As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2024.
Registration No. 333-[●]
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
NANO NUCLEAR ENERGY INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
| Nevada | 4911 | 88-0861977 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
(I.R.S.
Employer Identification No.) |
10 Times Square, 30th Floor
New York, New York 10018
(212) 634-9206
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)
James Walker
Chief Executive Officer
Nano Nuclear Energy Inc.
10 Times Square, 30th Floor
New York, New York 10018
(212) 634-9206
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
with copies to:
Richard I Anslow, Esq. Lawrence A. Rosenbloom, Esq. Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP 1345 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10105 Phone: (212) 370-1300 Fax: (212) 370-7889 |
Joseph M. Lucosky, Esq. Scott E. Linsky, Esq. Lucosky Brookman LLP 101 Wood Avenue South, 5th Floor Woodbridge, NJ 08830 Tel. No.: (732) 395-4400 Fax No.: (732) 395-4401 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☒
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer ☐ | Accelerated filer ☐ | Non-accelerated filer ☒ | Smaller reporting company ☒ | |||
| Emerging growth company ☒ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may determine.
The information contained in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
| PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS | SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 19, 2024 |
3,000,000 Shares of
Common Stock
This is the initial public offering of 3,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Nano Nuclear Energy Inc., a Nevada corporation, on a firm commitment basis.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. We anticipate that the initial public offering price of our common stock will be between $4.00 and $6.00 per share with a $5.00 assumed initial public offering price (which is the midpoint of the $4.00 and $6.00 per share range; this assumption is used throughout this prospectus). We have applied to have our common stock listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, or Nasdaq, under the symbol “NNE.” No assurance can be given that our application will be approved by Nasdaq. If shares of our common stock are not approved for listing on Nasdaq, we will not consummate this offering.
The initial public offering price of our shares of common stock in the offering will be determined between the underwriters and us at the time of pricing, considering our historical performance and capital structure, prevailing market conditions, and overall assessment of our business. Therefore, the assumed initial public offering price used throughout this prospectus may not be indicative of the final offering price.
We are an emerging growth company under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 and a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and, as such, may elect to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements for this prospectus and future filings. See “Summary — Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company” and “Summary — Implications of Being a Smaller Reporting Company.”
Investing in our common stock is speculative and involves a high degree of risk. Before making any investment decision, you should carefully review and consider all the information in this prospectus, including the risks and uncertainties described under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12.
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
| Per Share | Total | |||||||
| Initial public offering price | $ | $ | ||||||
| Underwriting discounts and commissions(1) | $ | $ | ||||||
| Proceeds to us, before expenses(2) | $ | $ | ||||||
| (1) | Represents underwriting discounts equal to (i) seven percent (7%) per share (or $[●] per share), which is the underwriting discounts we have agreed to pay on investors in this offering introduced by the underwriters. |
| (2) | Does not include a non-accountable expense allowance equal to one percent (1%) of the gross proceeds of this offering, payable to the underwriters, or the reimbursement of certain expenses of the underwriters. We have also agreed to issue warrants to the underwriter to purchase a number of shares of common stock equal to seven percent (7%) of the total number of shares of common stock sold in this offering at an exercise price equal to one hundred and twenty-five percent (125%) of the initial public offering price of the shares of common stock sold in this offering. For a description of the other terms of compensation to be received by the underwriters, see “Underwriting.” |
We have granted a 30-day option to the representative of the underwriters to purchase up to 450,000 additional shares of common stock solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If the representative of the underwriters exercises the option in full, the total underwriting discounts will be $1,207,500 and the additional proceeds to us, before expenses, from the over-allotment option exercise will be $2,070,000.
The underwriters expect to deliver the shares of common stock to purchasers on or about [●], 2024.
The Benchmark Company
The date of this prospectus is [●], 2024
Creating the Next Generation of Advanced Nuclear Fuels and Developing Smaller, Cheaper and Safer Portable Clean Energy Solutions
Renderings of proposed “Zeus” Microreactor
Renderings of proposed “Odin” Microreactor
Proposed HALEU Fuel Fabrication Facility
TABLE OF CONTENTS
You should only rely on the information contained in this prospectus and in any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us and delivered or made available to you. Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with additional or different information. We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, shares of our common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus or a free writing prospectus is accurate only as of its date, regardless of its time of delivery or of any sale of shares of our common stock. Our business, financial condition, operating results, and prospects may have changed since that date.
For investors outside the United States: Neither we nor any of the underwriters have done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside of the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the shares of common stock and the distribution of this prospectus outside of the United States.
| i |
INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA
Unless otherwise indicated, information in this prospectus concerning economic conditions, our industry, our markets and our competitive position is based on a variety of sources, including information from third-party industry analysts and publications and our own estimates and research. Some of the industry and market data contained in this prospectus are based on third-party industry publications. This information involves a number of assumptions, estimates and limitations.
The industry publications, surveys and forecasts and other public information generally indicate or suggest that their information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. None of the third-party industry publications used in this prospectus were prepared on our behalf. The industry in which we operate is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in “Risk Factors” in this prospectus. These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in these publications.
TRADEMARKS
We own or have rights to trademarks or trade names that we use in connection with the operation of our businesses, our corporate names, logos and website names. This prospectus contains references to our trademarks and service marks and to those belonging to other entities. Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this prospectus 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’ trade names, trademarks, or service marks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by any other companies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
| ii |
This summary highlights certain information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. Because it is only a summary, it does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in shares of our common stock and it is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements about our plans, objectives, expectations, assumptions, or future events. These statements involve estimates, assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Before you decide to invest in our common stock, you should also read the entire prospectus carefully, including “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” beginning on page 36, and the financial statements and related notes included in this prospectus.
Unless the context indicates otherwise, as used in this prospectus, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “our company,” “Nano Nuclear” and “our business” refer to Nano Nuclear Energy Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Overview
We are an early-stage nuclear energy company developing smaller, cheaper, and safer advanced portable clean energy solutions utilizing proprietary reactor designs, intellectual property and research methods, illuminating our path toward a sustainable future. Led by a world class scientific and management team, envisioned within our business plan is a comprehensive engagement across every sector of the nuclear power industry, traversing the path from sourcing raw nuclear material and fuel fabrication to the illumination of energy through our cutting edge and advanced small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs, also known as microreactors). Our dedication extends further to encompass commercial nuclear transportation and consulting services.
Currently, we are in the pre-revenue stage and are principally focused on four business lines as part of our development strategy:
| ● | Micro Nuclear Reactor Business. We are developing the next-generation advanced nuclear microreactors, in particular ZEUS, a solid core battery reactor, and ODIN, a low-pressure salt coolant reactor. With these products, we are advancing the development of next generation, portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear micro reactors. In collaboration with the management and operating contractor of Idaho National Laboratory (or INL), an institution we regard as one of the preeminent U.S. government laboratories for nuclear energy research and development and equipped with some of the world’s foremost nuclear scientists and engineers, we believe our reactors will have the potential to bring change to the global energy landscape. Our goal is to commercially launch one of these products by 2030.
Both our ZEUS and ODIN microreactors have completed the preconceptual design stage, and are currently undergoing design optimization, and certain initial physical test work, to finalize the designs ahead of more involved demonstration work. We have conducted and completed a design audit on the ODIN reactor to provide assistance with design considerations. Additionally, the design audit for the ZEUS reactor was conducted and completed by INL in February 2024, the report of which is currently being finalized by INL. We have submitted a request for information to the U.S. Department of Energy (or DOE) to initiate the approval process for the allocation of a designated site. This allocation is intended for the purpose of conducting testing experiments for both microreactors. We have communicated with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (or NRC) and DOE, informing them of the current status of our microreactor designs and the estimated internal timelines for our microreactor developments, with an understanding that definite timelines will be provided as early as possible, once available, to allow the NRC to arrange the necessary personnel to oversee the microreactor licensing process. | |
| ● | Fuel Fabrication Business. Through our subsidiary, HALEU Energy Fuel Inc., and in coordination with DOE and INL, we are seeking to develop a domestic High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication facility to supply the fuel not only for our own reactor products, but to the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry in general. We hope to have our fuel fabrication facility near INL in operation as soon as 2027. | |
| ● | Fuel Transportation Business. Our transportation business will build on existing work completed at INL, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (or ORNL) and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), the world’s premier U.S.-backed nuclear research facilities. We expect to receive an exclusive license for a high capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket design in the first quarter of 2024, which was designed around a licensed third-party packaging. This license is expected to grant us, as the licensee, exclusive rights for use and development of the technology. In addition, the licensor is not permitted to license the technology to any other parties within the specified scope. We believe this technology is the most advanced concept in the United States for moving HALEU in commercial quantities. We intend to produce a regulatorily licensed, high-capacity HALEU transportation product, capable of moving commercial quantities of HALEU fuel around North America. If developed and commercialized, we believe this product will serve as the basis for a domestic HALEU transportation company capable of providing commercial quantities of HALEU fuel. We hope to have our fuel transportation business in operation by 2026. |
| 1 |
| ● | Nuclear Consultation Services. We also plan on providing nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. This includes, in coordination with the Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre, the development of education resources. This business opportunity represents our most near-term revenue generating opportunity as we hope to begin providing these services in 2024. By the end of 2024, we expect to start providing nuclear service support and consultation services for the nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. This timeline is based on our plan to acquire a nuclear business services and consultancy provider. We have had preliminary discussions with some potential targets but are not presently a party to any definitive understandings or agreements. If we are unable to acquire such a business by the end of 2024, we will then focus on building our own internal nuclear consultation business in coordination with certain outside academic institutions, which we anticipate would require approximately $1 million over the next twelve months to recruit additional staff and build corresponding infrastructure to be capable of providing these services. |
Our mission is to become a commercially focused, diversified and vertically integrated technology-driven nuclear energy company that will capture market share in the very large and growing nuclear energy sector. To implement our plans, since our founding in 2022, our management has had constant communications with key U.S. government agencies, including the DOE, the INL and ORNL, which are a part of the DOE’s national nuclear laboratory system. Our company also maintains important collaborations with leading researchers from the Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre and The University of California, Berkeley.
Over the next twelve months, we will continue to progress our development of advanced nuclear microreactors, in particular ZEUS and ODIN, with estimated expenditures to be approximately $4 million. This allocation comprises approximately $2 million dedicated to the research and development of products and technology, with a specific focus on the refinement of microreactor technology and the fuel fabrication process. The remaining $2 million is earmarked for miscellaneous costs essential to propelling the progress of our microreactors, encompassing the support of current personnel engaged in executive, finance, accounting, and other administrative functions. We estimate that our microreactor demonstration work will be conducted between 2024 and 2026, our microreactor licensing application will be processed between 2026 and 2031, and our microreactors will be launched between 2030 and 2031. We also plan on providing nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. If we are unable to acquire such a business by the end of 2024, we will then focus on building our own internal nuclear consultation business in coordination with certain outside academic institutions, which we anticipate would require approximately an additional $1 million over the next twelve months to recruit additional staff and build corresponding infrastructure to be capable of providing these services. We have no intention to apply any proceeds from this offering to such acquisition of a nuclear business services and consultancy provider and such acquisition costs are not included in our estimated expenditures of $4 million as above-mentioned over the next twelve months. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the outlined expenditures and the timelines are estimations only. These are inherently subject to change due to certain factors, including adjustments in the microreactor development plan and uncertainties associated with the licensing approval process. Given that these elements may exceed our initial expectations or lie beyond our control, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the actual expenditures and timelines.
As of the date of this prospectus, we have not generated any revenues. We have incurred accumulated net losses of $8,596,170 since inception through December 31, 2023.
Our Vision, Market Opportunity and Key Government Support
We believe our achievements to date and our business plans are positioning our company to be a leading participant in the U.S. nuclear industry through simultaneously rebuilding and introducing national capabilities to drive the resurgent nuclear energy industry. We further believe that our timing and approach into the industry have been optimal, with insight into national capability deficiencies and an understanding of the difficulties faced by other commercial nuclear energy, particularly microreactor, companies. Almost all microreactor companies have advanced using funds acquired from government grants or awards. Even with private funding, they have been stifled by lack of investor interest because of the long return timelines and high risks.
Despite the early stage of our company, we believe we are competitively differentiated in many ways.
| ● | No Government Funding. Most SMR and microreactor companies are reliant on government grants and financing to progress their concepts. Consequently, their progress can cease once government funding is not available. Currently, we do not rely on government funding to sustain our business operations. While we will seek available government funding opportunities in future, the absence of government support does not impede our progress in advancing our research, business, or technological developments. Our leadership team possesses extensive experience in successfully securing funding from both private and public sources. Additionally, our current investor base includes capital from industry professionals who recognize the immense potential of our company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our limited operating history and early stage of business makes an evaluation of our business and prospects very difficult, we have a new and unproven technology model and may need to raise additional capital to implement our business plans. | |
| ● | Industry Investors. Our investor base includes a large component of capital raised from nuclear industry professionals who have reviewed our plans, concepts, and technologies, and found our company to have enormous potential. The high proportion of investment from experts in the industry has been an endorsement that has provided investors without a nuclear background with the confidence to invest. |
| 2 |
| ● | Technical Insight. On the technical front, we have benefited from insight into the problems which affected earlier movers within the nuclear technology space. Large SMR companies have raised billions of dollars for development but have been stalled by the lag in developing or acquiring the fuel necessary to advance their reactors. This led to our collaboration with INL to build our own fuel fabrication facility and use more conventional fuel with greater operational history. We believe we have identified certain problems affecting the industry and we are taking early action to surmount potential roadblocks. Our new and unproven technology model will necessitate a significant infusion of additional capital for successful deployment, even following this offering. This imperative business requirement has influenced our strategic decision to diversify our operations, with the aim of establishing nearer term revenue streams which we are seeking to initiate prior to the anticipated commercial launch of microreactor technology. | |
| ● | Government Contacts. We have secured important high placed government contacts, several of whom sit on our Executive Advisory Board, including former military and government veterans. This was complemented by bringing in experts involved in every major part of the nuclear industry, from regulation to laboratories, to technical teams. We believe we will benefit from those government contacts as our company will be afforded access to highly skilled personnel possessing advanced expertise in the energy and nuclear sectors. We expect these individuals to provide support and services to us, thereby facilitating the progression of our ambitions and projects. Furthermore, given the nuclear industry has been comprehensively intertwined with government agencies, the value of access to government and regulatory personnel cannot be overstated. These contacts provide guidance and insights to us, informing us of both conventional and unconventional challenges that warrant our consideration. Such guidance is an invaluable resource, fortifying our endeavors to systematically mitigate risks associated with our business operations. | |
| ● | World Class Team. Our technical team is world class, with simple and realizable reactor concepts that do not require exotic fuels and who are aware of all the difficulties faced by almost every other reactor company who has chosen alternative designs. Our team has a deep knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements surrounding safety, transportation, and decommissioning, and our designs have incorporated all these considerations from the outset. |
The SMR market has a high barrier to entry because of the expertise required, and the larger investment necessary to progress reactor designs to prototype, and then through licensing. This high barrier to entry has acted in our favor, giving us open opportunities. To date, we are not aware of any commercial microreactor prototypes, microreactor companies with applicable governmental licenses, microreactor or SMR companies in the revenue generating stage, HALEU fuel fabrication facilities, or commercial transportation system for HALEU. These huge national capability gaps have been left in a large market, caused predominantly by this high barrier to entry. These capability gaps are also exacerbated by nuclear companies being unwilling to branch into areas outside their focused business, such as SMR companies expanding into fuel and transport, or enrichment companies expanding into fuel fabrication. We are seeking to address all of these gaps in the industry.
Moreover, government investment has not compensated for the lack of private investment going into the commercial nuclear sector. Previous strategies to purchase military grade nuclear materials to down blend to required fuel enrichment level for certain programs have allowed these capability gaps to persist. This creates industry opportunities for development. We have begun and expect to continue to bring private investment to these undeveloped areas and quickly establish ourselves as a necessary component in the national infrastructure system, while providing us with advantages to develop business and revenue sources to de-risk our microreactor development.
We strongly support objectives of DOE and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and we intend for our technology to form part of the U.S. foreign policy to advance the peaceful use of nuclear energy, science and technology, and drive new resources to projects and activities in developing countries with the greatest need. A key part of our business plan will seek to become a nuclear technology organization that can grow the U.S. global energy market engagement and concurrently support global market opportunities.
| 3 |
Also, we intend to support a broad set of clean energy applications, such as water desalination and green hydrogen production, which the versatile and easily deployable nature of our microreactor products will have unprecedented ability to provide to remote locations. We support the long-term strategy of the United States’ Government to reach net zero carbon emissions by no later than 2050, but these goals will require actions spanning every sector of the economy. We plan to utilize our advanced nuclear reactor technologies and our fuel fabrication plans through our subsidiary HALEU Energy to support the next generation of nuclear professionals. These investments are critical to immediately accelerate our emissions reductions domestically and internationally.
Our Competitive Strengths
We believe we have the following competitive strengths relating to our various business lines:
Microreactor Business
We enjoy a competitive advantage over other groups in the microreactor space by having a board of directors and management team with extensive market and financing experience. Academically commenced projects often rely entirely on government grants and awards to progress. Whether we receive government grants or not, we can progress our research, development, and engineering, through our own financing channels. This fund-raising advantage has given us the ability to quickly expand, as further opportunities are not dictated by grant application success. We believe we also have an expertise advantage over other companies developing microreactors, as we can recruit the best scientists and engineers in the world from any country or institution, without being constrained by the available personnel located within certain academic and professional institutions. We had the fortune to connect with professors and scientist from around the world, with the opportunity to work freely on entirely funded projects, with few constraints, drawing from their specializations and expert areas. The technical personnel involved in the current design of our reactors have been involved with the design and development of dozens of different reactors.
Fuel Fabrication Business
No company is currently developing a CAT II facility to fabricate HALEU fuel for SMRs and microreactors. Several companies have invested in establishing their own facilities to manufacture TRi-structural ISOtropic particle fuel (TRISO) fuel for their reactors, such as Terrapower and X-Energy, though these facilities were not established to sell fuel commercially. Currently, TRISO development has also stalled due to technical challenges, due partly to no operational history from which to draw data, combined with other technical challenges and current lack of funding. Developing fuel for SMRs and microreactors has become one of the main obstacles and causes of delay for companies expanding into these markets. We responded to the difficulties observed at other reactor development companies and acted to mitigate against the obstacles afflicting other developers. A CAT II facility allows for the fabrication and handling of U235 up to 20% U235 enrichment, we are progressing towards being the only CAT II facility operator in the country, giving our business an enormous competitive advantage for both reactor development and establishing multiple sources of future revenue to de-risk our company. We have sought to de-risk our fuel business and establish a competitive advantage, by building our fuel fabrication facility in partnership with the INL. The facility will be located near the INL facilities, with the intention of benefitting the operations of both parties.
Fuel Transportation Business
As we developed our business and analyzed the market to anticipate future obstacles which would affect our success, we observed that no transportation cask or transportation company existed which could transport and deliver HALEU fuel across North America. We believe this national capability gap is both a significant risk to our proposed transportation operations but also a significant opportunity to enter a new market within the nuclear industry, which would have the benefit of both increased revenue for our company and would provide extra security for our future operations.
| 4 |
We identified a transportation cask concept work investigating a high capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket design, which has been developed by INL and ORNL. The technology had been developed around a licensed third-party packaging and had made the greatest advance towards developing a technology to address the transportation issue we had found. The development of this concept had not continued due to lack of funding. We are in the process of obtaining the exclusive license to the technology and have been working with the groups capable of aiding us in the development of the concept into a licensed technology proficient in the transportation of enriched fuels. To provide our company further advantage in this space, we recruited two former executives of the world’s largest shipping company as our consultants who agreed to assist us in developing a North American transportation company using the technology once licensed, to deliver fuel for a wide customer base, including SMR and microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs.
Our Challenges
Launching a microreactor business comes with a large number of significant challenges, as it involves complex nuclear technology, regulatory hurdles, and shifting market dynamics. These challenges include, but not limited to, the following:
| ● | Obtaining the necessary permits and licenses for nuclear facilities is a time-consuming and highly regulated process. Microreactors must meet stringent safety and environmental standards, and gaining regulatory approval can be a lengthy endeavor. Additionally, ensuring the safety of a microreactor throughout its lifecycle is paramount. Developing, implementing, and maintaining robust safety systems and protocols are critical challenges. Implementing robust security measures to protect against theft, sabotage, or unauthorized access is also critical for both regulatory compliance and public safety. | |
| ● | Building and operating a microreactor can be capital-intensive. Securing the necessary funding and managing costs, including but not limited to operational and maintenance costs, are ongoing challenges for our business. | |
| ● | The political and regulatory landscape can change, impacting the stability and viability of nuclear projects. International agreements and geopolitical factors can also affect nuclear technology access and export. |
Corporate History and Structure
We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on February 8, 2022. We are primarily engaged in the design and development of mobile, easily deployable microreactors, the development of a commercial CAT II facility for fuel fabrication, and the creation of a commercial transportation technology and business, with the capacity to move fuel enriched up to 19.75% U235 across North America.
HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (which we refer to herein as HALEU Energy), incorporated on August 30, 2022 under the laws of Nevada, is our wholly-owned subsidiary. Through HALEU Energy, we are seeking to develop a domestic HALEU fuel fabrication facility to supply the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors.
American Uranium Inc. (which we refer to herein as American Uranium), incorporated on February 9, 2022 under the laws of Nevada, is our wholly-owned subsidiary. Through American Uranium, we are engaged in the acquisition, exploration & development of uranium mineral resource properties in the U.S.
Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (which we refer to herein as Advanced Fuel Transportation), incorporated on June 21, 2023, under the laws of Nevada, is our wholly owned subsidiary. Through Advanced Fuel Transportation, we expect to receive an exclusive license for a high capacity HALEU fuel transportation cask concept, using technology developed by the U.S. Government, designed around a licensed third-party packaging. We intend to produce a licensed, high-capacity HALEU transportation product, capable of moving commercial quantities of HALEU fuel around North America.
The chart below summarizes our corporate structure, including our 100% wholly owned subsidiaries in the U.S., as of the date of this prospectus:
| 5 |
Summary of Significant Risks
Investing in our common stock is speculative and involves a high degree of risk. These risks are discussed more fully in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus. We urge you to read “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 and this prospectus in full. Our significant risks may be summarized as follows:
Risks Related to Our Industry and Business
| ● | We have incurred losses and have not generated any revenue since our inception. We anticipate that we will continue to incur losses, and expect that we will not generate revenue, for the foreseeable future. | |
| ● | We are an early-stage company in an emerging market with an unproven business model, a new and unproven technology model, and a short operating history, which makes it difficult to evaluate our current business and prospects and may increase the risk of your investment. | |
| ● | Our business plans will require us to raise substantial additional amounts of capital. Future capital needs will require us to sell additional equity or debt securities that will dilute or subordinate the rights of our common stockholders. In addition, we may be unable to secure government grants as part of our funding strategy. | |
| ● | The failure of production and commercialization of nuclear micro reactors as planned will adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, and result of operations. | |
| ● | We are in the process of developing a domestic HALEU fuel fabrication facility to supply next generation of advanced nuclear reactors. The failure of completion and operation of such facility as planned will adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, and result of operations. | |
| ● | We plan to produce a regulatorily licensed, high-capacity HALEU transportation product, capable of moving commercial quantities of HALEU fuel around North America. The failure of production and commercialization of such products as planned will adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, and result of operations. | |
| ● | We plan to provide nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. Failure to do so as planned will adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, and result of operations. | |
| ● | The cost of electricity generated from nuclear sources may not be cost competitive with other electricity generation sources in some markets, which could materially and adversely affect our business. | |
| ● | The market for SMRs generating nuclear power is not yet established and may not achieve the growth potential we expect or may grow more slowly than expected. | |
| ● | Certain officers of our company have management, advisory or directorship positions with other companies and may allocate their time to other businesses, which may pose certain risks in fulfilling their obligations with us. | |
| ● | An existing high net worth investor in our common stock has the right to require us to repurchase his shares at any time at the original aggregate purchase price of $5,000,000. If this right is exercised, we would be required to expend a material amount of cash to satisfy this requirement, which in turn would decrease the available cash to us to advance our business plans. |
| 6 |
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property
| ● | If we fail to protect or enforce our intellectual property or proprietary rights, our business and operating results could be harmed. | |
| ● | We rely on our unpatented proprietary technology, trade secrets, designs, experiences, work flows, data, processes, software and know-how. | |
| ● | We may be accused of infringing intellectual property rights of third parties and content restrictions of relevant laws, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. |
Risks Related to Regulation and Compliance
| ● | Our business is subject to a wide variety of extensive and evolving government laws and regulations. Changes in and/or failure to comply with such laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business. | |
| ● | If we fail to comply with the laws and regulations relating to the collection of sales tax and payment of income taxes in the various states in which we do business, we could be exposed to unexpected costs, expenses, penalties, and fees as a result of our non-compliance, which could harm our business. | |
| ● | We may become involved in legal and regulatory proceedings and commercial or contractual disputes, which could have an adverse effect on our profitability and financial position. |
General Risks Associated with Our Company
| ● | We are highly dependent on our senior management team and other highly skilled personnel. If we are unable to attract, retain and maintain highly qualified personnel, including our senior management team, we may not be able to implement our business strategy and our business and results of operations would be harmed. | |
| ● | Mr. Jay Jiang Yu, our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board, has a significant influence over our company due to his ownership of a material percentage of our outstanding common stock. Also, his interests may not always be aligned with the interests of our other shareholders, which may lead to conflicts of interest that harm our company. | |
| ● | Our ability to effectively manage our anticipated growth and expansion of our operations will also require us to enhance our operational, financial and management controls and infrastructure, human resources policies and reporting system. These enhancements and improvements will require significant capital expenditures and allocation of valuable management and employee resources. | |
| ● | We will incur significantly increased costs as a result of, and devote substantial management time to operating as, a public company. | |
| ● | We are an “emerging growth company,” and we cannot be certain if the reduced reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors. |
Risks Related to Our Securities and this Offering
| ● | No active trading market for our common stock currently exists, and an active trading market may not develop or be sustained following this offering. | |
| ● | The trading price of our common stock may be volatile, and you could lose all or part of your investment. | |
| ● | Certain recent initial public offerings of companies with public floats comparable to our anticipated public float have experienced extreme volatility that was seemingly unrelated to the underlying performance of the respective company. We may experience similar volatility, which may make it difficult for prospective investors to assess the value of our common stock. |
| ● | If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline. | |
| ● | Future sales of our common stock or securities convertible into our common stock may depress our stock price. | |
| ● | Our directors, executive officers and principal stockholders will continue to have substantial control over our company after this offering, which could limit your ability to influence the outcome of key transactions, including a change of control. |
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company
We qualify as an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). For as long as we remain an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies. These provisions include, but are not limited to:
| ● | being permitted to have only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related selected financial data and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations disclosure; | |
| ● | an exemption from compliance with the auditor attestation requirement in the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”); | |
| ● | reduced disclosure about executive compensation arrangements in our periodic reports, registration statements, and proxy statements; and | |
| ● | exemptions from the requirements to seek non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements. |
In particular, in this prospectus, we have provided only one year of audited financial statements and have not included all of the executive compensation-related information that would be required if we were not an emerging growth company. Accordingly, the information contained herein may be different from the information you receive from other public companies in which you hold stock.
In addition, the JOBS Act permits emerging growth companies to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. We are not choosing to “opt out” of this provision. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of: (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues exceed $1.235 billion, (ii) the date on which we first qualify as a large accelerated filer under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, (iii) the date on which we have, in any three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities, and (iv) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering.
Implications of Being a Smaller Reporting Company
We are a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We may take advantage of certain of the scaled disclosures available to smaller reporting companies until the fiscal year following the determination that our voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is more than $250 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter, or our annual revenues are less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and our voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter.
Corporate Information
We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on February 8, 2022. Our principal executive office is located at 10 Times Square, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10018, and our telephone number is (212) 634-9206. Our website is www.nanonuclearenergy.com. Information contained on, or available through, our website does not constitute part of, and is not deemed incorporated by reference into, this prospectus, and investors should not rely on such information in deciding whether to purchase shares of our common stock.
| 7 |
| Common Stock Offered by Us | 3,000,000 shares of common stock on a firm commitment basis (or 3,450,000 shares of common stock if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full). | |
| Common Stock Outstanding Prior to This Offering | 26,007,015 shares of common stock | |
| Common Stock to Be Outstanding Immediately After Completion of This Offering (1) | 29,007,015 shares of common stock (or 29,457,015 shares of common stock if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full). | |
| Over-allotment Option | We have granted the representative of the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 450,000 shares of our common stock at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any. | |
| Use of Proceeds | We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering, after deducting the underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us, will be approximately $13.3 million, or approximately $15.4 million if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full, based on the assumed initial public offering price of $5.00 per share.
The net proceeds received by us from this offering will be used for (i) research and development of our products and technologies, including design optimization, test work and scoping studies; (ii) marketing, promotion and business development activities; and (iii) working capital and general purposes, including hiring additional employees and retaining additional contractors. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire, license and invest in complementary products, technologies, or additional businesses; however, we currently have no agreements or commitments with respect to any such transaction. See “Use of Proceeds.” | |
| Underwriter Warrants | The registration statement of which this prospectus is a part also registers a common stock purchase warrant (which we refer to herein as the Representative’s Warrant) to purchase 210,000 shares of our common stock (or 7% of the shares of common stock sold in this offering) and the shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of the Representative’s Warrant. The Representative’s Warrant is being issued to the representative of the underwriters as a portion of the underwriting compensation payable in connection with this offering. The Representative’s Warrant shall contain customary “cashless exercise” provisions and shall be exercisable at any time, and from time to time, in whole or in part, for a term of five years from the first day of the seventh month after the closing of this offering at an exercise price of 125% of the initial public offering price of the shares of common stock. Please see “Underwriting — Representative’s Warrant” for further information. |
| 8 |
| Listing | We have applied to have our common stock listed on Nasdaq. No assurance can be given that our listing will be approved by Nasdaq or that a trading market will develop for our common stock. We will not proceed with this offering in the event the common stock is not approved for listing on Nasdaq. | |
| Proposed Nasdaq symbol | “NNE” | |
| Risk Factors | Investing in our common stock is speculative and involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 and the other information in this prospectus for a discussion of the factors you should consider carefully before you decide to invest in our common stock. | |
| Lock-Up | In connection with this offering, we, our executive officers, directors, and our existing stockholders holding five percent (5%) or more of our common stock prior to this offering have agreed not to offer, issue, sell, contract to sell, encumber, grant any option for the sale of or otherwise dispose of any of our securities for a period of six (6) months following the closing of this offering. In addition, each existing stockholder of our company who holds less than five percent (5%) of our common stock prior to this offering will be subject to leak-out agreement restricting sales of certain percentages of their common stock during a period ranging from 30 days to 150 days following the closing of this offering. See “Underwriting” beginning on page 89 for more information. | |
| Transfer Agent | The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Vstock Transfer LLC. |
| (1) | The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding upon completion of this offering is based on 26,007,015 shares of our common stock outstanding as of the date of this prospectus, and excludes, as of the date of this prospectus: |
| ● | 210,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Representative’s Warrant; | |
| ● | 3,370,352 shares of our common stock reserved under our 2023 Stock Option Plan #1, with a fixed exercise price of $1.50 per share; | |
| ● | 1,758,460 shares of our common stock reserved under our 2023 Stock Option Plan #2, with a fixed exercise price of $3.00 per share; and | |
| ● | 385,000 shares of our common stock underlying options which are not governed by either our 2023 Stock Option Plan #1 or our Stock Option Plan #2, with a fixed exercise price of $3.00 per share. |
Unless otherwise indicated, this prospectus reflects and assumes (i) no exercise by the representative of the underwriters of its over-allotment option and (ii) no exercise of the outstanding stock options described above.
| 9 |
SUMMARY OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following table sets forth summary financial and other data for the periods ended and at the dates indicated below. Our summary financial information for the year ended September 30, 2023 and for the period from February 8, 2022 (inception) through September 30, 2022 has been derived from our audited financial statements included in this prospectus. Our summary financial information for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 has been derived from our unaudited financial statements included in this prospectus. The financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Statements of Operations
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 | For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||
| General and administrative | $ | 828,896 | $ | 556,440 | ||||
| Research and development | 520,016 | 127,705 | ||||||
| Loss from operations | (1,348,912 | ) | (684,145 | ) | ||||
| Other income | 34,967 | - | ||||||
| Net loss | $ | (1,313,945 | ) | $ | (684,145 | ) | ||
| Net loss per share of common stock: | ||||||||
| Basic | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.03 | ) | ||
| Diluted | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.03 | ) | ||
| Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding: | ||||||||
| Basic | 23,184,869 | 21,203,471 | ||||||
| Diluted | 23,184,869 | 21,203,471 | ||||||
| For the Year Ended September 30, 2023 | For the Period from February 8, 2022 (Inception) through September 30, 2022 | |||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||
| General and administrative | $ | 4,749,395 | $ | 919,520 | ||||
| Research and development | 1,534,000 | 140,304 | ||||||
| Loss from operations | (6,283,395 | ) | (1,059,824 | ) | ||||
| Other income | 32,994 | 28,000 | ||||||
| Net loss | $ | (6,250,401 | ) | $ | (1,031,824 | ) | ||
| Net loss per share of common stock: | ||||||||
| Basic | $ | (0.28 | ) | $ | (0.06 | ) | ||
| Diluted | $ | (0.28 | ) | $ | (0.06 | ) | ||
Statements of Stockholder’s Equity
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2023
| Mezzanine Equity | Permanent Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares |
Amount |
Shares |
Amount |
Stock subscriptions | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated deficit |
Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of September 30, 2023 | 2,000,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | 23,184,869 | $ | 2,319 | $ | - | $ | 9,288,553 | $ | (7,282,225 | ) | $ | 2,008,647 | |||||||||||||||||
| Stock subscriptions | - | - | - | - | 2,106,437 | - | - | 2,106,437 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | - | - | - | (1,313,945 | ) | (1,313,945 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | 2,000,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | 23,184,869 | $ | 2,319 | $ | 2,106,437 | $ | 9,288,553 | $ | (8,596,170 | ) | $ | 2,801,139 | |||||||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2022
| Mezzanine Equity | Permanent Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares |
Amount |
Shares |
Amount | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated deficit |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of September 30, 2022 | - | $ | - | 20,501,500 | $ | 2,050 | $ | 3,139,450 | $ | (1,031,824 | ) | $ | 2,109,676 | |||||||||||||||
| Common stock issuances | - | - | 1,512,869 | 155 | 1,512,714 | - | 1,512,869 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | - | - | 85,000 | 9 | 84,991 | - | 85,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | - | - | (684,145 | ) | (684,145 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | - | $ | - | 22,099,369 | $ | 2,214 | $ | 4,737,155 | $ | (1,715,969 | ) | $ | 3,023,400 | |||||||||||||||
For the Year Ended September 30, 2023
| Mezzanine Equity | Permanent Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated deficit | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of September 30, 2022 | - | $ | - | 20,501,500 | $ | 2,050 | $ | 3,139,450 | $ | (1,031,824 | ) | $ | 2,109,676 | |||||||||||||||
| Common stock issuances | 2,000,000 | 5,000,000 | 2,598,369 | 260 | 3,765,109 | - | 3,765,369 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | - | - | 85,000 | 9 | 2,383,994 | - | 2,384,003 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | - | - | (6,250,401 | ) | (6,250,401 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of September 30, 2023 | 2,000,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | 23,184,869 | $ | 2,319 | $ | 9,288,553 | $ | (7,282,225 | ) | $ | 2,008,647 | |||||||||||||||
| 10 |
For the Period From February 8, 2022 (Inception) through September 30, 2022
| Mezzanine Equity | Permanent Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated deficit | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of February 8, 2022 (Inception) | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issuances | - | - | 19,826,500 | 1,982 | 2,749,518 | - | 2,751,500 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | - | - | 675,000 | 68 | 389,932 | - | 390,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | - | - | (1,031,824 | ) | (1,031,824 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of September 30, 2022 | - | $ | - | 20,501,500 | $ | 2,050 | $ | 3,139,450 | $ | (1,031,824 | ) | $ | 2,109,676 | |||||||||||||||
Statements of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 | For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (1,313,945 | ) | $ | (684,145 | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | - | 85,000 | ||||||
| Change in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | (11,089 | ) | (12,775 | ) | ||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 208,301 | (42,335 | ) | |||||
| Due to related parties | 10,000 | 30,000 | ||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (1,106,733 | ) | (624,255 | ) | ||||
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
| Proceeds from common stock issuances | - | 1,512,869 | ||||||
| Proceeds from stock subscriptions | 2,106,437 | - | ||||||
| Payment of deferred offering costs | (55,000 | ) | - | |||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 2,051,437 | 1,512,869 | ||||||
| Net increase in cash | 944,704 | 888,614 | ||||||
| Cash, beginning of period | 6,952,795 | 2,129,999 | ||||||
| Cash, end of period | $ | 7,897,499 | $ | 3,018,613 | ||||
| For the Year Ended September 30, 2023 | For the Period from February 8, 2022 (Inception) through September 30, 2022 | |||||||
| OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (6,250,401 | ) | $ | (1,031,824 | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 2,384,003 | 390,000 | ||||||
| Change in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | (88,409 | ) | (117,448 | ) | ||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 87,234 | 102,771 | ||||||
| Due to related parties | - | 35,000 | ||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (3,867,573 | ) | (621,501 | ) | ||||
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
| Proceeds from common stock issuances | 8,765,369 | 2,751,500 | ||||||
| Payment of deferred offering costs | (75,000 | ) | - | |||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 8,690,369 | 2,751,500 | ||||||
| Net increase in cash | 4,822,796 | 2,129,999 | ||||||
| Cash, beginning of period | 2,129,999 | - | ||||||
| Cash, end of period | $ | 6,952,795 | $ | 2,129,999 | ||||
| 11 |
An investment in our securities is speculative and involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below, which we believe represent certain of the material risks to our business, together with the information contained elsewhere in this prospectus, before you make a decision to invest in our shares of common stock. Please note that the risks highlighted here are not the only ones that we may face. For example, additional risks presently unknown to us or that we currently consider immaterial or unlikely to occur could also impair our operations. If any of the following events occur or any additional risks presently unknown to us actually occur, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially adversely affected. In that event, the trading price of our securities could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Industry and Business
We have incurred losses and have not generated any revenue since our inception. We anticipate that we will continue to incur losses, and expect that we will not generate revenue, for the foreseeable future.
Since inception, we have incurred significant operating losses, and have an accumulated deficit of $8.6 million and negative operating cash flow as of December 31, 2023. We expect that operating losses and negative cash flows will increase in the coming years because of additional costs and expenses related to our research and development (which we refer to herein as R&D), business development activities and our status as a publicly traded company.
To date, we have not generated any revenue. We do not expect to generate any revenue unless and until we are able to commercialize our reactors and/or other lines of business. As we have incurred losses and experienced negative operating cash flows since our inception, and accordingly we have undertaken equity financing from investors to satisfy our funding needs, and we will consider applications for government grants; however, we may not raise adequate funding to offset our expenses and losses. Moreover, we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays, and other unknown factors that may adversely affect our business. The magnitude of our future net losses will depend, in part, on the rate of future growth of our expenses and our ability to generate and grow revenue. We cannot predict the outcome of the actions to generate liquidity to fund our operations, whether such actions would generate the expected liquidity to fund our operations as currently planned or whether the costs of such actions will be available on reasonable terms or at all. Our continued solvency is dependent upon our ability to obtain additional working capital to complete our reactor development, to successfully market our reactors and to achieve commerciality for our reactors. Our prior losses and expected future losses have had and may continue to have adverse effects on our stockholders’ equity (deficit) and working capital and may lead to the failure of our business.
We are an early-stage company in an emerging market with an unproven business model, a new and unproven technology model, and a short operating history, which makes it difficult to evaluate our current business and prospects and may increase the risk of your investment.
We only have a limited operating history upon which to base an evaluation of our current and future business prospects. We were founded in February 2022 and are currently in the process of developing our nuclear microreactors and other lines of business as more fully described in the “Business” section of this prospectus. We anticipate that it will take several years for us to commence generating meaningful revenues. Moreover, we will be required to make significant expenditures over the near and long term just to achieve any level of revenues. Over the next twelve months, we will continue to progress our development of advanced nuclear microreactors, in particular ZEUS and ODIN, with estimated expenditures to be approximately $4 million. This allocation comprises approximately $2 million dedicated to the research and development of products and technology, with a specific focus on the refinement of microreactor technology and the fuel fabrication process. The remaining $2 million is earmarked for miscellaneous costs essential to propelling the progress of our microreactors, encompassing the support of current personnel engaged in executive, finance, accounting, and other administrative functions. We estimate that our microreactor demonstration work will be conducted between 2024 and 2026, our microreactor licensing application will be processed between 2026 and 2031, and our microreactors will be launched between 2030 and 2031. We also plan on providing nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. If we are unable to acquire such a business by the end of 2024, we will then focus on building our own internal nuclear consultation business in coordination with certain outside academic institutions, which we anticipate would require approximately an additional $1 million over the next twelve months to recruit additional staff and build corresponding infrastructure to be capable of providing these services. We have no intention to apply any proceeds from this offering to such acquisition of a nuclear business services and consultancy provider and such acquisition costs are not included in our estimated expenditures of $4 million as above-mentioned over the next twelve months. Notwithstanding the foregoing, these outlined expenditures and the timelines are estimations only and are inherently subject to change due to certain factors, including adjustments in the microreactor development plan and uncertainties associated with the licensing approval process. Given that these elements may exceed our initial expectations or lie beyond our control, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the actual expenditures and timelines.
Our limited operating history and early stage of our business makes an evaluation of our business and prospects very difficult. You must consider our business and prospects in light of the risks and difficulties we encounter as an early-stage company in the new and rapidly evolving market of the nuclear energy industry. These risks and difficulties include, but are not limited to, the following:
| ● | Obtaining the necessary permits and licenses can be a lengthy and complex process, subject to rigorous safety and environmental regulations. Delays or denials in obtaining these approvals can significantly impact a project’s timeline and cost. | |
| ● | Ensuring the safety of the reactor during operation and in case of accidents is paramount. Microreactors must be designed with robust safety features to prevent accidents, and emergency response plans must be in place to mitigate any potential incidents. |
| 12 |
| ● | Security concerns, including the risk of theft or sabotage, need to be addressed through physical security measures and cybersecurity protocols. | |
| ● | Microreactor projects can be capital-intensive, and securing adequate financing can be a significant hurdle. Economic risks related to cost overruns, construction delays, or market uncertainties must be managed effectively. | |
| ● | The demand for microreactor-generated power may be uncertain, especially in the early stages of the business. Market fluctuations and changing energy policies can affect the profitability of the venture. | |
| ● | Microreactors rely on specialized components and materials, which may have limited availability or long lead times. Supply chain disruptions can impact project timelines and costs. | |
| ● | Addressing environmental concerns, including radioactive waste management and minimizing environmental impact, is essential for regulatory compliance and public acceptance. Proper disposal and management of radioactive waste and decommissioning plans need to be in place from the outset. Failing to account for these end-of-life considerations can lead to significant liabilities. Additionally, any adverse environmental impact can lead to public opposition and regulatory penalties. | |
| ● | Public perception of nuclear technology can be a challenge. Overcoming public skepticism or opposition and gaining social acceptance for the microreactor project is important. |
We may not be able to successfully address any of these risks or others. Failure to adequately do so could seriously harm our business and cause our operating results to suffer.
Our nuclear reactors are still at the development stage and have not been put into production yet. Developing, producing, and commercializing nuclear reactors is a complex and challenging endeavor due to various technical, regulatory, financial, and public perception obstacles, which may adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.
Our business plans will require us to raise substantial additional amounts of capital. Future capital needs will require us to sell additional equity or debt securities that will dilute or subordinate the rights of our common stockholders. In addition, we may be unable to secure government grants as part of our funding strategy.
Our business plan will be very costly, far more costly than the net proceeds we will receive from this offering. To develop and implement our business as currently planned, we will need to raise substantial amounts of additional capital, potentially hundreds of millions of dollars. We expect that we will need to make substantial investments in research and development of our products and technologies and other substantial investments before we can generate meaningful revenues. Moreover, our costs and expenses may be even greater than currently anticipated, and there may be investments or expenses that are presently unforeseen. In any case, we may be unable to raise sufficient capital to fund these costs and achieve significant revenue generation. In addition, given the relatively early stage of our company, our future capital requirements are also difficult to predict with precision, and our actual capital requirements may differ substantially from those we currently anticipate.
As a result, even following this offering, we will need to seek equity or debt financing to finance a large portion of our future capital requirements. Such financing might not be available to us when needed or on terms that are acceptable, or at all. We will likely issue additional equity securities and may issue debt securities or otherwise incur debt in the future to fund our business plan. If we issue equity or convertible debt securities to raise additional funds, our existing stockholders will experience dilution, and the new equity (including preferred equity) or debt securities or other indebtedness may have rights, preferences, and privileges senior to those of our existing stockholders. If we incur additional debt, it may increase our leverage relative to our earnings or to our equity capitalization, requiring us to pay additional interest expense.
Our ability to obtain the necessary capital in the form of equity or debt to carry out our business plan is subject to several risks, including general economic and market conditions, as well as investor sentiment regarding our planned business. These factors may make the timing, amount, terms and conditions of any such financing unattractive or unavailable to us. The prevailing macroeconomic environment may increase our cost of financing or make it more difficult to raise additional capital on favorable terms, if at all. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital, we may have to significantly reduce our spending and/or delay or cancel our planned activities.
| 13 |
We may also seek to raise additional funds through collaborations and licensing arrangements. These arrangements, even if we are able to secure them, may require us to relinquish some rights to our technologies, or to grant licenses on terms that are not favorable to us.
Finally, we plan to apply for government funding in the form of grants or other funding from agencies such as the DOE. We may not receive such funding for a variety of reasons, including the size of our company and the government’s assessment of our prospects. Even if we do receive such funding, the government could condition such funding on contractual provisions such as granting the government rights to our technology or products. Moreover, federal funding is subject to at least annual Congressional appropriations, which may not be forthcoming. The federal budget process is complex — the budget justification and Presidential budget requests are often incomplete; Congress may appropriate different amounts than those requested; and the DOE has varying degrees of discretion to reprogram or transfer appropriated funds. Nonetheless, to the extent Presidential budget requests or DOE budget justifications result in a shift of Congressional appropriations away from SMR funding generally or projects we are developing specifically, those shifts could materially and adversely affect the amount of DOE funding available to us and our business.
As a result of the foregoing, we might not be able to obtain any financing, and we might not have sufficient capital to conduct our business as projected, both of which could mean that we would be forced to curtail or discontinue our operations. If we cannot raise additional capital when we need or want to, our operations and prospects could be negatively affected, and our business could fail.
The failure of production and commercialization of nuclear micro reactors as planned will adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, and result of operations.
We are in the process of developing the next-generation advanced nuclear microreactors, in particular ZEUS, a solid core battery reactor, and ODIN, a low-pressure salt coolant reactor. With these products, we are advancing the development of next generation, portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear micro reactors. In collaboration with the INL, which we believe is one of the preeminent U.S. government laboratories for nuclear energy research and development and equipped with some of the world’s foremost nuclear scientists and engineers, we believe our reactors will have the potential to bring change to the global energy landscape. Our goal is to commercially launch one of these products by 2030. If our plan to develop, manufacture or commercialize these products is delayed, suspended, interrupted, or cancelled for whatever reason, our business, financial condition, and results of operations will be adversely and materially disrupted, and the value of our securities may significantly decline or become worthless.
We are in the process of developing a domestic HALEU fuel fabrication facility to supply next generation of advanced nuclear reactors. The failure of completion and operation of such facility as planned will adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, and result of operations.
Building a nuclear fuel fabrication facility to produce commercial nuclear fuel for SMRs and Microreactor companies involves a highly specialized and regulated process. There will be specific challenges at each stage of development, including but not limited to the following:
| ● | Obtaining the necessary licenses and permits from regulatory authorities can be a complex and time-consuming process. Compliance with stringent safety, security, and environmental regulations is crucial. | |
| ● | Ensuring the safety and security of the facility and the nuclear materials within it is of utmost importance. Robust safety measures and security protocols must be implemented to prevent accidents, theft, or unauthorized access. |
| 14 |
| ● | Fabricating nuclear fuel assemblies and components requires specialized knowledge and expertise in nuclear materials, metallurgy, and manufacturing processes. Recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce can be a challenge. | |
| ● | Maintaining strict quality control and assurance processes is essential to ensure the reliability and safety of the nuclear fuel. Any defects or substandard materials can have serious consequences. | |
| ● | Building and operating a nuclear fuel fabrication facility can be capital-intensive. Managing costs, including construction, operational, and maintenance expenses, is essential for the facility’s financial viability. | |
| ● | Construction delays, regulatory approvals, and unforeseen technical challenges can extend the timeline for facility development, potentially affecting market entry and revenue generation. | |
| ● | The demand for nuclear fuel can fluctuate based on the deployment of SMRs and Microreactors. Competition from other fuel suppliers and alternative energy sources can also affect market share and profitability. |
In 2023, we established a subsidiary, HALEU Energy, to concentrate specifically on creating a domestic HALEU fuel fabrication facility to supply the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors. In February 2023, we were selected as an official founding member of the DOE’s new HALEU Consortium to develop the U.S.’ domestic capability for the manufacture of HALEU and its fabrication. Currently we are still in the process of developing such facility and target to have such facility near INL in operation as soon as 2027.
In March 2023, we entered into a memorandum of understanding with Centrus Energy Corp. (or Centrus), an energy fuel company who will provide HALEU to support HALEU Energy’s research and development and commercialization on initial test reactor cores and its commercial variant reactors. However, such memorandum is not binding on both parties with certain exceptions, such as confidentiality. There is no assurance that we will enter into any purchase agreement with Centrus in future.
If our plan to complete and operate such facility is delayed, suspended, interrupted, or cancelled for whatever reason, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely and materially disrupted, and the value of our securities may significantly decline or become worthless.
We plan to produce a regulatorily licensed, high-capacity HALEU transportation product, capable of moving commercial quantities of HALEU fuel around North America. The failure of production and commercialization of such products as planned will adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, and result of operations.
We intend to produce a regulatorily licensed, high-capacity HALEU transportation product, capable of moving commercial quantities of HALEU fuel around North America. We expect to receive an exclusive license for a high capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket design, which was designed around licensed third-party packaging. The license is expected to grant us, as the licensee, exclusive rights for the use and development of certain transportation package technology. If licensed, developed and commercialized, we believe this product would be the only one of its kind in North America and serve as the basis for a domestic HALEU transportation company capable of providing commercial quantities of HALEU fuel. We are targeting to have our fuel transportation business in operation by 2026. However, there is no assurance that we can successfully produce such product and operate such business as planned. If our plan to produce and commercialize such product is delayed, suspended, interrupted or cancelled for whatever reason, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely and materially disrupted, and the value of our securities may significantly decline or become worthless.
| 15 |
We plan to provide nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. Failure to do so as planned will adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, and result of operations.
We plan to provide nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. This business opportunity represents our most near-term revenue generating opportunity as we hope to begin providing these services in 2024. By the end of 2024, we expect to start providing nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. This timeline is based on our plan to acquire a nuclear business services and consultancy provider. We have had preliminary discussions with some acquisition targets but are not a party to any definitive understand or agreements with respect to such acquisitions. If we are unable to acquire such a business by the end of 2024, we will then focus on building our own internal nuclear consultation business in coordination with certain outside academic institutions, which would require approximately $1 million over the next twelve months to recruit additional staff and build corresponding infrastructure to be capable of providing these services. No assurances can be given that we will be able to successfully establish and grow our own consultation business, and our failure to do so would adversely affect our nearer term revenue prospects. We have no intention to apply any proceeds from this offering to such acquisition of a nuclear business services and consultancy provider and such acquisition costs are not included in our estimated expenditures of $4 million as above-mentioned over the next twelve months. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the outlined expenditures and the timelines are estimations only. These are inherently subject to change due to certain factors, including adjustments in the microreactor development plan and uncertainties associated with the licensing approval process. Given that these elements may exceed our initial expectations or lie beyond our control, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the actual expenditures and timelines.
The current upsurge in interest in nuclear energy, combined with the increased investment from both private and governmental sources within the nuclear space, as well as the global push for zero carbon technologies, has created a demand for nuclear energy expertise which exceeds supply. The increased demand in personnel and nuclear related business activity will create increased demand for personnel involved in the licensing and regulator aspects of the industry, which provide us with potential to root in this area. We have already identified several nuclear business services and consultancy providers, which have been assessed as potentially suitable for acquisition by our company. However, there is no assurance that we can acquire them successfully or as planned. If our plan to start the consulting services is delayed, suspended, interrupted or cancelled for whatever reason, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely and materially disrupted, and the value of our securities may significantly decline or become worthless.
Providing a nuclear consulting service as a business comes with a unique set of difficulties and challenges due to the complexity and sensitivity of the nuclear industry. These challenges and difficulties include, but are not limited to:
| ● | Providing valuable nuclear consulting services requires a deep understanding of nuclear science, engineering, and technology. Maintaining a team with the necessary expertise can be difficult. | |
| ● | Consulting on nuclear projects involves addressing safety and security issues. Ensuring that clients are compliant with safety protocols and security measures is a critical responsibility. | |
| ● | Handling sensitive nuclear information and data requires strict security measures and confidentiality protocols to protect classified or proprietary information. | |
| ● | As a consultant, we may face liability issues if our advice leads to undesirable outcomes or non-compliance with regulations. Managing and mitigating these risks is essential. | |
| ● | The nuclear consulting market can be competitive, with established consulting firms and experts in the field. Standing out and securing clients can be challenging, especially for newcomers. | |
| ● | The nuclear industry is evolving with new technologies, safety standards, and market dynamics. Staying updated and adapting to these changes is vital to remain relevant and competitive. | |
| ● | Managing multiple projects for different clients with varying timelines and needs can be challenging. Effective project management is essential to meet deadlines and deliver quality results. | |
| ● | Meeting and managing client expectations can be demanding. Clients may have high expectations for the outcomes of their nuclear projects, and effective communication is essential to align expectations with reality. | |
| ● | Leveraging data analytics and technological advancements can be challenging, especially when dealing with legacy system in the nuclear industry. |
For our nuclear consulting business to be viable and grow, it will be crucial for us build a strong team with diverse expertise, stay current with industry trends and regulations, prioritize security and confidentiality, and maintain high ethical standards. Effective communication, networking, and relationship-building with our clients and the regulatory authorities are also essential for establishing our credibility and trust in the industry. Notwithstanding the foregoing, there is no assurance we can address these or similar challenges and difficulties, the failure of which may adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.
| 16 |
If we experience significant fluctuations in our operating results and rate of growth and fail to meet revenue and earnings expectations, our stock price may fall rapidly and without advance notice.
Due to our limited operating history, our unproven and evolving business model and the unpredictability of our emerging industry, we may not be able to accurately forecast our rate of growth. We base our current and future expense levels and our investment plans on estimates of future revenue and future rate of growth. Our expenses and investments are, to a large extent, not fixed and we expect that these expenses will increase in the future. We may not be able to adjust our spending quickly enough if our revenue falls short of our expectations.
Our results of operations depend on both the growth of demand for the products and services we are going to offer in future and the general economic and business conditions throughout the world. A softening of demand for our products and services for any reason will harm our operating results. Terrorist attacks, armed hostilities and wars in the past created, and may in the future create economic and business uncertainty that may also adversely affect our results of operations.
Our revenue and operating results may also fluctuate due to other factors, including:
| ● | our ability of the design, developing, manufacturing and sales of smaller, cheaper, and safer advanced portable clean energy solutions, including nuclear reactors. | |
| ● | our ability to develop a domestic HALEU fuel fabrication facility to supply the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors. | |
| ● | our ability to produce a regulatorily licensed, high-capacity HALEU transportation product, capable of moving commercial quantities of HALEU fuel. | |
| ● | our ability to provide nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. | |
| ● | assumptions relating to the size of the market for our nuclear reactors. | |
| ● | unanticipated regulations of nuclear energy that add barriers to our business and have a negative effect on our operations. | |
| ● | our estimates of expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and our needs for, or ability to obtain, additional financing. | |
| ● | new product and service introductions by our competitors. | |
| ● | technical difficulties or interruptions in our service. | |
| ● | general economic conditions in our geographic markets. | |
| ● | additional investment in our service or operations. | |
| ● | regulatory compliance costs. |
As a result of these and other factors, we expect that our operating results may fluctuate significantly on a quarterly basis. We believe that period-to-period comparisons of our operating results may not be meaningful, and you should not rely upon them as an indication of future performance.
Federal budget delays, federal debt ceiling limitations, or reductions in government spending could adversely impact government spending for the products and services we provide.
Federal government spending reductions could adversely impact U.S. government programs related to our products or services. While we believe many of our programs do not conflict with the U.S. government’s strategic priorities, government spending on these programs can be subject to negative publicity, political factors and public scrutiny. The risk of future budget delays or reductions is uncertain, and it is possible that spending cuts may be applied to U.S. government programs across the board, regardless of how programs align with those priorities. There are many variables in how budget reductions could be implemented that will determine its specific impact; however, reductions in federal government spending could adversely impact programs in which we provide products or services. In addition, these cuts could adversely affect the viability of the suppliers and subcontractors under our programs.
| 17 |
The cost of electricity generated from nuclear sources may not be cost competitive with other electricity generation sources in some markets, which could materially and adversely affect our business.
Some electricity markets experience very low power prices due to a combination of subsidized renewables and low-cost fuel sources, and we may not be able to compete in these markets unless the benefits of the carbon-free, reliable and/or resilient energy generation are sufficiently valued in the market. Given the relatively lower electricity prices in the United States when compared to many international markets, the risk may be greater with respect to business in the United States.
The market for SMRs generating nuclear power is not yet established and may not achieve the growth potential we expect or may grow more slowly than expected.
The market for SMRs has not yet been established. Our estimates for the total addressable market are based on a number of internal and third-party estimates, including our potential contracted revenue, the number of potential customers, assumed prices and production costs, our ability to leverage our current logistical and operational processes, and general market conditions. However, our assumptions and the data underlying our estimates may not be correct and the conditions supporting our assumptions or estimates may change at any time, thereby reducing the predictive accuracy of these underlying factors. As a result, our estimates of the annual total addressable market for our services, as well as the expected growth rate for the total addressable market for our services, may prove to be incorrect.
All of our officers are presently engaged by us on an independent contractor basis, and they each have management, advisory or directorship positions with other companies and may allocate their time to other businesses, which may pose certain risks in fulfilling their obligations with us.
All of our officers are presently engaged by us as independent contractors due to the fact that they each have management, advisory or directorship positions with other companies and may allocate their time to other businesses. Mr. James Walker, Our Chief Executive Officer, currently allocates at least ten hours per week to support Ares Strategic Mining Inc. (or Ares), a Canadian-based company listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange under (Ticker: ARS) engaged in junior natural resource mining, where he is responsible for the construction of plants, purchases of land, operations, marketing, financing, safety regulation compliance, and shareholder relations. He is also concurrently serving on the board of directors of several small-cap publicly traded companies. Mr. Jay Jiang Yu, our founder, President, Secretary and Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board, has concurrently served on the board and management team of several companies and currently allocates at least 15 hours per week to his roles at other companies. Jaisun Garcha, our Chief Financial Officer, is also the Chief Financial Officer of St. James Gold Corp. and Snipp Interactive Inc., both Canada-based publicly traded companies.
Our executive officers are not employees of our company, instead, they serve as independent contractors and can be terminated by either party at any time. They may pursue any other activities and engagements during their terms of agreements with us. The exiting external commitments and any future commitments of our officers to other companies may potentially divert their significant time and attention away from the strategic and operational needs of our company. Their divided focus could lead to delays in decision-making, hinder effective communication within our organization, give rise to potential conflicts of interest, and introduce a divergence in priorities, consequently impacting the overall efficacy of leadership. Additionally, the potential for conflicting interests arising from commitments to multiple entities may pose challenges in aligning those officers’ priorities with the long-term goals and interests of our company, thereby introducing an element of uncertainty and potential disruption to our operations. It is essential to acknowledge and address these complexities to ensure that our officers can effectively balance their responsibilities and fulfill their commitments to our company while maintaining transparency and integrity in their various roles. Failure to do so may adversely affect our business, financial conditions, and results of operations.
We may be unable to manage our future growth effectively, which could make it difficult to execute our business strategy.
If our operations grow as planned, we may need to expand our sales and marketing, research and development, supply and manufacturing functions, and there is no guarantee that we will be able to scale our business as planned. If we are not able to achieve and maintain cost-competitiveness in the United States or elsewhere, our business could be materially and adversely affected.
We and our target customers operate in a politically sensitive environment, and the public perception of nuclear energy can affect our target customers and us.
Nuclear energy is closely tied to government policies and regulations due to its potential risks and benefits. Governments often play a central role in the approval, regulation, and funding of nuclear projects. Changes in political leadership or shifts in public sentiment can lead to shifts in nuclear energy policies, which can affect the viability and profitability of nuclear businesses. The regulatory framework for nuclear energy is stringent and subject to public scrutiny. Regulatory decisions can influence the cost, timeline, and feasibility of nuclear projects. Public concerns and political pressure can lead to tighter regulations or stricter enforcement of existing ones. Government policies and incentives, often influenced by public opinion and political considerations, can directly impact the growth and competitiveness of nuclear energy. Favorable policies such as subsidies, tax credits, or incentives for clean energy can attract more customers to the nuclear energy sector.
In addition, public perception of nuclear energy can range from positive to highly skeptical or negative, often influenced by historical events, accidents, and media coverage. Negative public sentiment can lead to protests, legal challenges, and public resistance to new nuclear projects, potentially delaying or preventing their development. Nuclear facilities often need to engage with local communities where they operate. Building and maintaining trust with these communities is crucial for obtaining social acceptance. Public opposition, fueled by concerns about safety or environmental impact, can hinder a company’s ability to establish a presence in a particular location. Public perception of nuclear safety and viability can also influence the willingness of investors and financial institutions to fund nuclear projects. Negative public sentiment can increase financing costs and make it more difficult to secure the necessary capital. However, public preferences for energy sources can influence the demand for nuclear energy. A positive perception of nuclear power as a clean and reliable energy source can boost its market appeal. Conversely, public concerns about nuclear safety and waste disposal can lead to decreased demand, impacting a nuclear company’s customer base. Additionally, public perception of a country’s nuclear industry can affect its ability to export nuclear technology, reactors, and fuel assemblies to international customers. International perceptions of safety and reliability play a role in export decisions.
| 18 |
As a result, the risks associated with nuclear energy materials and the public perception of those risks can affect our business. Opposition by third parties can delay or prevent the construction of new nuclear power plants and can limit the operation of nuclear reactors. Adverse public reaction to developments in the use of nuclear power could directly affect our customers and indirectly affect our business. In the past, adverse public reaction, increased regulatory scrutiny and litigation have contributed to extended construction periods for new nuclear reactors, sometimes delaying construction schedules by decades or more or even shutting down operations. In addition, anti-nuclear groups in Germany successfully lobbied for the adoption of the Nuclear Exit Law in 2002, which lead to the shutdown of all German nuclear power plants as of April 15, 2023. Adverse public reaction could also lead to increased regulation or limitations on the activities of our customers, more onerous operating requirements or other conditions that could have a material adverse impact on our target customers and our business.
Accidents involving nuclear power facilities, including but not limited to events similar to the Three Mile Island, Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accidents, or terrorist acts or other high-profile events involving radioactive materials could materially and adversely affect our target customers and the markets in which we operate and increase regulatory requirements and costs that could materially and adversely affect our business.
Our future prospects are dependent upon a certain level of public support for nuclear power. Nuclear power faces strong opposition from certain competitive energy sources, individuals and organizations. The accident that occurred at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan in 2011 increased public opposition to nuclear power in some countries, resulting in a slowdown in, or, in some cases, a complete halt to new construction of nuclear power plants, an early shut down of existing power plants or a dampening of the favorable regulatory climate needed to introduce new nuclear technologies, all of which could negatively impact our business and prospects. As a result of the Fukushima accident, some countries that were considering launching new domestic nuclear power programs delayed or cancelled the preparatory activities they were planning to undertake as part of such programs. If accidents similar to the Fukushima disaster or other events, such as terrorist attacks involving nuclear facilities, occur, public opposition to nuclear power may increase, regulatory requirements and costs could become more onerous, which could materially and adversely affect our business and operations.
An existing high net worth individual investor in our common stock has the right to require us to repurchase his shares at any time the original aggregate purchase price of $5,000,000. If this right is exercised, we would be required to expend a material amount of cash to satisfy this requirement, which in turn would decrease the available cash to us to advance our business plans.
Pursuant to a May 15, 2023 subscription agreement between us and an individual high net worth investor (the “Subscriber”), the Subscriber purchased 2,000,000 shares of common stock for $2.50 per share for a total consideration of $5,000,000. This subscription agreement includes a put right which entitles the Subscriber to require us to repurchase for cash all or any amount of these shares (the “Put Shares”) if: (a) our initial public offering registration statement is not declared effective by the SEC by December 31, 2023; (b) we commit a material breach of the subscription agreement and either that breach is not capable of being remedied or, if capable of remedy, we do not remedy that breach as soon as possible and in any event within 30 business days of its receipt of a notice from the Subscriber.
In the event the Subscriber elects to exercise this right, a material amount of our cash would be utilized to satisfy this requirement. This reduction in available cash would adversely affect our working capital. This, in turn, would likely impede our day-to-day operations and frustrate our ability to progress our business plans. It would also require us to raise new funding sooner than expected, and such funding might not be available on agreeable terms, if at all.
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property
If we fail to protect or enforce our intellectual property or proprietary rights, our business and operating results could be harmed.
We currently own the rights to all of our intellectual property, including one trademark pending registration. We expect to receive an exclusive license for a high capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket design, which was designed around a licensed third-party packaging. The license is expected to grant us, as the licensee, exclusive rights for use and development of the technology. In addition, the licensor is not permitted to license the technology to any other parties within the specified scope. We may enter into other license agreements in future for our business development. There is no assurance that we, as the Licensee, will be able to obtain or renew, if at all or in a timely manner, any of the license agreements upon its expiration. Failure to obtain or renew, or early termination of, any such agreement may materially and adversely affect our business, financial conditions and results of operations.
We regard the protection of our trade secrets, trademarks, licenses, trade dress, patents and copyrights (if any, in future), domain names and other intellectual property or proprietary rights as critical to our success. We strive to protect our intellectual property rights by relying on federal, state and common law rights, as well as contractual restrictions. We seek to protect our confidential proprietary information, in part, by entering into consulting agreements, and/or services or employment agreements that contain non-disclosure and non-use provisions with our employees, consultants, advisors and any third parties who have access to our proprietary know-how, information or technology. However, we cannot be certain that we have executed such agreements with all parties who may have helped to develop our intellectual property or who had access to our proprietary information, nor can we be certain that our agreements will not be breached. Any party with whom we have executed such an agreement could potentially breach that agreement and disclose our proprietary information, including our trade secrets, and we may not be able to obtain adequate remedies for such breaches. We cannot guarantee that our trade secrets and other confidential proprietary information will not be disclosed or that competitors will not otherwise gain access to our trade secrets or independently develop substantially equivalent information and techniques. Detecting the disclosure or misappropriation of a trade secret and enforcing a claim that a party illegally disclosed or misappropriated a trade secret is difficult, time-consuming and could result in substantial costs and the outcome of such a claim is unpredictable. Further, the laws of certain foreign countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent or in the same manner as the laws of the United States. As a result, we may encounter significant problems in protecting and defending our intellectual property or proprietary rights both in the United States and abroad. If we are unable to prevent the disclosure of our trade secrets to third parties, or if our competitors independently develop any of our trade secrets, we may not be able to establish or maintain a competitive advantage in our market, which could harm our business.
| 19 |
We currently have no patents related to our technology and have opted to maintain such technology as a trade secret. We believe developing technology more comprehensively before patenting it provides our company with certain potential strategic advantages. However, we will balance the advantages of comprehensive development with the risk of potential delays in securing patent protection and continue to consult qualified intellectual property counsel so we can make informed decisions regarding the timing of patent filings and the overall protection strategy. Patent laws, and scope of coverage afforded by them, have recently been subject to significant changes, such as the change to “first-to-file” from “first-to-invent” resulting from the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act. This change in the determination of inventorship may result in inventors and companies having to file patent applications more frequently to preserve rights in their inventions, which may favor larger competitors that have the resources to file more patent applications. Another change to the patent laws may incentivize third parties to challenge any issued patent in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (or the USPTO), as opposed to having to bring such an action in U.S. federal court. Any invalidation of a patent claim could have a significant impact on our ability to protect the innovations contained within our products and could harm our business.
The USPTO and various foreign governmental patent agencies require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment and other provisions to maintain patent applications and issued patents. We may fail to take the necessary actions and to pay the applicable fees to obtain or maintain our patents in future. Non-compliance with these requirements can result in abandonment or lapse of a patent or patent application, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. In such an event, competitors might be able to use our technologies and enter the market earlier than would otherwise have been the case.
We pursue the registration of our domain names, trademarks and service marks in the United States. We may seek to protect our trademarks, patents and domain names in an increasing number of jurisdictions in future, a process that is expensive and time-consuming and may not be successful or which we may not pursue in every location.
Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property or proprietary rights, protect our trade secrets or determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights claimed by others. Any litigation of this nature, regardless of outcome or merit, could result in substantial costs, adverse publicity or diversion of management and technical resources, any of which could adversely affect our business and operating results. If we fail to maintain, protect and enhance our intellectual property or proprietary rights, our business may be harmed.
We rely on our unpatented proprietary technology, trade secrets, designs, experiences, work flows, data, processes, software and know-how.
We rely on proprietary information (such as trade secrets, know-how and confidential information) to protect intellectual property that may not be patentable or subject to copyright, trademark, trade dress or service mark protection, or that we believe is best protected by means that do not require public disclosure. We generally seek to protect this proprietary information by entering into consulting agreements, and/or services or employment agreements that contain non-disclosure and non-use provisions with our employees, consultants, contractors and third parties. However, we may fail to enter into the necessary agreements, and even if entered into, these agreements may be breached or may otherwise fail to prevent disclosure, third-party infringement or misappropriation of our proprietary information, may be limited as to their term and may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized disclosure or use of proprietary information. We have limited control over the protection of trade secrets used by our current or future partners and suppliers and could lose future trade secret protection if any unauthorized disclosure of such information occurs. In addition, our proprietary information may otherwise become known or be independently developed by our competitors or other third parties. To the extent that our employees, consultants, contractors, advisors and other third parties use intellectual property owned by others in their work for us, disputes may arise as to the rights in related or resulting know-how and inventions. Costly and time-consuming litigation could be necessary to enforce and determine the scope of our proprietary rights, and failure to obtain or maintain protection for our proprietary information could adversely affect our competitive business position. Furthermore, laws regarding trade secret rights in certain markets where we operate may afford little or no protection to its trade secrets.
| 20 |
We also rely on physical and electronic security measures to protect our proprietary information, but we cannot provide assurance that these security measures will not be breached or provide adequate protection for our property. There is a risk that third parties may obtain and improperly utilize our proprietary information to our competitive disadvantage. We may not be able to detect or prevent the unauthorized use of such information or take appropriate and timely steps to enforce our intellectual property rights.
We may be accused of infringing intellectual property rights of third parties and content restrictions of relevant laws, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Third parties may claim that the technology used in the operation of our business infringes upon their intellectual property rights. Although we have not in the past faced any litigation involving direct claims of infringement by us, the possibility of intellectual property claims against us increases as we continue to grow. Such claims, whether having merit, may result in our expenditure of significant financial and management resources, injunctions against us or payment of damages. We may need to obtain licenses from third parties who allege that we have infringed their rights, but such licenses may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. These risks have been amplified by the increase in third parties whose sole or primary business is to assert such claims.
The outcome of any claims, investigations and proceedings is inherently uncertain, and in any event defending against these claims could be both costly and time-consuming and could significantly divert the efforts and resources of our management and other personnel. An adverse determination in any such litigation or proceedings could cause us to pay damages, as well as legal and other costs, limit our ability to conduct business or require us to change the manner in which we operate.
Risks Related to Regulation and Compliance
Our business is subject to a wide variety of extensive and evolving government laws and regulations. Changes in and/or failure to comply with such laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We are subject to new or changing international, federal, state, and local regulations, including laws relating to the design, developing, manufacturing, marketing, servicing, or sales of our nuclear-fuel related products. Such laws and regulations may require us to pause sales and modify our products, which could result in a material adverse effect on our ability to generate revenues (or any future revenues) and our financial condition generally. Such laws and regulations can also give rise to liability such as fines and penalties, property damage, bodily injury, and cleanup costs. Failure to comply with such regulations could lead to withdrawal or recall of our products from the market, delay our projected revenues, increase cost, or make our business unviable if we are unable to modify our products to comply. Capital and operating expenses needed to comply with laws and regulations can be significant, and violations may result in substantial fines and penalties, third-party damages, suspension of production or a cessation of our operations. Any failure to comply with such laws or regulations could lead to withdrawal or recall of our products from the market.
Regulatory risk factors associated with our business also include our ability to obtain additional applicable approvals, licenses or certifications from regulatory agencies, if required, and to maintain current approvals, licenses or certifications. Any regulatory delays, delays imposed as a result of regulatory inspections and changing regulatory requirements, may impede our planned actions to be implemented or completed, many of which may be out of our control. Any natural disasters, changes in governmental regulations or in the status of our regulatory approvals or applications or other events that force us to cancel or reschedule our product development and production, could have an adverse impact on our business and financial condition.
| 21 |
We are subject to U.S. and foreign anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws and regulations. We can face criminal liability and other serious consequences for violations, which can harm our business.
We are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.S. domestic bribery statute contained in 18 U.S.C. § 201, the U.S. Travel Act, the Money Laundering Control Act 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956 and 1957, and other anti-bribery and anti-money laundering laws in countries in which we conduct activities. Anti-corruption laws are interpreted broadly and prohibit companies and their employees, agents, contractors and other collaborators from authorizing, promising, offering or providing, directly or indirectly, improper payments or anything else of value to recipients in the public or private sector, and require that we keep accurate books and records and maintain internal accounting controls designed to prevent any such actions. We can be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of our employees, agents, contractors and other collaborators, even if we do not explicitly authorize or have actual knowledge of such activities.
As we intend to conduct international cross-border business and expand our operations abroad, we may engage business partners and third-party intermediaries to market our products and to obtain necessary permits, licenses and other regulatory approvals overseas. In addition, we or our third-party intermediaries may have direct or indirect interactions with officials and employees of government agencies or state-owned or affiliated entities. We can be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of these third-party intermediaries, our employees, representatives, contractors, partners and agents, even if we do not explicitly authorize such activities. We cannot assure you that all of our employees and agents will not take actions in violation of our policies and applicable law, for which we may be ultimately held responsible. As we intend to expand our international business, our risks under these laws may increase.
Detecting, investigating and resolving actual or alleged violations of anti-corruption laws can require a significant diversion of time, resources and attention from our management. In addition, non-compliance with anti- corruption or anti-bribery laws could subject us to whistleblower complaints, investigations, sanctions, settlements, prosecution, enforcement actions, fines, damages, other civil or criminal penalties, injunctions, suspension or debarment from contracting with certain persons, reputational harm, adverse media coverage and other collateral consequences. If any subpoenas are received or investigations are launched, or governmental or other sanctions are imposed, or if we do not prevail in any possible civil or criminal proceeding, our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially harmed.
If we fail to comply with the laws and regulations relating to the collection of sales tax and payment of income taxes in the various states in which we do business, we could be exposed to unexpected costs, expenses, penalties and fees as a result of our non-compliance, which could harm our business.
By engaging in business activities in the United States, we become subject to various state laws and regulations, including requirements to collect sales tax from our sales within those states, and the payment of income taxes on revenue generated from activities in those states. A successful assertion by one or more states that we were required to collect sales or other taxes or to pay income taxes where we did not could result in substantial tax liabilities, fees and expenses, including substantial interest and penalty charges, which could harm our business.
We may become involved in legal and regulatory proceedings and commercial or contractual disputes, which could have an adverse effect on our profitability and financial position.
We may be subject to claims, lawsuits, arbitration proceedings, government investigations and other legal, regulatory and administrative proceedings. The outcome of any such claims, investigations or proceedings cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty. In the ordinary course of business, we may in the future be the subject of various legal claims. Any such claims, investigations or proceedings against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation, be harmful to our reputation, require significant management attention and divert significant resources, and the resolution of any such claims, investigations or proceedings could result in substantial damages, settlement costs, fines or penalties that could adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results or result in harm to our reputation and brand, sanctions, consent decrees, injunctions or other remedies requiring a change in our business practices.
| 22 |
Further, under certain circumstances, we may have contractual or other legal obligations to indemnify and to incur legal expenses on behalf of investors, directors, officers, employees, or other third parties. Our business contractual and legal obligations related to indemnification and the coverage of legal expenses for investors, directors, officers, employees, and other third parties are critical components of our risk management and corporate governance. These obligations are typically outlined in various agreements, contracts, and corporate bylaws.
In our company, the key aspects of indemnification will be included in our directors and officers (D&O) insurance, our corporate governing documents, and investor agreements and other relevant arrangements. Nuclear companies often purchase director and officer insurance policies to indemnify their directors and officers against personal liability for actions taken in their roles. These policies provide financial protection for individuals in the event of lawsuits, regulatory actions, or other legal proceedings related to their corporate duties. The corporate governing documents may include provisions that obligate our company to indemnify its directors, officers, and sometimes employees to the extent allowed by law, with some conditions or limitations on indemnification as applicable. In cases where investors, such as venture capitalists or private equity firms, are involved, investment agreements may include indemnification clauses that protect the investors from certain liabilities related to their investment in our company. In our agreements with third parties, such as suppliers, partners, or service providers, indemnification provisions may also be included to specify who is responsible for indemnifying the other party in the event of specified breaches, disputes, or liabilities.
We may also be required to cover the legal expenses and other costs on behalf of individuals or third parties incurred during any applicable legal proceedings, which may divest our company’s resources and the management’s attention, thus materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and result in our inability to sustain our growth and expansion strategies.
General Risk Factors Associated with Our Company
We are highly dependent on our senior management team and other highly skilled personnel. If we are unable to attract, retain and maintain highly qualified personnel, including our senior management team, we may not be able to implement our business strategy and our business and results of operations would be harmed.
Our business and prospectus are highly dependent on the continued services of our senior management team, particularly our Chief Executive Officer James Walker, our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board Jay Jiang Yu, our Chief Financial Officer Jaisun Garcha, and our Chief Policy Officer Winston Khun Hunn Chow. Our senior management team has extensive experience in the energy and finance industries, and we believe that their depth of experience is instrumental to our continued success. See “Management” for further details. The loss of any one or more members of our senior management team, for any reason, including resignation or retirement, could impair our ability to execute our business strategy and have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition if we are unable to successfully attract and retain qualified and highly skilled replacement personnel.
In addition, our ability to execute our plans and grow our company will depend in large part on our ability to attract, motivate, develop, retain and maintain a sufficient number of other highly skilled personnel, including engineers, nuclear energy professionals, finance, marketing and sales personnel. Maintaining a diverse team of skilled personnel who can collectively address the technical, regulatory, financial, and operational aspects of our business, including but not limited to, nuclear engineers and scientists, regulatory and licensing experts, safety and security experts, quality control and assurance managers, environmental and waste management experts, and financial and legal professionals, is also essential to our business. Our goal is to build a well-rounded and experienced team with expertise in these areas to ensure the development, operation, and commercialization of our business, while ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and long-term viability.
However, if we are unable to attract, retain, and maintain our senior management team and other highly skilled personnel, we may not be able to implement our business strategy, and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely and materially affected. If any of our senior management team members were to terminate his or her employment with us, there can be no assurance that we would be able to find suitable replacements in a timely manner, at acceptable cost or at all. The loss of services of senior management team members or the inability to identify, hire, train and retain other qualified and managerial personnel in the future may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
| 23 |
Mr. Jay Jiang Yu, our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board, has a significant influence over our company due to his ownership of a material percentage of our outstanding common stock. Also, his interests may not always be aligned with the interests of our other shareholders, which may lead to conflicts of interest that harm our company.
As of the date of this prospectus, Mr. Jay Jiang Yu, our President and Chairman, beneficially owns an aggregate of approximately 40.06% shares of our common stock and is expected to own approximately 36.02% shares of our common stock upon the completion of this offering assuming no exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option. Due to his ownership of a material percentage of our outstanding common stock, Mr. Yu could have significant influence in determining the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matter submitted to the shareholders for approval, including mergers, consolidations, the appointment of directors and other significant corporate actions. Without the consent of Mr. Yu, we may be prevented from entering into transactions that could be beneficial to us or our other shareholders. Moreover, our interests and the interests of Mr. Yu may not always be aligned, which could create conflicts of interest of Mr. Yu and may not be resolved in favor of all of our stockholders or may otherwise harm our company. For more information regarding Mr. Yu’s ownership of our company, see “Principal Stockholders”.
Failure to establish and maintain effective internal control in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price.
Prior to the completion of this offering, we have been a private company with limited accounting personnel to adequately execute our accounting processes and limited supervisory resources with which to address our internal control over financial reporting. As a private company, we have not designed nor maintained an effective control environment as required of public companies under the rules of the SEC implementing Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and therefore are not required to make a formal assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for that purpose. Specifically, we lack a sufficient number of professionals with an appropriate level of accounting knowledge, training and experience to appropriately analyze, record and disclose accounting matters timely and accurately while maintaining appropriate segregation of duties.
Upon becoming a publicly traded company, we will be required to comply with the SEC’s rules implementing Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which will require management to certify financial and other information in our quarterly and annual reports and provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of controls over financial reporting. Though we will be required to disclose changes made in our internal controls and procedures on a quarterly basis, we will not be required to make our first annual assessment of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 until the year following our first annual report required to be filed with the SEC.
Proper system of internal control over financial accounting and disclosure controls and procedures are critical to the operation of a public company. We may be unable to effectively establish such system, especially in light of the fact that we expect to operate as a publicly reporting company. This would leave us without the ability to reliably assimilate and compile financial information about our company and significantly impair our ability to prevent error and detect fraud, all of which would have a negative impact on our company from many perspectives.
Moreover, we do not expect that disclosure control or internal control over financial reporting, even if established, will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in the control system, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. Failure of our control system to prevent error or fraud could materially adversely impact us.
Our ability to effectively manage our anticipated growth and expansion of our operations will also require us to enhance our operational, financial and management controls and infrastructure, human resources policies and reporting system. These enhancements and improvements will require significant capital expenditures and allocation of valuable management and employee resources.
We expect to experience significant growth in the scope and nature of our operations. Our ability to manage our operations and future growth will require us to continue to improve our operational, financial and management controls, compliance programs and reporting system. We may not be able to implement improvements in an efficient or timely manner and may discover deficiencies in existing controls, programs, systems and procedures, which could have an adverse effect on our business, reputation and financial results. Additionally, rapid growth in our business may place a strain on our human and capital resources. Furthermore, we expect to continue to conduct our business internationally and anticipate increased business operations in the United States, Asia, and Europe. Asia and Europe are obvious destinations to launch manufacturing operations given the high demand for clean technologies, developed technical workforce, and strong manufacturing bases with nuclear experience. We will also be targeting developing countries that could benefit from the introduction of mobile, remote, power sources able to unlock a lot of economic resources. These diversified, global operations place increased demands on our limited resources and require us to substantially expand the capabilities of our administrative and operational resources and to attract, train, manage and retain qualified management, technical, experts, engineering, sales and other personnel, the failure of which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We will incur significantly increased costs as a result of, and devote substantial management time to operating as, a public company.
As a public company, we will incur significant legal, accounting, and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. For example, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and will be required to comply with the applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, as well as rules and regulations subsequently implemented by the SEC, including the establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls, changes in corporate governance practices and required filing of annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and operating results. These requirements will increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time-consuming and costly. In addition, our management and other personnel will need to divert attention from operational and other business matters to devote substantial time to these public company requirements. We will also need to hire additional accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge and will need to establish an internal audit function. We also expect that operating as a public company will make it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. This could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified people to serve on our board of directors, our board committees or as executive officers. In addition, after we no longer qualify as an “emerging growth company,” as defined under the JOBS Act we expect to incur additional management time and cost to comply with the more stringent reporting requirements applicable to companies that are deemed accelerated filers or large accelerated filers, including complying with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We are just beginning the process of compiling the system and processing documentation needed to comply with such requirements. We may not be able to complete our evaluation, testing and any required remediation in a timely fashion. In that regard, we currently do not have an internal audit function, and we will need to hire or contract for additional accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge.
We cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur as a result of becoming a public company or the timing of such costs.
We are an “emerging growth company,” and we cannot be certain if the reduced reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies,” including the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. Pursuant to Section 107 of the JOBS Act, as an emerging growth company, we have elected to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of issuers who are required to comply with the effective dates for new or revised accounting standards that are applicable to public companies, which may make our common stock less attractive to investors. In addition, if we cease to be an emerging growth company, we will no longer be able to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards.
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of: (1) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of our listing; (2) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues exceed $1.235 billion; (3) the date on which we have, during the previous rolling three-year period, issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt securities; and (4) the date on which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under the rules of the SEC.
We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive if we choose to rely on these exemptions. For example, if we do not adopt a new or revised accounting standard, our future results of operations may not be comparable to the results of operations of certain other companies in our industry that adopted such standards. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock, and our stock price may be more volatile.
| 24 |
If our estimates or judgments relating to our critical accounting policies prove to be incorrect, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and accompanying notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. We base our estimates on short duration historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, as provided in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.” The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets, liabilities, and equity, and the amount of revenue and expenses. Significant estimates and judgments involve: legal contingencies; valuation of our common stock and equity awards; and income taxes. Our results of operations may be adversely affected if our assumptions change or if actual circumstances differ from those in our assumptions, which could cause our results of operations to fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, resulting in a decline in the market price of our common stock.
Our current insurance coverage may not be adequate, and we may not be able to obtain insurance at acceptable rates, or at all.
We currently have director & officer liability insurance for our officers and certain directors. We do not carry any key-man life insurance, business liability and other professional liability insurance. Neither have we purchased any property insurance or business interruption insurance. Even if we purchase these kinds of insurance, the insurance may not fully protect us from the financial impact of defending against product liability or professional liability claims that may occur in future. As we are still at the development stage and we have not produced any products yet, we have determined that our current insurance coverage is sufficient for our business operations in the U.S. However, the local government may take an opposite position against us and we may need to purchase additional insurance to operate our business. If we fail to obtain the insurance as required by the local government, or if we were to incur substantial losses or liabilities due to fire, explosions, floods, other natural disasters or accidents or business interruption, our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We may pursue strategic acquisitions to accelerate our growth. These potential acquisitions may not be successful. We may not be able to successfully integrate future acquisitions or generate sufficient revenues from future acquisitions, which could cause our business to suffer.
If we buy a company or a division of a company, there can be no assurance that we will be able to profitably manage such business or successfully integrate such business without substantial costs, delays or other operational or financial problems. There can be no assurance that the businesses we acquire in the future will achieve anticipated revenues and earnings. Additionally:
| ● | the key personnel of the acquired business may decide not to work for us; | |
| ● | changes in management at an acquired business may impair its relationships with employees and customers; | |
| ● | we may be unable to maintain uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies among acquired businesses; | |
| ● | we may be unable to successfully implement infrastructure, logistics and system integration; | |
| ● | we may be held liable for legal claims (including environmental claims) arising out of activities of the acquired businesses prior to our acquisitions, some of which we may not have discovered during our due diligence, and we may not have indemnification claims available to us or we may not be able to realize on any indemnification claims with respect to those legal claims; | |
| ● | we will assume risks associated with deficiencies in the internal control of acquired businesses; | |
| ● | we may not be able to realize the cost savings or other financial benefits we anticipated; and | |
| ● | our ongoing business may be disrupted or receive insufficient management attention. |
| 25 |
Future acquisitions may require us to obtain additional equity or debt financing, which may not be available on attractive terms. Moreover, to the extent an acquisition transaction financed by non-equity consideration results in additional goodwill, it will reduce our tangible net worth, which might have an adverse effect on our credit and bonding capacity.
Our business is subject to the risks of earthquakes, fire, floods and other natural catastrophic events, global pandemics, and interruptions by man-made problems, such as network security breaches, computer viruses or terrorism. Material disruptions of our business or information system resulting from these events could adversely affect our operating results.
We are vulnerable to damage from catastrophic events, such as natural disasters, power loss, and similar unforeseen events beyond our control. The global pandemics or fear of spread of contagious diseases, such as COVID-19, Ebola virus disease (EVD), coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), H1N1 flu, H7N9 flu, and avian flu, as well the catastrophic events could disrupt our business operations, reduce or restrict our supply of products and services, incur significant costs to protect our employees and facilities, or result in regional or global economic distress, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Actual or threatened war, terrorist activities, political unrest, civil strife, and other geopolitical uncertainty could have a similar adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Any one or more of these events may adversely affect our operation results, or even for a prolonged period of time, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We cannot assure you that we are adequately protected from the effects of earthquakes, fire, floods, typhoons, earthquakes, global pandemics, power loss, telecommunications failures, break-ins, war, riots, network security breaches, computer viruses terrorist attacks, or similar events. Any of the foregoing events may give rise to interruptions, damage to our property, delays in production, breakdowns, system failures, technology platform failures, or internet failures, which could cause the loss or corruption of data or malfunctions of our internet system as well as adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
If a natural disaster, power outage or other event occurred that prevented us from using all or a significant portion of our headquarters, damaged critical infrastructure, or otherwise disrupted operations, it may be difficult or, in certain cases, impossible for us to continue our business for a substantial period of time. The disaster recovery and business continuity plans we have in place are unlikely to provide adequate protection in the event of a serious disaster or similar event. We may incur substantial expenses as a result of the limited nature of our disaster recovery and business continuity plans, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Risks Related to Our Securities and this Offering
No active trading market for our common stock currently exists, and an active trading market may not develop or be sustained following this offering.
Prior to this offering, there has not been an active trading market for our common stock. If an active trading market for our common stock does not develop following this offering, you may not be able to sell your shares quickly or at the market price. Our ability to raise capital to continue to fund operations by selling shares of our common stock and our ability to acquire other companies or technologies by using shares of our common stock as consideration may also be impaired. The initial public offering price of our common stock will be determined by negotiations between us and the underwriters and may not be indicative of the market prices of our common stock that will prevail in the trading market.
| 26 |
The trading price of our common stock may be volatile, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for shares of common stock. The initial public offering price of our common stock will be determined through negotiations between us and the underwriters. This price does not necessarily reflect the price at which investors in the market will be willing to buy and sell shares of our common stock following this offering. In addition, the trading price of our common stock following this offering is likely to be volatile and could be subject to fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. These fluctuations could cause you to lose all or part of your investment in our common stock as you might be unable to sell your shares at or above the price you paid in this offering. Factors that could cause fluctuations in the trading price of our common stock include the following:
| ● | price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time; | |
| ● | volatility in the trading prices and trading volumes of transportation stocks; | |
| ● | changes in operating performance and stock market valuations of other transportation companies generally, or those in our industry in particular; | |
| ● | sales of shares of our common stock by us or our stockholders; | |
| ● | failure of securities analysts to maintain coverage of us, changes in financial estimates by securities analysts who follow our company, or our failure to meet these estimates or the expectations of investors; | |
| ● | the financial projections we may provide to the public, any changes in those projections, or our failure to meet those projections; | |
| ● | announcements by us or our competitors of new products, features, or services; | |
| ● | the public’s reaction to our press releases, other public announcements and filings with the SEC; | |
| ● | rumors and market speculation involving us or other companies in our industry; | |
| ● | actual or anticipated changes in our results of operations or fluctuations in our results of operations; | |
| ● | actual or anticipated developments in our business, our competitors’ businesses or the competitive landscape generally; | |
| ● | litigation involving us, our industry, or both, or investigations by regulators into our operations or those of our competitors; | |
| ● | developments or disputes concerning our intellectual property or other proprietary rights; | |
| ● | announced or completed acquisitions of businesses, products, services or technologies by us or our competitors; | |
| ● | new laws or regulations or new interpretations of existing laws or regulations applicable to our business; | |
| ● | changes in accounting standards, policies, guidelines, interpretations or principles; | |
| ● | any significant change in our management; and | |
| ● | general economic conditions and slow or negative growth of our markets. |
In recent years, the stock markets generally have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of listed companies. Broad market and industry factors may significantly affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. These fluctuations may be even more pronounced in the trading market for our common stock shortly following this offering. If the market price of shares of our common stock after this offering does not ever exceed the initial public offering price, you may not realize any return on your investment in us and may lose some or all of your investment.
In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and in the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against these companies. This litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources.
| 27 |
Certain recent initial public offerings of companies with public floats comparable to our anticipated public float have experienced extreme volatility that was seemingly unrelated to the underlying performance of the respective company. We may experience similar volatility, which may make it difficult for prospective investors to assess the value of our common stock.
In addition to the risks addressed above in “Risks Relating to Our Securities and this Offering — The trading price of our common stock may be volatile, and you could lose all or part of your investment,” our common stock may be subject to extreme volatility that is seemingly unrelated to the underlying performance of our business. Recently, companies with comparable public floats and initial public offering sizes have experienced instances of extreme stock price run-ups followed by rapid price declines, and such stock price volatility was seemingly unrelated to the respective company’s underlying performance. Although the specific cause of such volatility is unclear, our anticipated public float may amplify the impact the actions taken by a few stockholders have on the price of our common stock, which may cause the price of our common stock to deviate, potentially significantly, from a price that better reflects the underlying performance of our business. Should our common stock experience run-ups and declines that are seemingly unrelated to our actual or expected operating performance and financial condition or prospects, prospective investors may have difficulty assessing the rapidly changing value of our common stock. In addition, investors of shares of our common stock may experience losses, which may be material, if the price of our common stock declines after this offering or if such investors purchase shares of our common stock prior to any price decline.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. We do not currently have and may never obtain research coverage by securities and industry analysts. If no securities or industry analysts commence coverage of our company, the trading price for our stock would be negatively impacted. If we obtain securities or industry analyst coverage and if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our stock or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.
Future sales of our common stock or securities convertible into our common stock may depress our stock price.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock or securities convertible into our common stock in the public market after the completion of this offering, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and could materially impair our ability to raise capital through equity offerings in the future.
The common stock sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, and shares held by our existing stockholders may also be sold in the public market in the future subject to the restrictions in Rule 144 under the Securities Act and the applicable lock-up agreements and leak-out agreements. Following the consummation of this offering, there will be 29,457,015 shares of common stock outstanding immediately after this offering assuming full exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option, and 29,007,015 shares of common stock assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. In connection with this offering, we and each of our directors and officers named in the section “Management,” and our existing stockholders holding five percent (5%) or more of our common stock prior to this offering have agreed not to sell shares of common stock for a period of six (6) months from the date of the closing of this offering without the prior written consent of the representative of the underwriters, subject to customary exceptions. In addition, each existing stockholder of our company who holds less than five percent (5%) of our common stock prior to this offering will be subject to leak-out agreement restricting sales of certain percentages of their common stock during a period ranging from 30 days to 150 days following the closing of this offering. The representative of the underwriters may release these securities from lock-up restrictions at any time, subject to applicable regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (or FINRA). We cannot predict what effect, if any, market sales of securities held by our significant stockholders or any other shareholder or the availability of these securities for future sale will have on the market price of our common stock. See “Underwriting” and “Shares Eligible for Future Sale” for a more detailed description of the restrictions on selling our securities after this offering.
| 28 |
Our failure to meet the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq could result in a delisting of our common stock.
We cannot assure you that our securities will continue to be listed on Nasdaq even if our securities are listed on Nasdaq. Following this offering, in order to maintain our listing on Nasdaq, we will be required to comply with certain Nasdaq continuing listing rules, including those regarding minimum stockholders’ equity, minimum share price, minimum market value of publicly held shares, corporate governance and various additional requirements. If we are unable to satisfy Nasdaq criteria for maintaining our listing, our securities could be subject to delisting. Such a delisting would likely have a negative effect on the price of our common stock and would impair your ability to sell or purchase our common stock when you wish to do so. In the event of a delisting, we can provide no assurance that any action taken by us to restore compliance with listing requirements would allow our common stock to become listed again, stabilize the market price or improve the liquidity of our common stock, prevent our common stock from dropping below the Nasdaq minimum bid price requirement or prevent future non-compliance with Nasdaq’s listing requirements.
Our management will have broad discretion in how we use the net proceeds of this offering and might not use them effectively.
Our management will have considerable discretion over the use of proceeds from this offering. We currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for (i) research and development of our products and technologies, including design optimization, test work and scoping studies; (ii) marketing, promotion and business development activities; and (iii) working capital and general purposes, including hiring additional employees and retaining additional contractors. You will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether the proceeds are being used in a manner which you may consider most appropriate. Our management might spend a portion or all of the net proceeds from this offering in ways that our stockholders do not desire or that do not necessarily improve our operating results or enhance the value of our common stock. The failure of our management to apply these proceeds effectively could, among other things, result in unfavorable returns and uncertainty about our prospects, each of which could cause the price of our common stock to decline.
You will experience immediate and substantial dilution as a result of this offering and may experience additional dilution in the future.
You will incur immediate and substantial dilution as a result of this offering. After giving effect to the sale by us of 3,000,000 shares in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $5.00 per share (the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), and after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us, investors in this offering can expect an immediate dilution of $4.26 per share at the assumed initial public offering price. Additionally, to the extent that these warrants, or options we will grant to our officers, directors and employees, are ultimately exercised, you will sustain future dilution. We may also acquire new businesses or finance strategic alliances by issuing equity, which may result in additional dilution to our stockholders. Following the completion of this offering, our board of directors has the authority, within any limitations prescribed by relevant laws and our charter documents, to issue all or any part of our authorized but unissued shares of common stock, including shares issuable upon the exercise of options, or shares of our authorized but unissued preferred stock. Issuances of common stock or voting preferred stock would reduce your influence over matters on which our stockholders vote and, in the case of issuances of preferred stock, would likely result in your interest in us being subject to the prior rights of holders of that preferred stock. See the section entitled “Dilution.”
An investment in our company may involve tax implications, and you are encouraged to consult your own advisors as neither we nor any related party is offering any tax assurances or guidance regarding our company or your investment.
An investment in our company generally involves complex federal, state and local income tax considerations. Neither the Internal Revenue Service nor any State or local taxing authority has reviewed the transactions described herein and may take different positions than the ones contemplated by management. You are strongly urged to consult your own tax and other advisors prior to investing, as neither we nor any of our officers, directors or related parties is offering you tax or similar advice, nor are any such persons making any representations and warrants regarding such matters.
| 29 |
Unanticipated changes in effective tax rates or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of our income or other tax returns could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We will be subject to income taxes in the United States, and our domestic tax liabilities will be subject to the allocation of expenses in differing jurisdictions. Our future effective tax rates could be subject to volatility or adversely affected by a number of factors, including:
| ● | changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities; | |
| ● | expected timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowances; | |
| ● | tax effects of stock-based compensation; | |
| ● | costs related to intercompany restructurings; or | |
| ● | changes in tax laws, regulations or interpretations thereof. |
In addition, we may be subject to audits of our income, sales and other transaction taxes by federal, state and local authorities. Outcomes from these audits could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Anti-takeover provisions in Nevada law could discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company and may affect the trading price of our common stock.
Some of the provisions of Nevada law may have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another person from acquiring control of our company or removing our incumbent officers and directors. These provisions are expected to discourage certain types of coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of increased protection against an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging such proposals.
We have never paid dividends on our capital stock, and we do not anticipate to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends, if any, in the future is within the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings, capital requirements and financial condition and other relevant facts. We currently intend to retain all future earnings, if any, to finance the development and growth of our business. Accordingly, you must rely on the sale of your common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future gain on your investment.
Our bylaws designate certain courts as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or employees.
Our bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, a state or federal court located in the State of Nevada shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (ii) any action asserting a claim for breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Company to the Company or the Company’s stockholders, (iii) any actions asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the NRS, the Articles of Incorporation or the bylaws of the Company, in each case as amended, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each such case subject to such court having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein (the “Nevada Forum Provision”). This, however, shall not apply to claims or causes of action brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Our bylaws further provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the sole and exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Federal Forum Provision”). In addition, our bylaws provide that any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our common stock is deemed to have notice of and consented to the Nevada Forum Provision and the Federal Forum Provision.
Section 27 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. As a result, the Nevada Forum Provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. We note, however, that there is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce this provision and that investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
We recognize that the Nevada Forum Provision and the Federal Forum Provision in our bylaws may impose additional litigation costs on stockholders in pursuing any such claims, particularly if the stockholders do not reside in or near the State of Nevada. Additionally, the Nevada Forum Provision and the Federal Forum Provision may limit our stockholders’ ability to bring a claim in a forum that they find favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and employees even though an action, if successful, might benefit our stockholders. If the Federal Forum Provision is found to be unenforceable, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters. The Federal Forum Provision may also impose additional litigation costs on stockholders who assert that the provision is not enforceable or invalid. The competent courts of the State of Nevada and the United States District Court may also reach different judgments or results than would other courts, including courts where a stockholder considering an action may be located or would otherwise choose to bring the action, and such judgments may be more or less favorable to us than our stockholders.
| 30 |
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The information in this prospectus contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this prospectus other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our future operating results and financial position, our business strategy and plans, market growth, and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
You can identify some of these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “is/are likely to,” “potential,” “project,” “target,” “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. The forward-looking statements in this prospectus are only predictions and are based largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we reasonably believe may affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Although we believe the expectations reflected in any of our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in any of our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and inherent risks and uncertainties.
These forward-looking statements present our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this prospectus and are subject to several known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made. Except as required by applicable law, we do not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether because of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those summarized below:
| ● | Our ability to design, develop, manufacture and sell our proposed micro nuclear reactors. | |
| ● | Our ability to develop a domestic HALEU fuel fabrication facility to supply the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors. | |
| ● | Our ability to produce a regulatorily licensed, high-capacity HALEU transportation package, capable of moving commercial quantities of HALEU fuel. | |
| ● | Our ability to provide nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. | |
| ● | Our ability to source, retain, and expand our technical and business staff to meet the demands of our expanding and diversifying business. | |
| ● | Our ability to raise the substantial amount of additional funds that will be necessary for our business to succeed, which funds may not be available on acceptable terms or available at all. | |
| ● | Assumptions relating to the size of the market for our micro nuclear reactors. | |
| ● | Unanticipated regulations of nuclear energy that add barriers to our business and have a negative effect on our operations. | |
| ● | Our estimates of expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and our needs for, or ability to obtain, additional financing. | |
| ● | Our status of an early-stage pre-revenue company with a business model and marketing strategy still being developed and largely untested. | |
| ● | Our ability to avoid a significant disruption in our information technology system, including security breaches, or our ability to implement new system and software successfully. | |
| ● | Our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our products. | |
| ● | The other risks identified in this prospectus including, without limitation, those under “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Business” as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the SEC. |
| 31 |
The foregoing does not represent an exhaustive list of matters that may be covered by the forward-looking statements contained herein or risk factors that we are faced with. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve risks and uncertainties, and our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those set forth above under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained above and throughout this prospectus. Prior to investing in our common stock, you should read this prospectus and the documents we have filed as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we currently expect.
We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately $13.3 million, after deducting estimated offering expenses payable by us, and based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $5.00 per share (excluding any exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option), the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.
We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering as follows:
| ● | approximately $9.0 million, or 67.7% of the net proceeds from this offering for the research and development of products and technology, including design optimization, test work and scoping studies; | |
| ● | approximately $1.6 million, or 12.0% of the net proceeds from this offering for marketing and promotion, and business development activities; and | |
| ● | approximately $2.7 million, or 20.3% of the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection, additional employee hires and additional contractor retainment. |
We may change the amount of net proceeds to be used specifically for any of the foregoing purposes. The amounts and timing of our actual expenditures will depend upon numerous factors. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire, license and invest in complementary products, technologies, or additional businesses; however, we currently have no agreements or commitments with respect to any such transaction.
A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $2.8 million, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts, non-accountable expense allowance and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us and assuming no change to the number of shares of common stock offered by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.
The foregoing represents our current intentions based upon our present plans and business conditions to allocate and use the net proceeds of this offering. However, the nature, amounts and timing of our actual expenditures may vary significantly depending on numerous factors. As a result, our management has and will retain broad discretion over the allocation of the net proceeds from this offering. We may find it necessary or advisable to use the net proceeds from this offering for other purposes, and we will have broad discretion in the application of net proceeds from this offering. If an unforeseen event occurs or business conditions change, we may use the proceeds of this offering differently than as described in this prospectus. Pending our use of the net proceeds from this offering, we intend to invest the net proceeds in a variety of capital preservation investments, including short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing instruments, and U.S. government securities.
Moreover, given our limited operating history, early stage of business and a new and unproven technology model, it is difficult to evaluate our business prospects and actual expenditures in the future. Further, our business plan will be very costly, far more costly than the net proceeds we will receive from this offering. To develop and implement our business as currently planned, we will need to raise substantial amounts of additional capital and we intend to raise such additional capital through public or private offerings of equity or equity-linked securities, traditional loans, commercial collaborations such as licenses or joint ventures and, if available or desirable, government funding, including grants. No assurances can be given that we will be able to raise additional capital when needed, and our inability to raise additional capital could lead to the failure of our company.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends, if any, in the future is within the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings, capital requirements and financial condition and other relevant facts. We currently intend to retain all future earnings, if any, to finance the development and growth of our business.
| 32 |
The following table sets forth our cash and equivalents and capitalization as of December 31, 2023:
| ● | on an actual basis; | |
| ● | on a pro forma basis to give effect to our issuance and sale of 822,146 shares of our common stock at a price of $3.00 per common share corresponding to a financing that was completed subsequent to December 31, 2023; and | |
| ● | on a pro forma as adjusted basis to give effect to our issuance and sale of 3,000,000 shares of our common stock in this offering at the assumed initial public offering price of $5.00 per share (the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
The information set forth in the table below is illustrative only and will be adjusted based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering as determined at pricing. You should read this table together with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our audited financial statements and related notes and unaudited interim condensed financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.
| As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Actual | Pro Forma | Pro Forma As Adjusted | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 7,897,499 | $ | 8,257,499 | $ | 21,557,499 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 443,306 | 443,306 | 443,306 | |||||||||
| Mezzanine Equity | ||||||||||||
| Common stock subject to possible redemption; 2,000,000, 2,000,000, 0 shares, actual, pro forma and pro forma, as adjusted, respectively | 5,000,000 | 5,000,000 | — | |||||||||
| Stockholders’ Equity: | ||||||||||||
| Preferred stock, 100,000,000 shares authorized, $0.0001 par value, no shares issued or outstanding, actual, pro forma or pro forma as adjusted | — | — | — | |||||||||
| Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 23,184,869, 24,007,015, 29,007,015 shares issued and outstanding, actual, pro forma and pro forma, as adjusted, respectively | 2,319 | 2,401 | 2,901 | |||||||||
| Stock subscriptions | 2,106,437 | — | — | |||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 9,288,553 | 11,754,908 | 29,924,408 | |||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (8,596,170 | ) | (8,596,170 | ) | (8,596,170 | ) | ||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 2,801,139 | 3,161,139 | 21,331,139 | |||||||||
| Total capitalization | $ | 3,244,445 | $ | 3,604,445 | $ | 21,774,445 | ||||||
The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding upon completion of this offering is based on 26,007,015 shares of our common stock outstanding as of the date of this prospectus, and excludes, as of the date of this prospectus:
| ● | 210,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Representative’s Warrant; | |
| ● | 3,370,352 shares of our common stock reserved under our 2023 Stock Option Plan #1, with a fixed exercise price of $1.50 per share; | |
| ● | 1,758,460 shares of our common stock reserved under our 2023 Stock Option Plan #2, with a fixed exercise price of $3.00 per share; and | |
| ● | 385,000 shares of our common stock underlying options which are not governed by either our 2023 Stock Option Plan #1 or our Stock Option Plan #2, with a fixed exercise price of $3.00 per share. |
Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $5.00 per share (the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) would increase (decrease) the amount of cash, additional paid-in capital, total stockholders’ equity (deficit) and total capitalization on a pro forma as adjusted basis by approximately $2.8 million, assuming the number of shares, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, each increase (decrease) of 100,000 shares offered by us would increase (decrease) cash, total stockholders’ equity (deficit) and total capitalization on a pro forma as adjusted basis by approximately $0.5 million, assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $5.00 per share (the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The pro forma as adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only and will be adjusted based on the actual public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.
| 33 |
If you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering, your interest will be diluted immediately to the extent of the difference between the assumed initial public offering price of $5.00 per share (the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately upon the consummation of this offering. Net tangible book value per share of common stock is determined by dividing our total tangible assets less total liabilities by the number of outstanding shares of our common stock. As of December 31, 2023, we had a historical net tangible book value of $7,671,139, or $0.30 per share of common stock. Our historical net tangible book value per share represents total tangible assets less total liabilities, divided by the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2023.
Our pro forma net tangible book value as of December 31, 2023 was $8,031,139, or $0.31 per share of our common stock. Pro forma net tangible book value represents the amount of our historical total tangible assets less our total liabilities, after giving effect to the receipt of $360,000 of share subscriptions and the issuance of 822,146 common shares at a price of $3.00 per common share corresponding to a financing that was completed subsequent to December 31, 2023.
After giving further effect to our sale of 3,000,000 shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $5.00 per share (the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), and after deducting underwriters’ discounts and estimated offering expenses, upon the completion of this offering, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of December 31, 2023 would have been $21.3 million, or $0.74 per share of common stock. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $0.43 per share of common stock to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $4.26 per share to new investors of shares in this offering. We determine dilution by subtracting the as pro forma adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering from the amount of cash that a new investor paid for a share of common stock in this offering.
The following table illustrates this dilution on a per share of common stock basis assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of common stock:
| Offering Without Over-Allotment | Offering With Over-Allotment | |||||||
| Assumed public offering price per share | $ | 5.00 | $ | 5.00 | ||||
| Historical net tangible book value (deficit) per share as of December 31, 2023 | $ | 0.30 | $ | 0.30 | ||||
| Pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) per share, as of December 31, 2023, before giving effect to this offering | $ | 0.31 | $ | 0.31 | ||||
| Increase net tangible book value (deficit) per share | $ | 0.43 | $ | 0.48 | ||||
| Increase in pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) per share attributable to new investors in this offering | $ | 4.43 | $ | 4.46 | ||||
| Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after giving effect to the offering | $ | 0.74 | $ | 0.79 | ||||
| Dilution per share to new investors in the offering | $ | 4.26 | $ | 4.21 | ||||
The dilution information discussed above is illustrative only and may change based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering.
Assuming the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised, each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $5.00 per share (the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) would increase (decrease) our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value after giving effect to this offering by $2.8 million, or by approximately $0.10 per share of common stock and the dilution to new investors purchasing our common stock in this offering by approximately $0.90 per share, assuming the number of shares offered by us remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us. In addition, to the extent any stock options that we granted to certain of our officers, directors, employees and permitted consultants, new investors would experience further dilution.
| 34 |
If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full to purchase 450,000 additional shares of common stock in this offering at the assumed initial public offering price of $5.00 per share (the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering would be $0.79 per share of common stock, the increase in the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share would be $0.05 per share of common stock and the dilution to new investors purchasing securities in this offering would be $4.21 per share of common stock.
The following charts illustrate our pro forma proportionate ownership, upon completion of this offering by present stockholders and investors in this offering, compared to the relative amounts paid by each. The charts reflect payment by present stockholders as of the date the consideration was received and by investors in this offering at the public offering price. The charts further assume no changes in net tangible book value other than those resulting from the offering.
| Shares Purchased | Total Consideration | Average Price | ||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Percent (%) | Amount ($) | Percent (%) | Per Share ($) | ||||||||||||||||
| Existing stockholders | 26,007,015 | 90 | % | 13,983,306 | 48 | % | $ | 0.54 | ||||||||||||
| New investors | 3,000,000 | 10 | % | 15,000,000 | 52 | % | $ | 5.00 | ||||||||||||
| Total | 29,007,015 | 100 | % | 28,983,306 | 100 | % | $ | 1.00 | ||||||||||||
The table above assumes no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option to purchase 450,000 additional shares in this offering. If the underwriters’ over-allotment option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full, the number of shares of our common stock held by existing stockholders would be reduced to 88% of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding after this offering, and the number of shares of common stock held by new investors participating in the offering would be increased to 12% of the total number of shares outstanding after this offering.
The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding upon completion of this offering is based on 26,007,015 shares of our common stock outstanding as of the date of this prospectus, and excludes, as of the date of this prospectus:
| ● | 210,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Representative’s Warrant; | |
| ● | 3,370,352 shares of our common stock reserved under our 2023 Stock Option Plan #1, with a fixed exercise price of $1.50 per share; | |
| ● | 1,758,460 shares of our common stock reserved under our 2023 Stock Option Plan #2, with a fixed exercise price of $3.00 per share; and | |
| ● | 385,000 shares of our common stock underlying options which are not governed by either our 2023 Stock Option Plan #1 or our Stock Option Plan #2, with a fixed exercise price of $3.00 per share;. |
| 35 |
MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with the section titled “Summary of Consolidated Financial Information” and our audited financial statements and related notes, each included elsewhere in this prospectus. Data as of and for the year ended September 30, 2023 and for the period from February 8, 2022 (inception) to September 30, 2022 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements appearing at the end of this prospectus. Data as of and for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 has been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements appearing at the end of this prospectus. This discussion and other parts of this prospectus contain forward-looking statements, such as those relating to our plans, objectives, expectations, intentions, and beliefs, which involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below and those discussed in the sections titled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Overview
We are an early-stage nuclear energy company developing smaller, cheaper, and safer advanced portable clean energy solutions utilizing proprietary reactor designs, intellectual property and research methods, illuminating our path toward a sustainable future. Led by a world class scientific and management team, envisioned within our business plan is a comprehensive engagement across every sector of the nuclear power industry, traversing the path from sourcing raw nuclear material and fuel fabrication to the illumination of energy through our cutting edge and advanced small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs, also known as microreactors). Our dedication extends further to encompass commercial nuclear transportation and consulting services.
Currently, we are in the pre-revenue stage and are principally focused on four business lines as part of our development strategy, including our micro nuclear reactor business, our nuclear fuel fabrication business, our nuclear fuel transportation business, and our nuclear consultation services business.
Our mission is to become a commercially focused, diversified and vertically integrated technology-driven nuclear energy company that will capture market share in the very large and growing nuclear energy sector. To implement our plans, since our founding in 2022, our management has secured certain connections within key U.S. government agencies, including the DOE, the INL and ORNL, which are a part of the DOE’s national nuclear laboratory system. Our company also maintains important collaborations with leading researchers from the Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre and The University of California, Berkeley.
Over the next twelve months, we will continue to progress our development of advanced nuclear microreactors, in particular ZEUS and ODIN, with estimated expenditures to be approximately $4 million. This allocation comprises approximately $2 million dedicated to the research and development of products and technology, with a specific focus on the refinement of microreactor technology and the fuel fabrication process. The remaining $2 million is earmarked for miscellaneous costs essential to propelling the progress of our microreactors, encompassing the support of current personnel engaged in executive, finance, accounting, and other administrative functions. We estimate that our microreactor demonstration work will be conducted between 2024 and 2026, our microreactor licensing application will be processed between 2026 and 2031, and our microreactors will be launched between 2030 and 2031. We also plan on providing nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. If we are unable to acquire such a business by the end of 2024, we will then focus on building our own internal nuclear consultation business in coordination with certain outside academic institutions, which we anticipate would require approximately an additional $1 million over the next twelve months to recruit additional staff and build corresponding infrastructure to be capable of providing these services. We have no intention to apply any proceeds from this offering to such acquisition of a nuclear business services and consultancy provider and such acquisition costs are not included in our estimated expenditures of $4 million as above-mentioned over the next twelve months. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the outlined expenditures and the timelines are estimations only. These are inherently subject to change due to certain factors, including adjustments in the microreactor development plan and uncertainties associated with the licensing approval process. Given that these elements may exceed our initial expectations or lie beyond our control, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the actual expenditures and timelines.
As of the date of this prospectus, we have not generated any revenues. We have incurred accumulated net losses of $8,596,170 since inception through December 31, 2023.
Factors and Trends Affecting Our Business and Results of Operations
Our Ability to Develop Our Microreactors
In 2022, we began designing our two next-generation advanced nuclear microreactors, ZEUS and ODIN. ZEUS, is a solid core battery reactor, and ODIN, is a low-pressure salt coolant reactor. We aim to complete the design and concept evaluation for these reactors in under a two-year timeframe, progress through demonstration and physical test work, and initiate the licensing, certification, and development processes required to build a licensed prototype. Our goal is to commercially launch one of these microreactors by 2030. The success of this endeavor will be dependent on our ability to effectively utilize our relationship with INL to advance our microreactor designs through demonstration work and take advantage of the large capabilities offered by the INL nuclear site. We have conducted and completed a design audit on the ODIN reactor to provide assistance with design considerations. Additionally, the design audit for the ZEUS reactor was conducted and completed by INL in February 2024, the report of which is currently being finalized by INL. The technical reactor audit provides external input and assistance to advance the concepts and provide validation for the microreactors’ direction and technology.
| 36 |
Design and Construction of Fuel Fabrication Facility
We are utilizing our existing relationship with INL to collaborate on the design, construction and commission of our own commercial nuclear High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication facility to supply fabricated fuel to the next generation of advanced nuclear reactor companies, and to supply our own reactors currently under development to the U.S. nuclear industry, the U.S. National Laboratories, and the DOE’s nuclear fuel needs as necessary. We hope to have our fuel fabrication facility near INL in operation as soon as 2027. Our proposed fuel fabrication facility is intended to form part of an integrated system with the INL’s facilities, being sited directly outside the INL facilities to eliminate transport over civilian roads and making use of INL’s capabilities such as fuel characterization. Our submissions to the DOE to advance this fuel facility have been supported by INL, with our submission having been reviewed and edited by INL staff, and the facility site selection led and approved by INL personnel. We anticipate procuring raw HALEU from a domestic U.S. company and we have signed a memorandum of understanding with Centrus to begin HALEU fuel sourcing discussions.
Development of Fuel Transportation Business
We intend to produce a regulatorily licensed, high-capacity HALEU transportation product, capable of moving commercial quantities of HALEU fuel around North America. We hope to have our fuel transportation business in operation by 2026. We expect to receive an exclusive license for a high capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket design in the first quarter of 2024, which was designed around a licensed third-party packaging. This license is expected to grant us, as the licensee, exclusive rights for use and development of the technology. In addition, the licensor is not permitted to license the technology to any other parties within the specified scope. This technology will enable us to transport fuel enriched by Centrus (the only company licensed to enrich to 19.75% U235 in the U.S), deconvert HALEU fuel, and fabricate HALEU fuel. We are seeking to form the first transportation company capable of supplying all emerging SMR and microreactor companies with the fuel they require at their manufacturing facilities to construct their reactors. We also expect to service the INL, ORNL and DOE related programs by providing HALEU fuel for their programs. Mobile reactors requiring HALEU for remote military bases are also anticipated, with potential military contacts. Our fuel transportation business will build on the work already completed and authorized by the INL and ORNL to create a high-capacity HALEU transportation package, with 18 inner canisters, combined with a basket design and a borated aluminum flux trap. We have also received private funding and support from the former executives of the largest shipping company in the world. These executives are aware of our transportation plans and have agreed to assist us in developing a HALEU transportation company to create the first HALEU commercial quantity delivery service in North America.
Our Business Services and Consulting Business
We have identified this trend as an opportunity for more immediate revenue for our company, and to acquire more expertise to advance our businesses. We have already identified several nuclear business services and consultancy providers, which have been assessed as potentially suitable for acquisition by our company. We have concentrated on identifying small teams with expert personnel, with good portfolios of work and existing contracts, and good expansion potential, which would provide us with immediate revenue post-acquisition. We believe we are in a competitively advantageous position to expand these acquired businesses with the highly qualified teams it has built over the previous years. This expansion potential can be further complimented by the education programs we are assembling with the Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre, part of the University of Cambridge, which will involve the sponsorship of MSc and PhD Nuclear programs to produce the next generation of qualified nuclear energy personnel. Part of our education sponsorship programs will involve providing work to the qualifying individuals after they have completed their programs, allowing for further expansion of the nuclear services we are able to offer clients. With an expanded team we plan to retain with a portion of the proceeds from this offering, we will market our expertise and deploy consultants to both government and private industry nuclear projects. Consultants will be hired out for either hourly rates, or for contractual periods and weekly or monthly rates depending on the project type and scope. The acquisitions and their subsequent expansions will also provide in-house expertise, at greatly reduced costs, which we can utilize for our own research and development, streamlining our company while expanding our technical and human capital capacity.
By the end of 2024, we expect to start providing nuclear service support and consultation services for the nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. This timeline is based on our plan to acquire a nuclear business services and consultancy provider. We have had preliminary discussions with some potential targets but are not presently a party to any definitive understandings or agreements. If we are unable to acquire such a business by the end of 2024, we will then focus on building our own internal nuclear consultation business in coordination with certain outside academic institutions, which we anticipate would require approximately $1 million over twelve months to recruit additional staff and build corresponding infrastructure to be capable of providing these services. No assurances can be given that we will be able to successfully establish and grow our own consultation business, and our failure to do so would adversely affect our nearer term revenue prospects. We have no intention to apply any proceeds from this offering to such acquisition of a nuclear business services and consultancy provider and such acquisition costs are not included in our estimated expenditures of $4 million as above-mentioned over the next twelve months. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the outlined expenditures and the timelines are estimations only. These are inherently subject to change due to certain factors, including adjustments in the microreactor development plan and uncertainties associated with the licensing approval process. Given that these elements may exceed our initial expectations or lie beyond our control, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the actual expenditures and timelines.
| 37 |
Regulatory Approvals
The regulatory licensing process for our microreactor prototypes is expected to be completed by 2030 or 2031, with manufacturing facilities being constructed during the licensing phase so we are ready to deploy microreactors across the country upon licensing approval. Initial NRC contact will involve an early communication from us of the estimated company timelines, so that the regulator can secure the required number of personnel to successfully examine the microreactors. Our ability to successfully license and certify our microreactors will subsequently be dependent on working through the licensing process with the NRC and satisfying their examinations that the reactor is safe to deploy to customers, provided the agreed protocols are adhered to. Our ability to successfully design and construct our own commercial nuclear HALEU fuel fabrication facility will be dependent on obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals from the NRC to permit the commercial deployment of the microreactors. The NRC inspects the site construction at new fuel cycle facilities and only approves the facility’s capability to possess nuclear material after ensuring that the facility’s safety controls are robust and able to safely handle these materials. Fuel cycle facilities must comply with the regulatory requirements established by the NRC. The facility will need to acquire an NRC license containing site-specific requirements that the facility is required to comply with. Each license is unique and is specific to the nuclear material and hazards present at the fuel cycle facility. To obtain a license will involve a lot of communication between the NRC and our company. NRC safety oversight includes three important components: NRC inspection, the routine assessment of each licensee’s performance, and enforcement in the case that the regulatory requirements are not met. Our company and INL have identified the potential site and will work with the NRC through the NEPA process, which will begin when a federal agency develops a proposal to take a major federal action. We have engaged with the DOE and contacted the NRC to advance our fuel fabrication facility construction intentions. We expect to commence scoping and cost estimation work for our fuel fabrication facility in late 2023, with detailed design work beginning in 2024, coinciding with engaging the relevant licensing and regulatory bodies to facilitate the facility commissioning. Initial site preparation and construction work is estimated to begin in 2025, with completion of construction completion and commissioning occurring in 2027.
Results of Operations
We are an early-stage company, and our historical results may not be indicative of our future results. Accordingly, the drivers of our future financial results, as well as the components of such results, may not be comparable to our historical or future results of operations.
Comparison of the Three Months Ended December 31, 2023, and the Three Months Ended December 31, 2022
Revenue
We have not generated any revenue from our inception through December 31, 2023.
Expenses
Research and Development Expense
Our research and development (or R&D) expenses represent costs incurred for designing and engineering products, including the costs of developing design tools. All research and development costs related to product development are expensed as incurred.
R&D expenses increased by $392,311, or 307%, to $520,016 for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $127,705 for the comparative period ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to our increase in R&D activities during the three months ended December 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2022. R&D expenses primarily reflect the internal and external personnel costs corresponding to the design and analysis of our microreactors. During the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, $nil and $0.09 million, respectively, of our R&D expenses corresponded to equity-based compensation.
General and Administrative Expense
Our general and administrative (or G&A) expenses consist of compensation costs for personnel in executive, finance, accounting, and other administrative functions. G&A expenses also include legal fees, professional fees paid for accounting, auditing, consulting services, advertising costs, and insurance costs. Following the IPO, we expect we will incur higher G&A expenses for public company costs such as compliance with the regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq.
G&A expenses increased by $272,456, or 49%, to $828,896 for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $556,440 for the comparative period ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to additional office and staff costs to support our R&D activities during the three months ended December 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2022. During the three months ended December 31, 2023, G&A expenses primarily consisted of $0.4 million in personnel costs. During the period ended December 31, 2022, G&A primarily consisted of $0.2 million in personnel costs.
Other Income
During the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the company earned interest income of $34,967 and $nil, respectively, on its cash held at a financial institution.
Comparison of the Year Ended September 30, 2023, and the Period from February 8, 2022 (Inception) through September 30, 2022
Revenue
We have not generated any revenue from our inception through September 30, 2023.
Expenses
Research and Development Expense
Our research and development (or R&D) expenses represent costs incurred for designing and engineering products, including the costs of developing design tools. All research and development costs related to product development are expensed as incurred.
R&D expenses increased by $1,393,696, or 993%, to $1,534,000 for the year ended September 30, 2023, compared to $140,304 for the comparative period ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the fact that our company began operations on February 8, 2022, and had limited R&D activity during its initial eight-month period from February 8, 2022, to September 30, 2022. R&D expenses primarily reflect the internal and external personnel costs corresponding to the design and analysis of our microreactors. During the years ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, $0.42 million and $0.07 million, respectively, of our R&D expenses corresponded to equity-based compensation.
| 38 |
General and Administrative Expense
Our general and administrative (or G&A) expenses consist of compensation costs for personnel in executive, finance, accounting, and other administrative functions. G&A expenses also include legal fees, professional fees paid for accounting, auditing, consulting services, advertising costs, and insurance costs. Following the IPO, we expect we will incur higher G&A expenses for public company costs such as compliance with the regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq.
G&A expenses increased by $3,829,875, or 417%, to $4,749,395 for the year ended September 30, 2023, compared to $919,520 for the comparative period ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the fact that our company began operations on February 8, 2022, and had limited activity during its initial eight-month period from February 8, 2022, to September 30, 2022. During the year ended September 30, 2023, G&A expenses primarily consisted of $4.6 million in personnel costs, of which $2.4 million corresponded to equity-based compensation. During the period ended September 30, 2022, G&A primarily consisted of $0.7 million in personnel costs, of which $0.4 million corresponded to equity-based compensation.
Other Income
During the year ended September 30, 2023, the company earned interest income of $32,994 on its cash held at a financial institution. During the period from inception on February 8, 2022, to September 30, 2022, our company was awarded a grant for 200 hours of subject matter expert support at INL as part of the NRIC Resource Team program which amounted to $28,000. All amounts related to this grant had been earned as of September 30, 2022.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We currently do not have any material commitments to capital expenditures, and we believe that our existing cash as of the date of this prospectus will fund our current operating and R&D plans through at least the next twelve months from the date of this offering. Although we have negative operating cash outflows of $1,106,733 for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and $624,255 for the three months ended December 31, 2022, we had approximately $7.9 million in cash as of December 31, 2023 (compared to approximately $7.0 million as of September 30, 2023) and working capital of approximately $7.7 million as of December 31, 2023 (compared to approximately $6.9 million as of September 30, 2023).
However, the future development of our business towards ultimate commercialization of our products will require significant amounts of cash resources. Since we do not anticipate generating meaningful revenues for several years, we intend to finance our future cash requirements for capital expenditures, R&D and business development activities and general working capital through public or private equity or debt financings, third-party (including government) funding, or any combination of these approaches. If we raise additional funds through further issuances of equity or equity-linked instruments, our existing stockholders could suffer significant dilution. Moreover, no assurances can be given that we will be able to raise required funding on favorable terms, if at all, and our inability to raise additional funding when needed could have a material adverse effect on our company and results of operations and could cause our business to fail.
Going Concern
As part of issuing our condensed consolidated financial statements, we evaluated whether there were any conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern over the twelve months after the date the financial statements are issued. Since inception, we have incurred significant operating losses, and have an accumulated deficit of approximately $8.6 million and negative operating cash flow during fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023. Management expects that operating losses and negative cash flows may increase from the 2023 levels because of additional costs and expenses related to our R&D activities. Our continued solvency is dependent upon our ability to obtain additional working capital to complete our reactor development, to successfully market our reactors and to achieve commerciality for our reactors.
To date, we have not generated any revenue. We do not expect to generate any revenue unless and until we are able to commercialize our reactors. We will require additional capital to develop our reactors and to fund operations for the foreseeable future. We expect our costs to increase in connection with advancement of our reactors toward commercialization. In addition, upon the completion of the IPO, we expect to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. While we believe that the proceeds of the IPO may be sufficient to support the development of our reactors in the near-term, certain costs are not reasonably estimable at this time and we may require additional funding.
Management is of the opinion that sufficient working capital is available to meet our company’s liabilities and commitments as they come due for the next twelve months after the date the condensed consolidated financial statements are issued to conform to the going concern uncertainty period. In order to achieve our company’s long-term strategy, our company expects to raise additional equity contributions to support its growth.
Summary Statement of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2023, and the Three Months Ended December 31, 2022
The following table sets forth the primary sources and uses of cash for the periods presented below:
For
the Three Months December 31, 2023 | For
the Three Months December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (1,106,733 | ) | $ | (624,255 | ) | ||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 2,051,437 | 1,512,869 | ||||||
| Net increase in cash | $ | 944,704 | $ | 888,614 | ||||
Cash Flows used in Operating Activities
Net cash used by operating activities for the three months ended December 31, 2023 was $1,106,733, which consisted of our net loss of $1,313,945, and net of changes in working capital accounts. Net cash used by operating activities for three months ended December 31, 2022 was $624,255, which consisted of our net loss of $684,145, net of non-cash items of $85,000, and net of changes in working capital accounts. Our cash used in operating activities increased by $482,478 during the three months ended December 31, 2023, due to an increase in net loss. The significant increase in cash used in operating activities during the three months ended December 31, 2023, when compared to the three months ended December 31, 2022, was primarily due to increased R&D activities and additional office and staff costs to support our R&D activities during the three months ended December 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2022.
Cash Flows provided by Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended December 31, 2023 was $2,051,437, which consisted of cash received for stock subscriptions in advance of the corresponding issuance of shares of common stock. Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended December 31, 2022 was $1,512,869, which consisted of cash received from the issuance of shares of common stock.
Commitments
We are a party to an operating lease for office space under a cancelable operating lease. We do not have any lease commitments as of December 31, 2023, and September 30, 2023.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2023, and September 30, 2023, we have not engaged in any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC.
Summary Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended September 30, 2023, and the Period from February 8, 2022 (Inception) through September 30, 2022
The following table sets forth the primary sources and uses of cash for the periods presented below:
For
the Year September 30, 2023 | For the Period from February 8, 2022 (Inception) through September 30, 2022 | |||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (3,867,573 | ) | $ | (621,501 | ) | ||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 8,690,369 | 2,751,500 | ||||||
| Net increase in cash | 4,822,796 | 2,129,999 | ||||||
| 39 |
Cash Flows used in Operating Activities
Net cash used by operating activities for the year ended September 30, 2023 was $3,867,573, which consisted of our net loss of $6,250,401, net of non-cash items of $2,384,003, and net of changes in working capital accounts. Net cash used by operating activities for the period from February 8, 2022 (inception) through September 30, 2022 was $621,501, which consisted of our net loss of $1,031,824, net of non-cash items of $390,000, and net of changes in working capital accounts. Our cash used in operating activities increased by $3,246,072 during the year ended September 30, 2023, due to an increase in net loss. The significant increase in cash used in operating activities during the year ended September 30, 2023, when compared to the period ended September 30, 2022, is primarily due to the fact that our company began operations on February 8, 2022, and had limited activity during its initial eight-month period from February 8, 2022, to September 30, 2022.
Cash Flows provided by Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2023 was $8,690,369, which consisted of cash received from the issuance of shares of common stock less deferred offering costs paid. Net cash provided by financing activities for the period from February 8, 2022 (inception) to September 30, 2022 was $2,751,500, which consisted of cash received from the issuance of shares of common stock.
Commitments
We are a party to an operating lease for office space under a cancelable operating lease. We do not have any lease commitments as of September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, we have not engaged in any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires our management to make a number of judgments, estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amount of expenses, assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We consider an accounting judgment, estimate or assumption to be critical when (1) the estimate or assumption is complex in nature or requires a high degree of judgment and (2) the use of different judgments, estimates and assumptions could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Registration Statement. Additional information about our critical accounting policies follows:
Equity-Based Compensation
Equity-based compensation is measured using a fair value-based method for all equity-based awards. The cost of awarded equity instruments is recognized based on each instrument’s grant-date fair value over the period during which the award vests. Equity-based compensation is recorded within general and administrative expense and research and development expense in the condensed consolidated interim statements of operations.
Emerging Growth Company (“EGC”) Accounting Election
Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts EGCs from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect not to take advantage of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-EGCs. Following the IPO, we expect to be an EGC at least through the end of 2024 and will have the benefit of the extended transition period. We intend to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this registration statement contain more information about recently adopted accounting pronouncements and recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted, including the timing of their adoption, and our assessment, to the extent we have made one yet, of their potential impact on us.
| 40 |
Overview
We are an early-stage nuclear energy company developing smaller, cheaper, and safer advanced portable clean energy solutions utilizing proprietary reactor designs, intellectual property and research methods, illuminating our path toward a sustainable future. Led by a world class scientific and management team, envisioned within our business plan is a comprehensive engagement across every sector of the nuclear power industry, traversing the path from sourcing raw nuclear material and fuel fabrication to the illumination of energy through our cutting edge and advanced small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs, also known as microreactors). Our dedication extends further to encompass commercial nuclear transportation and consulting services.
Currently, we are in the pre-revenue stage and are principally focused on four business lines as part of our development strategy:
| ● | Micro Nuclear Reactor Business. We are developing the next-generation advanced nuclear microreactors, in particular ZEUS, a solid core battery reactor, and ODIN, a low-pressure salt coolant reactor. With these products, we are advancing the development of next generation, portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear micro reactors. In collaboration with the management and operating contractor of INL, an institution we regard as one of the preeminent U.S. government laboratories for nuclear energy research and development and equipped with some of the world’s foremost nuclear scientists and engineers, we believe our reactors will have the potential to bring change to the global energy landscape. Our goal is to commercially launch one of these products by 2030. | |
| Both our ZEUS and ODIN microreactors have completed the preconceptual design stage, and are currently undergoing design optimization, and certain initial physical test work, to finalize the designs ahead of more involved demonstration work. We have conducted and completed a design audit on the ODIN reactor to provide assistance with design considerations. Additionally, the design audit for the ZEUS reactor was conducted and completed by INL in February 2024, the report of which is currently being finalized by INL. We have submitted a request for information to the DOE to initiate the approval process for the allocation of a designated site. This allocation is intended for the purpose of conducting testing experiments for both microreactors. We have communicated with the NRC and DOE, informing them of the current status of our microreactor designs and the estimated internal timelines for our microreactor developments, with an understanding that definite timelines will be provided as early as possible, once available, to allow the NRC to arrange the necessary personnel to oversee the microreactor licensing process. | ||
| ● | Fuel Fabrication Business. Through our subsidiary, HALEU Energy Fuel Inc., and in coordination with DOE and INL, we are seeking to develop a domestic High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication facility to supply the fuel not only for our own reactor products, but to the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry in general. As described further below, we hope to have our fuel fabrication facility near INL in operation as soon as 2027. | |
| ● | Fuel Transportation Business. Our transportation business will build on existing work completed at INL, ORNL and PNNL, the world’s premier U.S.-backed nuclear research facilities. We expect to receive an exclusive license for a high capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket design in the first quarter of 2024, which was designed around a licensed third-party packaging. This license is expected to grant us, as the licensee, exclusive rights to use and develop the technology, and the licensor shall not license the technology to any other parties within the specified scope. We believe this technology is the most advanced concept in the United States for moving HALEU in commercial quantities. We intend to produce a regulatorily licensed, high-capacity HALEU transportation product, capable of moving commercial quantities of HALEU fuel around North America. If developed and commercialized, we believe this product will serve as the basis for a domestic HALEU transportation company capable of providing commercial quantities of HALEU fuel. As described further below, we hope to have our fuel transportation business in operation by 2026. | |
| ● | Nuclear Consultation Services. We also plan on providing nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. This includes, in coordination with the Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre, the development of education resources. This business opportunity represents our most near-term revenue generating opportunity as we hope to begin providing these services in 2024. By the end of 2024, we expect to start providing nuclear service support and consultation services for the nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. This timeline is based on our plan to acquire a nuclear business services and consultancy provider. We have had preliminary discussions with some potential targets but are not presently a party to any definitive understandings or agreements. If we are unable to acquire such a business by the end of 2024, we will then focus on building our own internal nuclear consultation business in coordination with certain outside academic institutions, which we anticipate would require approximately $1 million over twelve months to recruit additional staff and build corresponding infrastructure to be capable of providing these services. |
| 41 |
Our mission is to become a commercially focused, diversified and vertically integrated technology-driven nuclear energy company that will capture market share in the very large and growing nuclear energy sector. To implement our plans, since our founding in 2022, our management has secured certain connections within key U.S. government agencies, including the DOE, the INL and ORNL, which are a part of the DOE’s national nuclear laboratory system. Our company also maintains important collaborations with leading researchers from the Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre and The University of California, Berkeley. Our team brings extensive technical, capital, and public markets experience to our company, which we will leverage to advance our plans.
In the next twelve months, we will continue to progress our development of advanced nuclear microreactors, in particular ZEUS and ODIN, with estimated expenditures to be approximately $4 million. This allocation comprises approximately $2 million dedicated to the research and development of products and technology, with a specific focus on the refinement of microreactor technology and the fuel fabrication process. The remaining $2 million is earmarked for miscellaneous costs essential to propelling the progress of our microreactors, encompassing the support of current personnel engaged in executive, finance, accounting, and other administrative functions. We estimate that our microreactor demonstration work will be conducted between 2024 and 2026, our microreactor licensing application will be processed between 2026 and 2031, and our microreactors will be launched between 2030 and 2031. We also plan on providing nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. If we are unable to acquire such a business by the end of 2024, we will then focus on building our own internal nuclear consultation business in coordination with certain outside academic institutions, which we anticipate would require approximately an additional $1 million over the next twelve months to recruit additional staff and build corresponding infrastructure to be capable of providing these services. No assurances can be given that we will be able to successfully establish and grow our own consultation business, and our failure to do so would adversely affect our nearer term revenue prospects. We have no intention to apply any proceeds from this offering to such acquisition of a nuclear business services and consultancy provider and such acquisition costs are not included in our estimated expenditures of $4 million as above-mentioned over the next twelve months. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the outlined expenditures and the timelines are estimations only. These are inherently subject to change due to certain factors, including adjustments in the microreactor development plan and uncertainties associated with the licensing approval process. Given that these elements may exceed our initial expectations or lie beyond our control, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the actual expenditures and timelines.
As of the date of this prospectus, we have not generated any revenues. We have incurred accumulated net losses of $8,596,170 since inception through December 31, 2023.
The U.S. Nuclear Energy Market
According to the FACT SHEET: President Biden Sets 2030 Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Target Aimed at Creating Good-Paying Union Jobs and Securing U.S. Leadership on Clean Energy Technologies published by the White House in 2021, the United States has taken numerous steps in recent years to reduce its dependence on carbon-emitting energy sources. The U.S. had previously set a goal to reach a 100% carbon pollution-free electricity system by 2035, and President Biden set a target of a 50 to 52% reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide net greenhouse gas pollution by 2030, underlining the Biden administration’s desire for new energy solutions which are at the core of our business plans. Additionally, the “net zero world” initiative signals the U.S.’s proactive stance in working with countries to lead a global transition to net zero emissions by 2050.
According to an article titled “NEI Survey Shows Even More Interest in Nuclear After Major Policy Actions” released on NEI.org in 2023, in the face of these evolving energy needs, the utility companies that are members of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) are targeting a role for more than 90 gigawatts of nuclear power in support of their decarbonization goals. According to an article titled “U.S. nuclear electricity generation continues to decline as more reactors retire” released on the website of U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) in 2022, while the share of U.S. electricity generated by nuclear energy across all sectors in 2021 was similar to its average share of 19% in the previous decade, its average annual capacity factor remained fixed at 92.7% that same year. By comparison, solar photovoltaics’ annual capacity factor was 24.6% in the same year, while coal’s capacity reached just 49.3%. Further, fuel costs for nuclear verses fossil steam in 2022 were recorded to be just $0.61 per kilowatt hour verses $2.46 per kilowatt hour respectively.
According to an article titled “The Power Interview: Making the U.S. Nuclear Industry Great Again” by Aaron Larson, an unrelated third party, released on powermag.com in September 2023, the market size of the U.S. nuclear power industry has actually declined 1.2% per year on average between 2017 and 2022 due to retiring power plants and a lack of plans to fill the void left behind. In 2012, there were 104 operating nuclear reactors in the United States, but by the end of 2021 there were only 93 operating commercial nuclear reactors at 55 nuclear power plants in 28 states. According to the NRC, as of November 2021, there were 23 shut down commercial nuclear power reactors at 19 sites in various stages of decommissioning. Nevertheless, the market size, measured by revenue, grew 4.9% in 2022 to reach a valuation of $38.1 billion. Furthermore, the U.S. nuclear energy market has been projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) value of 4.8% from 2022 to 2027, driven largely by the increasing pressure on the American government to reduce its carbon emissions and the increasing amount of electricity being generated from clean energy sources.
Additionally, technological advancements such as SMRs and light water reactors, among others, are expected to further enhance the demand for nuclear energy. For instance, according to a report titled “Small Modular Reactor Market worth $6.8 billion by 2030” released on the MarketsandMarkets.com in 2023, the global SMR market was expected to grow from an estimated of $5.8 billion in 2023 to $6.8 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 2.3% during the forecast period. More specifically, according to an article titled “North America Modular Nuclear Power Market Size” released on finance.yahoo.com in 2023, the North American modular nuclear power market segment was valued at $2.2 billion in 2023 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2023 to 2028, due to growing demand for supply power for small and medium grid systems, increased interest in compact and less complex electricity generation units, cutting-edge technology in the industry, and robust government support.
| 42 |
According to a 2023 published McKinsey Report titled “What will it take for nuclear power to meet the climate challenge?”, up to 800 gigawatts of new nuclear power could be necessary to meet net-zero targets. In estimating the nuclear power needed to support the energy transition, we used techno-economic grid modelling to project the overall power mix by 2050. Our scenario—based on “Further Acceleration” estimates from a report titled “Global Energy Perspective 2022” released by McKinsey in 2022 for global energy mix, as well as anticipated supply and demand for power—accounts for potential constraints on scale-up in renewables, such as scarcity of land, raw materials, and transmission limitations. Although our scenario does not rely on a full analysis of grid models and energy-transition scenarios, it does estimate roughly how much additional dispatchable, low-carbon generation will be needed to meet net-zero targets. Modelling reveals that the energy transition could require an additional 400 to 800 gigawatts of new nuclear energy—which could represent up to 10 to 20 percent of future global electricity demand—to meet the need for dispatchable power (that is, not wind and solar) by 2050. 800 gigawatts of net additional nuclear capacity would triple the current nuclear capacity of 413 gigawatts and would require approximately 1,000 gigawatts to be generated by new nuclear facilities, as between 100 gigawatts to 250 gigawatts of current capacity will need to also be replaced. This represents a very large market for our proposed microreactors to participate in, with even a small amount of market share capture leading to significant revenue generating opportunities for our company.
An analysis titled “Climate Change Targets: The Role of Nuclear Energy” issued by the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) in 2021 found that meeting the average of the International Panel on Climate Change pathways consistent with limiting global warming by 1.5° Celsius by 2050 will require tripling global installed nuclear capacity to reach 1,160 gigawatts by 2050. This can be achieved through a combination of long-term operation of existing nuclear reactors, large-scale so-called “Generation III” nuclear new builds and SMRs for both power and non-power applications. SMRs such as our proposed microreactors will have an essential and increasingly important role to play in addressing the nuclear capacity gap and supporting decarbonization targets. The NEA estimates that by 2050 SMRs could reach 375 gigawatts of installed capacity, contributing to more than 50% of this capacity gap. One of the key features of SMRs is that they target applications of nuclear energy to support the decarbonization of sectors which are difficult to address, particularly in the cement, chemicals, and iron and steel industries that do not require (or cannot support) gigawatt-scale nuclear power generation and/or where variable renewables face limitations.
As indicated in an article titled “Meeting Climate Change Targets: The Role of Nuclear Energy” released by the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) in 2022, nuclear energy is already the largest source of non-carbon emitting electricity generation in the 37 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries and is responsible for displacing over 1.6 gigatons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. NEA has estimated that since 1971, nuclear energy has displaced over 66 gigatons of carbon dioxide. The resurgence of nuclear power as a means of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 entails a dramatic increase in investment over the coming decades into new nuclear power plants and the extension of the lifetime of old plants to increase this displacement. Annual global investment in nuclear in this scenario surges to over $100 billion in the first half of the 2030s – over three times the current average investment in the industry of $30 billion per year throughout the 2010s.
Our Vision, Market Opportunity and Key Government Support
We believe our achievements to date and our business plans are positioning our company to be a leading participant in the U.S. nuclear industry through simultaneously rebuilding and introducing national capabilities to drive the resurgent nuclear energy industry. We further believe that our timing and approach into the industry have been optimal, with insight into national capability deficiencies and an understanding of the difficulties faced by other commercial nuclear energy, particularly microreactor, companies. Almost all microreactor companies have advanced using funds acquired from government grants or awards. Even with private funding, they have been stifled by lack of investor interest because of the long return timelines and high risks.
Despite the early stage of our company, we believe we are competitively differentiated in many ways.
| ● | No Government Funding. Most SMR and microreactor companies are reliant on government grants and financing to progress their concepts. Consequently, their progress can cease once government funding is not available. Currently, we do not rely on government funding to sustain our business operations. While we will seek available government funding opportunities in future, the absence of government support does not impede our progress in advancing our research, business, or technological developments. Our leadership team possesses extensive experience in successfully securing funding from both private and public sources. Additionally, our current investor base includes capital from industry professionals who recognize the immense potential of our company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our limited operating history and early stage of business makes an evaluation of our business and prospects very difficult, we have a new and unproven technology model and may need to raise additional capital to implement our business plans. | |
| ● | Industry Investors. Our investor base includes a large component of capital raised from nuclear industry professionals who have reviewed our plans, concepts, and technologies, and found our company to have enormous potential. The high proportion of investment from experts in the industry has been an endorsement that has provided investors without a nuclear background with the confidence to invest. |
| 43 |
| ● | Technical Insight. On the technical front, we have benefited from insight into the problems which affected earlier movers within the nuclear technology space. Large SMR companies have raised billions of dollars for development but have been stalled by the lag in developing or acquiring the fuel necessary to advance their reactors. This led to our collaboration with INL to build our own fuel fabrication facility and use more conventional fuel with greater operational history. We believe we have identified certain problems affecting the industry and we are taking early action to surmount potential roadblocks. Our new and unproven technology model will necessitate a significant infusion of additional capital for successful deployment, even following this offering. This imperative business requirement has influenced our strategic decision to diversify our operations, with the aim of establishing nearer term revenue streams which we are seeking to initiate prior to the anticipated commercial launch of microreactor technology. | |
| ● | Government Contacts. We have secured important high placed government contacts, several of whom sit on our Executive Advisory Board, including former military and government veterans. This was complemented by bringing in experts involved in every major part of the nuclear industry, from regulation to laboratories, to technical teams. We believe we will benefit from those government contacts as our company will be afforded access to highly skilled personnel possessing advanced expertise in the energy and nuclear sectors. We expect these individuals to provide support and services to us, thereby facilitating the progression of our ambitions and projects. Furthermore, given the nuclear industry has been comprehensively intertwined with government agencies, the value of access to government and regulatory personnel cannot be overstated. These contacts provide guidance and insights to us, informing us of both conventional and unconventional challenges that warrant our consideration. Such guidance is an invaluable resource, fortifying our endeavors to systematically mitigate risks associated with our business operations. | |
| ● | World Class Team. Our technical team is world class, with simple and realizable reactor concepts that do not require exotic fuels and who are aware of all the difficulties faced by almost every other reactor company who has chosen alternative designs. Our team has a deep knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements surrounding safety, transportation, and decommissioning, and our designs have incorporated all these considerations from the outset. |
The SMR market has a high barrier to entry because of the expertise required, and the larger investment necessary to progress reactor designs to prototype, and then through licensing. This high barrier to entry has acted in our favor, giving us open opportunities. To date, we are not aware of any commercial microreactor prototypes, microreactor companies with applicable governmental licenses, microreactor or SMR companies in the revenue generating stage, HALEU fuel fabrication facilities, or commercial transportation system for HALEU. These huge national capability gaps have been left in a large market, caused predominantly by this high barrier to entry. These capability gaps are also exacerbated by nuclear companies being unwilling to branch into areas outside their focused business, such as SMR companies expanding into fuel and transport, or enrichment companies expanding into fuel fabrication. We are seeking to address all of these gaps in the industry.
Moreover, government investment has not compensated for the lack of private investment going into the commercial nuclear sector. Previous strategies to purchase military grade nuclear materials to down blend to required fuel enrichment level for certain programs have allowed these capability gaps to persist. This creates industry opportunities for development. We have begun and expect to continue to bring private investment to these undeveloped areas and quickly establish ourselves as a necessary component in the national infrastructure system, while providing us with advantages to develop business and revenue sources to de-risk our microreactor development.
We strongly support objectives of DOE and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and we intend for our technology to form part of the U.S. foreign policy to advance the peaceful use of nuclear energy, science and technology, and drive new resources to projects and activities in developing countries with the greatest need. A key part of our business plan will seek to become a nuclear technology organization that can grow the U.S. global energy market engagement and concurrently support global market opportunities.
Also we intend to support a broad set of clean energy applications, such as water desalination and green hydrogen production, which the versatile and easily deployable nature of our microreactor products will have unprecedented ability to provide to remote locations. We support the long-term strategy of the United States’ Government to reach net zero carbon emissions by no later than 2050, but these goals will require actions spanning every sector of the economy. We plan to utilize our advanced nuclear reactor technologies and our fuel fabrication plans through our subsidiary HALEU Energy to support the next generation of nuclear professionals. These investments are critical to immediately accelerate our emissions reductions domestically and internationally.
In addition, we believe that the U.S. government is increasingly showing strong support for nuclear energy through various initiatives aimed at advancing nuclear technology, all of which further our business plans and opportunities. This support has taken various forms, as detailed below. Aside from the support for existing nuclear capabilities, all of these initiatives have the potential directly or indirectly benefit and support our company.
| 44 |
| ● | Advanced Reactor Development. The DOE has been actively supporting the development of advanced nuclear reactor technologies. Through programs like the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) and the Advanced Reactor Concepts (ARC) program, the U.S. government is providing funding to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation nuclear reactors like our proposed microreactors that are safer, more efficient, and produce less waste. | |
| ● | Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (NEIMA). Signed into law in January 2019, this federal legislation aims to streamline the regulatory process for advanced nuclear reactors, making it easier for companies to develop and deploy new nuclear technologies in the United States. | |
| ● | Loan Guarantees. The U.S. government has provided loan guarantees to support the construction of new nuclear power plants. These guarantees help reduce the financial risk associated with building nuclear facilities and encourage private investment in nuclear energy projects. | |
| ● | Nuclear Energy Research and Development Funding. The DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy (ONE) provides funding for research and development projects related to nuclear energy. This includes research on advanced reactor technologies, nuclear fuel cycle options, and innovations in nuclear waste management. While we have not yet taken advantage of government funding, we plan to seek such funding in the future should an appropriate opportunity arise. | |
| ● | Public-Private Partnerships. The U.S. government has encouraged collaboration between the public and private sectors to advance nuclear technology. Initiatives like the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) help connect industry partners with national laboratories and expertise to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. Our collaboration with INL is an example of this trend. | |
| ● | Support for Existing Nuclear Fleet. The U.S. government recognizes the importance of maintaining the existing fleet of nuclear power plants, which provide a significant portion of the nation’s carbon-free electricity. Various measures have been proposed and implemented to ensure the economic viability of these plants and prevent premature closures. | |
| ● | Nuclear Energy Export Initiatives. The U.S. government has been working to promote the export of American nuclear technology and expertise to other countries. This supports global efforts to decarbonize energy systems and strengthen international partnerships in the nuclear energy sector. | |
| ● | Department of Energy Non-Defense Programs for Nuclear Energy and Fossil Energy and Carbon Management. In the federal government’s fiscal 2023 budget, $1.7 billion was allocated for Officer of Nuclear Energy, (NE), and $62 billion was allocated to the DOE over a five-year period to deliver a more equitable clean energy future. A further $892 million was allocated to support research and carbon development for carbon management technologies. |
Our Micro Nuclear Reactor Business
A key pillar of our business plan is to provide readily replaceable mobile reactors which we can provide to customers, along with operative personnel, to power projects, residential and commercial enterprises, and major development projects. Our vision is to be a commercial and domestic energy supply leader within the U.S. nuclear industry, and to advance U.S. domestic and foreign policy and national security priorities. The mobile, lower-cost and ultra-safe solid core model of our micro-reactor vision will provide a clean energy option that supports initiatives for sustained international engagement and promotes enhanced and more efficient cooperation and assistance in the application of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, science, and technology. We will also drive resources to projects and activities in developing countries of greatest need by supplying energy to areas removed from the grid.
| 45 |
Our initial energy assessment included the consideration of other energy sources, such as wind and solar. SMRs were initially examined, but it became apparent that the market with far larger potential was in more deployable energy systems which could service remote locations more readily; the only candidate that could satisfy this market was microreactors because of their high-capacity factors. The market has exceedingly large potential, with tens of thousands of mining operations running on diesel fuel, which could financially benefit from a steady source of clean and portable energy over a 20-year period. We identified a large potential customer base for deployable mobile reactors, for remote industrial and manufacturing projects, current and previously uneconomic mining sites, oil, and gas projects, military bases, remote towns and communities, islands or emergency sites (post-earthquake, tsunami, hurricane etc.) to re-establish electrical power during the absence of electric grid availability. Additionally, tens of thousands of mine sites which are not currently economically viable could suddenly be made viable with inexpensive, clean energy, creating the potential to free up huge deposits of mineral wealth. This possibility can be applied most notably to Africa where mineral wealth exists but is often inaccessible due to the power demands of modern mining operations. Similarly, all remote industrial projects could potentially benefit from our microreactors. Wherever diesel generators are deployed, our microreactors could provide a power source with fewer inherent logistical challenges, as they do not require daily refueling like diesel generators.
Other large markets identified included remote habitation. We believe based on market research that over a hundred remote settlements in Canada run exclusively on diesel. This observation was complimented by the observation that countries with numerous islands, such as Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, the United States, Sweden, Philippines and others also have large numbers of inhabited islands sustained predominantly by diesel fuel. Catering to this market would open tens of thousands of sales opportunities to our company.
If countries are also serious about electrifying their transportation infrastructure, only microreactors would be able to service charging stations for electric vehicles throughout a country. Wind and solar can only be sited where they can generate sufficient output energy, and batteries cannot be shipped to charging stations on a daily basis, especially outside of cities, or between urban developments. Microreactors could make it possible to actually eliminate the need for fossil fueled vehicles, which no other energy form can currently claim.
We also believe the shipping industry is a major area of potential growth for our company. The U.S. Navy has already demonstrated decades of successfully powering large ocean-going ships with nuclear fuel without incident, or any carbon emissions. Oil tankers, shipping container vessels and other large ships all use bunker fuel, which is incredibly polluting and bad for the environment. Global focus will eventually shift to substituting this fuel as soon as a candidate is identified. We believe we will have that replacement technology in our nuclear microreactors.
Having identified our key markets, we are focusing on developing deployable mobile reactors, to create a highly mobile, flexible, ultra-safe, renewable, sustainable microreactor. At scale, production of these microreactors will enable lower costs and further commercialization, making widespread microreactor adoption possible at cost parity with other renewables and conventional sources of energy. We intend for the reactor to benefit remote settings where services such as water desalination and power for medical facilities would greatly improve the lives of communities removed from national grids. Clean small energy sources can be coupled to water desalination or hydrogen production and integrated to other renewable sources such as solar power, addressing the most pressing needs for human living (water and energy) without carbon dioxide emissions. Multiple units located on one site allow for simple load following without complicated core geometry and core controls. Additionally, a sealed system without the need for refueling or access to the core enables simple yet effective environmental control.
| 46 |
We are developing two advanced portable nuclear micro reactors in technical design and development. The first, “ZEUS”, is a Solid Core Battery Reactor, designed by world-class engineers trained at the University of California—Berkeley, has a fully solid core, where heat is removed solely by thermal conduction. This requires the deployment of high conductivity, high melting materials, and careful materials design. The reactor will use uranium dioxide fuel, so no new fuel developments are necessary. Reactivity will be controlled with absorber drums outside of the central core. The generated heat will be conducted from the fuel to the outside of the core via thermal conduction through a thermally conductive material, allowing for the elimination of coolant, creating a far safer reactor than historically developed. Heat will be removed from the outside of the core by recirculated air or helium gas, which delivers the heat to the gas turbine to produce electricity. The gas turbine will be affixed to the top of the reactor to reduce piping and minimize the size of the plant. The benefit of not incorporating a primary liquid loop reduces the manufacturing costs, and enhances simplicity for modelling, testing, optimizing, and constructing. The secondary loop outside the monolith will be inert gas allowing to reach high temperatures and direct heating of a gas turbine which will be compact and small. Without coolant, typical reactor pumps and piping can be removed from the design, allowing for further compactness, with the aim being to construct a full core and electricity generating gas turbine within an container meeting International Organization for Standardization specifications. The smaller power core will also mean less neutrons are absorbed by the non-fissionable materials, allowing for longer operational life despite the small core.
ZEUS Prototype
Our second reactor in development, “ODIN”, will be a Low-Pressure Coolant Reactor, which uses relatively simple uranium and zirconium HALEU hydride. The zirconium hydride densely packs hydrogen and so provides substantial moderation. Low pressure “solar” salt (sodium-potassium nitrate eutectic) coolant will be used to minimize the stress on structural components and improve the reliability and service life. The design will take advantage of the natural convection of the coolant for heat transfer to the power conversion cycle at full power, as well as for decay heat removal during reactor shutdown, operating transients, and off-normal conditions. A nitrogen or open-air Brayton cycle will be used for power conversion due to its simplicity, flexibility, and its wide use within the conventional power industry. Reactivity control system design will have high reliability and robustness through minimizing the number of moving parts.
| 47 |
ODIN Prototype
The aim of our small reactor projects is to advance the development of a small scale (what we call “NANOscale”) reactors with innovative passive cooling mechanisms that do not require the use of a forced flow liquid coolant in the core, avoiding all the associated safety risks and materials challenges. The project aims to complete the design and concept evaluation for these reactors in under a two-year timeframe, progress through demonstration and physical test work, and initiate the licensing, certification, and development processes required to build a licensed prototype. We intend to develop a customer base and funding avenue to ensure the reactor concept finds its path towards commercial deployment in coming years. Both reactors will be designed for safe operation, ease of use, simple maintenance, and functionality. The reactors aim to reduce construction as well as operation and maintenance costs due to in-factory manufacturing and servicing. It is intended to simplify the use and reactor operation to reduce personnel costs.
In 2022, we were awarded subject matter expert (SME) support at INL as part of the National Reactor Innovation Centre (NRIC) Resource Team program. NRIC is a national DOE program led by INL, allowing collaborators to harness the world-class capabilities of the U.S. National Laboratory System. NRIC accelerates the demonstration and deployment of advanced nuclear energy through its mission to inspire stakeholders and the public, empower innovators, and deliver successful outcomes. They are charged with and committed to demonstrating advanced reactors by the end of 2025. The NRIC Resource Team lent substantial manpower and equipment to support the validation and proving the feasibility of our reactor concepts. Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA) manages INL for the DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy. INL is the U.S.’s center for nuclear energy research and development and performs research in each of DOE’s strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science and the environment. We have an existing collaboration with INL through BEA (Strategic Partnership Project Agreement No. 23SP817), which we will be looking to develop further as we advance our microreactor designs through demonstration work, taking advantage of the large capabilities offered by the INL nuclear site. INL in combination with BEA, will be conducting design audits on both of our reactors.
The design and development of our safe, rapidly built, and deployable microreactors, in cooperation with U.S. industry, and engagement with the NRC to address licensing matters early in the design stage, will accelerate the adoption speed of SMRs and microreactors in the military, industrial and, eventually, commercial, and residential sectors. The NRC was created as an independent agency by Congress in 1974 to ensure the safe use of radioactive materials for beneficial civilian purposes while protecting people and the environment. The path to widespread adoption of nuclear energy as a transformative source of the U.S. and global energy portfolio is challenged by public opinion. Rapid widespread adoption of our reactor technology with NRC approvals and other government support will provide a large set of success stories and pilot projects that build public scientific awareness of sustainability characteristics of fission reactors.
| 48 |
Successful licensing and certification of one of our reactors will enable and accelerate certification and licensing processes for innovative and lower-cost designs in the future. A small portable power source (nuclear power bank) will enable deployment to areas after natural disasters to support first responders, water purification efforts, hydrogen production, or initial construction to regain control of these situations. The possibility of multiple nuclear reactors as part of future emergency response resources is also contemplated.
We will develop a radioactive waste strategy alongside the scoping and design work for ZEUS and ODIN which will meet all the appropriate regulatory and environmental requirements for this type of nuclear reactor. Project investigations are currently in early stages, and further development will involve the DOE and the NRC, particularly with respect to compliance with the federal National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 (NEPA) and other applicable laws and regulations, to competently plan for, and manage, all spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste generated by the facility developed at our proposed INL sited facility described further below.
A strategy to manage the long-term disposition of nuclear waste streams will be managed in combination with the DOE’s Office of Spent Fuel and Waste Disposition (SFWD). SFWD covers different aspects of the long-term disposition of waste streams, through its Spent Fuel and Waste Science and Technology (SFWST) and the Office Integrated of Waste Management (IWM) departments. SFWD conducts research and development to support the development of disposition-path-neutral waste management systems and options in the context of the current inventory of spent nuclear fuel and high-level waste.
Both microreactors will undergo design audits by external institutions in 2023, which will provide external input and assistance to advance the concepts and provide validation for the microreactors’ direction and technology. The Odin microreactor has already completed its design audit at INL, where the design was interrogated by 10 engineers and scientists. The design and concept was extremely well received and further guidance was provided to assist our technical team to steer the reactor from its current state through to a licensed product ready for deployment. The external design audit for the Zeus reactor is anticipated to occur in late 2023. Both reactors are expected to begin demonstration and physical test work in 2024, with demonstration work expected to be completed in 2027, providing us with working prototypes. The regulatory licensing process for the prototypes is expected to complete by 2030 or 2031, with manufacturing facilities being constructed during the licensing phase so we are ready to deploy microreactors across the country upon licensing approval.
Our HALEU Fuel Fabrication Business
In 2023, we established a subsidiary, HALEU Energy Fuel Inc., to concentrate specifically on creating a domestic fuel fabrication facility of High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) to supply the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors. In February 2023, we were selected as an official founding member of the DOE’s new HALEU Consortium to develop the U.S.’ domestic capability for the manufacture of HALEU and its fabrication. Our commercial and strategic aim for HALEU Energy Fuel is to construct facilities capable of delivering the HALEU fuel fabrication capability able to fabricate a variety of different fuel forms, with an intended customer base to include other SMR companies, the U.S.’ nuclear laboratories’ HALEU needs, and the DOE. Our proposed fabrication activity aligns exactly with the DOE’s HALEU fuel mission to return nuclear fuel manufacturing capabilities to the United States.
We intend to design, construct and commission a commercial nuclear fuel fabrication facility to supply fabricated fuel to the next generation of advanced nuclear reactor companies, our own reactors currently under development, the U.S. nuclear industry, the U.S. National Laboratories, and the DOE’s nuclear fuel needs as necessary. The facility’s intended capability is to fabricate a variety of different fuel forms as required by U.S. industry and its customer base, using received fuel from market recognized fuel enrichment sources. Our proposed fuel fabrication facility is intended to form part of an integrated system with the INL’s facilities, being sited directly outside the INL facilities to eliminate transport over civilian roads and making use of INL’s capabilities such as fuel characterization. Our submissions to the DOE to advance this fuel facility have been supported by INL, with our submission having been reviewed and edited by INL staff, and the facility site selection led and approved by INL personnel. We believe this support from INL provides us with a key competitive and first mover advantage in our fuel fabrication business.
| 49 |
Our vision harmonizes with that of the DOE and INL, while supporting and engaging U.S. interagency nuclear and development goals, such as those of International Security and Nonproliferation (DOS), the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN), the SMR-related climate action goals of the United States Trade and Development Authority (USTDA), and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). This vision also aligns with nuclear-related U.S. treaty imperatives related to the IAEA.
We have an existing relationship with INL (Strategic Partnership Project Agreement No. 23SP817), which we will be looking to develop further with our proposed new facility. Building on our existing INL relationship, and partnering on the manning of the facility, would provide both INL and the U.S. generally a more competent, efficient, and effectively operational facility.
INL already has existing capabilities to characterize the fuel On-Site at the INL Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) Hot Fuel Examination Facility (HFEF). A principal benefit of our proposed facility would mean that we would not be required to construct similar facilities, saving significant investment in infrastructure, time, cost, and equipment. INL possesses many facilities which would form an integrative system in combination with our proposed new facility.
The technology being proposed has been realized and developed many times, in many parts of the world. It is a proven technological process, with little uncertainty that such a capability will not be achievable. The starting point for uranium dioxide manufacture is uranium hexafluoride since enrichment processes require gaseous uranium hexafluoride and rely on the very slight difference in molecular weight between uranium 235 and uranium 238. After a series of reactions with different gases, uranium dioxide is left in the form of a fine powder. The powder is sintered (i.e., a process in which the particles of a powder are welded together by pressure and heating to a temperature below its melting point) at about 1700° Celsius to make the fuel pellets. The cylinder-shaped pellets are placed in hollow rods made of a zirconium stainless steel alloy. We anticipate procuring raw HALEU from an established domestic U.S. company and we have signed a memorandum of understanding with this company to begin HALEU fuel sourcing discussions.
Four different methods for the conversion of uranium hexafluoride (called UF6) to ceramic grade uranium dioxide powder have been developed to an industrial scale. Two of them, the ADU (Ammonium Diuranate) and AUC (Ammonium Uranyl Carbonate) processes, are based upon precipitation of uranium compounds from aqueous (or water-based) solutions. The other two follow a dry route in which UF6 is decomposed and reduced by steam and hydrogen in either fluidized beds or rotating kilns. The wet processes are the most often used industrially.
AUC is important as a component in the conversion process of UF6 to uranium dioxide. The ammonium uranyl carbonate is combined with steam and hydrogen at 500–600 °C to yield uranium dioxide. In another process aqueous uranyl nitrate, known as uranyl nitrate liquor (UNL) is treated with ammonium bicarbonate to form ammonium uranyl carbonate as a solid precipitate. This is separated from the solution, dried with methanol and then calcinated with hydrogen directly to uranium dioxide to obtain a powder capable of being sintered. The ex-AUC uranium dioxide powder is free flowing, relatively coarse (10 µ) and porous with specific surface area in the range of 5m2/g and suitable for direct palletization, avoiding the granulation step. Conversion to uranium dioxide is often performed as the first stage of nuclear fuel fabrication.
The NRC inspects the site construction at new fuel cycle facilities and only approves the facility’s capability to possess nuclear material after ensuring that the facility’s safety controls are robust and able to safely handle these materials. Fuel cycle facilities must comply with the regulatory requirements established by the NRC. The regulations contain the basic safety standards that our fuel facility will need to meet. The facility will need to acquire an NRC license containing site-specific requirements that the facility is required to comply with. Each license is unique and is specific to the nuclear material and hazards present at the fuel cycle facility. To obtain a license will involve a lot of communication between the NRC and our company. NRC safety oversight includes three important components; NRC inspection, the routine assessment of each licensee’s performance, and enforcement in the case that the regulatory requirements were not met.
The NRC will support the regulation of the fuel fabrication facility by offering guidance documents and generic communication when necessary. These methods of communication support the regulatory process and are not regulations within themselves that require compliance. The NRC makes a continuing effort, in conjunction with interested stakeholders, to enhance and develop regulations and guidance in an efficient and effective way. Stakeholders will be able to track the NRC progress for the licensing at periodic Fuel Facility Stakeholders Meetings.
| 50 |
Our company and INL have identified the potential site and will work with the NRC through the NEPA process, which will begin when a federal agency develops a proposal to take a major federal action. The proposed project would benefit both our company, INL and the United States. We believe a fuel fabrication collaboration between our company and INL, whereby we would invest significant resources in the construction of the facility, could be beneficially complimented by the collaboration with INL technical expertise and personnel support. The facility would provide a readily utilizable resource for INL, providing fuel for INL’s programs. The facility would afford the DOE and INL cost savings for any similar facility currently being considered. Having our facility sited at INL would provide us with both private and commercial expertise, leverage existing facilities and their capabilities, such as fuel examination, characterization, and transportation. Preliminary evaluations of suitable sites have not determined any other sites able to provide the commensurate level of expertise and capability as afforded by INL.
We have engaged with the DOE and contacted the NRC to advance our fuel fabrication facility construction intentions. We were included in the DOE’s HALEU consortium, as we have been identified as one of the companies able to assist the U.S. meet its technological and capability nuclear fuel challenges.
Spent nuclear fuel will not be generated by this project. There will be a radioactive waste strategy to address the scrap from the manufacturing process. The waste would consist of uranium-baring scrap materials, for which there exists commercial disposal facilities.
We expect to commence scoping and cost estimation work for our fuel fabrication facility in late 2023, with detailed design work beginning in 2024, coinciding with engaging the relevant licensing and regulatory bodies to facilitate the facility commissioning. Initial site preparation and construction work is scheduled to begin in 2025, with completion of construction completion and commissioning occurring in 2027.
Our HALEU Fuel Transportation Business
As we have developed our business, capability deficiencies in the U.S. nuclear industry that would affect the future operation of all SMR and microreactor companies became apparent, such as there exists no method of transporting commercial quantities of HALEU across North America. Our proactive approach to mitigate future impediments to our operations culminated in locating research and technology developed by INL and ORNL, that had not been advanced because of budget constraints. We expect to receive an exclusive license for a high capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket design in the first quarter of 2024, which was designed around a licensed third-party packaging. This license is expected to grant us, as the licensee, exclusive rights for use and development of the technology. In addition, the licensor is not permitted to license the technology to any other parties within the specified scope. This technology will enable us to transport fuel enriched by Centrus (the only licensed enrichment company in the U.S), de-convert HALEU fuel, and fabricate HALEU fuel. We are seeking to form the first transportation company able to supply all emerging SMR and microreactor companies with the fuel they require at their manufacturing facilities to construct their reactors. We also expect to service the INL, ORNL and DOE related programs by providing HALEU fuel for their programs. Mobile reactors requiring HALEU for remote military bases are also anticipated, with potential military contacts.
Our fuel transportation business will build on the work already completed by the INL and ORNL to create a high-capacity HALEU transportation package, with 18 inner canisters, combined with a basket design and a borated aluminum flux trap. We have also received private funding and support from the former executives of the largest shipping company in the world. These executives are aware of our transportation plans and have agreed to assist us develop a HALEU transportation company to create the first HALEU commercial quantity delivery service in North America.
Our Business Services and Consulting Business
The current upsurge in interest in nuclear energy, combined with the increased investment from both private and governmental sources within the nuclear space, as well as the global push for zero carbon technologies, has created a demand for nuclear energy expertise which exceeds supply. The shortage of suitably nuclear-qualified persons has resulted in institutions purchasing nuclear support services and consultancy practices, profiting from the surge in demand and the commensurate increase in costs created by this demand. Nuclear personnel are being headhunted and salaries are increasing as demand outpaces supply. The increased demand in personnel and nuclear related business activity will create increased demand for personnel involved in the licensing and regulator aspects of the industry, exacerbating the difficulty of acquiring the necessary personnel to develop nuclear related businesses. This trend will likely increase, as the next generation of nuclear reactors are progressing towards more mature development stages, requiring greater numbers of experienced personnel, and because nuclear personnel take a long time to educate, qualify, and acquire practical experience.
| 51 |
We have identified this trend as an opportunity for more immediate revenue for our company, and to acquire more expertise to advance our businesses. We have concentrated on identifying small teams with expert personnel, with good portfolios of work and existing contracts, and good expansion potential, which would provide us with immediate revenue post-acquisition. By the end of 2024, we expect to start providing nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. This timeline is based on our plan to acquire a nuclear business services and consultancy provider. We have had preliminary discussions with some acquisition targets but nothing definitive has been finalized. If we are unable to acquire such a business by the end of 2024, we will then focus on building our own internal nuclear consultation business in coordination with certain outside academic institutions, which would require approximately $1 million over the next twelve months to recruit additional staff and build corresponding infrastructure to be capable of providing these services. No assurances can be given that we will be able to successfully establish and grow our own consultation business, and our failure to do so would adversely affect our nearer term revenue prospects. We have no intention to apply any proceeds from this offering to such acquisition of a nuclear business services and consultancy provider and such acquisition costs are not included in our estimated expenditures of $4 million as above-mentioned over the next twelve months. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the outlined expenditures and the timelines are estimations only. These are inherently subject to change due to certain factors, including adjustments in the microreactor development plan and uncertainties associated with the licensing approval process. Given that these elements may exceed our initial expectations or lie beyond our control, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the actual expenditures and timelines.
We believe we are in a competitively advantageous position to expand these acquired businesses with the highly qualified teams it has built over the previous years. This expansion potential can be further complimented by the education programs we are assembling with the Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre, part of the University of Cambridge, which will involve the sponsorship of MSc and PhD Nuclear programs to produce the next generation of qualified nuclear energy personnel. Part of our education sponsorship programs will involve providing work to the qualifying individuals after they have completed their programs, allowing for further expansion of the nuclear services we are able to offer clients.
We also see potential for our business services and consultancy business to grow internationally through the new drive by the United States to promote clean energy partnerships abroad and build capacity for the secure and safe deployment of advanced nuclear reactor technologies under the U.S. Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) Program.
The FIRST program will work with experts from government, academia, industry, and national laboratories to explore options to advance the global goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2065 through deployment of SMRs under the highest standards of safety, security, and nonproliferation. These international partnerships will help countries with no nuclear personnel and infrastructure take advantage of the unique benefits of SMRs that provide round the clock reliable power, complement other clean energy sources, use a small land footprint, and incorporate advanced safety features. Cooperation under FIRST will also deepen strategic ties, support clean energy innovation, and advance technical collaboration between the United States and other countries. These government promoted efforts to expand the utilization of nuclear power across the globe will coincide with ana even further increase in demand for nuclear services, labor, and expertise. We believe we are the only microreactor and SMR company that is currently entering into the provision of nuclear services and putting in place measures to train and educate individuals to expand these expected acquisitions and businesses. We believe we have the potential to be the first SMR and microreactor company to generate revenue, which will help minimizing the risk of encountering financial constraints which may limit our business development plans. With an expanded team we plan to retain with a portion of the proceeds from this offering, we will market our expertise and deploy consultants to both government and private industry nuclear projects. Consultants will be hired out for either hourly rates, or for contractual periods and weekly or monthly rates depending on the project type and scope.
There are currently no known SMR companies in the revenue generating stage or near revenue, placing an increased risk on investors involved in those companies. Our goal to help mitigate investment risk by providing the first opportunity for public investors to be involved with an SMR company able to help sustain its own research and development costs, without reliance on continuous financings to make advancements. The acquisitions and their subsequent expansions will also provide in-house expertise, at greatly reduced costs, which we can utilize for our own research and development, streamlining our company while expanding our technical and human capital capacity.
Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre Collaboration
In accordance with observed market trends and the surging global demand for nuclear personnel, combined with a shortage of suitably nuclear qualified individuals, we have partnered with Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre, part of the University of Cambridge, to develop a series of nuclear teaching programs to educate the next generation of qualified nuclear individuals capable of facilitating the growing demand and interest in nuclear energy.
| 52 |
Together with the Chair of Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre, we will design and provide Master’s and Doctorate programs in Nuclear Energy science, physics and engineering related disciplines, to graduate competent engineers and physicists ready for practical deployment to industry, academia, and research and development destinations. The courses will be designed to provide the candidates with practical learning which can be usefully applied to the current nuclear environment and state of industry.
Our strategy includes the employment of graduating personnel upon completion of their programs, to provide further value to our reactor programs, our fuel fabrication business, and our business services practice. The programs will serve to provide our company with a stream of individuals competent in nuclear science and engineering, at a time when personnel are increasingly difficult to source; mitigating against potential insufficient staffing caused by the labor demand. Concurrently, we expect to be able to provide our graduates with global and dynamic work opportunities which rival and exceed any other company involved within the nuclear energy space, assisting to retain and attract the best personnel.
Our Competitive Strengths
We believe we have the following competitive strengths relating to our various business lines:
Microreactor Business
The nuclear industry and market have a high barrier to entry given the expertise required, and the large investment necessary to progress reactor designs to prototype, and then through licensing. This high barrier to entry has acted in our favor, leaving huge opportunities within the nuclear industry for expansion and new business. There are no microreactor prototypes, there is one licensed SMR, there are no microreactor or SMR companies in revenue, there is one SMR company and no microreactors listed, there are no HALEU fuel fabrication facilities, there is no transportation system for HALEU, and there is no deconversion facility for HALEU.
These capability gaps are compounded because nuclear companies are largely reluctant to branch into areas outside their focused business objectives, like an SMR company expanding into fuel and transport, or enrichment companies expanding into fuel fabrication. Unlike these other companies, we are seeking to become a vertically integrated company in the nuclear power sector with multiple streams of revenue, a diversified business to hedge against market changes, and greater control over industries supporting microreactor development, such as fuel and transportation. Our diversified business model will make us highly differentiated from other reactor companies.
We have also benefited from observing the impediments faced by reactor companies that began operations earlier than Nano. Issues with sourcing fuel have delayed development for some companies for several. In response we selected more well-used fuel forms, with larger databases from more operating history, and selected to build our own fuel fabrication facility, to secure our own fuel supply and create additional business and revenue opportunities.
Microreactors have typically begun their inception as academic concepts, without consideration of the final market, or a competent strategy to finance the microreactor from concept through to being a licensed product ready for distribution. We began our company with a different approach, electing to design a reactor to cater for the largest perceived market. This strategy concurrently provides assurance that our company’s business once operational will be commercially successful, but also that more potential collaborative industry partners who could also assist the development of our microreactor. We also enjoy a competitive advantage over other groups in the microreactor space by having a board of directors and management team with extensive market and financing experience. Academically commenced projects often rely entirely on government grants and awards to progress. Whether we receive government grants or not, we can progress our research, development, and engineering, through our own financing channels. This fund-raising advantage has given us the ability to quickly expand, as further opportunities are not dictated by grant application success.
| 53 |
Though our reactor designs were selected for specific markets, the type of reactor we are developing brings great advantages to our business. We are focusing on the 1-5 megawatt electric (or Mwe) power outputs, currently no advanced reactor design has reached prototype stage within this commercial space. The more developed concepts and reactor companies are almost all catering to different markets, namely civil nuclear power for large cities and towns. The microreactor space by comparison is relatively undeveloped, with no organizations demonstrably ahead in development.
We believe we have an expertise advantage over other companies developing microreactors, as we can recruit the best scientists and engineers in the world from any country or institution, without being constrained by the available personnel located within certain academic and professional institutions. We had the fortune to connect with professors and scientist from around the world, with the opportunity to work freely on entirely funded projects, with few constraints, drawing from their specializations and expert areas. The technical personnel involved in the current design of our reactors have been involved with the design and development of dozens of different reactors. The Head of the Zeus Technical team, Massimiliano Fratoni, is a professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of California - Berkeley and was a scientist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and a faculty position at The Pennsylvania State University. He has worked on molten salt reactors, liquid-metal-cooled fast reactors, fluoride-cooled high-temperature reactors, reduced-moderation boiling water reactors, small or micro modular reactors. He has over 40 publications in the nuclear field, with the majority being in advanced reactor designs. The Odin team leads, Ian Farnan and Eugene Schwageraus, have worked on almost every type of reactor, including Thorium based fuel in combination with advanced cladding material, and possess exceptional expertise with reactors used in combination with salts. They have also modelled nuclear systems to assist with national policy making. Mr. Farnan is Chair of the Cambridge Centre for Nuclear Energy, Cambridge Director of the Imperial Cambridge Open (ICO) EPSRC CDT in Nuclear Energy and a founding member of the inter-departmental Cambridge MPhil in Nuclear Energy. He currently leads several EPSRC funded Research consortia in these areas. He has held visiting professor positions at Stanford University, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization and the European Commission Joint Research Centre, Karlsruhe. Eugene is a Professor in Nuclear Energy Systems Engineering at Cambridge University Engineering Department, and is the Course Director for the MPhil in Nuclear Energy, and was the Head of Nuclear Engineering Department, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel, and was a Professor in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Fuel Fabrication Business
No company is currently developing a CAT II facility to fabricate HALEU fuel for SMRs and microreactors. Several companies have invested in establishing their own facilities to manufacture TRi-structural ISOtropic particle fuel (TRISO) fuel for their reactors, such as Terrapower and X-Energy, though these facilities were not established to sell fuel commercially. The decision of some companies to pursue TRISO development was in response to previous government investment which supported TRISO fuel development, and necessity, as the more compact designs generate higher temperatures than conventional reactors, requiring fuel which can operate efficiently at higher temperatures. Currently, TRISO development has also stalled due to technical challenges, due partly to no operational history from which to draw data, combined with other technical challenges and current lack of funding. Developing fuel for SMRs and microreactors has become one of the main obstacles and causes of delay for companies expanding into these markets.
We responded to the difficulties observed at other reactor development companies and acted to mitigate against the obstacles afflicting other developers. Firstly, we opted for more conventional fuel forms, and avoided TRISO fuel. Secondly, we observed that there was no CAT II facility to fabricate HALEU fuel in conventional forms, precipitating the decision to enter the market to secure our own fuel supply, and to build a commercial business able to supply to a potentially large market.
A CAT I facility allows for the fabrication and handling of U235 up to 10% U235 enrichment, there are currently three groups in the U.S. authorized to operate a CAT I facility. A CAT II facility allows for the fabrication and handling of U235 up to 20% U235 enrichment, we are progressing towards being the only CAT II facility operator in the country, giving our business an enormous competitive advantage for both reactor development and establishing multiple sources of future revenue to de-risk our company. Currently, no SMR or microreactor has any sales revenue, inhibiting the ability for any reactor company to progress, we are building a different and more robust business model.
| 54 |
We have further sought to de-risk our fuel business and establish a competitive advantage, by building our fuel fabrication facility in partnership with the Idaho National Laboratory. The facility will be sited proximal to INL facilities, with the intention that the operations of both companies will mutually benefit. INL requires fabricated fuel for its programs, and we can benefit from the expertise and capabilities available at INL. The partnership enables a less complicated operation to be established, as existing INL capabilities can be drawn upon. The proximal siting from INL also allows for a simpler licensing process, as the identified site land is already allocated for nuclear facilities and businesses.
Fuel Transportation Business
As we developed our business and analyzed the market to anticipate future obstacles which would affect our success, we observed that no transportation cask or transportation company existed which could transport and deliver HALEU fuel across North America. This national capability gap was identified as a major risk to future operations. In response, we realized this capability gap was another opportunity to enter a new market within the nuclear industry, which would have the benefit of both increased revenue for our company and would provide extra security for our future operations.
After various investigations, we located some transportation cask concept work investigating a high capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket design, developed by INL and ORNL. The technology had been developed around a licensed third-party packaging and had made the greatest advance towards developing a technology which addressed the transportation issue we had found. The work had not been able to continue at the national laboratories, owing to funding not being sufficiently available to develop the concept further. We are in the process of obtaining the exclusive license to the technology and have been working with the groups capable of aiding us in the development of the concept into a licensed technology proficient in the transportation of enriched fuels. To provide our company further advantage in this space, we recruited two former executives of the world’s largest shipping company as our consultants who agreed to assist us in developing a North American transportation company using the technology once licensed, to deliver fuel for a wide customer base, including SMR and microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs.
Our Challenges
Launching a microreactor business comes with a large number of significant challenges, as it involves complex nuclear technology, regulatory hurdles, and shifting market dynamics. These challenges include, but are not limited to, the following:
| ● | Obtaining the necessary permits and licenses for nuclear facilities is a time-consuming and highly regulated process. Microreactors must meet stringent safety and environmental standards, and gaining regulatory approval can be a lengthy endeavor. Additionally, ensuring the safety of a microreactor throughout its lifecycle is paramount. Developing, implementing, and maintaining robust safety systems and protocols are critical challenges. Implementing robust security measures to protect against theft, sabotage, or unauthorized access is also critical for both regulatory compliance and public safety. | |
| ● | Building and operating a microreactor can be capital-intensive. Securing the necessary funding and managing costs, including but not limited to operational and maintenance costs, are ongoing challenges for our business. | |
| ● | The political and regulatory landscape can change, impacting the stability and viability of nuclear projects. International agreements and geopolitical factors can also affect nuclear technology access and export. |
| 55 |
Competition
Our competitors (nearly all of which are significantly larger and have more cash resources than we do) are other power generation systems which provide energy within the 1Mwe-5Mwe range. This competition includes fossil fuel power generating units, renewables, long duration storage and other nuclear reactors, including other microreactors. However, as described above in “Competitive Strengths”, we believe we are positioned better than our competition to emerge as a leading supplier of carbon-free round the clock energy generation.
Traditional Energy Sources
According to World Energy Statistics, approximately 87% of global energy generation capacity in 2022 was natural gas, coal, oil and large-scale nuclear. These technologies are highly reliable, cost-effective, dispatchable and land use efficient. However, with the exception of traditional large-scale nuclear, these resources are carbon-intensive, and we expect them to largely be replaced with carbon-free energy over time. Traditional large-scale nuclear power plants, while carbon-free, require significant upfront capital expenditures, have a history of extensive construction times, complex safety systems and do not have business cases apart from utility-scale generation. We believe our carbon-free microreactor technology possesses all the positive attributes of traditional baseload energy and addresses many of the flaws of traditional nuclear power plants, such as large upfront capital costs.
Renewables
According to World Energy Statistics, approximately 13% of global energy generation capacity in 2022 was wind, solar, hydroelectric, and other renewable power generation sources. Although these sources generate carbon-free power, wind and solar are highly intermittent and non-dispatchable, and hydroelectric is seasonal and subject to curtailment. Additionally, since renewables are weather-dependent, they are too unreliable to support certain end-use cases, including mission-critical applications or industrial applications that require extensive on-site, always-available power. Due to their innovative design SMRs and microreactors, such as the VOYGR plant design by NuScale Energy Corporation (NYSE:SMR) (NuScale), can operate as baseload generation, load-follow renewables and/or support key industrial applications.
Other Advanced Nuclear Reactors
There are several reactor technologies that are in various stages of development, such as high temperature gas-cooled reactors, fast reactors, molten salt reactors, fusion technologies, and others, and commercial SMRs are currently operating in China and Russia. These technologies, like ours, are designed to be clean, safe, and highly reliable. However, these technologies have not received regulatory approval in the United States, and many of the technologies do not have the fuel supply infrastructure necessary to succeed. Currently, there are no microreactor prototypes, and no other SMR company other than NuScale – which caters to a different market than our planned market, has applied for approval.
Intellectual Property
For competitive reasons, to date we have not filed for any U.S. or international patents related to our technology and have opted to maintain such technology as a trade secret. This includes our microreactor and other technologies. However, we have been in consultation legal counsel to discuss patenting aspects of our developed technology. In addition, we are implementing a strategy to further the research and progress our microreactor technology to a more finalized form. We believe that developing technology more comprehensively before patenting offers several advantages that can enhance the overall value and protection of the patent. Such advantages include stronger patent claims, reduced risk of invalidity, potential increased market value, minimized prior art, strategic timing, cost savings, better understanding of applications, and trade secrets protection.
Overall, we believe developing technology more comprehensively before patenting it provides our company with certain potential strategic advantages. However, we will balance the advantages of comprehensive development with the risk of potential delays in securing patent protection. We will continue to consult qualified intellectual property counsel so we can make informed decisions regarding the timing of patent filings and the overall protection strategy.
| 56 |
As of the date of this prospectus, we have one trademark application “Smaller, Cheaper and Safer” on class 11, pending approval from the United States Patent and Trademark office, and one domain name.
Insurance
We currently have director & officer liability insurance for our officers and certain directors. We do not carry any key-man life insurance, business liability and other professional liability insurance. Neither have we purchased any property insurance or business interruption insurance. Even if we purchase these kinds of insurance, the insurance may not fully protect us from the financial impact of defending against product liability or professional liability claims that may occur in future. As we are still at the development stage and we have not produced any products yet, we have determined that our current insurance coverage is sufficient for our business operations in the U.S.
Research and Development
As of the date of this prospectus, our team has spent approximately 1.5 years on research and development, and invested over an aggregate of approximately $1.3 million on research and development related to ZEUS and ODIN from our inception to September 30, 2023 to develop this technology. Prior to forming our company in 2022, our technical teams were involved in microreactor research and development which has helped accelerate the development of our microreactors. Our current research and development efforts are centered on optimizing reactor dimensions, material compositions, simplifying mechanical systems, and lowering the lifecycle cost of our microreactors. Our team is also involved in developing new innovative technologies that will represent future business endeavors, such as fuel fabrication and fuel transportation.
Our research and development team has nearly 150 years of collective experience related to nuclear energy and reactor design, involving scientists and engineers from the University of Berkeley, California, and the University of Cambridge.
On February 14, 2023, we entered into a Strategic Partnership Project (SPP) agreement with INL for an Expert Review Panel of our ZEUS microreactor design. The SPP agreement is managed by BEA for the DOE. Over a 6-month period, INL will review our ZEUS-related technical information related to reactor design, siting, fuel, and decommissioning strategy and will organize a Panel Review Workshop to discuss numerous areas of the design. This review panel will provide recommendations on the current design as well as outline a path forward for further design and collaboration between us and INL.
In addition, we have been awarded 200 hours of subject matter expert (SME) support at INL as part of the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) Resource Team program. NRIC accelerates the demonstration and deployment of advanced nuclear energy through its mission to inspire stakeholders and the public, empower innovators, and deliver successful outcomes. They are charged with and committed to demonstrating advanced reactors by the end of 2025. The work carried out focused on delivering a thermal-hydraulics model to study the temperature in our ZEUS reactor core as well as the thermal efficiency of the system, a Monte-Carlo model to study criticality and reactivity coefficients in the reactor core during depletion, and an optimized version of the reactor core including thermal-hydraulics and neutronics.
In the future, we expect our research and development expenses to increase significantly as we continue to accelerate the development of our products, services and technologies.
Human Capital Resources
As of the date of this prospectus, we had no full time employees and had 27 independent contractors with an aggregate of 31 advanced degrees, including 21 master’s degrees in engineering and science and 10 PhDs. We have utilized independent contractor relationships from our inception to date, but in connection with the consummation of this offering, we intend to enter into formal employment agreements with our senior executive officers.
The following table provides a breakdown of our staff by function as of the date of this prospectus.
| Function | Number of Staff | % of Total | ||||||
| Management | 4 | 15 | % | |||||
| Research and Development | 7 | 26 | % | |||||
| Business Operation | 13 | 48 | % | |||||
| Administration | 3 | 11 | % | |||||
| Total | 27 | 100 | % | |||||
| 57 |
Our workforce mainly operates on a remote basis. We have a seasoned leadership team with nearly 150 years of cumulative experience in the nuclear industry. Our management team places significant focus and attention on matters concerning our human capital assets, particularly on the specific industry and technical knowledge that are required to implement our nuclear energy-focused business plan. Accordingly, we regularly review staff development and succession plans for each of our functions to identify and develop our pipeline of talent.
We believe we offer our staff competitive compensation packages and an environment that encourages self-development and, as a result, have generally been able to attract and retain qualified personnel and maintain a stable core management team. Our staff are not represented by a labor organization or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We believe that we maintain a good working relationship with our staff and to date, we have not experienced any labor disputes.
Description of Properties
Our corporate headquarters is located at 10 Times Square, 30th Floor, New York, New York 10018, covering approximately 7,800 square feet. We lease this space for $33,605 per month whereby the monthly lease rent will increase by 2.5% on an annual basis. The lease is effective on April 1, 2024 and has a term ending on July 31, 2031. We also have offices located at 1411 Broadway, 38th Floor, New York, New York 10018, covering approximately 1,200 square feet. We lease this space for $10,000 per month from Flewber Global, Inc., a related party, of which our Chairman and President, Jay Jiang Yu, previously served as President and a director up to February 2024. The lease is currently in effect and has a term ending on August 31, 2024, and on or prior to this date all staff at this location will be moving to our corporate headquarters at 10 Times Square 30th Floor, New York, New York 10018.
We have been working with the DOE and INL on our fuel fabrication facility plans. The anticipated selected site for the fuel facility is in Idaho, near the INL facilities. The site is about three miles from local highway systems. This site is close to INL operations and emergency services. Roads in and around the area currently exist which are not common use road at this time and will be barricaded for safety, shipment, security and maintenance concerns.
We believe the above-mentioned facilities and offices are adequate and suitable for our current needs and that, should it be needed, suitable additional or alternative space will be available to accommodate any such expansion of our operations.
Material Agreements
Services Agreement by and between Nano Nuclear Energy Inc. and Cambridge AtomWorks LLP
On August 2, 2023, we entered into a services agreement with Cambridge AtomWorks LLP (or Cambridge AtomWorks). Pursuant to this agreement, Cambridge AtomWorks agreed to conduct a conceptual design feasibility study that analyzes the main design parameters of a microreactor and the proposed materials used to construct a power plant. The responsibilities of Cambridge AtomWorks include but are not limited to selecting materials for core components, designing a reactivity control system, establishing an achievable lifetime for reactor power and fuel, and developing a pathway for an experimental prototype for testing decay heat removal, power conversion cycles, and start-up and shutdown operations. This agreement contains customary data security and privacy, confidentiality, indemnification, and intellectual property covenants.
In consideration of the services provided, we will pay Cambridge AtomWorks up to $1,010,500 in fees. These fees are to be paid within one year and are based on specific activities that Cambridge AtomWorks must perform through the third quarter of 2024. The agreement expires two years from the effective date, or until February 2, 2025, whichever is later.
Memorandum of Understanding by and between Centrus and HALEU Energy
On March 30, 2023, our subsidiary HALEU Energy entered into a memorandum of understanding with Centrus. Pursuant to this agreement, both parties will explore the possibility of Centrus providing High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) to HALEU Energy, as needed, to support HALEU Energy’s research, development, and commercialization efforts, for fuel qualification, for our initial test reactor cores and our commercial variant micro reactors. The parties will also (i) explore the compatibility of HALEU Energy’s engineering and technical needs, and Centrus’ technical and manufacturing capabilities to satisfy those engineering and technical needs; (ii) explore Centrus providing engineering and/or advanced manufacturing services to HALEU Energy; and (iii) explore Centrus providing consulting services to HALEU Energy in the areas of fabrication, deconversion, regulatory and licensing, and transportation.
This is a nonbinding and nonexclusive relationship and has customary covenants regarding confidentiality. The term of this agreement ends on December 31, 2025, and may be extended prior to its expiration by mutual agreement of the parties.
| 58 |
Strategic Partnership Project Agreement No. 23SP817 between Nano Nuclear Energy Inc. and BEA
On February 14, 2023, we entered into a Strategic Partnership Project (SPP) agreement with BEA. Pursuant to the SPP agreement, BEA is the management and operating contractor of the INL and is operating as a contractor for the DOE. The purpose of the SPP agreement is to establish an expert design panel for our ZEUS microreactor design. This review panel will provide recommendations for the current reactor design and outline a path forward for further design and collaboration between BEA and us. The estimated period of performance for completion of the statement of work (“SOW”) outlined in the SPP agreement was six months from the effective date of this SPP agreement (the later of the date signed by the last signatory or the date on which BEA received advance funding from Nano).
On December 6, 2023, we entered into an amendment to the SPP agreement with BEA, pursuant to which the estimated timeline for completion of the SOW was extended from July 6, 2023 through January 3, 2025 and the term of the SPP agreement may be extended by mutual written agreement of both us and BEA.
Services Agreement between Nano Nuclear Energy Inc. and Nuclear Education and Engineering Consulting LLC (“NEEC”)
On January 15, 2024, we entered into a services agreement with NEEC. Pursuant to the NEEC agreement, NEEC will support the design and development of a solid core 1 Mwe nuclear reactor according to certain high-level objectives established by us, and in return, NEEC is entitled to certain fees depending on the workload.
The NEEC agreement contains customary provisions regarding confidentiality, indemnification, data security, and privacy.
The NEEC agreement will expire two years from January 15, 2024 and may be terminated sooner by either party in the event that the other party is in breach, and it may be terminated with or without cause by NEEC upon thirty days’ written notice to us.
Legal Proceedings
We are not presently a party to any pending claims, lawsuits, or proceedings. From time to time, we may be subject to various claims, lawsuits, and other legal and administrative proceedings that may arise in the ordinary course of business. Some of these claims, lawsuits, and other proceedings may range in complexity and result in substantial uncertainty; it is possible that they may result in damages, fines, penalties, non-monetary sanctions, or relief.
As we continue to grow and develop our products, we anticipate that we will expend significant financial and managerial resources in the defense of our products in the future. We also anticipate that we will expend significant financial and managerial resources to defend against claims that our products and services infringe upon the intellectual property rights of third parties.
| 59 |
Government Regulation
Microreactor Business
Nuclear Safety Regulation. The commercial use of nuclear technology is regulated in all countries, and approval from national regulatory bodies is required for the design, construction, and operation of nuclear plants, including our proposed microreactors. Nuclear safety regulators primarily consider the safety and robustness of designs of nuclear plants against applicable internal hazards (e.g., component failures and fires) and external hazards (e.g., earthquakes and weather loads such as snow, rain and wind), and also consider the environmental impacts of construction and operations (e.g., water use and preservation of historical sites and animal and plant species) of nuclear plants. Nuclear safety regulation must be addressed on a country-by-country basis, although regulators may collaborate when a design is deployed in multiple countries.
Our microreactor licensing strategy includes two primary goals: (1) obtain regulatory approval using the most efficient licensing pathway by engaging the regulator early and developing a complete and high-quality application; and (2) maintain a standard design for our microreactor in as many markets as possible by pursuing NRC Standard Design Certification that can be completely referenced in customer license applications.
Nuclear Safety Regulatory Approval in the United States. For a nuclear plant to be constructed and operated in the United States, an applicant must develop and submit either a construction permit application followed by an operating license application in accordance with 10 CFR Part 50 or submit a combined license application in accordance with 10 CFR Part 52. An applicant utilizing either licensing pathway can incorporate by reference a design certification thus limiting the scope of its license application to site-specific information and operational programs. A customer desiring to construct and operate one of our ZEUS or ODIN microreactors can increase the efficiency of NRC regulatory approval by incorporating by reference the NRC standard design certification for one of our microreactors into its application. In accordance with our licensing strategy, we expect to obtain NRC approval and certification of our standard microreactor design for incorporation by reference into prospective customer license applications. The design certification process ensures that NRC review of the design is final and that prospective customers that use our NRC standard design certification without modification will only need to support NRC review of site-specific design features (e.g., physical security systems, water intake structures, on-site emergency plan), operational programs (e.g., maintenance, emergency preparedness), and environmental impacts. Through design finality, the NRC will not re-review our microreactor design.
Nuclear Safety Regulatory Approval Internationally. We are evaluating plans for pursuing international markets and engaging with international regulators with respect to our proposed microreactors. In the event that we pursue markets outside of the U.S., we will assess all international regulatory requirements which may be applicable to our business.
Other Regulations. In addition to nuclear safety regulations, we are also subject to such other nuclear regulatory controls as nuclear material safeguards and non-proliferation restrictions, and liability insurance regimes (e.g., Price-Andersen Act, the 1960 Paris Convention, the 1963 Vienna Convention, and the 1997 Convention on Supplementary Compensation). We only plan to sell our microreactors in jurisdictions where nuclear liability is exclusively channeled to the plant operator.
Customers purchasing our microreactors must also obtain the permits, licenses, and insurance required for the jurisdiction where the facility will be located. In the U.S., a nuclear plant developer must obtain an NRC construction license and operating license issued pursuant to 10 CFR Part 50 or a combined construction and operating license issued pursuant to 10 CFR Part 52. Other U.S. federal permits or licenses required for a nuclear plant may include those issued by the Army Corps of Engineers; the Federal Aviation Administration; the U.S. Department of Transportation; and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. State or local regulators may also require permits or licenses for a nuclear plant, including a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for Storm Water Discharges from Construction Activities and to Construct a Sanitary Wastewater, Wastewater Treatment facility; Section 401 Water Quality Certification; Well Permits; Solid Waste Handling Permit; and appropriate building permits.
| 60 |
Export Controls. Our microreactor business is subject to, and complies with, stringent U.S. import and export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) regulations from the Bureau of Industry and Security which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and regulations issued by the DOE. The regulations exist to advance the national security and foreign policy interests of the U.S. and to further its nonproliferation policies. Nuclear technology, also known as technical data, is controlled by 10 CFR Part 810, under the regulations of the DOE. Nuclear hardware and codes specifically designed or modified for use in a nuclear reactor are controlled by the NRC under 10 CFR Part 110. We will work to ensure that strict internal control and measures are implemented to comply with export control regulations. Appendix A to 10 CFR Part 810 provides a list of countries that are considered Generally Authorized meaning they are considered to be non-sensitive. Countries not on this list are required to be specifically authorized prior to sharing any nuclear technology. Under Part 110, the NRC regulates the export or import of nuclear hardware, material and code, following the same sensitive countries versus. non sensitive countries’ regulatory structure embedded in 10 CFR Part 810.
Fuel Fabrication and Transportation Businesses
Nuclear Safety Regulation. The commercial nuclear fuel industry is heavily regulated in the United States and regulatory approval is required for the design, safety systems and operation of a nuclear fuel facility such as our proposed HALEU fuel fabrication facility in Idaho. Nuclear safety regulators from the NRC consider safety related impacts to the facility from external events (e.g., wildfires, impacts from nearby facilities), natural phenomena hazards (e.g., seismic events, wind, snow, floods), fire protection, environmental conditions and dynamic effects associated with operations, chemical protection, emergency response, criticality control, and instrumentation and control. The facility license application must identify items relied on for safety in order to limit potential radiation and chemical related impacts to workers, the public, and the environment.
A nuclear fuel facility must also consider the impacts of the facility on the environment. An environmental report will be prepared which describes the impact of constructing the facility on the environment; adverse environmental impacts that cannot be avoided; alternatives to the proposed facility construction; the relationship between short-term uses and enhancement of long-term productivity; and irreversible commitments of resources. The NRC will consider environmental impacts in its licensing decision making process. The NRC will need to make an environmental related finding of no significant impact (FONSI) prior to issuance of a license for the fuel facility.
Our regulatory licensing strategy is to design a HALEU nuclear fuel fabrication facility using proven technology, processes and safety systems and engage the NRC early in the license application development process. Our intent is to produce a high-quality application that can be reviewed and approved by the NRC in the minimum amount of time.
On the fuel transportation side, we are evaluating the availability and use of comprehensive nuclear material packaging. The use of NRC certified transportation packages under applicable federal rules and meeting the appropriate Department of Transportation regulatory requirements for radioactive materials are necessary for nuclear fuel shipments within the United States. Additionally, international shipping requirements which follow IAEA regulations (and those of the recipient country), are needed for any international transport of nuclear fuel.
Nuclear Safety Regulatory Approval in the United States. In order for a nuclear fuel facility to be constructed and operated, a license application and supporting documentation needs to be prepared and submitted for review and approval by NRC. The safety basis for the facility is documented in an integrated safety analysis (ISA). An ISA is a systematic examination of the facility’s processes, equipment, structures, and personnel activities to ensure that all relevant hazards that could result in unacceptable consequences have been adequately evaluated and appropriate protective measures have been identified. NRC fuel cycle facilities are similar to chemical processing plants and ISA techniques that have been applied in the chemical industry are generally applicable to a nuclear fuel facility. A document that contains a summary of the ISA will be submitted to the NRC with the license application.
| 61 |
The license application submitted to the NRC will also include (a) an overview of the site and processes; (b) the licensees organization, (c) the ISA methodology to be used, (d) a radiation protection program, (e) a nuclear criticality safety program; (f) a chemical process safety program; (g) a fire safety program; (h) an emergency management plan; (i) an environmental protection description; (j) a decommissioning plan; (k) a management measures program; (l) a material control and accounting plan ; and (m) a physical protection plan.
An environmental report detailing the potential impacts of the facility (and alternatives) will also be prepared and submitted to the NRC for review. We expect that the NRC will complete its review of our license application and environmental report within 30-months. We believe that the NRC review time can compressed by submitting a high-quality application for a facility using proven technology and following guidance documents prepared by the NRC. Communication with the NRC both during the pre-application period and during the review will help facilitate a successful licensing review.
After obtaining a license from the NRC, we will construct the facility in an expeditious manner. After construction is completed, it is expected that the NRC will perform an operational readiness review of the facility and grant NANO an authorization to operate.
To transport the fuel within the United States, NRC certified transportation packages will be used. If necessary, the package certificate of compliance will be amended by the package certificate holder in order to add our fabricated fuel as an authorized content for the transportation package. The certificate of compliance amendment request, if needed, will follow the appropriate regulatory requirements in the United States that are contained in 10 CFR Part 71.
Nuclear Safety Regulatory Approval Internationally. Since the fuel facility is being licensed to produce our fuel in the United States by the NRC, no international regulatory approvals will be needed.
Shipping of the fuel will occur in the United State using NRC certified transportation packages and following the appropriate regulatory requirements that are necessary for fuel shipments. For international shipments, additional shipping approvals will be needed depending on the country that the fuel will be shipped to. International shipping requirements will be addressed by following IAEA transportation requirements for transport of nuclear fuel and the recipient’s countries requirements.
Other Regulation. In addition to nuclear safety regulations, our fuel fabrication and transportation businesses are subject to other nuclear regulatory controls such as special nuclear material safeguards and non-proliferation restrictions. Other U.S. federal and state permits such as air quality, liquid effluent controls, and building permits will be required depending on the fuel facility design (types and quantity of waste materials produced) and the state in which the facility will be located which has not yet been determined.
Export controls. Exports related to our fuel fabrication facility and products are controlled by the NRC under applicable federal regulations. Nuclear fuel fabrication plant equipment and components are under NRC’s export licensing authority as per Appendix O to 10 CFR Part 110. This includes items that are considered especially designed for the fabrication of nuclear fuel including equipment that: (a) directly processes or controls the production flow of nuclear material; (b) seal the nuclear material with cladding; (c) check the integrity of cladding; (d) check the finished treatment of the sealed fuel; or (e) is used for assembling reactor fuel elements. This section of the regulations also includes equipment or systems of equipment specifically designed or prepared for use in a fuel fabrication plant. Additionally, 10 CFR 110.9a states that the export control of special nuclear material is also controlled by the NRC.
Many types of controls are required to ensure compliance with NRC export control regulations. For example, 10 CFR 110.28 lists embargoed destinations for exporting nuclear materials and technology. An application to the NRC for a specific license to export special nuclear material will be required. The specific license is issued on a case-by-case basis to a single specified person or entity which submits and is legally responsible for the proposed export transactions as described on NRC Form 7 application submitted to the NRC.
Corporate Information
We were incorporated in the State of Nevada on February 2, 2022. Our principal offices are located at 10 Times Square, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10018, and our telephone number is (212) 634-9206. Our website is www.nanonuclearenergy.com. Our website and the information on or that can be accessed through such website are not part of this prospectus.
| 62 |
Executive Officers and Directors
The following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers and directors as of the date of this prospectus. Unless otherwise stated, the business address for our executive officers and directors is that of our principal executive office at 10 Times Square, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10018.
| Name | Age | Position | ||
| James Walker | 41 | Chief Executive Officer and Director | ||
| Jay Jiang Yu | 43 | President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors | ||
| Jaisun Garcha | 43 | Chief Financial Officer | ||
| Winston Khun Hunn Chow | 46 | Chief Policy Officer | ||
| Dr. Tsun Yee Law | 40 | Independent Director | ||
| Diane Hare | 33 | Independent Director | ||
| Dr. Kenny Yu | 38 | Independent Director |
James Walker has been our Chief Executive Officer and director since 2022. Mr. Walker has over fifteen years of engineering project management experience across various industries, such as construction, mechanical engineering, and nuclear engineering. Since 2020, Mr. Walker has served as the senior executive manager at Ares, where he is responsible for the construction of plants, purchases of land, operations, marketing, financing, safety regulation compliance, and shareholder relations. He is also concurrently serving on the board of directors of several small-cap publicly traded companies in Canada, including Bayhorse Silver Inc. (Ticker: BHS, Canada: TSX Venture) and Xander Resources, Inc. (Ticker: XND, Canada: TSX Venture). From 2016 to 2020, Mr. Walker served as the head of company strategy of Lithium Energy Products (or Lithium), a company primarily engaged in the exploration of lithium prospects, where he was in charge of the company’s projects, resource allocation, grant submissions, and collaborative ventures. Prior to joining Lithium, from 2013 to 2016, Mr. Walker was an engineering project manager for the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence (or the Ministry of Defence). While there, he was responsible for infrastructure projects and worked in each stage of the nuclear product life cycle, from concept to decommissioning. At the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Walker was primarily engaged in design, modelling, rigs, testing, and problem shooting. He also managed multidisciplinary teams involving engineers, managers, contractors and finance and commercial personnel, and served as the project lead and manager for the building of a nuclear material reclamation plant, and as the engineering manager for constructing factories and facilities designed to manufacture reactor cores. Between 2012 and 2013, Mr. Walker worked as a nuclear physicist at Rolls-Royce, leading a project to model various configurations of Rolls-Royce’s Zero-Power reactor using probabilistic physics software to digitally replicate real-world behavior and determine program accuracy margins. Prior to this role, Mr. Walker served as a mechanical engineer and a nuclear engineer at the Ministry of Defence.
Mr. Walker holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nottingham, a Master of Science degree in Mining Engineering from the University of Exeter, and a Master of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from Cranfield University. He is also a Chartered Engineer (CEng, issued 2014) with the IMechE, a Professional Engineer (PEng, issued 2023) with the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers, and was registered as a Project Manager with APM in 2015. We believe that Mr. Walker is well qualified to serve as a director of our company because of his extensive experience within the nuclear industry and with public markets and the operation of public and private companies.
Jay Jiang Yu is our founder, and has been our President, Secretary and Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board since 2022. Since 2022, Mr. Yu has been the chairman of the board of directors of St. James Gold Corp. (or St. James Gold), a Canadian-based publicly traded company (Ticker: LORD, Canada: TSX Venture) engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. Since 2008, Mr. Yu has served as the chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors of I Financial Ventures Group, a corporate advisory and start-up consulting business that advises private and public companies. Mr. Yu is also the founder and chief executive officer of Lunar NYC Inc., a youth-focused 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Earlier in his career, Mr. Yu worked as an analyst in the Corporate & Investment Banking Division at Deutsche Bank, on Wall Street in New York City.
| 63 |
Mr. Yu holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the City College of New York. He has completed core classes from Borough of Manhattan Community College and has taken continuing education classes at Columbia University. We believe Mr. Yu is qualified to serve as a director of our company because of his experience with public companies, capital fundings, structured financing, and other business development services. In 2021, Mr. Yu was honored as one of The Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business.
Jaisun Garcha has been our Chief Financial Officer since 2022. Mr. Garcha has extensive experience and knowledge in financial management, corporate governance, and risk management for public and private companies. Since 2022, Mr. Garcha has been the chief financial officer of St. James Gold. Since 2013, Mr. Garcha has served as the chief financial officer of Snipp Interactive Inc., a Canada-based publicly traded company (Ticker: SPN, Canada: TSX Venture) engaged in global loyalty and promotion solutions. Prior to this, Mr. Garcha served as the chief financial officer or senior financial consultant of various private and public companies in a wide spectrum of sectors including but not limited to mining, oil and gas exploration, and venture capital. Mr. Garcha began his career as an accountant in 2001. Over the course of his twenty-year career, Mr. Garcha has assisted several companies in going public through initial public offerings and reverse takeovers. Mr. Garcha is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Certified General Accountant (CGA) and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Business Administration from Laurentian University.
Winston Khun Hunn Chow has been our Chief Policy Officer since 2022. Since June 2023, Mr. Chow has acted as chief of party & senior director of energy programs at the Asia Foundation, a non-profit international development organization focused on improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Prior to this, he served as the chief of party & senior advisor of energy at the Aisa Foundation from November 2020 to June 2023. While these positions, Mr. Chow headed the Asia Foundation’s $11.4 million joint United States and Australian government flagship initiative, Mekong Safeguards, which aims to drive sustainable infrastructure development throughout China, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. He has worked with governments, banks, and corporations to build sustainable energy, water, and transport infrastructure in these areas. Prior to this, from August 2019 to November 2020, Mr. Chow served as the deputy chief of party at USAID Clean Power Asia of Abt Associates, an organization that uses social science methodologies to help federal agencies understand and address social challenges. In this role, Mr. Chow co-led USAID Clean Power Asia, the U.S. Government’s $15 million flagship regional energy development project in Southeast Asia. From 2016 to 2019, Mr. Chow served as a country representative for the People’s Republic of China at Global Green Growth Institute, an inter-governmental organization that champions green growth and climate resilience. While there, he established and led the China county office of Global Green Growth Institute in Beijing, managing strategic mission scope and implementation, budget, financial accounting, hiring and human resources, strategic communications, and overall government relations and collaboration with China. Prior to this, Mr. Chow worked at DOE, where he managed and represented the DOE’s $2.3 billion clean energy division’s collaborations with China, Japan and Korea, and worked with U.S. and Chinese companies on projects such as the building of the world’s largest CSP solar power plant (Project Delingha). Mr. Chow is the senior China advisor on energy, environment, and social impact at Globality Inc., an AI platform for business consultancy, and he is also a news commentator on energy and environment for the China Global Television Network. Mr. Chow holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Public Administration in International Politics from Columbia University, and a Master of Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.
Dr. Tsun Yee Law has been our director since 2022. Dr. Law is a physician who holds professional memberships in Doctors for Nuclear Energy and the American College of Nuclear Medicine. Since 2014, Dr. Law has practiced orthopedic medicine in South Florida, specializing in hip and knee osteoarthritis. He is actively engaged in clinical research with a special focus on robotic and sensor technologies, medical innovation, and healthcare investments. Dr. Law has served as a physician consultant for Flagler Healthcare Investment Property Group since 2015 and has served as a physician consultant for Financial Ventures Group since 2017.
| 64 |
Dr. Law has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Davenport University, a Doctorate of Medicine from American Global University School of Medicine, and a Master of Business Administration from Davenport University. We believe that Dr. Law is qualified to serve as a director of our company because of his education background in nuclear medicine and nuclear energy as well as his business background.
Diane Hare has been our director since April 28, 2023. Ms. Hare has been the chief executive officer of BizLove LLC (or BizLove), a consultancy firm which she founded in 2018, primarily engaged in helping organizations grow by delivering strategic positioning and cross-functional strategies for transformative moments such as mergers and acquisitions, product and service launches, growth strategies, and digital/data priorities. From 2011 to 2018, Ms. Hare worked at Ernst & Young, where she served the fortune 500 and specialized in purpose-driven enterprise transformation. Ms. Hare holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Iona University and received her Maser of Business Administration in Marketing and International Business from Long Island University. We believe Ms. Hare is qualified to serve as a director of our company because of her experience in business strategy consultancy.
Dr. Kenny Yu has been our director since May 8, 2023. Dr. Yu is a licensed pharmacist in New York and has been the director of Pharmacy Services at NYU Langone Health since 2021. In this role, he provides executive leadership and coordination for all pharmacy services provided within NYU Langone Health to promote the standardization and alignment of practices across all pharmacy sites. Dr. Yu has also served as Educational Advisory Counsel at Apexus LLC, a company engaged in increasing access to medications and improving patient care nationwide. Dr. Yu was the inaugural director of 340B pharmacy services, a drug pricing program, in 2016. In this role, he managed both the compliance and optimization of the 340B program, which he and his team built from the ground up. Dr. Yu holds a Master of Business Administration from George Washington University and a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University. We believe that Dr. Yu is qualified to serve as a director of our company because of his experience in analyzing and interpreting financial information.
Our Executive Advisory Board
We have assembled an Executive Advisory Board comprised of military, scientific and governmental experts. Our Executive Advisory Board provides industry knowledge and important contacts to our management team. The following table sets forth certain information regarding our Executive Advisory Board:
| Name | Age | Position | ||
| Gen. Wesley K. Clark KBE | 78 | Chairman of Executive Advisory Board for Military and Defense | ||
| Dr. Robert Gallucci | 77 | Chairman of the Executive Advisory Board for Nuclear Policy | ||
| Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo | 66 | Executive Advisory Board Member | ||
| Mark Nichols | 54 | Executive Advisor for Military, Defense and Policy | ||
| Dr. Lassina Zerbo | 60 | Chairman of the Executive Advisory Board for Africa | ||
| David Huckeba | 68 | Chairman of the Executive Advisory Board for USA | ||
| Ruth Jin | 48 | Chair of Executive Advisory Board for Corporate Governance | ||
| Michelle Amante-Harstine | 67 | Senior Strategic Advisor to the Executive Advisory Board for U.S. Energy Initiatives | ||
| Tom Cuce | 58 | President of Advanced Fuel Transportation (our subsidiary) |
Gen. Wesley K. Clark KBE has been the Chairman of Executive Advisory Board for Military and Defense since 2023. General Clark graduated first in his class from WestPoint Academy in June 1966 with a bachelor’s degree, and was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to the University of Oxford, where he obtained a M.A. degree in Economics. His military career involved multiple commands and spanned three decades, propelling him into the international spotlight.
| 65 |
From 1994 to 1996, he acted as director of strategic plans and policy for the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. General Clark then took the role of the lead military negotiator for the Bosnian Peace Accords in 1995 before serving as the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, the second-highest military position within NATO, from July 1997 to May 2000. In 2000, Gen. Clark received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Bill Clinton for his service to the nation, and in 2003 ran for President of the United States. In 2004, Gen. Clark founded and continues to serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wesley K. Clark & Associates, a strategic advisory and consulting firm, and in 2009, he co-founded and became chairman of Enverra, Inc., an investment banking firm. Between 2018 and 2019, Gen. Clark served as a Centennial Fellow at Georgetown University. In 2019, Gen. Clark founded Renew America Together, a non-profit intended to promote and achieve greater common ground in America by reducing partisan division and gridlock. Gen. Clark currently also serves Chairman and Founder of Enverra, Inc., a licensed investment bank; Chairman of Energy Security Partners, LLC, an energy security company; as well as a board member for, among other companies, BNK Petroleum, Leagold Mining, and International Crisis Group. He also serves as the Co-Chair of Growth Energy, Chairman of Clean Terra, Inc., and Chairman of City Year Little Rock, an education advocacy group in that city.
Dr. Robert Gallucci has been the chairman of our Executive Advisory Board for Nuclear Policy since 2023. Dr. Gallucci previously served as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large and Special Envoy for the U.S. Department of State, focusing on the non-proliferation of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction. He was the chief U.S. negotiator during the North Korean nuclear crisis of 1994, and served as Assistant Secretary of State for Political Military Affairs and as Deputy Executive Chairman of the United Nations Special Commission following the first Gulf War. Upon leaving public service, Dr. Gallucci served as Dean of the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University for 13 years, and since January 2018, he has been serving as Distinguished Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy at Georgetown University. Dr. Gallucci was named president of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation in 2009. Dr. Gallucci holds a Bachelor of Arts from Stony Brook University, and a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy from Brandeis University.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has been our Executive Advisory Board Member since March 2024. Gov. Cuomo served as the 56th Governor of New York from 2011 to 2021. Before his tenure as governor, he was the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton from 1997 to 2001 and served as New York’s Attorney General from 2007 to 2010. Gov. Cuomo oversaw numerous significant initiatives, including the Clean Energy Standard, during his time in office as well as major infrastructure developments like the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge construction and the LaGuardia Airport redevelopment. He supported social initiatives such as the Marriage Equality Act and managed responses to Hurricane Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic during his time as governor. Gov. Cuomo received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fordham University and a Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School.
Mark Nichols has been our Executive Advisor for Military, Defense and Policy since 2023. Currently, Mr. Nichols is President of Seven Summits LLC, a strategic advisor firm in Washington D.C. Mr. Nichols has an extensive background in European affairs, energy, infrastructure, commodities, emerging markets, and national security. From 2004 to 2011, Mr. Nichols worked at Wesley K. Clark and Associates, focusing on a variety of projects in the energy, defense, and security sectors. Previously during the Clinton Administration, Mr. Nichols was a senior advisor at the State Department in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Europe. He worked on the NATO 50th Anniversary Summit, The Sarajevo Summit and the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe, a multi-billion dollar program with the EU to rebuild the region after the wars in Bosnia and Kosovo. Mr. Nichols earned a Bachelor of Arts in European History from Bard College and graduated from Columbia University with a master’s degree in international affairs (SIPA).
Dr. Lassina Zerbo has been the chairman of our Executive Advisory Board for Africa since 2022. Dr. Zerbo is a Burkinabé politician and scientist who served as the Prime Minister of Burkina Faso from 2021 to 2022. Since 1994, he has served as a nuclear science diplomat and a geophysicist, focusing on Africa’s responses to global challenges. Dr. Zerbo currently serves as a chairman of the board of directors at the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board, an organization which establishes nuclear facilities based on the international standards, and coordinates the research and implementation of the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology project. From 2013 to 2021, Dr. Zerbo served as the 3rd Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, an interim organization tasked with building up the verification regime of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty in preparation for the treaty’s entry into force. Between 1992 and 1994, Dr. Zerbo was a post-doctorate in Airborne Radiometric and Electromagnetic at Geoterrex, Ottawa, and a post-doctorate in Time Domain Electromagnetic and Complex Resistivity at Zonge Engineering and Research Organization in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Zerbo received a Ph.D. in Geophysics at Université de Paris XI, in Orsay, France in 1992, a Master of Science in Geophysics at Université de Paris VI in, Paris, Jussieu, France in 1989, and a bachelor’s degree in Fundamental and Applied Geology at Université de Caen in Normandie, France in 1988.
| 66 |
David Huckeba has been the chairman of our Executive Advisory Board for the USA since 2022. Mr. Huckeba has been a managing partner of FreightSource LLC, a third-party logistics company engaged in transportation management services, since January 2018. Mr. Huckeba is also currently a partner of Monolith Commercial Group, LLC, a nationwide general contracting firm that specializes in hospitality and hotel renovation. Mr. Huckeba spent 34 years at UPS, where he held various leadership positions in operations, industrial engineering, and corporate transportation planning. Since retiring from UPS in 2010, Mr. Huckeba has started four transportation focused companies, a restaurant and hospitality company with four restaurant concepts, and a hotel and commercial general contracting company. Mr. Huckeba received a Bachelor of Arts in Business from DePaul University.
Ruth Jin has been the Chair of Executive Advisory Board for Corporate Governance since 2023. Ms. Jin has 19 years of experience delivering high-quality and business-focused legal solutions to private fund sponsors and asset managers of all sizes and strategies. Her work encompasses a variety of matters, including fund formation, regulatory compliance, exit strategies, private and public securities offerings, forming a SPAC, and guiding portfolio companies for their initial public offerings. In addition, Ms. Jin has extensive experience advising businesses through all stages of growth from start-up and capital raising right through to initial public offering and their ongoing securities law compliance and periodic reporting. Ms. Jin is recognized as Top 10% Attorneys by Lawyers of Distinction and was selected as a Top Rated Lawyer and a Legal Leader by ALM on New York Magazine and New York Law Journal in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. She was also selected as a 2019 Woman Leaders in the Law by ALM on New York Law Journal and New York Magazine and in 2013, she was selected as Rising Star by Super Lawyer magazine, a rating company of outstanding lawyers by Thomson Reuters. Ms. Jin received a Bachelor of Laws from Peking University, a Master of Laws and a Doctor of Juridical Science from University of Tokyo, and a Master of Laws from Georgetown University.
Michelle Amante-Harstine has been the Senior Strategic Advisor to the Executive Advisory Board for U.S. Energy Initiatives since 2023. Since 2022, she has been the Chief Executive Officer of Congressional Energy Engagement, LLC., a company engaged in empowering lasting U.S. bi-partisan energy solutions, and since 2023, she has also been serving on the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council. Between 2017 and 2020, Ms. Harstine served on the DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy, where she was a Senior Advisor for Stakeholder Engagement, where she developed strategic relationships, designed, developed, and led inaugural initiatives on Capitol Hill, such as the Atomic Wings Lunch & Learns and the Up & Atom Morning Briefings, bringing together Members of Congress, Congressional staff, industry, educational institutions, National Laboratories, Embassy representatives and the Administration. With over 25 years of experience in both the public and private sectors spearheading government, business, community and organization initiatives, Ms. Harstine focuses on advanced nuclear technologies through strategic communication engagements among bipartisan Members of Congress and C-level industry and organization leaders. She developed the U.S. Congressional Energy Leaders Forum, monthly by-invitation only bipartisan programs for U.S. Members of Congress and C-Level nuclear energy leaders and has brought them under the American Nuclear Society with the Nuclear Policy Leadership Dinner & Discussion. She previously launched the National K-12 education initiative “Navigating Nuclear: Energizing Our World” with DOE, the American Nuclear Society and Discovery Education, to engage the ORNL and University Students for two-day immersive programs.
Tom Cuce has been President of Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. since 2023. His expertise has been honed by over 25 years of driving transformative supply chain solutions and profitability through strategic planning and process optimization across the global logistics and package delivery industry. Mr. Cuce has held numerous positions with UPS, the multinational shipping and receiving and supply chain management company, including Vice-President of Package Operations and Southern California District Manager, before serving as UPS President of Global Transportation. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of several private companies and is the Founder and President of Summit View Solutions. Mr. Cuce received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Manhattan College.
| 67 |
Role of the Executive Advisory Board
The role of our Executive Advisory Board is to assist our management with general business and strategic planning, leveraging the expertise of its members in nuclear industry, military and governmental matters. The function of the Executive Advisory Board includes, without any limitation, the following:
| ● | leveraging their professional networks and relationships to connect us with key industry stakeholders, potential partners, clients, and other valuable contacts and marketing resources; | |
| ● | assessing the impact of our programs, projects and events; | |
| ● | offering ad hoc support and expertise on specific challenges or opportunities as they arise, serving as a valuable resource for our management team; | |
| ● | serving as a non-political advocate and ambassador for our company, including seeking new business opportunities for us and connecting us with individuals relevant to the development and advancement of our projects. | |
| ● | offering strategic advice and counsel to our management team based on the members’ diverse experiences and expertise, contributing to the formulation and execution of effective business strategies; and | |
| ● | providing industry-specific knowledge and insights to help us navigate market trends and safety standards, anticipate challenges, and identify opportunities for growth and innovation. |
Consulting Agreements with the Members of the Executive Advisory Board
We have entered into a consulting agreement with each member of our Executive Advisory Board under similar terms and conditions, except for Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Mark Nichols. Our arrangement with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has been formalized through a consulting agreement with Innovation Strategies LLC, who serves as the manager, and is subject to analogous terms and conditions, and our arrangement with Mark Nichols has also been formalized through a consulting agreement with Seven Summits, LLC, who serves as the president, and is subject to analogous terms and conditions. Our Executive Advisory Board members are not employees of our company; instead , they serve as independent contractors and can resign or be terminated by us at any time. They may pursue any other activities and engagements during their terms of agreements with us.
Pursuant to these consulting agreements, each member of our Executive Advisory Board is entitled to certain cash payments and options to purchase shares of our common stock for services rendered. These agreements also contain customary restrictive covenants relating to confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, and indemnification. The term of these agreements is between 18 months and 36 months, commencing from their respective effective dates between August 2022 and August 2023, subject to early termination. During the years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, our executive advisory board was paid a total of $70,000 and $20,000, respectively.
Option Agreements with the Members of the Executive Advisory Board
We have entered into stock option agreements with the members of our Executive Advisory Board pursuant to the 2023 Stock Option Plan #2 (as defined below), except for Tom Cuce and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo who were granted options that are not governed by either our 2023 Stock Option Plan #1 or our Stock Option Plan #2. Under the stock option agreements, each member was granted an option to acquire certain common stock at certain exercise price.
Their options shall fully vest on the effective date of their option agreements and exercisable at any time until their respective expiration date. The following table provides information regarding each stock options held by the named member of our Executive Advisory Board as of the date of this prospectus.
| Grant Date | Vesting Start date | Number of securities underlying unexercised options vested (#) | Number of securities underlying unexercised options unvested (#) | Options exercise price ($) | Option Expiration date | |||||||||||||
| Gen. Wesley K. Clark KBE | August 30, 2023 | August 30, 2023 | 125,000 | - | $ | 3.00 | August 30, 2026 | |||||||||||
| Dr. Robert Gallucci | June 7, 2023 | June 7, 2023 | 75,000 | - | $ | 3.00 | June 7, 2026 | |||||||||||
| Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo | March 13, 2024 | March 13, 2024 | 125,000 | - | $ | 3.00 | March 13, 2027 | |||||||||||
| Mark Nichols | June 7, 2023 | June 7, 2023 | 75,000 | - | $ | 3.00 | June 7, 2026 | |||||||||||
| Dr. Lassina Zerbo | - | - | - | - | $ | - | - | |||||||||||
| David Huckeba | February 10, 2023 | February 10, 2023 | 75,000 | - | $ | 1.50 | February 10, 2026 | |||||||||||
| June 7, 2023 | June 7, 2023 | 40,000 | - | $ | 3.00 | June 7, 2026 | ||||||||||||
| Ruth Jin | June 7, 2023 | June 7, 2023 | 50,000 | - | $ | 3.00 | June 7, 2026 | |||||||||||
| Michelle Amante-Harstine | August 30, 2023 | August 30, 2023 | 50,000 | - | $ | 3.00 | August 30, 2026 | |||||||||||
| Tom Cuce | August 30, 2023 | August 30, 2023 | 60,000 | - | $ | 3.00 | August 30, 2026 | |||||||||||
| 68 |
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships between or among any of the current directors, executive officers or persons nominated or charged to become directors or executive officers.
Number and Terms of Office of Officers and Directors
Our business and affairs are organized under the direction of our board of directors. Our board of directors consists of five directors, including two executive directors and three independent directors.
Our bylaws provide that the number of directors will be fixed by the board of directors within a range of between one and fifteen directors. The directors need not be stockholders unless so required by our articles of incorporation. The minimum or maximum number may be increased or decreased from time to time only by an amendment to the bylaws, which power belongs exclusively to our board of directors.
Our officers are appointed by the board of directors and shall hold office at the discretion of the board of directors until their successors are duly elected and qualified, unless sooner removed. Our board of directors is authorized to appoint officers to the offices set forth in our bylaws.
Director Independence
The Nasdaq listing standards require that a majority of our board of directors be independent. An “independent director” is defined generally as a person who has no material relationship with the listed company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with our company). We have three “independent directors” as defined in the Nasdaq listing standards and applicable SEC rules prior to completion of this offering.
Our board has determined that Dr. Tsun Yee Law, Dr. Kenny Yu and Ms. Diane Hare are independent directors under applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules. Our independent directors will have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present.
Board Committees
Our board of directors has established an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a Compensation Committee. Our board of directors has adopted a charter for each of these three committees. Prior to the completion of this offering, copies of each committee’s charter will be posted on the Investor Relations section of our website, which will be located at www.nanonuclearenergy.com. Each of the committees of our board of directors shall have the composition and responsibilities described below. Our board of directors may from time to time establish other committees as it deems appropriate.
Audit Committee
Drs. Kenny Yu and Tsun Yee Law and Ms. Diane Hare will serve as members of our Audit Committee with Dr. Tsun Yee Law serving as the chairman of the Audit Committee. Each of our Audit Committee members will satisfy the “independence” requirements of the Nasdaq listing rules and meet the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Our board of directors has determined that Ms. Diane Hare possesses accounting or related financial management experience that qualifies her as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC. Our Audit Committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of our financial statements. Our Audit Committee will perform several functions, including:
| ● | evaluating the performance, independence and qualifications of our independent registered public accounting firm and determining whether to retain our existing independent registered public accounting firm or engage new independent registered public accounting firm; | |
| ● | reviewing and approving the engagement of our independent registered public accounting firm to perform audit services and any permissible non-audit services; |
| 69 |
| ● | reviewing our annual and quarterly financial statements and reports, including the disclosures contained under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and discussing the statements and reports with our independent registered public accounting firm and management; | |
| ● | reviewing with our independent registered public accounting firm and management significant issues that arise regarding accounting principles and financial statement presentation and matters concerning the scope, adequacy and effectiveness of our financial controls; | |
| ● | reviewing our major financial risk exposures, including the guidelines and policies to govern the process by which risk assessment and risk management is implemented; and | |
| ● | reviewing and evaluating on an annual basis the performance of the audit committee, including compliance of the audit committee with its charter. |
Compensation Committee
Drs. Kenny Yu and Tsun Yee Law and Ms. Diane Hare will serve as members of our Compensation Committee with Dr. Tsun Yee Law serving as the chairman of the Compensation Committee. All of our Compensation Committee members satisfy the “independence” requirements of the Nasdaq listing rules and meet the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. The functions of this committee include, among other things:
| ● | reviewing, modifying and approving (or if it deems appropriate, making recommendations to the full board of directors regarding) our overall compensation strategy and policies; | |
| ● | reviewing and approving the compensation, the performance goals and objectives relevant to the compensation, and other terms of employment of our executive officers; | |
| ● | reviewing and approving (or if it deems appropriate, making recommendations to the full board of directors regarding) the equity incentive plans, compensation plans and similar programs advisable for us, as well as modifying, amending or terminating existing plans and programs; | |
| ● | reviewing and approving the terms of any employment agreements, severance arrangements, change in control protections and any other compensatory arrangements for our executive officers; | |
| ● | reviewing with management and approving our disclosures under the caption “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in our periodic reports or proxy statements to be filed with the SEC; and | |
| ● | preparing the report that the SEC requires in our annual proxy statement. |
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Drs. Kenny Yu and Tsun Yee Law and Ms. Diane Hare will serve as members of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee with Ms. Diane Hare serving as the chairwoman of the Compensation Committee. All of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee members will satisfy the “independence” requirements of the Nasdaq listing rules and meet the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. The functions of this committee include, among other things:
| ● | identifying, reviewing and evaluating candidates to serve on our board of directors consistent with criteria approved by our board of directors; | |
| ● | evaluating director performance on the board and applicable committees of the board and determining whether continued service on our board is appropriate; | |
| ● | evaluating, nominating and recommending individuals for membership on our board of directors; and | |
| ● | evaluating nominations by stockholders of candidates for election to our board of directors. |
| 70 |
The nominating and corporate governance committee will take into account many factors in determining recommendations for persons to serve on the board of directors, including the following:
| ● | personal and professional integrity, ethics and values; | |
| ● | experience in corporate management, such as serving as an officer or former officer of a publicly-held company; | |
| ● | experience as a board member or executive officer of another publicly-held company; | |
| ● | strong finance experience; | |
| ● | diversity of expertise and experience in substantive matters pertaining to our business relative to other board members; | |
| ● | diversity of background and perspective including, without limitation, with respect to age, gender, race, place of residence and specialized experience; | |
| ● | experience relevant to our business industry and with relevant social policy concerns; and | |
| ● | relevant academic expertise or other proficiency in an area of our business operations. |
Role of Board in Risk Oversight Process
Jay Jiang Yu, our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, currently beneficially owns approximately 40.06% of the voting power of our common stock, and will own approximately 36.02% of the voting power of our common stock, after the closing of this offering. Periodically, our board of directors assesses these roles and the board of directors leadership structure to ensure the interests of our company and our stockholders are best served. Our board of directors has determined that its current leadership structure is appropriate. Jay Jiang Yu, our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, and James Walker, our CEO and director, have extensive knowledge of all aspects of our company, our business and risks.
While management is responsible for assessing and managing risks to our company, our board of directors is responsible for overseeing management’s efforts to assess and manage risk. This oversight is conducted primarily by our full board of directors, which has responsibility for general oversight of risks, and standing committees of our board of directors. Our board of directors satisfies this responsibility through full reports by each committee chair regarding the committee’s considerations and actions, as well as through regular reports directly from officers responsible for oversight of particular risks within our company. Our board of directors believes that full and open communications between management and the board of directors are essential for effective risk management and oversight.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of our executive officers serves, or in the past has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee, or other committee serving an equivalent function, of any entity that has one or more executive officers who serve as members of our board of directors or our compensation committee. None of the members of our compensation committee is, or has ever been, an officer or employee of our company.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
On or prior to the completion of this offering, we will adopt a written code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our employees, officers and directors. A current copy of the code will be posted on the Corporate Governance section of our website, which will be located at www.nanonuclearenergy.com. We intend to disclose future amendments to certain provisions of our code of business conduct and ethics, or waivers of such provisions applicable to any principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, and our directors, on our website identified above or in filings with the SEC.
| 71 |
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
To the best of our knowledge, none of our directors or executive officers has, during the past ten years:
| ● | been convicted in a criminal proceeding or been subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses); | |
| ● | had any bankruptcy petition filed by or against the business or property of the person, or of any partnership, corporation or business association of which he was a general partner or executive officer, either at the time of the bankruptcy filing or within two years prior to that time; | |
| ● | been subject to any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, by any court of competent jurisdiction or federal or state authority, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting, his involvement in any type of business, securities, futures, commodities, investment, banking, savings and loan, or insurance activities, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity; | |
| ● | been found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated; | |
| ● | been the subject of, or a party to, any federal or state judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated (not including any settlement of a civil proceeding among private litigants), relating to an alleged violation of any federal or state securities or commodities law or regulation, any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies including, but not limited to, a temporary or permanent injunction, order of disgorgement or restitution, civil money penalty or temporary or permanent cease-and-desist order, or removal or prohibition order, or any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; or | |
| ● | been the subject of, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Exchange Act), any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of the Commodity Exchange Act), or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member. |
From time to time, we may be subject to various legal or administrative claims and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Litigation or any other legal or administrative proceeding, regardless of the outcome, is likely to result in substantial cost and diversion of our company’s resources, including our company’s management’s time and attention.
EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the aggregate compensation paid to our named executive officers and directors for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. Individuals we refer to as our “named executive officers” include our President and Chairman and any other highly compensated executive officers whose salary and bonus for services rendered in all capacities equaled or exceeded $100,000 during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
Summary Compensation Table
| Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($) | Bonus ($) | Option Awards ($) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | All Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jay Jiang Yu | 2023 | - | - | $ | 317,652 | - | - | $ | 225,000 | $ | 542,652 | |||||||||||||||||||
| President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors | 2022 | - | - | - | - | - | $ | 80,000 | $ | 80,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
James Walker | 2023 | - | - | $ | 317,652 | - | - | $ | 90,000 | $ | 407,652 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Chief Executive Officer and Director | 2022 | - | - | - | - | - | $ | 15,000 | $ | 15,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Jaisun Garcha | 2023 | - | - | $ | 77,786 | - | - | $ | 90,000 | $ | 167,786 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer | 2022 | - | - | $ | - | - | - | $ | 30,000 | $ | 30,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Winston Khun Hunn Chow | 2023 | - | - | $ | 116,059 | - | - | $ | 25,000 | $ | 141,059 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Chief Policy Officer | 2022 | - | - | $ | - | - | - | $ | 10,000 | $ | 10,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Dr. Tsun Yee Law | 2023 | $ | 8,553 | $ | 15,000 | $ | 23,553 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Independent Director | 2022 | - | - | - | - | - | $ | 5,000 | $ | 5,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Diane Hare | 2023 | $ | 35,019 | $ | 5,000 | $ | 40,019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Independent Director | 2022 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dr. Kenny Yu | 2023 | $ | 35,019 | $ | 5,000 | $ | 40,019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Independent Director | 2022 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 72 |
Retention Arrangements with our Executive Officers and Directors
Consulting Agreements with Our Executive Officers
We have entered into a consulting agreement with each of our executive officers under similar terms except for Jay Jiang Yu, our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board. We do not have direct employment or consulting agreement with him; instead, we entered into a consulting agreement with I Financial Ventures Group LLC where Jay Jiang Yu is the sole member and manager and will provide relevant services to us. In general, our executive officers are not employees of our company, instead, they serve as independent contractors and can be terminated by either party at any time. They may pursue any other activities and engagements during their terms of agreements with us.
Pursuant to those agreements, our executive officers are entitled to a retention fee for services so rendered, and at the sole discretion of our company, they are also eligible to receive additional compensation awards and participate in our employee benefit programs. Those agreements also contain customary restrictive covenants relating to confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation, and non-disparagement, as well as indemnification.
The term of those agreements is 36 months (except for the one with Jay Jiang Yu with a period of 120 months) commencing from their respective effective date of those agreements, subject to early termination.
Independent Director Agreements with Our Independent Directors
We have entered into independent director agreements with each of our independent directors under similar terms. In general, our independent directors are not employees of our company, instead, they serve as independent contractors and can be terminated by either party at any time. They may pursue any other activities and engagements during their terms of agreements with us.
Pursuant to those agreements, each of our independent directors is (i) entitled to a cash compensation of $5,000 upon full execution of his agreements with us, and an additional $10,000 at one year anniversary of such agreement, for services so rendered; and (ii) granted options to purchase 40,000 shares of our company’s common stock at an exercise price of $3.00 per share, exercisable within three years. Those agreements also contain customary restrictive covenants relating to confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disparagement, as well as indemnification.
The term of those agreements is twenty-four (24) months commencing from their respective effective date of those agreements, subject to renewal and early termination.
2023 Stock Option Agreements
We have entered into nonqualified stock option agreements (or the 2023 Stock Option Agreements) pursuant to the 2023 Stock Option Plan #1 (as defined below) and the 2023 Stock Option Plan #2 (as defined below) with our executive officers and directors under similar terms. Under the 2023 Stock Option Agreements, each applicable executive officer and officer was granted an option to acquire certain common stock under those two option plans at certain exercise price.
Their options shall vest immediately on the date of grant, subject to their continued service with our company or its subsidiaries on each applicable vesting date. The following table provides information regarding each stock options held by the named executive officers and directors as of the date of this prospectus.
| 73 |
Grant Date | Vesting Start date | Number of securities underlying unexercised options vested (#) | Number of securities underlying unexercised options unvested (#) | Options exercise price ($) | Option Expiration date | |||||||||||||
| Jay Jiang Yu | February 10, 2023 | February 10, 2023 | 500,000 | - | $ | 1.50 | February 10, 2026 | |||||||||||
| President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors | June 7, 2023 | June 7, 2023 | 200,000 | - | $ | 3.00 | June 7, 2026 | |||||||||||
| James Walker | February 10, 2023 | February 10, 2023 | 500,000 | - | $ | 1.50 | February 10, 2026 | |||||||||||
| Chief Executive Officer and Director | June 7, 2023 | June 7, 2023 | 200,000 | - | $ | 3.00 | June 7, 2026 | |||||||||||
| Jaisun Garcha | February 10, 2023 | February 10, 2023 | 150,000 | - | $ | 1.50 | February 10, 2026 | |||||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer | June 7, 2023 | June 7, 2023 | 40,000 | - | $ | 3.00 | June 7, 2026 | |||||||||||
| Winston Khun Hunn Chow | February 10, 2023 | February 10, 2023 | 100,000 | - | $ | 1.50 | February 10, 2026 | |||||||||||
| Chief Policy Officer | June 7, 2023 | June 7, 2023 | 100,000 | - | $ | 3.00 | June 7, 2026 | |||||||||||
Dr. Tsun Yee Law Independent Director | February 10, 2023 | February 10, 2023 | 30,000 | - | $ | 1.50 | February 10, 2026 | |||||||||||
Diane Hare Independent Director | June 7, 2023 | June 7, 2023 | 40,000 | - | $ | 3.00 | June 7, 2026 | |||||||||||
Dr. Kenny Yu Independent Director | June 7, 2023 | June 7, 2023 | 40,000 | - | $ | 3.00 | June 7, 2026 | |||||||||||
2023 Stock Option Plans
On February 10, 2023, and on June 7, 2023, our board adopted two distinct stock option plans for our company (which we refer to individually, the 2023 Stock Option Plan #1 and the 2023 Stock Option Plan #2; collectively, the 2023 Stock Option Plans). There are currently 3,370,352 shares available for issuance under the 2023 Stock Option Plan #1, and the maximum number of shares available under the plan increases on an annual basis. There are currently 1,758,460 shares available for issuance under the 2023 Stock Option Plan #2, and the maximum number of shares available increases quarterly, beginning on June 30, 2023. The plans are otherwise substantially similar in their substance.
The principal purposes of the 2023 Plans are to: (a) improve individual performance by providing long-term incentives and rewards to certain of our employees, directors, and consultants; (b) assist our company in attracting, retaining, and motivating certain employees, directors, and consultants with experience and ability; and (c) align the interests of such persons with those of our shareholders.
The following description of the principal terms of the 2023 Stock Option Plan #1 and the 2023 Stock Option Plan #2 is a summary and is qualified in its entirety by their full text and all amendments thereto.
| 74 |
Administration
The 2023 Stock Option Plans may be administered by our board or a committee appointed by, and consisting of two or more members of, the Board (or the Plan Administrator). At any time when no committee has been appointed to administer each of the 2023 Stock Option Plans, the Board will be the Plan Administrator. The Plan Administrator, in its exclusive discretion, selects the individuals to whom awards may be granted, the types of awards granted, the time or times at which such awards are granted, and the terms and conditions of such awards. The Plan Administrator also has exclusive authority to interpret each of the 2023 Stock Option Plans and the terms of any instrument evidencing any awards and may adopt and change rules and regulations of general application for their administration. The Plan Administrator may delegate administrative duties to such of our company’s officers as it so determines. Unless sooner terminated, each of the 2023 Stock Option Plans shall terminate ten years after the earlier of the plan’s adoption by the Board and approval by our company’s stockholders.
Share Reserve
The 2023 Stock Option Plan #1 provides for the grant of options to purchase up to 3,247,030 shares of the common stock of the Corporation. The maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be optioned and sold under the 2023 Stock Option Plan #1 will be subject to an increase on the first day of each fiscal quarter equal to 15% increase in the total outstanding shares of our common stock in the preceding quarter. As of the date of this prospectus, there are 3,370,352 shares available for issuance under the 2023 Stock Option Plan #1.
The 2023 Stock Option Plan #2 provides for the grant of options to purchase up to 1,727,730 shares of the common stock of the Corporation. The maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be optioned and sold under the 2023 Stock Option Plan #2 will be increased each quarter, with the first quarterly increase on June 20, 2023, and every three months thereafter. As of the date of this prospectus, there are 1,758,460 shares available for issuance under the 2023 Stock Option Plan #2.
The maximum number of shares available under each of the 2023 Stock Option Plans is equal to the lesser of: (1) the number of shares equal to 15% of the outstanding shares of common stock on the applicable adjustment date (or the Adjustment Date), less (a) the number of shares of common stock that may be optioned and sold under the plan prior to the Adjustment Date, and (b) the number of shares of common stock that may be optioned and sold under any other stock option plan of our company in effect as of the Adjustment Date; or (2) such lesser number of shares of common stock as may be determined by the board. Any shares of common stock that have been made subject to an award that cease to be subject to the award (other than by reason of exercise or settlement of the award to the extent it is exercised for or settled in shares) shall again be available for issuance in connection with future grants of awards under each of the 2023 Stock Option Plans.
Withholding
Our company may require participants to pay to our company the amount of any taxes that our company is required by applicable federal, state, local or foreign law to withhold with respect to the grant, vesting or exercise of awards granted under the 2023 Stock Option Plans.
Eligibility
An award may be granted to any officer, director or employee of our company (which we refer to as a Related Company, as defined in the 2023 Stock Option Plans), that the Plan Administrator from time to time selects. An award may also be granted to any consultant, agent, advisor or independent contractor who provides services to our company or any Related Company, so long as such Consultant Participant: (a) is a natural person; (b) renders bona fide services that are not in connection with the offer and sale of our company’s securities in a capital-raising transaction; and (c) does not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for our company’s securities.
Types of Option Awards
The 2023 Stock Option Plans provide for the grant of stock options, which may be incentive stock options (or ISOs) or nonqualified stock options (or NSOs), which entitle the holder to purchase a specified number of shares of common stock at a specified price (the exercise price), subject to the terms and conditions of the stock option grant. An option holder may pay the exercise price of an option in cash or by any other method of payment which the Stock Option Administrator shall approve. Each of the 2023 Stock Option Plans provides that an option has a term of 10 years from the grant date.
| 75 |
The exercise price of an ISO shall be at least 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date. If an ISO is granted to a recipient who owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of the stock of our company or of its parent or subsidiary corporations (which we refer to as a Ten Percent Stockholder), the exercise price of the ISO shall not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date.
Taxation
The aggregate fair market value, determined at the time of grant, of common stock with respect to ISOs that are exercisable for the first time by an option holder during any calendar year may not exceed $100,000. Options or portions thereof that exceed such limit will generally be treated as NSOs. No ISO may be granted to any person who, at the time of the grant, owns or is deemed to own stock possessing more than 10% of our company’s total combined voting power or that of any of our company’s affiliates unless the option exercise price is at least 110% of the fair market value of common stock on the date of grant.
Changes to Capital Structure
In the event of certain changes in capitalization, including a stock split, stock dividend, or an extraordinary corporate transaction such as any reorganization, merger, consolidation, recapitalization, or reclassification, proportionate adjustments will be made in the number and kind of shares available for issuance under each of the 2023 Stock Option Plans, the number and kind of shares subject to each outstanding award, and/or the exercise price of each outstanding award.
Transferability
Awards granted under the 2023 Stock Option Plans may not be assigned, pledged, or transferred in any manner, other than by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the participant, only by the participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Plan Administrator may, in its discretion, permit award transfers after the participant’s death. If the Plan Administrator makes an award transferable, such award will be subject to all the terms and conditions of the plan and those contained in the instrument evidencing the award.
Amendment and Termination
Our board may amend, suspend or terminate each of the 2023 Stock Option Plans at any time. Any such termination will not affect outstanding awards. No amendment, alteration, suspension, or termination of the 2023 Stock Option Plans will materially impair the rights of any participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the participant and our company. Approval of the stockholders shall be required for any amendment, where required by applicable law, as well as (i) to increase the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under each of the 2023 Stock Option Plans and (ii) to change the persons or class of persons eligible to receive awards under each of the 2023 Stock Option Plans. Unless sooner terminated, the February 2023 Stock Option Plan shall terminate ten years after the earlier of the plan’s adoption by the Board and approval by our company’s stockholders.
Compensation of Directors
Our directors received an aggregate of $25,000 and $5,000, respectively, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
There was no issuance of shares of common stock as equity awards to any of our executive officers and directors during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
| 76 |
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the ownership of our common stock as of the date of this prospectus, with respect to: (i) each person, or group of affiliated persons, known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock; (ii) each of our directors; (iii) each of our named executive officers; and (iv) all of our current directors and executive officers as a group.
Applicable percentage ownership is based on 26,007,015 shares of common stock outstanding as of the date of this prospectus. The percentage of beneficial ownership after this offering assumes the sale and issuance of shares of common stock in this offering and no exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option to purchase additional shares of common stock.
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. These rules generally attribute beneficial ownership of securities to persons who possess sole or shared voting or investment power with respect to such securities. In addition, pursuant to such rules, we deemed outstanding shares of common stock subject to options or warrants held by that person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the date of this prospectus. We did not deem such shares outstanding, however, for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on the information furnished to us, that the beneficial owners named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our common stock that they beneficially own, subject to applicable community property laws.
| Shares of common stock Beneficially Owned Prior to Offering | Shares of common stock Beneficially Owned After Offering | |||||||||||||||
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) | Number | Percentage (2) | Number | Percentage (3) | ||||||||||||
| 5% or Greater Stockholders | ||||||||||||||||
| I Financial Ventures Group LLC. (4) | 10,700,000 | 40.06 | % | 10,700,000 | 36.02 | % | ||||||||||
| Mongkol Prakitchaiwatthana(5) | 2,000,000 | 7.69 | % | 2,000,000 | 6.89 | % | ||||||||||
| Executive Officers, Directors and Director Nominees | ||||||||||||||||
| Jay Jiang Yu (4) | 10,700,000 | 40.06 | % | 10,700,000 | 36.02 | % | ||||||||||
| James Walker (6) | 1,000,000 | 3.74 | % | 1,000,000 | 3.37 | % | ||||||||||
| Jaisun Garcha (7) | 440,000 | 1.68 | % | 440,000 | 1.51 | % | ||||||||||
| Winston Khun Hunn Chow (8) | 500,000 | 1.91 | % | 500,000 | 1.71 | % | ||||||||||
| Dr. Tsun Yee Law (9) | 130,000 | * | 130,000 | * | ||||||||||||
| Diane Hare (10) | 40,000 | * | 40,000 | * | ||||||||||||
| Dr. Kenny Yu (11) | 55,000 | * | 55,000 | * | ||||||||||||
| All directors and executive officers as a group (seven individuals) | 12,865,000 | 48.25 | % | 12,865,000 | 43.39 | % | ||||||||||
* Less than 1%.
| (1) | Except as otherwise indicated, the business address of our directors and executive officers is 10 Times Square, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10018. |
| (2) | Based on 26,007,015 shares of common stock outstanding as of the date of this prospectus. |
| (3) | Based on 29,007,015 shares of common stock outstanding immediately after the offering assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. |
| (4) | Represents 10,000,000 shares of common stock held by I Financial Ventures Group LLC. (or the I Financial), a Limited Liability company incorporated under the laws of Delaware and includes 700,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the vested options within 60 days of the date of this prospectus. Jay Jiang Yu, our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, is the sole shareholder and director of I Financial, and exercises voting and dispositive power of the securities held by I Financial. The address of I Financial is c/o 10 Times Square, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10018. |
| (5) | Represents 2,000,000 shares of common stock held by Mongkol Prakitchaiwatthana, an investor. Pursuant to a Subscription Agreement dated May 15, 2023 between our company and Mr. Prakitchaiwatthana, Mr. Prakitchaiwatthana has the right to require us to repurchase all or any portion of his shares under certain circumstances. As of the date of this prospectus, Mr. Prakitchaiwatthana has not exercised this right. See “Description of Capital Stock – Common Stock Put Right.” |
| (6) | Represents 300,000 shares of common stock held by James Walker, our Chief Executive Officer and director, and includes 700,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the vested options within 60 days of the date of this prospectus. |
| (7) | Represents 250,000 shares of common stock held by Jaisun Garcha, our Chief Financial Officer and director, and includes 190,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the vested options within 60 days of the date of this prospectus. |
| (8) | Represents 300,000 shares of common stock held by Winston Khun Hunn Chow, our Chief Policy Officer, and includes 200,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the vested options within 60 days of the date of this prospectus. |
| (9) | Represents 100,000 shares of common stock held by Dr. Tsun Yee Law, our independent director, and includes 30,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the vested options within 60 days of the date of this prospectus. |
| (10) | Includes 40,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the vested options by Diane Hare, our independent director, within 60 days of the date of this prospectus. |
| (11) | Represents 15,000 shares of common stock held by Dr. Kenny Yu, our independent director, and includes 40,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the vested options within 60 days of the date of this prospectus. |
| 77 |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the period from February 8, 2022 (inception) to the date of this prospectus, we have entered into or participated in the following transactions with related persons:
Amount Due to Related Parties
As of December 31, 2023, we had amounts due to related parties totaling $45,000, of which $15,000 was due to our Chief Executive Officer James Walker, and $30,000 was due to our Chief Financial Officer, Jaisun Garcha. As of September 30, 2023, we had amounts due to related parties totaling $35,000, of which $30,000 was due to our Chief Executive Officer James Walker, and $5,000 was due to our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board Jay Jiang Yu. The amounts due as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023 corresponded to unpaid amounts due to officers and directors for services rendered during the three months ended December 31, 2023 and during the year ended September 30, 2023. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, we incurred consulting fees of $140,000 to our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board, Jay Jiang Yu, $15,000 to our Chief Executive Officer James Walker, and $30,000 to our Chief Financial Officer Jaisun Garcha, which was included in the consolidated statement of operation under general and administrative expenses.
For the year ended September 30, 2023, we incurred consulting fees of $225,000 to our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board, Jay Jiang Yu, $90,000 to our Chief Executive Officer James Walker, $90,000 to our Chief Financial Officer Jaisun Garcha, $25,000 to our Chief Policy Officer Winston Khun Hunn Chow, and incurred total directors’ fees of $25,000 to three independent directors (including $15,000 for Dr. Tsun Yee Law, $5,000 for Diane Hare and $5,000 for Dr. Kenny Yu), which was included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operation under general and administrative expenses. For the period from inception to September 30, 2022, we incurred consulting fees of $80,000 to its President and Chairman Jay Jiang Yu, $15,000 to our Chief Executive Officer James Walker, $30,000 to our Chief Financial Officer Jaisun Garcha, $10,000 to our Chief Policy Officer Winston Khun Hunn Chow, and incurred total directors’ fees of $5,000 to one independent director, namely Dr. Tsun Yee Law, which was included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations under general and administrative expenses.
Facilities
See “Business — Facilities and Planned Fuel Fabrication Facility.”
Share Issuances
See “History of Securities Issuances.”
Consulting Agreements with Senior Executives
We have utilized independent contractor relationships from our inception to date, but in connection with the consummation of this offering, we intend to enter into formal employment agreements with our senior executive officers.
On February 8, 2022, we entered into an agreement with an affiliate of Jay Jiang Yu, our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board, providing for a monthly retention fee of $10,000. During the period from February 8, 2022 (inception) to September 30, 2022, our officers received $135,000 in total cash compensation and our one independent director received a total of $5,000 as directors’ fees.
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, our officers received $185,000 in total cash compensation and our three independent directors received a total of $nil as directors’ fees. During the year ended September 30, 2023, our officers received $430,000 in total cash compensation and our three independent directors received a total of $25,000 as directors’ fees.
See “Executive and Director Compensation — Retention Arrangements with our Executive Officers and Directors.”
Consulting Agreements with the Members of the Executive Advisory Board
We have entered into a consulting agreement with each member of our Executive Advisory Board under similar terms and conditions, except for Mark Nichols. Our arrangement with Mark Nichols, however, has been formalized through a consulting agreement with Seven Summits, LLC, who serves as the president, and is subject to analogous terms and conditions.
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, our executive advisory board was paid a total of $nil. During the years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, our executive advisory board was paid a total of $70,000 and $20,000, respectively.
See “Management - Consulting Agreements with the Members of the Executive Advisory Board.”
Company Policies on Related Party Transactions
A “Related Party Transaction” is a transaction, arrangement, or relationship in which we or any of our subsidiaries was, is or will be a participant, the amount of which involved exceeds $100,000 in any one fiscal year, and in which any related person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. A “Related Person” means:
| ● | any person who is, or at any time during the applicable period was, one of our executive officers, one of our directors, or a nominee to become one of our directors; | |
| ● | any person who is known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5.0% of any class of our voting securities; | |
| ● | any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons, which means any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law of a director, executive officer or a beneficial owner of more than 5.0% of any class of our voting securities, and any person (other than a tenant or employee) sharing the household of such director, executive officer or beneficial owner of more than 5.0% of any class of our voting securities; and | |
| ● | any firm, corporation, or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is employed or is a general partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest in any class of our company’s voting securities. |
Our Board intends to adopt a related party transactions policy. Pursuant to this policy, our Audit Committee will review all material facts of all Related Party Transactions and either approve or disapprove entry into the Related Party Transaction, subject to certain limited exceptions. In determining whether to approve or disapprove entry into a Related Party Transaction, our Audit Committee shall consider, among other factors, the following: (i) whether the Related Party Transaction is on terms no less favorable than terms generally available to an unaffiliated third-party under the same or similar circumstances and (ii) the extent of the Related Person’s interest in the transaction. Further, the policy will require that all Related Party Transactions required to be disclosed in our filings with the SEC be so disclosed in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
| 78 |
The aggregate number of shares that we are authorized to issue is 300,000,000, consisting of 275,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share. As of the date of this prospectus, there were 26,007,015 shares of common stock outstanding and there was no preferred stock outstanding.
The following summary of the capital stock and our articles of incorporation and bylaws does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of applicable law and our articles of incorporation and bylaws, as amended, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Common Stock
Voting Rights. Holders of shares of common stock are entitled to one vote per share held of record on all matters to be voted upon by the stockholders. Holders of shares of common stock have no cumulative voting rights.
Quorum. Our bylaws provide that the holders of not less than one third (33 1/3 percent) of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote constitutes a quorum. In the absence of a quorum, any meeting of stockholders may be adjourned, from time to time, either by the chairman of the meeting or by vote of the holders of a majority of the shares represented thereat, but no other business shall be transacted at such meeting. Where a separate vote by a class or classes or series is required, except where otherwise provided by the statute or by the articles of incorporation or the bylaws, as amended, one-third (33 1/3 percent) of the outstanding shares of such class or classes or series, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter and, except where otherwise provided by the statute or by the articles of incorporation or the bylaws, as amended, the affirmative vote of the majority (plurality, in the case of the election of directors) of the votes cast, including abstentions, by the holders of shares of such class or classes or series shall be the act of such class or classes or series.
Dividend Rights. Holders of shares of common stock are entitled to ratably receive dividends when and if declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose, subject to the provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws, any statutory or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends, and any prior rights and preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock.
Liquidation Rights. Upon liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or other winding up, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably the assets available for distribution to the stockholders after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preference of any of our outstanding shares of preferred stock.
Other Matters. The shares of common stock have no preemptive or preferential right to acquire any of our shares or securities, including shares or securities held in our treasury. All outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and non-assessable.
Common Stock Put Right
Pursuant to a May 15, 2023 subscription agreement between us and an individual high net worth investor (the “Subscriber”), the Subscriber purchased 2,000,000 shares of common stock for $2.50 per share for a total consideration of $5,000,000. This subscription agreement includes a put right which entitles the Subscriber to require us to repurchase for cash all or any amount of these shares (the “Put Shares”) if: (a) our initial public offering registration statement is not declared effective by the SEC by December 31, 2023; (b) we commit a material breach of the subscription agreement and either that breach is not capable of being remedied or, if capable of remedy, we do not remedy that breach as soon as possible and in any event within 30 business days of its receipt of a notice from the Subscriber.
In the event the Subscriber elects to exercise this right, the Subscriber shall deliver a written notice to us specifying the number of shares that he wishes to sell, and we shall be required to purchase from the Subscriber the subject shares at a price per share equal to the original purchase price or $2.50 per share. The closing of this re-purchase of shares shall take place no later than 15 days following the receipt of such notice from the Subscriber. As of the date of this prospectus, the Subscriber has not exercised the Put Shares.
In the event the Subscriber elects to exercise this right, a material amount of our cash would be utilized to satisfy this requirement. This reduction in available cash would adversely affect our working capital. This, in turn, would likely impede our day-to-day operations and frustrate our ability to progress our business plans. It would also require us to raise new funding sooner than expected, and such funding might not be available on agreeable terms, if at all.
Preferred Stock
Our articles of incorporation give the board of directors the power to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series without stockholder approval. The board of directors has the discretion to determine the designations, rights, qualifications, preferences, privileges, and restrictions, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences, of each series of preferred stock. The purpose of authorizing the board of directors to issue preferred stock and determine its rights and preferences is to eliminate delays associated with a stockholder vote on specific issuances. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or could discourage a third party from acquiring, a majority of our outstanding voting stock.
Stock Options
As of the date of this prospectus, we had reserved the following shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to stock options under the 2023 Stock Option Plan #1 and 2023 Stock Option Plan #2:
| ● | up to 3,370,352 shares of our common stock reserved for issuance with an exercise price of $1.50 per share under stock option agreements pursuant to the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan #1, subject to an increase on the first day of each fiscal quarter equal to 15% increase in the total outstanding shares of our common stock in the preceding quarter; and | |
| ● | up to 1,758,460 shares of our common stock reserved for issuance with an exercise price of $3.00 per share under stock option agreements pursuant to the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan #2, subject to an increase at each quarter, with the first quarterly increase on June 30, 2023, and every three months thereafter (the “Adjustment Date”), by an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 15% of the total outstanding shares of our common stock on the applicable Adjustment Date less (a) the number of shares of common stock that may be optioned and sold under such plan prior to the applicable Adjustment Date and (b) the number of shares of common stock that may be optioned and sold under any other stock option plans of our company in effect as of the applicable Adjustment Date; or (ii) such lesser number of shares of common stock as may be determined by the board. |
| 79 |
Representative’s Warrant
We have agreed to issue the Representative’s Warrant to the representative of the underwriters of this offering as a portion of the underwriting compensation payable in connection with this offering. The Representative’s Warrant shall be exercisable for 210,000 shares of our common stock (or 7% of the shares of common stock sold in this offering). The Representative’s Warrant shall contain customary “cashless exercise” provisions and shall be exercisable at any time, and from time to time, in whole or in part, for a term of five years from the first day of the seventh month after the closing of this offering at an exercise price of 125% of the initial public offering price of the shares of common stock. Please see “Underwriting — Representative’s Warrant” for further information.
Lock-Up Agreements
Pursuant to certain “lock-up” agreements, our executive officers, directors and our existing stockholders prior to this offering holding five percent (5%) or more of our common stock and securities exercisable for or convertible into our common stock outstanding immediately upon the closing of this offering, have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to offer, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, contract to sell, or otherwise dispose of or announce the intention to otherwise dispose of, or enter into any swap, hedge or similar agreement or arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic risk of ownership of, directly or indirectly, engage in any short selling of any common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any common stock, whether currently owned or subsequently acquired, without the prior written consent of the representative of the underwriters, for a period of six (6) months following the closing of the offering.
In addition, we have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to offer, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, contract to sell, or otherwise dispose of or announce the intention to otherwise dispose of, or enter into any swap, hedge or similar agreement or arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic risk of ownership of, directly or indirectly, engage in any short selling of any common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any common stock, whether currently owned or subsequently acquired, without the prior written consent of the representative of the underwriters, for a period of six (6) months following the closing of the offering.
Leak-out Agreements
In addition to the arrangements described above under “Lock-Up Agreements”, each existing stockholder of our company who holds less than five percent (5%) of our common stock prior to this offering (who we refer to as the Leak Out Holders) will be subject to leak-out agreement restricting sales of certain percentages of their common stock during a period ranging from 30 days to 150 days following the closing of this offering as follows:
| (i) | Leak Out Holders will be permitted to sell 10% of their common stock after 30 days following the closing of this offering; |
| (ii) | Leak Out Holders will be permitted to sell an additional 20% of their common stock beginning 60 days following the closing of this offering; |
| (iii) | Leak Out Holders will be permitted to sell an additional 20% of their common stock beginning 90 days following the closing of this offering; |
| (iv) | Leak Out Holders will be permitted to sell an additional 25% of their common stock beginning 120 days following the closing of this offering; and |
| (v) | Leak Out Holders will be permitted to sell the final 25% of their common stock beginning 150 days following the closing of this offering. |
Nevada Anti-Takeover Provisions
Nevada law, NRS Sections 78.411 through 78.444, regulate business combinations with interested stockholders. Nevada law defines an interested stockholder as a beneficial owner (directly or indirectly) of 10% or more of the voting power of the outstanding shares of the corporation. Pursuant to Sections NRS 78.411 through 78.444, combinations with an interested stockholder remain prohibited for three years after the person became an interested stockholder unless (i) the transaction is approved by the board of directors or the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares not beneficially owned by the interested party, or (ii) the interested stockholder satisfies certain fair value requirements. NRS 78.434 permits a Nevada corporation to opt-out of the statute with appropriate provisions in its articles of incorporation.
NRS Sections 78.378 through 78.3793 regulates the acquisition of a controlling interest in an issuing corporation. An issuing corporation is defined as a Nevada corporation with 200 or more stockholders of record, of which at least 100 stockholders have addresses of record in Nevada and does business in Nevada directly or through an affiliated corporation. NRS Section 78.379 provides that an acquiring person and those acting in association with an acquiring person obtain only such voting rights in the control shares as are conferred by a resolution of the stockholders of the corporation, approved at a special or annual meeting of the stockholders. Stockholders who vote against the voting rights have dissenters’ rights in the event that the stockholders approve voting rights. NRS Section 378 provides that a Nevada corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws may provide that these sections do not apply to the corporation. We have not opted out of these sections in our articles of incorporation and bylaws.
Removal of Directors; Vacancies
Under NRS 78.335, one or more of the incumbent directors may be removed from office by the vote of stockholders representing two-thirds or more of the voting power of the issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote. Our bylaws provide that any newly created position on the board of directors that results from an increase in the total number of directors and any vacancies on the board of directors will be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, even if less than a quorum.
| 80 |
No Cumulative Voting
The NRS does not permit stockholders to cumulate their votes other than in the election of directors, and then only if expressly authorized by the corporation’s articles of incorporation. Our articles of Incorporation does not expressly authorize cumulative voting.
The combination of these provisions will make it more difficult for our existing stockholders to replace our board of directors as well as for another party to obtain control of us by replacing our board of directors. Because our board of directors has the power to retain and discharge our officers, these provisions could also make it more difficult for existing stockholders or another party to effect a change in management. In addition, the authorization of undesignated preferred stock makes it possible for our board of directors to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change our control.
These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of continued stability in the composition of our board of directors and its policies and to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to reduce our vulnerability to hostile takeovers and to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. However, such provisions could have the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for our shares and may have the effect of delaying changes in our control or management. As a consequence, these provisions may also inhibit fluctuations in the market price of our stock that could result from actual or rumored takeover attempts. We believe that the benefits of these provisions, including increased protection of our potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure our company, outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging takeover proposals, because negotiation of takeover proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaw Provisions, As Amended
Our purpose is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may now or hereafter be organized under NRS Section 78 other than the business of a trust company, savings and loan association, thrift company or corporation organized for the purpose of conducting a banking business.
Board of Directors
Our bylaws provides that the number of directors will be fixed by the board of directors within a range of between one and fifteen directors. The directors need not be stockholders unless so required by our articles of incorporation. The minimum or maximum number may be increased or decreased from time to time only by an amendment to the bylaws, which power belongs exclusively to our board of directors.
Requirements for Advance Notification of Director Nominations and Stockholder Proposals
Our bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and the nomination of candidates for election as directors. In order for any matter to be properly brought before a meeting of our stockholders, the stockholder submitting the proposal or nomination will have to comply with advance notice requirements and provide us with certain information.
For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting, the proposing stockholder must have given written notice of the nomination or proposal, either by personal delivery or by United States mail to the Secretary of our company not later than the close of business on the sixtieth (60th) day nor earlier than the close of business on the ninetieth (90th) day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the date of the annual meeting has been changed by more than thirty (30) days from the date contemplated at the time of the previous year’s proxy statement, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not earlier than the close of business on the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the sixtieth (60th) day prior to such annual meeting or, in the event public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is first made by the Company fewer than seventy (70) days prior to the date of such annual meeting, the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation. No business shall be conducted at any annual meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in our bylaws.
For business to be properly brought before a special meeting of stockholders, the notice of the meeting must set forth the general nature of the business to be considered. No business may be transacted at such special meeting otherwise than specified in such notice. The special meeting may be called for by (i) the Chairman of the board of directors, or (ii) the board of directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors (whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships at the time any such resolution is presented to the board of directors for adoption), and shall be held at such place, on such date, and at such time as the Board of Directors, shall determine. The board of directors shall determine the time and place of such special meeting, which shall be held not less than thirty-thirty (30) nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of the receipt of the request.
| 81 |
Authorized but Unissued Capital Stock
Neither Nevada law nor our governing documents require stockholder approval for any issuance of authorized shares, except as provided in NRS 78.2055 with respect to a decrease in the number of issued and outstanding shares of a class or series without a corresponding decrease in the authorized shares. Our authorized but unissued common stock are therefore available for future issuances without stockholder approval and could be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future offerings to raise additional capital, acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved common stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.
Stockholder Action by Written Consent
Any action required or permitted by the NRS to be taken at a meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting if, before or after the action, a written consent to the action is signed by stockholders holding a majority of the voting power of our company or, if different, the proportion of voting power required to take the action at a meeting of stockholders.
History of Securities Issuances
During the past three years, we issued securities that were not registered under the Securities Act as set forth below. The following is a summary of transactions from our inception until the date of this prospectus involving issuance of our securities that were not registered under the Securities Act. The offers, sales and issuances of the securities described below were exempt from registration either (i) under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder in that the transactions were between an issuer and sophisticated investors or members of its senior executive management and did not involve any offering within the meaning of Section 4(a)(2), or (ii) under Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act in that offers, sales and issuances were not made to persons in the United States and no directed selling efforts were made in the United States, or (iii) under Rule 144A under the Securities Act in that the shares were offered and sold by the initial purchasers to qualified institutional buyers, or (iv) under Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act in that the transactions were under compensatory benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation.
In February 2022, we issued 10,000,000 shares of common stock to I Financial Ventures Group LLC, of which our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Jay Jiang Yu, is the sole shareholder and director, and received proceeds of $50,000.
Between March 2022 and April 2022, we issued an aggregate of 7,500,000 shares of common stock to certain members of our management team and certain investors, and received an aggregate proceeds of $375,000.
Between February 2022 and September 2022, we issued an aggregate of 675,000 shares of common stock to certain consultants for services received.
Between April 2022 and February 2023, we issued an aggregate of 4,146,869 shares of common stock to certain investors, and received an aggregate proceeds of $4,146,869.
Between April 2023 and September 2023, we issued an aggregate of 2,778,000 shares of common stock to certain investors, and received an aggregate proceeds of $6,945,000.
In January 2024, we issued an aggregate of 822,146 shares of common stock to certain investors, and received an aggregate gross proceeds of $2,466,437, of which $2,106,437 was received in advance as of December 31, 2023, and $360,000 was received in January 2024.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar of our common stock is VStock Transfer, LLC. The transfer agent and registrar’s address is 18 Lafayette Place, Woodmere, New York 11598.
Listing
We have applied to have our common stock listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “NNE”. The closing of this offering is conditioned upon Nasdaq’s final approval of our listing application, and there is no guarantee or assurance that our common stock will be approved for listing on Nasdaq.
| 82 |
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Immediately prior to this offering, there has been no market for our common stock, and a liquid trading market for our common stock may not develop or be sustained after this offering. Future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect market prices prevailing from time to time and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of our equity securities. Furthermore, because only a limited number of shares will be available for sale shortly after this offering due to existing contractual and legal restrictions on resale as described below, there may be sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market after the restrictions lapse. This may adversely affect the prevailing market prices for the shares of our common stock, and our ability to raise equity capital in the future.
Based on the number of shares outstanding as of the date of this prospectus, upon the closing of this offering, approximately 29,007,015 shares of common stock will be outstanding, assuming an initial public offering price of $5.00 per share (the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), offered hereby and further assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. Of the shares to be outstanding immediately after completion of the offering, all 3,000,000 shares sold in this offering will be freely tradable except that any shares purchased in this offering by our affiliates, as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, would only be able to be sold in compliance with the Rule 144 limitations described below.
All of our existing stockholders holding five percent (5%) or more of our common stock prior to this offering, our officers and directors have entered into lock-up agreements with the representative of the underwriters under which they have agreed, subject to specific exceptions, not to sell any of our stock for at least 180 days following the date of this prospectus, as described below. As a result of these agreements, subject to the provisions of Rule 144 or Rule 701, shares will be available for sale in the public market as follows:
| ● | beginning on the date of this prospectus, all of the shares sold in this offering will be immediately available for sale in the public market (except as described above); and | |
| ● | beginning 181 days after the date of this prospectus, additional shares will become eligible for sale in the public market, of which shares will be held by affiliates and subject to the volume and other restrictions of Rule 144, as described below. |
Rule 144
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, beginning 90 days after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, any person who is not an affiliate of ours and has held their shares for at least six months, as measured by SEC rule, including the holding period of any prior owner other than one of our affiliates, may sell shares without restriction, provided current public information about us is available. In addition, under Rule 144, any person who is not an affiliate of ours and has held their shares for at least one year, as measured by SEC rule, including the holding period of any prior owner other than one of our affiliates, would be entitled to sell an unlimited number of shares immediately upon the closing of this offering without regard to whether current public information about us is available. Beginning 90 days after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, a person who is an affiliate of ours and who has beneficially owned restricted securities for at least six months, as measured by SEC rule, including the holding period of any prior owner other than one of our affiliates, is entitled to sell a number of restricted shares within any three-month period that does not exceed the greater of:
| ● | 1% of the number of shares of our common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately 290,070 shares immediately after this offering; and | |
| ● | the average weekly trading volume of our common stock on Nasdaq during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale. |
Sales of restricted shares under Rule 144 held by our affiliates are also subject to requirements regarding the manner of sale, notice and the availability of current public information about us. Rule 144 also provides that affiliates relying on Rule 144 to sell shares of our common stock that are not restricted shares must nonetheless comply with the same restrictions applicable to restricted shares, other than the holding period requirement. Notwithstanding the availability of Rule 144, the holders of five percent (5%) or more of our restricted shares have entered into lock-up agreements as described below and their restricted shares will become eligible for sale at the expiration of the restrictions set forth in those agreements.
| 83 |
Rule 701
Under Rule 701 under the Securities Act, shares of our common stock acquired upon the exercise of currently outstanding options or pursuant to other rights granted under our stock plans may be resold, by:
| ● | persons other than affiliates, beginning 90 days after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, subject only to the manner-of-sale provisions of Rule 144; and | |
| ● | our affiliates, beginning 90 days after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, subject to the manner-of-sale and volume limitations, current public information and filing requirements of Rule 144, in each case, without compliance with the six-month holding period requirement of Rule 144. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, all our Rule 701 shares are subject to lock-up agreements as described above and in the section titled “Underwriting” and will become eligible for sale upon the expiration of the restrictions set forth in those agreements.
Lock-Up Agreements
Pursuant to certain “lock-up” agreements, our executive officers, directors and all of our existing stockholders and holders prior to this offering holding five percent (5%) or more of our common stock securities exercisable for or convertible into our common stock outstanding immediately upon the closing of this offering, have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to offer, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, contract to sell, or otherwise dispose of or announce the intention to otherwise dispose of, or enter into any swap, hedge or similar agreement or arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic risk of ownership of, directly or indirectly, engage in any short selling of any common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any common stock, whether currently owned or subsequently acquired, without the prior written consent of the representative of the underwriters, for a period of six (6) months following the closing of this offering.
In addition, our company has agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to offer, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, contract to sell, or otherwise dispose of or announce the intention to otherwise dispose of, or enter into any swap, hedge or similar agreement or arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic risk of ownership of, directly or indirectly, engage in any short selling of any common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any common stock, whether currently owned or subsequently acquired, without the prior written consent of the representative of the underwriters, for a period of six (6) months following the closing of this offering.
Leak Out Agreements
In addition to the arrangements described above under “Lock-Up Agreements”, each existing stockholder of our company who holds less than five percent (5%) of our common stock prior to this offering (who we refer to as the Leak Out Holders) will be subject to leak-out agreement restricting sales of certain percentages of their common stock during a period ranging from 30 days to 150 days following the closing of this offering as follows:
| (i) | Leak Out Holders will be permitted to sell 10% their common stock after 30 days following the closing of this offering; |
| (ii) | Leak Out Holders will be permitted to sell an additional 20% of their common stock beginning 60 days following the closing of this offering; |
| (iii) | Leak Out Holders will be permitted to sell an additional 20% of their common stock beginning 90 days following the closing of this offering; |
| (iv) | Leak Out Holders will be permitted to sell an additional 25% of their common stock beginning 120 days following the closing of this offering; and |
| (v) | Leak Out Holders will be permitted to sell the final 25% of their common stock beginning 150 days following the closing of this offering. |
| 84 |
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS
The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our common stock acquired in this offering by a “non-U.S. holder” (as defined below), but does not purport to be a complete analysis of all the potential tax considerations relating thereto. This summary is based upon the provisions of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, administrative rulings and judicial decisions, all as of the date hereof. These authorities may be changed, possibly retroactively, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those set forth below. We have not sought, and do not intend to seek, any ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in the following summary, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will agree with such statements and conclusions.
This summary also does not address the tax considerations arising under the laws of any state or local or non-U.S. jurisdiction or under U.S. federal gift and estate tax rules, or rising out of other non-income tax rules, except to the limited extent set forth below. In addition, this discussion does not address tax considerations applicable to an investor’s particular circumstances or to investors that may be subject to special tax rules, including, without limitation:
| ● | banks, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts or other financial institutions; | |
| ● | persons subject to the alternative minimum tax or the tax on net investment income; | |
| ● | persons subject to special tax accounting rules as a result of any item of gross income with respect to our common stock being taken into account in an applicable financial statement; | |
| ● | tax-exempt organizations or governmental organizations; | |
| ● | pension plans and tax-qualified retirement plans; | |
| ● | controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax; | |
| ● | partnerships or other entities or arrangements treated as partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and investors therein); | |
| ● | brokers or dealers in securities or currencies; | |
| ● | traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities holdings; | |
| ● | persons that own, or are deemed to own, more than five percent of our capital stock (except to the extent specifically set forth below); | |
| ● | certain former citizens or long-term residents of the United States; | |
| ● | persons who hold our common stock as a position in a hedging transaction, “straddle,” “conversion transaction” or other risk reduction transaction or integrated investment; | |
| ● | persons who hold or receive our common stock pursuant to the exercise of any option or otherwise as compensation; | |
| ● | persons who do not hold our common stock as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment); and | |
| ● | persons deemed to sell our common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code. |
In addition, if a partnership, entity or arrangement classified as a partnership or flow-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend on the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership or other entity. A partner in a partnership or other such entity that will hold our common stock should consult his, her or its own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our common stock through a partnership or other such entity, as applicable.
| 85 |
This summary is for informational purposes only and is not tax advice. Each non-U.S. holder is urged to consult its own tax advisor with respect to the application of the U.S. federal income tax laws to its particular situation, as well as any tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock arising under the U.S. federal gift or estate tax rules or under the laws of any state, local, non-U.S. or other taxing jurisdiction or under any applicable tax treaty.
Non-U.S. Holder Defined
For purposes of this discussion, a “non-U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of our common stock that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is neither a “U.S. person” nor an entity (or arrangement) treated as a partnership. A “U.S. person” is any person that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is or is treated as any of the following:
| ● | an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; | |
| ● | a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, or otherwise treated as such for U.S. federal income tax purposes; | |
| ● | an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or | |
| ● | a trust (x) whose administration is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and that has one or more U.S. persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (y) that has made a valid election under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. |
Distributions
As described in the section titled “Dividend Policy,” we have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. However, following the completion of this offering, if we do make distributions of cash or property on our common stock to non-U.S. holders, such distributions will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent those distributions exceed both our current and our accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will first constitute a return of capital and will reduce each non-U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in our common stock, but not below zero. Any additional excess will then be treated as capital gain from the sale of stock, as discussed under “Gain on Disposition of common stock.”
Subject to the discussions below on effectively connected income, backup withholding and the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA, any dividend paid to a non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax either at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the dividend or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and such non-U.S. holder’s country of residence. In order to receive a reduced treaty rate, such non-U.S. holder must provide the applicable withholding agent with an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E or other appropriate version of IRS Form W-8 certifying qualification for the reduced treaty rate. A non-U.S. holder of shares of our common stock eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. federal withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS. If such non-U.S. holder holds our common stock through a financial institution or other agent acting on the non-U.S. holder’s behalf, the non-U.S. holder will be required to provide appropriate documentation to such agent, which then will be required to provide certification to the applicable withholding agent, either directly or through other intermediaries. Each non-U.S. holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under any applicable income tax treaty.
Dividends received by a non-U.S. holder that are treated as effectively connected with such non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if an applicable income tax treaty so provides, such non-U.S. holder maintains a permanent establishment or fixed base in the United States to which such dividends are attributable) are generally exempt from the 30% U.S. federal withholding tax, subject to the discussion below on backup withholding and FATCA withholding. To claim this exemption, a non-U.S. holder must provide the applicable withholding agent with a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI or other applicable IRS Form W-8 properly certifying such exemption. Such effectively connected dividends, although not subject to U.S. federal withholding tax, are taxed at the same graduated rates applicable to U.S. persons, net of certain deductions and credits, subject to an applicable income tax treaty providing otherwise. In addition, if a non-U.S. holder is a corporation, dividends such non-U.S. holder receives that are effectively connected with its conduct of a U.S. trade or business may also be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and such non-U.S. holder’s country of residence. Each non-U.S. holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our common stock, including any applicable tax treaties that may provide for different rules.
| 86 |
Gain on Disposition of common stock
Subject to the discussion below regarding backup withholding and FATCA withholding, a non-U.S. holder generally will not be required to pay U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of our common stock unless:
| ● | the gain is effectively connected with such non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business (and, if an applicable income tax treaty so provides, such non-U.S. holder maintains a permanent establishment or fixed base in the United States to which such gain is attributable); | |
| ● | such non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for an aggregate 183 days or more during the taxable year in which the sale or disposition occurs and certain other conditions are met; or | |
| ● | our common stock constitutes a United States real property interest, or USRPI, by reason of our status as a “United States real property holding corporation,” or USRPHC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. |
We believe that we are not currently and will not become a USRPHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and the remainder of this discussion so assumes. However, because the determination of whether we are a USRPHC depends on the fair market value of our U.S. real property interests relative to the fair market value of our U.S. and worldwide real property interests plus our other business assets, there can be no assurance that we will not become a USRPHC in the future. Even if we become a USRPHC, however, as long as our common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market, your common stock will be treated as U.S. real property interests only if you actually (directly or indirectly) or constructively hold more than 5% of such regularly traded common stock at any time during the shorter of the five-year period preceding your disposition of, or your holding period for, our common stock.
A non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet above will be required to pay U.S. federal income tax on the gain derived from the sale (net of certain deductions and credits) under regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates. In addition, a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may be subject to the branch profits tax at a 30% rate on a portion of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year that are attributable to such gain, as adjusted for certain items. A lower rate may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
A non-U.S. holder described in the second bullet above will be subject to tax at 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on the gain derived from the sale, which gain may be offset by U.S. source capital losses of such non-U.S. holder for the taxable year, provided such non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses.
Each non-U.S. holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding any applicable income tax or other treaties that may provide for different rules.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Generally, we or an applicable withholding agent must report annually to the IRS the amount of dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder, such non-U.S. holder’s name and address, and the amount of tax withheld, if any. A similar report is sent to such non-U.S. holder. Pursuant to any applicable income tax treaty or other agreement, the IRS may make such report available to the tax authority in such non-U.S. holder’s country of residence.
Dividends paid by us (or our paying agent) to a non-U.S. holder may also be subject to backup withholding at a current rate of 24%.
| 87 |
Such information reporting and backup withholding requirements may be avoided, however, if such non-U.S. holder establishes an exemption by providing a properly executed, and applicable, IRS Form W-8, or otherwise establishes an exemption. Generally, such information reporting and backup withholding requirements will not apply to a non-U.S. holder where the transaction is effected outside the United States, through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker. Notwithstanding the foregoing, backup withholding and information reporting may apply, however, if the applicable withholding agent has actual knowledge, or reason to know, that such non-U.S. holder is a U.S. person.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather, the U.S. federal income tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund or credit may generally be obtained from the IRS, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA)
Sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code, Treasury Regulations issued thereunder and related official IRS guidance, commonly referred to as FATCA, generally impose a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on dividends on our common stock paid to a “foreign financial institution” (as defined under FATCA, and which may include banks, traditional financial institutions, investment funds, and certain holding companies), unless such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury to, among other things, identify accounts held by certain “specified United States persons” or “United States-owned foreign entities” (each as defined under FATCA), report annually substantial information about such accounts, and withhold on certain payments to non-compliant foreign financial institutions and certain other account holders. FATCA also generally imposes a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on dividends on our common stock paid to a “non-financial foreign entity” (as specially defined under FATCA), unless such entity provides identifying information regarding each of its direct or indirect “substantial United States owners” (as defined under FATCA), certifies that it does not have any substantial United States owners, or otherwise establishes an exemption. Accordingly, the institution or entity through which our common stock is held will affect the determination of whether such withholding is required.
The withholding obligations under FATCA generally apply to dividends on our common stock. Such withholding will apply regardless of whether the beneficial owner of the payment otherwise would be exempt from withholding pursuant to an applicable tax treaty with the United States, the Code, or other exemptions described above. Under certain circumstances, a non-U.S. holder might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes.
Under proposed regulations, FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds has been eliminated. These proposed regulations are subject to change.
An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country may modify the requirements described in this section. Prospective investors are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the application of FATCA withholding to their investment in, and ownership and disposition of, our common stock.
The preceding discussion of U.S. federal tax considerations is for general information only. It is not tax advice to investors in their particular circumstances. Each prospective investor should consult its own tax advisor regarding the particular U.S. federal, state and local and non-U.S. tax consequences of purchasing, holding and disposing of our common stock, including the consequences of any proposed change in applicable laws.
| 88 |
In connection with this offering, we will enter into an underwriting agreement with The Benchmark Company, LLC (“Benchmark”) as representative for the underwriters in this offering. Each underwriter named below has severally agreed to purchase from us, on a firm commitment basis, the number of shares, set forth opposite its name below, at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.
| Underwriter | Number of Shares | |||
| The Benchmark Company, LLC | ||||
| Total | ||||
The underwriters are committed to purchase all of the shares offered by us other than those covered by the over-allotment option to purchase additional securities described below, if they purchase any such securities. The obligations of the underwriters may be terminated upon the occurrence of certain events specified in the underwriting agreement. Furthermore, pursuant to the underwriting agreement, the underwriters’ obligations are subject to customary conditions, representations and warranties contained in the underwriting agreement, such as receipt by the underwriters of officers’ certificates and legal opinions.
Our company has agreed to indemnify the underwriters against specified liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.
The underwriters are offering the shares, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel and other conditions specified in the underwriting agreement. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.
Over-allotment Option
We have granted the underwriters an over-allotment option. This option, which is exercisable for up to 30 days after the date of this prospectus, permits the underwriters to purchase a maximum of 450,000 additional shares of Common Stock (equal to 15% of the shares of common stock sold in this offering) from us to cover over-allotments, if any, at a price per share equal to the public offering price per share less the underwriting discounts set forth on the cover of this prospectus to cover over-allotments, if any. We will be obligated, pursuant to the option, to sell these additional shares of common stock to the underwriters to the extent the option is exercised.
Discounts and Expenses
The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discount and proceeds, before expenses, to us. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option.
| Per share | Total
Without Exercise of Over-Allotment Option | Total With Exercise of Over Allotment Option | ||||||||||
| Public offering price | $ | [●] | $ | [●] | $ | [●] | ||||||
| Underwriting discount (1)(2) | $ | [●] | $ | [●] | $ | [●] | ||||||
| Proceeds, before expenses, to us | $ | [●] | $ | [●] | $ | [●] |
(1) Represents underwriting discounts equal to seven percent (7%) per share (or $[●] per share).
(2) Does not include (i) a non-accountable expense allowance equal to one percent (1%) of the gross proceeds received by us from the sale of our shares of common stock in the offering, and (ii) the reimbursement of certain expenses of the underwriters.
| 89 |
The underwriters propose to offer the shares of common stock offered by us to the public at the public offering price per share set forth on the cover of this prospectus. In addition, the underwriters may offer some of the shares of common stock to other securities dealers at such price less a concession of $[●] per share. After the initial public offering, the public offering price and concession to dealers may be changed.
We will pay the out-of-pocket accountable and documented expenses of the underwriters in connection with this offering. The underwriting agreement, however, provides that in the event the offering is terminated, any advance expense deposits paid to the underwriters will be returned to the extent that offering expenses are not actually incurred in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(4)(A).
We have agreed to pay the underwriters’ a non-accountable expense allowance equal to one percent (1%) of the aggregate gross proceeds received by it from the sales of its shares of common stock from this offering, including any over-allotment option exercised by The Benchmark Company. Our company has also agreed to pay all reasonable, necessary, accountable and documented out-of-pocket expenses relating to the offering including, but not limited to: (a) all filing fees and communication expenses associated with the review of this offering by FINRA; (b) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration, qualification or exemption of securities offered under the securities laws of foreign jurisdictions designated by Benchmark; (c) the fees and expenses of the underwriters’ legal counsel (or the Benchmark Legal Expenses) up to a maximum of $125,000; (e) the underwriters’ use of Ipreo’s book-building, prospectus tracking and compliance software for the offering; and (f) “road show” expenses for the offering. Such actual out-of-pocket expenses (inclusive of the Benchmark Legal Expenses) shall be capped at $150,000. In addition to the forgoing, our company shall be responsible for the costs of background checks on its senior management in an amount not to exceed $7,500.
We estimate that the total expenses of the offering payable by us, excluding underwriting discounts, will be approximately $650,000.
Listing
We have applied to have our common stock listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “NNE.” No assurance can be given that our listing will be approved by Nasdaq or that a trading market will develop for our common stock. We will not proceed with this offering in the event the common stock is not approved for listing on Nasdaq.
Representative Warrants
Upon the closing of this offering, we have agreed to issue to Benchmark a five-year warrant to purchase up to seven percent (7%) of the shares of common stock sold by us in this offering. The Representative’s Warrants will be exercisable at a per share exercise price equal to $[●] (or 125% of the public offering price per share). The Representative’s Warrants will be exercisable at any time, and from time to time, in whole or in part, for a term of five years from the first day of the seventh month after the closing of this offering, which period shall not extend further than five years from the date of commencement of sales in this offering in compliance with Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, Rule 5110. The Representative’s Warrants are also exercisable on a cashless basis. The Representative’s Warrants have been deemed compensation by FINRA and are therefore subject to a 180-day lock-up pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110. Except as permitted by Rule 5110, the representative for the underwriters (or permitted assignees under the Rule) will not sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or hypothecate the Representative’s Warrants or the securities underlying the Representative’s Warrants, nor will any of them engage in any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the option or the underlying securities for a period of six months from the commencement of sales under this prospectus. The exercise price and number of securities upon exercise of the Warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a share dividend, extraordinary cash dividend or our recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation. However, the Representative’s Warrant exercise price or underlying shares will not be adjusted for issuances of shares of common stock at a price below the Representative’s Warrant exercise price.
| 90 |
Lock-Up Agreements
Pursuant to certain “lock-up” agreements, our executive officers, directors and all of our existing stockholders and holders of securities exercisable for or convertible into our common stock outstanding immediately upon the closing of this offering, have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to offer, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, contract to sell, or otherwise dispose of or announce the intention to otherwise dispose of, or enter into any swap, hedge or similar agreement or arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic risk of ownership of, directly or indirectly, engage in any short selling of any common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any common stock, whether currently owned or subsequently acquired, without the prior written consent of Benchmark, for a period of six (6) months following the closing of this offering.
In addition, we have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to offer, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, contract to sell, or otherwise dispose of or announce the intention to otherwise dispose of, or enter into any swap, hedge or similar agreement or arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic risk of ownership of, directly or indirectly, engage in any short selling of any common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any common stock, whether currently owned or subsequently acquired, without the prior written consent of Benchmark, for a period of six (6) months following the closing of this offering.
Leak Out Agreements
In addition to the arrangements described above under “Lock-Up Agreements”, each existing stockholder of our company who holds less than five percent (5%) of our common stock prior to this offering (who we refer to as the Leak Out Holders) will be subject to leak-out agreement restricting sales of certain percentages of their common stock during a period ranging from 30 days to 150 days following the closing of this offering as follows:
| (i) | Leak Out Holders will be permitted to sell 10% their common stock after 30 days following the closing of this offering; |
| (ii) | Leak Out Holders will be permitted to sell an additional 20% of their common stock beginning 60 days following the closing of this offering; |
| (iii) | Leak Out Holders will be permitted to sell an additional 20% of their common stock beginning 90 days following the closing of this offering; |
| (iv) | Leak Out Holders will be permitted to sell an additional 25% of their common stock beginning 120 days following the closing of this offering; and |
| (v) | Leak Out Holders will be permitted to sell the final 25% of their common stock beginning 150 days following the closing of this offering. |
Discretionary Accounts
The underwriters do not intend to confirm sales of the securities offered hereby to any accounts over which they have discretionary authority.
Right of First Refusal
We have granted Benchmark a right of first refusal, for a period of twelve (12) months from the closing of this offering, to act as lead or joint-lead investment banker, lead or joint-lead book runner and/or lead or joint placement agent at the underwriter’s discretion, for each and every future public and private equity, equity-linked or debt (excluding commercial bank debt) offering, including all equity linked financings during such twelve (12) month period, of our company, or any successor to or subsidiary of our company.
Fee Tail Period
In the event that the underwriting agreement or this offering is abandoned or terminated prior to the closing of this offering, for a period of twelve (12) months from such date, and in the event that we receive any proceeds from the sale of securities to certain investors with whom our company has had a conference call or a meeting arranged by Benchmark during the offering, we have agreed to pay to Benchmark an underwriting discount equal to seven percent (7.0%) of such gross proceeds and common stock purchase warrants equal to seven percent (7.0%) of the common stock shares issued in the offering.
Electronic Offer, Sale and Distribution of Shares
A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by the underwriters, if any, participating in this offering and the underwriters participating in this offering may distribute prospectuses electronically. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of shares for sale to its online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the underwriters that will make internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on these websites is not part of, nor incorporated by reference into, this prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved or endorsed by us or the underwriters in their capacity as underwriters, and should not be relied upon by investors.
Other Relationships
The underwriter and its affiliates may, in the future provide various investment banking, commercial banking and other financial services for our company and its affiliates for which they have received, and may in the future receive, customary fees. However, except as disclosed in this prospectus, our company has no present arrangements with the underwriter for any further services.
| 91 |
Offering Price Determination
There is no established market for our common stock. The public offering price of the securities we are offering will be negotiated between us and Benchmark. Factors considered in determining the public offering price of the shares include the history and prospects of our company, the stage of development of our business, our business plans for the future and the extent to which they have been implemented, an assessment of our management, general conditions of the securities markets at the time of the offering and such other factors as are deemed relevant.
Using the above valuation factors and the number of shares of common stock outstanding, we set our per-common stock price range between $4.00 and $6.00.
An active trading market for our common stock may not develop. It is possible that after this offering our common stock will not trade in the public market at or above the initial offering price.
Stabilization
In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate-covering transactions, penalty bids and purchases to cover positions created by short sales.
| ● | Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase common stock so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum and are engaged in for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock while the offering is in progress. | |
| ● | Over-allotment transactions involve sales by the underwriters of shares of common stock in excess of the number of shares of common stock the underwriters are obligated to purchase. This creates a syndicate short position which may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered short position, the number of shares of common stock over-allotted by the underwriters is not greater than the number of shares of common stock that they may purchase in the over-allotment option. In a naked short position, the number of shares of common stock involved is greater than the number of shares of common stock in the over-allotment option. The underwriters may close out any short position by exercising their over-allotment option and/or purchasing shares of common stock in the open market. | |
| ● | Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of shares of common stock in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. In determining the source of shares of common stock to close out the short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares of common stock available for purchase in the open market as compared with the price at which they may purchase shares of common stock through exercise of the over-allotment option. If the underwriters sell more shares of common stock than could be covered by exercise of the over-allotment option and, therefore, have a naked short position, the position can be closed out only by buying shares of common stock in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that after pricing there could be downward pressure on the price of the shares of common stock in the open market that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. | |
| ● | Penalty bids permits the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the shares of common stock originally sold by that syndicate member are purchased in stabilizing or syndicate covering transactions to cover syndicate short positions. |
These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of the shares of common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of its shares of common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock in the open market may be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of these transactions. Neither our company nor the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our company’s common stock. These transactions may be effected on Nasdaq, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
| 92 |
Passive Market Making
In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in passive market making transactions in our company’s common stock on Nasdaq in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M under the Exchange Act, during a period before the commencement of offers or sales of the shares of common stock and extending through the completion of the distribution. A passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid of that security. However, if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, then that bid must then be lowered when specified purchase limits are exceeded.
Offer Restrictions Outside the United States
Other than in the United States, no action has been taken by us or the underwriters that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.
The validity of the issuance of the common stock offered by us in this offering will be passed upon for us by Parsons Behle & Latimer, Reno, Nevada. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP, New York, New York. The underwriters are being represented by Lucosky Brookman LLP, Woodbridge, New Jersey.
WithumSmith+Brown, PC (or Withum), our independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2023 and for the period from February 8, 2022 (inception) through September 30, 2022, as set forth in their report dated January 30, 2024. We have included our consolidated financial statements in this prospectus and in this registration statement in reliance on Withum’ s report given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of common stock offered hereby. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement or the exhibits filed therewith. For further information about us and the common stock offered hereby, reference is made to the registration statement and the exhibits filed therewith. Statements contained in this prospectus concerning the contents of any contract or any other document are not necessarily complete, please see the copy of the contract or document that has been filed for the complete contents of that contract or document. Each statement in this prospectus relating to a contract or document filed as an exhibit is qualified in all respects by the filed exhibit. The exhibits to the registration statement should be reviewed for the complete contents of these contracts and documents.
We currently do not file periodic reports with the SEC. Upon the completion of this offering, we will be required to file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the website is www.sec.gov.
We also maintain a website at www.nanonuclearenergy.com. Upon completion of this offering, you may access these materials at our website free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus.
| 93 |
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| F-1 |
NANO NUCLEAR ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| December 31, 2023 | September 30, 2023 | |||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | 7,897,499 | $ | 6,952,795 | ||||
| Prepaid expenses | 216,946 | 205,857 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 8,114,445 | 7,158,652 | ||||||
| Deferred offering costs | 130,000 | 75,000 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 8,244,445 | $ | 7,233,652 | ||||
| LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE, AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 398,306 | $ | 190,005 | ||||
| Due to related parties | 45,000 | 35,000 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 443,306 | 225,005 | ||||||
| Mezzanine Equity | ||||||||
| Common stock subject to possible redemption; | - | - | ||||||
| 2,000,000 shares as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023 | 5,000,000 | 5,000,000 | ||||||
| Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 100,000,000 authorized; none issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023 | - | - | ||||||
| Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 100,000,000 authorized; | - | - | ||||||
| 23,184,869 and 23,184,869 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, respectively, excluding 2,000,000 shares subject to possible redemption | 2,319 | 2,319 | ||||||
| Stock subscriptions | 2,106,437 | - | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 9,288,553 | 9,288,553 | ||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (8,596,170 | ) | (7,282,225 | ) | ||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 2,801,139 | 2,008,647 | ||||||
| Total liabilities, mezzanine equity, and stockholders’ equity | $ | 8,244,445 | $ | 7,233,652 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
| F-2 |
CLEAR ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
| For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 | For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||
| General and administrative | $ | 828,896 | $ | 556,440 | ||||
| Research and development | 520,016 | 127,705 | ||||||
| Loss from operations | (1,348,912 | ) | (684,145 | ) | ||||
| Other income | 34,967 | - | ||||||
| Net loss | $ | (1,313,945 | ) | $ | (684,145 | ) | ||
| Net loss per share of common stock: | ||||||||
| Basic | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.03 | ) | ||
| Diluted | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.03 | ) | ||
| Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding: | ||||||||
| Basic | 23,184,869 | 21,203,471 | ||||||
| Diluted | 23,184,869 | 21,203,471 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
| F-3 |
NANO NUCLEAR ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2023
| Mezzanine Equity | Permanent Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount |
Stock subscriptions | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated deficit | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of September 30, 2023 | 2,000,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | 23,184,869 | $ | 2,319 | $ | - | $ | 9,288,553 | $ | (7,282,225 | ) | $ | 2,008,647 | |||||||||||||||||
| Stock subscriptions | - | - | - | - | 2,106,437 | - | - | 2,106,437 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | - | - | - | (1,313,945 | ) | (1,313,945 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | 2,000,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | 23,184,869 | $ | 2,319 | $ | 2,106,437 | $ | 9,288,553 | $ | (8,596,170 | ) | $ | 2,801,139 | |||||||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2022
| Mezzanine Equity | Permanent Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated deficit | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of September 30, 2022 | - | $ | - | 20,501,500 | $ | 2,050 | $ | 3,139,450 | $ | (1,031,824 | ) | $ | 2,109,676 | |||||||||||||||
| Common stock issuances | - | - | 1,512,869 | 155 | 1,512,714 | - | 1,512,869 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | - | - | 85,000 | 9 | 84,991 | - | 85,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | - | - | (684,145 | ) | (684,145 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | - | $ | - | 22,099,369 | $ | 2,214 | $ | 4,737,155 | $ | (1,715,969 | ) | $ | 3,023,400 | |||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
| F-4 |
NANO NUCLEAR ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months
Ended | For the Three Months
Ended | |||||||
| OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (1,313,945 | ) | $ | (684,145 | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | - | 85,000 | ||||||
| Change in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | (11,089 | ) | (12,775 | ) | ||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 208,301 | (42,335 | ) | |||||
| Due to related parties | 10,000 | 30,000 | ||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (1,106,733 | ) | (624,255 | ) | ||||
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
| Proceeds from common stock issuances | - | 1,512,869 | ||||||
| Proceeds from stock subscriptions | 2,106,437 | - | ||||||
| Payment of deferred offering costs | (55,000 | ) | - | |||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 2,051,437 | 1,512,869 | ||||||
| Net increase in cash | 944,704 | 888,614 | ||||||
| Cash, beginning of period | 6,952,795 | 2,129,999 | ||||||
| Cash, end of period | $ | 7,897,499 | $ | 3,018,613 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements.
| F-5 |
1. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (“NANO” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the state of Nevada on February 8, 2022 (“Inception”) and is headquartered in New York, NY. The Company intends to progress its collaborative research projects towards development, rigs and models, zero-power reactors, and ultimately towards reactor manufacture and deployments. The Company envisions readily replaceable mobile reactors which it can provide to customers, along with operative personnel, to power projects, residential and commercial enterprises, and major development projects. The Company is committed to providing smaller, cheaper, and safer nuclear energy solutions for the future by incorporating the latest technology into its own proprietary novel reactor designs, intellectual properties, research methods and through its subsidiary, HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. The subsidiary will focus on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry and providing fuel to power the Company’s reactors. Currently in technical development are “ZEUS”, a Solid Core Battery Reactor and “ODIN”, a Low-Pressure Coolant Reactor, representing the Company’s first generation of portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear micro reactors.
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned legal subsidiaries American Uranium Inc., which was incorporated in Nevada, HALEU Energy Fuel Inc., which was incorporated in Nevada and Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc., which was incorporated in Nevada.
Liquidity
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes the realization of assets and settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business. At December 31, 2023, the Company had working capital of $7,801,139, net loss of $1,313,945, accumulated deficit of $8,596,170 and negative cash flows from operations of $1,106,733. At September 30, 2023, the Company had working capital of $6,933,647, net loss of $6,250,401, accumulated deficit of $7,282,225 and negative cash flows from operations of $3,867,573. The application of the going concern concept is dependent on the Company’s ability to receive continued financial support from its stakeholders and, ultimately, on the Company’s ability to generate profitable operations. Management is of the opinion that sufficient working capital is available to meet the Company’s liabilities and commitments as they come due at least for the next twelve months after the date the condensed consolidated interim financial statements are issued to conform to the going concern uncertainty period. In order to achieve the Company’s long-term strategy, the Company expects to raise additional equity contributions to support its growth. These unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements do not reflect any adjustments or reclassifications of assets and liabilities which would be necessary if the Company were unable to continue as a going concern.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for interim financial reporting and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). References to ASC and ASU included herein refer to the Accounting Standards Codification and Accounting Standards Update established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) as the source of authoritative U.S. GAAP. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
In management’s opinion, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the annual consolidated financial statements. They include all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair statement of the Company’s financial position as of December 31, 2023, and its results of operations for the three-months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and cash flows for the three-months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The results for the three months ended December 31, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the year or any other periods. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2023 has been derived from the Company’s audited financial statements.
| F-6 |
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of condensed consolidated interim financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions. The Company believes that the estimates, judgments and assumptions made when accounting for items and matters such as, but not limited to, equity-based compensation and contingencies are reasonable, based on information available at the time they are made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements, as well as amounts reported on the statements of operations during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value Measurement
The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, the Company uses a three-level hierarchy, which prioritizes fair value measurements based on the types of inputs used for the various valuation techniques (market approach, income approach and cost approach). The levels of hierarchy are described below:
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.
Level 3 – Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the most stringent level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The carrying amount of certain financial instruments, including prepaid expenses and accounts payable approximates fair value due to their short maturities.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash. The Company maintains its cash balances at a financial institution and such amounts exceeded federally insured limits at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023. Any loss incurred or a lack of access to such funds could have a significant adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Prepaid Expenses
Prepaid expenses primarily relate to payments made to consultants and vendors in advance of the service being provided.
Leases
The Company recognizes right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases with terms greater than 12 months. Leases are classified as either finance or operating leases. This classification dictates whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. As of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, the Company has one short-term operating lease.
Long-term leases (leases with initial terms greater than 12 months) are capitalized at the present value of the minimum lease payments not yet paid. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of the lease when the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable.
Short-term leases (leases with an initial term of 12 months or less or leases that are cancelable by the lessee and lessor without significant penalties) are not capitalized but are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company’s short-term lease relates to office facilities which did not meet the criteria for capitalization as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023.
| F-7 |
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Mezzanine Equity
The Company recognized a tranche of common shares as mezzanine equity since those common shares may be redeemed at the option of the holder, but is not mandatorily redeemable.
Equity-Based Compensation
Equity-based compensation is measured using a fair value-based method for all equity-based awards. The cost of awarded equity instruments is recognized based on each instrument’s grant-date fair value over the period during which the award vests. Equity-based compensation is recorded as a general and administrative expense in the statements of operations.
Research and Development
Research and Development (“R&D”) expenses represent costs incurred for designing and engineering products, including the costs of developing design tools. All research and development costs related to product development are expensed as incurred.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are recognized as a component of general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations. Advertising costs expensed were approximately $173,800 for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and $32,800 for the three months ended December 31, 2022.
Legal Contingencies
The Company is not presently involved in any legal proceedings. The Company records liabilities for losses from legal proceedings when it determines that it is probable that the outcome in a legal proceeding will be unfavorable, and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets, including tax loss and credit carry forwards, and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is “more likely-than-not” that deferred tax assets will not be realized. On a regular basis, the Company evaluates the recoverability of deferred tax assets and the need for a valuation allowance. Such evaluations involve the application of significant judgment. The Company considers multiple factors in its evaluation of the need for a valuation allowance. The Company’s net deferred tax assets consist of assets related to net operating losses. The Company’s net operating losses and credits have an indefinite life for federal net operating losses (“NOLs”) generated through December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets in the amount of approximately $2,247,000 and $1,971,000, respectively. The Company’s deferred tax assets consist primarily of net operating losses and research and development credits. The effective tax rate was 0.0% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 differs from the federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets where it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
| F-8 |
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Income Taxes (Continued)
Until an appropriate level of profitability is attained, the Company expects to maintain a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. Any tax benefits or tax expense recorded on its consolidated statements of operations will be offset with a corresponding valuation allowance until such time that the Company changes its determination related to the realization of deferred tax assets. In the event that the Company changes its determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, the Company will adjust its valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such a determination is made. For uncertain tax positions that meet a “more likely-than-not” threshold, the Company recognizes the benefit of uncertain tax positions in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements. The Company’s practice is to recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s 2023 tax returns remain subject to examination by taxing jurisdictions. At December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, the Company does not believe it has any uncertain tax positions that would require either recognition or disclosure in the accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
Net Loss per Share
Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to the Company by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus the effect of dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period. During the periods when there is a net loss, potentially dilutive shares of common stock are excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share as their effect is anti-dilutive. During the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no dilutive shares issued or outstanding.
Operating Segments
For the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company was managed as a single operating segment in accordance with the provisions in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance on segment reporting, which establishes standards for, and requires disclosure of, certain financial information related to reportable operating segments and geographic regions. Furthermore, the Company determined that the Company’s Chairman and President is the Chief Operating Decision Maker as he is responsible for making decisions regarding the allocation of resources and assessing performance as well as for strategic operational decisions and managing the organization as a whole.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The Company considers the applicability and impact of all Accounting Standards Updates issued by the FASB. There are no accounting pronouncements which have been issued but are not yet effective that would have a material impact on our current condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
3. OTHER INCOME
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, the Company earned interest income of $34,967 on its cash held at a financial institution. During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company did not earn any interest income.
4. RELATED PARTIES
At December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023 the Company had amounts due to related parties of $45,000 and $35,000, respectively. The amounts due at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023 corresponded to unpaid amounts due to officers and directors for services rendered during the three months ended December 31, 2023 and during the year ended September 30, 2023. The aggregate compensation paid, or payable, to officers and directors during the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $185,000 and $90,000, respectively, which is included in the consolidated statements of operations under general and administrative expenses.
| F-9 |
5. EQUITY
The Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share, and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share. In March 2024, the Company amended its number of authorized shares of common and preferred stock (Note 6).
Issuance of Common Stock for Cash
Incorporation
Upon incorporation of the Company, 10,000,000 shares of common stock were issued to the Company’s founder and president for proceeds of $50,000.
Seed Round
The Seed Round began in March 2022 and ended in April 2022. During the period from February 8, 2022 (“Inception”) through September 30, 2022, the Company sold 7,500,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.05 per share for proceeds of $375,000 as part of the Company’s Seed Round.
Angel Round
The Angel Round began in April 2022 and ended in February 2023. During period from Inception to September 30, 2022, the Company sold 2,326,500 shares of common stock at a price of $1.00 per share for proceeds of $2,326,500 as part of the Company’s Angel Round. During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Company sold 1,820,369 shares of common stock at a price of $1.00 per share for proceeds of $1,820,369 as part of the Company’s Angel Round.
Series A Round
The Series A Round began in April 2023 and ended in June 2023. During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Company sold 778,000 shares of common stock at a price of $2.50 per share for proceeds of $1,945,000 as part of the Company’s Series A Round.
Stock Subscriptions - Series B Round
Subsequent to December 31, 2023, the Company sold and issued 822,146 common shares at a price of $3.00 per common share for gross proceeds of $2,466,437 in the Series B Round. As of December 31, 2023, the Company received $2,106,437 in subscriptions corresponding to the Series B Round and subsequent to December 31, 2023, the Company received $360,000. The Series B Round was completed in January 2024.
Mezzanine Equity
Pursuant to the terms of a subscription agreement (the “Agreement”) signed by the Company during the year ended September 30, 2023, a subscriber (the “Subscriber”) purchased 2,000,000 shares of common stock (the “Shares”) for $2.50 per share or $5,000,000 (the “Purchase Price”). The Agreement includes a put right which entitles the Subscriber to elect to sell to the Company any part or all of the Shares acquired by the Subscriber under this Agreement (the “Put Shares”) if: (a) the Company’s initial public offering registration statement (“IPO Registration Statement”) is not declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) by December 31, 2023; (b) the Company commits a material breach of the Agreement and either that breach is not capable of being remedied or, if capable of remedy, the Company does not remedy that breach as soon as possible and in any event within 30 business days of its receipt of a notice from the Subscriber requiring the Company to remedy that breach. In the event the Subscriber elects to exercise its right to sell or put the shares to the Company (the “Put Option”), the Subscriber shall deliver a written notice to the Company specifying the number of shares that the Subscriber wishes to sell, and the Company shall be required to purchase from the Subscriber the Put Shares at a price per share equal to the original Purchase Price or $2.50 per share. The closing of the Put Shares pursuant to the above shall take place no later than 15 days following the receipt of such notice from the Subscriber payable in cash.
| F-10 |
5. EQUITY (Continued)
Mezzanine Equity (Continued)
ASC 480-10-S99-3A provides guidance on the classification and measurement of redeemable securities, which requires classification in temporary equity of securities redeemable for cash or other assets if they are redeemable under certain conditions. One of these conditions is the occurrence of an event that is not solely within the control of the issuer. This condition is applicable as the Subscriber can exercise the Put Option and require the Company to redeem the shares of common stock if the Company’s IPO Registration Statement is not declared effective by the SEC by December 31, 2023. This process involves a significant number of third parties and the SEC’s declaration of effectiveness. Therefore, this contingently redeemable feature is not considered to be within the control of the Company and is classified within Mezzanine Equity on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023. As of March 19, 2024, the Subscriber has not exercised the Put Option.
Equity-Based Compensation
Issuance of Common Stock for Consulting fees
During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company issued to two consultants an aggregate of 85,000 shares of common stock with an aggregate fair value of $85,000, which represents equity-based compensation and is recorded within operating expenses. The fair value of shares is determined by the value of services rendered as indicated in the corresponding consulting agreements and by reference to recent cash sales of common stock to third parties.
Stock Based Compensation
On February 10, 2023, and on June 7, 2023, the Company adopted two distinct stock option plans which are referred to individually, as the 2023 Stock Option Plan #1 and the 2023 Stock Option Plan #2; collectively, the 2023 Stock Option Plans). There are 3,247,030 shares available for issuance under the 2023 Stock Option Plan #1, and the maximum number of shares available under the plan may increase on an annual basis on the anniversary date of this option plan if the total number of stock options issued under the 2023 Stock Option Plans is less than 15% of the number of issued common shares. On June 7, 2023 there was 1,727,730 shares available for issuance under the 2023 Stock Option Plan #2, which was increased to 1,758,460 as of December 31, 2023 since this plan can increase the maximum number of shares available under this plan on a quarterly basis if the total number of stock options issued under the 2023 Stock Option Plans is less than 15% of the number of issued common shares. The plans are otherwise substantially similar in their substance.
During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Company issued 2,050,000 fully vested stock options under Stock Option Plan #1 exercisable at $1.50 per common share with expiry on February 10, 2026, issued 1,450,000 fully vested stock options under Stock Option Plan #2 and 200,000 fully vested stock options which are not governed by our 2023 Stock Option Plans that are exercisable at $3.00 per common share with expiry on June 7, 2026, and issued 247,000 fully vested stock options under Stock Option Plan #2 and 60,000 fully vested stock options which are not governed by our 2023 Stock Option Plans that are exercisable at $3.00 per common share with expiry on August 30, 2026. The 2,050,000 options were valued at $584,484 based on a Black-Scholes valuation with the following assumptions (Risk-free interest rate: 4.19%; expected life of options: 1.5 years; estimated volatility: 82.5%; dividend rate: 0%). The 1,450,000 and 200,000 options were valued at $1,444,530 based on a Black-Scholes valuation with the following assumptions (Risk-free interest rate: 4.21%; expected life of options: 1.5 years; estimated volatility: 82.5%; dividend rate: 0%). The 247,000 and 60,000 options were valued at $269,989 based on a Black-Scholes valuation with the following assumptions (Risk-free interest rate: 4.57%; expected life of options: 1.5 years; estimated volatility: 82.5%; dividend rate: 0%).
During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Company’s assumptions utilized in the Black-Scholes valuation were the following: 1) stock price based on recent sales of common stock to unrelated parties; 2) estimated the volatility of its underlying stock by using an average of the historical volatility of a group of comparable publicly traded companies; 3) expected dividend yield was calculated using historical dividend amounts; 4) risk-free rate is based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant; 5) expected term was estimated based on the vesting and contractual term of the stock option grant.
The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options issued during the year ended September 30, 2023 was $0.57 per share. There was no remaining stock compensation expense to be recognized at September 30, 2023 as all options vested immediately upon grant.
During the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not issue stock options.
| F-11 |
5. EQUITY (Continued)
Equity-Based Compensation (Continued)
Option Activity
A summary of cumulative option activity under the 2023 Plan is as follows:
| Options outstanding | ||||||||||||||||
| Number of | Weighted average exercise price |
Weighted average contractual term |
Aggregate intrinsic value |
|
||||||||||||
| shares | per share | (in years) | (in thousands) | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding – September 30, 2023 | 4,007,000 | $ | 2.23 | 2.54 | $ | 2,004 | ||||||||||
| Options granted | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Outstanding – December 31, 2023 | 4,007,000 | $ | 2.23 | 2.54 | $ | 2,004 | ||||||||||
| Vested during the period | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||
| Vested at end of period | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||
| Exercisable at the end of period | 4,007,000 | $ | 2.23 | 2.54 | $ | 2,004 | ||||||||||
6. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company has evaluated all events or transactions that occurred after December 31, 2023 through March 19, 2024, which was the date that the condensed consolidated interim financial statements were available to be issued. During this period, there were no material subsequent events requiring disclosure except as stated as follows:
In January 2024 the Company sold 822,146 common shares at a price of $3.00 per common share for gross proceeds of $2,466,437, of which $2,106,437 was received in advance as of December 31, 2023, and $360,000 was received in January 2024.
In March 2024 the Company increased its authorized shares of common stock from 100,000,000 to 275,000,000 and decreased its authorized shares of preferred stock from 100,000,000 to 25,000,000.
In March 2024 the Company issued 125,000 fully vested stock options which are not governed by our 2023 Stock Option Plans that are exercisable at $3.00 per common share with expiry on March 13, 2027.
| F-12 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of
Nano Nuclear Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nano Nuclear Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2023 and for the period from February 8, 2022 (“Inception”) through September 30, 2022, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (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 as of September 30, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2023 and for the period from Inception through September 30, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“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 and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated 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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ WithumSmith+Brown, PC
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2023.
New York, New York
January 30, 2024
| F-13 |
NANO NUCLEAR ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | 6,952,795 | $ | 2,129,999 | ||||
| Prepaid expenses | 205,857 | 117,448 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 7,158,652 | 2,247,447 | ||||||
| Deferred offering costs | 75,000 | - | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 7,233,652 | $ | 2,247,447 | ||||
| LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE, AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 190,005 | $ | 102,771 | ||||
| Due to related parties | 35,000 | 35,000 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 225,005 | 137,771 | ||||||
| Mezzanine Equity | ||||||||
| Common stock subject to possible redemption; | - | - | ||||||
| 2,000,000 and nil shares as of September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively | 5,000,000 | - | ||||||
| Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 100,000,000 authorized; none issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022 | - | - | ||||||
| Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 100,000,000 authorized; | - | - | ||||||
| 23,184,869 and 20,501,500 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively, excluding 2,000,000 shares subject to possible redemption | 2,319 | 2,050 | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 9,288,553 | 3,139,450 | ||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (7,282,225 | ) | (1,031,824 | ) | ||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 2,008,647 | 2,109,676 | ||||||
| Total liabilities, mezzanine equity, and stockholders’ equity | $ | 7,233,652 | $ | 2,247,447 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-14 |
NANO NUCLEAR ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended September 30, 2023 | For the Period from February 8, 2022 (Inception) through September 30, 2022 | |||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||
| General and administrative | $ | 4,749,395 | $ | 919,520 | ||||
| Research and development | 1,534,000 | 140,304 | ||||||
| Loss from operations | (6,283,395 | ) | (1,059,824 | ) | ||||
| Other income | 32,994 | 28,000 | ||||||
| Net loss | $ | (6,250,401 | ) | $ | (1,031,824 | ) | ||
| Net loss per share of common stock: | ||||||||
| Basic | $ | (0.28 | ) | $ | (0.06 | ) | ||
| Diluted | $ | (0.28 | ) | $ | (0.06 | ) | ||
| Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding: | ||||||||
| Basic | 22,389,627 | 16,554,191 | ||||||
| Diluted | 22,389,627 | 16,554,191 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-15 |
NANO NUCLEAR ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Year Ended September 30, 2023
| Mezzanine Equity | Permanent Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares |
Amount |
Shares |
Amount | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated deficit |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of September 30, 2022 | - | $ | - | 20,501,500 | $ | 2,050 | $ | 3,139,450 | $ | (1,031,824 | ) | $ | 2,109,676 | |||||||||||||||
| Common stock issuances | 2,000,000 | 5,000,000 | 2,598,369 | 260 | 3,765,109 | - | 3,765,369 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | - | - | 85,000 | 9 | 2,383,994 | - | 2,384,003 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | - | - | (6,250,401 | ) | (6,250,401 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of September 30, 2023 | 2,000,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | 23,184,869 | $ | 2,319 | $ | 9,288,553 | $ | (7,282,225 | ) | $ | 2,008,647 | |||||||||||||||
For the Period From February 8, 2022 (Inception) through September 30, 2022
| Mezzanine Equity | Permanent Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares |
Amount |
Shares |
Amount | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated deficit |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of February 8, 2022 (Inception) | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issuances | - | - | 19,826,500 | 1,982 | 2,749,518 | - | 2,751,500 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | - | - | 675,000 | 68 | 389,932 | - | 390,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | - | - | (1,031,824 | ) | (1,031,824 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of September 30, 2022 | - | $ | - | 20,501,500 | $ | 2,050 | $ | 3,139,450 | $ | (1,031,824 | ) | $ | 2,109,676 | |||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-16 |
NANO NUCLEAR ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| For the Year Ended September 30, 2023 | For the Period from February 8, 2022 (Inception) through September 30, 2022 | |||||||
| OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (6,250,401 | ) | $ | (1,031,824 | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 2,384,003 | 390,000 | ||||||
| Change in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | (88,409 | ) | (117,448 | ) | ||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 87,234 | 102,771 | ||||||
| Due to related parties | - | 35,000 | ||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (3,867,573 | ) | (621,501 | ) | ||||
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
| Proceeds from common stock issuances | 8,765,369 | 2,751,500 | ||||||
| Payment of deferred offering costs | (75,000 | ) | - | |||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 8,690,369 | 2,751,500 | ||||||
| Net increase in cash | 4,822,796 | 2,129,999 | ||||||
| Cash, beginning of period | 2,129,999 | - | ||||||
| Cash, end of period | $ | 6,952,795 | $ | 2,129,999 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-17 |
1. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (“NANO” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the state of Nevada on February 8, 2022 (“Inception”) and is headquartered in New York, NY. The Company intends to progress its collaborative research projects towards development, rigs and models, zero-power reactors, and ultimately towards reactor manufacture and deployments. The Company envisions readily replaceable mobile reactors which it can provide to customers, along with operative personnel, to power projects, residential and commercial enterprises, and major development projects. The Company is committed to providing smaller, cheaper, and safer nuclear energy solutions for the future by incorporating the latest technology into its own proprietary novel reactor designs, intellectual properties, research methods and through its subsidiary, HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. The subsidiary will focus on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry and providing fuel to power the Company’s reactors. Currently in technical development are “ZEUS”, a Solid Core Battery Reactor and “ODIN”, a Low-Pressure Coolant Reactor, representing the Company’s first generation of portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear micro reactors.
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned legal subsidiaries American Uranium Inc., which was incorporated in Nevada, HALEU Energy Fuel Inc., which was incorporated in Nevada and Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc., which was incorporated in Nevada.
Liquidity
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes the realization of assets and settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business. At September 30, 2023, the Company had working capital of $6,933,647, net loss of $6,250,401, accumulated deficit of $7,282,225 and negative cash flows from operations of $3,867,573. At September 30, 2022, the Company had working capital of $2,109,676, net loss of $1,031,824, accumulated deficit of $1,031,824 and negative cash flows from operations of $621,501. The application of the going concern concept is dependent on the Company’s ability to receive continued financial support from its stakeholders and, ultimately, on the Company’s ability to generate profitable operations. Management is of the opinion that sufficient working capital is available to meet the Company’s liabilities and commitments as they come due at least for the next twelve months after the date the consolidated financial statements are issued to conform to the going concern uncertainty period. In order to achieve the Company’s long-term strategy, the Company expects to raise additional equity contributions to support its growth. These consolidated financial statements do not reflect any adjustments or reclassifications of assets and liabilities which would be necessary if the Company were unable to continue as a going concern.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NANO and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions. The Company believes that the estimates, judgments and assumptions made when accounting for items and matters such as, but not limited to, equity-based compensation and contingencies are reasonable, based on information available at the time they are made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as amounts reported on the statements of operations during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
| F-18 |
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Fair Value Measurement
The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, the Company uses a three-level hierarchy, which prioritizes fair value measurements based on the types of inputs used for the various valuation techniques (market approach, income approach and cost approach). The levels of hierarchy are described below:
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.
Level 3 – Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the most stringent level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The carrying amount of certain financial instruments, including prepaid expenses and accounts payable approximates fair value due to their short maturities.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash. The Company maintains its cash balances at a financial institution and such amounts exceeded federally insured limits at September 30, 2023 and 2022. Any loss incurred or a lack of access to such funds could have a significant adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Prepaid Expenses
Prepaid expenses primarily relate to payments made to consultants and vendors in advance of the service being provided.
Leases
The Company recognizes right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases with terms greater than 12 months. Leases are classified as either finance or operating leases. This classification dictates whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. As of September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, the Company has one short-term operating lease.
Long-term leases (leases with initial terms greater than 12 months) are capitalized at the present value of the minimum lease payments not yet paid. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of the lease when the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable.
Short-term leases (leases with an initial term of 12 months or less or leases that are cancelable by the lessee and lessor without significant penalties) are not capitalized but are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company’s short-term lease relates to office facilities which did not meet the criteria for capitalization as of September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022.
Mezzanine Equity
The Company recognized a tranche of common shares as mezzanine equity since those common shares may be redeemed at the option of the holder, but is not mandatorily redeemable.
Equity-Based Compensation
Equity-based compensation is measured using a fair value-based method for all equity-based awards. The cost of awarded equity instruments is recognized based on each instrument’s grant-date fair value over the period during which the award vests. Equity-based compensation is recorded as a general and administrative expense in the statements of operations.
| F-19 |
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Research and Development
Research and Development (“R&D”) expenses represent costs incurred for designing and engineering products, including the costs of developing design tools. All research and development costs related to product development are expensed as incurred.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are recognized as a component of general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations. Advertising costs expensed were approximately $483,500 for the year ended September 30, 2023 and $13,360 for the period from Inception through September 30, 2022.
Legal Contingencies
The Company is not presently involved in any legal proceedings. The Company records liabilities for losses from legal proceedings when it determines that it is probable that the outcome in a legal proceeding will be unfavorable, and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets, including tax loss and credit carry forwards, and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is “more likely-than-not” that deferred tax assets will not be realized. On a regular basis, the Company evaluates the recoverability of deferred tax assets and the need for a valuation allowance. Such evaluations involve the application of significant judgment. The Company considers multiple factors in its evaluation of the need for a valuation allowance. The Company’s net deferred tax assets consist of assets related to net operating losses. The Company’s net operating losses and credits have an indefinite life for federal net operating losses (“NOLs”) generated through September 30, 2023. At September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets in the amount of approximately $1,971,000 and $281,000, respectively. The Company’s deferred tax assets consist primarily of net operating losses and research and development credits. The effective tax rate was 0.0% for both the year ended September 30, 2023 and for the period from February 8, 2022 (Inception) through September 30, 2022. The Company’s effective tax rate for the year ended September 30, 2023 and period ended September 30, 2022 differs from the federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets where it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Until an appropriate level of profitability is attained, the Company expects to maintain a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. Any tax benefits or tax expense recorded on its consolidated statements of operations will be offset with a corresponding valuation allowance until such time that the Company changes its determination related to the realization of deferred tax assets. In the event that the Company changes its determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, the Company will adjust its valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such a determination is made. For uncertain tax positions that meet a “more likely-than-not” threshold, the Company recognizes the benefit of uncertain tax positions in the consolidated financial statements. The Company’s practice is to recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s 2023 tax returns remain subject to examination by taxing jurisdictions. At September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company does not believe it has any uncertain tax positions that would require either recognition or disclosure in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Net Loss per Share
Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to the Company by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus the effect of dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period. During the periods when there is a net loss, potentially dilutive shares of common stock are excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share as their effect is anti-dilutive. During the year ended September 30, 2023, there were no dilutive shares issued or outstanding.
| F-20 |
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Operating Segments
For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Company was managed as a single operating segment in accordance with the provisions in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance on segment reporting, which establishes standards for, and requires disclosure of, certain financial information related to reportable operating segments and geographic regions. Furthermore, the Company determined that the Company’s Chairman and President is the Chief Operating Decision Maker as he is responsible for making decisions regarding the allocation of resources and assessing performance as well as for strategic operational decisions and managing the organization as a whole.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The Company considers the applicability and impact of all Accounting Standards Updates issued by the FASB. There are no accounting pronouncements which have been issued but are not yet effective that would have a material impact on our current consolidated financial statements.
3. OTHER INCOME
During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Company earned interest income of $32,994 on its cash held at a financial institution. During the period from Inception through September 30, 2022, the Company was awarded a grant for 200 hours of subject matter expert support at Idaho National Laboratory (“INL”) as part of the National Reactor Innovation Center (“NRIC”) Resource Team program which amounted to $28,000. NRIC is a national U.S. Department of Energy program led by the INL, allowing collaborators to harness the world-class capabilities of the U.S. National Laboratory System. All amounts related to this grant have been earned as of September 30, 2022.
4. RELATED PARTIES
At September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022 the Company had amounts due to related parties of $35,000 and $35,000, respectively. These amounts corresponded to unpaid amounts due to officers and directors for services rendered during the year ended September 30, 2023 and for the period from Inception through September 30, 2022. During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Company incurred consulting fees of $225,000 to its President and Chairman, $90,000 to its Chief Executive Officer, $90,000 to its Chief Financial Officer, $25,000 to its Chief Policy Officer, and incurred total directors’ fees of $25,000 to three independent directors, which was included in the consolidated statement of operation under general and administrative expenses. During the period from Inception through September 30, 2022, the Company incurred consulting fees of $80,000 to its President and Chairman, $15,000 to its Chief Executive Officer, $30,000 to its Chief Financial Officer, $10,000 to its Chief Policy Officer, and incurred directors’ fees of $5,000 to one independent director, which is included in the consolidated statements of operations under general and administrative expenses.
5. EQUITY
The Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share, and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share.
Issuance of Common Stock for Cash
Incorporation
Upon incorporation of the Company, 10,000,000 shares of common stock were issued to the Company’s founder and president for proceeds of $50,000.
Seed Round
The Seed Round began in March 2022 and ended in April 2022. During the period from Inception through September 30, 2022, the Company sold 7,500,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.05 per share for proceeds of $375,000 as part of the Company’s Seed Round.
Angel Round
The Angel Round began in April 2022 and ended in February 2023. During period from Inception to September 30, 2022, the Company sold 2,326,500 shares of common stock at a price of $1.00 per share for proceeds of $2,326,500 as part of the Company’s Angel Round. During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Company sold 1,820,369 shares of common stock at a price of $1.00 per share for proceeds of $1,820,369 as part of the Company’s Angel Round.
| F-21 |
5. EQUITY (Continued)
Issuance of Common Stock for Cash (Continued)
Series A Round
The Series A Round began in April 2023 and ended in June 2023. During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Company sold 778,000 shares of common stock at a price of $2.50 per share for proceeds of $1,945,000 as part of the Company’s Series A Round.
Series B Round
Subsequent to September 30, 2023, the Company sold 822,146 common shares at a price of $3.00 per common share for gross proceeds of $2,466,437 in the Series B Round. The Series B Round was completed in January 2024.
Mezzanine Equity
Pursuant to the terms of a subscription agreement (the “Agreement”) signed by the Company during the year ended September 30, 2023, a subscriber (the “Subscriber”) purchased 2,000,000 shares of common stock (the “Shares”) for $2.50 per share or $5,000,000 (the “Purchase Price”). The Agreement includes a put right which entitles the Subscriber to elect to sell to the Company any part or all of the Shares acquired by the Subscriber under this Agreement (the “Put Shares”) if: (a) the Company’s initial public offering registration statement (“IPO Registration Statement”) is not declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) by December 31, 2023; (b) the Company commits a material breach of the Agreement and either that breach is not capable of being remedied or, if capable of remedy, the Company does not remedy that breach as soon as possible and in any event within 30 business days of its receipt of a notice from the Subscriber requiring the Company to remedy that breach. In the event the Subscriber elects to exercise its right to sell or put the shares to the Company (the “Put Option”), the Subscriber shall deliver a written notice to the Company specifying the number of shares that the Subscriber wishes to sell, and the Company shall be required to purchase from the Subscriber the Put Shares at a price per share equal to the original Purchase Price or $2.50 per share. The closing of the Put Shares pursuant to the above shall take place no later than 15 days following the receipt of such notice from the Subscriber payable in cash.
ASC 480-10-S99-3A provides guidance on the classification and measurement of redeemable securities, which requires classification in temporary equity of securities redeemable for cash or other assets if they are redeemable under certain conditions. One of these conditions is the occurrence of an event that is not solely within the control of the issuer. This condition is applicable as the Subscriber can exercise the Put Option and require the Company to redeem the shares of common stock if the Company’s IPO Registration Statement is not declared effective by the SEC by December 31, 2023. This process involves a significant number of third parties and the SEC’s declaration of effectiveness. Therefore, this contingently redeemable feature is not considered to be within the control of the Company and is classified within Mezzanine Equity on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2023. As of January 30, 2024, the Subscriber has not exercised the Put Option.
Equity-Based Compensation
Issuance of Common Stock for Consulting fees
During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Company issued to two consultants an aggregate of 85,000 shares of common stock with an aggregate fair value of $85,000, which represents equity-based compensation and is recorded within operating expenses. During the period ended September 30, 2022, the Company issued to various consultants an aggregate of 675,000 shares of common stock with an aggregate fair value of $390,000, which represents equity-based compensation and is recorded within operating expenses. The fair value of shares is determined by the value of services rendered as indicated in the corresponding consulting agreements and by reference to recent cash sales of common stock to third parties.
Stock Based Compensation
On February 10, 2023, the Company adopted the 2023 Stock Incentive Plan which provides for the grant of incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options to purchase a maximum of 4,974,760 shares of the Company’s common stock and other types of awards. The exercise price, vesting and expiry date is determined for each grant by the board of directors or a committee appointed by the board of directors.
During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Company issued 2,050,000 fully vested stock options exercisable at $1.50 per common share with expiry on February 10, 2026, issued 1,650,000 fully vested stock options exercisable at $3.00 per common share with expiry on June 7, 2026, and issued 307,000 fully vested stock options exercisable at $3.00 per common share with expiry on August 30, 2026. The 2,050,000 options were valued at $584,484 based on a Black-Scholes valuation with the following assumptions (Risk-free interest rate: 4.19%; expected life of options: 1.5 years; estimated volatility: 82.5%; dividend rate: 0%). The 1,650,000 options were valued at $1,444,530 based on a Black-Scholes valuation with the following assumptions (Risk-free interest rate: 4.21%; expected life of options: 1.5 years; estimated volatility: 82.5%; dividend rate: 0%). The 307,000 options were valued at $269,989 based on a Black-Scholes valuation with the following assumptions (Risk-free interest rate: 4.57%; expected life of options: 1.5 years; estimated volatility: 82.5%; dividend rate: 0%).
| F-22 |
5. EQUITY (Continued)
Equity-Based Compensation (Continued)
Stock Based Compensation (Continued)
During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Company’s assumptions utilized in the Black-Scholes valuation were the following: 1) stock price based on recent sales of common stock to unrelated parties; 2) estimated the volatility of its underlying stock by using an average of the historical volatility of a group of comparable publicly traded companies; 3) expected dividend yield was calculated using historical dividend amounts; 4) risk-free rate is based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant; 5) expected term was estimated based on the vesting and contractual term of the stock option grant.
The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options issued during the year ended September 30, 2023 was $0.57 per share. There was no remaining stock compensation expense to be recognized at September 30, 2023 as all options vested immediately upon grant.
For the year ended September 30, 2023, $1,963,440 was recorded within general and administrative expenses and $420,563 was recorded within research and development expenses. During the period from Inception through September 30, 2022, the Company did not issue stock options.
Option Activity
A summary of cumulative option activity under the 2023 Plan is as follows:
| Options outstanding | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average | Weighted average | Aggregate | ||||||||||||||
| Number of | exercise price | contractual term | intrinsic value | |||||||||||||
| shares | per share | (in years) | (in thousands) | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding – September 30, 2022 | — | $ | — | — | $ | — | ||||||||||
| Options granted | 2,050,000 | 1.50 | 3.00 | 1,025 | ||||||||||||
| Options granted | 1,650,000 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 825 | ||||||||||||
| Options granted | 307,000 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 154 | ||||||||||||
| Outstanding – September 30, 2023 | 4,007,000 | $ | 2.23 | 2.54 | $ | 2,004 | ||||||||||
| Vested during the year | 4,007,000 | $ | 2.23 | 3.00 | $ | 2,004 | ||||||||||
| Vested at end of year | 4,007,000 | $ | 2.23 | 2.54 | $ | 2,004 | ||||||||||
| Exercisable at the end of the year | 4,007,000 | $ | 2.23 | 2.54 | $ | 2,004 | ||||||||||
6. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company has evaluated all events or transactions that occurred after September 30, 2023 through January 30, 2024, which is the date that the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued. During this period, there were no material subsequent events requiring disclosure except as stated as follows:
Subsequent to September 30, 2023, the Company sold 822,146 common shares at a price of $3.00 per common share for gross proceeds of $2,466,437.
| F-23 |
Through and including [●], 2024 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus) all dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in the listing, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.
3,000,000 Shares
common stock
NANO NUCLEAR ENERGY INC.
PROSPECTUS
THE BENCHMARK COMPANY
[●], 2024
PART II — INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
The following table sets forth an itemized statement of the amounts of all expenses (excluding underwriting discounts and non-accountable expense allowance) payable by us in connection with the registration of the common stock offered hereby. With the exception of the SEC registration fee, the FINRA filing fee and the Nasdaq initial listing fee, the amounts set forth below are estimates.
| SEC registration fee | $ | 2,740 | ||
| FINRA filing fee | 3,500 | |||
| Nasdaq initial listing fee | 50,000 | |||
| Transfer agent fees | 5,000 | |||
| Accounting fees and expenses | 20,000 | |||
| Legal fees and expenses | 375,000 | |||
| Printing and engraving expenses | 40,000 | |||
| Other expenses | 3,760 | |||
| Total | $ | 500,000 |
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Nevada Revised Statutes (“NRS”) 78.138(7) provides that, subject to limited statutory exceptions and unless the articles of incorporation or an amendment thereto (in each case filed on or after October 1, 2003) provide for greater individual liability, a director or officer is not individually liable to a corporation or its stockholders or creditors for any damages as a result of any act or failure to act in his or her capacity as a director or officer unless it is proven that: (i) the act or failure to act constituted a breach of his or her fiduciary duties as a director or officer and (ii) the breach of those duties involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law.
NRS 78.7502(1) provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation), by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the action, suit or proceeding if the person (i) is not liable pursuant to NRS 78.138 or (ii) acted in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct was unlawful. NRS 78.7502(2) provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses, including amounts paid in settlement and attorneys’ fees actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of the action or suit if the person (i) is not liable pursuant to NRS 78.138 or (ii) acted in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation. To the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any such action, suit or proceeding, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, the corporation shall indemnify him or her against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the defense. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, does not, of itself, create a presumption that the person is liable pursuant to NRS 78.138 or did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, or that, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, he or she had reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful. Indemnification may not be made for any claim, issue or matter as to which such a person has been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom, to be liable to the corporation or for amounts paid in settlement to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which the action or suit was brought or other court of competent jurisdiction determines upon application that in view of all the circumstances of the case, the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court deems proper.
| II-1 |
NRS 78.7502(3) provides that any discretionary indemnification pursuant to NRS 78.7502 (unless ordered by a court or advanced pursuant to NRS 78.751(2)), may be made by the corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director, officer, employee, or agent is proper in the circumstances. The determination must be made (i) by the stockholders; (ii) by the board of directors by majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to the action, suit or proceeding; (iii) if a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to the action, suit or proceeding so orders, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion; or (iv) if a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to the action, suit or proceeding cannot be obtained, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion. NRS 78.751(2) provides that the corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws, or an agreement made by the corporation, may provide that the expenses of officers and directors incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding must be paid by the corporation as they are incurred and in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit or proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that the director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation.
Under the NRS, the indemnification pursuant to NRS 78.7502 and advancement of expenses authorized in or ordered by a court pursuant to NRS 78.751:
| ● | Does not exclude any other rights to which a person seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under the articles of incorporation or any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, for either an action in the person’s official capacity or an action in another capacity while holding office, except that indemnification, unless ordered by a court pursuant to NRS 78.7502 or for the advancement of expenses made pursuant to NRS 78.751(2), may not be made to or on behalf of any director or officer if a final adjudication establishes that the director’s or officer’s acts or omissions involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of the law and was material to the cause of action; and | |
| ● | Continues for a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, or agent and inures to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. |
A right to indemnification or to advancement of expenses arising under a provision of the articles of incorporation or any bylaw is not eliminated or impaired by an amendment to such provision after the occurrence of the act or omission that is the subject of the civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding for which indemnification or advancement of expenses is sought, unless the provision in effect at the time of such act or omission explicitly authorizes such elimination or impairment after such action or omission has occurred.
Our governing documents provide that to the fullest extent permitted under the NRS (including, without limitation, to the fullest extent permitted under NRS 78.7502 and 78.751(3)) and other applicable law, that we shall indemnify our directors and officers in their respective capacities as such and in any and all other capacities in which any of them serves at our request.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
During the past three years, we issued securities that were not registered under the Securities Act as set forth below. The following is a summary of transactions from our inception until the date of this prospectus involving sales of our securities that were not registered under the Securities Act. The offers, sales and issuances of the securities described below were exempt from registration either (i) under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder in that the transactions were between an issuer and sophisticated investors or members of its senior executive management and did not involve any offering within the meaning of Section 4(a)(2), or (ii) under Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act in that offers, sales and issuances were not made to persons in the United States and no directed selling efforts were made in the United States, or (iii) under Rule 144A under the Securities Act in that the shares were offered and sold by the initial purchasers to qualified institutional buyers, or (iv) under Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act in that the transactions were under compensatory benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation.
| II-2 |
In February 2022, we issued 10,000,000 shares of common stock to I Financial Ventures Group LLC, of which our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Jay Jiang Yu, is the sole shareholder and director, and received proceeds of $50,000.
Between March 2022 and April 2022, we issued an aggregate of 7,500,000 shares of common stock to certain members of our management team and certain investors, and received an aggregate proceeds of $375,000.
Between February 2022 and September 2022, we issued an aggregate of 675,000 shares of common stock to certain consultants for services received.
Between April 2022 and February 2023, we issued an aggregate of 4,146,869 shares of common stock to certain investors, and received an aggregate proceeds of $4,146,869.
Between April 2023 and September 2023, we issued an aggregate of 2,778,000 shares of common stock to certain investors, and received an aggregate proceeds of $6,945,000.
In January 2024, we issued an aggregate of 822,146 shares of common stock to certain investors, and received an aggregate gross proceeds of $2,466,437, of which $2,106,437 was received in advance as of December 31, 2023, and $360,000 was received in January 2024.
Item 16. Exhibits
The following is a list of exhibits filed as a part of this registration statement:
* Filed herewith.
** To be filed by amendment
+ Certain portions of this exhibit are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulations S-K because they are not material and are the type that the registrant treats as private or confidential. The Registrant hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any omitted portion to the SEC upon request.
^ Certain portions of the exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(6) of Regulations S-K. The Company hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any omitted portion to the SEC upon request.
| II-3 |
Item 17. Undertakings
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
| (1) | To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: |
| (i) | To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; | |
| (ii) | To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and | |
| (iii) | To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; |
| (2) | That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. | |
| (3) | To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. | |
| (4) | That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser: |
| (i) | If the registrant is relying on Rule 430B (§230.430B):
(a) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) [§230.424(b)(3)] shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
(b) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) [§230.424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7)] as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) [§230.415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x)] for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date; or | |
| (ii) | If the registrant is subject to Rule 430C (§230.430C), each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A (§230.430A), shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use. |
| (5) | That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: | |
| The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: |
| (i) | Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; | |
| (ii) | Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant; | |
| (iii) | The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and | |
| (iv) | Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser. |
| (6) | The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that: |
| (i) | For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b) (1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective. | |
| (ii) | For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
| Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. |
| II-4 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New York on March 19, 2024.
| Nano Nuclear Energy Inc. | ||
| By: | /s/ James Walker | |
| Name: | James Walker | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENT, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of James Walker and Jay Jiang Yu, severally, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with the full power of substitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place or stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this registration statement (including post-effective amendments), and to sign any registration statement for the same offering covered by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act, and all post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signature | Title | Date | ||
| /s/ Jay Jiang Yu | Chairman of the Board and President | March 19, 2024 | ||
| Jay Jiang Yu | ||||
| /s/ James Walker | Chief Executive Officer and Director | March 19, 2024 | ||
| James Walker | (Principal Executive Officer) | |||
| /s/ Jaisun Garcha | Chief Financial Officer and Secretary | March 19, 2024 | ||
| Jaisun Garcha | (Principal Accounting Officer) | |||
| /s/ Dr. Tsun Yee Law | Independent Director | March 19, 2024 | ||
| Dr. Tsun Yee Law | ||||
| /s/ Diane Hare | Independent Director | March 19, 2024 | ||
| Diane Hare | ||||
| /s/ Dr. Kenny Yu | Independent Director | March 19, 2024 | ||
| Dr. Kenny Yu | ||||
| II-5 |
