Description of Archers Securities
EX-4.1 2 achr-10xkxex41180488432.htm EX-4.1 Document
Exhibit 4.1
DESCRIPTION OF THE REGISTRANT’S SECURITIES
The following description of capital stock of Archer Aviation Inc. (“Archer,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our”) and certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), amended and restated bylaws (the “Bylaws”), and the agreements governing the warrants described herein are summaries and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, and the agreements that have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and applicable provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”).
As of December 31, 2023, we had three classes of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”): Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class A common stock”), Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class B common stock” and, together with the Class A common stock, the “common stock”) and certain warrants to purchase shares of common stock. All shares of our common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. Defined terms used and not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
General
Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes us to issue up to 700,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock, 300,000,000 shares of our Class B common stock, and 10,000,000 shares of our preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
Common Stock
Voting Power
Holders of our Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the stockholders, and holders of Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes per share on all matters to be voted upon by the stockholders. The holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will generally vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, unless otherwise required by Delaware law or our Certificate of Incorporation. Delaware law could require either holders of Class A common stock or Class B common stock to vote separately as a single class in the following circumstances:
•if we were to seek to amend our Certificate of Incorporation to increase or decrease the par value of a class of our capital stock, then that class would be required to vote separately to approve the proposed amendment; and
•if we were to seek to amend our Certificate of Incorporation in a manner that alters or changes the powers, preferences, or special rights of a class of our capital stock in a manner that affected its holders adversely, then that class would be required to vote separately to approve the proposed amendment.
As a result, in these limited instances, the holders of a majority of Class A common stock could defeat an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation.
Dividends
Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are entitled to receive such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors in its discretion out of funds legally available therefor. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Liquidation, Dissolution and Winding Up
In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or winding-up, subject to preferences that may apply to any shares of preferred stock outstanding at the time, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive an equal amount per share of all of our assets of whatever kind available for distribution to stockholders, after the rights of the holders of the preferred stock have been satisfied.
Conversion
Each share of Class B common stock is convertible at any time at the option of the holder into one share of Class A common stock. In addition, each share of Class B common stock will automatically convert into one share of Class A common stock upon transfer to a non-authorized holder. In addition, Class B common stock is subject to “sunset” provisions, under which all shares of Class B common stock will automatically convert into an equal number of shares of Class A common stock upon the earliest to occur of (i) September 16, 2031, (ii) the date specified in writing by the holders of two-thirds of the then outstanding Class B common stock, voting as a separate class, and (iii) when the number of then outstanding shares of Class B common stock represents less than 10% of the aggregate number of Class A common stock and Class B common stock then outstanding. In addition, each share of Class B common stock will automatically convert into an equal number of shares of Class A common stock upon the earliest to occur of (a) in the case of either Brett Adcock or Adam Goldstein (each, an “Archer Founder”), the date that is nine months following the death or incapacity of such Archer Founder, and, in the case of any other holder, the date of the death or incapacity of such holder, (b) in the case of an Archer Founder, the date that is 12 months following the date that such Archer Founder ceases to provide services to the Company and its subsidiaries as an executive officer, employee or director of the Company, and, in the case of any other holder, immediately at the occurrence of any such event, and (c) in the case of an Archer Founder or any other holder, at least 80% (subject to customary capitalization adjustments) of the shares of Class B common stock held by such Archer Founder (on a fully as converted/as exercised basis) as of immediately following the closing of the Business Combination having been transferred (subject to the exceptions described above).
Preemptive or Other Rights
Stockholders have no preemptive or other subscription rights and there are no sinking fund or redemption provisions applicable to Class A common stock and Class B common stock.
Election of Directors
Our board of directors will remain divided into three classes, Class I, Class II and Class III, with only one class of directors being elected in each year and each class serving a three-year term. There will be no cumulative voting with respect to the election of directors.
Preferred Stock
Under our Certificate of Incorporation, shares of preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The board of directors is authorized to fix the voting rights, if any, designations, powers and preferences, the relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, applicable to the shares of each series of preferred stock. The board of directors is able to, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of the holders of the common stock and could have anti-takeover effects. The ability of the board of directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control or the removal of existing management. We have no present plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.
Warrants
SVB Warrants
On July 9, 2021, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan and Security Agreement”), as borrower, with Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) and SVB Innovation Credit Fund VIII, L.P. (“SVB Innovation”) as the lenders, and SVB as the collateral agent. In connection with the Loan and Security Agreement, we issued SVB a warrant to purchase 211,642 shares of Legacy Archer common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Legacy Archer Common Stock”) (such warrant, “SVB Warrant I”). At the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), SVB Warrant I was automatically exchanged for a warrant to purchase 366,140 shares of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share.
In connection with the Loan and Security Agreement, the Company and SVB Innovation entered into a warrant to purchase 211,641 shares of Legacy Archer Common Stock (“SVB Warrant II”) per the warrant agreement with SVB Innovation. At the Effective Time, SVB Warrant II was automatically exchanged for a warrant to purchase 366,140 shares of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share.
Mesa Warrant
On January 29, 2021, we entered into a Purchase Agreement, as amended on August 9, 2022, (the “Purchase Agreement”) and Collaboration Agreement (the “Collaboration Agreement”) with United Airlines, Inc. (“United”). On February 26, 2021, we entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the “Assignment and Assumption Agreement”) with Mesa Airlines, Inc. (“Mesa”). In connection with the Collaboration Agreement and the Assignment and Assumption Agreement, Legacy Archer issued Mesa a warrant to purchase 1,171,649 shares of Legacy Archer Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.01 (the “Mesa Warrant”). The Mesa Warrant was adjusted by the application of the Exchange Ratio (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement) at the Effective Time, whereby the number of shares underlying the Mesa Warrant was adjusted to 1,179,381.
United Warrant
In connection with the Purchase Agreement and Collaboration Agreement, Legacy Archer issued to United a warrant to purchase up to 14,645,614 shares of Legacy Archer Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.01 (the “United Warrant”), of which 1,171,649 shares subject to such warrant were assigned to Mesa pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption Agreement between Legacy Archer, United and Mesa. The United Warrant was assigned by United to United Airlines Ventures, Ltd. and shall vest and become exercisable upon the achievement of certain milestones. The United Warrant was adjusted by the application of the Exchange Ratio at the Effective Time, whereby the number of shares underlying the United Warrant was adjusted to 14,741,764.
FCA Warrant
In November 2020, we entered into certain agreements (the “FCA Agreements”) with FCA US LLC. In connection with the FCA Agreements, Legacy Archer issued FCA US LLC a warrant to purchase up to 1,671,202 shares of Legacy Archer Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share (the “Initial FCA Warrant”). The Initial FCA Warrant shall vest and become exercisable upon the achievement of certain milestones. As of December 31, 2022, all seven milestones have been completed, amounting to 1,671,202 shares that have vested. The Initial FCA Warrant was adjusted by the application of the Exchange Ratio at the Effective Time.
In July 2021, we entered into a Consulting Agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) with FCA Italy S.p.A. In connection with the Consulting Agreement, Legacy Archer issued FCA Italy S.p.A. a warrant to purchase up to
1,077,024 shares of Class B common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share (the “Second FCA Warrant”). The Second FCA Warrant shall vest and become exercisable upon the achievement of certain milestones. As of December 31, 2022, both of the milestones have been completed, amounting to 1,077,024 shares that have vested. The Second FCA Warrant was adjusted by the application of the Exchange Ratio at the Effective Time.
Stellantis Forward Purchase Agreement and Warrant
On January 3, 2023, the Company entered into a Manufacturing Collaboration Agreement (the “Stellantis Collaboration Agreement”) with Stellantis N.V (“"Stellantis”). In connection with the Stellantis Collaboration Agreement, the Company entered into a Forward Purchase Agreement (the “Forward Purchase Agreement”) with Stellantis, pursuant to which the Company may elect, in the Company’s sole discretion, to issue and sell Stellantis up to $150.0 million of shares of Class A common stock upon the achievement of certain milestones (the “Forward Purchase Shares”).
From January 3, 2023 on, Stellantis will maintain the right to nominate one individual for election to our board of directors as a Class II director at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders in 2023 through the date of the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders to occur in 2026 (which initial designee shall be Barbara J. Pilarski who currently serves as a Class II director on our board of directors) and, so long as Stellantis or its affiliates beneficially own shares of Class A common stock equal to at least 12.5% of the outstanding Class A common stock, will have the right to continue to nominate one individual for election to our board of directors as a Class II director at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders to occur in 2026 through the date of the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders in 2029.
On June 23, 2023, we issued 6,337,039 shares of Class A common stock to Stellantis in connection with the first milestone under the Forward Purchase Agreement. On August 10, 2023, Stellantis waived certain conditions relating to the second milestone of the Forward Purchase Agreement. On the same date, we submitted an election notice to draw down the $70.0 million associated with the second milestone, which equals 12,313,234 shares of Class A common stock. We completed the draw down and share issuance on October 16, 2023.
In connection with the Stellantis Collaboration Agreement, the Company issued Stellantis a warrant to purchase up to 15,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, at an exercise price of $0.01 per share (the “Stellantis Warrant”), which shall vest and become exercisable upon the achievement of certain milestones. The number of shares of Class A common stock for which the Stellantis Warrant is exercisable, as well as the exercise price, may be adjusted upon certain qualifying events, including but not limited to a merger, sales of assets, reclassification or recapitalization. The Stellantis Warrant is exercisable until (i) immediately prior to the closing of a Liquidation Event (as defined in the Stellantis Warrant Agreement), and (ii) January 3, 2028.
Wisk Warrant
On August 10, 2023, we entered into an agreement with The Boeing Company (“Boeing”) and Wisk Aero LLC (“Wisk”) (a wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing) that provides for, among other things, certain investments by Boeing into the Company, an autonomous flight collaboration between the parties, the issuance of certain warrants to Wisk and the resolution of the federal and state court litigation between the parties (the “Agreement”). As part of the Agreement, we agreed to designate Wisk as our exclusive provider of autonomous technology for future variants of Archer’s aircraft, with commercial terms to be agreed upon by the parties at a later date.
As part of the parties’ collaboration, Boeing subscribed to purchase 1,263,538 shares of Class A common stock in a private placement pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
Boeing is making this investment to support the integration of Wisk’s autonomous technology in future variants of our aircraft.
In connection with the Agreement, we issued a warrant to Wisk to purchase up to 13,176,895 shares of Class A common stock with an exercise price of $0.01 per share (the “Wisk Warrant”) in a private placement pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. Pursuant to the Wisk Warrant, 4,512,636 shares of Class A common stock are exercisable, and 8,664,259 shares of Class A common stock shall vest and be exercisable upon the achievement of certain milestones.
Reef Warrant
On June 17, 2022, we issued 91,667 warrants to Reef US Investments LLC in a private placement pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act (the “Reef Warrants”). The Reef Warrants have an exercise price of $0.01 per share in exchange for shares of our Class A common stock.
Redeemable Warrants
In connection with Atlas’ initial public offering, Atlas issued: (i) 8,000,000 warrants at a price of $1.50 per warrant issued to the Sponsor in a private placement (the “Private Warrants”) and (ii) and warrants for the issuance of up to 16,666,667 shares of Class A common stock (the “Public Warrants” and, together with the Private Warrants, the “Warrants”). Each Warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share at any time commencing October 16, 2021. The Warrants will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 16, 2026, or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.
Holders of Public Warrants cannot pay cash to exercise their Public Warrants unless we have an effective and current registration statement covering the issuance of the shares underlying such Warrants and a current prospectus relating thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a registration statement covering the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants is not effective within a specified period following the consummation of the Business Combination, Warrant holders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statement and during any period when we will have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise Public Warrants on a cashless basis pursuant to the exemption provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, provided that such exemption is available. If that exemption, or another exemption, is not available, holders will not be able to exercise their Public Warrants on a cashless basis. In the event of such cashless exercise, each holder would pay the exercise price by surrendering the Warrants for that number of shares of Class A common stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Class A common stock underlying the Public Warrants, multiplied by the difference between the exercise price of the Public Warrants and the “fair market value” (defined below) by (y) the fair market value. The “fair market value” for this purpose will mean the average reported last sale price of the shares of Class A common stock for the 10 trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the notice of redemption is sent to holders of Warrants. As used herein, “Public Warrants” refers to the 16,666,667 warrants included as a component of the Atlas units sold in the Atlas IPO, each of which is exercisable for one share of Class A common stock, in accordance with its terms.
The Private Warrants are identical to the Public Warrants except that such Public Warrants will be exercisable for cash or on a cashless basis, at the holder’s option, and will not be redeemable by us, in each case so long as they are still held by the initial stockholders of Atlas, including Atlas’ officers and directors, or their permitted transferees.
We may call the Public Warrants for redemption, in whole and not in part, at a price of $0.01 per Public Warrant:
•at any time after the Public Warrants become exercisable;
•upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption to each Public Warrant holder;
•if, and only if, the last reported sale price of the shares of Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations and recapitalizations) for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period commencing at any time after the Public Warrants become exercisable and ending on the third business day prior to the notice of redemption to Public Warrant holders; and
•if, and only if, there is a current registration statement in effect with respect to the shares of Class A common stock underlying such Public Warrants.
The right to exercise will be forfeited unless the Warrants are exercised prior to the date specified in the notice of redemption. On and after the redemption date, a record holder of a Warrant will have no further rights except to receive the redemption price for such holder’s Warrant upon surrender of such Warrant.
The redemption criteria for our Warrants was established at a price which is intended to provide Warrant holders a reasonable premium to the initial exercise price and provide a sufficient differential between the then-prevailing share price and the Warrant exercise price so that if the share price declines as a result of our redemption call, the redemption will not cause the share price to drop below the exercise price of the Warrants.
If we call the Warrants for redemption as described above, our management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise Warrants to do so on a “cashless basis.” In such event, each holder would pay the exercise price by surrendering the Warrants for that number of shares of Class A common stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Class A common stock underlying the Warrants, multiplied by the difference between the exercise price of the Warrants and the “fair market value” (defined below) by (y) the fair market value. The “fair market value” for this purpose shall mean the average reported last sale price of the shares of Class A common stock for the 10 trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the notice of redemption is sent to the holders of Warrants.
The Warrants were issued in registered form under a warrant agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent, and us. The warrant agreement provides that the terms of the Warrants may be amended without the consent of any holder to cure any ambiguity or correct any defective provision, but requires the approval, by written consent or vote, of the holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding Public Warrants and Private Warrants, if such modification or amendment is being undertaken prior to, or in connection with, the closing of the Business Combination, or Warrants, if such modification or amendment is being undertaken after the closing of the Business Combination, in order to make any change that adversely affects the interests of the registered holders. The exercise price and number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a stock dividend, extraordinary dividend or our recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation. The Warrants will not be adjusted for issuances of shares of Class A common stock at a price below their respective exercise prices.
The Warrants may be exercised upon surrender of the Warrant certificate on or prior to the expiration date at the office of the warrant agent, with the subscription form, as set forth in the Warrant, duly executed, accompanied by full payment of the exercise price, by certified or official bank check payable to the order of the warrant agent, for the number of Warrants being exercised. The Warrant holders do not have the rights or privileges of holders of shares of Class A common stock and any voting rights until they exercise their Warrants and receive shares of Class A common stock. After the issuance of shares of Class A common stock upon exercise of the Warrants, each holder will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters to be voted on by stockholders.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
Section 203 of the DGCL
We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, which generally prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years after the date that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, with the following exceptions:
•before such date, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;
•upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction began, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding, but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder, those shares owned (1) by persons who are directors and also officers and (2) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or
•on or after such date, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 662∕3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.
In general, Section 203 defines a “business combination” to include the following:
•any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;
•any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder;
•subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;
•any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock or any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or
•the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits by or through the corporation.
In general, Section 203 defines an “interested stockholder” as an entity or person who, together with the person’s affiliates and associates, beneficially owns or within three years prior to the time of determination of interested stockholder status did own, 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation.
A Delaware corporation may “opt out” of these provisions with an express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or an express provision in its amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws resulting from a stockholders’ amendment approved by at least a majority of the outstanding voting shares. We have not opted out of these provisions. As a result, mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts of us may be discouraged or prevented.
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
Among other things, our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws:
•permit our board of directors to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with any rights, preferences and privileges as they may designate, including the right to approve an acquisition or other change of control;
•provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of our board of directors;
•provide that, subject to the rights of any series of preferred stock to elect directors, directors may only be removed with or without cause, which removal may be effected, subject to any limitation imposed by law, by the holders of at least 662∕3% of the voting power of all of our then-outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally at an election of directors;
•provide that all vacancies, including newly created directorships, may, except as otherwise required by law, be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum;
•require that any action to be taken by our stockholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders and not be taken by written consent or electronic transmission;
•provide that stockholders seeking to present proposals before a meeting of stockholders or to nominate candidates for election as directors at a meeting of stockholders must provide advance notice in writing, and also specify requirements as to the form and content of a stockholder’s notice;
•provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by the chairperson of our board of directors, our chief executive officer or by our board of directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors; and
•do not provide for cumulative voting rights, therefore allowing the holders of a majority of the shares of Class A common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors to elect all of the directors standing for election, if they should so choose.
The amendment of any of these provisions would require approval by the holders of at least 662∕3% of the voting power of all of our then-outstanding capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.
The combination of these provisions may make it more difficult for our existing stockholders to replace our board of directors as well as for another party to obtain control of us by replacing our board of directors. Since our board of directors has the power to retain and discharge our officers, these provisions could also make it more difficult for existing stockholders or another party to effect a change in management. In addition, the authorization of undesignated preferred stock makes it possible for our board of directors to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change our control.
These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of continued stability in the composition of our board of directors and its policies and to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to reduce our vulnerability to hostile takeovers and to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. However, such provisions could have the effect of discouraging others from making
tender offers for our shares and may have the effect of delaying changes in our control or management. As a consequence, these provisions may also inhibit fluctuations in the market price of our stock.
Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the exclusive forum for the following actions or proceedings brought under Delaware statutory or common law:
•any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf;
•any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer or stockholder of the Company, to the Company or the Company’s stockholders;
•any action asserting a claim against us arising under the DGCL;
•any action regarding our Certificate of Incorporation or our Bylaws (as either may be amended from time to time);
•any action as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction to the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware; and
•any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in all cases to the fullest extent permitted by law and subject to the court having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants.
Our Certificate of Incorporation further provides that the federal district courts of the United States of America will be the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act.
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. As a result, the exclusive forum provision of our Certificate of Incorporation will not apply to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.
Although we believe this provision benefits us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, a court may determine that this provision is unenforceable, and to the extent it is enforceable, the provision may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers, although our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder and therefore may bring a claim in another appropriate forum. Additionally, we cannot be certain that a court will decide that this provision is either applicable or enforceable, and if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our Certificate of Incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
Limitations of Liability and Indemnification
Our Certificate of Incorporation limits a director’s liability to the fullest extent permitted under the DGCL. The DGCL provides that directors of a corporation will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duties as directors, except for liability:
•for any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit;
•for any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
•for any unlawful payment of dividends or redemption of shares; or
•for any breach of a director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders.
If the DGCL is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of the directors will be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as so amended.
Delaware law and our Bylaws provide that we will, in certain situations, indemnify our directors and officers and may indemnify other employees and other agents, to the fullest extent permitted by law. Any indemnified person is also entitled, subject to certain limitations, to advancement, direct payment, or reimbursement of reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding.
In addition, we have entered into separate indemnification agreements with our directors and officers. These agreements, among other things, require us to indemnify our directors and officers for certain expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, and settlement amounts incurred by a director or officer in any action or proceeding arising out of their services as one of our directors or officers or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at our request.
Registration Rights Agreements
In connection with the closing of the Business Combination, we entered into that certain amended and restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 16, 2021, with certain securityholders who are parties thereto (the “2021 Registration Rights Agreement”) pursuant to which the holders of Registrable Securities (as defined therein) became entitled to, among other things, customary registration rights, including demand, piggy-back and shelf registration rights. The 2021 Registration Rights Agreement also provides that we will pay certain expenses relating to such registrations and indemnify the registration rights holders against (or make contributions in respect of) certain liabilities which may arise under the Securities Act. The registration rights terminate seven years after the closing date of the Business Combination.
In connection with the Forward Purchase Agreement, the Company and Stellantis entered into the Stellantis Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 3, 2023 (the “Stellantis Registration Rights Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company has granted Stellantis certain demand, piggyback and resale shelf registration rights with respect to the Forward Purchase Shares (as defined therein) and shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the Stellantis Warrant. The registration rights terminate after Stellantis no longer holds any Registrable Securities (as defined in the Stellantis Registration Rights Agreement) or with respect to any Registrable Securities, seven years after the date such Registrable Securities were issued to Stellantis.
In August 2023, we entered into subscription agreements with certain accredited investors, in a private placement transaction (the “2023 Private Placement”), pursuant to which we agreed to sell and issue, in the 2023 Private Placement, 26,173,286 shares of Class A common stock at a purchase price of $5.54 per share. In connection with the 2023 Private Placement, we granted to the participating accredited investors certain registration rights with respect to the shares of Class A common stock issued in the 2023 Private Placement pursuant to the 2023 Registration Rights Agreement.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent for our securities is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. The transfer agent’s address is One State Street Plaza, 30th Floor New York, NY 10004.