DEF 14A 1 def14a0723_liveoneinc.htm PROXY STATEMENT

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

________________

Schedule 14A

________________

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No.    )

Filed by the Registrant

 

Filed by a party other than the Registrant

 

Check the appropriate box:

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

 

Definitive Proxy Statement

 

Definitive Additional Materials

 

Soliciting Material under § 240.14a-12

LIVEONE, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

_________________________________________________________________

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):

 

No fee required

 

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials

 

Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11

 

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PROXY STATEMENT

269 South Beverly Drive, Suite 1450
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

To the Stockholders of LiveOne, Inc.:

We are pleased to invite you to attend the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of LiveOne, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), which will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. local time at the principal executive offices of PodcastOne located at 335 North Maple Drive, Suite 127, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, for the following purposes, as more fully described in the accompanying proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”):

1.      to elect the eight director nominees identified in the Proxy Statement to hold office until the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders;

2.      to hold an advisory vote on the frequency of stockholder advisory vote on the Company’s executive compensation;

3.      to ratify the appointment of Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024;

4.      to approve an adjournment of the Annual Meeting to a later date or time, if necessary, to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Annual Meeting to approve any of the proposals presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting; and

5.      to transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Pursuant to the Company’s Bylaws, the Company’s board of directors has fixed the close of business on July 21, 2023 (the “Record Date”) as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof. Holders of the Company’s common stock are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

Thank you for your ongoing support and continued interest in the Company.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

   

/s/ Robert S. Ellin

   

Robert S. Ellin

   

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

   

Beverly Hills, California

   

July 28, 2023

 

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YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR
THE STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2023:

Our Proxy Statement is attached. The Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Proxy Statement, Proxy Card and 2023 Annual Report may be accessed over the internet free of charge at https://xbrlfinancialwidget.com/default.aspx?CIKNum=1491419&view=All.

We are using U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules that allow us to make our Proxy Statement and related materials available on the internet. Accordingly, we are sending a “Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials,” or Notice of Availability, to our stockholders of record instead of a paper Proxy Statement and annual report containing financial statements, unless paper copies have previously been requested. The rules provide us the opportunity to save money on the printing and mailing of our proxy materials and to reduce the impact of our Annual Meeting on the environment. We hope that you will view our Annual Meeting materials over the internet if possible and convenient for you. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the internet or to request a paper or email copy of our proxy materials can also be found in the notice you received.

Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting, please make sure you vote so that your shares will be represented at the Annual Meeting.    Our stockholders can vote over the internet or by telephone as specified in the accompanying voting instructions or by completing and returning a proxy card. This will ensure the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting and save the expense and extra work of additional solicitation. Sending your proxy card will not prevent you from attending the Annual Meeting, revoking your proxy and voting your stock in person.

 

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269 South Beverly Drive, Suite 1450
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER
14, 2023

The board of directors of LiveOne, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“we,” “us,” “our,” LiveOne,” the “Company” or “our Company”) solicits the enclosed proxy for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. local time at the principal executive offices of PodcastOne located at 335 North Maple Drive, Suite 127, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, and for any adjournment or postponement thereof. This proxy statement (this “Proxy Statement”) is being made available to stockholders on or about July 28, 2023.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROXY MATERIALS AND THE ANNUAL MEETING

1.      Q:     Why did I receive a notice regarding the availability of proxy materials on the internet?

A:     Instead of mailing paper proxy materials, we sent a “Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials” to our stockholders of record. We refer to that notice as the Notice of Availability. The Notice of Availability provides instructions on how to view our proxy materials over the internet, how to vote and how to request a paper or email copy of our proxy materials. This method of providing proxy materials is permitted under rules adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). We hope that following this procedure will allow us to save money on the printing and mailing of those materials and to reduce the impact that our Annual Meeting has on the environment.

We intend to mail the Notice of Availability on or about July 28, 2023 to all of our stockholders of record entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

2.      Q:     What is the purpose of the Annual Meeting?

A:     At the Annual Meeting, our stockholders will act upon the matters outlined in this Proxy Statement, including:

        election of the eight members of our board of directors, the director nominees being Robert S. Ellin, Jay Krigsman, Craig Foster, Ramin Arani, Patrick Wachsberger, Kenneth Solomon, Bridget Baker and Kristopher Wright (Proposal No. 1);

        advisory vote on the frequency of stockholder advisory vote on our executive compensation (Proposal No. 2);

        ratification of Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024 (Proposal No. 3); and

        approval of the adjournment of the Annual Meeting, if necessary, if a quorum is present, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Annual Meeting to approve any of the proposals presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting (Proposal No. 4).

Our management, certain members of our board of directors and representatives of Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, will be present at the Annual Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.

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3.      Q:     Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?

A:     Only common stockholders as of the close of business on July 21, 2023 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting. As of the Record Date, there were issued and outstanding and entitled to vote 90,198,395 shares of our common stock, $0.001 par value per share.

4.      Q:     What are the voting rights of the holders of our common stock?

A:     Each outstanding share of our common stock will be entitled to one vote on each of the proposals presented at the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.

5.      Q:     Which of my shares may I vote?

A:     All shares owned by you as of the close of business on the Record Date may be voted by you. These shares include shares that are (i) held directly in your name as the stockholder of record and (ii) held for you as the beneficial owner through a broker, bank or other nominee.

6.      Q:     Who can attend the Annual Meeting?

A:     All of our stockholders as of the Record Date may attend the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof. Even if your shares are held in “street name,” as the beneficial owner of shares, you are invited to attend the Annual Meeting. However, if you wish to attend the Annual Meeting, please bring to the Annual Meeting your bank or brokerage statement or a letter from your nominee evidencing your beneficial ownership of our stock and a form of personal identification. We reserve the right to deny admission to anyone who cannot show valid identification or sufficient proof of share ownership as of the Record Date.

Please contact us at (310) 601-2505 or tenia@liveone.com for directions to the Annual Meeting.

7.      Q:     Can I find out who the stockholders are?

A:     A list of stockholders as of the Record Date will be available for examination by any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the Annual Meeting, during ordinary business hours for ten days prior to the Annual Meeting at the office of the Office Manager of the Company at the above address, and at the time and place of the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.

8.      Q:     What constitutes a quorum?

A:     Presence at the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of our common stock outstanding on the Record Date will constitute a quorum, permitting the Annual Meeting to proceed and business to be conducted. Abstentions and broker non-votes are included in the calculation of the number of shares considered to be present at the Annual Meeting. At the close of business on the Record Date, we had 90,198,395 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote.

9.      Q:     What is the difference between holding shares as a “record holder” versus a “beneficial owner”?

A:     Some of our stockholders hold their shares through a broker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. As summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially:

Record holders — If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, VStock Transfer, LLC, you are, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of record or “record holder.” As the record holder, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to us or to vote in person at the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof. We have enclosed or sent a proxy card for you to use. You may also vote by mail, over the internet or by telephone, as described below under the heading “Voting — How do I vote?”

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Beneficial owners — If your shares are held in a brokerage account or bank or by another nominee, you are, with respect to those shares, the “beneficial owner” of shares held in “street name.” As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your nominee on how to vote or to vote in person at the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.

However, since you are not a record holder, you may not vote these shares in person at the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, unless you obtain a “legal proxy” from your nominee (who is the record holder), giving you the right to vote the shares. If you do not wish to vote in person, you may vote by mail, over the internet or by telephone, as described below under the heading “Voting — How can I vote?”

10.    Q:     How do I vote?

A:     If you are a registered stockholder of common stock on the Record Date, meaning that you hold your shares in certificate form or through an account with our transfer agent, VStock Transfer, LLC (“VStock Transfer”), and you wish to vote prior to the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, you may vote over the Internet, by mail or in person at the Annual Meeting:

        Over the Internet.    Go to the website of our tabulator, VStock Transfer, at https://www.shareholderaccountingsoftware.com/vstock/pxlogin. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the website and follow the instructions to vote your shares. You must submit your Internet proxy before 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on September 13, 2023, the day prior to the Annual Meeting, for your proxy to be valid and your vote to count.

        By Mail.    Complete and sign your proxy card and mail it to VStock Transfer, LLC, 18 Lafayette Place, Woodmere, NY 11598, in the postage prepaid envelope we provided. VStock must receive the proxy card not later than September 13, 2023, the day before the Annual Meeting, for your proxy to be valid and your vote to count.

        In Person at the Meeting.    You can vote in person by attending the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, and delivering your completed proxy card in person or by completing a ballot, which we will provide to you at the meeting.

If on the Record Date your shares are held in street name, the proxy materials are being forwarded to you by or on behalf of your bank, broker or other nominee. If you received the proxy materials directly from Broadridge, follow the instructions above for stockholders of record. If you received the proxy materials from your bank, broker or other nominee, follow the instructions provided by your bank, broker or other nominee explaining how you can vote. If you would like to vote in person at the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, contact your bank, broker or other nominee who holds your shares to obtain a broker’s proxy card and bring it with you to the Annual Meeting, along with a bank or brokerage statement or a letter from your nominee evidencing your beneficial ownership of our stock and a form of personal identification. A broker’s proxy is not the form of proxy enclosed with this Proxy Statement. You will not be able to vote shares you hold in street name in person at the Annual Meeting unless you have a proxy from your bank, broker or other nominee issued in your name giving you the right to vote your shares.

11.    Q:     What if I do not specify how my shares are to be voted?

A:     If you are the stockholder of record and you submit a proxy but do not provide any voting instructions, your shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of our board of directors. If you hold your shares in street name and do not instruct your bank or broker how to vote, it will nevertheless be entitled to vote your shares of common stock with respect to “routine” items but not with respect to “non-routine” items.

Please note that at the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, we believe that only the advisory vote on the frequency of stockholder advisory vote on our executive compensation (Proposal No. 2), the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm (Proposal No. 3) and the approval of an adjournment of the Annual Meeting, if necessary (Proposal No. 4), will each be considered a “routine” matter. Under applicable rules, banks and brokers are permitted to

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vote the shares held in their name for the account of a beneficial holder for “routine” matters, even if such bank or broker does not receive instructions from the beneficial holder. We will refer to these votes cast by banks and brokers without instruction from the relevant beneficial holder as “Broker Discretionary Votes.” We believe that based on the policies of most banks and brokers, the majority of Broker Discretionary Votes will be cast in accordance with the recommendations of our board of directors, and therefore “FOR” Proposal No. 2, “FOR” Proposal No. 3 and “FOR” Proposal No. 4. We believe that the other proposal (Proposals No. 1) will be considered a “non-routine” item, and your broker will not have discretion to vote on this proposal. We will refer to these shares not voted by banks and brokers in absence of instructions from the relevant beneficial holder as “broker non-votes.”

It is therefore important that you provide instructions to your bank or broker so that your shares are voted accordingly.

12.    Q:     What is a broker non-vote?

A:     Generally, a broker non-vote occurs when shares held by a nominee for a beneficial owner are not voted with respect to a particular proposal because (i) the nominee has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner with respect to such proposal (despite voting on at least one other proposal for which it does have discretionary authority or for which it has received instructions) and (ii) the nominee lacks discretionary voting power to vote such shares. Under the rules of The Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”), a nominee does not have discretionary voting power with respect to “non-routine” matters or the election of directors. The advisory vote on the frequency of stockholder advisory vote on our executive compensation (Proposal No. 2), the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm (Proposal No. 3) and the approval of an adjournment of the Annual Meeting, if necessary (Proposal No. 4), are each a routine matter and the other proposal is a non-routine matter.

If you are the beneficial owner of our common stock, your nominee will send you directions on how you can instruct them to vote.

13.    Q:     May I change my vote after I return my proxy?

A:     Yes. You may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the proxy is exercised. Record holders may change their vote by:

        a timely, valid, later-dated proxy;

        a timely written notice of revocation submitted to our Office Manager at our principal executive offices at 269 South Beverly Drive, Suite 1450, Beverly Hills, CA 90212; or

        attending the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, and voting in person.

Beneficial owners may change their vote by complying with the instructions on their voting instruction cards.

You should be aware that simply attending the Annual Meeting will not in and of itself constitute a revocation of your proxy.

14.    Q:     How does our board of directors recommend that I vote?

A:     Our board of directors recommends that you vote your shares:

        FOR the election of each of the director nominees named in this Proxy Statement (Proposal No. 1);

        FOR the frequency of stockholder advisory vote on our executive compensation of EVERY THREE YEARS (Proposal No. 2);

        FOR the ratification of Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024 (Proposal No. 3); and

        FOR the approval of an adjournment of the Annual Meeting, if necessary (Proposal No. 4).

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15.    Q:     Vote Requirement — How many votes are required to approve each item?

A:     Election of directors (Proposal No. 1) — If a quorum is present, a plurality of the votes cast shall be sufficient to elect directors (that is the nominees for our directors who receive the most votes will be elected). For purposes of electing directors, not voting or withholding your vote by voting “abstain” (or a direction to your broker, bank or other nominee to withhold your vote, called a “broker non-vote”) is not counted as a vote cast, and therefore will have no effect on the outcome of the election of directors.

All other proposals (Proposals No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 and any other items properly brought before the Annual Meeting) — If a quorum is present, approval of each of these proposals and any other item properly brought before the Annual Meeting requires that the votes cast in favor of such action exceed the votes cast opposing such action. For purposes of these votes, abstentions or not voting on a matter will not be counted as either votes cast for or against this proposal and therefore will not count in determining the approval of these proposals. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of these proposals.

The results of Proposals No. 2, 3 and 4 are not binding on our board of directors.

16.    Q:     What happens if a nominee is unable to stand for election?

A:     If a nominee is unable to stand for election, the board of directors may either reduce the number of directors to be elected or select a substitute nominee. If a substitute nominee is selected, the proxy holders will vote your shares for the substitute nominee, unless you have voted “Withhold” with respect to the original nominee.

17.    Q:     Vote Count — How are votes counted?

A:     Votes will be counted by the inspector of election appointed for the Annual Meeting, who will separately count, for each proposal votes “For,” “Against,” abstentions and broker non-votes.

18.    Q:     Voting Results — Where can I find the voting results of the Annual Meeting?

A:     We will publish the final voting results of the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC within four business days after the Annual Meeting.

19.    Q:     What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials?

A:     You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of the Notice of Availability, this Proxy Statement and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you may receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account. If you are a record holder and your shares are registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one Notice of Availability or proxy card. If you receive multiple sets of voting materials, please vote each Notice of Availability, proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive.

20.    Q:     Who will pay the costs of soliciting these proxies?

A:     Proxies will be solicited initially by mail. Further solicitation may be made in person or by telephone, email or facsimile by members of our management. We will bear the expense of preparing, printing and mailing this Proxy Statement and accompanying materials to our stockholders. Upon request, we will reimburse brokers, banks or similar entities acting as nominees for reasonable expenses incurred in forwarding copies of the proxy materials relating to the Annual Meeting to the beneficial owners of our common stock.

21.    Q:     What happens if additional matters are presented at the Annual Meeting?

A:     Other than the two proposals described in this Proxy Statement, we are not aware of any other business to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof. If you grant a proxy, the persons named as proxy holders, Robert S. Ellin, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Aaron Sullivan, our Interim Chief Financial Officer, will have the discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting.

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22.    Q:     Who can help answer my questions?

A:     If you have any questions about our proxy materials or the Annual Meeting, you can contact our Office Manager at:

LiveOne, Inc.
269 South Beverly Drive, Suite 1450
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Attention: Office Manager
(310) 601-2505

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

We have adopted a Code of Ethics for our directors, officers and employees, which, in conjunction with our Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and board of directors’ committee charters, form our framework for governance. All of these documents are publicly available on our investor relations/corporate governance website at http://ir.livexlive.com/ir-home or may be obtained upon written request to:

LiveOne, Inc.
269 South Beverly Drive, Suite 1450
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Attention: Office Manager

Governance Highlights

We are committed to maintaining high standards of business conduct and corporate governance, which we believe are essential to running our business efficiently, serving our stockholders well and maintaining our integrity in the marketplace. Some of the highlights of our corporate governance include:

What We Do:

        7 of 8 directors are independent

        Annual election of all members of our board of directors (see Proposal No. 1)

        Every six years, an advisory vote on the frequency of stockholder advisory vote on our executive compensation (see Proposal No. 2)

        Annual advisory vote to ratify independent auditor (see Proposal No. 3)

        Restrictive stock ownership and insider trading guidelines

        Regular board of directors self-assessments at both individual and committee levels

        Board of directors committee members are all independent

What We Don’t Do:

        No repricing of underwater stock options without stockholder approval

        No hedging of Company securities per Company policy

        No pledging of Company securities without preapproval per Company policy

Director Independence

Our board of directors currently consists of eight directors, seven of whom are independent (as determined by our board of directors), one of whom serves as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Our board of directors has reviewed the independence of our directors and has determined that each of Messrs. Foster, Krigsman, Arani, Wachsberger, Solomon and Wright and Ms. Baker qualify as an independent director pursuant to Rule 5605(a)(2) of Nasdaq and applicable SEC rules and regulations. In making this determination, our board of directors considered the relationships that each of these non-employee directors has with us and all other facts and circumstances our board of directors deemed relevant in determining their independence.

Board Composition and Director Qualifications

Our Nominating Committee periodically assesses the appropriate size and composition of our board of directors, taking into account our specific needs. The committee utilizes various methods for identifying and evaluating candidates for director. Candidates may come to the attention of the committee through recommendations of directors, management, stockholders and professional search firms. Generally, the committee seeks members with diverse

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backgrounds, viewpoints and life and professional experiences, which contribute to the board of directors’ broad spectrum of experience and expertise, and who have a reputation of integrity, provided such individuals should all have a high level of management and/or financial experience.

While we have no formal diversity policy that applies to the consideration of director candidates, the Nominating Committee has determined that diversity should be an important consideration in the selection of candidates, and that the board should be comprised of members who reflect diversity not only in race and gender, but also in viewpoints, experiences, backgrounds, skills and other qualities and attributes. The board and the Nominating Committee recognize the value of gender, race, ethnicity and age diversity and are focused on expanding the board to continue to diversify its makeup. Consistent with this commitment, the board appointed its first female member during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020 and appointed Mr. Wright during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 and continues to search for other suitable diverse candidates.

Rather than being bound by one-size-fits-all policies regarding the composition of our board of directors, the Nominating Committee instead seeks to make individual, facts-specific determinations. We believe that our Company requires specialized experience and expertise in its leaders due to the uniqueness of its business and industry. Commencing with our 2020 fiscal year, the Nominating Committee annually assesses the appropriateness of the size of our board of directors, the skill set mix of each director, and the performance of each director when reviewing the annual board self-assessments, where each director has the opportunity to provide comprehensive feedback on himself/herself, his/her peers and the board as a whole. Two of the current members of our board of directors have been our directors since 2011 and 2012 respectively, and the other six director nominees named in this Proxy Statement joined us in 2017, 2019, and 2021, reflecting our evolving and expanding business and leadership needs.

The Nominating Committee does not mandate an age or length of service at which a director must resign, and instead focuses on whether each director continues to provide value to the company and its stockholders. The Nominating Committee has committed itself to carefully considering diversity when evaluating future director candidates, giving strong consideration to candidates that would contribute to the board’s gender, ethnic and other diversity.

At a minimum, directors should:

        have experience in positions with a high degree of responsibility;

        demonstrate strong leadership skills;

        have the time, energy, interest and willingness to serve as a director; and

        contribute to the mix of skills, core competencies and qualifications of the board of directors and management.

In addition, our board of directors reconstituted our board committees in February 2021 and our Nominating Committee in October 2022 to more closely reflect the committees’ composition with the skills and experience of our board members.

In addition to recommendations from directors, management and professional search firms, the Nominating Committee will consider director candidates properly submitted by our stockholders. Stockholder recommendations should be sent to the Office Manager at our principal executive offices. The Nominating Committee will review all potential director nominees in the same manner, regardless of the source of the recommendation, in accordance with its charter.

Our Nominating Committee currently consists of Messrs. Foster, Krigsman and Wright, with Mr. Foster serving as the chairman.

Board Leadership Structure

Currently, the office of Chairman of our board of directors and Chief Executive Officer are held by Robert S. Ellin. Due to our size and early stage of operations, we believe it is currently most effective to have the Chairman of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer positions be held by the same individual. Under our Bylaws, the Chairman of the board of directors is responsible for coordinating the board of directors’ activities, including the scheduling of meetings and the determination of relevant agenda items.

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Risk Oversight and Compensation Risk Assessment

Our board of directors oversees a company-wide approach to risk management. Our board of directors determines the appropriate risk level for us generally, assesses the specific risks faced by us and reviews the steps taken by our management to manage those risks. While our board of directors has ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, its committees oversee risk in certain specified areas.

Specifically, our Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to our executive compensation plans and arrangements, and the incentives created by the compensation awards it administers. Our Audit Committee oversees management of enterprise risks and financial risks, as well as potential conflicts of interests. Our board of directors is responsible for overseeing the management of risks associated with the independence of our board of directors.

Our management also reviews and reports on potential areas of risk at the request of the Audit Committee or other members of the board of directors.

We believe that our compensation policies and practices do not create inappropriate or unintended significant risk to our Company as a whole. We also believe that our incentive compensation arrangements provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond our ability to effectively identify and manage significant risks, are compatible with effective internal controls and our risk management practices and are supported by the oversight and administration of the Compensation Committee with regard to executive compensation programs.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller, which is a “code of ethics” as defined by applicable SEC rules. The purpose and role of this code is to, among other things, focus our directors, officers and employees on areas of ethical risk, provide guidance to help them recognize and deal with ethical issues, provide mechanisms to report unethical or unlawful conduct and to help enhance and formalize our culture of integrity, honesty and accountability. If we make any amendments to this code, other than technical, administrative or other non-substantive amendments, or grant any waivers, including implicit waivers, from any provision of this code that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Controller, or persons performing similar functions, and that relates to an element of the SEC’s “code of ethics” definition, then we will disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver in the “Corporate Governance” section of our investor relations/corporate governance website http://ir.livexlive.com/ir-home.

Insider Trading Policy Waiver

On April 9, 2022, our board of directors, by a unanimous vote, including by all of its disinterested members, approved the request made by Mr. Robert Ellin, our Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, director and principal stockholder, for a one-time exception to our Insider Trading Policy which prohibits, among other things, purchases and sales of our securities in the public markets during the “closed trading window” that follows the end our fourth fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2022. The exception granted on a one-time basis the ability for any officer, director, employee or consultant of our Company to engage in such purchases and sales of our securities in the public market, if such person desires, until the earlier of (i) such time as such person utilizing this waiver is in possession of any material, non-public information and (ii) April 29, 2022, subject to such person confirming to us before any purchase or sale of our securities that such person is not aware of any material, non-public information. Subsequent to receipt of the exception, Mr. Ellin executed two one-time purchases on April 20, 2022 and April 28, 2022 for an aggregate of 50,000 shares of our common stock purchased on such dates, which trades were reported on a Form 4 timely filed with the SEC on the same dates. In addition, we settled a small amount of restricted stock units issued to our employees that vested during such exception period and an applicable portion of the underlying shares was sold in the public market to cover applicable federal and state taxes.

Policy Regarding Attendance at Annual Meetings of Stockholders

We do not have a policy with regard to board members’ attendance at annual meetings. We expect that our Chairman and one or more of the other directors will attend our Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.

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Stockholder Communications

Stockholders and other interested parties may communicate with the board of directors, any committee thereof, the independent or non-management directors as a group or any individual director in writing. All such written communications must identify the recipient and be forwarded by mail to:

LiveOne, Inc.
269 South Beverly Drive, Suite 1450
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Attention: Office Manager

The Office Manager will act as agent for the directors in facilitating such communications. In that capacity, the Office Manager may review, sort and summarize the communications.

Complaints about accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters may be made by utilizing our Business Integrity web-reporting tool, which we are in the process of implementing.

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PROPOSAL NO. 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Director Nominees

Our board of directors is soliciting approval of the following director nominees:

        Robert S. Ellin

        Jay Krigsman

        Craig Foster

        Ramin Arani

        Patrick Wachsberger

        Kenneth Solomon

        Bridget Baker

        Kristopher Wright

As we elect all members of our board of directors annually, the eight nominees will serve for a one-year term expiring on the date of our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their successors are elected or their earlier resignation or removal. All of the director nominees are current members of the board of directors and are standing for re-election.

Each of the director nominees has indicated a willingness to serve, or continue to serve, as a director if elected. If any director nominee becomes unable to serve, the board of directors may designate a substitute nominee, in which case the designated proxy holders, Mr. Ellin and Mr. Sullivan, will vote for such substitute nominee.

Vote Required

A plurality of votes cast will be required to elect each director nominee (that is the nominees for our directors who receive the most votes will be elected). For purposes of electing directors, not voting, withholding your vote by voting “abstain” or a broker non-vote is not counted as a vote cast, and therefore will have no effect on the outcome of the election of directors.

The Board of Directors Unanimously Recommends a Vote FOR
Each Named Director Nominee.

General Information About the Board of Directors

Our Bylaws provide that our business and affairs will be managed by, or under the direction of, our board of directors. Set forth below is biographical information for the director nominees as of the date of this Proxy Statement, and the qualifications that led our board of directors to conclude that each should serve as a director.

Robert S. Ellin, Age: 58

        Professional Background:    Mr. Ellin has served as our Chairman (or Executive Chairman prior to September 1, 2017) of our board of directors since September 2011 and as our Chief Executive Officer (or President prior to September 1, 2017) since September 2011. On September 2, 2017, our board of directors changed Mr. Ellin’s title from President to Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Ellin formerly served as our Chief Executive Officer from September 9, 2011 to April 30, 2014 and as our Chief Financial Officer from April 26, 2012 until September 30, 2013. Mr. Ellin has more than 20 years of investment and turnaround experience. He is Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of Trinad Capital Master Fund Ltd. (“Trinad Capital”). Trinad Capital is our principal stockholder and a hedge fund dedicated to investing in micro-cap public companies. Mr. Ellin was a founder and served as a member of the board of directors from February 2005 to September 2013, and as Executive Chairman of the board of directors, of Mandalay Digital Group, Inc. (MNDL) from December 2011 to April 2013. He has also served on the Board of Governors at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, California since March 2007. Prior to

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joining Trinad Capital, Mr. Ellin was the founder and President of Atlantis Equities, Inc. (“Atlantis”), a private investment company. Founded in 1990, Atlantis actively managed an investment portfolio of small capitalization public companies as well as select private company investments. Mr. Ellin played an active role in Atlantis investee companies including board representation, management selection, corporate finance and other advisory services. Through Atlantis and related companies, he spearheaded investments into THQ, Inc., Grand Toys, Forward Industries, Inc. (FORD), Majesco Entertainment (COOL) and iWon.com. Mr. Ellin also completed a leveraged buyout of S&S Industries, Inc. where he served as President from 1996 to 1998. S&S Industries was one of the largest manufacturers in the world of underwires which had strong partnerships with leading companies including Bally’s, Maidenform, and Sara Lee. Prior to founding Atlantis Equities, Mr. Ellin worked in Institutional Sales at LF Rothschild and was Manager of Retail Operations at Lombard Securities. Mr. Ellin received his BBA degree from Pace University.

        Board Membership Qualifications:    Our board of directors has concluded that Mr. Ellin is well-qualified to serve on our board of directors and has the requisite qualifications, skills and perspectives based on, among other factors, him being the Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of Trinad Capital, our controlling stockholder, and his extensive business, investment, finance and public company experience, particularly in investing in micro-cap public companies.

Jay Krigsman, Age: 58

        Professional Background:    Mr. Krigsman has served as a director of our Company since April 26, 2012. Mr. Krigsman has been the Executive Vice President and Asset Manager of The Krausz Companies since 1992, where he assists in property acquisitions, oversees the company’s property management team and is responsible for developing and implementing strategic leasing programs. Prior to joining The Krausz Companies, Mr. Krigsman had the senior leasing responsibilities for Birtcher Development Co. Mr. Krigsman holds a Certified Commercial Investment Member designation from the CCIM Institute, a Sr. Certified Leasing Specialist designation from the International Council of Shopping Centers and holds a California Real Estate Broker’s License. Mr. Krigsman currently serves on the board of directors of Trinad Capital, our principal stockholder. Mr. Krigsman received a BA in Business Administration from the University of Maryland.

        Board Membership Qualifications:    Our board of directors has concluded that Mr. Krigsman is well-qualified to serve on our board of directors and has the requisite qualifications, skills and perspectives based on, among other factors, his professional background and experience in acquisitions and management and him being the Executive Vice President and Asset Manager of The Krausz Companies for over 20 years.

Craig Foster, Age: 52

        Professional Background:    Mr. Foster has served as a director of our Company since July 7, 2017. Mr. Foster has 25 years of management experience in finance, operations and capital markets, having served as CFO of several public and private technology companies. Since 2021, Mr. Foster has been serving as the CFO of PicsArt Inc., a consumer software company. Prior to PicsArt he was CFO of Inseego Corp. (INSG), a cloud services company, from 2020 to 2021, Bright Machines, Inc., a robotics automation company, from 2018 to 2020, Financial Engines, Inc., a financial software company, from 2017 to 2018, Amobee, Inc., a digital advertising platform, from 2015 to 2017 and Ubiquiti Networks (UI), a publicly traded communications company, from 2013 to 2015. Prior to his executive roles he worked in the software investment banking groups of Credit Suisse, UBS and RBC Capital Markets. Mr. Foster has also held various management positions at LoudCloud, a software and services platform, PricewaterhouseCoopers, a public accounting firm and Deloitte, a public accounting firm. Mr. Foster holds an M.B.A. in Finance from the Wharton School of Business and a B.A. in Economics from the University of California, San Diego.

        Board Membership Qualifications:    Our board of directors has concluded that Mr. Foster is well-qualified to serve on our board of directors and has the requisite qualifications, skills and perspectives based on, among other factors, his experience in technology and software for over 10 years.

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Ramin Arani, Age: 53

        Professional Background:    Mr. Arani has been serving as a member of our board of directors since January 14, 2019. Mr. Arani currently serves as an advisor to LionTree, LLC, a global investment banking firm headquartered in New York City, a role he has held since April 2023, and as a partner at &vest Capital since February 2022. Mr. Arani also currently serves on the boards of directors of Brunello Cucinelli SpA, an Italy-based company engaged in the fashion industry which is listed on the Milan Stock Exchange, and FAST Acquisition Corp II, a NYSE listed special purpose acquisition company. Most recently Mr. Arani served as the Chief Financial Officer of Vice Media Group from November 2019 until December 2021. Prior to that Mr. Arani was a Portfolio Manager at Fidelity Management & Research Company (“FMR Co”), the investment adviser for Fidelity’s family of mutual funds, until his retirement at the end of 2018. Most recently Ramin was Fund Manager of the Fidelity Puritan Fund from February 2008 through September 2018 where the fund achieved top 5% performance relative to Lipper and Morningstar Balanced Fund Peers over all key performance time periods. The Fund was a 5 star rated & Silver designated Fund according to Morningstar, under his management. FMR Co is a wholly owned subsidiary of FMR LLC, which is a greater than 5% stockholder of our Company and acquired its position as part of our public offering completed in December 2017. Fidelity Investments is a leading provider of investment management, retirement planning, portfolio guidance, brokerage, benefits outsourcing, and other financial products and services to more than 20 million individuals, institutions and financial intermediaries. Prior to the Puritan Fund, Mr. Arani managed the Fidelity Trend Fund for 7 years, the Health Care Sector Fund in the late 90’s and the Retail Select Fund in the mid-late ‘90’s. As a Fidelity research analyst from 1992-2000 Mr. Arani covered the Aerospace & Defense, REIT, Retail, and Pharmaceutical industries. As an investor in private companies for the past 13 years, Ramin has served on several company boards of directors, such as Legendary Pictures, Vice, Moda Operandi, Rent the Runway, Goop, and Emotion Network. Mr. Arani has also personally been a founding partner and/or board member of Rumble Boxing, ED by Ellen Degeneres and Girlgaze. Among his philanthropic efforts, Mr. Arani has served on the boards of directors of The College Foundation of the University of Virginia, The Nichols School, the Institute for Global Leadership at Tufts University, Opportunity Network, Devereux Cleo Wallace and national dog rescue Danny & Ron’s Rescue. Mr. Arani earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations from Tufts University. He also received the 1994, 1996 and 1998 Institutional Investor “Best of the Buyside” awards for his research work.

        Board Membership Qualifications:    Our board of directors has concluded that Mr. Arani is well-qualified to serve on our board of directors and has the requisite qualifications, skills and perspectives based on, among other factors, his experience in the investment industry for over 25 years, including deep understanding of the capital markets.

Patrick Wachsberger, Age: 71

        Professional Background:    Mr. Wachsberger has been serving as a member of our board of directors since January 25, 2019. Mr. Wachsberger currently serves as the founder and manager of Picture Perfect Entertainment LLC, a film and television production and distribution studio he founded in 2018. Prior to that, Mr. Wachsberger was serving as Co-Chairman of Lionsgate Films (Lionsgate Motion Picture Group), an American film production and film distribution studio (“Lionsgate”), joining in January 2012 when Lionsgate acquired Summit Entertainment, which he helped launch in 1993. Mr. Wachsberger has risen to become one of the leading international film executives in the world during his 30-year motion picture industry career. As Co-Chairman at Lionsgate, Mr. Wachsberger oversaw all aspects of Lionsgate’s feature film acquisition, production and distribution and was responsible for leading its motion picture business around the world. During his tenure, Lionsgate’s feature film slate generated nearly $10 billion at the global box office over the past five years, led by the critically-acclaimed breakout sensation Wonder, the global box office phenomenon La Land, winner of six Academy Awards ®, double Oscar® winner Hacksaw Ridge, and the blockbuster Hunger Games, John Wick, and Now You See Me franchises. Other recent hits include The Hitman’s Bodyguard, The Big Sick (in partnership with Amazon Studios) and The Shack. Under Mr. Wachsberger’s leadership, Lionsgate built a global distribution infrastructure encompassing nearly 20 output deals in major territories, including the successful 50/50 joint venture of International

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Distribution Company in Latin America and Lionsgate’s successful self-distribution operations in the U.K. Lionsgate, while also continuing to grow its film business in China and India. Mr. Wachsberger was awarded in 2017 the prestigious honor of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters), received CineEurope’s International Distributor of the Year award in 2018 and was named as a “Game Changer” at the 2016 Zurich Film Festival.

        Board Membership Qualifications:    Our board of directors has concluded that Mr. Wachsberger is well-qualified to serve on the board of directors and has the requisite qualifications, skills and perspectives based on, among other factors, his extensive experience and leadership in the media and entertainment industry, including with respect to the acquisition, production, growth and distribution of various entertainment assets.

Kenneth Solomon, Age: 60

        Professional Background:    Mr. Solomon has been serving as a member of our board of directors since May 24, 2019. Mr. Solomon currently serves as the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of The Tennis Channel, Inc., which operates a professional sports and tennis lifestyle-based television channel. Mr. Solomon is also a Partner of Arcadia Investment Partners, a private investment firm, serves as the Chairman of Ovation TV, Inc., and since 2008 has been serving as a director of World Golf Tour, Inc. Previously Mr. Solomon served as Founding President of Fine Living Network, LLC (also known as Fine Living TV Network) (formerly Fine Living Cable Network). He led the network from concept through launch in just over three years and ultimately to 25,000,000 subscribers and agreements with distributors representing 73% of the cable and satellite universe. Prior to launching Fine Living, he served as founding president of iBlast. Mr. Solomon was responsible for building the nation’s largest and farthest-reaching digital distribution network, with 18 major broadcast groups comprising 246 individual television stations, covering 93% of U.S. television households. He served as President of Universal Studios Television (also Studios USA Television) where he oversaw worldwide program and asset development and distribution activities for primetime network, cable, syndication, and made-for-television movies. Mr. Solomon also served as Co-head of DreamWorks Television, where he worked with the new studio’s legendary founders to help create and develop its worldwide television operations. He also has held senior positions at News Corp., including Executive Vice President of network distribution of Fox Broadcasting through its transitional ascending period where he was responsible for all network affiliate relations, as well as leading the network’s successful conversion of dozens of CBS, ABC and NBC affiliates to Fox, and launching the NFL and NHL franchises. He also served as Executive Vice President and General Sales Manager of Twentieth Century Fox Domestic Television. Mr. Solomon was integrally involved in the formative development, sale and launch of FX cable network, News Corp.’s first venture into basic cable. He held key leadership positions at a number of preeminent media and television companies. Mr. Solomon has more than 20 years of experience in cable, new media, TV production, distribution, and advertising through top posts at Universal Television, DreamWorks, News Corp. and Scripps. Mr. Solomon captured the Emmy award for best drama with “Law & Order” and pioneered the licensing of an original series across multiple network platforms with “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” to NBC and USA Network. Mr. Solomon received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from UCLA. Mr. Solomon has been honored as “Humanitarian of the Year” by H.E.L.P. Group.

        Board Membership Qualifications:    Our board of directors has concluded that Mr. Solomon is well-qualified to serve on the board of directors and has the requisite qualifications, skills and perspectives based on, among other factors, his extensive experience and leadership in the media and entertainment industry, including entertainment asset development and distribution.

Bridget Baker, Age: 61

        Professional Background:    Ms. Baker has been serving as a member of our board of directors since October 20, 2019. As Chief Executive Officer of Baker Media Inc., Ms. Baker advises and represents major media and technology companies. Prior to establishing Baker Media in 2013, Ms. Baker had a distinguished 22-year career at NBCUniversal as a cofounder of CNBC and ultimately, from 2006 to 2013, the company’s first President of TV Networks Distribution, overseeing its $5 billion content distribution

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business. In this role, she was a member of the company’s Management Committee, the top 1% senior executives, and at the forefront of a wide range of strategic initiatives, from expanding coverage of the Olympic Games to creating Hulu. She was a key player in over $50 billion of corporate mergers and acquisitions, including Universal Studios, Bravo and Telemundo. She established the first ever women’s affinity group at NBCUniversal, the award-winning Women’s Network, and served as chair from 2005-2009. Additionally, she served on the boards of the Sundance Channel, the NBC Peacock Foundation and Women in Cable & Telecommunications. From 2013 to 2018, Ms. Baker served as a member of the board of directors of General Communication, Inc., the largest Alaska-based communications provider offering a full range of wireless, data, video, and managed services to residential customers, businesses, governmental entities, and educational and medical institutions. Ms. Baker received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Studies from Pitzer College where she is an 18-year Trustee and was honored in 2010 as a Distinguished Alumni.

        Board Membership Qualifications:    Our board of directors has concluded that Ms. Baker is well-qualified to serve on the board of directors and has the requisite qualifications, skills and perspectives based on, among other factors, her extensive experience and leadership in the media, tech and entertainment industry, including content distribution and strategy, as well bringing diversity in viewpoints, experiences, backgrounds, skills and other qualities and attributes to the board of directors.

Kristopher Wright, Age: 48

        Professional Background:    Mr. Wright has been serving as a member of our board of directors since May 21, 2021. Mr. Wright is a senior leader in the Consumer Products Industry with more than 20 years of innovative, growth oriented, results-driven leadership experience. Mr. Wright has spent the past 10 years at Nike and is currently Vice President of Nike Global Men’s Footwear Lifestyle Product. Prior to joining Nike, Mr. Wright held senior management roles at Converse, Jordan, and Reebok. In October 2020, Mr. Wright was recognized by Business Insider as one of 28 Outstanding People of Color in the Sneaker Industry. Prior to joining Nike, Mr. Wright founded the luxury lifestyle footwear brand Jhung Yuro, where as Chief Executive Officer, he led the company’s Far East factory/supplier sourcing and negotiations, developed marketing initiatives, established distribution and merchandising strategies for a wide variety of retail partners. In 2008 Headgear purchased a 50% stake in Jhung Yuro to launch a joint venture partnership which provided infrastructure and resources to grow the brand. Additionally, Mr. Wright is an appointed member of the Executive Leadership Council, a national organization of Black CEOs and senior executives in Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies. Mr. Wright also serves on the Advisory Board of Directors for the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Mr. Wright earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing and business administration from Clark Atlanta University.

        Board Membership Qualifications:    Our board of directors has concluded that Mr. Wright is well-qualified to serve on the board of directors and has the requisite qualifications, skills and perspectives based on, among other factors, his extensive experience and leadership in the marketing industry, including brand awareness and distribution strategies, as well bringing diversity in viewpoints, experiences, backgrounds, skills and other qualities and attributes to the board of directors.

Board Meetings

Our board of directors both met in person and/or via telephone/video conference and acted by unanimous written consent during our fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. Our board of directors met 3 times in person during the 2023 fiscal year, with all of the incumbent directors attending more than 75% of the aggregate of the meetings of the board of directors and of board committees on which they served, except for Mr. Solomon who attended more than 71.4% of the aggregate of the meetings of the board of directors and of board committees on which he served. Our board of directors also acted numerous times by unanimous written consent during the 2023 fiscal year. We intend to adopt a formal policy on director attendance at annual meetings of stockholders, which will state that each director is strongly encouraged to attend such meetings, whether by phone or in person, unless attendance is precluded by health or other significant personal matters. We held our 2022 annual meeting of stockholders on September 15, 2022.

The board of directors has informally designated Mr. Foster to preside over executive sessions of the non-management directors.

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Board Committees

The board of directors has three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Nominating Committee and the Compensation Committee, each of which is described below. Each committee operates under a written charter adopted by the board of directors. All of the committee charters are publicly available in the “Corporate Governance” section of our investor relations/corporate governance website at http://ir.livexlive.com/ir-home or may be obtained upon written request to our Office Manager at our principal executive offices.

Committee members are elected by our board of directors, upon the Nominating Committee’s recommendations, and serve until their successors are elected or their earlier resignation or removal.

The current composition of the board of directors’ committees is as follows:

Name

 

Audit
Committee

 

Nominating
Committee

 

Compensation
Committee

Robert S. Ellin

           

Jay Krigsman

     

 

(Chair)

Craig Foster

 

(Chair)

 

(Chair)

   

Patrick Wachsberger

         

Ramin Arani

 

       

Kenneth Solomon

 

       

Bridget Baker

         

Kristopher Wright

     

   

Audit Committee

As of the end of our fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, the Audit Committee consisted of and currently consists of Messrs. Foster, Solomon and Arani, with Mr. Foster serving as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee currently consists of the same members. The board of directors has determined that all three of the current members of the Audit Committee are independent, pursuant to Rule 5605(a)(2) of Nasdaq and Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Our board of directors has also determined that each Audit Committee member is financially literate and that Mr. Foster qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Audit Committee met four times in person and/or via telephone/video conference during our 2023 fiscal year.

As set forth in more detail in the Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee’s purpose is to assist the board of directors in its general oversight of the quality and integrity of our accounting, auditing and financial reporting and internal control practices. The specific responsibilities of the Audit Committee include:

        appointing, compensating, retaining, evaluating, terminating, and overseeing our independent registered public accounting firm;

        discussing with our independent registered public accounting firm the independence of its members from its management;

        reviewing with our independent registered public accounting firm the scope and results of their audit;

        approving all audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm;

        overseeing the financial reporting process and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm the interim and annual financial statements that we file with the SEC;

        reviewing and monitoring our accounting principles, accounting policies, financial and accounting controls, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;

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        coordinating the oversight by our board of directors of our code of business conduct and our disclosure controls and procedures;

        establishing procedures for the confidential and/or anonymous submission of concerns regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters; and

        reviewing and approving related-person transactions.

Audit Committee meetings are attended by our Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer, from time to time, and other members of management, as requested by the committee. For additional information concerning the Audit Committee, see “Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors” included in this Proxy Statement.

Nominating Committee

As of the end of our fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, the Nominating Committee consisted of and currently consists of Messrs. Krigsman, Foster and Wright, with Mr. Foster serving as the Chairman of the Nominating Committee. The board of directors has determined that all members of the Nominating Committee are independent pursuant to Rule 5605(a)(2) of Nasdaq. During our 2023 fiscal year, our Nominating Committee acted solely by unanimous written consent. The specific responsibilities of the Nominating Committee include:

        identifying, screening and recruiting qualified individuals to become board members;

        proposing nominations for the board of directors and board committee membership;

        assessing the composition of the board of directors and board committees;

        overseeing the performance of the board of directors; and

        complying with all other responsibilities and duties set forth in the Nominating Committee Charter.

Compensation Committee

As of the end of our fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, the Compensation Committee consisted of and currently consists of Messrs. Krigsman and Wachsberger and Ms. Baker, with Mr. Krigsman serving as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The board of directors has determined that all members of the Compensation Committee are independent pursuant to Rule 5605(a)(2) of Nasdaq. The Compensation Committee met two times in person and/or via telephone/video conference during our 2023 fiscal year. The specific responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include:

        reviewing key employee compensation goals, policies, plans and programs;

        reviewing and approving the compensation of our directors and executive officers;

        reviewing and approving employment agreements and other similar arrangements between us and our executive officers; and

        appointing and overseeing any compensation consultants or advisors.

Compensation Committee meetings are attended by our Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer, from time to time, and other members of management, as requested by the committee.

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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Only our independent board members receive compensation for their services as a director. Current director compensation consists of an annual grant of between $90,000 and $130,000 worth of restricted stock units (or pro-rata for service less than one year) to each director, consisting of an annual grant of $90,000 worth of restricted stock units to each independent board member and (i) $10,000 worth of restricted stock units to each member of our Audit Committee and an additional $15,000 worth of restricted stock units to the chairman of our Audit Committee, and (ii) $5,000 worth of restricted stock units to each member of our Compensation Committee and an additional $10,000 worth of restricted stock units to the chairman of our Compensation Committee, with the number of restricted stock units calculated based on the fair market value of our stock on the date of the grant approval date. Members of our Nominating Committee do not receive any additional compensation for their service on such committee. On September 29, 2022, our Compensation Committee awarded director compensation for the period from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022 and from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023, which shall vest on October 31, 2023, provided that such director continues to serve as our director and if applicable, a member of the respective committee, on the vesting date. At the direction of the Compensation Committee of our board of directors, we intend to undertake a process to formerly review, on a periodic basis, our board of directors’ compensation, including but not limited to pay for (x) each of our non-employee directors in cash, (y) each member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee additional annual cash amounts, and (z) the Chairpersons of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee additional cash amounts. We anticipate retaining an expert compensation consulting firm to benchmark director compensation and provide recommendations around near and long-term compensation for our board. We expect to conclude this board of director compensation review during our 2024 fiscal year. Currently, no additional per-meeting fees apply under the plan. Subject to such compensation review, we may also grant to each non-employee director restricted stock units, shares of our common stock and/or stock options to purchase shares of our common stock (A) upon such non-employee director’s appointment to the board of directors (prorated for the period from the director’s appointment through the anticipated date of our next annual meeting of stockholders), and (B) on an annual basis thereafter. We may also grant additional discretionary stock-based awards to our non-employee directors, and subject to our director compensation review and board’s approval, these directors may have the option of electing to receive their cash fees in the form of shares of our common stock. Only non-employee directors are currently eligible to receive compensation for their services as a director. Accordingly, Mr. Ellin, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman did not receive any separate director compensation during the 2023 fiscal year.

2023 Director Compensation Table

The following table shows compensation paid to the members of our board of directors for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.

Name

 

Fees
earned or
paid in
cash
($)

 

Stock
awards
($)
(1)

 

Option
awards
($)

 

Non-equity
incentive plan
compensation
($)

 

Nonqualified
deferred
compensation
earnings
($)

 

All other
compensation
($)

 

Total
($)

Jay Krigsman

 

 

36,550

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

36,550

Craig Foster

 

 

40,031

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

40,031

Robert Ellin

 

 

(3)

 

 

 

 

 

Ramin Arani

 

 

34,809

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

34,809

Patrick Wachsberger

 

 

33,069

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

33,069

Kenneth Solomon

 

 

34,809

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

34,809

Bridget Baker

 

 

33,069

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

33,069

Kristopher Wright

 

 

31,328

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

31,328

Maria Garrido(4)

 

 

31,328

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

31,328

____________

(1)      Represents the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The assumptions used in calculating the amounts are discussed in Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — “Stock-Based Compensation” of our financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2023 included elsewhere in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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(2)      On September 29, 2022, our board of directors approved a plan to compensate our non-employee directors with restricted stock units in lieu of cash director fees for the period from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022 and from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023, based upon a price of $2.10 per restricted stock unit. All restricted stock units shall vest on October 31, 2023, provided that on such vesting date such person continues to serve as a director of our Company. Each restricted stock unit represents a contingent right to receive one share of our common stock or the cash value thereof. Each director has the right to delay the vesting of such restricted stock units to a later date for tax purposes.

(3)      Employee directors do not receive any additional compensation for their services on our board of directors.

(4)      Ms. Garrido resigned from service on our board of directors effective October 31, 2022.

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership of our capital stock by:

        each person, or group of affiliated persons, known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock;

        each of our directors;

        each of our Named Executive Officers (as defined below);

        our other executive officers; and

        all of our current executive officers and directors as a group.

The number of shares and percentages of beneficial ownership are based on 90,198,395 shares of our common stock outstanding as of July 21, 2023 (the Record Date).

The following table is based upon information supplied by to us by our officers, directors and certain principal stockholders. We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. These rules generally attribute beneficial ownership of securities to persons who possess sole or shared voting power or investment power with respect to those securities. In addition, the rules include shares of common stock that the person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days, including common stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options or warrants and settlement of restricted stock units that are either immediately exercisable or issuable or exercisable or issuable on or before September 19, 2023, which is within 60 days of the Record Date. These shares are deemed to be outstanding and beneficially owned by the person holding those options, warrants or restricted stock units for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that person, but they are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons or entities identified in this table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to applicable community property laws.

Except as otherwise noted below, the address for each person or entity listed in the table is c/o LiveOne, Inc., 269 South Beverly Drive, Suite 1450, Beverly Hills, CA 90212.

Name and address of beneficial owner

 

Amount of
Common Stock
Beneficially
Owned and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
(1)

 

Percentage of
Class

5% or greater stockholders

       

 

Robert S. Ellin and his affiliates(1)

 

21,006,834

 

22.3

%

FMR LLC(2)

 

6,903,364

 

7.7

%

245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210

       

 

         

 

Directors and Executive Officers

       

 

Robert S. Ellin(1)

 

21,006,834

 

22.3

%

Aaron Sullivan(3)

 

71,815

 

*

 

Craig Foster(4)(5)

 

155,738

 

*

 

Jay Krigsman(4)(5)(6)

 

1,130,307

 

1.1

%

Ramin Arani(5)

 

107,250

 

*

 

Patrick Wachsberger(5)

 

107,081

 

*

 

Kenneth Solomon(5)

 

106,330

 

*

 

Bridget Baker(5)

 

96,545

 

*

 

Kristopher Wright(5)

 

23,011

 

*

 

All current directors and executive officers as a group (9 persons)(7)(8)

 

22,804,911

 

24.1

%

____________

*        Represents beneficial ownership of less than one percent.

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(1)      Includes (i) 2,089,666 shares of common stock owned directly by Mr. Ellin; (ii) 7,539,899 shares of our common stock directly owned by Trinad Capital, as Mr. Ellin, the Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of Trinad Capital, is deemed to have sole voting and dispositive power over such shares, (iii) 716,216 shares of our common stock directly owned by Trinad Capital Management LLC (“Trinad LLC”), as Mr. Ellin, the Managing Member of Trinad LLC, is deemed to have sole voting and dispositive power over such shares; (iv) 6,817,810 shares of our common stock directly owned by JJAT Corp. (“JJAT”), an entity owned by Mr. Ellin, as Mr. Ellin is deemed to have sole voting and dispositive power over such shares; (v) 3,087,916 shares of our common stock issuable as of July 1, 2023 upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock held by Trinad Capital (including the dividend to be paid in kind and accrued as of such date), which Trinad Capital has the right to convert at the conversion price of $2.10 per share; (vi) 666,667 stock options (as more fully discussed below); (vii) 25,168 restricted stock units granted to Mr. Ellin in lieu of reduced base salary for the period from April 1, 2021 to July 31, 2021, which would vest as of September 20, 2023; and (viii) 63,492 restricted stock units granted to Mr. Ellin in lieu of 50% of his monthly cash base salary for the period from August 1, 2020 to August 15, 2020, and in lieu of 100% of his monthly cash base salary for the period from August 16, 2020 to December 31, 2020, that Mr. Ellin agreed to receive in such equity of our Company, which would vest as of September 20, 2023. Accordingly, securities owned by these entities may be regarded as being beneficially owned by Mr. Ellin. Mr. Ellin disclaims beneficial ownership in the shares held by Trinad LLC, Trinad Capital and JJAT. Does not include (x) shares of our common stock held by a family trust and family foundation as to which Mr. Ellin does not exercise voting or dispositive power, and (y) shares of our common stock and/or our restricted stock units that are expected to be granted to Mr. Ellin by our board of directors in lieu of 100% of his monthly cash base salary for the period from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022, that Mr. Ellin agreed to receive in such equity of our Company, subject to Mr. Ellin’s continued employment with us through the applicable vesting date. In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in Mr. Ellin’s employment agreement), any unvested portion of our shares and/or restricted stock units granted to Mr. Ellin shall vest effective immediately prior to such event.

(2)      As reported on Schedule 13G, Amendment No. 5, filed with the SEC on November 10, 2021 by FMR LLC, Abigail P. Johnson and Fidelity Puritan Fund. Ms. Johnson is a Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FMR LLC. Members of the Johnson family, including Abigail P. Johnson, are the predominant owners, directly or through trusts, of Series B voting common shares of FMR LLC, representing 49% of the voting power of FMR LLC. The Johnson family group and all other Series B shareholders have entered into a shareholders’ voting agreement under which all Series B voting common shares will be voted in accordance with the majority vote of Series B voting common shares. Accordingly, through their ownership of voting common shares and the execution of the shareholders’ voting agreement, members of the Johnson family may be deemed, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, to form a controlling group with respect to FMR LLC. Neither FMR LLC nor Abigail P. Johnson has the sole power to vote or direct the voting of the shares owned directly by the various investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act (“Fidelity Funds”) advised by Fidelity Management & Research Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of FMR LLC, which power resides with the Fidelity Funds’ Boards of Trustees. Fidelity Management & Research Company carries out the voting of the shares under written guidelines established by the Fidelity Funds’ Boards of Trustees.

(3)      Includes (i) 81,250 restricted stock units granted to Mr. Sullivan effective as of March 26, 2019 pursuant to his employment agreement, with the amount shown net after settlement to pay applicable taxes, and (ii) 12,500 restricted stock units granted to Mr. Sullivan effective as of October 1, 2020 pursuant to Amendment No. 1 to his employment agreement, in each case which would vest as of September 20, 2022, with the amount shown net after settlement to pay applicable taxes. Excludes (x) 18,750 restricted stock units granted to Mr. Sullivan pursuant to his employment agreement, which would not vest as of September 20, 2022, such that 1/3 of such unvested restricted stock units will vest every three months after June 26, 2022 with the first tranche vesting on September 26, 2022, (y) 12,500 restricted stock units granted to Mr. Sullivan pursuant to Amendment No. 1 to his employment agreement, which would not vest as of September 20, 2022, such that 100% of such unvested restricted stock units will vest on October 1, 2022, and (z) 75,000 restricted stock units granted to Mr. Sullivan effective as of April 4, 2022, which would not vest as of September 20, 2022, such that 100% of such unvested restricted stock units will vest on April 4, 2024, in each case subject to Mr. Sullivan’s continued employment with us through the applicable vesting date. In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in Mr. Sullivan’s employment agreement), 50% of his unvested portion of our restricted stock units granted to Mr. Sullivan shall vest effective immediately prior to such event.

(4)      Includes 25,000 vested stock options for each director.

(5)      (i) Includes 23,128 and 24,144 vested restricted stock units granted to Messrs. Krigsman and Foster in 2018, respectively, 66,091 and 68,965 vested restricted stock units granted to Messrs. Krigsman and Foster in 2019, respectively, and 33,871 and 37,629 vested restricted stock units granted to Messrs. Krigsman and Foster in 2021, respectively, (ii) includes 17,521, 16,129 and 13,196 vested restricted stock units granted to Messrs. Arani, Wachsberger and Solomon in 2018, respectively, 57,471, 54,597, 60,344 and 60,900 vested restricted stock units granted to Messrs. Arani, Wachsberger and Solomon and Ms. Baker in 2019, respectively, and 32,258, 30,645, 32,790, 12,011 and 30,465 vested restricted stock units granted to Messrs. Arani, Wachsberger, Solomon and Wright and Ms. Baker in 2021, respectively.

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(6)      Includes 890,186 shares of our common stock held by the Krigsman Family Trust, as Mr. Krigsman, a trustee of the trust, holds shared voting and dispositive power over such shares. Excludes certain shares that were formerly held in custodial accounts for the benefit of Mr. Krigsman’s daughters under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (“UTMA”) and for which Mr. Krigsman was the custodian. Mr. Krigsman no longer has control or voting or dispositive power over such shares as a result of the transfer from such UTMA accounts to Mr. Krigsman’s daughters’ individual accounts.

(7)      The shares of our common stock held by Trinad Capital, Trinad LLC and JJAT and the shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of our convertible notes owned by Trinad Capital, which are deemed to be beneficially owned by Mr. Ellin, are counted only once in this total.

(8)      Does not include restricted stock units granted to Mr. Sullivan that would not vest as of September 20, 2022 pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our current executive officers and directors as of the Record Date:

Name

 

Age

 

Position

Executive Officers

       

Robert S. Ellin

 

58

 

Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board and Director

Aaron Sullivan

 

42

 

Interim Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Controller, Interim Corporate Secretary and Interim Treasurer

Non-Executive Directors

       

Jay Krigsman

 

58

 

Director

Craig Foster

 

52

 

Director

Ramin Arani

 

53

 

Director

Patrick Wachsberger

 

71

 

Director

Kenneth Solomon

 

60

 

Director

Bridget Baker

 

61

 

Director

Kristopher Wright

 

48

 

Director

Executive Officers

Robert S. Ellin.    Please see above under “Proposal No. 1 — Election of Directors — General Information About the Board of Directors.”

Aaron Sullivan.    Mr. Sullivan has served as our Interim Chief Financial Officer, Interim Corporate Secretary and Interim Treasurer since December 31, 2021, and as our Vice President and Controller since March 2019. Mr. Sullivan is a seasoned executive with extensive financial, mergers and acquisitions and operational experience in building, managing and scaling organizations, as well with financial reporting and internal controls. Mr. Sullivan has built and led financial organizations across multi-billion-dollar technology companies. Prior to his appointment as the Company’s Vice President and Controller, Mr. Sullivan served as the Controller — Cloud of j2 Global, Inc. (now Consensus Cloud Solutions, Inc.), a cloud software company, since July 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Sullivan worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a global public accounting firm. Mr. Sullivan holds a B.A, Business & Economics degree from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Non-Employee Directors

Jay Krigsman.    Please see bio above under “Proposal No. 1 — Election of Directors — General Information About the Board of Directors”.

Craig Foster.    Please see bio above under “Proposal No. 1 — Election of Directors — General Information About the Board of Directors”.

Ramin Arani.    Please see bio above under “Proposal No. 1 — Election of Directors — General Information About the Board of Directors”.

Patrick Wachsberger.    Please see bio above under “Proposal No. 1 — Election of Directors — General Information About the Board of Directors”.

Kenneth Solomon.    Please see bio above under “Proposal No. 1 — Election of Directors — General Information About the Board of Directors”.

Bridget Baker.    Please see bio above under “Proposal No. 1 — Election of Directors — General Information About the Board of Directors”.

Kristopher Wright.    Please see bio above under “Proposal No. 1 — Election of Directors — General Information About the Board of Directors”.

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Advisory Board

To complement our management team and board of directors, we have an active Advisory Board, each of whom are renowned in their respective fields and are considered thought leaders in the entertainment industry by their peers, further enhance our credibility and provide invaluable strategic guidance and introductions to our Company. Members of the Advisory Board serve for a one-year term and in consideration for their services receive certain equity awards. The Advisory Board is available to provide advice, networking and guidance to our management on any number of issues in a particular field of expertise. Our Advisory Board members have experience in the media and entertainment industries as follows:

Steven Bornstein — Former Chief Executive Officer of ESPN and NFL Network.

Jason Flom — Chief Executive Officer of Lava Records; former Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Records and Virgin Records.

Chris McGurk — Former Chief Operating Officer of MGM and Universal Pictures; former President of Walt Disney Motion Picture Group.

Jules Haimovitz — Mr. Haimovitz has more than 35 years’ experience developing, managing and leading some of the most well-known cable networks and production companies in entertainment, including Showtime, Lifetime, MGM, Dick Clark Productions, Viacom, Aaron Spelling Productions, Inc. and more.

Roger Werner — Mr. Werner has more than 30 years of experience in the television and digital industries, designing, building and managing some of world’s most successful networks, including ESPN and what is now Fox Sports West and Fox Sports Americas.

Terms of Office

Our directors are appointed for a one-year term to hold office until the next annual general meeting of our stockholders or until removed from office in accordance with our Bylaws and the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Our directors hold office after the expiration of his or her term until his or her successor is elected and qualified, or until his or her resignation, death or removal in accordance with our Bylaws or the Delaware General Corporation Law.

Our officers are appointed by our board of directors and hold office until removed by our board of directors at any time for any reason.

Family Relationships

There are no family relationships between or among any of our directors or executive officers or persons nominated or chosen by us to become directors or executive officers.

Director Independence

Please see bio above under “Corporate Governance — Director Independence”.

Board Committees

Please see bio above under “Proposal No. 1 — Election of Directors — Board Committees”.

Board Leadership Structure

Please see bio above under “Corporate Governance — Board Leadership Structure”.

Risk Oversight

Please see bio above under “Corporate Governance — Risk Oversight and Compensation Risk Assessment”.

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Code of Ethics

Please see bio above under “Corporate Governance — Code of Ethics”.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

No member of the Compensation Committee was at any time during the 2023 fiscal year, or at any other time, an officer or employee of our Company, and no member had any relationship requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC. None of our executive officers (i) serves as a member of the compensation committee of any other company of which any member of the Compensation Committee or our board of directors is an executive officer, or (ii) serves as a member of the board of directors of any other company of which any member of the Compensation Committee is an executive officer.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock to file initial reports of ownership and changes in ownership of our common stock and other equity securities with the SEC. These individuals are required by the regulations of the SEC to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on a review of the copies of the forms furnished to us, and written representations from reporting persons that no Forms 5 were required to report delinquent filings, we believe that all filing requirements applicable to our officers, directors and 10% beneficial owners were complied with during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.

Nominations to the Board of Directors

General — Our directors take a critical role in guiding our strategic direction and oversee the management of the Company. Our board of directors’ candidates are considered based upon various criteria, such as their broad-based business and professional skills and experiences, a global business and social perspective, concern for the long-term interests of the shareholders, diversity, and personal integrity and judgment. In addition, directors must have time available to devote to our board of directors activities and to enhance their knowledge of our business. Accordingly, we seek to attract and retain highly qualified directors who have sufficient time to attend to their substantial duties and responsibilities to our Company.

Our Nominating Committee assists our board of directors in identifying qualified individuals to become board members, in determining the composition of the board and in monitoring the process to assess board effectiveness.

Changes to the Procedures by Which Security Holders May Recommend Nominees to Our Board of Directors — During the year ended March 31, 2023, there were no material changes to the procedures by which our security holders may recommend nominees to our board of directors.

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PROPOSAL NO. 2 — ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF STOCKHOLDER ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPANY’S EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Pursuant to SEC rules, our stockholders are entitled to vote at the 2023 Annual Meeting regarding whether advisory votes to approve the compensation of our Named Executive Officers, as required by Section 14A(a)(2) of the Exchange Act, should occur every one, two or three years. Pursuant to SEC rules, the stockholder vote on the frequency of the advisory vote to approve executive compensation must occur at least once every six years and is not binding on the company or the board of directors.

Although the vote is nonbinding, our board of directors values the opinions of our stockholders and will consider the outcome of the vote when determining the frequency of the stockholder advisory vote on executive compensation.

After careful consideration of similarly situations public companies, feedback received from stockholders and other relevant factors, our board of directors believes that a frequency of every three years for the advisory vote on executive compensation is the optimal interval for conducting and responding to a “say-on-pay” vote and is the best approach for our Company and our stockholders. The board of directors believes that the most relevant factors are the following:

        as our executive compensation program is designed to support long-term value creation and to incentivize and reward performance over a multi-year period, a triennial vote will allow our stockholders to better judge the program in relation to our long-term performance;

        a triennial vote will provide our Company with the time to thoughtfully consider the results of the “say-on-pay” vote and to conduct a meaningful and detailed review of our pay practices in response thereto; and

        our compensation programs generally are not expected to change significantly from year to year, as we seek consistency in such programs from one year to the next.

Stockholders who have concerns about executive compensation during the interval between “say-on-pay” votes are welcome to bring their specific concerns to the attention of our board of directors. Please refer to “Stockholder Communications” in this Proxy Statement for information about communicating with our board.

As noted above, we carefully review changes to our program to maintain the consistency and credibility of the program which is important in motivating and retaining our employees. Our employees are integral to establishing and maintaining the artist and other relationships within the music and festival industry that are vital to our success. We therefore believe that a triennial vote is an appropriate frequency to provide our people and Compensation Committee sufficient time to thoughtfully consider and to implement any appropriate changes to our executive compensation program, in light of the timing that would be required to implement any decisions related to such changes.

Vote Required

The advisory vote regarding the frequency of the stockholder advisory vote on executive compensation described in this Proposal No. 2 shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast. The alternative receiving the most votes in its favor will be the one that is adopted as the nonbinding recommendation of our stockholders. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.

The Board of Directors Unanimously Recommends A Vote to Hold
the Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation 
Every Three Years.

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PROPOSAL NO. 3 — RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Audit Committee of our board of directors has appointed Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP (the “Auditor”) as our independent registered public accounting firm to audit our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. The Auditor was engaged as our independent registered public accounting firm on July 25, 2022. Representatives of the Auditor are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting to respond to appropriate questions and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire.

Stockholder ratification of the appointment of the Auditor is not required by our bylaws or otherwise. However, our board of directors is submitting the appointment of the Auditor to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate governance practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether to retain the Auditor. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the 2024 fiscal year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of us and our stockholders.

Vote Required

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on this matter at the Annual meeting is required to ratify the appointment of the Auditor as our independent registered public accounting firm. For purposes of this vote, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.

The Board of Directors Unanimously Recommends a Vote FOR this Proposal No. 3.

Audit and Non-Audit Fees

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed by BDO USA, LLP (“BDO”), our former independent registered public accounting firm, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 (in thousands):

 

Year Ended March 31,

Description of Service

 

2023(5)

 

2022

Audit Fees(1)

 

$

 

$

1,031

Audit-Related Fees(2)

 

 

 

 

Tax Fees(3)

 

 

 

 

52

All Other Fees(4)

 

 

 

 

Total Fees

 

$

 

$

1,083

____________

(1)      Audit Fees consist of fees for audit of our annual financial statements for the respective year, reviews of our quarterly financial statements, services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings.

(2)      Audit-Related Fees consist of fees for accounting consultations.

(3)      Tax Fees consist of fees for professional services rendered for tax compliance.

(4)      Other fees consist of fees paid on acquisition related audits.

(5)      BDO resigned as our independent registered public accounting firm effective as of June 29, 2022.

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed by the Auditor, our independent registered public accounting firm, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 (in thousands):

 

Year Ended March 31,

Description of Service

 

2023

 

2022(4)

Audit Fees(1)

 

$

741

 

$

Audit-Related Fees(2)

 

 

 

 

Tax Fees(3)

 

 

 

 

All Other Fees

 

 

 

 

Total Fees

 

$

 

$

____________

(1)      Audit Fees consist of fees for audit of our annual financial statements for the respective year, reviews of our quarterly financial statements, services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings.

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(2)      Audit-Related Fees consist of fees for accounting consultations.

(3)      Tax Fees consist of fees for professional services rendered for tax compliance.

(4)      The auditor was engaged as our independent registered public accounting firm effective as of July 25, 2022.

Non-Audit Fees

There were no audit or non-audit services provided to us for the years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 that were not approved by our board of directors. Our board of directors determined that the services rendered by the Auditor are compatible with maintaining their independence as our independent auditors.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Beginning April 1, 2018, our Audit Committee became responsible, and prior to such period, our board of directors was responsible, for the pre-approval of all audits and permitted non-audit services to be performed for our Company by our independent registered public accounting firm and any other independent accounting firms that we engage. The fees paid to BDO that are shown in the chart above for the 2022 fiscal year, were approved by our Audit Committee and our board of directors in accordance with the procedures described below. The fees to be paid to the Auditor for the 2023 fiscal year were approved, and going forward shall be subject to approval, by our Audit Committee and our board of directors in accordance with the procedures described below.

Our Audit Committee reviews and approves all audit and non-audit services proposed to be provided, other than de minimis non-audit services which may instead by preapproved in accordance with applicable SEC rules.

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PROPOSAL NO. 4 — ADJOURNMENT

General

We are asking our stockholders to approve, if necessary, a proposal to adjourn the Annual Meeting to a later date and time to solicit additional proxies in favor of one or more proposals submitted to a vote by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting. Any adjournment of the Annual Meeting for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies will allow stockholders who have already sent in their proxies to revoke them at any time prior to the time that the proxies are used.

Vote Required

The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required to approve this Proposal No. 4. Abstentions will have the same effect as the vote “AGAINST” this Proposal No. 4.

The Board of Directors Unanimously Recommends a Vote FOR this Proposal No. 4.

Other Matters

Other than as set forth above, the board of directors is not aware of any other business that may be brought before the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, it is the intention of the designated proxy holders, Mr. Ellin and Mr. Sullivan, to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. Accordingly, you are urged to sign and return the accompanying proxy card or voting instruction card, as the case may be, whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting.

     

By Order of the Board of Directors,

       

/s/ Robert S. Ellin

       

Robert S. Ellin

       

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

       

Beverly Hills, California

       

July 28, 2023

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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

This report of the audit committee is required by the SEC and, in accordance with the SEC’s rules, will not be deemed to be part of or incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this proxy statement into any filing under the Securities Act, or under the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference, and will not otherwise be deemed “soliciting material” or “filed” under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

The Audit Committee’s purpose is to assist our board of directors in its general oversight of our accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices. Management is primarily responsible for our financial statements, systems of internal controls and compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The Auditor was responsible for performing an independent audit of our consolidated financial statements and expressing an opinion on the conformity of those financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

The Audit Committee members are not professional accountants or auditors, and their functions are not intended to duplicate or to certify the activities of management and the independent registered public accounting firm, nor can the committee certify that our registered public accounting firm is “independent” under applicable rules. The Audit Committee serves a board-level oversight role, in which it provides advice, counsel and direction to management and the independent registered public accounting firm on the basis of the information it receives, discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm and the experience of the committee’s members in business, financial and accounting matters.

The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 with our management. The Audit Committee discussed with our independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 1301, Communications with Audit Committees, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”). The Audit Committee also received the written disclosures and the letter from our independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountants’ communications with the audit committee concerning independence and has discussed with our independent registered public accounting firm the accounting firm’s independence. Based on the foregoing, the Audit Committee has recommended to our board of directors that the audited financial statements be included, and such audited financial statements were included, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, for filing with the SEC.

 

Respectfully submitted by:

   

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors

   

Craig Foster (Chairman)
Ramin Arani
Kenneth Solomon

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Our named executive officers, consisting of our principal executive officer and the next two most highly compensated executive officers as of March 31, 2023 (the “Named Executive Officers”), were:

        Robert Ellin, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director;

        Aaron Sullivan, our Interim Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President, Controller, Interim Corporate Secretary and Interim Treasurer; and

        Dermot McCormack, our former President, for whom disclosure would have been provided in the 2023 Summary Compensation Table but for the fact that he was not serving as our executive officer at the end of March 31, 2023.

2023 Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth, for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, compensation awarded or paid to our Named Executive Officers.

Name and Principal Position

 

Fiscal
Year
ended
March 31

 

Salary
($)

 

Bonus
($)

 

Stock
Awards
($)
(3)

 

Option
Awards
($)

 

Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($)

 

Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)

 

All Other
Compensation
($)
(1)

 

Total
($)

Robert Ellin,

 

2023

 

500,000

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

52,360

(4)

 

552,360

CEO, Chairman & Director

 

2022

 

366,260

(2)

 

 

220,317

 

 

 

 

34,173

(4)

 

620,750

         

 

                       

 

   

Aaron Sullivan,

 

2023

 

200,000

 

 

30,000

 

33,838

 

 

 

 

21,816

(6)

 

285,654

Interim CFO, SVP & Controller(5)

 

2022

 

200,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,100

(6)

 

222,100

         

 

                       

 

   

Dermot McCormack,

 

2023

 

145,833

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

63,141

(7)

 

208,974

President(8)

 

2022

 

500,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,947

(7)

 

517,947

____________

(1)      Unless otherwise indicated, the amount of perquisites and other personal benefits has been excluded as the total value of perquisites and other personal benefits for each Named Executive Officer per year was less than $10,000.

(2)      During the 2023 and 2022 fiscal years, as a result of Mr. Ellin’s desire to demonstrate confidence in our Company and to assist our near term objectives in light of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic and other costs realignment and reductions, Mr. Ellin agreed to accept payment of his monthly base salary for the period of January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 in shares of our common stock. Accordingly, the amount shown the “Salary” column for the 2023 and 2022 fiscal year includes the amount of $369,770 and $220,317, respectively, as Mr. Ellin’s salary to be paid at a future date in shares of our common stock or our restricted stock units that shall be issued and vest in accordance with the terms as determined by our board of directors or Compensation Committee.

(3)      Represents the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The assumptions used in calculating the amounts are discussed in Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — “Stock-Based Compensation” of our financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 included in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(4)      The amount for 2023 represents personal benefits consisting of (i) car lease payments of $35,544, (ii) health, dental and vision insurance in the amount of $16,648, and (iii) life, accidental death and dismemberment insurance in the amount of $168, paid by us on Mr. Ellin’s behalf. The amount for 2022 represents personal benefits consisting of (i) car lease payments of $16,577, (ii) health, dental and vision insurance in the amount of $17,318, and (iii) life, accidental death and dismemberment insurance in the amount of $278, paid by us on Mr. Ellin’s behalf.

(5)      Mr. Sullivan was appointed as our Interim Chief Financial Officer effective as of December 31, 2021. Prior to such date, Mr. Sullivan served solely in his roles of SVP and Controller.

(6)      The amount for 2023 represents personal benefits consisting of (i) health, dental and vision insurance in the amount of $16,648, (ii) life, accidental death and dismemberment insurance in the amount of $168, and (iii) 401k match in the amount of $5,000, paid by us on Mr. Sullivan’s behalf. The amount for 2021 represents personal benefits consisting of (i) health, dental and vision insurance in the amount of $17,069, (ii) life, accidental death and dismemberment insurance in the amount of $31, and (iii) 401k match in the amount of $5,000, paid by us on Mr. Sullivan’s behalf.

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(7)      The amount for 2023 represents personal benefits consisting of (i) health, dental and vision insurance in the amount of $5,395, (ii) pay out of paid time off of $57,690 and (iii) life, accidental death and dismemberment insurance in the amount of $65, paid by us to Mr. McCormack or on his behalf. The amount for 2022 represents personal benefits consisting of (i) health, dental and vision insurance and life in the amount of $17,603 and (ii) accidental death and dismemberment insurance in the amount of $344, paid by us on Mr. McCormack’s behalf.

(8)      Mr. McCormack’s employment agreement expired on July 15, 2022 and as a result, effective as of such date, he resigned from all of his positions with our Company and our subsidiaries.

2023 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year Ended

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to grants of plan-based awards for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 to our Named Executive Officers. Except as set forth below, all of the outstanding equity awards granted to our Named Executive Officers were fully vested as of March 31, 2023.

 

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 of
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
($)
(4)

Robert Ellin

 

666,666

(1)

 

 

 

4.00

 

9/7/2027

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

88,660

(2)

 

101,072

Aaron Sullivan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

75,000

(3)

 

85,500

Dermot McCormack

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

____________

(1)     Represents 666,666 stock options granted on September 7, 2017, which have fully vested and are fully exercisable as of the date of this Proxy Statement.

(2)      Represents restricted stock units, with each vested restricted stock unit to be settled by issuance to Mr. Ellin of one share of our common stock, which shall one-time cliff vest on September 20, 2023. In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in Mr. Ellin’s employment agreement), any unvested portion of the restricted stock units shall vest effective immediately prior to such event.

(3)      Represents restricted stock units, with each vested restricted stock unit to be settled by issuance to Mr. Sullivan of one share of our common stock, with restricted stock units shall vest on April 4, 2024, subject to Mr. Sullivan’s continued employment by our Company on such vesting date. In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in Mr. Sullivan’s employment agreement), 50% of any then unvested restricted stock units shall vest in full effective immediately prior to such event.

(4)      The market value of unearned restricted stock units is based on the price of $1.14, the closing price of our common stock on March 31, 2023 (the last trading day of our 2023 fiscal year, as required under the applicable rules).

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Change in Control Provisions

For a more detailed description of the “change in control” provisions applicable to our Named Executive Officers under their employment agreements, see “Named Executive Officer Employment Agreements” below.

Named Executive Officer Employment Agreements

The material terms of employment agreements with the Named Executive Officers previously entered into by our Company are described below.

Employment Agreement with Robert S. Ellin

On September 7, 2017, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Ellin for a term of five years at an annual salary of $650,000 payable commencing on the day of the closing of the Public Offering, which salary was lowered to $500,000 pursuant to Amendment No. 1 to Mr. Ellin’s employment agreement, dated as of December 14, 2017. Pursuant to Mr. Ellin’s employment agreement, we agreed to continue to pay to Trinad Management a cash fee at the rate of $30,000 per month (or pro-rata thereof) until the completion of the Public Offering (December 27, 2017), consistent with the terms of the Management Agreement, whether such agreement was terminated or not prior to the date that the Public Offering was completed. On September 7, 2017, in connection with his employment agreement, we entered into an option award agreement whereby we issued stock options to purchase 1,166,667 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of $4.00 per share (the offering price of our public offering completed in December 2017) (the “Ellin Options”). The Ellin Options were granted pursuant to our 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended, the “2016 Plan”). The first tranche of 666,667 shares underlying the Ellin Options (the “Ellin Service Options”) have fully vested and are fully exercisable as of the date of this Proxy Statement. The second tranche of 500,000 shares underlying the Ellin Options were forfeited as a result of certain non-performance vesting conditions for such grant having not been met.

If Mr. Ellin’s employment is terminated by us “Without Cause” or by Mr. Ellin for “Good Reason” (each as defined in his employment agreement, subject to our right to cure), he will be entitled to termination benefits, pursuant to which (i) we will pay Mr. Ellin certain accrued obligations and prior year bonus amounts, if any; and (ii) subject to timely execution and non-revocation of a release as provided in his employment agreement (v) we will be required to pay Mr. Ellin a one-time payment of $10,000,000; (w) any unvested Other Equity Awards (as defined in his employment agreement) shall automatically accelerate and become vested and exercisable for a period of twelve months from the termination date, but in all events no later than the end of the applicable term for each such award; (x) the Ellin Service Options and any such accelerated Other Equity Awards shall remain outstanding and be exercisable, to the extent applicable, for a period of twelve months from the later of the termination date or the date the award first becomes vested and exercisable, but in all events no later than the applicable term for each such award; (y) all restrictions on the Other Equity Awards shall automatically and immediately lapse; and (z) we will continue to cover costs for Mr. Ellin’s and his dependents continued participation in our medical plans from the termination date through and inclusive of the lesser of twelve months or the period through the date on which he obtains other coverage. Mr. Ellin’s employment agreement contains covenants for the benefit of our Company relating to non-competition during the term of his employment and protection of our confidential information, customary representations and warranties and indemnification obligations.

Employment Agreement with Aaron Sullivan

On March 6, 2019 and effective as of March 26, 2019, we entered into an employment offer letter (the “AS Employment Agreement”) with Mr. Sullivan at an annual salary of $185,000, which salary was increased to $200,000 effective as of October 1, 2020 pursuant to Amendment No. 1 to the AS Employment Agreement (the “AS EA Amendment”). Mr. Sullivan is also eligible to earn an annual fiscal year cash performance bonus for each whole or partial fiscal year of his employment period with the Company based upon the attainment of certain objectives to be established by our management, as more fully specified in the AS Employment Agreement. Mr. Sullivan’s “target” performance bonus shall be 35% of his average annualized base salary during the fiscal year for which the performance bonus is earned. Under the AS Employment Agreement, Mr. Sullivan was also granted 100,000 restricted stock units of our Company (the “Initial Sullivan RSUs”). 25% of the Initial Sullivan RSUs vested on the first anniversary Mr. Sullivan’s employment with our Company (the “Initial Vesting Date”), and the remaining 75%

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of the Initial Sullivan RSUs shall vest in 1/12th increments upon each quarterly anniversaries of the Initial Vesting Date, with the last fourth vesting date being March 26, 2023, subject to Mr. Sullivan’s continued employment with our Company through each applicable vesting date. Effective as of October 1, 2020, pursuant to the AS EA Amendment, Mr. Sullivan received an additional 25,000 restricted stock units (the “Additional Sullivan RSUs”). 50% of the Additional Sullivan RSUs vested on October 1, 2021, and the remaining 50% of the Additional Sullivan RSUs shall vest on October 1, 2022, subject to Mr. Sullivan’s continued employment with our Company through each applicable vesting date. Furthermore, effective as of April 4, 2022, Mr. Sullivan received an additional 75,000 restricted stock units (collectively with the Initial Sullivan RSUs and the Additional Sullivan RSUs, the “Sullivan RSUs”), which shall vest on April 4, 2024, subject to Mr. Sullivan’s continued employment with our Company through the vesting date. The Sullivan RSUs were granted pursuant to the 2016 Plan. Each vested Sullivan RSU shall be settled by delivery to Mr. Sullivan of one share of our common stock promptly after the applicable vesting date. The Sullivan RSUs grants were evidenced by a standard Company award agreement that specifies such other terms and conditions as the Board, in its sole discretion, determined in accordance with the terms and conditions of the 2016 Plan, including all terms, conditions and restrictions related to the grant. In the event of a “Change of Control” (as defined in the AS Employment Agreement) 50% of any unvested portion of the Sullivan RSUs or any other equity awards granted to Mr. Sullivan shall vest effective immediately prior to such event.

If Mr. Sullivan’s employment is terminated by us without “Cause” or by Mr. Sullivan for “Good Reason” (each as defined in the MQ Employment Agreement, subject to our right to cure), he will be entitled to termination benefits, pursuant to which we will be obligated to pay Mr. Sullivan certain accrued obligations and to continue to pay Mr. Sullivan his base salary for a period of two months after the effective termination date.

Executive Officers Salary Adjustments

On April 7, 2020, our executive officers and other senior management (including our Named Executive Officers), desiring to demonstrate confidence in our Company and to assist our near term objectives in light of the ongoing epidemic, agreed to accept a reduction in their monthly base salaries (as set forth below) in exchange for shares of our common stock that will vest in full in early calendar year 2021 (the “Vesting Shares”). This compensation adjustment is anticipated to be in place through the first fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2020, but may be extended for subsequent periods, subject to further review our board and executive management. During this period, our Named Executive Officers and other executive officers agreed to accept 50% of their monthly base salaries with Vesting Shares and forego any cash bonuses that maybe owed to them with respect to our fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, with any such bonuses to be paid in Vesting Shares. In addition, our remaining employees received between 10% to 25% reductions in their monthly base salaries, to be paid in lieu in Vesting Shares, for the first fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2020.

In addition, effective as of August 1, 2020, Mr. Ellin, desiring to continue to demonstrate confidence in our Company and to assist our then near term objectives in light of the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, agreed to have 50% of his monthly base salary from August 1, 2020 to August 15, 2020, and 100% of his monthly base salary from August 16, 2020 through December 31, 2020 paid in equity of our Company. Furthermore, effective as of May 23, 2022, Mr. Ellin, desiring to continue to demonstrate confidence in our Company and to assist our objective to achieve annual cost and expense reductions, agreed to continue to forego his monthly cash base salary through December 31, 2022 in exchange for equity of our Company that is anticipated to vest in full in calendar year 2023, and will vest, be calculated and issued subject to our board of directors’ approval.

Narrative Disclosure of Compensation Policies and Practices as They Relate to the Company’s Risk Management

We believe that our compensation policies and practices for all employees and other individual service providers, including executive officers, do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us.

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PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE

Introduction

The following is a disclosure pursuant to the SEC’s new pay versus performance (“PVP”) rules. The PVP rules create a new definition of pay, referred to as Compensation Actually Paid (“CAP”), which is compared to certain performance measures as defined by the SEC.

Summary Compensation Table Versus Compensation Actually Paid

The 2023 Summary Compensation Table (“SCT”) set forth above discloses a mix of compensation earned during the year, e.g., base salary and annual cash incentive, and the full grant date fair value of equity awards granted during the year. The new CAP definition of pay adjusts compensation reported for a particular year to reflect an annualized value of compensation by removing the values mandated by the SCT for equity awards granted during the year and instead including the value of equity awards vesting during the year and the potential change in value of unvested equity awards granted in prior years. It is important to note that the executive did not actually earn or receive the amount defined as CAP in the applicable year.

Pay Versus Performance Table

The following table summarizes the SCT compensation and CAP for our principal executive officer (“PEO”) and the average for our non-PEO Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”) for our 2023 and 2022 fiscal years. In accordance with the PVP rules, the table also includes certain prescribed performance related measures.

Fiscal Year

 

Summary
Compensation
Table Total
Compensation
for PEO
(3)
($)

 

Average
Summary
Compensation
Table Total
Compensation
for Non-PEO
NEOs
(3)
($)

 

Compensation
Actually Paid to
PEO
(4)
($)

 

Average
Compensation
Actually
Paid to
Non-PEO
NEOs
(4)
($)

 

Value of
Initial
Fixed $100
Investment
Based on Total
Shareholder
Return
($)

 

GAAP
Net Loss
(in thousands)
($)

2023(1)

 

552,360

 

247,314

 

182,680

 

230,395

 

26.57

 

(10,019

)

2022(2)

 

620,750

 

370,024

 

400,433

 

370,024

 

18.80

 

(43,912

)

____________

(1)      For the 2023 fiscal year, Robert S. Ellin was our Chief Executive Officer and our remaining NEOs consisted of Aaron Sullivan, our Interim Chief Financial Officer and Dermot McCormack, our former President.

(2)      For the 2022 fiscal year, Robert S. Ellin was our Chief Executive Officer and our remaining NEOs consisted of Aaron Sullivan, our Interim Chief Financial Officer, Dermot McCormack, our former President, Michael Quartieri, our former Chief Financial Officer, and Michael Bebel, our former Senior Executive Vice President.

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(3)      Amounts in this column represent the “Total” column set forth in the Summary Compensation Table on page 31. See the footnotes to the Summary Compensation Table for further detail regarding the amounts in these columns.

(4)      The dollar amounts reported in these columns represent the amounts of “compensation actually paid.” The amounts are computed in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K by deducting and adding the following amounts from the “Total” column of the Summary Compensation Table (pursuant to SEC rules, fair value at each measurement date is computed in a manner consistent with the fair value methodology used to account for share-based payments in our financial statements under GAAP):

The following table provides additional information on how CAP for each reporting year was determined, starting with SCT compensation, and applying each of the required adjustments, as applicable, in accordance with the PVP rules.

Fiscal Year

 

Summary
Compensation
Table Total
Compensation
($)

 

Value of
Equity
Awards
Deducted
from SCT
($)

 

Fair Value of
Equity Awards
Compensation
Granted in
Current Year
($)(1)

 

Year-Over-
Year Change in Fair Value of
Unvested
Equity Awards
($)
(2)

 

Year-Over-
Year Change in
Fair Value
of
Equity Awards
that Vested
During the Year
($)
(3)

 

Compensation
Actually Paid
($)

PEO

               

 

   

 

   

2023

 

182,680

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

182,680

2022

 

620,750

 

220,317

 

 

 

 

 

 

400,433

Average Non-PEO NEOs

               

 

   

 

   

2023

 

247,314

 

33,838

 

85,500

 

3,191

 

 

4,666

 

 

230,395

2022

 

370,024

 

220,317

 

61,200

 

(20,706

)

 

(16,564

)

 

370,024

____________

(1)      These amounts represent the fair value as of the indicated fiscal year-end of the outstanding and unvested equity awards granted during such fiscal year, calculated in accordance with the methodology used for financial reporting purposes. The fair value differs from the value in the SCT because for purposes of CAP the fair value for equity awards granted in the current year is determined as of the last day of the applicable year. Fair values in the SCT are determined as of the grant date.

(2)      These amounts represent the change in fair value during the indicated fiscal year of each equity award that was granted in a prior fiscal year and that remained outstanding and unvested as of the last day of the indicated fiscal year, calculated in accordance with the methodology used for financial reporting purposes and, for awards subject to performance-based vesting conditions, based on an estimate of the probable outcome of such performance-based vesting conditions as of the last day of the fiscal year.

(3)      These amounts represent the change in fair value, measured from the prior fiscal year-end to the vesting date, of each equity award that was granted in a prior fiscal year and which vested during the indicated fiscal year, calculated in accordance with the methodology used for financial reporting purposes.

Analysis of Information Presented in the Pay versus Performance Table

Our executive compensation program reflects a variable pay-for-performance philosophy. While we utilize several performance measures to align executive compensation with our performance, all of those measures are not presented in the PVP table. Moreover, we generally seek to incentivize long-term performance, and therefore do not specifically align our performance measures with CAP (as computed in accordance with SEC rules) for a particular year. In accordance with SEC rules, we are providing the following narrative disclosure regarding the relationships between information presented in the PVP table.

Relationship between CAP and TSR

During the 2023 and 2022 fiscal years, compensation actually paid to our PEO decreased from $400,433 in fiscal 2022 to $182,680 in fiscal 2023. Average compensation actually paid to our Non-PEO NEOs decreased from $370,024 in fiscal 2022 to $230,395 in fiscal 2023. Over the same period, the value of an investment of $100 in our common stock on the last trading day of 2021 decreased by $3.52 to $0.82 during fiscal 2022, and increased by $0.32 to $1.14 during fiscal 2023, for a total decrease over fiscal 2022 and 2023 of $3.20.

Relationship between CAP and Net Loss (GAAP )

During 2023 and 2022 fiscal years, compensation actually paid to our PEO decreased from $400,433 in fiscal 2022 to $182,680 in fiscal 2023. Average compensation actually paid to our Non-PEO NEOs decreased from $370,024 in fiscal 2022 to $247,314 in fiscal 2023. Over the same period, our net loss increased by $2,092,000 during fiscal

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2022 (from a net loss in fiscal 2021 of $(41,820,000) to a net loss in fiscal 2022 of $43,912,000), and decreased by $33,893,000 during fiscal 2023 (from a net loss in fiscal 2022 of $(43,912,000) to a net loss in fiscal 2023 of $(10,019).

2016 Equity Incentive Plan

The summary of the principal features of the 2016 Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2016 Plan, which is incorporated by reference as Exhibit 10.2 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on June 29, 2022, Amendment No. 1 to the 2016 Plan, which is incorporated by reference as Exhibit 10.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on June 29, 2022, and Amendment No. 2 to the 2016 Plan, which is incorporated by reference as Exhibit 10.4 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on June 29, 2022. Pursuant to the 2016 Plan, there are 17,600,000 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance to our employees, directors and consultants. As described below, incentive awards authorized under the 2016 Plan include, but are not limited to, incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code. If an incentive award granted under the 2016 Plan expires, terminates, is unexercised or is forfeited, or if any shares are surrendered to us in connection with the exercise of an incentive award, the shares subject to such award and the surrendered shares will become available for further awards under the 2016 Plan.

Administration — The 2016 Plan is administered by our Compensation Committee or our board of directors in the absence of such a committee. Subject to the terms of the 2016 Plan, the 2016 Plan administrator may select participants to receive awards, determine fair market value of our shares, determine the types of awards and terms and conditions of awards and interpret provisions of the 2016 Plan, to institute an exchange program (without stockholder approval) pursuant to which outstanding awards may be surrendered or cancelled in exchange for awards of the same type (which may have lower exercise prices and different terms), awards of a different type, and/or cash (except that the 2016 Plan administrator may not, without stockholder approval, reprice any options or stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), or pay cash or issue new options or SARs in exchange for the surrender and cancellation of outstanding options or SARs), modify awards granted under the 2016 Plan, and make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the 2016 Plan.

Grants — The 2016 Plan authorizes the grant to participants of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance grants intended to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code and SARs, as described below:

        Options granted under the 2016 Plan entitle the grantee, upon exercise, to purchase up to a specified number of shares from us at a specified exercise price per share. The exercise price for shares of common stock covered by an option generally cannot be less than the fair market value of common stock on the date of grant unless agreed to otherwise at the time of the grant. In addition, in the case of an incentive stock option granted to an employee who, at the time the incentive stock option is granted, owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock of our Company or any parent or subsidiary, the per share exercise price will be no less than 110% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.

        Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units may be awarded on terms and conditions established by the Compensation Committee or our board of directors, which may include performance conditions for restricted stock awards and the lapse of restrictions on the achievement of one or more performance goals for restricted stock units.

        The Compensation Committee or our board of directors may make performance grants, each of which will contain performance goals for the award, including the performance criteria, the target and maximum amounts payable, and other terms and conditions.

        The 2016 Plan authorizes the granting of stock awards. The Compensation Committee or our board of directors will establish the number of shares of our common stock to be awarded (subject to the aggregate limit established under the 2016 Plan upon the number of shares of our common stock that may be awarded or sold under the 2016 Plan) and the terms applicable to each award, including performance restrictions.

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        SARs entitle the participant to receive a distribution in an amount not to exceed the number of shares of our common stock subject to the portion of the SAR exercised multiplied by the difference between the market price of a share of our common stock on the date of exercise of the SAR and the market price of a share of our common stock on the date of grant of the SAR.

Non-Transferability of Awards — Unless the 2016 Plan administrator provides otherwise, the 2016 Plan generally does not allow for the transfer of awards and only the recipient of an award may exercise an award during his or her lifetime.

Certain Adjustments — In the event of certain changes in our capitalization, to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits available under the 2016 Plan, the 2016 Plan administrator will adjust the number and class of shares that may be delivered under the 2016 Plan and/or the number, class and price of shares covered by each outstanding award, and the numerical share limits set forth in the 2016 Plan.

Dissolution, Liquidation — The 2016 Plan provides that in the event of a proposed dissolution or liquidation of our Company, to the extent it has not been previously exercised, an award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.

Dividends or Dividend Equivalents for Performance Awards.    Notwithstanding anything to the foregoing herein, the right to receive dividends, dividend equivalents or distributions with respect to a performance award will only be granted to a participant if and to the extent that the underlying award is earned.

Merger, Change of Control — The 2016 Plan provides that in the event of a merger or a change of control, as defined under the 2016 Plan, each outstanding award will be treated as the 2016 Plan administrator determines, including, without limitation, that each award will be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of the successor corporation.

Duration, Amendment, and Termination — Our board of directors has the power to amend, suspend or terminate the 2016 Plan without stockholder approval or ratification at any time or from time to time. No change may be made that increases the total number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to incentive awards or reduces the minimum exercise price for options or exchange of options for other incentive awards, unless such change is authorized by our stockholders within one year of such change. Unless sooner terminated, the 2016 Plan would terminate ten years after it was adopted.

Compliance with Section 162(m) of the Code.    Section 162(m) of the Code generally precludes a tax deduction by any publicly held company for compensation paid to any “covered employee” to the extent the compensation paid to such covered employee exceeds $1 million during any taxable year of the company. The recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “2017 Tax Act”) included changes to Section 162(m) effective for years after 2017. Prior to 2018, “covered employees” included the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the three other highest paid officers of the Company (other than the Chief Financial Officer). For 2018 and later years, “covered employees” will include the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, the three highest paid officers of the Company (other than the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer) and any employee who qualified as a “covered employee” for any tax year beginning after 2016. For years beginning prior to January 1, 2018, the $1 million deduction limit did not apply to “qualified performance-based compensation” that was based on the attainment of pre-established, objective performance goals established under a stockholder-approved plan. Effective for the years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, there is no exception for “qualified performance-based compensation”; but a transition rule provides that the “qualified performance-based compensation” exemption will continue to apply to grandfathered arrangements made pursuant to a binding contract in effect on or before November 2, 2017 that is not materially modified thereafter. We believe that it is important to preserve flexibility in administering compensation programs to promote various corporate goals. Accordingly, we have not adopted a policy that all compensation must qualify as deductible under Section 162(m). Amounts paid under our compensation programs may not be deductible as the result of Section 162(m). While our policy has generally been to preserve corporate tax deductions by qualifying compensation over $1 million paid to executive officers as performance-based, the Compensation Committees may, from time to time, conclude that compensation arrangements are in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders despite the fact that such arrangements may not, in whole or part, qualify for tax deductibility. Going forward, we intend to continue to design our executive compensation

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arrangements to be consistent with our best interests and those of our stockholders; accordingly, the Compensation Committees, while considering the tax deductibility as a factor in determining executive compensation, may not limit such compensation to those levels that will be deductible, particularly in light of the elimination of the expansion of the covered employee group and the elimination of the exception for performance-based compensation.

Forfeiture Provisions.    The 2016 Plan administrator may provide by rule or regulation or in any award agreement, or may determine in any individual case, the circumstances in which awards shall be paid or forfeited in the event a participant ceases to be employed by us, or to provide services to us, prior to the end of a performance period, period of restriction or the exercise, vesting or settlement of such award. Except as set forth for options, generally awards will be forfeited if not earned or vested upon termination, unless otherwise provided for in an award agreement.

Adjustments for Stock Dividends and Similar Events.    The 2016 Plan administrator will make appropriate adjustments in outstanding awards and the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2016 Plan, including the individual limitations on awards, to reflect dividends, splits, extraordinary cash dividends and other similar events.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table reflects the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of awards granted under our equity compensation plans approved and not approved by shareholders and the weighted average exercise price for such awards as of March 31, 2023.

Name of Plan

 

Number of
shares of
common
stock to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights

 

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price of
Outstanding
Options
($)

 

Number of
shares
remaining
available for
issuance
under equity
compensations
plans (excluding
the shares
reflected in
column
(1)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1)

 

2,416,667

 

$

3.75

 

5,155,666

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

 

 

 

Total

 

2,416,667

 

 

3.75

 

5,155,666

____________

(1)      Represents securities issued under our 2016 Plan.

On August 29, 2016, our board of directors approved and adopted and our shareholders approved the 2016 Plan, as amended on February 11, 2019 and June 29, 2021. The 2016 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, qualified stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, and performance shares or units and cash awards. Awards may be granted under the 2016 Plan to our employees, officers, directors and consultants.

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The following includes a summary of transactions since April 1, 2022 to which we have been a party, in which the amount involved in the transaction exceeded $120,000 (which was less than 1% of the average of our total assets at year-end for our last two completed fiscal years), and in which any of our directors, executive officers or, to our knowledge, beneficial owners of more than 5% of our capital stock or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than equity and other compensation, termination, change in control and other arrangements, which are described in this Proxy Statement below under the section captioned “Executive Compensation.”

Amounts Due to Related Parties

Notes Issued to Related Parties and Related Warrants Exercise

As of March 31, 2023 and 2022, we had the following outstanding notes payable to Trinad Capital Master Fund Ltd. (“Trinad Capital”), a fund wholly owned by Mr. Ellin, our Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, director and principal stockholder, for both short- and long-term working capital requirements:

 

March 31,
2023

 

March 31,
2022

8.5% Unsecured Convertible Note

 

$

 

$

5,879,000

Total

 

$

 

$

5,879,000

As of March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, we had outstanding 8.5% (effective as of January 11, 2021, previously 7.5%) unsecured convertible notes payable (the “Trinad Notes”) issued to Trinad Capital as follows below. The Trinad Notes are convertible into shares of our common stock at a fixed conversion price of $3.00 per share.

The first Trinad Note was issued on February 21, 2017, to convert aggregate principal and interest of $3.6 million under the first senior promissory note and second senior promissory note with Trinad Capital previously issued on December 31, 2014 and April 8, 2015, respectively. The first Trinad Note was due on March 31, 2018 and was extended to May 31, 2019 and further extended to May 31, 2021 (as discussed below). At March 31, 2021, the balance due of $4.4 million, which included $1.0 million of accrued interest, was outstanding under the first Trinad Note. At March 31, 2021, the balance due of $4.1 million, which included $0.5 million of accrued interest, was outstanding under the first Trinad Note.

Between October 27, 2017 and December 18, 2017, we issued six unsecured convertible notes payable to Trinad Capital for aggregate total principal amount of $0.9 million. The notes were due on various dates through December 31, 2018 and were extended to May 31, 2019 and further extended to May 31, 2022 (as discussed below). For the year ended March 31, 2021, we amortized less than $0.1 million of discount to interest expense, and the unamortized discount was fully amortized as of March 31, 2021. As of March 31, 2021, $0.1 million of accrued interest was added to the principal balance.

On January 11, 2021, we entered into an Amendment of Notes Agreement with Trinad Capital pursuant to which the maturity date of all of the Trinad Notes was extended to May 31, 2022, and in consideration of such extension, the interest rate payable under such notes increased to 8.5%, and in consideration of such extension, we issued to Trinad Capital 280,000 shares of our common stock. On August 11, 2021, we entered into another Amendment of Notes Agreement with Trinad Capital pursuant to which the maturity date of all of the Trinad Notes was extended to May 31, 2023, and in consideration of such extension, we issued to Trinad Capital 33,654 shares of our common stock.

Effective as of July 8, 2022, we entered into an Amendment of Notes Agreement with Trinad Capital pursuant to which the maturity date of all of the Trinad Notes was extended to July 1, 2024, and in consideration of such extension, we issued to Trinad Capital 500,000 shares of our common stock.

On February 3, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), we entered into an exchange agreement (collectively, the “Exchange Agreements”) with (i) Harvest Small Cap Partners Master, Ltd. (“HSCPM”) in regard to that certain 8.5% Senior Secured Convertible Note in the aggregate amount of $10,503,965 issued by us on September 15, 2020, as amended on June 3, 2021 and July 6, 2022, to HSCPM (the “HSCPM Note”), (ii) Harvest Small Cap Partners, L.P. (“HSCP”) in regard to that certain 8.5% Senior Secured Convertible Note in the aggregate amount of $4,496,035 issued by us on September 15, 2020, as amended on June 3, 2021 and July 6, 2022, to HSCP (the “HSCP Note”); and (iii) Trinad

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Capital (and collectively with HSCPM and HSCP, the “Holders”) in regard to all promissory notes in the aggregate principal and interest amount of $6,177,218 issued by us to Trinad Capital (the “Trinad Notes” and collectively with the HSCPM Note and the HSCP Note, the “Notes”). Pursuant to the Exchange Agreements, the Holders exchanged the Notes, and with respect to Trinad Capital, together with interest, due and payable thereon, and relinquished any and all rights thereunder, for 21,177 shares of our newly designated and issued Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), with a stated value of $1,000 per share (the “Stated Value”), having the terms as set forth in our Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series A Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”) filed by us on February 2, 2023 with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.

In consideration for entry into the Exchange Agreements and the Holders’ willingness to forego certain rights to our common stock previously agreed by the parties, we issued to the Harvest Funds an aggregate of 600,000 shares of our common stock and to Trinad Capital 200,000 shares of our common stock. In connection with the entry of the Exchange Agreements, unless otherwise agreed to by the Harvest Funds, Mr. Ellin agreed to (i) to serve as our Company’s Chief Executive Officer and (ii) extend the period during which he cannot dispose of any equity or convertible securities of our Company owned by him or any entity of which he is the beneficial owner and not to cease to be the beneficial owner of any other equity or convertible securities of our Company of which Mr. Ellin is the beneficial owner (subject to certain exceptions), in each case until the time that the Harvest Funds no longer own any shares of our Series A Preferred Stock.

Other Promissory Note

Effective as of September 2022, a subsidiary of our Company issued a promissory note in the amount of $0.3 million in consideration of a loan in the same amount made to such subsidiary, which loan matured on October 17, 2022. The loan was made by an affiliate of Robert Ellin, our Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, director and principal stockholder. The note was paid off in October 2022 in full.

Employment Arrangements

The relationships and related party transactions described herein are in addition to any employment arrangements with our executive officers and directors, which are described in this Proxy Statement below under “Executive Compensation — Named Executive Officer Employment Agreements.”

Indemnification Agreements

Our Bylaws provide that none of our officers or directors shall be personally liable for any obligations of our Company or for any duties or obligations arising out of any acts or conduct of said officer or director performed for or on behalf of our Company, including without limitation, acts of negligence or contributory negligence. In addition, our Bylaws provide that we shall indemnify and hold harmless each person and their heirs and administrators who shall serve at any time hereafter as a director or officer of our Company from and against any and all claims, judgments and liabilities to which such persons shall become subject by reason of their having heretofore or hereafter been a director or officer of our Company, or by reason of any action alleged to have heretofore or hereafter taken or omitted to have been taken by him or her as such director or officer, and that we shall reimburse each such person for all legal and other expenses reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with any such claim, judgment or liability, including our power to defend such persons from all suits or claims as provided for under the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law; provided, however, that no such persons shall be indemnified against, or be reimbursed for, any expense incurred in connection with any claim or liability arising out of his (or her) own willful misconduct. In addition, we intend to enter into indemnification agreements with our directors and officers and some of our executives may have certain indemnification rights arising under their employment agreements with us. We believe that these bylaw provisions and indemnification agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers.

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The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our Bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors for breach of their fiduciary duties. They may also reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against our directors and officers, even though an action, if successful, might benefit us and our stockholders. A stockholder’s investment may be harmed to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions.

Policies and Procedures for Transactions with Related Persons

We intend to adopt a written Related-Person Transactions Policy that will set forth our policies and procedures regarding the identification, review, consideration and oversight of “related-person transactions.” Our Audit Committee is charged with the responsibility of reviewing, approving and overseeing all related-person transactions, as defined in the SEC regulations. This responsibility will be set forth, in part, in our Related-Person Transactions Policy and is set forth in the Audit Committee Charter. Generally, this policy will cover any transaction in which we were or will be a participant, the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and any “related person” had, or will have, a direct or indirect material interest in the transaction. “Related person” includes, generally, any of our (i) directors or executive officers, (ii) nominees for director, (iii) stockholders who beneficially own more than 5% of any class of our voting securities and (iv) family members of any of the persons set forth in (i) through (iii) above.

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OTHER INFORMATION

Deadline for Submission of Stockholder Proposals and Nomination of Directors for Next Year’s Annual Meeting

Stockholder Proposals for the 2024 Annual Meeting

You may submit proposals for consideration at future stockholder meetings. For a stockholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in our proxy materials for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the proposal must (i) be delivered to us no later than March 31, 2024 and (ii) comply with all applicable SEC rules and regulations, including Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act. Any proposals not received by this deadline will be untimely and not included in our 2024 proxy materials.

Alternatively, under our Bylaws, a stockholder may bring a proposal before our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, without including the proposal in our proxy materials, if (i) the stockholder provides us notice of the proposal between May 18, 2024 and June 17, 2024, and (ii) the proposal concerns a matter that may be properly considered and acted upon at the annual meeting in accordance with our Bylaws and corporate governance policies. Any such proposal not received by this deadline will be considered untimely and will not be considered at our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Stockholders are advised to review our Bylaws, which contain additional requirements with respect to advance notice of stockholder proposals. Our bylaws are publicly available in the “SEC Filings” section of our investor relations/corporate governance website at http://ir.liveone.com/ir-home.

Proposals should be addressed to:

LiveOne, Inc.
269 South Beverly Drive, Suite 1450
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Attention: Office Manager

Nomination of Directors for the 2024 Annual Meeting

You may propose a director nominee for consideration at the next annual meeting of our stockholders by complying with our Bylaws, which provide for a notice that must (i) be delivered to us at our principal executive offices set forth immediately above no earlier than the 90th day prior to September 14, 2024 (the first anniversary of our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders) and not later than the 120th day prior to September 14, 2023 (the first anniversary of our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders), (ii) provide all information relating to the director nominee that is required to be disclosed in a solicitation of proxies for the election of directors in an election contest, or that is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, and (iii) provide the director nominee’s written consent to serve as a director if elected. Stockholders are advised to review our Bylaws with respect to director nominations. These documents are publicly available in the “SEC Filings” section of our investor relations/corporate governance website at http://ir.liveone.com/ir-home.

Participants in the Solicitation

Under applicable regulations of the SEC, directors and certain officers of our Company may be deemed to be “participants” in the solicitation of proxies by our board of directors in connection with the Annual Meeting.

Expenses of Solicitation

All costs of solicitations of proxies will be borne by us. In addition to solicitations by mail, our directors, officers and regular employees, without additional remuneration, may solicit proxies by telephone, telecopy, e-mail, personal interviews, and other means. Brokers, custodians and fiduciaries will be requested to forward proxy soliciting material to the owners of stock held in their names, and we will reimburse them for their out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith.

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Annual Report on Form 10-K

An electronic copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2023, as filed with the SEC on June 29, 2023, is available free of charge in the “SEC Filings” section of our investor relations/corporate governance website at http://ir.liveone.com/ir-home. A paper copy of the Annual Report may be obtained upon written request to: LiveOne, Inc., 269 South Beverly Drive, Suite 1450, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, attention: Office Manager. Exhibits will be provided upon written request and payment of an appropriate processing fee.

“Householding” of Proxy Materials

The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries, such as brokers, banks and other nominees, to satisfy the delivery requirements for proxy materials with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single copy of proxy materials, other than the proxy card, to those stockholders. This process is commonly referred to as “householding.” Your nominee may engage in householding. Through householding, beneficial owners who have the same address and last name will receive only one copy of the proxy materials unless one or more of these owners notifies us or their nominee that they wish to continue receiving individual copies. Beneficial owners who participate in householding will receive separate proxy cards. This procedure will reduce printing costs and postage fees.

To commence or discontinue householding, please notify your broker, bank or other nominee. Alternatively, you may direct such requests in writing to LiveOne, Inc., 269 South Beverly Drive, Suite 1450, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, Attention: Office Manager, or by phone at (310) 601-2505. Individual copies of the proxy materials also may be requested at any time at this same address and telephone number.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

   

/s/ Robert S. Ellin

   

Robert S. Ellin

   

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

   

Beverly Hills, California
July 28, 2023

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VOTE ON INTERNET Go to http://www.vstocktransfer.com/proxy Click on Proxy Voter Login and log-on using the below control number. Voting will be open until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 13, 2023. CONTROL VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the envelope we have provided. SPECIMEN 1 MAIN STREET ANYWHERE PA 99999-9999 VOTE IN PERSON If you would like to vote in person, please attend the Annual Meeting to be held on September 14, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. local time at the principal executive offices of PodcastOne located at 335 North Maple Drive, Suite 127, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Please Vote, Sign, Date and Return Promptly in the Enclosed Envelope. 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders Proxy Card - LiveOne, Inc. DETACH PROXY CARD HERE TO VOTE BY MAIL THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” EACH DIRECTOR NOMINEE, “EVERY THREE YEARS” FOR PROPOSAL 2, AND “FOR” ALL OTHER LISTED PROPOSALS. 1. Election of Directors WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ALL NOMINEES LISTED BELOW FOR ALL NOMINEES LISTED BELOW (except as marked to the contrary below) INSTRUCTION: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ONE OR MORE INDIVIDUAL NOMINEES STRIKE A LINE THROUGH THE NOMINEES’ NAMES BELOW: 1. Robert S. Ellin 2. Jay Krigsman 3. Craig Foster 4. Ramin Arani 5. Patrick Wachsberger 6. Kenneth Solomon 7. Bridget Baker 8. Kristopher Wright 2. Advisory vote on the frequency of stockholder advisory vote on LiveOne’s executive compensation. ONE YEAR TWO YEARS THREE YEARS ABSTAIN 3. Ratification of the appointment of Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP as LiveOne’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 4. Approve an adjournment of the Annual Meeting to a later date or time, if necessary, to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Annual Meeting to approve any of the proposals presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN Date Signature Signature, if held jointly Note: This proxy must be signed exactly as the name appears hereon. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by a duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by an authorized person. To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address. * SPECIMEN * AC:ACCT9999 90.00

 

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LIVEONE, INC. 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders September 14, 2023 IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE 2023 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 LiveOne’s Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement, sample of Proxy Card and 2023 Annual Report are available electronically at: https://xbrlfinancialwidget.com/default.aspx?CIKNum=1491419&view=All. DETACH PROXY CARD HERE TO VOTE BY MAIL THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS undersigned, The revoking all prior proxies, hereby appoints Robert S. Ellin and Aaron Sullivan, or any of them, each with full power of substitution, as proxy to represent and vote all shares of common stock, of LiveOne, Inc. (the “Company”) beginning on July 28, 2023 in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors”) to be used at the Company’s 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held on September 14, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. (Local Time) and at any postponement of adjournment thereof. The Annual Meeting will be held at the principal executive offices of PodcastOne located at 335 North Maple Drive, Suite 127, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted as directed. If no direction is made, the proxy shall be voted FOR the election of all Company director nominees, every THREE YEARS for the frequency of the Stockolder Advisory Vote on the Company’s executive compensation, FOR the ratification of Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, and FOR the approval of an adjournment of the Annual Meeting to a later date or time, if necessary, and, in the case of other matters that legally come before the meeting, as said proxy(ies) may deem advisable. Please check here if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on September 14, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (Local Time). PLEASE BE SURE TO SIGN REVERSE SIDE OR PROXY WILL NOT BE VALID TEST ISSUE REF 1999