration of the working relationship. However, we recognize that such agreements may not always prevent disclosure
or provide adequate remedies for any breach. We rely on copyrights, trade secrets, and other proprietary rights to protect the content
of our training services, including the Wrap Reality VR training software and content.
We
believe that strong product offerings that are continually upgraded and enhanced, combined with factors such as innovation, technological
expertise, and experienced personnel, will keep us competitive. Therefore, we seek patent and other intellectual property protection
on important technological improvements that we make. Before filing for patents, we disclose key features to patent counsel and maintain
these features as trade secrets prior to product introduction. However, patent applications may not result in issued patents covering
all important claims, and there is a risk that they could be denied in their entirety.
As
of the date of this Annual Report, we currently have 31 issued US patents related to the BolaWrap technology and five additional US patents
pending. In September 2018, we commenced filing our foreign patent applications selectively targeting the members of the European Patent
Office (39 countries) and 17 other countries, of which 53 patents have been issued to date. To date we have a total of 84 issued domestic
and international patents for our small global company. During 2024 we filed four patent applications, two of which were US filings.
We feel the investment in patent protection in the US and abroad strengthens our intellectual property and creates value in Wrap Technologies.
The failure to obtain patent protection or the loss of patent protection on our existing and future technologies or the circumvention
of our patents by competitors could have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete successfully.
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We
have been granted trade name protection for “BolaWrap” and “Wrap” in multiple countries and expect to employ
a combination of registered and common law trade names, trademarks and service marks in our business. We rely on a variety of intellectual
property protections for our products and technologies, including contractual obligations, and we intend to pursue a policy of vigorously
enforcing such rights.
The
law enforcement product and services industries are characterized by frequent litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property
rights. Others, including academic institutions and competitors, hold numerous patents in less lethal and related technologies. Although
we are not aware of any existing patents that would materially inhibit our ability to commercialize our technology, others may assert
claims in the future. Such claims, with or without merit, may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations
or cash flows.
Research
and Development
Our
research and development initiatives are led by our internal personnel and make use of specialized consultants when necessary. These
initiatives include basic research, mechanical and electrical engineering design and testing. Future development projects will focus
on new versions of the BolaWrap technology, virtual reality and new public safety technologies that focus on safe and effective policing,
especially in our strategic space that does not use pain compliance.
For
the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, we spent approximately $2.3 million and $3.3 million, respectively, on company-sponsored
research and development. This equates to 52% of revenue in 2024 and 53% of revenue in 2023. Future levels of research and development
expenditure will vary depending on the timing of further new product development and the availability of funds to carry on new and additional
research and development on currently owned technologies or in other areas. During 2025, in addition to continued development and enhancement
of our remote restraint products, we expect to incur additional costs improving our training systems including enhancing our Wrap Reality
on premise and cloud platforms and related content. As mentioned earlier we believe we are ahead of many in the law enforcement 3D virtual
reality training space and have built up significant capability to compete globally in the law enforcement and corrections VR space.
License
and Royalties
We
are obligated to pay royalties pursuant to an exclusive Amended and Restated Intellectual Property License Agreement (the “License
Agreement”), dated as of September 30, 2016, with Syzygy Licensing, LLC (“Syzygy”), a private technology invention,
consulting and licensing company owned and controlled by Elwood G. Norris, a founder and former officer and current stockholder of the
Company, and James A. Barnes, a former officer and stockholder of the Company. Syzygy has no ongoing operations, and does not engage
in any manufacturing, production or other related activities.
The
License Agreement provides for the payment of royalties of 4% of revenue from products employing the licensed device technology up to
the earlier to occur of (i) the payment by the Company of an aggregate of $1.0 million in royalties, or (ii) September 30, 2026. All
development and patent costs have been paid by us and patent applications and the technology related to the BolaWrap 100 and the BolaWrap
150 have been completely and solely assigned to the Company, subject to this royalty obligation. As of December 31, 2024, we have incurred
the maximum $1.0 million in royalties with $81 thousand included in accounts payable at year-end.
Seasonality
Local
and international law enforcement has seasonality with respect to when they purchase and expend funds. Many local law enforcement agencies
in the US are on a July 1 to June 30 calendar year resulting in increased spending in the third and fourth quarter of the fiscal year.
The US federal government is on an October 1 to September 30 budget year, resulting in use or lose spending that often occurs in in the
third quarter of the fiscal year. Some domestic and international budgets are on a calendar fiscal year resulting in the fourth quarter
typically being the largest buying quarter of the year.
Financial
Information about Customer Concentration and Geographic Areas
Financial
information regarding customer concentration and geographic areas in which we operate is contained in Note 18.
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Employees
As
of December 31, 2024, we employ 19 full-time employees in the U.S. In addition, we engage consultants from time to time to provide additional
sales, marketing, training and research and development services, and anticipate engaging consultants going forward to supplement our
full- and part-time personnel.
In
our commitment to operational excellence and maintaining a favorable employer reputation, we strive to create a work environment that
attracts, develops, and retains the best talents in the industry. Our employees are offered an engaging work experience that contributes
to their professional growth and career advancement. We acknowledge that the success of our business is dependent on the collective talents
and dedication of our employees, and we are committed to investing in their professional growth and success.
Available
Information
As
a public company, we are required to file our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K,
proxy statements on Schedule 14A and other information (including any amendments) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”).
The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that
file electronically with the SEC. You can find our SEC filings at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov .
Our
Internet address is www.wrap.com . Information contained on our website is not part of this Annual Report. Our SEC filings (including
any amendments) are also made available free of charge on www.wrap.com , as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically
file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.