UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
|
(Mark One)
|
|
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR SECTION 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
|
|
OR
|
||
|
|
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
|
|
| For the fiscal year ended
|
||
|
OR
|
||
|
|
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
|
|
|
For the transition period from to
|
||
|
OR
|
||
|
|
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
|
|
Date of event requiring this shell company report
Commission file number
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
State of
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Fiverr International Ltd.
(Address of principal executive offices)
Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: +
Email: investors@fiverr.com
Fiverr International Ltd.
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered, pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act
|
Title of each class |
Trading Symbol(s) |
Name of each exchange on which registered |
||
|
|
|
The |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital stock or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes ☐
Note—Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
|
☒ |
☐ Accelerated filer |
☐ Non-accelerated filer |
|
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
|
☒ |
☐ |
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board |
☐ Other |
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 ☐ Item 18 ☐
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No
CONTENTS
Page | |
| 3 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 6 | |
| 6 | |
| 6 | |
| 6 | |
| 6 | |
| 6 | |
| 6 | |
| 6 | |
| 31 | |
| 31 | |
| 31 | |
| 46 | |
| 46 | |
| 46 | |
| 46 | |
| 52 | |
| 54 | |
| 56 | |
| 56 | |
| 57 | |
| 60 | |
| 60 | |
| 62 | |
| 66 | |
| 75 | |
| 76 | |
| 76 | |
| 76 | |
| 77 | |
| 78 | |
| 78 | |
| 78 | |
| 79 | |
| 79 | |
| 79 | |
| 79 | |
| 79 | |
| 79 | |
| 79 | |
| 79 |
1
| 79 | |
| 79 | |
| 79 | |
| 80 | |
| 82 | |
| 82 | |
| 91 | |
| 91 | |
| 91 | |
| 91 | |
| 91 | |
| 91 | |
| 92 | |
| 92 | |
| 92 | |
| 92 | |
| 92 | |
| 92 | |
| 93 | |
| 93 | |
| 94 | |
| 94 | |
| 94 | |
| 94 | |
| 94 | |
| 94 | |
| 95 | |
| 95 | |
| 95 | |
| 95 | |
| 97 | |
F - 1 |
2
Except where the context otherwise requires or where otherwise indicated in this Annual Report, the terms “Fiverr,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” “our company” and “our business” refer to Fiverr International Ltd., together with its consolidated subsidiaries as a consolidated entity.
All references in this Annual Report to “Israeli currency” and “NIS” refer to New Israeli Shekels, the terms “dollar,” “USD” or “$” refer to U.S. dollars and the terms “€” or “euro” refer to the currency introduced at the start of the third stage of European economic and monetary union pursuant to the treaty establishing the European Community, as amended.
Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). We present our consolidated financial statements in U.S. dollars.
Our fiscal year ends on December 31 of each year. References to fiscal 2019 and 2019 are references to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, references to fiscal 2020 and 2020 are references to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, and references to fiscal 2021 and 2021 are references to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. Some amounts in this Annual Report may not total due to rounding. All percentages have been calculated using unrounded amounts.
Throughout this Annual Report, we provide a number of key performance indicators used by our management and often used by competitors in our industry. These and other key performance indicators are discussed in more detail in Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Key Financial and Operating Metrics.” We define certain terms used in this Annual Report as follows:
| • | “Active buyers” as of any given date means buyers who have ordered a Gig or other services on our platform within the last 12-month period, irrespective of cancellations. |
| • | “Buyers” means users who order Gigs or other services on Fiverr. |
| • | “Gig” or “Gigs” means the services offered on Fiverr. |
| • | “Gross Merchandise Value” or “GMV” means the total value of transactions ordered through our platform, excluding value added tax, goods and services tax, service chargebacks and refunds. |
| • | “Sellers” or “freelancers” means users who offer Gigs on our core platform. |
| • | “Spend per buyer” as of any given date is calculated by dividing our GMV within the last 12-month period by the number of active buyers as of such date. |
| • | “Take rate” for a given period means revenue for such period divided by GMV for such period. |
When we refer in this Annual Report to a specific number of buyers, this represents unique buyers who transact on our platform. We refer to Fiverr.com as our core platform, and Fiverr.com in addition to Fiverr Learn, Fiverr Workspace, ClearVoice, Sharon Lee Thony Consulting, Working not Working, CreativeLive and Stoke Talent as our platform.
Market and Industry Data
Unless otherwise indicated, information in this Annual Report concerning economic conditions, our industry, our markets and our competitive position is based on a variety of sources, including a 2016 McKinsey study “Independent Work Choice: Necessity, and the Gig Economy” (the “McKinsey Independent Work Study”) information from other independent industry analysts and publications, as well as our own estimates and research.
Our estimates are derived from publicly available information released by third-party sources, as well as data from our internal research, which we believe to be reasonable. None of the independent industry publications used in this Annual Report were prepared on our behalf.
Trademarks
We have proprietary rights to trademarks used in this Annual Report that are important to our business, many of which are registered under applicable intellectual property laws. Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this Annual Report may appear without the “®” or “™” symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent possible under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensor to these trademarks and trade names. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trademarks, trade names or service marks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies. Each trademark, trade name or service mark of any other company appearing in this Annual Report is the property of its respective holder.
3
This Annual Report estimates and forward-looking statements, principally in the sections entitled Item 3.D. “Key Information—Risk Factors,” Item 4. “Information on the Company,” and Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.” In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “seek,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “possible” or similar words. Statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, growth strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including, among others, expansion in new and existing markets, are forward-looking statements.
Our estimates and forward-looking statements are mainly based on our current expectations and estimates of future events and trends which affect or may affect our business, operations and industry. Although we believe that these estimates and forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, they are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those described under the sections in this Annual Report entitled Item 3.D. “Key Information—Risk Factors” and Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Our estimates and forward-looking statements may be influenced by factors including:
| • | A regional or global health pandemic, including COVID-19, could severely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition due to impacts on our buyer and seller base and consumer and business spending more broadly, as well as impacts from remote work arrangements, actions taken to contain the disease or treat its impact and the speed and extent of the recovery; |
| • | our growth depends on our ability to attract and retain a large community of buyers and freelancers, and the loss of our buyers and freelancers, or failure to attract new buyers and freelancers, could materially and adversely affect our business; |
| • | we have incurred operating losses in the past, expect to incur operating losses in the future and may never achieve or maintain profitability; |
| • | if we fail to maintain and enhance our brand, our business, results of operations and prospects may be materially and adversely affected; |
| • | if the market for freelancers and the services they offer is not sustained or develops more slowly than we expect, our growth may slow or stall; |
| • | if traffic to on our website declines for any reason, our growth may slow or stall; |
| • | if we fail to maintain and improve the quality of our platform, we may not be able to attract and retain buyers and freelancers; |
| • | we face significant competition, which may cause us to suffer from a weakened market position that could materially and adversely affect our results of operations; |
| • | we or our third-party partners may experience a security breach, including unauthorized parties obtaining access to our users’ personal or other data, or any other data privacy or data protection compliance issue; |
| • | changes in laws or regulations relating to consumer data privacy or data protection, or any actual or perceived failure by us to comply with such laws and regulations or our privacy policies, could materially and adversely affect our business; |
| • | evolving privacy laws and regulations related to cross-border data transfer restrictions and data localization requirements may limit the use and adoption of our services, expose us to liability or otherwise adversely affect our business; |
| • | our business may suffer if we do not successfully manage our current and potential future growth; |
| • | our user growth and engagement on mobile devices depend upon effective operation with mobile operating systems, networks and standards that we do not control; |
| • | we have a limited operating history under our current platform and pricing model, which makes it difficult to evaluate our business and prospects and increases the risks associated with your investment, and any future changes to our pricing model could materially and adversely affect our business; |
4
| • | errors, defects or disruptions in our platform could diminish our brand, subject us to liability, and materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations; |
| • | our platform contains open source software components, and failure to comply with the terms of the underlying licenses could restrict our ability to market or operate our platform; |
| • | expansion into markets outside the United States is important to the growth of our business, and if we do not manage the business and economic risks of international expansion effectively, it could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations; |
| • | if we are unable to maintain and expand our scale of operations and generate a sufficient amount of revenue to offset the associated fixed and variable costs, our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected; |
| • | our operating results may fluctuate from quarter to quarter, which makes our future results difficult to predict; |
| • | our business is subject to a variety of laws and regulations, both in the United States and internationally, many of which are evolving; and |
| • | competition for highly skilled technical and other personnel is intense, and as a result we may fail to attract, recruit, retain and develop qualified employees, which could materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. |
Many important factors, in addition to the factors described above and in other sections of this Annual Report, could adversely impact our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in an evolving environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for our management to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or forward-looking statements. We qualify all of our estimates and forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.
The estimates and forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report speak only as of the date of this Annual Report. Except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any estimates or forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
5
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
| A. | Selected Financial Data |
Reserved.
| B. | Capitalization and Indebtedness |
Not applicable.
| C. | Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds |
Not applicable.
| D. | Risk Factors |
You should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected by any of these risks. The trading price and value of our ordinary shares could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. This Annual Report also contains forward- looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks faced by us described below and elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Risks relating to our business and industry
A regional or global health pandemic, including COVID-19, could severely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition due to impacts on our buyer and seller base and consumer and business spending more broadly, as well as impacts from remote work arrangements, actions taken to contain the disease or treat its impact and the speed and extent of the recovery.
A regional or global health pandemic, depending upon its duration and severity, could have a material adverse effect on our business. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has had numerous effects on the global economy and governmental authorities around the world have implemented measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. These measures, including shutdowns and “shelter-in-place” orders suggested or mandated by governmental authorities or otherwise elected by companies as a preventive measure, have adversely affected workforces, customers, consumer sentiment, economies and financial markets, and, along with decreased consumer spending, have led to an economic downturn in many of our markets.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have transitioned many of our employees into a hybrid model, where employees are working remotely for part of the week, and lately, due to widespread infections, many of our employees transitioned to working remotely on a full time basis. The transition has had little impact on our employee productivity and has not caused any interruption to our business. Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, we will continue to assess the situation, including abiding by any government-imposed restrictions, market by market.
As many of our personnel are working remotely, it is possible that this could have a negative impact on the execution of our business plans and operations. If a natural disaster, power outage, connectivity issue, or other event occurred that impacted our employees’ ability to work remotely, it may be difficult or, in certain cases, impossible, for us to continue our business for a substantial period of time. The increase in remote working may also result in consumer privacy, IT security and fraud concerns, heighten the risk of cyber incidents, as well as increase our exposure to potential wage and hour issues. Recently, organizations worldwide, including governments and commercial enterprises, have seen an increase in cyber-attacks, such as phishing and ransomware attacks, by bad actors taking advantage of the pandemic and remote workforces. Our own systems and the systems of third parties that we work with are subject to such increased threats.
6
We are unable to accurately predict the impact that COVID-19 will have on our operations going forward due to uncertainties that will be dictated by the length of time that the pandemic and related disruptions continue, the impact of governmental regulations that might be imposed in response to the pandemic and overall changes in consumer behavior. Numerous state and local jurisdictions have imposed, and others in the future may impose, “shelter-in- place” orders, quarantines, executive orders and similar government orders and restrictions for their residents to control the spread of COVID-19. For example, Israel, federal and state governments in the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany are continuing to impose limitations on gatherings, social distancing measures and restrictions on movement. Such orders or restrictions have and are continuing to result in temporary slowdowns and delays, travel restrictions and cancellation of events, among other effects, any of which may negatively impact workforces, customers, consumer sentiment and the economies in many of our markets, and as a result, may adversely affect our operations.
At this point in time, there is significant uncertainty relating to the potential effect of COVID-19 on our business and our business partners, including but not limited, to the size of the labor force, our third parties that collect funds from our buyers, remits payments to our sellers and holds funds in connection with user balances, our payment processors and our disbursement partners. As infections may continue to become more widespread, we could experience a severe negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Specifically, the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to a global economic downturn and could affect the need or the cadence of need of our buyers to purchase digital services, which could lead to decreased demand across all of our services. A downturn could also have a material adverse impact on our business partners’ stability and financial strength. The COVID-19 pandemic could also have a material impact on the global unemployment rate which could affect the need for our sellers to sell digital services on our platform. Given the uncertainties associated with COVID-19, it is difficult to fully predict the magnitude of potential effects on our business, and our business partners, financial condition and results of operations.
To the extent the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects our business and financial results, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this “Risk factors” section.
Our growth depends on our ability to attract and retain a large community of buyers and freelancers, and the loss of our buyers and freelancers, or failure to attract new buyers and freelancers, could materially and adversely affect our business.
The size of our community of users, including both buyers and freelancers, is critical to our success. Over the past few years, we have experienced strong growth in the number of users on our platform, including the number of active buyers, but we do not know whether we will be able to achieve similar user growth rates in the future. Freelancers have many different ways of marketing their services and securing buyers, including meeting and contacting prospective buyers through other platforms, advertising to prospective buyers online or offline through other methods, signing up for online or offline third- party agencies or staffing firms or finding employment full-time or part-time through an agency or directly with a business. Buyers have similarly diverse options to find freelancers, such as engaging freelancers directly, finding freelancers through other online or offline platforms or through staffing firms and agencies or hiring temporary, full-time, or part-time employees. Any decrease in the attractiveness of our platform relative to these other options available to buyers and freelancers could lead to decreased engagement on our platform, which could result in a drop in revenue on our platform. In addition, a drop in engagement from buyers, including due to a general decrease in spending or otherwise as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, could lead to diminished network effects and decrease the attractiveness of our platform to freelancers. If we fail to attract new freelancers or our existing freelancers decrease their use of or cease using our platform, the quality or types of services provided by freelancers that use our platform are not satisfactory to buyers, or freelancers increase their fees for services beyond the level that buyers are willing to pay, buyers may decrease their use of, or cease using, our platform.
Key factors in attracting and retaining buyers include our ability to grow our brand awareness, attract and retain high-quality freelancers and increase the quantity and quality of Gigs posted on our core platform. A key factor in attracting and retaining freelancers, in turn, is maintaining and increasing the number of buyers using our platform. Thus, achieving growth in our community of buyers and freelancers may require us to increasingly engage in sophisticated and costly sales and marketing efforts that may not result in additional users. We may also need to modify our pricing model to attract and retain such users.
Users can generally decide to cease using our platform at any time. Users may stop using our platform and related services if the quality of the user experience on our platform, including our support capabilities in the event of a problem, does not meet their expectations or keep pace with the quality of the user experience generally offered by competitive products and services. Users may also choose to cease using our platform if they perceive that our pricing model is not in line with the value they derive from our platform or for other reasons. In addition, expenditures by buyers may be cyclical and be affected by adverse changes in overall economic conditions or budgeting patterns. If we fail to attract new users or fail to maintain existing users, our revenue may grow more slowly than expected and our business could be materially and adversely affected.
We have incurred operating losses in the past, expect to incur operating losses in the future and may never achieve or maintain profitability.
We incurred a net loss of $65.0 million in 2021, and we expect to incur net losses for the foreseeable future. We expect to continue the development and expansion of our business, and we anticipate additional costs in connection with legal, accounting and other administrative expenses related to operating as a public company. While our revenue has grown in recent years, if our revenue declines or fails to grow at a rate sufficient to offset increases in our operating expenses, we will not be able to achieve and maintain profitability in future periods. As a result, we may continue to generate losses. We cannot ensure that we will achieve profitability in the future, or that, if we do become profitable, we will be able to sustain profitability.
7
If we fail to maintain and enhance our brand, our business, results of operations and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.
We believe that maintaining and enhancing our brand are of significant importance to the success of our business. A well-recognized brand is critical to increasing the number and the level of engagement of freelancers and, in turn, enhancing our attractiveness to buyers. Successful promotion of our brand and our platform depends on, among other things, the effectiveness of our marketing efforts, our ability to provide a reliable, trustworthy and useful platform, the perceived value of our platform and our ability to provide quality support. In order to maintain and enhance our brand, we will need to continuously invest in marketing programs that may not be successful in achieving meaningful awareness levels. However, brand promotion activities may not yield increased revenue, and even if they do, the increased revenue may not offset the expenses we incur in building and maintaining our brand. We have conducted and may continue to conduct various marketing and brand promotion activities. We cannot assure you, however, that these activities will be successful or that we will be able to achieve the brand awareness we expect. In addition, our competitors may increase the intensity of their marketing campaigns, which may force us to increase our advertising spend to maintain our brand awareness.
In addition, any negative publicity relating to our platform, regardless of its veracity, could harm our brand. In particular, in recent years, increasing attention has been given to corporate activities related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters including increasing attention on and demands for action related to climate change and diversity, equity and inclusion matters. Companies and brands which do not adapt to or comply with expectations, standards, and regulations on ESG matters as they continue to evolve, or which are perceived to have not responded appropriately to the growing concern for ESG issues, regardless of whether there is a legal requirement to do so, may suffer from reputational damage. If our brand is harmed, whether due to negative publicity resulting from ESG matters or otherwise, we may not be able to grow or maintain our freelancer base, and our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Further, activities of users that are deemed to be hostile, offensive or inappropriate to other users, including users acting under false or inauthentic identities, could damage our brand or harm our ability to expand our user base. We do not monitor or review the appropriateness of the content generated by users or have control over the activities in which our users engage. While we have adopted policies regarding illegal or offensive use of our platform by our users and retain authority to remove user generated content that violates our policies, users could nonetheless engage in these activities. The safeguards we have in place may not be sufficient to avoid harm to our brand, especially if such hostile, offensive or inappropriate use was high profile.
If the market for freelancers and the services they offer is not sustained or develops more slowly than we expect, our growth may slow or stall.
The market for freelancers and the services they offer is relatively new, rapidly evolving and unproven. Our future success will depend in large part on the continued growth and expansion of this market and the willingness of businesses to engage freelancers to provide services. It is difficult to predict the size or rate of expansion of this market, or the extent to which technological or other developments will impact the overall demand for freelancers. Further, many businesses may be unwilling to engage freelancers for a variety of reasons, including perceived negative connotations with outsourcing work or security concerns, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. If the market for freelancers and the services they offer does not achieve widespread adoption, or there is a reduction in demand for freelancer services, particularly demand for information technology services, including as a result of a macroeconomic conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
If traffic to our websites declines for any reason, our growth may slow or stall.
Our ability to maintain the number of visitors directed to our websites is not entirely within our control. We depend in part on various internet search engines and other channels to direct a significant number of users to our website. Search engine companies change their natural search engine algorithms periodically, and our ranking in natural searches may be adversely affected by those changes, as has occurred from time to time. Search engine companies may also determine that we are not in compliance with their guidelines and consequently penalize us in their algorithms as a result. If search engines change or penalize us with their algorithms, terms of service, display or featuring of search results, we may be unable to cost-effectively drive users to our platform. Additionally, our competitors’ search engine optimization efforts may result in their websites receiving a higher search result page ranking than ours. This could decrease user engagement on our website and adversely affect the growth in our user base, and our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
8
If we fail to maintain and improve the quality of our platform, we may not be able to attract and retain buyers and freelancers.
To satisfy both buyers and freelancers, we need to continue to improve their user experience as well as innovate and introduce features and services that users find useful and that cause them to use our platform more frequently. This includes improving our technology to optimize search results, tailoring our database to additional geographic and market segments and improving the user-friendliness of our platform and our ability to provide high-quality support. Our users depend on our support organization to resolve issues relating to our platform. Our ability to provide effective support is largely dependent on our ability to attract and retain employees who are well versed in our platform. As we continue to grow our international user base, our support organization will face additional challenges, including those associated with continuing to deliver support in languages other than English. Any failure to maintain high-quality support, or a market perception that we do not maintain high-quality support, could harm our reputation or adversely affect our ability to market the benefits of our platform to existing and prospective users. In addition, during times where the majority of our employees are working from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, our information technologies and support systems may be particularly strained.
In addition, we need to adapt, expand and improve our platform and user interfaces to keep up with changing user preferences. We invest substantial resources in researching and developing new features and enhancing our platform by incorporating these new features, improving functionality and adding other improvements to meet our users’ evolving demands. The success of any enhancements or improvements to our platform or any new features depends on several factors, including timely completion, adequate quality testing, integration with technologies on our platform and third-party partners’ technologies and overall market acceptance. Because further development of our platform is complex, challenging and dependent upon an array of factors, the timetable for the release of new features and enhancements to our platform is difficult to predict, and we may not offer new features as rapidly as users of our platform require or expect. For example, with the growing propensity of our users to use mobile devices as their main Gig searching and management devices, we will need to continue modifying and updating our mobile apps to successfully manage the transition of our users to mobile devices. Additionally, the time, money, energy and other resources we dedicate to developing new features or enhancements to our platform may be greater than the short-term, and potentially the total, returns from these new offerings.
It is difficult to predict the problems we may encounter in introducing new features to our platform, and we may need to devote significant resources to the creation, support and maintenance of these features. We provide no assurances that our initiatives to improve our user experience will be successful. We also cannot predict whether any new features will be well received by users, or whether improving our platform will be successful or sufficient to offset the costs incurred to offer these new features. If we are unable to improve or maintain the quality of our platform, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We face significant competition, which may cause us to suffer from a weakened market position that could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
Successful execution of our strategy depends on our ability to attract and retain users, expand the market for our platform, maintain a technological edge and provide value to our users. We face competition from a number of online and offline platforms and competitors that offer freelance services as part of their broader services portfolio. Our main competitors fall into the following categories:
| • | traditional contingent workforce and staffing service providers and other outsourcing providers; |
| • | online freelancer platforms that serve a diverse range of skill categories; |
| • | other online and offline providers of products and services that allow freelancers to find work or to advertise their services, including personal and professional social networks, employment marketplaces, recruiting websites, job boards, classified ads and other traditional means of finding work; |
| • | software and business services companies focused on talent acquisition, management or staffing management products and services; and |
| • | businesses that provide specialized, professional services, including consulting, accounting, marketing and information technology services. |
Internationally, we compete in most countries against online and offline channels and products and services with a local presence. These local competitors might have greater brand recognition than we have in their local country and a stronger understanding of the local culture and commerce. They may also offer their products and services in local languages that we do not currently offer. As our business grows internationally, we may increasingly compete with these local and regional companies.
In addition, well-established internet companies, social networking websites and career-related internet portals have entered or may decide to target the market for freelance services, and some of these companies have launched products and services that directly compete with our platform. These or other powerful companies that have extensive and loyal user bases in the geographic markets where we operate may decide to directly target our users, thereby intensifying competition in the freelance services market. Although professional social networking businesses with online recruitment functions historically have not had significant market positions in the market for freelance services, these businesses may dedicate resources to expand their operations and as a result, become a significant competitive threat in the future. Social networks may benefit from access to large pools of potential purchasers of freelance services and a broad range of user information that freelancers could leverage to tailor their services.
9
Current competitors may also consolidate or be acquired by an existing or prospective competitor, which could result in the emergence of a stronger competitor, leading to a potential loss of our market share. There can be no assurances that we will maintain our strong position among freelance services marketplaces, particularly if our key competitors consolidate or if large search engines, social media companies or other online platforms successfully leverage their large user bases to penetrate our markets. In addition, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, competitors that have not typically participated online may establish an online presence on their own or with our existing competitors, which may create new competitors or strengthen our existing competitors.
Many of our current and potential competitors, both online and offline, enjoy substantial competitive advantages, such as greater name recognition, longer operating histories, greater financial, technical and other resources, and, in some cases, the ability to rapidly combine online platforms with traditional staffing and contingent worker solutions. These companies may use these advantages to offer solutions similar to our platform at a lower price, develop different products and services to compete with our platform, spend more on advertising and brand marketing, invest more in research and development, or respond more quickly and effectively than we do to new or changing opportunities, technologies, standards, regulatory conditions or user preferences or requirements. As a result, our users may decide to shift from utilizing our platform to utilizing our competitors’ products, services and solutions.
We or our third-party partners may experience a security breach, including unauthorized parties obtaining access to our users’ personal or other data, or any other data privacy or data protection compliance issue.
Our business involves the storage, processing and transmission of users’ proprietary, confidential and personal data as well as the use of third-party partners who store, process and transmit users’ proprietary, confidential and personal data. We also maintain certain other proprietary and confidential data relating to our business and personal data of our personnel and job applicants. Any security breach or incident that we experience could result in unauthorized access to, misuse of, or unauthorized acquisition of our or our users’ data, the loss, corruption, or alteration of this data, interruptions in our operations, or damage to our computers or systems or those of our users. We have experienced such cybersecurity incidents in the past and may experience incidents in the future. For example, in early May 2020 and in a separate incident in November 2018, an unauthorized party accessed accounts of several thousand users using valid login credentials of users. Based on our examination of these incidents, we believe that the login details (emails and passwords) were compromised in other known data breaches that have occurred in the past in other organizations unrelated to Fiverr. We have not identified and are not aware of any breach of our systems in connection with either of these incidents. Once we identified each of these incidents, we forced log-out from the affected accounts, the passwords were reset, and the affected users were required to change their password to a new one in order to use their account. In response to the May 2020 incident, we have also applied a two-factor-authentication for the affected users. We reported the May 2020 and November 2018 incidents to the relevant privacy protection authorities, and the Israeli Privacy Protection Authority initiated two separate administrative supervision procedures in July 2020 and December 2018, respectively, in connection with which we have provided certain information and materials as requested. On August 18, 2020 and April 8, 2019, respectively, the Israeli Privacy Protection Authority informed us that it closed the administrative supervision procedures, without determining we committed any violation or breach.
Any such incidents could expose us to claims, litigation, regulatory or other governmental investigations, administrative fines and potential liability. An increasing number of online services have disclosed breaches of their security, some of which have involved sophisticated and highly targeted attacks on portions of their services. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and often are not foreseeable or recognized until launched against a target, we and our third-party partners may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. If an actual or perceived breach of our or our third-party partners’ security occurs, public perception of the effectiveness of our security measures and brand could be harmed, and we could lose users. Data security breaches and other cybersecurity incidents may also result from non-technical means, for example, actions by employees or contractors. Any compromise of our or our third-party partners’ security could result in a violation of applicable security, privacy or data protection, consumer and other laws, regulatory or other governmental investigations, enforcement actions and legal and financial exposure, including potential contractual liability, in all cases that may not always be limited to the amounts covered by our insurance. Any such compromise could also result in damage to our brand and a loss of confidence in our security and privacy or data protection measures.
Our and our third-party partners’ systems may be vulnerable to computer viruses and other malicious software, physical or electronic break-ins, or weakness resulting from intentional or unintentional actions by us, our third-party partners or our service providers, as well as similar disruptions that could make all or portions of our website or apps unavailable for periods of time. While we currently employ various antivirus and computer protection software in our operations, we cannot assure you that such protections will in all cases successfully prevent hacking or the transmission of any computer virus or malware, which could result in significant damage to our hardware and software systems and databases, disruptions to our business activities, including to our e-mail and other communications systems, breaches of security and the inadvertent disclosure of personal, confidential or sensitive data, interruptions in access to our website through the use of “denial of service” or similar attacks and other material adverse effects on our operations.
10
Further, we may need to expend significant resources to protect against, and to address issues created by, security breaches and other incidents. Security breaches and other security incidents, including any breaches of our security measures or those of parties with which we have commercial relationships (e.g., third-party service providers who provide development or other services to us) that result in the unauthorized access of users’ confidential, proprietary or personal data, or the belief that any of these have occurred, could damage our reputation and expose us to a risk of loss or litigation and possible liability. Significant unavailability of our platform due to attacks could cause users to cease using our platform and materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Although we maintain cybersecurity liability insurance, we cannot be certain our coverage will be adequate for liabilities actually incurred or will continue to be available to us on reasonable terms, or at all.
Many jurisdictions have or are considering enacting privacy or data protection laws or regulations relating to the collection, use, storage, transfer, disclosure and/or other processing of personal data. Such laws and regulations may include data residency or data localization requirements (which generally require that certain types of data collected within a certain country be stored and processed within that country), data export restrictions or international transfer laws (which prohibit or impose conditions upon the transfer of such data from one country to another), requirements that companies implement privacy or data protection and security policies, or requirements that companies grant individuals certain rights, such as the right to access, correct and delete personal data stored or maintained by such companies, be informed of security breaches that affect their personal data or provide consent to use their personal data for other purposes. While we have implemented various measures intended to enable us to comply with applicable privacy or data protection laws, regulations and contractual obligations, these measures may not always be effective and do not guarantee compliance. In addition, privacy or data protection laws and regulations may be modified, interpreted and applied in an inconsistent manner from one jurisdiction to another, and may conflict with one another, other requirements or legal obligations, or our practices. Further, the existence and need to comply in certain markets could impact our ability to offer our platform in those markets (without taking additional compliance steps). Cultural norms around privacy or data protection also vary from country to country and can drive a need to localize or customize certain features of our platform in order to address varied privacy or data protection concerns, which can add cost and time to our development of new features and platform enhancements.
Changes in laws or regulations relating to consumer data privacy or data protection, or any actual or perceived failure by us to comply with such laws and regulations or our privacy policies, could materially and adversely affect our business.
We receive, collect, store, process, transfer and use personal data and other user data. The effectiveness of our technology, including our AI and platforms, and our ability to offer our platform to users rely on the collection, storage and use of this data concerning freelancers and other users, including personally identifying or other sensitive data. We have legal and contractual obligations regarding the protection of confidentiality and appropriate use and protection of certain data, including personal information. We are subject to numerous federal, state, local and international laws, directives and regulations regarding privacy, data protection and data security and the collection, storing, sharing, use, processing, transfer, disclosure and protection of personal information and other data, the scope of which are changing, are subject to differing interpretations, and may be inconsistent among jurisdictions or conflict with other legal and regulatory requirements. We are also subject to the terms of our privacy policies and certain contractual obligations to third parties related to privacy, data protection and data security. We strive to comply with our policies and applicable laws, regulations, contractual obligations and other legal obligations relating to privacy, data protection and data security to the extent possible. However, the regulatory framework for privacy, data protection and data security worldwide is changing constantly and is likely to remain uncertain and complex for the foreseeable future, and therefore it is possible that these or other actual or alleged obligations may be interpreted and applied in a manner that we do not anticipate or that is inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another, including across the various jurisdictions in which we operate remotely, and may conflict with other legal obligations or our practices.
For example, European legislators adopted the GDPR, which became effective on May 25, 2018, and are now in the process of finalizing the ePrivacy Regulation to replace the European ePrivacy Directive (Directive 2002/58/EC as amended by Directive 2009/136/EC). The GDPR which is supplemented by national laws in individual EU member states, and the guidance of national supervisory authorities and the European Data Protection Board (“EDPB”) (and supplemented by national laws in individual EU member states), imposes more stringent data protection compliance requirements and provides for more significant penalties for noncompliance in the European Economic Area. The GDPR created new compliance obligations applicable to our business and users, which could cause us to change our business practices, and increases penalties for noncompliance (including possible fines of up to the greater of €20 million and 4% of our global annual turnover for the preceding financial year for the most serious violations, as well as the right to compensation for financial or non-financial damages claimed by any individuals under Article 82 of the GDPR and requirements to change our processing operations). We are taking steps to comply with the GDPR, but this is an ongoing compliance process. In addition, as of January 2021, as a result of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, the United Kingdom has brought in its own domestic regime with UK GDPR and amendments to the Data Protection Act, which mirrors the obligations in the GDPR and imposes substantially similar penalties.
11
Additionally, California passed the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), which became effective on January 1, 2020. The CCPA provides new data privacy rights for consumers and new operational requirements for companies. California voters also passed the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”) into law on November 3, 2020, which will not take substantial effect until January 1, 2023. The CPRA will significantly modify the CCPA, including adding new privacy rights and increasing regulation on online advertising. In addition, other new domestic data privacy laws, such as the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (“VCDPA”), which also goes into effect in January 2023, and the Colorado Privacy Act (“CPA”), which goes into effect in July 2023, similarly impose new privacy rights and obligations. More generally, some observers have noted the CCPA, CPRA, VCDPA, and CPA could mark the beginning of a trend toward more stringent United States federal privacy legislation, which could increase our potential liability and adversely affect our business.
Moreover, the CCPA, and eventually the CPRA, VCDPA, CPA, and other legal and regulatory changes are making it easier for certain individuals to opt-out of having their personal data processed and disclosed to third parties through various opt-out mechanisms, which could result in an increase to our operational costs to ensure compliance with such legal and regulatory changes. In recent years, there has also been an increase in attention to and regulation of data protection and data privacy across the globe, including in the United States with the increasingly active approach of the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) to enforcing data privacy under the FTC Act Section 5 of the Unfair and Deceptive Acts framework. In addition, failure to comply with the Israeli Privacy Protection Law, 1981 (“Privacy Law”), and its regulations as well as the guidelines of the Israeli Privacy Protection Authority, may expose us to administrative fines, civil claims (including class actions) and in certain cases criminal liability. Current pending legislation may result in a change of the current enforcement measures and sanctions.
Further, any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with our posted privacy policies, our privacy-related obligations to users or other third parties, or any other legal obligations or regulatory requirements relating to privacy, data protection or information security may result in governmental investigations or enforcement actions, litigation, claims or public statements against us by consumer advocacy groups or others and could result in significant liability, cause our users to lose trust in us, and otherwise materially and adversely affect our reputation and business. Furthermore, the costs of compliance with, and other burdens imposed by, the laws, regulations and policies that are applicable to the businesses of our users may limit the adoption and use of, and reduce the overall demand for, our platform. Additionally, if third parties we work with violate applicable laws, regulations or agreements, such violations may put our users’ data at risk, could result in governmental investigations or enforcement actions, fines, litigation, claims, or public statements against us by consumer advocacy groups or others and could result in significant liability, cause our users to lose trust in us and otherwise materially and adversely affect our reputation and business. Further, public scrutiny of, or complaints about, technology companies or their data handling or data protection practices, even if unrelated to our business, industry or operations, may lead to increased scrutiny of technology companies, including us, and may cause government agencies to enact additional regulatory requirements, or to modify their enforcement or investigation activities, which may increase our costs and risks.
Additionally, certain actions of our users that are deemed to be a misuse of or unauthorized disclosure of another user’s personal data could negatively affect our reputation and brand and impose liability on us. While we have adopted policies regarding the misuse or unauthorized disclosure of personal data obtained through our services by our users and retain authority to put a hold on or permanently disable user accounts, users could nonetheless misuse or disclose another user’s personal data. The safeguards we have in place may not be sufficient to avoid liability on our part or avoid harm to our reputation and brand, especially if such misuse or unauthorized disclosure of personal data was high profile, which could adversely affect our ability to expand our user base, and our business and financial results.
If we were found in violation of any applicable privacy or data protection laws or regulations, our business may be materially and adversely affected and we would likely have to change our business practices and potentially the services and features available through our platform. In addition, these laws and regulations could impose significant costs on us and could make it more difficult for us to use our current technology to promote certain Gigs and connect freelancers with buyers. In addition, if a breach of data security were to occur, or other violation of privacy or data protection laws and regulations were to be alleged, solutions may be perceived as less desirable and our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Finally, any court ruling or other governmental action that imposes liability on providers of online services for the activities of their users and other third parties could harm our business. In such circumstances, we may also be subject to liability under applicable law in a way which may not be fully mitigated by the user terms of service we require our users to agree to. Any liability attributed to us could adversely affect our brand, reputation, our ability to expand our user base and our financial position.
Evolving privacy laws and regulations related to cross-border data transfer restrictions and data localization requirements may limit the use and adoption of our services, expose us to liability or otherwise adversely affect our business.
Certain data privacy legislation restricts the cross-border transfer of personal data and some countries introduced data localization into their laws. Specifically, the GDPR and other European and UK data protection laws generally prohibit the transfer of personal data from Europe, including the European Economic Area, United Kingdom and Switzerland, to the United States and most other countries unless the transfer is to an entity established in a country deemed to be provide adequate protection (such as Israel) or the parties to the transfer have implemented specific safeguards to protect the transferred personal data. Where we transfer personal data outside the European Economic Area to a country that is not deemed to be “adequate,” we rely on transfer mechanisms available under relevant local law.
12
The European Commission is currently re-examining its Decision 2011/61/EU regarding the adequacy of the Israeli law, in light of the more recently adopted GDPR and developments in Israeli privacy legislation, which could result in revoking Israel’s adequate status. The outcome of this examination may also affect the UK’s approach on the adequacy of Israeli law with respect to the UK GDPR and UK Data Protection Act 2018, which could require us to further review and amend the lawful mechanisms by which we make and/or receive personal data transfers from the UK.
Moreover, recent legal developments in Europe have created complexity and uncertainty regarding transfers of personal data from the EEA to the United States. On July 16, 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU”) invalidated the EU-US Privacy Shield Framework (“Privacy Shield”) under which personal data could be transferred from the EEA to U.S. entities who had self-certified under the Privacy Shield scheme. While the CJEU upheld the adequacy of the standard contractual clauses (a standard form of contract approved by the European Commission as an adequate personal data transfer mechanism, and potential alternative to the Privacy Shield), it made clear that reliance on them alone may not necessarily be sufficient in all circumstances. Use of the standard contractual clauses must now be assessed on a case-by-case basis taking into account the legal regime applicable in the destination country, in particular applicable surveillance laws and rights of individuals and additional measures and/or contractual provisions may need to be put in place, however, the nature of these additional measures is currently uncertain. The CJEU went on to state that if a competent supervisory authority believes that the standard contractual clauses cannot be complied with in the destination country and the required level of protection cannot be secured by other means, such supervisory authority is under an obligation to suspend or prohibit that transfer. There are few viable alternatives to the Standard Contractual Clauses, and the law in this area remains dynamic. These recent developments will require us to review and may require us to amend the legal mechanisms by which we make and/or receive personal data transfers to/in the United States and other “non-adequate” countries.
Our business may suffer if we do not successfully manage our current and potential future growth.
We have grown significantly in recent years, and we intend to continue to expand the scope and geographic reach of our platform. Our anticipated future growth will likely place significant demands on our management and operations. Our success in managing our growth will depend, to a significant degree, on the ability of our executive officers and other members of senior management to operate effectively, and on our ability to improve and develop our financial and management information systems, controls and procedures. In addition, we will likely have to successfully adapt our existing systems and introduce new systems, expand, train and manage our employees and improve and expand our marketing capabilities.
If we are unable to properly and prudently manage our operations as they grow, particularly in light of operational difficulties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, or if the quality of our platform or support deteriorates due to mismanagement, our brand name and reputation could be severely harmed, and our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Our user growth and engagement on mobile devices depend upon effective operation with mobile operating systems, networks and standards that we do not control.
Mobile devices are increasingly used for marketplace transactions. A growing portion of our users access our platform through mobile devices. There is no guarantee that popular mobile devices will continue to support our platform or that mobile device users will use our platform rather than competing products. We are dependent on the interoperability of our platform with popular mobile operating systems that we do not control, such as Android and iOS, and any changes in such systems that degrade the functionality of our website or apps or give preferential treatment to competitors could adversely affect our platform’s usage on mobile devices. Additionally, in order to deliver a high-quality mobile user experience, it is important that our platform is designed effectively and works well with a range of mobile technologies, systems, networks and standards that we do not control. We may not be successful in developing relationships with key participants in the mobile industry or in developing features that operate effectively with these technologies, systems, networks or standards. In the event that it is more difficult for our users to access and use our platform on their mobile devices or users find our mobile offering does not effectively meet their needs, our competitors develop products and services that are perceived to operate more effectively on mobile devices or our users choose not to access or use our platform on their mobile devices or use mobile products that do not offer access to our platform, our user growth and user engagement could be adversely impacted.
We have a limited operating history under our current platform and pricing model, which makes it difficult to evaluate our business and prospects and increases the risks associated with your investment, and any future changes to our pricing model could materially and adversely affect our business.
We currently primarily derive our revenue from transaction fees and service fees. If we are unable to maintain a large community of users or we are unable to respond successfully to technological or industry developments, or if for any other reason the perceived value of our platform to freelancers or buyers is adversely affected, we may be forced to lower our take rate. Our take rate may also fluctuate from period to period.
13
In recent years, we implemented a significant change to our pricing model, including our take rate, which enabled freelancers to list Gigs with base prices higher than $5 and to set different formats and prices for each Gig. As a result, we have only limited experience with our current pricing model, which makes it difficult to evaluate our business and future prospects and to plan for and model future growth. Our historical revenue growth should not be considered indicative of our future performance. We have encountered, and will continue to encounter, risks and difficulties frequently experienced by growing companies in rapidly changing industries, including difficulties in our ability to achieve market acceptance of our platform and attract and retain users, as well as increasing competition and increasing expenses as we continue to grow our business. As a result, we may from time to time decide to make further changes to our pricing model due to a variety of factors, including changes in the market for our platform and competitors introducing new products and services. We may not be successful in addressing these and other challenges we may face in the future and changes to our pricing model may, among other things, result in user dissatisfaction and could lead to a loss of users on our platform.
Errors, defects or disruptions in our platform could diminish our brand, subject us to liability, and materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Any errors, defects, or disruptions in our platform, or other performance problems with our platform could harm our brand and may damage the businesses of our users. Our online systems, including our website and mobile apps, could contain undetected errors, or “bugs,” that could adversely affect their performance. Additionally, we regularly update and enhance our website, platform and our other online systems and introduce new versions of our software products and apps. These updates may contain undetected errors when first introduced or released, which may cause disruptions in our services and may, as a result, cause us to lose market share, and our brand, business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Our platform contains open source software components, and failure to comply with the terms of the underlying licenses could restrict our ability to market or operate our platform.
We use open source software in connection with our technology and services. Some open source software licenses require those who distribute open source software as part of their software to publicly disclose all or part of the source code (including proprietary code) to such software and/or make available any derivative works of the open source code on unfavorable terms or at no cost. The use of such open source code may ultimately require us to replace certain code used on our platform or discontinue certain aspects of our platform. From time to time, we may face claims from third parties claiming infringement of their intellectual property rights, or demanding the release or license of the open source software or derivative works that we developed using such software (which could include our proprietary source code) or otherwise seeking to enforce the terms of the applicable open source license. These claims could result in litigation and could require us to pay substantial damages, publicly release the affected portions of our source code, be limited in or cease using the implicated software unless and until we can re-engineer such software to avoid infringement or change the use of, or remove, the implicated open source software.
In addition to risks related to license requirements, use of certain open source software can lead to greater risks than use of third-party commercial software, as the original developers of open source code generally do not provide warranties (with respect to, for example, non-infringement or functionality) or indemnities or other contractual protections. Our use of open source software may also present additional security risks because the source code for open source software is publicly available, which may make it easier for hackers and other third parties to determine how to breach our website and systems that rely on open source software. Any of these risks could be difficult to eliminate or manage.
Expansion into markets outside the United States is important to the growth of our business, and if we do not manage the business and economic risks of international expansion effectively, it could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We expect to continue to expand our international operations, which may include opening offices in new jurisdictions and providing our platform in additional languages. Any new markets or countries into which we attempt to advertise our platform may not be receptive. For example, we may not be able to expand further in some markets if we are not able to satisfy certain government requirements. In addition, our ability to manage our business and conduct our operations internationally requires considerable management attention and resources, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is subject to the particular challenges of supporting a rapidly growing business in an environment of multiple languages, cultures, customs, legal and regulatory systems, alternative dispute systems and commercial markets. International expansion has required, and will continue to require, investment of significant funds and other resources. Operating internationally subjects us to new risks and may increase risks that we currently face, including risks associated with:
| • | recruiting and retaining talented and capable employees outside of Israel and the United States, and maintaining our company culture across all of our offices; |
| • | recruiting and retaining contractors in the Ukraine, which is currently experiencing tensions with Russia; |
14
| • | providing our platform and operating our business across a significant distance, in different languages and among different cultures, including the potential need to modify our platform and features to ensure that they are culturally appropriate and relevant in different countries; |
| • | compliance with applicable international laws and regulations, including laws and regulations with respect to privacy, data protection, consumer protection and unsolicited email, and the risk of penalties to our users and individual members of management or employees if our practices are deemed to be out of compliance; |
| • | operating in jurisdictions that do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as does the United States; |
| • | compliance by us and our business partners with anti-corruption laws, import and export control laws, tariffs, trade barriers, economic sanctions and other regulatory limitations on our ability to provide our platform in certain international markets; |
| • | political and economic instability; |
| • | fluctuations in currency exchange rates; |
| • | double taxation of our international earnings and potentially adverse tax consequences due to changes in the income and other tax laws of Israel, the United States or the international jurisdictions in which we operate; and |
| • | higher costs of doing business internationally, including increased accounting, travel, infrastructure and legal compliance costs. |
Compliance with laws and regulations applicable to our global operations could substantially increase our cost of doing business in international jurisdictions. We may be unable to keep current with changes in laws and regulations as they change. Although we are in the process of implementing policies and procedures designed to support compliance with these laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that we will always be in compliance or that all of our employees, contractors, partners and agents will comply at all times. Any violations could result in enforcement actions, fines, civil and criminal penalties, damages, injunctions, or reputational harm. If we are unable to comply with these laws and regulations or manage the complexity of our global operations successfully, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
If we are unable to maintain and expand our scale of operations and generate a sufficient amount of revenue to offset the associated fixed and variable costs, our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Online businesses like ours tend to involve certain fixed costs, and our ability to achieve desired operating margins depends largely on our success in maintaining a scale of operations and generating a sufficient amount of revenue to offset these fixed costs and other variable costs. Our fixed costs typically include compensation of employees, data storage and related expenses and office rental expenses. Our variable costs typically include sales and marketing expenses and payment processing fees. As we have established the technology and network infrastructure to support our platform, the incremental cost associated with sellers adding new Gigs is relatively insignificant. However, if we are unable to maintain economies of scale, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, our operating margin may decrease and our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Our operating results may fluctuate from quarter to quarter, which makes our future results difficult to predict.
Our quarterly operating results have fluctuated in the past and may fluctuate in the future. You should take into account the risks and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in rapidly evolving markets. Our operating results in any given quarter can be influenced by numerous factors, many of which are unpredictable or are outside of our control, including:
| • | our ability to maintain and grow our community of users; |
| • | the demand for and types of skills and services that are offered on our platform by freelancers; |
| • | spending patterns of buyers, including whether those buyers who use our platform frequently, or for larger services, reduce their spend or stop using our platform; |
| • | seasonal spending patterns by buyers or work patterns by freelancers and seasonality in the labor market; |
| • | fluctuations in the prices that freelancers charge buyers on our platform; |
| • | changes to our pricing model; |
| • | our ability to introduce new features and services and enhance our existing platform and our ability to generate significant revenue from new features and services; |
15
| • | our ability to respond to competitive developments, including pricing changes and the introduction of new products and services by our competitors; |
| • | the impact of outages of our platform and associated reputational harm; |
| • | changes to financial accounting standards and the interpretation of those standards that may affect the way we recognize and report our financial results; |
| • | increases in, and timing of, operating expenses that we may incur to grow and expand our business and to remain competitive; |
| • | costs related to the acquisition of businesses, talent, technologies, or intellectual property, including potentially significant amortization costs and possible impairments; |
| • | security or data privacy breaches and associated remediation costs; |
| • | litigation, adverse judgments, settlements, or other litigation-related costs; |
| • | changes in the common law, statutory, legislative, or regulatory environment, such as with respect to privacy and data protection, wage and hour regulations, worker classification (including classification of independent contractors or similar service providers and classification of employees as exempt or non-exempt), internet regulation, payment processing, global trade, or tax requirements; |
| • | fluctuations in currency exchange rates; |
| • | general economic and political conditions and government regulations in the countries where we currently have significant numbers of users, or where we currently operate or may expand in the future; and |
| • | the COVID-19 pandemic or other pandemics, epidemics or global health emergencies. |
The impact of one or more of the foregoing and other factors may cause our operating results to vary significantly. As such, we believe that quarter- to-quarter comparisons of our operating results may not be meaningful and should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. If we fail to meet or exceed the expectations of investors or securities analysts, the trading price of our ordinary shares could fall substantially, and we could face costly lawsuits, including securities class action suits.
Our business is subject to a variety of laws and regulations, both in the United States and internationally, many of which are evolving.
We are subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations. Laws, regulations and standards governing issues such as worker classification, employment, payments, worker confidentiality obligations, intellectual property, consumer protection, ESG issues, taxation, privacy and data security are often complex and subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity and, as a result, their application in practice may change or develop over time through judicial decisions or as new guidance or interpretations are provided by regulatory and governing bodies, such as federal and state administrative agencies. Many of these laws and regulations were adopted prior to the advent of the internet and mobile and related technologies and, as a result, do not contemplate or address the unique issues of the internet and related technologies. Other laws and regulations may be adopted in response to internet, mobile and related technologies. New and existing laws and regulations (or changes in interpretation of existing laws and regulations) may also be adopted, implemented, or interpreted to apply to us and other online services marketplaces. As our platform’s geographical scope expands, regulatory agencies or courts may claim that we, or our users, are subject to additional requirements or that we are prohibited from conducting our business in or with certain jurisdictions. It is also possible that certain provisions in agreements with our service providers or between buyers and freelancers may be found to be unenforceable or not compliant with applicable law.
Recent financial, political and other events may increase the level of regulatory scrutiny on larger companies, technology companies in general and, in particular, companies engaged in dealings with independent contractors or payments. Regulatory agencies may enact new laws or promulgate new regulations that are adverse to our business, or they may view matters or interpret laws and regulations differently than they have in the past or in a manner adverse to our business. Such regulatory scrutiny or action may create different or conflicting obligations on us from one jurisdiction to another. In particular, we have received letters from certain jurisdictions indicating that we may be required to register and pay taxes based on having certain minimum contacts in such jurisdictions. We may become subject to taxation in additional jurisdictions in the future.
16
Competition for highly skilled technical and other personnel is intense, and as a result we may fail to attract, recruit, retain and develop qualified employees, which could materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We compete in a market marked by rapidly changing technologies and an evolving competitive landscape. In order for us to successfully compete and grow, we must attract, recruit, retain and develop personnel with requisite qualifications to provide expertise across the entire spectrum of our intellectual capital and business needs.
Our principal research and development as well as significant elements of our marketing and general and administrative activities are conducted at our headquarters in Israel, where we face significant competition. While there has been intense competition for qualified human resources in the Israeli high-tech industry historically, the industry experienced record growth and activity in 2021, both at the earlier stages of venture capital and growth equity financings, and at the exit stage of initial public offerings and mergers and acquisitions. This flurry of growth and activity has caused a sharp increase in job openings in both Israeli high-tech companies and Israeli research and development centers of foreign companies, and intensification of competition between these employers to attract qualified employees in Israel. As a result, the high-tech industry in Israel has experienced significant levels of employee attrition and is currently facing a severe shortage of skilled human capital, including research and development, marketing, operations and customer service professionals. Although we also engage a talented team in the United States and Ukraine to benefit from the significant pool of talent that is available in such markets, we have also witnessed increased competition in those markets as well during the last year.
Many of the companies with which we compete for qualified personnel have significant resources, and we may not succeed in recruiting additional experienced or professional personnel, retaining personnel or effectively replacing current personnel who may depart with qualified or effective successors. In addition, due to our rapid growth, which has raised the profile of our company, our employees may be increasingly targeted for recruitment by competitors and other companies in the technology industry, which may make it more difficult for us to retain employees and may increase retention costs. Training of new employees with no prior relevant experience could be time-consuming and require a significant amount of resources.
In addition, as a result of the intense competition for qualified human resources, the high-tech market has also experienced and may continue to experience significant wage inflation. Accordingly, our efforts to attract, retain and develop personnel may also result in significant additional expenses, which could adversely affect our profitability. Furthermore, in making employment decisions, particularly in the high-technology industry, job candidates often consider the value of the equity they are to receive in connection with their employment. Employees may be more likely to leave us if the shares they own or the shares underlying their equity incentive awards have significantly appreciated or significantly decreased in value. Many of our employees may receive significant proceeds from sales of our equity in the public markets, which may reduce their motivation to continue to work for us and could heighten the risk of employee attrition.
Moreover, we believe our success has depended, and our future success depends, on the efforts of our senior management, including Micha Kaufman, our Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. There can be no assurance that the services of any of these individuals will continue to be available to us in the future. We do not carry any key man life insurance policies on any of our executive officers.
While we utilize non-competition agreements with our employees as a means of improving our employee retention, those agreements may not be effective towards that goal. These agreements prohibit our employees, if they cease working for us, from competing directly with us or working for our competitors for a limited period. We may be unable to enforce these agreements under Israeli law, and it may be difficult for us to restrict our competitors from benefiting from the expertise our former employees developed while working for us.
In light of the foregoing, there can be no assurance that qualified employees will remain in our employ or that we will be able to attract and retain qualified personnel in the future. Failure to retain or attract qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we fail to protect our intellectual property rights, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We rely on a combination of confidentiality clauses, contractual commitments, trade secret protection, copyrights, trademarks and other legal rights to protect our intellectual property and know-how. To date, we have not sought patent protection for our platform or any portion of it. Third parties may obtain, copy, reverse engineer or use without our authorization our intellectual property, which includes trademarks related to our brand, platform, registered domain names, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights and licenses. If we cannot adequately protect and defend our intellectual property, we may not remain competitive, and our business, operating results and financial condition may be adversely affected.
17
We enter into confidentiality and proprietary rights agreements with our employees, consultants and business partners, and we control access to and distribution of our proprietary information. No assurance can be given that these agreements will be effective in controlling access to our proprietary information or in effectively securing ownership of intellectual property developed by our current or former employees and contractors. Further, our competitors could also independently develop technologies like ours, and our intellectual property rights may not be broad enough for us to prevent competitors from selling products and services incorporating those technologies.
In order to protect our brand, we register and defend our trademarks and expend resources to prevent others from using the same or substantially similar marks. Despite these efforts, we may not always be successful in registering and preventing misappropriation of our own marks or preventing registration of confusingly similar marks, and we may suffer dilution of or other harm to our brand.
From time to time, we may discover that third parties are infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating our intellectual property rights. However, policing unauthorized use of our intellectual property and misappropriation of our technology is difficult, and we may therefore not always be aware of such unauthorized use or misappropriation. Despite our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights, unauthorized third parties may attempt to use, copy or otherwise obtain and market or distribute our intellectual property rights or technology or otherwise develop solutions with the same or similar functionality as our platform. If competitors infringe, misappropriate or otherwise misuse our intellectual property rights and we are not adequately protected, or if such competitors are able to develop solutions with the same or similar functionality as our platform without infringing our intellectual property, our competitive position could be harmed and our legal costs could increase, and our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We may not be able to successfully halt the operations of copycat websites or misappropriation of our data.
From time to time, third parties may misappropriate our data, through website scraping, robots, web crawlers or other tools or means and aggregate this data on their websites with data from other companies. In addition, “copycat” websites may attempt to imitate the functionality of our website.
If we become aware of such activities, we would employ technological and/or legal measures, including initiating lawsuits, in an attempt to halt their operations. However, we may not be able to detect all such activities in a timely manner and, even if we could, technological and legal measures may be insufficient. Regardless of whether we can successfully enforce our rights against these websites or third parties, any measures that we may take could require us to expend significant financial or other resources.
We may become subject to claims for remuneration or royalties for assigned service invention rights by our employees, which could result in litigation and adversely affect our business.
A significant portion of our intellectual property has been developed by our employees in the course of their employment for us. Under the Israeli Patent Law, 5727-1967 (the “Patent Law”), inventions conceived by an employee in the course and as a result of or arising from his or her employment with a company are regarded as “service inventions,” which belong to the employer, absent a specific agreement between the employee and employer giving the employee service invention rights. The Patent Law also provides that if there is no such agreement between an employer and an employee, the Israeli Compensation and Royalties Committee (the “Committee”), a body constituted under the Patent Law, shall determine whether the employee is entitled to remuneration for his or her inventions. Case law clarifies that the right to receive consideration for “service inventions” can be waived by the employee and that in certain circumstances, such waiver does not necessarily have to be explicit. The Committee will examine, on a case-by-case basis, the general contractual framework between the parties, using interpretation rules of the general Israeli contract laws. Further, the Committee has not yet determined one specific formula for calculating this remuneration, but rather uses the criteria specified in the Patent Law. Although we generally enter into assignment-of-invention agreements with our employees pursuant to which such individuals assign to us all rights to any inventions created in the scope of their employment or engagement with us, we may face claims demanding remuneration in consideration for assigned inventions. As a consequence of such claims, we could be required to pay additional remuneration or royalties to our current and/or former employees, or be forced to litigate such claims, which could negatively affect our business.
We may be vulnerable to intellectual property infringement claims brought against us by others.
We rely to some extent on third-party intellectual property, such as licenses to use software to operate our business and certain other copyrighted works. A successful infringement claim against us could result in monetary liability or a material disruption in our business. Although we require our employees not to infringe others’ intellectual property, we cannot be certain that our platform and brand names do not or will not infringe on valid patents, trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property rights held by third parties. We may be subject to legal proceedings and claims from time to time relating to the intellectual property of others in the ordinary course of our business.
We may incur substantial expenses in defending against third party infringement claims, regardless of their merit. Additionally, due to diversion of management time, expenses required to defend against any claim and the potential liability associated with any lawsuit, any significant litigation could significantly harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we were found to have infringed on the intellectual property rights of a third party, we could be liable to that party for license fees, royalty payments, lost profits or other damages, and the owner of the intellectual property may be able to obtain injunctive relief to prevent us from using the technology, software or brand name in the future. If the amount of these payments were significant, if we were prevented from incorporating certain technology or software into our platform or if we were prevented from using our brand names, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
18
Buyers and freelancers may circumvent our platform.
Our business depends on buyers and freelancers transacting through our platform. Despite our efforts to prevent them from doing so, users may circumvent our platform and engage with or pay each other through other means to avoid the transaction fees and service fees that we charge on our platform. In addition, our efforts to reduce circumvention by buyers and freelancers may be costly or disruptive to implement and may fail to have the intended effect or have an adverse effect on our brand or user experience. Additionally, such efforts may reduce the attractiveness of our platform, divert the attention of management or otherwise harm our business.
Additionally, freelancers, after utilizing our platform to build their reputation and brand and grow their clientele base, could choose to market their services and skills and transact with buyers outside of our platform.
We rely on Amazon Web Services to operate our platform, and any disruption of service from Amazon Web Services or material change to our arrangement with Amazon Web Services could adversely affect our business.
The operation of our platform depends on certain third-party service providers. In particular, we currently host our platform, serve our users and support our operations using Amazon Web Services (“AWS”), a provider of cloud infrastructure services. We do not have control over the operations of the facilities of AWS that we use. AWS’ facilities are vulnerable to damage or interruption from earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, cyber security attacks, terrorist attacks, power losses, telecommunications failures and similar events, including any disruptions in light of increased usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the event that AWS’ or any other third-party provider’s systems or service abilities are hindered by any of the events discussed above, our ability to operate our platform may be impaired, resulting in missing financial targets for a particular period. A decision to close the facilities without adequate notice, or other unanticipated problems, could result in lengthy interruptions to our platform. All of the aforementioned risks may be augmented if our or our partners’ business continuity and disaster recovery plans prove to be inadequate. The facilities also could be subject to break-ins, computer viruses, sabotage, intentional acts of vandalism and other misconduct. Our platform’s continuing and uninterrupted performance is critical to our success. Users may become dissatisfied by any system failure that interrupts our ability to provide our platform to them. We may not be able to easily switch our AWS operations to another cloud or other data center provider if there are disruptions or interference with our use of AWS, and, even if we do switch our operations, other cloud and data center providers are subject to the same risks. Sustained or repeated system failures would reduce the attractiveness of our platform to users, thereby reducing revenue. Moreover, negative publicity arising from these types of disruptions could damage our reputation and may adversely impact use of our platform. We may not carry sufficient business interruption insurance to compensate us for losses that may occur as a result of any events that cause interruptions in our service.
AWS does not have an obligation to renew its agreements with us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If we are unable to renew our agreements on commercially reasonable terms, our agreements are prematurely terminated, or we add additional infrastructure providers, we may experience costs or downtime in connection with the transfer to, or the addition of, new data center providers. If AWS or other infrastructure providers increase the cost of their services, we may have to increase the fees to use our platform, and our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We face payment and fraud risks that could materially and adversely affect our business.
Requirements on our platform relating to user authentication and fraud detection are complex. If our security measures do not succeed, our business may be adversely affected. In addition, bad actors around the world use increasingly sophisticated methods to engage in illegal activities involving personal data, such as unauthorized use of another’s identity or payment information, unauthorized acquisition or use of credit or debit card details and other fraudulent use of another’s identity or information. This could result in any of the following, each of which could adversely affect our business:
| • | we may be held liable for the unauthorized use of an account holder’s credit card or bank account number and required by card issuers or banks to pay a chargeback or return fee, and if our chargeback or return rate becomes excessive, credit card networks may also require us to pay fines or other fees; |
| • | we may be subject to additional risk and liability exposure, including negligence, fraud or other claims, if employees or third-party service providers misappropriate user information for their own gain or facilitate the fraudulent use of such information; |
19
| • | bad actors may use our platform, including our payment processing and disbursement methods, to engage in unlawful or fraudulent conduct, such as money laundering, terrorist financing, fraudulent sale of services, breaches of security, leakage of data, piracy or misuse of software and other copyrighted or trademarked content, and other misconduct; |
| • | users of our platform who are subjected or exposed to the unlawful or improper conduct of other users or other third parties, including law enforcement, may seek to hold us responsible for the conduct of other users and may lose confidence in our platform, decrease or cease to use our platform, seek to obtain damages and costs, or impose fines and penalties; |
| • | if, for example, freelancers misstate their qualifications or location, provide misinformation, perform services they are not qualified or authorized to provide, or produce insufficient or defective work product or work product with a viral or other harmful effect, users or other third parties may seek to hold us responsible for the freelancers’ acts or omissions and may lose confidence in our platform, decrease or cease use of our platform, or seek to obtain damages and costs; and |
| • | we may suffer reputational damage as a result of the occurrence of any of the above. |
Despite measures we have taken to detect and reduce the risk of this kind of conduct, we do not have control over users of our platform and cannot ensure that any of our measures will stop illegal or improper uses of our platform. We have received in the past, and may receive in the future, complaints from users and other third parties concerning misuse of our platform. We also may be required to bring claims against users and other third parties for their misuse of our platform. Even if these claims do not result in litigation or are resolved in our favor, these claims, and the time and resources necessary to resolve them, could divert the resources of our management and materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be subject to escrow, payment services and money transmitter regulations that may materially and adversely affect our business.
We rely on third parties to collect funds from buyers, remit payments to sellers and hold funds in connection with user balances. Although we believe that by working with a third party, our operations comply with existing U.S. federal and state and applicable international laws and regulatory requirements related to escrow, money transmission and the handling or moving of money, existing laws or regulations may change, and interpretations of existing laws and regulations may also change.
As a result, we could be required to be licensed as an escrow agent or a money transmitter (or other similar licensee) in U.S. states or other jurisdictions or may choose to obtain such a license even if not required. Such a decision could also require us to register as a money services business under applicable laws and regulations. It is also possible that we could become subject to regulatory enforcement or other proceedings in those states or other jurisdictions with escrow, money transmission or other similar statutes or regulatory requirements related to the handling or moving of money, which could in turn have a significant impact on our business, even if we were to ultimately prevail in such proceedings. We may also be required to become licensed as a payment institution (or other similar license) under the European Payment Services Directive or other international laws and regulations. Any developments in the laws or regulations related to escrow, money transmission or the handling or moving of money or increased scrutiny of our business may lead to additional compliance costs and administrative overhead.
The application of laws and regulations related to escrow, money transmission and the handling or moving of money is complex and uncertain, particularly as they relate to new and evolving business models. If we are or have at any point in time been in violation of one or more escrow or money transmitter or other similar statutes or regulatory requirements related to the handling or moving of money in any jurisdiction, we may be subject to the imposition of fines, users in the relevant jurisdiction may be unable to use our platform, we may be subject to civil liability or criminal liability and our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
If we are unable to maintain our payment partners and bank relationships, or if our disbursement partners encounter business difficulties, our business could be materially and adversely affected.
Our payment partners consist of payment processors and disbursement partners. We rely on banks and card processors to provide clearing, processing and settlement functions for the secure and timely funding of all transactions on our platform. We also rely on a network of disbursement partners to hold and disburse funds to users.
Our payment partners are critical to our business. In order to maintain these relationships, we have in the past been, and may in the future be, forced to agree to terms that are unfavorable to us. If we are unable to maintain our agreements with current payment partners on favorable terms, or we are unable to enter into new agreements with new payment partners on favorable terms, our ability to collect, hold and disburse funds and our revenue and business may be materially and adversely affected. This could occur for a number of reasons, including the following:
| • | our payment partners may be unable to effectively accommodate changing service needs, such as those which could result from rapid growth or higher volume, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the fact that some of our payment partners have a limited operating history; |
20
| • | our payment partners could choose to terminate or not renew their agreements with us or only be willing to renew on different or less advantageous terms; |
| • | our payment partners could reduce the services provided to us, cease doing business with us, or cease doing business altogether; |
| • | our payment partners could be subject to delays, limitations or closures of their own businesses, networks or systems, causing them to be unable to process payments or disburse funds for certain periods of time; or |
| • | we may be forced to cease doing business with payment processors if card association operating rules, certification requirements and laws, regulations or rules governing electronic funds transfers to which we are subject change or are interpreted to make it difficult or impossible for us to comply. |
Having an international community of users exposes us to risks that may materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Our users have a global footprint that subjects us to the risks of being found to do business internationally. We have users located in over 160 countries, including some emerging markets where we have limited experience, where challenges can be significantly different from those we have faced in more developed markets and where business practices may create greater internal control risks. Because our platform is generally accessible by users worldwide, one or more jurisdictions may claim that we or our users are required to comply with their laws. Laws outside of the United States and Israel regulating internet, payments, escrow, privacy and data protection, taxation, terms of service, website accessibility, consumer protection, intellectual property ownership, services intermediaries, labor and employment, worker classification, background checks and recruiting and staffing companies, among others, which could be interpreted to apply to us, are often less favorable to us than those in the United States and Israel, giving greater rights to competitors, users and other third parties.
Compliance with international laws and regulations may be more costly than expected, may require us to change our business practices or may restrict our service offerings, and the imposition of any such laws or regulations on us, our users or third parties that we or our users utilize to provide services may adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may be subject to multiple overlapping legal or regulatory regimes that impose conflicting requirements and enhanced legal risks.
Analysis of, and compliance with, global laws and regulations may substantially increase our cost of doing business. We may be unable to keep current with changes in laws and regulations as they develop.
Although we are in the process of implementing policies and procedures designed to analyze whether these laws apply and, if applicable, ensure compliance with these laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that we will always be in compliance or that all of our employees, contractors, partners, users and agents will comply at all times. Any violations could result in enforcement actions, fines, civil and criminal penalties, interest, costs and fees (including but not limited to legal fees), injunctions, loss of intellectual property rights or reputational harm. If we are unable to comply with these laws and regulations or manage the complexity of global operations and supporting an international user base successfully, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
In addition, since we operate on a global basis, political, economic and security conditions in countries in which we operate or have users may limit our ability to provide our services. Specifically, the potential conflict between Russia and Ukraine may affect our business and operations in those regions.
Our business model may subject us to disputes between users of our platform.
Our business model involves connecting buyers and freelancers that contract directly through our platform. Buyers and freelancers are free to negotiate any specific terms they choose through custom offers sent from the conversation page. It is possible that disputes may arise between buyers and freelancers with regard to the terms of their order, service standards, payment, confidentiality, work product and intellectual property ownership and infringement. If either party believes the terms of their agreement were not met, our terms of service provide a mechanism for the parties to request assistance from us in resolving the dispute through our resolution center and customer support team. However, if we are unable to help them resolve the dispute, they may choose to resolve the dispute with the help of a third-party arbitrator. Whether or not buyers and freelancers decide to seek assistance from us, if these disputes are not resolved amicably, the parties might escalate to formal proceedings, such as by filing claims with a court or arbitral authority. Given our role in facilitating and supporting these arrangements, it is possible that claims will be brought against us directly as a result of these disputes, or that freelancers or buyers may bring us into any claims filed against each other. We include language in our terms of service disclaiming responsibility or liability for any disputes between users, except with respect to the specified dispute assistance program; however, we cannot guarantee that these terms will, in all circumstances, be effective in preventing or limiting our involvement in user disputes. Additionally, from time to time, we ourselves are the subject of user complaints filed on forums such as the Better Business Bureau. We do not attempt to respond to all such complaints, and their mere presence may result in damage to our reputation. Even if these claims do not result in litigation or are resolved in our favor, these claims, and the time and resources necessary to resolve them, could divert the resources of our management.
21
We may not be able to successfully execute future acquisitions or efficiently manage any acquired business.
We have in the past acquired and may in the future acquire certain complementary businesses or technologies. For example, during 2021 we have acquired Working Not Working, Inc., CreativeLive, Inc. and Stoke Talent Ltd. The success of any acquisition will depend upon several factors, including our ability to: identify and cost-effectively acquire businesses; integrate acquired user data, operations, products and technologies into our organization effectively; retain and motivate key personnel; and effectively retain acquired users.
Any such acquisition may require a significant commitment of management time, capital investment and other resources. We may not be successful in identifying and negotiating acquisitions on terms favorable to us. Any such acquisition could involve us taking on debt or give rise to new liabilities. In addition, we cannot be certain that any acquisition, if completed, will be successfully integrated into our existing operations. If we are unable to effectively integrate an acquired business, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, if we use our equity securities as consideration for acquisitions, we may dilute the value of the ordinary shares.
There may be adverse tax, legal and other consequences if the employment status of freelancers that use our platform is challenged.
There is often uncertainty in the application of worker classification laws and, consequently, there is risk that freelancers could be deemed to be misclassified under applicable law. The tests governing whether a service provider is an independent contractor, or an employee are typically highly fact sensitive and vary by governing law. Laws and regulations that govern the status and misclassification of independent contractors are also subject to change and to divergent interpretations by various authorities, which can create uncertainty and unpredictability. A misclassification determination or allegation creates potential exposure with respect to users of our platform, including but not limited to: monetary exposure arising from or relating to failure to withhold and remit taxes, unpaid wages and wage and hour laws and requirements (such as those pertaining to minimum wage and overtime); liquidated damages; civil penalties and fines; claims for employee benefits, social security, workers’ compensation and unemployment; claims of discrimination, harassment and retaliation under civil rights laws; claims under laws pertaining to unionizing, collective bargaining and other concerted activity; and other claims, charges, or other proceedings under laws and regulations applicable to employers and employees, including risks relating to allegations of joint employer liability. Such claims could result in monetary damages or other liability, and any adverse determination, including potentially the requirement for us to indemnify a user, could also harm our brand, which could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. While these risks are mitigated, in part, by our contractual rights of indemnification against third-party claims, such indemnification agreements could be determined to be unenforceable or costly to enforce and indemnification under such agreements may otherwise prove inadequate.
The application of indirect taxes could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
The application of indirect taxes, such as sales and use tax, to our business is a complex and evolving issue. Significant judgment is required to evaluate applicable tax obligations. As a result, amounts recorded may be subject to adjustments by the relevant tax authorities. In many cases, the ultimate tax determination is uncertain because it is not clear how new and existing statutes might apply to our business. One or more states, the U.S. federal government or other countries may seek to impose additional reporting, record-keeping or indirect tax collection obligations on businesses like ours that facilitate e- commerce. For example, state and local taxing authorities in the United States and taxing authorities in other countries have identified e-commerce platforms as a means to calculate, collect and remit indirect taxes for transactions taking place over the internet. Multiple U.S. states have enacted related legislation and other states are now considering such legislation.
We may face lawsuits or incur liability as a result of content published or made available through our platform.
The nature of our business exposes us to claims related to defamation, infringement, misappropriation or other violations of third-party intellectual property rights, rights of publicity and privacy and personal injury torts. The law relating to the liability of providers of online products or services for activities of their users remains somewhat unsettled, both within the United States and internationally. This risk is enhanced in certain jurisdictions outside the United States where our protection from liability for third-party actions may be unclear and where we may be less protected under local laws than we are in the United States. If a claim is brought against us due to the actions of our users, we could incur significant costs investigating and defending such claims and, if we are found liable, significant damages.
Our business activities subject us to litigation risk that could materially and adversely affect us by subjecting us to significant money damages and other remedies, causing unfavorable publicity or increasing our litigation expense.
We are, from time to time, the subject of complaints or litigation, including user claims, contract claims, employee allegations of improper termination and discrimination and claims related to violations of applicable government laws regarding religious freedom, advertising and intellectual property. Any such claim could be expensive to defend and may divert time, money and other valuable resources away from our operations and management, and, thereby, hurt our business. Additionally, a substantial judgment against us could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
22
Our insurance may not provide adequate levels of coverage against claims.
We believe that we maintain insurance customary for businesses of our size and type. However, there are types of losses we may incur that cannot be insured against or that we believe are not economically reasonable to insure. Moreover, any loss incurred could exceed policy limits and policy payments made to us may not be made on a timely basis.
We may be materially and adversely affected by natural disasters and other catastrophic events that could disrupt our business operations and our business continuity and disaster recovery plans may not adequately protect us from a serious disaster.
A significant natural disaster, such as an earthquake, blizzard, hurricane, fire or flood, or other catastrophic events, such as a power loss or telecommunications failure, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results. In the event of natural disaster or other catastrophic event, we may be unable to continue our operations and may endure system interruptions, reputational harm, delays in development of our platform, lengthy interruptions in service, breaches of data security and loss of critical data, all of which could have an adverse effect on our future operating results. In addition, natural disasters and other catastrophic events could affect the ability of sellers on our platform to perform Gigs on a timely basis. If a natural disaster or other catastrophic event occurs in a region from which we derive a significant portion of our revenue, users in that region may delay or forego use of our platform, which may adversely impact our operating results. All of the aforementioned risks may be augmented if our or our partners’ business continuity and disaster recovery plans prove to be inadequate.
Currency exchange rate fluctuations affect our results of operations, as reported in our financial statements.
We report our financial results in U.S. dollars. We collect our revenue primarily in U.S. dollars. A portion of the cost of revenue, research and development, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses of our Israeli operations are incurred in NIS. As a result, we are exposed to exchange rate risks that may materially and adversely affect our financial results. If the NIS appreciates against the U.S. dollar or if the value of the NIS declines against the U.S. dollar at a time when the rate of inflation in the cost of Israeli goods and services exceeds the rate of decline in the relative value of the NIS, then the U.S. dollar cost of our operations in Israel would increase and our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Although we enter into hedging transactions from time to time, our Israeli operations also could be materially and adversely affected if we are unable to effectively hedge against currency fluctuations in the future. We cannot predict any future trends in the rate of inflation in Israel or the rate of appreciation (if any) of the NIS against the U.S. dollar. The Israeli annual rate of inflation amounted to 2.8%, negative 0.7%, and 0.6% for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The appreciation of the NIS in relation to the U.S. dollar amounted to 3.3%, 7.0% and 7.8% for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Our investment portfolio may be adversely affected by market conditions and interest rates.
We maintain substantial balances of liquid investments, for purposes of financing our operations and acquisitions. Our marketable securities totaled $435.7 million as of December 31, 2021. The performance of the capital markets affects the values of funds that are held in marketable securities. These assets are subject to market fluctuations and various developments, including, without limitation, rating agency downgrades that may impair their value. We generally buy and hold our portfolio positions, while minimizing credit risk by setting limits for minimum credit rating and maximum concentration per issuer. Our investments consist primarily of government and corporate debentures, which are primarily fixed-income securities.
Although we believe that we generally adhere to conservative investment guidelines, the continuing turmoil in the financial markets, due to the uncertainties related to the development of COVID-19, may result in impairments of the carrying value of our investment assets. In addition, as our investment portfolio is invested primarily in fixed-income securities it is affected by changes in interest rates. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary policies and domestic and international economic and political conditions. Any significant decline in our financial income or the value of our investments as a result of the changes in interest rates and interest rate expectations of the financial markets, deterioration in the credit rating of the securities in which we have invested, or general market conditions, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. We classify our investments as available-for-sale. Changes in the fair value of investments classified as available-for-sale are not recognized as income during the period, but rather are recognized as other comprehensive income, or OCI, which is a separate component of equity until realized. Realized losses in our investments portfolio may adversely affect our financial position and results.
The enactment of legislation implementing changes in taxation of international business activities, the adoption of other corporate tax reform policies, or changes in tax legislation or policies could impact our future financial position and results of operations.
Corporate tax reform, base-erosion efforts and tax transparency continue to be high priorities in many tax jurisdictions where we have business operations. As a result, policies regarding corporate income and other taxes in numerous jurisdictions are under heightened scrutiny and tax reform legislation is being proposed or enacted in a number of jurisdictions.
23
For example, there is growing pressure in many jurisdictions and from multinational organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) and the EU to amend existing international taxation rules in order to align the tax regimes with current global business practices. Specifically, in October 2015, the OECD published its final package of measures for reform of the international tax rules as a product of its Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“BEPS”) initiative, which was endorsed by the G20 finance ministers. Many of the initiatives in the BEPS package required and resulted in specific amendments to the domestic tax legislation of various jurisdictions and to existing tax treaties. We continuously monitor these developments. Although many of the BEPS measures have already been implemented or are currently being implemented globally (including, in certain cases, through adoption of the OECD’s “multilateral convention” (to which Israel is also a party) to effect changes to tax treaties which entered into force on July 1, 2018 and through the European Union’s “Anti Tax Avoidance” Directives), it is still difficult in some cases to assess to what extent these changes our tax liabilities in the jurisdictions in which we conduct our business or to what extent they may impact the way in which we conduct our business or our effective tax rate due to the unpredictability and interdependency of these potential changes. In January 2019 the OECD announced further work in continuation of the BEPS project, focusing on two “pillars.” On October 8, 2021, 136 countries approved a statement known as the OECD BEPS Inclusive Framework, which builds upon the OECD’s continuation of the BEPS project. The first pillar is focused on the allocation of taxing rights between countries for in-scope large multinational enterprises (with revenue in excess of Euro 20 Billion and profitability of at least 10%) that sell goods and services into countries with little or no local physical presence. We do not expect to be within the scope of the first Pillar. The second pillar, which includes two interlocking rules: (1) the Income Inclusion Rule, and (2) the Undertaxed Payment Rule, that together comprise the Global Anti-Base Erosion (“GloBE”) rules, is focused on developing a global minimum tax rate of at least 15 percent applicable to in-scope multinational enterprises (with revenue in excess of Euro 750 million). Israel is one of the 136 jurisdictions that has agreed in principle to the adoption of the global minimum tax rate. Given these developments, it is generally expected that tax authorities in various jurisdictions in which we operate may increase their audit activity and may seek to challenge some of the tax positions we have adopted. It is difficult to assess if and to what extent such challenges, if raised, might impact our effective tax rate.
Further, there are proposals in the United States to introduce further amendments to the federal tax regime applicable to corporations. As of the date of this Annual Report, it remains unclear what legislation, if any, would be enacted. If the draft legislation currently being discussed is enacted, it could create the potential for added volatility in our provision for income taxes and might have an adverse impact on our future income tax provision and tax rate.
Risks related to our indebtedness and capital structure
The conditional conversion feature of our Convertible Notes, if triggered, may adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
In the event the conditional conversion feature of the 0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025, or the Convertible Notes, is triggered, holders of Convertible Notes will be entitled to convert the Convertible Notes at any time during specified periods at their option. If one or more holders elect to convert their Convertible Notes, unless we elect to satisfy our conversion obligation by delivering solely ordinary shares (other than paying cash in lieu of delivering any fractional ordinary share), we would be required to settle a portion or all of our conversion obligation through the payment of cash, which could adversely affect our liquidity.
The fundamental change repurchase right of the Convertible Notes, if triggered, may adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
Holders of the Convertible Notes have the right, subject to limited exceptions contained in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes, to require us to repurchase all or a portion of their Convertible Notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change before the maturity date at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid special interest, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable fundamental change repurchase date. Such fundamental change repurchase right, if triggered, may adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
Provisions in the indenture for the Convertible Notes may deter or prevent a business combination that may be favorable to you.
If a fundamental change occurs prior to the maturity date, holders of the Convertible Notes will have the right, at their option, to require us to repurchase all or a portion of their Convertible Notes, subject to a limited exception described in the offering memorandum for the Convertible Notes. In addition, if a make-whole fundamental change occurs prior to the maturity date, we will in some cases be required to increase the conversion rate for a holder that elects to convert its Convertible Notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change. Furthermore, the indenture for the Convertible Notes will prohibit us from engaging in certain mergers or acquisitions unless, among other things, the surviving entity assumes our obligations under the Convertible Notes. These and other provisions in the indenture could deter or prevent a third party from acquiring us even when the acquisition may be favorable to you.
24
The accounting method for the Convertible Notes could adversely affect our reported financial condition.
If any of the conditions to the convertibility of the Convertible Notes is satisfied, then we may be required under applicable accounting standards to reclassify the liability carrying value of the Convertible Notes, as the case may be, as a current, rather than a long-term, liability. This reclassification could be required even if no noteholders convert their notes and could materially reduce our reported working capital.
The Capped Call Transactions may affect the value of our ordinary shares, and we may be subject to counterparty risk with respect to the Capped Call Transactions.
In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, we entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions, or the Capped Call Transactions, with certain of the initial purchasers of the Convertible Notes or their affiliates and other financial institutions, or the option counterparties. The Capped Call Transactions cover, collectively, the number of our ordinary shares underlying the Convertible Notes, subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those applicable to the Convertible Notes. The Capped Call Transactions are expected generally to reduce the potential dilution to the ordinary shares upon any conversion of the Convertible Notes and/or offset any cash payments we are required to make in excess of the principal amount upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, subject to a cap, under certain events.
The option counterparties or their respective affiliates may modify their hedge positions by entering into or unwinding various derivatives with respect to our ordinary shares and/or purchasing or selling our ordinary shares or other securities of ours in secondary market transactions prior to the maturity of the Convertible Notes (and are likely to do so following any conversion of the Convertible Notes or repurchase of the Convertible Notes by us on any fundamental change repurchase date, any redemption date or otherwise, in each case, if we exercise the relevant election under the Capped Call Transactions). This activity could also cause or avoid an increase or a decrease in the market price of our ordinary shares.
In addition, we are subject to the risk that any of the counterparties to the Capped Call Transactions may default under the Capped Call Transactions. Our exposure to the credit risk of the option counterparties under the Capped Call Transactions will not be secured by any collateral. In the past, economic conditions have resulted in the actual or perceived failure or financial difficulties of a number of financial institutions, including the bankruptcy filing by Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. and various of its affiliates. If an option counterparty becomes subject to insolvency proceedings, we will become an unsecured creditor in those proceedings with a claim equal to our exposure at that time under our transactions with them. Our exposure will depend on many factors. Generally, the increase in our exposure will be correlated to the increase in the market price and in the volatility of our ordinary shares. In addition, as a result of a default by any counterparty to the Capped Call Transactions, we may suffer more dilution than we currently anticipate with respect to our ordinary shares. We can provide no assurances as to the financial stability or viability of any counterparty under the Capped Call Transactions.
Risks relating to our ordinary shares
We may need to raise additional funds to finance our future capital needs, which may dilute the value of our outstanding ordinary shares or prevent us from growing our business.
We may need to raise additional funds to finance our existing and future capital needs, including developing new services and technologies, and to fund ongoing operating expenses. If we raise additional funds through the sale of equity securities, these transactions may dilute the value of our outstanding ordinary shares. We may also decide to issue securities, including protected securities, that have rights, preferences and privileges senior to our ordinary shares. Any debt financing would increase our level of indebtedness and could negatively affect our liquidity and restrict our operations. We also can provide no assurances that the funds we raise will be sufficient to finance any future capital requirements. We may be unable to raise additional funds on terms favorable to us or at all. If financing is not available or is not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to fund our future needs. This may prevent us from increasing our market share, capitalizing on new business opportunities or remaining competitive in our industry, which could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
We are a foreign private issuer and, as a result, we are not subject to U.S. proxy rules and are subject to Exchange Act reporting obligations that, to some extent, are more lenient and less frequent than those of a U.S. domestic public company.
We report under the Exchange Act as a non-U.S. company with foreign private issuer status. Because we qualify as a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we are exempt from certain provisions of the Exchange Act that are applicable to U.S. domestic public companies, including (1) the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act, (2) the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their share ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time and (3) the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q containing unaudited financial and other specified information, although we are subject to Israeli laws and regulations with regard to certain of these matters and furnish comparable quarterly information on Form 6-K. In addition, foreign private issuers are not required to file their annual report on Form 20-F until 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, while U.S. domestic issuers that are accelerated filers are required to file their annual report on Form 10-K within 75 days after the end of each fiscal year and U.S. domestic issuers that are large accelerated filers are required to file their annual report on Form 10-K within 60 days after the end of each fiscal year. Foreign private issuers are also exempt from Regulation FD, which is intended to prevent issuers from making selective disclosures of material information. As a result of all of the above, our shareholders may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of a company that is not a foreign private issuer.
25
We may lose our foreign private issuer status in the future, which could result in significant additional costs and expenses.
As discussed above, we are a foreign private issuer, and therefore, we are not required to comply with all of the periodic disclosure and current reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. The determination of foreign private issuer status is made annually on the last business day of an issuer’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, and, accordingly, the next determination will be made with respect to us on June 30, 2022. In the future, we would lose our foreign private issuer status if (1) more than 50% of our outstanding voting securities are owned by U.S. residents and (2) a majority of our directors or executive officers are U.S. citizens or residents, or we fail to meet additional requirements necessary to avoid loss of foreign private issuer status. If we lose our foreign private issuer status, we will be required to file with the SEC periodic reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms, which are more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer. We will also have to mandatorily comply with U.S. federal proxy requirements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders will become subject to the short-swing profit disclosure and recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we will lose our ability to rely upon exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements under the listing rules of the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE. As a U.S. listed public company that is not a foreign private issuer, we will incur significant additional legal, accounting and other expenses that we will not incur as a foreign private issuer.
As we are a “foreign private issuer” and follow certain home country corporate governance practices, our shareholders may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all NYSE corporate governance requirements.
As a foreign private issuer, we have the option to follow certain home country corporate governance practices rather than those of the NYSE, provided that we disclose the requirements we are not following and describe the home country practices we are following. We rely on this “foreign private issuer exemption” with respect to the NYSE rules for shareholder meeting quorums and NYSE rules requiring shareholder approval. We may in the future elect to follow home country practices with regard to other matters. As a result, our shareholders may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all NYSE corporate governance requirements.
The market price of our ordinary shares has been and could in the future be negatively affected by future sales of our ordinary shares.
As of December 31, 2021, there were 36,761,108 ordinary shares outstanding. Sales by us or our shareholders of a substantial number of ordinary shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales might occur, could cause the market price of our ordinary shares to decline or could impair our ability to raise capital through a future sale of, or pay for acquisitions using, our equity securities. Of our issued and outstanding shares, all of our ordinary shares are freely transferable, except for any shares held by our “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
As of December 31, 2021, we had 2,589,023 shares available for future grant under our share option plans and 3,686,758 ordinary shares that were subject to share options and restricted share units. Of this amount, 1,694,321 options were vested and exercisable as of December 31, 2021. In addition, as of December 31, 2021, we had 380,941 shares available for sale under our 2020 Employee Share Purchase Plan.
We may be classified as a passive foreign investment company, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders of our ordinary shares.
We would be classified as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for any taxable year if, after the application of certain look-through rules, either: (i) 75% or more of our gross income for such year is “passive income” (as defined in the relevant provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), or (ii) 50% or more of the value of our gross assets (generally determined on the basis of a quarterly average) during such year is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. For purposes of this test, we will be treated as earning our proportionate share of any income and owning our proportionate share of any assets of any corporation in which we directly or indirectly hold 25% or more (by value) of the stock. Based on our market capitalization and the composition of our income, assets, and operations, we do not expect to be classified as a PFIC for our current taxable year or in the foreseeable future. However, this is a factual determination that must be made annually after the close of each taxable year. Moreover, the aggregate value of our assets for purposes of the PFIC determination generally will be determined by reference to the trading price of our ordinary shares, which could fluctuate significantly. We have a substantial balance of cash and other liquid investments, which are passive assets for purposes of the PFIC determination. Accordingly, if our market capitalization declines significantly, it may make our classification as a PFIC more likely for the current or future taxable years. Therefore, there can be no assurance that we will not be classified as a PFIC in any taxable year. Certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply to a U.S. Holder (as defined in “Certain United States federal income tax considerations”) if we are treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which such U.S. Holder holds our ordinary shares. Accordingly, each U.S. Holder of our ordinary shares should consult its tax advisor as to the potential effects of the PFIC rules. See Item 10.E. “Taxation—Taxation and government programs—United States federal income taxation—Passive Foreign Investment Company considerations.”
26
If a United States person is treated as owning at least 10% of our ordinary shares, including constructively through the ownership of the Convertible Notes, such holder may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.
If a United States person is treated as owning (directly, indirectly, or constructively, including through the ownership of our Convertible Notes) at least 10% of the value or voting power of our ordinary shares, such person may be treated as a “United States shareholder” with respect to each “controlled foreign corporation” in our group (if any). Because our group includes U.S. subsidiaries, certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries will be treated as controlled foreign corporations (regardless of whether or not we are treated as a controlled foreign corporation). A United States shareholder of a controlled foreign corporation may be required to report annually and include in its U.S. taxable income its pro rata share of “Subpart F income,” “global intangible low-taxed income,” and investments in U.S. property by controlled foreign corporations, regardless of whether we make any distributions. An individual that is a United States shareholder with respect to a controlled foreign corporation generally would not be allowed certain tax deductions or foreign tax credits that would be allowed to a United States shareholder that is a U.S. corporation, unless certain elections are made on the individual’s federal tax return. Failure to comply with these reporting obligations may subject a United States shareholder to significant monetary penalties and may prevent the statute of limitations with respect to such shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax return for the year for which reporting was due from starting. We cannot provide any assurances that we will assist investors in determining whether we are or any of our non-U.S. subsidiaries is treated as a controlled foreign corporation or whether any investor is treated as a United States shareholder with respect to any such controlled foreign corporation or furnish to any United States shareholders information that may be necessary to comply with the aforementioned reporting and tax paying obligations. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has provided limited guidance on situations in which investors may rely on publicly available information to comply with their reporting and tax paying obligations with respect to controlled foreign corporations. A United States investor should consult its advisors regarding the potential application of these rules to an investment in our ordinary shares.
Provisions of Israeli law and our amended and restated articles of association may delay, prevent or make undesirable an acquisition of all or a significant portion of our shares or assets.
Provisions of Israeli law and our amended and restated articles of association could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control and may make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire us or our shareholders to elect different individuals to our board of directors, even if doing so would be considered to be beneficial by some of our shareholders, and may limit the price that investors may be willing to pay in the future for our ordinary shares. Among other things:
| • | Israeli corporate law regulates mergers and requires that a tender offer be effected when more than a specified percentage of shares in a company are purchased; |
| • | Israeli corporate law does not provide for shareholder action by written consent, thereby requiring all shareholder actions to be taken at a general meeting of shareholders; |
| • | our amended and restated articles of association divide our directors into three classes, each of which is elected once every three years; |
| • | our amended and restated articles of association generally require a vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding ordinary shares entitled to vote present and voting on the matter at a general meeting of shareholders (referred to as simple majority), and the amendment of a limited number of provisions, such as the provision dividing our directors into three classes, requires a vote of the holders of at least 65% of the total voting power of our shareholders; |
| • | our amended and restated articles of association do not permit a director to be removed except by a vote of the holders of at least 65% of the total voting power of our shareholders and any amendment to such provision requires the approval of at least 65% of the total voting power of our shareholders; and |
| • | our amended and restated articles of association provide that director vacancies may be filled by our board of directors. |
Further, Israeli tax considerations may make potential transactions undesirable to us or to some of our shareholders whose country of residence does not have a tax treaty with Israel granting tax relief to such shareholders from Israeli tax. With respect to mergers, Israeli tax law allows for tax deferral in certain circumstances but makes the deferral contingent on the fulfillment of numerous conditions, including a holding period of two years from the date of the transaction during which certain sales and dispositions of shares of the participating companies are restricted.
27
We do not expect to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future.
We have never declared or paid any dividends on our ordinary shares. We do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance operations and expand our business.
Our board of directors has sole discretion whether to pay dividends. If our board of directors decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that our directors may deem relevant. The Companies Law imposes restrictions on our ability to declare and pay dividends.
Payment of dividends may also be subject to Israeli withholding taxes. See Item 10.E. “Taxation—Taxation and government programs—Israeli tax considerations and government programs” for more information.
We incur increased costs as a result of operating as a public company, and our management is required to devote substantial time to new compliance initiatives and corporate governance practices.
As a public company we incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange and other applicable securities rules and regulations impose various requirements on public companies, including establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls and corporate governance practices. Our management and other personnel continue to devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance initiatives. Moreover, these rules and regulations will continue to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time-consuming and costly. For example, we expect that these rules and regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our board.
We continue to evaluate these rules and regulations and cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs. These rules and regulations are often subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices.
We are required to comply with the SEC’s rules implementing Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which require management to certify financial and other information in our annual reports and provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of control over financial reporting. Additionally, as we are no longer an emerging growth company and qualify as a large accelerated filer, we must include an attestation report on internal control over financial reporting issued by our independent registered public accounting firm.
To maintain the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting, we expect that we will need to continue enhancing existing, and implement new, financial reporting and management systems, procedures and controls to manage our business effectively and support our growth in the future. The process of evaluating our internal control over financial reporting requires an investment of substantial time and resources, including by our Chief Financial Officer and other members of our senior management. As a result, this process may divert internal resources and take a significant amount of time and effort to complete. Additionally, as part of management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting required by Section 404(a), our management may conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective due to our failure to cure any identified material weakness or otherwise, which would require us to employ remedial actions to implement effective controls. If we identify material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, if we are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404(a) or 404(b) in a timely manner or to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion or issues an adverse opinion in its attestation as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting required by Section 404 (b), investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the trading price of our ordinary shares could be negatively affected. We could also become subject to investigations by the stock exchange on which our securities are listed, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.
Irrespective of compliance with Sections 404(a) and 404(b), any failure of our internal control could have a material adverse effect on our stated results of operations and harm our reputation. In order to implement changes to our internal control over financial reporting triggered by a failure of those controls, we could experience higher than anticipated operating expenses, as well as higher independent auditor fees during and after the implementation of these changes.
Risks relating to our incorporation and location in Israel
Conditions in Israel could materially and adversely affect our business.
Many of our employees, including certain management members, operate from our offices that are located in Tel Aviv, Israel. In addition, our officers and most of our directors are residents of Israel. Accordingly, political, economic, and military conditions in Israel and the surrounding region may directly affect our business and operations. In recent years, Israel has been engaged in sporadic armed conflicts with Hamas, an Islamist terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip, with Hezbollah, an Islamist terrorist group that controls large portions of southern Lebanon, and with Iranian-backed military forces in Syria. In addition, Iran has threatened to attack Israel, may be developing nuclear weapons and has targeted cyber attacks against Israeli entities. Some of these hostilities were accompanied by missiles being fired from the Gaza Strip against civilian targets in various parts of Israel, and negatively affected business conditions in Israel. Any hostilities involving Israel or the interruption or curtailment of trade between Israel and its trading partners could adversely affect our operations and results of operations.
28
Our commercial insurance does not cover losses that may occur as a result of events associated with war and terrorism. Although the Israeli government currently covers the reinstatement value of direct damages that are caused by terrorist attacks or acts of war, we cannot assure you that this government coverage will be maintained or that it will sufficiently cover our potential damages. Any losses or damages incurred by us could have a material adverse effect on our business. Any armed conflicts or political instability in the region would likely negatively affect business conditions and could harm our results of operations.
Further, in the past, the State of Israel and Israeli companies have been subjected to economic boycotts. Several countries still restrict business with the State of Israel and with Israeli companies. These restrictive laws and policies may have an adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition or the expansion of our business. A campaign of boycotts, divestment, and sanctions has been undertaken against Israel, which could also adversely affect our business. Actual or perceived political instability in Israel or any negative changes in the political environment, may individually or in the aggregate adversely affect the Israeli economy and, in turn, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
In addition, many Israeli citizens are obligated to perform several weeks of annual military reserve duty each year until they reach the age of 40 (or older, for reservists who are military officers or who have certain occupations) and, in the event of a military conflict, may be called to active duty. In response to increases in terrorist activity, there have been periods of significant call-ups of military reservists. It is possible that there will be military reserve duty call-ups in the future. Our operations could be disrupted by such call-ups, which may include the call-up of members of our management. Such disruption could materially adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations.
The tax benefits that are available to us require us to continue to meet various conditions and may be terminated or reduced in the future, which could increase our costs and taxes.
We are eligible for certain tax benefits provided to a “Beneficiary Enterprise” under the Israeli Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 5719-1959 (the “Investment Law”). In order to remain eligible for the tax benefits provided to a “Beneficiary Enterprise” we must continue to meet certain conditions stipulated in the Investment Law and its regulations, as amended. If these tax benefits are reduced, cancelled or discontinued, our Israeli taxable income from the beneficiary enterprise would be subject to regular Israeli corporate tax rates. The standard corporate tax rate for Israeli companies in 2021 was 23%. Additionally, if we increase our activities outside of Israel through acquisitions, for example, our expanded activities might not be eligible for inclusion in future Israeli tax benefit programs. See Item 10.E. “Taxation—Taxation and government programs—Israeli tax considerations and government programs—Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 5719-1959.”
It may be difficult to enforce a U.S. judgment against us, our officers and directors named in this Annual Report in Israel or the United States, or to assert U.S. securities laws claims in Israel or serve process on our officers and directors.
Not all of our directors or officers are residents of the United States and most of their and our assets are located outside the United States. Service of process upon us or our non-U.S. resident directors and officers may be difficult to obtain within the United States. We have been informed by our legal counsel in Israel that it may be difficult to assert claims under U.S. securities laws in original actions instituted in Israel or obtain a judgment based on the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal securities laws. Israeli courts may refuse to hear a claim based on a violation of U.S. securities laws against us or our non-U.S. officers and directors because Israel may not be the most appropriate forum to bring such a claim. In addition, even if an Israeli court agrees to hear a claim, it may determine that Israeli law and not U.S. law is applicable to the claim. If U.S. law is found to be applicable, the content of applicable U.S. law must be proved as a fact, which can be a time-consuming and costly process. Certain matters of procedure will also be governed by Israeli law. There is little binding case law in Israel addressing the matters described above. Additionally, Israeli courts might not enforce judgments obtained in the United States against us or our non-U.S. our directors and executive officers, which may make it difficult to collect on judgments rendered against us or our non-U.S. officers and directors.
Moreover, an Israeli court will not enforce a non-Israeli judgment if it was given in a state whose laws do not provide for the enforcement of judgments of Israeli courts (subject to exceptional cases), if its enforcement is likely to prejudice the sovereignty or security of the State of Israel, if it was obtained by fraud or in the absence of due process, if it is at variance with another valid judgment that was given in the same matter between the same parties, or if a suit in the same matter between the same parties was pending before a court or tribunal in Israel at the time the foreign action was brought.
29
Your rights and responsibilities as our shareholder are governed by Israeli law, which may differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders of U.S. corporations.
We are incorporated under Israeli law. The rights and responsibilities of holders of our ordinary shares are governed by our amended and restated articles of association and the Israeli Companies Law, 5759-1999 (the “Companies Law”). These rights and responsibilities differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders in typical U.S. corporations. In particular, pursuant to the Companies Law each shareholder of an Israeli company has to act in good faith and in a customary manner in exercising his or her rights and fulfilling his or her obligations toward the Company and other shareholders and to refrain from abusing his or her power in the Company, including, among other things, in voting at the general meeting of shareholders on amendments to a company’s articles of association, increases in a company’s authorized share capital, mergers and certain transactions requiring shareholders’ approval under the Companies Law. In addition, a controlling shareholder of an Israeli company or a shareholder who knows that it possesses the power to determine the outcome of a shareholder vote or who has the power to appoint or prevent the appointment of a director or officer in the Company or has other powers toward the Company has a duty of fairness toward the Company. However, Israeli law does not define the substance of this duty of fairness. There is little case law available to assist in understanding the implications of these provisions that govern shareholder behavior.
We may be exposed to liabilities under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other U.S. and foreign anti-corruption anti-money laundering, export control, sanctions and other trade laws and regulations, and any determination that we violated these laws could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We are subject to export control and import laws and regulations, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations, U.S. Customs regulations and various economic and trade sanctions regulations administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. We are also subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, the U.S. domestic bribery statute contained in 18 U.S.C. § 201, the U.S. Travel Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, the United Kingdom Bribery Act 2010, the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Chapter 9 (sub-chapter 5) of the Israeli Penal Law, 1977, the Israeli Prohibition on Money Laundering Law—2000 and possibly other anti-bribery and anti-money laundering laws in countries outside of the United States in which we conduct our activities. Compliance with these laws has been the subject of increasing focus and activity by regulatory authorities, both in the United States and elsewhere, in recent years. Anti-corruption laws are interpreted broadly and prohibit companies and their employees and third-party intermediaries from authorizing, promising, offering, providing, soliciting or accepting, directly or indirectly, improper payments or benefits to or from any person whether in the public or private sector.
Further, we historically had some users in Cuba, North Korea and Crimea, countries that are presently the subject of comprehensive sanctions by the United States government (“Sanctioned Countries”). We have taken steps to terminate existing accounts in Sanctioned Countries and have implemented various control mechanisms designed to prevent unauthorized dealings with Sanctioned Countries going forward. Although we endeavor to conduct our business in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, we cannot guarantee compliance.
Noncompliance with anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, export control, sanctions and other trade laws could subject us to whistleblower complaints, investigations, sanctions, settlements, prosecution, other enforcement actions, disgorgement of profits, significant fines, damages, other civil and criminal penalties or injunctions, suspension and/or debarment from contracting with certain persons, the loss of export privileges, reputational harm, adverse media coverage and other collateral consequences. If any subpoenas or investigations are launched, or governmental or other sanctions are imposed, or if we do not prevail in any possible civil or criminal litigation, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially harmed. Responding to any action will likely result in a materially significant diversion of management’s attention and resources and significant defense and compliance costs and other professional fees. In addition, regulatory authorities may seek to hold us liable for successor liability for violations committed by companies in which we invest or that we acquire. As a general matter, enforcement actions and sanctions could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.
General risk factors
Our share price may be volatile, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
The market price of our ordinary shares could be highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially as a result of many factors, including:
| • | actual or anticipated fluctuations in our results of operations; |
| • | variance in our financial performance from the expectations of market analysts; |
| • | announcements by us or our competitors of significant business developments, changes in service provider relationships, acquisitions or expansion plans; |
| • | short selling activities; |
| • | changes in our take rate; |
| • | our involvement in litigation; |
30
| • | our sale of ordinary shares or other securities in the future; |
| • | market conditions in our industry; |
| • | changes in key personnel; |
| • | the trading volume of our ordinary shares; |
| • | changes in the estimation of the future size and growth rate of our markets; |
| • | general economic and market conditions; and |
| • | general economic and market conditions, including the impact of COVID-19. |
The price of our ordinary shares could also be affected by possible sales of our ordinary shares by investors who view our Convertible Notes as a more attractive means of equity participation in us and by hedging or arbitrage trading activity that may develop involving our ordinary shares and Convertible Notes.
In addition, the stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. Broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of our ordinary shares, regardless of our operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against that company. If we were involved in any similar litigation we could incur substantial costs and our management’s attention and resources could be diverted.
An active trading market for our ordinary shares may not be sustained to provide adequate liquidity.
An active trading market may not be sustained for our ordinary shares. The lack of an active market may impair your ability to sell your shares at the time you wish to sell them or at a price that you consider reasonable. An inactive market may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling ordinary shares and may impair our ability to acquire other companies by using our shares as consideration.
If we do not meet the expectations of equity research analysts, if they do not publish research or reports about our business or if they issue unfavorable commentary or downgrade our ordinary shares, the price of our ordinary shares could decline.
The trading market for our ordinary shares relies in part on the research and reports that equity research analysts publish about us and our business. The analysts’ estimates are based upon their own opinions and are often different from our estimates or expectations. If our results of operations are below the estimates or expectations of public market analysts and investors, the price of our ordinary shares could decline. Moreover, the price of our ordinary shares could decline if one or more securities analysts downgrade our ordinary shares or if those analysts issue other unfavorable commentary or cease publishing reports about us or our business.
| A. | History and Development of the Company |
We were incorporated in Israel under the Israeli Companies Law, 5759-1999 in April 2010, and our principal executive office is located at 8 Eliezer Kaplan St., Tel Aviv 6473409, Israel. Our legal name is Fiverr International Ltd. and our commercial name is FIVERR. We are registered with the Israeli Registrar of Companies. Our registration number is 51-444087-4. Our website address is www.fiverr.com, and our telephone number is +972-72-2280910. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website does not constitute a part of this Annual Report and is not incorporated by reference herein. We have included our website address in this Annual Report solely for informational purposes. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, such as we, that file electronically, with the SEC at www.sec.gov. Our agent for service of process in the United States is C T Corporation System and its address is 28 Liberty Street, New York, New York 10005.
For a description of our principal capital expenditures and divestitures for the three years ended December 31, 2021, and for those currently in progress, see Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”
| B. | Business Overview |
Our mission is to change how the world works together. We started with the simple idea that people should be able to buy and sell digital services in the same fashion as physical goods on an e-commerce platform. On that basis, we set out to design a digital marketplace that is built with a comprehensive SKU-like services catalog and an efficient search, find and order process that mirrors a typical e-commerce transaction.
31
We believe our model reduces friction and uncertainties for both buyers and sellers. At the foundation of our core platform, Fiverr.com, lies an expansive catalog with over 550 categories of productized service listings, which we coined as Gigs. Each Gig has a clearly defined scope, duration and price, along with buyer-generated reviews. Using either our search or navigation tools, buyers can easily find and purchase productized services, such as logo design, video creation and editing, website development and blog writing, with prices ranging from $5 to thousands of dollars. We call this the Service-as-a-Product (“SaaP”) model. Our approach fundamentally transforms the traditional freelancer staffing model into an e-commerce-like experience. In the year ended December 31, 2021, our platform enabled $1,018.7 million of GMV from 4.2 million active buyers.
Our business of enabling freelance work is deeply connected to the opportunities that technology has enabled in the modern economy. While businesses want frictionless and seamless access to a global pool of talent, individuals increasingly want to choose where they work, when they work and what they do for work. Our platform was designed to serve these needs. Our buyers include businesses of all sizes, while our sellers are a diverse group of freelancers and small businesses from over 160 countries who tap into our core platform to earn their full-time living or augment their income.
As a marketplace, we succeed when our buyers and sellers succeed. We designed our platform to make it easy for our buyers to find and purchase the digital services they are looking for without time-consuming negotiations or uncertainty of pricing, while offering them what we believe to be the best value for their money. At the same time, we enable our sellers to reach a large buyer universe, allowing them to spend more time on doing what they love and are best at, rather than on demand generation, contract negotiation, payment collection and other requirements of running a digital services business.
We generate revenue primarily through transaction fees and services fees on our core marketplace. We also offer an ecosystem of value added products that empowers our sellers to build a successful freelancing career and enables businesses of all sizes to implement an effective and efficient strategy to utilize freelancing workforce. For freelancers, Promoted Gigs and Seller Plus provide advertising capabilities and advanced tools to help them succeed on our marketplace. Fiverr Workspace provides freelancers software solution to manage invoicing, contracts, time tracking and organizing workflow with their clients. We also provide comprehensive learning and development offerings through Fiverr Learn and CreativeLive that help freelancers grow professionally. On the demand side, ClearVoice offers a subscription based content marketing solution, WorkingNotWorking provides paid access to high-end vetted creative talent, and Stoke Talent provides a freelancer management system to help businesses manage freelancers across channels, all of which cater to medium to larger sized businesses.
Technology is at the core of everything we do. Our proprietary machine learning algorithms, together with our dataset on profiling, transaction and user behavior, which rapidly grows with increasing buyer and seller engagement, enable us to personalize our user experience, improve quality and provide a more robust ecosystem. We are focused on constant innovation and have designed our platform such that we can continuously enhance the value we deliver to our buyers and sellers.
We have achieved significant growth and scale since inception. In the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, our revenue was $297.7 million, $189.5 million and $107.1 million, respectively, a 57% and 77% increase, respectively, and we incurred net losses of $65.0 million, $14.8 million and $33.5 million, respectively. Geographically, the substantial majority of our revenue is generated from buyers in English speaking countries. As we expand our platform to include additional languages, we expect to deepen our penetration into Western Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America, and the geographic mix of our revenue could therefore change over time. For a description of the principal markets in which we compete, including a breakdown of total revenues see Item 5. “Our Business Model”.
Our platform
Since inception, our vision has been to fundamentally transform the traditional freelancer hiring model into an e-commerce-like experience— seamless, efficient and frictionless. To achieve our vision, the Fiverr platform is built with a comprehensive SKU-like services catalog and an efficient search, find and order process that mirrors a typical e-commerce transaction. We believe that our model reduces friction and uncertainties for our buyers while enabling our sellers to reach a global audience, enjoy more flexibility and choice of work and make more money. The key elements of our core platform include:
Service-as-a-Product model. We operate a differentiated SaaP platform that allows sellers to offer services embedded with features that can be standardized and cataloged. Our core platform enables digital services to be bought and sold in the same fashion as physical goods on an e-commerce platform, with predictable pricing, easy searches, standardized contracts, easy payment processes and streamlined delivery of the service. Upon purchasing a Gig on Fiverr, a buyer knows the scope, duration and price. We believe that our model reduces friction and uncertainty for both buyers and sellers.
Comprehensive and diverse catalog. At the foundation of our core platform is an expansive catalog of Gigs that currently spans over 550 digital service categories. We believe that our catalog coverage is broader than many of our competitors, and we are focused on continuously growing this catalog. Today, buyers can purchase Gigs such as logo design, video creation or website development with prices ranging from $5 to thousands of dollars, all easily and with just a few clicks. We believe that this approach is fundamentally different from either traditional offline or online long-term temporary employment solutions. Unlike such traditional solutions, each Gig on Fiverr is listed with a clearly defined scope and timeline and is sold for a fixed price rather than on an hourly basis.
32
Technology and data assets. We are a technology company. Our platform is powered by our machine learning technology and expansive data assets. Using our extensive data assets and our AI tools, we are able to continuously optimize our product search capabilities, personalize our user experience, refine our matching algorithm and monitor our service quality. For example, Fiverr Logo Maker leverages our AI technology to allow graphic designers on our platform to monetize their existing designs, deliver their work faster and serve more customers, while allowing buyers to rapidly personalize and customize original, handmade designs created by sellers. By better predicting a buyer’s future needs, our algorithms improve user satisfaction, which in turn increases repeat or cross category buying activities.
Tools and infrastructure. We built a comprehensive suite of communication and collaboration functions that our buyers and sellers utilize to communicate throughout the entire transaction lifecycle. We also provide a robust end to end technology infrastructure and tools to help our sellers manage key functions of their online and offline business on our platform, such as proposals and contracts, invoicing and payments, project management and marketing. We also invest in building an infrastructure for international expansion that allows us to roll out six non English websites and provide multilingual support to our users. We have also launched Fiverr Business, a dedicated environment for teams and business buyers to transact and collaborate on Fiverr in a more seamless fashion.
Expansion of core platform. We have expanded our core platform to offer an ecosystem of value-added products that empowers our sellers to build a successful freelancing career and enables businesses of all sizes to implement an effective and efficient strategy to utilize freelancing workforce. For freelancers, Promoted Gigs and Seller Plus provide advertising capabilities and advanced tools to help them succeed on our marketplace. Fiverr Workspace provides freelancers a software solution to manage invoicing, contracts, time tracking and organizing workflow with their clients. We also provide comprehensive learning and development offerings through Fiverr Learn and CreativeLive that help freelancers grow professionally. On the demand side, ClearVoice offers a subscription based content marketing solution, Working Not Working provides paid access to high-end vetted creative talent, and Stoke Talent provides a freelancer management system to help businesses manage freelancers across channels, all of which cater to medium to larger sized businesses.
Who we serve
Our buyers
Our buyers include businesses of all sizes and from various industries. We engage and grow our buyer base organically and through thoughtful performance and brand marketing, all without a direct sales force.
In the year ended December 31, 2021, we served 4.2 million active buyers from over 160 countries across the globe, up from 3.4 million active buyers in 2020.
Our value proposition to buyers
Value for money. We provide what we believe to be the best value for money for our buyers by alleviating frictions and inefficiencies in the value chain. Our expansive digital services catalog enables us to offer sophisticated browsing and filtering functions. We believe that this results in a lower time-to- hire for buyers compared to traditional offline hiring platforms, saving buyers valuable time.
Access to an expansive catalog of digital services. Our catalog of digital services has over 550 categories and continues to grow and evolve. Prices can range from $5 to thousands of dollars, depending on the scope and perceived quality of each individual Gig. We continue to develop both the breadth and depth of our catalog in order to provide our buyers with access to the services they need.
Access to a diverse pool of freelancers. We provide instant access to hundreds of thousands of freelancers with a broad set of skills. Using Fiverr, buyers can easily connect with these freelancers and get a broad range of digitally delivered services executed quickly and efficiently.
Transparency and certainty of price, scope of work and quality. Our SaaP model enables transparency and certainty when it comes to cost, duration and scope. Our buyer-driven rating system provides a transparent quality rating mechanism for every Gig, helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. This system ensures that our buyers have added peace of mind with every purchase.
Trusted brand for customer service. We are relentlessly focused on providing quality customer service as we seek to drive repeat purchase behavior. Our dispute resolution technology enables us to flag issues in a timely manner and to guide users to a solution, whether that solution is our self-service support portal or intervention by our customer support team.
33
Our sellers
Our sellers are a diverse group of freelancers who we believe value the flexibility and financial opportunity our core platform provides. They range from individuals who use our core platform to earn their full-time living to those who augment their income.
Our value proposition to sellers
Maximize project pipeline. Sellers on our core platform do not need to bid to win a project. Instead, they list the service on our core platform with a well-defined scope, duration and price, and our proprietary technology directly matches them with buyers who are looking for the service they provide. As a result, sellers can list their Gigs on our core platform and focus on the work they love doing while maximizing their earning potential.
Flexibility and control. People increasingly want to choose where they work, when they work and what they do for work. Our core platform embraces habitual changes in the workforce and provides freelancers with the ability to find work and offer their services from anywhere in the world at any point in time.
Frictionless payment processing. Getting paid on time after project completion has historically been an uncertain and time-consuming process for sellers. We eliminate this friction by working with third-party agents to collect the funds from the buyer at the time of purchase and timely release them to the seller upon project completion.
Credentialed storefront. We enable our sellers to professionally showcase their services to buyers, establish a track record, develop a buyer base and build a professional reputation on our core platform. Our online seller forum, offline community events and “Fiverr Learn,” our e-learning platform, provide additional channels for our sellers to further enhance their skills and build their personal brand and digital storefront with us.
Business support infrastructure. We provide access to a robust set of technology tools for our sellers that enable them to manage all of the administrative aspects of their business, such as providing standardized contracts, invoicing and payment, financial reporting, marketing and real-time performance feedback. This infrastructure allows our sellers to track their performance and manage their business efficiently.
Success management and support. We provide our sellers with a comprehensive suite of onboarding resources, and our online help desk and offline customer support team provide 24/7 support to ensure sellers succeed in all stages of their freelance journey. We take care of the entire buyer engagement, business development and marketing process for our sellers so they simply need to list their Gigs on our core platform and focus on the work they love to maximize their earning potential. For those sellers new to the business, we help them gain access to buyers so that they can quickly start developing their reputation. For the more experienced sellers, we enroll them into the Fiverr Pro program to allow them to build a premium business and gain access to buyers who may be prioritizing a higher quality work product.
34
Our products
Buyer experience
We present our buyers with an e-commerce experience that is designed for streamlined browsing, searching and purchasing.
Search and discovery. Our SaaP model provides buyers access to an extensive catalog of Gigs that they can compare and filter across parameters including Gig details, reviews and price. Each Gig includes the details of the service provided, the price, delivery timeframe and reviews from previous buyers of that Gig, allowing buyers to make informed decisions based on their needs, budgets and tastes. Leveraging our end-to-end transaction platform and the depth of transaction data, we recently launched Fiverr Inspire, an innovative way to browse and shop for digital services based on sellers and their portfolio. Our search, browse and recommendation algorithms are designed to match each buyer’s search with the most relevant Gig and seller results. With each buyer interaction, our platform and machine learning algorithms enable us to offer more personalized recommendation carousels that are presented in relevant places along the buyer journey.
Personalizable options. We believe many of our buyers are motivated by more than simply price and convenience; we believe they also value uniqueness and authenticity. On our marketplace, buyers enjoy a personalized experience and direct interactions with our sellers. As a part of our Gig concept, buyers purchase ‘Packages’ associated with each Gig. Packages are tiered as Basic, Standard and Premium, each with different levels of service such as different word counts for a translation, video lengths for a video edit or number of revisions for a logo design. We facilitate further customization through custom orders. A buyer can request a custom order through our platform with his or her unique requirements. Sellers, in turn, can respond to the order request with custom offers, which are exclusive proposals, with the exact description of the service, price and time expected to deliver the service. For certain categories and gigs, we also allow buyers to make recurring purchases through the Subscriptions feature, or to break down a large project into multiple purchases through the Milestones feature.
35
Communication and collaboration. Communication between buyers and sellers is essential to the success of our marketplace. Our messenger tool enables buyers to easily communicate with sellers. Buyers are able to describe their requirements and preferences during the pre order process and the communication channels for process management and coordination remain open over the lifecycle of the Gig. As part of deliverable acceptance, buyers may utilize our “Request Revisions” feature to further refine the deliverable, if desired. Now, with Fiverr Business, larger teams can collaborate and transact in a seamless fashion on our platform. Fiverr Business provides larger teams a curated experience with collaboration and administrative tools and to easily integrate freelancers into their workflows.
36
Support and intervention. Our user support function is available throughout the buyer journey to provide clarification, help, education and support. Our resolution center helps buyers to resolve disputes online, and our 24/7 ticketing system is available should a buyer encounter a more complex problem. In addition to the on-demand help and support, we have developed a set of intervention algorithms, which leverage our data and knowledge, to automatically flag potential issues to our customer support team so they can intervene and offer guidance, education and support to our buyers.
Quality control. We have developed several quality assurance policies to enhance the reliability and integrity of our marketplace. Our algorithms assess each freelancer and Gig on our platform and assign a quality score based on a number of factors, such as buyer rating, cancellation rates and response time. The quality score is considered in our matching algorithms and is integral to the positioning of a seller’s Gig on our website. In addition, help tools are available for both buyers and sellers alike for when issues need to be raised to our customer support team. We constantly monitor activity on our platform to ensure compliance with our terms of service, as we seek to create a consistent and reliable user experience for our buyers.
37
Seller experience
We offer a set of tools for sellers to build their Gigs, develop their brand, establish a reputation and create their work portfolio. Sellers can manage their business from any browser or from our mobile apps.
Seller onboarding. We have developed an automated onboarding process designed to educate and guide new sellers through the creation of their seller profile (their storefront), Gigs (the services they sell) and portfolio (a collection of their work samples). Once a seller is onboarded, each Gig they offer becomes a part of the Fiverr catalog.
Business management. To allow sellers to focus on doing what they love, we provide a comprehensive suite of tools that help them manage administrative aspects of their business, such as workflow prioritization, invoicing and payment processing. Additional communication tools further enhance a seller’s ability to communicate with buyers as well as to collaborate on Gigs with other sellers. Our seller dashboard provides a unified work management interface that consolidates key information from our seller tools and performance metrics, allowing sellers to more effectively manage their business.
38
Analytics. Our suite of tools provides sellers with detailed analytics on their operations, facilitating greater transparency and insight into business and performance indicators, including Gig revenue, order pipeline and ratings. Gig specific analytics allow sellers to better understand their past performance in order to improve their future performance. Sellers are also provided with real-time feedback on their performance in timeliness of delivery, responsiveness and completion rates via our seller dashboard. In addition, Seller Plus subscribers now get access to advanced analytics features such as traffic and keyword analytics. As such, our analytics capabilities give sellers increased visibility into their performance and a better understanding of what is important to buyers so that they have the feedback to continuously improve.
39
Advertising. To help sellers increase visibility and grow their business on Fiverr, we launched an advertising tool, Promoted Gigs, that allows sellers to bid and win prime locations on our website through an auction mechanism. Promoted Gigs are cost-per-click, so sellers are charged only when their ads are viewed and clicked by the buyer. Sellers decide a daily budget and the maximum bid per click, and we also provide automatic bidding tools to help sellers optimize their bid price and maximize their exposure with minimum efforts on their part.
Learning and education. On our proprietary learning platform, we provide sellers access to an education center with comprehensive information on how to grow as a freelancer as well as become a more effective seller on Fiverr. We offer tutorials and materials on the use of Fiverr infrastructure tools, allowing sellers to get the most out of their experience on our core platform. This is supplemented by our Seller Help Center, which allows sellers to open tickets with customer support as well as access a comprehensive set of FAQs and how-to videos. We also provide access to a library of high quality educational content through Fiverr Learn and CreativeLive to help freelancers improve their skills and grow professionally.
Our technology
To help our buyers and sellers transact on our platform, we have built a modular and scalable technology platform that supports our business while protecting operational integrity and performance. Technology is at the core of everything we do and is a key business asset and enabler. We continuously invest in our technology and believe that our focus on innovation gives us a competitive advantage.
40
The core pillars that support the foundation of our platform are:
Digital services as products. At the core of our platform lies the challenge of productizing digital services and making them available on our e- commerce platform. Our proprietary technology allows for turning non-SKU digital services into structured Gigs, enabling continuous and nimble category expansion. We are also developing depth for each category by developing attributes and experiences specific to each service category. Our innovative catalog of productized services allows us to create an e-commerce-like experience with digital services that includes search, browse, compare and purchase functions.
Scalable, modular and modern technology platform. Our platform is built as a collection of modules that can be individually modified or added without redeploying the entire code base. This approach allows each of our product teams to develop autonomously, giving us the flexibility to constantly develop new features, expand capacity, adopt new technologies and integrate new libraries, which facilitate the continuous enhancement of our platform.
Advanced data science capabilities. Our rich set of proprietary algorithms that power our real time personalized recommendations, ranking and matching help us match each buyer with the most relevant Gigs based on their business needs and preferences. We leverage predictive AI technologies to recommend Gigs to buyers based on their purchase history and other activity on our marketplace. Our algorithm has been designed to handle rapid and continuous growth in search queries. Further, it is also utilized to improve the liquidity between supply and demand on our marketplace, ensuring that seller capacity and buyer demands are in balance. We are data-centric and rely on data from disciplined A/B testing, buyer and seller studies and other sources to inform all of our decisions on new platform enhancements. Our search algorithm uses our large data set from our Gigs, transactions and users to optimize Gig matches and user experience for our buyers.
41
Clear and simple cross-platform user experience. We utilize modern front-end technologies and design concepts to offer our users a simple and intuitive user interface. We continuously strive to simplify the user experience and enhance the efficiency of purchasing Gigs on our platform. We strive to offer a consistent experience across all major devices and operating systems. Our mobile app is a great example of our focus on user experience, design and implementation. It is highly rated by our users in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. We constantly try to optimize and simplify the user experience at each stage of a transaction.
Reliability. We use third-party cloud-based services to host our platform, striving to run on the latest and most modern cloud technologies. Our research and development capabilities paired with our development tools allow us to develop and deploy new products reliably without disruptions to our live instance. We have also embedded extensive monitoring and alerting infrastructure into our platform to maintain reliability and platform performance.
Security. Protecting data is one of the key pillars of our business. We protect our users’ data through a combination of processing procedures and technology tools, and we are focused on making our platform one of the most trusted ways to get work done. We monitor our server infrastructure for external hacking attempts by flagging suspicious activities, utilize tools that scan site content and dedicate teams to investigate if any irregularities are detected. In addition, we conduct regular tests for any internal or external unauthorized access to our systems and correct any known weaknesses in our systems.
Go-to-market
We have adopted a bottom up approach in our go-to-market strategy. Our goal is to target individuals and teams who work in various business functions at companies of different sizes across different industries. Our offerings resonate with people who just want to get things done within their budget and deadline constraints. Because each Gig on our platform has a clearly defined scope, duration and price, it eliminates uncertainties and frictions and allows more autonomous purchasing decisions. By providing our buyers with a favorable experience, they continuously return to our platform and drive referrals. We believe this approach is efficient because it allows us to penetrate the digital service freelance market at scale without a direct salesforce.
Our brand awareness and the virality of our solution has enabled us to acquire the majority of our new buyers through organic channels. That is complemented by highly effective performance marketing and brand investments across a variety of channels. We aim to acquire new buyers through the most efficient channels with the highest return on investment. Once they join, our goal is to demonstrate the value of our platform to our users in order to continuously increase each user’s lifetime value. We actively work to expand our wallet share by encouraging cross category purchasing, suggesting services appropriate for the respective business lifecycle and constantly improving how we match our buyer’s needs with our seller’s offerings.
Intellectual property
We design, test and update our website and apps regularly, and we have developed our proprietary solutions in-house. We have developed our infrastructure to be highly agile and scalable, allowing us to efficiently expand our platform and enter new market segments, without compromising quality. Our continued success depends upon our ability to protect our core technology and intellectual property. We rely on a combination of confidentiality clauses, contractual commitments, trade secret protections, copyrights, trademarks and other legal rights to protect our intellectual property and know-how. We enter into confidentiality and proprietary rights agreements with our employees, consultants and business partners, and we control access to and distribution of our proprietary information.
42
The Fiverr brand is central to our business strategy, and we believe that maintaining, protecting and enhancing the Fiverr brand is important to expanding our business. We hold numerous registered trademarks in the United States and in foreign jurisdictions, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil and Israel, that we consider material to the marketing of our products, including the marks Fiverr and Gig.
Our in-house know-how is an important element of our intellectual property. The development and management of our platform requires sophisticated coordination among many specialized employees. We believe that duplication of this coordination by competitors or individuals seeking to copy our platform offerings would be difficult. The risk of a competitor effectively replicating the functionality of our platform is further mitigated by the fact that our service offerings are cloud-based such that most of the core technology operating on our systems is never exposed to a user or to our competitors. To protect our technology, we implement multiple layers of security. Access to our platform, other than to obtain basic information, requires system usernames and passwords. We also add additional layers of security such as IP address filtering.
Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or obtain and use our technology to develop products and services with the same functionality as our platform. Policing unauthorized use of our technology is difficult. Our competitors could also independently develop technologies like ours, and our intellectual property rights may not be broad enough for us to prevent competitors from selling products and services incorporating those technologies.
Competition
The market for freelancers and the buyers who engage them is highly competitive, rapidly evolving, fragmented and subject to changing technology, shifting needs and frequent introductions of new products and services. We compete with a number of online and offline platforms and services to attract and retain users, although we believe that none of our competitors offers access to the same catalog and range of services and global reach as our platform. Our main competitors fall into the following categories:
| • | Traditional contingent workforce and staffing service providers and other outsourcing providers; |
| • | Online freelancer platforms that serve a diverse range of skill categories; |
| • | Other online and offline providers of products and services that allow freelancers to find work or to advertise their services, including personal and professional social networks, employment marketplaces, recruiting websites, job boards, classified ads and other traditional means of finding work; |
| • | Software and business services companies focused on talent acquisition, management, invoicing, or staffing management products and services; and |
| • | Businesses that provide specialized, professional services, including consulting, accounting, marketing and information technology services. |
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Practices
Fiverr was built with a defined purpose from day one to change how the world works together. We believe that our success can only be built alongside the success of our stakeholders, including our community, employees and shareholders. We are committed to build a long-term sustainable business that aligns our mission and business strategy with positive impacts to people, communities and our planet.
In 2021, we partnered with Deloitte, an independent consulting firm, to conduct an ESG assessment based on Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards and Fiverr’s core business strategy. Through the process, we have identified four core pillars that outline some of the specific ways we are making positive change in the world and the key issues that we believe are important to our business and stakeholders.
| • | Creating fair economic and social opportunities: fostering a level playing field and providing economic and business opportunities for talent across the world; |
| • | Marketplace integrity and ethics: holding high standards for quality and integrity in our marketplace |
| • | Empowering our people: building a diverse and inclusive workforce and company culture; and |
| • | Climate change: reducing the carbon footprint by enabling remote work and driving responsible resource use. |
43
Our first ESG report that details the progress we have achieved and our initiatives under each of the pillars above is available on our investor relations website at investors.fiverr.com and is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report. We believe that transparent and regular reporting is an essential step to holding ourselves accountable. We expect to continue to evolve our ESG strategy in the future as our ESG program matures.
Oversight of the Company’s risks, strategies, policies, programs and practices related to ESG matters is conducted by our Nominating and Governance Committee, and our EVP and General Counsel and EVP of Strategic Finance lead the day-to-day management of ESG matters.
Government legislation and regulation
Actions of our users
In many jurisdictions, including the United States and countries in Europe, laws relating to the liability of providers of online services for activities of their users and other third parties are currently being tested by a number of claims, including actions based on defamation, breach of data protection and privacy rights and other torts, unfair competition, copyright and trademark infringement and other theories based on the nature and content of the materials searched, the ads posted, or the content uploaded by users. Any court ruling or other governmental action that imposes liability on providers of online services for the activities of their users and other third parties could harm our business. In addition, rising concern about the use of the Internet for illegal conduct, such as the unauthorized dissemination of national security information, money laundering or supporting terrorist activities may in the future produce legislation or other governmental action that could require changes to our products or services, restrict or impose additional costs upon the conduct of our business or cause users to abandon material aspects of our service.
Data protection
We hold certain personal data of our users, including their name, username, email address, IP address, device identifiers, address, telephone number, photo, transactional data, consumption habits (such as purchase history), taxpayer information and forms, profession and education, location, authentication information, social media account log in details and username and additional information regarding the use of Fiverr’s Marketplace (such as published portfolio, Gig information, purchases, ratings and additional information the user decides to upload and share with us or other users of our marketplace), and may hold certain personal data of the visitors to our users’ websites. In addition, we hold certain personal data of our employees and contractors. We operate in accordance with the terms of our privacy policies, which describe our practices concerning the collection, use, transmission and disclosure of personal data. As a “database owner” pursuant to the Privacy Law, we are subject to certain obligations and restrictions, such as the obligation to register databases containing personal data, the requirement to properly notify the data subjects regarding the nature of the collection and use of their personal data prior to their collection, the requirement to obtain valid informed consents from the data subjects prior to using their personal data, conditions with respect to transfer of personal data outside Israeli borders, conditions and restrictions regarding the use of any personal data for direct mailing, obligations to meet certain data subject rights (such as access, rectification and deletion rights) as well as data security obligations. In this respect, the new Israeli Privacy Protection Regulations (Data Security) 2017 (“Data Security Regulations”), which entered into effect in Israel in May 2018, impose obligations with respect to the manner personal data is processed, maintained, transferred, disclosed, accessed and secured. The Israeli Privacy Protection Authority may initiate administrative inspection proceedings, from time to time, without any suspicion of any particular breach of the Privacy Law, as the Authority has done in the past with respect to dozens of Israeli companies in various business sectors. In addition, to the extent that any administrative supervision procedure is initiated by the Israeli Privacy Protection Authority that reveals certain irregularities with respect to our compliance with the Privacy Law, in addition to our exposure to administrative fines, civil claims (including class actions) and in certain cases criminal liability, we may also need to take certain remedial actions to rectify such irregularities, which may increase our costs.
Numerous U.S. and foreign laws and regulations govern how we collect, use, disclose and otherwise process personal information, and certain of these laws and regulations have extraterritorial effect. Where the local data protection and privacy laws of a jurisdiction apply, we may be required to register our operations in that jurisdiction or make changes to our business so that personal information is only collected and processed in accordance with applicable local law. We may require additional legal review and resources to ensure compliance with any applicable privacy or data protections laws and regulations. In addition, in many jurisdictions there is new legislation that may affect our business and require additional legal review. Compliance with these laws is constantly evolving, resource intensive and time consuming, and companies that do not comply with these laws may face significant liabilities.
44
United States
A number of legislative proposals pending before the U.S. Congress, various state legislative bodies and foreign governments concerning data protection could affect us. For example, in June 2018, California passed the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), which entered into effect on January 1, 2020 and provides new data privacy rights for consumers and new operational requirements for companies. More recently, in November 2020, California voters passed the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”), which will go into substantial effect on January 1, 2023, and will amend the CCPA to add new privacy rights and other obligations. In addition, other new domestic data privacy laws, such as the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (“VCDPA”), which also goes into effect in January 2023, and the Colorado Privacy Act (“CPA”), which goes into effect in July 2023, similarly impose new privacy rights and obligations. If similar laws are passed in other states, such laws may have potentially conflicting requirements that would make compliance challenging and costly.
Europe
European legislators adopted the GDPR, repealing the 1995 European Data Protection Directive (Directive 95/46/EC). We are defined as a “Data Controller” with respect to the personal data of our users that we collect and are therefore subject to a number of key legal obligations under the GDPR. In addition to reflecting existing requirements that already existed under the old data protection regime, such as, among other things, requirements to provide users with a “fair processing notice” if we process their data, ensure that inaccurate data is corrected, only retain data for so long as is necessary and not transfer data outside the European Economic Area to jurisdictions which do not ensure an adequate level of protection of personal data without taking certain safeguards, the GDPR also implemented new, more stringent operational and procedural requirements for our use of personal data. These include expanded prior information requirements in light of the transparency principle to tell our users how we may use their personal data, increased controls on profiling users, increased rights for users to access, control and delete their personal data and mandatory data breach notification requirements. Recent case law and regulatory guidance has supplemented these requirements in numerous areas, particularly around international data transfers, imposing additional compliance costs and enforcement risk. In addition, there are significantly increased administrative fines of the greater of €20 million and 4% of global turnover (as well as the right to compensation for financial or non- financial damages claimed by any individuals under Article 82 of the GDPR). As of January 1, 2021, because of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU, we also have to comply with the UK GDPR, which, together with the amended UK Data Protection Act 2018, retains the GDPR in UK national law. The UK data protection regime mirrors the fines under the GDPR.
The European ePrivacy Directive (Directive 2002/58/EC as amended by Directive 2009/136/EC) obliges the EU member states to introduce certain national laws regulating privacy or data protection in the electronic communications sector. Pursuant to the requirements of the ePrivacy Directive, companies must, among other things, obtain consent to store information or access information already stored, on a user’s terminal equipment (e.g., computer or mobile device). These requirements predominantly regulate the use by companies of cookies and similar technologies. Prior to providing such consent, users must receive clear and comprehensive information, both in accordance with the more stringent requirements under the GDPR. Certain exemptions to these requirements on which we rely are available for technical storage or access for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network or as strictly necessary to provide a service explicitly requested by the user.
In recent years, U.S. and European lawmakers and regulators have expressed concern over the use of third-party cookies and similar technologies for online behavioral advertising, and laws in this area are also under reform. In the European Union, current national laws that implement the ePrivacy Directive will soon be replaced by an EU regulation known as the ePrivacy Regulation. In the European Union, informed consent is required for the placement of a cookie on a user’s device and for direct electronic marketing, and the GDPR also imposes additional conditions in order to satisfy such consent, such as a prohibition on pre-checked consents and on bundled consents thereby requiring users to affirmatively consent for a given purpose through separate tick boxes. The draft ePrivacy Regulation retains these additional consent conditions and also imposes the strict opt-in marketing rules on direct marketing that is “presented” on a web page rather than sent by email, alters rules on third-party cookies and similar technology and significantly increases penalties for breach of the rules. Regulation of cookies and similar technologies may lead to broader restrictions on our marketing and personalization activities and may negatively impact our efforts to understand users’ internet usage, as well as the effectiveness of our marketing and our business generally. Such regulations may have a negative effect on businesses, including ours, that collect and use online usage information for consumer acquisition and marketing, it may increase the cost of operating a business that collects or uses such information and undertakes online marketing, it may also increase regulatory scrutiny and increase potential civil liability under data protection or consumer protection laws. In response to marketplace concerns about the usage of third-party cookies and web beacons to track user behaviors, providers of major browsers have included features that allow users to limit the collection of certain data generally or from specified websites, and the ePrivacy Regulation draft also advocates the development of browsers that block cookies by default. These developments could impair our ability to collect user information, including personal data and usage information, that helps us provide more targeted advertising to our current and prospective consumers, which could adversely affect our business, given our use of cookies and similar technologies to target our marketing and personalize the consumer experience.
As the text of the ePrivacy Regulation is still under development and currently in draft form, and as further guidance is issued and interpretation of both the ePrivacy Regulation and the GDPR develop, it is difficult to assess the impact of the ePrivacy Regulation on our business or operations, but it may require us to modify our data practices and policies and we could incur substantial costs as a result.
45
The legal name of our company is Fiverr International Ltd. and we are organized under the laws of the State of Israel. We have nine wholly-owned subsidiaries: Stoke Talent Ltd., Incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel, Fiverr Inc., ClearVoice, Inc., Working Not Working, Inc., CreativeLive Inc. and Stoke Talent Inc. each of which incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, Sharon Lee Thony Consulting, LLC, incorporated under the laws of the State of New York, Fiverr Germany GmbH, incorporated under the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany and Fiverr Limited, incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Cyprus.
Our principal facilities are located in Tel Aviv, Israel and consist of approximately 5,700 square meters (approximately 61,354 square feet) of leased office space. These facilities currently accommodate our principal executive offices, research and development, marketing, design, business development, finance, information technology, user support and other administrative activities. The lease for these facilities expires in 2026.
We also lease offices in New York City, Orlando, Seattle and Phoenix in the United States, and Limassol, Cyprus. We intend to procure additional space as we continue to add employees, expand geographically and expand our workspaces and spaces for our community building programming. We believe that our facilities are adequate to meet our needs for the immediate future, and that, should it be needed, suitable additional space will be available to accommodate any such expansion of our operations.
None.
You should read the following discussion together with “Selected financial data” and the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The statements in this discussion regarding industry outlook, our expectations regarding our future performance, liquidity and capital resources and other non-historical statements in this discussion are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in “Risk factors” and “Special note regarding forward- looking statements.” Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by any forward-looking statements.
Overview
Our mission is to change how the world works together. We started with the simple idea that people should be able to buy and sell digital services in the same fashion as physical goods on an e-commerce platform. On that basis, we set out to design a digital marketplace that is built with a comprehensive SKU-like services catalog and an efficient search, find and order process that mirrors a typical e-commerce transaction.
We believe our model reduces friction and uncertainties for both buyers and sellers. At the foundation of our platform lies an expansive catalog with over 550 categories of productized service listings, which we coined as Gigs. Each Gig has a clearly defined scope, duration and price, along with buyer generated reviews. Using either our search or navigation tools, buyers can easily find and purchase productized services, such as logo design, video creation and editing, website development and blog writing, with prices ranging from $5 to thousands of dollars. We call this the Service-as-a-Product (“SaaP”) model. Our approach fundamentally transforms the traditional freelancer staffing model into an e-commerce-like experience. In the year ended December 31, 2021, we had 4.2 million active buyers on our platform.
We were founded in 2010 by entrepreneurs who have extensive experience working with freelancers and who have witnessed firsthand how challenging the process can be. Our platform has simplified and streamlined this process for both buyers and sellers and, as a result, we have experienced significant growth and reached a meaningful scale. Our GMV for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $1,018.7 million, $699.3 million and $401.0 million, respectively.
46
Our business model
We operate a marketplace model where we derive our revenue from transaction fees and service fees that are based on the total value of transactions ordered through our platform. Our revenue growth has been driven primarily by the growth of active buyers and spend per buyer. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, our revenue was $297.7 million, $189.5 million and $107.1 million, respectively, most of which was driven by repeat buyers whose collective spend on our platform continues to increase. These favorable dynamics provide us with revenue visibility and predictability. As repeat buyers keep using our platform, placing additional orders and ordering higher value and cross category services, we benefit from growing buyer lifetime value.
Our take rate, or revenue as a percentage of GMV, was 29.2%, 27.1% and 26.7% for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We believe we are able to command our take rate because of the value we provide to our buyers and sellers in an otherwise fragmented, unstandardized and high-friction industry. Our take rate is sustainable and has grown moderately over time as we provide more value to buyers and sellers through products and offerings such as Promoted Gigs, Seller Plus, ClearVoice, CreativeLive, Fiverr Learn, Fiverr Workspace and Stoke Talent.
Our revenue is diversified and generated from a broad mix of digital services. Our platform includes over 550 categories across nine verticals, including Graphics & Design, Digital Marketing, Writing & Translation, Video & Animation, Music & Audio, Programming & Tech, Business, Data, and Lifestyle. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, no single category accounted for more than 15% of our core marketplace revenue. Category expansion continues to be a key strategy for our business.
Geographically, the substantial majority of our revenue is generated from buyers in English speaking countries. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, approximately 70% of our core marketplace revenue was generated from Gigs purchased by buyers located in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. As we expand our platform to include additional languages, we expect to deepen our penetration into Western Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America, and the geographic mix of our revenue could therefore change over time.
We do not hire freelancers directly or provide digital services to our buyers as a principal. Our business model can rapidly scale, and as it grows we benefit from a growing network effect. More buyers attract more sellers onto our platform, which, in turn, leads to more selection and better value for money, driving more engagement and spend by our buyers. We do not rely on a direct sales force, further enhancing the scalability of our business model. Our revenue is well diversified across our buyers, with no buyer contributing more than 1% of core marketplace revenue in the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 or 2019.
We drive a majority of our buyer acquisition through organic channels, supplemented by efficient performance marketing investments. Our organic buyer growth results from the embedded network effect of our marketplace model and our continued growth in our brand awareness. We continue to diversify and strengthen our performance marketing capabilities and invest in data science technologies to acquire more buyers as well as buyers with higher lifetime value. Since inception, we have not made significant investments in marketing for seller acquisition.
Scaled and consistently growing buyer base
Our active buyer base has consistently grown over time. The number of active buyers on our platform has reached 4.2 million as of December 31, 2021, significantly up from 3.4 million as of December 31, 2020. The key drivers of our active buyer base growth are continued buyer engagement and our buyer acquisition strategy. We are focused on increasing this strong base of active buyers, which we continue to monetize.
Revenue from repeat buyers
We experience significant repeat business because buyers return to our platform as we offer a variety of freelance digital services that address different businesses’ needs. For example, a buyer can purchase design content for a brochure and later return to our platform for market research, an entirely different service category. At the same time, this buyer may recommend our platform to a colleague in another department who may use our platform for video editing services.
Repeat buyers generally increase spend on our platform over time. For the year ended December 31, 2021, repeat buyers contributed 59% of our revenue on our core marketplace, up from 55% in the year ended December 31, 2020. We believe the repeat purchase activity from existing buyers reflects the underlying strength of our business and provides us with revenue visibility and predictability.
Consistent cohort behavior
Our business has historically benefited from strong cohort revenue consistency. To track our growth and the underlying dynamics of our business, we closely monitor and analyze the behavior of our annual buyer cohorts. We define an annual buyer cohort based on the year when the buyer’s first purchase on our platform was made. Historically, we have observed consistency across our annual buyer cohorts. As shown in the figure below, the aggregate spend of each cohort stabilizes after the first year and continues to contribute to a consistent stream of revenue for future years. The consistent behavior of our cohorts is driven first by repeat spending by our buyers as well as by the overall size of our buyer base, which normalizes the fluctuation of individual buyer behavior. We saw the elevated retention levels in 2020 continue into 2021 across our cohorts. In 2021, older cohorts (those who joined on or before 2018) on average retained 119% of revenue from 2020. The retention for the 2019 and 2020 cohorts also exceeds historical cohorts at similar stages of lifecycle.
47
Core marketplace revenue composition by annual cohort 2010-2021
Buyer acquisition strategy
We continue to attract buyers through a variety of channels. The majority of our new buyers in both 2021 and 2020 came from organic and direct sources, meaning buyers who reach our platform via non-paid search results, referrals by existing users, word-of-mouth, direct visits to our website by typing our URL into their browser, or our mobile app. We supplement these organic and direct sources of growth by investing in performance marketing programs. We view our ability to efficiently acquire buyers at scale as a differentiated competitive advantage and continuously seek to diversify our user acquisition investments through a variety of channels in a disciplined manner.
We measure the efficiency of our buyer acquisition strategy by Time to Return On Investment (“tROI”), which represents the number of months required for us to recover performance marketing investments during a particular period of time from the revenue generated by the new buyers acquired during that period1. We aim to achieve quarterly tROI of one year or less. Historically, over the eight quarters ending December 31, 2021, we have been able to consistently achieve tROI of less than six months.
48
The second measure for our paid marketing efficiency is the cumulative revenue to performance marketing investment ratio. As depicted in the chart below, our return on performance marketing investments continues to improve as the cohort ages and buyers continue to spend on our platform. For example, as of December 31, 2021, revenue from the Q4’21 cohort had already amounted to 0.9x of our performance marketing investments during that quarter and the cumulative revenue from the Q1’17 cohort has reached 4.8x of our performance marketing investments during that quarter. We aim to continue acquiring buyers through highly efficient digital marketing channels as we continue to increase the scale of our performance marketing investments and target buyers with higher lifetime value.
1 Performance marketing investments in new buyer acquisition is determined by aggregating online advertising spend across various channels, including search engine optimization, search engine marketing, video and social media used for buyer acquisition. Our performance marketing investments exclude certain fixed costs, including out of home advertising and fixed labor costs. Our performance marketing investment differs from sales and marketing expenses presented in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to sales and marketing expenses. Our performance marketing investment has limitations as an analytical tool, including that it does not reflect certain expenditures necessary to the operation of our business, and should not be considered in isolation. Certain fixed costs are excluded from performance marketing investments and related tROl calculations because performance marketing investments represent our direct variable costs related to buyer acquisition and its corresponding revenue generation. tROl measures the efficiency of such variable marketing investments and is an indicator actively used by management to make day-to-day operational decisions.
Cumulative revenue to performance marketing investment ratios by cohort
Growth in spend per buyer
We view the acquisition of a new buyer as a starting point for building a long-term relationship between the buyer and our marketplace. Once a buyer joins our platform, we aim to expand the relationship and increase engagement and spending activities from that buyer over time. Our focus on increasing the lifetime value of our buyers on our marketplace is reflected in three areas. First, we continue to build out our platform to include more categories, more complex Gigs, and higher quality sellers in order to provide a comprehensive solution for our buyers’ digital service needs. Second, our proprietary machine learning technology and expansive data sets allow us to personalize experiences for both buyers and sellers. For example, it enables us to anticipate buyers’ future needs based on their buying behavior and provide category and service recommendations. Third, we continue to go upmarket in our marketing strategies to acquire higher lifetime value buyers at top of the funnel.
We measure our buyer engagement using spend per buyer. Our spend per buyer as of December 31, 2021, was $242, up 18% from $205 as of December 31, 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2021, buyers who spent over $500 accounted for 63% of our core marketplace revenue, up from 58% in the year ended December 31, 2020.
These spend per buyer growth trends demonstrate our success in moving upmarket by offering a broader set of digital services, increasing engagement and lifetime value of our buyers, and growing the number of higher value Gigs and higher quality sellers on our platform through targeted marketing efforts and a number of product initiatives such as Fiverr Business, Fiverr’s Choice, Subscriptions and Milestones.
49
Spend per buyer 2018-2021
COVID-19
While our business has experienced significant growth since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the full extent of the impact of the pandemic on our business, operations and financial results will depend on many evolving factors that we may not be able to control or predict. We believe our business is strong and resilient with many years of growth runway ahead of us, driven by the low online penetration of the large freelancing industry, our unique value proposition, our efficient and scalable business model, and strong execution capability. See “Item 3. Risk factors—Risks relating to our business and industry—A regional or global health pandemic, including COVID-19, could severely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition due to impacts on our buyer and seller base and consumer and business spending more broadly, as well as impacts from remote work arrangements, actions taken to contain the disease or treat its impact and the speed and extent of the recovery.”
Key financial and operating metrics
We monitor the following key financial and operating metrics to evaluate the growth of our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, formulate business plans and make strategic decisions.
| • | “Active buyers” means buyers who have ordered a Gig or other services on Fiverr within the last 12-month period, irrespective of cancellations. An increase or decrease in the number of active buyers is a key indicator of our ability to attract and engage buyers. |
| • | “Spend per buyer” is calculated by dividing our GMV within the last 12-month period by the number of active buyers as of such date. Spend per buyer is a key indicator of our buyers’ purchasing patterns and is impacted by an increase in our number of active buyers, buyers purchasing from more than one category, an increase in average price per purchase and our ability to acquire buyers with a higher lifetime value. |
50
The following table sets forth our key performance indicators as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
As of December 31, | ||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Active buyers (in thousands) | 4,217 | 3,418 | ||||||
Spend per buyer | $ | 242 | $ | 205 | ||||
Components of our results of operations
Revenue. Our revenue is comprised of transaction fees and service fees. We earn transaction fees for enabling orders and providing other services and service fees to cover administrative fees. Revenue is recognized once the buyer obtains control of the service, which occurs at a point in time upon completion of each order.
Geographic Breakdown of Revenues. The following table sets forth the geographic breakdown of revenues for the periods indicated:
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||
U.S. | $ | 154,360 | $ | 100,706 | $ | 57,938 | ||||||
Europe | 77,019 | 48,331 | 25,181 | |||||||||
Asia Pacific | 38,437 | 22,814 | 13,356 | |||||||||
Rest of the world | 24,991 | 15,715 | 9,374 | |||||||||
Israel | 2,855 | 1,944 | 1,224 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 297,662 | $ | 189,510 | $ | 107,073 | ||||||
Cost of revenue. Cost of revenue is mainly comprised of expenses related to payment processing companies’ fees, server hosting fees, costs of customer support personnel, amortization of capitalized internal-use software and developed technology and courses. We expect cost of revenue to increase in absolute dollars in future periods due to higher payment processing companies’ fees, server hosting fees and employee-related costs in order to support additional transaction volume on our platform. The level and timing of all of these items could fluctuate and affect our cost of revenue in the future.
Gross profit and gross margin. Our gross profit and gross margin may fluctuate from period to period. Such fluctuations may be influenced by our revenue, timing and amount of investments to expand hosting capacity, our continued investments in our customer support teams and the amortization associated with capitalized internal-use software and developed technology.
Research and development. Research and development expenses are primarily comprised of costs of our research and development personnel and other development-related expenses. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred, except to the extent that such costs are associated with internal-use software that qualifies for capitalization. We expect these costs to increase as we continue to hire new employees in order to support our anticipated growth. We believe continued investments in research and development are important to attain our strategic objectives and expect research and development costs to increase in absolute dollars.
Sales and marketing. Sales and marketing expenses are primarily comprised of costs of our marketing personnel, performance marketing investments, branding costs, amortization of customer relationships, creative relationships and trade name and other advertising costs. Sales and marketing expenses are expensed as incurred. We intend to continue to invest in our sales and marketing capabilities in the future to continue to increase our brand awareness and expect these costs to increase on an absolute dollar basis as we grow our business. Sales and marketing expense in absolute dollars and as a percentage of total revenue may fluctuate from period-to-period based on total revenue levels and the timing of our investments in our sales and marketing functions as these investments may vary in scope and scale over future periods.
General and administrative. General and administrative expenses primarily include costs of our executive, finance, legal and other administrative personnel, costs associated with fraud risk reduction and others. General and administrative expenses are expensed as incurred. We expect that our general and administrative expenses will increase in absolute dollars for the foreseeable future as we grow our business, as well as to cover the additional cost and expenses associated with maintaining a publicly listed company.
51
Financial expenses, net. Financial expenses, net primarily include amortization of discount and issuance costs of Convertible Notes, interest earned on cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, exchange rate gains (losses) due to foreign exchange fluctuations and other financial expenses in connection with bank charges and long-term loan.
Income taxes. As of December 31, 2021, we have not yet generated taxable income in Israel and the U.S. As of December 31, 2021, our net operating loss carryforwards for Israeli tax purposes amounted to approximately $ 115.0 million. As of December 31, 2021, we had net operating loss carryforwards for U.S. tax purposes in the amount of approximately $82.6 million, which is expected to be subject to certain limitations under Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 382 following changes in control that occurred upon acquisition of both Clear Voice, Working Not Working and CreativeLive.
| A. | Operating Results |
For a discussion of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019, including a year-to-year comparison between 2020 and 2019, and a discussion of our liquidity and capital resources for the year ended December 31, 2019, refer to Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The following tables set forth our results of operations in U.S. dollars and as a percentage of revenue for the periods indicated:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Revenue | $ | 297,662 | $ | 189,510 | ||||
Cost of revenue | 51,723 | 33,188 | ||||||
Gross profit | 245,939 | 156,322 | ||||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||
Research and development | 79,298 | 45,719 | ||||||
Sales and marketing | 159,365 | 94,379 | ||||||
General and administrative | 52,616 | 28,034 | ||||||
Total operating expenses | 291,279 | 168,132 | ||||||
Operating loss | (45,340 | ) | (11,810 | ) | ||||
Financial expense, net | (19,513 | ) | (2,800 | ) | ||||
Loss before income taxes | (64,853 | ) | (14,610 | ) | ||||
Income taxes | (159 | ) | (200 | ) | ||||
Net loss | $ | (65,012 | ) | $ | (14,810 | ) | ||
52
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
(as a% of revenue) | ||||||||
Revenue | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||
Cost of revenue | 17.4 | 17.5 | ||||||
Gross profit | 82.6 | 82.5 | ||||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||
Research and development | 26.6 | 24.1 | ||||||
Sales and marketing | 53.5 | 49.8 | ||||||
General and administrative | 17.7 | 14.8 | ||||||
Total operating expenses | 97.9 | 88.7 | ||||||
Operating loss | (15.2 | ) | (6.2 | ) | ||||
Financial income (expense), net | (6.6 | ) | (1.5 | ) | ||||
Loss before income taxes | (21.8 | ) | (7.7 | ) | ||||
Income taxes | * | * | ||||||
Net loss | (21.8 | )% | (7.8 | )% | ||||
* Represents amounts of less than 0.5%
Year ended December 31, 2021 compared to year ended December 31, 2020
Revenue
Revenue increased by $108.2 million, or 57%, to $297.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 from $189.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was mainly due to a 23% increase in the number of active buyers and a 18% increase in spend per buyer over the same time period and an increase of 210 basis points in our take rate, as we continue to grow our core platform as well as the additional revenue from back-office software subscriptions, e-learning courses, content marketing subscriptions and creative talent platform. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we derived approximately 72.9% and 73.4% of our revenue from transaction fees, respectively, and approximately 27.1% and 26.6% of our revenue from service fees, respectively.
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue increased by $18.5 million, or 56%, to $51.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 from $33.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. This increase was primarily due to an increase of $7.6 million in payment processing fees driven by increase in revenue scale, an increase of $5.3 million due to employee-related costs and subcontractors costs driven by catch-up hiring for customer support teams, an increase of $1.0 million in share-based compensation, an increase of $0.5 million in hosting fees, and an increase of $0.9 million in amortization of capitalized internal-use software and developed technology.
Research and development
Research and development costs increased by $33.6 million, or 73%, to $79.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 from $45.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. This increase was primarily driven by an increase of $14.2 million in employee-related costs, an increase of $14.9 million in share-based compensation, and an increase of $2.3 million in allocated overhead costs and software cloud based tools and related expenses.
Sales and marketing
Sales and marketing expenses increased by $65.0 million, or 69%, to $159.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 from $94.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. This increase was primarily driven by increases of $40.5 million in performance marketing investments and other marketing activities, $10.5 million in employee-related costs, an increase of $11.2 million in share-based compensation and an increase of $2.7 million in amortization of customer relationship, creative relationship and trade name intangible assets.
53
General and administrative
General and administrative expenses increased by $24.6 million, or 88%, to $52.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 from $28.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. This increase was primarily driven by an increase of $2.8 million in employee-related costs ,an increase of $13.4 million share-based compensation, an increase of $3.3 million in acquisition related costs, an increase of $1.9 million in related operational costs, an increase of $2.0 million in accounting, legal and business strategy, and an increase of $0.8 million due to fraud detection tools and related expenses.
Financial expenses, net
Financial expenses, net, amounted to $19.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to financial expenses, net, of $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The change was mainly driven by an increase of $16.0 million in expenses related to amortization of discount and issuance costs of our convertible notes.
Income taxes
Income taxes amounted to $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
A description of recently issued accounting pronouncements that may potentially impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows is disclosed in Note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
| B. | Liquidity and Capital Resources |
Since our inception, we have financed our operations primarily through equity financing. Our cash, cash equivalents, bank deposits and marketable securities were $641 million and $715.5 million as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. In addition, we had restricted cash and restricted deposits related to the loan to finance leasehold improvements in our office space of $3.0 million and $2.9 million as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
Our primary requirements for liquidity and capital resources are to finance working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes. We believe that our sources of liquidity and capital resources will be sufficient to meet our business needs for at least the next 12 months.
Our capital expenditures consist primarily of internal-use software costs, computers and peripheral equipment and leasehold improvements. As part of our lease of our Israeli headquarters, the lessor financed an amount of $4.0 million out of the total cost of leasehold improvements in the office space. The remaining loan of $2.9 million was repaid on January 1, 2022. We may also seek to invest in or acquire complementary businesses or technologies.
We assess our liquidity, in part, through an analysis of our working capital, current assets less current liabilities, together with other sources of liquidity. We had a working capital of $279.2 million as of December 31, 2021, compared to $445.3 million as of December 31, 2020. The decrease was mainly due to $97.1 million investments in business acquisitions and $89.5 million marketable securities investment in long-term. The decrease was offset by $20.9 million increase in cash provided by operating activities.
In June 2020, we issued 2,300,000 ordinary shares in a follow-on offering (including the underwriters’ option to purchase an additional 300,000 ordinary shares) for an aggregate amount of approximately $129.9 million, net of issuance costs.
In October 2020, we issued $460.0 million aggregate principal amount, 0% coupon rate, of Convertible Notes due 2025 (including the underwriters’ option to purchase an additional $60 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes). The terms of that financing are described in more detail below under “Description of Convertible Notes and Capped Call Transaction Financing”.
Our marketable securities totaled $435.7 million as of December 31, 2021. Marketable securities are comprised of treasury, corporate and municipal bonds.
54
The following table presents the summary consolidated cash flow information for the periods presented.
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 38,037 | $ | 17,135 | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (229,470 | ) | (326,357 | ) | ||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (2,397 | ) | 551,813 | |||||
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $38.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $17.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The change primarily resulted from an increase of $50.2 million in our net loss offset by an increase of $39.6 million in shared-based compensation, an increase of $16.0 million due to amortization of discount and issuance costs of our convertible notes, an increase of $6.8 million expenses due to amortization of discount on marketable securities and an increase of $2.6 million in accounts payable.
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $229.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of $96.9 million compared to $326.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease primarily resulted from $148.7 million lower investments in marketable securities and a decrease of $33.3 million in bank deposits and restricted deposits. This decrease was offset by an increase of $95.9 million resulting from acquisitions of Working not Working, CreativeLive and Stoke during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of $554.2 million compared to $551.8 million cash provided for the year ended December 31, 2020. This decrease resulted from $404.1 million net proceeds from the issuance of Convertible Notes, $129.9 million of proceeds from a follow-on offering for the year ended 2020, additional decrease of $20.3 million due to tax withholding in connection with exercises of employees’ share options and vested restricted share units.
Description of Convertible Notes and Capped Call Transaction Financing
On October 13, 2020, we closed a private offering of $460.0 million principal amount of 0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025 (the “Convertible Notes”). The Convertible Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated October 13, 2020 (the “Indenture”), between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.
The Convertible Notes are convertible based upon an initial conversion rate of 4.6823 of our ordinary shares, per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes (equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $213.57 per ordinary share). The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain specified events but will not be adjusted for accrued and unpaid special interest (as defined in the Indenture), if any. In addition, in connection with a make-whole fundamental change (as defined in the Indenture), or following our delivery of a notice of redemption, we will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert its notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change or to convert its Convertible Notes called for redemption in connection with such notice of redemption, as the case may be.
The Convertible Notes will not bear regular interest, and the principal amount of the Convertible Notes will not accrete. The Convertible Notes will mature on November 1, 2025, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding May 1, 2025, a holder may convert all or a portion of its Convertible Notes only under the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of our ordinary shares for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day; (2) during the five business day period after any 10 consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the ordinary shares and the conversion rate on each such trading day; (3) if we call such Convertible Notes for redemption, at any time prior to the close of business on the third scheduled trading day immediately preceding the related redemption date; or (4) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. On or after May 1, 2025 until the close of business on the third scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their Convertible Notes at any time, regardless of the foregoing circumstances. Upon conversion, the Company will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, ordinary shares or a combination of cash and ordinary shares, at the Company’s election.
55
We may not redeem the Convertible Notes prior to November 5, 2023, except in the event of certain tax law changes. On or after November 5, 2023 and from time to time prior to the 42nd scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, we may redeem, for cash, all or part of the Convertible Notes, at our option, if the last reported sale price of our ordinary shares has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 30 consecutive trading day period (including the last trading day of such period) ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which we provide notice of the redemption at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid special interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the Indenture), holders may require us to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their Convertible Notes at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid special interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.
The indenture governing the Convertible Notes contains customary terms and covenants, including that upon certain events of default occurring and continuing, either the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes then outstanding may declare the entire principal amount of all the Convertible Notes plus accrued special interest, if any, to be immediately due and payable.
The Convertible Notes are our senior unsecured obligations. The Convertible Notes rank senior in right of payment to any of our future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Convertible Notes, rank equal in right of payment to our unsecured indebtedness that is not so subordinated, are effectively junior in right of payment to any of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness and are structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of our subsidiaries.
In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, we entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions with certain financial institutions. See Item 3.D. “Risk Factors—Risks related to our indebtedness and capital structure—The Capped Call Transaction may affect the value of our ordinary shares, and we may be subject to counterparty risk with respect to the Capped Call Transactions.”
On December 5, 2021, we received the approval of the Israeli court for our motion to allow us, if required, to realize mechanisms established in the Convertible Notes for repurchase of the Convertible Notes and to utilize in shares the Capped Call Transactions we entered into in connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes for the aggregate amount of up to $143.0 million until June 6, 2022. Our board of directors will have the authority to determine if and when to implement any repurchase program. We intend to continue filing extension requests for the court approval on an ongoing basis as required.
| C. | Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc. |
Our research and development activities are primarily located in Israel, with additional employees and contractors engaged in research and development activities for us in the US and Ukraine.
Research and development expenses are primarily comprised of costs of our research and development personnel and other development-related expenses. Research and development personnel focus primarily on enhancing our technology, improving our products, and developing new products and solutions. We invest in research and development in order to enhance and expand our product and service offerings, tailor our marketing offering, and expand our registered user base. Our development strategy is focused on identifying updates and enhanced features for our existing offerings, developing new offerings that are tailored to our registered users’ needs and often arise out of their suggestions, and improving the performance of our platform.
In 2021, research and development costs accounted for approximately 26.6% of our total revenue. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred, except to the extent that such costs are associated with internal-use software that qualifies for capitalization. We expect these costs to increase as we continue to hire new employees in order to support our anticipated growth. We believe continued investments in research and development are important to attain our strategic objectives and expect research and development costs to increase in absolute dollars, but this expense is expected to decrease as a percentage of total revenue.
| D. | Trend Information. |
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted companies in Israel and around the world, and as its trajectory remains highly uncertain, we cannot predict the duration and severity of the outbreak and its containment measures. Further, we cannot predict impacts, trends and uncertainties involving the pandemic’s effects on economic activity, the size of our labor force, our third-party partners, our investments in marketable securities, and the extent to which our revenue, income, profitability, liquidity, or capital resources may be materially and adversely affected. See also “Item 5 – Impact of COVID-19 pandemic” and “Item 3.D. – Risk Factors – A regional or global health pandemic, including COVID-19, could severely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition due to impacts on our buyer and seller base and consumer and business spending more broadly, as well as impacts from remote work arrangements, actions taken to contain the disease or treat its impact and the speed and extent of the recovery.”
56
| E. | Critical Accounting Estimates |
Application of critical accounting policies and estimates
Our significant accounting policies and their effect on our financial condition and results of operations are more fully described in our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. We have prepared our financial statements in conformity with GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates are prepared using our best judgment, after considering past and current events and economic conditions. While management believes the factors evaluated provide a meaningful basis for establishing and applying sound accounting policies, management cannot guarantee that the estimates will always be consistent with actual results. In addition, certain information relied upon by us in preparing such estimates includes internally generated financial and operating information, external market information, when available, and when necessary, information obtained from consultations with third-parties. Actual results may differ from these estimates. See Item 3.D. “Risk Factors” for a discussion of the possible risks that may affect these estimates.
We believe that the accounting policies discussed below are critical to our financial results and to the understanding of our past and future performance, as these policies relate to the more significant areas involving management’s estimates and assumptions. We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if: (1) it requires us to make assumptions because information was not available at the time or it included matters that were highly uncertain at the time we were making our estimate and (2) changes in the estimate could have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
Business combinations
The results of an acquired business in a business combination are included in our consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition according to the guidance of ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations.” We allocate the purchase price, which is the sum of the consideration provided and may consist of cash, equity or a combination of the two, to the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquired business at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded as goodwill.
The estimated fair values and useful lives of identifiable intangible assets are based on many factors, including estimates and assumptions of future operating performance and cash flows of the acquired business, the nature of the business acquired and the specific characteristics of the identified intangible assets. The estimates and assumptions used to determine the fair values and useful lives of identified intangible assets could change due to numerous factors, including market conditions, technological developments, economic conditions and competition.
Contingent consideration incurred in a business combination is included as part of the acquisition price and recorded at a probability weighted assessment of the fair value as of the acquisition date. The fair value of the contingent consideration is re-measured at each reporting period, with any adjustments in fair value recognized in earnings under general and administrative expenses.
Acquisition related costs incurred by us are not included as a component of consideration transferred but are accounted for as an expense in the period in which the costs are incurred.
Goodwill and other purchased Intangible Assets
Goodwill and other purchased intangible assets have been recorded in our financial statements as a result of business combinations.
Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate fair value of the consideration transferred in a business combination over the fair value of the assets acquired, net of liabilities assumed. Under ASC Topic 350, “Intangible—Goodwill and other,” goodwill is not amortized, but rather is subject to an impairment test. ASC 350 allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the qualitative assessment does not result in a more likely than not indication of impairment, no further impairment testing is required. If it does result in a more likely than not indication of impairment, the two-step impairment test is performed. Alternatively, ASC 350 permits an entity to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit and proceed directly to performing the first step of the goodwill impairment test. We operate in one reporting segment, and this segment comprises our only reporting unit. We elected to perform an annual impairment test of goodwill as of October 1st of each year, or more frequently if impairment indicators are present.
57
Intangible assets that are considered to have definite useful life are amortized using the straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which ranges from 2 to 10 years. The carrying amount of these assets is reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. If the asset is considered to be impaired, the amount of any impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the impaired asset.
No impairment was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Convertible Notes
We account for our Convertible Notes in accordance with ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” and ASC Topic 470, “Debt”. We separately account for debt and equity components of Convertible Notes that may be settled in cash. The carrying amount of the debt component was based on the fair value of a similar hypothetical debt instrument excluding the conversion option.
The equity component was based on the excess of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes over the fair value of the debt component after adjustment for an allocation of issuance costs. The equity component is recorded under additional paid in capital and is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the criteria for equity classification.
The difference between the principal amount of the Convertible Notes and the amount allocated to the debt component was considered to be debt discount, which is subsequently amortized through interest expense over the expected life of the convertible notes using the effective interest method.
Issuance costs were allocated to the debt and equity components in proportion to the allocation of proceeds to those components. Issuance costs attributable to the debt and equity components were $10.0 million and $2.8 million, respectively.
The effective borrowing rate of the debt component of the Convertible Notes was 5.1%. This borrowing rate was based on our synthetic credit risk rating determined by a third party appraiser.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, ASC Subtopic 470-20 “Debt—Debt with “Conversion and Other Options” and ASC subtopic 815- 40 “Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity”. The standard reduced the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock.
We adopted this standard on January 1, 2022, using the modified retrospective approach. As of December 31, 2021 the adoption resulted in a reclassification of the equity component representing the conversion option of $78.2 million from additional paid in capital to convertible notes and $21.0 million from additional paid in capital to retained earnings. Interest expense would be reduced as a result of accounting for the convertible notes instrument as a single debt measured at its amortized cost.
Leases
On January 1, 2020, we adopted the new lease guidance for our operating lease agreements using the modified retrospective approach and elected to use the effective date as the date of initial application. We elected to use the “package of practical expedients”, which permits us not to reassess our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. Consequently, comprehensive periods were not restated.
The guidance had a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets which resulted in the recognition of operating lease rights of use, or ROU, assets and lease liabilities of $18.5 million and $19.0 million respectively, on January 1, 2020, which included reclassification of rent prepayments as components of the ROU assets. The standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated statements of operations.
We determine if an arrangement meets the definition of a lease at the inception of the lease. ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease agreement. ROU asset is measured based on the discounted present value of the remaining lease payments, initial direct costs incurred and prepaid lease payments, excluding lease incentives. The lease liability is measured based on the discounted present value of the remaining lease payments. The discounted present value of remaining lease payments is computed using Incremental Borrowing Rate (“IBR”) based on the information available at the inception of the lease. Our IBR was estimated to approximate the interest rate for collateralized borrowing with similar terms and payments and in economic environments where the leased asset was located. Lease term may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we would exercise that option. We elected the practical expedient for lease agreements with a term of twelve months or less and did not recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities in respect of those agreements.
Payments under our lease agreements are primarily fixed, however, certain lease agreements contain variable payments, which are expensed as incurred and not included in the operating lease ROU assets and liabilities. Variable lease payments are mainly comprised of payments affected by the consumer price index.
We sublease certain office spaces to third parties. Sublease income is recognized over the term of the agreement.
58
Lease expenses for lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
We elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non lease components for our leases.
Revenue recognition
Our customers are the users on our platform. A contract with a customer exists only when: the parties to the contract have approved it and are committed to perform their respective obligations, we can identify each party’s rights regarding the distinct performance obligations, we can determine the transaction price for the performance obligations to be transferred, the contract has commercial substance and it is probable that we will collect the consideration to which we will be entitled in exchange for the performance obligation that will be transferred to the customer.
Revenues are recorded in the amount of consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for performance obligations upon transfer of control to the customer, excluding amounts collected on behalf of other third parties and sales taxes.
Our revenue is primarily comprised of one distinct performance obligation which is to arrange services to be provided on our marketplace platform by the sellers to the buyers.
We earn transaction fees and service fees that are based on the total value of transactions ordered through the platform once the customer obtains control of the service, which occurs at a point in time upon completion of each order.
Revenue is mainly recognized on a net basis since we concluded that we act as an agent on our platform, mainly since we do not take responsibility for the sellers’ services and therefore, we are not primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the service and we do not have discretion in price establishment. Therefore, we do not obtain control of the services before they are transferred to the customer.
We recognize the incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense since the amortization period of the assets that we otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. Similarly, we do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations since the original expected duration of the contracts is one year or less.
We recognize revenue from unused user accounts balances once the likelihood of the users exercising their unused accounts balances becomes remote and we are not required to remit such unused account balance to a third party in accordance with applicable unclaimed property laws. The amounts recognized for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were immaterial.
Revenue from subscriptions including our content marketing platform, on line learning platform, creative talent platform and back office platform are mainly recognized over time when the service is rendered to the customer.
Our contract liabilities mainly consist of deferred revenues from transaction and service fees received in advance for services for which control has not been yet obtained by the customers.
Internal-use software
Costs incurred to develop internal-use software are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the software, which is generally three years. In accordance with ASC Topic. 350-40, “Internal-Use Software,” capitalization of costs to develop internal-use software begins when preliminary development efforts are successfully completed, we have committed project funding and it is probable that the project will be completed, and the software will be used as intended. Costs related to the design or maintenance of internal-use software are expensed as incurred.
We periodically review internal-use software costs to determine whether the projects will be completed, placed in service, removed from service, or replaced by other internally developed or third-party software. If the asset is not expected to provide any future benefit, the asset is retired, and any unamortized cost is expensed.
Capitalized internal-use software costs are recorded under intangible assets.
When events or changes in circumstances require, we assess the likelihood of recovering the cost of internal-use software. If the net book value is not expected to be fully recoverable, internal-use software would be impaired to its fair value. Measurement of any impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying value of the asset over the fair value. No impairment was recorded as of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
59
Share-based compensation
We account for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.” Share based awards are mainly granted to employees and members of our board of directors and measured at fair value at each grant date. We calculate the fair value of share options and our Employee Share Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the expense is recognized over the requisite service period using the straight-line method.
We recognize the fair value of restricted share units on the grant date based on the market value of the underlying share and the expense is recognized over the requisite service period for awards using the straight line method.
We recognize forfeitures as they occur.
The requisite service period for share options is generally four years.
The Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires us to make a number of assumptions, including the value of our ordinary shares, expected volatility, expected term, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends.
We evaluate the assumptions used to value share options and ESPP upon each grant date.
Expected volatility of share options was calculated based on the implied volatilities from market comparisons of certain publicly traded companies and other factors.
Expected volatility for ESPP was calculated based upon the Company’s share prices.
The expected share option term was calculated based on the simplified method, which uses the midpoint between the vesting date and the contractual term, as we do not have sufficient historical data to develop an estimate based on participant behavior.
The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. treasury bonds yield with an equivalent term. We have not paid dividends and have no foreseeable plans to pay dividends.
Future expense amounts for any particular period could be affected by changes in our assumptions or market conditions.
Executive Officers and Directors
The following table presents information about our current executive officers and directors as of February 14, 2022:
Name | Position | |
Executive Officers | ||
Micha Kaufman | Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board | |
Ofer Katz | President and Chief Financial Officer | |
Hila Klein | Chief Operating Officer | |
Gali Arnon | Chief Marketing Officer | |
Gil Sheinfeld | Chief Technology Officer | |
Directors | ||
Philippe Botteri | Director | |
Adam Fisher | Director | |
Ron Gutler | Director | |
Gili Iohan | Director | |
Jonathan Kolber | Director | |
Nir Zohar | Director |
60
Executive Officers
Micha Kaufman, our Co-Founder, has served as our Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our board of directors since our inception and currently also serves as chairman of our board of directors. Prior to co-founding Fiverr, Mr. Kaufman founded and led several technology ventures, including Keynesis Ltd., Invisia Ltd. and Spotback Ltd. Mr. Kaufman has served as a member of the Advisory Board of Cerca Partners LP, a venture capital firm, since November 2016. Mr. Kaufman holds an LL.B degree from Haifa University in Israel.
Ofer Katz has served as our President since February 2021, as our Chief Financial Officer since July 2017 and as our Chief Financial Officer under a consulting contract from February 2011 to June 2017. Prior to joining us, Mr. Katz founded Nextage Ltd., a financial services firm, in 2001 where he served as Chief Executive Officer from 2001 to 2016 and currently serves as Co-Chief Executive Officer. As Chief Executive Officer of Nextage, Mr. Katz served as acting chief financial officer to a number of companies including Wix.com Ltd., Adallom Technologies Ltd. (acquired by Microsoft Corporation), Wilocity (acquired by Qualcomm Incorporated) and Onavo (acquired by Facebook, Inc.). Mr. Katz holds a B.A. from Tel Aviv University in Israel.
Hila Klein has served as our Chief Operating Officer since January 2019. Prior to joining us, Ms. Klein spent approximately fifteen years at 888 Holdings Plc, serving in various roles including Director of House Gaming and Vice President, Casino & Bingo. Most recently at 888 Holdings, she served as Senior Vice President, Head of Product Technologies Division from April 2011 through December 2018. Ms. Klein holds a BS.c in Industrial Engineering from Technion—Israel Institute of Technology.
Gali Arnon has served as our Chief Marketing Officer since October 2017. Prior to joining us, Ms. Arnon served as Chief Executive Officer of Brightcom Group Ltd, a digital marketing and publicly traded company in India, from 2015 to 2017. Between 2014 and 2015, Ms. Arnon was Senior Vice President of Marketing and Operations at SimilarWeb Ltd., a web analytics company. Prior to that, she served in multiple vice president roles at 888 Holdings Plc, an online gaming platform and publicly traded company in London, from 2009 to 2014. Ms. Arnon holds a B.A. and M.B.A. from Tel Aviv University in Israel.
Gil Sheinfeld has served as our Chief Technology Officer since January 2017. Prior to joining us, Mr. Sheinfeld served as the Chief Executive Officer of Beach Bum Ltd., an early-stage startup and interactive games company, from November 2015 to June 2016 and the Chief Monetization Officer of Tango Me, Inc., a social video platform, between May 2015 and October 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Sheinfeld served as Chief Technology Officer, SVP Product Engineering, and VP Engineering of Amobee, Inc., an advertising platform, from 2011 to 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Sheinfeld served as Director of Engineering at A9.com, an Amazon.com subsidiary from 2007 to 2011. Mr. Sheinfeld holds a B.Sc. and M.B.A. from Tel Aviv University in Israel.
Directors
Philippe Botteri has served as a member of our board of directors since January 2016. Since 2011, Mr. Botteri has served in various senior roles and as a partner at Accel, a venture capital firm, where he focuses on investments in early stage technology companies, including cloud applications, enterprise security and online marketplaces. Prior to joining Accel, Mr. Botteri was at Bessemer Venture Partners, a global venture firm based in Silicon Valley. Mr. Botteri currently holds directorship and management positions for several Accel entities and other private companies. Mr. Botteri holds a M.A in engineering from Ecole Polytechnique and Ecole des Mines in France.
Adam Fisher has served as a member of our board of directors since January 2011. Since 2007, Mr. Fisher has served as a partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, a venture capital firm, and he is the founder of the firm’s investment practice in Tel Aviv, Israel. From 1998 to 2007, Mr. Fisher was a partner at Jerusalem Venture Partners, a venture capital firm based in Israel. Mr. Fisher currently serves as a member of the board of directors of several Bessemer Venture Partners portfolio companies and previously served on the board of directors of Wix.com Ltd. from 2007 to 2016. Mr. Fisher holds a B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University.
61
Ron Gutler has served as a member of our board of directors since April 2019 and as lead independent director since May 2021. From May 2002 through February 2013, Mr. Gutler served as the Chairman of NICE Systems Ltd., a public company specializing in voice recognition, data security and surveillance. Between 2000 and 2011, Mr. Gutler served as the Chairman of G.J.E. 121 Promoting Investments Ltd., a real estate company. Mr. Gutler is a former Managing Director and Partner of Bankers Trust Company, which is currently part of Deutsche Bank. Mr. Gutler currently serves on the board of directors of Wix.com Ltd., CyberArk Software Ltd., Walkme Ltd. and several private companies. Mr. Gutler holds a B.A. and an M.B.A. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Gili Iohan has served as a member of our board of directors since April 2019. Ms. Iohan is currently a partner at ION Crossover Partners, an Israeli based cross-over fund. Ms. Iohan previously served as chief financial officer of Varonis Systems, Inc., responsible for the company’s finance, accounting and back office operations, from 2005 to April 2017. Prior to that, she was a partner for six years at Nextage Ltd., a financial services advisory firm. Ms. Iohan currently serves on the board of directors of Varonis Systems, Inc. Monday.com Ltd. and Similarweb Ltd. Ms. Iohan holds a B.A. and an M.B.A. from Tel Aviv University in Israel.
Jonathan Kolber has served as a member of our board of directors since June 2019. Mr. Kolber currently serves as a Partner and Senior Advisor at Viola Growth, a technology growth capital fund, where he previously served as a General Partner from 2008 to September 2018. Prior to that, he served as chief executive officer of Koor Industries Ltd., an industrial holding company, from 1998 to 2006. Mr. Kolber also currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Itamar Medical Ltd., a company publicly traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, Viola Growth portfolio companies and several other private companies. Mr. Kolber holds a B.A. from Harvard University.
Nir Zohar has served as a member of our board of directors since January 2014. Mr. Zohar has served as President of Wix.com Ltd. since 2013 and as Chief Operating Officer of Wix.com Ltd. since 2008. Prior to that, Mr. Zohar served as the Budget and Production Manager of M.B. Contact Ltd., a private Israeli event production company, between 2005 and 2007.
Compensation of directors and executive officers
Directors. Under the Companies Law, the compensation of our directors requires the approval of our compensation committee, the subsequent approval of the board of directors and, unless exempted under regulations promulgated under the Companies Law, the approval of the shareholders at a general meeting. If the compensation of our directors is inconsistent with our stated compensation policy, then those provisions that must be included in the compensation policy according to the Companies Law must have been considered by the compensation committee and board of directors, and shareholder approval will also be required, provided that:
| • | at least a majority of the shares held by all shareholders who are not controlling shareholders and do not have a personal interest in such matter, present and voting at such meeting, are voted in favor of the compensation package, excluding abstentions; or |
| • | the total number of shares of non-controlling shareholders and shareholders who do not have a personal interest in such matter and who vote against the compensation package does not exceed two percent (2%) of the aggregate voting rights in the Company. |
Executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer. The Companies Law requires the approval of the compensation of a public company’s executive officers (other than the Chief Executive Officer) in the following order: (i) the compensation committee, (ii) the company’s board of directors, and(iii) if such compensation arrangement is inconsistent with the company’s stated compensation policy, the company’s shareholders (by a special majority vote as discussed above with respect to the approval of director compensation). However, if the shareholders of the company do not approve a compensation arrangement with an executive officer that is inconsistent with the company’s stated compensation policy, the compensation committee and board of directors may override the shareholders’ decision if each of the compensation committee and the board of directors provide detailed reasons for their decision.
An amendment to an existing arrangement with an office holder who is not the Chief Executive Officer, or a director requires only the approval of the compensation committee, if the compensation committee determines that the amendment is not material in comparison to the existing arrangement. However, according to regulations promulgated under the Companies Law, an amendment to an existing arrangement with an office holder (who is not a director) who is subordinate to the Chief Executive Officer shall not require the approval of the compensation committee if (i) the amendment is approved by the Chief Executive Officer and the company’s compensation policy provides that a non-material amendment to the terms of service of an office holder (other than the Chief Executive Officer) may be approved by the Chief Executive Officer and (ii) the engagement terms are consistent with the company’s compensation policy.
62
Chief Executive Officer. Under the Companies Law, the compensation of a public company’s Chief Executive Officer is required to be approved by: (i) the company’s compensation committee; (ii) the company’s board of directors, and (iii) the company’s shareholders (by a special majority vote as discussed above with respect to the approval of director compensation). However, if the shareholders of the company do not approve the compensation arrangement with the Chief Executive Officer, the compensation committee and board of directors may override the shareholders’ decision if each of the compensation committee and the board of directors provide a detailed report for their decision. The approval of each of the compensation committee and the board of directors should be in accordance with the company’s stated compensation policy; however, in special circumstances, they may approve compensation terms of a Chief Executive Officer that are inconsistent with such policy provided that they have considered those provisions that must be included in the compensation policy according to the Companies Law and that shareholder approval was obtained (by a special majority vote as discussed above with respect to the approval of director compensation). In addition, the compensation committee may waive the shareholder approval requirement with regards to the approval of the engagement terms of a candidate for the Chief Executive Officer position, if they determine that the compensation arrangement is consistent with the company’s stated compensation policy and that the Chief Executive Officer did not have a prior business relationship with the company or a controlling shareholder of the company and that subjecting the approval of the engagement to a shareholder vote would impede the company’s ability to employ the Chief Executive Officer candidate. In the event that the Chief Executive Officer also serves as a member of the board of directors, his or her compensation terms as Chief Executive Officer will be approved in accordance with the rules applicable to approval of compensation of directors.
Compensation of office holders
The aggregate compensation paid by us and our subsidiaries to our executive officers and directors, including share-based compensation, for the year ended December 31, 2021, was approximately $21.3 million. This amount includes $0.7 million of amounts set aside or accrued to provide pension, severance, retirement or similar benefits or expenses, but does not include business travel, relocation, professional and business association dues and expenses reimbursed to office holders.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, our directors and officers were granted options to purchase an aggregate of 333,899 ordinary shares, at a weighted average exercise price of $238.8 per share, and 57,862 restricted share units under our 2019 Share Incentive Plan, or the 2019 Plan. As of December 31, 2021, options to purchase 1,731,444 ordinary shares granted to our executive officers and directors under our 2019 Plan and our 2011 Share Option Plan, or the 2011 Plan, at a weighted average exercise price of $64.06, and 88,758 restricted share units granted under the 2019 Plan, were outstanding.
The following is a summary of the salary expenses and social benefit costs of our five most highly compensated executive officers in 2021, or the Covered Executives. All amounts reported reflect the cost to the Company as recognized in our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021. U.S. dollar amounts indicated for compensation of our Covered Executives are in thousands of dollars.
Mr. Micha Kaufman, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. Compensation expenses recorded in 2021 of $301 in salary expenses and $86 in social benefits costs.
Mr. Ofer Katz, President and Chief Financial Officer. Compensation expenses recorded in 2021 of $330 in salary expenses and $90 in social benefits costs.
Ms. Hila Klein, Chief Operating Officer. Compensation expenses recorded in 2021 of $351 in salary expenses and $123 in social benefits costs.
Mr. Gil Sheinfeld, Chief Technology Officer. Compensation expenses recorded in 2021 of $321 in salary expenses and $100 in social benefits costs.
Ms. Gali Arnon, Chief Marketing Officer. Compensation expenses recorded in 2021 of $312 in salary expenses and $103 in social benefits costs.
The salary expenses summarized above include the gross salary paid to the Covered Executives, and the benefit costs include the social benefits paid by us on behalf of the Covered Executives, convalescence pay, contributions made by the company to an insurance policy or a pension fund, work disability insurance, severance, educational fund and payments for social security.
In accordance with the Company’s compensation policy, we also paid cash bonuses to our Covered Executives upon compliance with predetermined performance parameters and an over achievement bonus as set by the compensation committee and the board of directors. The 2021 cash bonus expenses for Mr. Micha Kaufman, Mr. Ofer Katz, Ms. Hila Klein, Mr. Gil Sheinfeld and Ms. Gali Arnon, as provided for in our 2021 financial statements (but due during 2022), were $359, $281, $202, $122 and $139, respectively.
63
We recorded equity-based compensation expenses in our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021, for options and restricted share units granted to Mr. Micha Kaufman, Mr. Ofer Katz, Ms. Hila Klein, Mr. Gil Sheinfeld and Ms. Gali Arnon of $6,421, $4,595, $2,538, $1,674 and $1,742, respectively.
The relevant amounts underlying the equity awards granted to our officers during 2021, will continue to be expensed in our financial statements over a four-year period during the years 2022-2025 on account of the 2021 grants in similar annualized amounts. Assumptions and key variables used in the calculation of such amounts are described in Note 14 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 18 of this Annual Report. All equity- based compensation grants to our Covered Executives were made in accordance with the parameters of our Company’s compensation policy and were approved by the company’s compensation committee and board of directors.
On October 19, 2021, our shareholders approved an amendment to out directors compensation pursuant to which we pay each of our non-employee directors who (i) either joined our board of directors following our initial public offering or otherwise will join our board of directors in the future, or (ii) serves or will serve in the future on a board of directors committee, each (i) and (ii) an Eligible Director, the following compensation:
Cash Compensation
An annual cash retainer with respect to each twelve months of service in an amount of:
Lead Independent Director or Chairperson | Member | |
Board of Directors | $97,500 | $65,000 |
Additional fees with respect to each twelve months of service on board of directors committees in the amounts of:
Lead Independent Director or Chairperson | Member | |
Audit Committee | $20,000 | $8,000 |
Compensation Committee | $10,000 | $5,000 |
Nominating and Governance Committee | $7,500 | $4,500 |
Other Committee as Authorized by the Board of Directors | $7,500 | $4,500 |
Payment to the committee chairpersons is in lieu of (and not in addition) to the payments referenced for committee membership. In case of service of less than a full twelve months period, the annual fee shall be prorated with respect to the actual period of service.
Equity Based Compensation
Welcome Grant – Each newly appointed or elected non-executive director of the Company shall be granted options with a grant date value of $350,000. The exercise price for the options shall be the average closing price per ordinary share on the NYSE over the thirty (30) trading days preceding the grant date, but, with respect to U.S. taxpayers, not less than the fair market value on the grant date for purposes of Section 409A of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Such welcome grant will vest on a quarterly basis over a period of one year. The commencement of the vesting shall begin on the election or appointment day.
Annual Grant – Each Eligible Director shall be granted options with a grant date value of $300,000 upon the annual anniversary of his or her initial election or appointment (provided the director is still in office) (the “Eligibility Date”). The exercise price for the option awards shall be the average closing sale price per ordinary share on the NYSE over the thirty (30) trading days preceding the grant date, but, with respect to U.S. taxpayers, not less than the fair market value on the date of grant for purposes of Section 409A of Code. Such annual grant will vest on a quarterly basis over a period of one year. The commencement of the vesting shall begin on the Eligibility Date.
64
The welcome grant and the annual grants will also be subject to the following terms and conditions: (i) Acceleration. The equity awards shall be accelerated in the event of a Merger/Sale (as defined in the 2019 Plan); (ii) Intended Tax Type of Award. Equity grants to directors who are Israeli residents and qualify for a “102 award” pursuant to Section 102 of the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance [New Version]-1961, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, shall be classified as 102 Awards (as defined in the 2019 Plan), capital gain track equity (and non-102 qualified grants to directors who are Israeli residents will be classified as 3(9) Awards, as defined in the 2019 Plan); and (iii) General. The equity grants shall otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions of the 2019 Plan, or any effective equity plan at that time, and the award agreement in the form generally used by the Company at the time signed.
Employment agreements with executive officers
We have entered into written employment agreements with each of our executive officers. These agreements provide for notice periods of varying duration for termination of the agreement by us or by the relevant executive officer, during which time the executive officer will continue to receive base salary and benefits. These agreements also contain customary provisions regarding non-competition, confidentiality of information and assignment of inventions. However, the enforceability of the non-competition provisions may be limited under applicable law.
Share option plans
2011 Share Option Plan
The 2011 Plan was adopted by our board of directors on March 31, 2011, amended and restated as of April 2013 and further amended on August 14, 2018 and January 25, 2019. Our United States Sub Plan to the 2011 Plan (the “U.S. Sub Plan”) governs option awards granted to our United States employees or service providers, including those who are deemed to be residents of the United States for tax purposes. The U.S. Sub Plan was adopted under our 2011 Plan. The 2011 Plan provided for the grant of options to our employees, directors, office holders, service providers and consultants.
We no longer grant any awards under the 2011 Plan as it was superseded by the 2019 Plan, although previously granted awards remain outstanding. Ordinary shares subject to outstanding options granted under the 2011 Plan that expire or become unexercisable without having been exercised in full will become available again for future grant under the 2019 Plan. As of December 31, 2021, a total of 1,873,988 options to purchase ordinary shares were outstanding under the 2011 Plan, with a weighted average exercise price of $9.78 per share. Our board of directors, or a duly authorized committee of our board of directors, administers the 2011 Plan.
2019 Share Incentive Plan
We maintain the 2019 Plan, under which we may grant equity based incentive awards to attract, motivate and retain the talent for which we compete. The 2019 Plan is administered by our board of directors.
The maximum number of ordinary shares available for issuance under the 2019 Plan is equal to the sum of (i) 560,854 shares, (ii) any shares subject to awards under the 2011 Plan which will expire or become unexercisable without having been exercised, and (iii) an annual increase on the first day of each year beginning in 2020 and ending in and including 2029, equal to the lesser of (A) 14,259,677 shares, (B) 5% of the outstanding shares on the last day of the immediately preceding calendar year on a fully diluted basis and (C) such amount as determined by our board of directors if so determined prior to January 1 of a calendar year; provided, however, no more than 14,820,531 shares may be issued upon the exercise of incentive stock options, or ISOs. As of December 31, 2021, a total of 1,034,610 options to purchase ordinary shares, with a weighted average exercise price of $116.8 per share and 778,160 restricted share units were outstanding under the 2019 Plan. As of December 31, 2021, 2,589,023 ordinary shares were available for future issuance under the 2019 Plan.
The 2019 Plan provides for granting awards under various tax regimes, including, without limitation, in compliance with Section 102 of the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance (New Version), 5721 1961 (the “Ordinance”), and Section 3(i) of the Ordinance and for awards granted to our United States employees or service providers, including those who are deemed to be residents of the United States for tax purposes, Section 422 of the Code and Section 409A of the Code.
Section 102 of the Ordinance allows employees, directors and officers who are not controlling shareholders and are considered Israeli residents to receive favorable tax treatment for compensation in the form of shares or options, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Ordinance. Our non- employee service providers and controlling shareholders may only be granted options under section 3(i) of the Ordinance, which does not provide for similar tax benefits.
65
The 2019 Plan provides for the grant of stock options (including incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options), ordinary shares, restricted shares, restricted share units and other share based awards.
Options granted under the 2019 Plan to our employees who are U.S. residents may qualify as “incentive stock options” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, or may be non-qualified stock options.
Employee Share Purchase Plan
In August 2020, we adopted our 2020 Employee Share Purchase Plan, or the ESPP, to enable eligible employees of the company and certain of its designated subsidiaries to use payroll deductions to purchase the company’s ordinary shares and thereby acquire an ownership interest in the Company. The ESPP is comprised of two distinct components: (1) the component intended to qualify for favorable U.S. federal tax treatment under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code, or the Section 423 Component, and (2) the component not intended to be tax qualified under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code to facilitate participation for employees who are not eligible to benefit from favorable U.S. federal tax treatment and, to the extent applicable, to provide flexibility to comply with non U.S. law and other considerations, or the Non-Section 423 Component.
The maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares that may be purchased initially under the ESPP is 410,000 shares, or the ESPP Share Pool, subject to adjustment as provided for in the ESPP. In addition, on the first day of each calendar year beginning on January 1, 2022 and ending on and including January 1, 2030, the ESPP Share Pool shall be increased by that number of ordinary shares equal to the lesser of (a) 1% of the ordinary shares outstanding on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year on a fully diluted basis and (b) such smaller number of ordinary shares as determined by the Board. In no event will more than 5,500,000 ordinary shares be available for issuance under the Section 423 Component. As of December 31, 2021, the ESPP Share Pool consisted of 380,941 ordinary shares.
The compensation committee of our board of directors will be the plan administrator of the ESPP and will have authority to interpret the terms of the ESPP and determine eligibility of participants in accordance with the terms of the ESPP and applicable law.
Eligible employees become participants in the ESPP by enrolling and authorizing payroll deductions by the deadline established by the plan administrator prior to the relevant offering date. Employee payroll deductions will be used to purchase shares on the last day of each purchase period (or such other date as set forth in the offering document). The plan administrator may amend, suspend or terminate the ESPP at any time. However, shareholder approval of any amendment to the ESPP must be obtained for any amendment which increases the aggregate number or changes the type of shares that may be sold pursuant to rights under the ESPP or changes the corporations or classes of corporations whose employees are eligible to participate in the ESPP.
Corporate governance practices
As an Israeli company, we are subject to various corporate governance requirements under the Companies Law. However, pursuant to regulations promulgated under the Companies Law, companies with shares traded on certain U.S. stock exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange, may, subject to certain conditions, “opt out” from the Companies Law requirements to appoint external directors and related Companies Law rules concerning the composition of the audit committee and compensation committee of the board of directors (other than the gender diversification rule under the Companies Law, which requires the appointment of a director from the other gender if at the time a director is appointed all members of the board of directors are of the same gender). In accordance with these regulations, we elected to “opt out” from such requirements of the Companies Law. Under these regulations, the exemptions from such Companies Law requirements will continue to be available to us so long as: (i) we do not have a “controlling shareholder” (as such term is defined under the Companies Law), (ii) our shares are traded on certain U.S. stock exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange, and (iii) we comply with the director independence requirements and the audit committee and compensation committee composition requirements under U.S. laws (including applicable New York Stock Exchange rules) applicable to U.S. domestic issuers.
Our board of directors has adopted corporate governance guidelines which serve as a flexible framework within which our board of directors and its committees operate subject to the requirements of applicable law and regulations. Under these guidelines, it is our policy that the positions of chairman of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer may be held by the same person (subject to approval by our shareholders pursuant to the Companies Law, as described below). Under such circumstance, the guidelines also provide that the board may designate an independent director to serve as lead independent director. The lead independent director’s responsibilities include but are not limited to presiding over all meetings of the board of directors at which the chairman of the board of directors is not present, including any executive sessions of the independent directors, approving board of directors meeting schedules and agendas, and acting as the liaison between the independent directors and the Chief Executive Officer and chairman of the board of directors. At such times as the chairman of the board of directors is an independent director, the chairman of the board of directors will serve as lead independent director. In May 2021, our board of directors appointed Ron Gutler as our lead independent director. We comply with the rules of the New York Stock Exchange requiring that a majority of our directors are independent. Our board of directors has determined that all directors, other than Micha Kaufman, our co-founder, Chief Executive Officer and chairman of the board of directors, are independent under such rules.
66
Board of directors
Under the Companies Law and our amended and restated articles of association, our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our board of directors. Our board of directors may exercise all powers and may take all actions that are not specifically granted to our shareholders or to executive management. Our Chief Executive Officer (referred to as a “general manager” under the Companies Law) is responsible for our day-to-day management. Our Chief Executive Officer is appointed by, and serves at the discretion of, our board of directors. All other executive officers are appointed by the Chief Executive Officer and are subject to the terms of any applicable employment or consulting agreements that we may enter into with them.
Under our amended and restated articles of association, our directors are divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms. Each class of directors consists, as nearly as possible, of one-third of the total number of directors constituting the entire board of directors. At each annual general meeting of our shareholders, the election or re-election of directors following the expiration of the term of office of the directors of that class of directors will be for a term of office that expires on the third annual general meeting following such election or re-election, such that each year the term of office of only one class of directors will expire.
Our directors are divided among the three classes as follows:
| • | the Class I directors are Philippe Botteri and Jonathan Kolber and their terms expire at our annual general meeting of shareholders to be held in 2023; |
| • | the Class II directors are Adam Fisher and Nir Zohar, and their terms expire at our annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2024; and |
| • | the Class III directors are Micha Kaufman, Ron Gutler and Gili Iohan, and their terms expire at our annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2022. |
Each of the directors shall be elected by a vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power present and voting at that meeting (excluding abstentions), provided that a plurality voting mechanism is effected in the event of a contested election. Each director will hold office until the annual general meeting of our shareholders for the year in which his or her term expires, unless the tenure of such director expires earlier pursuant to the Companies Law or unless he or she is removed from office as described below.
Under our amended and restated articles of association, the approval of the holders of at least 65% of the total voting power of our shareholders is generally required to remove any of our directors from office, and any amendment to this provision shall require the approval of at least 65% of the total voting power of our shareholders. In addition, vacancies on our board of directors may only be filled by a vote of a simple majority of the directors then in office. A director so appointed will hold office until the next annual general meeting of our shareholders for the class in respect of which the vacancy was created, or in the case of a vacancy due to the number of directors being less than the maximum number of directors stated in the articles, until the next annual general meeting of our shareholders for the class he or she has been assigned by our board of directors.
Chairman of the board
Our amended and restated articles of association provide that the chairman of the board is appointed by the members of the board of directors. The Chief Executive Officer (referred to as a “general manager” under the Companies Law) or a relative of the Chief Executive Officer may not serve as the chairman of the board of directors, and the chairman of the board of directors or a relative of the chairman may not be vested with authorities of the Chief Executive Officer without shareholder approval consisting of a majority vote of the shares present and voting at a shareholders meeting, unless either:
| • | at least a majority of the shares of non-controlling shareholders and shareholders that do not have a personal interest in the approval voted at the meeting are voted in favor (disregarding abstentions); or |
| • | the total number of shares of non-controlling shareholders and shareholders who do not have a personal interest in such appointment voting against such appointment does not exceed two percent (2%) of the aggregate voting rights in the company. |
Currently, our Chief Executive Officer, Micha Kaufman, also serves as our chairman of the board of directors. The required approval by our shareholders of the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer as chairman of the board must be obtained no later than five years following June 17, 2019, the closing date of our initial public offering (the “IPO”). Further, if the Chief Executive Officer serves as chairman of the board of directors, his or her dual office term shall be limited, following the initial five-year period, to three-year terms, subject to shareholder approval.
67
In addition, a person subordinated, directly or indirectly, to the Chief Executive Officer may not serve as the chairman of the board of directors; the chairman of the board of directors may not be vested with authorities that are granted to those subordinated to the Chief Executive Officer; and the chairman of the board of directors may not serve in any other position in the company or a controlled company, but he or she may serve as a director or chairman of the board of directors of a subsidiary.
External directors
Under the Companies Law, companies incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel that are “public companies,” including companies with shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange, are required to appoint at least two external directors. Pursuant to regulations promulgated under the Companies Law, companies with shares traded on certain U.S. stock exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange, may, subject to certain conditions, “opt out” from the Companies Law requirements to appoint external directors and related Companies Law rules concerning the composition of the audit committee and compensation committee of the board of directors. In accordance with these regulations, we elected to “opt out” from the Companies Law requirement to appoint external directors and related Companies Law rules concerning the composition of the audit committee and compensation committee of the board of directors.
Audit committee
Companies law requirements
Under the Companies Law, the board of directors of a public company must appoint an audit committee. The audit committee must be comprised of at least three directors.
Listing requirements
Under the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance rules, we are required to maintain an audit committee consisting of at least three independent directors, each of whom is financially literate and one of whom has accounting or related financial management expertise.
Our audit committee consists of Ron Gutler, Gili Iohan and Nir Zohar. Mr. Gutler serves as the chairman of the audit committee. All members of our audit committee meet the requirements for financial literacy under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance rules. Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Gutler is an audit committee financial expert as defined by the SEC rules and has the requisite financial experience as defined by the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance rules.
Our board of directors has determined that each member of our audit committee is “independent” as such term is defined in Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act, which is different from the general test for independence of board and committee members.
Audit committee role
Our board of directors has adopted an audit committee charter setting forth the responsibilities of the audit committee consistent with the Companies Law, the SEC rules and the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance rules, which include:
| • | retaining and terminating our independent auditors, subject to the ratification of the board of directors, and in the case of retention, to that of the shareholders; |
| • | pre-approving of audit and non-audit services and related fees and terms, to be provided by the independent auditors; |
| • | overseeing the accounting and financial reporting processes of our company and audits of our financial statements, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and making such reports as may be required of an audit committee under the rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act; |
| • | reviewing with management and our independent auditor our annual and quarterly financial statements prior to publication or filing (or submission, as the case may be) to the SEC; |
| • | recommending to the board of directors the retention and termination of the internal auditor, and the internal auditor’s engagement fees and terms, in accordance with the Companies Law as well as approving the yearly or periodic work plan proposed by the internal auditor; |
68
| • | reviewing with our general counsel and/or external counsel, as deemed necessary, legal and regulatory matters that could have a material impact on the financial statements; |
| • | identifying irregularities in our business administration, inter alia, by consulting with the internal auditor or with the independent auditor, and suggesting corrective measures to the board of directors; |
| • | reviewing policies and procedures with respect to transactions (other than transactions related to the compensation or terms of services) between the Company and officers and directors, or affiliates of officers or directors, or transactions that are not in the ordinary course of the Company’s business and deciding whether to approve such acts and transactions if so required under the Companies Law; and |
| • | establishing procedures for the handling of employees’ complaints as to the management of our business and the protection to be provided to such employees. |
Compensation committee
Companies Law requirements
Under the Companies Law, the board of directors of a public company must appoint a compensation committee, which must be comprised of at least three directors.
Listing requirements
Under the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance rules, we are required to maintain a compensation committee consisting of at least two independent directors.
Our compensation committee consists of Ron Gutler, Gili Iohan and Nir Zohar. Mr. Gutler serves as chairman of the compensation committee. Our board of directors has determined that each member of our compensation committee is independent under the New York Stock Exchange rules, including the additional independence requirements applicable to the members of a compensation committee.
Compensation committee role
In accordance with the Companies Law, the roles of the compensation committee are, among others, as follows:
| • | recommending to the board of directors with respect to the approval of the compensation policy for office holders and, once every three years, regarding any extensions to a compensation policy that was adopted for a period of more than three years; |
| • | reviewing the implementation of the compensation policy and periodically recommending to the board of directors with respect to any amendments or updates of the compensation policy; |
| • | resolving whether or not to approve arrangements with respect to the terms of office and employment of office holders; and |
| • | exempting, under certain circumstances, a transaction with our Chief Executive Officer from the approval of the general meeting of our shareholders. |
Our board of directors has adopted a compensation committee charter setting forth the responsibilities of the committee consistent with the New York Stock Exchange rules, which include among others:
| • | recommending to our board of directors for its approval a compensation policy in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Law as well as other compensation policies, incentive-based compensation plans and equity-based compensation plans, and overseeing the development and implementation of such policies and recommending to our board of directors any amendments or modifications the committee deems appropriate, including as required under the Companies Law; |
| • | reviewing and approving the granting of options and other incentive awards to the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, including reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, including evaluating their performance in light of such goals and objectives; |
69
| • | approving and exempting certain transactions regarding office holders’ compensation pursuant to the Companies Law; and |
| • | administering our equity-based compensation plans, including without limitation, approving the adoption of such plans, amending and interpreting such plans and the awards and agreements issued pursuant thereto, and making awards to eligible persons under the plans and determining the terms of such awards. |
Compensation policy under the Companies Law
In general, under the Companies Law, a public company must have a compensation policy approved by the board of directors after receiving and considering the recommendations of the compensation committee. In addition, our compensation policy must be approved at least once every three years, first, by our board of directors, upon recommendation of our compensation committee, and second, by a simple majority of the ordinary shares present, in person or by proxy, and voting at a shareholders meeting, provided that either:
| • | such majority includes at least a majority of the shares held by shareholders who are not controlling shareholders and shareholders who do not have a personal interest in such compensation policy and who are present, in person or by proxy, and voting (excluding abstentions); or |
| • | the total number of shares of non-controlling shareholders and shareholders who do not have a personal interest in the compensation policy and who vote against the policy does not exceed two percent (2%) of the aggregate voting rights in the Company. |
Under special circumstances, the board of directors may approve the compensation policy despite the objection of the shareholders on the condition that the compensation committee and then the board of directors decide, on the basis of detailed grounds and after discussing again the compensation policy, that approval of the compensation policy, despite the objection of shareholders, is for the benefit of the company.
If a company that initially offers its securities to the public, like us, adopts a compensation policy in advance of its initial public offering, and describes it in its prospectus for such offering, as we did, then such compensation policy shall be deemed a validly adopted policy in accordance with the Companies Law requirements described above. Furthermore, if the compensation policy is established in accordance with the aforementioned relief, then it will remain in effect for a term of five years from the date such company becomes a public company.
The compensation policy must serve as the basis for decisions concerning the financial terms of employment or engagement of office holders, including exculpation, insurance, indemnification or any monetary payment or obligation of payment in respect of employment or engagement. The compensation policy must be determined and later reevaluated according to certain factors, including: the advancement of the company’s objectives, business plan and long-term strategy; the creation of appropriate incentives for office holders, while considering, among other things, the company’s risk management policy; the size and the nature of the Company’s operations; and with respect to variable compensation, the contribution of the office holder towards the achievement of the company’s long-term goals and the maximization of its profits, all with a long-term objective and according to the position of the office holder. The compensation policy must furthermore consider the following additional factors:
| • | the education, skills, experience, expertise and accomplishments of the relevant office holder; |
| • | the office holder’s position, responsibilities and prior compensation agreements with him or her; |
| • | the ratio between the cost of the terms of employment of an office holder and the cost of the employment of other employees of the company, including employees employed through contractors who provide services to the company, in particular the ratio between such cost to the average and median salary of such employees of the company, as well as the impact of disparities between them on the work relationships in the company; |
| • | if the terms of employment include variable components—the possibility of reducing variable components at the discretion of the board of directors and the possibility of setting a limit on the value of non-cash variable equity-based components; and |
| • | if the terms of employment include severance compensation—the term of employment or office of the office holder, the terms of his or her compensation during such period, the company’s performance during such period, his or her individual contribution to the achievement of the company goals and the maximization of its profits and the circumstances under which he or she is leaving the company. |
70
The compensation policy must also include, among other features:
| • | with regards to variable components: |
| • | with the exception of office holders who report directly to the Chief Executive Officer, determining the variable components on long-term performance basis and on measurable criteria; however, the company may determine that an immaterial part of the variable components of the compensation package of an office holder shall be awarded based on non-measurable criteria, if such amount is not higher than three monthly salaries per annum, while taking into account such office holder’s contribution to the company; |
| • | the ratio between variable and fixed components, as well as the limit of the values of variable components at the time of their payment, or in the case of equity-based compensation, at the time of grant; |
| • | a condition under which the office holder will return to the company, according to conditions to be set forth in the compensation policy, any amounts paid as part of his or her terms of employment, if such amounts were paid based on information later discovered to be wrong, and such information was restated in the company’s financial statements; |
| • | the minimum holding or vesting period of variable equity-based components to be set in the terms of office or employment, as applicable, while taking into consideration long-term incentives; and |
| • | a limit to retirement grants. |
Our compensation policy is designed to promote retention and motivation of directors and executive officers, incentivize superior individual excellence, align the interests of our directors and executive officers with our long-term performance and provide a risk management tool. To that end, a portion of our executive officer compensation package is targeted to reflect our short and long-term goals, as well as the executive officer’s individual performance. On the other hand, our compensation policy includes measures designed to reduce the executive officer’s incentives to take excessive risks that may harm us in the long-term, such as limits on the value of cash bonuses and equity-based compensation, limitations on the ratio between the variable and the total compensation of an executive officer and minimum vesting periods for equity-based compensation.
Our compensation policy also addresses our executive officers’ individual characteristics (such as his or her respective position, education, scope of responsibilities and contribution to the attainment of our goals) as the basis for compensation variation among our executive officers and considers the internal ratios between compensation of our executive officers and directors and other employees. Pursuant to our compensation policy, the compensation that may be granted to an executive officer may include: base salary, annual bonuses and other cash bonuses (such as a signing bonus and special bonuses with respect to any special achievements, such as outstanding personal achievement, outstanding personal effort or outstanding company performance), equity-based compensation, benefits and retirement and termination of service arrangements. All cash bonuses are limited to a maximum amount linked to the executive officer’s base salary.
An annual cash bonus may be awarded to executive officers upon the attainment of pre-set periodic objectives and individual targets. The annual cash bonus that may be granted to our executive officers other than our Chief Executive Officer will be based on performance objectives and a discretionary evaluation of the executive officer’s overall performance by our Chief Executive Officer and subject to minimum thresholds. The annual cash bonus that may be granted to executive officers other than our Chief Executive Officer may alternatively be based entirely on a discretionary evaluation. Furthermore, our Chief Executive Officer will be entitled to approve performance objectives for executive officers who report to him.
The measurable performance objectives of our Chief Executive Officer will be determined annually by our compensation committee and board of directors. A non-material portion of the Chief Executive Officer’s annual cash bonus may be based on a discretionary evaluation of the Chief Executive Officer’s overall performance by the compensation committee and the board of directors, based on quantitative and qualitative criteria.
The equity-based compensation under our compensation policy for our executive officers (including members of our board of directors) is designed in a manner consistent with the underlying objectives in determining the base salary and the annual cash bonus, with its main objectives being to enhance the alignment between the executive officers’ interests with our long-term interests and those of our shareholders and to strengthen the retention and the motivation of executive officers in the long term. Our compensation policy provides for executive officer compensation in the form of share options or other equity-based awards, such as restricted shares and restricted share units, in accordance with our share incentive plan then in place. All equity-based incentives granted to executive officers shall be subject to vesting periods in order to promote long-term retention of the awarded executive officers. The equity-based compensation shall be granted from time to time and be individually determined and awarded according to the performance, educational background, prior business experience, qualifications, role and the personal responsibilities of the executive officer.
In addition, our compensation policy contains compensation recovery provisions which allow us under certain conditions to recover bonuses paid in excess, enable our Chief Executive Officer to approve an immaterial change in the terms of employment of an executive officer who reports directly him (provided that the changes of the terms of employment are in accordance with our compensation policy) and allow us to exculpate, indemnify and insure our executive officers and directors to the maximum extent permitted by Israeli law, subject to certain limitations set forth therein.
71
Our compensation policy also provides for compensation to the members of our board of directors either (i) in accordance with the amounts provided in the Companies Regulations (Rules Regarding the Compensation and Expenses of an External Director) of 2000, as amended by the Companies Regulations (Relief for Public Companies Traded in Stock Exchange Outside of Israel) of 2000, as such regulations may be amended from time to time, or (ii) in accordance with the amounts determined in our compensation policy.
Our compensation policy was approved by our board of directors and shareholders and became effective upon the closing of our IPO and was further amended by our compensation committee, board of directors and shareholders at our 2021 annual general meeting.
Nominating and governance committee
Our nominating and governance committee consists of Ron Gutler, Gili Iohan and Nir Zohar. Mr. Gutler serves as chairman of the nominating and governance committee. Our board of directors has adopted a nominating and governance committee charter setting forth the responsibilities, which include:
| • | overseeing and assisting our board in reviewing and recommending nominees for election as directors; |
| • | assessing the performance of the members of our board; |
| • | establishing and maintaining effective corporate governance policies and practices, including, but not limited to, developing and recommending to our board a set of corporate governance guidelines applicable to our company; and |
| • | overseeing the Company’s risks, strategies, policies, programs and practices related to environmental, social and governance matters. |
Internal auditor
Under the Companies Law, the board of directors of a public company must appoint an internal auditor based on the recommendation of the audit committee. The role of the internal auditor is, among other things, to examine whether a company’s actions comply with applicable law and orderly business procedure. Under the Companies Law, the internal auditor cannot be an interested party or an office holder or a relative of an interested party or an office holder, nor may the internal auditor be the company’s independent auditor or its representative. An “interested party” is defined in the Companies Law as: (i) a holder of 5% or more of the issued share capital or voting power in a company, (ii) any person or entity who has the right to designate one or more directors or to designate the Chief Executive Officer of the company, or (iii) any person who serves as a director or as a Chief Executive Officer of the company. As of December 31, 2021, Ms. Sharon Cohen, CPA from Deloitte IL & Co, a firm in the Deloitte Global Network is acting as our internal auditor.
Approval of related party transactions under Israeli law
Fiduciary duties of directors and executive officers
The Companies Law codifies the fiduciary duties that office holders owe to a company. An office holder is defined in the Companies Law as a general manager, chief business manager, deputy general manager, vice general manager, any other person assuming the responsibilities of any of these positions regardless of such person’s title, a director and any other manager directly subordinate to the general manager. Each person listed in the table under “Management—Executive officers and directors” is an office holder under the Companies Law.
An office holder’s fiduciary duties consist of a duty of care and a duty of loyalty. The duty of care requires an office holder to act with the level of care with which a reasonable office holder in the same position would have acted under the same circumstances. The duty of loyalty requires that an office holder act in good faith and in the best interests of the company.
Disclosure of personal interests of an office holder and approval of certain transactions
The Companies Law requires that an office holder promptly disclose to the board of directors any personal interest that he or she may have and all related material information known to him or her concerning any existing or proposed transaction with the company. A personal interest includes an interest of any person in an act or transaction of a company, including a personal interest of one’s relative or of a corporate body in which such person or a relative of such person is a 5% or greater shareholder, director or general manager or in which he or she has the right to appoint at least one director or the general manager, but excluding a personal interest stemming solely from one’s ownership of shares in the company. A personal interest includes the personal interest of a person for whom the office holder holds a voting proxy or the personal interest of the office holder with respect to his or her vote on behalf of a person for whom he or she holds a proxy even if such shareholder has no personal interest in the matter.
72
If it is determined that an office holder has a personal interest in a non-extraordinary transaction, meaning any transaction that is in the ordinary course of business, on market terms or that is not likely to have a material impact on the company’s profitability, assets or liabilities, approval by the board of directors is required for the transaction, unless the company’s articles of association provide for a different method of approval. Any such transaction that is adverse to the company’s interests may not be approved by the board of directors.
Approval first by the company’s audit committee and subsequently by the board of directors is required for an extraordinary transaction (meaning, any transaction that is not in the ordinary course of business, not on market terms or that is likely to have a material impact on the company’s profitability, assets or liabilities) in which an office holder has a personal interest.
A director and any other office holder who has a personal interest in a transaction which is considered at a meeting of the board of directors or the audit committee may generally (unless it is with respect to a transaction which is not an extraordinary transaction) not be present at such a meeting or vote on that matter unless a majority of the directors or members of the audit committee, as applicable, have a personal interest in the matter. If a majority of the members of the audit committee or the board of directors has a personal interest in the approval of such a transaction then all of the directors may participate in deliberations of the audit committee or board of directors, as applicable, with respect to such transaction and vote on the approval thereof and, in such case, shareholder approval is also required.
Certain disclosure and approval requirements apply under Israeli law to certain transactions with controlling shareholders, certain transactions in which a controlling shareholder has a personal interest and certain arrangements regarding the terms of service or employment of a controlling shareholder.
For a description of the approvals required under Israeli law for compensation arrangements of officers and directors, see above under Item 6.B“Director, Senior Management and Employees Compensation —Compensation of directors and executive officers.”
Shareholder duties
Pursuant to the Companies Law, a shareholder has a duty to act in good faith and in a customary manner toward the company and other shareholders and to refrain from abusing his or her power with respect to the company, including, among other things, in voting at a general meeting and at shareholder class meetings with respect to the following matters:
| • | an amendment to the company’s articles of association; |
| • | an increase of the company’s authorized share capital; |
| • | a merger; or |
| • | interested party transactions that require shareholder approval. |
In addition, a shareholder has a general duty to refrain from discriminating against other shareholders.
Certain shareholders also have a duty of fairness toward the company. These shareholders include any controlling shareholder, any shareholder who knows that it has the power to determine the outcome of a shareholder vote and any shareholder who has the power to appoint or to prevent the appointment of an office holder of the company or exercise any other rights available to it under the company’s articles of association with respect to the company. The Companies Law does not define the substance of this duty of fairness, except to state that the remedies generally available upon a breach of contract will also apply in the event of a breach of the duty of fairness.
Exculpation, insurance and indemnification of office holders
Under the Companies Law, a company may not exculpate an office holder from liability for a breach of the duty of loyalty. An Israeli company may exculpate an office holder in advance from liability to the company, in whole or in part, for damages caused to the company as a result of a breach of duty of care but only if a provision authorizing such exculpation is included in its articles of association. Our amended and restated articles of association include such a provision. An Israeli company may not exculpate a director from liability arising out of a prohibited dividend or distribution to shareholders.
73
An Israeli company may indemnify an office holder in respect of the following liabilities and expenses incurred for acts performed as an office holder, either in advance of an event or following an event, provided a provision authorizing such indemnification is contained in its articles of association:
| • | financial liability imposed on him or her in favor of another person pursuant to a judgment, settlement or arbitrator’s award approved by a court. However, if an undertaking to indemnify an office holder with respect to such liability is provided in advance, then such an undertaking must be limited to events which, in the opinion of the board of directors, can be foreseen based on the company’s activities when the undertaking to indemnify is given, and to an amount or according to criteria determined by the board of directors as reasonable under the circumstances, and such undertaking shall detail the abovementioned events and amount or criteria; |
| • | reasonable litigation expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by the office holder (1) as a result of an investigation or proceeding instituted against him or her by an authority authorized to conduct such investigation or proceeding, provided that (i) no indictment was filed against such office holder as a result of such investigation or proceeding; and (ii) no financial liability, such as a criminal penalty, was imposed upon him or her as a substitute for the criminal proceeding as a result of such investigation or proceeding or, if such financial liability was imposed, it was imposed with respect to an offense that does not require proof of criminal intent and (2) in connection with a monetary sanction; |
| • | reasonable litigation expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by the office holder or imposed by a court in proceedings instituted against him or her by the company, on its behalf or by a third-party or in connection with criminal proceedings in which the office holder was acquitted or as a result of a conviction for an offense that does not require proof of criminal intent; and |
| • | expenses, including reasonable litigation expenses and legal fees, incurred by an office holder in relation to an administrative proceeding instituted against such office holder, or certain compensation payments made to an injured party imposed on an office holder by an administrative proceeding, pursuant to certain provisions of the Israeli Securities Law, 1968 (the “Israeli Securities Law”). |
An Israeli company may insure an office holder against the following liabilities incurred for acts performed as an office holder if and to the extent provided in the company’s articles of association:
| • | a breach of the duty of loyalty to the company, to the extent that the office holder acted in good faith and had a reasonable basis to believe that the act would not prejudice the company; |
| • | a breach of the duty of care to the company or to a third-party, including a breach arising out of the negligent conduct of the office holder; |
| • | a financial liability imposed on the office holder in favor of a third-party; |
| • | a financial liability imposed on the office holder in favor of a third-party harmed by a breach in an administrative proceeding; and |
| • | expenses, including reasonable litigation expenses and legal fees, incurred by the office holder as a result of an administrative proceeding instituted against him or her pursuant to certain provisions of the Israeli Securities Law. |
An Israeli company may not indemnify or insure an office holder against any of the following:
| • | a breach of the duty of loyalty, except to the extent that the office holder acted in good faith and had a reasonable basis to believe that the act would not prejudice the company; |
| • | a breach of the duty of care committed intentionally or recklessly, excluding a breach arising out of the negligent conduct of the office holder; |
| • | an act or omission committed with intent to derive illegal personal benefit; or |
| • | a fine, monetary sanction or forfeit levied against the office holder. |
74
Under the Companies Law, exculpation, indemnification and insurance of office holders must be approved by the compensation committee and the board of directors (and, with respect to directors and the Chief Executive Officer, by shareholders). However, under regulations promulgated under the Companies Law, the insurance of office holders shall not require shareholder approval and may be approved by only the compensation committee, if the engagement terms are determined in accordance with the company’s compensation policy, that compensation policy was approved by the shareholders by the same special majority required to approve a compensation policy, provided that the insurance policy is on market terms and the insurance policy is not likely to materially impact the company’s profitability, assets or obligations.
Our amended and restated articles of association allow us to indemnify and insure our office holders for any liability imposed on them as a consequence of an act (including any omission) which was performed by virtue of being an office holder. Our office holders are currently covered by a directors and officers’ liability insurance policy.
We have entered into agreements with each of our directors and executive officers exculpating them, to the fullest extent permitted by law, from liability to us for damages caused to us as a result of a breach of duty of care, and undertaking to indemnify them to the fullest extent permitted by law. This indemnification is limited to events determined as foreseeable by the board of directors based on our activities, and to an amount or according to criteria determined by the board of directors as reasonable under the circumstances.
The maximum indemnification amount set forth in such agreements is limited to an amount equal to the higher of (i) $350 million, (ii) 25% of our total shareholders’ equity as reflected in our most recent consolidated financial statements prior to the date on which the indemnity payment is made, and (iii) ten percent (10%) of the Company Total Market Cap (which shall mean the average closing price of our ordinary shares over the 30 trading days prior to the actual payment of indemnification multiplied by the total number of our issued and outstanding shares as of the date of actual payment, other than indemnification for an offering of securities to the public, including by a shareholder in a secondary offering, in which case the maximum indemnification amount is limited to the gross proceeds raised by us and/or any selling shareholder in such public offering. The maximum amount set forth in such agreements is in addition to any amount paid (if paid) under insurance and/or by a third-party pursuant to an indemnification arrangement.
In the opinion of the SEC, indemnification of directors and office holders for liabilities arising under the Securities Act, however, is against public policy and therefore unenforceable.
We believe that our corporate culture and our relationship with our employees contribute to our success. Our employees are continuously innovating, and our structure rewards productivity. Set forth below is a chart showing the number of people we employed at the times indicated:
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2021(*) | 2020(*) | 2019(*) | ||||||||||
Total Employees | 787 | 545 | 419 | |||||||||
Located in Israel | 580 | 426 | 330 | |||||||||
Located in the United States | 197 | 111 | 79 | |||||||||
Located in Europe | 10 | 8 | 10 | |||||||||
In Research and Development | 311 | 245 | 192 | |||||||||
In Marketing | 223 | 163 | 116 | |||||||||
In General and Administration | 109 | 70 | 73 | |||||||||
In Customer Care | 144 | 67 | 38 | |||||||||
______________
(*) The numbers of employees set forth in this table do not include contractors.
75
In regard to our Israeli employees, Israeli labor laws govern the length of the workday, minimum wages for employees, procedures for hiring and dismissing employees, determination of severance pay, annual leave, sick days, advance notice of termination of employment, equal opportunity and anti- discrimination laws and other conditions of employment. Subject to certain exceptions, Israeli law generally requires severance pay upon the retirement, death or dismissal of an employee, and requires us and our employees to make payments to the National Insurance Institute, which is similar to the U.S. Social Security Administration. Our employees have pension plans that comply with the applicable Israeli legal requirements and we make monthly contributions to severance pay funds for all employees, which cover potential severance pay obligations.
None of our employees work under any collective bargaining agreements. Extension orders issued by the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry apply to us and affect matters such as cost of living adjustments to salaries, length of working hours and week, recuperation pay, travel expenses and pension rights.
We have never experienced labor-related work stoppages or strikes and believe that our relations with our employees are satisfactory.
For information regarding the share ownership of directors and officers, see Item 7.A. “Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders.” For information as to our equity incentive plans, see Item 6.B. “Director, Senior Management and Employees—Compensation—Share Option Plans.”
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our shares as of January 31, 2022, by:
| • | each person or entity known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our outstanding shares; |
| • | each of our directors and executive officers individually; and |
| • | all of our executive officers and directors as a group. |
The beneficial ownership of ordinary shares is determined in accordance with the SEC rules and generally includes any ordinary shares over which a person exercises sole or shared voting or investment power. For purposes of the table below, we deem shares subject to options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of January 31, 2022, and restricted share units that shall vest within 60 days of January 31, 2022, to be outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding the options or restricted share units for the purposes of computing the percentage ownership of that person but we do not treat them as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. The percentage of shares beneficially owned is based on 36,797,030 ordinary shares outstanding as of January 31, 2022.
All of our shareholders, including the shareholders listed below, have the same voting rights attached to their ordinary shares. Unless otherwise noted below, each shareholder’s address is 8 Eliezer Kaplan St., Tel Aviv 6473409, Israel.
76
A description of any material relationship that our principal shareholders have had with us or any of our affiliates since January 1, 2021 is included under Item 7.B. “Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Certain relationships and related party transactions.”
Name of beneficial owner | Number | % | ||||||
Principal Shareholders | ||||||||
BlackRock, Inc.(1) | 3,734,339 | 10.1 | % | |||||
Directors and Executive Officers | ||||||||
Micha Kaufman(2) | 2,382,354 | 6.4 | % | |||||
Ofer Katz | * | * | ||||||
Hila Klein | * | * | ||||||
Gali Arnon | * | * | ||||||
Gil Sheinfeld | * | * | ||||||
Philippe Botteri | * | * | ||||||
Adam Fisher | * | * | ||||||
Ron Gutler | * | * | ||||||
Gili Iohan | * | * | ||||||
Jonathan Kolber(3) | 2,933,612 | 8.0 | % | |||||
Nir Zohar | * | * | ||||||
All executive officers and directors as a group (11 persons) | 6,041,539 | 15.9 | % | |||||
| * | less than 1% |
| (1) | Based on information reported on Schedule 13G/A filed on February 9, 2022, Blackrock, Inc., has sole voting power over 3,709,177 ordinary shares and sole dispositive power over 3,734,339 ordinary shares. The address of Blackrock, Inc, is 55 East 52nd St., New York, NY 10055. |
| (2) | Based on information available to us, Mr. Kaufman holds 1,814,460 ordinary shares directly and 567,894 ordinary shares underlying options that are currently exercisable within 60 days of January 31, 2022, at a weighted-average exercise price of $31.27, which expire between 2025 and 2028. |
| (3) | Based on information reported on a Schedule 13G/A filed on January 11, 2021 and information available to us, represents (a) 809,835 ordinary shares held by Mr. Kolber directly, (b) 1,939,665 ordinary shares held by Anfield Ltd., over which Mr. Kolber has sole voting power, and (c) 184,112 ordinary shares held by Artemis Asset Holding Limited, on behalf of the Jonathan Kolber Bare Trust, of which Mr. Kolber is the sole beneficiary. Mr. Kolber may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all of these ordinary shares, and his business address is 12 Abba Even Blvd, Herzliya, Israel 4672530. |
To our knowledge, other than as disclosed in the table above, our other filings with the SEC and this Annual Report, there has been no significant change in the percentage ownership held by any major shareholder since January 1, 2019. The major shareholders listed above do not have voting rights with respect to their ordinary shares that are different from the voting rights of other holders of our ordinary shares.
As the majority of our shares are held in book-entry form, we are not aware of the identity of all of our shareholders. As of January 31, 2022, we had 146,971 ordinary shares held by 17 U.S. resident shareholders of record, not including Cede & Co., the nominee of The Depository Trust Company.
77
The following is a description of our related party transactions since January 1, 2021.
Rights of appointment
Our current board of directors consists of seven directors. Pursuant to our articles of association in effect prior to the IPO, certain of our shareholders had rights to appoint members of our board of directors. All rights to appoint directors and observers terminated upon the closing of the IPO, although currently serving directors that were appointed prior to the IPO will continue to serve pursuant to their appointment until the annual meeting of shareholders at which the term of their class of director expires.
We are not a party to, and are not aware of, any voting agreements among our shareholders.
Agreements with directors and officers
Employment agreements. We entered into employment agreements with each of our executive officers in connection with our IPO. The agreements provide for the terms of each individual’s employment or service with the Company, as applicable.
Options and restricted share units. Since our inception, we have granted options to purchase our ordinary shares and restricted share units to our executive officers and granted options to purchase our ordinary shares to certain of our directors. We describe our option plans under Item 6. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees.”
Exculpation, indemnification and insurance. Our amended and restated articles of association permit us to exculpate, indemnify and insure our office holders to the fullest extent permitted by the Companies Law. We have entered into agreements with certain of our office holders, exculpating them from a breach of their duty of care to us to the fullest extent permitted by law and undertaking to indemnify them to the fullest extent permitted by law, subject to certain exceptions, including with respect to liabilities resulting from the IPO to the extent that these liabilities are not covered by insurance. See Item 6.C.“Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Board Practices—Exculpation, insurance and indemnification of office holders.”
Related party transaction policy
Our board of directors has adopted a written related party transaction policy to set forth the policies and procedures for the review and approval or ratification of related person transactions. This policy covers, with certain exceptions set forth in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, any transaction, arrangement or relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships, in which we were or are to be a participant, where the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and a related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, including, without limitation, purchases of goods or services by or from the related person or entities in which the related person has a material interest, indebtedness, guarantees of indebtedness and employment by us of a related person.
Not applicable.
Consolidated Financial Statements
See Item 18. “Financial Statements.”
Legal and Arbitration Proceedings
From time to time, we may be involved in various claims and legal proceedings related to claims arising out of our operations. We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings, including any such proceedings that are pending or threatened, of which we are aware.
Dividend Policy
We have never declared or paid any dividends on our ordinary shares. We do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance operations and expand our business. Our board of directors has sole discretion whether to pay dividends. If our board of directors decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that our directors may deem relevant.
78
The Companies Law imposes restrictions on our ability to declare and pay dividends. See Item 5.B “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Description of Convertible Notes and Capped Call Transaction Financing.”
Payment of dividends may be subject to Israeli withholding taxes. See Item 10.E. “Taxation—Taxation and government programs—Israeli tax considerations and government programs” for additional information.
None.
Our ordinary shares commenced trading on the New York Stock Exchange on June 13, 2019 under the trading symbol “FVRR.” Prior to this, no public market existed for our ordinary shares.
Not applicable.
Our ordinary shares commenced trading on the New York Stock Exchange on June 13, 2019 under the symbol “FVRR.”
Not Applicable
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
A copy of our amended and restated articles of association is attached as Exhibit 1.1 to this Annual Report. Other than as set forth below, the information called for by this Item is set forth in Exhibit 2.1 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019 and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.
Share Capital
As of December 31, 2021, we had 36,761,108 ordinary shares outstanding.
Exchange controls
There are currently no Israeli currency control restrictions on remittances of dividends on our ordinary shares, proceeds from the sale of the ordinary shares or interest or other payments to non-residents of Israel, except for shareholders who are subjects of countries that are, or have been, in a state of war with Israel.
79
Shareholder meetings
Under Israeli law, we are required to hold an annual general meeting of our shareholders once every calendar year that must be held no later than 15 months after the date of the previous annual general meeting. All meetings other than the annual general meeting of shareholders are referred to in our amended and restated articles of association as special general meetings. Our board of directors may call special general meetings whenever it sees fit, at such time and place, within or outside of Israel, as it may determine. In addition, the Companies Law provides that our board of directors is required to convene a special general meeting upon the written request of (i) any two or more of our directors or one-quarter or more of the serving members of our board of directors or (ii) one or more shareholders holding, in the aggregate, either (a) 5% or more of our outstanding issued shares and 1% or more of our outstanding voting power or (b) 5% or more of our outstanding voting power.
Subject to the provisions of the Companies Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder, shareholders entitled to participate and vote at general meetings are the shareholders of record on a date to be decided by the board of directors, which, as a company listed on an exchange outside Israel, may be between four and 40 days prior to the date of the meeting. Furthermore, the Companies Law requires that resolutions regarding the following matters must be passed at a general meeting of our shareholders:
| • | amendments to our articles of association; |
| • | appointment, termination or the terms of service of our auditors; |
| • | appointment of external directors (if applicable); |
| • | approval of certain related party transactions; |
| • | increases or reductions of our authorized share capital; |
| • | a merger; and |
| • | the exercise of our board of director’s powers by a general meeting, if our board of directors is unable to exercise its powers and the exercise of any of its powers is required for our proper management. |
The Companies Law requires that a notice of any annual general meeting or special general meeting be provided to shareholders at least 21 days prior to the meeting and if the agenda of the meeting includes, among other things, the appointment or removal of directors, the approval of transactions with office holders or interested or related parties or the approval of a merger, notice must be provided at least 35 days prior to the meeting. Under the Companies Law and our amended and restated articles of association, shareholders are not permitted to take action by way of written consent in lieu of a meeting.
Borrowing powers
Pursuant to the Companies Law and our amended and restated articles of association, our board of directors may exercise all powers and take all actions that are not required under law or under our amended and restated articles of association to be exercised or taken by our shareholders, including the power to borrow money for company purposes.
The following is a summary of each material contract, other than material contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which we are or have been a party, for the two years immediately preceding the date of this Annual Report:
| • |
| • |
| • |
| • |
80
| • |
| • |
| • |
| • |
| • |
| • |
| • |
| • |
| • |
| • |
| • |
| • |
81
| • |
| • |
| • |
| • |
| • |
There are currently no Israeli currency control restrictions on remittances of dividends on our ordinary shares, proceeds from the sale of the ordinary shares or interest or other payments to non-residents of Israel, except for shareholders who are subjects of countries that are, or have been, in a state of war with Israel.
Taxation and government programs
The following description is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares. You should consult your own tax advisor concerning the tax consequences of your particular situation, as well as any tax consequences that may arise under the laws of any state, local, foreign or other taxing jurisdiction.
Israeli tax considerations and government programs
The following is a brief summary of the material Israeli tax laws applicable to us, and certain Israeli Government programs that benefit us. This section also contains a discussion of material Israeli tax consequences concerning the ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares. This summary does not discuss all the aspects of Israeli tax law that may be relevant to a particular investor in light of his or her personal investment circumstances or to some types of investors subject to special treatment under Israeli law. Examples of such investors include residents of Israel or traders in securities who are subject to special tax regimes not covered in this discussion. To the extent that the discussion is based on new tax legislation that has not yet been subject to judicial or administrative interpretation, we cannot assure you that the appropriate tax authorities or the courts will accept the views expressed in this discussion. The discussion below is subject to change, including due to amendments under Israeli law or changes to the applicable judicial or administrative interpretations of Israeli law, which change could affect the tax consequences described below.
General corporate tax structure in Israel
Israeli companies are generally subject to corporate tax. The corporate tax rate in 2018 and thereafter is 23% of their taxable income. However, the effective tax rate payable by a company that derives income from an Approved Enterprise, a Preferred Enterprise, a Beneficiary Enterprise or a Technology Enterprise (as discussed below) may be considerably less. Capital gains derived by an Israeli company are generally subject to the ordinary corporate tax rate.
82
Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 5729-1969
The Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 5729-1969, generally referred to as the Industry Encouragement Law, provides several tax benefits for “Industrial Companies.” We believe that we currently qualify as an Industrial Company within the meaning of the Industry Encouragement Law.
The Industry Encouragement Law defines an “Industrial Company” as an Israeli resident-company, of which 90% or more of its income in any tax year, other than income from certain government loans, is derived from an “Industrial Enterprise” owned by it and located in Israel or in the “Area”, in accordance with the definition under section 3A of the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance (New Version) 1961, or the Ordinance. An “Industrial Enterprise” is defined as an enterprise whose principal activity in a given tax year is industrial production.
The following corporate tax benefits, among others, are available to Industrial Companies:
| • | amortization of the cost of purchased patent, rights to use a patent, and know how, which are used for the development or advancement of the Industrial Enterprise, over an eight-year period, commencing on the year in which such rights were first exercised; |
| • | under limited conditions, an election to file consolidated tax returns with controlled Israeli Industrial Companies; and |
| • | expenses related to a public offering are deductible in equal amounts over three years commencing on the year of the offering. |
Eligibility for benefits under the Industry Encouragement Law is not contingent upon approval of any governmental authority.
Tax benefits and grants for research and development
Israeli tax law allows, under certain conditions, a tax deduction for expenditures, including capital expenditures, in scientific research in the fields of industry, agriculture, transportation or energy, for the year in which they are incurred. Expenditures are deemed related to scientific research and development projects, if:
| • | The expenditures are approved by the relevant Israeli government ministry, determined by the field of research; |
| • | The research and development must be for the promotion of the company; and |
| • | The research and development is carried out by or on behalf of the company seeking such tax deduction. |
The amount of such deductible expenses is reduced by the sum of any funds received through government grants for the finance of such scientific research and development projects. No deduction under these research and development deduction rules is allowed if such deduction is related to an expense invested in an asset depreciable under the general depreciation rules of the Ordinance. Expenditures that are unqualified under the conditions above are deductible in equal amounts over three years.
From time to time we may apply to the Israel Innovation Authority for approval to allow a tax deduction for all or most of research and development expenses during the year incurred. There can be no assurance that such application will be accepted.
Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 5719-1959
The Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 5719-1959, generally referred to as the Investment Law, provides certain incentives for capital investments in production facilities (or other eligible assets).
The Investment Law was significantly amended effective as of April 1, 2005 (the “2005 Amendment”), as of January 1, 2011 (the “2011 Amendment”) and as of January 1, 2017 (the “2017 Amendment”). Pursuant to the 2005 Amendment, tax benefits granted in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Law prior to its revision by the 2005 Amendment remain in force but any benefits granted subsequently are subject to the provisions of the amended Investment Law. Similarly, the 2011 Amendment introduced new benefits to replace those granted in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Law in effect prior to the 2011 Amendment. However, companies entitled to benefits under the Investment Law as in effect prior to January 1, 2011 were entitled to choose to continue to enjoy such benefits, provided that certain conditions are met, or elect instead, irrevocably, to forego such benefits and have the benefits of the 2011 Amendment apply. The 2017 Amendment introduces new benefits for Technological Enterprises, alongside the existing tax benefits.
83
Tax benefits subsequent to the 2005 amendment
The 2005 Amendment applies to new investment programs and investment programs commencing after 2004, but does not apply to investment programs approved prior to April 1, 2005. The 2005 Amendment provides that terms and benefits included in any certificate of approval that was granted before the 2005 Amendment became effective (April 1, 2005) will remain subject to the provisions of the Investment Law as in effect on the date of such approval. An enterprise that qualifies under the new provisions is referred to as a “Beneficiary Enterprise”, rather than “Approved Enterprise”. The 2005 Amendment provides that the approval of the Investment Center is required only for Approved Enterprises that receive cash grants. As a result, a company is no longer required to obtain the advance approval of the Investment Center in order to receive the tax benefits. Rather, a company may claim the tax benefits offered by the Investment Law directly in its tax returns, provided that its facilities meet the criteria for tax benefits set forth in the 2005 Amendment. A company that has a Beneficiary Enterprise may, at its discretion, approach the Israel Tax Authority for a pre-ruling confirming that it is in compliance with the provisions of the Investment Law.
In order to receive the tax benefits, a company must make an investment which meets all of the conditions, including exceeding a minimum entitling investment amount, set forth in the Investment Law. Such investment allows a company to receive “Beneficiary Enterprise” status, and may be made over a period of no more than three years ending at the end of the year in which the company chose to have the tax benefits apply to its Beneficiary Enterprise, referred to as the “Year of Election.”
The extent of the tax benefits available under the 2005 Amendment to qualifying income of a Beneficiary Enterprise depend on, among other things, the geographic location in Israel of the Beneficiary Enterprise. The location will also determine the period for which tax benefits are available. In the event that the Company is profitable for tax purposes, such tax benefits include an exemption from corporate tax on undistributed income for a period of between two to ten years, depending on the geographic location of the Beneficiary Enterprise in Israel, and a reduced corporate tax rate of between 10% to 25% for the remainder of the benefits period, depending on the level of foreign investment in the company in each year. A company qualifying for tax benefits under the 2005 Amendment which pays a dividend out of income derived by its Beneficiary Enterprise during the tax exemption period will be subject to corporate tax in respect of the gross amount of the dividend (to reflect the pre-tax income that it would have had to earn in order to distribute the dividend) which would have otherwise been applicable, or a lower rate in the case of a qualified foreign investment company which is at least 49% owned by non-Israeli residents. In addition, dividends paid out of income attributed to a Beneficiary Enterprise are generally subject to withholding tax at source at the rate of 15% or such lower rate as may be provided under any applicable tax treaty (subject to the receipt in advance of a valid certificate from the Israel Tax Authority allowing for a reduced tax rate).
The benefits available to a Beneficiary Enterprise are subject to the fulfillment of conditions stipulated in the Investment Law and its regulations. If a company does not meet these conditions, it may be required to refund the amount of tax benefits, as adjusted by the Israeli consumer price index, and interest, or other monetary penalties.
The Company has a “Beneficiary Enterprise” status and has elected 2012 to be its “Year of Election” to be eligible as a “Beneficiary Enterprise.” The benefit period begins in the year in which taxable income is first earned, limited to 12 years from the “Year of Election.”
Tax benefits under the 2011 amendment
The 2011 Amendment canceled the availability of the benefits granted under the Investment Law prior to 2011 and, instead, introduced new benefits for income generated by a “Preferred Company” through its “Preferred Enterprise” (as such terms are defined in the Investment Law) as of January 1, 2011. The definition of a Preferred Company includes a company incorporated in Israel that is not fully owned by a governmental entity, and that has, among other things, Preferred Enterprise status and is controlled and managed from Israel. Pursuant to the 2011 Amendment, a Preferred Company was entitled to a reduced corporate tax rate of 15% with respect to its income derived by its Preferred Enterprise in 2011 and 2012, unless the Preferred Enterprise is located in a specified development zone, in which case the rate was 10%. Under the 2011 Amendment, together with amendments to the Investment Law from 2014 and 2017, such corporate tax rate was reduced from 15% and 10%, respectively, to 12.5% and 7%, respectively, in 2013, 16% and 9% respectively, in 2014, 2015 and 2016, and 16% and 7.5%, respectively, in 2017 and thereafter. Income derived by a Preferred Company from a “Special Preferred Enterprise” (as such term is defined in the Investment Law) would be entitled, during a benefits period of 10 years, to further reduced tax rates of 8%, or 5% if the Special Preferred Enterprise is located in a certain development zone.
Dividends distributed from income which is attributed to a “Preferred Enterprise” are generally subject to withholding tax at source at the rate of 20% (in the case of non-Israeli shareholders - subject to the receipt in advance of a valid certificate from the ITA allowing for a reduced tax rate, 20% or such lower rate as may be provided under the provisions of any applicable double tax treaty). However, if such dividends are paid to an Israeli company, no tax is required to be withheld (although, if such dividends are subsequently distributed to individuals or a non-Israeli company, withholding tax at a rate of 20% or such lower rate as may be provided in an applicable tax treaty, will apply).
84
The 2011 Amendment also provided transitional provisions to address companies already enjoying existing tax benefits under the Investment Law. These transitional provisions provide, among other things, that unless an irrevocable request is made to apply the provisions of the Investment Law as amended in 2011 with respect to income to be derived as of January 1, 2011, a Beneficiary Enterprise can elect to continue to benefit from the benefits provided to it before the 2011 Amendment came into effect, provided that certain conditions are met.
We currently do not intend to implement the 2011 Amendment.
New tax benefits under the 2017 amendment that became effective on January 1, 2017
The 2017 Amendment was enacted as part of the Economic Efficiency Law that was published on December 29, 2016, and is effective as of January 1, 2017. The 2017 Amendment provides new tax benefits for two types of “Technology Enterprises,” as described below, and is in addition to the other existing tax beneficial programs under the Investment Law.
The 2017 Amendment provides that a technology company satisfying certain conditions will qualify as a “Preferred Technology Enterprise” and will thereby enjoy a reduced corporate tax rate of 12% on income that qualifies as “Preferred Technology Income”, as defined in the Investment Law. The tax rate is further reduced to 7.5% for a Preferred Technology Enterprise located in development zone “A”. In addition, a Preferred Technology Company will enjoy a reduced corporate tax rate of 12% on capital gain derived from the sale of certain “Benefitted Intangible Assets” (as defined in the Investment Law) to a related foreign company if the Benefitted Intangible Assets were acquired from a foreign company on or after January 1, 2017 for at least NIS 200 million, and the sale receives prior approval from the National Authority for Technological Innovation previously known as the Israeli Office of the Chief Scientist), to which we refer as IIA.
The 2017 Amendment further provides that a technology company satisfying certain conditions (group turnover of at least NIS 10 billion) will qualify as a “Special Preferred Technology Enterprise” and will thereby enjoy a reduced corporate tax rate of 6% on “Preferred Technology Income” regardless of the company’s geographic location within Israel. In addition, a Special Preferred Technology Enterprise will enjoy a reduced corporate tax rate of 6% on capital gain derived from the sale of certain “Benefitted Intangible Assets” to a related foreign company if the Benefitted Intangible Assets were either developed by the Special Preferred Enterprise or acquired from a foreign company on or after January 1, 2017, and the sale received prior approval from IIA. A Special Preferred Technology Enterprise that acquires Benefitted Intangible Assets from a foreign company for more than NIS 500 million will be eligible for these benefits for at least ten years, subject to certain approvals as specified in the Investment Law.
Dividends distributed to Israeli shareholders by a Preferred Technology Enterprise or a Special Preferred Technology Enterprise, paid out of Preferred Technology Income, are generally subject to withholding tax at source at the rate of 20% (in the case of non-Israeli shareholders - subject to the receipt in advance of a valid certificate from the ITA allowing for a reduced tax rate, 20% or such lower rate as may be provided in an applicable tax treaty). However, if such dividends are paid to an Israeli company, no tax is required to be withheld (although, if such dividends are subsequently distributed to individuals or a non-Israeli company, withholding tax at a rate of 20% or such lower rate as may be provided in an applicable tax treaty, will apply). If such dividends are distributed to a foreign company that holds solely or together with other foreign companies 90% or more in the Israeli company and other conditions are met, the withholding tax rate will be 4%.
We are examining the impact of the 2017 Amendment and the degree to which we will qualify as a Preferred Technology Enterprise, the amount of Preferred Technology Income that we may have and other benefits that we may receive from the 2017 Amendment.
Taxation of our shareholders
Capital gains taxes applicable to non-Israeli resident shareholders. A non-Israeli resident who derives capital gains from the sale of shares in an Israeli resident company that were purchased after the company was listed for trading on a stock exchange outside of Israel, will be exempt from Israeli tax so long as the shares were not held through a permanent establishment that the non-resident maintains in Israel. However, non-Israeli corporations will not be entitled to the foregoing exemption if Israeli residents: (i) have a controlling interest more than 25% in such non-Israeli corporation or (ii) are the beneficiaries of, or are entitled to, 25% or more of the revenues or profits of such non-Israeli corporation, whether directly or indirectly. In addition, such exemption is not applicable to a person whose gains from selling or otherwise disposing of the shares are deemed to be business income.
85
Additionally, a sale of securities by a non-Israeli resident may be exempt from Israeli capital gains tax under the provisions of an applicable tax treaty. For example, under Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the State of Israel with respect to Taxes on Income, as amended (the “U.S. Israel Tax Treaty”), the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares by a shareholder who is a United States resident (for purposes of the treaty) holding the shares as a capital asset and is entitled to claim the benefits afforded to such a resident by the U.S. Israel Tax Treaty (a “Treaty U.S. Resident”) is generally exempt from Israeli capital gains tax unless: (i) the capital gain arising from such sale, exchange or disposition is attributed to real estate located in Israel; (ii) the capital gain arising from such sale, exchange or disposition is attributed to royalties; (iii) the capital gain arising from the such sale, exchange or disposition is attributed to a permanent establishment in Israel, under certain terms; (iv) such Treaty U.S. Resident holds, directly or indirectly, shares representing 10% or more of the voting capital during any part of the 12 month period preceding the disposition, subject to certain conditions; or (v) such Treaty U.S. Resident is an individual and was present in Israel for 183 days or more during the relevant taxable year.
In some instances where our shareholders may be liable for Israeli tax on the sale of their ordinary shares, the payment of the consideration may be subject to the withholding of Israeli tax at source. Shareholders may be required to demonstrate that they are exempt from tax on their capital gains in order to avoid withholding at source at the time of sale (i.e., resident certificate or other documentation). Specifically, in transactions involving a sale of all of the shares of an Israeli resident company, in the form of a merger or otherwise, the Israel Tax Authority may require from shareholders who are not liable for Israeli tax to sign declarations in forms specified by this authority or obtain a specific exemption from the Israel Tax Authority to confirm their status as non-Israeli resident, and, in the absence of such declarations or exemptions, may require the purchaser of the shares to withhold taxes at source.
Taxation of non-Israeli shareholders on receipt of dividends. Non-Israeli residents (either individuals or corporations) are generally subject to Israeli income tax on the receipt of dividends paid on our ordinary shares at the rate of 25%, which tax will be withheld at source, unless relief is provided in a treaty between Israel and the shareholder’s country of residence (subject to the receipt in advance of a valid certificate from the ITA allowing for a reduced tax rate). With respect to a person who is a “substantial shareholder” at the time of receiving the dividend or at any time during the preceding twelve months, the applicable tax rate is 30%. A “substantial shareholder” is generally a person who alone or together with such person’s relative or another person who collaborates with such person on a permanent basis, holds, directly or indirectly, at least 10% of any of the “means of control” of the corporation. “Means of control” generally include the right to vote, receive profits, nominate a director or an executive officer, receive assets upon liquidation, or order someone who holds any of the aforesaid rights how to act, regardless of the source of such right. Such dividends are generally subject to Israeli withholding tax at a rate of 25% so long as the shares are registered with a nominee company (whether the recipient is a substantial shareholder or not) and, subject to the receipt in advance of a valid certificate from the ITA allowing for a reduced tax rate, 15% if the dividend is distributed from income attributed to an Approved Enterprise or a Beneficiary Enterprise and 20% if the dividend is distributed from income attributed to a Preferred Enterprise or Preferred Technology Enterprise or such lower rate as may be provided in an applicable tax treaty. For example, under the United States Israel Tax Treaty, the maximum rate of tax withheld at source in Israel on dividends paid to a holder of our ordinary shares who is a Treaty U.S. Resident is 25%. However, generally, the maximum rate of withholding tax on dividends, not generated by a Preferred Enterprise or Beneficiary Enterprise, that are paid to a United States corporation holding 10% or more of the outstanding voting capital throughout the tax year in which the dividend is distributed as well as during the previous tax year, is 12.5%, provided that not more than 25% of the gross income for such preceding year consists of certain types of dividends and interest. Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends distributed from income attributed to an Approved Enterprise, Beneficiary Enterprise or Preferred Enterprise are not entitled to such reduction under the tax treaty but are subject to a withholding tax rate of 15% for a shareholder that is a U.S. corporation, provided that the conditions related to 10% or more holding and to our gross income for the previous year (as set forth in the previous sentence) is met. If the dividend is attributable partly to income derived from an Approved Enterprise, Benefited Enterprise or Preferred Enterprise, and partly to other sources of income, the withholding rate will be a blended rate reflecting the relative portions of the two types of income. We cannot assure you that we will designate the profits that we may distribute in a way that will reduce shareholders’ tax liability.
A non-Israeli resident who receives dividends from which tax was withheld is generally exempt from the obligation to file tax returns in Israel with respect to such income, provided that (i) such income was not generated from business conducted in Israel by the taxpayer, (ii) the taxpayer has no other taxable sources of income in Israel with respect to which a tax return is required to be filed, and (iii) the taxpayer is not obligated to pay excess tax (as further explained below).
Surtax. Subject to the provisions of an applicable tax treaty, individuals who are subject to tax in Israel (whether any such individual is an Israeli resident or non-Israeli resident) are also subject to an additional tax at a rate of 3% on annual income (including, but not limited to, dividends, interest and capital gain) exceeding NIS 647,640 for 2021, which amount is linked to the annual change in the Israeli consumer price index.
Estate and Gift Tax. Israeli law presently does not impose estate or gift taxes.
86
United States federal income taxation
The following is a description of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares. This description addresses only the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders (as defined below) that hold our ordinary shares as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and that have the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. This discussion is based upon the Code, applicable U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative pronouncements and judicial decisions, in each case as in effect on the date hereof, all of which are subject to change (possibly with retroactive effect). No ruling will be requested from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) regarding the tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership or disposition of the ordinary shares, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with the discussion set out below. This summary does not address any U.S. tax consequences other than U.S. federal income tax consequences (e.g., the estate and gift tax or the Medicare tax on net investment income) and does not address any state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences.
This description does not address tax considerations applicable to holders that may be subject to special tax rules, including, without limitation:
| • | banks, financial institutions or insurance companies; |
| • | real estate investment trusts or regulated investment companies; |
| • | dealers or brokers; |
| • | traders that elect to mark to market; |
| • | tax exempt entities or organizations; |
| • | “individual retirement accounts” and other tax deferred accounts; |
| • | certain former citizens or long term residents of the United States; |
| • | persons that are resident or ordinarily resident in or have a permanent establishment in a jurisdiction outside the United States; |
| • | persons that acquired our ordinary shares pursuant to the exercise of any employee share option or otherwise as compensation for the performance of services; |
| • | persons holding our ordinary shares as part of a “hedging,” “integrated” or “conversion” transaction or as a position in a “straddle” for U.S. federal income tax purposes; |
| • | partnerships or other pass through entities and persons holding the ordinary shares through partnerships or other pass through entities; |
| • | holders of Convertible Notes or ordinary shares acquired upon a conversion of Convertible Notes; or |
| • | holders that own directly, indirectly or through attribution 10% or more of the total voting power or value of all of our outstanding shares. For purposes of this description, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of our ordinary |
| • | shares that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is: |
| • | an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
| • | a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, including the District of Columbia; |
| • | an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or |
| • | a trust if such trust has validly elected to be treated as a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or if (1) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and (2) one or more United States persons have the authority to control all of the substantial decisions of such trust. |
If a partnership (or any other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds our ordinary shares, the tax treatment of a partner in such partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Such a partner or partnership should consult its tax advisor as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of our ordinary shares in its particular circumstance.
87
You should consult your tax advisor with respect to the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of our ordinary shares.
Distributions
Subject to the discussion under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company considerations” below, the gross amount of any distribution made to you with respect to our ordinary shares, before reduction for any Israeli taxes withheld therefrom, generally will be includible in your income as dividend income on the date on which the dividends are actually or constructively received, to the extent such distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent that the amount of any distribution by us exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles, it will be treated first as a tax free return of your adjusted tax basis in our ordinary shares and thereafter as capital gain. However, we do not expect to maintain calculations of our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles and, therefore, you should expect that the entire amount of any distribution generally will be reported as dividend income to you. If you are a non corporate U.S. Holder you may qualify for the lower rates of taxation with respect to dividends on ordinary shares applicable to long term capital gains (i.e., gains from the sale of capital assets held for more than one year), provided that we are not a PFIC (as discussed below under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company considerations”) with respect to you in our taxable year in which the dividend was paid or in the prior taxable year and certain other conditions are met, including certain holding period requirements and the absence of certain risk reduction transactions. However, such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to corporate U.S. Holders.
Dividends paid to you with respect to our ordinary shares generally will be treated as foreign source income, which may be relevant in calculating your foreign tax credit limitation. Subject to certain conditions and limitations, Israeli tax withheld on dividends may be credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability or, at your election, be deducted from your U.S. federal taxable income. Dividends that we distribute generally should constitute “passive category income” for purposes of the foreign tax credit. A foreign tax credit for foreign taxes imposed on distributions may be denied if you do not satisfy certain minimum holding period requirements. The rules relating to the determination of the foreign tax credit are complex, and you should consult your tax advisor to determine whether and to what extent you will be entitled to this credit.
Sale, exchange or other disposition of ordinary shares
Subject to the discussion under “Passive Foreign Investment Company considerations” below, you generally will recognize gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our ordinary shares equal to the difference between the amount realized on such sale, exchange or other disposition and your adjusted tax basis in our ordinary shares, and such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss. If you are a non corporate U.S. Holder, capital gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of ordinary shares is generally eligible for a preferential rate of taxation applicable to capital gains, if your holding period for such ordinary shares exceeds one year (i.e., such gain is long term capital gain). The deductibility of capital losses for U.S. federal income tax purposes is subject to limitations under the Code. Any such gain or loss that a U.S. Holder recognizes generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.
Passive Foreign Investment Company considerations
If a non-U.S. company is classified as a PFIC in any taxable year, a U.S. Holder of such PFIC’s shares will be subject to special rules generally intended to reduce or eliminate any benefits from the deferral of U.S. federal income tax that such U.S. Holder could derive from investing in a non-U.S. company that does not distribute all of its earnings on a current basis.
In general, a non-U.S. corporation will be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year if at least (i) 75% of its gross income is classified as “passive income” or (ii) 50% of its gross assets (generally determined on the basis of a quarterly average) produce or are held for the production of passive income (the “asset test”). Passive income for this purpose generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents, gains from commodities and securities transactions and the excess of gains over losses from the disposition of assets which produce passive income. For these purposes, cash and other assets readily convertible into cash are considered passive assets, and goodwill and other unbooked intangibles are generally taken into account.In making this determination, the non-U.S. corporation is treated as earning its proportionate share of any income and owning its proportionate share of any assets of any corporation in which it directly or indirectly holds 25% or more (by value) of the stock.
Based on the current and anticipated composition of our income and assets, operations and the value of our assets (including the value of our goodwill, going-concern value or any other unbooked intangibles which may be determined based on the price of the ordinary shares), we do not expect to be treated as a PFIC for the current taxable year or in the foreseeable future. However, because PFIC status is based on our income, assets and activities for the entire taxable year, it is not possible to determine whether we will be characterized as a PFIC for our current taxable year or future taxable years until after the close of the applicable taxable year. Moreover, we must determine our PFIC status annually based on tests that are factual in nature, and our status in the current year and future years will depend on our income, assets and activities in each of those years and, as a result, cannot be predicted with certainty as of the date hereof.
88
Furthermore, fluctuations in the market price of our ordinary shares may cause our classification as a PFIC for the current or future taxable years to change because the aggregate value of our assets for purposes of the asset test, including the value of our goodwill and unbooked intangibles, generally will be determined by reference to the market price of our shares from time to time (which may be volatile). We have a substantial balance of cash and other liquid investments, which are passive assets for purposes of the PFIC determination, and the composition of our income and assets will be affected by how, and how quickly, we use our liquid assets and the cash raised in any equity offering. Accordingly, if our market capitalization declines significantly, it may make our classification as a PFIC more likely for the current or future taxable years. The IRS or a court may disagree with our determinations, including the manner in which we determine the value of our assets and the percentage of our assets that are passive assets under the PFIC rules. Therefore, there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for the current taxable year or for any future taxable year.
Under the PFIC rules, if we were considered a PFIC at any time that you hold our ordinary shares, we would continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to your investment in all succeeding years during which you own our ordinary shares (regardless of whether we continue to meet the tests described above) unless (i) we have ceased to be a PFIC and (ii) you have made a “deemed sale” election under the PFIC rules. If such election is made, you will be deemed to have sold your ordinary shares at their fair market value on the last day of the last taxable year in which we were a PFIC, and any gain from the deemed sale would be subject to the rules described in the following paragraph. After the deemed sale election, so long as we do not become a PFIC in a subsequent taxable year, the ordinary shares with respect to which such election was made will not be treated as shares in a PFIC. You should consult your own tax advisor as to the possibility and consequences of making a deemed sale election.
If we are considered a PFIC at any time that you hold ordinary shares, unless (i) we have ceased to be a PFIC and you have previously made the deemed sale election described above or (ii) you make one of the elections described below, any gain recognized by you on a sale or other disposition of the ordinary shares, as well as the amount of any “excess distribution” (defined below) received by you, would be allocated ratably over your holding period for the ordinary shares. The amounts allocated to the taxable year of the sale or other disposition (or the taxable year of receipt, in the case of an excess distribution) and to any year before we became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income. The amount allocated to each other taxable year would be subject to tax at the highest rate in effect for individuals or corporations, as appropriate, for that taxable year, and an interest charge would be imposed. For purposes of these rules, an excess distribution is the amount by which any distribution received by you on your ordinary shares in a taxable year exceeds 125% of the average of the annual distributions on the ordinary shares during the preceding three taxable years or your holding period, whichever is shorter. Distributions below the 125% threshold are treated as dividends taxable in the year of receipt and are not subject to prior highest tax rates or the interest charge.
If we are treated as a PFIC with respect to you for any taxable year, you will be deemed to own shares in any entities in which we own equity that are also PFICs (“lower tier PFICs”), and you may be subject to the tax consequences described above with respect to the shares of such lower tier PFIC you would be deemed to own.
Mark to market elections
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold ordinary shares, then in lieu of being subject to the tax and interest charge rules discussed above, you may make an election to include gain on the ordinary shares as ordinary income under a mark to market method, provided that such ordinary shares are “marketable.” The ordinary shares will be marketable if they are “regularly traded” on a qualified exchange or other market, as defined in applicable U.S. Treasury regulations, such as the New York Stock Exchange (or on a foreign stock exchange that meets certain conditions). For these purposes, the ordinary shares will be considered regularly traded during any calendar year during which they are traded, other than in de minimis quantities, on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter. Any trades that have as their principal purpose meeting this requirement will be disregarded. However, because a mark to market election cannot be made for any lower tier PFICs that we may own, you will generally continue to be subject to the PFIC rules discussed above with respect to your indirect interest in any investments we own that are treated as an equity interest in a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, it is possible that any mark to market election with respect to the ordinary shares will be of limited benefit.
If you make an effective mark to market election, in each year that we are a PFIC, you will include in ordinary income the excess of the fair market value of your ordinary shares at the end of the year over your adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares. You will be entitled to deduct as an ordinary loss in each such year the excess of your adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares over their fair market value at the end of the year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark to market election. If you make an effective mark to market election, in each year that we are a PFIC, any gain that you recognize upon the sale or other disposition of your ordinary shares will be treated as ordinary income and any loss will be treated as ordinary loss, but only to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the mark to market election.
89
Your adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares will be increased by the amount of any income inclusion and decreased by the amount of any deductions under the mark to market rules discussed above. If you make an effective mark to market election, it will be effective for the taxable year for which the election is made and all subsequent taxable years unless the ordinary shares are no longer regularly traded on a qualified exchange or the IRS consents to the revocation of the election. You should consult your tax advisor about the availability of the mark to market election, and whether making the election would be advisable in your particular circumstances.
Qualified electing fund elections
In certain circumstances, a U.S. equity holder in a PFIC may avoid the adverse tax and interest charge regime described above by making a “qualified electing fund” election to include in income its share of the corporation’s income on a current basis. However, you may make a qualified electing fund election with respect to the ordinary shares only if we agree to furnish you annually with a PFIC annual information statement as specified in the applicable U.S. Treasury regulations. We do not intend to provide the information necessary for you to make a qualified electing fund election if we are classified as a PFIC. Therefore, you should assume that you will not receive such information from us and would therefore be unable to make a qualified electing fund election with respect to any of our ordinary shares were we to be or become a PFIC.
Tax reporting
If you own ordinary shares during any year in which we are a PFIC and you recognize gain on a disposition of such ordinary shares or receive distributions with respect to such ordinary shares, you generally will be required to file an IRS Form 8621 with respect to us, generally with your federal income tax return for that year. If we are a PFIC for a given taxable year, then you should consult your tax advisor concerning your annual filing requirements.
You should consult your tax advisor regarding whether we are a PFIC as well as the potential U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of our ordinary shares if we are or become classified as a PFIC, including the possibility of making a mark to market election in your particular circumstances.
Backup withholding tax and information reporting requirements
Dividend payments on and proceeds paid from the sale or other taxable disposition of the ordinary shares may be subject to information reporting to the IRS. In addition, a U.S. Holder may be subject to backup withholding on cash payments received in connection with dividend payments and proceeds from the sale or other taxable disposition of ordinary shares made within the United States or through certain U.S. related financial intermediaries.
Backup withholding will not apply, however, to a U.S. Holder who furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number, provides other required certification and otherwise complies with the applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules or who is otherwise exempt from backup withholding (and, when required, demonstrates such exemption). Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, any amount withheld under the backup withholding rules will be creditable or refundable against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Foreign asset reporting
Certain U.S. Holders are required to report their holdings of certain foreign financial assets, including equity of foreign entities, if the aggregate value of all of these assets exceeds certain threshold amounts, by filing IRS Form 8938 with their federal income tax return. Our ordinary shares are expected to constitute foreign financial assets subject to these requirements unless the ordinary shares are held in an account at certain financial institutions. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding their information reporting obligations, if any, with respect to their ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares and the significant penalties for non-compliance.
The above description is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all tax consequences relating to acquisition, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares. You should consult your tax advisor concerning the tax consequences of your particular situation.
90
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, we are required to file reports and other information with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 20-F and reports on Form 6-K.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt under the Exchange Act from, among other things, the rules prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act. We are required to make certain filings with the SEC. The SEC maintains an internet website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, like us, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is www.sec.gov.
Not applicable.
We are exposed to market risk in the ordinary course of our business. Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. Our market risk exposure is primarily a result of foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, which are discussed in detail below.
Foreign currency risk
The U.S. dollar is our functional currency. Substantially all of our revenue was denominated in U.S. dollars for the years ended 2021 and 2020, respectively, however certain expenses comprising our cost of revenue and operating expenses were denominated in NIS, mainly payroll and rent. We also have expenses in other currencies, in particular the EUR and GBP, although to a much lesser extent.
A decrease of 5% in the U.S. dollar/NIS exchange rate would have increased our cost of revenue and operating expenses by approximately 1.3% and 1% during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. If the NIS fluctuates significantly against the U.S. dollar, it may have a negative impact on our results of operations.
During the years 2021 and 2020, we entered into forward, put and call option contracts to hedge certain forecasted payments denominated in NIS, mainly payroll against exchange rate fluctuations of the U.S. dollar for a period of up to twelve months.
We had outstanding contracts that qualify as hedging instruments in a cash flow hedge, in the aggregate notional amount of $49.6 million and $14.5 million as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The fair value of the outstanding contracts amounted to an asset of $0.8 million and a liability of less than $0.1 million as of December 31, 2021 and an asset of $0.3 million and a liability of less than $0.1 million as of December 31, 2020, recorded under other receivables and other account payables and accrued expenses, respectively. Gains of $1.2 million, $1.3 million, and $0.3 million were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Such gains and losses were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) when the related expenses were incurred.
Interest rate risk
Our investments are subject to market risk due to changes in interest rates, which may affect our interest income and fair market value of our investments. To minimize this risk, we maintain our portfolio in a variety of high-grade securities, including treasury, corporate and municipal bonds. The primary objectives of our investment activities are to support liquidity, preserve principal and to maximize income without significantly increasing risk.
Not applicable.
91
None.
None.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2021. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2021, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to accomplish their objectives at the reasonable assurance level.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in “Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2021, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer, a member of Ernst & Young Global, has audited the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 20-F, and as part of its audit, has issued its attestation report regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. The report of Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer is included with our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act) that occurred during the period covered by this Annual Report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Our Board has determined that Mr. Gutler, Ms. Iohan and Mr. Zohar each satisfy the “independence” requirements set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Our board of directors has also determined that Mr. Gutler is considered an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 16A of Form 20-F under the Exchange Act.
92
We have adopted a Code of Ethics and Conduct that applies to all our employees, officers and directors, including our principal executive, principal financial and principal accounting officers. Our Code of Ethics and Conduct addresses, among other things, competition and fair dealing, conflicts of interest, financial matters and external reporting, company funds and assets, confidentiality and corporate opportunity requirements and the process for reporting violations of the Code of Ethics and Conduct, employee misconduct, conflicts of interest or other violations. Our Code of Ethics and Conduct is intended to meet the definition of “code of ethics” under Item 16B of 20-F under the Exchange Act.
We will disclose on our website any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of our Code of Ethics and Conduct that applies to our directors or executive officers to the extent required under the rules of the SEC or the NYSE. Our Code of Conduct is available on our website at www.fiverr.com The information contained on or through our website, or any other website referred to herein, is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.
The consolidated financial statements of Fiverr International Ltd. at December 31, 2021 and 2020, and for each the two years in the period ended December 31, 2021, appearing in this Annual Report have been audited by Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer, a member of Ernst & Young Global, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The current address of Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer is 144 Menachem Begin Road, Building A, Tel Aviv 6492101, Israel.
The table below sets out the total amount of services rendered to us by Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer, a member of Ernst & Young Global, for services performed in the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, and breaks down these amounts by category of service:
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Audit Fees | $ | 782 | $ | 1,008 | ||||
Tax Fees | 282 | 704 | ||||||
All Other Fees | 8 | 17 | ||||||
Total | 1,072 | 1,729 | ||||||
Audit Fees
Audit fees for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 include fees for the audit of our annual financial statements. This category also includes services that the independent accountant generally provides, such as consents and assistance with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements and review of documents filed with the SEC as well as certain fees related to the audit in connection with our follow-on offering in June 2020 and issuance of convertible senior notes in October 2020.
Tax Fees
Tax fees for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were related to ongoing tax advisory, tax compliance and tax planning services.
All Other Fees
All other fees in the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 related to services in connection with non-audit compliance and review work.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The advance approval of the Audit Committee or members thereof, to whom approval authority has been delegated, is required for all audit and non- audit services provided by our auditors.
All services provided by our auditors are approved in advance by either the Audit Committee or members thereof, to whom authority has been delegated, in accordance with the Audit Committee’s pre-approval policy.
93
Not applicable.
None.
None.
We are a “foreign private issuer” (as such term is defined in Rule 3b-4 under the Exchange Act) and our ordinary shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. We believe the following to be the significant differences between our corporate governance practices and those applicable to U.S. companies under the NYSE listing standards. Under the New York Stock Exchange rules, listed companies that are foreign private issuers are permitted to follow home country practice in lieu of the corporate governance provisions specified by the New York Stock Exchange with limited exceptions. We rely on this “home country practice exemption” with respect to the quorum requirement for shareholder meetings and with respect to the shareholder approval requirements. As permitted under the Companies Law, pursuant to our amended and restated articles of association, the quorum required for an ordinary meeting of shareholders consists of at least two shareholders present in person, by proxy or by other voting instrument in accordance with the Companies Law, who hold at least 25% of the voting power of our shares (and in an adjourned meeting, with some exceptions, any number of shareholders), instead of 331/3% of the issued share capital required under the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance rules.
We otherwise comply with and intend to continue to comply with the rules generally applicable to U.S. domestic companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange. We may in the future, however, decide to use other foreign private issuer exemptions with respect to some or all of the other New York Stock Exchange listing rules. Following our home country governance practices may provide less protection than is accorded to investors under the New York Stock Exchange listing rules applicable to domestic issuers.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
94
We have provided financial statements pursuant to Item 18.
The audited consolidated financial statements as required under Item 18 are attached hereto starting on page F-1 of this Annual Report. The audit report of Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer, a member of Ernst & Young Global, an independent registered public accounting firm, is included herein preceding the audited consolidated financial statements.
List all exhibits filed as part of the registration statement or annual report, including exhibits incorporated by reference.
Incorporation by Reference | ||||||
Filed / | ||||||
Exhibit No. | Description | Form | File No. | Exhibit No. | Filing Date | Furnished |
20-F | 001-38929 | 1.1 | 3/31/2020 | |||
20-F | 001-38929 | 2.1 | 3/31/2020 | |||
* | ||||||
* | ||||||
F-1 | 333-231533 | 10.3 | 5/16/2019 | |||
F-1 | 333-231533 | 10.4 | 5/16/2019 | |||
F-1 | 333-231533 | 10.5 | 5/16/2019 | |||
F-1 | 333-231533 | 10.6 | 5/16/2019 | |||
F-1 | 333-231533 | 10.7 | 5/16/2019 | |||
F-1/A | 333-231533 | 10.8 | 6/3/2019 | |||
S-8 | 333-248580 | 99.1 | 9/3/2020 | |||
20-F | 001-38929 | 4.10 | 2/18/21 | |||
6-K | 001-38929 | 4.1 | 10/13/2020 | |||
6-K | 001-38929 | 4.12 | 10/13/2020 | |||
6-K | 001-38929 | 10.1 | 10/13/2020 | |||
6-K | 001-38929 | 10.2 | 10/13/2020 | |||
95
6-K | 001-38929 | 10.3 | 10/13/2020 | ||||
6-K | 001-38929 | 10.4 | 10/13/2020 | ||||
6-K | 001-38929 | 10.5 | 10/13/2020 | ||||
6-K | 001-38929 | 10.6 | 10/13/2020 | ||||
6-K | 001-38929 | 10.7 | 10/13/2020 | ||||
6-K | 001-38929 | 10.8 | 10/13/2020 | ||||
6-K | 001-38929 | 10.9 | 10/13/2020 | ||||
6-K | 001-38929 | 10.10 | 10/13/2020 | ||||
* | |||||||
* | |||||||
* | |||||||
** | |||||||
** | |||||||
* | |||||||
101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document. | * | |||||
101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | * | |||||
101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | * | |||||
101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document. | * | |||||
101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. | * | |||||
101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | * | |||||
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | * | |||||
| * | Filed herewith. |
| ** | Furnished herewith. |
| † | Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
Certain agreements filed as exhibits to this Annual Report contain representations and warranties that the parties thereto made to each other. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to such agreements and may have been qualified by certain information that has been disclosed to the other parties to such agreements and that may not be reflected in such agreements. In addition, these representations and warranties may be intended as a way of allocating risks among parties if the statements contained therein prove to be incorrect, rather than as actual statements of fact. Accordingly, there can be no reliance on any such representations and warranties as characterizations of the actual state of facts. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of any such representations and warranties may have changed since the date of such agreements.
96
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
FIVERR INTERNATIONAL LTD.
Date: February 17, 2022 | By: | /s/ Micha Kaufman | |
Name: | Micha Kaufman | ||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
Date: February 17, 2022 | By: | /s/ Ofer Katz | |
Name: | Ofer Katz | ||
Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
97
Fiverr International Ltd.
In U.S. dollars
Index
|
|
Page |
|
Report of independent auditors (PCAOB ID |
F-2 |
|
F-5 |
|
|
F-6 |
|
|
F-7 |
|
|
F-8 |
|
|
F-9 |
|
|
F-10 - F-34 |
F - 1
To the shareholders and the board of directors of
FIVERR INTERNATIONAL LTD.
Opinion on the financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 17, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the account or disclosure to which it relates.
F - 2
Revenue recognition
|
Description of the Matter
|
As described in Note 2s to the consolidated financial statements, the Company derives its revenue mainly from transaction fees and service fees. The Company earn transaction fees for enabling orders and providing other services and service fees to cover administrative fees. The Company’s revenue recognition process involves several applications responsible for the initiation, processing and recording of transactions, and the calculation of revenue in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy. The processing and recognition of revenue are highly automated and involves capturing and processing significant volumes of data.
|
|
Auditing the Company’s revenues was challenging and complex due to the high volume of individually-low- monetary-value transactions and the dependency on multiple applications, some of which are custom-made for the Company’s business, and data sources associated with the revenue recognition process. Given the complex automated systems utilized to capture, process, and ultimately record revenue, performing procedures to audit revenue required a high degree of auditor judgment and extensive audit effort.
|
|
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
|
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of internal controls over the Company’s revenue recognition process. For example, with the assistance of IT professionals, we tested the controls over the initiation and recognition of transactions. We also tested the controls related to the key application interfaces between the Company’s self-developed systems, which included controls related to access to the relevant applications and data, changes to the relevant systems and interfaces, as well as controls over the configuration of the relevant applications.
|
|
Our substantive audit procedures included, among others, testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data within the Company’s accounting system, performing, with the assistance of our IT professionals, a recalculation of transaction fees and service fees recorded through the Company’s accounting system, and comparing to the Company’s recorded revenues. We performed, on a sample basis, transactions testing by agreeing the amounts recognized in the accounting system to third-party documentation. We also evaluated the Company’s disclosures included in Note 2s to the consolidated financial statements.
|
/s/ KOST FORER GABBAY & KASIERER
A Member of Ernst & Young Global
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2011.
Tel-Aviv, Israel
February 17, 2022
F - 3
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of
FIVERR INTERNATIONAL LTD
FIVERR INTERNATIONAL LTD
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes of the Company, and our report dated February 17, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
|
/s/ |
|
A Member of Ernst & Young Global |
|
|
|
Tel-Aviv, February 17, 2022 |
F - 4
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data)
|
December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
|||||||
|
ASSETS
|
||||||||
|
Current assets:
|
||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Marketable securities
|
|
|
||||||
|
Restricted cash |
|
|||||||
|
User funds
|
|
|
||||||
|
Bank deposits
|
|
|
||||||
|
Restricted deposit
|
|
|
||||||
|
Other receivables
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
||||||
|
Marketable securities
|
|
|
||||||
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
||||||
|
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
|
|
|
||||||
|
Intangible assets, net
|
|
|
||||||
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
||||||
|
Restricted deposit
|
|
|
||||||
|
Other non-current assets
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total assets
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
||||||||
|
Current liabilities:
|
||||||||
|
Trade payables
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
User accounts
|
|
|
||||||
|
Deferred revenue
|
|
|
||||||
|
Other account payables and accrued expenses
|
|
|
||||||
|
Operating lease liabilities
|
|
|
||||||
|
Current maturities of long-term loan
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
||||||
|
Long-term liabilities:
|
||||||||
|
Convertible notes
|
|
|
||||||
|
Operating lease liabilities
|
|
|
||||||
|
Long-term loan and other non-current liabilities
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total long-term liabilities
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total liabilities
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Commitments and contingencies (see note 11)
|
||||||||
|
Shareholders’ equity:
|
||||||||
|
Shares authorized:
|
||||||||
|
Shares issued and outstanding:
|
|
|
||||||
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
||||||
|
Accumulated deficit
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
|
(
|
)
|
|
|||||
|
Total shareholders’ equity
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
F - 5
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data)
|
Year ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
||||||||||
|
Revenue
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
|
Cost of revenue
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Operating expenses:
|
||||||||||||
|
Research and development
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Operating loss
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||
|
Financial income (expenses), net
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
|
|||||||
|
Loss before income taxes
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||
|
Income taxes
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||
|
Net loss
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
|||
|
Deemed dividend to protected ordinary shareholders
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
||||||||
|
Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
|||
|
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
|||
|
Basic and diluted weighted average ordinary shares
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
F - 6
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data)
|
Year ended
December 31, |
||||||||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
||||||||||
|
Net loss
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
|||
|
Marketable securities:
|
||||||||||||
|
Unrealized gain (loss)
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Derivatives:
|
||||||||||||
|
Unrealized income
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||
|
Other comprehensive loss
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Comprehensive loss
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
|||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
F - 7
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data)
|
Number of
ordinary shares and protected ordinary shares |
Share capital
and additional paid-in capital |
Accumulated
deficit |
Accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss) |
Total
shareholders’ equity |
||||||||||||||||
|
Balance as of December 31, 2018
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
|||||||||
|
Share-based compensation
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Exercise of share options and vested RSUs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Issuance of protected ordinary shares, net of issuance cost of $
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Issuance of ordinary shares in connection with IPO, net of issuance costs of $
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Exercise of warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Net loss
|
-
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||||||||
|
Deemed dividend related to the issuance of protected ordinary shares
|
-
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
Other comprehensive income
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Balance as of December 31, 2019
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||||||
|
Share-based compensation
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Exercise of share options and vested RSUs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Issuance of ordinary shares in connection with follow on offering, net of issuance costs of $
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Equity component of convertible notes, net of issuance costs of $
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Purchase of capped call
|
-
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||||||||
|
Net loss
|
-
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||||||||
|
Other comprehensive income
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Balance as of December 31, 2020
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||||||
|
Share-based compensation
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Exercise of share options, vested RSUs and ESPP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Equity award assumed for acquisition
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Net loss
|
-
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||||||||
|
Other comprehensive loss
|
-
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||||||||
|
Balance as of December 31, 2021
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
|||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
F - 8
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data)
|
Year ended
|
||||||||||||
|
December 31,
|
||||||||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
||||||||||
|
Cash flows from operating activities:
|
||||||||||||
|
Net loss
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
|||
|
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
|
||||||||||||
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Amortization of discount of marketable securities
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
||||||||
|
Amortization of discount and issuance costs of convertible notes
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Share -based compensation
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Net loss (gain) from exchange rate fluctuations
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
||||||
|
Loss from disposal of property and equipment
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Changes in assets and liabilities:
|
||||||||||||
|
User funds
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||
|
Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities, net
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Other receivables
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||
|
Trade payables
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
||||||||
|
Deferred revenue
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
User accounts
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Payment of contingent consideration
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
|
|||||||
|
Account payables, accrued expenses and other |
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
||||||||
|
Investing activities:
|
||||||||||||
|
Investment in marketable securities
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
) | ||||||
|
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Acquisition of intangible asset
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
||||||||
|
Purchase of property and equipment
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||
|
Capitalization of internal-use software
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||
|
Other receivables and non-current assets
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
||||||||
|
Bank and restricted deposits
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||
|
Financing activities:
|
||||||||||||
|
Proceeds from initial public offering, net
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Proceeds from follow-on offering, net
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes, net
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Purchase of capped call
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
||||||||
|
Proceeds from exercise of share options
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Proceeds from issuance of protected ordinary shares, net
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Payment of contingent consideration
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
|
|||||||
|
Tax withholding in connection with employees’ exercises of share options and vested RSUs
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Repayment of long-term loan
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
) | |||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the year |
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
|
Supplemental non-cash disclosure:
|
||||||||||||
|
Purchase of property and equipment
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
|
Share-based compensation capitalized in internal-use software
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
|
Contingent consideration
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
|
Lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
|
Supplemental cash flow disclosure:
|
||||||||||||
|
Cash paid for taxes
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
|
Cash paid for interest
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
Note 1: —General
Fiverr International Ltd. was incorporated on April 29, 2010, under the laws of Israel, and commenced operations on the same date.
Fiverr International Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) operates a worldwide online marketplace for sellers to sell their services and buyers to buy them. The Company’s platform includes various categories across nine verticals, including Graphics & Design, Digital Marketing, Writing & Translation, Video & Animation, Music & Audio, Programming & Tech, Business, Data and Lifestyle.
The Company’s platform also includes a variety of value-added products including subscription-based content marketing platform, back office platform, learning and development offerings, creative talent platform and freelancer management system.
Commencing June 13, 2019, the ordinary shares of the Company are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
Note 2: —Significant accounting policies
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”). The significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, are as follows:
a.Use of estimates:
The preparation of consolidated financial statements, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
The accounting estimates that require management’s subjective judgments include but are not limited to revenue recognition, income taxes, share- based compensation and purchase price allocation on acquisitions including determination of useful lives, Incremental Borrowing Rate (“IBR”), convertible notes borrowing rate and contingent consideration. The Company evaluates its estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis and revises them when necessary. Actual results may differ from the original or revised estimates.
b.Principles of consolidation:
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.
c.Functional currency:
The functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar, as it is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company is operating. Foreign currency transactions and balances have been re-measured to U.S. dollars in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 830, “Foreign Currency Matters.” All transaction gains and losses from re- measurement of monetary balance sheet items denominated in foreign currencies are recorded under financial income (expenses), net.
d.Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash:
The Company considers all investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents including amounts related to payment processing companies.
Restricted cash includes cash that is legally restricted as to withdrawal or usage.
e.Marketable securities:
The Company accounts for marketable securities in accordance with ASC Topic 320, “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities”. The Company’s investments in marketable securities consist of high-grade treasury, corporate and municipal bonds.
Investments in marketable securities are classified as available for sale at the time of purchase. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices, with unrealized gains and losses, reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses including interest and amortization of discount arising from the acquisition of marketable securities were recorded under financial income (expenses), net.
F - 10
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
The Company classifies its marketable securities as either short term or long term based on each instruments’ underlying contractual maturity date as well as the intended time of realization. Marketable securities with maturities of 12 months or less are classified as short-term and marketable securities with maturities greater than 12 months are classified as long-term.
On each reporting period the Company determines whether a decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis of an available for sale debt security is due to credit related factors or noncredit related factors. A credit related impairment would be recognized as an allowance on the balance sheet with a corresponding adjustment to earnings, however, if the Company would intend to sell an impaired available for sale debt security or more likely than not would be required to sell such a security before recovering its amortized cost basis, the entire impairment amount would be recognized in earnings with a corresponding adjustment to the security’s amortized cost basis.
The Company did not recognize an allowance for credit losses on marketable securities as the expected losses were not material for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. No impairment was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2019.
f.Bank deposits:
Deposits with maturities of more than three months but less than one year are classified as short term. Such deposits are presented at their cost.
g.Restricted deposit:
Restricted deposit is restricted as to withdrawal or use. The Company maintains restricted deposits mainly related to the loan to finance leasehold improvements in the Company’s office space.
h.Property and equipment, net:
Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets at the following annual rates:
|
|
|
%
|
|
Computers and peripheral equipment
|
|
|
|
Office furniture and equipment
|
|
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
|
|
The long-lived assets of the Company to be held and used, including Right-Of-Use (“ROU”) assets are tested for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment,” whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment is measured by the amount which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds their fair value. No impairment was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
i.Internal-use software:
Costs incurred to develop internal-use software are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the software, which is generally three years. In accordance with ASC Topic, 350-40, “Internal-Use Software,” capitalization of costs to develop internal-use software begins when preliminary development efforts are successfully completed, the Company has committed project funding and it is probable that the project will be completed, and the software will be used as intended. Costs related to the design or maintenance of internal-use software are expensed as incurred.
The Company periodically reviews internal-use software costs to determine whether the projects will be completed, placed in service, removed from service or replaced by other internally developed or third-party software. If the asset is not expected to provide any future benefit, the asset is retired, and any unamortized cost is expensed.
Capitalized internal-use software costs are recorded under intangible assets.
When events or changes in circumstances require, the Company assesses the likelihood of recovering the cost of internal-use software. If the net book value is not expected to be fully recoverable, internal-use software would be impaired to its fair value. No impairment was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
F - 11
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
j.Business combinations:
The results of an acquired business in a business combination are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition according to the guidance of ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations.” The Company allocates the purchase price, which is the sum of the consideration provided and may consist of cash, equity or a combination of the two, to the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquired business at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded as goodwill.
The estimated fair values and useful lives of identifiable intangible assets are based on many factors, including estimates and assumptions of future operating performance and cash flows of the acquired business, the nature of the business acquired and the specific characteristics of the identified intangible assets. The estimates and assumptions used to determine the fair values and useful lives of identified intangible assets could change due to numerous factors, including market conditions, technological developments, economic conditions and competition. The Company accounted for deferred revenue in business acquired during the year ended December 31, 2021 under the provisions of ASU 2021-08 as described below.
Contingent consideration incurred in a business combination is included as part of the acquisition price and recorded at a probability weighted assessment of the fair value as of the acquisition date. The fair value of the contingent consideration is re-measured at each reporting period, with any adjustments in fair value recognized in earnings under general and administrative expenses.
Acquisition related costs incurred by the Company are not included as a component of consideration transferred but are accounted for as an expense in the period in which the costs are incurred.
k.Goodwill and other purchased intangible assets:
Goodwill and other purchased intangible assets have been recorded in the Company’s financial statements as a result of business combinations and asset acquisition transactions. Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate fair value of the consideration transferred in a business combination over the fair value of the assets acquired, net of liabilities assumed. Under ASC Topic 350, “Intangible—Goodwill and other,” goodwill is not amortized, but rather is subject to impairment test. ASC 350 allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the qualitative assessment does not result in a more likely than not indication of impairment, no further impairment testing is required. If it does result in a more likely than not indication of impairment, a quantitative impairment test is performed. Alternatively, ASC 350 permits an entity to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit and proceed directly to performing the quantitative goodwill impairment test.
The Company operates in one reporting segment, and this segment comprises its only reporting unit.
The Company elected to perform an annual impairment test of goodwill as of October 1st of each year, or more frequently if impairment indicators are present.
Intangible assets that are considered to have definite useful life are amortized using the straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which ranges from 2 to 10 years. The carrying amount of these assets is reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. If the asset is considered to be impaired, the amount of any impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the impaired asset.
No impairment was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
l.Derivatives and hedging:
Derivatives are recognized at fair value as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets in accordance with ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” The gain or loss of derivatives which are designated and qualify as hedging instruments in a cash flow hedge, is recorded under accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Derivatives are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as the valuation inputs are based on quoted prices and market observable data of similar instruments.
m.Fair value of financial instruments:
The Company measures and discloses the fair value of financial assets and liabilities in accordance with ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement.” Fair value is based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
F - 12
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
The accounting standard establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels, which are described below:
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.
Level 2: Observable inputs that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets but corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available.
n.Concentrations of credit risks:
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, bank deposits, investment in marketable securities, restricted deposit and derivatives, which are placed in major banks in Israel, Germany and the U.S.
User funds are held by a payment service provider which, pursuant to the agreement, was engaged to hold the user funds on behalf of buyers and sellers in an account segregated from the payment service provider’s operating bank account.
The Company does not have off-balance sheet concentration of credit risks.
o.Convertible notes:
The Company accounts for convertible notes in accordance with ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” and ASC Topic 470, “Debt”. The Company separately accounts for debt and equity components of convertible notes that may be settled in cash. The carrying amount of the debt component was based on the fair value of a similar hypothetical debt instrument excluding the conversion option.
The equity component was based on the excess of the principal amount of the convertible notes over the fair value of the debt component after adjustment for an allocation of issuance costs. The equity component is recorded under additional paid in capital and is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the criteria for equity classification.
The difference between the principal amount of the convertible notes and the amount allocated to the debt component was considered to be debt discount, which is subsequently amortized through interest expenses over the expected life of the convertible notes using the effective interest method.
Issuance costs were allocated to the debt and equity components in proportion to the allocation of proceeds to those components.
p.Employee related obligations:
The Company accounts for employee related obligations in accordance with ASC Topic 715, “Compensation—retirement benefits.” The Israeli Severance Pay Law, 1963 (“Severance Pay Law”), specifies that employees are entitled to severance payment, following the termination of their employment. Under the Severance Pay Law, the severance payment is calculated as one-month salary for each year of employment, or a portion thereof. The Company’s liability for severance pay is covered by the provisions of Section 14 of the Severance Pay Law (“Section 14”). Under Section 14 employees are entitled to monthly deposits, at a rate of 8.33 % of their monthly salary, contributed on their behalf to their insurance funds. Payments made in accordance with Section 14 release the Company from any future severance payments in respect of those employees.
As a result, the Company does not recognize any asset or liability in connection with severance pay. Severance costs amounted to $4,549 , $3,081 and $2,359 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The Company’s U.S. Subsidiaries have a 401(K) defined contribution plan covering certain employees in the U.S. All eligible employees may elect to contribute up to
q.User funds and user accounts:
The Company has an arrangement with an existing payment service provider to hold funds on behalf of buyers and sellers (“users”). User funds consist of buyers’ prepayments, including the Company’s transaction and service fees that would be earned when an order is completed, credits issued upon cancellations and seller fees that have not yet been withdrawn. User accounts represent the corresponding liability to the users.
The Company does not have ownership over the funds and does not have the right to direct the funds to be used at will or for its own benefit other than those funds related to transaction and service fees owed to the Company after control has been obtained by the customers.
F - 13
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
r.Leases:
The Company determines if an arrangement meets the definition of a lease at the inception of the lease.
ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease agreement. ROU asset is measured based on the discounted present value of the remaining lease payments, initial direct costs incurred and prepaid lease payments, excluding lease incentives. The lease liability is measured based on the discounted present value of the remaining lease payments. The discounted present value of remaining lease payments is computed using IBR based on the information available at the inception of the lease. The Company’s IBR was estimated to approximate the interest rate for collateralized borrowing with similar terms and payments and in economic environments where the leased asset was located.
Lease term may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company would exercise that option. The Company elected the practical expedient for lease agreements with a term of twelve months or less and does not recognized ROU assets and lease liabilities in respect of those agreements.
Payments under the Company’s lease agreements are primarily fixed, however, certain lease agreements contain variable payments, which are expensed as incurred and not included in the operating lease ROU assets and liabilities. Variable lease payments are mainly comprised of payments affected by the consumer price index.
The Company subleases certain office spaces to third-parties. Sublease income is recognized over the term of the agreement.
Lease expenses for lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non lease components for its leases.
s.Revenue:
The Company’s revenue was primarily comprised of transaction fees and service fees. The Company earns transaction fees for enabling orders and providing other services and service fees to cover administrative fees.
The Company’s customers are the users on its platform. Users accept the Company’s terms of service upon registration to the platform. Gross order amount including transaction and service fees is collected from the buyer upfront by a third-party payment provider. The prepaid amounts from buyers are simultaneously recorded as an asset under user funds with a corresponding liability to buyers under user accounts and deferred revenue until the order is completed or canceled.
A contract with a customer exists only when: the parties to the contract have approved it and are committed to perform their respective obligations, the Company can identify each party’s rights regarding the distinct services to be transferred (“performance obligations”), the Company can determine the transaction price for the services to be transferred, the contract has commercial substance and it is probable that the Company will collect the consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for the services that will be transferred to the customer.
F - 14
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
The Company’s revenue is primarily comprised of one distinct performance obligation which is to arrange services to be provided (including communication, engagement and payment processing) on its marketplace platform by the sellers to the buyers.
The Company earns transaction fees and service fees that are based on the total value of transactions ordered through the platform once the buyer obtains control of the service, which occurs at a point in time upon completion of each order.
Revenue is recorded in the amount of consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for performance obligations upon transfer of control to the customer, excluding amounts collected on behalf of other third parties and indirect taxes.
Revenue is mainly recognized on a net basis since the Company has concluded that it acts as an agent on its platform, mainly since it does not take responsibility for the sellers’ services and therefore it is not primary responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the service and doesn’t have discretion in price establishment. Therefore, the Company does not obtain control of the services before they are transferred to the customer.
The Company elected to use the practical expedient and recognize the incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense since the amortization period of the assets that the Company otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. Similarly, the Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations since the original expected duration of the contracts is one year or less.
The Company recognizes revenue from unused user accounts balances once the likelihood of the users exercising their unused accounts balances becomes remote and the Company is not required to remit such unused account balances to a third party in accordance with applicable unclaimed property laws. The amounts recognized for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were immaterial.
Revenue from subscriptions including the Company’s content marketing platform, on line learning platform, creative talent platform and back-office platform are mainly recognized over time when the service is rendered to the customer.
Disaggregated revenue:
The Company’s transaction fees for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were $217,086 , $139,019 and $78,074 , respectively.
The Company’s services fees for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were $80,576 , $50,491 and $28,999 , respectively.
Contract liabilities:
The Company’s contract liabilities mainly consist of deferred revenues from transaction and service fees received in advance for services for which control has not been yet obtained by the customers. Deferred revenues amounted to $12,145 and $5,957 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 respectively.
t.Cost of revenue:
Cost of revenue is mainly comprised of expenses related to payment processing companies’ fees, server hosting fees, costs of the Company’s customer support personnel, amortization of capitalized internal-use software, developed technology and courses.
u.Research and development expenses:
Research and development expenses are primarily comprised of costs of the Company’s research and development personnel and other development related expenses. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred, except to the extent that such costs are associated with internal-use software that qualifies for capitalization.
v.Sales and marketing expenses:
Sales and marketing expenses are primarily comprised of costs of the Company’s marketing personnel, performance marketing investments, branding costs, amortization of customer relationships, creative relationships and trade name and other advertising costs. Sales and marketing expenses are expensed as incurred.
F - 15
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
Advertising costs were $108,645 , $68,539 and $41,341 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
w.General and administrative expenses:
General and administrative expenses primarily include costs of the Company’s executive, finance, legal and other administrative personnel, costs associated with fraud risk reduction and others. General and administrative expenses are expensed as incurred.
x.Share based compensation:
The Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation.” Share based awards are mainly granted to employees and members of the Company’s board of directors and measured at fair value at each grant date. The Company calculates the fair value of share options and Employee Share Purchase Plans (“ESPP”) on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the expense is recognized over the requisite service period for awards expected to vest using the straight line method. The Company recognizes the fair value of Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”) on the grant date based on the market value of the underlying share and the expense is recognized over the requisite service period for awards using the straight line method.
The requisite service period for share options is generally four years . The Company recognizes forfeitures as they occur.
The Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires the Company to make a number of assumptions, including the value of the Company’s ordinary shares, expected volatility, expected term, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends. The Company evaluates the assumptions used to value share options and ESPP upon each grant date.
Expected volatility of share options was calculated based on the implied volatilities from market comparisons of certain publicly traded companies and other factors. Expected volatility for ESPP was calculated based upon the Company’s share prices.
The expected share options term was calculated based on the simplified method, which uses the midpoint between the vesting date and the contractual term, as the Company does not have sufficient historical data to develop an estimate based on participant behavior.
The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. treasury bonds yield with an equivalent term.
The Company has not paid dividends and has no foreseeable plans to pay dividends.
y.Income taxes:
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” using the liability method. Under the liability method, deferred assets and liabilities are recognized based upon anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates that will be in effect for the years in which those tax assets are expected to be realized or settled.
The Company regularly assesses the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be realized from recoverable income taxes or recovered from future taxable income based on the realization criteria set forth in the relevant authoritative guidance. To the extent the Company believes any amounts are not more likely than not to be realized, the Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets. The realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future earnings, if any, the timing and amount of which are uncertain. Accordingly, the net deferred tax assets have been fully offset by a valuation allowance. If the Company subsequently realizes or determines it is more likely than not that it will realize deferred tax assets that were previously determined to be unrealizable, the respective valuation allowance would be reversed, resulting in an adjustment to earnings in the period such determination is made.
The Company recognizes uncertain tax positions based on its estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. These liabilities are established utilizing a two-step approach when the Company believes that certain positions might be challenged despite its belief that its tax return positions are fully supportable. The first step requires the Company to determine if the weight of available evidence indicates a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit. The second step is based on the largest amount of benefit, which is more likely than not to be realized on ultimate settlement.
Any interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded as income tax expense. The Company adjusts these liabilities in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the outcome of a tax audit or changes in the tax law.
F - 16
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
z.Segment reporting:
The Company identifies operating segments in accordance with ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting” as components of an entity for which discrete financial information is available and is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in making decisions regarding resource allocation and evaluating financial performance. The Company defines the term “chief operating decision maker” to be its chief executive officer. The Company determined it operates in one operating segment and one reportable segment, as its chief operating decision maker reviews financial information presented only on a consolidated basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance.
aa.Loss per share:
The Company computes basic loss per share in accordance with ASC Topic 260, “Earnings per Share” by dividing the net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year. Diluted loss per share is computed by taking into account the potential dilution that could occur upon the exercise of share options and ESPP and vesting of RSUs granted under share based compensation plans using the treasury stock method and the potential dilution that could occur upon conversion of the convertible notes using the if converted method.
Basic and diluted net loss per share was presented in conformity with the two class method for participating securities for the year ended December 31, 2019 as a result of a deemed dividend related to the issuance of protected ordinary shares (see note 14).
The potentially dilutive unvested RSUs, share options to purchase ordinary shares and potentially dilutive ordinary shares from conversion of convertible notes that were excluded from the computation amounted to 5,840,619 , 6,017,362 and 4,578,542 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, because including them would have been anti dilutive.
ab.Contingencies:
The Company accrues for loss contingencies when losses become probable and are reasonably estimable. If the reasonable estimate of the loss is a range and no amount within the range is a better estimate, the minimum amount of the range is recorded as a liability. The Company does not accrue for contingent losses that, in its judgment, are considered to be reasonably possible, but not probable; however, it discloses the range of such reasonably possible losses.
ac.Recently adopted accounting pronouncements:
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases,” related to how an entity should recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. The guidance specifies that an entity that is a lessee under lease agreements should recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for those leases classified as operating leases under previous FASB guidance. Accounting for leases by lessors is largely unchanged under the new guidance. In September 2017, the FASB issued additional amendments providing clarification and implementation guidance. In January 2018, the FASB issued an update that permits an entity to elect an optional transition practical expedient to not evaluate land easements that existed or expired before the entity’s adoption of the new standard and that were not previously accounted for as leases. The provisions of ASU 2016-02 are to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. The new standard becomes effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020.
The Company adopted this guidance in 2020, using the modified retrospective approach and elected to use the effective date as the date of initial application. The Company elected to use the ”package of practical expedients”, which permits it not to reassess its prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. Consequently, comprehensive periods were not restated.
The guidance had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet which resulted in the recognition of operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities of $
F - 17
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
The standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Topic 326 “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. The standard requires entities to estimate an expected lifetime credit loss on financial assets and report credit losses using an expected losses model rather than the incurred losses model that was previously used, which may result in the timelier recognition of losses. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this guidance in 2020 with no material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In October 2021 the FASB ASU 2021-08, Topic 805 “Business Combinations” – Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers. The amendments in this update require that an entity (acquirer) recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606. At the acquisition date, an acquirer should account for the related revenue contracts in accordance with Topic 606 as if it had originated the contracts. To achieve this, an acquirer may assess how the acquiree applied Topic 606 to determine what to record for the acquired revenue contracts.
The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company early adopted the standard in 2021. Acquisitions of businesses assumed during the year ended December 31, 2021 were presented in conformity with the provisions of the standard.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted:
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, ASC Subtopic 470-20 “Debt—Debt with “Conversion and Other Options” and ASC subtopic 815- 40 “Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity”. The standard reduced the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock. Convertible instruments that continue to be subject to separation models are those with embedded conversion features that are not clearly and closely related to the host contract, that meet the definition of a derivative, and that do not qualify for a scope exception from derivative accounting and convertible debt instruments issued with substantial premiums for which the premiums are recorded as paid-in capital. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years.
The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2022 using the modified retrospective approach. As of December 31, 2021 the adoption resulted in a reclassification of the equity component representing the conversion option of $
F - 18
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
Note 3: —Certain transactions
a.ClearVoice acquisition:
In February 2019, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of ClearVoice, Inc. (“ClearVoice”), a subscription-based content marketing platform for a cash amount of $11,786 . The results of operations of ClearVoice were consolidated in the Company’s financial statements commencing the date of acquisition.
The agreement stipulated additional contingent payments to shareholders of ClearVoice in an aggregate amount of up to $8,000 subject to certain milestones to be paid over a three-year period. The fair-value of the contingent consideration as of the acquisition date was $4,240 and measured based on the estimated future cash outflows, utilizing the Monte Carlo simulation. As of December 31, 2021 an amount of $1,600 was recorded under other accrued expenses. As of December 31, 2020, $1,220 and $1,505 were recorded under other accrued expenses and other non-current liabilities, respectively.
The following table summarizes the fair value of the consideration transferred to ClearVoice shareholders as of the acquisition date:
|
Cash paid
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
Fair-value of contingent consideration
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retention bonus
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
Total fair value of consideration transferred
|
|
$
|
|
|
The table below summarizes the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities and the resulting goodwill as of the acquisition date:
|
Fair value |
Amortization period
|
||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
|
|||
|
Other tangible assets assumed |
|
||||
|
Developed technology
|
|
|
|||
|
Customer relationships
|
|
|
|||
|
Trade name
|
|
|
|||
|
Goodwill
|
|
||||
|
Total assets acquired |
|
||||
|
Total liabilities assumed |
|
||||
|
Net assets acquired
|
$
|
|
|||
The Company incurred approximately $183 in acquisition expenses which were recorded under general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Pro forma results of operations related to this acquisition have not been presented because they are not material to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
b.Working Not Working acquisition:
In January 2021, the Company acquired all the outstanding shares of Working Not Working, Inc. (“WnW”), a creative talent platform for a consideration of $
The results of operations of WnW were consolidated in the Company’s financial statements commencing the date of acquisition.
The agreement stipulated additional contingent payments which are not included in the total consideration to the shareholders of WnW in an aggregate amount of up to $
The table below summarizes the preliminary fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities and the goodwill as of the acquisition date:
|
Fair value |
Amortization period
|
||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
|
|||
|
Other tangible assets assumed |
|
||||
|
Creative relationships
|
|
|
|||
|
Customer relationships
|
|
|
|||
|
Trade name |
|
|
|||
|
Goodwill
|
|
||||
|
Total assets acquired
|
|
||||
|
Total liabilities
|
(
|
)
|
|||
|
Net assets acquired
|
$
|
|
|||
F - 19
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
The Company incurred approximately $
Pro forma results of operations related to this acquisition have not been presented because they are not material to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
c.CreativeLive acquisition:
In October 2021, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of CreativeLive, Inc. (“CreativeLive”), an online learning platform for a consideration of $
The agreement stipulated additional payments which were not included in the consideration including a paymeny to employees of CreativeLive by shareholders for past services in the amount of $
The agreement also stipulated contingent payments to shareholders of CreativeLive in an aggregate amount of up to $1,500 subject to certain milestones to be paid after 18 months.
F - 20
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
The table below summarizes the preliminary fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities and the goodwill as of the acquisition date:
|
Fair value |
Amortization period
|
||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
|
|||
|
Other tangible assets assumed |
|
||||
|
Courses
|
|
|
|||
|
Customer relationships
|
|
|
|||
|
Technology
|
|
|
|||
|
Trade name |
|
|
|||
|
Goodwill
|
|
||||
|
Total assets acquired
|
|
||||
|
Deferred revenue and other liabilities assumed |
(
|
)
|
|||
|
Net assets acquired
|
$
|
|
|||
The Company incurred approximately $
Pro forma results of operations related to this acquisition have not been presented because they are not material to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
d. Stoke Talent acquisition
In November 2021, the Company acquired all the outstanding shares of Stoke Talent Ltd. (“Stoke”) a freelance management system for a cash amount of $93,084. According to the agreement unvested company options held by continuing employees of Stoke, were terminated, and substituted with a substitute award of the Company.
The results of operations of Stoke were consolidated in the Company’s financial statements commencing the date of acquisition.
The agreement stipulated additional contingent payments to shareholders of Stoke in an aggregate amount of up to $
The following table summarizes the fair value of the consideration transferred to Stoke shareholders as of the acquisition date:
|
Cash paid
|
$
|
|
||
|
Fair value of contingent consideration
|
|
|||
|
Fair value of unvested options
|
|
|||
|
Total fair value of consideration transferred
|
$
|
|
The table below summarizes the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities and the resulting goodwill as of the acquisition date:
|
|
Fair value
|
Amortization period
|
|||
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
|
|||
|
Other tangible assets assumed |
|
||||
|
Developed technology
|
|
|
|||
|
Customer relationships
|
|
|
|||
|
Trade name
|
|
|
|||
|
Goodwill
|
|
||||
|
Total assets acquired
|
|
||||
|
Total liabilities assumed
|
(
|
) | |||
|
Net assets acquired
|
$
|
|
|||
F - 21
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
The Company incurred approximately $
Pro forma results of operations related to this acquisition have not been presented because they are not material to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
e.Other transactions:
In August 4, 2020 the Company acquired Sharon Lee Thony Consulting LLC a digital marketing agency for a consideration amount of $
Note 4: —Fair value of financial instruments
The following tables set forth the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of:
|
|
|
December 31, 2021
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
Level 1
|
|
|
Level 2
|
|
|
Level 3
|
|
|||
|
Cash and cash equivalents:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
Restricted cash |
|
|||||||||||
|
Money market funds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deposits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank Deposits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted deposits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketable securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset derivatives
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liability derivatives
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contingent consideration
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
Level 1
|
|
|
Level 2
|
|
|
Level 3
|
|
|||
|
Cash and cash equivalents:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
Money market funds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deposits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank Deposits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted deposits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketable securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset derivatives
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liability derivatives
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contingent consideration
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration:
|
Fair value as of December 31, 2020
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
|
Payment
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current year acquisitions |
( |
) | ||
|
Revaluation
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
Fair value as of December 31, 2021
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
The fair value of other financial instruments included in working capital and other non-current assets and liabilities approximate their carrying value.
As of December 31, 2021, the total estimated fair value of the convertible notes was approximately $427,529 . The fair value of the convertible notes is considered to be Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy and was determined based on the quoted price of the convertible notes in an over-the-counter market.
F - 22
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
Note 5: Marketable securities
As of December 31, 2021, the amortized cost, unrealized holding gains and losses and fair value of marketable securities were as follows:
|
Amortized
|
Unrealized
|
Unrealized
|
||||||||||||||
|
Cost
|
gains
|
losses
|
Fair Value
|
|||||||||||||
|
Municipal and U.S. treasury bonds
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
|||||||
|
Corporate bonds
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
|||||||||||
|
Total
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
|||||||
As of December 31, 2020, the amortized cost, unrealized holding gains and losses and fair value of marketable securities were as follows:
|
Amortized
|
Unrealized
|
Unrealized
|
||||||||||||||
|
Cost
|
gains
|
losses
|
Fair Value
|
|||||||||||||
|
Municipal and U.S. treasury bonds
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
|||||||
|
Corporate bonds
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
|||||||||||
|
Total
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
|||||||
The following table summarizes the fair value and amortized cost of the available-for-sale securities by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2021:
|
Amortized
Cost |
Fair Value
|
|||||||
|
Due within one year
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Due after one year through two years
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
Note 6: —Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following as of:
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
2021
|
|
|
2020
|
|
||
|
Leasehold improvements
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
Computers and peripheral equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Office furniture and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less—accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Depreciation expenses were $
Note 7: —Intangible assets, net
Intangible assets, net consisted of the following as of:
|
December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
|||||||
|
Developed technology
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Capitalized internal-use software
|
|
|
||||||
|
Customer relationships
|
|
|
||||||
|
Creative relationships
|
|
|
||||||
|
Trade name
|
|
|
||||||
|
Courses
|
|
|
||||||
|
Workforce
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Less—accumulated amortization
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
|||||
In connection with internal-use software, the Company capitalized $1,261 , $577 and $ 1,014 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 respectively. The capitalized amount included share-based compensation of $247 , $40 and 110 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Amortization expenses amounted to $5,137 , $3,131 and $2,651 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
F - 23
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
The estimated future amortization of intangible assets as of December 31, 2021 was as follows:
|
2022
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
2026 and thereafter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Note 8: —Derivatives and hedging
The Company entered into forward, put and call option contracts to hedge certain forecasted payroll and rent payments denominated in NIS, against exchange rate fluctuations of the U.S. dollar for a period of up to twelve months. The Company recorded the cash flows associated with these derivatives under operating activities.
The Company had outstanding contracts designated as hedging instruments in the aggregate notional amount of $49,620 and $14,500 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s outstanding contracts amounted to an asset of $822 and a liability of $4 as of December 31, 2021 and an asset of $314 and a liability of $12 as of December 31, 2020. These assets and liabilities were recorded under other receivables and other account payables and accrued expenses respectively. Gains of $1,160 , $1,267 and $261 were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Such gains were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss when the related expenses were incurred. These gains were recorded in the consolidated statements of operations were as follows:
|
Year ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
||||||||||
|
Cost of revenue |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) | |||
|
Research and development |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||||
|
Sales and marketing |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||||
|
General and administrative |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) | ||||||
|
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) | ||||
Note 9: —Other account payables and accrued expenses
Other payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following as of:
|
December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
|||||||
|
Accrued expenses
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Accrued employee and government authorities
|
|
|
||||||
|
Tax withholding in connection with employees’ exercises of share options and vested RSUs
|
|
|
||||||
|
Contingent consideration
|
|
|
||||||
|
Other
|
|
|
||||||
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
|||||
Note 10: —Leases
The Company leases office spaces under non-cancelable operating lease agreements in Israel and the U.S. that expire through October 2026. The operating lease for the Company’s office space in Israel expired in December 2021 and contains a five-year renewal option, which the Company utilizes. The Company subleases a portion of its Israel office space.
The components of operating lease cost recorded under operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
|
|
December 31, | |||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
|
Fixed cost and variable cost that depend on an index |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Short term lease cost |
||||||||
|
Sublease income |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
|
$ | $ | ||||||
The Company’s net rent expenses prior to the adoption of the new lease guidance were $2,373 for the year ended December 31, 2019. Sublease income was $931 for the year ended December 31, 2019.
|
Weighted average remaining lease term as of December 31, 2021 |
|
|||
|
Weighted average discount rate |
|
|
The minimum lease payments for the Company’s ROU assets over the remaining lease periods as of December 31, 2021, were as follows:
|
2022 |
$ |
|
||
|
2023 |
|
|||
|
2024 |
|
|||
|
2025 |
|
|||
|
2026 and after |
|
|||
|
Total undiscounted lease payments |
|
|||
|
Less: imputed interest |
( |
) |
||
|
Present value of lease liabilities |
$ |
|
F - 24
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
Note 11: —Commitments and contingencies
From time to time, the Company may be involved in various claims and legal proceedings. The Company reviews the status of each matter and assesses its potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated the Company would accrue a liability for the estimated loss. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company is not involved in any claims or legal proceedings which require accrual of liability for the estimated loss.
Note 12: —Convertible notes
| a. |
Convertible notes
|
In October 2020, the Company issued $460,000 aggregate principal amount, 0 % coupon rate of convertible notes due on 2025 (inclusive of an additional $60,000 aggregate principal amount of such notes pursuant to the exercise in full of the overallotment option of the initial purchasers). The convertible notes are convertible based upon an initial conversion rate of 4.6823 of the Company’s ordinary shares, per share per $1 principal amount of convertible notes (equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $213.57 per ordinary share). The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain specified events. The convertible notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company. The convertible notes mature on November 1, 2025 , unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted.
On or after May 15, 2025 until the close of business on the third scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, a holder may convert its convertible notes at any time, regardless of the foregoing circumstances.
Upon conversion, the Company can pay or deliver cash, ordinary shares or a combination of cash and ordinary shares, at the Company’s election.
The Company may not redeem the convertible notes prior to November 5, 2023 , except in the event of certain tax law changes.
The Company may, at any time and from time to time, redeem for cash all or any portion of the convertible notes, at the Company’s option, on or after November 5, 2023, if the last reported sale price of the Company`s ordinary shares has been at least 130 % of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 30 consecutive trading day period (including the last trading day of such period) ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which it delivers notice of redemption at a redemption price equal to 100 % of the principal amount of the convertible notes to be redeemed.
Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change as defined in the indenture, holders may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their convertible notes at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the convertible notes to be repurchased (plus accrued and unpaid special interest payable under certain circumstances set forth in the terms of the convertible notes (if any) to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date. In addition, in connection with a make-whole fundamental change as defined in the indenture or following the Company’s delivery of a notice of redemption, the company will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert its convertible notes in connection with such a corporate event or redemption, as the case may be.
Issuance costs attributable to the debt and equity components were $ 9,969 and $2,842 , respectively. The effective borrowing rate of the debt component of the convertible notes was 5.1 %. This borrowing rate was based on the Company’s synthetic credit risk rating determined by a third-party appraiser.
During and as of the year ended December 31, 2021, the conditions allowing holders of the convertible senior notes to convert were not met therefore the notes were classified as long-term liability.
The net carrying amount of the debt and equity components of the convertible notes as of December 31, 2021 were as follows:
|
Debt component:
|
||||
|
Principal amounts
|
$
|
|
||
|
Unamortized discount
|
|
|
||
|
Unamortized issuance costs
|
|
|
||
|
Net carrying amount
|
$
|
|
||
|
Equity component, net
|
$
|
|
||
F - 25
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
Financial expenses related to the convertible senior notes for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
|
December 31, |
|||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
||||||
|
Amortization of discount
|
$
|
|
$ | ||||
|
Amortization of issuance costs
|
|
|
|||||
|
$
|
|
$ |
|
||||
| b. |
Capped call
|
In connection with the pricing of the convertible notes and the exercise of the overallotment option, the Company entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions with certain financial institutions. The capped call transactions cover, collectively, the number of the Company’s ordinary shares underlying the convertible notes, subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those applicable to the convertible notes. The capped call has an initial strike price of $213.57 per ordinary share, subject to certain adjustments, which corresponds to the approximate initial conversion price of the convertible notes. The cap price of the capped call is initially $305.1 per ordinary share and is subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the capped call.
The capped call transactions were considered to be freestanding instruments as they were entered into separately and apart from the convertible notes and since the conversion or redemption of the convertible notes does not automatically result in the exercise of the capped call. The capped call transactions are indexed to the Company’s own shares and meet the criteria for equity classification. The cost of the capped call transactions was approximately $43,240 recorded as a reduction to additional paid in capital with no subsequent measurement.
Note 13: —Long term loan and other non-current liabilities
Long-term loan and other long-term liabilities consisted of the following as of:
|
December 31,
|
||||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
|||||||
|
Contingent consideration (Note 3a and 3d)
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Long-term loan less current maturities of long-term loan
|
|
|
||||||
|
Other
|
|
|
||||||
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
|||||
Note 14: —Shareholders’ equity
a.In June 2019 the Company closed an IPO whereby
b.On June 2, 2020 the Company closed a follow on offering whereby
c.The number of authorized shares as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 was
d.Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to one vote per share and dividends whenever funds are legally available and when, as, and if declared by the Company’s board of directors.
F - 26
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
e.During the second quarter of 2019, the Company’s board of directors and the Company’s shareholders approved a
f.Immediately prior to the closing of the IPO
g.Share options and RSUs:
In 2011, the board of directors adopted the 2011 share option plan for employees, officers, directors and consultants (the “2011 Plan”). Each share option granted under the 2011 Plan expires no later than ten years from the date of grant. The vesting period of the share options is generally four years. As of December 31, 2019, the Company is no longer granting any awards under the 2011 Plan.
In 2019, the board of directors adopted the 2019 share incentive plan (the “2019 Plan”) for employees, officers, directors and consultants. The 2019 Plan provides for the grant of share options (including incentive share options and non-qualified share options), ordinary shares, restricted shares, RSUs and other share-based awards.
Each share option granted under the 2019 Plan expires no later than seven years from the date of grant. The vesting period of the share options is generally
As of December 31, 2021 the total of ordinary shares available for future grants under the 2019 Plan was
The following table summarizes the status of the share options as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021:
|
December 31, 2021
|
||||||||||||
|
Number of
share options |
Weighted-average
exercise price |
Weighted-average
remaining contractual term (in years) |
||||||||||
|
Outstanding at the beginning of the year
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Granted
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
Exercised
|
(
|
)
|
|
|||||||||
|
Forfeited
|
(
|
)
|
|
|||||||||
|
Outstanding at the end of the year
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Exercisable at the end of the year
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
F - 27
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of share options granted was $
The fair value of these share options was estimated on the grant date based on the following weighted average assumptions for:
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||
|
Volatility
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected term in years
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Estimated fair value of underlying ordinary shares
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Dividend yield
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
F - 28
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
The share options outstanding under the 2011 plan as of December 31, 2021 have been separated into exercise price groups as follows:
|
Outstanding
|
Exercisable
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Exercise price
|
Number of share options
|
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)
|
Number of share options
|
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual life
(years)
|
||||||||||||
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
Aggregate intrinsic value
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||||||||
Intrinsic value represents the potential amount receivable by the option holders had all option holders exercised their share options as of such date.
The aggregate intrinsic value of the exercised share options was $
The grant-date fair value of vested share options was $
The following table summarizes the status of RSUs as of and for:
|
December 31, 2021
|
||||||||
|
Number of RSUs
|
Weighted-average grant date fair value
|
|||||||
|
Outstanding at the beginning of the year
|
|
|
||||||
|
Granted
|
|
|
||||||
|
Vested
|
(
|
)
|
|
|||||
|
Forfeited
|
(
|
)
|
|
|||||
|
Outstanding at the end of the year
|
|
|
||||||
h.Employee Share Purchase Plan:
On August 2020, the Company adopted the 2020 Employee Share Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). As of December 31, 2020, a total of
F - 29
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
The fair value of ESPP was estimated on the grant date based on the following weighted average assumptions for:
|
Year ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
||||||||||
|
Volatility
|
|
%
|
|
%
|
|
|||||||
|
Expected term in years
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
%
|
|
%
|
|
|||||||
|
Estimated fair value of underlying ordinary shares
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Dividend yield
|
|
%
|
|
%
|
|
|||||||
Share-based compensation costs are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations were as follows:
|
Year ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
||||||||||
|
Cost of revenue
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
|
Research and development
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
|||||||
The total unrecognized share-based compensation cost as of December 31, 2021 was $176,309 , which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.06 years.
Note 15: —Financial income (expenses), net
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|||
|
Bank charges and other financial expenses |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
Amortization of discount and issuance costs of convertible notes |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange rate gain (loss), net |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Interest income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
F - 30
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
Note 16: —Income taxes
Fiver International Ltd.’s subsidiaries are separately taxed under the domestic tax laws of the jurisdiction of incorporation of each entity.
a.Loss before income taxes:
The following are the domestic and foreign components of the Company’s loss before income taxes:
|
Year ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
||||||||||
|
Domestic |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
|||
|
Foreign |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
||||||
|
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
||||
b.Income taxes:
The following are the domestic and foreign components of the Company’s income taxes:
|
Year ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
||||||||||
|
Domestic |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
||||||
|
Foreign |
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
|||||||
c.Deferred income taxes:
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
F - 31
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
The principal components of the Company’s deferred tax assets are as follows:
|
Year ended December 31, |
||||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
|
Deferred tax assets: |
||||||||
|
Net operating loss carryforwards |
$ |
|
$ |
|
||||
|
Research and development expenses carryforward |
|
|
||||||
|
Other reserves |
|
|
||||||
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
||||||
|
Operating lease liabilities |
|
|
||||||
|
Issuance costs |
|
|
||||||
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
|||||
|
Deferred tax liabilities: |
||||||||
|
Operating lease ROU assets |
|
|
||||||
|
Convertible notes |
|
|
||||||
|
Acquired Intangible assets |
|
|||||||
|
Accrued and other |
|
|
||||||
|
Total deferred tax liability |
$ |
|
$ |
|
||||
|
Total deferred tax assets, net |
|
|
||||||
|
Less—valuation allowance |
( |
) |
( |
) |
||||
|
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance |
$ |
|
$ |
|
||||
Based on the available evidence, management believes that it is more likely than not that certain of its deferred tax assets relating to net operating loss carryforwards and other temporary differences will not be realized and accordingly, a valuation allowance has been provided.
d. The reconciliation of the Company’s theoretical income tax expense to actual income tax expense is as follows:
|
Year ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
|
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
||||||||||
|
Loss before income taxes |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
|||
|
Statutory tax rate |
|
% |
|
% |
|
% |
||||||
|
Theoretical tax benefit |
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Increase (decrease) in effective tax rate due to: |
||||||||||||
|
Change in valuation allowance |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
||||||
|
Effect of entities with different tax rates |
( |
) |
( |
) |
|
|
||||||
|
Non-deductible expenses |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
||||||
|
Impact of different tax rate on temporary differences |
( |
) |
( |
) |
|
|||||||
|
Excess tax benefit on stock based compensation |
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Other |
( |
) |
( |
) |
|
|
||||||
|
Effective income taxes |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
$ |
( |
) |
|||
e.Net operating loss carryforward:
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had an indefinite Net Operating Losses (“NOL”) carryforward for Israeli tax purposes of approximately $
F - 32
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
f.Basis of taxation:
The Israeli corporate tax rate was
The Company has elected 2012 to be its election year to be eligible for “Beneficiary Enterprise” standing under amendment No. 60 to tax benefits section No. 51 to the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959 (the “Law”).
Pursuant to the provisions of the Law, in the event that the Company is profitable for tax purposes, the Company’s undistributed income will be tax- exempt for a period of two years beginning from the year in which taxable income is first earned. In the remaining years of benefits (between three to eight years, depending on the level of non-Israeli investments), the Company will be liable to reduced corporate tax at the rate of
Any income derived from sources other than from the Beneficiary Enterprise would be subject to the statutory corporate tax rate.
The period of tax benefits described above is subject to limits of
The entitlement to the above benefits is conditional upon the Company’s fulfilling the conditions stipulated by the Law, regulations published there under and the letters of approval for the specific investments in “Beneficiary Enterprise.” In the event of failure to comply with these conditions, the benefits may be cancelled, and the Company may be required to refund the amount of the benefits, in whole or in part, including interest.
In December 2016, the Economic Efficiency Law (Legislative Amendments for Applying the Economic Policy for the 2017 and 2018 Budget Years), published Amendment No. 73 to the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments (the “2017 Amendment”) which reduces the corporate income tax rate to
In December 2016, pursuant to amendment No. 73 to the law, the tax rate on preferred Technological Enterprise income was reduced to
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was enacted into law. The new legislation represents fundamental and dramatic modifications to the U.S. tax system. The Act contains several key tax provisions that will impact the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries, including the reduction of the maximum U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from
The Company has evaluated the effect of the adoption of the Act on its financial statements and adjusted accordingly its tax rate for 2018 and beyond, therefore the impact of the change of the tax rate on the deferred tax assets net was recorded in 2017.
g.Tax assessments:
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had open tax years for the periods between
F - 33
Fiverr International Ltd. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
U.S. dollars (in thousands, except share and per share data) (Continued)
Note 17: —Segment and geographic information
Revenue attributable to the Company’s domicile and other geographic areas based on the location of the buyers was as follows:
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
2021
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|||
|
U.S.
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
Europe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asia Pacific
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rest of the world
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Israel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Long lived assets (including ROU assets) by geographical areas was as follows:
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
2021
|
|
|
2020
|
|
||
|
Israel
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
U.S. and other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Note 18: —Subsequent events
As part of the Israel office space operating lease agreement, the lessor agreed to finance an amount of $3,963 out of the total cost of leasehold improvements in the office space. The remaining loan balance of $2,269 was fully repaid on January 1, 2022.
F - 34