Creatd, Inc. - Annual Report: 2022 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022

or

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

Commission File Number 001-39500

CREATD, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

(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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

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

As of April 17, 2023, the Company had 86,469,195 shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding.

As of June 30, 2022, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter, the aggregate market value of the shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $14,213,436 based on $0.74 (on a post-reverse stock split basis), the closing price of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share on that date.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements contained in this Annual Report, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our future operating results and financial position, our business strategy and plans, potential growth or growth prospects, future research and development, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses, and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Words such as “believes,” “may,” “will,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continues,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “expects,” “could,” “would,” “projects,” “plans,” “targets,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described in the “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in this Annual Report and in other documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) that disclose risks and uncertainties that may affect our business. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for us to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, the future events and circumstances discussed in this Annual Report may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.

You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. In addition, the forward-looking statements in this Annual Report are made as of the date of this filing, and we do not undertake, and expressly disclaim any duty, to update such statements for any reason after the date of this Annual Report or to conform statements to actual results or revised expectations, except as required by law.

You should read this Annual Report and the documents that we reference herein and have filed with the SEC as exhibits to this Annual Report with the understanding that our actual future results, performance, and events and circumstances may be materially different from what we expect.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Overview

Creatd, Inc. provides economic opportunities for creators through access to its curated social platform called Vocal, enabling creators to share their stories, build an audience, and be rewarded.  In addition to revenues generated directly from the platform from subscribers and microtransactions, the existence of Vocal, and the first-party data it produces, has resulted in the creation of numerous derivative business opportunities for the Company. Secondary opportunities with the potential to eventually exceed the core Vocal revenues include well-known brands activating through the Vocal platform under Creatd’s “Vocal for Brands” business unit. In addition to this branded content production, the establishment of a portfolio of consumer brands owned and operated in-house, will similarly leverage the core data and intelligence derived from the Company’s core Vocal platform.   

Creator-Centric Strategy

Creatd exists to support the boundless capacity of creators. Our mission is to empower creators by providing best-in-class tools, supportive audience communities, and avenues for monetization. Our creator-first approach is the cornerstone of our culture and purpose and is what drives every decision we make. We are committed to channeling our resources toward fueling the dreams and ambitions of creators and helping them to unleash their full potential.

That’s why we built our flagship proprietary technology platform, Vocal—a home base for creators offering an unparalleled suite of digital tools and resources, curated communities, and monetization opportunities.

Vocal

Our flagship technology, Vocal, provides the Company with a core platform that is highly scalable on its own but also provides the foundation upon which other revenue sources rely. The first direct core business of Vocal has proven to be a scalable revenue source—Creator Subscriptions. The core will be augmented in the near term with the introduction of the ability for writers and creators to monetize their followings further by directly charging for premium content such as newsletters. Vocal will charge a recurring commission on these new premium content subscriptions. As discussed above, the core Vocal platform underlies numerous derivative revenue sources for the Company.

Since its launch in 2016, Vocal has quickly become the go-to platform for content creators of all kinds, with over 1.5 million registered creators and counting. Whether you’re a blogger, social media influencer, podcaster, founder, musician, photographer, or anything in between, Vocal has everything you need to unleash your creativity and monetize your content.

Creators can opt to use Vocal for free, or upgrade to the premium membership tier, Vocal+. Upon joining Vocal, either as a freemium or premium member, creators can immediately begin to utilize Vocal’s storytelling tools to create and publish their stories, as well as benefit from Vocal’s monetization features. 

At Creatd, we believe in rewarding creators for their hard work and dedication. That’s why we offer a range of monetization features on Vocal, whereby creators earn in numerous ways including i) the number of ‘reads’ their story receives; ii) via Vocal Challenges, or writing contests with cash prizes; iii) receiving Bonuses; iv) by participating in Vocal for Brands marketing campaigns; v) through ‘Subscribe,’ which enables creators to receive payment directly from their audience via monthly subscriptions and one-off microtransactions; vi) via Vocal’s Ambassador Program, which enables creators to be compensated for referring new premium members. But what sets Vocal apart from other platforms is our commitment to innovation and scalability. Built on Keystone, the same open-source framework used by industry leaders in the SaaS space, Vocal’s technology is designed for speed, sustainability, and scalability. And with our capital-light infrastructure and focus on research and development, we are able to continuously improve and enhance the platform, without incurring the operational costs that have weighed down legacy media platforms.

Creatd firmly believes that the future belongs to creators. And with Vocal, we’re proud to be leading the charge in providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Branded Content

In developing our creator ecosystem, we came to understand that like individual creators, all brands have a unique story to tell. That’s why we’ve developed Vocal for Brands, our in-house content studio that specializes in creating best-in-class organic marketing campaigns. Our approach combines the production of branded content influencer and performance marketing initiatives that work together to increase sales, revenue, visibility, and brand affinity for our clients.

We work with leading brands to pair them with our network of creators, tapping into their communities to help share their stories in a way that is engaging, direct-response driven, and non-interruptive. Similarly, through Sponsored Challenges, we prompt the creation of thousands of high-quality stories that are centered around the brand’s mission, further disseminated through creators’ respective social channels and promotional outlets.

Our campaigns are amplified with the help of Vocal’s first-party data insights, allowing us to create highly targeted, segmented audiences for brands with optimal results.

Consumer Products Group

At Creatd, we are proud of our internally owned and operated e-commerce businesses and associated technology and infrastructure. Our Consumer Products Group has grown to become a significant revenue contributor and we continue to invest in our portfolio to support direct-to-consumer brands with a wide range of services including design and development, marketing and distribution, and go-to-market strategies. We additionally remain on the lookout for up-and-coming brands that can potentially be acquired and easily consolidated into our shared supply chain, resources, and infrastructure to further broaden our portfolio.

The Company’s Consumer Products portfolio currently includes:

Camp, a direct-to-consumer (DTC) food brand which creates healthy upgrades to classic comfort food favorites. Each of Camp’s products is created with servings of vegetables and contains Vitamins A, C, D, E, B1, and B6. Since its launch in 2020, Camp continues to add new products to its line of healthy, veggie-based, family-friendly foods, with flavors including Classic Cheddar Mac ‘N’ Cheese, White Cheddar Mac ‘N’ Cheese, Vegan Cheezy Mac, and Twist Veggie Pasta.

Dune Glow Remedy (“Dune”), which the Company purchased and brought to market in 2021, is a beverage brand focused on promoting wellness and beauty from within. Each beverage in Dune’s product line is meticulously crafted with functional ingredients that nourish skin from the inside out and enhance one’s natural glow. During 2022, Dune has continued to advance its retail and wholesale distribution strategy, securing numerous partnerships including with lifestyle retailer Urban Outfitters, Equinox, and the Los Angeles-based Erewhon Market.

Basis is a hydrating electrolyte drink mix that was acquired in the first quarter of 2022. This brand has a history of strong sales volume both on the brand’s website as well as through third-party distribution channels such as Amazon.

Brave is a plant-based food company that provides convenient and healthy breakfast food products. Our Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Brave Foods, LLC in September 2022. What started as a search for a better morning routine evolved into a business serving thousands of go-getters of every type. We are thrilled to have these amazing brands as part of our portfolio and we are excited to continue expanding our Consumer Products portfolio.

IP Development and Production

At Creatd, we’re always looking for ways to bring our creators’ stories to new audiences across different media. Our IP Development and Production efforts involve partnering with our top creators to develop their content for television, film, podcasts, and print. With our cutting-edge Vocal platform, we have access to a wealth of intellectual property that’s constantly being curated by a blend of human moderation and advanced machine learning models. Our Vocal technology allows us to analyze community, creator, and audience insights to surface the best candidates for transmedia adaptations. We’re committed to leveraging our vast library of compelling stories to create engaging and impactful content across multiple platforms. As of early 2023, Creatd announced a series of newly released and production projects. They include podcasts, books, and Web 3.0 opportunities.  

Application of First-Party Data

First-party data is information that a creator platform collects directly from its users, such as their demographics, interests, and behaviors. By utilizing this data, Vocal’s creator platform can gain insights into its users’ preferences and tailor marketing campaigns accordingly.

For example, a large segment of Vocal users is interested in health and fitness, as evidenced through the Longevity community. This information can additionally be used not only to create more personalized experiences for Vocal audiences, but additionally to help fitness-oriented brands create targeted campaigns for workout equipment, supplements, or fitness apparel. With our ability to understand users’ niche interests and behaviors, the platform can create campaigns that resonate with its audience and drive better engagement and conversions.

The use of first-party data also helps the creator platform maintain a closer relationship with its users, as it enables a more personalized experience of content consumption and engagement for Vocal users. This can lead to higher retention rates, increased user loyalty, and improved user satisfaction. Finally, our business intelligence team pairs first-party Vocal data with third-party data from distribution platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Snapchat providing a more granular profile of creators, brands, and audiences. By generating this valuable first-party data, the Company can continually enrich and refine its targeting capabilities for branded content marketing and creator acquisition, specifically, to reduce creator acquisition costs (CAC) and subscriber acquisition costs (SAC).

Competitive Advantage 

The idea for Vocal came as a response to what Creatd’s founders recognized as systemic flaws inherent to the digital media industry and its operational infrastructures, and the competitive advantage that a closed and safe platform ecosystem would provide. First-party data is widely understood as a tool for companies to collect and analyze data about their users directly from the source, providing valuable insights into their behaviors, preferences, and interests. Importantly, by leveraging this data within a closed and safe platform ecosystem, companies can create more personalized experiences for their users, deliver more relevant content and advertising, and increase user engagement and retention.

A secondary, and crucial, advantage of a closed ecosystem is that it allows companies to control the user experience and ensure a high level of safety and security. By controlling the data that is shared and the interactions that take place within the ecosystem, companies can minimize the risk of fraud, abuse, and other harmful behaviors that can undermine user trust and loyalty. This can be particularly important in industries where user safety and privacy are paramount, such as social networking, e-commerce, and financial services.

Finally, the existence of Vocal and its ecosystem enables the Company to optimize our operations and increase efficiencies, effectively creating a more defensible business model by reducing the risk of competition and disintermediation. By controlling the data and interactions within the ecosystem, we create barriers to entry for competitors and reduce the risk of users migrating to other platforms. This can be particularly important in an industry such as Creatd’s, in which network effects and economies of scale are critical to success, such as social networking, e-commerce, and digital advertising.

Leveraging these advantages has enabled the Company to differentiate itself in the market, attract and retain users, and drive sustainable growth and profitability.

Acquisition Strategy

Creatd’s strategic business line expansion has led to the acquisition of several complementary businesses. These acquisitions have allowed Creatd to expand its reach and diversify its revenue streams, enabling the company to leverage its internal resources and expertise to drive continued growth. In addition, the acquisitions have provided opportunities for cost synergies and operational efficiencies, further enhancing the company’s profitability and positioning it for long-term success.

Revenue Model

Creatd’s revenues are primarily generated through:

Platform: Creatd’s flagship technology product, Vocal, generates revenues through subscription fees from premium Vocal creators, a membership program known as Vocal+. The Vocal+ subscription offering provides creators with increased monetization and access to premium tools and features. At approximately $10 per month, Vocal+ offers creators a strong value proposition for freemium users to upgrade, while providing a scalable source of monthly recurring gross revenue for Creatd. Additional platform-based revenues are generated from Tipping and other transactions that occur on the platform. For each such transaction, which are designed to enable Vocal audiences to engage and support their favorite creators,  Vocal takes platform processing fees ranging from approximately 3% to 7%.

E-commerce: The majority of the Company’s e-commerce revenues comes from sales associated with Creatd’s portfolio of internally owned and operated e-commerce businesses, Camp, Dune, Basis, and Brave. Additionally, the Company’s e-commerce strategy involves revitalizing archival imagery and media content in dormant legacy portfolios. Creatd maintains an exclusive license to leverage the stories housed on Vocal, reimagining them for films, episodic shows, games, graphic novels, collectibles, books, and more.

Agency: The Company derives revenues from marketing partnerships through its internal branded content studio, Vocal for Brands, which specializes in pairing leading brands with select Vocal creators to produce content marketing campaigns, including sponsored Challenges, that leverage the power of Vocal. Branded stories and Challenges are distributed to a targeted audience based on Vocal’s first-party data, and are optimized for conversions to maximize revenue growth.

Corporate History and Information

We were 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.

On February 5, 2016 (the “Merger Closing Date”), we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with GPH Merger Sub, Inc., a Nevada corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiary (“Merger Sub”), and Jerrick Ventures, Inc., a privately-held Nevada corporation headquartered in New Jersey (“Jerrick”), pursuant to which the Merger Sub was merged with and into Jerrick, with Jerrick surviving as our wholly-owned subsidiary (the “Merger”). Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, we acquired, through a reverse triangular 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 our common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”). Additionally, we assumed 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”).

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

In connection with the Merger, on the Merger Closing Date, we entered into a Spin-Off Agreement with Kent Campbell (the “Spin-Off Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Campbell purchased (i) all of our interest in Ashland Holdings, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, and (ii) all of our interest in Lil Marc, Inc., a Utah corporation, in exchange for the cancellation of 13,030 shares of our common stock held by Mr. Campbell. In addition, Mr. Campbell assumed all of our debts, obligations and liabilities, including any existing prior to the Merger, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Spin-Off Agreement.

Effective February 28, 2016, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Statutory Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which we became the parent company of Jerrick Ventures, LLC, our wholly-owned operating subsidiary (the “Statutory Merger”).

On February 28, 2016, we changed our name to Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc. to better reflect our new business strategy.

On July 25, 2019, we filed a certificate of amendment to our articles of incorporation, as amended (the “Amendment”), with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada to effectuate a one-for-twenty (1:20) reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of our common stock without any change to its par value. The Amendment became effective on July 30, 2019. The number of shares of authorized common stock was proportionately reduced as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. The number of shares of authorized preferred stock was not affected by the Reverse Stock Split. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split as all fractional shares were “rounded up” to the next whole share.

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. On March 3, 2022, the Company settled the Seller’s Choice Note for a cash payment of $799,000.

On July 13, 2020, upon approval from our board of directors and stockholders, we filed Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada for the purpose of increasing our authorized shares of Common Stock to 100,000,000.

On August 13, 2020, we filed a certificate of amendment to our second amended and restated articles of incorporation (the “Amendment”), with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada to effectuate a one-for-three (1:3) reverse stock split (the “August 2020 Reverse Stock Split”) of our common stock without any change to its par value. The Amendment became effective on August 17, 2020. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the August 2020 Reverse Stock Split as all fractional shares were rounded down to the next whole share. All share and per share amounts of our common stock listed in this Form 10-K have been adjusted to give effect to the August 2020 Reverse Stock Split.

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.

On June 4, 2021, the Company acquired 89% of the membership interests of Plant Camp, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Plant Camp”), which the Company subsequently rebranded as Camp. Camp is a direct-to-consumer (DTC) food brand which creates healthy upgrades to classic comfort food favorites. The results of Plant Camp’s operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statements of Operations.

On July 20, 2021, the Company acquired 44% of the membership interests of WHE Agency, Inc. WHE Agency, Inc, is a talent management and public relations agency based in New York (“WHE”). WHE has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 55% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statements of Operations.

Between October 21, 2020, and August 16, 2021, the Company acquired 21% of the membership interests of Dune, Inc. Dune, Inc. is a direct-to-consumer brand focused on promoting wellness through its range of health-oriented beverages.

On October 3, 2021, the Company acquired an additional 29% of the membership interests of Dune, Inc., bringing our total membership interests to 50%. Dune, Inc., has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 50% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statements of Operations. 

On March 7, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Denver Bodega, LLC, d/b/a Basis, a Colorado limited liability company (“Basis”). Basis is a direct-to-consumer functional beverage brand that makes high-electrolyte mixes meant to aid hydration. Denver Bodega, LLC has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 100% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statement of Operations.

On August 1, 2022, the Company acquired 51% of the membership interests of Orbit Media LLC, a New York limited liability company. Orbit is a app-based stock trading platform designed to empower a new generation of investors. Orbit has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 51% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statement of Operations.

On September 13, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Brave Foods, LLC, a Maine limited liability company. Brave is a plant-based food company that provides convenient and healthy breakfast food products. Brave Foods, LLC has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 100% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the Statement of Operations.

Recent Developments

May 2022 Securities Purchase Agreement

On May 31, 2022 the Company entered into and closed securities purchase agreements with eight accredited investors, whereby the Investors purchased from the Company for an aggregate of $3,600,036 in subscription amount (i) debentures in the principal amount of $4,000,000; (ii) 2,000,000 Series C Common Stock Purchase Warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share; and (iii) 2,000,000 Series D Common Stock Purchase Warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock. The Company and the Investors also entered into registration rights agreements pursuant to the securities purchase agreements. The Debentures had an original issue discount of 10%, a term of six months with a maturity date of November 30, 2022, may be extended by six months at the Company’s option subject to certain conditions, and are convertible into shares of Common Stock at a conversion price of $2.00 per share, subject to adjustment upon certain events including a one-time adjustment to the price of the Common Stock offered in the Rights Offering (as defined therein), with such adjusted conversion price not to be lower than $1.00. The Warrants are exercisable for a term of five years from the initial exercise date of November 30, 2022, until November 30, 2027. The Series C Warrants are exercisable at an exercise price of $3.00, subject to adjustment upon certain events including a one-time adjustment to the price of the Common Stock offered in the Rights Offering, with such adjusted exercise price not to be lower than $0.96. The Series D Warrants are exercisable at an exercise price of $6.00 subject to adjustment upon certain events including a one-time adjustment to the price of the Common Stock offered in the Rights Offering, with such adjusted exercise price not to be lower than $0.96. The Warrants provide for cashless exercise to the extent that there is no registration statement available for the underlying shares of Common Stock. The securities purchase agreements contain customary representations, warranties, covenants, indemnification and other terms for transactions of a similar nature. Additionally, in connection with the securities purchase agreements, the subsidiaries of the Company delivered a guarantee in favor of the Investors whereby each such subsidiary guaranteed the full payment and performance of all obligations of the Company pursuant to the securities purchase agreements. The Debentures, Warrants, Common Stock underlying the Debentures and the Common Stock underlying the Warrants were not registered under the Securities Act, but qualified for exemption under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506 promulgated thereunder.

July 2022 Securities Purchase Agreement

On July 25, 2022, the Company, entered into and closed securities purchase agreements with five accredited investors, whereby the Investors purchased from the Company for an aggregate of $1,935,019 in subscription amount (i) debentures in the principal amount of $2,150,000; (ii) 1,075,000 Series E Common Stock Purchase Warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share; and (iii) 1,075,000 Series F Common Stock Purchase Warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock. The Company and the investors also entered into registration rights agreements pursuant to the securities purchase agreements. The debentures have an original issue discount of 10%, have a maturity date of November 30, 2022, may be extended by six months at the Company’s option subject to certain conditions, and are convertible into shares of Common Stock at a conversion price of $2.00 per share, subject to adjustment upon certain events including a one-time adjustment to the price of the Common Stock offered in the rights offering, with such adjusted conversion price not to be lower than $1.25. The Warrants are immediately exercisable for a term of five years until July 25, 2027. The Series E Warrants are exercisable at an exercise price of $3.00, subject to adjustment upon certain events including a one-time adjustment to the price of the Common Stock offered in the rights offering, with such adjusted exercise price not to be lower than $1.01. The Series F Warrants are exercisable at an exercise price of $6.00 subject to adjustment upon certain events including a one-time adjustment to the price of the Common Stock offered in the rights offering, with such adjusted exercise price not to be lower than $1.01. The warrants provide for cashless exercise to the extent that there is no registration statement available for the underlying shares of Common Stock. Additionally, in connection with the security purchase agreements, the subsidiaries of the Company delivered a guarantee in favor of the investors whereby each such subsidiary guaranteed the full payment and performance of all obligations of the Company pursuant to the securities purchase agreements. The debentures, warrants, Common Stock underlying the debentures and the Common Stock underlying the warrants were not registered under the Securities Act, but qualified for exemption under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506 promulgated thereunder.

Trigger of Price Reset

On July 29, 2022, the Company announced that it was not moving forward with its previously announced Rights Offering. In doing so, it triggered a price reset in the July 2022 Financing and the May 2022 Securities Purchase Agreement. As a result of this price reset, the May 2022 Securities Purchase Agreement debentures now have a conversion price of $1.00, and both the Series C and Series D warrants have exercise prices of $0.96. As a result of the price reset, the July 2022 Financing debentures now have a conversion price of $1.25, and both the Series E and Series F warrants have exercise prices of $1.01.

Registered direct offering

On September 15, 2022, the Company entered into and closed a securities purchase agreement with five accredited investors resulting in the raise of $800,000 in gross proceeds to the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the securities purchase agreement, the Company agreed to sell in a registered direct offering an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share. In a concurrent private placement, the Company issued to such investors warrants to purchase up to 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock, representing 100% of the shares of common stock purchased in the offering. The warrants and the shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants are not being registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Gross proceeds from the offering totaled $800,000, before deducting offering expenses. The warrants are immediately exercisable for a term of five years until September 15, 2027. The warrants are exercisable at an exercise price of $0.20, subject to adjustment upon certain events. The warrants provide for cashless exercise to the extent that there is no registration statement available for the underlying shares of Common Stock.

Restructuring Agreement

On September 15, 2022, in connection with the offering, the Company entered into an agreement with the holders of certain of the Company’s previously issued securities (the “Restructuring Agreement”).

The Restructuring Agreement, among other things, modified certain provisions of the following securities of the Company:

Pursuant to the Restructuring Agreement, the Company and the Holders agreed to, among other things, to (i) reduce the conversion price of the Debentures down to $0.20, subject to adjustment for reverse and forward stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations and other similar transactions of the Common Stock; (ii) reduce the exercise price of the Restructured Warrants down to $0.20, subject to adjustment for reverse and forward stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations and other similar transactions of the Common Stock; (iii) extend the maturity dates for the Debentures to March 31, 2023; (iv) permit the Company’s contemplated rights offering to proceed, provided that the per share offering price in the rights offering is not less than $0.20; and (v) require that the Company’s cash burn rate not exceed $600,000 per month; provided, however, that with the prior written consent of a majority in interest of the Holders, such permitted monthly burn rate can be increased by $150,000, provided such additional amount is used for marketing purposes.

Additionally, in connection with the Restructuring Agreement, (i) the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (“Registration Rights Agreement”), providing for the filing of a registration statement covering the Restructured Warrants and shares underlying the Warrants by not later than 10 trading days after the date of the Registration Rights Agreement or the earliest practical date on which the Company is permitted by Commission guidance to file such registration statement; (ii) the Company and its subsidiaries entered into a Security Agreement (the “Security Agreement”), whereby the Company granted a first priority security interest in all of their respective assets to the Holders and (iii) the subsidiaries of the Company delivered a guarantee (the “Guarantee”) in favor of the Holders whereby each such subsidiary guaranteed the full payment and performance of all obligations of the Company pursuant to the Debentures.

Each of our directors and officers entered into lock-up agreements (the “Lock-up Agreements”) in favor of the Holders, whereby they agreed not to offer, sell, agree to sell, directly or indirectly, or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock without the prior written consent of the Holders for a period of 180 days after the date of the Restructuring Agreement. The Lock-up Agreements provide limited exceptions and their restrictions may be waived at any time by the Holders.

October 2022 Common Stock Purchase Agreement, Securities Purchase Agreement and Promissory Note

On October 20, 2022, the Company entered into a common stock purchase agreement (the “Investment Agreement”) with an otherwise unaffiliated third party (the “Investor”). Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Agreement, for a period of thirty-six (36) months commencing on the trading day immediately following the date of effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the Investor purchase up to $15,000,000 of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, pursuant to drawdown notices, covering the registrable securities. The purchase price of the shares under the Investment Agreement is equal to 82% of the lowest volume weighted average price (VWAP) during the last ten trading days after the Company delivers to the Investor a put notice or drawdown notice in writing requiring Investor to purchase shares of the Company, subject to the terms of the Investment Agreement. On October 20, 2022, the Company also entered into a securities purchase agreement with the Investor, pursuant to which the Company issued to the Investor on that date a Promissory Note (the “Note”) in the principal amount of $300,000 in exchange for a purchase price of $255,000, which the Investor funded on October 20,2022. The proceeds of the Note to be used by the Company for general working capital purposes. The Note bears interest at the rate of 10% per annum.  Starting on the fifth month anniversary of the funding of the Note, and for the next six months thereafter, the Company will make seven equal monthly payments of $47,142.85 to the Investor. On October 20, 2022, in connection with the entry by the Company and the Investor into the economic agreements, (i.e., the Investment Agreement, the Purchase Agreement, and the Note and the funding thereof), the Company issued 800,000 shares of its common stock to the Investor.

October 2022 Securities Purchase Agreement; Side Letter

On October 24, 2022, the Company entered into and closed a securities purchase agreement with one accredited investor, whereby the Investor purchased from the Company for an aggregate of $1,500,000 in subscription amount, an unsecured debenture in the principal amount of $1,666,650. The Company and the Investor also entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to the securities purchase agreement. The debenture has an original issue discount of 10%, a term of six months with a maturity date of April 24, 2023, may be extended by six months at the Company’s option subject to certain conditions, and are convertible into shares of Common Stock at a conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to adjustment upon certain events. The Company also entered into a side letter agreement with the holders of debentures of the Company, the Series C Warrants and Series D Warrants issued as of May 31, 2022 (the “May Investors”) and the holders of debentures of the Company, the Series E Warrants and Series F Warrants issued as of July 25, 2022 (the “July Investors”). Pursuant to the letter agreement each of the May Investors and the July Investors have entered into a lock-up agreement whereby they may not sell any such debentures, warrants, the shares into which such debentures may be converted, or certain shares underlying such warrants until the date that is 30 days after the date on which the registration statement registering for resale the shares of the Company’s common stock underlying the debenture is declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Additionally, the letter agreement, provides that the May Investors and July Investors have agreed to a further lock up of such shares for a further 30 days upon the receipt of a certain amount of the proceeds from future potential issuances of debentures, common stock or similar securities by the Company. Additionally, pursuant to the letter agreement, the May Investors and the July Investors agreed to exchange and return for cancellation the Series C Warrants, Series D Warrants, Series E Warrants and Series F Warrants, receiving replacement warrants from the Company (the “Replacement Warrants”), in consideration for (i) the Company’s payment of $750,000 of the proceeds from the sale of the debenture to the May Investors and July Investors on a pro rata basis and (ii) the Company’s agreement to pay, on a pro rata basis to the May Investors and July Investors, the greater of (x) $750,000 and (y) 50% of the gross proceeds raised in a subsequent financing. The Replacement Warrants reflect a reduction in the number of Series C and Series D Warrants from 1,550,000 in each class to 1,536,607 in each class and a reduction in the number of Series E and Series F Warrants from 1,075,000 in each class to 807,143 in each class, and the initial exercise date for the Replacement Warrants are unchanged from the date as set forth in the respective exchanged Series C, Series D, Series E or Series F Warrant. The debenture, and the Common Stock underlying the warrants were not registered under the Securities Act, but qualified for exemption under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506 promulgated thereunder.

November 2022 Warrant Amendment and Issuance

On November 18, 2022, the Company entered into a letter agreement with the respective holders of an aggregate of 471,953 warrants issued as placement agent fees in connection with the Company’s entry into securities purchase agreements with 33 accredited investors, whereby, at the closing, the investors agreed to purchase from the Company an aggregate of (i) 7,778 shares of the Company’s Series E Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series E Preferred Stock”); and (ii) 2,831,721 warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, pursuant to which the exercise price of such warrants was amended and such warrants were immediately exercised. Additionally, pursuant to the letter agreement, the Company issued to such warrant holders 471,953 new warrants, exercisable immediately, for a term of 60 months, at a price of $0.77 per share, subject to customary adjustment provisions. As a result of the triggering of such adjustment provisions, the number of warrants increased to 1,817,019 and the exercise price decreased to $0.20.

December 2022 Securities Purchase Agreement

On December 12, 2022, the Company entered into and closed a securities purchase agreement with one accredited investor, whereby the Investor purchased from the Company for an aggregate of $750,000 in subscription amount, an unsecured debenture in the principal amount of $750,000. The Company and the investor also entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to the securities purchase agreement. The debenture has a term of six months with a maturity date of June 12, 2023, which may be extended by six months at the Company’s option subject to certain conditions and monthly redemption options at the election of the holder and are convertible into shares of Common Stock at a conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to adjustment upon certain events.

December 2022 Warrant Amendment and Issuance

On December 22, 2022, the Company entered into a letter agreement with the respective holders of an aggregate of 4,775,000 warrants. Pursuant to the letter agreement, in exchange for the immediate exercise of the 4,775,000 warrants at an exercise price of $0.20, the Company issued to such warrant holders 4,775,000 new warrants, exercisable immediately, for a term of 60 months, at a price of $0.77 per share, subject to customary adjustment provisions.

Dorado Goose Transaction

On January 18, 2023, the Company, entered into and closed two securities purchase agreements with Dorado Goose LLC or the investor, whereby the investor purchased from the Company for an aggregate of $1,500,000 in subscription amount, (i) an unsecured debenture in the principal amount of $847,500 and (ii) 1,562,500 shares of common stock. The Company and the investor also entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to the securities purchase agreements. The subsidiaries of the Company delivered a guarantee in favor of the investor whereby each such subsidiary guaranteed the full payment and performance of all obligations of the Company pursuant to the debenture. The debenture has an original issue discount of 13%, has a maturity date of June 13, 2023, may be extended by six months at the Company’s option subject to certain conditions, and are convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to adjustment upon certain events. The debenture and the common stock were not registered under the Securities Act but qualified for exemption under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506 promulgated thereunder.

Nasdaq Notice of Delisting

On January 4, 2021, the Company received a letter from the staff of The Nasdaq Capital Market (the “Exchange”) notifying the Company that the Exchange had determined to delist the Company’s common stock and warrants from the Exchange based on the Company’s non-compliance with the Exchange’s (i) $5 million stockholders’ equity requirement for initial listing pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5505(b), (ii) the $2.5 million stockholders’ equity requirement or any of the alternatives for continued listing pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b), and (iii) the Company’s failure to provide material information to the Exchange pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(a)(1). On February 11, 2021, the Company met with the Exchange’s Hearings Panel (the “Panel”) with respect to such determination, in accordance with the Exchange’s rules and, pursuant to such request by the Company to appeal, the delisting of the Company’s securities and the Form 25 Notification of Delisting filing was stayed pending the Panel’s decision. On March 9, 2021, the Exchange notified the Company that the Panel had determined to continue the listing of the Company on the Exchange. Notwithstanding the Panel’s determination to continue the listing of the Company’s securities on the Exchange, the Panel issued a public reprimand letter to the Company, pursuant to Listing Rule 5815(c)(1)(D), based on its finding “that the Company failed to meet the initial listing criteria with respect to stockholders’ equity and failed to provide Nasdaq with material information with respect to that deficiency.” Specifically, the Panel found that the Company failed to comply with Listing Rule 5250(a)(1), requiring it to notify Nasdaq of certain significant developments that led to the Company’s prior representations about its ability to satisfy the initial listing requirements being inaccurate. In reaching its determination to continue the listing of the Company on Nasdaq, the Panel acknowledged that the Company had since demonstrated compliance with the initial listing requirement for stockholders’ equity and all other applicable initial listing requirements. The Panel also determined that the violations were inadvertent and that the Company had relied on advice of counsel at the time in its interactions with the Nasdaq staff (“Staff”). The Panel also acknowledged the Company’s efforts to implement structural changes within the Company to avoid similar misstatements in the future and that would allow for proper accounting and disclosure on an ongoing basis. A Panel Monitor was implemented under Listing Rule 5815(d)(4)(A) for a period of one year from the date of the Letter. In the event that the Company became deficient with respect to any continued listing requirement, the Company would not be afforded the opportunity to submit a compliance plan for Staff’s consideration and Staff would issue a Delist Determination Letter and promptly schedule a new hearing under Listing Rule 5810(c)(2), at which the Company may present a compliance plan for the Panel’s consideration. In the event of a new hearing, any suspension or delisting action would be stayed pending the completion of the hearings process and the expiration of any additional extension period granted by the Panel following the hearing.

On March 1, 2022, the Company received a letter from the staff of the Exchange notifying the Company that the Exchange had determined to delist the Company’s common stock from the Exchange based on the Company’s Market Value of Listed Securities for the 30-consecutive day period between January 15, 2022 and February 25, 2022 falling short of the requirements under Listing Rule 5550(b)(2) (the “Rule”). Although a 180-day period is typically allowed for an issuer to regain compliance, the Company was not eligible to use such compliance period, as the Exchange had instituted a Panel Monitor through March 9, 2022.

On April 22, 2022, the Company received a letter from the Exchange notifying the Company that the Nasdaq Hearing Panel had determined to continue the listing of the Company on the Exchange, subject to the following conditions: (i) on or before May 16, 2022, the Company would file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2022 demonstrating compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 550(b)(1) requiring shareholders’ equity of $2.5 million and (ii) on or before August 29, 2022, the Company would file a Form 8-K documenting the successful completion of any fund-raising activity that had taken place since April 14, 2022 and the Company’s long-term compliance with the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market. The Panel advised that August 29, 2022 represented the full extent of the Panel’s discretion to grant continued listing during the time the Company was non-compliant and should the Company fail to demonstrate compliance by such date, the Panel would issue a final delist determination and the Company would be suspended from trading on the Exchange.

On September 2, 2022, the Company received a letter from the Exchange notifying the Company that the Nasdaq Hearings Panel had determined to delist the Company’s common stock from the Exchange, based on the Company’s failure to comply with the listing requirements of Nasdaq Rule 5550(b)(1) as a result of the Company’s shareholder equity deficit for the period ended June 30, 2022, as demonstrated in Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 15, 2022, following the Company having not complied with the market value of listed securities requirement in Nasdaq Rule 5550(b)(2) on March 1, 2022, while the Company was under a Panel Monitor, as had been previously disclosed, suspension of trading in the Company’s shares on the Exchange would be effective at the opening of business on September 7, 2022. Following passage of the proscribed 15-day time period for appeal as stated in the letter, on October 26, 2022, Nasdaq completed the delisting by filing a Form 25 Notification of Delisting with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company’s receipt of the Letter does not affect the Company’s business, operations or reporting requirements with the Commission.

Quotation on OTCQB

Effective on September 7, 2022, our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB Marketplace operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. (“OTCQB”) under the symbol “CRTD.” Effective April 4, 2023, our symbol changed to “VOCL.”

Board of Directors and Management

On June 1, 2022, the Board of Directors approved the Creatd, Inc. 2022 Omnibus Securities and Incentive Plan. On November 10, 2022, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to the Creatd, Inc. 2022 Omnibus Securities and Incentive Plan. The plan provides for the granting of distribution equivalent rights, incentive share options, non-qualified share options, performance unit awards, restricted share awards, restricted share unit awards, share appreciation rights, tandem share appreciation rights, unrestricted share awards or any combination of the foregoing, as may be best suited to the circumstances of the particular employee, director or consultant as provided in the plan. the aggregate number of common shares (including common shares underlying options designated as incentive share options or non-qualified share options) that may be issued under the plan shall not exceed the sum of (i) 30,000,000 common shares plus (ii) an annual increase on the first day of each calendar year beginning January 1, 2023 and ending on and including January 1, 2031 equal to the lesser of (a) five percent (5%) of the common shares outstanding on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year, and (b) such smaller number of common shares as determined by the Board.

On January 18, 2023, the Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The results of the matters voted on by the Company’s stockholders included the election of Directors to serve on the Company’s board; Amendment to our Articles of Incorporation to Increase Authorized Stock; and the approval of Creatd 2022 Omnibus Securities and Incentive Plan.

On February 8, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Creatd, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”) approved, based on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board, certain equity and cash compensation for certain key members of the Company’s management team and non-employee directors as discussed below.

The Company has made certain equity awards to the key members of the Company’s management team (the “Equity Awards”), comprised of 10,692,308 shares of the Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”) to Jeremy Frommer, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, 5,894,788 shares of Common Stock to Justin Maury, Chief Operating Officer of the Company, and 1,663,223 shares of Common Stock to Chelsea Pullano, Chief Financial Officer of the Company. As a condition to receiving the Equity Awards, each such officer agreed to lock-up terms such that only 10% of the shares comprising such individual’s Equity Award can be sold until 90 days after the date of the issuance of the Equity Awards (the “Lock Up Period”) and that during the Lock Up Period, and for nine months thereafter, each such individual can only sell the number of shares equal to the lesser of 5% of the trailing 30 day average volume or 25,000 shares in any single trading day. Additionally, beginning one year after the issuance of the Equity Awards, each individual receiving Equity Awards can only sell the number of shares equal to the lesser of 5% of the trailing 30-day average volume or 40,000 shares in any single trading day (the “Volume Restrictions”).

The Company will also pay cash bonuses to the key members of the Company’s management team (the “Executive Bonuses”) in the amounts of $125,000 to Jeremy Frommer, $62,500 to Justin Maury and $31,250 to Chelsea Pullano, to be paid out on a discretionary basis as determined by the Committee. In addition, each of Jeremy Frommer and Justin Maury will receive monthly housing stipends in the amount of $6,300 (the “Housing Stipends”).

Additionally, the Company will make certain cash payments and equity awards to the non-employee members of the Board (the “Director Compensation”), comprised of annual cash compensation of $140,000, payable in monthly installments, an annual grant of $140,000 in Common Stock, issued quarterly and priced at the average of the last five trading days of the previous quarter. In the fiscal year 2023, each independent director shall be eligible for a cash bonus of $20,000, which shall be paid on a discretionary basis. As a share bonus, 1,700,000 shares of Common Stock shall be issuable to Peter Majar and 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock shall be issuable to Erica Wagner, with such shares subject to the same lock-up and volume restrictions as the Equity Awards.

The Company will offer the chair of the audit committee of the Board (the “Audit Committee Chair”) an additional annual cash compensation of $20,000, payable in monthly installments, and an annual grant of $20,000 in Common Stock, issued quarterly and priced at the average of the last five trading days of the previous quarter. 

All equity awards made to the independent directors of the Company are made pursuant to the Creatd, Inc. 2022 Omnibus Securities and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).

The February 2023 Securities Purchase Agreement

On February 1, 2023, the Company entered into and closed a securities purchase agreement with one accredited investor, whereby the Investor purchased from the Company for an aggregate of $1,250,000 in subscription amount, an unsecured debenture in the principal amount of $1,250,000. The Company and the investor also entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to the securities purchase agreement. The debenture has a term of six months with a maturity date of August 1, 2023, which may be extended by six months at the Company’s option subject to certain conditions and monthly redemption options at the election of the holder and are convertible into shares of Common Stock at a conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to adjustment upon certain events.

Listing on Upstream

On February 14, 2023, the Company completed the listing on Upstream of the Company’s shares of common stock, comprising the same class of common shares currently registered with the Commission that are currently issued and outstanding. Upstream is the trading app for digital securities and NFTs powered by Horizon Fintex and MERJ Exchange Limited (“MERJ”). The shares listed on Upstream are represented on MERJ Exchange as a “digital security” in the form of uncertificated securities that have the same shareholder rights as all other shares of such issuer. It is a representation of common stock in an uncertificated form. The Company has not issued any new securities pursuant to the listing on Upstream. All common shares have been registered with the Commission and comprise the entire number of shares of the Company issued and outstanding and all of the Company’s shares of common stock have the same CUSIP/ISIN number.

MERJ operates Upstream as a fully regulated and licensed integrated securities exchange, clearing system and depository for digital and non-digital securities. MERJ is an affiliate of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), recognized by HM Revenue and Customs UK, a full member of the Association of National Numbering Agencies (ANNA) and a Qualifying Foreign Exchange for OTC Markets in the US. MERJ is also a member of the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative. MERJ is regulated in the Seychelles by the Financial Services Authority Seychelles, https://fsaseychelles.sc/. MERJ is not registered or regulated in any manner in the United States.

Upstream is accessible via the major app stores. After downloading the application, users will have access to review all the securities that trade on Upstream including trading activity, regulatory disclosures and other corporate information. Further there is a direct link of information on our Company at https://investors.creatd.com/resources/faqs/default.aspx. This includes a listing particulars document, which is a required disclosure as part of the requirements of MERJ Exchange Limited as defined by Securities Act 2007 of the Seychelles (as amended) and any other measure prescribed thereunder by the Minister or the Securities Authority. Investors are encouraged to review the listing particulars that may be found at the following link: https://upstream.exchange/creatd.

Pursuant to Upstream’s policy, terms and conditions, investors based in the United States or Canada are prohibited from buying shares on the Upstream secondary market. However, U.S.- and Canada-based investors may sell securities they previously purchased or acquired from an issuer, stockbroker or stock exchange that has dual-listed on Upstream. U.S.- or Canada-based investors are those investors who citizens of the United States or Canada, including those living abroad, or permanent residents of the United States or Canada. To the extent shares had been deposited at a time prior to Upstream’s policy prohibiting such deposits, such shares cannot be sold at this time, and such shareholder would need to have such shares returned to the Company’s transfer agent to complete a sale.

The Press Release stated, “Global investors can now trade by downloading Upstream from their preferred app store at https://upstream.exchange/, creating an account by tapping sign up...”. This was not to suggest that investors based in the United States or Canada can buy shares on the Upstream secondary market, but to suggest that investors who are not U.S.- and Canada-based can trade on Upstream.

Investors who have deposited shares with Upstream may subsequently elect, at any time, to transfer such shares to from Upstream to the Company’s transfer agent for trade via their U.S. broker.

The Company is providing our investors with detailed information on the process on how to deposit and trade shares on Upstream directly on our website at the following link: https://investors.creatd.com/resources/faqs/default.aspx.

Shares transferred into Upstream will be effected via the Company’s Transfer Agent, Pacific Stock Transfer Company (“Pacific”). For shares already recorded with Pacific, investors can transfer such shares to Upstream by taking the following steps: Open Upstream, then choose Investor: Manage Securities, Deposit Securities and, next, Enter the Company’s Ticker Symbol and Number of Shares their requesting to deposit. Investors would then confirm the shares are unrestricted or “free trading” and tap Submit. The value of each share deposit request on the Upstream app may not exceed $100,000, with such value determined by the closing price of the security on the previous trading day multiplied by the number of shares being deposited. Once the investor makes the share deposit request using the Upstream app, and the transfer agent has the investor’s shares in ‘book entry’, the deposit is typically processed within 48 hours during business days. Once the transfer has been completed investors will receive a push notification in the Upstream app and see the share deposit in their Upstream Portfolio.

If the investor’s shares are currently in the investor’s brokerage account, then the investor will be required to transfer its shares to Pacific to have shares recorded as “direct registration” in “book entry” with Pacific. To make such transfer request, an investor would need to contact their brokerage firm and request to transfer their shares back to “book entry” with the transfer agent.

All shares transferred to Upstream shall be held in MERJ Dep., which is a company licensed as a Securities Facility pursuant to the Seychelles Securities Act, 2007. The Company has appointed MERJ Dep. to act as the Depository Nominee in respect of any securities traded which are quoted on Upstream and granted MERJ Dep. as the Depository Nominee, pursuant to the Securities Facility Rules Directive on Depository Interests.

Shares may be withdrawn from Upstream back to the transfer agent. The Upstream app has a function under Investor Services, Manage Securities, Withdraw Securities. The shareholder then enters the ticker symbol and the number of shares to being withdrawn and taps ‘Notarize’ to cryptographically sign this transaction. The shares are removed from the user’s Upstream portfolio and an email is sent to the transfer agent with a share withdrawal request whereafter the transfer agent will liaise directly with the shareholder to ensure the share balance is entered in ‘book entry’ into the user’s name & address. Third party share withdrawals from Upstream are not permitted, the share withdrawal request name and address (as retrieved from the Upstream know your customer (KYC) information by Upstream compliance) is required to be the same name and address that will be entered in the transfer agents ‘book entry’ for such shareholder.

The NFTs traded on Upstream are issued by the Company and convey no ownership interest in the Company, nor do they provide any dividends, royalties, or other equity interests or rights that would indicate an expectation of profit. The NFTs are issued only on Upstream and can only be traded on Upstream.

The Commission evaluates whether a particular digital asset, including an NFT, is a security based on what is commonly referred to as the Howey Test. The Howey Test looks at four factors: (i) an investment of money (ii) in a common enterprise (iii) with the expectation of profit (iv) to be derived from the efforts of others. We believe the commemorative NFTs issued by Creatd do not meet the definition for securities under the Howey Test. Such NFTs, issued to investors who deposited shares of Creatd with Upstream, are commemorative in nature, memorializing the listing on Upstream, as a novelty item, being akin to a tombstone, plaque, sticker, poster or t-shirt commemorating the listing, similar to what NASDAQ and the NYSE may provide to its issuers. The NFT issued by Creatd conveys no ownership interest in Creatd, nor does it provide any dividends, royalties, or other equity interests or rights that would indicate an expectation of profit. The NFTs are issued only on Upstream and can only be traded on Upstream. No consideration was paid for the NFTs, and such investors are still able to transfer such shares back to Pacific Stock Transfer following receipt of the NFTs.

To trade on Upstream, users create a trading account using the Upstream smartphone app, with a random-generated username (in the form of an address that’s a 42-character hexadecimal address derived from the last 20 bytes of a random public key) and a password (in the form of a random cryptographic private key).The public and private key (the cryptographic keypair) is generated locally on the smartphone and only the public key is ever known to Upstream, MERJ Dep., or peer to peer trading counterparties on Upstream. Only the individual users hold their private keys. This privacy ensures that only the Upstream user can cryptographically sign a securities transaction (bid/offer/buy/sell/cancel) for it to be executed on Upstream, that is, all transactions such as share sales are self-directed, peer to peer, and instantly settled using the Upstream distributed ledger platform.

In order to buy, sell, deposit or withdraw shares on Upstream, an Upstream user that has created their account as outlined in the previous paragraph, is required to submit KYC information for the Upstream compliance team to review. KYC information is then linked to the user’s public key, and if the user passes KYC review, then this user’s cryptographic keypair’s transactions will be accepted as legitimate self-directed securities transaction requests to Upstream for execution on the platform.

Shareholders should be aware that there are risks and uncertainties with the Company’s dual listing on Upstream. In particular, the restriction on trading for US- and Canada-based investors may affect the liquidity of our common stock and lead to volatility in the price and trading volume of our common stock.

In addition, though the NFTs traded on Upstream are commemorative in nature, the regulatory regime governing blockchain technologies, cryptocurrencies and tokens is uncertain, and new regulations or policies may materially affect our NFT marketplace and our business generally.

Although we believe that these NFTs are not securities, there is risk that the issuance of NFTs may be considered a public offering in violation of the federal securities laws, and perhaps certain state securities laws. For issuances that are deemed to be public offerings under federal securities laws or in violation of certain state securities laws, purchasers of such products might be granted the right to rescind the sale of these products and demand that we return the purchase price of these products. We did not receive a purchase price for these NFTs; however, there is risk that the Company may be subject to other penalties or that other remedies may apply.

Additional information regarding Upstream can be found at Revolutionary exchange & trading app for digital securities (upstream.exchange).

Appointment of New Directors

On February 17, 2022, the Board appointed Joanna Bloor, Brad Justus, and Lorraine Hendrickson to serve as members of the Board.

On September 2, 2022, the Board appointed Jeremy Frommer, Executive Chairman, as Chief Executive Officer.

On September 2, 2022, the Board appointed Justin Maury, President and Chief Operating Officer, as Director to the Board

On November 2, 2022, the Board appointed Peter Majar as Director to the Board.

On November 16, 2022, the Board appointed Erica Wagner as Director to the Board.

Departure of Directors

On February 17, 2022, the Board received notice that effective immediately, Mark Standish resigned as Chair of the Board, Chair of the Audit Committee and as a member of the Compensation Committee and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee; Leonard Schiller resigned as member of the Board, Chair of the Compensation Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee; and LaBrena Martin resigned as a member of the Board, Chair of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee. Such resignations are not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.

On September 2, 2022, the Company entered into an executive separation agreement with Laurie Weisberg the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors setting forth the terms and conditions related to the executive’s resignation as Chief Executive Officer, Director and any other positions held with the Company or any subsidiary. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company agreed to pay the severance in the aggregate amount of $475,000, payable as follows: (i) 1/24 of the severance amount paid to executive on each of September 15, 2022, October 1, 2022 and November 1, 2022, respectively; (ii) 1/8 of the severance amount paid on each of December 1, 2022, January 1, 2023 and February 1, 2023, respectively; (iii) 1/4 of the severance amount to be paid on April 1, 2023; and (iv) the balance of the severance amount to be paid on May 1, 2023. Under the agreement, all unvested and/or outstanding stock options held by the executive as of the effective date that are not subject to metric-based vesting shall automatically and fully vest as of the effective date. The executive shall continue to hold all unvested and/or outstanding stock options held by the executive as of the effective date that are subject to metric-based vesting and such metric based vesting options shall vest in accordance with their respective original terms. In connection with the separation agreement with Ms. Weisberg, the Company entered into a Confession of Judgment, to which $475,000 in amounts owed through May 1, 2023 is subject, accounting for payments made to Ms. Weisberg from time to time in partial satisfaction of such amounts owing.

On September 21, 2022, the Board received notice from Brad Justus of his resignation as a member of the Board, and from all committees of the Board on which he served, with such resignation to become effective on September 30, 2022. Such resignation was not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.

On November 1, 2022, the Board received notice from Lorraine Hendrickson of her resignation as a Director and from all committees of the Board on which she served, effective as of such date. Ms. Hendrickson’s resignation as a member of the Board was not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.

On November 17, 2022, the Board received notice from Joanna Bloor of her resignation as a Director and from all committees of the Board on which she served, effective as of such date. Ms. Bloor’s resignation as a member of the Board was not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.

Acquisition Transactions

Denver Bodega, LLC Acquisition

On March 7, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Denver Bodega, LLC, d/b/a Basis, a Colorado limited liability company (“Basis”). Basis is a direct-to-consumer functional beverage brand that makes high-electrolyte mixes meant to aid hydration. Denver Bodega, LLC has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 100% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the statement of operations.

Orbit Media LLC Acquisition

On August 1, 2022, the Company acquired 51% of the membership interests of Orbit Media LLC, a New York limited liability company. Orbit is a app-based stock trading platform designed to empower a new generation of investors. Orbit has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 51% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the statement of operations. Pursuant to the agreement, Creatd acquired fifty one percent (51%) of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Orbit Media LLC for consideration of forty-four thousand dollars ($44,000) in cash and 57,576 shares of the Company’s Common Stock.

Brave Foods, LLC Acquisition

On September 13, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Brave Foods, LLC, a Maine limited liability company. Brave is a plant-based food company that provides convenient and healthy breakfast food products. Brave Foods, LLC has been consolidated due to the Company’s ownership of 100% voting control, and the results of operations have been included since the date of acquisition in the statement of operations.

Employees

As of April 17, 2023, we had 14 full-time employees and 8 part-time employees. None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement, and we believe our relationship with our employees to be good.

We believe that our future success will depend in part on our continued ability to attract, hire and retain qualified personnel. Our human capital resources objectives include identifying, recruiting, retaining, incentivizing and integrating our existing and new employees, advisors and consultants. The principal purposes of our equity and cash incentive plans are to attract, retain and reward personnel through the granting of stock-based and cash-based compensation awards, in order to increase stockholder value and the success of our company by motivating such individuals to perform to the best of their abilities and achieve our objectives.

Corporate Information

The Company’s address is 419 Lafayette Street, 6th Floor New York, New York 10003. The Company’s telephone number is (929) 504-3090. Our website is https://creatd.com. The information on, or that can be accessed through, this website is not part of this Form 10-K, and you should not rely on any such information in making the decision whether to purchase the Common Stock.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

You should consider carefully the following risk factors, together with all of the other information included or incorporated in this Annual Report. Each of these risk factors, either alone or taken together, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and adversely affect the value of an investment in our Common Stock. There may be additional risks that we do not know of or that we believe are immaterial that could also impair our business and financial condition.

Risks Related to our Business

The Company is a development stage business and subject to the many risks associated with new businesses.

Our current line of business has a limited operating history and our business is subject to all of the risks inherent in the establishment of a new business enterprise. Our likelihood of success must be considered in light of the problems, expenses, difficulties, complications and delays frequently encountered in connection with development and expansion of a new business enterprise. We have incurred losses and may continue to operate at a net loss for at least the next several years as we execute our business plan. We had a net loss of approximately $35.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, and a working capital deficit and an accumulated deficit of approximately $13.7 million and approximately $146.1 million, respectively.

Our financial situation creates doubt whether we will continue as a going concern.

There can be no assurances that we will be able to achieve a level of revenues adequate to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or obtain funding or additional financing through private placements, public offerings and/or bank financing necessary to support our working capital requirements. To the extent that funds generated from any private placements, public offerings and/or bank financing are insufficient, we will have to raise additional working capital and no assurance can be given that additional financing will be available, or if available, will be on acceptable terms. These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. If adequate working capital is not available, we may be forced to discontinue operations, which would cause investors to lose their entire investment.

The Company’s management has determine that there exists 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. The Company’s 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.

We are not profitable and may never be profitable.

Since inception through the present, we have been dependent on raising capital to support our working capital needs. During this same period, we have recorded net accumulated losses and are yet to achieve profitability. Our ability to achieve profitability depends upon many factors, including our ability to develop and commercialize our websites. There can be no assurance that we will ever achieve any significant revenues or profitable operations.

Our operating expenses exceed our revenues and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

We are in an early stage of our development and we have not generated sufficient revenues to offset our operating expenses. Our operating expenses will likely continue to exceed our operating income for the foreseeable future, until such time as we are able to monetize our brands and generate substantial revenues, particularly as we undertake payment of the increased costs of operating as a public company.

We have assumed a significant amount of debt and our operations may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows to meet our debt obligations, which could reduce our financial flexibility and adversely impact our operations.

Currently the Company has considerable obligations under notes, related party notes and lines of credit outstanding with various lenders. Our ability to make payments on such indebtedness will depend on our ability to generate cash flow. The Company may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to enable us to repay this indebtedness and to fund other liquidity needs, including capital expenditure requirements. Such indebtedness could affect our operations in several ways, including the following:

A high level of indebtedness increases the risk that we may default on our debt obligations. We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows to pay the principal or interest on our debt. If we cannot service or refinance our indebtedness, we may have to take actions such as selling significant assets, seeking additional equity financing (which will result in additional dilution to stockholders) or reducing or delaying capital expenditures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition. If we do not have sufficient funds and are otherwise unable to arrange financing, our assets may be foreclosed upon which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We will need additional capital, which may be difficult to raise as a result of our limited operating history or any number of other reasons.

We expect that we will need to raise additional capital within the next 12 months. However, in the event that we exceed our expected growth, we would need to raise additional capital. There is no assurance that additional equity or debt financing will be available to us when needed, on acceptable terms, or even at all. Our limited operating history makes investor evaluation and an estimation of our future performance substantially more difficult. As a result, investors may be unwilling to invest in us or such investment may be offered on terms or conditions that are not acceptable. In the event that we are not able to secure financing, we may have to scale back our growth plans or cease operations.

We face intense competition. If we do not provide digital content that is useful to users, we may not remain competitive, and our potential revenues and operating results could be adversely affected.

Our business is rapidly evolving and intensely competitive, and is subject to changing technologies, shifting user needs, and frequent introductions of new products and services. Our ability to compete successfully depends heavily on providing digital content that is useful and enjoyable for our users and delivering our content through innovative technologies in the marketplace.

We face competition from others in the digital content creation industry and media companies. Our current and potential competitors range from large and established companies to emerging start-ups. Established companies have longer operating histories and more established relationships with customers and users, and they can use their experience and resources in ways that could affect our competitive position, including by making acquisitions, investing aggressively in research and development, aggressively initiating intellectual property claims (whether or not meritorious) and competing aggressively for advertisers and websites. Emerging start-ups may be able to innovate and provide products and services faster than we can.

Additionally, our operating results would suffer if our digital content is not appropriately timed with market opportunities, or if our digital content is not effectively brought to market. As technology continues to develop, our competitors may be able to offer user experiences that are, or that are seen to be, substantially similar to or better than, ours. This may force us to compete in different ways and expend significant resources in order to remain competitive. If our competitors are more successful than we are in developing compelling content or in attracting and retaining users and advertisers, our revenues and operating results could be adversely affected. 

If we fail to retain existing users or add new users, or if our users decrease their level of engagement with our products, our revenue, financial results, and business may be significantly harmed.

The size of our user base and our user’s level of engagement are critical to our success. Our financial performance will be significantly determined by our success in adding, retaining, and engaging active users of our products, particularly Vocal. We anticipate that our active user growth rate will generally decline over time as the size of our active user base increases, and it is possible that the size of our active user base may fluctuate or decline in one or more markets, particularly in markets where we have achieved higher penetration rates. If people do not perceive Vocal to be useful, reliable, and trustworthy, we may not be able to attract or retain users or otherwise maintain or increase the frequency and duration of their engagement. A number of other content management systems and publishing platforms that achieved early popularity have since seen their active user bases or levels of engagement decline, in some cases precipitously. There is no guarantee that we will not experience a similar erosion of our active user base or engagement levels. Our user engagement patterns have changed over time, and user engagement can be difficult to measure, particularly as we introduce new and different products and services. Any number of factors could potentially negatively affect user retention, growth, and engagement, including if:

If we are unable to maintain or increase our user base and user engagement, our revenue and financial results may be adversely affected. Any decrease in user retention, growth, or engagement could render our products less attractive to users, marketers, and developers, which is likely to have a material and adverse impact on our revenue, business, financial condition, and results of operations. If our active user growth rate continues to slow, we will become increasingly dependent on our ability to maintain or increase levels of user engagement and monetization in order to drive revenue growth.

We face competition from traditional media companies, and we may not be included in the advertising budgets of large advertisers, which could harm our operating results.

In addition to internet companies, we face competition from companies that offer traditional media advertising opportunities. Most large advertisers have set advertising budgets, a very small portion of which is allocated to Internet advertising. We expect that large advertisers will continue to focus most of their advertising efforts on traditional media. If we fail to convince these companies to spend a portion of their advertising budgets with us, or if our existing advertisers reduce the amount they spend on our programs, our operating results would be harmed.

Acquisitions may disrupt growth.

We may pursue strategic acquisitions in the future. Risks in acquisition transactions include difficulties in the integration of acquired businesses into our operations and control environment, difficulties in assimilating and retaining employees and intermediaries, difficulties in retaining the existing clients of the acquired entities, assumed or unforeseen liabilities that arise in connection with the acquired businesses, the failure of counterparties to satisfy any obligations to indemnify us against liabilities arising from the acquired businesses, and unfavorable market conditions that could negatively impact our growth expectations for the acquired businesses. Fully integrating an acquired company or business into our operations may take a significant amount of time. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered with acquisitions and other strategic transactions. These risks may prevent us from realizing the expected benefits from acquisitions and could result in the failure to realize the full economic value of a strategic transaction or the impairment of goodwill and/or intangible assets recognized at the time of an acquisition. These risks could be heightened if we complete a large acquisition or multiple acquisitions within a short period of time.

Our business depends on strong brands and relationships, and if we are not able to maintain our relationships and enhance our brands, our ability to expand our base of users, advertisers and affiliates will be impaired and our business and operating results could be harmed.

Maintaining and enhancing our brands’ profiles may require us to make substantial investments and these investments may not be successful. If we fail to promote and maintain the brands’ profiles, or if we incur excessive expenses in this effort, our business and operating results could be harmed. We anticipate that, as our market becomes increasingly competitive, maintaining and enhancing our brands’ profiles may become increasingly difficult and expensive. Maintaining and enhancing our brands will depend largely on our ability to be a technology leader and to continue to provide attractive products and services, which we may not do successfully.

We depend on our key management personnel and the loss of their services could adversely affect our business.

We place substantial reliance upon the efforts and abilities of our executive officers and directors. Though no individual is indispensable, the loss of the services of these executive officers could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, revenues or prospects. We do not currently maintain key man life insurance on the lives of these individuals.

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, the value of our brands and other intangible assets may be diminished, and our business may be adversely affected.

We rely and expect to continue to rely on a combination of confidentiality, assignment, and license agreements with our employees, consultants, and third parties with whom we have relationships, as well as trademark, copyright, patent, trade secret, and domain name protection laws, to protect our proprietary rights. In the United States and internationally, we have filed various applications for protection of certain aspects of our intellectual property, and we currently hold a number of registered trademarks and issued patents in multiple jurisdictions and have acquired patents and patent applications from third parties. Third parties may knowingly or unknowingly infringe our proprietary rights, third parties may challenge proprietary rights held by us, and pending and future trademark and patent applications may not be approved. In addition, effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which we operate or intend to operate our business. In any or all of these cases, we may be required to expend significant time and expense in order to prevent infringement or to enforce our rights. Although we have generally taken measures to protect our proprietary rights, there can be no assurance that others will not offer products or concepts that are substantially similar to ours and compete with our business. In addition, we regularly contribute software source code under open source licenses and have made other technology we developed available under other open licenses, and we include open source software in our products. If the protection of our proprietary rights is inadequate to prevent unauthorized use or appropriation by third parties, the value of our brands and other intangible assets may be diminished and competitors may be able to more effectively mimic our products, services, and methods of operations. Any of these events could have an adverse effect on our business and financial results.

We are subject to payment processing risk.

We accept payments using a variety of different payment methods, including credit and debit cards and direct debit. We rely on third parties to process payments. Acceptance and processing of these payment methods are subject to certain certifications, rules and regulations. To the extent there are disruptions in our or third-party payment processing systems, material changes in the payment ecosystem, failure to recertify and/or changes to rules or regulations concerning payment processing, we could be subject to fines and/or civil liability, or lose our ability to accept credit and debit card payments, which would harm our reputation and adversely impact our results of operations.

We are subject to risk as it relates to software that we license from third parties.

We license software from third parties, much of which is integral to our systems and our business. The licenses are generally terminable if we breach our obligations under the license agreements. If any of these relationships were terminated or if any of these parties were to cease doing business or cease to support the applications we currently utilize, we may be forced to spend significant time and money to replace the licensed software.

Failures or reduced accessibility of third-party software on which we rely could impair the availability of our platform and applications and adversely affect our business.

We license software from third parties for integration into our Vocal platform, including open source software. These licenses might not continue to be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. While we are not substantially dependent upon any third-party software, the loss of the right to use all or a significant portion of our third-party software required for the development, maintenance and delivery of our applications could result in delays in the provision of our applications until we develop or identify, obtain and integrate equivalent technology, which could harm our business.

Any errors or defects in the hardware or software we use could result in errors, interruptions, cyber incidents or a failure of our applications. Any significant interruption in the availability of all or a significant portion of such software could have an adverse impact on our business unless and until we can replace the functionality provided by these applications at a similar cost. Furthermore, this software may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. The loss of the right to use all or a significant portion of this software could limit access to our platform and applications. Additionally, we rely upon third parties’ abilities to enhance their current applications, develop new applications on a timely and cost-effective basis and respond to emerging industry standards and other technological changes. We may be unable to effect changes to such third-party technologies, which may prevent us from rapidly responding to evolving customer requirements. We also may be unable to replace the functionality provided by the third-party software currently offered in conjunction with our applications in the event that such software becomes obsolete or incompatible with future versions of our platform and applications or is otherwise not adequately maintained or updated.

We need to manage growth in operations to maximize our potential growth and achieve our expected revenues and our failure to manage growth will cause a disruption of our operations, resulting in the failure to generate revenue.

In order to maximize potential growth in our current and potential markets, we believe that we must expand our marketing operations. This expansion will place a significant strain on our management and our operational, accounting, and information systems. We expect that we will need to continue to improve our financial controls, operating procedures, and management information systems. We will also need to effectively train, motivate, and manage our employees. Our failure to manage our growth could disrupt our operations and ultimately prevent us from generating the revenues we expect.

In order to achieve the general strategies of our company we need to maintain and search for hard-working employees who have innovative initiatives, while at the same time, keep a close eye on any and all expanding opportunities in our marketplace.

We plan to generate a significant portion of our revenues from advertising and affiliate sales relationships, and a reduction in spending by or loss of advertisers and general decrease in online spending could adversely harm our business.

We plan to generate a substantial portion of our revenues from advertisers. Our advertisers may be able to terminate prospective contracts with us at any time. Advertisers will not continue to do business with us if their investment in advertising with us does not generate sales leads, and ultimately customers, or if we do not deliver their advertisements in an appropriate and effective manner. If we are unable to remain competitive and provide value to our advertisers, they may stop placing ads with us, which would adversely affect our revenues and business. In addition, expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions and budgeting and buying patterns. Adverse macroeconomic conditions can also have a material negative impact on the demand for advertising and cause our advertisers to reduce the amounts they spend on advertising, which could adversely affect our revenues and business.

Security breaches could harm our business.

Security breaches have become more prevalent in the technology industry. We believe that we take reasonable steps to protect the security, integrity and confidentiality of the information we collect, use, store and disclose, but there is no guarantee that inadvertent (e.g., software bugs or other technical malfunctions, employee error or malfeasance, or other factors) or unauthorized data access or use will not occur despite our efforts. Although we have not experienced any material security breaches to date, we may in the future experience attempts to disable our systems or to breach the security of our systems. Techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to personal information, confidential information and/or the systems on which such information are stored and/or to sabotage systems change frequently and generally are not recognized until launched against a target. As a result, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures.

If an actual or perceived security breach occurs, the market perception of our security measures could be harmed, and we could lose sales and customers and/or suffer other negative consequences to our business. A security breach could adversely affect the digital content experience and cause the loss or corruption of data, which could harm our business, financial condition and operating results. Any failure to maintain the security of our infrastructure could result in loss of personal information and/or other confidential information, damage to our reputation and customer relationships, early termination of our contracts and other business losses, indemnification of our customers, financial penalties, litigation, regulatory investigations and other significant liabilities. In the event of a major third-party security incident, we may incur losses in excess of their insurance coverage.

Moreover, if a high-profile security breach occurs with respect to us or another digital entertainment company, our customers and potential customers may lose trust in the security of our business model generally, which could adversely impact our ability to retain existing customers or attract new ones.

The laws and regulations concerning data privacy and data security are continually evolving; our or our platform providers’ actual or perceived failure to comply with these laws and regulations could harm our business.

Customers view our content online, using third-party platforms and networks and on mobile devices. We collect and store significant amounts of information about our customers-both personally identifying and non-personally identifying information. We are subject to laws from a variety of jurisdictions regarding privacy and the protection of this player information. For example, the European Union (EU) has traditionally taken a broader view than the United States and certain other jurisdictions as to what is considered personal information and has imposed greater obligations under data privacy regulations. The U.S. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) also regulates the collection, use and disclosure of personal information from children under 13 years of age. While none of our content is directed at children under 13 years of age, if COPPA were to apply to us, failure to comply with COPPA may increase our costs, subject us to expensive and distracting government investigations and could result in substantial fines.

Data privacy protection laws are rapidly changing and likely will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The U.S. government, including the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Commerce, is continuing to review the need for greater regulation over the collection of personal information and information about consumer behavior on the Internet and on mobile devices and the EU has proposed reforms to its existing data protection legal framework. Various government and consumer agencies worldwide have also called for new regulation and changes in industry practices. In addition, in some cases, we are dependent upon our platform providers to solicit, collect and provide us with information regarding our players that is necessary for compliance with these various types of regulations.

Customer interaction with our content is subject to our privacy policy and terms of service. If we fail to comply with our posted privacy policy or terms of service or if we fail to comply with existing privacy-related or data protection laws and regulations, it could result in proceedings or litigation against us by governmental authorities or others, which could result in fines or judgments against us, damage our reputation, impact our financial condition and harm our business. If regulators, the media or consumers raise any concerns about our privacy and data protection or consumer protection practices, even if unfounded, this could also result in fines or judgments against us, damage our reputation, and negatively impact our financial condition and damage our business.

In the area of information security and data protection, many jurisdictions have passed laws requiring notification when there is a security breach for personal data or requiring the adoption of minimum information security standards that are often vaguely defined and difficult to implement. Our security measures and standards may not be sufficient to protect personal information and we cannot guarantee that our security measures will prevent security breaches. A security breach that compromises personal information could harm our reputation and result in a loss of confidence in our products and ultimately in a loss of customers, which could adversely affect our business and impact our financial condition. This could also subject us to liability under applicable security breach-related laws and regulations and could result in additional compliance costs, costs related to regulatory inquiries and investigations, and an inability to conduct our business.

Changes to federal, state or international laws or regulations applicable to our company could adversely affect our business.

Our business is subject to a variety of federal, state and international laws and regulations, including those with respect privacy, data, and other laws. These laws and regulations, and the interpretation or application of these laws and regulations, could change. In addition, new laws or regulations affecting our business could be enacted. These laws and regulations are frequently costly to comply with and may divert a significant portion of management’s attention. If we fail to comply with these applicable laws or regulations, we could be subject to significant liabilities which could adversely affect our business.

If any of our relationships with internet search websites terminate, if such websites’ methodologies are modified or if we are outbid by competitors, traffic to our websites could decline.

We depend in part on various internet search websites, such as Google.com, Bing.com, Yahoo.com and other websites to direct a significant amount of traffic to our websites. Search websites typically provide two types of search results, algorithmic and purchased listings. Algorithmic listings generally are determined and displayed as a result of a set of unpublished formulas designed by search engine companies in their discretion. Purchased listings generally are displayed if particular word searches are performed on a search engine. We rely on both algorithmic and purchased search results, as well as advertising on other internet websites, to direct a substantial share of visitors to our websites and to direct traffic to the advertiser customers we serve. If these internet search websites modify or terminate their relationship with us or we are outbid by our competitors for purchased listings, meaning that our competitors pay a higher price to be listed above us in a list of search results, traffic to our websites could decline. Such a decline in traffic could affect our ability to generate advertising revenue and could reduce the desirability of advertising on our websites.

Our business involves risks of liability claims arising from our media content, which could adversely affect our ability to generate revenue and could increase our operating expenses.

As a distributor of media content, we face potential liability for defamation, invasion of privacy, negligence, copyright or trademark infringement, obscenity, violation of rights of publicity and/or obscenity laws and other claims based on the nature and content of the materials distributed. These types of claims have been brought, sometimes successfully, against broadcasters, publishers, online services and other disseminators of media content. Any imposition of liability that is not covered by insurance or is in excess of our insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, measures to reduce our exposure to liability in connection with content available through our internet websites could require us to take steps that would substantially limit the attractiveness of our internet websites and/or their availability in certain geographic areas, which could adversely affect our ability to generate revenue and could increase our operating expenses.

Intellectual property litigation could expose us to significant costs and liabilities and thus negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may be subject to claims of infringement of third-party patents and trademarks and other violations of third-party intellectual property rights. Intellectual property disputes are generally time-consuming and expensive to litigate or settle and the outcome of such disputes is uncertain and difficult to predict. The existence of such disputes may require us to set-aside substantial reserves and has the potential to significantly affect our overall financial standing. To the extent that claims against us are successful, they may subject us to substantial liability, and we may have to pay substantial monetary damages, change aspects of our business model, and/or discontinue any of our services or practices that are found to be in violation of another party’s rights. Such outcomes may severely restrict or hinder ongoing business operations and impact the value of our business. Successful claims against us could also result in us having to seek a license to continue our practices. Under such conditions, a license may or may not be offered or otherwise made available to us. If a license is made available to us, the cost of the license may significantly increase our operating burden and expenses, potentially resulting in a negative effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Although we have been and are currently involved in multiple areas of commerce, internet services, and high technology where there is a substantial risk of future patent litigation, we have not obtained insurance for patent infringement losses. If we are unsuccessful at resolving pending and future patent litigation in a reasonable and affordable manner, it could disrupt our business and operations, including by negatively impacting areas of commerce or putting us at a competitive disadvantage.

If we are unable to obtain or maintain key website addresses, our ability to operate and grow our business may be impaired.

Our website addresses, or domain names, are critical to our business. We currently own more than 415 domain names. However, the regulation of domain names is subject to change, and it may be difficult for us to prevent third parties from acquiring domain names that are similar to ours, that infringe our trademarks or that otherwise decrease the value of our brands. If we are unable to obtain or maintain key domain names for the various areas of our business, our ability to operate and grow our business may be impaired.

We may have difficulty scaling and adapting our existing network infrastructure to accommodate increased traffic and technology advances or changing business requirements, which could cause us to incur significant expenses and lead to the loss of users and advertisers.

To be successful, our network infrastructure has to perform well and be reliable. The greater the user traffic and the greater the complexity of our products and services, the more computer power we will need. We could incur substantial costs if we need to modify our websites or our infrastructure to adapt to technological changes. If we do not maintain our network infrastructure successfully, or if we experience inefficiencies and operational failures, the quality of our products and services and our users’ experience could decline. Maintaining an efficient and technologically advanced network infrastructure is particularly critical to our business because of the pictorial nature of the products and services provided on our websites. A decline in quality could damage our reputation and lead us to lose current and potential users and advertisers. Cost increases, loss of traffic or failure to accommodate new technologies or changing business requirements could harm our operating results and financial condition.

Operating a network open to all internet users may result in legal consequences.

Our Terms and Conditions clearly state that our network and services are only to be used by users who are over 13 years old. Although we will terminate accounts that are known to be held by persons age 13 or younger, it is impractical to independently verify that all activity occurring on our network fits into this description. As such, we run the risk of federal and state law enforcement prosecution.

Risks Related To Our Common Stock

The price of our common stock may be subject to wide fluctuations.

The market price of our Common Stock may be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to a variety of factors and risks, many of which are beyond our control. In addition to the risks noted elsewhere in this Form 10-K, some of the other factors affecting our stock price may include:

For these reasons, comparing our operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful, and you should not rely on past results as an indication of future performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a public company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against the public company. Regardless of its outcome, this type of litigation could result in substantial costs to us and a likely diversion of our management’s attention.

You may lose all of your investment.

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. As an investor, you might never recoup all, or even part of, your investment and you may never realize any return on your investment. You must be prepared to lose all your investment.

We may, in the future, issue additional shares of common stock, which would reduce investors’ percent of ownership and dilute our share value

Our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of 1,500,000,000 shares of common stock, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Currently the Company has 450 shares of Preferred Series E stock outstanding. Additionally, as of April 19, 2023 there are outstanding (i) warrants to purchase 35,665,533 shares of our common stock; (ii) options exercisable into 4,408,267 shares of our common stock; and (iii) 109,223 shares underlying the conversion of Preferred Series E shares.

Assuming all of the Company’s currently outstanding warrants and options are exercised and all convertible notes be converted, the Company would have to issue an additional 64,758,023 shares of common stock representing 75% of our current issued and outstanding common stock. As of the date of this filing, none of the Company’s outstanding convertible notes are currently convertible into Common Stock. The future issuance of this common stock would result in substantial dilution in the percentage of our common stock held by our then existing shareholders. We may value any Common Stock issued in the future on an arbitrary basis. The issuance of common stock for future services or acquisitions or other corporate actions may have the effect of diluting the value of the shares held by our investors and might have an adverse effect on any trading market for our common stock.

Liability of directors for breach of duty is limited under Nevada law.

Nevada law provides that directors must discharge their duties as a director in good faith and with a view to the interests of the corporation. Under Nevada law, directors owe a fiduciary duty to the corporation, which is generally comprised of the duty of care and duty of loyalty to the corporation. Except under limited circumstances set forth in NRS 78.138(7), or unless our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or an amendment thereto provide for greater individual liability (which ours does not provide), a director or officer is not individually liable to the 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 the director’s or officer’s act or failure to act constituted a breach of his or her fiduciary duties as a director or officer, and the breach of those duties involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law. Our stockholders’ ability to recover damages for fiduciary breaches may be reduced by this statute.

We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future and, as such, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock will be your sole source of gain for the foreseeable future.

We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. In addition, and any future loan arrangements we enter into may contain, terms prohibiting or limiting the amount of dividends that may be declared or paid on our common stock. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock will be your sole source of gain for the foreseeable future.

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market by certain of our stockholders could cause our stock price to fall.

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market or the perception that these sales might occur, could depress the market price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities. We are unable to predict the effect that sales may have on the prevailing market price of our common stock.

We may issue additional shares of preferred stock in the future that may adversely impact your rights as holders of our common stock.

Pursuant to our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, the aggregate number of shares of capital stock which we are authorized to issue is 1,520,000,000 shares, of which 1,500,000,000 shares are common stock, and 20,000,000 shares are “blank check” preferred stock with such designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by our board of directors. Our board of directors is empowered, without stockholder approval, to issue one or more series of preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights which could dilute the interest of, or impair the voting power of, our common stockholders. As of the date of this Form 10-K, we have 450 shares of Preferred Series E stock outstanding.

The issuance of a series of preferred stock could be used as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control. For example, it would be 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 control of our Company. In addition, advanced notice is required prior to stockholder proposals, which might further delay a change of control. Additionally, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that would grant to holders preferred rights to our assets upon liquidation, the right to receive dividends before dividends are declared to holders of our common stock, and the right to the redemption of such preferred shares, together with a premium, prior to the redemption of the common stock. To the extent that we do issue such additional shares of preferred stock, your rights as holders of common stock could be impaired thereby, including, without limitation, dilution of your ownership interests in us.

Each of our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that the Eighth Judicial District Court of Clark County, Nevada will be the sole and exclusive forum for certain disputes which could limit stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with the Company or its directors, officers, employees or agents.

Each of our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Eighth Judicial District Court of Clark County, Nevada shall be the sole and exclusive forum for state law claims with respect to: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought in the name or right of the Company or on its behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim for breach of any fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, employee or agent of the Company to the Company or the Company’s stockholders, (iii) any action arising or asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of Nevada Revised Statutes Chapters 78 or 92A or any provision of the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or Amended and Restated Bylaws or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, including, without limitation, any action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or Amended and Restated Bylaws. This exclusive forum provision would not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. To the extent that any such claims may be based upon federal law claims, Section 27 of the Exchange Act 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.

Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. However, each of our Second Amended Articles of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws contain a federal forum provision which provides that unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America will be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Company are deemed to have notice of and consented to this provision. As this provision applies to Securities Act claims, there may be uncertainty whether a court would enforce such a provision.

These choice of forum provisions may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with the Company or its directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against the Company and its directors, officers and other employees. Alternatively, if a court were to find our choice of forum provisions contained in either our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or Amended and Restated Bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, the Company may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm its business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Dual listing on OTCQB and Upstream may lead to additional stock price volatility and heightened regulation.

Dual listing on two stock exchanges has the risk of the additional regulatory and compliance requirements that come with operating on multiple exchanges. We will need to comply with the rules and regulations of each of OTCQB and Upstream, which may include different reporting requirements, disclosure obligations, and accounting standards. Dual listing may increase the exposure of the Company to market risks, including currency fluctuations and geopolitical events, as it may be subject to different economic conditions and political environments in each exchange, which could potentially lead to greater volatility in the Company’s stock price and may negatively impact investor sentiment. There also is a risk that the additional scrutiny and regulatory requirements associated with dual listing may discourage some investors from investing in the Company, or make it more difficult for the Company to attract new investors. This could potentially limit the Company’s access to capital and its ability to fund its growth and expansion plans.

There are risks associated with issuing NFTs, including a potential finding of a violation of securities laws by a regulatory authority. 

In connection with its listing on Upstream, the Company issued NFTs to shareholders who transferred their shares to the Upstream platform. The NFTs traded on Upstream are issued by the Company and convey no ownership interest in the Company, nor do they provide any dividends, royalties, or other equity interests or rights that would indicate an expectation of profit. The NFTs are issued only on Upstream and can only be traded on Upstream.

The Commission evaluates whether a particular digital asset, including an NFT, is a security based on what is commonly referred to as the Howey Test. The Howey Test looks at four factors: (i) an investment of money (ii) in a common enterprise (iii) with the expectation of profit (iv) to be derived from the efforts of others. We believe the commemorative NFTs issued by Creatd do not meet the definition for securities under the Howey Test. Such NFTs, issued to investors who deposited shares of Creatd with Upstream, are commemorative in nature, memorializing the listing on Upstream, as a novelty item, being akin to a tombstone, plaque, sticker, poster or t-shirt commemorating the listing, similar to what NASDAQ and the NYSE may provide to its issuers. The NFT issued by Creatd conveys no ownership interest in Creatd, nor does it provide any dividends, royalties, or other equity interests or rights that would indicate an expectation of profit. The NFTs are issued only on Upstream and can only be traded on Upstream. No consideration was paid for the NFTs, and such investors are still able to transfer such shares back to Pacific Stock Transfer following receipt of the NFTs.

Although we believe that these NFTs are not securities, there is risk that the issuance of NFTs may be considered a public offering in violation of the federal securities laws, and perhaps certain state securities laws. For issuances that are deemed to be public offerings under federal securities laws or in violation of certain state securities laws, purchasers of such products might be granted the right to rescind the sale of these products and demand that we return the purchase price of these products. We did not receive a purchase price for these NFTs; however, there is risk that the Company may be subject to other penalties or that other remedies may apply.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements contain information about our expectations, beliefs or intentions regarding our product development and commercialization efforts, business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies or prospects, and other similar matters. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. These statements may be identified by words such as “expects,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “may,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “should,” “intends,” “estimates,” and other words of similar meaning.

These statements relate to future events or our future operational or financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other 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 these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, those listed under the section titled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Any forward-looking statement in this Annual Report reflects our current view with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our business, results of operations, industry and future growth. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance. You should read this Annual Report and the documents that we reference herein and therein and have filed as exhibits hereto and thereto completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future.

This Annual Report also contains or may contain estimates, projections and other information concerning our industry, our business and the markets for our products, including data regarding the estimated size of those markets and their projected growth rates. Information that is based on estimates, forecasts, projections or similar methodologies is inherently subject to uncertainties and actual events or circumstances may differ materially from events and circumstances reflected in this information. Unless otherwise expressly stated, we obtained these industry, business, market and other data from reports, research surveys, studies and similar data prepared by third parties, industry and general publications, government data and similar sources. In some cases, we do not expressly refer to the sources from which these data are derived.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The Company currently does not own any properties. Our corporate headquarters consists of a total of approximately 8,000 square feet and is located at 419 Lafayette Street, 6^th Floor New York, NY 10003. The current lease term is effective May 1, 2022 through April 29, 2029 with monthly rent of $39,000 for the first year of the leasing period, with a 3% increase for each subsequent year.

We believe that our facilities are adequate to meet our needs for the immediate future, and that, should it be needed, suitable additional space will be available to accommodate any such expansion of our operations.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings, which arise in the ordinary course of business. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business. Except as set forth below, we are currently not aware of any such legal proceedings or claims that will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results.

Skube v. WHE Agency Inc., et al

A complaint against WHE, Creatd and Jeremy Frommer filed December 22, 2022, was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, by Jessica Skube, making certain claims alleging conversion, trespass to chattel, unjust enrichment, breach of contract, fraud in the inducement, seeking damages of $161,000 and punitive damages of $500,000. Skube filed an Order to Show Cause, which the Company opposed, which is currently pending. Given the premature nature of this case, it is still too early for the Company to make an assessment as to
liability, but the $161,000 figure is far more likely than the $500,000.

Lind Global v. Creatd, Inc.

A complaint against Creatd dated September 21, 2022, has been filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, by Lind Global Macro Fund LP and Lind Global Fund II LP, making certain claims alleging breach of contract related to two Securities Purchase Agreements executed on May 31, 2022, seeking damages in excess of $920,000. The Company filed a Motion to Dismiss, which is currently pending. Given the premature nature of this case, it is still too early for the Company to make an assessment as to liability.

Laurie Weisberg v. Creatd, Inc.

A confession of judgment against Creatd dated September 2, 2022, has been filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, by Laurie Weisberg, making certain claims alleging breach of contract related to an executive separation agreement also dated September 2, 2022, seeking damages of approximately $415,000 and legal fees amounting to approximately $5,000. The Company and Ms. Weisberg are actively negotiating in an attempt to resolve the dispute. Given the premature nature of this matter, is still too early for the Company to make an assessment as to liability.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB Marketplace operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. (“OTCQB”) under the symbol “VOCL.” Our stock had previously been quoted on OTCQB under the symbol “CRTD,” with such change having become effective on April 4, 2023, following approval from FINRA.

Our common stock is dual-listed on Upstream under the symbol “VOCL.” Upstream is the trading app for digital securities and NFTs powered by Horizon Fintex and MERJ Exchange Limited (“MERJ”). U.S. investors are not permitted to purchase, deposit or sell securities listed on Upstream.

Holders

As of December 31, 2022, there were approximately 194 registered holders of record of our Common Stock, and approximately 5 holders of record of our Series E Convertible Preferred Stock. Since certain shares of our Common Stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, the foregoing number of holders of our Common Stock is not representative of the number of beneficial holders of our Common Stock.

Dividends

To date, we have not paid cash dividends on our Common Stock and do not plan to pay such dividends in the foreseeable future. Our Board will determine our future dividend policy on the basis of many factors, including results of operations, capital requirements, and general business conditions. Dividends, under the Nevada Revised Statutes, may only be paid from our net profits or surplus. To date, we have not had a fiscal year with net profits and, subject to a valuation by the Board of the present value of the Company’s assets, do not have surplus.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

During the three months ended December 31, 2022, we issued securities that were not registered under the Securities Act and were not previously disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as listed below. All of the securities discussed in this Item 2 were issued in reliance on the exemption under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

Warrant Exercises

During the three months ended December 31, 2022, 2,602,143 warrants were cashlessly exercised, resulting in the issuance of 2,150,848 shares and the cancellation of 2,602,143 warrants.

Consultant Shares

During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company issued 369,843 shares of Common Stock to consultants and employees.

Debt Conversion

During the three months ended December 31, 2022, 2 lenders converted $163,407 in promissory notes into 256,479 shares of Common Stock.

ITEM 6. [Reserved]

Not applicable.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. In addition to historical information, this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to those set forth in “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

This Form 10-K and other reports filed by Creatd, Inc., formerly Jerrick Media Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”), from time to time with the SEC (collectively, the “Filings”) contain or may contain forward-looking statements and information that are based upon beliefs of, and information currently available to, the Company’s management as well as estimates and assumptions made by Company’s management. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. When used in the Filings, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “intend,” “plan,” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions as they relate to the Company or the Company’s management identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current view of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors, including the risks relating to the Company’s business, industry, and the Company’s operations and results of operations. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, or planned.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, the Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). These accounting principles require us to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions. We believe that the estimates, judgments and assumptions upon which we rely are reasonable based upon information available to us at the time that these estimates, judgments and assumptions are made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Our financial statements would be affected to the extent there are material differences between these estimates and actual results. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP and does not require management’s judgment in its application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially different result. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

We intend for this discussion to provide information that will assist in understanding our financial statements, the changes in certain key items in those financial statements, and the primary factors that accounted for those changes, as well as how certain accounting principles affect our financial statements.

Overview

The creator economy is well-established and thriving, consisting of hundreds of millions of creators and billions of viewers. Creatd plays a crucial role within this ecosystem, with a range of businesses established to help creators realize their potential both creatively and monetarily, partnering with peers in their community and brands when the opportunity arises. At the center of our businesses lies Vocal, our core technology platform that hosts our creator community and generates the first-party data that powers our revenue generation. 

Results of Operations

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table summarizes total current assets, liabilities and working capital at December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021:

At December 31, 2022, the Company had a working capital deficit of $13,728,152 as compared to a working capital deficit of $945,773 at December 31, 2021, an increase in working capital deficit of $12,782,379. The increase is primarily attributable to the decrease in cash, and prepaids and other current assets, as well as an increase in accounts payable, notes payable and deferred revenue. This was offset by an increase in accounts receivable and inventory.

Net Cash

Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, and 2021, was $16,805,429 and $20,518,807, respectively. The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022, and 2021 was $35,676,315 and $37,379,153, respectively. This change is primarily attributable to the net loss for the current period offset by share-based payments in the amount of $4,183,844 to employees and consultants for services rendered, accretion of debt discount and debt issuance costs of $4,668,039, due to incentives given with debentures, and a change in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $4,773,551.  

The decreased net cash used in 2022 reflected an extraordinary cash outlay for marketing in 2021 that went toward generating a lower creator acquisition cost for paid Vocal subscribers and was not repeated in 2022, as well as a decrease in payroll expenses from 2021 to 2022.

Net cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $373,206. This is primarily attributable to the sale of minority interest in OG Collection, Inc. This was offset by the sale and purchase of digital assets.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, and 2021 was $13,405,624 and $17,615,915, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s operations were predominantly financed by net proceeds of $1,781,947 from the exercise of warrants, the proceeds from sale of common stock and warrants of $5,722,300, and the proceeds from loans and notes of $10,611,124, which were partially offset by the repayment of notes and loans of $4,693,967. Similarly, the Company’s financing activity for the year ended December 31, 2021, generated $4,358,428 from loans and note issuances, the proceeds of which were partially offset by repayment of notes of $1,398,113.

Summary of Statements of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2022, and 2021:

Revenue

Revenue was $4,796,474 for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to $4,299,717 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase of $496,757 was attributable to our ecommerce business, which grew from $90,433 in revenue in 2021 to $1,456,593 in 2022. This growth in ecommerce revenues was partially offset by a decrease in agency revenues in a slowing market for influencer-based sales. Vocal revenues were stable though down year over year as the company transitioned from a pay-to-play marketing model to an organic growth framework.

Cost of Revenue

Cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $6,109,206 as compared to $5,300,037 for the year ended December 31, 2021, an increase of $809,169 attributable to increased supply side costs in our direct-to-consumer product business, a portion of which were due to our increased revenue in our direct-to-consumer businesses.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022, were $27,718,380 as compared to $32,368,400 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease of $4,650,020 is primarily attributable to a significant reduction in overhead, including an almost $5 million reduction in marketing spend and reductions in research and development. In addition, there was a reduction in stock-based compensation from $9.7 million in 2021 to $4.2 million in 2022. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in impairment of intangible assets, legal and consulting fees, as well as office rent.

Loss from Operations

Loss from operations for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $29,031,112 as compared to $33,368,720 for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Other Expenses

Other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022, were $6,645,203 as compared to $4,010,433 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in other expenses was predominantly due to an increase in accretion of debt discount and issuance cost, interest expense, loss of extinguishment of debt, and loss from settlement of vendor liabilities. This was offset by the decrease from the impairment of investment and change in derivative liability.

Net Loss

Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $35,676,315, or loss per share of $1.66, as compared to a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $37,703,652, or loss per share of $2.98, for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2022, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Significant Accounting Policies

We believe that the following accounting policies are the most critical to aid you in fully understanding and evaluating this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.”

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. The Company uses estimates in accounting for, among other items, revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, stock-based compensation, income tax provisions, excess and obsolete inventory reserve, and impairment of intellectual property.

Actual results could differ from those estimates.

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, and due to related parties. Management believes the estimated fair value of these accounts at December 31, 2022 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. 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.

Long-lived Assets Including Acquired Intangible Assets

We evaluate the recoverability of property and equipment, acquired finite-lived intangible assets and, purchased infinite life digital 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. Digital assets accounted for as intangible assets are subject to impairment losses if the fair value of digital assets decreases other than temporarily below the carrying value. The fair value is measured using the quoted price of the crypto asset at the time its fair value is being measured. 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. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $2,043,011 for intangible assets. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $688,127 for intangible assets.

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. The remaining weighted average life of the intangible assets is 8.06 years.

Goodwill

Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to periodic testing for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 350 “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment” (“ASC Topic 350”). The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of the last day of the Company’s fiscal December each year or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change indicating that the fair value of the goodwill may be below its carrying amount. The Company uses an income-based approach to determine the fair value of the reporting units. This approach uses a discounted cash flow methodology and the ability of our reporting units to generate cash flows as measures of fair value of our reporting units.

During the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company completed its annual impairment tests of goodwill. The Company performed the qualitative assessment as permitted by ASC 350-20 and determined for one of its reporting units that the fair value of that reporting unit was more likely than not greater than its carrying value, including Goodwill. However, based on this qualitative assessment, the Company determined that the carrying value of the Denver Bodega, Dune, Plant Camp and, WHE Agency reporting units was more likely than not greater than their carrying value, including Goodwill. Based on the completion of the annual impairment tests, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,433,815 and $1,035,795 for goodwill for the years ended December 31 2022 and 2021, respectively.

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 utilizes a Monte Carlo simulation model for the make whole feature (see note 10) and a binomial option model for convertible notes that have an option to convert at a variable number of shares 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 Monte Carlo model included a starting stock price, an expected term of each debenture remaining from the valuation date to maturity, an estimated volatility, drift, 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:

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue consists of billings and payments from clients in advance of revenue recognition. The Company has two types of deferred revenue, subscription revenue whereas the revenue is recognized over the subscription period and contract liabilities where the performance obligation was not satisfied. The Company will recognize the deferred revenue within the next twelve months. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had deferred revenue of $299,409 and $234,159 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 over the requisite service period of the award. The company has a relatively low forfeiture rate of stock-based compensation and forfeitures are recognized as they occur.

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.

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 forfeitures are recognized as they occur.. Expected volatility is derived from the Company’s historical data 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. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur.

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. 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.

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. On October 16, 2019, FASB approved a final ASU delaying the effective date of ASU 2016-13 for small reporting companies to interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments to the Company’s financial position and results of operations and currently does not know or cannot reasonably quantify the impact of the adoption of the amendments as a result of the complexity and extensive changes from the amendments. The adoption of the guidance will affect disclosures and estimates around accounts receivable. 

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. ASU 2020-06 is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Upon adoption, the Company would no longer recognize the intrinsic value of beneficial conversion features underlying convertible debt. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the company recognized approximately $2.0 million relating to a beneficial conversion feature.

In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations — Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (Topic 805), Which aims to improve the accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination by addressing diversity in recognition and payment terms that effect subsequent revenue recognition. ASU 2021-08 is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company expects that there would be no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon the adoption of this ASU.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Not applicable.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Creatd, Inc.

December 31, 2022 and 2021

Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Creatd, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Creatd, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Substantial Doubt about the Company’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 3 to the financial statements, the Company had a significant accumulated deficit, significant net loss and net cash used in operating activities that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 3. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the 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. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. 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 financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Goodwill and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Evaluation

As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, management conducts a goodwill impairment assessment on an annual basis and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The fair value of a reporting unit is determined through the use of the income approach using estimates of future cash flows attributable to the respective reporting units. As a result of the annual impairment assessment, the Company recognized approximately $1.4 million of goodwill impairment related to its reporting units.

Additionally, as discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, management evaluates the recoverability of acquired finite-lived intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. 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 their use and eventual disposition. As a result of the intangible asset impairment assessment, the Company recognized approximately $1.9 million of impairment related to finite-lived intangible assets.

We identified the impairment of Goodwill and finite-lived intangible assets as a critical audit matter because of significant judgments required by management to estimate the fair value, including forecasted cash flows, revenue growth rates and expectations for operating expenses. The Goodwill assessment also requires judgment related to the discount rate utilized and other significant valuation assumptions. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s cash flow estimates and the selection of cash flow multiples used in the income approach for valuing Goodwill.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the forecasts of management’s estimates of future cash flows, the selection of cash flow multiples for the Company’s reporting units, and the evaluation of the discount rate for Goodwill assessments included the following, among others:

Inventory

As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value and are periodically evaluated to identify obsolete or otherwise impaired products and are written off when management determines usage is not probable. The Company estimates the balance of excess and obsolete inventory by analyzing inventory by age using last used and original purchase date and existing sales pipeline for which the inventory could be used.

We identified the audit of inventory as a critical audit matter for the following reasons based on different aspects of the audit of inventory.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the testing the existence and valuation of inventory included the following, among others:

Creatd, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

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

Creatd, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

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

Creatd, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021