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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

 

FORM 10-K

(MARK ONE)

þ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  

 

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM __________________ TO __________________________

 

Commission file number: 000-51569

 

EFACTOR GROUP CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

NEVADA 84-1598154

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or

organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification

No.)

   

1177 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 5060

New York, New York

10036
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(650) 380-8280

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

 

605 Market Street, Suite 600

San Francisco, CA 94105

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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

 

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share

(Title of class)

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ¨ Yes þ No

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. ¨ Yes þ No

 

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 þ No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). þ Yes ¨ No

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company:

 

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨
       

Non-accelerated filer

(Do not check if smaller reporting company)

¨ Smaller reporting company þ

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates as of December 31, 2014 was $21,489,402.

 

As of April 10, 2015, there were 147,733,139 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

 

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

      Page No.
Part I
Item 1. Business.   4
Item 1A. Risk Factors.   20
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.   41
Item 2. Properties.   41
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.   42
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.   42
Part II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.   43
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.   45
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.   45
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.   53
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.   54
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.   55
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.   55
Item 9B. Other Information.   56
Part III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.   57
Item 11. Executive Compensation.   61
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.   65
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.   69
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.   69
Part IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.   71

 

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, particularly in Part I, Item 1: “Business,” Part I, Item 1A: “Risk Factors” and Part 2, Item 7: “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” These statements are often identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “should,” “estimate,” or “continue,” and similar expressions or variations. All statements other than statements of historical fact could be deemed forward-looking, including, but not limited to our ability to generate revenues and pay our operating expenses, our ability to raise capital as necessary, economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations, government and industry regulation, interest rate risk, U.S. and global competition, and other factors.  Most of these factors are difficult to predict accurately and may be beyond our control.  You should consider the areas of risk described in connection with any forward-looking statements that may be made herein.

 

For a discussion of some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements, see the discussion on risk factors that appears in Part I, Item 1A: “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other risks and uncertainties detailed in this and our other reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. The forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K represent our views as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our views to change. However, while we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we have no current intention of doing so except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Unless specifically set forth to the contrary, when used in this report, the terms “EFactor Group", “EFactor”, "we"", "our", the "Company" and similar terms refer to EFactor Group Corp., a Nevada corporation.  In addition, when used herein and unless specifically set forth to the contrary,  “ 2013 ”  refers to the year ended December 31, 2013,   “ 2014 ”  refers to the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS.

 

Overview

 

Corporate History

 

We were incorporated in Nevada on July 27, 2001.  At the time of our incorporation, we were in the business of developing and marketing easily maintained website systems, managed website hosting, search engine placement, email marketing and graphic design.  Prior to the reverse acquisition transaction described below, we did not have any business or operations and were considered a shell company under the federal securities laws.

 

Reverse Acquisition of The E-Factor Corp.

 

On February 1, 2013, we entered into an Acquisition and Share Exchange Agreement (which we refer to herein as the Exchange Agreement) with The E-Factor Corp., a Delaware corporation (which we refer to herein as EFactor), and certain shareholders of EFactor (such transaction, the “Share Exchange”), pursuant to which significantly all of the common stock sellers of EFactor (the “Original Sellers”) agreed to transfer to us 6,580,250 shares of common stock of EFactor in exchange for the issuance of: (a) 50,000,000 shares of our common stock; (b) 5,000,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; and (c) an additional 22,231,155 shares of our common stock were issued upon the effectiveness of the 1:40 reverse stock split of our common stock in October 2013 (the “Additional Shares”).  The Share Exchange closed on February 11, 2013. We issued additional shares to the remaining 30% of the sellers in several tranches during the fourth quarter of 2013 and the first part of 2014 aggregating to 16,448,841 shares which represented the remaining outstanding common stock.

 

Of the 5,000,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock issued in the Share Exchange, 2,500,000 shares automatically converted into approximately 12,906,223 shares of our common stock upon the effective date of the 1-for-40 reverse stock split in October 2013.  The remaining shares of Series A Preferred Stock are not convertible into shares of our common stock.

 

As a result of the Share Exchange, EFactor became our majority-owned subsidiary.  We are now a holding company with all of our operations conducted through EFactor Group Corp., which is the owner of a portfolio of entrepreneur-focused product and service companies which exist around and complement EFactor.com, a targeted social network providing content and resources for entrepreneurs worldwide. The EFactor network is designed to support our members as their business grow, along each step of the process.

 

On September 20, 2013, our board of directors and majority stockholders approved the following amendments to our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation:

 

1.to change our name to “EFactor Group Corp.”;

 

2.to increase the number of authorized shares of our preferred stock from 10,000,000 shares, par value $0.001, to 20,000,000 shares, par value $0.001;

 

3.to increase the number of authorized shares of our common stock from 100,000,000 shares to 175,000,000 shares; and

 

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4.to effect the 1-for-40 reverse split of our common stock described above.

 

On October 11, 2013, we filed a Certificate of Amendment to our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada to reflect the name change, the increase in authorized preferred shares and the increase in authorized common stock.  Further, on October 15, 2013, we filed a Certificate of Change to our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada effecting the 1-for-40 reverse stock split.

 

Our Company

 

EFactor Group Corp. is the owner of a portfolio of entrepreneur-focused product and service companies which exist around and complement EFactor.com, a targeted social network providing content and resources for entrepreneurs worldwide. The EFactor network is designed to support our members as their business grow, along each step of the process.

 

Through our portfolio of companies, we: (i) connect entrepreneurs to their peers, and to knowledge, benefits and business opportunities, (ii) offer various opportunities for our members to engage, grow, meet and learn, both online and through personal networking, (iii) provide appealing interactive peer-to-peer tools, and (iv) provide digital content to engage members and drive member business services.

 

The hub of our business is the targeted social network for entrepreneurs that is designed to provide our members with access to the people, tools, marketing and expertise to succeed and make real, trustworthy and lasting connections.  We operate  EFactor.com, which, based on our management’s research, is one of the few targeted social networks whose members are business owners and founders participating in a network dedicated to the specific requirements of entrepreneurs. As of the date of this report, we have over one and a half million members, who reside in 222 territories and operate across 240 industries. Around the social networks, in a spoke structure, we also own various subsidiaries, located in Europe and the US that provides business owners and working professionals with services to enhance their business structure.

 

EFactor Group in summary provides a single platform that enables access to a network of contacts, registration for networking events, advisory consulting, various business tools and a broad range of services and information. Revenue derived from our social networks for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $153,126 and $68,993, respectively. The balance of our revenue was derived from our acquisition of supplemental businesses, which totaled $1,481,476 and $672,791 for the twelve months period ended December 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

We define “members” as individuals that sign-up through our custom built sign-up mechanism and set up an account (i.e. have “opted in”).  We define a “visitor” as anyone that visits the EFactor.com and our other social network websites whether as a member or a non-member.  We have approximately 1.5 million “Entrepreneurial” members.  Of these members, over a third are considered “active members” by visiting the site regularly, participating in our physical events and either responding to or reading our newsletters and other communications.  We have approximately 1.5-2 million visitors to our website monthly. EFactor.com is a 90% custom built platform.  Most of the code is created by EFactor contractors/employees and is only used by EFactor. Code and designs are proprietary to EFactor and are protected by confidentiality agreements we enter into with our employees and third-party contractors.

 

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The following table represents the site visit metrics for the Company during the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

   2014   2013 
Visits:   22,073,005    21,413,304 
Visitors:   19,024,469    11,212,519 
Pageviews:   96,950,142    75,849,847 
Pages per visit:   4.34    3.61 
Bounce rate:   15.81%   23.54%

 

With EFactor.com, entrepreneurs can create new connections that bring value to the entrepreneur’s business or the fledgling entrepreneur’s idea. The core of our service is to create these valuable connections that are based on a strong proprietary algorithm that is at the heart of our database. This process is referred to as EScore™ which allows entrepreneurs to benchmark themselves against an algorithm metrics and helps them find the resources they require for their operations – through a variety of innovative tools accompanied by the guidance and education they need to take qualified decisions. EFactor also provides a technology platform that allows Entrepreneurs to gain knowledge about specific topics from accredited mentors and also an offline environment through our Events that allows for real-life connection between members.

 

Our portfolio of companies are classified into four divisions:

 

·Social Networking: This encompasses EFactor.com, the heart of our organization is a targeted social network providing content and resources for Entrepreneurs worldwide. The Division also includes ELEQT, a social discovery network and GroupCard. The EFactor network is designed to support our members as their businesses grow, along every step of their journey. The member has the ability to connect with other the targeted people or services that can provide talent that will help them succeed.

 

·Education and Mentoring: We provide key information, articles, webcasts, videos and advice and access to mentors and peers.

 

·Business Services: We connect members to relevant people via our proprietary algorithms and live events. We also negotiate discounts on products and services that entrepreneurs need.

 

·Funding Awareness: We educate and assist entrepreneurs in their search for funding, including the different types of funding that may be available and the resources they may use to locate funding.  However, we do not supply funding, participate in the offering or sale of securities, or participate in any specific funding transactions in any way.

 

6
 

 

We generate revenues from the following sources:

 

   Year ended 
   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
Social Network  $744,245   $68,994 
Education / Mentoring   490,310    315,989 
Business Service   400,047    356,802 
   $1,634,602   $741,785 

 

·Social Networking generates revenue from the following:

 

Member Fees:  We have a VIP package which offers members access to premium services such as all our events, airport lounges, VIP lounges and VIP content on the site. We also hold a variety of networking and informational events for our members to which members can gain a subscription and provide varying other membership packages to our members that allow them access to premium services via our website.

 

In addition, with our acquisitions which we completed from July 2014 onwards, we are building a series of products and services with those acquired companies’ offerings that are suitable and affordable to our members. Such packages will be brought into the mix and will be offered to members through promotions as well as prompts.

 

Sponsorships: We generate revenues from sponsors in a variety of ways.  Sponsors can gain exposure to our members either through placement or short write-ups in newsletters and event invitations or by sponsoring one of our events where they may provide access to their products or services (booth/stall) or by serving as a speaker or panelist at an event relating to their industry. This may also include contributing content to our website.

 

Website advertising: We gained added revenue from selling banner advertising spots along with and click-throughs with well-known brands that target our entrepreneurial membership.

 

Third-party revenue sharing: In addition to our own products, we will offer products of third parties to our members provided they are suitable and will offer a discounton their retail value to our members. From such third party services, EFactor will gain a small revenue share.

 

·Education and Mentoring generates revenue from the following:

 

Advisory Services:  We promote and make available advisory and consulting services to members for support, introduction guidance and general mentoring of members in their pursuit of their entrepreneurial objectives, for which fees are charged.

 

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Education: We are a fully-accredited provider of high-quality apprenticeships and work-based vocational learning, we are also an experienced welfare-to-work job-broker. Our key drivers include a business model that is inherently flexible and highly scalable, to our clients human capital needs so they can respond rapidly to their evolving employment requirements. Some of the apprenticeships include, but not limited to; business administration, customer service, leadership and management, childcare and nursery assistants. health and social care, and hair and beauty.

 

·Business Services generates revenue from the following:

 

Public Relations:  We provide market and brand awareness consulting services, targeting high and emerging technology and science companies, as well as professional service organizations that help get recognition within the practiced community and provide an explicit company identity.

 

Branding and Design: We provide our clients with graphic design, marketing and corporate positioning to help improve their clients’ visual identity and packaging of our stakeholders products and services.

 

Although EFactor is a global platform, our marketing efforts are primarily focused on the following five core territories: United States, United Kingdom, India, China and The Netherlands. We plan for additional territories to be developed over time with live events taking place in those geographies where a high concentration of members evolves.

 

We have created and started to implement a strategy based on acquiring companies that fit with, and add value to, our core member base of entrepreneurs. We have initiated research and identified a number of companies that can potentially provide a product or service that is scalable, profitable and easily adapted to accommodate thousands of new clients. Through this “roll-up strategy,” we believe we will grow both organically and through further acquisitions over the next 12-18 months.

 

The chart below outlines the current completed acquisitions and structure of our Social Network:

 

 

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Merger with EQmentor

 

On October 31, 2012, we closed a merger transaction with EQmentor, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“EQMentor”), pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated June 30, 2012 (the “EQ Merger Agreement”). Under the EQ Merger Agreement, EFactor was obligated to issue 679,094 shares of EFactor common stock (the “Merger Shares”) in exchange for 100% of EQmentor’s outstanding securities, which exchange was effected on or about October 31, 2012.

 

EQmentor is a cutting-edge online professional development company that provides working professionals 24/7 access to a custom-matched mentor, a global cross-industry peer community, and repositories of knowledge to empower high performance in the workplace. Organized in 2007, EQmentor is the first company to statistically demonstrate an increase in EQ through its program.  EQ stands for Emotional Intelligence, a scientific, measurable intelligence which indicates a person's emotional maturity. EQmentor mentees show an average increase of 17 points in their EQ scores between their pre and post assessments. To put that into context, other studies have shown that the average adult increases their EQ by just 3 points a year when processing the cumulative experiences that they have had during that one year.

 

We launched a reengineered EQmentor program for entrepreneurs during the first quarter of 2014. This provided a more scalable form of product offering to our membership base along the same line as with our larger corporate clients, but at a more cost effective price to our members.

 

We believe EQmentor has shown a statistically validated increase in EQ.  Dozens of other studies have already shown a positive correlation between high EQ and various performance metrics such as higher sales, higher productivity, higher employee engagement, customer satisfaction.

 

MCC International Ltd.

 

On February 14, 2013, EFactor acquired 100% of the outstanding securities of MCC International, Ltd., or MCC, and MCC became our wholly-owned subsidiary.  EFactor originally issued 666,667 shares of its common stock to MCC’s stockholder in exchange for 100% of MCC outstanding securities.  The shares of EFactor common stock were exchanged for  196,249 shares of our common stock at the closing of the transaction, with an additional 3,490,281 shares of our common stock issued in November 2013.

 

MCC is a public relations and communications agency that promotes emerging technology and science companies, as well as professional service organizations, from entrepreneur start-ups and spin- offs to global consumer brands.  The agency promotes high and emerging technology and science companies, as well as professional service organizations - from entrepreneur start-ups and spin-offs to global consumer brands.  MCC utilizes a dedicated team that combines sharp journalistic skills with an acute appreciation of public relations in the wider context of sales and marketing and is well known for its “sleeves rolled up, getting stuck in” approach to delivering valuable column inches and significant return on investment.  MCC is located in the Southampton University Science Park, Southampton, England, UK, alongside many leading technology and science companies.

 

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MCC is a highly creative, proactive, and proven PR and communications agency, specializing in business, technology, and science — from Entrepreneur start-ups and spin-offs to global consumer brands. With over 25 years of successful campaigns, MCC ensures that the right message reaches the right people at the right time for a powerful impact on clients’ businesses.

 

HT Skills Ltd.

 

On July 1, 2014, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement by and among the Company, HT Skills Ltd., an entity organized under the laws of England and Wales (“HT Skills”), and Five5Five PTE Ltd., the sole shareholder of HT Skills (“HT Seller”). On the same date, the parties consummated the transaction, pursuant to which the HT Seller sold, and the Company purchased, all of HT Skills’ outstanding capital stock, in exchange for 13,319,100 unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

HT Skills, based in London, is a fully-accredited provider of high-quality apprenticeships and work-based vocational learning, and is also an experienced welfare-to-work job-broker. With experience and creativity, and a business model that is inherently flexible and highly scalable, HT Skills can respond rapidly to the evolving requirements of funders, employers and individual clients. HT Skills has successfully delivered Government-funded contracts for Skills Funding Agencies, Department of Work and Pensions, and European Social Funds and has secured sustainable employment for thousands of young people since 2006.

 

HT Skills learning programs include:

·Business Administration
·Customer Service
·Leadership and Management
·Childcare and Nursery Assistant
·Health and Social Care
·Hair and Beauty

 

Member Digital Ltd.

 

On July 1, 2014, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement by and among the Company, Member Digital Ltd., an entity organized under the laws of England and Wales (“Member Digital”), and the shareholders of Member Digital (the “MD Sellers”). On the same date, the parties consummated the transaction, pursuant to which the MD Sellers sold, and the Company purchased, all of Member Digital’s outstanding capital stock, in exchange for 1,250,000 unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

Member Digital offers entrepreneurial solutions for targeted interests — inspiring action, and increasing income. From subscription websites, to digital advocacy and simple CRM, Member Digital has many diverse solutions for Entrepreneur's. Member Digital consists of four main solution platforms:

 

·SubHub: Launched in 2004, is a leading solution for building and managing membership websites. Scores of content creators and more than 50,000 subscribers depend on SubHub to help them profit from their knowledge.

 

·MemberCore: Makes it easy for trade and professional associations to manage member data, gaining a better understanding of member activity and engagement.

 

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·CampaignHuddle: Enables charities, not-for-profits, businesses and other organizations to build and manage digital advocacy campaigns to influence a political or social cause.

 

·Enterprise Solutions: Member Digital leverages its deep understanding of membership software to build custom solutions for publishers seeking to monetize their targeted audiences.

 

GroupCard BV

 

On July 7, 2014, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement by and among the Company, GroupCard BV, an entity organized under the laws of the Netherlands (“GroupCard”), and the shareholders of GroupCard (the “GC Sellers”). On the same date, the parties consummated the transaction, pursuant to which the GC Sellers sold, and the Company purchased, all of GroupCard’s outstanding capital stock, in exchange for 2,812,500 unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

GroupCard is a full service organization helping local organizations and groups (i.e. sport clubs, charities, student associations, family caregivers) create extra value for their members, sponsors and partners. Based on a unique combination of services, technology, partnerships and business models, GroupCard is a revenue-generating partner to create extra value while keeping clients focused on their core business.

 

Services include:

 

·Nationwide and online network of partners

·Loyalty, coupon and gift card platform

·On and offline communication facilities

·Fan Funding

·Card Management

·Marketing Services

 

ELEQT Ltd.

 

On October 1, 2014, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement by and among the Company, ELEQT Ltd., an entity organized under laws of the England and Wales (“ELEQT”), and the shareholders of ELEQT (the “ELEQT Sellers”). On the same date, the parties consummated the transaction, pursuant to which the ELEQT Sellers sold, and the Company purchased, all of ELEQT’s outstanding capital stock, in exchange for 31,000,000 unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

ELEQT is an exclusive social discovery network for trendsetters in style and business. ELEQT brings trust and relevance back to social networking by offering a trusted social network, via www.eleqt.com, where members can engage with fascinating people to meet, discover things to do, places to go and trends to follow. ELEQT also organizes hundreds of exclusive member-only events around the world.

 

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ELEQT has a global network with local operations and has operations in Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore, Dubai, Amsterdam, London, São Paulo, Santiago de Chile, Dutch Caribbean, Boston and New York. ELEQT plans on rolling out quickly to other world capitals and is continually upgrading its online community to better serve its members and partners. ELEQT is believed to be the social network of choice of the Quintessentially Group, the award-winning and leading international luxury lifestyle and concierge company

 

Robson Dowry Ltd.

 

On November 15, 2014, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement by and among the Company, Robson Dowry Associates Ltd., an entity organized under the laws of the England and Wales (“Robson Dowry”), and the shareholders of Robson Dowry Associates Ltd. (the “Robson Dowry Sellers”). On the same date, the parties consummated the transaction, pursuant to which the Sellers sold, and the Company purchased, all of Robson Dowry’s outstanding capital stock, in exchange for 1,500,000 unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

Robson Dowry is an independent branding and design group with a track record of over 30 years. The company is based in the United Kingdom and maintains a roster of brand-leading clientele such as; The Bank of England, Admiralty Ukho and Felix Solis Wines. The firm is headed by Ian Robson, who founded the company more than 30 years ago. Robson Dowry provides its clients with graphic design, marketing and corporate positioning to help improve their clients’ visual identity and packaging. This business is anticipated to provide branding and marketing services to EFactor.com members in cooperation with MCC International.

 

 

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Social Media Market Overview

 

We can be classified as a “targeted social network” and we operate in the generic “social media” industry. The market in which we operate can be characterized by the following information from ComScore (Industry Report, Jan 2012):

 

“Over the past few years, social networks have evolved to become an integral part of the online experience, providing the means for users to facilitate offline connections and build new ones online. In the process, social networks have shaped the way we communicate and have even cultivated new social behaviors. Indisputably, the way we keep in touch with friends, find recommendations, and share ideas with others has changed with the advent of social networking.”

 

The following are three of the key findings from the ComScore report:

 

·Social networking is the most popular online activity worldwide;
·In October 2011, 1.2 billion users around the world visited social networking sites, accounting for 17% of the world’s population; and

·Nearly 1 in every 5 minutes spent online around the world is now spent on social networking sites, making social networking the most popular content category in engagement worldwide.

 

According to Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) (2013):  “In 2014 >400 million people around the world will be engaged in early stage entrepreneurial activity.

 

Also during 2013 and 2014 the “Doing Business Report” by the World Bank Group (2013) and Entrepreneur Weekly (2014) summarize that on an annual basis >4,000,000 new companies are registered around the world.

 

The Challenge for Entrepreneurs lies in the fact that 25% of new businesses fail in the first year, 36% in the second and 44% in the third (from Doing Business Report, WBG 2013).

 

We believe targeted social networks in particular are poised for growth in the coming years as people shift from generic platforms to those where they feel they are connecting with likeminded people sharing a common interest.

 

Entrepreneurship, our key focus, is one of the biggest common interests in the world today and a growing market exists serving those that start their own business. According to an independent researcher, Moya K. Mason, in 2014 states that there are about 300 million persons trying to start about 150 million businesses worldwide.

 

Our relevant market size is based on entrepreneurs in fast-growing industries that have an affinity with the online world.  Of the 300 million potential entrepreneurs mentioned above - approximately 25% would be considered our target audience, e.g. 90 million members. Of these, we believe we can anticipate reaching and signing up approximately 3.5%, or 3 million, through 2015.

 

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Competitive Analysis

 

We are not aware of any direct competitors that combine the targeted community for entrepreneurs with real-time events and access to resources and funding. There are other companies that do one of these aspects but not combined in the way we do. For example, sites such as Gust seek to provide entrepreneurs access to funding while general social networking sites such as Facebook provide a more conversational medium to a general audience not specifically targeting any one demographic group. We started out when social networking was in its infancy. We believe that there are very few companies that have the expertise and in-depth knowledge that we have of the industry as a whole and social media in particular, which expertise has been built over the past four years.

 

Our business most often gets compared to LinkedIn. LinkedIn does not allow for the typical social networking elements which create a true community.  LinkedIn is focused on professionals that are in full employment with a firm/organization, whereas, we specifically aim at the business owner.  LinkedIn’s revenue is largely derived from recruitment companies and software sold to HR departments.  Our revenue is derived from our members, sponsors and products/services sold to members as well as in future from data-mining and advertising.

 

Competition is not that easily created - building the volume of members is a significant obstacle to market entry.  A number of communities have started but failed to reach more than 50,000 members, which appears to be the minimum number of members that must be reached in order to achieve for sustainable revenue and business growth. Technology can be built, but the cost to maintain is high given the regular updates needed to keep up with the markets and improvements.

 

It is possible that social networking entities such as LinkedIn or Facebook could opt to create their own network focused specifically on entrepreneurs.  However, we do not anticipate that these entities will create the “offline” element that we have created through our global events and webinars. Both LinkedIn and Facebook focus primarily on the online aspect, and do not directly facilitate any off-line personal interaction between members - let alone provide real resources to members that they may need for their business.

 

We plan to continue to build our proprietary platform through acquisitions and organic growth. We also plan to continue to develop a value chain that allows a new entrepreneur to come on as a member, and gain knowledge and immediate resources such as mentoring, interns, online training and funding through the group of companies. The following is an overview of the competitive landscape.

 

Direct Competitors

 

We do not believe we have any direct competitors. However, a number of smaller targeted networks exist in the entrepreneurial space with approximately 25,000 to 100,000 members such as WomensLeadershipExchange.com. We view many of these companies as potential acquisition targets.

 

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Indirect Competitors

 

The following companies could be considered indirect competitors.

 

XING - “the social network for jobs, business & careers”

Products/services offered: Premium package includes: See who viewed your profile, advanced search, send private message, Add free member profile, upload documents to your profile.
Member base: 11.1 million members
Location(s): Germany
Members based in: German speaking countries (Germany, Switzerland, Austria - 50% of all members) and Middle East
Key strengths: Strong home market, profitable.
Key weaknesses: Strongly focused on Germany (70% new members are German speaking), lack of exposure outside of Europe

 

LinkedIn

Products/services offered: Store your Resume
Location(s): Mountain View, California
Member base: 161 million members
Customer segments/geographies served: Global. Members in 200 countries. 61% of LinkedIn Members are located outside the US.
Products/services offered: Premium Package includes: See who viewed your Profile, Advanced Search, Send Private Message, Add free member profile, Upload documents to your profile.
Key strengths: Market Leader in HR services
Key weaknesses: One core focus i.e. human resources, high degree of exposure to human resources companies for revenue.

 

Competitive Advantages

 

We believe we are positioned to show a strong performance in our industry for the following reasons:

 

·We believe we are a market leader in the niche for social networks for entrepreneurs whose members are business owners/founders in a network dedicated to their requirements.

 

·We are present in 222 territories across 196 countries, although we currently focus our marketing efforts primarily on five core territories (US, UK, China, India and the Netherlands).

 

·Our management team has invaluable experience as serial entrepreneurs and building multiple businesses, which gives them a unique perspective into their members’ needs and requirements as well as experience in building a large organization on an international basis.

 

·Management has experience in setting up and executing a roll-up strategy.

 

·The Management team has been strengthened during 2014 with two individuals well versed in Social Media (Ruud Smeets, previously CEO ELEQT) and Digital Marketing (Mark Stanich, previously CMO and President Digital Media, both American Express Publishing Corp and Time Inc’s Affluent Media Group, a division of Time Warner).

 

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·Management has been in the social media market since it took off in 2007.

 

·We have developed custom built technologies that allow us to provide high quality products/services and maintain a great customer experience.

 

·Events are a core element of our overall concept and allows both solid member acquisition as well as increasing brand awareness, member loyalty and revenues. Global live streaming events will be added to the product line to expand even further and increase the ability for our members to participate.

 

·We believe we have a solid business model that relies on multiple revenue streams and has been extended by adding multiple products/services through the acquisitions that took place in 2014.

 

·We are highly focused on a unique, globally expanding audience that requires a lot of resources that we can supply.  We believe that many entrepreneurs spend on average $500,000 per year on products and services that enable them to run their businesses. Given our ability to provide economies of scale to individual owners, we can assist in saving members cash.

 

·We pride ourselves on providing well above average customer service to our members thus generating a high degree of loyalty and involvement of members to the brand.

 

·We have a marketing skill set that enables us to continue to grow virally and attract new members at a low cost.

 

Technology Platform

 

Network for Entrepreneurs

 

Our technology platform uses state-of-the-art technologies, such as data engine search and data vector analysis, to broaden the opportunities and to increase success in business relationships. Our data mapping algorithms introduce a new service, a new prospect, a new partner or a new investor to a member when they are ready to begin building this business relationship. Our business maturity modeling facilitates gap analysis for members and recommends pathways to accelerate their business maturity. We recognize technology is there to support human beings and our entire platform is conceived to integrate human interaction with technology to benefit the business relationship.

 

Our Network for Entrepreneurs is a platform for building high impact business relationships. For example, the Network’s gap analysis through EScore may identify the need for a member to improve his or her business goals.  It will then make recommendations for a well-qualified mentor to mature the member’s skills required to fill this gap.  At the same time the member could seek recommendations for a new business supplier located in a distant city.  Or a member can simply ask for opinions about attending a particular trade show.  Building strong business relationships leads to business success and Business Network for Entrepreneurs is an important tool in achieving those relationships.

 

On our web portal, members register by completing log-in information and signing up voluntarily for the service (each member therefore has to "opt-in"). Once a profile has been created by the member, a member may to choose to display certain information publically, only to members in a member's network, to all members or hidden completely from all members and external (some such information such as telephone numbers or email addresses are defaulted to “hidden”, whereas information such as a members' business profile's default setting is set to "shown to all" unless changed by the member).

 

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EScore

 

In September 2013, we released a new functionality called EScore, which allows entrepreneurs to measure their strengths and weaknesses in the following five key areas called vectors: leadership, finance, technology, sales and marketing and social value. Throughout 2014, we have amended and strengthened our benchmarking tool that allows members to follow clearly defined steps to build up their individual EScore and build a better business. The overall score gives the member a strong indication of where additional attention might be needed, or where they ought to find a partner with the skills the entrepreneur themselves may lack. Each vector leads to a maximum score of 200, with the five vectors combining to a maximum EScore of 1,000.

 

FreedomLab: Building a Better Business

 

In December 2014, we were pleased to announce our partnership with the FreedomLab campus for crossover innovation. Freedomlab is a creative strategy boutique, and is one of the pillars of the Dasym investment group. FreedomLab is working closely with EFactor’s team in our current redesign and insert their group of gamefication experts, social storytellers, algorithm specialists, visual designers and many other skills to further boost the engagement level of our users. Together, we are developing the next version of our platform that will encourage the increase of interaction amongst members and to deploy specific services. The process we are currently following is a mixture of service design and lean, to guarantee that we are co-creating with the entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial spirit in our organization and network.

 

We have identified three key areas in which FreedomLab will assist: Website dynamics, NextGen publishing and data driven services. The first of these three is the uplift of EScore from an integral part of the network into a data driven service. This coming year Escore will undergo a transformation and become more intuitive and adaptive to each individual member. The main pivot in our strategy going forward is to change Escore from a tool that is embedded into our network itself towards a more data driven mobile app which can learn and nudge entrepreneurs on those actions, contacts and content that help them to Build a Better Business. In this way the interplay of app and network provides huge advantages to the entrepreneur and plenty of data to EFactor to further improve the relevance of our services. An approach the market likes to refer to as narrow AI1.

 

Technical Overview

 

In addition to the above components with EScore, the forefront of our technology platform is further defined as:

 

·Product Marketing. Our product marketing continually evaluates and improves product concepts and drives a development release cycle to ensure rapid time to value for our service offerings.

 

·Architecture. Our platform uses Linux, Apache HTTP Server, MySQL and PHP (LAMP). Open Source code is also used for data search and data analysis.

 

·Availability. Our hosting provider is a certified global hosting service that provides networking and hands-on system administration. Alerting and performance management reports and tools are included. The infrastructure is designed and operated as fault tolerant.

 

·Performance. Our production infrastructure is scaled and tested to support users in the millions. Significant capacity currently exists to support accelerating growth.

 

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·Business Continuity. Replications of source code and data is maintained online at a separate facility. Offsite backups for production are completed weekly.

 

·Information Security. We meet audit standards for protection of privacy data and for protection of credit card information. A full Information Security Audit is scheduled and will be completed in the first half of 2015.

 

Our Social Network has achieved an important business objective by reaching a subscription base of over one and a half million members. The current technology platform demonstrates the business value technology provides to EFactor.com members - that said, we are extremely excited about our planned next steps.

 

During 2015, we plan to further enhance the business value proposition with significant technology advances in cooperation with our partner FreedomLab as described above. The primary business objective is to provide an adaptive and refocused EScoreas well as additional service offerings with associated additional revenue streams bringing in the offerings of each of the acquisitions made or to be made during the course of the next 12-18 months. With FreedomLab, we will also continue working on NextGen Publishing and general improvements to website dynamics and interactivity between members.

 

1Narrow AI, a technology subset focused on solving specific, reasonably well-defined problems."

 

Government Regulation

 

We are subject to a number of U.S. federal and state, and foreign laws and regulations that affect companies conducting business on the Internet, many of which are still evolving and being tested in courts, and could be interpreted in ways that could harm our business. These may involve user privacy, rights of publicity, data protection, content, intellectual property, distribution, electronic contracts and other communications, competition, protection of minors, consumer protection, taxation and online payment services. In particular, we are subject to federal, state, and foreign laws regarding privacy and protection of user data.

 

Foreign data protection, privacy, and other laws and regulations are often more restrictive than those in the United States. U.S. federal and state and foreign laws and regulations are constantly evolving and can be subject to significant change. In addition, the application and interpretation of these laws and regulations are often uncertain, particularly in the new and rapidly-evolving industry in which we operate. There are also a number of legislative proposals pending before the U.S. Congress, various state legislative bodies, and foreign governments concerning data protection which could affect us.

 

Intellectual Property Rights

 

We rely on trade secret laws in the United States and other jurisdictions as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions to protect our proprietary technology and branding.  We control access to our proprietary technologies and enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees and third party developers.  We restrict access to our key proprietary technology to a limited number of our executive officers and managers.  We have not applied for patent protection of our proprietary technology because such applications would require us to publicly disclose these aspects of our technology we wish to remain confidential.  Instead, we have chosen to maintain the technology as trade secrets.  We also own a trademark registration relating to the EFactor name and color trademark in The Netherlands and the European Union as well as trademarks for some of our subsidiaries Member Digital’s SubHub a trademark solution for building and managing membership websites.

 

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Research and Development Activities

 

We have spent approximately $65,000 and $350,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 respectively on website development activities, along with close to $125,000 of employee time in enhancing our website.

 

We understand that the true value of social media companies is measured in the quantity and quality of the data they collect, analyze and sell to their customers.  A significant criterion in our selection of the companies to be acquired is their contribution to our data value. EQmentor, with its broad and deep collection elements for an entrepreneur’s professional development is a prime example of this strategy. We will not only integrate these data sets into our business network for the entrepreneur but we will build analytic tools on top of our unique data. The primary purpose of these analytic tools will be to measure and quantify the readiness of an entrepreneur to present their business plan to qualified investors.

 

We intend to take a leading role in analytics about entrepreneurs. We believe our role as a trusted advisor and mentor, our commitment to guarding business information, and our experience in sophisticated data analysis will propel us into a recognized authority on this market space. We firmly believe the entrepreneurial spirit will lead the way into a board range of solutions for the 21st century. And we will play a role by guiding entrepreneurs along the road towards these solutions.

 

 

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Employees

 

As of December 31, 2014, we had 55 full-time employees (including five members of management) and eight independent contractors. The table below is the outlines the employee and independent contractors by company.

 

   Full Time   Contract   Total 
EQMentor   -    1    1 
ELEQT   21    1    22 
EFactor.com   1    1    2 
HT Skills   5    -    5 
Member Digital   3    2    5 
GroupCard   11    2    13 
Robson Dowry   6    -    6 
EFactor Group   8    1    9 
    55    8    63 

 

We may hire temporary labor for manufacturing needs as required.  We believe that we will be able to hire a sufficient number of qualified employees to meet our employment needs. Our manufacturing process does not require special training, other than orientation to our production techniques and specific equipment. None of our employees is represented by a labor union or a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our relations with our employees to be good.

 

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS.

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risk factors as well as other information contained herein, including our financial statements and the related notes. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of, or that we currently deem immaterial, also may become important factors that affect us. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could materially and adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you may lose some or all of your investment.

 

We have a short operating history in a new, relatively unproven market, which makes it difficult to evaluate our future prospects and may increase the risk that we will not be successful.

 

We have a short operating history in a new and unproven market that may not develop as expected. This short operating history makes it difficult to effectively assess our future prospects. You should consider our business and prospects in light of the risks and difficulties we encounter in this rapidly evolving market. These risks and difficulties include our ability to, among other things:

 

·increase our number of registered members and member engagement;

 

·avoid interruptions or disruptions in our service or slower than expected website load times;

 

·develop a scalable, high-performance technology infrastructure that can efficiently and reliably handle increased member usage globally, as well as the deployment of new features and products;

 

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·responsibly use the data that our members share with us to provide solutions that make our members more successful and productive and that are critical to the hiring and marketing needs of enterprises and entrepreneurial organizations;

 

·increase revenue from the solutions we provide;

 

·continue to earn and preserve our members’ trust with respect to their entrepreneurial reputation and information;

 

·process, store and use personal data in compliance with governmental regulation and other legal obligations related to privacy;

 

·successfully compete with other companies that are currently in, or may in the future enter, the online entrepreneurial networking space;

 

·hire, integrate and retain world class talent; and

 

·successfully expand our business, especially internationally.

 

If the market for targeted online networks for entrepreneurs does not develop as we expect, or if we fail to address the needs of this market, our business will be harmed.

 

We may not timely and effectively scale and adapt our existing technology and network infrastructure to ensure that our website is accessible within an acceptable load time.

 

A key element to our continued growth is our website performance, which is the ability of our visitors (which includes all visitors to our website, regardless of whether or not they are a member), enterprises and entrepreneurial organizations in all geographies to access our website within acceptable load times.   We have experienced, and may in the future experience, website disruptions, outages and other performance problems due to a variety of factors, including infrastructure changes, human or software errors, capacity constraints due to an overwhelming number of members accessing our website simultaneously, and denial of service or fraud or security attacks.  In some instances, we may not be able to identify the cause or causes of these website performance problems within an acceptable period of time. It may become increasingly difficult to maintain and improve our website performance, especially during peak usage times and as our solutions become more complex and our user traffic increases.  If our website is unavailable when members attempt to access it or does not load as quickly as they expect, members may seek other websites to obtain the information for which they are looking, and may not return to our website as often in the future, or at all.  This would negatively impact our ability to attract members, enterprises and entrepreneurial organizations and increase engagement on our website.  We expect to continually make significant investments to maintain and improve website performance and to enable rapid releases of new features and products.  To the extent that we do not effectively address capacity constraints, upgrade our systems as needed and continually develop our technology and network architecture to accommodate actual and anticipated changes in technology, our business and operating results may be harmed.

 

We are in the process of implementing a disaster recovery program, which allows us to move production to a back-up data center in the event of a catastrophe. We currently do not provide a real-time back-up data center, although we do back up all of our data. Accordingly, if our primary data center shuts down, there will be a period of time that the website will remain shut down while the transition to the back-up data center takes place.

 

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Our systems may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from catastrophic occurrences such as earthquakes, floods, fires, power loss, telecommunication failures, terrorist attacks and similar events. Our U.S. facilities where we currently lease our computer and telecommunications equipment may suffer from storms and hurricanes. Despite any precautions we may take, the occurrence of a natural disaster or other unanticipated problems at our hosting facilities could result in lengthy interruptions in our services.

 

We do not carry business interruption insurance sufficient to compensate us for the potentially significant losses, including the potential harm to the future growth of our business that may result from interruptions in our service as a result of system failures.

 

If our security measures are compromised, or if our website is subject to attacks that degrade or deny the ability of members or customers to access our solutions, members and customers may curtail or stop their use of our solutions.

 

Our solutions involve the storage and transmission of members’ and customers’ information, some of which may be private. Security breaches could expose us to a risk of loss of this information, which could result in potential liability and litigation.

 

Like all websites, our website is vulnerable to computer viruses, break-ins, phishing attacks, attempts to overload our servers with denial-of-service or other attacks and similar disruptions from unauthorized use of our computer systems, any of which could lead to interruptions, delays, or website shutdowns, causing loss of critical data or the unauthorized disclosure or use of personally identifiable or other confidential information.

 

If the security of our website is compromised and we experience website performance or availability problems, the complete shut-down of our website, or the loss or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, our members or customers may lose trust and confidence in us, and decrease or terminate the use of our website. Further, outside parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees, members or customers to disclose sensitive information in order to gain access to our information or our members’ or customers’ information. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently, are often are not recognized until launched against a target and may originate from less regulated and remote areas around the world, we may be unable to proactively address these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures.  Any or all of these issues could negatively impact our ability to attract new members and increase engagement by existing members, cause existing members to close their accounts or existing customers to cancel their contracts, subject us to third-party lawsuits, regulatory fines or other action or liability, thereby harming our operating results.

 

We have an immediate need for capital and will need to raise additional capital to operate our business.

 

As of December 31, 2014, we had a minimal amount of cash on hand and we are not always able to meet our current operating expenses.  While we intend to raise capital to fund our operations, sources of financing might not be available on favorable terms, if at all.  There is no assurance that we will be able to raise the additional funds needed to fund our business.  If we are not able to raise such sufficient capital, our continued operations will be in significant jeopardy and we may be forced to materially scale back, alter or cease operations, which would lead to a significant decrease in the value of your investment or even the lose the entire amount of your investment.  Moreover, any additional sources of financing will likely involve the issuance of our equity securities, which would have a dilutive effect on your investment.

 

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In addition, the timing of the growth of our business is also dependent on our abilities to obtain credit facilities such as asset based financing facilities, which may be unavailable to us on favorable terms or at all.

 

If we are unable to meet our future capital needs, we may be required to reduce or curtail operations.

 

To date, we have relied on funding from investors to fund operations, and we have generated limited revenue.  We have limited cash liquidity and capital resources.  Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including our ability to develop our intellectual property successfully, our ability to generate positive cash flow from operations, and our ability to obtain financing in the capital markets.  Our business plan requires substantial additional funding beyond our anticipated cash flow from operations. If we are unable to meet our future capital needs, we may be required to reduce or curtail operations.

 

Our core value of putting our members first may conflict with the short-term interests of our business.

 

One of our core values is to make decisions based on the best interests of our members, which we believe is essential to increasing our member growth rate and engagement. Therefore, in the past, we have forgone, and may in the future forgo, certain expansion or short-term revenue opportunities that we do not believe are in the best interests of our members, even though it may negatively impact our operating results in the short-term. In addition, this core value may cause disagreements, or negatively impact our relationships, with our existing or prospective customers. This could result in enterprises and organizations blocking access to our website. Our decisions may not result in the long-term benefits that we expect, in which case our member engagement, business and operating results could be harmed.

 

The number of our registered members is higher than the number of actual members, and a substantial majority of our page views are generated by a minority of our members.

 

The number of registered members in our network is higher than the number of actual members because some members have multiple registrations, other members have switched email addresses and no longer have access to their earlier addresses, and others may have registered under fictitious names. While we attempt to identify these accounts, we may not be able to accurately identify the number of actual members, and thus we rely on the number of registered members as our measure of the size of our network. Further, a substantial number of our members do not visit our website or our events on a monthly basis.  If the number of our actual members does not meet our expectations or we are unable to increase the breadth and frequency of our visiting members, then our business may not grow as fast as we expect, which will harm our operating and financial results and may cause our stock price to decline.

 

If it is determined by SEC or any other applicable regulatory authority that we are a broker-dealer, crowd-funding intermediary or financial advisor, and that we are not in compliance with the rules and regulations applicable to broker-dealers, crowd-funding intermediaries and/or financial advisors, we may be subject to civil and/or criminal penalties.

 

If the SEC determines that we are a broker-dealer, investment adviser or crowd-funding portal, we would need to register with the SEC.  Section 3(a) (4) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act, states that a “broker” is “any person engaged in the business of effecting transactions in securities for the account of others.”  Such brokers (and dealers) are required to be registered under Section 15(a) (1) of the Exchange Act, which makes it unlawful for “any broker or dealer to effect any transactions in, or to induce or attempt to induce the purchase or sale of, any security unless such broker or dealer is registered.

 

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If the SEC determines that we are an investment advisor, we must register as an investment adviser with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, or Investment Advisers Act.  Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act defines an investment adviser as any person or firm that (i) for compensation; (ii) is engaged in the business of; (iii) providing advice to others or issuing reports or analyses regarding securities.

 

Registration requirements for broker-dealers and investment advisers are significant and burdensome.  Broker-dealers must register with the SEC by filing an application on Form BD, become a member of a self-regulatory organization such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, as well as a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation.  Furthermore, broker-dealers are required to be licensed in the states where they conduct business as a broker-dealer, and certain individuals employed by broker-dealers must also meet certain qualifications, including passing the Series 7 exam.

 

In addition, if we are deemed to be an investment advisor and are required to register with the SEC as an investment adviser, we will become subject to the requirements of the Investment Advisers Act.  The Investment Advisers Act requires: (i) fiduciary duties to clients; (ii) substantive prohibitions and requirements; (iii) contractual requirements; (iv) record-keeping requirements; and (v) administrative oversight by the SEC, primarily by inspection.  Requirements and obligations imposed on broker-dealers, investment advisers and crowd-funding intermediaries can be burdensome and costly.  For example, if the SEC determines that we are an “Internet Investment Adviser” and that we use an interactive website to provide investment advice, we would likely have to register as an investment adviser in every state because our entrepreneur members can come from any state, at any time. If it is deemed that we are out of compliance with such rules and regulations, we may be subject to civil and/or criminal penalties.

 

If any of our members engages in the unregistered sale of securities through the use of our website or otherwise without an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, our members could be subject to civil and/or criminal liability.  Members that are found to be civilly or criminally liable for the unregistered sale of non-exempt securities could seek to hold us liable.

 

Our website, and the services offered in connection with our website, is made available by us for educational purposes only, to provide a networking platform for entrepreneurs and to give general information and a general understanding of available financing opportunities.  Although our website and related services are not meant to facilitate, support or negotiate any transactions involving the offer to purchase or sale or the purchase or sale of securities, it is possible that our members, while using our website, will facilitate a transaction involving the unregistered purchase or sale of non-exempt securities. Engaging in an unregistered offer to purchase or sale or the purchase or sale of securities without a valid exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, could result in a member being subject to civil or criminal liability.  A member that is held civilly or criminally liable for the unregistered purchase or sale of non-exempt securities could seek to hold us liable.  Defending against any such actions could be costly to us and may require our management to spend significant time and effort on these matters, which would otherwise be spent overseeing our operations.  Further, should any member be successful in any such action, we could be required to pay a significant sum of damages, which could have a material adverse impact on our operations.

 

If our members’ profiles are out-of-date, inaccurate or lack the information that members and customers desire, we may not be able to realize the full potential of our network, which could adversely impact the growth of our business.

 

If our members do not update their information or provide accurate and complete information when they join or do not establish sufficient connections, the value of our network may be negatively impacted because our value proposition as an entrepreneurial network and as a source of accurate and comprehensive data will be weakened.

 

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Incomplete or outdated member information would diminish the ability of our matching algorithm to connect members with relevant target peers or audiences and our ability to provide our customers with valuable insights. Therefore, we must add features, products and services that will bring value to our members and motivate them to contribute additional, timely and accurate information to their profile and our network. If we fail to successfully motivate our members to do so, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.

 

We collect, process, store, share, disclose and use personal information and other data, which subjects us to governmental regulations and other legal obligations related to privacy and security, and our actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could harm our business.

 

We collect, process, store, share, disclose and use information from and about our members, customers and users, including personal information and other data, and we enable our members to passively and proactively share their personal information with each other and with third parties and to communicate and share news and other information into and across our platform. There are numerous laws around the world regarding privacy and security, including laws regarding the collection, processing, storage, sharing, disclosure, use and security of personal information and other data from and about our members and users. The scope of these laws are changing, subject to differing interpretations, may be costly to comply with, and may be inconsistent among countries and jurisdictions or conflict with other rules.

 

We strive to comply with applicable laws, policies, and legal obligations and certain applicable industry codes of conduct relating to privacy and data protection and are subject to the terms of our privacy policies and privacy-related obligations to third parties (including voluntary third-party certification bodies such as TRUSTe). However, these obligations may be interpreted and applied in new ways and/or in a manner that is inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another and may conflict with other rules or our practices. Data privacy and security are active areas and new laws and regulations are likely to be enacted.

 

Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with our privacy policies, our privacy-related obligations to members, customers or other third parties, or our privacy or security-related legal obligations, or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release or transfer of personal or other information, which may include personally identifiable information or other member data, may result in governmental enforcement actions, litigation or public statements critical of us by consumer advocacy groups or others and could cause our members and customers to lose trust in us, which could have an adverse effect on our business. Additionally, if third parties we work with, such as customers, vendors or developers, violate applicable laws, our policies or other privacy or security-related obligations, such violations may also put our members’ information at risk and could in turn have an adverse effect on our business. Finally, governmental agencies may request or take member or customer data for national security or informational purposes, and also can make data requests in connection with criminal or civil investigations or other matters, which could harm our reputation and our business.

 

Public scrutiny of Internet privacy and security issues may result in increased regulation and different industry standards, which could deter or prevent us from providing our current products and solutions to our members and customers, thereby harming our business.

 

The regulatory framework for privacy and security issues worldwide is evolving and is likely to remain in flux for the foreseeable future. Various government and consumer agencies have also called for new regulation and changes in industry practices. Practices regarding the registration, collection, processing, storage, sharing, disclosure, use and security of personal and other information by companies offering online services have recently come under increased public scrutiny.

 

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In the U.S., the federal government, including the White House, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Commerce and Congress, and many state governments are reviewing the need for greater regulation of the collection, processing, storage, sharing, disclosure, use and security of information concerning consumer behavior with respect to online services, including regulations aimed at restricting certain targeted advertising practices and collection and use of data from mobile devices. For example, the State of California and other states have passed laws relating to disclosure of companies’ practices with regard to Do-Not-Track signals from Internet browsers, the ability to delete information of minors, and new definitions that may impact data breach notification requirements. California has also adopted privacy guidelines with respect to mobile applications. In addition, the European Union is actively considering a new General Data Protection Regulation, which may result in significantly greater compliance burdens for companies with users and operations in the European Union. Outside the European Union and the United States, a number of countries have adopted or are considering privacy laws and regulations that may result in significant greater compliance burdens.

 

In addition, government agencies and regulators have reviewed, are reviewing and will continue to review, the privacy practices of online media companies including our privacy and security policies and practices. The FTC in particular has approved consent decrees resolving complaints and their resulting investigations into the privacy and security practices of a number of online social media companies. These reviews can and have resulted in changes to our products and policies, and could result in additional changes in the future. If we are unable to comply with any such reviews or decrees that result in recommendations or binding changes, or if the recommended changes result in degradation of our products, our business could be harmed.

 

Our business, including our ability to operate and expand internationally or on new technology platforms, could be adversely affected if legislation or regulations are adopted, interpreted or implemented in a manner that is inconsistent with our current business practices and that require changes to these practices, the design of our websites, mobile applications, products, features or our privacy policy. In particular, the success of our business has been, and we expect will continue to be, driven by our ability to responsibly use the data that our members share with us. Therefore, our business could be harmed by any significant change to applicable laws, regulations or industry standards or practices regarding the storage, use or disclosure of data our members choose to share with us, or regarding the manner in which the express or implied consent of consumers for such use and disclosure is obtained. Such changes may require us to modify our products and features, possibly in a material manner, and may limit our ability to develop new products and features that make use of the data that we collect about our members.

 

Our business is subject to a variety of U.S. and foreign laws, many of which are unsettled and still developing and which could subject us to claims or otherwise harm our business.

 

We are subject to a variety of laws in the United States and abroad, including laws regarding privacy, data protection, data security, data retention and consumer protection, accessibility, sending electronic messages and the provision of online payment services, including credit card processing, which are continuously evolving and developing. In addition, some of our members are subject to laws and/or licensing or certification obligations that may restrict their ability to engage with our online services. The scope and interpretation of the laws and other obligations that are or may be applicable to us or certain groups of our members are often uncertain and may be conflicting, particularly laws and other obligations outside the United States.

 

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For example, laws related to the online dissemination of content of others and laws related to sending messages over online service are continuing to evolve and are being tested pursuant to actions based on, among other things, invasion of privacy, spam, and other torts, unfair competition, copyright and trademark infringement, credit reporting and other theories based on the nature and content of the materials and messages sent or provided by others.

 

In addition, regulatory authorities around the world are considering a number of legislative and regulatory proposals concerning privacy, spam, data storage, data protection, content regulation, cybersecurity and other matters that may be applicable to our business. Compliance with these laws may require substantial investment or may provide technical challenges for our business. It is also likely that as our business grows, evolves, and an increasing portion of our business shifts to mobile, and our solutions are used in a greater number of countries and additional groups, we will become subject to laws and regulations in additional jurisdictions. Further, as our services and solutions expand to include more content (including from third parties), additional laws and regulations may become applicable to our products and offerings including laws requiring us to restrict the availability of such content on a geographical basis or to certain groups of members. In some cases, laws and legal obligations of various jurisdictions may be ambiguous or conflict as to our right to display and distribute certain content as part of our online services. Users of our site and our solutions could also abuse or misuse our products in ways that violate laws. It is difficult to predict how existing laws will be applied to our business and the new laws and legal obligations to which we may become subject.

 

If we are not able to comply with these laws or other legal obligations or if we (or our members) become liable under these laws or legal obligations, or if our services are suspended or blocked, we could be directly harmed, and we may be forced to implement new measures to reduce exposure to this liability. This may require us to expend substantial resources or to discontinue certain solutions, which would negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the increased attention focused upon liability issues as a result of lawsuits and legislative proposals could harm our reputation or otherwise impact the growth of our business. Any costs incurred as a result of this potential liability could harm our business and operating results.

 

We expect to face increasing competition in the market for online entrepreneurial networks from social networking sites and Internet search companies, among others, as well as continued competition for customers of our hiring and products and services.

 

We face significant competition in all aspects of our business, and we expect such competition to increase, particularly in the market for online entrepreneurial networks.

 

Our industry is evolving rapidly and is becoming increasingly competitive. Larger and more established companies may focus on our market and could directly compete with us. Smaller companies, including application developers, could also launch new products and services that compete with us and that could gain market acceptance quickly. We also expect our existing competitors in the markets for hiring and products and services to continue to focus on these areas. A number of these companies may have greater resources than us, which may enable them to compete more effectively. Additionally, members of social networks may choose to use, or increase their use of, those networks for entrepreneurial purposes, which may result in those members decreasing or eliminating their use of our website. Companies that currently focus on social networking could also expand their focus to entrepreneurs.

 

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We and other companies have historically established alliances and relationships with some of these companies to allow broader exposure to members and access to data on the Internet. We may also, in the future, establish alliances or relationships with other competitors or potential competitors. To the extent companies terminate such relationships and establish alliances and relationships with others, our business could be harmed. Specifically, we compete for members, enterprises and entrepreneurial organizations as discussed below.

 

The market for online entrepreneurial networks is new and rapidly evolving. Other companies such as Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Twitter and LinkedIn could develop competing solutions. Further, some of these companies are partnering with third parties to offer products and services that could compete with ours. Our competitors may announce new products, services or enhancements that better address changing industry standards or the needs of members and customers, such as mobile access. Any such increased competition could cause pricing pressure, loss of market share or decreased member engagement, any of which could adversely affect our business and operating results. Internet search engines could also change their methodologies in ways that adversely affect our ability to optimize our page rankings within their search results.

 

With respect to the products and services solutions we offer our members, we compete with online and offline outlets that generate revenue from similar channels. To the extent competitors are better able to provide cost-effective access to attractive demographics, either through new business models or increased user volume, we may not be successful in increasing our revenue from these acquisitions and products and our business would be harmed.

 

Finally, other companies that provide content for entrepreneurs could develop more compelling offerings that compete with our premium subscriptions and adversely impact our ability to sell and renew subscriptions to our members.

 

Our business depends on continued and unimpeded access to our products and services on the Internet by our users and advertisers. If we, or our users, experience disruptions in Internet service or if Internet service providers are able to block, degrade or charge for access to our products and services, we could incur additional expenses and the loss of users and advertisers.

 

We depend on the ability of our users and advertisers to access the Internet. Currently, this access is provided by companies that have significant market power in the broadband and Internet access marketplace, including incumbent telephone companies, cable companies, mobile communications companies, government-owned service providers, device manufacturers and operating system providers, any of whom could take actions that degrade, disrupt or increase the cost of user access to our products or services, which would, in turn, negatively impact our business. The adoption of any laws or regulations that adversely affect the growth, popularity or use of the Internet, including laws or practices limiting Internet neutrality, could decrease the demand for, or the usage of, our products and services, increase our cost of doing business and adversely affect our operating results. We also rely on other companies to maintain reliable network systems that provide adequate speed, data capacity and security to us and our users. As the Internet continues to experience growth in the number of users, frequency of use and amount of data transmitted, the Internet infrastructure that we and our users rely on may be unable to support the demands placed upon it. The failure of the Internet infrastructure that we or our users rely on, even for a short period of time, could undermine our operations and harm our operating results.

 

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Our products and services may contain undetected software errors, which could harm our business and operating results.

 

Our products and services incorporate complex software and we encourage employees and consultants to quickly develop and help us launch new and innovative features. Our software has contained, and may now or in the future contain errors, bugs or vulnerabilities. Some errors in our software code may only be discovered after the product or service has been released. Any errors, bugs or vulnerabilities discovered in our code after release could result in damage to our reputation, loss of users, loss of platform partners, loss of advertisers or advertising revenue or liability for damages, any of which could adversely affect our business and operating results.

 

Our business depends on a strong brand, and any failure to maintain, protect and enhance our brand would hurt our ability to retain or expand our base of members, enterprises and entrepreneurial organizations, or our ability to increase their level of engagement.

 

We have developed a strong brand that we believe has contributed significantly to the success of our business. Our brand is predicated on the idea that individual entrepreneurs will find immense value in building and maintaining their personal and business identities and reputations on our platform. Maintaining, protecting and enhancing the “EFactor” brand is critical to expanding our base of members, enterprises, advertisers, corporate customers and other partners, and increasing their engagement with our website, and will depend largely on our ability to maintain member trust, be a technology leader and continue to provide high-quality solutions, which we may not do successfully. If we do not successfully maintain a strong brand, our business could be harmed.

 

We may not be able to successfully halt the operations of other websites that aggregate our data as well as data from other companies, including social networks, or copycat websites that have misappropriated our data in the past or may misappropriate our data in the future.

 

From time to time, third parties attempt to misappropriate data through website scraping, robots or other means and aggregated this data on their websites with data from other companies.  In addition, “copycat” websites have attempted to misappropriate data on our network and attempted to imitate our brand or the functionality of our website. When we have become aware of such websites, we have employed technological or legal measures in an attempt to halt their operations. However, we may not be able to detect all such websites in a timely manner and, even if we could, technological and legal measures may be insufficient to stop their operations. In some cases, particularly in the case of websites operating outside of the United States, our available remedies may not be adequate to protect us against such websites. Regardless of whether we can successfully enforce our rights against these websites, any measures that we may take could require us to expend significant financial or other resources.

 

Failure to protect or enforce our intellectual property rights could harm our business and operating results.

 

We regard the protection of our trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks, trade dress, domain names and patents as critical to our success. In particular, we must maintain, protect and enhance the “EFactor” brand. We strive to protect our intellectual property rights by relying on federal, state and common law rights, as well as contractual restrictions. We enter into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees and contractors, and confidentiality agreements with parties with whom we conduct business in order to limit access to, and disclosure and use of, our proprietary information.

 

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However, these contractual arrangements and the other steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property may not prevent the misappropriation of our proprietary information or deter independent development of similar technologies by others.

 

We pursue the registration of our domain names, trademarks, and service marks in the United States, Europe and in certain other locations. Effective trade secret, copyright, trademark, trade dress, domain name and patent prosecution is expensive to develop and maintain, both in terms of initial and on-going registration requirements and the costs of defending our rights. We are seeking to protect our trademarks, patents, and domain names in an increasing number of jurisdictions, a process that is expensive and may not be successful or which may not pursue in every location. We may, over time, increase our investment in protecting our innovations through increased patent filing that is expensive and time-consuming.

 

Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights, protect our respective trade secrets or determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights claimed by others.  Any litigation of this nature, regardless of outcome or merit, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management and technical resources, any of which could adversely affect our business and operating results.  We may incur significant costs in enforcing our trademarks against those who attempt to imitate our “EFactor” brand. If we fail to maintain, protect and enhance our intellectual property rights, our business and operating results may be harmed and the market price of our common stock could decline.

 

We may be subject to legal proceedings and litigation, including intellectual property and privacy disputes, which are costly to defend and could harm our business and operating results.

 

We are party to lawsuits in the normal course of business.  Litigation is often expensive and disruptive to normal business operations. We may face in the future allegations and lawsuits that we have infringed the intellectual property and other rights of third parties, including patents, privacy, trademarks, copyrights and other rights.  Litigation, and particularly the patent infringement and class action matters we are facing or may face, may be protracted and expensive, and the results are difficult to predict. Adverse outcomes may result in significant settlement costs or judgments, require us to modify our products and features while we develop non-infringing substitutes or require us to stop offering certain features.

 

In addition, we use open source software in our solutions and will use open source software in the future. From time to time, we may face claims against companies that incorporate open source software into their products, claiming ownership of, or demanding release of, the source code, the open source software and/or derivative works that were developed using such software, or otherwise seeking to enforce the terms of the applicable open source license. These claims could also result in litigation, require us to purchase a costly license or require us to devote additional research and development resources to change our solutions, any of which would have a negative effect on our business and operating results.

 

Although the results of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not believe that the final outcome of any matter that we currently face will have a material adverse effect on our business. However, there can be no assurance that our expectations will prove correct, and even if these matters are not resolved in our favor or without significant cash settlements, these matters, and the time and resources necessary to litigate or, resolve them, could harm our business, our operating results, our reputation or the market price of our common stock.

 

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If we do not continue to attract new customers, or if existing customers do not renew their subscriptions, renew on less favorable terms, or fail to purchase additional solutions, we may not achieve our revenue projections, and our operating results would be harmed.

 

In order to grow our business, we must continually attract new customers, sell additional solutions to existing customers and reduce the level of non-renewals in our business. Our ability to do so depends in large part on the success of our sales and marketing efforts. We do not typically enter into long-term contracts with our customers, and even when we do, they can generally terminate their relationship with us. We have limited historical data with respect to rates of customer renewals, upgrades and expansions, so we may not accurately predict future trends for any of these metrics. Furthermore, unlike traditional software companies, the nature of our products and solutions is such that customers may decide to terminate or not renew their agreements with us without causing significant disruptions to their own businesses.

 

The rate at which we expand our customer base or increase our customers’ renewal rates may decline or fluctuate because of several factors, including the prices of our solutions, the prices of products and services offered by our competitors, reduced hiring by our customers or reductions in their hiring or marketing spending levels due to macroeconomic or other factors and the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of our solutions. If we do not attract new customers or if our customers do not renew their agreements for our solutions, renew on less-favorable terms, or do not purchase additional functionality or offerings, our revenue may grow more slowly than expected or decline.

 

Ultimately, attracting new customers and retaining existing customers requires that we continue to provide high quality solutions that our customers value. In particular, our content, products and services customers will discontinue their purchases of our solutions if we fail to effectively connect them with the talent they seek, and our premium subscribers will discontinue their subscriptions if they do not find the networking and business opportunities that they value.  We must continue to demonstrate to our customers that using our solutions and products are the most effective and cost-efficient way to maximize their business results. Even if our products and services are providing value to our customers, advertisers are sensitive to general economic downturns and reductions in consumer spending, among other events and trends, which generally results in reduced advertising expenditures and could adversely affect sales of our products and services. If we fail to provide high quality products and convince customers of our value proposition, we may not be able to retain existing customers or attract new customers, which would harm our business and operating results.

 

Because we recognize most of the revenue from our content, products and services and our premium subscriptions over the term of the agreement, a significant downturn in these businesses may not be immediately reflected in our operating results.

 

We recognize revenue from sales of our content, products and services and premium subscriptions over the terms of the agreements, which are typically 12 months. As a result, a significant portion of the revenue we report in each quarter is generated from agreements entered into during previous quarters. Consequently, a decline in new or renewed agreements in any one quarter may not significantly impact our revenue in that quarter but will negatively affect our revenue in future quarters. In addition, we may be unable to adjust our fixed costs in response to reduced revenue. Accordingly, the effect of significant declines in the sales of these offerings may not be reflected in our short-term results of operations.

 

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We depend on world-class talent to grow and operate our business, and if we are unable to hire, retain and motivate our personnel, we may not be able to grow effectively.

 

Our future success will depend upon our continued ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate and retain world-class talent. Our ability to execute efficiently is dependent upon contributions from all of our employees, in particular our senior management team. Key institutional knowledge remains with a small group of long-term employees and directors whom we may not be able to retain. We may not be able to retain the services of any of our long-term employees or other members of senior management in the future. We do not maintain key person life insurance for any employee.  In addition, from time to time, there may be changes in our senior management team that may be disruptive to our business. If our senior management team fails to work together effectively and to execute our plans and strategies on a timely basis, our business could be harmed.

 

Our growth strategy also depends on our ability to expand and retain our organization with world-class talent. Identifying, recruiting, training and integrating qualified individuals will require significant time, expense and attention. In addition to hiring new employees, we must continue to focus on retaining our best talent. Competition for these resources is intense, particularly in the San Francisco Bay area, where our headquarters is located. If we are not able to effectively increase and retain our talent, our ability to achieve our strategic objectives will be adversely impacted, and our business will be harmed.

 

We believe that our culture and acquisitive nature has the potential to be a key contributor to our success.  We expect to continue to hire aggressively as we expand, especially in field sales and internationally. If we do not continue to develop our corporate culture as we grow and evolve, including maintaining our culture of transparency with our employees, it could harm our ability to foster the innovation, creativity and teamwork we believe we need to support our growth.

 

Many individuals are using devices other than personal computers to access the Internet. If members with these devices do not widely adopt solutions we develop for these devices, our business could be adversely affected.

 

The number of people who access the Internet through devices other than personal computers, including mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, smart phones and handheld tablets or computers has increased dramatically in the past few years and is projected to continue to increase. If we are unable to develop mobile solutions to meet the needs of our members, our business could suffer. Additionally, as new devices and new platforms are continually being released, it is difficult to predict the problems we may encounter in developing versions of our solutions for use on these alternative devices, and we may need to devote significant resources to the creation, support, and maintenance of such devices.

 

Enterprises or organizations, including governmental agencies, may restrict access to our website, which could lead to the loss or slowing of growth in our member base or the level of member engagement.

 

Our solutions depend on the ability of our members to access the Internet and our website. Enterprises or professional organizations, including governmental agencies, could block access to our website or the Internet generally for a number of reasons such as security or confidentiality concerns or regulatory reasons, or they may adopt policies that prohibit listing the employers’ names on their employees’ profiles in order to minimize the risk that employees will be contacted and hired by other employers.

 

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For example, the government of the People’s Republic of China has previously blocked access to similar websites in China. We cannot assure you that the Chinese government will not block access to one or more of our features and products or our entire site in China for a longer period of time or permanently. If these entities block or limit access to our website or adopt policies restricting our members from providing us with accurate and up-to-date information, the value of our network could be negatively impacted, which would adversely affect our ability to offer compelling hiring and products and services and subscriptions to our members, enterprises, entrepreneurial organizations and customers.

 

If Internet search engines’ methodologies are modified or our search result page rankings decline for other reasons, our member engagement could decline.

 

We depend in part on various Internet search engines, such as Google, Bing and Yahoo!, to direct a significant amount of traffic to our website. Our ability to maintain the number of visitors directed to our website is not entirely within our control. Our competitors’ search engine optimization efforts may result in their websites receiving a higher search result page ranking than ours, or Internet search engines could revise their methodologies in an attempt to improve their search results, which could adversely affect the placement of our search result page ranking. If search engine companies modify their search algorithms in ways that are detrimental to our new user growth or in ways that make it harder for our members to use our website, or if our competitors’ optimization efforts are more successful than ours, overall growth in our member base could slow, member engagement could decrease, and we could lose existing members. These modifications may be prompted by search engine companies entering the online entrepreneurial networking market or aligning with competitors. Our website has experienced fluctuations in search result rankings in the past, and we anticipate similar fluctuations in the future. Any reduction in the number of members directed to our website would harm our business and operating results.

 

Our growth depends in part on the success of our strategic relationships with third parties.

 

We anticipate that we will continue to depend on relationships with various third parties, including technology and content providers to grow our business. Identifying, negotiating and documenting relationships with third parties require significant time and resources, as does integrating third-party content and technology. Our agreements with technology and content providers and similar third parties are typically non-exclusive and do not prohibit them from working with our competitors or from offering competing services. Our competitors may be effective in providing incentives to these parties to favor their solutions or may prevent us from developing strategic relationships with these parties. In addition, these third parties may not perform as expected under our agreements with them, and we have had, and may in the future have, disagreements or disputes with these parties, which could negatively affect our brand and reputation. It is possible that these third parties may not be able to devote the resources we expect to the relationship. If we are unsuccessful in establishing or maintaining our relationships with these third parties, our ability to compete in the marketplace or to grow our revenue could be impaired, and our operating results would suffer. Even if we are successful, these relationships may not result in improved operating results.

 

If currency exchange rates fluctuate substantially in the future, the results of our operations, which are reported in U.S. dollars, could be adversely affected.

 

As we continue to expand our international operations, we become more exposed to the effects of fluctuations in currency exchange rates. We incur expenses for employee compensation and other operating expenses at our non-U.S. locations in the local currency, and an increasing percentage of our international revenue is from customers who pay us in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and those other currencies could result in the dollar equivalent of such expenses being higher and/or the dollar equivalent of such foreign-denominated revenue being lower than would be the case if exchange rates were stable.

 

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This has resulted in losses on foreign currency exchange in the past and could have a negative impact on our reported operating results. To date, we have not engaged in any hedging strategies, and any such strategies, such as forward contracts, options and foreign exchange swaps related to transaction exposures that we may implement to mitigate this risk may not eliminate our exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations.

 

The intended tax benefits of our corporate structure and depend on the application of the tax laws of various jurisdictions and on how we operate our business.

 

Our corporate structure is intended to reduce our worldwide effective tax rate. The application of the tax laws of various jurisdictions, including the United States, to our international business activities is subject to interpretation and depends on our ability to operate our business in a manner consistent with our corporate structure. The taxing authorities of the jurisdictions in which we operate may determine that the manner in which we operate our business does not achieve the intended tax consequences, which could increase our worldwide effective tax rate and harm our financial position and results of operations.

 

The enactment of legislation implementing changes in the U.S. taxation of international business activities, the adoption of other tax reform policies or changes in tax legislation or policies in jurisdictions outside the United States could materially impact our financial position and results of operations.

 

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate have released draft proposals to reform the U.S. system for taxing cross-border income. Possible future changes to U.S. tax laws, including limitations on the ability of taxpayers to claim and utilize foreign tax credits and the deferral of certain tax deductions until earnings outside of the United States are repatriated to the United States, as well as changes to U.S. tax laws that may be enacted in the future, could impact the tax treatment of our foreign earnings and adversely impact our effective tax rate. Due to the large and expanding scale of our international business activities, any changes in the U.S. or international taxation of such activities may increase our worldwide effective tax rate and harm our financial position and results of operations.

 

Our independent registered public accounting firm has expressed doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, which may hinder our ability to obtain future financing

 

Our financial statements as of December 31, 2014 have been prepared under the assumption that we will continue as a going concern for the next twelve months. Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued a report that included an explanatory paragraph referring to our need to obtain additional financing and expressing substantial doubt in our ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to obtain additional equity financing or other capital, attain further operating efficiencies, reduce expenditures, and, ultimately, to generate revenue.

 

The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. We are continually evaluating opportunities to raise additional funds through public or private equity financings, as well as evaluating prospective business partners, and will continue to do so. However, if adequate funds are not available to us when we need it, and we are unable to enter into some form of strategic relationship that will give us access to additional cash resources, we will be required to even further curtail our operations which would, in turn, further raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

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There is limited trading volume in our common stock and the market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.

 

There has been a limited public market for our common stock and there can be no assurance that an active trading market for our common stock will develop.  This could adversely affect our shareholders’ ability to sell our common stock in short time periods or possibly at all.  Our common stock has experienced and is likely to continue to experience significant price and volume fluctuations that could adversely affect the market price of our common stock without regard to our operating performance.  Our stock price could fluctuate significantly in the future based upon any number of factors such as: general stock market trends; announcements of developments related to our business; fluctuations in our operating results; announcements of technological innovations, new products, or enhancements by us or our competitors; general conditions in the U.S. and/or global economies; developments in patents or other intellectual property rights; and developments in our relationships with our customers and suppliers.  Substantial fluctuations in our stock price could significantly reduce the price of our stock.

 

Our common stock is traded on the OTCQB Marketplace, which may make it more difficult for investors to resell their shares due to suitability requirements.

 

Our common stock is currently traded on the OTCQB Marketplace, or OTCQB.  Broker-dealers often decline to trade in OTCQB stocks given that the market for such securities is often limited, the stocks are often more volatile, and the risk to investors is often greater.  In addition, OTCQB stocks are often not eligible to be purchased by mutual funds and other institutional investors.  These factors may reduce the potential market for our common stock by reducing the number of potential investors.  This may make it more difficult for investors in our common stock to sell shares to third parties or to otherwise dispose of their shares.  This could cause our stock price to decline.

 

Because we became public by means of a “reverse merger,” we may not be able to attract the attention of major brokerage firms.

 

Additional risks may exist since we will become public through a “reverse merger.”  Securities analysts of major brokerage firms may not provide coverage of us since there is little incentive to brokerage firms to recommend the purchase of our common stock.  We cannot assure you that brokerage firms will want to conduct any secondary offerings on behalf of us in the future.

 

The sale of securities by us in any equity or debt financing could result in dilution to our existing stockholders and have a material adverse effect on our earnings.

 

Any sale of common stock by us in a future private placement offering could result in dilution to the existing stockholders as a direct result of our issuance of additional shares of our capital stock.  In addition, our business strategy may include expansion through internal growth, by acquiring complementary businesses, by acquiring or licensing additional brands, or by establishing strategic relationships with targeted customers and suppliers.  In order to do so, or to finance the cost of our other activities, we may issue additional equity securities that could dilute our stockholders’ stock ownership.  We may also assume additional debt and incur impairment losses related to goodwill and other tangible assets if we acquire another company and this could negatively impact our earnings and results of operations.

 

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Future sales of our common stock in the public market could lower the price of our common stock and impair our ability to raise funds in future securities offerings.

 

Future sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the then prevailing market price of our common stock and could make it more difficult for us to raise funds in the future through a public offering of its securities.

 

Our current management can exert significant influence over us and make decisions that are not in the best interests of all stockholders.

 

Our executive officers and directors beneficially own as a group approximately 19.2% of our outstanding shares of common stock. Furthermore, our executive officers and directors as a group control approximately 43.3% of the voting rights of our shareholders. As a result, they will be able to assert significant influence over all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election and removal of directors and any change in control. In particular, this concentration of ownership of our outstanding shares of common stock could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control, or otherwise discouraging or preventing a potential acquirer from attempting to obtain control. This, in turn, could have a negative effect on the market price of our common stock. It could also prevent our stockholders from realizing a premium over the market prices for their shares of common stock. Moreover, the interests of the owners of this concentration of ownership may not always coincide with our interests or the interests of other stockholders and, accordingly, could cause us to enter into transactions or agreements that we would not otherwise consider.

 

The market price of our common stock may be volatile and may be affected by market conditions beyond our control.

 

The market price of our common stock is subject to significant fluctuations in response to, among other factors:

 

·variations in our operating results and market conditions specific to social media industry companies;

 

·changes in financial estimates or recommendations by securities analysts;

 

·announcements of innovations or new products or services by us or our competitors;

 

·the emergence of new competitors;

 

·operating and market price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable;

 

·changes in our board or management;

 

·sales or purchases of our common stock by insiders;

 

·commencement of, or involvement in, litigation;

 

·changes in governmental regulations; and

 

·general economic conditions and slow or negative growth of related markets.

 

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In addition, if the market for stocks in our industry, or the stock market in general, experiences a loss of investor confidence, the market price of our common stock could decline for reasons unrelated to our business, financial condition or results of operations. If any of the foregoing occurs, it could cause the price of our common stock to fall and may expose us to lawsuits that, even if unsuccessful, could be costly to defend and a distraction to the board of directors and management.

 

We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future, and you must rely on increases in the market prices of our common stock for returns on your investment.

 

For the foreseeable future, we intend to retain any earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock. Accordingly, investors must be prepared to rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation to earn an investment return, which may never occur. Investors seeking cash dividends should not purchase our common stock. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable law and other factors our board of directors deems relevant.

 

Our common stock may be considered a “penny stock,” and thereby be subject to additional sale and trading regulations that may make it more difficult to sell.

 

Our common stock, which is currently quoted for trading on the OTCQB, may be considered to be a “penny stock” if it does not qualify for one of the exemptions from the definition of “penny stock” under Section 3a51-1 of the Exchange Act.  Our common stock may be a “penny stock” if it meets one or more of the following conditions: (i) the stock trades at a price less than $5.00 per share; (ii) it is not traded on a recognized national exchange; (iii) it is not quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market, or even if so, has a price less than $5.00 per share; or (iv) it is issued by a company that has been in business less than three years with net tangible assets less than $5 million.

 

The principal result or effect of being designated a “penny stock” is that securities broker-dealers participating in sales of our common stock will be subject to the “penny stock” regulations set forth in Rules 15g-2 through 15g-9 promulgated under the Exchange Act.  For example, Rule 15g-2 requires broker-dealers dealing in penny stocks to provide potential investors with a document disclosing the risks of penny stocks and to obtain a manually signed and dated written receipt of the document at least two business days before effecting any transaction in a penny stock for the investor’s account.  Moreover, Rule 15g-9 requires broker-dealers in penny stocks to approve the account of any investor for transactions in such stocks before selling any penny stock to that investor.  This procedure requires the broker-dealer to: (i) obtain from the investor information concerning his or her financial situation, investment experience and investment objectives; (ii) reasonably determine, based on that information, that transactions in penny stocks are suitable for the investor and that the investor has sufficient knowledge and experience as to be reasonably capable of evaluating the risks of penny stock transactions; (iii) provide the investor with a written statement setting forth the basis on which the broker-dealer made the determination in (ii) above; and (iv) receive a signed and dated copy of such statement from the investor, confirming that it accurately reflects the investor’s financial situation, investment experience and investment objectives.

 

Compliance with these requirements may make it more difficult and time consuming for holders of our common stock to resell their shares to third parties or to otherwise dispose of them in the market or otherwise.

 

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The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources, divert management’s attention and affect our ability to attract and retain qualified board members.

 

We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Act, and other applicable securities rules and regulations. Compliance with these rules and regulations has increased and will continue to increase our legal and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly, and increase demand on our systems and resources. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. In order to maintain and, if required, improve our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting to meet this standard, significant resources and management oversight may be required. As a result, management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns, which could harm our business and operating results. Although we have hired additional employees to comply with these requirements, we may need to hire more employees in the future, which will increase our costs and expenses.

 

In addition, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure are creating uncertainty for public companies, increasing legal and financial compliance costs and making some activities more time consuming. These laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We intend to invest resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management’s time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. If our efforts to comply with new laws, regulations and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and our business may be harmed.

 

We also expect that being a public company that is subject to these new rules and regulations will make it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors and qualified executive officers.

 

Our internal financial reporting procedures are still being developed.  We will need to allocate significant resources to meet applicable internal financial reporting standards.

 

We have adopted disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we submit under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are accumulated and communicated to management, including principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. We are taking steps to develop and adopt appropriate disclosure controls and procedures.

 

These efforts require significant time and resources.  If we are unable to establish appropriate internal financial reporting controls and procedures, our reported financial information may be inaccurate and we will encounter difficulties in the audit or review of our financial statements by our independent auditors, which in turn may have material adverse effects on our ability to prepare financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and to comply with SEC reporting obligations.

 

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Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 could prevent us from producing reliable financial reports or identifying fraud. In addition, current and potential stockholders could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which could have an adverse effect on our stock price.

 

We are subject to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and effectively prevent fraud, and a lack of effective controls could preclude us from accomplishing these critical functions.  We are required to document and test our internal control procedures in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in connection with, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) Auditing Standard No. 5 which requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting.  Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 and concluded that our internal controls and procedures were not effective due to our limited accounting staff. Although we intend to augment our internal control procedures and expand our accounting staff, there is no guarantee that this effort will be adequate. Our failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls could prevent us from producing reliable financial reports or identifying fraud. In addition, current and potential stockholders could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which could have an adverse effect on our stock price.

 

Nevada law limits the personal liability of corporate directors and officers and require indemnification under certain circumstances.

 

Section 78.138(7) of the Nevada Revised Statutes provides that, subject to certain very limited statutory exceptions or unless the articles of incorporation provide for greater individual liability, a director or officer of a Nevada corporation is not individually liable to the corporation or its stockholders for any damages as a result of any act or failure to act in his or her capacity as a director or officer, unless it is proven that the act or failure to act constituted a breach of his or her fiduciary duties as a director or officer and such breach involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law. We have not included in our articles of incorporation any provision intended to provide for greater liability as contemplated by this statutory provision.

 

In addition, Section 78.7502(3) of the Nevada Revised Statutes provides that to the extent a director or officer of a Nevada corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of certain actions, suits or proceedings (which may include certain stockholder derivative actions), the corporation shall indemnify such director or officer against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such director or officer in connection therewith.

 

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they change their recommendations regarding our stock adversely, our stock price and trading volume could decline.

 

The trading market for our common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. We do not currently have and may never obtain research coverage by industry or financial analysts. If no or few analysts commence coverage of us, the trading price of our stock would likely decrease. Even if we do obtain analyst coverage, if one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our stock, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.

 

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The reverse stock split may decrease the liquidity of the shares of our common stock.

 

The liquidity of the shares of our common stock may be affected adversely by the 1-for-40 reverse stock split effected in October 2013 given the reduced number of shares outstanding following the reverse stock split, especially if the market price of our common stock does not increase as a result of the reverse stock split. In addition, the reverse stock split may have increased the number of stockholders who own odd lots (less than 100 shares) of our common stock, creating the potential for such stockholders to experience an increase in the cost of selling their shares and greater difficulty effecting such sales.

 

Following the reverse stock split, the resulting market price of our common stock may not attract new investors, including institutional investors, and may not satisfy the investing requirements of those investors. Consequently, the trading liquidity of our common stock may not improve.

 

Although we believe that a higher market price of our common stock may help generate greater or broader investor interest, there can be no assurance that the recently effected 1-for-40 reverse stock split will result in a share price that will attract new investors, including institutional investors. In addition, there can be no assurance that the market price of our common stock will satisfy the investing requirements of those investors. As a result, the trading liquidity of our common stock may not necessarily improve.

 

Provisions of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, bylaws and Nevada corporate law have anti-takeover effects.

 

Some provisions in our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and bylaws could delay or prevent a change in control of us, even if that change might be beneficial to our stockholders.  Our Articles of Incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that might make acquiring control of us difficult, including provisions limiting rights to call special meetings of stockholders and regulating the ability of our stockholders to nominate directors for election at annual meetings of our stockholders.  In addition, our board of directors has the authority, without further approval of our stockholders, to issue preferred stock having such rights, preferences and privileges as the board of directors may determine.  Any such issuance of preferred stock could, under some circumstances, have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of us and might adversely affect the rights of holders of common stock.

 

In addition, we are subject to Nevada statutes regulating business combinations, takeovers and control share acquisitions, which might also hinder or delay a change in control of us. Anti-takeover provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws, anti-takeover provisions that could be included in the common stock when issued and the Nevada statutes regulating business combinations, takeovers and control share acquisitions can depress the market price of our securities and can limit the stockholders’ ability to receive a premium on their shares by discouraging takeover and tender offer bids, even if such events could be viewed by our stockholders or others as beneficial transactions.

 

Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation authorize our board of directors to issue new series of preferred stock that may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control, which could adversely affect the value of your shares.

 

Our articles of incorporation provide that our board of directors is authorized to issue from time to time, without further stockholder approval, up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix or alter the designations, preferences, rights and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the shares of each series, including the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting rights, rights of redemption, including sinking fund provisions, redemption price or prices, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series or designations of any series.

 

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Such shares of preferred stock could have preferences over our common stock with respect to dividends and liquidation rights. We may issue additional preferred stock in ways that may delay, defer or prevent a change of control of our company without further action by our stockholders. Such shares of preferred stock may be issued with voting rights that may adversely affect the voting power of the holders of our common stock by increasing the number of outstanding shares having voting rights, and by the creation of class or series voting rights.

 

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES.

 

We currently lease our office facilities. Rent expenses totaled $134,196 and $126,770 for the fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively which at the time included other facilities located in Pacifica, California and Cornelius, North Carolina. All of our facilities are leased from non-affiliated parties. We consider these properties adequate for our current operational needs.  The table below sets forth information regarding our current facilities:

 

 Location 

Expiration

of Lease

  Approximate
Sq. Ft.
   Monthly
Payment
 
1177 Avenue of the Americas  3/31/2016   300   $4,500 
Suite 5060             
New York, NY 10036              
              
Southampton Science Park  2/28/2015   560   $2,000 
2 Venture Road             
Chilworth, Southampton             
Hampshire SO16 7NP             
              
7 Berkeley Square  9/30/2015   1,334   £2,851 
Bristol, UK, BS8 1HG             
              
Hornweg 5,  12/31/2015   484   1,000 
1432 GD Aalsmeer             
The Netherlands             
              
3rd floor, South Point House,   12/31/2015   3,000   £6,780 
321 Chase Road,             
London N14 6JT, England.             
              
Saxen Weimarlaan 58hs.  12/31/2015   1,830   2,500 
1075 CE Amsterdam             
The Netherlands             

 

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ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

 

From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business. Except as set forth below we are currently not aware of any such legal proceedings or claims that we believe will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results.

 

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

 

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

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

 

(a) Market Information

 

From December 2007 until November 2013 our common stock had been quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol STDR and trading in the common stock was extremely limited. Since November 2013, our common stock has been quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board (and since September 2013, on the OTCQB Marketplace) under the symbol EFCT. The following table sets forth, as adjusted for the reverse stock split of 1-for-40 effective November 4, 2013, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock as reported by the OTC Bulletin Board or OTCQB Marketplace. The quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown or commission, and may not represent actual transactions. 

 

Period  High   Low 
January 1, 2013 through March 31, 2013  $12.00   $0.40 
April 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013  $6.40   $2.80 
July 1, 2013 through September 30, 2013  $4.80   $1.20 
October 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013  $3.60   $1.00 
January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014  $2.00   $1.00 
April 1, 2014 through June 30, 2014  $1.50   $0.60 
July 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014  $0.82   $0.45 
October 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014  $0.83   $0.12 

 

The closing price of our common stock as reported on the OTCQB Marketplace was $0.11 on April 10, 2015.  

 

(b) Holders

 

As of April 10, 2015, there were approximately 863 owners of record for our common stock. This does not include an indeterminate number of stockholders whose shares may be held by brokers in street name.  The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.  Holders of the common stock have no preemptive rights and no right to convert their common stock into any other securities.  There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock.

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

Our independent stock transfer agent is Pacific Stock Transfer Company. 4045 South Spencer Street, Suite 403 Las Vegas, NV 89119 Telephone: 702-361-3033.

 

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c) Dividends

 

We have never paid or declared any cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to fund the expansion of our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends for the foreseeable future following this offering. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant. In addition, the terms of any future debt or credit facility may preclude us from paying dividends.

 

(d) Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

 

The following table indicates shares of common stock authorized for issuance under our 2010 Equity Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2014:

 

Plan category  Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of  outstanding 
options,
warrants and rights 
   Weighted-
average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and  rights 
   Number of securities
remaining available
for future  issuance 
 
   (a)   (b)    (c) 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders   -    -    - 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (1)   3,827,250   $0.57    - 

 

 

(1) This equity compensation plan represents The E-Factor Corporation 2010 Stock Option Plan, one of our subsidiaries, and has not been approved by our shareholders.

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

In the three months ended December 31, 2014, we issued an aggregate of 47,102,514 shares of common stock as follows: (i) 31,000,000 shares of common stock were issued related to the acquisition of ELEQT, (ii) 1,500,000 shares of common stock were issued related to the acquisition of Robson Dowry, (iii) 5,105,797 shares of common stock valued at approximately $988,942 were issued related professional services, (iv) 6,242,383 shares of common stock valued at approximately $1,515,789 were issued related to debt, (v) 375,241 shares of common stock valued at $271,885 were issued related to debt discount and interest, (vi) 2,428,223 shares of common stock valued at approximately $364,798 were issued related to the extinguishment of debt, and (vii) 552,781 shares of common stock were issued for approximately $353,210 in cash.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

None.

 

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ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

 

We are a smaller reporting company and therefore, we are not required to provide information required by this Item of Form 10-K.

 

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

 

This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements relating to future events, our future financial performance and financial condition.  Such statements are only predictions and the actual events or results may differ materially from the results discussed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. The historical results set forth in this discussion and analysis are not necessarily indicative of trends with respect to any actual or projected future financial performance.  This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the related notes thereto

included elsewhere in this report.

 

Overview

 

On February 1, 2013, we entered into an Acquisition and Share Exchange Agreement (which we refer to herein as the Exchange Agreement) with The E-Factor Corp., a Delaware corporation (which we refer to herein as EFactor), and certain shareholders of EFactor (such transaction, the “Share Exchange”), pursuant to which 20 holders of approximately 70% of the outstanding common stock of EFactor (the “Original Sellers”) agreed to transfer to us 6,580,250 shares of common stock of EFactor in exchange for the issuance of: (a) 50,000,000 shares of our common stock; (b) 5,000,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; and (c) an additional 22,231,155 shares of our common stock were issued upon the effectiveness of the 1:40 reverse stock split of our common stock. The Share Exchange closed on February 11, 2013. We issued additional shares to the remaining 30% of the sellers in several tranches during the fourth quarter of 2013 and the first part of 2014 aggregating to 16,448,841 shares which represented the remaining outstanding common stock. 

  

On February 14, 2013, we acquired 100% of MCC International Ltd (“MCC”) in an all-stock transaction.  MCC is a public relations and communications agency based in the United Kingdom that promotes emerging technology and science companies, as well as professional service organizations, from entrepreneur start-ups and spin-offs to global consumer brands.

 

On July 1, 2014, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement by and among the Company, HT Skills Ltd., an entity organized under the laws of England and Wales (“HT Skills”), and Five5Five PTE Ltd., the sole shareholder of HT Skills (“HT Seller”). On the same date, the parties consummated the transaction, pursuant to which the HT Seller sold, and the Company purchased, all of HT Skills’ outstanding capital stock, in exchange for 13,319,100 unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

On July 1, 2014, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement by and among the Company, Member Digital Ltd., an entity organized under the laws of England and Wales (“Member Digital”), and the shareholders of Member Digital (the “MD Sellers”). On the same date, the parties consummated the transaction, pursuant to which the MD Sellers sold, and the Company purchased, all of Member Digital’s outstanding capital stock, in exchange for 1,250,000 unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

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On July 7, 2014, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement by and among the Company, GroupCard BV, an entity organized under the laws of the Netherlands (“GroupCard”), and the shareholders of GroupCard. On the same date, the parties consummated the transaction, pursuant to which the GC Sellers sold, and the Company purchased, all of GroupCard’s outstanding capital stock, in exchange for 2,812,500 unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

On October 1, 2014, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement by and among the Company, ELEQT Ltd., an entity organized under laws of the England and Wales (“ELEQT”), and the shareholders of ELEQT (the “ELEQT Sellers”). On the same date, the parties consummated the transaction, pursuant to which the ELEQT Sellers sold, and the Company purchased, all of ELEQT’s outstanding capital stock, in exchange for 31,000,000 unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

On November 15, 2014, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement by and among the Company, Robson Dowry Associates Ltd., an entity organized under the laws of the England and Wales (“Robson Dowry”), and the shareholders of Robson Dowry Associates Ltd. (the “Robson Dowry Sellers”). On the same date, the parties consummated the transaction, pursuant to which the Sellers sold, and the Company purchased, all of Robson Dowry’s outstanding capital stock, in exchange for 1,500,000 unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

We are now a holding company with all of our operations conducted through EFactor, which primarily consist of owning, operating and administering certain assets related to a social media network, on- and offline content and interests in a subsidiary that conducts business operations such as EQmentor and certain other intellectual property, as more fully discussed herein.

 

Results of Operations

 

We are currently monitoring the following items: visitors, unique visitors to the site, page views, pages-per-visit, new visits and bounce rate.  Bounce rate (sometimes confused with exit rate) is an Internet marketing term used in web traffic analysis and represents the percentage of visitors who enter the site and "bounce" (immediately leave the site) rather than continue viewing other pages within the same site.  Having a high bounce rate, that is, a website where visitors typically do not navigate past the website’s entry page, does not always mean that the website does not successfully achieve its objectives. For example, for a website where a business’s objectives can be met without the visitor navigating past the website’s entry page, the bounce rate would not be very useful for measuring conversion success as the business objectives are met when the entry page of the website is visited.  In contrast, on a website such as ours that requires visitors to navigate past the entry page, and deeper into a company’s website, a bounce rate could demonstrate the effectiveness of the website at achieving a company’s objectives.  We believe these items are critical drivers at this stage of our business development.

 

Historically, our operating expenses have exceeded our revenues. For our fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we have incurred net losses of $28,264,566 and $5,947,079, respectively. Our operating expenses consisted primarily of the following:

 

·Cost of revenue, which consists primarily of the cost of services including applied labor costs and benefits expenses, maintenance, facilities and other operating costs associated with our revenues;

 

·Salaries and wages, which consist primarily of common stock and cash, issued for services; and

 

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·General and administrative expenses, which consist primarily of office rent and other administrative costs including professional fees.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.  On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to uncollectible receivables, inventory valuation, deferred compensation and contingencies.  We base our estimates on historical performance and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.  These estimates allow us to make judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.

 

We believe the following accounting policies are our critical accounting policies because they are important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and they require critical management judgments and estimates about matters that may be uncertain.  If actual results or events differ materially from those contemplated by us in making these estimates, our reported financial condition and results of operations for future periods could be materially affected.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenues are presented net of discounts. In general, we recognize revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered to the customer, (iii) the fee is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured. Where arrangements have multiple elements, revenue is allocated to the elements based on the relative selling price method and revenue is recognized based on our policy for each respective element. We generate revenue primarily from sales of the following services:

 

Member Fees – We have a VIP package which offers members access to premium services such as all our events, airport lounges, VIP lounges and VIP content on the site. We also hold a variety of networking and informational events for our members to which members can gain a subscription and provide varying other membership packages to our members that allow them access to premium services via our website.

 

In addition, with our acquisitions which we completed from July 2014 onwards, we are building a series of products and services with those acquired companies’ offerings that are suitable and affordable to our members. Such packages will be brought into the mix and will be offered to members through promotions as well as prompts. Revenue from member services is recognized ratably over the contractual period, generally from one to 12 months.

 

Sponsorships – We generate revenues from sponsors in a variety of ways. Sponsors can gain exposure to our members, either through placement or short write-ups in newsletters, on event invitations or by participating as a sponsor at one of our events where a sponsor may provide access to its products or service (booth/stall) or by being a speaker or panelist at an event that fits in their industry. This revenue is recognized over the specific event timeline, which varies from a single day event or a longer-term promotional event over a series of weeks.

 

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Advisory Services — We promote and make available advisory and consulting services to members for the purpose of support, introduction guidance and general mentoring of members in their pursuit of their entrepreneurial objectives, for which fees are charged.

 

Public Relations — We provide market and brand awareness consulting services, targeting high and emerging technology and science companies, as well as professional service organizations that help get recognition within the practiced community and provide an explicit company identity.

 

Advertising — Visitor demographics and time spent on a website are the primary drivers behind advertising-based revenue models for internet properties. When a user clicks an advertisement (cost per click or CPC basis), views an advertisement impression (cost per thousand or CPM basis), registers for an external website via an advertisement clicked on through the Company’s application (cost per acquisition or CPA basis). Proceeds from such contracts is recognized over the period in which the advertisements are displayed on the websites

 

These revenues are recorded when services for the transactions are determined to be concluded, generally as set forth under the terms of the engagement or when the various milestones have been completed after the defined services are performed. Transaction-related expenses, primarily consisting of costs directly associated with the transaction, are deferred and recognized in the same period as the transaction revenue.

 

Barter Transactions – The Company engages in barter transactions in which marketing services are exchanged for products or services. Barter transactions are accounted for at the estimated fair value of the products or services received, or marketing services given up, whichever is more clearly determinable. Barter revenue is recognized at the time the marketing services are provided. Barter expense is recorded at the time the merchandise or services are used and/or received.

 

Revenue

 

Our revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 was $1,634,602 compared to $741,785 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.  The revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 consisted of $744,245 related to social networking, $490,310 related to education and mentoring, and $400,047 related to business services. All of our revenue was derived from member payments, event fees, annual event packages, mentoring fees, public relations revenue along with advisory fees, sponsorships and revenue shares with strategic partners. The increase in revenue is primarily due to having a full year of revenue from MCC and the acquisitions of HT Skills, Member Digital, GroupCard, ELEQT, and Robson Dowry.

 

The table below sets forth the amount and type of revenues we have recognized for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

   Year ended 
   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
Social Network  $744,245   $68,994 
Education / Mentoring   490,310    315,989 
Business Service   400,047    356,802 
   $1,634,602   $741,785 

 

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During the year ended December 31, 2014 we continued to add value to the VIP membership, a premium membership that allows members to get discounts on webinars, events and our library of content (Knowledge).We have marketing campaigns on a regular basis among our growing member-base to increase the number of VIP members. We believe that the premium memberships represent a substantial growth area for revenue. In addition to the VIP premium membership, we intend to launch additional premium memberships (all on a recurring revenue basis) in line with our new EScore benchmarking tool for Entrepreneurs which we developed, launched and continue to develop with the aid of FreedonLab during 2015.

 

The intention is to add other premium membership services going forward based on products and services our acquired companies can offer specifically to our members in the coming year.

 

Our mentoring and advisory fees are derived through EMentoring - our online/offline mentoring service that we plan to extend in the coming year, including entrepreneurial mentoring provided by key members of the EFactor team members. Sponsorships from companies that wish to gain exposure to our membership base. Sponsorships can be for a specific event or series of events or to gain placement in our newsletters or on the site.

 

Nonmonetary transactions

 

Based on guidance provided in accordance with ASC No. 845 Nonmonetary Transactions (“ASC 845”), barter transactions with commercial substance are recorded at the estimated fair value of the products exchanged, unless the products received have a more readily determinable estimated fair value. The fair value of the product and services received during the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 was $68,685.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Our operating expenses increased by $23,186,523 to $28,021,830 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2014, from $4,835,307 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. The increase was primarily due to impairment loss of $17,698,000 offset by the gain on forgiveness of liabilities of $303,114, and the increase in administrative costs related to the consolidations of the acquisitions during 2014 and legal and accounting fees incurred for the sundry public reporting filing requirements.

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense increased to $2,438,172 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, compared to $911,527 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. In the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 our interest expense included interest on notes payable we issued to meet our capital and operating requirements along with the amortization of $2,105,860 of common stock issuance costs for shares issued in connection with the notes and the corresponding beneficial conversion feature that were recorded as debt discounts. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, 28 of these notes and related accrued interest totaling $2,303,083 were converted into equity. We believe we will repay or convert into common stock all remaining outstanding notes subject to our raising further capital and increasing revenues over the course of the next 18 months.

 

49
 

 

Loss on debt extinguishment

 

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized a loss of $585,961 related to the extinguishment of debt. On July 9, 2013, the Company entered into modification agreements for two of its notes. Pursuant to the terms of the modification agreements, the Company issued an additional 3,011 shares of common stock.  As a result of this issuance, the Company recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of $1,026,859 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.

 

Net loss

 

Our net loss increased to $28,264,566 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 from $5,947,079 for the twelve months ending December 31, 2013. The increase in net loss compared to the prior year is primarily a result of the recognition of an impairment to goodwill of $17,698,000 and an increase in administrative costs from the acquisitions of HT Skills, Member Digital, GroupCard, ELEQT, and Robson Dowry and additional public company compliance costs as well as the recognition of the loss on extinguishment of debt as described above. As we grow we need to continue to attract top-notch personnel, this increases our payroll costs to compensate for these additional employees and the use of our equities securities as compensation has helped reduce the demand for cash to secure the employment of key personnel, which increases our operating expenses and consequently our net loss.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Introduction

 

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 because of our operating losses, we did not generate positive operating cash flows.  Our cash on hand as of December 31, 2014 was $111,878 and our monthly cash requirements, that now includes HT Skills, Member Digital, GroupCard, ELEQT, and Robson Dowry, has increased to approximately $225,000, excluding professional fees and consultants on an as needed basis.  As a result, we have short-term cash needs.  These needs historically have been satisfied through proceeds from the sales of our securities and/or issuance of promissory notes.  We are expecting to reduce the need for such short-term financing as we continue to build our revenues through both acquisitions and organic growth. (See “Cash Requirements” below). In order to repay our obligations in full or in part when due, we will be required to raise significant capital from other sources. There is no assurance, however, that we will be successful in these efforts.

 

Cash Requirements

 

We had cash available of $111,878 as of December 31, 2014.  Based on our revenues, cash on hand and current cash requirements, around $225,000, excluding professional fees and consultants on an as needed basis, we will need to continue borrowing from our shareholders and other related parties, and/or raise money from the sales of our securities, to fund operations.

 

On June 7, 2013 we entered into a revolving line of credit (the “Line of Credit”) with an accredited investor for an amount of up to $750,000. Under the terms of the Line of Credit, the lender agreed to advance to us for a period of 24 months ending on July 7, 2015. All sums advanced will bear interest from the date each advance is made until paid-in-full at a rate of 15% per annum. Each advance will be due and payable in full 12 months following the day each advance is made.

 

50
 

 

In addition, should we consummate a capital raise, that when aggregated with any preceding capital raise results in $10 million of gross proceeds (excluding amounts advanced under this line of credit) (the “Capital Raise”), all amounts due and payable under Line of Credit will become due and payable 14 days after the consummation of such Capital Raise. In addition to the repayment of each advance, we shall issue to the lender a total of 187,500 shares of restricted common stock upon the full draw down of the line. As of December 31, 2014 we had issued 118,750 shares of restricted common stock based on the current advances. The number of shares issued in connection with the Line of Credit will be pro-rated according to the amount of the advance. In connection with the Line of Credit, we entered into a security agreement (the “Security Agreement”) with the lender, whereby we granted to lender, as collateral for our obligations to be performed under the Line of Credit. As of December 31, 2014, we received advances under the line of credit totaling $475,000. We have been advised by the lender that, due to extenuating circumstances, it is not currently able to provide us with additional advances under the Line of Credit. We believe that once the lender’s extenuating circumstances has been resolved, we will be able to obtain additional advances under the Line of Credit.

 

We have has been able to satisfy short-term needs through the sale of securities to individual accredited investors, over the past year. Even though management has had success in the past in generating funds from these various sources of capital, there can be no assurance or certainties that we will be successful in procuring these types of proceeds in the future.

 

We expect to expend approximately $300,000 in 2015 in connection with development of our website and the expansion of our business.  In addition, to strengthen our ability to generate higher revenues and profitability we intend to acquire strategically complementary businesses to significantly build our membership base and product/service offerings.  The targeted businesses are either producing cash or sufficiently close to breakeven in order to not increase our burn rate. Additionally, we are closely monitoring and controlling our expenses.

 

To secure its long-term objectives for growth and profitability through both acquisition and organic growth, the Company is in active discussions with investment banking and developing its strategy.   

 

Sources and Uses of Cash

 

Operations

 

We had net used in operating activities of $2,409,864 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to net cash used in operating activities of $1,586,568 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.  To secure its long-term objectives for growth and profitability through both acquisition and organic growth, the Company is in active discussions with investment banking and developing its strategy.   

 

Net cash used consisted primarily of the comprehensive net loss of $28,264,566 offset by non-cash expenses of approximately $24,100,147 consisting of amortization of impairment loss of $17,698,000, amortization debt discount and deferred financing fees of $2,105,860, shares issued for services of $4,743,660, stock option expense of $135,738, gain on derivative valuation of $1,188,041, depreciation and amortization of $257,284, a loss on conversion of debt of $553,182, gain on forgiveness/ settlement of liabilities of $270,336, and a provision for bad debts of $64,800. Additionally, changes in assets and liabilities consisted of increases in accounts receivable of $83,362, unbilled revenue of $229,115, prepaid expenses and other current assets of $164,523, accounts payable of $595,370, accounts payable – related party of $131,053, accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $957,133, deferred revenue of $16,455, and deferred rent of $68,684.

 

51
 

 

Investments

 

We had net cash used in investing activities of $117,043 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to $330,381 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. In the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 the net cash used by investing activities related to expenditures associated with building our website and increasing the infrastructure and architecture needed to support the growth in the member base. We migrated our range of servers to a more stable environment..

 

Financing

 

Our net cash provided by financing activities of $2,662,406 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to $1,918,700 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.  Our financing activities consisted primary of $1,926,950 in proceeds from borrowings, and $831,730 in proceeds from common stock issuances, offset by $96,274 in repayment of borrowings.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

During the next twelve months we expect to realize approximately $1,000,000 in stock related services from our recently announced agreement with FreedomLab B.V. ("FreedomLab"), a Netherlands-based research and innovation studio affiliated with Dasym Investment Strategies BV, in connection with developing and branding of our website and tools and the expansion of our business.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that we consider material.

 

Commitments

 

The following table represents the commitments of the Company for the next five fiscal years:

 

Year  Leases   Debt   Total 
2015  $60,167   $2,677,886   $2,738,053 
2016   19,667    32,700    52,367 
2017   2,870    32,700    35,570 
2018   -    32,700    32,700 
2019   -    3,156    3,156 
Total  $82,704   $2,779,142   $2,861,846 

 

Going Concern

 

The Company's financial statements are prepared using generally accepted accounting principles, which contemplate the realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business. Because the business is relatively new and has no history and relatively few sales, there is no certainty of continuation can be stated. The accompanying consolidated financial statements for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.

 

52
 

 

The Company has suffered losses from operations and has a working capital deficit, which raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.

 

Management is taking steps to raise additional funds to address its operating and financial cash requirements to continue operations in the next twelve months. Management has devoted a significant amount of time in the raising of capital from additional debt and equity financing. However, the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon raising additional funds through debt and equity financing and generating revenue. There are no assurances the Company will receive the necessary funding or generate revenue necessary to fund operations. The financial statements contain no adjustments for the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

 

We are a smaller reporting company and therefore, we are not required to provide information required by this Item of Form 10-K.

 

53
 

 

 

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-1
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets F-2
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Loss F-3
   
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) F-4
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-5
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-6

 

54
 

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors

EFactor Group Corp.

New York, New York

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of EFactor Group Corp. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of EFactor Group Corp and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has incurred recurring losses and has a working capital deficit, which raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to this matter are also described in Note 2. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

/s/ MaloneBailey, LLP

www.malonebailey.com

Houston, Texas

April 13, 2015

 

F-1
 

 

EFACTOR GROUP CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
ASSETS          
CURRENT ASSETS:          
Cash  $111,878   $43,377 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $64,812          
$6,318 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively   419,664    75,071 
Unbilled revenue   329,315    - 
Other current assets   59,215    8,878 
Total current assets   920,072    127,326 
           
Property, website and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of          
$1,419,215 and $1,102,939 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively   856,030    461,499 
Goodwill   25,544,581    3,646,994 
Deferred financing costs   101,897    347,764 
TOTAL ASSETS  $27,422,580   $4,583,583 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)          
           
CURRENT LIABILITIES:          
Accounts payable  $2,229,944   $1,085,122 
Accounts payable - related party   748,120    657,806 
Contingent consideration   943,746    - 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   2,050,070    1,517,763 
Operating line of credit   475,000    475,000 
Bank loans   148,006    - 
Deferred revenue   55,382    71,836 
Deferred rent   368,509    - 
Current portion of note payable, net of discount   261,267    318,711 
Current portion of convertible note payable, net of discount   1,042,904    650,762 
Current portion of note payable - related parties, net of discount   281,644    285,860 
Total current liabilities   8,604,592    5,062,860 
           
Other long-term obligations   101,256    155,895 
Contingent consideration   310,937    - 
Non-current portion of note payable, net of discount   8,177    13,598 
Total Non-Current Liabilities   420,370    169,493 
TOTAL LIABILITIES   9,024,962    5,232,353 
           
Commitments and contingencies   -    - 
           
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)          
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized,          
2,500,000 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and          
and December 31, 2013 respectively.  $2,500   $2,500 
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 175,000,000 shares authorized,          
133,840,174 and 59,573,174 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014   133,840    59,573 
and December 31, 2013 respectively.          
Subscription receivable   (168,000)   - 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (1,441,630)   (5,244)
Additional paid-in capital   65,819,434    16,978,361 
Accumulated deficit   (45,948,526)   (17,683,960)
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)   18,397,618    (648,770)
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)  $27,422,580   $4,583,583 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements.

 

F-2
 

 

EFACTOR GROUP CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Loss

 

   For the Year Ended 
   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
         
Net revenues  $1,634,602   $741,785 
           
Operating expenses          
Cost of revenue   472,941    219,931 
Sales and marketing   400,137    422,138 
General and administrative   9,496,653    3,946,635 
Gain on forgiveness of liabilities   (303,114)   - 
Impairment loss   17,698,000    - 
Depreciation and amortization   257,213    246,603 
Total operating expenses   28,021,830    4,835,307 
           
Loss from operations   (26,387,228)   (4,093,522)
           
Other income (expense):          
Interest expense   (2,438,172)   (911,527)
Loss on conversion of debt   (585,961)   (1,026,859)
Derivative gain   1,188,041    - 
Other income (expense)   (41,246)   84,829 
Total other income (expense), net   (1,877,338)   (1,853,557)
           
Net loss  $(28,264,566)  $(5,947,079)
           
Other comprehensive gain (loss):          
Foreign currency translation adjustment   (1,436,386)   (5,244)
           
Comprehensive gain (loss)  $(29,700,952)  $(5,952,323)
           
Basic and diluted net loss per common share  $(0.34)  $(0.15)
           
Weighted average shares used in completing basic and diluted net loss per common share   82,746,526    40,101,081 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3
 

 

EFACTOR GROUP CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND DECEMBER 31, 2013

  

   Common Stock   Preferred Stock   Subscription   Comprehensive   Additional   Accumulated   Stockholders' 
   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Receivable   Loss   Paid in Capital   Deficit   Deficit 
Balance, December 31, 2012   1,053,751   $1,054    5,000,000   $5,000   $-   $-   $11,979,427   $(11,736,881)  $248,600 
Issuance of common stock for cash   10,394    10    -    -    -    -    166,992    -    167,002 
Issuance of common stock for debt   612,923    613    -    -    -    -    531,951    -    532,564 
Shares issued for debt discount   75,425    75    -    -    -    -    1,050,378    -    1,050,453 
Shares issued for extinguishment of debt   3,011    3    -    -    -    -    1,014,056    -    1,014,059 
Stock option expense   -    -    -    -    -    -    78,200    -    78,200 
Foreign currency translation   -    -    -    -    -    (5,244)   -    -    (5,244)
Shares exchanged in merger Standard Drilling   53,466,081    53,467    (2,500,000)   (2,500)   -    -    (367,415)   -    (316,448)
Stock issued for acquisition of MCC   3,686,529    3,686    -    -    -    -    1,329,649    -    1,333,335 
Issuance of common stock for services   665,060    665    -    -    -    -    1,195,123    -    1,195,788 
Net loss   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (5,947,079)   (5,947,079)
Balance, December 31, 2013   59,573,174   $59,573    2,500,000   $2,500   $-   $(5,244)  $16,978,361   $(17,683,960)  $(648,770)
Issuance of common stock for cash   1,478,509    1,479    -    -    (168,000)   -    830,251    -    663,730 
Issuance of common stock for debt   9,018,948    9,018    -    -    -    -    2,294,064    -    2,303,082 
Shares issued for debt discount and interest   767,630    768    -    -    -    -    619,478    -    620,246 
BCF for debt discount   -    -    -    -    -    -    860,967    -    860,967 
Derivative liability recognized due to "tainting"   -    -    -    -    -    -    (2,274,454)   -    (2,274,454)
Termination of derivative liability   -    -    -    -    -    -    1,360,638    -    1,360,638 
Shares issued for extinguishment of debt   2,547,195    2,547    -    -    -    -    469,481    -    472,028 
Stock issued for acquisitions   49,881,600    49,882    -    -    -    -    39,775,398    -    39,825,280 
Stock option expense   -    -    -    -    -    -    135,738    -    135,738 
Warrants issued with debt   -    -    -    -    -    -    36,425    -    36,425 
Foreign currency translation   -    -    -    -    -    (1,436,386)   -    -    (1,436,386)
Issuance of common stock for services   10,573,118    10,573    -    -    -    -    4,733,087    -    4,743,660 
Net loss   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (28,264,566)   (28,264,566)
Balance, December 31, 2014   133,840,174   $133,840    2,500,000   $2,500   $(168,000)  $(1,441,630)  $65,819,434   $(45,948,526)  $18,397,618 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4
 

  

EFACTOR GROUP CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

   For the Year ended December 31, 
   2014   2013 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:          
Net loss  $(28,264,566)  $(5,947,079)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   257,284    246,603 
Stock option expense   135,738    78,200 
Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing fees   2,105,860    703,293 
Shares issued for services   4,743,660    1,195,788 
Impairment loss   17,698,000    - 
(Gain) loss on forgiveness/settlement of liabilities   (270,336)   (84,829)
Loss on conversion of debt   553,182    1,026,859 
Derivative gain   (1,188,041)   - 
Provision for bad debts   64,800    4,221 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable   83,362    (9,110)
Unbilled revenue   (229,115)   - 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   164,523    8,503 
Accounts payable   595,370    463,925 
Accounts payable - related party   131,053    640,771 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   957,133    248,995 
Deferred revenue   (16,455)   (162,708)
Deferred rent   68,684    - 
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES:  $(2,409,864)  $(1,586,568)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:          
Cash paid for acquisition of property, website and equipment   (65,704)   (354,825)
Cash acquired in reverse merger with acquisitions   -    851 
Cash paid in advance of acquisitions, net of cash acquired   (51,339)   23,593 
Net cash used in investing activities  $(117,043)  $(330,381)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:          
Proceeds from borrowings   1,926,950    1,712,300 
Proceeds from borrowings - related parties   -    42,111 
Proceeds from issuance of shares   831,730    167,002 
Repayment of borrowings   (96,274)   (2,713)
Net cash provided by financing activities  $2,662,406   $1,918,700 
           
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate on cash   (66,998)   (5,244)
Net increase (decrease) in cash   68,501    (3,493)
Cash at beginning of period   43,377    46,870 
Cash at the end of the period  $111,878   $43,377 
           
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flows Information:          
Cash paid for interest  $51,936   $144,053 
Cash paid for income taxes  $-   $- 
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:          
Debt discount due to beneficial conversion feature  $860,967   $581,887 
Debt discount due to shares and warrants issued with debt  $656,671   $361,816 
Debt discount due to derivative liability  $274,225   $- 
Deferred financing costs  $-   $475,000 
Reclass of accounts payable - related party to debt  $40,739   $21,513 
Derivative liability recognized due to "tainting"  $2,274,454   $- 
Termination of derivative liability  $1,360,638   $- 
Subscription receivable  $168,000   $- 
Shares issued for conversion of debt and accrued interest  $1,749,901   $532,564 
Shares issued for settlement of accounts payable  $439,250   $- 
Shares issued for acquisitions  $39,825,280   $- 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5
 

  

EFACTOR GROUP CORP.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated audited financial statements of EFactor Group Corp. (the “Company”, “we”, “our”), have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries The E- Factor Corporation, MCC International, HT Skills, Member Digital, GroupCard, ELEQT, and Robson Dowry, all inter-company accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Description of Business

 

We were originally formed as a Nevada corporation on July 27, 2001, under the name Online Holdings, Inc.  Subsequently, on September 1, 2006, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated July 24, 2006 by and among our company, Standard Drilling Acquisition Co., a Delaware corporation (“Standard Drilling Acquisition”), and Standard Drilling, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Standard Drilling Delaware”), Standard Drilling Acquisition was merged with and into Standard Drilling Delaware, and Standard Drilling Delaware became our wholly-owned subsidiary.  As a result of the merger, our company, which previously had no material operations, acquired the business of Standard Drilling Delaware.  In conjunction with the merger, we changed our name to Standard Drilling, Inc.

 

On February 1, 2013, we entered into an Acquisition and Share Exchange Agreement (which we refer to herein as the Exchange Agreement) with The E-Factor Corp., a Delaware corporation (which we refer to herein as EFactor), and certain shareholders of EFactor (such transaction, the “Share Exchange”), pursuant to which significantly all of the common stock sellers of EFactor (the “Original Sellers”) agreed to transfer to us 6,580,250 shares of common stock of EFactor in exchange for the issuance of: (a) 50,000,000 shares of our common stock; (b) 5,000,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; and (c) an additional 22,231,155 shares of our common stock were issued upon the effectiveness of the 1:40 reverse stock split of our common stock.  The Share Exchange closed on February 11, 2013.

 

As a result of the Share Exchange, EFactor became our majority-owned subsidiary.  We are now a holding company with all of our operations conducted through EFactor Group Corp., which is the owner of a portfolio of entrepreneur-focused product and service companies which exist around and complement EFactor.com, a targeted social network providing content and resources for entrepreneurs worldwide. The EFactor network is designed to support our members as their business grow, along each step of the process.

 

EFactor was incorporated in the state of Delaware on October 30, 2007, and provides a full-featured social network for entrepreneurs. EFactor provides a platform that enables access to a network of contacts, registration for networking events, advisory consulting, various business tools and a broad range of services and information.

 

On October 31, 2012, EFactor merged with EQmentor, an online professional development company organized in 2007 that provides working professionals 24/7 access to a custom-matched mentor, a global cross-industry peer community, and repositories of knowledge to empower high performance in the workplace.

F-6
 

  

On February 14, 2013, EFactor acquired MCC International (“MCC”), a public relations and communications agency. MCC was founded in 1988. The agency is based in the United Kingdom and promotes through enhancement of company's reputation utilizing print and social media news outlets, focusing on upper tier emerging technology and science companies, as well as professional service organizations, from entrepreneur start-ups and spin-offs to global consumer brands.

 

On July 1, 2014, the Company acquired HT Skills, based in London, which is a fully-accredited provider of apprenticeships and work-based vocational learning, and is also an experienced welfare-to-work job-broker. HT Skills has successfully delivered Government-funded contracts for Skills Funding Agencies (SFA), Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), and European Social Funds (ESF) and has secured sustainable employment for young people since 2006.

 

On July 1, 2014, the Company acquired Member Digital, a company that offers entrepreneurial solutions for niche interests — inspiring action, and increasing income. From subscription websites, to digital advocacy and simple CRM, Member Digital has many diverse solutions for entrepreneur's.

 

On July 7, 2014, the Company acquired GroupCard BV, a full service organization helping local organizations (i.e. sport clubs, charities, student associations, family caregivers) create extra value for their members, sponsors and partners. Based on a combination of services, technology, partnerships and business models, GroupCard is a revenue-generating partner to create extra value while keeping clients focused on their core business.

 

On October 1, 2014, the Company acquired ELEQT, an exclusive social discovery network for trendsetters in style and business. ELEQT offers a trusted social network, via www.eleqt.com, where members can engage with fascinating people to meet, discover things to do, places to go and trends to follow. ELEQT also organizes hundreds of exclusive member-only events around the world.

 

On November 15, 2014, the Company acquired Robson Dowry, an independent branding and design group with a track record of over 30 years. Robson Dowry provides its clients with graphic design, marketing and corporate positioning to help improve their clients’ visual identity and packaging.

 

The Company currently maintains its corporate office in New York, New York.

 

Note 2. Going Concern

 

The Company's financial statements are prepared using generally accepted accounting principles, which contemplate the realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business. Because the business is new and has no history and relatively few sales, no certainty of continuation can be stated. The accompanying consolidated financial statements for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.

 

The Company has suffered losses from operations and has a working capital deficit, which raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.

 

Management is taking steps to raise additional funds to address its operating and financial cash requirements to continue operations in the next twelve months. Management has devoted a significant amount of time in the raising of capital from additional debt and equity financing. However, the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon raising additional funds through debt and equity financing and generating revenue.

 

F-7
 

  

There are no assurances the Company will receive the necessary funding or generate revenue necessary to fund operations. The financial statements contain no adjustments for the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Principles of consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014. Significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

 

Stock-Based Compensation – The Company accounts for share-based awards issued to employees in accordance with FASB ASC 718. Accordingly, employee share-based payment compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period.  Additionally, share-based awards to non-employees are expensed over the period in which the related services are rendered at their fair value. The Company applies ASC 505-50, “Equity Based Payments to Non-Employees”, with respect to options and warrants issued to non-employees.

 

Fair Value of Financial InstrumentsThe carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for the accounts receivable accounts payable and short-term notes are a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the short period of time between the origination of such instruments and their expected realization and, if applicable, the stated rate of interest is equivalent to rates currently available.

 

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. To increase the comparability of fair value measures, Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 820-10-35 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements).

 

Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.

 

Level 2—Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

 

Level 3—Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. These valuations require significant judgment.

 

 

The following table presents the derivative financial instruments, the Company’s only financial liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets on a recurring basis, and their level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2014:

 

   Amount   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
Contingent consideration  $1,254,683   $-   $-   $1,254,683 
Total  $1,254,683   $-   $-   $1,254,683 

 

The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value, including net transfers in and/or out, of the derivative financial instruments, measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs:

 

Balance at December 31, 2013  $- 
Fair value of derivative liabilities at issuance charged to debt discount   274,225 
Fair value of derivative liabilities at issuance charged to additional paid in capital   2,274,454 
Termination of derivative liability   (1,360,638)
Unrealized derivative gains included in other expense   (1,188,041)
Contingent consideration recognized   1,254,683 
Balance at December 31, 2014  $1,254,683 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents – For purposes of financial statement presentation, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less, from the date of purchase, to be cash equivalents. The Company had no cash equivalents at December 31, 2014 or 2013.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk – Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash and trade receivables.  Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the clients that comprise our customer base and their dispersion across different business and geographic areas.  We estimate and maintain an allowance for potentially uncollectible accounts and such estimates have historically been within management's expectations.

F-8
 

  

Our cash balances are maintained in accounts held by major banks and financial institutions located in the United States.  The Company occasionally maintains amounts on deposit with a financial institution that are in excess of the federally insured limit of $250,000.  The risk is managed by maintaining all deposits in high quality financial institutions. The Company had no deposits in excess of federally insured limits at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

 

Accounts Receivable – The Company’s accounts receivable arise primarily from the sale of advertising, public relations services and promotional placements on its website and from advisory services. For the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had six and five major customers respectively making up the full receivable balance. On a periodic basis, the Company evaluates each customer account and based on the days outstanding of the receivable, history of past write-offs, collections, and current credit conditions, writes off accounts it considers uncollectible. Invoices are typically due in 30 days. The Company does not accrue interest on past due accounts and the Company does not require collateral. Accounts become past due on an account-by-account basis. Determination that an account is uncollectible is made after all reasonable collection efforts have been exhausted.

 

Property and Equipment – Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.  Additions, improvements and major replacements that extend the life of the asset are capitalized.

 

Depreciation and amortization is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of depreciable assets, which are generally three to five years.

 

Website and Software Development CostsInternal use software development costs are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic No. 350 which requires the capitalization of certain external and internal computer software costs incurred during the application development stage. The application development stage is characterized by software design and configuration activities, coding, testing and installation. Training costs and maintenance are expensed as incurred, while upgrades and enhancements are capitalized if it is probable that such expenditures will result in additional functionality.   Such costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the related asset of three years.

 

The Company capitalized website and internal-use software costs of $109,969 and $383,670 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In addition, during 2014, the Company added $403,059 of website development costs in conjunction with its acquisition of ELEQT. The Company’s capitalized website and internal-use software amortization is included in depreciation and amortization in the Company’s statements of operations, and totaled $217,560 and $262,100 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

Goodwill – In financial reporting goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Events that result in an impairment review include significant changes in the business climate, declines in our operating results, or an expectation that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We assess potential impairment by considering present economic conditions as well as future expectations.

 

We review goodwill for impairment by performing a two-step goodwill impairment test. The first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test is to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the two-step goodwill impairment test is required to measure the goodwill impairment loss.

 

F-9
 

  

The second step includes valuing all the tangible and intangible assets of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Then, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying amount.

 

Calculating the fair value of a reporting unit and the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill requires significant judgment. The use of different assumptions, estimates or judgments in either step of the goodwill impairment testing process, such as the estimated future cash flows of reporting units, the discount rate used to discount such cash flows, or the estimated fair value of the reporting units’ tangible and intangible assets and liabilities, could significantly increase or decrease the estimated fair value of a reporting unit or its net assets.

 

The Company recorded an impairment of its investment of $17,698,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $0 for the year ended December 31, 2013. In the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company evaluated the holding value of this investment based upon guidelines outlined in ASC 320 and concluded the fair value of the asset had declined by $17,698,000 from its value at acquisition.

 

Derivatives – All derivatives held by us are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. We issued warrants on our own common stock in conjunction with the term loan discussed in Note 5 of our consolidated financial statements. These warrants meet the definition of a derivative and are reflected as a warrant liability at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. Likewise, embedded conversion options in our convertible notes which qualify for derivative accounting are bifurcated and their corresponding fair values are recorded as derivative liabilities.

 

Embedded Conversion Features – The Company evaluates embedded conversion features within convertible debt under ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” to determine whether the embedded conversion feature(s) should be bifurcated from the host instrument and accounted for as a derivative at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. If the conversion feature does not require derivative treatment under ASC 815, the instrument is evaluated under ASC 470-20 “Debt with Conversion and Other Options” for consideration of any beneficial conversion features.

 

Foreign currency and foreign currency transactions – The functional currency of MCC International, HT Skills, Member Digital, and Robson Dowry is the pound sterling (GBP) while the functional currency of GroupCard BV is the Euro. Balance sheet accounts of these entities are translated from their functional currencies into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates, and income and expense accounts are translated at average exchange rates during the period. Translation gains or losses related to net assets are recorded as unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions (transactions denominated in a currency other than the entity's functional currency) are included in other income and expense in the consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive loss.

 

Revenue Recognition – Revenues are presented net of discounts. In general, the Company recognizes revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered to the customer, (iii) the fee is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured. Where arrangements have multiple elements, revenue is allocated to the elements based on the relative selling price method and revenue is recognized based on the Company’s policy for each respective element.

 

F-10
 

  

The Company applies judgment with respect to whether it can establish a selling price based on third party evidence. The Company does not have any product offerings that would be considered multiple deliverables; therefore the pricing model is determined based on competitor prices for similar product offerings. When it is unable to establish selling price using this method, the Company determines its best estimate for deliverables by considering multiple factors including, but not limited to, its pricing practices, profit margin, prices it charges for similar offerings, sales volume, geographies, market conditions, and the competitive landscape.

 

The Company generates revenue primarily from sales of the following services:

 

·Member Fees – We have a VIP package which offers members access to premium services such as all our events, airport lounges, VIP lounges and VIP content on the site. We also hold a variety of networking and informational events for our members to which members can gain a subscription and provide varying other membership packages to our members that allow them access to premium services via our website. Revenue from member services is recognized ratably over the contractual period, generally from one to 12 months.

 

·Sponsorships – The Company generates revenues from Sponsors in a variety of ways. Sponsors can gain exposure to the Company's members, either through placement or short write-ups in newsletters, on event invitations or by participating as a sponsor at one of the Company's Events where a Sponsor may provide access to its products or service (booth/stall) or by being a speaker or panelist at an event that fits in their industry. This revenue is recognized over the specific event timeline, which varies from a single day event or a longer-term promotional event over a series of weeks.

 

·Public Relations – We provide market and brand awareness consulting services, targeting high and emerging technology and science companies, as well as professional service organizations that help get recognition within the practiced community and provide an explicit company identity. This revenue is recognized when the services are complete.

 

·Advertising – Visitor demographics and time spent on a website are the primary drivers behind advertising-based revenue models for internet properties. When a user clicks an advertisement (CPC basis), views an advertisement impression (CPM basis), registers for an external website via an advertisement clicked on through the Company’s application (CPA basis). Proceeds from such contracts are recognized over the period in which the advertisements are displayed on the websites.

 

·Advisory Services – The Company promotes and makes available advisory and consulting services to members for the purpose of support, introduction guidance and general mentoring of members in their pursuit of their entrepreneurial objectives, for which fees are charged. These revenues are recorded when services for the transactions are determined to be concluded, generally as set forth under the terms of the engagement or when the sundry milestones have been completed after the defined services are performed. Transaction-related expenses, primarily consisting of costs directly associated with the transaction, are deferred and recognized in the same period as the transaction revenue.

 

Amounts billed or collected in excess of revenue recognized are recorded as deferred revenue.

 

Unbilled revenue represents revenues recognized in excess of the amounts billed for completed services.

 

F-11
 

  

Impairment of Long-lived AssetsThe Company accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of FASB Topic 360, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets”. This statement requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when the estimated future cash flows from the use of the asset are less than the carrying amount of that asset.  During 2014 and 2013, there have been no impairment losses.

 

Comprehensive Loss – There are components of comprehensive loss other than net loss that the Company has incurred as it relates to foreign currency, and accordingly the Company now presents a comprehensive income and loss for the periods presented.

 

Net Loss per Common Share – Basic net loss per share of common stock excludes dilution and is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted net loss per share of common stock reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue shares of common stock were exercised or converted into shares of common stock. For all periods presented, potentially dilutive securities are excluded because their effect is anti-dilutive.

 

Advertising Costs – Advertising costs are expensed when incurred and are included in sales and marketing expense in the accompanying statements of operations. The Company incurred advertising costs of $400,137 and $422,139 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

Nonmonetary transactions – Based on guidance provided in accordance with ASC No. 845 Nonmonetary Transactions (“ASC 845”), barter transactions with commercial substance are recorded at the estimated fair value of the products exchanged, unless the products received have a more readily determinable estimated fair value. The fair value of the product and services received during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $68,685. 

 

Reclassifications Certain comparative amounts from prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation. These changes did not affect previously reported net loss.

 

Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Income Taxes – The Company accounts for income taxes under the provisions issued by the FASB which requires recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.

 

The Company computes tax asset benefits for net operating losses carried forward. The potential benefit of net operating losses has not been recognized in these financial statements because the Company cannot be assured it is more likely than not it will utilize the net operating losses carried forward in future years.

 

F-12
 

  

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact its financial statements and does not believe that there are any other new pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 

Note 4. Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:

 

   2014   2013 
Computer equipment  $139,363   $29,843 
Furniture and fixtures   92,367    14,369 
Automobiles   48,336    38,075 
Capitalized website and internal use software   1,995,179    1,482,151 
Total property, web site and computer equipment   2,275,245    1,564,438 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization   (1,419,215)   (1,102,939)
Total property, web site and computer equipment, net  $856,030   $461,499 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment was $257,284 and $246,603 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

Note 5. Notes Payable and Line of Credit

 

Notes payable

During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 the Company issued unsecured convertible notes payable to individuals totaling $1,916,950 and $1,004,410, respectively. These notes bear annual interest of 0% - 12%, mature within a period ranging from six (6) months to one (1) year from issuance and are convertible into common shares at prices ranging from $0.20 to $3 per common share. The Company also issued five unsecured short-term notes payable to individuals totaling $223,488 in 2013. These notes bear annual interest of 12% and mature within a period of six (6) months from issuance.

 

The Company issued a total of 767,630 common shares and 100,000 warrants in 2014 and 75,425 common shares in 2013, with the notes and the relative fair value of the shares and warrants amounting to $656,671 in 2014 and $361,816 in 2013 were recognized as debt discounts and amortized over the term of the notes.  The warrants issued with the 2014 convertible notes have a term of 36 months and an exercise price of Euro 0.45 per share. The Company evaluated the embedded conversion features within the convertible debt under ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” and determined that the embedded conversion feature of certain notes issued in 2014 qualified for derivative accounting. See Note 7. Additionally, the instruments were evaluated under ASC 470-20 “Debt with Conversion and Other Options” for consideration of any beneficial conversion features. The Company determined the beneficial conversion feature for all convertible notes to be $860,697 and $581,887 in 2014 and 2013, respectively, which was recognized as a debt discount and amortized over the term of the notes.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company made principal repayments totaling $61,537 and $1,876, respectively. Likewise, 9,018,948 and 612,923 common shares were issued to convert $1,749,901 and $532,564 of convertible debt and accrued interest in 2014 and 2013, respectively. A loss on conversion of debt amounting to $553,182 was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

F-13
 

 

On September 19, 2013, the Company amended a convertible note dated January 14, 2013 to extend the maturity date to December 31, 2013 and to remove the convertible feature of the note. The Company issued 3,011 common shares as consideration for the amendment, the noteholder has subsequently converted his note in January of 2014. The modification of the convertible note was considered substantial under ASC 470-50 and the rules on debt extinguishment were applied.   Consequently, a loss on extinguishment of debt was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2013 amounting to $50,109 in connection with this amendment.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized $1,855,290 and $841,362, respectively, of interest expense due to the amortization of debt discounts on all convertible and unsecured short-term notes.

 

A summary of activity for notes payable during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is set forth below:

 

   Year ended 
   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
Balance, beginning  $983,071    397,285 
Proceeds from convertible notes   1,916,950    1,004,410 
Proceeds from notes payable   -    223,488 
Payable converted to notes   40,739    7,171 
Repayments of notes payable   (61,537)   (1,876)
Conversion of convertible notes to equity   (1,630,302)   (532,559)
Debt discount on new convertible notes and shares issued with debt   (1,791,863)   (626,904)
Amortization of debt discount   1,855,290    512,056 
Balance, end  $1,312,348   $983,071 
Less:          
Convertible notes payable   (1,042,904)   (650,762)
Current portion of notes payable – third parties   (261,267)   (318,711)
Non-current portion of notes payable – third parties  $8,177   $13,598 

 

Odom Line of Credit

On June 7, 2013, the Company entered into a Revolving Line of Credit Agreement (the “Odom Agreement”) with Charles Odom, the lender, in the amount of $750,000.   Pursuant to the Agreement, the lender shall make loans to the Company from time to time commencing on the date of the Agreement and shall continue for a period of twenty four (24) months thereafter ending June 7, 2015.

 

As of December 31, 2014, the Company has drawn $475,000 from the line leaving a current available balance of $275,000. As required by the Odom Agreement, the Company also issued 118,750 shares to the lender, proportionate to amounts drawn, which was recognized as deferred financing fees of $475,000 and amortized over the term of the line of credit.  For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, $245,867 has been amortized into interest expense. All amounts drawn from the line of credit are subject to annual interest of 15% and will mature within a period of 12 months or within 14 days after the Company has a capital raise with proceeds of $10 million, whichever is earlier.  The line of credit is secured by all of the assets of the Company. We have been advised by the lender that, due to extenuating circumstances, it is not currently able to provide us with additional advances under the line of credit.

 

F-14
 

  

Bank loans

Through the acquisition of the HT Skills entity on July 1, 2014 the Company also assumed three separate banking activities where the former principal owner of HT Skills has continued to guarantee the amount of the funds provided whether in an overdraft or outstanding balance position. As of December 31, 2014, HT Skills has an outstanding balance on their overdraft facility of $63,030 (GBP39,981) which is included in accounts payable in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2014, HT Skills has outstanding balances for two term loans totaling to $148,006 (GBP86,500). These loans mature on May 31, 2015, are subject to annual interest at a rate of 8% over the prevailing Bank of England Base Rate (the Bank of England base rate is currently 0.5% a year, but may change from time to time) and are secured by the assets of HT Skills.

 

Note 6. Other Liabilities

 

Justice Obligation

As part of the acquisition of EQmentor, Inc., the Company entered into an employment agreement with the former majority shareholder of EQmentor, Inc. where the latter is entitled to receive a quarterly bonus in an amount equivalent to $103,333 (net of payment of all payroll taxes and other withholdings), in cash or common stock. The purpose of the obligation was to allow the former majority shareholder to repay certain debts that he had personally secured during the course of his ownership of EQmentor, Inc. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, this obligation has an outstanding balance of $661,333 which is included in accrued liabilities and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The obligation accrues interest of 3.5% per annum. The Company is anticipating payments to begin on a quarterly basis during the second quarter in 2015.

 

MCC Obligation

As a component of the MCC acquisition the Company acquired a long-term liability related to a previous recapitalization of MCC. Specifically, MCC entered into an arrangement with its creditors during 2010, in what is referred as a “Company Voluntary Arrangement” (“CVA”), in order to protect MCC from any unreceptive creditor action.  In connection with the arrangement, the Company is required to make monthly fixed payments to a trustee of $2,275 (£1,500 GBP). These payments are scheduled to end in February 2019. This obligation is reported as other long-term obligations in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

Note 7. Derivative Instruments

 

Two notes issued during the year ended December 31, 2014 included reset provisions on the conversion price if certain events occur.  Specifically, the terms of the notes provided that the conversion price of $1.00 will reset to $0.50 if the Company’s securities offering  falls below $1.00 per share or if the securities offering is not completed by February 28, 2014. This resulted in a derivative liability being recognized at the issuance date amounting to $525,632 with a corresponding charge to debt discount for the full amount of the notes amounting to $267,417 and the balance of $258,215 to derivative loss.  On February 28, 2014, the reset provisions in these notes were triggered and the conversion price reset to $0.50 per share. Consequently, the derivative liability was marked to market on such date and an additional derivative loss of $301,677 was recognized. The fair value of the derivative liability at the re-measurement date amounting to $827,309 was credited to additional paid in capital.

 

Two notes issued during the year ended December 31, 2014 included reset provisions on the conversion price if certain events occur.  Specifically, the terms of the notes provided that the conversion price of $1.00 will reset to $0.50 if the Company’s securities offering  falls below $1.00 per share or if the securities offering is not completed by May 31, 2014. This resulted in a derivative liability being recognized at the issuance date amounting to $6,808 with a corresponding charge to debt discount. On May 30, 2014, the reset provisions in these notes were triggered and the conversion price reset to $0.50 per share. Consequently, the derivative liability was marked to market and a derivative loss of $16,251 was recognized. The fair value of the derivative liability at the re-measurement date amounting to $23,059 was credited to additional paid-in capital.

F-15
 

 

A convertible note issued in October 2014 amounting to $63,102 contained a variable conversion rate which qualified for derivative accounting. This tainted other outstanding convertible notes which resulted to the conversion option on these notes to be bifurcated and accounted for as derivative liabilities. A derivative liability of $2,274,454 was recognized and debited to additional paid in capital. The convertible note with the variable conversion rate was converted in November 2014. Consequently, the derivative liability was marked to market as of the conversion date and a derivative gain of $1,764,184 was recognized. The fair value of the derivative liability at the re-measurement date amounting to $510,270 was credited to additional paid-in capital.

 

The derivative liabilities were valued using the Black-Scholes model using the following assumptions:

 

    At issuance date     At termination date  
Market value of stock on measurement date   $ 0.08 -2.25     $ 0.08 - 1.90  
Risk-free interest rate     0.01% - 0.04 %     0.01 - 0.15 %
Dividend yield     0 %     0 %
Volatility factor     146% - 1,731 %     171 -319 %
Term     0.07 – 1.01 years       0.09 - 0.25 years  

  

Note 8. Related Parties and Related Party Transactions

 

Accounts Payable – Related Party

 

As of December 31, 2014, two of our executive officers, Adriaan Reinders and Marion Freijsen had unreimbursed expenses and unpaid management fees of $309,063 and $249,901, respectively. The remaining balance of $189,156 represents amounts due to our board of directors for board meeting fees, out of pocket expenses and consulting fees.

 

Notes Payable – Related Parties

 

A summary of activity for notes payable – related parties for the years months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are set forth below:

 

   Year ended 
   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
Balance, beginning  $285,860   $163,675 
Related party notes assumed from the reverse merger   -    2,000 
Related party payables converted to notes   -    21,513 
Borrowings from related parties   10,000    42,110 
Amortization of debt discount   4,703    64,001 
Repayment of related party notes   (18,919)   (837)
Debt discount on shares issued with note   -    (6,602)
Balance, end  $281,644   $285,860 

 

F-16
 

 

The notes payable-related parties include a $200,000 short-term note obtained from Linge Beleggingen in 2012 including the issuance of 9,012 shares of the Company’s common stock. The discount on this note was fully amortized as of September 30, 2013.  On July 9, 2013 the note agreement was amended modifying certain terms and conditions for which an additional 240,988 shares of common stock were agreed to be issued.  The modification of the note was considered substantial under ASC 470-50 and the rules on debt extinguishment were applied. Consequently, a loss on extinguishment of debt was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2013 amounting to $976,750 in connection with this amendment. As of December 31, 2014, the balance on this note was $181,081

 

In 2014, the Company issued a $10,000 unsecured note to a director with annual interest of 12% and a maturity date of January 5, 2015.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013 the Company issued notes to two related parties totaling $42,110 which are subject to annual interest of 12% and have a term of 1 year. The Company issued 476 common shares in connection with these notes and the related fair value of the shares amounting to $6,602 was recorded as a debt discount and amortized over the term of the notes.

 

The remaining balance as of December 31, 2014 includes $42,490 of notes payable, $800 and $4,000 advance due to related parties associated with Marion Freijsen and Adriaan Reinders, respectively, plus an outstanding advance due to David Rector, the former chief executive officer and sole board member of Standard Drilling, Inc. of $1,162.

 

Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies

 

In the normal course of business, we may, from time to time, be subject to pending and threatened legal actions and proceedings. While the results of any litigation or other legal proceedings are uncertain, management does not believe the ultimate resolution of any pending legal matters is likely to have a material adverse effective on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We accrue for loss contingencies when it is both probable that we will incur the loss and when the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. As of December 31, 2014, there were no material pending or threatened legal actions or proceedings against us.

 

Note 10. Stockholders’ Equity

 

The Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation were amended on September 20, 2013 to increase the authorized $0.001 par value common stock from 100,000,000 to 175,000,000 shares.

 

The Company also on September 20, 2013 amended its Articles of Incorporation to increase the authorized $0.001 par value Preferred Stock from 10,000,000 to 20,000,000 shares, there currently are 2,500,000 outstanding. The preferred stock has certain preferences over the common stock holders including the right to vote 25 votes per preferred share.

 

Common Stock

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014:

 

-the Company issued 1,478,509 shares of common stock for cash proceeds of $663,730.

 

-the Company issued 9,018,948 shares of common stock to convert $2,303,082 of convertible debt and accrued interest.

 

F-17
 

  

-the Company issued 767,630 shares of common stock as an enticement to enter into a transaction to lend money to the Company, resulting in a debt discount and interest of $620,246.

 

-the Company issued 2,547,195 shares of common stock in connection with the extinguishment of debt totaling $472,028.

 

-the Company issued 49,881,600 shares of common stock for related acquisitions.

 

-The Company issued 10,573,118 shares of common stock for services with a fair value of $4,743,660.

 

-The Company has outstanding subscription receivables of $168,000 resulting from the acquisition of ELEQT.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2013:

 

-the Company issued 10,394 shares of common stock for cash proceeds of $167,002.

 

-the Company issued 612,923 shares of common stock to convert 532,564 of convertible debt.

 

-the Company issued 75,425 shares of common stock as an enticement to enter into a transaction to lend money to the Company, resulting in a debt discount of $1,050,453.

 

-the Company issued 3,011 shares of common stock in connection with the loss on extinguishment of debt totaling $1,014,059.

 

-the Company exchanged 53,446,081shares of common stock in the merger of Standard Drilling.

 

-the Company issued 3,686,524 shares of common stock for the acquisition of MCC International.

 

-The Company issued 665,060 shares of common stock for services with a fair value of $1,195,788.

 

Employee Stock Options

 

In September 2011, the Company adopted the 2010 Stock Option Plan pursuant to which stock options to acquire 10,228,844 shares of the Company’s common stock were available for issuance. The Company subsequently reduced the plan by 6,401,303 on November 12, 2012 to 3,827,541 of common stock available for issuance.  Under the Plan, non-statutory stock options and stock purchase rights may be granted to employees and consultants. Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees.

 

The Company also issued 3,827,541 options to purchase common shares to employees. These options had terms of 4 to 5 years; exercise prices of $0.53 - $0.59, and had vesting dates from immediately to October 1, 2011. The options were valued using the Black-Scholes pricing model. Significant assumptions used in the valuation include the following:

 

Expected term: 3.25-3.75 years

Expected volatility: 173.31% - 173.49%

Risk free interest rate: 0.85% - 4.16%

Expected dividend yield: 0%

F-18
 

  

The grant date fair value of the options was determined to be $2,574,788. During the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, stock option expense related to the options totaled $135,738 and $78,200, respectively.

 

   Options   Weighted
Average
 Exercise Price
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life
 
             
Outstanding as of December 31, 2012   5,370,250   $0.56    3.7 
Granted   -    -    - 
Exercised   -    -    - 
Expired/Cancelled   (1,542,709)   0.53    - 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013   3,827,541   $0.57    2.7 
Granted   -    -    - 
Exercised   -    -    - 
Expired/Cancelled   -    -    - 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2014   3,827,541    0.57    1.7 
                

 

During the years ended December 31, 201 and 2013, the Company recognized a net benefit of $0 and $145,455, respectively due to the forfeiture of options of terminated employees and an expense of $135,738 and $41,165, respectively, for stock option expense related to options granted in prior periods.

 

Note 11. Income Taxes

 

The Company’s income tax expense for the periods presented in the statements of operations represents minimum California franchise taxes. The items accounting for the difference between income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate and the provision for income taxes were as follows:

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2014    2013  
U.S. income taxes at statutory federal rate   35.0%   34%
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit   6.0    6 
Earnings of foreign subsidiaries   2.2    - 
Goodwill impairment   (21.8)   - 
Non-deductible items   (1.0)   (1)
Valuation allowance   (20.4)   (39)
Effective income tax rate   0.0%   0.0%

 

The Company may not be able to utilize the net operating loss carry forwards for its U.S. income taxes in future periods should it experience a change in ownership as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”).  Under section 382, should the Company experience a more than 50% change in its ownership over a 3-year period, the Company would be limited based on a formula as defined in the IRC to the amount per year it could utilize in that year of the net operating loss carry forwards. Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) imposes limitations on the use of NOL’s and credits following changes in ownership as defined in the IRC. The limitation could reduce the amount of benefits that would be available to offset future taxable income each year, starting with the year of an ownership change. The Company has not completed the complex analysis required by the IRC to determine if an ownership change has occurred.

 

F-19
 

 

The tax effects of the temporary differences and carry forwards that give rise to deferred tax assets consist of the following:

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
Deferred tax assets  $5,994,532   $4,186,483 
Valuation allowance   (5,994,532)   (4,186,483)
Total deferred tax assets, net  $-   $- 

 

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had net operating loss carry forwards available to offset future taxable income of approximately $17,130,000and and $12,390,000, respectively. These carry forwards will begin to expire in the year ending December 31, 2032. Utilization of the net operating loss carry forwards may be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to the ownership change limitations provided by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and similar state provisions. The Company has not performed a change in ownership analysis since its inception in 2007 and, accordingly, some or all of its net operating loss carry forwards may not be available to offset future taxable income. Even if the loss carry forwards are available, they may be subject to substantial annual limitations resulting from past ownership changes, and ownership changes occurring after December 31, 2014, that could result in the expiration of the loss carry forwards before they are utilized.

 

The nature of the components of the deferred tax assets are attributable to the Net operating loss carry-forwards incurred by the Company and temporary differences that maybe used in future years to offset future tax liabilities.  We believe that it is more likely than not that the benefit from these deferred tax assets will not be realized. In recognition of this risk, we have provided a valuation allowance of $5,994,532 on the deferred tax assets relating to these NOL carryforwards.

 

The Company periodically evaluates the likelihood of the realization of deferred tax assets, and adjusts the carrying amount of the deferred tax assets by the valuation allowance to the extent the future realization of the deferred tax assets is not judged to be more likely than not. The Company considers many factors when assessing the likelihood of future realization of its deferred tax assets, including its recent cumulative earnings experience by taxing jurisdiction, expectations of future taxable income or loss, the carry-forward periods available to the Company for tax reporting purposes, and other relevant factors. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, deferred tax assets have been fully offset by a valuation allowance.

 

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, which encompasses the foreign owned entities filing requirements, along with the State of California. The Company is subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for tax years 2007 through 2014 due to net operating losses that are being carried forward for tax purposes. The Company does not have any uncertain tax positions or unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014 or 2013. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income taxes as components of interest expense and other expense, respectively.

 

F-20
 

  

Note 12. Acquisitions

 

Acquisition of HT Skills Ltd

 

On July 1, 2014, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement by and among the Company, HT Skills Ltd., an entity organized under the laws of England and Wales (“HT Skills”), and Five5Five PTE Ltd., the sole shareholder of HT Skills (“HT Seller”). On the same date, the parties consummated the transaction, pursuant to which the HT Seller sold, and the Company purchased, all of HT Skills’ outstanding capital stock, in exchange for 13,319,100 unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the acquisition purchase price based on the estimated fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities:

 

Assets Acquired:     
Accounts receivable  $310,464 
Unbilled revenue   100,200 
Property, plant and equipment   167,728 
Goodwill   10,782,378 
Assets acquired  $11,360,770 
      
Liabilities Assumed:     
Accounts payable  $409,602 
Short term debt   148,006 
Other long term liabilities   147,882 
Liabilities assumed  $705,490 
      
Net assets acquired  $10,655,280 
Fair value of consideration given  $10,655,280 

 

While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to value the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of July 1, 2014, the purchase price allocation will be solidified for any change in existing, assets and liabilities during the measurement period.

 

The following is the unaudited pro forma information for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 assuming the acquisition of HT Skills occurred on January 1, 2013:

 

   2014   2013 
Sales  $2,050,906   $2,116,637 
Operating expenses   28,480,532    6,114,519 
Operating loss   (26,429,626)   (3,997,882)
Non-operating expense   1,888,404    1,945,323 
Net loss  $(28,318,030)  $(5,943,205)
Basic and diluted net income per common share  $(0.34)  $(0.11)

 

F-21
 

 

Acquisition of Member Digital

 

On July 1, 2014, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement by and among the Company, Member Digital Ltd., an entity organized under the laws of England and Wales (“Member Digital”), and the shareholders of Member Digital (the “MD Sellers”). On the same date, the parties consummated the transaction, pursuant to which the MD Sellers sold, and the Company purchased, all of Member Digital’s outstanding capital stock, in exchange for 1,250,000 unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the acquisition purchase price based on the estimated fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities:

 

Assets Acquired:     
Cash  $8,305 
Accounts receivable   5,884 
Goodwill   1,002,063 
Assets acquired  $1,016,252 
      
Liabilities Assumed:     
Accounts payable  $16,252 
Liabilities assumed  $16,252 
      
Net assets acquired  $1,000,000 
Fair value of consideration given  $1,000,000 

 

While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to value the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of July 1, 2014, the purchase price allocation will be solidified for any change in existing, assets and liabilities during the measurement period.

 

The following is the unaudited pro forma information for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 assuming the acquisition of Member Digital occurred on January 1, 2013:

 

   2014   2013 
Sales  $1,747,738   $903,459 
Operating expenses   28,224,312    4,951,812 
Operating loss   (26,476,574)   (4,048,353)
Non-operating expense   1,877,338    1,853,557 
Net loss  $(28,353,912)  $(5,901,910)
Basic and diluted net income per common share  $(0.34)  $(0.16)

 

F-22
 

 

Acquisition of GroupCard

 

On July 7, 2014, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement by and among the Company, GroupCard BV, an entity organized under the laws of the Netherlands (“GroupCard”), and the shareholders of GroupCard (the “GC Sellers”). On the same date, the parties consummated the transaction, pursuant to which the GC Sellers sold, and the Company purchased, all of GroupCard’s outstanding capital stock, in exchange for 2,812,500 unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock. In addition, the Company agreed to pay the GC Sellers four semi-annual earn-out payments of shares of Common Stock (“Earn-Out Shares”), commencing on January 1, 2015.

 

In the event 20,000 or more members are added by GroupCard during a semi-annual period (each, an “Earn-Out Period”), the Company shall issue to the GC Sellers the number of Earn-Out Shares equal to (i) $25.00 per member added by GroupCard during such Earn-Out Period, divided by (ii) $0.80. In the event less than 20,000 members are added during an Earn-Out Period, the Company will not issue any Earn-Out Shares to the Sellers for such period; however, any members added during such Earn-Out Period will be counted towards the subsequent Earn-Out Period. The Company has evaluated the potential contingencies associated with this Exchange Agreement and determined that as of December 31, 2014 there was a liability for contingent consideration of approximately $875,000 which will be settled in common stock.

 

The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the acquisition purchase price based on the estimated fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities:

 

Assets Acquired:     
Cash  $4,460 
Accounts receivable   19,177 
Prepaid expenses   12,275 
Goodwill   3,155,326 
Assets acquired  $3,191,238 
      
Liabilities Assumed:     
Accounts payable  $43,212 
Other current liabilities   23,026 
Liabilities assumed  $66,238 
      
Net assets acquired  $3,125,000 
Fair value of consideration given:     
Acquisition date  $2,250,000 
Contingent consideration   875,000 
Total fair value of consideration given  $3,125,000 

 

While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to value the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of July 7, 2014, the purchase price allocation will be solidified for any change in existing, assets and liabilities during the measurement period.

 

F-23
 

 

The following is the unaudited pro forma information for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 assuming the acquisition of GroupCard occurred on January 1, 2013:

 

   2014   2013 
Sales  $1,905,715   $834,287 
Operating expenses   10,883,177    4,990,728 
Operating loss   (8,977,462)   (4,156,441)
Non-operating expense   3,102,396    1,853,381 
Net loss  $(12,079,858)  $(6,009,822)
Basic and diluted net income per common share  $(0.15)  $(0.15)

  

Acquisition of ELEQT Ltd

 

On October 1, 2014, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement by and among the Company, ELEQT Ltd., an entity organized under laws of the England and Wales (“ELEQT”), and the shareholders of ELEQT. On the same date, the parties consummated the transaction, pursuant to which the Sellers sold, and the Company purchased, all of ELEQT’s outstanding capital stock, in exchange for 31,000,000 unregistered shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

The Company also agreed to pay the Sellers an earn-out payment of shares of Common, commencing on October 1, 2015. The amount of shares to be distributed is based on ELEQT’s subsidiary achievement of various financial and operating metrics including revenue growth, gross profit margin improvement, membership growth amount and member spend growth. In the event ELEQT achieves all or a portion of these targets for the twelve months ended October 1, 2015, the Company will issue to the Sellers up to a maximum of 3,633,333 Earn-Out Shares. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has recognized a contingent consideration of approximately $380,000 related to the Earn-Out Shares.

 

F-24
 

 

The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the acquisition purchase price based on the estimated fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities:

 

Assets Acquired:     
Cash  $85,896 
Accounts receivable   61,624 
Other receivables   339,268 
Property, plant and equipment   6,838 
Intangible assets   403,058 
Goodwill   25,677,277 
Assets acquired  $26,573,961 
      
Liabilities Assumed:     
Accounts payable  $77,999 
Other current liabilities   541,279 
Liabilities assumed  $619,278 
      
Net assets acquired  $25,954,683 
Fair value of consideration given:     
Acquisition date  $25,575,000 
Contingent consideration   379,683 
Total fair value of consideration given  $25,954,683 

 

While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to value the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of October 1, 2014, the purchase price allocation will be solidified for any change in existing, assets and liabilities during the measurement period.

 

The following is the unaudited pro forma information for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 assuming the acquisition of ELEQT occurred on January 1, 2013:

 

   2014   2013 
Sales  $2,209,801   $2,031,533 
Operating expenses   28,920,179    6,473,865 
Operating loss   (26,710,378)   (4,442,332)
Non-operating expense   1,877,338    1,855,906 
Net loss  $(28,587,716)  $(6,298,238)
Basic and diluted net income per common share  $(0.35)  $(0.09)

 

F-25
 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of Robson Dowry

 

On November 15, 2014, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement by and among the Company, Robson Dowry Associates Ltd., an entity organized under the laws of the England and Wales (“Robson Dowry”), and the shareholders of Robson Dowry Associates Ltd. On the same date, the parties consummated the transaction, pursuant to which the Sellers sold, and the Company purchased, all of Robson Dowry’s outstanding capital stock, in exchange for 1,500,000 unregistered shares of the Company’s common.

 

The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the acquisition purchase price based on the estimated fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities:

 

Assets Acquired:     
Accounts receivable  $95,605 
Prepaid expenses   31,318 
Property, plant and equipment   8,485 
Goodwill   347,934 
Assets acquired  $483,342 
      
Liabilities Assumed:     
Accounts payable  $96,704 
Other current liabilities   41,638 
Liabilities assumed  $138,342 
      
Net assets acquired  $345,000 
Fair value of consideration given  $345,000 

 

While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to value the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of November 15, 2014, the purchase price allocation will be solidified for any change in existing, assets and liabilities during the measurement period.

 

The following is the unaudited pro forma information for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 assuming the acquisition of Robson Dowry occurred on January 1, 2013: 

 

   2014   2013 
Sales  $2,209,371   $1,641,655 
Operating expenses   28,538,270    5,654,285 
Operating loss   (26,328,899)   (4,012,630)
Non-operating expense   1,877,338    1,853,557 
Net loss  $(28,206,237)  $(5,866,187)
Basic and diluted net income per common share  $(0.34)  $(0.14)

  

F-26
 

  

Note 13. Business Segment information

 

The Company's reportable segments are defined by their service or revenue sources. The Company's reportable segments are Social Networking, Education and Mentoring, and Business Services. EFactor, GroupCard, Member Digital, and ELEQT are included in the Social Networking segment. EQMentor and HT Skills are included in the Education and Mentoring segment. Robson Dowry and MCC are included in the Business Services segment.

 

The Company measures the performance of its segments based on their operating income excluding administrative and general expenses. The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in Note 3 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Other income, interest expense, and income taxes are not allocated to individual operating segments, and assets not identifiable to an individual segment are included as corporate assets. Segment information is reported consistent with the Company's management reporting structure.

 

F-27
 

  

Business segment information is as follows:

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2014   2013 
SOCIAL NETWORKING          
Sales  $744,245   $68,994 
Operating income   (17,933,074)   (2,386,594)
Assets   14,331,565    472,689 
Capital expenditures   155,481    354,825 
Depreciation and amortization   221,782    242,625 
EDUCATION AND MENTORING          
Sales  $490,310   $315,989 
Operating income    (1,896,329)   (194,464)
Assets   10,853,975    2,189,592 
Capital expenditures   -    - 
Depreciation and amortization   34,939    525 
BUSINESS SERVICES          
Sales  $400,047   $356,802 
Operating income   (31,689)   20,952 
Assets   1,974,518    1,614,306 
Capital expenditures   -    - 
Depreciation and amortization   563    3,453 
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS TOTAL          
Sales  $1,634,602   $741,785 
Operating income   (19,861,092)   (2,560,106)
Assets   27,160,058    4,276,587 
Capital expenditures   155,481    354,825 
Depreciation and amortization   257,284    246,603 
CORPORATE & OTHER          
Operating (loss) from administrative expenses  $(6,526,136)  $(1,533,416)
Assets   262,522    306,996 
Capital expenditures   -    - 
Depreciation and amortization   -    - 
TOTAL COMPANY          
Sales  $1,634,602   $741,785 
Operating income   (26,387,228)   (4,093,522)
Assets   27,422,580    4,583,583 
Capital expenditures   155,481    354,825 
Depreciation and amortization   257,284    246,603 

 

F-28
 

  

The table below sets forth the amount and geographic location of revenues we have recognized for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

   Year ended 
   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
United States  $167,732   $384,983 
Europe   500,268    - 
United Kingdom   966,602    356,802 
   $1,634,602   $741,785 

 

Revenues generated in the United States consist of EFactor and EQMentor, the Company’s European revenue consists of GroupCard and ELEQT, and the Company’s United Kingdom revenue consists of MCC, Member Digital, HT Skills, and Robson Dowry.

 

Note 14. Subsequent Events

 

On January 6th 2015, the Company issued 2,610,162 common shares to convert $417,736 of convertible debt and accrued interest.

 

In January 2015, the Company sold 50,000 common shares for cash for a total consideration of $7,500.

 

In January 2015, the outstanding 100,000 warrants were exercised for $15,000 and 100,000 common shares were issued to the holder.

 

In January 2015, the Company issued a convertible note amounting to $78,750. The note is subject to annual interest of 8%, has a term of one (1) year and is convertible to common stock at a price equal to 58% of the lowest closing bid prices for the last 15 trading days prior to conversion.

 

In January and February 2015, the Company convertible notes to an investor group up to an amount of $250,000. The proceeds from the notes will be advanced in three tranches, as follows: $125,000 by January 6, 2015, $75,000 by February 15, 2015 and $50,000 by April 15, 2015. The Company only received proceeds of $150,000 to date.

 

The notes have a maturity of one (1) year and interest rate of 10% per annum and are convertible at a price of 50% of the average closing bid prices on the primary trading market on which the Company's Common Stock is then listed. In conjunction with the notes the Company may issue up to 3,000,000 warrants to the investors with a strike price of $0.10 per share. The warrants are cashless and exercisable for a period of five (5) years from closing. The Company also issued a banking advisory fee of 700,000 shares of common stock of the Company to the investors.

 

F-29
 

 

During February and March 2015, pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”) between the Company and Magna Equities II, LLC (“Magna Equities II”), the Company issued to Magna Equities II a convertible promissory note (the “Magna Equities II Note”) in the aggregate principal amount of $175,000. $100,000 was funded on February 27, 2015 and $75,000 was funded on March 2, 2015. The principal due under the Magna Equities II Note accrues interest at a rate of 12% per annum. All principal and accrued interest under the Magna Equities II Note must be repaid one year from the funding set forth above. All principal and accrued interest under the Magna Equities II Note is convertible into shares of Common Stock at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) a 40% discount from the lowest daily trading price in the five (5) trading days prior to conversion, or (ii) a fixed price of $0.25.

 

On March 16, 2015 the Company issued a convertible promissory note (the “Magna Equities II Note”) in the aggregate principal amount of $44,500 under the same terms as the previous note.

 

On March 2, 2015 (the “Issue Date”), pursuant to a Securities Exchange Agreement (the “Securities Exchange Agreement”) between the Company and Magna Equities I, LLC (“Magna Equities I”), the Company issued to Magna Equities I a convertible promissory note (the “Magna Equities I Note”) in the aggregate principal amount of $200,000, in exchange for $200,000 of existing debt of the Company that Magna Equities I purchased from third parties. The Magna Equities I Note accrues interest at a rate of ten percent per annum. All principal and accrued interest under the Magna Equities I Note is due on March 2, 2016. All principal and accrued interest under the Magna Equities I Note is convertible into shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), at a conversion price equal to a 40% discount from the lowest daily trading price in five (5) trading days prior to conversion. At any time during the period beginning on the Issue Date and ending on the date which is ninety (90) days thereafter, the Company may prepay any portion of the principal amount and accrued interest at 135% of such amount upon three (3) days’ written notice to Magna Equities I. In addition, beginning on the date which is thirty (30) calendar days after the Issue Date, Magna Equities I shall be obligated to purchase an additional $200,000 of Magna Equities I Notes every thirty (30) calendar days, up to a total of $1 million in additional purchases

 

In April 2015, the Company sold to an accredited investor 800,000 common shares and 200,000 warrants for cash for a total consideration of $100,000. That warrants have a strike price of $0.25 per share and a cashless exercise provision for a period of three (3) years from closing. In the event Company shall reach a minimum total market capitalization of $100,000,000 on a major U.S. stock exchange, and maintain such minimum for five (5) consecutive trading days, then the investor shall also receive a grant of 100,000 additional common shares.

 

 

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

 

Not applicable

 

ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2014. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that there are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their desired control objectives. Additionally, in evaluating and implementing possible controls and procedures, management is required to apply its reasonable judgment. Based on the evaluation described above, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of the end of the period covered by this report because we did not document our Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 404 internal controls and procedures.

 

As funds become available to us, we expect to implement additional measures to improve disclosure controls and procedures such as implementing and documenting our internal controls procedures.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer 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 and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

  Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;

 

 

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and board of directors; and

 

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  Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures.  Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override.  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.  All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations.  Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.  Because of the inherent limitations of internal control, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process.  Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.

 

As of December 31, 2014 management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and SEC guidance on conducting such assessments.  Based on that evaluation, they concluded that, during the period covered by this report, such internal controls and procedures were not effective due to material weaknesses identified as follows:

 

a)Ineffective segregation of duties, which includes, monitoring controls, between the members of management due to limited personnel

b)Lack of resources to handle technical and financial reporting matters for complex and unusual matters

c)Lack of controls over our financial reporting and closing process

 

We intend to strengthen our internal controls over the next few months by augmenting our accounting staff.

 

This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management's report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only the management's report in this annual report

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. 

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION.

 

None.

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

 

The following table sets forth certain information concerning our executive officers and directors as of the date hereof:

 

Name   Age   Position(s)
Adriaan Reinders   70   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Marion Freijsen   52   Chief Operating Officer and Director
Mark Noffke   59   Chief Financial Officer and Director
Thomas Trainer   68   Director, Chairman of the Board
Brian Banmiller   70   Director
Ruud Smeets   43   Director
Mark Stanich   54   Director

 

Our officers and directors are elected annually for a one year term or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal.

 

Adriaan Reinders is our co-founder and has served as our Chief Executive Officer since February 2013. He has launched numerous businesses, growing and selling them through all economic cycles. He has created multiple businesses through a roll-up strategy, the largest of which had 1,110 employees and was sold to British Telecom. Mr. Reinders is also the Co-Founder and until 2010 served as an Executive Board Member of OHM Inc., a sales consulting firm serving emerging technology companies. Further, he was a founder and served as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Supply Chain Solutions B.V., a global business solutions firm specializing in supply chain management and software services for the U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturers and large European retailers. In 1989, Mr. Reinders founded Rijnhaave, a Netherlands information technology company specializing in systems integration, and subsequently executed six acquisitions in the Netherlands and the U.S. before selling the company to Syntegra, a subsidiary of British Telecom. In 1975, Mr. Reinders founded Microlife, a Netherlands information technology firm specializing in customer services and training for mainframe environments. Mr. Reinders’ also serves as a board member of the Kelley School of Business at the University of Indiana and the Executive Chairman of Artilium plc (LON:ARTA) , and previously served as a director of the global IT division of British Telecom. He is also a frequent speaker and a published author with books on entrepreneurial networking and social media. Mr. Reinders holds a degree in Social Geography from the University of Amsterdam.

 

Marion Freijsen is our co-founder and has served as our Chief Operating Officer since February 2013. She was responsible for and managed the building of the Company’s platform. Ms. Freijsen is also the owner of Elegio BV, a Netherlands company providing business consulting and management expertise in the areas of strategy, vision, finance, international expansion and business development.  In addition, Ms. Freijsen is the founder and the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Board Member of OHM Inc., a sales consulting firm serving emerging technology companies.  Ms. Freijsen co-launched OHM with no outside investment, and in five years established a portfolio of more than 100 clients.

 

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Ms. Freijsen previously served as Vice President (Central Europe) for Currenex Ltd., Commercial Director of Speedport NV, Country Manager (Benelux) for Newsedge Corp., Major Account Manager for ICV Ltd. / S&P Comstock, and Account Manager for Bloomberg Financial Markets.  Ms. Freijsen is the co-author of two books (the most recent published in November 2012 called “The E-Factor: Entrepreneurship in the Social Media Age”). She is a frequent speaker at global conferences in cities such as New York, Boston, San Francisco, London, Amsterdam and Berlin. Ms. Freijsen holds a marketing degree from the Chartered Institute of Marketing in London.

 

Mark Noffke has served as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company since June 2014 and as Executive Vice President of the Company since October 2012. Mr. Noffke has more than 35 years of experience as a seasoned financial and management professional. Mr. Noffke also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Cafe Serendipity Holdings Inc. a start-up retail branding company (OTC Pink: CAFS) and SYDYS Corporation (OTC Pink: SYYC) an online media company specializing in special interest website publishing. Since January 2007, he has also served as chief financial officer of Beyond Commerce, Inc., an e-commerce company (OTC PINK: BYOC). From August 2006 to January 2007, Mr. Noffke served as chief executive officer of Financial Media Group, Inc., a formerly public investor relations company. He served as chief financial officer of National Storm Management, Inc., a storm restoration company, from May 2004 to August 2006, where he was instrumental in its initial public offering. From September 1996 to June 2003, Mr. Noffke served as the chief financial officer and a director of U.S. Forest Industries, Inc., a formerly private timber manufacturing company, where he was responsible for developing its accounting infrastructure. Mr. Noffke is a Certified Public Accountant in Illinois and has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Valparaiso University in Indiana in 1977.

 

Brian Banmiller has served as our director since October 2013. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Banmiller currently serves as a national broadcast journalist, commentator and public speaker. He has a 35-year affiliation with CBS News Radio as a National Business Reporter. He was the Business Editor for KTVU Channel 2 News, Oakland, California, from 1989 to 2005.  For seven years, he served as Executive Producer, Anchor & Chief Correspondent of the national television business news magazine, “On the Money with Brian Banmiller,” and for five years as Managing Editor and Co-Anchor of “Silicon Valley Business”. Prior to joining KTVU, Mr. Banmiller was a Contributing Correspondent for “The Wall Street Journal Report on Television.”  He received a business degree from Villanova University in 1966. He has also served five years in the United States Air Force where he obtained the rank of captain.

 

Mark Stanich has served as the Managing Director of the Company since his appointment in December 2014, and has served as a member of our Board of Directors since October 2013. Mr. Stanich formerly was the chief marketing officer and president, digital media, of AEPC, American Express’ wholly-owned media company.  AEPC produces such authoritative luxury brands as Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, Departures, Executive Travel and Black Ink, in addition to over 30 other consumer products and services in the affluent lifestyle space. As President of digital media, Mr. Stanich leads the company’s existing and emerging digital businesses, including websites, social media platforms, e-newsletters, mobile and tablet applications, e-commerce, and digital partnerships.   As chief marketing officer since 2000, Mr. Stanich directs consumer business strategy, marketing, and product development for the company’s magazines, books, products, and branded affinity services, as well as oversees database management, and American Express Publishing’s international businesses. Prior to joining AEPC, Mr. Stanich worked at Time Warner Inc., where he held positions in various divisions, including strategic planning, consumer marketing, advertising sales and marketing, and product development, and helped spearhead numerous magazine, book, and product launches. Mr. Stanich has served on several industry boards, including his current directorships with the Online Publishers Association and BPA Worldwide.  He is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and received his MBA from the Harvard Business School.

  

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Thomas Trainer has served as Director since February 2013, and as Chairman of our Board since July 2014. Mr. Trainer is a well-recognized and awarded leader in the business technology field. Throughout the course of his 40-year career, he has assisted companies such Citigroup, PepsiCo, Reebok, Eli Lilly &Company and Joseph E. Seagram to the forefront of their Industries, in his role as their Global Chief Information Officer. In 1996, Mr. Trainer helped found “The Working Council of CIOs of The Advisory Board” and “The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association (PHARMA) CIO Forum. He has lectured internationally on business and technology issues, including “The World Congress of Information Technology” in Washington, DC in 1998; and various conferences sponsored by The Economist, Forbes, Business Week, Fortune, and Financial Times. In 2009 he keynoted in Beijing the “Inaugural Sino-American CIO Conference”. Mr. Trainer has also been profiled on CBS TV’s “American Edition” and CNBC’s “Technology Edge” Broadcast programs.

 

Ruud Smeets has been President of our Social Network division and a Director of the Company since October 2014. Mr. Smeets is the co-founder of ELEQT which we acquired in 2014. As President of Social Networks, Mr. Smeets is responsible for the growth of the social networks which form the core of the Group’s activities and which include the Company’s flagship networks EFactor.com and ELEQT.com. From 2008 to 2014, Mr. Smeets served as chief executive officer of ELEQT. During that period, ELEQT grew into a global exclusive social lifestyle network with members from over 200+ countries and operations in 15 metropolitan areas around the world. ELEQT is the social network of choice of the Quintessentially Group, a leading concierge service with offices in over 60+ countries around the world. Mr. Smeets also launched www.telegraaf.nl, the largest Dutch news website, introduced digital business directory Scoot in the United Kingdom and Europe, co-founded and served as general partner and director of Newconomy, a technology and media venture capital firm, established and led KPMG’s Information, Communication and Entertainment advisory services business segment, introduced Yahoo! in the Netherlands and served as general manager for Yahoo! Search Europe. Mr. Smeets also co-founded and served as chief executive officer of Mediamall, the Netherlands’ first interactive television company. Mr. Smeets holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Economics from the University of Maastricht and was awarded the Milia d’ Or, the Grand Jury Prize for Best Online Reference Site.

 

Family Relationships

 

There are no family relationships between or among the above directors, executive officers or persons nominated or charged by us to become directors or executive officers. However, Roeland Reinders, one of our three co-founders is the adult son of Adriaan Reinders, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

 

Board Leadership Structure

 

Mr. Adriaan Reinders currently serves as our principal executive officer and Mr. Trainer serves as chairman of our Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has chosen to separate the principal executive officer and chairman positions because it believes that (i) independent oversight of management is an important component of an effective board of directors and (ii) this structure benefits the interests of all stockholders. If the Board of Directors convenes for a special meeting, the non-management directors will meet in executive session if circumstances warrant. Given the composition of the Board of Directors with a strong slate of independent directors, the Board of Directors does not believe that it is necessary to formally designate a lead independent director at this time, although it may consider appointing a lead independent director if circumstances change. We believe that the structure described above is the best structure to lead us in the achievement of our goals and objectives and establishes an effective balance between management leadership and appropriate oversight by independent directors.

 

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Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

 

To the best of our knowledge, none of our directors or executive officers has been convicted in a criminal proceeding, excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors, or has been a party to any judicial or administrative proceeding during the past five years that resulted in a judgment, decree, or final order enjoining the person from future violations of, or prohibiting activities subject to, federal or state securities laws, or a finding of any violation of federal or state securities laws, except for matters that were dismissed without sanction or settlement. Except as set forth in our discussion below in “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence – Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” none of our directors, director nominees, or executive officers has been involved in any transactions with us or any of our directors, executive officers, affiliates, or associates which are required to be disclosed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Commission.

 

Committees

 

Our Board of Directors maintains separate audit and compensation committees. Whilst we are not required to maintain such committees under the rules applicable to companies that do not have securities listed or quoted on a national securities exchange, we believe it was important to have implemented such committees as early on as possible. If we are successful in listing our common stock on the NYSE MKT or the Nasdaq Capital Market, we would also be required to have, prior to listing, an independent audit committee and compensation committee, in compliance with the requirements for such listing and in compliance with Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act.

 

The Compensation Committee consists of Mr. Trainer as Chairman, and Mr. Banmiller. Mr. Trainer and Mr. Banmiller are independent committee members. The Audit Committee consists of Mr. Noffke, our Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Banmiller and Mr. Stanich. Mr. Banmiller is an independent committee member and is our audit committee financial expert.

 

Code of Ethics

 

We intend to adopt a code of ethics that applies to our officers, directors and employees. Upon adoption, our code of ethics will be available on our website. In addition, a copy of the code of ethics will be provided without charge upon request to us. We intend to disclose any amendments to or waivers of certain provisions of our code of ethics in a Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

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ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The table below sets forth the compensation earned for services rendered to us, for the fiscal years indicated, by our named executive officers.

 

Name and Principal
Position
  Year   Salary   Stock
Awards(2)(3)
   Bonus   Other
Compensation
   Total 
Adriaan Reinders   2014   $225,000   $390,000   $-   $48,000(1)  $438,000 
(President and Chief Executive Officer)   2013   $112,500   $-   $-   $32,000   $144,500 
                               
Marion Freijsen   2014   $225,000   $390,000   $-   $48,000(1)  $438,000 
(Chief Operating Officer)   2013   $112,500   $-   $-   $32,000   $144,500 
                               
James E. Solomon   2014   $-   $68,750   $-   $24,000(1)  $92,750 
(Former Chief Financial Officer) (5)   2013   $-   $-   $-   $52,000(4)  $52,000 
                               
Mark Noffke   2014   $120,000   $83,500   $-   $24,000(1)  $227,500 
(Chief Financial Officer)   2013   $120,000   $-   $-   $-   $120,000 
                               
Mark Stanich   2014   $20,000   $68,750   $-   $48,000(1)  $136,750 
(Managing Director)   2013   $-   $-   $-   $10,452(1)  $10,452 
                               
Ruud Smeets   2014   $50,000   $-   $-   $12,000(1)  $62,000 
(President of Social Networks)   2013   $-   $-   $-   $-   $- 

 

(1) Reflects director fees received by the officer.

(2) The amounts reported include the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock portion of the discretionary bonus paid to the named executive officers.

(3) The amounts reported include the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock portionof their director fees.

(4) Includes $32,000 for director fees and $20,000 for consulting fees.

(5) Mr. Solomon resigned June 30, 2014.

 

Employment Agreements

 

Adriaan Reinders

 

On October 11, 2013, we entered into an employment agreement (the “Reinders Agreement”) with Mr. Reinders. Pursuant to the terms of the Reinders Agreement, Mr. Reinders will work for us on a full-time basis and will receive an annual base salary of $225,000.  Mr. Reinders may receive an annual cash bonus in an amount up to 100% of his base salary, as may be determined by the compensation committee of our board of directors in its sole discretion. In addition, Mr. Reinders will be granted 100,000 restricted stock units and may be granted additional units or options annually, as may be determined by the compensation committee of our board of directors in its sole discretion.

 

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The initial term of the Reinders Agreement was until December 31, 2014, and automatically renews for successive one-year periods, unless a notice of non-renewal is provided by either party at least sixty days prior to the expiration date of the term. 

 

In the event Mr. Reinders’s employment is terminated by us for cause or due to his death, Mr. Reinders will be entitled to receive any accrued and unpaid base salary up to the date of termination.  In the event Mr. Reinders is physically or mentally incapacitated or disabled or otherwise unable to discharge his duties for a period of six months, the Reinders Agreement shall terminate upon 90 days written notice.

 

In the event Mr. Reinders’s employment is terminated by us for any reason other than cause, death or disability, he will be entitled to receive any accrued and unpaid base salary up to the date of termination. In addition, he will be entitled to receive a lump-sum cash payment equal to his (i) base salary and (ii) a bonus equal to 50% of his base salary for the greater of (x) two years following the date of termination and (y) the remainder of the term of the Reinders Agreement. In addition, any issued but unvested options will vest immediately upon such termination. Furthermore, the period of the non-competition provisions in the Reinders Agreement will decrease from two years to one year following termination of his employment.

 

In the event Mr. Reinders’s employment is terminated by us within six months of a change of control (as defined in the Reinders Agreement), or if Mr. Reinders terminates his employment within six months of a change in control, he will be entitled to receive a lump-sum cash payment equal to his (i) base salary and (ii) a bonus equal to 50% of his base salary for the greater of (x) two years following the date of termination and (y) the remainder of the term of the Reinders Agreement. In addition, any issued but unvested options will vest immediately upon such termination. Furthermore, the period of the non-competition provisions in the Reinders Agreement will decrease from two years to one year following termination of his employment. If our stockholders exchange their shares for stock of any other company, Mr. Reinders will also be entitled to receive an amount equal to the per share price paid to our stockholders less the pre-announcement price of the shares, multiplied by 50,000.

 

The Reinders Agreement contains customary non-competition provisions that extend to two years (or one year upon the occurrence of the events described above) after termination of Mr. Reinders’ employment with us.  Mr. Reinders also agreed to customary terms regarding confidentiality.

 

Marion Freijsen

 

On October 11, 2013, we entered into an employment agreement (the “Freijsen Agreement”) with Ms. Freijsen. Pursuant to the terms of the Freijsen Agreement, Ms. Freijsen will work for us on a full-time basis and will receive an annual base salary of $225,000.  Ms. Freijsen may receive an annual cash bonus in an amount up to 100% of her base salary, as may be determined by the compensation committee of our board of directors in its sole discretion. In addition, Ms. Freijsen will be granted 100,000 restricted stock units and may be granted additional units or options annually, as may be determined by the compensation committee of our board of directors in its sole discretion. The initial term of the Freijsen Agreement was until December 31, 2014, and automatically renews for successive one-year periods, unless a notice of non-renewal is provided by either party at least sixty days prior to the expiration date of the term. 

 

In the event Ms. Freijsen’s employment is terminated by us for cause or due to her death, Ms. Freijsen will be entitled to receive any accrued and unpaid base salary up to the date of termination.  In the event Ms. Freijsen is physically or mentally incapacitated or disabled or otherwise unable to discharge her duties for a period of six months, the Freijsen Agreement shall terminate upon 90 days written notice.

 

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In the event Ms. Freijsen’s employment is terminated by us for any reason other than cause, death or disability, she will be entitled to receive any accrued and unpaid base salary up to the date of termination. In addition, she will be entitled to receive a lump-sum cash payment equal to her (i) base salary and (ii) a bonus equal to 50% of her base salary for the greater of (x) two years following the date of termination and (y) the remainder of the term of the Freijsen Agreement. In addition, any issued but unvested options will vest immediately upon such termination. Furthermore, the period of the non-competition provisions in the Freijsen Agreement will decrease from two years to one year following termination of her employment.

 

In the event Ms. Freijsen’s employment is terminated by us within six months of a change of control (as defined in the Freijsen Agreement), or if Ms. Freijsen terminates her employment within six months of a change in control, she will be entitled to receive a lump-sum cash payment equal to her (i) base salary and (ii) a bonus equal to 50% of her base salary for the greater of (x) two years following the date of termination and (y) the remainder of the term of the Freijsen Agreement. In addition, any issued but unvested options will vest immediately upon such termination. Furthermore, the period of the non-competition provisions in the Freijsen Agreement will decrease from two years to one year following termination of her employment. If our stockholders exchange their shares for stock of any other company, Ms. Freijsen will also be entitled to receive an amount equal to the per share price paid to our stockholders less the pre-announcement price of the shares, multiplied by 50,000.

 

The Freijsen Agreement contains customary non-competition provisions that extend to two years (or one year upon the occurrence of the events described above) after termination of Ms. Freijsen employment with us.  Ms. Freijsen also agreed to customary terms regarding confidentiality.

 

Mark Stanich

 

Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement (the “Stanich Agreement”), Mr. Stanich will work for us on a full-time basis and will receive a monthly base stipend of $20,000.  Mr. Stanich may receive an annual cash bonus in an amount up to $250,000, as may be determined by the compensation committee of our board of directors in its sole discretion. In addition, Mr. Stanich will be granted 6,000,000 restricted stock units in three annual tranches of 2,000,000 annually and may be granted additional units or options annually, as may be determined by the compensation committee of our board of directors in its sole discretion. The Stanich Agreement will continue until December 1, 2015, and will automatically renew for successive one-year periods, unless a notice of non-renewal is provided by either party at least sixty days prior to the expiration date of the term. 

 

In the event Mr. Stanich’s employment is terminated by us for cause or due to his death, Mr. Stanich will be entitled to receive any accrued and unpaid base salary up to the date of termination.  In the event Mr. Stanich is physically or mentally incapacitated or disabled or otherwise unable to discharge his duties for a period of six months, the Stanich Agreement shall terminate upon 90 days written notice.

 

In the event Mr. Stanich’s employment is terminated by us for any reason other than cause, death or disability, he will be entitled to receive any accrued and unpaid base salary up to the date of termination. In addition, he will be entitled to receive a lump-sum cash payment equal to his (i) base salary and (ii) a bonus equal to 50% of his base salary for the greater of (x) two years following the date of termination and (y) the remainder of the term of the Stanich Agreement. In addition, any issued but unvested options will vest immediately upon such termination. Furthermore, the period of the non-competition provisions in the Stanich Agreement will decrease from two years to one year following termination of his employment.

 

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In the event Mr. Stanich’s employment is terminated by us within six months of a change of control (as defined in the Stanich Agreement), or if Mr. Stanich terminates his employment within six months of a change in control, he will be entitled to receive a lump-sum cash payment equal to his (i) base salary and (ii) a bonus equal to 50% of his base salary for the greater of (x) two years following the date of termination and (y) the remainder of the term of the Stanich Agreement. In addition, any issued but unvested options will vest immediately upon such termination. Furthermore, the period of the non-competition provisions in the Stanich Agreement will decrease from two years to one year following termination of his employment. If our stockholders exchange their shares for stock of any other company, Mr. Stanich will also be entitled to receive an amount equal to the per share price paid to our stockholders less the pre-announcement price of the shares, multiplied by 50,000.

 

The Stanich Agreement contains customary non-competition provisions that extend to two years (or one year upon the occurrence of the events described above) after termination of Mr. Stanich employment with us.  Mr. Stanich also agreed to customary terms regarding confidentiality.

 

Director Compensation

 

The following table summarizes the compensation for our non-employee board of directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. All compensation paid to our employee directors is included under the summary compensation table above.

 

Name  Fees
Earned
or Paid
in Cash
($)
   Stock
Awards
($)(3)(4)
   Option
Awards
($)
   Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
   Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)
   All Other
Compensation
($)
   Total
($)
 
                             
Thomas Trainer   -0-   $143,750    -0-    -0-    -0-   $119,000   $262,750 
                                    
Brian Banmiller   -0-   $106,250    -0-    -0-    -0-   $48,000   $154,250 
                                    
John Barbera (1)   -0-   $100,000    -0-    -0-    -0-   $24,000   $124,000 

 

(1) Mr. Barbera resigned from the Board on June 30, 2014.

(2) Includes $48,000 for director fees and $71,000 for consulting fees

(3) The amounts reported include the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock portion of the discretionary bonus paid to the named director.

(4) The amounts reported include the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock portion of their director fees.

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

The following table sets forth certain information concerning outstanding stock awards held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2014:

 

   Option Awards   Stock Awards 
Name  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable
   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable
   Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
(#)
   Option
Exercise
Price
($)
   Option
Expiration
Date
   Number
Of
Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested
(#)
   Market
Value
Of
Shares
Or
Units
Of
Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested
($)
   Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
Of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have
Not
Vested
(#)
   Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market
or Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested
($)
 
                                     
Adriaan Reinders   -0-    -0-    -0-    -0-    -    -0-    -0-    -0-    -0- 
                                              
Marion Freijsen   -0-    -0-    -0-    -0-    -    -0-    -0-    -0-    -0- 
                                              
Mark Stanich   -0-    -0-    -0-    -0-    -    6,000,000    1,140,000    -0-    -0- 
                                              
Mark Noffke   -0-    -0-    -0-    -0-    -    -0-    -0-    -0-    -0- 
                                              
Ruud Smeets   -0-    -0-    -0-    -0-    -    -0-    -0-    -0-    -0- 
                                              
James E. Solomon (1)   -0-    -0-    -0-    -0-    -    -0-    -0-    -0-    -0- 

 

(1) Mr. Solomon resigned June 30, 2014.

 

ITEM 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

 

Under Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, a beneficial owner of a security includes any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or otherwise has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of shares; and (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares. Certain shares may be deemed to be beneficially owned by more than one person (if, for example, persons share the power to vote or the power to dispose of the shares). In addition, shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by a person if the person has the right to acquire the shares (for example, upon exercise of an option) within 60 days of the date as of which the information is provided. In computing the percentage ownership of any person, the amount of shares outstanding is deemed to include the amount of shares beneficially owned by such person (and only such person) by reason of these acquisition rights.

 

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The following table sets forth information known to us regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock and preferred stock as of March 13, 2015, for:

 

each person known by us at that date to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our based solely on Schedule 13D/13G filings with the SEC;
each of our officers and directors at such date; and
all of our executive officers and directors at such date, as a group.

 

The percentage ownership information shown in the table is based upon 147,733,139 shares of common stock outstanding as of April 10, 2014. The table also sets forth the total voting percentage our common stock for these beneficial owners.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that all persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock beneficially owned by them. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each of the individuals is c/o EFactor Group Corp., 1177 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 5060, New York, NY 10036.

 

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Name and Address of Beneficial
Owner(1)
  Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership of
Common
Stock(2)
   Percent of
Common
Stock
   Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership of
Preferred Stock
(9)(10)
   Percent of
Preferred Stock
   Voting
Power(2) (11)
 
                          
Adriaan Reinders (4)   8,706,445    5.9%   1,250,000    50%   19.1%
Vitis Vinifera Trust (4)   8,706,445    5.9%   1,250,000    50%   19.1%
Marion Freijsen (5)   8,696,445    5.9%   1,250,000    50%   19.1%
Salvia Officinalis Trust (5)   8,696,445    5.9%   1,250,000    50%   19.1%
FreedomLab B.V. (6)   7,994,353    5.4%           3.8%
Quintessentially Publishing Limited (3)   12,465,131    8.5%           6.0%
Martin Prescott   7,600,000    5.2%           3.6%
Ruud Smeets (7)   4,361,293    3.0%           2.1%
Leadersfreight Inc. (7)   4,361,293    3.0%           2.1%
Thomas Trainer   2,267,456    1.5%           1.1%
Mark Stanich   2,815,629    1.9%           1.3%
Mark Noffke   715,894    *            * 
Brian Banmiller   665,436    *            * 
All directors and named executive officers as a group (7 persons)   28,228,598    19.2%   2,500,000    100%   43.3%

____________________________

* Less than 1%.

 

(1)Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each person listed is c/o EFactor Group Corp., 1177 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 5060, New York, New York 10036.
(2)For purposes of this table, shares are considered beneficially owned if the person directly or indirectly has the sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting of the securities or the sole or shared power to dispose of or direct the disposition of the securities. Shares are also considered beneficially owned if a person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of the shares within 60 days of the date of this prospectus.
(3)According to a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on October14, 2014, Quintessentially Publishing Limited reported beneficial ownership of an aggregate of 12,465,131 shares. Paul Drummond, Ben Elliot and Aaron Simpson share voting and investment control over these securities. The address of the principal business office of the reporting person is29 Portland Place, London W1B 1QB, England (United Kingdom).
(4)Mr. Reinders has sole voting and investment control over these securities.

 

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(5)Ms. Freijsen has sole voting and investment control over these securities.
(6)According to a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on December24, 2014, FreedomLab B.V. reported beneficial ownership of an aggregate of 7,994,353 shares. Wilbert van den Haselkamphas sole voting and investment control over these securities. The address of the principal business office of the reporting person is Plantage Middenlaan 62, 1018 DH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
(7)Mr. Smeets has sole voting and investment control over these securities.
(8)Calculated based on one vote per common share and 25 votes per share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.
(9)As of March 9, 2015, there were 2,500,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding.
(10)Includes 1,250,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, which have 25 votes per share, or a total of 31,250,000 additional votes, on any matter brought before the holders of our common stock for a vote.
(11)Calculated based on 209,567,138 shares of common stock outstanding with each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock having 25 votes per share.

 

Series A Preferred Stock (1)

 

Name of Beneficial Owner  Number of
Shares
   Percent of Total
Voting Rights (3)(4)
 
Adriaan Reinders   1,250,000(2)   19.10%
Marion Freijsen   1,250,000(2)   19.10%
Ruud Smeets   -    - 
Thomas Trainer   -    - 
Brian Banmiller   -    - 
Mark Noffke   -    - 
Mark Stanich   -    - 
All Officers and Directors as a Group (7 persons)   2,500,000(4)   38.20%

 

(1)As of February 26, 2015, there were 2,500,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding.  

 

(2)Includes 1,250,000 shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, able to vote at 25 votes per share, or a total of 31,250,000 additional votes on any matter brought before the holders of our common stock for a vote.  

 

(3)Calculated based on 209,567,138shares of common stock outstanding with each share of Series A Preferred Stock having 25 votes per share.  The percentages for Mr. Reinders and Ms. Freijsen are calculated separately for their individual ownership and together for the percentage for all officers and directors together.

 

(4)The last column reflects the total voting rights of Mr. Reinders and Ms. Freijsen when combining their common stock ownership and Series A Preferred Stock ownership.

 

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons.

 

All future related party transactions will be approved, if possible, by a majority of our directors who do not have an interest in the transaction and who will have access, at our expense, to our independent legal counsel.

 

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ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The following is a description of the transactions we have engaged in during the year ended December 31, 2014 and through the date hereof, with our directors and officers and beneficial owners of more than five percent of our voting securities and their affiliates.

 

On February 11, 2013, in connection with the Acquisition and Share Exchange Agreement with The E-Factor Corp., we issued Mr. Reinders, in exchange for his shares of The E-Factor Corp., 2,500,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, of which 1,250,000 were converted into 6,453,111 shares of common stock upon the effectiveness of the 1-for-40 reverse stock split of our common stock.

 

On February 11, 2013, in connection with the Acquisition and Share Exchange Agreement with The E-Factor Corp., we issued Ms. Freijsen, in exchange for her shares of The E-Factor Corp., 2,500,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, of which 1,250,000 were converted into 6,453,111 shares of common stock upon the effectiveness of the 1-for-40 reverse stock split of our common stock.

 

Director Independence

 

Our Board of Directors is comprised of 7 members, 2 of whom (Thomas Trainer and Brian Banmiller) are “independent” within the meaning of Marketplace Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Stock Market.

 

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

 

On February 11, 2013, we engaged, Malone-Bailey, LLP (“Malone-Bailey”) to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the years ending December 31, 2014 and 2013 respectively.  The following table shows the fees that were billed for the audit and other services provided by Malone-Bailey for 2014 and 2013.

 

   2014   2013 
Audit Fees  $57,700   $64,500 
Audit-Related Fees   -    2,000 
Tax Fees   -    2,800 
All Other Fees   12,000    - 
Total  $69,700   $69,300 

 

Audit Fees — This category includes the audit of our annual financial statements, review of financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with engagements for those fiscal years. This category also includes advice on audit and accounting matters that arose during, or as a result of, the audit or the review of interim financial statements.  

 

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Audit-Related Fees — this category consists of assurance and related services by the independent registered public accounting firm that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported above under Audit Fees. The services for the fees disclosed under this category include consultation regarding our correspondence with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other accounting consulting services.

 

Tax Fees — this category consists of professional services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm for tax compliance and tax advice. The services for the fees disclosed under this category include tax return preparation and technical tax advice.

 

All Other Fees — this category consists of fees for other miscellaneous items.

 

Our Board of Directors has adopted a procedure for pre-approval of all fees charged by our independent registered public accounting firm.  Under the procedure, the Board approves the engagement letter with respect to audit, tax and review services.  Other fees are subject to pre-approval by the Board, or, in the period between meetings, by a designated member of Board.  The audit and tax fees paid to the auditors with respect to 2013 were pre-approved by the Board of Directors.

 

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ITEM 15.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

 

Exhibit
No.
  Description
2.1   Agreement and Plan of Merger dated July 27, 2006 by and among Online Holdings, Inc., a Nevada corporation, Standard Drilling Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation, and Standard Drilling, Inc., a Delaware corporation (1)
3.1   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (2)
3.2  

Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, filed with

the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada on October 11, 2013 (3)

3.3   Certificate of Change filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada on October 15, 2013 (4)
3.4   Bylaws (5)
10.1   Acquisition and Share Exchange Agreement by and between the Company and The E-Factor Corp. and Certain of its Shareholders, dated February 1, 2013 (6)
10.2   Sale and Purchase Agreement between The E-Factor Corp. and DASPV, PTE Ltd, dated August 17, 2012, as amended (7)
10.3   Share Exchange Agreement between The E-Factor Corp. and Five5Five PTE Ltd, dated January 8, 2013 (8)
10.4   Agreement and Plan of Merger between The E-Factor Corp. and EQmentor, Inc., dated June 30, 2012, as amended (9)
10.5   Amendment No. 1 to Exchange Agreement between Home Training Initiative Ltd, Five5Five PTE Ltd., The E-Factor Corp. and Standard Drilling, Inc., dated May 7, 2013 (10)
10.6   Employment Agreement between the Company and Adriaan Reinders (11)
10.7   Employment Agreement between the Company and Marion Freijsen (12)
10.8   Share Exchange Agreement (13)
10.9   The E-Factor Corporation 2010 Stock Option Plan (14)
21   Subsidiaries of registrant
31.1**   Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2**   Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1**   Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2**   Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS*   XBRL Instance Document
101.CAL*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.SCH*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.DEF*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 * Filed herewith

 **Furnished herewith

 

(1) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 in our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 27, 2006.
(2) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 in our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 6, 2006.
(3) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 in our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 18, 2013.

 

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(4) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 in our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 18, 2013.
(5) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 in our Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (File Number 333-75434), filed on December 19, 2001.
(6) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 14, 2013.
(7) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 in our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 14, 2013.
(8) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 in our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 14, 2013.
(9) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 in our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 14, 2013.
(10) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File Number 333-183098), initially filed on May 10, 2013.
(11) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 in our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 18, 2013.
(12) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 in our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 18, 2013.
(13) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File Number 333-192574), filed on January 29, 2014.
(14)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 10, 2014.

 

72
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

  

  EFACTOR GROUP CORP.
     
April 14, 2015   By: /s/ Adriaan Reinders  
    Adriaan Reinders
    Chief Executive Officer (Principal
Executive Officer)

 

April 14, 2015   By: /s/ Mark V. Noffke  
    Mark V. Noffke
    Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting
Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Name   Position   Date
         
/s/ Adriaan Reinders   Chief Executive Officer   April 14, 2015
Adriaan Reinders   (Principal Executive Officer)    
         
/s/ Marion Freijsen   Chief Operating Officer   April 14, 2015
Marion Freijsen   and Director    
         
/s/ Thomas Trainer   Director   April 14, 2015
Thomas Trainer        
         
/s/ Brian Banmiller   Director   April 14, 2015
Brian Banmiller        
         
/s/ Ruud Smeets   Director   April 14, 2015
Ruud Smeets        
         
/s/ Mark Stanich   Director   April 14, 2015
Mark Stanich        
         
/s/  Mark V. Noffke   Chief Financial Officer Chief Accounting Officer and Director   April 14, 2015
Mark V. Noffke   (Principal Financial Officer)    

 

73