UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

☒ ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (FEE REQUIRED)

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020

 

☐ TRANSACTION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)

 

For the transaction period from ________ to ________

 

Commission File number               000-30262     

KNOW LABS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

Nevada	90-0273142
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
500 Union Street, Suite 810, Seattle, Washington USA	98101
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

 

	206-903-1351
	(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
	N/A
	(Former name, address, and fiscal year, if changed since last report)

  

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒  No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒  No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes ☐  No ☒

 

As of March 31, 2020 (the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter), based upon the last reported trade on that date, the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates (for this purpose, all outstanding and issued common stock minus stock held by the officers, directors and known holders of 10% or more of the Company’s common stock) was $13,419,023.

 

The number of shares of common stock, $.001 par value, issued and outstanding as of December 27, 2020: 25,730,224 shares

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

		Page
PART 1
ITEM 1.	Description of Business	3
ITEM 1A.	Risk Factors	7
ITEM 1B	Unresolved Staff Comments	16
ITEM 2.	Properties	16
ITEM 3.	Legal Proceedings	17
ITEM 4.	Other Information	17
PART II
ITEM 5.	Market for Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	18
ITEM 6.	Selected Financial Data	22
ITEM 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	22
ITEM 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	27
ITEM 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	27
ITEM 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	27
ITEM 9A.	Controls and Procedures	27
ITEM 9B.	Other Information	28
PART III
ITEM 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	29
ITEM 11.	Executive Compensation	32
ITEM 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	40
ITEM 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	43
ITEM 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	45
PART IV
ITEM 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	47
	SIGNATURES	78

 

PART I

 

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

The following discussion, in addition to the other information contained in this report, should be considered carefully in evaluating us and our prospects. This report (including without limitation the following factors that may affect operating results) contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act") regarding us and our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements in this report. Additionally, statements concerning future matters such as revenue projections, projected profitability, growth strategies, development of new products, enhancements or technologies, possible changes in legislation and other statements regarding matters that are not historical are forward-looking statements.

 

Forward-looking statements in this report reflect the good faith judgment of our management and these statements are based on facts and factors as we currently understand them. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results and outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences in results and outcomes include, but are not limited to, those discussed below in “Risk Factors” and in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," as well as those discussed elsewhere in this report. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this report.

 

ITEM 1.    DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

BACKGROUND AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE 

 

Know Labs, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada in 1998. Since 2007, we have been focused primarily on research and development of proprietary technologies which can be used to authenticate and diagnose a wide variety of organic and non-organic substances and materials. Our Common Stock trades on the OTCQB Exchange under the symbol “KNWN.”

 

BUSINESS

 

We are focused on the development, marketing and sales of proprietary technologies which are capable of uniquely identifying or authenticating almost any substance or material using electromagnetic energy to record, detect, and identify the unique “signature” of the substance or material. We call these our “Bio-RFID™” and “ChromaID™” technologies.

 

Historically, we focused on the development of our proprietary ChromaID technology. Using light from low-cost LEDs (light emitting diodes) the ChromaID technology maps the color of substances, fluids and materials. With our proprietary processes we can authenticate and identify based upon the color that is present. The color is both visible to us as humans but also outside of the humanly visible color spectrum in the near infra-red and near ultra-violet and beyond. Our ChromaID scanner sees what we like to call “Nature’s Color Fingerprint.” Everything in nature has a unique color identifier and with ChromaID we can see, and identify, and authenticate based upon the color that is present. Our ChromaID scanner is capable of uniquely identifying and authenticating almost any substance or liquid using light to record, detect and identify its unique color signature. Today we are focused upon extensions and new inventions that are derived from and extend beyond our ChromaID technology. We call this new technology “Bio-RFID.” The rapid advances made with our Bio-RFID technology in our laboratory have caused us to move quickly into the commercialization phase as we work to create revenue generating products for the marketplace. Today, our sole focus is on its Bio-RFID technology and its commercialization.

 

On April 30, 2020, we approved and ratified the incorporation of Particle, Inc., a Nevada corporation. As of September 30, 2020 we are the sole shareholder but have entered into Simple Agreements for Future Equity to sell separate ownership in Particle. Particle is now a direct, 100% owned subsidiary of the Company but our future ownership could be diluted if Particle is successful in raising equity from outside investors. Particle shall utilize the same corporate offices as the Company and shall focus on the development and commercialization of our extensive intellectual property relating to electromagnetic energy outside of the medical diagnostic arena which remains the parent company’s singular focus with its Bio-RFID technology and its initial application , the non-invasive measurement of blood glucose

 

 

On June 1, 2020, we approved and ratified entry into an intercompany Patent License Agreement dated May 21, 2020 with our majority owned subsidiary, Particle. Pursuant to the Agreement, Particle shall receive an exclusive non-transferrable license to use certain of our patents and trademarks, in exchange the Company shall receive: (i) a one-time fee of $250,000 upon a successful financing of Particle, and (ii) a quarterly royalty payment equal to the greater of 5% of the Gross Sales, net of returns, from Particle or $5,000. As of September 30, 2020 Particle has not yet executed a successful financing or generated any sales.

 

In 2010, we acquired TransTech Systems, Inc. as an adjunct to our business. Operating as an independent subsidiary, TransTech was a distributor of products for employee and personnel identification and authentication. TransTech historically provided substantially all of our revenues. The financial results from our TransTech subsidiary had been diminishing as vendors of their products increasingly moved to the Internet and direct sales to their customers. TransTech closed on June 30, 2020.

 

The Know Labs Technology

 

We have internally and under contract with third parties developed proprietary platform technologies to uniquely identify or authenticate almost any material and substance. Our technology utilizes electromagnetic energy along the electromagnetic spectrum to perform analytics which allow the user to identify and authenticate substances and materials depending upon the user’s unique application and field of use. Our proprietary platform technologies are called Bio-RFID and ChromaID.

 

Our latest technology platform is called Bio-RFID. Working in our lab over the past two years, we developed extensions and new inventions derived in part from our ChromaID technology which we refer to as Bio-RFID technology. We are rapidly advancing the development of this technology. We have announced that our Bio-RFID technology has successfully been able to non-invasively ascertain blood glucose levels in humans. We have been building the internal and external development team necessary to commercialize this technology as well as make additional patent filings covering the intellectual property created with these new inventions. The first applications of our Bio-RFID technology will be in a product marketed as a Glucose Monitor. It will provide the user with real time information on their blood glucose levels. This product will require US Food and Drug Administration approval prior to its introduction to the market.

 

We have previously announced the results of laboratory-based comparison testing between our Bio-RFID technology and the leading continuous glucose monitors from Abbott Labs (Freestyle Libre®) and DexCom (G5®). These results provide evidence of a high degree of correlation between our Bio-RFID based technology and the current industry leaders and their continuous glucose monitors. Our technology is fundamentally differentiated from these industry leaders as our technology completely non-invasively monitors blood glucose levels.

 

We expect to begin the process of obtaining US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of our non-invasive blood glucose monitoring device during calendar year 2021. We will be guided in the FDA regulatory approval process by our Chief Medical Officer and our Medical and Regulatory Advisory Board. We are unable, however, to estimate the time necessary for such approval nor the likelihood of success in that endeavor.

 

Our ChromaID patented technology utilizes light at the photon (elementary particle of light) level through a series of emitters and detectors to generate a unique signature or “fingerprint” from a scan of almost any solid, liquid or gaseous material. This signature of reflected or transmitted light is digitized, creating a unique ChromaID signature. Each ChromaID signature is comprised of from hundreds to thousands of specific data points.

 

The ChromaID technology looks beyond visible light frequencies to areas of near infra-red and ultraviolet light and beyond that are outside the humanly visible light spectrum. The data obtained allows us to create a very specific and unique ChromaID signature of the substance for a myriad of authentication, verification and identification applications. We may out license our ChromaID technology for various fields of use or, over time, internally develop applications based upon this technology.

 

Over time, we believe both Bio-RFID and ChromaID technologies may build a significant body of data which can become a significant asset of the Company, providing valuable information in numerous fields of use including medical diagnostics and beyond.

 

During the past year Know Labs has licensed certain of its intellectual property to its newly formed subsidiary corporation, Particle, Inc. Particle is focused upon research, development and potential monetization of this intellectual property in field of use outside the current focus of its parent Company.

 

Bio-RFID and ChromaID: Foundational Platform Technologies

 

Our Bio-RFID and ChromaID technologies provide a platform upon which a myriad of applications can be developed. As platform technologies, they are analogous to a smartphone, upon which an enormous number of previously unforeseen applications have been developed. Bio-RFID and ChromaID technologies are “enabling” technologies that bring the science of electromagnetic energy to low-cost, real-world commercialization opportunities across multiple industries. The technologies are foundational and, as such, the basis upon which the Company believes significant businesses can be built.

 

 

As with other foundational technologies, a single application may reach across multiple industries. The Bio-RFID technology can non-invasively identify the presence and quantity of glucose in the human body. By extension, there may be other molecular structures which this same technology can identity in the human body which, over time, the Company will focus upon. They may include the monitoring of drug usage or the presence of illicit drugs. They may also involve identifying hormones and various markers of disease.

 

Similarly, the ChromaID technology can, for example, effectively differentiate and identify different brands of clear vodkas that appear identical to the human eye. By extension, this same technology could identify pure water from water with contaminants present. It could provide real time detection of liquid medicines such as morphine that have been adulterated or compromised. It could detect if jet fuel has water contamination present. It could determine when it is time to change oil in a deep fat fryer. These are but a few of the potential applications of the ChromaID technology based upon extensions of its ability to identify different liquids.

 

The cornerstone of a company with a foundational platform technology is its intellectual property. We have pursued an active intellectual property strategy and have been granted 14 patents. We currently have a number of patents pending and continue, on a regular basis the filing of new patents. We possess all right, title and interest to the issued patents. Nine issued and pending patents are licensed exclusively to us in perpetuity by our strategic partner, Allied Inventors, a spin-off entity of Intellectual Ventures, an intellectual property fund.

 

Our Patents and Intellectual Property

 

We believe that our 14 patents, patent applications, registered trademarks, and our trade secrets, copyrights and other intellectual property rights are important assets. Our issued patents will expire at various times between 2027 and 2039. Pending patents, if and when issued, may have expiration dates that extend further in time. The duration of our trademark registrations varies from country to country. However, trademarks are generally valid and may be renewed indefinitely as long as they are in use and/or their registrations are properly maintained.

 

The issued patents cover the fundamental aspects of the Know Labs ChromaID and Bio-RFID technology, and a number of unique applications. We will continue to expand our patent portfolio.

 

Additionally, significant aspects of our technology are maintained as trade secrets which may not be disclosed through the patent filing process. We intend to be diligent in maintaining and securing our trade secrets.

 

The patents that have been issued to Know Labs and their dates of issuance are:

 

On August 9, 2011, we were issued US Patent No. 7,996,173 B2 entitled “Method, Apparatus and Article to Facilitate Distributed Evaluation of Objects Using Electromagnetic Energy,” by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires August 24, 2029.

 

On December 13, 2011, we were issued US Patent No. 8,076,630 B2 entitled “System and Method of Evaluating an Object Using Electromagnetic Energy” by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires November 7, 2028.

 

On December 20, 2011, we were issued US Patent No. 8,081,304 B2 entitled “Method, Apparatus and Article to Facilitate Evaluation of Objects Using Electromagnetic Energy” by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires July 28, 2030.

 

On October 9, 2012, we were issued US Patent No. 8,285,510 B2 entitled “Method, Apparatus, and Article to Facilitate Distributed Evaluation of Objects Using Electromagnetic Energy” by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires July 31, 2027.

 

On February 5, 2013, we were issued US Patent No. 8,368,878 B2 entitled “Method, Apparatus and Article to Facilitate Evaluation of Objects Using Electromagnetic Energy by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires July 31, 2027.

 

On November 12, 2013, we were issued US Patent No. 8,583,394 B2 entitled “Method, Apparatus and Article to Facilitate Distributed Evaluation of Objects Using Electromagnetic Energy by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires July 31, 2027.

 

On November 21, 2014, we were issued US Patent No. 8,888,207 B2 entitled “Systems, Methods, and Articles Related to Machine-Readable Indicia and Symbols” by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires February 7, 2033. This patent describes using ChromaID to see what we call invisible bar codes and other identifiers.

 

On March 23, 2015, we were issued US Patent No. 8,988,666 B2 entitled “Method, Apparatus, and Article to Facilitate Evaluation of Objects Using Electromagnetic Energy” by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires July 31, 2027.

 

 

On May 26, 2015, we were issued US Patent No. 9,041,920 B2 entitled “Device for Evaluation of Fluids using Electromagnetic Energy” by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires March 12, 2033. This patent describes a ChromaID fluid sampling devices.

 

On April 19, 2016, we were issued US Patent No. 9,316,581 B2 entitled “Method, Apparatus, and Article to Facilitate Evaluation of Substances Using Electromagnetic Energy” by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires March 12, 2033. This patent describes an enhancement to the foundational ChromaID technology.

 

On April 18, 2017, we were issued US Patent No. 9,625,371 B2 entitled “Method, Apparatus, and Article to Facilitate Evaluation of Substances Using Electromagnetic Energy.” The patent expires July 2027. This patent pertains to the use of ChromaID technology for the identification and analysis of biological tissue. It has many potential applications in medical, industrial and consumer markets.

 

On May 30, 2017, we were issued US Patent No. 9,664.610 B2 entitled “Systems for Fluid Analysis Using Electromagnetic Energy that is reflected a Number of Times through a Fluid Contained within a Reflective Chamber.” This patent expires approximately in approximately March 2034. This patent pertains to a method for the use of the Company’s technology analyzing fluids.

 

On April 4, 2018, we were issued US Patent No. 9,869,636 B2, entitled “Device for Evaluation of Fluids Using Electromagnetic Energy.” The patent expires in approximately April 2033. This patent pertains to the use of ChromaID technology for evaluating and analyzing fluids such as those flowing through an IV drip in a hospital or water, for example.

 

On February 4, 2020, we were issued US Patent No. 10,548,503 B2, entitled “Health Related Diagnostics Employing Spectroscopy in Radio/Microwave Frequency Band”. The patent expires in approximately May 2039. This patent pertains to the use of Bio-RFID technology for medical diagnostics.

 

We continue to pursue a strategy to expand our unique intellectual property assets.

 

Product Strategy

 

We are currently undertaking internal development work on potential products for the consumer marketplace. We have announced the development of our non-invasive glucose monitor and our desire to obtain US Food and Drug Administration approval for the marketing of this product to the diabetic and pre-diabetic population. We have also announced the engagement of a manufacturing partner we will work with to bring this product to market. We will make further announcements regarding this product as development, manufacturing and regulatory approval work progresses.

 

Currently we are focusing our efforts on productizing our Bio-RFID technology as we move it out of our research laboratory and into the marketplace.

 

Research and Development

 

Our current research and development efforts are primarily focused on improving our Bio-RFID technology, extending its capacity and developing new and unique applications for this technology. As part of this effort, we conduct on-going laboratory testing to ensure that application methods are compatible with the end-user and regulatory requirements, and that they can be implemented in a cost-effective manner. We are also actively involved in identifying new applications for this platform technology. Our current internal team along with outside consultants have significant experience working with our technology and potential applications to the technology to different fields of use. We engage third party experts as required to supplement our internal team. We believe that continued development of our technology is essential to our future success. We incurred expenses of $2,033,726 and $1,257,872 for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, on development activities.

 

On April 30, 2020, we approved and ratified the incorporation of Particle. Particle is focused on the development and commercialization of the Company’s extensive intellectual property relating to electromagnetic energy outside of the medical diagnostic arena which remains the parent company’s singular focus. Since incorporation, Particle has engaged in research and development activities utilizing parent Company intellectual property and extension thereto.

 

Merger with RAAI Lighting, Inc.

 

On April 10, 2018, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with 500 Union Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and RAAI Lighting, Inc., a Delaware corporation. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, we acquired all the outstanding shares of RAAI’s capital stock through a merger of Merger Sub with and into RAAI (the “Merger”), with RAAI surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

 

 

EMPLOYEES

 

As of September 30, 2020, we had six full-time employees. All personnel are located in our Seattle, Washington offices. We also utilize consulting firms and individual consultants to supplement our workforce as necessary.

 

THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCK

 

Our common stock trades on the OTCQB Exchange under the symbol “KNWN.” On May 1, 2018, we filed a corporate action with FINRA to effectively change the Company’s OTC trading symbol and change our name to “Know Labs, Inc.” Our name change from Know Labs, Incorporated to Know Labs, Inc. and symbol change from VSUL to KNWN was announced by FINRA declared effective on the opening of trading as of May 25, 2018. 

 

PRIMARY RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

 

We are exposed to various risks related to our need for additional financing, the sale of significant numbers of our shares and a volatile market price for our common stock. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in more detail below in Part I, Item 1A. 

 

CORPORATE INFORMATION

 

We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on October 8, 1998. Our executive offices are located at 500 Union Street, Suite 810, Seattle, WA 98101. Our telephone number is (206) 903-1351 and its principal website address is located at www.knowlabs.co. The information on our website is not incorporated as a part of this Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

There are certain inherent risks which will have an effect on the Company’s development in the future and the most significant risks and uncertainties known and identified by our management are described below.

 

RISK FACTORS

 

There are certain inherent risks which will have an effect on the Company’s development in the future and the most significant risks and uncertainties known and identified by our management are described below.

 

Risks Related to Pandemics 

The near-term effects of the recent COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic are known, as they adversely affected our business. Longer term effects are not immediately known and may adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flow.

 

Presently, the impact of COVID-19 has had adverse effects on our business by slowing down our ability to work with third parties outside of Seattle on testing and validation. It is difficult to predict what other adverse effects, if any, COVID-19 can have on our business, or against the various aspects of same.

 

As of the date of this Annual Report, COVID-19 coronavirus has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, has been declared a National Emergency by the United States Government and has resulted in several states being designated disaster zones. COVID-19 coronavirus caused significant volatility in global markets. The spread of COVID-19 coronavirus has caused public health officials to recommend precautions to mitigate the spread of the virus, especially as to travel and congregating in large numbers. In addition, certain states and municipalities have enacted, and additional cities are considering, quarantining and “shelter-in-place” regulations which severely limit the ability of people to move and travel and require non-essential businesses and organizations to close. While some states have lifted certain “shelter-in-place” restrictions and travel bans, as they are removed there is no certainty that an outbreak will not occur and additional restrictions imposed again in response. Additionally, several states have lifted restrictions only to reimpose such restrictions as the number of cases rise again.

 

It is unclear how such restrictions, which will contribute to a general slowdown in the global economy, will affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and our future strategic plans.

 

Shelter-in-place and essential-only travel regulations could negatively impact our employees, partners, and customers. In addition, we still could experience significant supply chain disruptions due to interruptions in operations at any or all of our suppliers’ facilities or downline suppliers. If we experience significant delays in receiving our products, we will experience delays in fulfilling orders and ultimately receiving payment, which could result in loss of sales and a loss of customers, and adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. The current status of COVID-19 coronavirus closures and restrictions could also negatively impact our ability to receive funding from our existing capital sources as each business is and has been affected uniquely.

 

If any of our employees, consultant, customers, or visitors were to become infected we could be forced to close our operations temporarily as a preventative measure to prevent the risk of spread which could delay our progress and interfere with our ability to meet obligations.

 

 

In addition, our headquarters are located in Seattle, Washington which has been the subject of large COVID-19 outbreak resulting in restrictions on individuals and businesses. It is unclear at this time how these restrictions will be continued and/or amended as the pandemic evolves. We are hopeful that COVID-19 closures will have only a limited effect on our operations and revenues.

 

General securities market uncertainties resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Since the outset of the pandemic the United States and worldwide national securities markets have undergone unprecedented stress due to the uncertainties of the pandemic and the resulting reactions and outcomes of government, business and the general population. These uncertainties have resulted in declines in all market sectors, increases in volumes due to flight to safety and governmental actions to support the markets. As a result, until the pandemic has stabilized, the markets may not be available to us for purposes of raising required capital.  Should we not be able to obtain financing when required, in the amounts necessary to execute on our plans in full, or on terms which are economically feasible we may be unable to sustain the necessary capital to pursue our strategic plan and may have to reduce the planned future growth and/or scope of our operations.

 

Risks Relating to the Company Generally

 

We may need additional financing to support our technology development and ongoing operations, pay our debts and maintain ownership of our intellectual properties.

 

We are currently operating at a loss. We believe that our cash on hand will be sufficient to fund our operations through September 2021. We may need additional financing to implement our business plan and to service our ongoing operations, pay our current debts (described below) and maintain ownership of our intellectual property. There can be no assurance that we will be able to secure any needed funding, or that if such funding is available, the terms or conditions would be acceptable to us. If we are unable to obtain additional financing when it is needed, we will need to restructure our operations and/or divest all or a portion of our business.  We, including our wholly owned subsidiary Particle, are each seeking additional capital through a combination of private and public equity offerings, debt financings and strategic collaborations. Debt financing, if obtained, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, and could increase our expenses and require that our assets secure such debt. Equity financing, if obtained, could result in dilution to our then-existing stockholders and/or require such stockholders to waive certain rights and preferences. If such financing is not available on satisfactory terms, or is not available at all, we may be required to delay, scale back, eliminate the development of business opportunities and our operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.  There can be no assurance that we will be able to sell that number of shares, if any. 

 

We need to continue as a going concern if our business is to succeed.

 

Because of our recurring losses and negative cash flows from operations, the audit report of our independent registered public accountants on our consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2020 contains an explanatory paragraph stating that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.  Factors identified in the report include our historical net losses, negative working capital, and the need for additional financing to implement our business plan and service our debt repayments. If we are not able to attain profitability in the near future our financial condition could deteriorate further, which would have a material adverse impact on our business and prospects and result in a significant or complete loss of your investment. Further, we may be unable to pay our debt obligations as they become due, which include obligations to secured creditors. If we are unable to continue as a going concern, we might have to liquidate our assets and the values we receive for our assets in liquidation or dissolution could be significantly lower than the values reflected in our financial statements.  Additionally, we are subject to customary operational covenants, including limitations on our ability to incur liens or additional debt, pay dividends, redeem stock, make specified investments and engage in merger, consolidation or asset sale transactions, among other restrictions. In addition, the inclusion of an explanatory paragraph regarding substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern and our lack of cash resources may materially adversely affect our share price and our ability to raise new capital or to enter into critical contractual relations with third parties.

 

As of September 30, 2020, we owe approximately $2,852,243 and if we do not satisfy these obligations, the lenders may have the right to demand payment in full or exercise other remedies.

 

Mr. Erickson, our current chairman, and/or entities with which he is affiliated also have accrued compensation, travel and interest of approximately $597,177 as of September 30, 2020.

 

We owe $2,255,066 under various convertible promissory notes as of September 30, 2020 including $1,184,066 owed to entities controlled by our chairman.

 

We may need additional financing, to service and/or repay these debt obligations. If we raise additional capital through borrowing or other debt financing, we may incur substantial interest expense. If and when we raise more equity capital in the future, it will result in substantial dilution to our current stockholders.

 

 

We have a history of operating losses and there can be no assurance that we can achieve or maintain profitability.

 

We have experienced net losses since inception. As of September 30, 2020, we had an accumulated deficit of $55,966,000 and net losses in the amount of $13,563,000 and $7,612,000 for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. During the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we incurred non-cash expenses of $9,366,000 and $4,319,000.

 

There can be no assurance that we will achieve or maintain profitability. If we achieve profitability in the future, we may not be able to sustain profitability in subsequent periods. Failure to become and remain profitable would impair our ability to sustain operations and adversely affect the price of our common stock and our ability to raise capital. Our operating expenses may increase as we spend resources on growing our business, and if our revenue does not correspondingly increase, our operating results and financial condition will suffer. Our ChromaID and Bio-RFID and Particle businesses have produced minimal revenues and may not produce significant revenues in the near term, or at all, which would harm our ability to continue our operations or obtain additional financing and require us to reduce or discontinue our operations. You must consider our business and prospects in light of the risks and difficulties we will encounter as business with an early-stage technology in a new and rapidly evolving industry. We may not be able to successfully address these risks and difficulties, which could significantly harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

If the company were to dissolve or wind-up operations, holders of our common stock would not receive a liquidation preference.

 

If we were to wind-up or dissolve our company and liquidate and distribute our assets, our common stockholders would share in our assets only after we satisfy any amounts we owe to our creditors and preferred equity holders.  If our liquidation or dissolution were attributable to our inability to profitably operate our business, then it is likely that we would have material liabilities at the time of liquidation or dissolution.  Accordingly, it is very unlikely that sufficient assets will remain available after the payment of our creditors and preferred equity holders to enable common stockholders to receive any liquidation distribution with respect to any common stock.

 

We may not be able to generate sufficient revenue from the commercialization of our ChromaID and Bio-RFID and Particle technologies and related products to achieve or sustain profitability.

 

We are in the early stages of commercializing our ChromaID and Bio-RFID technology. Failure to develop and sell products based upon our ChromaID and Bio-RFID and Particle technologies, grant additional licenses and obtain royalties or develop other revenue streams will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 

 

To date, we have generated minimal revenue from sales of our ChromaID and Bio-RFID and Particle products. We believe that our commercialization success is dependent upon our ability to significantly increase the number of customers that are using our products.  In addition, demand for our products may not materialize, or increase as quickly as planned, and we may therefore be unable to increase our revenue levels as expected. We are currently not profitable. Even if we succeed in introducing our technology and related products to our target markets, we may not be able to generate sufficient revenue to achieve or sustain profitability.

 

We currently rely in part upon external resources for engineering and product development services. If we are unable to secure an engineering or product development partner or establish satisfactory engineering and product development capabilities, we may not be able to successfully commercialize our ChromaID and Bio-RFID technology.

 

Our success depends upon our ability to develop products that are accurate and provide solutions for our customers. Achieving the desired results for our customers requires solving engineering issues in concert with them. Any failure of our ChromaID and Bio-RFID technology or related products to meet customer expectations could result in customers choosing to retain their existing methods or to adopt systems other than ours.

 

We have not historically had sufficient internal resources which can work on engineering and product development matters. We have used third parties in the past and will continue to do so. These resources are not always readily available, and the absence of their availability could inhibit our research and development efforts and our responsiveness to our customers. Our inability to secure those resources could impact our ability to provide engineering and product development services and could have an impact on our customers’ willingness to use our technology.

 

We are in the early stages of commercialization and our ChromaID and Bio-RFID and Particle technologies and related products may never achieve significant commercial market acceptance.

 

Our success depends on our ability to develop and market products that are recognized as accurate and cost-effective. Many of our potential customers may be reluctant to use our new technology. Market acceptance will depend on many factors, including our ability to convince potential customers that our ChromaID and Bio-RFID and Particle technologies and related products are an attractive alternative to existing electromagnetic and light-based technologies. We will need to demonstrate that our products provide accurate and cost-effective alternatives to existing electromagnetic and light-based authentication technologies. Compared to most competing technologies, our technology is relatively new, and most potential customers have limited knowledge of, or experience with, our products. Prior to implementing our technology and related products, some potential customers may be required to devote significant time and effort to testing and validating our products. In addition, during the implementation phase, some customers may be required to devote significant time and effort to training their personnel on appropriate practices to ensure accurate results from our technology and products. Any failure of our technology or related products to meet customer expectations could result in customers choosing to retain their existing testing methods or to adopt systems other than ours.

 

 

Many factors influence the perception of a system including its use by leaders in the industry. If we are unable to induce industry leaders in our target markets to implement and use our technology and related products, acceptance and adoption of our products could be slowed. In addition, if our products fail to gain significant acceptance in the marketplace and we are unable to expand our customer base, we may never generate sufficient revenue to achieve or sustain profitability.

 

Our management has concluded that we have material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting and that our disclosure controls and procedures are not effective.

 

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. During the audit of our financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2020, our management identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If these weaknesses continue, investors could lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and other disclosures.  

 

In addition, our management has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to the lack of an audit committee “financial expert.” These material weaknesses, if not remediated, create an increased risk of misstatement of the Company’s financial results, which, if material, may require future restatement thereof. A failure to implement improved internal controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation or execution, could cause future delays in our reporting obligations, and could have a negative effect on us and the trading price of our common stock. 

 

The Company’s TransTech subsidiary closed on June 30, 2020.

 

Transtech was not able to successfully address their revenue which resulted in their closure on June 30, 2020. The loss of the TransTech subsidiary revenue will impact our top line revenues and our operating results and may result in future expenses associated with its closure.

 

The Company Particle, Inc. subsidiary was incorporated April 30, 2020 and has no operating history.

 

Particle, Inc. was incorporated April 30, 2020 and to date has had activities consisting primarily of research and development. On June 1, 2020, the Company approved and ratified entry into an intercompany Patent License Agreement dated May 21, 2020 with its majority owned subsidiary, Particle. Pursuant to the Agreement, Particle received an exclusive non-transferrable license to use certain patents and trademarks of the Company, in exchange the Company shall receive: (i) a one-time fee of $250,000 upon a successful financing of Particle, and (ii) a quarterly royalty payment equal to the greater of 5% of the Gross Sales, net of returns, from Particle or $5,000. As of September 30, 2020 the operations of Particle have generated no sales and operations are just commencing.

 

To date, we have generated no revenue from Particle. We may not generate revenues in the near future while products are being developed. We believe that Particle’s commercialization success is dependent upon its ability to develop successful products to take to market.  In addition, once developed, demand for its products may not materialize, or increase as quickly as planned, and we may therefore be unable to increase our revenue levels as expected. Even if we succeed in introducing our technology and related products to our target markets, we may not be able to generate sufficient revenue to achieve or sustain profitability.

 

We are dependent on key personnel.

 

Our success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of key management and other personnel, some of whom could be difficult to replace, including Ronald P. Erickson, our Chairman and Phil Bosua, our Chief Executive Officer. We maintain key person life insurance on our Chief Executive Officer, Phil Bosua. Our success will depend on the performance of our officers, our ability to retain and motivate our officers, our ability to integrate new officers into our operations, and the ability of all personnel to work together effectively as a team.   Our failure to retain and recruit officers and other key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  Our success also depends on our continued ability to identify, attract, hire, train, retain and motivate highly skilled technical, managerial, manufacturing, administrative and sales and marketing personnel. Competition for these individuals is intense, and we may not be able to successfully recruit, assimilate or retain sufficiently qualified personnel. In particular, we may encounter difficulties in recruiting and retaining a sufficient number of qualified technical personnel, which could harm our ability to develop new products and adversely impact our relationships with existing and future customers. The inability to attract and retain necessary technical, managerial, manufacturing, administrative and sales and marketing personnel could harm our ability to obtain new customers and develop new products and could adversely affect our business and operating results.

 

We have limited insurance which may not cover claims by third parties against us or our officers and directors.

 

We have limited directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and commercial liability insurance policies. Claims by third parties against us may exceed policy amounts and we may not have amounts to cover these claims. Any significant claims would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  In addition, our limited directors’ and officers’ liability insurance may affect our ability to attract and retain directors and officers.

 

 

Our inability to effectively protect our intellectual property would adversely affect our ability to compete effectively, our revenue, our financial condition and our results of operations.

 

We rely on a combination of patent, trademark, and trade secret laws, confidentiality procedures and licensing arrangements to protect our intellectual property rights. Obtaining and maintaining a strong patent position is important to our business. Patent law relating to the scope of claims in the technology fields in which we operate is complex and uncertain, so we cannot be assured that we will be able to obtain or maintain patent rights, or that the patent rights we may obtain will be valuable, provide an effective barrier to competitors or otherwise provide competitive advantages. Others have filed, and in the future are likely to file, patent applications that are similar or identical to ours or those of our licensors. To determine the priority of inventions or demonstrate that we did not derive our invention from another, we may have to participate in interference or derivation proceedings in the USPTO or in court that could result in substantial costs in legal fees and could substantially affect the scope of our patent protection. We cannot be assured our patent applications will prevail over those filed by others. Also, our intellectual property rights may be subject to other challenges by third parties. Patents we obtain could be challenged in litigation or in administrative proceedings such as ex parte reexam, inter parties review, or post grant review in the United States or opposition proceedings in Europe or other jurisdictions.

 

There can be no assurance that:

 

●	any of our existing patents will continue to be held valid, if challenged;
●	patents will be issued for any of our pending applications;
●	any claims allowed from existing or pending patents will have sufficient scope or strength to protect us;
●	our patents will be issued in the primary countries where our products are sold in order to protect our rights and potential commercial advantage; or
●	any of our products or technologies will not infringe on the patents of other companies.

 

If we are enjoined from selling our products, or if we are required to develop new technologies or pay significant monetary damages or are required to make substantial royalty payments, our business and results of operations would be harmed.

 

Obtaining and maintaining a patent portfolio entails significant expense and resources. Part of the expense includes periodic maintenance fees, renewal fees, annuity fees, various other governmental fees on patents and/or applications due in several stages over the lifetime of patents and/or applications, as well as the cost associated with complying with numerous procedural provisions during the patent application process. We may or may not choose to pursue or maintain protection for particular inventions. In addition, there are situations in which failure to make certain payments or noncompliance with certain requirements in the patent process can result in abandonment or lapse of a patent or patent application, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. If we choose to forgo patent protection or allow a patent application or patent to lapse purposefully or inadvertently, our competitive position could suffer.

 

Legal actions to enforce our patent rights can be expensive and may involve the diversion of significant management time. In addition, these legal actions could be unsuccessful and could also result in the invalidation of our patents or a finding that they are unenforceable. We may or may not choose to pursue litigation or interferences against those that have infringed on our patents, or used them without authorization, due to the associated expense and time commitment of monitoring these activities. If we fail to protect or to enforce our intellectual property rights successfully, our competitive position could suffer, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and business.

 

Claims by others that our products infringe their patents or other intellectual property rights could prevent us from manufacturing and selling some of our products or require us to pay royalties or incur substantial costs from litigation or development of non-infringing technology.

 

In recent years, there has been significant litigation in the United States involving patents and other intellectual property rights. We may receive notices that claim we have infringed upon the intellectual property of others. Even if these claims are not valid, they could subject us to significant costs. Any such claims, with or without merit, could be time-consuming to defend, result in costly litigation, divert our attention and resources, cause product shipment delays or require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements. Such royalty or licensing agreements, if required, may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. We have engaged in litigation and litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. Litigation may also be necessary to defend against claims of infringement or invalidity by others. A successful claim of intellectual property infringement against us and our failure or inability to license the infringed technology or develop or license technology with comparable functionality could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

If we are unable to secure a sales and marketing partner or establish satisfactory sales and marketing capabilities at Know Labs and Particle, we may not be able to successfully commercialize our technology.

 

If we are not successful entering into appropriate collaboration arrangements or recruiting sales and marketing personnel or in building a sales and marketing infrastructure, we will have difficulty successfully commercializing our technology, which would adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

 

We may not be able to enter into collaboration agreements on terms acceptable to us or at all. In addition, even if we enter into such relationships, we may have limited or no control over the sales, marketing and distribution activities of these third parties. Our future revenues may depend heavily on the success of the efforts of these third parties. If we elect to establish a sales and marketing infrastructure, we may not realize a positive return on this investment. In addition, we must compete with established and well-funded pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to recruit, hire, train and retain sales and marketing personnel. Factors that may inhibit our efforts to commercialize technology without strategic partners or licensees include:

 

●	our inability to recruit and retain adequate numbers of effective sales and marketing personnel;

 

●	the lack of complementary products to be offered by sales personnel, which may put us at a competitive disadvantage relative to companies with more extensive product lines; and

 

●	unforeseen costs and expenses associated with creating an independent sales and marketing organization.

 

Government regulatory approval may be necessary before some of our products can be sold and there is no assurance such approval will be granted.

 

Our technology may have a number of potential applications in fields of use which will require prior governmental regulatory approval before the technology can be introduced to the marketplace. For example, we are exploring the use of our technology for certain medical diagnostic applications, with an initial focus on the monitoring of blood glucose. 

 

There is no assurance that we will be successful in developing glucose monitoring medical applications for our technology. 

 

If we were to be successful in developing glucose monitoring medical applications of our technology, prior approval by the FDA and other governmental regulatory bodies will be required before the technology could be introduced into the marketplace. 

 

There is no assurance that such regulatory approval would be obtained for a glucose monitoring medical diagnostic or other applications requiring such approval.

 

The FDA can refuse to grant, delay, and limit or deny approval of an application for approval of a glucose monitoring device for many reasons.

 

We may not obtain the necessary regulatory approvals or clearances to market these glucose monitoring systems in the United States or outside of the United States.

 

Any delay in, or failure to receive or maintain, approval or clearance for our products could prevent us from generating revenue from these products or achieving profitability.

 

Cybersecurity risks and cyber incidents could result in the compromise of confidential data or critical data systems and give rise to potential harm to customers, remediation and other expenses, expose us to liability under HIPAA, consumer protection laws, or other common law theories, subject us to litigation and federal and state governmental inquiries, damage our reputation, and otherwise be disruptive to our business and operations.

 

Cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. We collect and store on our network’s sensitive information, including intellectual property, proprietary business information and personally identifiable information of our customers. The secure maintenance of this information and technology is critical to our business operations. We have implemented multiple layers of security measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of this data and the systems and devices that store and transmit such data. We utilize current security technologies, and our defenses are monitored and routinely tested internally and by external parties. Despite these efforts, threats from malicious persons and groups, new vulnerabilities and advanced new attacks against information systems create risk of cybersecurity incidents. These incidents can include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and may not immediately produce signs of intrusion, we may be unable to anticipate these incidents or techniques, timely discover them, or implement adequate preventative measures.

 

These threats can come from a variety of sources, ranging in sophistication from an individual hacker to malfeasance by employees, consultants or other service providers to state-sponsored attacks. Cyber threats may be generic, or they may be custom-crafted against our information systems. Over the past several years, cyber-attacks have become more prevalent and much harder to detect and defend against. Our network and storage applications may be vulnerable to cyber-attack, malicious intrusion, malfeasance, loss of data privacy or other significant disruption and may be subject to unauthorized access by hackers, employees, consultants or other service providers. In addition, hardware, software or applications we develop or procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security. Unauthorized parties may also attempt to gain access to our systems or facilities through fraud, trickery or other forms of deceiving our employees, contractors and temporary staff.

 

 

There can be no assurance that we will not be subject to cybersecurity incidents that bypass our security measures, impact the integrity, availability or privacy of personal health information or other data subject to privacy laws or disrupt our information systems, devices or business, including our ability to deliver services to our customers. As a result, cybersecurity, physical security and the continued development and enhancement of our controls, processes and practices designed to protect our enterprise, information systems and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access remain a priority for us. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

 

We may engage in acquisitions, mergers, strategic alliances, joint ventures and divestures that could result in final results that are different than expected.

 

In the normal course of business, we engage in discussions relating to possible acquisitions, equity investments, mergers, strategic alliances, joint ventures and divestitures. Such transactions are accompanied by a number of risks, including the use of significant amounts of cash, potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, incurrence of debt on potentially unfavorable terms as well as impairment expenses related to goodwill and amortization expenses related to other intangible assets, the possibility that we may pay too much cash or issue too many of our shares as the purchase price for an acquisition relative to the economic benefits that we ultimately derive from such acquisition, and various potential difficulties involved in integrating acquired businesses into our operations.

 

From time to time, we have also engaged in discussions with candidates regarding the potential acquisitions of our product lines, technologies and businesses. If a divestiture such as this does occur, we cannot be certain that our business, operating results and financial condition will not be materially and adversely affected. A successful divestiture depends on various factors, including our ability to effectively transfer liabilities, contracts, facilities and employees to any purchaser; identify and separate the intellectual property to be divested from the intellectual property that we wish to retain; reduce fixed costs previously associated with the divested assets or business; and collect the proceeds from any divestitures.

 

If we do not realize the expected benefits of any acquisition or divestiture transaction, our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and stock price could be negatively impacted.

 

We have made strategic acquisitions in the past and may do so in the future, and if the acquired companies do not perform as expected, this could adversely affect our operating results, financial condition and existing business.

 

We may continue to expand our business through strategic acquisitions. The success of any acquisition will depend on, among other things:

 

●

the availability of suitable candidates;

 

●

higher than anticipated acquisition costs and expenses;

 

●

competition from other companies for the purchase of available candidates;

 

●

our ability to value those candidates accurately and negotiate favorable terms for those acquisitions;

 

●

the availability of funds to finance acquisitions and obtaining any consents necessary under our credit facility;

 

●

the ability to establish new informational, operational and financial systems to meet the needs of our business;

 

●

the ability to achieve anticipated synergies, including with respect to complementary products or services; and

 

●

the availability of management resources to oversee the integration and operation of the acquired businesses.

 

We may not be successful in effectively integrating acquired businesses and completing acquisitions in the future. We also may incur substantial expenses and devote significant management time and resources in seeking to complete acquisitions. Acquired businesses may fail to meet our performance expectations. If we do not achieve the anticipated benefits of an acquisition as rapidly as expected, or at all, investors or analysts may not perceive the same benefits of the acquisition as we do. If these risks materialize, our stock price could be materially adversely affected.

 

We are subject to corporate governance and internal control requirements, and our costs related to compliance with, or our failure to comply with existing and future requirements could adversely affect our business.

 

We must comply with corporate governance requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, as well as additional rules and regulations currently in place and that may be subsequently adopted by the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. These laws, rules, and regulations continue to evolve and may become increasingly stringent in the future. The financial cost of compliance with these laws, rules, and regulations is expected to remain substantial.

 

 

Our management has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to the lack of an audit committee “financial expert.” We expect to appoint an additional independent director to serve as Audit Committee Chairman. This director will be an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the SEC. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to fully comply with these laws, rules, and regulations that address corporate governance, internal control reporting, and similar matters in the future. Failure to comply with these laws, rules and regulations could materially adversely affect our reputation, financial condition, and the value of our securities. 

 

The exercise prices of certain warrants, convertible notes payable and the Series C and D Preferred Shares may require further adjustment. 

 

In the future, if we sell our common stock at a price below $0.25 per share, the exercise price of 8,108,356 outstanding shares of Series C and D Preferred Stock that adjust below $0.25 per share pursuant to the documents governing such instruments. In addition, the conversion price of Convertible Notes Payable of $7,894,566 or 14,659,764 common shares (9,020,264 common shares at the current price of $0.25 per share and 5,639,500 common shares at the current price of $1.00 per share) and the exercise price of additional outstanding warrants to purchase 12,588,286 shares of common stock would adjust below $0.25 per share pursuant to the documents governing such instruments. Warrants totaling 5,191,636 would adjust below $1.20 per share pursuant to the documents governing such instruments.

 

Risks Relating to Our Stock

 

The price of our common stock is volatile, which may cause investment losses for our stockholders.

 

The market price of our common stock has been and is likely in the future to be volatile. Our common stock price may fluctuate in response to factors such as:

 

	●	Announcements by us regarding liquidity, significant acquisitions, equity investments and divestitures, strategic relationships, addition or loss of significant customers and contracts, capital expenditure commitments and litigation;
	●	Issuance of convertible or equity securities and related warrants for general or merger and acquisition purposes;
	●	Issuance or repayment of debt, accounts payable or convertible debt for general or merger and acquisition purposes;
	●	Sale of a significant number of shares of our common stock by stockholders;
	●	General market and economic conditions;
	●	Quarterly variations in our operating results;
	●	Investor and public relation activities;
	●	Announcements of technological innovations;
	●	New product introductions by us or our competitors;
	● ●	Competitive activities; Low liquidity; and
	●	Additions or departures of key personnel.

 

These broad market and industry factors may have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Future issuance of additional shares of common stock in Particle, Inc. could dilute the Company as majority stockholders of Particle, Inc.

 

The Company is currently the 100% shareholder in Particle, Inc. In July 2020, Particle entered into Simple Agreements for Future Equity (“SAFE”) with twenty two accredited investors pursuant to which Particle received $785,000 in cash in exchange for the providing the investor the right to receive shares of the Particle stock. The Company expects to issue 620,000 shares of the Particle stock that was initially valued at $0.80 per share. The SAFE contained a number of conversion and redemption provisions, including settlement upon liquidity or dissolution events. The final price and share are not known until settlement upon liquidity or dissolution events conditions are achieved. The Company’s ownership interest in Particle will be diluted when the SAFE’s are converted to common stock.

 

Additionally, as Particle develops, they may need to raise additional capital to fund operations through the sale of equity or debt securities, which may result in a dilution of the Company’s position. The issuance of any additional securities could, among other things, result in substantial dilution to the percentage ownership of the Company.

 

Four individual investors could have significant influence over matters submitted to stockholders for approval.

 

As of September 30, 2020, four individuals in the aggregate, assuming the exercise of all warrants to purchase common stock, hold shares representing approximately 50.1% of our common stock on a fully-converted basis and could be considered a control group for purposes of SEC rules. However, the agreement with one of these individuals limits his ownership to 4.99% individually.

 

 

Beneficial ownership includes shares over which an individual or entity has investment or voting power and includes shares that could be issued upon the exercise of options and warrants within 60 days after the date of determination. If these persons were to choose to act together, they would be able to significantly influence all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, as well as our officers, directors, management and affairs. For example, these persons, if they choose to act together, could significantly influence the election of directors and approval of any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. This concentration of voting power could delay or prevent an acquisition of us on terms that other stockholders may desire.

  

The sale of a significant number of our shares of common stock could depress the price of our common stock.

 

As of September 30, 2020, we had 24,804,874 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, held by 123 stockholders of record. The number of stockholders, including beneficial owners holding shares through nominee names, is approximately 2,300. Each share of common stock entitles its holder to one vote on each matter submitted to the stockholders for a vote, and no cumulative voting for directors is permitted.  Stockholders do not have any preemptive rights to acquire additional securities issued by the Company.  As of September 30, 2020, there were options outstanding for the purchase of 4,805,000 common shares (including unearned stock option grants totaling 2,630,000 shares related to performance targets), warrants for the purchase of 20,016,367 common shares, and 8,108,356 shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon the conversion of Series C and Series D Convertible Preferred Stock. In addition, the Company currently has 14,659,764 common shares (9,020,264 common shares at the current price of $0.25 per share and 5,639,500 common shares at the current price of $1.00 per share) reserved and are issuable upon conversion of convertible debentures of $7,894,566. All of which could potentially dilute future earnings per share but are excluded from the September 30, 2020 calculation of net loss per share because their impact is antidilutive.

 

Significant shares of common stock are held by our principal stockholders, other company insiders and other large stockholders. As “affiliates” of Know Labs, as defined under Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, our principal stockholders, other of our insiders and other large stockholders may only sell their shares of common stock in the public market pursuant to an effective registration statement or in compliance with Rule 144.

 

These options, warrants, convertible notes payable and convertible preferred stock could result in further dilution to common stockholders and may affect the market price of the common stock.

 

Future issuance of additional shares of common stock and/or preferred stock could dilute existing stockholders. We have and may issue preferred stock that could have rights that are preferential to the rights of common stock that could discourage potentially beneficial transactions to our common stockholders.

 

Pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, we currently have authorized 100,000,000 shares of common stock and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. To the extent that common shares are available for issuance, subject to compliance with applicable stock exchange listing rules, our board of directors has the ability to issue additional shares of common stock in the future for such consideration as the board of directors may consider sufficient. The issuance of any additional securities could, among other things, result in substantial dilution of the percentage ownership of our stockholders at the time of issuance, result in substantial dilution of our earnings per share and adversely affect the prevailing market price for our common stock.

 

An issuance of additional shares of preferred stock could result in a class of outstanding securities that would have preferences with respect to voting rights and dividends and in liquidation over our common stock and could, upon conversion or otherwise, have all of the rights of our common stock.  Our Board of Directors’ authority to issue preferred stock could discourage potential takeover attempts or could delay or prevent a change in control through merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise by making these attempts more difficult or costly to achieve.  The issuance of preferred stock could impair the voting, dividend and liquidation rights of common stockholders without their approval.

 

Future capital raises may dilute our existing stockholders’ ownership and/or have other adverse effects on our operations.

 

If we or Particle raise additional capital by issuing equity securities, our existing stockholders’ percentage ownership will be reduced and these stockholders may experience substantial dilution. We may also issue equity securities that provide for rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of our common stock. If we raise additional funds by issuing debt securities, these debt securities would have rights senior to those of our common stock and the terms of the debt securities issued could impose significant restrictions on our operations, including liens on our assets. If we raise additional funds through collaborations and licensing arrangements, we may be required to relinquish some rights to our technologies or candidate products, or to grant licenses on terms that are not favorable to us.

 

We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our capital stock in the foreseeable future.

 

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our capital stock in the foreseeable future. In addition, the terms of any future debt agreements may preclude us from paying dividends. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock will be your sole source of gain for the foreseeable future.

 

 

Anti-takeover provisions may limit the ability of another party to acquire our company, which could cause our stock price to decline.

 

Our certificate of incorporation, as amended, our bylaws and Nevada law contain provisions that could discourage, delay or prevent a third party from acquiring our company, even if doing so may be beneficial to our stockholders. In addition, these provisions could limit the price investors would be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock.

 

Our articles of incorporation allow for our board to create new series of preferred stock without further approval by our stockholders, which could adversely affect the rights of the holders of our common stock.

 

Our Board of Directors has the authority to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of preferred stock. Our Board of Directors also has the authority to issue preferred stock without further stockholder approval. As a result, our Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that would grant to holders the preferred right to our assets upon liquidation, the right to receive dividend payments before dividends are distributed to the holders of common stock and the right to the redemption of the shares, together with a premium, prior to the redemption of our common stock. In addition, our Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that has greater voting power than our common stock or that is convertible into our common stock, which could decrease the relative voting power of our common stock or result in dilution to our existing stockholders.

 

We or our manufacturers may be unable to obtain or maintain international regulatory clearances or approvals for our current or future products, or our distributors may be unable to obtain necessary qualifications, which could harm our business.

  

Sales of the Know Labs products internationally are subject to foreign regulatory requirements that vary widely from country to country. In addition, the FDA regulates exports of medical devices from the U.S. Complying with international regulatory requirements can be an expensive and time-consuming process, and marketing approval or clearance is not certain. The time required to obtain clearances or approvals, if required by other countries, may be longer than that required for FDA clearance or approvals, and requirements for such clearances or approvals may significantly differ from FDA requirements. We may rely on third-party distributors to obtain regulatory clearances and approvals required in other countries, and these distributors may be unable to obtain or maintain such clearances or approvals. Our distributors may also incur significant costs in attempting to obtain and in maintaining foreign regulatory approvals or clearances, which could increase the difficulty of attracting and retaining qualified distributors. If our distributors experience delays in receiving necessary qualifications, clearances or approvals to market our products outside the U.S., or if they fail to receive those qualifications, clearances or approvals, we may be unable to market our products or enhancements in international markets effectively, or at all.

 

Foreign governmental authorities that regulate the manufacture and sale of medical devices have become increasingly stringent and, to the extent we market and sell our products outside of the U.S., we may be subject to rigorous international regulation in the future. In these circumstances, we would be required to rely on our foreign independent distributors to comply with the varying regulations, and any failures on their part could result in restrictions on the sale of our product in foreign countries.

 

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

There are no unresolved SEC staff comments.

 

ITEM 2.     PROPERTIES

 

Corporate Offices

 

On April 13, 2017, we leased our executive office located at 500 Union Street, Suite 810, Seattle, Washington, USA, 98101. We lease 943 square feet and the net monthly payment is $2,672. The monthly payment increases approximately 3% each year and the lease expires on May 31, 2022.

 

Lab Facilities and Executive Offices

 

On February 1, 2019, we leased our lab facilities and executive offices located at 915 E Pine Street, Suite 212, Seattle, WA 98122. We lease 2,642 square feet and the net monthly payment is $8,256. The monthly payment increases approximately 3% on July 1, 2019 and annually thereafter. The lease expires on June 30, 2021 and can be extended.

On June 26, 2020, we leased our temporary lab facilities located at 3131 Western Avenue, Suite A350, Seattle, WA 98121. We leased 5,707 square feet and the net monthly payment is $11,414. The lease expires on June 30, 2021 and was terminated on August 31, 2020. 

 

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We may from time to time become a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. We are currently not a party to any pending legal proceeding that is not ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business.

 

ITEM 4. OTHER INFORMATION

 

This item is not applicable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Authorized Capital Stock

 

The Company authorized 105,000,000 shares of capital stock, of which 100,000,000 are shares of voting common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 5,000,000 are shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share.

 

As of September 30, 2020, we had 24,804,874 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, held by 123 stockholders of record. The number of stockholders, including beneficial owners holding shares through nominee names, is approximately 2,300. Each share of common stock entitles its holder to one vote on each matter submitted to the stockholders for a vote, and no cumulative voting for directors is permitted.  Stockholders do not have any preemptive rights to acquire additional securities issued by the Company.  As of September 30, 2020, there were options outstanding for the purchase of 4,805,000 common shares (including unearned stock option grants totaling 2,630,000 shares related to performance targets), warrants for the purchase of 20,016,367 common shares, and 8,108,356 shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon the conversion of Series C and Series D Convertible Preferred Stock. In addition, the Company currently has 14,659,764 common shares (9,020,264 common shares at the current price of $0.25 per share and 5,639,500 common shares at the current price of $1.00 per share) reserved and are issuable upon conversion of convertible debentures of $7,894,566. All of which could potentially dilute future earnings per share but are excluded from the September 30, 2020 calculation of net loss per share because their impact is antidilutive.

 

Voting Preferred Stock

 

We are authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.001.

 

Series A Preferred Stock

 

There are 23,334 shares of Series A Preferred shares authorized. Series A Preferred is entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of whole shares of common stock into which the shares of Series A Preferred held by such holder are then convertible as of the applicable record date. The Series A Preferred was not be redeemable without the consent of the holder.

 

On January 29, 2019, a holder of Series A Preferred Stock converted 20,000 shares into 80,000 shares of common stock. There are no Series A Preferred Stock outstanding as of January 29, 2019.

 

On December 14, 2020, the Company cancelled the Certificate of Designations for the Series A Preferred Stock.

 

Series C and D Convertible Preferred Stock and Warrants

 

On August 5, 2016, we closed a Series C Preferred Stock and Warrant Purchase Agreement with Clayton A. Struve, an accredited investor for the purchase of $1,250,000 of preferred stock with a conversion price of $0.70 per share. The preferred stock has a yield of 8% and an ownership blocker of 4.99%. In addition, Mr. Struve received a five-year warrant to acquire 1,785,714 shares of common stock at $0.70 per share. On August 14, 2017, the price of the Series C Stock were adjusted to $0.25 per share pursuant to the documents governing such instruments. On September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019 there are 1,785,715 Series C Preferred shares outstanding.

 

As of September 30, 2020 and 2019, we have 1,016,014 of Series D Preferred Stock outstanding with Clayton A. Struve, an accredited investor. On August 14, 2017, the price of the Series D Stock were adjusted to $0.25 per share pursuant to the documents governing such instruments.

 

The Series D Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of common stock at a price of $0.25 per share or by multiplying the number of Series D Preferred Stock shares by the stated value and dividing by the conversion price then in effect, subject to certain diluted events, and has the right to vote the number of shares of common stock the Series D Preferred Stock would be issuable on conversion, subject to a 4.99% blocker. The Preferred Series D has an annual yield of 8% The Series D Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of common stock at a price of $0.25 per share or by multiplying the number of Series D Preferred Stock shares by the stated value and dividing by the conversion price then in effect, subject to certain diluted events, and has the right to vote the number of shares of common stock the Series D Preferred Stock would be issuable on conversion, subject to a 4.99% blocker. The Preferred Series D has an annual yield of 8% if and when dividends are declared.

 

 

Series F Preferred Stock

 

On August 1, 2018, we filed with the State of Nevada a Certificate of Designation establishing the Designations, Preferences, Limitations and Relative Rights of Series F Preferred Stock. The Designation authorized 500 shares of Series F Preferred Stock. The Series F Preferred Stock shall only be issued to the current Board of Directors on the date of the Designation’s filing and is not convertible into common stock. As set forth in the Designation, the Series F Preferred Stock has no rights to dividends or liquidation preference and carries rights to vote 100,000 shares of common stock per share of Series F upon a Trigger Event, as defined in the Designation. A Trigger Event includes certain unsolicited bids, tender offers, proxy contests, and significant share purchases, all as described in the Designation. Unless and until a Trigger Event, the Series F shall have no right to vote. The Series F Preferred Stock shall remain issued and outstanding until the date which is 731 days after the issuance of Series F Preferred Stock (“Explosion Date”), unless a Trigger Event occurs, in which case the Explosion Date shall be extended by 183 days. As of September 30, 2020 and 2019, there are no Series F shares outstanding.

 

Securities Subject to Price Adjustments

 

In the future, if we sell our common stock at a price below $0.25 per share, the exercise price of 8,108,356 outstanding shares of Series C and D Preferred Stock that adjust below $0.25 per share pursuant to the documents governing such instruments. In addition, the conversion price of Convertible Notes Payable of $7,894,566 or 14,659,764 common shares (9,020,264 common shares at the current price of $0.25 per share and 5,639,500 common shares at the current price of $1.00 per share) and the exercise price of additional outstanding warrants to purchase 12,588,286 shares of common stock would adjust below $0.25 per share pursuant to the documents governing such instruments. Warrants totaling 5,191,636 would adjust below $1.20 per share pursuant to the documents governing such instruments.

 

Common Stock

 

All of the offerings and sales described below were deemed to be exempt under Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. No advertising or general solicitation was employed in offering the securities, the offerings and sales were made to a limited number of persons, all of whom were accredited investors and transfer was restricted by the company in accordance with the requirements of Regulation D and the Securities Act. All issuances to accredited and non-accredited investors were structured to comply with the requirements of the safe harbor afforded by Rule 506 of Regulation D, including limiting the number of non-accredited investors to no more than 35 investors who have sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to make them capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in our securities.

 

Stock Incentive Plan

 

On January 23, 2019, the Board approved an amendment to its 2011 Stock Incentive Plan increasing the number of shares of common stock reserved under the Incentive Plan from 2,200,000 to 2,500,000 to common shares. On May 22, 2019, the Compensation Committee approved an amendment to its 2011 Stock Incentive Plan increasing the number of shares of common stock reserved under the Incentive Plan from 2,500,000 to 3,000,000 to common shares. 

 

Anti-Takeover Provisions

 

Nevada Revised Statutes

 

Acquisition of Controlling Interest Statutes.    Nevada's "acquisition of controlling interest" statutes contain provisions governing the acquisition of a controlling interest in certain Nevada corporations. These "control share" laws provide generally that any person who acquires a "controlling interest" in certain Nevada corporations may be denied certain voting rights, unless a majority of the disinterested stockholders of the corporation elects to restore such voting rights. These statutes provide that a person acquires a "controlling interest" whenever a person acquires shares of a subject corporation that, but for the application of these provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes, would enable that person to exercise (1) one-fifth or more, but less than one-third, (2) one-third or more, but less than a majority or (3) a majority or more, of all of the voting power of the corporation in the election of directors. Once an acquirer crosses one of these thresholds, shares which it acquired in the transaction taking it over the threshold and within the 90 days immediately preceding the date when the acquiring person acquired or offered to acquire a controlling interest become "control shares" to which the voting restrictions described above apply. Our articles of incorporation and bylaws currently contain no provisions relating to these statutes, and unless our articles of incorporation or bylaws in effect on the tenth day after the acquisition of a controlling interest were to provide otherwise, these laws would apply to us if we were to (i) have 200 or more stockholders of record (at least 100 of which have addresses in the State of Nevada appearing on our stock ledger) and (ii) do business in the State of Nevada directly or through an affiliated corporation. As of September 30, 2018 we have less than 200 record stockholders. If these laws were to apply to us, they might discourage companies or persons interested in acquiring a significant interest in or control of the company, regardless of whether such acquisition may be in the interest of our stockholders.

 

Combinations with Interested Stockholders Statutes.    Nevada's "combinations with interested stockholders" statutes prohibit certain business "combinations" between certain Nevada corporations and any person deemed to be an "interested stockholder" for two years after the such person first becomes an "interested stockholder" unless (i) the corporation's board of directors approves the combination (or the transaction by which such person becomes an "interested stockholder") in advance, or (ii) the combination is approved by the board of directors and sixty percent of the corporation's voting power not beneficially owned by the interested stockholder, its affiliates and associates. Furthermore, in the absence of prior approval certain restrictions may apply even after such two-year period. For purposes of these statutes, an "interested stockholder" is any person who is (x) the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of ten percent or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares of the corporation, or (y) an affiliate or associate of the corporation and at any time within the two previous years was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of ten percent or more of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of the corporation. The definition of the term "combination" is sufficiently broad to cover most significant transactions between the corporation and an "interested stockholder". Subject to certain timing requirements set forth in the statutes, a corporation may elect not to be governed by these statutes. We have not included any such provision in our articles of incorporation.

 

 

The effect of these statutes may be to potentially discourage parties interested in taking control of us from doing so if it cannot obtain the approval of our Board of Directors.

 

Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws Provisions

 

Our articles of incorporation, as amended and restated, and our bylaws, as amended and restated, contain provisions that could have the effect of discouraging potential acquisition proposals or tender offers or delaying or preventing a change in control, including changes a stockholder might consider favorable. In particular, our articles of incorporation and bylaws, among other things:

 

● permit our Board of Directors to alter our bylaws without stockholder approval;

● provide that vacancies on our Board of Directors may be filled by a majority of directors in office, although less than a quorum;

● authorize the issuance of preferred stock, which can be created and issued by our Board of Directors without prior stockholder approval, with rights senior to our common stock, which may render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise; and

● establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals relating to the nomination of candidates for election as directors and other business to be brought before stockholder meetings, which notice must contain information specified in our bylaws.

 

However, these provisions could have the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for our shares that could result from actual or rumored takeover attempts. These provisions also may have the effect of preventing changes in our management.

 

Market Price of and Dividends on Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

 

Our common stock trades on the OTCQB Exchange under the symbol “KNWN.” On May 1, 2018, we filed a corporate action with FINRA to effectively change the Company’s OTC trading symbol and change our name to “Know Labs, Inc.” Our name change from Know Labs, Incorporated to Know Labs, Inc. and symbol change from VSUL to KNWN was announced by FINRA declared effective on the opening of trading as of May 25, 2018. 

 

Trades in our common stock may be subject to Rule 15g-9 of the Exchange Act, which imposes requirements on broker/dealers who sell securities subject to the rule to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. For transactions covered by the rule, broker/dealers must make a special suitability determination for purchasers of the securities and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction before the sale.

 

Period Ended	High	Low
Year Ending September 30, 2021
Through December 27, 2020	$2.95	$1.10
Year Ending September 30, 2020
September 30, 2020	$3.45	$1.71
June 30, 2020	$2.65	$0.81
March 31, 2020	$2.90	$0.90
December 31, 2019	$1.95	$0.92
Year Ending September 30, 2019
September 30, 2019	$1.70	$1.20
June 30, 2019	$2.00	$1.26
March 31, 2019	$2.97	$0.90
December 31, 2018	$4.44	$0.85

 

As of December 27, 2020, the high and low sales price of our common stock was $1.98 per share and $2.07 per share, respectively. As of December 27, 2020, we had 25,730,224 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, held by 123 stockholders of record. This number does not include approximately 2,300 beneficial owners whose shares are held in the names of various security brokers, dealers and registered clearing agencies.

 

 

Transfer Agent

 

Our transfer agent is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company located at 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11219, and their telephone number is (800) 937-5449.

 

Dividend Policy

 

We have not previously declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate or contemplate paying dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to use all of our available funds to finance the growth and development of our business. We can give no assurances that we will ever have excess funds available to pay dividends.

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2020, we had the following sales of unregistered sales of equity securities:

 

We issued 321,329 shares of common stock at an average exercise price of $0.945 per share related to the exercise of warrants.

 

On July 1, 2020, we entered into a Settlement Agreement and General Mutual Release with a shareholder of the Company. On July 6, 2020, the shareholder paid $125,000 and we issued 500,000 shares of common stock. We accrued for the loss on debt settlement of $825,000 as of June 30, 2020 which represents the difference between the fair market value of the stock and $125,000 paid by the shareholder.

Equity Compensation Information

 

The following table provides information as of September 30, 2020 related to the equity compensation plan in effect at that time. 

 

	(a)	(b)	(c)
			Number of securities
			remaining available
	Number of securities	Weighted-average	for future issuance
	to be issued upon	exercise price of	under equity compensation
	exercise of outstanding	outstanding options,	plan (excluding securities
Plan Category	options, warrants and rights	warrants and rights	reflected in column (a))
Equity compensation plan
approved by shareholders	78,333	$1.161	78,333
Equity compensation plans
not approved by shareholders	4,726,667	1.161	(4,805,000)
Total	4,805,000	$1.161	(4,726,667)

 

As of September 30, 2020, there were options outstanding for the purchase of 4,805,000 common shares (including unearned stock option grants totaling 2,630,000 shares related to performance targets).

 

 

ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

Summary Financial Information

 

In the following table, we provide you with our selected consolidated historical financial and other data. We have prepared the consolidated selected financial information using our consolidated financial statements for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. When you read this selected consolidated historical financial and other data, it is important that you read along with it the historical financial statements and related notes in our consolidated financial statements included in this report, as well as Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

	Years Ended September 30,
	2020	2019	2017	2016	2015
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net revenue	$122	$1,805	$4,874	$6,024	$6,291
Cost of goods sold	70	1,378	3,966	5,036	5,274
Gross profit	52	427	908	988	1,017
Research and development expenses	2,034	1,258	79	326	363
General and administrative expenses	4,844	4,182	3,088	3,355	2,984
Impairment of goodwill	-	-	984	-	-
Operating loss	(6,826)	(5,013)	(3,243)	(2,693)	(2,330)
Other income (expense)	(6,737)	(2,599)	(658)	947	(271)
Net loss	(13,563)	(7,612)	(3,901)	(1,746)	(2,601)
Income tax expense	-	-	-	-	30
Net loss	$(13,563)	$(7,612)	$(3,901)	$(1,746)	$(2,631)
Net loss per share	$(0.62)	$(0.42)	$(1.01)	$(1.22)	$(2.33)
Weighted average number of shares	21,791,058	18,053,848	3,844,840	1,428,763	1,131,622

 

ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

 

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our financial statements and related notes appearing at the end of this prospectus. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this prospectus, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business and related financing, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should read the "Risk Factors" section of this prospectus for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.

 

We are focused on the development, marketing and sales of proprietary technologies which are capable of uniquely identifying or authenticating almost any substance or material using electromagnetic energy to record, detect, and identify the unique “signature” of the substance or material. We call these our “Bio-RFID™” and “ChromaID™” technologies.

 

Historically, we have focused on the development of our proprietary ChromaID technology. Using light from low-cost LEDs (light emitting diodes) the ChromaID technology maps the color of substances, fluids and materials. With our proprietary processes we can authenticate and identify based upon the color that is present. The color is both visible to us as humans but also outside of the humanly visible color spectrum in the near infra-red and near ultra-violet and beyond. Our ChromaID scanner sees what we like to call “Nature’s Color Fingerprint.” Everything in nature has a unique color identifier and with ChromaID we can see, and identify, and authenticate based upon the color that is present. Our ChromaID scanner is capable of uniquely identifying and authenticating almost any substance or liquid using light to record, detect and identify its unique color signature. Today we are focused upon extensions and new inventions that are derived from and extend beyond our ChromaID technology. We call this new technology “Bio-RFID.” The rapid advances made with our Bio-RFID technology in our laboratory have caused us to move quickly into the commercialization phase of our Company as we work to create revenue generating products for the marketplace. Today, the sole focus of the Company is on its Bio-RFID technology and its commercialization.

 

 

On April 30, 2020, we approved and ratified the incorporation of Particle, Inc., a Nevada corporation. As of September 30, 2020 we are the sole shareholder but have entered into Simple Agreements for Future Equity to sell separate ownership in Particle. Particle is now a direct, 100% owned subsidiary of the Company but our future ownership could be diluted if Particle is successful in raising equity from outside investors. Particle shall utilize the same corporate offices as the Company and shall focus on the development and commercialization of our extensive intellectual property relating to electromagnetic energy outside of the medical diagnostic arena which remains the parent company’s singular focus with its Bio-RFID technology and its initial application, the non-invasive measurement of blood glucose

 

On June 1, 2020, we approved and ratified entry into an intercompany Patent License Agreement dated May 21, 2020 with our majority owned subsidiary, Particle. Pursuant to the Agreement, Particle shall receive an exclusive non-transferrable license to use certain of our patents and trademarks, in exchange the Company shall receive: (i) a one-time fee of $250,000 upon a successful financing of Particle, and (ii) a quarterly royalty payment equal to the greater of 5% of the Gross Sales, net of returns, from Particle or $5,000. As of September 30, 2020 Particle has not yet executed a successful financing or generated any sales.

 

In 2010, we acquired TransTech Systems, Inc. as an adjunct to our business. Operating as an independent subsidiary, TransTech was a distributor of products for employee and personnel identification and authentication. TransTech historically provided substantially all of the Company’s revenues. The financial results from our TransTech subsidiary had been diminishing as vendors of their products increasingly moved to the Internet and direct sales to their customers. TransTech closed on June 30, 2020.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table presents certain consolidated statement of operations information and presentation of that data as a percentage of change from year-to-year.

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

	Years Ended December 31,
	2020	2019	$ Variance	% Variance
Revenue	$122	$1,805	$(1,683)	-93.2%
Cost of sales	70	1,378	(1,308)	94.9%
Gross profit	52	427	(375)	-87.8%
Research and development expenses	2,034	1,258	776	-61.7%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	4,844	4,182	662	-15.8%
Operating loss	(6,826)	(5,013)	(1,813)	-10.3%
Other (expense) income:
Interest expense	(6,094)	(2,945)	(3,149)	-106.9%
Other income (expense)	65	(10)	75	750.0%
(Loss) gain on debt settlements	(708)	356	(1,064)	-298.9%
Total other income (expense)	(6,737)	(2,599)	(4,138)	-159.2%
(Loss) before income taxes	(13,563)	(7,612)	(5,951)	-78.2%
Income taxes - current (benefit)	-	-	-	0.0%
Net (loss)	$(13,563)	$(7,612)	$(5,951)	-78.2%

 

YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

 

Sales

 

Revenue for the year ended September 30, 2020 decreased $1,683,000 to $122,000 as compared to $1,805,000 for the year ended September 30, 2019. The decrease was due to lower sales resulting from the planned closure of TransTech. We completely shut down TransTech on June 30, 2020.

 

 

Cost of Sales

 

Cost of sales for the year ended September 30, 2020 decreased $1,308,000 to $70,000 as compared to $1,378,000 for the year ended September 30, 2019. The decrease was due to lower sales by TransTech. We shut down TransTech on June 30, 2020.

 

Research and Development Expenses

 

Research and development expenses for the year ended September 30, 2020 increased $776,000 to $2,034,000 as compared to $1,258,000 for the year ended September 30, 2019. The increase was due to the hiring of additional personnel, the use of consultant and expenditures related to the development of our Bio-RFID™ and Particle technologies, including working toward FDA approval.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2020 increased $662,000 to $4,844,000 as compared to $4,182,000 for the year ended September 30, 2019. 

The increase primarily was due to: (i) increased stock based compensation of $560,000; and (ii) increased Particle expenses of $514,061 (primarily payroll, consulting, product development and marketing); and offset by (iii) decreased TransTech expenses of $415,000 (primarily salaries and rent). As part of the selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2020, we recorded $176,000 of investor relation expenses and business development expenses.

 

Other (Expense), Net

 

Other expense, net for the year ended September 30, 2020 was $6,737,000 as compared to other expense, net of $2,599,000 for the year ended September 30, 2019. The other expense for the year ended September 30, 2020 included (i) interest expense of $6,094,000 and (ii) loss on debt settlement of $708,000, offset by (iii) other income of $65,000. The interest expense related to convertible notes payable and the amortization of the beneficial conversion feature and value of warrants issued. During the year ended September 30, 2020, we closed a private placement and received gross proceeds of $5,639,500 in exchange for issuing Subordinated Convertible Notes and Warrants in a private placement to accredited investors, pursuant to a series of substantially identical Securities Purchase Agreements, Common Stock Warrants, and related documents. The gain on debt settlements related to the settlement of old accounts payable. On July 1, 2020, we entered into a Settlement Agreement and General Mutual Release with a shareholder of the Company. On July 6, 2020, the shareholder paid $125,000 to us and we issued 500,000 shares of common stock. We accrued for the loss on debt settlement of $825,000 as of June 30, 2020. This loss was reduced by a gain on settlement of certain TransTech liabilities of approximately $117,000.

 

The other expense for the year ended September 30, 2019 included (i) interest expense of $2,945,000; (ii) other income of $10,000; and offset by (iii) gain on debt settlements of $356,000. The interest expense related to convertible notes payable and the amortization of the beneficial conversion feature and the value of warrants issued. During the year ended September 30, 2019, we closed a private placement and received gross proceeds of $4,242,490 in exchange for issuing Subordinated Convertible Notes and Warrants in a private placement to 54 accredited investors, pursuant to a series of substantially identical Securities Purchase Agreements, Common Stock Warrants, and related documents. The gain on debt settlements related to the settlement of old accounts payable.

 

Net Loss

 

Net loss for the year ended September 30, 2020 was $13,563,000 as compared to $7,612,000 for the year ended September 30, 2019. The net loss for the year ended September 30, 2020 included non-cash expenses of $9,366,000. The non-cash items include (iv) depreciation and amortization of $243,000; (v) issuance of capital stock for services and expenses of $1,045,000; (vi) stock based compensation of $1,702,000; (vi) amortization of debt discount as interest expense of $5,663,000; (vii) loss on debt settlement of $825,000; and (viii) other of $5,000, offset by (ix) gain on debt settlement of $117,000.

 

The net loss for the year ended September 30, 2019 included non-cash items of (i) depreciation and amortization of $259,000; (ii) stock based compensation of $1,260,000; (iii) issuance of capital stock for services and expenses of $349,000; (iv) amortization of debt discount of $2,771,000; and (v) other of $34,000; and (vi) offset by non-cash gain on accounts payable of $356,000.

 

We expect losses to continue as we commercialize our ChromaID™ and Bio-RFID™ technology.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Liquidity is the ability of a company to generate funds to support its current and future operations, satisfy its obligations, and otherwise operate on an ongoing basis. Significant factors in the management of liquidity are funds generated by operations, levels of accounts receivable and accounts payable and capital expenditures.

 

 

We had cash of approximately $4,298,000 and net working capital of approximately $1,801,000 (net of convertible notes payable and right of use asset and liabilities) as of September 30, 2020.  We have experienced net losses since inception and we expect losses to continue as we commercialize our ChromaID™ technology. We have experienced net losses since inception. As of September 30, 2020, we had an accumulated deficit of $54,966,000 and net losses in the amount of $13,563,000 and $7,612,000 for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. During the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we incurred non-cash expenses of $9,366,000 and $4,319,000, respectively. We believe that our cash on hand will be sufficient to fund our operations through September 30, 2021.

 

During the year ended September 30, 2020, we closed additional rounds of a debt offering and received gross proceeds of $5,639,500 in exchange for issuing Subordinated Convertible Notes and Warrants in a private placement to accredited investors, pursuant to a series of substantially identical Securities Purchase Agreements, Common Stock Warrants, and related documents. The Convertible Notes are initially convertible into 5,639,500 shares of Common Stock, subject to certain adjustments, and the Warrants are initially exercisable for 2,819,750 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.20 per share of Common Stock, also subject to certain adjustments. In connection with the debt offering, the placement agent for the Convertible Notes and the Warrants received a cash fee of $411,950 and warrants to purchase 615,675 shares of the Company’s common stock, all based on 6.3-8%% of gross proceeds to the Company.

 

During July 2020, Particle closed funding of $785,000 for Simple Agreements for Future Equity (SAFE) and received gross proceeds of $733,585 in a private placement to accredited investors. In connection with the private placement, the placement agent for the private placement received a cash fee of $47,100. Particle is currently trying to raise equity capital which upon meeting certain thresholds would automatically convert the SAFE instruments to comment stock.

 

We may need additional financing to implement our business plan and to service our ongoing operations and pay our current debts. There can be no assurance that we will be able to secure any needed funding, or that if such funding is available, the terms or conditions would be acceptable to us. If we are unable to obtain additional financing when it is needed, we will need to restructure our operations, and divest all or a portion of our business. We may seek additional capital through a combination of private and public equity offerings, debt financings and strategic collaborations. Debt financing, if obtained, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, and could increase our expenses and require that our assets secure such debt. Equity financing, if obtained, could result in dilution to our then-existing stockholders and/or require such stockholders to waive certain rights and preferences. If such financing is not available on satisfactory terms, or is not available at all, we may be required to delay, scale back, or eliminate the development of business opportunities and our operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.

 

We have financed our corporate operations and our technology development through the issuance of convertible debentures, the issuance of preferred stock, the sale of common stock and the exercise of warrants.

 

The proceeds of warrants which are not expected to be cashless could generate potential proceeds of up to $8,519,000.

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash used in operating activities for the years ended September 30, 2020 was $3,914,000. This amount was primarily related to (i) a net loss of $13,563,000; offset by (ii) working capital changes of $283,000; and (iii) non-cash expenses of $9,366,000. The non-cash items include (iv) depreciation and amortization of $243,000; (v) issuance of capital stock for services and expenses of $1,045,000; (vi) stock based compensation of $1,702,000; (vi) amortization of debt discount as interest expense of $5,663,000; (vii) loss on debt settlement of $825,000; and (viii) other of $5,000, offset by (ix) gain on debt settlement of $117,000.

 

Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was $70,000 and $80,000, respectively. This amount was primarily related to the investment in equipment for research and development.

 

Financing Activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was $6,381,000 and $4,150,000. These amounts was primarily related to (i) issuance of convertible notes payable of $5,640,000; (ii) issuance of common stock for warrant exercises of $8,000; (iii) proceeds from notes payable of $226,000; (iv) proceeds for Simple Agreements for Future Equity of $785,000; and proceeds from issuance of shares related to debt settlement of $125,000; offset by (v) payments of issuance costs from convertible notes payable of $480,000.

 

 

Our contractual cash obligations as of September 30, 2020 are summarized in the table below:

 

		Less Than			Greater Than
Contractual Cash Obligations (1)	Total	1 Year	1-3 Years	3-5 Years	5 Years
Operating leases	$137,521	$113,553	$23,968	$-	$-
Convertible notes payable	7,894,566	7,894,566	-	-	-
	$8,032,087	$8,008,119	$23,968	$-	$-

 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements (as that term is defined in Item 303 of Regulation S-K) that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, revenue or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

The application of GAAP involves the exercise of varying degrees of judgment. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

 

Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe that of our significant accounting policies (see summary of significant accounting policies more fully described in Note 2 to the financial statements set forth in this report), the following policies involve a higher degree of judgment and/or complexity:

 

Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments – ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures, defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  This topic also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires classification based on observable and unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and an entity’s own assumptions (unobservable inputs).  

 

Derivative Financial Instruments –Pursuant to ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging”, we evaluate all of our financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. We then determines if embedded derivative must be bifurcated and separately accounted for. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the consolidated statements of operations. For stock-based derivative financial instruments, we use a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to value the derivative instruments at inception and on subsequent valuation dates. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within twelve months of the balance sheet date.

 

Stock Based Compensation – We have share-based compensation plans under which employees, consultants, suppliers and directors may be granted restricted stock, as well as options and warrants to purchase shares of our common stock at the fair market value at the time of grant. Stock-based compensation cost to employees is measured by us at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, over the requisite service period under ASC 718. For options issued to employees, we recognize stock compensation costs utilizing the fair value methodology over the related period of benefit.  

 

Convertible Securities – Based upon ASC 815-15, we have adopted a sequencing approach regarding the application of ASC 815-40 to convertible securities. We will evaluate our contracts based upon the earliest issuance date. In the event partial reclassification of contracts subject to ASC 815-40-25 is necessary, due to our inability to demonstrate we have sufficient shares authorized and unissued, shares will be allocated on the basis of issuance date, with the earliest issuance date receiving first allocation of shares. If a reclassification of an instrument were required, it would result in the instrument issued latest being reclassified first.

 

 

ITEM 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We have no investments in any market risk sensitive instruments either held for trading purposes or entered into for other than trading purposes.

 

ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

Reference is made to our consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-1 of this report.

 

ITEM 9.    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None. 

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures also include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive and principal financial officers concluded as of September 30, 2020 that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level due to the material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting discussed immediately below.

 

Identified Material Weakness

 

A material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected.

 

Management identified the following material weakness during its assessment of internal controls over financial reporting:

 

Personnel: We do not employ a full time Chief Financial Officer. Our Chairman serves as interim Chief Financial Officer. We utilize a consultant to assist with our financial reporting. During 2021, we expect to strengthen the finance staff and improve internal controls over documentation.

 

Audit Committee: While we have an audit committee, we lack a financial expert. During 2021, the Board expects to appoint an Audit Committee Chairman who is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and as adopted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

(b) Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our CEO and CFO, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).  Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and disposition of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorization of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2020.  In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework.  Based on its evaluation, management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of September 30, 2020.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated can provide only reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met.  The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their cost.

 

c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2020, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during this fiscal quarter that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to have a materially affect, on our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

There were no disclosures of any information required to be filed on Form 8-K during the three months ended September 30, 2020 that were not filed.  

 

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The following table sets forth certain information about our current directors and executive officers:

 

Name	Age	Director/ Executive Officer
Directors-
Ronald P. Erickson	76	Chairman and Interim Chief Financial Officer (1)
Phillip A. Bosua	46	Chief Executive Officer and Director
Jon Pepper	69	Director (2)
Ichiro Takesako	61	Director
William A. Owens	80	Director (3)

(1) Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

(2) Chairman of the Audit Committee.

(3) Chairman of the Compensation Committee.

 

Directors appoints our executive officers. Each director hold office until their successors are duly appointed or until their earlier resignation or removal. Each officer serves, at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

 

Background and Business Experience

 

Ronald P. Erickson has been a director and officer of Know Labs since April 2003. He was appointed as our CEO and President in November 2009 and as Chairman of the Board in February 2015. Previously, Mr. Erickson was our President and Chief Executive Officer from September 2003 through August 2004 and was Chairman of the Board from August 2004 until May 2011. Mr. Erickson stepped down as Chief Executive Officer on April 10, 2018.

 

A senior executive with more than 30 years of experience in the high technology, telecommunications, micro-computer, and digital media industries, Mr. Erickson was the founder of Know Labs. He is formerly Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blue Frog Media, a mobile media and entertainment company; Chairman and CEO of eCharge Corporation, an Internet-based transaction procession company,  Chairman, CEO and Co-founder of GlobalTel Resources, a provider of telecommunications services; Chairman, Interim President and CEO of Egghead Software, Inc. a software reseller where he was an original investor; Chairman and CEO of NBI, Inc.; and Co-founder of MicroRim, Inc. the database software developer. Earlier, Mr. Erickson practiced law in Seattle and worked in public policy in Washington, DC and New York, NY. Additionally, Mr. Erickson has been an angel investor and board member of a number of public and private technology companies.  In addition to his business activities, Mr. Erickson is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Central Washington University where he received his BA degree. He also holds a MA from the University of Wyoming and a JD from the University of California, Davis. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Washington.

 

Mr. Erickson is our founder and was appointed as a director because of his extensive experience in developing technology companies.

 

Phillip A. Bosua was appointed a director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company on April 10, 2018. Previously, Mr. Bosua served as our Chief Product Officer since August 2017 and we entered into a Consulting Agreement on July 7, 2017. From September 2012 to February 2015, he was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of LIFX Inc. (where he developed and marketed an innovative “smart” light bulb) and from August 2015 until February 2016 was Vice President Consumer Products at Soraa (which markets specialty LED light bulbs). From February 2016 to July 2017, Mr. Bosua was the founder and CEO of RAAI, Inc. (where he continued the development of his smart lighting technology).  From May 2008 to February 2013 he was the Founder and CEO of LimeMouse Apps, a leading developer of applications for the Apple App Store.

Mr. Bosua was appointed as a director because of his extensive experience in developing technology companies.

 

Ichiro Takesako has served as a director since December 28, 2012. Mr. Takesako has held executive positions with Sumitomo Precision Products Co., Ltd or Sumitomo since 1983. Mr. Takesako graduated from Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan where he majored in Social Science and graduated with a Degree of Bachelor of Social Science.

 

 

In the past few years, Mr. Takesako has held the following executive position in Sumitomo and its affiliates:

June 2008:	appointed as General Manager of Sales and Marketing Department of Micro Technology Division
April 2009:	appointed as General Manager of Overseas Business Department of Micro Technology Division, in charge of M&A activity of certain business segment and assets of Aviza Technology, Inc.
July 2010:	appointed as Executive Director of SPP Process Technology Systems, 100% owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Precision Products then, stationed in Newport, Wales
August 2011:	appointed as General Manager, Corporate Strategic Planning Group
January 2013:	appointed as Chief Executive Officer of M2M Technologies, Inc., a company invested by Sumitomo Precision products
April 2013:	appointed as General Manager of Business Development Department, in parallel of CEO of M2M Technologies, Inc.
April 2014:	relieved from General Manager of Business Development Department and is responsible for M2M Technologies Inc. as its CEO
April 2017:	appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of At Signal Inc., an internet data company

 

Mr. Takesako was appointed as a Director based on his previous position with Sumitomo and Sumitomo's previous significant partnership with the Company.

 

Jon Pepper has served as an independent director since April 2006. Mr. Pepper founded Pepcom in 1980, a company that become the industry leader at producing press-only technology showcase events around the country and internationally. He sold his stake in the corporation and retired as a partner at the end of 2018. Prior to that, Mr. Pepper started the DigitalFocus newsletter, a ground-breaking newsletter on digital imaging that was distributed to leading influencers worldwide. Mr. Pepper has been closely involved with the high technology revolution since the beginning of the personal computer era. He was formerly a well-regarded journalist and columnist; his work on technology subjects appeared in The New York Times, Fortune, PC Magazine, Men's Journal, Working Woman, PC Week, Popular Science and many other well-known publications. Pepper was educated at Union College in Schenectady, New York and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. He continues to be active in non-profit work and boards, and last year founded Mulberry Tree Films, a non-profit that supports independent high-quality documentary films.

 

Mr. Pepper was appointed as a director because of his marketing skills with technology companies. 

 

William A. Owens has served as an independent director since May 24, 2018. Admiral William A. Owens is currently the co- founder and executive chairman of Red Bison Advisory Group, a company which identifies opportunities with proven enterprises in China, the Middle East, and the United States and creates dynamic partnerships focusing on natural resources (oil, gas and fertilizer plants), real estate, and information and communication technology. Most recently, he was the chairman of the board of CenturyLink Telecom, the third largest telecommunications company in the United States and was on the advisory board of SAP USA. Owens serves on the board of directors at Wipro Technologies and Know Labs Inc. Owens is on the advisory board of the following private companies: Carillon Technologies, Platform Science, Prism, Sarcos, Sierra Nevada Corporation and Vodi. Owens is on the board of trustees at EastWest Institute, Seattle University, and an advisor to the Post COVID-19 Debt Initiative (PCDI). He is also a member of the Council of Foreign Relations.

 

From 2007 to 2015, Owens was the Chairman and Senior Partner of AEA Investors Asia, a private equity firm located in Hong Kong, and Vice Chairman of the NYSE for Asia. Owens also served as the Chairman of Eastern Airlines. He has served on over 20 public boards including Daimler, British American Tobacco, Telstra, Nortel Networks, and Polycom. Owens was the CEO/Chairman of Teledesic LLC, a Bill Gates/Craig McCaw company bringing worldwide broadband through an extensive satellite network and prior, was the President, COO/Vice Chairman of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). Owens has also served on the boards of the non-for-profit organizations; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Brookings Institution, and RAND Corporation.

 

Owens is a four-star US Navy veteran. He was Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the second-ranking United States military officer with responsibility for reorganizing and restructuring the armed forces in the post- Cold War era. He is widely recognized for bringing commercial high-grade technology into the Department of Defense for military applications. Owens was the architect of the Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA), an advanced systems technology approach to military operations, the most significant change in the system of requirements, budgets and technology for the four-armed forces since World War II. Owens, served as Commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet from 1990 to 1992, which included Operation Desert Storm. Owens also served as the deputy chief of Naval Operations for Resources. Owens was senior military assistant to two Secretaries of Defense (Cheney and Carlucci) and served in the Office of Program Appraisal for the Secretary of the Navy. He began his military career as a nuclear submariner. He served on four strategic nuclear-powered submarines and three nuclear attack submarines, including tours as Commanding Officer aboard the USS Sam Houston, Michigan, and USS City of Corpus Christi. Owens spent a total of 2000 days submerged aboard submarines, including duty in Vietnam.

 

Owens is a 1962 honor graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in politics, philosophy and economics from Oxford University, and a master’s degree in management from George Washington University. He has written more than 50 articles on national security and authored the book “High Seas.” His book, “Lifting the Fog of War,” was published in April 2000 with a revision published in Mandarin in 2009.

 

 

Owens has received numerous recognitions and awards: the “Légion d’Honneur” by France, and the highest awards given to foreigners by the countries of Indonesia and Sweden. He was named as one of The 50 Most Powerful People in Networking by Network World, one of the 100 Best Board Members in the United States for 2011 and again in 2016 awarded by NACD, awarded the David Sarnoff Award for Technology Innovation and the Intrepid Salute Award in recognition of his business achievements and support of important philanthropic activities. Owens is active in philanthropy to foster Chinese – American relations including dialogues between the most senior retired officers in the United States and Chinese militaries and similar dialogues between very senior economists. He is one of North Dakota’s Roughriders recipients, the award given annually to some of the most prominent North Dakotans.

 

Family Relationships

 

There are no family relationships among our directors and executive officers.

 

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

 

None of our directors or executive officers has, during the past ten years:

 

●

Had any petition under the federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law filed by or against, or had a receiver, fiscal agent, or similar officer appointed by a court for the business or property of such person, or any partnership in which he was a general partner at or within two years before the time of such filing, or any corporation or business association of which he was an executive officer at or within two years before the time of such filing;

 

	●	Been convicted in a criminal proceeding or a named subject of a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses);
	●	Been the subject of any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him from, or otherwise limiting, the following activities:

 

	◦	Acting as a futures commission merchant, introducing broker, commodity trading advisor, commodity pool operator, floor broker, leverage transaction merchant, any other person regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or an associated person of any of the foregoing, or as an investment adviser, underwriter, broker or dealer in securities, or as an affiliated person, director or employee of any investment company, bank, savings and loan association or insurance company, or engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with such activity;
	◦	Engaging in any type of business practice; or
	◦	Engaging in any activity in connection with the purchase or sale of any security or commodity or in connection with any violation of federal or state securities laws or federal commodities laws;

 

	●	Been the subject of any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated, of any federal or state authority barring, suspending, or otherwise limiting for more than 60 days the right of such person to engage in any activity described in (i) above, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity;
	●	Been found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the SEC to have violated any federal or state securities law, where the judgment in such civil action or finding by the SEC has not been subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated; or
	●	Been found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated any federal commodities law, where the judgment in such civil action or finding by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has not been subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated.

 

 

Board Committees

 

The Board has three standing committees to facilitate and assist the Board in the execution of its responsibilities. The committees are currently the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and the Compensation Committee. The Committees were formed in July 2010. The Audit and Compensation Committees are comprised solely of non-employee, independent directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has two management directors, Ronald P. Erickson as Chairman and Phillip A. Bosua as a member. Charters for each committee are available on our website at www.knowlabs.co. The discussion below describes current membership for each of the standing Board committees.

 

				Nominations and
Audit		Compensation		Corporate Governance
Jon Pepper (Chairman)		William A. Owens (Chairman)		Ron Erickson (Chairman)
William A. Owens		Jon Pepper		Phillip A. Bosua
Ichiro Takesako		Ichiro Takesako		William A. Owens
				Jon Pepper

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

No member of the Compensation Committee during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 served as an officer, former officer, or employee of the Company or participated in a related party transaction that would be required to be disclosed in this prospectus. Further, during this period, no executive officer of the Company served as:

  

	●	a member of the Compensation Committee or equivalent of any other entity, one of whose executive officers served as one of our directors or was an immediate family member of a director, or served on our Compensation Committee; or
	●	a director of any other entity, one of whose executive officers or their immediate family member served on our Compensation Committee.

 

Code of Ethics

 

We have adopted conduct and ethics standards titled the code of ethics, which is available at www.knowlabs.co. These standards were adopted by our Board of Directors to promote transparency and integrity. The standards apply to our Board of Directors, executives and employees. Waivers of the requirements of our code of ethics or associated polices with respect to members of our Board of Directors or executive officers are subject to approval of the full board.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

Overview of Compensation Program

  

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes the material elements of compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to each of our executive officers named in the Compensation Table under “Remuneration of Executive Officers” (the “Named Executive Officers”) who served during the year ended September 30, 2020. This compensation discussion primarily focuses on the information contained in the following tables and related footnotes and narrative for the last completed fiscal year. We also describe compensation actions taken after the last completed fiscal year to the extent that it enhances the understanding of our executive compensation disclosure. The principles and guidelines discussed herein would also apply to any additional executive officers that the Company may hire in the future.

 

The Compensation Committee of the Board has responsibility for overseeing, reviewing and approving executive compensation and benefit programs in accordance with the Compensation Committee’s charter.  Starting 2020, the Committee has obtained advice from third parties regarding peer group compensation and other attributes of executive compensation. The members of the Compensation Committee are William A. Owens, Jon Pepper and Ichiro Takesako.

 

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

 

The major compensation objectives for the Company’s executive officers are as follows:

	●	to attract and retain highly qualified individuals capable of making significant contributions to our long-term success;
	●	to motivate and reward named executive officers whose knowledge, skills, and performance are critical to our success;
	●	to closely align the interests of our named executive officers and other key employees with those of its shareholders; and
	●	to utilize incentive based compensation to reinforce performance objectives and reward superior performance.

 

 

Role of Chief Executive Officer in Compensation Decisions

 

The Board approves all compensation for the chief executive officer. The Compensation Committee makes recommendations on the compensation for the chief executive officer and approves all compensation decisions, including equity awards, for our executive officers. Our chief executive officer makes recommendations regarding the base salary and non-equity compensation of other executive officers that are approved by the Compensation Committee in its discretion.

 

Setting Executive Compensation

 

The Compensation Committee believes that compensation for the Company’s executive officers must be managed to what we can afford and in a way that allows for us to meet our goals for overall performance. During the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Compensation Committee and the Board compensated Ronald P. Erickson, its Chairman of the Board and Interim Financial Officer, with an annual salary of $180,000 from October 1, 2018 to March 4, 2019, from March 5, 2019 to May 1, 2020, the annual compensation was $195,000, and from May 5, 2020 to September 30, 2020, the annual compensation was $215,000. The Compensation Committee and the Board of Particle Inc. compensated Ronald P. Erickson with an annual salary of $120,000 from June 1, 2020.

 

During the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Compensation Committee and the Board compensated Phillip A. Bosua, its Chief Executive Officer, with an annual salary of $225,000 from October 1, 2018 to March 4, 2019, from March 5, 2019 to May 1, 2020, the annual compensation was $240,000, and from May 5, 2020 to September 30, 2020, the annual compensation was $260,000. The Compensation Committee and the Board of Particle, Inc. compensated Phillip A. Bosua with an annual salary of $120,000 from June 1, 2020.

 

This compensation reflected the financial condition of the Company. Other Named Executive Officers were paid by us during 2020 and 2019. The Compensation Committee starting using a peer group of publicly-traded and privately-held companies in structuring the compensation packages starting late 2020.

 

Executive Compensation Components for the Year Ended September 30, 2020

 

The Compensation Committee did not use a formula for allocating compensation among the elements of total compensation during the year that ended on September 30, 2020. The Compensation Committee believes that in order to attract and retain highly effective people it must maintain a flexible compensation structure. For the year that ended September 30, 2020, the principal components of compensation for named executive officers was base salary and stock and other equity awards.

 

Base Salary

 

Base salary is intended to ensure that our employees are fairly and equitably compensated. Generally, base salary is used to appropriately recognize and reward the experience and skills that employees bring to the Company and provides motivation for career development and enhancement. Base salary ensures that all employees continue to receive a basic level of compensation that reflects any acquired skills which are competently demonstrated and are consistently used at work.

 

Base salaries for the Company’s named executive officers are initially established based on their prior experience, the scope of their responsibilities and the applicable competitive market compensation paid by other companies for similar positions. Mr. Erickson

 

Performance-Based Incentive Compensation

 

The Compensation Committee believes incentive compensation reinforces performance objectives, rewards superior performance and is consistent with the enhancement of stockholder value. All of the Company’s Named Executive Officers are eligible to receive performance-based incentive compensation. The Compensation Committee did not recommend or approve payment of any performance-based incentive compensation to the Named Executive Officers during the year ended September 30, 2020 based on our financial condition.

  

Ownership Guidelines

 

The Compensation Committee does not require our executive officers to hold a minimum number of our shares. However, to directly align the interests of executive officers with the interests of the stockholders, the Compensation Committee encourages each executive officer to maintain an ownership interest in the Company.

 

Stock Option Program

 

Stock options are an integral part of our executive compensation program. They are intended to encourage ownership and retention of the Company’s common stock by named executive officers and employees, as well as non-employee members of the Board. Through stock options, the objective of aligning employees’ long-term interest with those of stockholders may be met by providing employees with the opportunity to build a meaningful stake in the Company.

 

 

The Stock Option Program assists us by:

 

- enhancing the link between the creation of stockholder value and long-term executive incentive compensation;

 

- providing an opportunity for increased equity ownership by executive officers; and

 

- maintaining competitive levels of total compensation.

 

Stock option award levels are determined by the Compensation Committee and vary among participants’ positions within the Company. Newly hired executive officers or promoted executive officers are generally awarded stock options, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, at the next regularly scheduled Compensation Committee meeting on or following their hire or promotion date. In addition, such executives are eligible to receive additional stock options on a discretionary basis after performance criteria are achieved.

 

Options are awarded at the closing price of our common stock on the date of the grant or last trading day prior to the date of the grant. The Compensation Committee’s policy is not to grant options with an exercise price that is less than the closing price of our common stock on the grant date.

 

Generally, the majority of the options granted by the Compensation Committee vest quarterly over four year term. Vesting and exercise rights cease upon termination of employment and/or service, except in the case of death (subject to a one year limitation), disability or retirement. Stock options vest immediately upon termination of employment without cause or an involuntary termination following a change of control. Prior to the exercise of an option, the holder has no rights as a stockholder with respect to the shares subject to such option, including voting rights and the right to receive dividends or dividend equivalents.

 

The Named Executive Officers received stock grants and option awards during the year ended September 30, 2020, as disclosed under the header Executive Compensation below.

 

Retirement and Other Benefits

 

We have no other retirement, savings, long-term stock award or other type of plans for the Named Executive Officers.

 

Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits

 

During the year ended September 30, 2020, we provided the Named Executive Officers with medical insurance. No other personal benefits were provided to these individuals. The committee expects to review the levels of perquisites and other personal benefits provided to Named Executive Officers annually.

 

Employment Agreement with Phillip A. Bosua, Chief Executive Officer

 

Phillip A. Bosua was appointed our Chief Executive Officer on April 10, 2018. Previously, Mr. Bosua served as the Company’s Chief Product Officer since August 2017. The Company entered into a Consulting Agreement with Mr. Bosua’s company, Blaze Clinical on July 7, 2017. From September 2012 to February 2015, Mr. Bosua was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of LIFX Inc. (where he developed and marketed an innovative “smart” light bulb) and from August 2015 until February 2016 was Vice President Consumer Products at Soraa (which markets specialty LED light bulbs). From February 2016 to July 2017, Mr. Bosua was the founder and CEO of RAAI, Inc. (where he continued the development of his smart lighting technology). From May 2008 to February 2013 he was the Founder and CEO of LimeMouse Apps, a leading developer of applications for the Apple App Store.

 

On April 10, 2018, we entered into an Employment Agreement with Mr. Bosua reflecting his appointment as Chief Executive Officer. The Employment Agreement is for an initial term of 12 months (subject to earlier termination) and will be automatically extended for additional 12-month terms unless either party notifies the other party of its intention to terminate the Employment Agreement with at least ninety (90) days prior to the end of the Initial Term or renewal term. Mr. Bosua was paid a base salary of $225,000 per year, received 500,000 shares of common stock valued at $0.33 per share and may be entitled to bonuses and equity awards at the discretion of the Board or a committee of the Board. The Employment Agreement provides for severance pay equal to 12 months of base salary if Mr. Bosua is terminated without “cause” or voluntarily terminates his employment for “good reason.” From October 1, 2018 to March 4, 2019, the annual compensation was $225,000, from March 5, 2019 to May 1, 2020, the annual compensation was $240,000, and from May 5, 2020 to September 30, 2020, the annual compensation was $260,000. The Compensation Committee and the Board of Particle, Inc. compensated Phillip A. Bosua with an annual salary of $120,000 from June 1, 2020.

 

Mr. Bosua will be entitled to participate in all group employment benefits that are offered by us to our senior executives and management employees from time to time, subject to the terms and conditions of such benefit plans, including any eligibility requirements.

 

 

If the Company terminates Mr. Bosua’s employment at any time prior to the expiration of the Term without Cause, as defined in the Employment Agreement, or if Mr. Bosua terminates his employment at any time for “Good Reason” or due to a “Disability”, Mr. Bosua will be entitled to receive (i) his Base Salary amount for one year; and (ii) medical benefits for eighteen months.

 

Employment Agreement with Ronald P. Erickson, Chairman of the Board and Interim Chief Financial Officer

 

On April 10, 2018, we entered into an Amended Employment Agreement for Ronald P. Erickson which amends the Employment Agreement dated July 1, 2017. The Agreement expires March 21, 2019. automatically be extended for additional one (1) year periods unless either Party delivers written notice of such Party’s intention to terminate this Agreement at least ninety (90) days prior to the end of the Initial Term or renewal term.

 

Mr. Erickson’s annual compensation was $180,000. Mr. Erickson is also entitled to receive an annual bonus and equity awards compensation as approved by the Board. The bonus should be paid no later than 30 days following earning of the bonus. From October 1, 2018 to March 4, 2019, the annual compensation was $180,000, from March 5, 2019 to May 1, 2020, the annual compensation was $195,000, and from May 5, 2020 to September 30, 2020, the annual compensation was $215,000. The Compensation Committee and the Board of Particle, Inc. compensated Ronald P. Erickson with an annual salary of $120,000 from June 1, 2020.

 

Mr. Erickson will be entitled to participate in all group employment benefits that are offered by us to our senior executives and management employees from time to time, subject to the terms and conditions of such benefit plans, including any eligibility requirements.

 

If the Company terminates Mr. Erickson’s employment at any time prior to the expiration of the Term without Cause, as defined in the Employment Agreement, or if Mr. Erickson terminates his employment at any time for “Good Reason” or due to a “Disability”, Mr. Erickson will be entitled to receive (i) his Base Salary amount for one year; and (ii) medical benefits for eighteen months.

 

Tax and Accounting Implications

 

Deductibility of Executive Compensation

 

Subject to certain exceptions, Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") generally denies a deduction to any publicly held corporation for compensation paid to its chief executive officer and its three other highest paid executive officers (other than the principal financial officer) to the extent that any such individual's compensation exceeds $1 million. “Performance-based compensation” (as defined for purposes of Section 162(m)) is not taken into account for purposes of calculating the $1 million compensation limit, provided certain disclosure, shareholder approval and other requirements are met. We periodically review the potential consequences of Section 162(m) and may structure the performance-based portion of our executive compensation to comply with certain exceptions to Section 162(m). However, we may authorize compensation payments that do not comply with the exceptions to Section 162(m) when we believe that such payments are appropriate and in the best interests of the stockholders, after taking into consideration changing business conditions or the officer's performance.

 

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

 

Accounting for stock-based payments including its Stock Option Program is done in accordance with the requirements of ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.”

 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

 

The Compensation Committee, composed entirely of independent directors in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations, sets and administers policies that govern the Company's executive compensation programs, and incentive and stock programs. The Compensation Committee of the Company has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.

 

THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

 

William A. Owens, Chairman

 

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

REMUNERATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The following table provides information concerning remuneration of the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer and another named executive officer for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

 

Summary Compensation Table 

 

								All
						Stock	Option	Other
				Salary	Bonus	Awards	Awards	Compensation	Total
Name		Principal Position		($)	($)	($) (3)	($)	($)	($)
Salary-
Ronald P. Erickson (1)		Chairman of the Board and Interim Chief Financial Officer	9/30/20	$243,333	$-	$190,000	$394,000	$-	$827,333
			9/30/19	$188,750	$-	$102,000	$-	$-	$290,750
Phillip A. Bosua (2)		Chief Executive Officer	9/30/20	$288,333	$-	$285,000	$394,000	$-	$967,333
			9/30/19	$233,750	$-	$-	$-	$-	$233,750

 

(1) Mr. Erickson’s annual compensation from October 1, 2018 to March 4, 2019 was $180,000, from March 5, 2019 to May 1, 2020, the annual compensation was $195,000, and from May 5, 2020 to September 30, 2020, the annual compensation was $215,000. The Compensation Committee and the Board of Particle, Inc. compensated Ronald P. Erickson with an annual salary of $120,000 from June 1, 2020. The 100,000 shares of restricted common stock issued on January 2, 2019 to Mr. Erickson were valued at the grant date market value of $1.02 per share. The 100,000 shares of restricted common stock issued on January 1, 2020 to Mr. Erickson were valued at the grant date market value of $1.90 per share. The stock grant was authorized at $0.17 per share. Mr. Erickson received a vested stock option grant from Particle for 500,000 Particle shares valued at $0.788 per share or $394,000.

 

(2)  Mr. Bosua’s annual compensation from October 1, 2018 to March 4, 2019 was $225,000, the annual compensation was $225,000, from March 5, 2019 to May 1, 2020, the annual compensation was $240,000, and from May 5, 2020 to September 30, 2020, the annual compensation was $260,000. The Compensation Committee and the Board of Particle, Inc. compensated Phillip A. Bosua with an annual salary of $120,000 from June 1, 2020. The 150,000 shares of restricted common stock issued on January 1, 2020 to Mr. Bosua were valued at the grant date market value of $1.90 per share. Mr. Bosua received a vested stock option grant from Particle for 500,000 Particle shares valued at $0.788 per share or $394,000.

 

(3) These amounts reflect the grant date market value as required by Regulation S-K Item 402(n)(2), computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.

 

 

 Grants of Stock Based Awards in Fiscal Year Then Ended September 30, 2020

 

The Compensation Committee approved the following performance-based incentive compensation to the Named Executive Officers during the year ended September 30, 2020.

 

										All Other
									All Other	Option Awards;
			Estimated Future Payouts Under			Estimated Future Payouts Under			Stock Awards;	Number of
			Non-Equity Incentive Plan			Equity Incentive Plan			Number of	Securities	Exercise or	Grant Date
			Awards			Awards			Shares of	Underlying	Base Price of	Fair Value of
		Grant	Threshold	Target	Maximum	Threshold	Target	Maximum	Stock or Units	Options	Option Awards	Stock and
Name		Date	($)	($)	($)	(#)	(#)	(#)	(#)	(#)	($/Sh) (3)	Option Awards
Ronald P. Erickson (1)		11/4/19	$-	$-	$-	-	-	-	-	1,200,000	$1.100	$-
		7/2/20	$-	$-	$-	-	-	-	-	1,500,000	$0.100	0.788
Phillip A. Bosua (2)		11/4/19	$-	$-	$-	-	-	-	-	1,200,000	$1.100	$-
		7/2/20	$-	$-	$-	-	-	-	-	1,500,000	$0.100	0.788

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding Equity Awards as of Fiscal Year Then Ended September 30, 2020

 

Our Named Executive Officers have the following outstanding equity awards as of September 30, 2020.

 

	Option Awards
	Number of	Number of
	Securities	Securities
	Underlying	Underlying
	Unexercised	Unexercised	Option
	Options	Options	Exercise	Option
	Exercisable	Unexerciseable	Price	Expiration
Name	(#)	(#)	($) (3)	Date
Ronald P. Erickson (1)	-	1,200,000	$1.10	11/4/24
	500,000	1,000,000	$0.10	7/2/25
Phillip A. Bosua (2)	-	1,200,000	$1.10	11/4/24
	500,000	1,000,000	$0.10	7/2/25

 

 

 

 

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

 

Our Named Executive Officers did not have any option exercises during the year ended September 30, 2020.

 

Pension Benefits

 

We do not provide any pension benefits. 

 

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

 

We do not have a nonqualified deferral program. 

 

Employment Agreements

 

We have an employment agreement with each of Ronald P. Erickson and Phillip A. Bosua, which are summarized in tabular format below.

 

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control

 

 

We have the following potential payments upon termination or change in control with Ronald P. Erickson:

 

		Early	Not For Good	Change in
Executive	For Cause	or Normal	Cause	Control	Disability
Payments Upon	Termination	Retirement	Termination	Termination	or Death
Separation	on 9/30/2020	on 9/30/2020	on 9/30/2020	on 9/30/2020	on 9/30/2020
Compensation:
Base salary (1)	$-	$-	$215,000	$215,000	$-
Performance-based incentive
compensation (2)	$-	$-	$-	$-	$-
Stock options	$-	$-	$2,202,000	$2,202,000	$-
Benefits and Perquisites:
Health and welfare benefits (3)	$-	$-	$26,388	$26,388	$-
Accrued vacation pay	$-	$-	$72,769	$72,769	$-
Total	$-	$-	$2,516,157	$2,516,157	$-