Creatd, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended: March 31, 2021

OR

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

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File No. 001-39500

Creatd, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

2050 Center Avenue Suite 640

Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024

(Address of principal executive offices)

(201) 258-3770

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of a “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company,” and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One)

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 pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐  No ☒

As of May 14, 2021, the Company had 10,989,566 shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding.

FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

AND OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS REPORT

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. You can find many (but not all) of these statements by looking for words such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions in this Form 10-Q. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions; prospective products, applications, customers and technologies; future performance or results of anticipated products; anticipated expenses; and projected financial results. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. We have included important factors in the cautionary statements included in this Form 10-Q, particularly in the “Risk Factors” section, that we believe could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that we make. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments we may make or collaborations or strategic partnerships we may enter into.

You should read this Form 10-Q and the documents that we have filed as exhibits to this Form 10-Q completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, the terms “Creatd,” “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer collectively to Creatd, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Creatd, Inc.
March 31, 2021

Index to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Creatd, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

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

Creatd, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited)

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

Creatd, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

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

Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

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

Creatd, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

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

Creatd, Inc.

March 31, 2021

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 – Organization and Operations

Creatd, Inc., formerly Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc. (“we,” “us,” the “Company,” or “Creatd”), is a technology company focused on the development of digital communities, marketing branded digital content, and e-commerce opportunities. Creatd’s content distribution platform, Vocal, delivers a robust long-form, digital publishing platform organized into highly engaged niche-communities capable of hosting all forms of rich media content. Through Creatd’s proprietary algorithm dynamics, Vocal enhances the visibility of content and maximizes viewership, providing advertisers access to target markets that most closely match their interests.

The Company was originally incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on December 30, 1999 under the name LILM, Inc. The Company changed its name on December 3, 2013 to Great Plains Holdings, Inc. as part of its plan to diversify its business.

On February 5, 2016 (the “Closing Date”), GTPH, GPH Merger Sub, Inc., a Nevada corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of GTPH (“Merger Sub”), and Jerrick Ventures, Inc., a privately-held Nevada corporation headquartered in New Jersey (“Jerrick”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger”) pursuant to which the Merger Sub was merged with and into Jerrick, with Jerrick surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of GTPH (the “Merger”). GTPH acquired, pursuant to the Merger, all of the outstanding capital stock of Jerrick in exchange for issuing Jerrick’s shareholders (the “Jerrick Shareholders”), pro-rata, a total of 475,000 shares of GTPH’s common stock. In connection therewith, GTPH acquired 33,415 shares of Jerrick’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Jerrick Series A Preferred”) and 8,064 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Jerrick Series B Preferred”).

In connection with the Merger, on the Closing Date, GTPH and Kent Campbell entered into a Spin-Off Agreement (the “Spin-Off Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Campbell purchased from GTPH (i) all of GTPH’s interest in Ashland Holdings, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, and (ii) all of GTPH’s interest in Lil Marc, Inc., a Utah corporation, in exchange for the cancellation of 39,091 shares of GTPH’s Common Stock held by Mr. Campbell. In addition, Mr. Campbell assumed all debts, obligations and liabilities of GTPH, including any existing prior to the Merger, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Spin-Off Agreement.

Upon closing of the Merger on February 5, 2016, the Company changed its business plan to that of Jerrick.

Effective February 28, 2016, GTPH entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Statutory Merger Agreement”) with Jerrick, pursuant to which GTPH became the parent company of Jerrick Ventures, LLC, a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of Jerrick (the “Statutory Merger”) and GTPH changed its name to Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc. to better reflect its new business strategy.

On September 11, 2019, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Seller’s Choice, LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company (“Seller’s Choice”). Seller’s Choice is digital e-commerce agency based in New Jersey (see Note 4).

On September 9, 2020, the Company filed a certificate of amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada to change our name to “Creatd, Inc.”, which became effective on September 10, 2020. 

Note 2 – Significant Accounting Policies and Practices

Management of the Company is responsible for the selection and use of appropriate accounting policies and the appropriateness of accounting policies and their application. Critical accounting policies and practices are those that are both most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results and require management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. The Company’s significant and critical accounting policies and practices are disclosed below as required by the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis of Presentation

The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and following the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim reporting. As permitted under those rules, certain footnotes or other financial information that are normally required by U.S. GAAP can be condensed or omitted. These interim financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the Company’s annual financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial information. These interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2021 or any other interim period or for any other future year. These unaudited condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2020, included in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. The balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 has been derived from audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.

Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.

These significant accounting estimates or assumptions bear the risk of change due to the fact that there are uncertainties attached to these estimates or assumptions, and certain estimates or assumptions are difficult to measure or value.

Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.

Management regularly evaluates the key factors and assumptions used to develop the estimates utilizing currently available information, changes in facts and circumstances, historical experience and reasonable assumptions. After such evaluations, if deemed appropriate, those estimates are adjusted accordingly.

Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of consolidation

The Company consolidates all majority-owned subsidiaries, if any, in which the parent’s power to control exists.

As of March 31, 2021, the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries and/or entities are as follows:

All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value measurement disclosures are grouped into three levels based on valuation factors:

The Company’s Level 1 assets/liabilities include cash, accounts receivable, marketable trading securities, accounts payable, prepaid and other current assets, line of credit and due to related parties. Management believes the estimated fair value of these accounts at March 31, 2021 approximate their carrying value as reflected in the balance sheets due to the short-term nature of these instruments or the use of market interest rates for debt instruments.

The Company’s Level 2 assets/liabilities include certain of the Company’s notes payable and capital lease obligations. Their carrying value approximates their fair values based upon a comparison of the interest rate and terms of such debt given the level of risk to the rates and terms of similar debt currently available to the Company in the marketplace.

The Company’s Level 3 assets/liabilities include goodwill, intangible assets, marketable debt securities, equity investments at cost, and derivative liabilities, when they are recorded at fair value due to an impairment charge. Inputs to determine fair value are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The fair values are therefore determined using model-based techniques, including option pricing models and discounted cash flow models. Unobservable inputs used in the models are significant to the fair values of the assets and liabilities. 

The following table provides a summary of the relevant assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on recurring basis:

Fair Value Measurements as of

March 31, 2021

The following table shows the valuation methodology and unobservable inputs for Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on recurring basis as of March 31, 2021:

The following table provides a summary of the relevant assets that are measured at fair value on non-recurring basis: 

Fair Value Measurements as of

March 31, 2021

The following table shows the valuation methodology and unobservable inputs for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2021:

The Company valued the initial value of debt securities, which are investments in convertible notes receivable, by assessing the separate values of the debt and equity components for similar instruments convertible into private company equity (Level 3). The investment was initially measured at cost, which was determined to approximate fair value due to the lack of marketability of the conversion shares underlying these convertible instruments and the expected recoverability of the note principal. The key assumption affecting the level 3 fair values would be collectability of the notes. The Company monitors for impairment indicators at each balance sheet date.

Marketable debt securities as of March 31, 2021 are as follows:

The change in net unrealized holding gain (loss) on debt securities available for sale that has been included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income as a separate component of Stockholder’s Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $0 and $0, respectively.

The Company recognizes impairment on loans or notes receivable (that do not meet the definition of a debt security) when it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms, and the amount of loss can be estimated. The loss is estimated based on the present value of expected cash flows. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 the Company recognized a $0 credit loss on debt marketable securities.

Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

At times, cash balances may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurable limits. The Company has never experienced any losses related to these balances. As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, cash amounts in excess of $250,000 were not fully insured. The uninsured cash balance as of March 31, 2021 was approximately $2.6 million. The Company does not believe it is exposed to significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.

Long-lived Assets Including Goodwill and Other Acquired Intangibles Assets

We evaluate the recoverability of property and equipment and acquired finite-lived intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Recoverability of these assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate from the use and eventual disposition. If such review indicates that the carrying amount of property and equipment and intangible assets is not recoverable, the carrying amount of such assets is reduced to fair value. We have not recorded any significant impairment charges during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Acquired finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We routinely review the remaining estimated useful lives of property and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets. If we change the estimated useful life assumption for any asset, the remaining unamortized balance is amortized or depreciated over the revised estimated useful life.

During the year ended December 31, 2020 the Company completed its annual impairment test of goodwill. The Company performed the qualitative assessment as permitted by ASC 350-20 and determined that the fair value of the reporting unit was more likely than not equal or greater than the carrying value, including Goodwill. Based on completion of this annual impairment test, no impairment was indicated.

Investments

Marketable securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recognized in earnings. Debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity or as trading are classified as available-for-sale, and are carried at fair market value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, included in the determination of comprehensive income and reported in stockholders’ equity.

The Company accounts for its investments in available-for-sale debt securities, in accordance with sub-topic 320-10 of the FASB ASC (“Sub-Topic 320-10”). Accrued interest on these securities is included in fair value and amortized cost.

Pursuant to Paragraph 320-10-35, investments in debt securities that are classified as available for sale shall be measured subsequently at fair value in the statement of financial position. Unrealized holding gains and losses for available-for-sale securities (including those classified as current assets) shall be excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income until realized.

The Company follows FASB ASC 320-10-35 to assess whether an investment in debt securities is impaired in each reporting period. An investment in debt securities is impaired if the fair value of the investment is less than its amortized cost. If the Company intends to sell the debt security (that is, it has decided to sell the security), an other-than-temporary impairment shall be considered to have occurred. If the Company more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis or it otherwise does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, an other-than-temporary impairment shall be considered to have occurred. The Company considers the expected cash flows from the investment based on reasonable and supportable forecasts as well as several other factors to estimate whether a credit loss exists. If the Company intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss, the other-than-temporary impairment shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date.

The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in marketable securities - available-for-sale debt securities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

We invest in debt securities. Our investments in debt securities are subject to interest rate risk. To minimize the exposure due to an adverse shift in interest rates, we invest in securities with maturities of two years or less and maintain a weighted average maturity of one year or less. As of March 31, 2021, all of our investments had maturities between one and three years. The marketable debt security investments are evaluated for impairment if events or circumstances arise that indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.

The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in equity investments, at cost that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis:

The Company has elected to measure its equity securities without a readily determinable fair value at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. An election to measure an equity security in accordance with this paragraph shall be made for each investment separately.

The Company performed a qualitative assessment considering impairment indicators to evaluate whether these investments were impaired. Impairment indicators that the Company considered included the following: a) a significant deterioration in the earnings performance, credit rating, asset quality or business prospects of the investee; b) a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic or technology environment of the investee; c) a significant adverse change in the general market condition of either the geographical area or the industry in which the investee operates; d) a bona fide offer to purchase or an offer by the investee to sell the investment; e) factors that raise significant concerns about the investee’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Commitments and Contingencies

The Company follows subtopic 450-20 of the FASB ASC to report accounting for contingencies. Certain conditions may exist as of the date the condensed consolidated financial statements are issued, which may result in a loss to the Company, but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The Company assesses such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company or un-asserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company evaluates the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or un-asserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein.

If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability would be accrued in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potential material loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, and an estimate of the range of possible losses, if determinable and material, would be disclosed.

Loss contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed unless they involve guarantees, in which case the guarantees would be disclosed.

 Foreign Currency

 Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at our Consolidated Balance Sheet dates. Results of operations and cash flows are translated using the average exchange rates throughout the periods. The effect of exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of assets and liabilities is included as a component of stockholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive income. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions, which are included in SG&A, have not been significant in any period presented.

Derivative Liability

The Company evaluates its debt and equity issuances to determine if those contracts or embedded components of those contracts qualify as derivatives to be separately accounted for in accordance with paragraph 815-10-05-4 and Section 815-40-25 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The result of this accounting treatment is that the fair value of the embedded derivative is marked-to-market each balance sheet date and recorded as either an asset or a liability. In the event that the fair value is recorded as a liability, the change in fair value is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations as other income or expense. Upon conversion, exercise or cancellation of a derivative instrument, the instrument is marked to fair value at the date of conversion, exercise or cancellation and then the related fair value is reclassified to equity.

In circumstances where the embedded conversion option in a convertible instrument is required to be bifurcated and there are also other embedded derivative instruments in the convertible instrument that are required to be bifurcated, the bifurcated derivative instruments are accounted for as a single, compound derivative instrument. 

The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is re-assessed at the end of each reporting period. Equity instruments that are initially classified as equity that become subject to reclassification are reclassified to liability at the fair value of the instrument on the reclassification date. Derivative instrument liabilities will be classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument is expected within 12 months of the balance sheet date.

The Company adopted Section 815-40-15 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Section 815-40-15”) to determine whether an instrument (or an embedded feature) is indexed to the Company’s own stock. Section 815-40-15 provides that an entity should use a two-step approach to evaluate whether an equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded feature) is indexed to its own stock, including evaluating the instrument’s contingent exercise and settlement provisions. The Company changed its method of accounting for the debt and warrants through the early adoption of ASU 2017-11 during the three months ended December 31, 2017 on a retrospective basis.

The Company utilizes a Geometric Brownian Motion (“GBM”) model and a Binomial model to compute the fair value of the derivative and to mark to market the fair value of the derivative at each balance sheet date. The inputs utilized in the application of the GBM model included a starting stock price, an expected term of each debenture remaining from the valuation date to maturity, an estimated volatility, and a risk-free rate. The inputs utilized in the application of the Binomial model included a stock price on valuation date, an expected term of each debenture remaining from the valuation date to maturity, an estimated volatility, and a risk-free rate. The Company records the change in the fair value of the derivative as other income or expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Revenue Recognition

Under Topic 606, revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.

We determine revenue recognition through the following steps:

Revenue disaggregated by revenue source for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 consists of the following:

Agency Revenue

Managed Services

The Company provides Studio/Agency Service offerings to business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) product and service brands which encompasses a full range of digital marketing and e-commerce solutions. The Company’s services include the setup and ongoing management of clients’ websites, Amazon and Shopify storefronts and listings, social media pages, search engine marketing, and other various tools and sales channels utilized by e-commerce sellers for sales and growth optimization. Contracts are broken into three categories Partners, Monthly Services, and Projects. Contract amounts for Partner and Monthly Services clients range from approximately $500-$7,500 per month while Project amounts vary depending on the scope of work. Partner and Monthly clients are billed monthly for the work completed within that month. Partner Clients may or may not have an additional billing component referred to as Sales Performance Fee, which is a fee based upon a previously agreed upon percentage point of the client’s total sales for the month. Some Partners may also have projects within their contracts that get billed and recognized as agreed upon project milestones are achieved. Revenue is recognized over time as service obligations and milestones in the contract are met.

Branded Content

Branded content represents the revenue recognized from the Company’s obligation to create and publish branded articles for clients on the Vocal platform and promote said stories, tracking engagement for the client. The performance obligation is satisfied when the Company successfully publishes the articles on its platform and meets any required promotional milestones as per the contract. The revenue is recognized over time as the services are performed and any required milestones are met.

Below are the significant components of a typical agreement pertaining to branded content revenue:

Platform Revenue

Creator Subscriptions

Vocal+ is a premium subscription offering for Vocal creators. In addition to joining for free, Vocal creators now have the option to sign up for a Vocal+ membership for either $9.99 monthly or $99 annually, though these amounts are occasionally subject to promotional discounts. Vocal+ subscribers receive access to value-added features such as increased rate of cost per mille (thousand) (“CPM”) monetization, a decreased minimum withdrawal threshold, a discount on platform processing fees, member badges for their profiles, access to exclusive Vocal+ Challenges, and early access to new Vocal features. Subscription revenues stem from both monthly and annual subscriptions, the latter of which is amortized over a twelve-month period. Any customer payments received are recognized over the subscription period, with any payments received in advance being deferred until they are earned.

The transaction price for any given subscriber could decrease based on any payments made to that subscriber. A subscriber may be eligible for payment through one or more of the monetization features offered to Vocal creators, including earnings through reads (on a cost per mille basis) and cash prizes offered to Challenge winners. Estimates are utilized for payments made for earnings through reads, by establishing the lifetime a subscriber has had a Vocal account, determining the percentage of that lifetime that the subscriber has been a paying customer, and applying that percentage to payments for earnings through reads in the relevant reporting period.

Affiliate Sales Revenue

Affiliate sales represents the commission the Company receives when a purchase is made through affiliate links placed within content hosted on the Vocal platform. Affiliate revenue is earned on a “click through” basis, upon referring visitors, via said links, to an affiliate’s site and having them complete a specific outcome, most commonly a product purchase. The Company uses multiple affiliate platforms, such as Skimlinks, Amazon, and Tune, to form and maintain thousands of vendor relationships. Each vendor establishes their own commission percentage, which typically range from 2-20%. The revenue is recognized upon receipt as reliable estimates could not be made.

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue consists of billings and payments from clients in advance of revenue recognition. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had deferred revenue of $148,760 and $88,637, respectively.

Accounts Receivable and Allowances

Accounts receivable are recorded and carried when the Company has performed the work in accordance with managed services, project, partner, consulting and branded content agreements. For example, we bill a managed service client monthly when we have updated their Amazon store, modified SEO or completed the other services listed in the agreement. For projects and branded content, we will bill the client and record the receivable once milestones are reached that are set in the agreement. We make estimates for the allowance for doubtful accounts and allowance for unbilled receivables based upon our assessment of various factors, including historical experience, the age of the accounts receivable balances, credit quality of our customers, current economic conditions, and other factors that may affect our ability to collect from customers. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 the Company recorded $997 as a bad debt expense. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company has an allowance for doubtful accounts of $81,506 and $80,509, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation expense for all equity–based payments granted in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation”. Under fair value recognition provisions, the Company recognizes equity–based compensation net of an estimated forfeiture rate and recognizes compensation cost only for those shares expected to vest over the requisite service period of the award.

Restricted stock awards are granted at the discretion of the Company. These awards are restricted as to the transfer of ownership and generally vest over the requisite service periods, typically over a five-year period (vesting on a straight–line basis). The fair value of a stock award is equal to the fair market value of a share of Company stock on the grant date.

The fair value of an option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black–Scholes option valuation model. The Black–Scholes option valuation model requires the development of assumptions that are inputs into the model. These assumptions are the value of the underlying share, the expected stock volatility, the risk–free interest rate, the expected life of the option, the dividend yield on the underlying stock and the expected forfeiture rate. Expected volatility is benchmarked against similar companies in a similar industry over the expected option life and other appropriate factors. Risk–free interest rates are calculated based on continuously compounded risk–free rates for the appropriate term. The dividend yield is assumed to be zero as the Company has never paid or declared any cash dividends on its Common stock and does not intend to pay dividends on its Common stock in the foreseeable future. The expected forfeiture rate is estimated based on management’s best estimate. 

Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of equity–based payment awards requires the input of the subjective assumptions described above. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of equity–based payment awards represent management’s best estimates, which involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. As a result, if factors change and the Company uses different assumptions, our equity–based compensation could be materially different in the future. The Company issues awards of equity instruments, such as stock options and restricted stock units, to employees and certain non-employee directors. Compensation expense related to these awards is based on the fair value of the underlying stock on the award date and is amortized over the service period, defined as the vesting period, using the cliff straight-line method. The vesting period is generally one to three years. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for restricted stock units. Compensation expense is reduced for actual forfeitures as they occur.

Loss Per Share

Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is determined using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents. In periods when losses are reported, which is the case for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 presented in these condensed consolidated financial statements, the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding excludes common stock equivalents because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

The Company had the following common stock equivalents at March 31, 2021 and 2020:

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

In December 2019, the FASB issued authoritative guidance intended to simplify the accounting for income taxes (ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes”). This guidance eliminates certain exceptions to the general approach to the income tax accounting model and adds new guidance to reduce the complexity in accounting for income taxes. This guidance is effective for annual periods after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those annual periods. The updated guidance, which became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU-2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 affects loans, debt securities, trade receivables, and any other financial assets that have the contractual right to receive cash. The ASU requires an entity to recognize expected credit losses rather than incurred losses for financial assets. ASU 2016-13 is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. This ASU amends the guidance on convertible instruments and the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity, and also improves and amends the related EPS guidance for both Subtopics. The ASU will be effective for annual reporting periods after December 15, 2021 and interim periods within those annual periods and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In May 2021, the FASB issued authoritative guidance intended to clarify and reduce diversity in an issuer’s accounting for modifications or exchanges of freestanding equity-classified written call options that remain equity classified after modification or exchange. (ASU 2021-04), “Derivatives and Hedging Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Topic 815). This guidance amendments provide measurement, recognition, and disclosure guidance for an issuer’s accounting for modifications or exchanges of freestanding equity-classified written call options that remain equity classified after modification or exchange. This guidance is effective for annual periods after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective accounting pronouncements, when adopted, will have a material effect on the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Note 3 – Going Concern

The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that it will continue as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business.

As reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements, as of March 31, 2021, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $78.6 million, a net loss of $6.6 million and net cash used in operating activities of $5.3 million for the reporting period then ended. The Company is in default on debentures as of the date of this filing. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of one year from the issuance of these financial statements.

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 novel coronavirus outbreak a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” and on March 10, 2020, declared it to be a pandemic. Actions taken around the world to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus include restrictions on travel, and quarantines in certain areas, and forced closures for certain types of public places and businesses. The COVID-19 coronavirus and actions taken to mitigate it have had and are expected to continue to have an adverse impact on the economies and financial markets of many countries, including the geographical area in which the Company operates. While it is unknown how long these conditions will last and what the complete financial impact will be to the Company, capital raising efforts and our operations may be negatively affected.

The Company is attempting to further implement its business plan and generate sufficient revenues; however, its cash position may not be sufficient to support its daily operations. While the Company believes in the viability of its strategy to further implement its business plan and generate sufficient revenues and in its ability to raise additional funds by way of a public or private offering of its debt or equity securities, there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so on reasonable terms, or at all. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to further implement its business plan and generate sufficient revenues and its ability to raise additional funds by way of a public or private offering. 

The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

Note 4 - Equity investments, at cost

The Company has elected to measure its equity securities without a readily determinable fair value at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. An election to measure an equity security in accordance with this paragraph shall be made for each investment separately.

The Company performed a qualitative assessment considering impairment indicators to evaluate whether these investments were impaired. Impairment indicators that the Company considered included the following: a) a significant deterioration in the earnings performance, credit rating, asset quality or business prospects of the investee; b) a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic or technology environment of the investee; c) a significant adverse change in the general market condition of either the geographical area or the industry in which the investee operates; d) a bona fide offer to purchase or an offer by the investee to sell the investment; e) factors that raise significant concerns about the investee’s ability to continue as a going concern.

On October 2, 2020, the Company converted $102,096 of its marketable debt security into 119,355 shares of preferred stock or a 1.3% equity investment in a private company.

On October 23, 2020, the Company entered into an equity interest purchase agreement whereas the Company purchased 3.8% ownership of a private company for $115,000. On February 17, 2021 the Company entered into a membership interest purchase agreement whereas the Company purchased another 3.3% ownership of a private company for $100,000.

Note 5 – Notes Payable

Notes payable as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is as follows:

As of March 31, 2021, if PPP loans payable are not forgiven, remaining scheduled principal payments due on notes payable are as follows:

Seller’s Choice Note

On September 11, 2019, the Company entered into Seller’s Choice Purchase Agreement with Home Revolution LLC (see Note 4). As a part of the consideration provided pursuant to the Seller’s Choice Acquisition, the Company issued the Seller’s Choice Note to the Seller in the principal amount of $660,000. The Seller’s Choice Note bears interest at a rate of 9.5% per annum and is payable on March 11, 2020 (the “Seller’s Choice Maturity Date”) at which time all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts become due. Upon maturity the Company utilized an automatic extension up to 6 months. This resulted in a 5% increase in the interest rate every month the Seller’s Choice Note is outstanding. As of March 31, 2021 the Company is in default on the Seller’s Choice note.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 the Company accrued interest of $48,822.

The April 2020 PPP Loan Agreement

On April 30, 2020, the Company was granted a loan with a principal amount of $282,432 (the “Loan”), pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) under Division A, Title I of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which was enacted on March 27, 2020. The Loan, which was in the form of a Note dated April 30, 2020 matures on April 30, 2022 and bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.00% per annum, payable monthly commencing on October 30, 2020. The Note may be prepaid by the Company at any time prior to maturity without payment of any premium. Funds from the Loan may only be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or make mortgage payments, lease payments and utility payments.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company accrued interest of $696. 

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company repaid $20,000 in principal.

The Company is in the process of returning the funds received from the Loan.

When the applications for PPP first opened up, there was limited available funding and much confusion surrounding the application process. The Company initially submitted its application for the May 2020 PPP Loan in early April but received no response in the aftermath of submitting the application. After consulting multiple advisors, the Company made the decision to apply elsewhere, due to the rampant media coverage of institutions running out of funding and the Company’s need for the capital and belief that if 2 separate loans were approved, the remaining application could simply be withdrawn.

Therefore, in late April, the company proceeded with applying for the April 2020 PPP Loan. After some conflicting communications regarding acceptance, the Company attempted to contact the lender to clarify but got no response. After continued attempts to follow up with both lenders, the Company received approval for the May 2020 PPP Loan and funding for the April 2020 PPP Loan on the same day, followed the next day by the funding of the May 2020 PPP Loan. The Company immediately separated the funds for the April 2020 PPP Loan into a separate reserved bank account with the intention of returning the funds. However, after several attempts to contact the lender with no response, the Company was faced with difficulty raising funds in the early-Covid economy and made the decision to utilize the funds for operations and pursue an installment repayment plan when they were able to reach the lender. As of the date of this filing, the Company has begun making repayments on the loan, absent a formal installment agreement due to difficulties reaching the lender. The Company intends to complete repayment before the end of 2021.

As each company is only permitted one loan under the CARES Act, there is a possibility the loan may be called by the SBA and the Company would have to repay the loan in full at such time.

The May 2020 PPP Loan Agreement

On May 4, 2020, Jerrick Ventures, LLC (“Jerrick Ventures”), the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, was granted a loan from PNC Bank, N.A. with a principal amount of $412,500, pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”). The Loan, which was in the form of a Note dated May 4, 2020 matures on May 4, 2022 and bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.00% per annum, payable monthly commencing on November 4, 2020. The Note may be prepaid by Jerrick Ventures at any time prior to maturity without payment of any premium. Funds from the Loan may only be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or make mortgage payments, lease payments and utility payments. Jerrick Ventures intends to use the entire Loan amount for qualifying expenses. Under the terms of the PPP, certain amounts of the Loan may be forgiven if they are used for qualifying expenses as described in the CARES Act.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company accrued interest of $1,017. 

The Company plans to apply for forgiveness of this loan and has begun discussions with the lender regarding that process.

The October 2020 Loan Agreement

On October 6, 2020, the Company entered into a secured loan agreement (the “October 2020 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “October 2020 Lender”), whereby the October 2020 Lender issued the Company a secured promissory note of A$74,300 AUD or $53,128 United States Dollars (the “October 2020 Note”). Pursuant to the October 2020 Loan Agreement, the October 2020 Note has an effective interest rate of 14%. The maturity date of the October 2020 Note is September 30, 2021 (the “October 2020 Maturity Date”) at which time all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the October 2020 Loan Agreement are due. The loan is secured by the Australian research & development credit.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 the Company accrued A$2565 in interest.

The November 2020 Loan Agreement

On November 24, 2020, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the “November 2020 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “November 2020 Lender”) whereby the November 2020 Lender issued the Company a promissory note of $34,000 (the “November 2020 Note”). Pursuant to the November 2020 Loan Agreement, the November 2020 Note has an effective interest rate of 14%. The maturity date of the November 2020 Note is May 25, 2021 (the “November 2020 Maturity Date”), at which time all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the November 2020 Note are due.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company repaid $23,716 in principal and $4,736 of accrued interest.

The February 2021 Loan Agreement

On February 24, 2021, the Company entered into a secured loan agreement (the “February 2021 Loan Agreement”) with a lender (the “February 2021 Lender”), whereby the February 2021 Lender issued the Company a secured promissory note of A$111,683 AUD or $86,089 United States Dollars (the “February 2021 Note”). Pursuant to the February 2021 Loan Agreement, the February 2021 Note has an effective interest rate of 14%. The maturity date of the February 2021 Note is July 31, 2021 (the “February 2021 Maturity Date”) at which time all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts due under the February 2021 Loan Agreement are due. The loan is secured by the Australian research & development credit.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 the Company accrued A$1,499 in interest.

Note 6 – Convertible Note Payable

Convertible notes payable as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is as follows: