424B5 1 tm2417721d1_424b5.htm 424B5

 

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5) 

Registration No. 333-261087

 

Prospectus Supplement 

(To Prospectus Dated December 16, 2021) 


 

 

Energous Corporation

 

Up to $3,450,000 of 

Common Stock

 

We have entered into an At-the-Market Offering Agreement, dated June 21, 2024 (the “Sales Agreement”), with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC (“Wainwright” or the “sales agent”) relating to shares of our common stock, par value $0.00001 per share (“common stock”), offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. In accordance with the terms of the Sales Agreement, we may from time to time offer and sell shares of our common stock having a maximum aggregate offering price of up to $3,450,000 through Wainwright as our sales agent or principal under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

Sales of the shares of common stock, if any, under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be made by means of transactions that are deemed to be “at-the-market” offerings, as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), including sales made directly on or through the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”), or any other existing trading market in the United States for our common stock, sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange or otherwise, directly to Wainwright as principal, in negotiated transactions at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at prices related to such prevailing market prices and/or in any other method permitted by law.. If we and Wainwright agree on any method of distribution other than sales of shares of our common stock on or through the Nasdaq or another existing trading market in the United States at market prices, we will file a further prospectus supplement providing all information about such offering as required by Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act. The sales agent will receive from us a cash commission of 3.0% based on the gross sales price per share for any shares sold through the sales agent under the Sales Agreement. See “Plan of Distribution” beginning on page S-19 for additional information regarding the compensation to be paid to Wainwright. Under the terms of the Sales Agreement, we also may sell shares of our common stock to the sales agent as principal for its own account at a price agreed upon at the time of sale. If we sell shares to the sales agent as principal, we will enter into a separate terms agreement with the sales agent and we will describe the agreement in a separate prospectus supplement or pricing supplement providing all information about such offering as required by Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act.

 

In connection with the sale of shares of our common stock on our behalf, the sales agent will be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and the compensation paid to the sales agent will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have agreed to provide indemnification and contribution to the sales agent against certain liabilities, including civil liabilities under the Securities Act. This offering pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus will terminate upon the earlier of (a) the sale of our common stock pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus having an aggregate sales price of $3,450,000, or (b) the termination by us or Wainwright of the Sales Agreement pursuant to its terms.

 

The sales agent is not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of shares of our common stock, but, subject to the terms and conditions of the Sales Agreement and unless otherwise agreed by us and the sales agent, the sales agent will use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices to sell the shares of common stock offered as our sales agent. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in any escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

 

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “WATT.” On June 20, 2024, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market was $1.08 per share.

 

 

 

 

As of June 21, 2024, the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates (“public float”) was approximately $10.5 million based on 6,533,783 shares of outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates as of such date, at a price of $1.60 per share on May 15, 2024, which was the highest closing sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market within 60 days of the filing date of this Prospectus Supplement. Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, in no event will we sell securities registered on the registration statement, of which this Prospectus Supplement is a part, in a public primary offering with a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any 12-month period so long as our public float remains below $75.0 million. We have not offered any securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 during the 12 calendar months prior to and including the date of this prospectus supplement.

 

We are a “smaller reporting company” as defined under Rule 405 of the Securities Act, and as such, we have elected to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements. See “Prospectus Supplement Summary—Implications of Being a Smaller Reporting Company.”

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before buying any securities, you should review carefully the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-8 of this prospectus supplement, on page 3 of the accompanying prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus.

 

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

H.C. Wainwright & Co.

 

The date of this prospectus supplement is June 21, 2024.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

  Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT   S-1
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS   S-3
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY   S-4
RISK FACTORS   S-8
USE OF PROCEEDS   S-11
DESCRIPTION OF OUR COMMON STOCK   S-12
MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES   S-15
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION   S-19
LEGAL MATTERS   S-21
EXPERTS   S-21
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION   S-21
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE   S-21

 

PROSPECTUS

 

  Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS   ii
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY   1
RISK FACTORS   3
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS   4
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION   5
INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION BY REFERENCE   6
USE OF PROCEEDS   7
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION   8
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK   10
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES   14
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS   21
DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS   23
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS   24
LEGAL MATTERS   24
EXPERTS   24

 

 

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Securities Act, utilizing a “shelf” registration process. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relate to the offer by us of shares of our common stock to certain investors. Under the shelf registration process, we may offer shares of our common stock having a maximum aggregate offering price of up to $3,450,000 from time to time under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of the offering.

 

We provide information to you about this offering of shares of our common stock in in two separate documents that are bound together: (1) this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific details regarding this offering, and (2) the accompanying prospectus, which provides general information, some of which may not apply to this offering. Generally, when we refer to this “prospectus,” we are referring to both documents combined. If information in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on this prospectus supplement. In addition, to, the extent there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus supplement, on the one hand, and the information contained in any document incorporated by reference that was filed with the SEC before the date of this prospectus supplement, on the other hand, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement. If any statement in one of these documents is inconsistent with a statement in another document having a later date - for example, a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement - the statement in the document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement.

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, describes the specific terms of this offering. We urge you to carefully read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, before buying any of the securities being offered under this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement may add to or update information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference therein. To the extent that any statement we make in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with statements made in the accompanying prospectus or any documents incorporated by reference therein that were filed before the date of this prospectus supplement, the statements made in this prospectus supplement will be deemed to modify or supersede those made in the accompanying prospectus and such documents incorporated by reference therein.

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or incorporated by reference herein or therein.

 

We have not, and the sales agent has not, authorized anyone to provide any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or in any free writing prospectuses prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. We and the sales agent take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This prospectus supplement is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein or in any applicable free writing prospectus is current only as of its date, regardless of its time of delivery or any sale of our securities. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. You should read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein in their entirety before making an investment decision. You should also read and consider the information in the documents to which we have referred you in the sections of this prospectus supplement entitled Where You Can Find Additional Informationand Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.These documents contain important information that you should consider when making your investment decision

 

For investors outside of the United States: we have not, and the sales agent has not, done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any free writing prospectuses in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside of the United States who come into possession of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any free writing prospectuses must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of our securities and the distribution of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any free writing prospectuses outside of the United States.

 

S-1

 

 

You should assume that the information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front of the applicable document and that any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the date of delivery of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, or the date of any sale of a security.

 

Unless otherwise mentioned or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus supplement to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and “Energous” refer to Energous Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

 

On August 15, 2023, we effected a 1-for-20 reverse stock split (the “2023 Reverse Stock Split”) of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. Unless indicated or the context otherwise requires, all per share amounts and numbers of common stock in this prospectus supplement have been retrospectively adjusted for the 2023 Reverse Stock Split. Documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus that were filed prior to August 15, 2023, do not give effect to the 2023 Reverse Stock Split.

 

S-2

 

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and documents incorporated by reference herein and therein contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “continue,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding proposed business strategy; market opportunities; regulatory approval; expectations for current and potential business relationships; and expectations for revenues, liquidity cash flows and financial performance, the anticipated results of our research and development efforts, the timing for receipt of required regulatory approvals and product launches; and the impact of geopolitical, macroeconomic, health and other world events. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Forward-looking statements relate to the future and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and generally outside of our control, so actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

 

Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others: our ability to develop commercially feasible technology; timing of customer implementations of our technology in consumer products; timing and receipt of regulatory approvals in the United States and internationally; our ability to find and maintain development partners; market acceptance of our technology; competition in our industry; our ability to protect our intellectual property; competition; and other risks and uncertainties described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, or in other periodic and current reports we file with the SEC. as well as those discussed in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this prospectus supplement or, in the case of documents referred to or incorporated by reference, the date of those documents.

 

All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus supplement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable U.S. securities laws. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

 

All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus supplement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable U.S. securities laws. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

 

S-3

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

 

The following summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and does not contain all of the information that you should consider in making your investment decision. Before investing in our securities, you should read this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus carefully, including the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, including the section entitled Risk Factorsincluded elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, the sections entitled Risk Factorsand Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operationsand our audited financial statements and the related notes thereto, each included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein, our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and any subsequent Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K we file after the date of this prospectus supplement which is incorporated by reference herein Some of the statements in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, constitute forward-looking statements. See Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.

 

Company Overview

 

We have developed our wireless power networks technology (“WPNT”), consisting of semiconductor chipsets, software controls, hardware designs and antennas, that enable radio frequency (“RF”) based charging for Internet of Things (“IoT”) devices. Our WPNT has a broad spectrum of capabilities to enable the next generation of wireless power networks, delivering power and data in a seamless device portfolio. This includes near field and at-a-distance wireless charging, with multiple power levels at various distances. We believe our WPNTs will facilitate the deployment of the growing universe of IoT applications. According to Statista 2024, the number of IoT connected devices worldwide is forecasted to grow to 29.4 billion units by 2030. The initial IoT applications we are targeting are RF tags for asset tracking and cold chain applications, electronic shelf labeling (“ESL”), and IoT sensors for retail, industrial, healthcare, and logistics markets.

 

We believe our technology is innovative in its approach, in that we are developing solutions that charge IoT devices using RF technology. To date, we have developed and released to production multiple transmitters and receivers, including prototypes and partner production designs. The transmitters vary based on form factor and power specifications and frequencies, while the receivers are designed to support a myriad of wireless charging applications, including:

 

Device Type Application
RF Tags Cold Chain, Asset Tracking, Medical IoT
IoT Sensors Cold Chain, Logistics, Asset Tracking
Electronic Shelf Labels Retail and Industrial IoT

 

The first end product featuring our technology entered the market in 2019. We started shipping our first at-a-distance wireless PowerBridges for commercial IoT applications in the fourth quarter of 2021, and we expect additional wireless power enabled products to be released as we move our business forward.

 

Reverse Stock Split

 

On August 15, 2023, we effected the 2023 Reverse Stock Split. Unless indicated or the context otherwise requires, all per share amounts and numbers of common stock in this prospectus supplement have been retrospectively adjusted for the 2023 Reverse Stock Split. Documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus that were filed prior to August 15, 2023, do not give effect to the 2023 Reverse Stock Split.

 

Implications of Being a Smaller Reporting Company

 

We are also a “smaller reporting company,” meaning that the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700 million and our annual revenue was less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year. We may continue to be a smaller reporting company if either (i) the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250 million or (ii) our annual revenue was less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates was less than $700 million. For so long as we remain a smaller reporting company, we are permitted and intend to rely on exemptions from certain disclosure. As a result, the information that we provide to our stockholders may be different than you might receive from other public reporting companies in which you hold equity interests.

 

S-4

 

 

Corporate Information

 

We were incorporated in Delaware in 2012. Our corporate headquarters is located at 3590 North First Street, Suite 210, San Jose, CA 95134. Our website can be accessed at www.energous.com. The information contained on or accessible through our website does not constitute part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. You should not rely on any such information in making your decision whether to purchase our securities.

 

S-5

 

 

The Offering

 

Common stock offered by us   Shares of common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $3,450,000.
     
Common stock outstanding immediately following the offering   9,280,210 shares, assuming sales of 3,194,444 shares in this offering at an assumed offering price of $1.08 per share, which was the last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on June 20, 2024. The actual number of shares issued will vary depending on how many shares of our common stock we choose to sell, if any, from time to time and the prices at which such sales occur.
     
Plan of distribution   Sales of our common stock, if any, under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be made by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at-the-market” offering as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act, including without limitation sales made directly on Nasdaq, on any other existing trading market for the common stock in the United States The sales agent is not required to sell any certain number of shares or dollar amount of our common stock but will act as a sales agent and use commercially reasonable efforts to sell on our behalf all of the shares of common stock requested to be sold by us, consistent with its normal trading and sales practices and applicable laws and regulations, subject to the terms of the Sales Agreement We may sell shares of our common stock, if any, to Wainwright as principal for its own account, at a price per share agreed upon at the time of sale. If we sell shares to Wainwright as principal, we will enter into a separate terms agreement setting forth the terms of such transaction, and we will describe the agreement in a separate prospectus or pricing supplement. See “Plan of Distribution” on page S-19 of this prospectus supplement.
     
Use of proceeds   We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general and administrative expenses and other general corporate purposes, research and product development efforts, potential acquisition of complementary technologies and companies, regulatory activities, business development and support functions. See “Use of Proceeds” on page S-11 in this prospectus supplement.
     
Nasdaq Capital Market symbol   WATT
     
Risk factors   Investing in our securities involves significant risks. See “Risk Factors,” beginning on page S-8 in this prospectus supplement as well as the other information included in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, for a discussion of risks you should carefully consider before investing in our securities.

 

The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering as shown above is based on 6,085,766 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and excludes the following:

 

11,250 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options outstanding as of March 31, 2024, with a weighted average exercise price of $25.40 per share;

 

1,883,318 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants outstanding as of March 31, 2024 at a weighted average exercise price of $1.36 per share;

 

102,179 shares of common stock subject to restricted stock units outstanding as of March 31, 2024;

 

120,949 shares of common stock reserved and available for future issuance under our 2013 Equity Incentive Plan as of March 31, 2024;

 

S-6

 

 

23,262 shares of common stock reserved and available for future issuance under our 2014 Non-Employee Equity Compensation Plan as of March 31, 2024;

 

112,647 shares of common stock reserved and available for future issuance under our 2015 Performance Share Unit Plan as of March 31, 2024;

 

132,927 shares of common stock reserved and available for future issuance under our 2017 Equity Inducement Plan as of March 31, 2024; and

 

14,716 shares of common stock reserved and available for future issuance under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan as of March 31, 2024.

 

Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus supplement assumes no exercise of the outstanding options or warrants described above.

 

S-7

 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Prior to making a decision about investing in our securities, you should carefully consider the following risks and uncertainties, as well as those discussed under the caption Risk Factorsin the accompanying prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. If any of the risks described in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, actually occur, our business, prospects, financial condition or operating results could be harmed. In that case, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial may also impair our business operations and our liquidity. You should also refer to the other information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, or incorporated by reference herein and therein, including our financial statements and the related notes thereto and the information set forth under the heading Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.

 

Risks Related to this Offering and Our Common Stock

 

SEC regulations may limit the number of shares we may sell under this prospectus supplement.

 

Under current SEC regulations, because our public float is currently less than $75 million, and for so long as our public float remains less than $75 million, the amount we can raise through primary public offerings of securities in any twelve-month period using shelf registration statements, including sales under this prospectus, is limited to an aggregate of one-third of our public float, which is referred to as the baby shelf rules. As of June 21, 2024, the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates, or public float, was approximately $10.5 million based on 6,533,783 shares of outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates as of such date, at a price of $1.60 per share on May 15, 2024, which was the highest closing sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market within 60 days of the filing date of this prospectus supplement. Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, in no event will we sell securities registered on the registration statement, of which this Prospectus Supplement is a part, in a public primary offering with a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any 12-month period so long as our public float remains below $75.0 million. We have not offered any securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 during the 12 calendar months prior to and including the date of this prospectus supplement. If our public float decreases, the amount of securities we may sell under our Form S-3 shelf registration statement, including this prospectus supplement, will also decrease

 

Management will have broad discretion as to the use of the net proceeds from this offering, and we may not use the proceeds effectively.

 

Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering, if any, and could spend the proceeds in ways that do not improve our results of operations or enhance the value of our common stock. You will be relying on the judgment of our management concerning these uses and you will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether the proceeds are being used appropriately. The failure of our management to apply these funds effectively could result in unfavorable returns and uncertainty about our prospects, each of which could cause the price of our common stock to decline.

 

The common stock offered hereby will be sold in at-the marketofferings, and investors who buy shares at different times will likely pay different prices.

 

Investors who purchase shares under this offering at different times will likely pay different prices, and so may experience different outcomes in their investment results. We will have discretion, subject to market demand, to vary the timing, prices, and numbers of shares sold, and there is no minimum or maximum sales price. Investors may experience declines in the value of their shares as a result of share sales made at prices lower than the prices they paid.

 

The actual number of shares we will issue under the Sales Agreement and the gross proceeds resulting from those sales, at any one time or in total, is uncertain.

 

Subject to certain limitations in the Sales Agreement and compliance with applicable law, we have the discretion to deliver a sales notice to Wainwright at any time throughout the term of the Sales Agreement. The number of shares that are sold by Wainwright after delivering a sales notice will fluctuate based on the market price of the common stock during the sales period and limits we set with Wainwright. Because the price per share of each share sold will fluctuate based on the market price of our common stock during the sales period, it is not possible at this stage to predict the number of shares that will be ultimately issued by us under the Sales Agreement or the gross proceeds to be raised in connection with those sales.

 

S-8

 

 

The market price of our common stock may be adversely affected by the future issuance and sale of additional shares of our common stock, including pursuant to the Sales Agreement, or by our announcement that such issuances and sales may occur.

 

As of June 18, 2024, there were 6,542,164 shares of our common stock outstanding. All of our issued and outstanding shares may be sold in the market, including any shares of common stock issued pursuant to the Sales Agreement, and will be freely tradeable, except for any shares held by our “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. We cannot predict the size of future issuances or sales of shares of our common stock, including those made pursuant to the Sales Agreement with the sales agent or in connection with future acquisitions or capital raising activities, or the effect, if any, that such issuances or sales may have on the market price of our common stock. The issuance and sale of substantial amounts of shares of our common stock, including issuances and sales pursuant to the Sales Agreement, or announcement that such issuances and sales may occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. If there are more shares of common stock offered for sale than buyers are willing to purchase, then the market price of our common stock may decline to a market price at which buyers are willing to purchase the offered shares of common stock and sellers remain willing to sell the shares.

 

In addition, sales of stock by any of our executive officers or directors could have a material adverse effect on the trading price of our common stock.

 

Future issuances of our common stock or instruments convertible or exercisable into our common stock may materially and adversely affect the price of our common stock and cause dilution to our existing stockholders.

 

Historically, we have raised capital by issuing common stock and warrants in underwritten public offerings because no other reasonable sources of capital were available. These underwritten public offerings of common stock and warrants have materially and adversely affected the prevailing market prices of our common stock and caused significant dilution to our stockholders. We have also historically raised capital or refinanced outstanding debt through the issuance of convertible notes.

 

We may need to raise capital through these public offerings of common stock, preferred stock, warrants and convertible debt in the future. We may obtain additional funds through public or private debt or equity financings, subject to certain limitations in the agreements governing our indebtedness outstanding at such time. If we issue additional shares of common stock or instruments convertible into common stock, it may materially and adversely affect the price of our common stock. In addition, the exercise of some or all of our warrants may dilute the ownership interests of our stockholders, and any sales in the public market of any of our common stock issuable upon such conversion or exercise could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock.

 

S-9

 

 

Our stock price may be volatile and your investment in our securities could suffer a decline in value.

 

The market price of shares of our common stock has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. We cannot predict whether the price of our common stock will rise or fall. The market price of our common stock may be highly volatile and could fluctuate widely in price in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:

 

we may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors;

competitive pricing pressures;

additions or departures of key personnel;

additional sales of our common stock and other securities;

our ability to execute our business plan;

operating results that fall below expectations;

loss of any strategic relationship;

continued access to working capital funds;

economic and other external factors; and

the threat of terrorism, geopolitical tensions, and general disruptions in the global economy.

 

In addition, the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock. As a result, you may be unable to resell your shares at a desired price.

 

Raising additional capital may cause dilution to our existing stockholders, restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our technologies.

 

We may seek additional capital through a combination of public and private equity offerings, debt financings, strategic partnerships and licensing arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale or issuance of equity, warrants or convertible debt securities, the ownership interest of our existing stockholders will be diluted, and the terms of such securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect your rights as a stockholder. If we raise capital through debt financing, it may involve agreements that include covenants further limiting or restricting our ability to take certain actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends. If we raise additional funds through strategic partnerships or licensing agreements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies or grant licenses on terms that are not favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional funds when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our development and commercialization efforts.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We may issue and sell shares of our common stock having maximum aggregate sales proceeds of up to $3,450,000 from time to time, before deducting sales agent commission and expenses. The amount of proceeds from this offering will depend upon the number of shares of our common stock sold, if any, and the market price at which they are sold. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to close this offering, the actual total public offering amount, commissions and proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time.

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general and administrative expenses and other general corporate purposes, research and product development efforts, potential acquisition of complementary technologies and companies, regulatory activities, business development and support functions.

 

As of the date of this prospectus supplement, we cannot specify with certainty all of the particular uses of the proceeds from this offering. Accordingly, we will retain broad discretion over the use of such proceeds.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF OUR COMMON STOCK

 

Authorized and Outstanding Capital Stock

 

Our authorized capital stock consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.00001 par value per share, and 10,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, $0.00001 par value per share. As of June 18, 2024, there were 6,542,164 shares of common stock and no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

 

Common Stock

 

Holders of our common stock are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for such purpose. The shares of common stock are neither redeemable nor convertible. Holders of common stock have no preemptive or subscription rights to purchase any of our securities.

 

Each holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each such share outstanding in the holder’s name. No holder of common stock is entitled to cumulate votes in voting for directors. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of our common stock are entitled to receive pro rata our assets, which are legally available for distribution, after payments of all debts and other liabilities. All of the outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and non-assessable.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Our board of directors is authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by Delaware law, to issue from time to time up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each series and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each series and any of their qualifications, limitations or restrictions, in each case without further vote or action by our stockholders. Our board of directors is also able to increase or decrease the number of shares of any series of preferred stock, but not below the number of shares of that series then outstanding, without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Our board of directors may be able to authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of our common stock. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our company and might adversely affect the market price of our common stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock.

 

Anti-Takeover Effects of Certain Provisions of Delaware Law and Our Charter Documents

 

The following is a summary of certain provisions of Delaware law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the corporate law of Delaware and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws.

 

Effect of Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute.

 

We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, an anti-takeover law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination (defined below) with any interested stockholder (defined below) for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

 

prior to that date, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares of voting stock outstanding (but not the voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned by persons who are directors and officers and by excluding employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or

on or subsequent to that date, the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

 

Section 203 defines “business combination” to include:

 

any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;

 

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any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder;

subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;

subject to limited exceptions, any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or

the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.

 

In general, Section 203 defines an “interested stockholder” as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation, or who beneficially owns 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation at any time within a three-year period immediately prior to the date of determining whether such person is an interested stockholder, and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by any of these entities or persons.

 

Our Charter Documents

 

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws include provisions that may have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control or an unsolicited acquisition proposal that a stockholder might consider favorable, including a proposal that might result in the payment of a premium over the market price for the shares held by our stockholders. Certain of these provisions are summarized in the following paragraphs.

 

Effects of Authorized but Unissued Common Stock. One of the effects of the existence of authorized but unissued common stock may be to enable our board of directors to make more difficult or to discourage an attempt to obtain control of our Company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and thereby to protect the continuity of management. If, in the due exercise of its fiduciary obligations, the board of directors were to determine that a takeover proposal was not in our best interest, such shares could be issued by the board of directors without stockholder approval in one or more transactions that might prevent or render more difficult or costly the completion of the takeover transaction by diluting the voting or other rights of the proposed acquirer or insurgent stockholder group, by putting a substantial voting block in institutional or other hands that might undertake to support the position of the incumbent board of directors, by effecting an acquisition that might complicate or preclude the takeover, or otherwise.

Action by Written Consent. Our certificate of incorporation provides that our stockholders may not act by written consent.

Advanced Notice. Our bylaws provide that stockholders who wish to bring nominations or other business before an annual meeting of the stockholders or a special meeting of the stockholders must provide us with notice of such proposed nomination or business within specified time frames and must provide us with information regarding the potential nominee or proposal.

Blank Check Preferred Stock. As noted above, our certificate of incorporation allows our Board to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each series of preferred stock and any of their qualifications, limitations or restrictions, in each case without further vote or action by our stockholders.

Bylaw Amendment. Our certificate of incorporation provides our Board the ability to amend our bylaws without further vote or action by our stockholders.

Cumulative Voting. Our certificate of incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors, which would allow holders of less than a majority of the stock to elect some directors.

Exclusive Venue. Our certificate of incorporation provides that unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed to the Company or the Company’s stockholders by any director, officer or other employee of the Company, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be the Delaware Court of Chancery, or if the Delaware Court of Chancery determines that it does not have subject matter jurisdiction, the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware or any court of the State of Delaware having subject matter jurisdiction regarding the matter.

Special Meeting of Stockholders. Our certificate of incorporation provides that a special meeting of stockholders may only be called by the President, the Chief Executive Officer, or the board of directors at any time and for any purpose or purposes as shall be stated in the notice of the meeting.

Vacancies. Our certificate of incorporation provides that all vacancies may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum.

 

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Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Equiniti Trust Company, LLC.

 

Listing

 

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “WATT.”

 

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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

 

The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock.

 

Scope of this Summary

 

This summary is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock. Except as specifically set forth below, this summary does not discuss applicable tax reporting requirements. In addition, this summary does not take into account the individual facts and circumstances of any particular holder that may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such holder.

 

Accordingly, this summary is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or tax advice with respect to any particular holder. Each holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock.

 

No legal opinion from U.S. legal counsel or ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has been requested, or will be obtained, regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock. This summary is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS is not precluded from taking a position that is different from, or contrary to, the positions taken in this summary.

 

Authorities

 

This summary is based upon provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), regulations, rulings and judicial decisions as of the date hereof. Those authorities may be changed, perhaps retroactively, or be subject to differing interpretations, so as to result in U.S. federal tax considerations different from those summarized below.

 

U.S. Holders

 

As used in this summary, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock acquired pursuant to this prospectus supplement that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

an individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S.;

 

a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation) organized under the laws of the U.S., any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the U.S. and the control of one or more U.S. persons for all substantial decisions or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

 

Non-U.S. Holders

 

For purposes of this summary, a “Non-U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock acquired pursuant to this prospectus supplement that is neither a U.S. Holder nor a partnership (or an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes). A Non-U.S. Holder should review the discussion under the heading “Non-U.S. Holders” below for more information.

 

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Holders Subject to Special U.S. Federal Income Tax Rules

 

This summary deals only with persons or entities who hold shares of our common stock as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment purposes). This summary does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be applicable to holders in light of their particular circumstances or to holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law, such as: banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions; dealers or traders in securities, commodities or foreign currencies; regulated investment companies; U.S. expatriates or former long-term residents of the U.S.; persons required for U.S. federal income tax purposes to conform the timing of income accruals to their financial statements under Section 451(b) of the Code; persons holding shares of our common stock as part of a straddle, appreciated financial position, synthetic security, hedge, conversion transaction or other integrated investment; persons holding shares of our common stock as a result of a constructive sale; real estate investment trusts; U.S. Holders that have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar; holders that acquired shares of our common stock in connection with the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as consideration for services; or holders that are “controlled foreign corporations” or “passive foreign investment companies.” Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including holders described immediately above, should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock.

 

If an entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds shares of our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. This summary does not address the tax consequences to any such owner or entity. Partners of entities or arrangements that are classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock.

 

Tax Consequences Not Addressed

 

This summary does not address the U.S. state and local, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. federal alternative minimum tax, or non-U.S. tax consequences to holders of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock. Each holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the U.S. state and local, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. federal alternative minimum tax, and non-U.S. tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock.

 

U.S. Holders

 

Distributions on Shares of Our Common Stock

 

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. If we were to pay cash dividends in the future, such distributions made on shares of our common stock generally would be included in a U.S. Holder’s income as ordinary dividend income to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (determined under U.S. federal income tax principles) as of the end of our taxable year in which the distribution occurred. Dividends received by certain non-corporate U.S. Holders may be eligible for taxation at preferential rates provided certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated as a return of capital to the extent of a U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the shares and thereafter as capital gain from the sale or exchange of such shares, which would be taxable according to rules discussed under the heading “Sale, Certain Redemptions or Other Taxable Dispositions of Shares of Our Common Stock,” below. Dividends received by a corporate holder may be eligible for a dividends received deduction, subject to applicable limitations.

 

Sale, Certain Redemptions or Other Taxable Dispositions of Shares of Our Common Stock

 

Upon the sale, certain qualifying redemptions, or other taxable disposition of shares of our common stock, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between (i) the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received upon such taxable disposition and (ii) the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the shares of our common stock sold or otherwise disposed of. Such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if a U.S. Holder’s holding period in the shares of our common stock is more than one year at the time of the taxable disposition. Long-term capital gains recognized by certain non-corporate U.S. Holders (including individuals) may be eligible for taxation at preferential rates. Deductions for capital losses are subject to limitations under the Code.

 

Additional Tax on Passive Income

 

Individuals, estates and certain trusts whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surtax on “net investment income” including, among other things, dividends and net gain from the disposition of property (other than property held in certain trades or businesses). U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this tax on their ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock.

 

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Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

Information reporting requirements generally will apply to payments of dividends on shares of our common stock and to the proceeds of a sale of shares of our common stock paid to a U.S. Holder unless the U.S. Holder is an exempt recipient (such as a corporation). Backup withholding will apply to those payments if the U.S. Holder fails to provide its correct taxpayer identification number, or certification of exempt status, or if the U.S. Holder is notified by the IRS that it has failed to report in full payments of interest and dividend income. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided the required information is furnished in a timely manner to the IRS.

 

Non-U.S. Holders

 

Distributions on Shares of Our Common Stock

 

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. If we were to pay cash dividends in the future on our common stock, such distributions would be subject to U.S. federal income tax in the manner described below.

 

Cash distributions on shares of our common stock generally would constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles as of the end of our taxable year in which the distribution occurred. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits would be applied against and reduce a Non-U.S. Holder’s tax basis in shares of our common stock, to the extent thereof, and any excess would be treated as capital gain realized on the sale or other disposition of the shares and subject to tax in the manner described under the heading “Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Shares of Our Common Stock,” below.

 

Any dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder with respect to shares of our common stock that constitute dividends under the rules described above generally would be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. However, dividends that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business by a Non-U.S. Holder within the U.S. , would not be subject to this withholding tax, but instead would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at applicable individual or corporate rates, subject to an applicable treaty that provides otherwise. A Non-U.S. Holder generally must deliver an IRS Form W-8ECI certifying under penalties of perjury that such dividends are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the holder in order for effectively connected dividends to be exempt from this withholding tax. Any such effectively connected dividends received by a foreign corporation may be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.

 

A Non-U.S. Holder of shares of our common stock who is entitled to and wishes to claim the benefits of an applicable treaty rate (and avoid backup withholding as discussed below) with respect to dividends received generally must (i) complete an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or an acceptable substitute form) and make certain certifications, under penalty of perjury, to establish its status as a non-U.S. person and its entitlement to treaty benefits or (ii) if the stock is held through certain foreign intermediaries, satisfy the relevant certification requirements of applicable U.S. Treasury regulations. Special certification and other requirements apply to certain Non-U.S. Holders that are entities rather than individuals.

 

The certification requirements described above must be satisfied prior to the payment of dividends and may be required to be updated periodically. A Non-U.S. Holder eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. federal withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.

 

Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Shares of Our Common Stock

 

In general, a Non-U.S. Holder of shares of our common stock will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to gain recognized on a sale or other disposition of such shares of our common stock, unless: (i) the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business of the Non-U.S. Holder in the U.S. and, where a tax treaty applies, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of the Non-U.S. Holder (in which case, the special rules described below apply), (ii) in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder who is an individual, such holder is present in the U.S. for 183 or more days in the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and certain other conditions are met, in which case the gain would be subject to a flat 30% tax, or such reduced rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty, which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses, even though the individual is not considered a resident of the U.S., or (iii) subject to certain exceptions, we are or have been a “U.S. real property holding corporation,” as such term is defined in Section 897(c) of the Code, during the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of disposition or the holder’s holding period of our shares of our common stock.

 

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We believe we currently are not, and do not anticipate becoming, a “U.S. real property holding corporation” for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

Any gain described in (i) above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at applicable individual or corporate rates. If the Non-U.S. Holder is a corporation, under certain circumstances, that portion of its earnings and profits that is effectively connected with its U.S. trade or business, subject to certain adjustments, generally would be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

We must report annually to the IRS and to each Non-U.S. Holder the amount of dividends paid to such holder on the shares of our common stock and the tax withheld (if any) with respect to such dividends, regardless of whether withholding was required. Copies of the information returns reporting such dividends and any withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the Non-U.S. Holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty or information sharing agreement. In addition, dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder may be subject to backup withholding unless applicable certification requirements are met.

 

Payment of the proceeds of a sale of shares of our common stock within the U.S. or conducted through certain U.S. related financial intermediaries is subject to information reporting and, depending upon the circumstances, backup withholding unless the Non-U.S. Holder certifies under penalties of perjury that it is not a U.S. person (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the holder is a U.S. person) or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption.

 

Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against such holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

 

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA)

 

Legislation commonly referred to as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act and associated guidance, or FATCA, generally will impose a 30% U.S. federal withholding tax on any “withholdable payment” (as defined below) paid to (i) a “foreign financial institution” (as specifically defined in the legislation), whether such foreign financial institution is the beneficial owner or an intermediary, unless such foreign financial institution agrees to verify, report and disclose its U.S. “account” holders (as specifically defined in the legislation) and meets certain other specified requirements, or (ii) a non-financial foreign entity, whether such non-financial foreign entity is the beneficial owner or an intermediary, unless such entity provides a certification that the beneficial owner of the payment does not have any substantial U.S. owners or provides the name, address and taxpayer identification number of each such substantial U.S. owner and certain other specified requirements are met. In certain cases, the relevant foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity may qualify for an exemption from, or be deemed to be in compliance with, these rules. Under final regulations and other current guidance, “withholdable payments” generally include dividends on shares of our common stock, and (subject to the proposed Treasury regulations discussed below) the gross proceeds of a disposition of shares of our common stock. Proposed Treasury regulations eliminate withholding under FATCA on payments of gross proceeds. Taxpayers may rely on these proposed Treasury regulations until final Treasury regulations are issued, but such Treasury regulations are subject to change. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible application of these rules to their investment in shares of our common stock.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

We entered into the sales agreement with Wainwright, pursuant to which such agreement and this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, we may issue and sell from time to time shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $3,450,000 through Wainwright as our sales agent. Sales of the common stock, if any, will be made by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at-the-market offering” as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act, including sales made directly on Nasdaq, the trading market for our common stock, or any other existing trading market in the United States for our common stock, sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange. If we and Wainwright agree on any method of distribution other than sales of shares of our common stock into Nasdaq or another existing trading market in the United States at market prices, we will file a further prospectus supplement providing all information about such offering as required by Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act.

 

Wainwright will offer our common stock at prevailing market prices subject to the terms and conditions of the sales agreement as agreed upon by us and Wainwright. We will designate the number of shares which we desire to sell, the time period during which sales are requested to be made, any limitation on the number of shares that may be sold in one day and any minimum price below which sales may not be made. Subject to the terms and conditions of the sales agreement, Wainwright will use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices and applicable law and regulations to sell on our behalf all of the shares of common stock requested to be sold by us. We or Wainwright may suspend the offering of the common stock being made through Wainwright under the sales agreement upon proper notice to the other party and pursuant to the terms of the sales agreement.

 

Settlement for sales of common stock will occur on the first business day or such shorter settlement cycle as may be in effect under the Exchange Act from time to time, following the date on which any sales are made, or on some other date that is agreed upon by us and Wainwright in connection with a particular transaction, in return for payment of the net proceeds to us. Sales of our common stock as contemplated in this prospectus will be settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company or by such other means as we and Wainwright may agree upon. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

 

We will pay Wainwright a cash commission equal to 3.0% of the gross sales price per share of common stock issued by us and sold by Wainwright under the sales agreement. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to this offering, the actual total offering amount, sales commissions and net proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time. Pursuant to the terms of the sales agreement, we have agreed to pay Wainwright a fee not to exceed $50,000 for the reasonable fees and expenses of its legal counsel (excluding any periodic due diligence fees) incurred in connection with entering into the transactions contemplated by the Sales Agreement. Additionally, pursuant to the terms of the sales agreement, we have also agreed to reimburse Wainwright $5,000 per due diligence update session conducted in connection with each such date we file our Annual Report on Form 10-K and in connection with each such date we file our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. We estimate that the total expenses of the offering payable by us, excluding commissions payable to Wainwright under the sales agreement, will be approximately $150,000, assuming we sell the entire amount offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We will disclose in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as applicable, the number of shares of our common stock sold through Wainwright under the sales agreement, the net proceeds to us and the compensation paid by us with respect to sales under the sales agreement during the relevant quarter.

 

In connection with the sales of common stock on our behalf, Wainwright will be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and the compensation paid to Wainwright will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have agreed in the sales agreement to provide indemnification and contribution to Wainwright against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

 

The offering of our shares of common stock pursuant to this prospectus supplement will terminate upon the earlier of (a) the sale of the Shares pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus having and aggregate sales price of $3,450,000, or (b) termination of the sales agreement as permitted therein.

 

To the extent required by Regulation M, Wainwright will not engage in any market making activities involving our shares of common stock while the offering is ongoing under this prospectus supplement.

 

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From time to time, Wainwright and its affiliates may provide in the future various advisory, investment and commercial banking and other services to us and our affiliates in the ordinary course of business, for which they have received and may continue to receive customary fees and commissions. In addition, in the ordinary course of its various business activities, Wainwright and its affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (which may include bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. Wainwright or its affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments. Except as disclosed in this prospectus supplement, we have no present arrangements with Wainwright for any further services.

 

This summary of the material provisions of the sales agreement does not purport to be a complete statement of its terms and conditions. A copy of the sales agreement will be filed with the SEC on a Current Report on Form 8-K. This prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus in electronic format may be made available on a website maintained by Wainwright and Wainwright may distribute this prospectus electronically.

 

This prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus in electronic format may be made available on a website maintained by Wainwright and Wainwright may distribute this prospectus electronically.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus supplement will be passed upon by Perkins Coie LLP. Haynes and Boone, LLP, New York, New York, is acting as counsel for Wainwright in connection with this offering.

 

EXPERTS

 

Marcum LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as set forth in their report, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Marcum LLP’s report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act with respect to the securities being offered hereby. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement or the exhibits and schedules filed therewith. For further information about us and the securities offered hereby, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits filed thereto. Statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus regarding the contents of any contract or any other document that is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement are not necessarily complete, and each such statement is qualified in all respects by reference to the full text of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement.

 

We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains an internet website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us, which you may access free of charge. You may also access our reports and proxy statements free of charge at our website, www.energous.com. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. The prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus included in this filing are part of a registration statement filed by us with the SEC. The full registration statement can be obtained from the SEC, as indicated above, or from us.

 

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

 

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those other documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and information we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. A Current Report (or portion thereof) furnished, but not filed, on Form 8-K shall not be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the termination of any offering of securities made by this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus:

 

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2024;

 

our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on May 14, 2024;

 

our Current Reports on Forms 8-K filed with the SEC on January 16, 2024, February 20, 2024, March 26, 2024, April 16, 2024, April 26, 2024 and June 14, 2024;

 

the portions of our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A that are deemed “filed” with the SEC, filed with the SEC on April 26, 2024; and

 

the description of our common stock contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on March 26, 2014 under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description (including Exhibit 4.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 28, 2024).

 

S-21

 

 

We also incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement additional documents that we may file with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the completion or termination of the offering, but excluding any information deemed furnished and not filed with the SEC. Any statements contained in a previously filed document incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement is deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus supplement to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus supplement, or in a subsequently filed document also incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes that statement.

 

We will furnish without charge to you, on written or oral request, a copy of any or all of such documents that has been incorporated herein by reference (other than exhibits to such documents unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into the documents that this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus incorporate). Written or oral requests for copies should be directed to Energous Corporation, Attn: Secretary, 3590 North First Street, Suite 210, San Jose, CA 95134, and our telephone number is (408) 963-0200. See the section of this prospectus supplement entitled “Where You Can Find Additional Information” for information concerning how to read and obtain copies of materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public offices.

 

Any statement contained in this prospectus supplement, or in a document all or a portion of which is incorporated by reference, shall be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus supplement to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus supplement or any document incorporated by reference modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not, except as so modified or superseded, constitute a part of this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus.

 

S-22

 

PROSPECTUS

 

$100,000,000

 

 

ENERGOUS CORPORATION

 

Common Stock, Preferred Stock,

Debt Securities, Warrants, Subscription Rights and Units

 

 

 

From time to time, we may offer up to $100,000,000 aggregate dollar amount of shares of our common stock or preferred stock, debt securities, warrants to purchase our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, subscription rights to purchase our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities and/or units consisting of some or all of these securities, in any combination, together or separately, in one or more offerings, in one or more series or classes, in amounts, at prices and on the terms that we will determine at the time of the offering and which will be set forth in a prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus. We may offer securities as may be issuable upon conversion, redemption, repurchase, exchange or exercise of any of the securities registered hereunder, including any applicable antidilution provisions. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. The total amount of these securities will have an aggregate offering price of up to $100,000,000.

 

You should read this prospectus, the information incorporated, or deemed to be incorporated, by reference in this prospectus, and any applicable prospectus supplement and related free writing prospectus carefully before you invest.

 

Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “WATT.” On November 11, 2021, the sales price for our common stock was $1.93 per share. The applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus will contain information, where applicable, as to any other listing on The Nasdaq Stock Market or any securities market or exchange of the securities covered by the prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus. We are a “smaller reporting company” as defined under the federal securities laws and, as such, are subject to certain reduced public company reporting requirements.

 

 

 

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the information under the heading “Risk Factors” on page 3 of this prospectus before investing in our securities.

 

Common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, subscription rights and/or units may be sold by us to or through underwriters or dealers, directly to purchasers or through agents designated from time to time. For additional information on the methods of sale, you should refer to the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. If any underwriters, dealers or agents are involved in the sale of any securities with respect to which this prospectus is being delivered, the names of such underwriters or agents and any applicable fees, discounts or commissions, details regarding over-allotment options, if any, and the net proceeds to us will be set forth in a prospectus supplement. The price to the public of such securities and the net proceeds we expect to receive from such sale will also be set forth in a prospectus supplement.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

The date of this prospectus is December 16, 2021

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS ii
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY 1
RISK FACTORS 3
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 4
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION 5
INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION BY REFERENCE 6
USE OF PROCEEDS 7
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION 8
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK 10
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES 14
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS 21
DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS 23
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS 24
LEGAL MATTERS 24
EXPERTS 24

 

 i

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, from time to time, we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings, up to a total dollar amount of $100,000,000. We have provided to you in this prospectus a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities under this shelf registration process, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of the offering. We may also add, update or change in the prospectus supplement any of the information contained in this prospectus. To the extent there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement; provided that, if any statement in one of these documents is inconsistent with a statement in another document having a later date—for example, a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement—the statement in the document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

Neither we, nor any agent, underwriter or dealer have authorized anyone to give you any information or to make any representation other than the information and representations contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement. We and any agent, underwriter or dealer take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information others may give you. You may not imply from the delivery of this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, nor from a sale made under this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, that our affairs are unchanged since the date of this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement or that the information contained in any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement or any sale of a security. This prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement may only be used where it is legal to sell the securities.

 

THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO OFFER AND SELL SECURITIES UNLESS IT IS ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADDITIONAL PROSPECTUS OR A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.

 

In this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “Energous,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Energous Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

 

ii

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

This summary highlights information contained in other parts of this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2021, June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2021 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission listed below under the heading “Incorporation of Information by Reference.” This summary may not contain all the information that you should consider before investing in securities. You should read the entire prospectus and the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus carefully, including “Risk Factors” and the financial data and related notes and other information incorporated by reference, before making an investment decision. See “Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

Our Company

 

We have developed our WattUp® wireless power technology, consisting of proprietary semiconductor chipsets, software controls, hardware designs and antennas, that enables radio frequency (“RF”) based charging for electronic devices. The WattUp technology has a broad spectrum of capabilities, including near field wireless charging and at-a-distance wireless charging at various distances. We believe our proprietary WattUp technologies are well suited for many applications, including building and home automation, electronic shelf labels, industrial IoT sensors, surface and implanted medical devices, tracking devices, hearables, wearables, consumer electronics and public safety applications. Potential future applications include smartphones, commercial and industrial robotics, as well as automotive solutions and other devices with charging requirements that would otherwise require battery replacement or a wired power connection.

 

We believe our technology is innovative in its approach, in that we are developing solutions that charge electronic devices with an RF energy zone. We are developing solutions that deliver wire-free energy for near field charging applications and are also developing at-a-distance charging for distances up to 15 feet and beyond, some of which involve mobility charging.

 

To-date, we have developed multiple transmitters and receivers, including prototypes as well as partner production designs. The transmitters vary based on form factor, power specifications and frequencies, while the receivers are designed for applications including Bluetooth tracking tags, IoT sensors, hearing aids, electronic shelf labels, fitness bands, health sensors and devices, smartwatches, smartphones, smartglasses, industrial applications, keyboards, mice, headsets, earbuds, headphones, and more.

 

The Securities We May Offer

 

With this prospectus, we may offer common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants to purchase our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, subscription rights to purchase our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, and/or units consisting of some or all of these securities in any combination. The aggregate offering price of securities that we offer with this prospectus will not exceed $100,000,000. Each time we offer securities with this prospectus, we will provide offerees with a prospectus supplement that will contain the specific terms of the securities being offered. The following is a summary of the securities we may offer with this prospectus.

 

Common Stock

 

We may offer shares of our common stock, par value $0.00001 per share.

 

1

 

 

Preferred Stock

 

We may offer shares of our preferred stock, par value $0.00001 per share, in one or more series. Our board of directors or a committee designated by the board will determine the dividend, voting, conversion and other rights of the series of shares of preferred stock being offered. Each series of preferred stock will be more fully described in the particular prospectus supplement that will accompany this prospectus, including redemption provisions, rights in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or the winding up, voting rights and rights to convert into common stock.

 

Debt Securities

 

We may offer general obligations, which may be secured or unsecured, senior or subordinated and convertible into shares of our common stock or preferred stock. In this prospectus, we refer to the senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities together as the “debt securities.” Our board of directors will determine the terms of each series of debt securities being offered.

 

We will issue the debt securities under an indenture between us and a trustee. In this document, we have summarized general features of the debt securities from the indenture. We encourage you to read the form of indenture, which is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

 

Warrants

 

We may offer warrants for the purchase of debt securities, shares of preferred stock, shares of common stock or any combination thereof. We may issue warrants independently or together with other securities. Our board of directors will determine the terms of the warrants.

 

Subscription Rights

 

We may offer subscription rights for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities or any combination thereof. We may issue subscription rights independently or together with other securities. Our board of directors will determine the terms of the subscription rights.

 

Units

 

We may offer units consisting of some or all of the securities described above, in any combination, including common stock, preferred stock, warrants and/or debt securities. The terms of these units will be set forth in a prospectus supplement. The description of the terms of these units in the related prospectus supplement will not be complete. You should refer to the applicable form of unit and unit agreement for complete information with respect to these units.

 

* * *

 

We were incorporated in Delaware in October 2012. Our corporate headquarters is located at 3590 North First Street, Suite 210, San Jose, CA 95134. Our website can be accessed at www.energous.com. The information contained on, connected to or that can be accessed via our website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus and the inclusion of our website address in this prospectus is an inactive textual reference only.

 

2

 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties referenced below and described in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, as well as other information we include or incorporate by reference into this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, before making an investment decision. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by the materialization of any of these risks. The trading price of our securities could decline due to the materialization of any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. This prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference also contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including the risks described in the documents incorporated herein by reference, including (i) our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2021, June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2021, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, and incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and (ii) other documents we file with the SEC that are deemed incorporated by reference into this prospectus, as updated by our subsequent filings under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment in the offered securities.

 

3

 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “continue,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding proposed business strategy; market opportunities; regulatory approval; expectations for current and potential business relationships; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and our response to it; expectations for revenues, cash flows and financial performance; and anticipated results of research and development efforts, results of operations, liquidity, objectives of management, debt financing, our future results of operations and financial position. Forward-looking statements are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and generally are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on the occurrence of events described in any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others: our ability to develop a commercially feasible technology; receipt of necessary regulatory approval; our ability to find and maintain development partners, market acceptance of our technology; competition in our industry; protection of our intellectual property; other risks and uncertainties included in this prospectus under the caption “Risk Factors;” and risks and uncertainties described in documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein . We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

 

4

 

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act with respect to the securities offered hereby. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement, the exhibits filed therewith or the documents incorporated by reference therein. For further information about us and the securities offered hereby, reference is made to the registration statement, the exhibits filed therewith and the documents incorporated by reference therein. Statements contained in this prospectus regarding the contents of any contract or any other document that is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement are not necessarily complete, and in each instance we refer you to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the website is www.sec.gov.

 

We are subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and, in accordance with this law, file periodic reports and other information with the SEC. These periodic reports and other information are available for inspection on the website of the SEC referred to above. We also maintain a website at www.energous.com. You may access these materials free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Information contained on our website is not a part of this prospectus and the inclusion of our website address in this prospectus is an inactive textual reference only. You may also inspect these documents at our corporate headquarters at 3590 North First Street, Suite 210, San Jose, California 95134, during normal business hours.

 

5

 

 

INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, allows us to incorporate by reference the information and reports we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to these documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information already incorporated by reference. We are incorporating by reference the documents listed below, which we have already filed with the SEC, and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than Current Reports on Form 8-K furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 and exhibits filed on such form that are related to such items), including all filings made after the date of the filing of this registration statement and prior to the effectiveness of this registration statement, except as to any portion of any future report or document that is not deemed filed under such provisions, after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering:

 

  our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on March  24, 2021, including certain information incorporated by reference therein from our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for our 2021 annual meeting, which was filed with the SEC on April 30, 2021;
     
  our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on May 17, 2021, for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, filed with the SEC on August 11, 2021, and for the quarter ended September  30, 2021, filed with the SEC on November 15, 2021;
     
  our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 23, 2021 (only with regard to item 5.02), July  12, 2021, July  29, 2021, September  23, 2021 and on October 4, 2021;
     
  the description of capital stock included in our registration statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on March 26, 2014 under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description; and
     
  all documents filed pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 after the date of the initial registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement.

 

Upon request, we will provide, without charge, to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered, a copy of the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus but not delivered with the prospectus. You may request a copy of these filings, and any exhibits we have specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this prospectus, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at:

 

Corporate Secretary

Energous Corporation

3590 North First Street, Suite 210

San Jose, California 95134

(408) 963-0200

 

You may access these documents, free of charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or on our website at www.energous.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider any information on, or that can be accessed from, our website as part of this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement.

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC. We have incorporated exhibits into this registration statement. You should read the exhibits carefully for provisions that may be important to you.

 

You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or in the documents incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus or those documents.

 

6

 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We will retain broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds to us from the sale of our securities under this prospectus. We will set forth in the prospectus supplement our intended use for the net proceeds received from the sale of any securities. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of securities under this prospectus for general and administrative expenses and other general corporate purposes, research and product development efforts, potential acquisition of complementary technologies and companies, regulatory activities, business development and support functions. Pending the application of the net proceeds, we intend to invest the net proceeds in short-term or long-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing securities.

 

7

 

 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

We may sell the securities covered by this prospectus to one or more underwriters for public offering and sale by them, and may also sell the securities to investors directly or through agents. We will name any underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of securities in the applicable prospectus supplement. We have reserved the right to sell or exchange securities directly to investors on our own behalf in jurisdictions where we are authorized to do so. We may distribute the securities from time to time in one or more transactions:

 

  at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;
     
  at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
     
  at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or
     
  at negotiated prices.

 

We may directly solicit offers to purchase the securities being offered by this prospectus. We may also designate agents to solicit offers to purchase the securities from time to time. We will name in a prospectus supplement any agent involved in the offer or sale of our securities. Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, an agent will be acting on a best efforts basis, and a dealer will purchase securities as a principal for resale at varying prices to be determined by the dealer.

 

If we utilize an underwriter in the sale of the securities being offered by this prospectus, we will execute an underwriting agreement with the underwriter at the time of sale and we will provide the name of any underwriter in the prospectus supplement that the underwriter will use to make resales of the securities to the public. In connection with the sale of the securities, we, or the purchasers of securities for whom the underwriter may act as agent, may compensate the underwriter in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions. The underwriter may sell the securities to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions, or commissions from the underwriters or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent.

 

We will provide in the applicable prospectus supplement any compensation we pay to underwriters, dealers, or agents in connection with the offering of the securities, and any discounts, concessions, or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers. Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions. In compliance with the guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or FINRA, the aggregate maximum discount, commission or agency fees or other items constituting underwriting compensation to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker-dealer shall be fair and reasonable. We may enter into agreements to indemnify underwriters, dealers and agents against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to reimburse them for certain expenses. We may grant underwriters who participate in the distribution of our securities under this prospectus an option to purchase additional securities in connection with the distribution.

 

The securities we offer under this prospectus may or may not be listed through The Nasdaq Capital Market or any other securities exchange. To facilitate the offering of securities, certain persons participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities. This may include short sales of the securities, which involves the sale by persons participating in the offering of more securities than we sold to them. In these circumstances, these persons would cover such short positions by making purchases in the open market or by exercising their option to purchase additional securities. In addition, these persons may stabilize or maintain the price of the securities by bidding for or purchasing securities in the open market or by imposing penalty bids, whereby selling concessions allowed to dealers participating in the offering may be reclaimed if securities sold by them are repurchased in connection with stabilization transactions. The effect of these transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. These transactions may be discontinued at any time.

 

8

 

 

We may engage in at the market offerings into an existing trading market in accordance with Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act. In addition, we may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and they may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in these sale transactions will be an underwriter and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. In addition, we may otherwise loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities short using this prospectus. The financial institution or other third party may transfer its economic short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a concurrent offering of other securities.

 

We will file a prospectus supplement to describe the terms of any offering of our securities covered by this prospectus. The prospectus supplement will disclose:

 

  the terms of the offer;
     
  the names of any underwriters, including any managing underwriters, as well as any dealers or agents;
     
  the purchase price of the securities from us;
     
  the net proceeds to us from the sale of the securities;
     
  any delayed delivery arrangements;
     
  any options under which underwriters, if any, may purchase additional securities from us;
     
  any underwriting discounts, commissions or other items constituting underwriters’ compensation, and any commissions paid to agents;
     
  in a subscription rights offering, whether we have engaged dealer-managers to facilitate the offering or subscription, including their name or names and compensation;
     
  any public offering price; and
     
  other facts material to the transaction.

 

We will bear all or substantially all of the costs, expenses and fees in connection with the registration of our securities under this prospectus. The underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with us, or perform services for us, in the ordinary course of business.

 

Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise or the securities are sold by us to an underwriter in a firm commitment underwritten offering. The applicable prospectus supplement may provide that the original issue date for your securities may be more than two scheduled business days after the trade date for your securities. Accordingly, in such a case, if you wish to trade securities on any date prior to the second business day before the original issue date for your securities, you will be required, by virtue of the fact that your securities initially are expected to settle in more than two scheduled business days after the trade date for your securities, to make alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

 

General

 

Our authorized capital stock consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.00001 par value per share, and 10,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, $0.00001 par value per share. As of November 11, 2021, there were 75,409,399 shares of our common stock outstanding, and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. Our authorized but unissued shares of common stock are available for issuance without further action by our stockholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities may be listed or traded.

 

Common Stock

 

Holders of our common stock are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for such purpose. The shares of common stock are neither redeemable nor convertible. Holders of common stock have no preemptive or subscription rights to purchase any of our securities.

 

Each holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each such share outstanding in the holder’s name. No holder of common stock is entitled to cumulate votes in voting for directors.

 

In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of our common stock are entitled to receive pro rata our assets, which are legally available for distribution, after payments of all debts and other liabilities. All of the outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. The shares of common stock offered by this prospectus will also be fully paid and non-assessable.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Our board of directors is authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by Delaware law, to issue from time to time up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each series and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each series and any of their qualifications, limitations or restrictions, in each case without further vote or action by our stockholders. Our board of directors is also be able to increase or decrease the number of shares of any series of preferred stock, but not below the number of shares of that series then outstanding, without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Our board of directors may be able to authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of our common stock. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our company and might adversely affect the market price of our common stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock.

 

Registration Rights

 

The holder of shares of our common stock that were acquired pursuant to those certain Securities Purchase Agreements, or SPAs, with the Company dated November 6, 2016 and June 28, 2017, is entitled to rights with respect to the registration of those shares, or Registrable Securities, under the Securities Act. These registration rights terminate when the stockholder can sell its shares publicly under Rule 144 of the Securities Act without a volume limitation.

 

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Demand Registration Rights

 

Under the SPAs, we are required, as soon as reasonably practicable following the request of a stockholder with registration rights, prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the resale of such portion of the Registrable Securities requested by the stockholder. The Company shall not be obligated to file and have declared effective more than two registration statements per year, each including not less than 100,000 shares of Common Stock (as adjusted by any stock split, dividend or other distribution, recapitalization or similar event).

 

Anti-Takeover Effects of Certain Provisions of Delaware Law and Our Charter Documents

 

The following is a summary of certain provisions of Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the corporate law of Delaware and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws.

 

Effect of Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute.

 

We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, an anti-takeover law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination (defined below) with any interested stockholder (defined below) for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

 

  prior to that date, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;
     
  upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares of voting stock outstanding (but not the voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned by persons who are directors and officers and by excluding employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or
     
  on or subsequent to that date, the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

 

Section 203 defines “business combination” to include:

 

  any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;
     
  any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder;
     
  subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;
     
  subject to limited exceptions, any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or
     
  the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.

 

In general, Section 203 defines an “interested stockholder” as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation, or who beneficially owns 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation at any time within a three-year period immediately prior to the date of determining whether such person is an interested stockholder, and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by any of these entities or persons.

 

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Our Charter Documents.

 

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws include provisions that may have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control or an unsolicited acquisition proposal that a stockholder might consider favorable, including a proposal that might result in the payment of a premium over the market price for the shares held by our stockholders. Certain of these provisions are summarized in the following paragraphs.

 

  Effects of Authorized but Unissued Common Stock. One of the effects of the existence of authorized but unissued common stock may be to enable our board of directors to make more difficult or to discourage an attempt to obtain control of our Company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and thereby to protect the continuity of management. If, in the due exercise of its fiduciary obligations, the board of directors were to determine that a takeover proposal was not in our best interest, such shares could be issued by the board of directors without stockholder approval in one or more transactions that might prevent or render more difficult or costly the completion of the takeover transaction by diluting the voting or other rights of the proposed acquirer or insurgent stockholder group, by putting a substantial voting block in institutional or other hands that might undertake to support the position of the incumbent board of directors, by effecting an acquisition that might complicate or preclude the takeover, or otherwise.

 

  Action by Written Consent. Our certificate of incorporation provides that our stockholders may not act by written consent.

 

  Advanced Notice. Our bylaws provide that stockholders who wish to bring nominations or other business before an annual meeting of the stockholders or a special meeting of the stockholders must provide us with notice of such proposed nomination or business within specified time frames and must provide us with information regarding the potential nominee or proposal.

 

  Blank Check Preferred Stock. As noted above, our certificate of incorporation allows our Board to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each series of preferred stock and any of their qualifications, limitations or restrictions, in each case without further vote or action by our stockholders.

 

  Bylaw Amendment. Our certificate of incorporation provides our Board the ability to amend our bylaws without further vote or action by our stockholders.

 

  Cumulative Voting. Our certificate of incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors, which would allow holders of less than a majority of the stock to elect some directors.

 

  Exclusive Venue. Our certificate of incorporation provides that unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed to the Company or the Company’s stockholders by any director, officer or other employee of the Company, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be the Delaware Court of Chancery, or if the Delaware Court of Chancery determines that it does not have subject matter jurisdiction, the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware or any court of the State of Delaware having subject matter jurisdiction regarding the matter.

 

  Special Meeting of Stockholders. Our certificate of incorporation provides that a special meeting of stockholders may only be called by the President, the Chief Executive Officer, or the board of directors at any time and for any purpose or purposes as shall be stated in the notice of the meeting.

 

  Vacancies. Our certificate of incorporation provides that all vacancies may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum.

 

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Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is EQ Shareowner Services.

 

Exchange Listing

 

Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “WATT.”

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

 

General

 

We will issue the debt securities offered by this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement under an indenture to be entered into between us and the trustee identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of the debt securities will include those stated in the indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as in effect on the date of the indenture. We have filed a copy of the form of indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement in which this prospectus is included. The indenture will be subject to and governed by the terms of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

 

We may offer under this prospectus up to an aggregate principal amount of $100,000,000 in debt securities, or if debt securities are issued at a discount, or in a foreign currency, foreign currency units or composite currency, the principal amount as may be sold for an aggregate public offering price of up to $100,000,000. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will represent our direct, unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured indebtedness.

 

We may issue the debt securities in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium, or at a discount. We will describe the particular terms of each series of debt securities in a prospectus supplement relating to that series, which we will file with the SEC. The prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of debt securities being offered will specify the particular amounts, prices and terms of those debt securities. These terms may include:

 

  the title of the series;

 

  the aggregate principal amount, and, if a series, the total amount authorized and the total amount outstanding;

 

  the issue price or prices, expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities;

 

  any limit on the aggregate principal amount;

 

  the date or dates on which principal is payable;

 

  the interest rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) or, if applicable, the method used to determine such rate or rates;

 

  the date or dates from which interest, if any, will be payable and any regular record date for the interest payable;

 

  the place or places where principal and, if applicable, premium and interest, is payable;

 

  the terms and conditions upon which we may, or the holders may require us to, redeem or repurchase the debt securities;

 

  the denominations in which such debt securities may be issuable, if other than denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple of that number;

 

  whether the debt securities are to be issuable in the form of certificated securities (as described below) or global securities (as described below);

 

  the portion of principal amount that will be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity date if other than the principal amount of the debt securities;

 

  the currency of denomination;

 

  the designation of the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of principal and, if applicable, premium and interest, will be made;

 

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  if payments of principal and, if applicable, premium or interest, on the debt securities are to be made in one or more currencies or currency units other than the currency of denomination, the manner in which the exchange rate with respect to such payments will be determined;

 

  if amounts of principal and, if applicable, premium and interest may be determined by reference to an index based on a currency or currencies or by reference to a commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index, then the manner in which such amounts will be determined;

 

  the provisions, if any, relating to any collateral provided for such debt securities;

 

  any addition to or change in the covenants and/or the acceleration provisions described in this prospectus or in the indenture;

 

  any events of default, if not otherwise described below under “Events of Default”;

 

  the terms and conditions, if any, for conversion into or exchange for shares of our common stock or preferred stock;

 

  any depositaries, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate calculation agents or other agents; and

 

  the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the debt securities shall be subordinated in right of payment to our other indebtedness.

 

We may issue discount debt securities that provide for an amount less than the stated principal amount to be due and payable upon acceleration of the maturity of such debt securities in accordance with the terms of the indenture. We may also issue debt securities in bearer form, with or without coupons. If we issue discount debt securities or debt securities in bearer form, we will describe material U.S. federal income tax considerations and other material special considerations which apply to these debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

We may issue debt securities denominated in or payable in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units. If we do, we will describe the restrictions, elections, and general tax considerations relating to the debt securities and the foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency unit or units in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Debt securities offered under this prospectus and any prospectus supplement will be subordinated in right of payment to certain of our outstanding senior indebtedness. In addition, we will seek the consent of the holders of any such senior indebtedness prior to issuing any debt securities under this prospectus to the extent required by the agreements evidencing such senior indebtedness.

 

Registrar and Paying Agent

 

The debt securities may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange at the corporate trust office of the security registrar or at any other office or agency that we maintain for those purposes. In addition, the debt securities may be presented for payment of principal, interest and any premium at the office of the paying agent or at any office or agency that we maintain for those purposes.

 

Conversion or Exchange Rights

 

Debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our common stock. The terms and conditions of conversion or exchange will be stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms will include, among others, the following:

 

  the conversion or exchange price;

 

  the conversion or exchange period;

 

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  provisions regarding the convertibility or exchangeability of the debt securities, including who may convert or exchange;

 

  events requiring adjustment to the conversion or exchange price;

 

  provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of our redemption of the debt securities; and

 

  any anti-dilution provisions, if applicable.

 

Registered Global Securities

 

If we decide to issue debt securities in the form of one or more global securities, then we will register the global securities in the name of the depositary for the global securities or the nominee of the depositary, and the global securities will be delivered by the trustee to the depositary for credit to the accounts of the holders of beneficial interests in the debt securities.

 

The prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the depositary arrangement for debt securities of a series that are issued in global form. None of us, the trustee, any payment agent or the security registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a global debt security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to these beneficial ownership interests.

 

No Protection in the Event of Change of Control

 

The indenture does not have any covenants or other provisions providing for a put or increased interest or otherwise that would afford holders of our debt securities additional protection in the event of a recapitalization transaction, a change of control or a highly leveraged transaction. If we offer any covenants or provisions of this type with respect to any debt securities covered by this prospectus, we will describe them in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Covenants

 

Unless otherwise indicated in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement, our debt securities will not have the benefit of any covenants that limit or restrict our business or operations, the pledging of our assets or the incurrence by us of indebtedness. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement any material covenants in respect of a series of debt securities.

 

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets

 

The form of indenture provides that we will not consolidate with or merge into any other person or convey, transfer, sell or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, unless:

 

  we are the surviving person of such merger or consolidation, or if we are not the surviving person, the person formed by the consolidation or into or with which we are merged or the person to which our properties and assets are conveyed, transferred, sold or leased, is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the U.S., any state or the District of Columbia or a corporation or comparable legal entity organized under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction and has expressly assumed all of our obligations, including the payment of the principal of and, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities and the performance of the other covenants under the indenture; and

 

  immediately before and immediately after giving effect to the transaction on a pro forma basis, no event of default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default, has occurred and is continuing under the indenture.

 

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Events of Default

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following events will be events of default under the indenture with respect to debt securities of any series:

 

  we fail to pay any principal or premium, if any, when it becomes due;

 

  we fail to pay any interest within 30 days after it becomes due;

 

  we fail to observe or perform any other covenant in the debt securities or the indenture for 60 days after written notice specifying the failure from the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series; and

 

  certain events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of us or any of our significant subsidiaries.

 

The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the debt securities of any series of any default, except in payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities of a series, if the trustee considers it to be in the best interest of the holders of the debt securities of that series to do so.

 

If an event of default (other than an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) occurs, and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may accelerate the maturity of the debt securities. If this happens, the entire principal amount, plus the premium, if any, of all the outstanding debt securities of the affected series plus accrued interest to the date of acceleration will be immediately due and payable. At any time after the acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on such acceleration is obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of such series may rescind and annul such acceleration if:

 

  all events of default (other than nonpayment of accelerated principal, premium or interest) have been cured or waived;

 

  all lawful interest on overdue interest and overdue principal has been paid; and

 

  the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree.

 

In addition, if the acceleration occurs at any time when we have outstanding indebtedness that is senior to the debt securities, the payment of the principal amount of outstanding debt securities may be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment of any amounts due under the senior indebtedness, in which case the holders of debt securities will be entitled to payment under the terms prescribed in the instruments evidencing the senior indebtedness and the indenture.

 

If an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occurs, the principal, premium and interest amount with respect to all of the debt securities of any series will be due and payable immediately without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or the holders of the debt securities of that series.

 

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series will have the right to waive any existing default or compliance with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities of that series and to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, subject to certain limitations specified in the indenture.

 

No holder of any debt security of a series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the indenture or for any remedy under the indenture, unless:

 

  the holder gives to the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default;

 

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  the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series make a written request and offer reasonable indemnity to the trustee to institute a proceeding as trustee;

 

  the trustee fails to institute a proceeding within 60 days after such request; and

 

  the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series do not give the trustee a direction inconsistent with such request during such 60-day period.

 

These limitations do not, however, apply to a suit instituted for payment on debt securities of any series on or after the due dates expressed in the debt securities.

 

We will periodically deliver certificates to the trustee regarding our compliance with our obligations under the indenture.

 

Modification and Waiver

 

From time to time, we and the trustee may, without the consent of holders of the debt securities of one or more series, amend the indenture or the debt securities of one or more series, or supplement the indenture, for certain specified purposes, including:

 

  to provide that the surviving entity following a change of control permitted under the indenture will assume all of our obligations under the indenture and debt securities;

 

  to provide for certificated debt securities in addition to uncertificated debt securities;

 

  to comply with any requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939;

 

  to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of debt securities of any series as permitted by the indenture;

 

  to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, or make any other change that does not materially and adversely affect the rights of any holder; and

 

  to appoint a successor trustee under the indenture with respect to one or more series.

 

From time to time we and the trustee may, with the consent of holders of at least a majority in principal amount of an outstanding series of debt securities, amend or supplement the indenture or the debt securities series, or waive compliance in a particular instance by us with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities. We may not, however, without the consent of each holder affected by such action, modify or supplement the indenture or the debt securities or waive compliance with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities in order to:

 

  reduce the amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement, or waiver to the indenture or such debt security;

 

  reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest or reduce the amount of or postpone the date for payment of sinking fund or analogous obligations;

 

  reduce the principal of or change the stated maturity of the debt securities;

 

  make any debt security payable in money other than that stated in the debt security;

 

  change the amount or time of any payment required or reduce the premium payable upon any redemption, or change the time before which no such redemption may be made;

 

  waive a default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities or a redemption payment;

 

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  waive a redemption payment with respect to any debt securities or change any provision with respect to redemption of debt securities; or

 

  take any other action otherwise prohibited by the indenture to be taken without the consent of each holder affected by the action.

 

Defeasance of Debt Securities

 

The indenture permits us, at any time, to elect to discharge our obligations with respect to one or more series of debt securities by following specified procedures described in the indenture. These procedures allow us either:

 

  to defease and be discharged from any and all of our obligations with respect to any debt securities except for the following obligations (which discharge is referred to as “legal defeasance”):

 

1. to register the transfer or exchange of such debt securities;

 

2. to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities;

 

3. to compensate and indemnify the trustee; or

 

4. to maintain an office or agency in respect of the debt securities and to hold monies for payment in trust; or

 

  to be released from our obligations with respect to the debt securities under certain covenants contained in the indenture, as well as any additional covenants which may be contained in the applicable supplemental indenture (which release is referred to as “covenant defeasance”).

 

In order to exercise either defeasance option, we must irrevocably deposit with the trustee or other qualifying trustee, in trust for that purpose:

 

  money;

 

  U.S. Government Obligations (as described below) or Foreign Government Obligations (as described below) that through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money; or

 

  a combination of money and/or U.S. Government Obligations and/or Foreign Government Obligations sufficient in the written opinion of a nationally-recognized firm of independent accountants to provide money;

 

that, in each case specified above, provides a sufficient amount to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities of the series, on the scheduled due dates or on a selected date of redemption in accordance with the terms of the indenture.

 

In addition, defeasance may be effected only if, among other things:

 

  in the case of either legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel, as specified in the indenture, stating that as a result of the defeasance neither the trust nor the trustee will be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940;

 

  in the case of legal defeasance, we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that we have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling to the effect that, or there has been a change in any applicable federal income tax law with the effect that (and the opinion shall confirm that), the holders of outstanding debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes solely as a result of such legal defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner, including as a result of prepayment, and at the same times as would have been the case if legal defeasance had not occurred;

 

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  in the case of covenant defeasance, we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of the outstanding debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of covenant defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if covenant defeasance had not occurred; and

 

  other conditions described in the indenture are satisfied.

 

If we fail to comply with our remaining obligations under the indenture and applicable supplemental indenture after a covenant defeasance of the indenture and applicable supplemental indenture, and the debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any undefeased event of default, the amount of money and/or U.S. Government Obligations and/or Foreign Government Obligations on deposit with the trustee could be insufficient to pay amounts due under the debt securities of the affected series at the time of acceleration. We will, however, remain liable in respect of these payments.

 

The term “U.S. Government Obligations” as used in the above discussion means securities that are direct obligations of or non-callable obligations guaranteed by the United States of America for the payment of which obligation or guarantee the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged.

 

The term “Foreign Government Obligations” as used in the above discussion means, with respect to debt securities of any series that are denominated in a currency other than U.S. Dollars, (1) direct obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued such currency for the payment of which obligations its full faith and credit is pledged or (2) obligations of a person controlled or supervised by or acting as an agent or instrumentality of such government the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by that government, which in either case under clauses (1) or (2), are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer.

 

Regarding the Trustee

 

We will identify the trustee with respect to any series of debt securities in the prospectus supplement relating to the applicable debt securities. You should note that if the trustee becomes a creditor of ours, the indenture and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 limit the rights of the trustee to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim, as security or otherwise. The trustee and its affiliates may engage in, and will be permitted to continue to engage in, other transactions with us and our affiliates. If, however, the trustee acquires any “conflicting interest” within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, it must eliminate such conflict or resign.

 

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of any series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the trustee. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee, in the exercise of its rights and powers, must use the degree of care and skill of a prudent person in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to that provision, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any of the holders of the debt securities, unless they have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity or security.

 

No Individual Liability of Incorporators, Stockholders, Officers or Directors

 

Each indenture provides that no incorporator and no past, present or future stockholder, officer or director of our company or any successor corporation in those capacities will have any individual liability for any of our obligations, covenants or agreements under the debt securities or such indenture.

 

Governing Law

 

The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

 

General

 

We may issue warrants for the purchase of our debt securities, preferred stock, common stock or any combination thereof. Warrants may be issued independently or together with our debt securities, preferred stock or common stock and may be attached to or separate from any offered securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants. The warrant agent will not have any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants. This summary of certain provisions of the warrants is not complete. For the terms of a particular series of warrants, you should refer to the prospectus supplement for that series of warrants and the warrant agreement for that particular series.

 

Debt Warrants

 

The prospectus supplement relating to a particular issue of warrants to purchase debt securities will describe the terms of the debt warrants, including the following:

 

  the title of the debt warrants;

 

  the offering price for the debt warrants, if any;

 

  the aggregate number of the debt warrants;

 

  the designation and terms of the debt securities, including any conversion rights, purchasable upon exercise of the debt warrants;

 

  if applicable, the date from and after which the debt warrants and any debt securities issued with them will be separately transferable;

 

  the principal amount of debt securities that may be purchased upon exercise of a debt warrant and the exercise price for the warrants, which may be payable in cash, securities or other property;

 

  the dates on which the right to exercise the debt warrants will commence and expire;

 

  if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the debt warrants that may be exercised at any one time;

 

  whether the debt warrants represented by the debt warrant certificates or debt securities that may be issued upon exercise of the debt warrants will be issued in registered or bearer form;

 

  information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;

 

  the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable;

 

  if applicable, a discussion of material U.S. federal income tax considerations;

 

  the antidilution provisions of the debt warrants, if any;

 

  the redemption or call provisions, if any, applicable to the debt warrants;

 

  any provisions with respect to the holder’s right to require us to repurchase the debt warrants upon a change in control or similar event; and

 

  any additional terms of the debt warrants, including procedures and limitations relating to the exchange, exercise, and settlement of the debt warrants.

 

Debt warrant certificates will be exchangeable for new debt warrant certificates of different denominations. Debt warrants may be exercised at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement. Prior to the exercise of their debt warrants, holders of debt warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities purchasable upon exercise and will not be entitled to payment of principal or any premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities purchasable upon exercise.

 

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Equity Warrants

 

The prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of warrants to purchase our common stock or preferred stock will describe the terms of the warrants, including the following:

 

  the title of the warrants;

 

  the offering price for the warrants, if any;

 

  the aggregate number of warrants;

 

  the designation and terms of the common stock or preferred stock that may be purchased upon exercise of the warrants;

 

  if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each security;

 

  if applicable, the date from and after which the warrants and any securities issued with the warrants will be separately transferable;

 

  the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock that may be purchased upon exercise of a warrant and the exercise price for the warrants;

 

  the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants shall commence and expire;

 

  if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants that may be exercised at any one time;

 

  the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable;

 

  if applicable, a discussion of material U.S. federal income tax considerations;

 

  the antidilution provisions of the warrants, if any;

 

  the redemption or call provisions, if any, applicable to the warrants;

 

  any provisions with respect to a holder’s right to require us to repurchase the warrants upon a change in control or similar event; and

 

  any additional terms of the warrants, including procedures and limitations relating to the exchange, exercise and settlement of the warrants.

 

Holders of equity warrants will not be entitled:

 

  to vote, consent, or receive dividends;

 

  receive notice as stockholders with respect to any meeting of stockholders for the election of our directors or any other matter; or

 

  exercise any rights as stockholders.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS

 

We may issue subscription rights to purchase our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities or any combination thereof. These subscription rights may be offered independently or together with any other security offered hereby and may or may not be transferable by the stockholder receiving the subscription rights in such offering. In connection with any offering of subscription rights, we may enter into a standby arrangement with one or more underwriters or other purchasers pursuant to which the underwriters or other purchasers may be required to purchase any securities remaining unsubscribed for after such offering.

 

The prospectus supplement relating to any subscription rights we offer, if any, will, to the extent applicable, include specific terms relating to the offering, including some or all of the following:

 

  the price, if any, for the subscription rights;

 

  the exercise price payable for our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities upon the exercise of the subscription rights;

 

  the number of subscription rights to be issued to each stockholder;

 

  the number and terms of our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities which may be purchased per each subscription right;

 

  the extent to which the subscription rights are transferable;

 

  any other terms of the subscription rights, including the terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the subscription rights;

 

  the date on which the right to exercise the subscription rights shall commence, and the date on which the subscription rights shall expire;

 

  the extent to which the subscription rights may include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities or an over-allotment privilege to the extent the securities are fully subscribed; and

 

  if applicable, the material terms of any standby underwriting or purchase arrangement which may be entered into by us in connection with the offering of subscription rights.

 

The description in the applicable prospectus supplement of any subscription rights we offer will not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable subscription rights certificate, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission if we offer subscription rights. We urge you to read the applicable subscription rights certificate and any applicable prospectus supplement in their entirety.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

 

We may issue units consisting of some or all of the securities described above, in any combination, including common stock, preferred stock, warrants and/or debt securities. The terms of these units will be set forth in a prospectus supplement. The description of the terms of these units in the related prospectus supplement will not be complete. You should refer to the applicable form of unit and unit agreement for complete information with respect to these units.

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for us by Fenwick & West LLP, Mountain View, California. Any underwriters will also be advised about the validity of the securities and other legal matters by their own counsel, which will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements of Energous Corporation as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2020, have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of Marcum LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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Energous Corporation

 

Up to $3,450,000 of 

Common Stock

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

H.C. Wainwright & Co.

 

June 21, 2024