As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission on July 19, 2024
Registration No. 333-279141
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
GD Culture Group Limited
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada |
|
47-3709051 |
(State or other jurisdiction of |
|
(I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization) |
|
Identification No.) |
22F - 810 Seventh Avenue,
New York, NY 10019
+1-347-2590292
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Vcorp Services, LLC
701 S Carson St Suite #200,
Carson City, NV 89701
(Name, address including zip code, and telephone
number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
William S. Rosenstadt, Esq.
Mengyi “Jason” Ye, Esq.
Yarona L. Yieh, Esq.
Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP
366 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10017
+1-212-588-0022 – telephone
+1-212-826-9307 – facsimile
Approximate date of commencement of proposed
sale to the public: From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective.
If the only securities being registered on this
Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐
If any of the securities being registered on this
Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered
only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ☒
If this Form is filed to register additional securities
for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration
statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed
pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of
the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant
to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant
to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to
a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities
pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.
See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company”
and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer |
☐ |
|
Accelerated filer |
☐ |
Non-accelerated filer |
☒ |
|
Smaller reporting company |
☒ |
|
|
|
Emerging growth company |
☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check
mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting
standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act. ☐
The Registrant hereby amends this registration
statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which
specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities
Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section
8(a), may determine.
The information in this
preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not
soliciting offers to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS |
SUBJECT
TO COMPLETION |
DATED
JULY 19, 2024 |
GD Culture Group Limited
$100,000,000
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
Warrants
Rights
Units
We may offer, from time to time, in one or more
offerings, common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants to purchase our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities,
debt securities consisting of debentures, notes or other evidence of indebtedness, units consisting of a combination of the foregoing
securities, or any combination of these securities, which we collectively refer to as the “securities”. The aggregate offering
price of the securities that we may offer and sell under this prospectus will not exceed $100,000,000.
We may offer and sell any combination of the securities
described in this prospectus in different series, at times, in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at, or prior to, the time
of each offering. This prospectus describes the general terms of these securities and the general manner in which these securities will
be offered. We will provide the specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements will
also describe the specific manner in which these securities will be offered and may also supplement, update or amend information contained
in this prospectus. This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of securities unless accompanied by the applicable prospectus
supplement. You should read this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement before you invest.
We may offer and sell the securities from time
to time at fixed prices, at market prices, or at negotiated prices, to or through underwriters, to other purchasers, through agents, or
through a combination of these methods. If any underwriters are involved in the sale of any securities with respect to which this prospectus
is being delivered, the names of such underwriters and any applicable commissions or discounts will be set forth in a prospectus supplement.
The offering price of such securities and the net proceeds we expect to receive from such sale will also be set forth in a prospectus
supplement. See “Plan of Distribution” elsewhere in this prospectus for a more complete description of the ways in which the
securities may be sold.
As of July 18, 2024, the aggregate market
value of our common stock held by non-affiliates pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3 was 13,406,685.6, which is based on
9,576,204 shares of our common stock outstanding held by non-affiliates and a price of $1.40 per share, the closing price of our common
stock on July 5, 2024 which is the highest closing sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market within the sixty (60)
days prior to the date of this prospectus. Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, in no event will we sell the securities
described in this prospectus in a public primary offering with an aggregate market value exceeding more than one-third of the aggregate
market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates in any 12-month period, so long as the aggregate market value of our outstanding
common stock held by non-affiliates remains below $75 million.
The applicable prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to other listings, if any, on the Nasdaq
Capital Market or other securities exchange of the securities covered by the prospectus supplement. We may experience price volatility
in our stock. See related risk factors in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus and as set forth in our most recent
annual report on Form 10-K.
Unless otherwise specified in an applicable prospectus
supplement, our warrants, debt securities, rights and units will not be listed on any securities or stock exchange or on any automated
dealer quotation system.
The Company is a Nevada company that conducts
its operations and operates its business in both United States and China by itself and through its subsidiaries, AI Catalysis Corp. and
Shanghai Xianzhui Technology Co., Ltd. Investors are cautioned that you are not buying shares of a China-based operating
company but instead are buying shares of a Nevada company with operations conducted by our subsidiaries based in China and that this structure
involves unique risks to investors.
Furthermore, Chinese regulatory authorities
could change the rules and regulations regarding foreign ownership in the industry in which the Company operates, which would likely
result in a material change in our operations and/or a material change in the value of the securities we are registering for sale, including
that it could cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or become worthless. Investors in our common stock should be
aware that they do not directly hold equity interests in the operating subsidiaries in Nevada and China, but rather are purchasing equity
in GD Culture Group Limited, our Nevada company, which directly and indirectly owns 100% and 73.33% equity interests in the operating
subsidiaries in Nevada and China, respectively. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business in China”
on page 24.
The Chinese government has exercised and
continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership.
Our ability to operate in China may be harmed by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation,
environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. The central or local governments of these jurisdictions may
impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts
on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations. Accordingly, government actions in the future,
including any decision not to continue to support recent economic reforms and to return to a more centrally planned economy or
regional or local variations in the implementation of economic policies, could have a significant effect on economic conditions in
China or particular regions thereof, and could require us to divest ourselves of any interest we then hold in Chinese properties.
See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business in China — Uncertainties in the
interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations and changes in policies, rules, and regulations in China, which may be
quick with little advance notice, could limit the legal protection available to you and us” on page 27 and “Given
the Chinese government’s significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of the business of Shanghai Xianzhui, the
Chinese government may intervene or influence its operations at any time, which could result in a material change in the operations
of Shanghai Xianzhui and/or the value of our common stock” on page 27.
We are subject to certain legal and operational
risks associated with our operations in China, including those changes in the legal, political and economic policies of the Chinese government,
the relations between China and the United States, or Chinese or United States regulations may materially and adversely affect
our business, financial condition and results of operations. PRC laws and regulations governing our current business operations are sometimes
vague and uncertain, and therefore, these risks could result in a material change in our operations and/or the value of our ordinary shares
or could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value
of our ordinary shares to significantly decline or be worthless. Recently, the PRC government initiated a series of regulatory actions
and statements to regulate business operations in China with little advance notice, including cracking down on illegal activities in the
securities market, enhancing supervision over China-based companies listed overseas using variable interest entity structure, adopting
new measures to extend the scope of cybersecurity reviews, and expanding the efforts in anti-monopoly enforcement.
On December 28,
2021, the CAC, the National Development and Reform Commission (“NDRC”), and several other administrations jointly issued
the revised Measures for Cybersecurity Review, or the Revised Review Measures, which became effective and has replaced the existing Measures
for Cybersecurity Review on February 15, 2022. According to the Revised Review Measures, if an “online platform operator”
that is in possession of personal data of more than one million users intends to list in a foreign country, it must apply for a cybersecurity
review. Based on a set of Q&A published on the official website of the State Cipher Code Administration in connection with the issuance
of the Revised Review Measures, an official of the said administration indicated that an online platform operator should apply for a
cybersecurity review prior to the submission of its listing application with non-PRC securities regulators. Given the recency of the
issuance of the Revised Review Measures and their pending effectiveness, there is a general lack of guidance and substantial uncertainties
exist with respect to their interpretation and implementation. For example, it is unclear whether the requirement of cybersecurity review
applies to follow-on offerings by an “online platform operator” that is in possession of personal data of more than one million
users where the offshore holding company of such operator is already listed overseas. Furthermore, the CAC released the draft of the
Regulations on Network Data Security Management in November 2021 for public consultation, which among other things, stipulates that
a data processor listed overseas must conduct an annual data security review by itself or by engaging a data security service provider
and submit the annual data security review report for a given year to the municipal cybersecurity department before January 31 of
the following year. If the draft Regulations on Network Data Security Management are enacted in the current form, we, as an
overseas listed company, will be required to carry out an annual data security review and comply with the relevant reporting obligations.
As advised by Junjin Law Firm, we will not
be subject to cybersecurity review with the CAC, given that: (i) Shanghai Xianzhui does not possess and does not anticipate that it will
possess a large amount of personal information in our business operations and (ii) data processed in Shanghai Xianzhui’s business
does not have a bearing on national security and thus may not be classified as core or important data by the authorities. In addition,
for the same reasons, we are not subject to network data security review by the CAC if the Draft Regulations on the Network Data Security
Administration are enacted as proposed. However, the definition of “network platform operator” is unclear and it is also
unclear on how it will be interpreted and implemented by the relevant PRC governmental authorities. See “Risk Factors — Risks
Related to Doing Business in China — Shanghai Xianzhui may become subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the PRC
regarding privacy, data security, cybersecurity, and data protection. Shanghai Xianzhui may be required to suspend its business, be liable
for improper use or appropriation of personal information provided by our customers or face other penalties.”
On February 17, 2023, the China Securities
Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, announced the Circular on the Administrative Arrangements for Filing of Securities Offering and Listing
by Domestic Companies, or the Circular, and released a set of new regulations which consists of the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas
Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, or the Trial Measures, and five supporting guidelines. On the same date, the CSRC
also released the Notice on the Arrangements for the Filing Management of Overseas Listing of Domestic Companies, or the Notice. The Trial
Measures came into effect on March 31, 2023. The Trial Measures refine the regulatory system by subjecting both direct and indirect
overseas offering and listing activities to the CSRC filing-based administration. Requirements for filing entities, time points and procedures
are specified. A PRC domestic company that seeks to offer and list securities in overseas markets shall fulfill the filing procedure with
the CSRC per the requirements of the Trial Measures. Where a PRC domestic company seeks to indirectly offer and list securities in overseas
markets, the issuer shall designate a major domestic operating entity, which shall, as the domestic responsible entity, file with the
CSRC. The Trial Measures also lay out requirements for the reporting of material events. Breaches of the Trial Measures, such as
offering and listing securities overseas without fulfilling the filing procedures, shall bear legal liabilities, including a fine between
RMB 1.0 million (approximately $150,000) and RMB 10.0 million (approximately $1.5 million), and the Trial Measures increase
the cost for offenders by enforcing accountability with administrative penalties and incorporating the compliance status of relevant market
participants into the Securities Market Integrity Archives.
According to the Circular, since the date of effectiveness
of the Trial Measures on March 31, 2023, PRC domestic enterprises falling within the scope of filing that have been listed overseas
or met the following circumstances are “existing enterprises”: before the effectiveness of the Trial Measures on March 31,
2023, the application for indirect overseas issuance and listing has been approved by the overseas regulators or overseas stock exchanges
(such as the registration statement has become effective on the U.S. market), it is not required to perform issuance and listing
supervision procedures of the overseas regulators or overseas stock exchanges, and the overseas issuance and listing will be completed
by September 30, 2023. Existing enterprises are not required to file with the CSRC immediately, and filings with the CSRC should
be made as required if they involve refinancings and other filing matters. PRC domestic enterprises that have submitted valid applications
for overseas issuance and listing but have not been approved by overseas regulatory authorities or overseas stock exchanges at the date
of effectiveness of the Trial Measures on March 31, 2023 can reasonably arrange the timing of filing applications with the CSRC and
shall complete the filing with the CSRC before the overseas issuance and listing.
In addition, an overseas-listed company must
also submit the filing with respect to its follow-on offerings, issuance of convertible corporate bonds and exchangeable bonds, and other
equivalent offering activities, within the time frame specified by the Trial Measures.
As advised by Junjin Law Firm, because the Company
is not a company registered and formed in the territory of China, its continued listing on Nasdaq and future offerings are not “direct
overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises” as defined under the Trial Measures. Furthermore, according to Article 2
of the Trial Measures, the “indirect overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises” refers to the overseas offering
and listing of enterprises whose main business activities are in China, in the name of enterprises registered overseas, which offering
and listing are based on the equity, assets, income or other similar rights and interests of the domestic enterprises. According to Article
15 of the Trial Measures, if the issuer meets both of the following conditions, the overseas offerings and listings shall be determined
as an “indirect overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises”: (i) 50% or more of the issuer’s operating revenue,
total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent accounting
year is accounted for by domestic enterprises; and; (ii) its major operational activities are carried out in China or its main places
of business are located in China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operation and management are mostly Chinese citizens
or domiciled in China.
The Company does not meet both the requirements
under Article 15 of the Trial Measures and therefore its continued listing on Nasdaq and future offerings are not an “Indirect
overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises”, considering that (i) the operating income and total profit of the Company’s
subsidiaries that were established in China for the year ended December 31, 2023 do not account for more than 50% of the operating income
and total profit in our consolidated financial statements for the same period, (ii) our main business is not conducted within China,
and (iii) the majority of our senior management personnel are not Chinese citizens or reside in China on a regular basis. Therefore,
as advised by Junjin Law Firm, we are not required to complete the record filing requirement under the Trial Measures. However,
if we inadvertently conclude that such filing procedures are not required, or applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change
such that we are required to complete the filing procedures in the future, we may be subject to investigations by the regulators, fines
or penalties, ordered to suspend our relevant operations and rectify any non-compliance, prohibited from engaging in relevant business
or conducting any offering, and these risks could result in a material adverse change in our operations and/or the value of our common
stock, and could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, or cause
such securities to significantly decline in value or become worthless. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing
Business in China”.
As of the date of this prospectus, as confirmed
by our PRC counsel, Junjin Law Firm, our PRC operating subsidiaries have received all requisite permissions or approvals to operate the
business and no such permissions or approvals have been denied. As further confirmed by our PRC counsel, Junjin Law Firm, except for
the business license mentioned in “Prospectus Summary – Governmental Regulations in the PRC – Regulations
on Business License” on page 14 of this prospectus, our PRC operating subsidiaries are not required to obtain any other permissions
or approvals from any Chinese authorities to operate the business. As further confirmed by our PRC counsel, Junjin Law Firm, no relevant
PRC laws or regulations in effect require that we obtain permission from any PRC authorities to issue securities to foreign investors,
and we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, sanction, or any regulatory objection from the CSRC, the CAC, or any other PRC
authorities that have jurisdiction over our operations. See “Prospectus Summary – Governmental Regulations in the
PRC – Regulations on Mergers & Acquisitions and Overseas Listings” on page 18 of this prospectus and “–
Regulations on Cybersecurity Review” on page 20 of this prospectus. However, applicable laws and regulations may be tightened,
and new laws or regulations may be introduced to impose additional government approval, license, and permit requirements. If (i) we or
our subsidiaries do not receive or maintain all such required permissions or approvals to operate our business, (ii) we or our subsidiaries
inadvertently conclude that such permissions or approvals are not required, or (iii) applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations
change and we are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, we may face sanctions, including fines and penalties,
by the CAC, CSRC, or other PRC regulatory agencies, our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends outside of the PRC could be
limited, our operations could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, we could be required to restructure our operations to comply
with such regulations or potentially cease operations in the PRC entirely, our ability to offer, or continue to offer, securities to
investors could be significantly limited or completely hindered and the value of our securities might significantly decline or be worthless.
In addition, since 2021, the Chinese government
has strengthened its anti-monopoly supervision, mainly in three aspects: (1) establishing the National Anti-Monopoly Bureau; (2) revising
and promulgating anti-monopoly laws and regulations, including: the Anti-Monopoly Law (draft Amendment published on October 23,
2021 for public opinions), the anti-monopoly guidelines for various industries, and the detailed Rules for the Implementation of the
Fair Competition Review System; and (3) expanding the anti-monopoly law enforcement targeting Internet companies and large enterprises.
As of the date of this prospectus, the Chinese government’s recent statements and regulatory actions related to anti-monopoly concerns
have not impacted our ability to conduct business, accept foreign investments, or list on a U.S. or other foreign exchange because
neither the Company nor its PRC subsidiaries engages in monopolistic behaviors that are subject to these statements or regulatory actions.
Pursuant to the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable
Act, or the HFCAA, if the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, is unable to inspect an issuer’s auditors for
three consecutive years, the issuer’s securities are prohibited to trade on a U.S. stock exchange. The PCAOB issued a
Determination Report on December 16, 2021 which found that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public
accounting firms headquartered in: (1) mainland China of the People’s Republic of China because of a position taken by one
or more authorities in mainland China; and (2) Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region and dependency of the PRC, because
of a position taken by one or more authorities in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the PCAOB’s report identified the specific registered
public accounting firms which are subject to these determinations. On June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating
Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, and on December 29, 2022, legislation entitled “Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2023” (the “Consolidated Appropriations Act”) was signed into law by President Biden, which contained, among other things,
an identical provision to the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act and amended the HFCAA by requiring the SEC to prohibit
an issuer’s securities from trading on any U.S stock exchanges if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive years
instead of three, thus reducing the time period for triggering the prohibition on trading. On August 26, 2022, the PCAOB announced
that it had signed a Statement of Protocol (the “SOP”) with the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of
Finance of China. The SOP, together with two protocol agreements governing inspections and investigations (together, the “SOP Agreement”),
establishes a specific, accountable framework to make possible complete inspections and investigations by the PCAOB of audit firms based
in mainland China and Hong Kong, as required under U.S. law. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB announced that it was able
to secure complete access to inspect and investigate PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong
completely in 2022. The PCAOB Board vacated its previous 2021 determinations that the PCAOB was unable to inspect or investigate completely
registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. However, whether the PCAOB will continue to be
able to satisfactorily conduct inspections of PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong
is subject to uncertainties and depends on a number of factors out of our and our auditor’s control. The PCAOB continues to demand
complete access in mainland China and Hong Kong moving forward and is making plans to resume regular inspections in early 2023 and
beyond, as well as to continue pursuing ongoing investigations and initiate new investigations as needed. The PCAOB has also indicated
that it will act immediately to consider the need to issue new determinations with the HFCAA if needed.
Our previous auditor,
Enrome LLP, with their headquarter at 143 Cecil St, #19-03/04 GB Building, Singapore 069542, has been inspected by the PCAOB on a regular
basis in the audit period. Our current auditor, HTL International, LLC, with their headquarter at 12 Greenway Plaza Suite 1100, Houston,
Texas 77046, has been inspected by the PCAOB on a regular basis as well. If it is later determined that the PCAOB is unable to inspect
or investigate our auditor completely, investors may be deprived of the benefits of such inspection. Any audit reports not issued by
auditors that are completely inspected by the PCAOB, or a lack of PCAOB inspections of audit work undertaken in China that prevents the
PCAOB from regularly evaluating our auditors’ audits and their quality control procedures, could result in a lack of assurance
that our financial statements and disclosures are adequate and accurate. Moreover, if trading in our securities is prohibited under the
HFCAA in the future because the PCAOB determines that it cannot inspect or fully investigate our auditor at such future time, an exchange
may determine to delist our securities. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business in China — The
recent joint statement by the SEC and PCAOB, proposed rule changes submitted by Nasdaq, and the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable
Act all call for additional and more stringent criteria to be applied to emerging market companies upon assessing the qualification of
their auditors, especially the non-U.S. auditors who are not inspected by the PCAOB. Although the audit report included in the annual
report was issued by U.S. auditors who are currently inspected by the PCAOB, if it is later determined that the PCAOB is unable to inspect
or investigate our auditor completely, investors would be deprived of the benefits of such inspection and our common stock may be delisted
or prohibited from trading” on page 33.
GDC
may rely on dividends to be paid by our subsidiaries in Nevada and in the PRC, to fund our
cash and financing requirements, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other
cash distributions to our shareholders, to service any debt we may incur and to pay our operating
expenses.
Under
the Nevada Revised Statutes and the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of each of GDC and AI Catalysis (a direct subsidiary of GDC),
dividends may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting. No distribution may be made if, after giving it
effect: (a) such company would not be able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business; or (b) such company’s
total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if such company were to be dissolved
immediately after the time of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon such dissolution of holders of shares of any
class or series of the capital stock of such company having preferential rights superior to those receiving the distribution.
Under the laws of
the British Virgin Islands, our BVI subsidiary and a direct subsidiary of GDC, Citi Profit, may pay a dividend to GDC out of profit,
provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in Citi Profit being unable to pay our debts due in the
ordinary course of business.
Under the laws of
Hong Kong, our Hong Kong subsidiary and a direct subsidiary of Citi Profit, Highlight HK, is permitted, to provide funding to Citi Profit
through dividends distribution out of its profits. Under the current practices of the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department, no tax is
payable in Hong Kong in respect of dividends paid to Citi Profit as a British Virgin Islands company.
Under PRC laws and
regulations, our PRC subsidiaries, Highlight WFOE (a direct subsidiary of Citi Profit), and Shanghai Xianzhui (a direct subsidiary of
Highlight WFOE), may pay dividends only out of its accumulated profits as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and
regulations. Further, our PRC subsidiaries are required to make appropriations to certain statutory reserve funds or may make appropriations
to certain discretionary funds, which are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of a solvent liquidation of the companies.
In addition, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise is required to set aside at least 10% of its accumulated after-tax profits each year,
if any, to fund a certain statutory reserve fund, until the aggregate amount of such fund reaches 50% of its registered capital. Remittance
of dividends by a wholly foreign-owned enterprise out of China is also subject to examination by the banks designated by the State Administration
of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE.
In addition, we expect
that revenue, if any, to be generated by our PRC operating subsidiary, Shanghai Xianzhui, will be in Renminbi, which is not freely convertible
into other currencies. As a result, any restriction on currency exchange may limit the ability of our PRC operating subsidiary to use
its Renminbi revenues to pay dividends to us. To the extent cash or assets in the business is in the PRC/Hong Kong or a PRC/Hong Kong
entity, the funds or assets may not be available to fund operations or for other use outside of the PRC/Hong Kong due to interventions
in or the imposition of restrictions and limitations on the ability of us or our subsidiaries by the PRC government to transfer cash
or assets. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may temporarily delay the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to remit sufficient
foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to us, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency denominated obligations. In view
of the foregoing, to the extent cash in our business is held in China or by a PRC entity, such cash may not be available to fund operations
or for other use outside of the PRC. The PRC government may continue to strengthen its capital controls, and more restrictions and substantial
vetting process may be put forward by SAFE for cross-border transactions falling under both the current account and the capital account.
In addition, the Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules provide that a withholding tax rate of up to 10% will be applicable
to dividends payable by Chinese companies to non-PRC-resident enterprises unless otherwise exempted or reduced according to treaties
or arrangements between the PRC central government and governments of other countries or regions where the non-PRC resident enterprises
are incorporated. Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other kinds of payments to us could
materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends,
or otherwise fund and conduct our business.
Under PRC law, Highlight
WFOE and Shanghai Xianzhui may be funded through capital contributions by its immediate parent company or loans, subject to satisfaction
of applicable government registration and approval requirements. Before providing loans to our PRC subsidiaries, we will be required
to make filings about details of the loans with the SAFE in accordance with relevant PRC laws and regulations.
Highlight HK is permitted
under the laws of Hong Kong to provide funding to Shanghai Xianzhui through capital contributions or to other companies within our corporate
structure through loans without restrictions on the amount of the funds and such funding is not subject to government registration or
filing requirements under the laws of Hong Kong.
Citi Profit is permitted
under the laws of the British Virgin Islands to provide funding to Highlight WFOE through capital contributions or to other companies
within our corporate structure through loans without restrictions on the amount of the funds and such funding is not subject to government
registration or filing requirements under the laws of the British Virgin Islands.
GDC is permitted
under the laws of Nevada to provide funding to Citi Profit through capital contributions or to other companies within our corporate structure
through loans without restrictions on the amount of the funds and such funding is not subject to government registration or filing requirements
under the laws of the Nevada.
AI Catalysis is permitted
under the laws of Nevada to provide funding to other companies within our corporate structure through loans without restrictions on the
amount of the funds and such funding is not subject to government registration or filing requirements under the laws of the Nevada.
GDC presently does not maintain any cash management policies which
dictate how funds are transferred, however, GDC continues to conduct regular review and management of all its subsidiaries’ cash
transfers and reports to board of directors.
Prior to September
28, 2022, Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a then indirect subsidiary of the Company (“Makesi WFOE”), had a series
of contractual arrangement with Sichuan Wuge Network Games Co., Ltd. (“Wuge”) and its shareholders that established a variable
interest entity (the “VIE”) structure. For accounting purposes, Makesi WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Wuge. Accordingly,
under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), the Company treated Wuge as
the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Wuge’s financial statements prior to September 28, 2022. Wuge focused its
business on research, development and application of Internet of Things (IoT) and electronic tokens Wuge digital door signs. On September
28, 2022, Makesi WFOE entered into a termination agreement with Wuge and the shareholders of Wuge to terminate the VIE Agreements and
to cancel the shares previously issued to the shareholders of Wuge, based on the average closing price of $0.237 per share of the Company
during the 30 trading days immediately prior to the date of the termination agreement. As a result of such termination, the Company no
longer treats Wuge as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Wuge in the Company’s
consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.
Prior to June 26,
2023, Makesi WFOE had a series of contractual arrangement with Shanghai Yuanma Food and Beverage Management Co., Ltd. (“Yuan Ma”)
and its shareholders that established a VIE structure. For accounting purposes, Makesi WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Yuan Ma. Accordingly,
under U.S. GAAP, the Company treated Yuan Ma as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Yuan Ma’s financial results
in the Company’s consolidated financial statements prior to June 26, 2023. On June 26, 2023, the Company entered into a share purchase
agreement with a buyer unaffiliated with the Company. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company agreed to sell and the buyer agreed to purchase
all the issued and outstanding equity interest in TMSR Holdings Limited (“TMSR HK”), which owned 100% equity interest in
Makesi WFOE. The purchase price for the transaction contemplated by the Agreement was $100,000. The sale of TMSR HK did not have any
material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Prior to September
26, 2023, Highlight WFOE had a series of contractual arrangement with Highlight Media and its shareholders that established a VIE structure.
For accounting purposes, Highlight WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Highlight Media. Accordingly, under U.S. GAAP, the Company treated
Highlight Media as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Highlight Media’s financial results in the Company’s
financial statements prior to September 26, 2023. Highlight Media was an integrated marketing service agency, focusing on enterprise
brand management, crisis public relations, intelligent public opinion monitoring, media PR, financial and economic we-media operation,
digital face application, large-scale exhibition services and other businesses. On September 26, 2023, Highlight WFOE entered into a
termination agreement with Highlight Media and the shareholders of Highlight Media to terminate the VIE Agreements and sold the interest
in the VIE Agreements for a purchase price of $100,000. As a result of such termination, the Company no longer treats Highlight Media
as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Highlight Media in the Company’s
consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.
As of December 31,
2023 and as of the date of this prospectus, we do not have a VIE structure.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024,
there was no transfer of assets between GDC and its subsidiaries. No amounts owed under any previous VIE agreements were settled. There
were no cash transfers to or from the VIEs. GDC did not make any dividends or distributions to U.S. investors.
During the fiscal years ended December 31,
2023, GDC transferred a total of $2,100,000 to its subsidiary AI Catalysis Corp as capital contribution. No subsidiary made any dividends
or distributions to GDC. No amounts owed under any VIE agreements were settled. There were no cash transfers to or from the VIEs. GDC
did not make any dividends or distributions to U.S. investors.
During the fiscal years ended December 31,
2022, there was no transfer of assets between GDC and its subsidiaries. No earnings or other amount owed under any VIE agreements was
settled. There were no cash transfers to or from the VIEs. GDC did not make any dividends or distributions to U.S. investors.
As of the date of
this prospectus, we have no intention of distributing any earnings as dividends to our investors or to settle amounts owned under the
previous VIE agreements. If our subsidiary incurs debt on its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict
its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us.
See “Prospectus Summary – Asset
Transfer between our Company and our Subsidiaries.” See also “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Corporate
Structure — We may rely on dividends paid by our subsidiaries for our cash needs. Any limitation on the ability of our subsidiaries
to make dividend payments to us, or any tax implications of making dividend payments to us, could limit our ability to pay our parent
company expenses or pay dividends to holders of our common stock” on page 22 of this prospectus, and “Risk Factors — Risks
Related to Doing Business in China — “PRC regulation of loans to, and direct investments in, PRC entities by offshore holding
companies may delay or prevent us from using proceeds from future financing activities to make loans or additional capital contributions
to our PRC operating subsidiary” on page 24 of this prospectus. See also the “Item 1. Business — Summary
of Financial Position and Cash Flows of GD Culture Group Limited, its subsidiaries and the VIEs” and the consolidated financial
statements contained in our latest annual report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
This prospectus may not be used to offer or
sell our securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement. The information contained or incorporated in this prospectus or in
any prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, or such prospectus supplement, as applicable, regardless
of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of our securities.
Investing in our securities being offered pursuant
to this prospectus involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully read and consider the ‘‘Risk Factors’’
section of this prospectus, and risk factors set forth in our most recent annual report on Form
10-K, in other reports incorporated herein by reference, and in the applicable prospectus supplement before you make your investment
decision.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission
nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete.
Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is ,
2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
You should rely only on the information contained
or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any person to provide you with different
or additional information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus
is not an offer to sell securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is
not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, as well as information
we have previously filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference, is accurate as of the date on the front of those documents only.
Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is a part of a registration statement
that we have filed with the SEC utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell
any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to an aggregate offering price of $100,000,000.
Each time we sell securities, we will provide
a supplement to this prospectus that contains specific information about the securities being offered and the specific terms of that offering.
The supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information
in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the prospectus supplement.
We may offer and sell securities to, or through,
underwriting syndicates or dealers, through agents or directly to purchasers.
The prospectus supplement for each offering of
securities will describe in detail the plan of distribution for that offering.
In connection with any offering of securities
(unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement), the underwriters or agents may over-allot or effect transactions which stabilize
or maintain the market price of the securities offered at a higher level than that which might exist in the open market. Such transactions,
if commenced, may be interrupted or discontinued at any time. See “Plan of Distribution.”
Please carefully read both this prospectus and
any prospectus supplement together with the documents incorporated herein by reference under “Incorporation of Documents by Reference”
and the additional information described below under “Where You Can Get More Information.”
You should rely only on the information contained
or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different
information. The distribution or possession of this prospectus in or from certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. This prospectus
is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or
sale is not permitted or where the person making the offer or sale is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is not permitted
to make such offer or sale. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus and any information
incorporated by reference is accurate as of the date of the applicable document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery
of this prospectus or of any sale of the securities. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed
since those dates.
COMMONLY USED DEFINED TERMS
Unless otherwise indicated or the context requires
otherwise, references in this prospectus to:
|
● |
“AI Catalysis” are to AI Catalysis Corp., a Nevada company, which is wholly owned by GDC; |
|
● |
“Citi Profit” are to Citi Profit Investment Holding Limited, a British Virgin Islands company, which is wholly owned by GDC; |
|
● |
“GDC” and the “Company” are to GD Culture Group Limited (formerly known as JM Global Holding Company, TMSR Holding Company Limited and Code Chain New Continent Limited), a Nevada Corporation; |
|
● |
“Highlight HK” are to Highlights Culture Holding Co., Limited, a Hong Kong SAR company, which is wholly owned by Citi Profit; |
|
● |
“Highlight WFOE” are to Shanghai Highlight Entertainment Co., Ltd., a PRC company, which is wholly owned by Highlight HK; |
|
● |
“PRC” or “China” are to the People’s Republic of
China, including Hong Kong SAR and Macau, but excluding, for the purpose of this prospectus, Taiwan; |
|
● |
“RMB” or “Renminbi” are to the legal currency of China; and |
|
● |
“Shanghai Xianzhui” are to Shanghai Xianzhui Technology Co., Ltd., a joint venture, of which Highlight Entertainment Co. Ltd. owns 73.3333% of the total equity interest; |
|
● |
“we”, “our”, “us” are to the Company and its subsidiaries; |
|
● |
“$”, “US$” or “U.S. Dollars” are to the legal currency of the United States. |
Unless otherwise indicated, all references to
common stock, warrants to purchase common stock, share data, per share data, and related information have been retroactively adjusted,
where applicable, in this prospectus to reflect a 1-to-30 reverse stock split of our common stock which became effective on November 9,
2022 as if they had occurred at the beginning of the earlier period presented.
SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement
or amendment and the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus contain various forward-looking statements within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events. Forward-looking
statements include statements that are predictive in nature, which depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and/or which include
words such as “believes,” “plans,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimates,”
“expects,” “may,” “will” or similar expressions. In addition, any statements concerning future financial
performance, ongoing strategies or prospects, and possible future actions, which may be provided by our management, are also forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are subject to risks,
uncertainties, and assumptions about our Company, economic and market factors, and the industry in which we do business, among other things.
These statements are not guarantees of future performance, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Actual events and results may differ materially
from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. Factors that could cause our actual performance,
future results and actions to differ materially from any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed under
the heading “Risk Factors” in any of our filings with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act. The forward-looking statements in this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement or any amendments thereto and the information
incorporated by reference in this prospectus represent our views as of the date such statements are made. These forward-looking statements
should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date such statements are made.
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
Business Overview
GD
Culture Group Limited (formerly known as JM Global Holding Company, TMSR Holding Company
Limited, and Code Chain New Continent Limited) is a Nevada company that conducts its operations
and operates its business in both United States and China by itself and through its subsidiaries,
AI Catalysis Corp., a Nevada corporation, and Shanghai Xianzhui Technology Co., Ltd., a company
incorporated in China. The majority of the Company’s operation is in the United States.
GDC focuses its business on three segments mainly through the
Company and two subsidiaries, AI Catalysis and Shanghai Xianzhui: 1) AI-driven digital
human creation and customization; 2) Live streaming and e-commerce and 3) Live streaming
interactive game. The company has relentlessly been focusing on serving its customers and
creating value for them through the continual innovation and optimization of its products
and services.
For AI-driven digital human creation and customization
sector, the Company uses AI algorithms and software to generate realistic 3D or 2D digital human models. AI algorithms and machine learning
models are used to simulate human characteristics, such as facial expressions, body movements, and even speech patterns. These models
can be customized to create and personalize lifelike digital representations of humans. Customization may involve adjusting facial features,
body proportions, skin textures, hair styles, clothing, and more. Once created and customized, digital humans find applications in a wide
range of industries, including gaming, entertainment, advertising, education, and more. Depending on the specific industry and the application
scenario, the Company helps the customers to define the objectives to achieve with digital humans, choose the technology for character
customization, then create unique aviators and deploy in the chosen platform.
For live streaming and e-commerce sector, the
Company applies digital human technology in live streaming e-commerce businesses. Livestream
usage is taking off globally. The integration of cutting-edge AI digital human technologies and live streaming platforms will transform
the way businesses, sellers and consumers engage in online commerce. Digital anchors can offer long-duration intelligent live broadcasting.
It also supports customized avatars that perfectly adapt to different live streaming scenarios. The company has introduced online e-commerce
businesses on TikTok under different accounts.
For live streaming interactive game sector, the
Company has launched a live-streamed game called “Trible Light.” This game is owned by the company, and we independently operate
it. Currently, the game is being livestreamed on TikTok (TikTok account: almplify001). In addition to “Trible Light,” we have
also introduced other licensed games on the same TikTok account, providing a diverse gaming experience for the players.
We aim to generate revenue from: 1) Service revenue
and advertising revenue from digital human creation and customization; 2) Products’
sales revenue from social live streaming e-commerce business; and 3) Virtual paid gifts revenue from live streaming interactive gaming.
Our principal executive office is located at 810
Seventh Avenue, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10019, and our telephone number is: +1-347-2590292.
Corporate History and Structure
Investors are cautioned that you are buying
shares of GDC a Nevada company with operations conducted itself and through its subsidiaries in Nevada and in China and that this structure
involves unique risks to investors.
The following is an organizational chart setting forth our corporate
structure as of the date of this prospectus.
![](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1641398/000121390024063063/image_001.jpg)
GDC, formerly
known as Code Chain New Continent Limited, TMSR Holding Company Limited and JM Global Holding
Company, was a blank check company incorporated in Delaware on April 10, 2015.
The Company was formed for the purpose of acquiring, through a merger, capital stock exchange,
asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, exchangeable share transaction or other
similar business transaction, one or more operating businesses or assets. Effective as of
February 6, 2018, the Company consummated a business combination, changed its corporate name
from “JM Global Holding Company” to “TMSR Holding Company Limited”
and the Company’s common stock traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker
symbol “TMSR”. On June 20, 2018, the Company consummated the reincorporation.
As a result, the Company changed its state of incorporation from Delaware to Nevada and implemented
a 2-for-1 forward stock split of the Company’s common stock. Effective as of May 18,
2020, the Company changed its corporate name from “TMSR Holding Company Limited”
to “Code Chain New Continent Limited”, and the Company’s common stock traded
on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “CCNC”. On November 9, 2022,
the Company effected a one-for-thirty (30) reverse stock split. Effective as of January 10,
2023, the Company changed its corporate name from “Code Chain New Continent Limited”
to “GD Culture Group Limited” and the Company’s common stock started trading
on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “GDC”. This is the entity
which investors will be purchasing their interest in.
Citi Profit is a company
formed under the laws of the British Virgin Islands in August 2019 and is wholly owned by GDC. It is a holding company with no material
operations of its own.
Highlight HK is a company
formed under the laws of Hong Kong SAR in November 2022 and is wholly owned by Citi Profit. It is a holding company with no material operations
of its own.
Highlight WFOE or Shanghai
Highlight is a company formed under the laws of the PRC in January 2023 and is wholly owned by Highlight HK. It is a holding company with
no material operations of its own.
Shanghai
Xianzhui is a company formed under the laws of the PRC in August 2023 for social media marketing
purposes. It is a joint venture, of which Highlight WFOE owns 73.3333% of the total equity
interest. This is an operating subsidiary of the Company.
AI
Catalysis is a company formed under the laws of Neveda in May 2023, and is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of GDC. It is an operating company focusing on AI-driven digital human creation
and customization, live streaming and e-commerce, and live streaming interactive game. This
is an operating subsidiary of the Company.
Prior to September
28, 2022, Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a then indirect subsidiary of the Company (“Makesi WFOE”), had a series
of contractual arrangement with Sichuan Wuge Network Games Co., Ltd. (“Wuge”) and its shareholders that established a variable
interest entity (the “VIE”) structure. For accounting purposes, Makesi WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Wuge. Accordingly,
under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), the Company treated Wuge as
the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Wuge’s financial statements prior to September 28, 2022. Wuge focused its
business on research, development and application of Internet of Things (IoT) and electronic tokens Wuge digital door signs. On September
28, 2022, Makesi WFOE entered into a termination agreement with Wuge and the shareholders of Wuge to terminate the VIE Agreements and
to cancel the shares previously issued to the shareholders of Wuge, based on the average closing price of $0.237 per share of the Company
during the 30 trading days immediately prior to the date of the termination agreement. As a result of such termination, the Company no
longer treats Wuge as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Wuge in the Company’s
consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.
Prior to June 26,
2023, Makesi WFOE had a series of contractual arrangement with Shanghai Yuanma Food and Beverage Management Co., Ltd. (“Yuan Ma”)
and its shareholders that established a VIE structure. For accounting purposes, Makesi WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Yuan Ma. Accordingly,
under U.S. GAAP, the Company treated Yuan Ma as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Yuan Ma’s financial results
in the Company’s consolidated financial statements prior to June 26, 2023. On June 26, 2023, the Company entered into a share purchase
agreement with a buyer unaffiliated with the Company. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company agreed to sell and the buyer agreed to purchase
all the issued and outstanding equity interest in TMSR Holdings Limited (“TMSR HK”), which owned 100% equity interest in
Makesi WFOE. The purchase price for the transaction contemplated by the Agreement was $100,000. The sale of TMSR HK did not have any
material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Prior to September
26, 2023, Highlight WFOE had a series of contractual arrangement with Highlight Media and its shareholders that established a VIE structure.
For accounting purposes, Highlight WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Highlight Media. Accordingly, under U.S. GAAP, the Company treated
Highlight Media as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Highlight Media’s financial results in the Company’s
financial statements prior to September 26, 2023. Highlight Media was an integrated marketing service agency, focusing on enterprise
brand management, crisis public relations, intelligent public opinion monitoring, media PR, financial and economic we-media operation,
digital face application, large-scale exhibition services and other businesses. On September 26, 2023, Highlight WFOE entered into a
termination agreement with Highlight Media and the shareholders of Highlight Media to terminate the VIE Agreements and sold the interest
in the VIE Agreements for a purchase price of $100,000. As a result of such termination, the Company no longer treats Highlight Media
as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Highlight Media in the Company’s
consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.
Reverse Stock Split
On November 4, 2022, the Company filed a Certificate
of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Amendment”) with the Nevada Secretary of State to effect
a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per shares, of the Company at a ratio of one-for-thirty
(30), which became effective at 12:01 a.m. on November 9, 2022. Upon effectiveness of the reverse stock split, every thirty (30) outstanding
shares of common stock were combined into and automatically become one share of common stock. The Company’s warrants (OTC Pink:
CCNCW) was adjusted so that each warrant is to purchase one-half of one shares of common stock at a price of $86.40 per half share ($172.50
per whole share). The warrants expired on February 5, 2023.
Unless otherwise indicated, all references
to common stock, warrants to purchase common stock, share data, per share data, and related information have been retroactively adjusted,
where applicable, in this prospectus to reflect the reverse stock split of our common stock as if they had occurred at the beginning
of the earlier period presented.
Name Change
Effective as of January 10, 2023, the Company
changed its corporate name from “Code Chain New Continent Limited” to “GD Culture Group Limited” pursuant to a
Certificate of Amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation. In connection with the name change, effective as of the
opening of trading on January 10, 2023, the Company’s common stock is trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol
“GDC”.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The
COVID-19 pandemic did not have a material impact on our business or results of operation
during the three months ended March 31, 2024 fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
However, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact the general economy
and our business is highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted. These uncertainties
may impede our ability to conduct our operations and could materially and adversely affect
our business, financial condition and results of operations, and as a result could adversely
affect our stock price and create more volatility.
Recent Regulatory Developments
On December 28,
2021, the CAC, the National Development and Reform Commission (“NDRC”), and several other administrations jointly issued
the revised Measures for Cybersecurity Review, or the Revised Review Measures, which became effective and has replaced the existing Measures
for Cybersecurity Review on February 15, 2022. According to the Revised Review Measures, if an “online platform operator”
that is in possession of personal data of more than one million users intends to list in a foreign country, it must apply for a cybersecurity
review. Based on a set of Q&A published on the official website of the State Cipher Code Administration in connection with the issuance
of the Revised Review Measures, an official of the said administration indicated that an online platform operator should apply for a
cybersecurity review prior to the submission of its listing application with non-PRC securities regulators. Given the recency of the
issuance of the Revised Review Measures and their pending effectiveness, there is a general lack of guidance and substantial uncertainties
exist with respect to their interpretation and implementation. For example, it is unclear whether the requirement of cybersecurity review
applies to follow-on offerings by an “online platform operator” that is in possession of personal data of more than one million
users where the offshore holding company of such operator is already listed overseas. Furthermore, the CAC released the draft of the
Regulations on Network Data Security Management in November 2021 for public consultation, which among other things, stipulates that
a data processor listed overseas must conduct an annual data security review by itself or by engaging a data security service provider
and submit the annual data security review report for a given year to the municipal cybersecurity department before January 31 of
the following year. If the draft Regulations on Network Data Security Management are enacted in the current form, we, as an
overseas listed company, will be required to carry out an annual data security review and comply with the relevant reporting obligations.
As advised by Junjin
Law Firm, we will not be subject to cybersecurity review with the CAC, given that: (i) Shanghai Xianzhui does not possess and does not
anticipate that it will possess a large amount of personal information in our business operations and (ii) data processed in Shanghai
Xianzhui’s business does not have a bearing on national security and thus may not be classified as core or important data by the
authorities. In addition, for the same reasons, we are not subject to network data security review by the CAC if the Draft Regulations
on the Network Data Security Administration are enacted as proposed. However, the definition of “network platform operator”
is unclear and it is also unclear on how it will be interpreted and implemented by the relevant PRC governmental authorities. See “Risk
factors — Risk Factors Related to Doing Business in China — Shanghai Xianzhui may become subject to a
variety of laws and regulations in the PRC regarding privacy, data security, cybersecurity, and data protection. Shanghai Xianzhui may
be required to suspend its business, be liable for improper use or appropriation of personal information provided by our customers or
face other penalties.”
On
July 6, 2021, the relevant PRC governmental authorities made public the Opinions on
Strictly Cracking Down Illegal Securities Activities in Accordance with the Law. These opinions
emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and
the supervision on overseas listings by China-based companies and proposed to take effective
measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems to deal with
the risks and incidents faced by China-based overseas-listed companies. As these opinions
were recently issued, official guidance and related implementation rules have not been issued
yet and the interpretation of these opinions remains unclear at this stage. As of the date
of this prospectus, we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, or sanctions regarding
listing abroad or offshore offering from the CSRC, the CAC, or any other PRC governmental
authorities. See “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Doing Business
in China — The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner
in which we must conduct our business activities. We are currently not required to obtain
approval from Chinese authorities to list on U.S exchanges, however, if Shanghai Xianzhui
or GDC were required to obtain approval in the future and were denied permission from Chinese
authorities to list on U.S. exchanges, we will not be able to continue listing on U.S. exchange
and the value of our common stock may significantly decline or become worthless, which would
materially affect the interest of the investors.”
On February 17, 2023, the China Securities
Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, announced the Circular on the Administrative Arrangements for Filing of Securities Offering and Listing
by Domestic Companies, or the Circular, and released a set of new regulations which consists of the Trial Administrative Measures of
Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, or the Trial Measures, and five supporting guidelines. On the same date,
the CSRC also released the Notice on the Arrangements for the Filing Management of Overseas Listing of Domestic Companies, or the Notice.
The Trial Measures came into effect on March 31, 2023. The Trial Measures refine the regulatory system by subjecting both direct
and indirect overseas offering and listing activities to the CSRC filing-based administration. Requirements for filing entities, time
points and procedures are specified. A PRC domestic company that seeks to offer and list securities in overseas markets shall fulfill
the filing procedure with the CSRC per the requirements of the Trial Measures. Where a PRC domestic company seeks to indirectly offer
and list securities in overseas markets, the issuer shall designate a major domestic operating entity, which shall, as the domestic responsible
entity, file with the CSRC. The Trial Measures also lay out requirements for the reporting of material events. Breaches of the Trial
Measures, such as offering and listing securities overseas without fulfilling the filing procedures, shall bear legal liabilities, including
a fine between RMB 1.0 million (approximately $150,000) and RMB 10.0 million (approximately $1.5 million), and the Trial
Measures increase the cost for offenders by enforcing accountability with administrative penalties and incorporating the compliance status
of relevant market participants into the Securities Market Integrity Archives.
According to the Circular, since the date
of effectiveness of the Trial Measures on March 31, 2023, PRC domestic enterprises falling within the scope of filing that have
been listed overseas or met the following circumstances are “existing enterprises”: before the effectiveness of the Trial
Measures on March 31, 2023, the application for indirect overseas issuance and listing has been approved by the overseas regulators
or overseas stock exchanges (such as the registration statement has become effective on the U.S. market), it is not required to
perform issuance and listing supervision procedures of the overseas regulators or overseas stock exchanges, and the overseas issuance
and listing will be completed by September 30, 2023. Existing enterprises are not required to file with the CSRC immediately, and
filings with the CSRC should be made as required if they involve refinancings and other filing matters. PRC domestic enterprises that
have submitted valid applications for overseas issuance and listing but have not been approved by overseas regulatory authorities or
overseas stock exchanges at the date of effectiveness of the Trial Measures on March 31, 2023 can reasonably arrange the timing
of filing applications with the CSRC and shall complete the filing with the CSRC before the overseas issuance and listing.
In addition, an overseas-listed company must
also submit the filing with respect to its follow-on offerings, issuance of convertible corporate bonds and exchangeable bonds, and other
equivalent offering activities, within the time frame specified by the Trial Measures.
As advised by Junjin Law Firm, because the
Company is not a company registered and formed in the territory of China, its continued listing on Nasdaq and future offerings are not
“direct overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises” as defined under the Trial Measures. Furthermore, according
to Article 2 of the Trial Measures, the “indirect overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises” refers to the overseas
offering and listing of enterprises whose main business activities are in China, in the name of enterprises registered overseas, which
offering and listing are based on the equity, assets, income or other similar rights and interests of the domestic enterprises. According
to Article 15 of the Trial Measures, if the issuer meets both of the following conditions, the overseas offerings and listings shall
be determined as an “indirect overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises”: (i) 50% or more of the issuer’s
operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most
recent accounting year is accounted for by domestic enterprises; and; (ii) its major operational activities are carried out in China
or its main places of business are located in China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operation and management are mostly
Chinese citizens or domiciled in China.
The Company does not meet both the requirements
under Article 15 of the Trial Measures and therefore its continued listing on Nasdaq and future offerings are not an “Indirect
overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises”, considering that (i) the operating income and total profit of the Company’s
subsidiaries that were established in China for the year ended December 31, 2023 do not account for more than 50% of the operating income
and total profit in our consolidated financial statements for the same period, (ii) our main business is not conducted within China,
and (iii) the majority of our senior management personnel are not Chinese citizens or reside in China on a regular basis. Therefore,
as advised by Junjin Law Firm, we are not required to complete the record filing requirement under the Trial Measures. However,
if we inadvertently conclude that such filing procedures are not required, or applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change
such that we are required to complete the filing procedures in the future, we may be subject to investigations by the regulators, fines
or penalties, ordered to suspend our relevant operations and rectify any non-compliance, prohibited from engaging in relevant business
or conducting any offering, and these risks could result in a material adverse change in our operations and/or the value of our common
stock, and could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, or cause
such securities to significantly decline in value or become worthless.
Implication of the Holding Foreign Company
Accountable Act
The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act,
or the HFCAA, was enacted on December 18, 2020. The HFCAA states that if the SEC determines that an issuer’s audit reports issued
by a registered public accounting firm have not been subject to inspection by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(the “PCAOB”) for three consecutive years beginning in 2021, the SEC shall prohibit such issuer’s securities from being
traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States. On March 24, 2021, the SEC adopted
interim final rules relating to the implementation of certain disclosure and documentation requirements of the HFCAA. We will be required
to comply with these rules if the SEC identifies us as having a “non-inspection” year under a process to be subsequently established
by the SEC. If we fail to meet the new rules before the deadline specified thereunder, we could face possible prohibition from trading
on a national securities exchange or on the OTC Markets, deregistration from the SEC and/or
other risks, which may materially and adversely affect, or effectively terminate, our securities trading in the United States. On December
2, 2021, the SEC issued amendments to finalize rules implementing the submission and disclosure requirements in the HFCAA. The rules apply
to registrants that the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting
firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken
by an authority in foreign jurisdictions. Furthermore, on June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding Foreign
Companies Accountable Act, and on December 29, 2022, legislation entitled “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023” (the
“Consolidated Appropriations Act”) was signed into law by President Biden, which contained, among other things, an identical
provision to the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act and amended the HFCAA by requiring the SEC to prohibit an issuer’s
securities from trading on any U.S. stock exchanges if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive years instead
of three, thus reducing the time period for triggering the prohibition on trading. On August 26, 2022, the CSRC, the Ministry of Finance
of the PRC (the “MOF”), and the PCAOB signed a Statement of Protocol (the “Protocol”), governing inspections and
investigations of audit firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong, taking the first step toward opening access for the PCAOB to inspect
and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. Pursuant to the fact sheet with respect
to the Protocol disclosed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the PCAOB shall have independent discretion
to select any issuer audits for inspection or investigation and has the unfettered ability to transfer information to the SEC. On December
15, 2022, the PCAOB determined that the PCAOB was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate registered public accounting
firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong and voted to vacate its previous determinations to the contrary. However, should PRC
authorities obstruct or otherwise fail to facilitate the PCAOB’s access in the future, the PCAOB will consider the need to issue
a new determination.
Our previous auditor, Enrome LLP, with their
headquarter at 143 Cecil St, #19-03/04 GB Building, Singapore 069542, has been inspected by the PCAOB on a regular basis in the audit
period. Our current auditor, HTL International, LLC, with their headquarter at 12 Greenway Plaza Suite 1100, Houston, Texas 77046, has
been inspected by the PCAOB on a regular basis as well. If it is later determined that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate
our auditor completely, investors may be deprived of the benefits of such inspection. Any audit reports not issued by auditors that are
completely inspected by the PCAOB, or a lack of PCAOB inspections of audit work undertaken in China that prevents the PCAOB from regularly
evaluating our auditors’ audits and their quality control procedures, could result in a lack of assurance that our financial statements
and disclosures are adequate and accurate. Moreover, if trading in our securities is prohibited under the HFCAA in the future because
the PCAOB determines that it cannot inspect or fully investigate our auditor at such future time, an exchange may determine to delist
our securities. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China — The recent joint statement by the
SEC and PCAOB, proposed rule changes submitted by Nasdaq, and the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act all call for additional and
more stringent criteria to be applied to emerging market companies.”
Asset Transfer between our Company and our Subsidiaries
GDC may rely on dividends to be paid by our
subsidiaries in Nevada and in the PRC, to fund our cash and financing requirements, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and
other cash distributions to our shareholders, to service any debt we may incur and to pay our operating expenses.
Under the Nevada
Revised Statutes and the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of each of GDC and AI Catalysis (a direct subsidiary of GDC), dividends
may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting. No distribution may be made if, after giving it effect:
(a) such company would not be able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business; or (b) such company’s total
assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if such company were to be dissolved
immediately after the time of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon such dissolution of holders of shares of any
class or series of the capital stock of such company having preferential rights superior to those receiving the distribution.
Under the laws of
the British Virgin Islands, our BVI subsidiary and a direct subsidiary of GDC, Citi Profit, may pay a dividend to GDC out of profit,
provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in Citi Profit being unable to pay our debts due in the
ordinary course of business.
Under the laws of
Hong Kong, our Hong Kong subsidiary and a direct subsidiary of Citi Profit, Highlight HK, is permitted, to provide funding to Citi Profit
through dividends distribution out of its profits. Under the current practices of the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department, no tax is
payable in Hong Kong in respect of dividends paid to Citi Profit as a British Virgin Islands company.
Under PRC laws and
regulations, our PRC subsidiaries, Highlight WFOE (a direct subsidiary of Citi Profit), and Shanghai Xianzhui (a direct subsidiary of
Highlight WFOE), may pay dividends only out of its accumulated profits as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and
regulations. Further, our PRC subsidiaries are required to make appropriations to certain statutory reserve funds or may make appropriations
to certain discretionary funds, which are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of a solvent liquidation of the companies.
In addition, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise is required to set aside at least 10% of its accumulated after-tax profits each year,
if any, to fund a certain statutory reserve fund, until the aggregate amount of such fund reaches 50% of its registered capital. Remittance
of dividends by a wholly foreign-owned enterprise out of China is also subject to examination by the banks designated by the State Administration
of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE.
In addition, we expect
that revenue, if any, to be generated by our PRC operating subsidiary, Shanghai Xianzhui, will be in Renminbi, which is not freely convertible
into other currencies. As a result, any restriction on currency exchange may limit the ability of our PRC operating subsidiary to use
its Renminbi revenues to pay dividends to us. To the extent cash or assets in the business is in the PRC/Hong Kong or a PRC/Hong Kong
entity, the funds or assets may not be available to fund operations or for other use outside of the PRC/Hong Kong due to interventions
in or the imposition of restrictions and limitations on the ability of us or our subsidiaries by the PRC government to transfer cash
or assets. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may temporarily delay the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to remit sufficient
foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to us, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency denominated obligations. In view
of the foregoing, to the extent cash in our business is held in China or by a PRC entity, such cash may not be available to fund operations
or for other use outside of the PRC. The PRC government may continue to strengthen its capital controls, and more restrictions and substantial
vetting process may be put forward by SAFE for cross-border transactions falling under both the current account and the capital account.
In addition, the Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules provide that a withholding tax rate of up to 10% will be applicable
to dividends payable by Chinese companies to non-PRC-resident enterprises unless otherwise exempted or reduced according to treaties
or arrangements between the PRC central government and governments of other countries or regions where the non-PRC resident enterprises
are incorporated. Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other kinds of payments to us could
materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends,
or otherwise fund and conduct our business.
Under PRC law, Highlight
WFOE and Shanghai Xianzhui may be funded through capital contributions by its immediate parent company or loans, subject to satisfaction
of applicable government registration and approval requirements. Before providing loans to our PRC subsidiaries, we will be required
to make filings about details of the loans with the SAFE in accordance with relevant PRC laws and regulations.
Highlight HK is permitted
under the laws of Hong Kong to provide funding to Shanghai Xianzhui through capital contributions or to other companies within our corporate
structure through loans without restrictions on the amount of the funds and such funding is not subject to government registration or
filing requirements under the laws of Hong Kong.
Citi Profit is permitted
under the laws of the British Virgin Islands to provide funding to Highlight WFOE through capital contributions or to other companies
within our corporate structure through loans without restrictions on the amount of the funds and such funding is not subject to government
registration or filing requirements under the laws of the British Virgin Islands.
GDC is permitted
under the laws of Nevada to provide funding to Citi Profit through capital contributions or to other companies within our corporate structure
through loans without restrictions on the amount of the funds and such funding is not subject to government registration or filing requirements
under the laws of the Nevada.
AI Catalysis is permitted
under the laws of Nevada to provide funding to other companies within our corporate structure through loans without restrictions on the
amount of the funds and such funding is not subject to government registration or filing requirements under the laws of the Nevada.
GDC presently does
not maintain any cash management policies which dictate how funds are transferred, however, GDC continues to conduct regular review and
management of all its subsidiaries’ cash transfers and reports to board of directors.
Prior to September
28, 2022, Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a then indirect subsidiary of the Company (“Makesi WFOE”), had a series
of contractual arrangement with Sichuan Wuge Network Games Co., Ltd. (“Wuge”) and its shareholders that established a variable
interest entity (the “VIE”) structure. For accounting purposes, Makesi WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Wuge. Accordingly,
under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), the Company treated Wuge as
the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Wuge’s financial statements prior to September 28, 2022. Wuge focused its
business on research, development and application of Internet of Things (IoT) and electronic tokens Wuge digital door signs. On September
28, 2022, Makesi WFOE entered into a termination agreement with Wuge and the shareholders of Wuge to terminate the VIE Agreements and
to cancel the shares previously issued to the shareholders of Wuge, based on the average closing price of $0.237 per share of the Company
during the 30 trading days immediately prior to the date of the termination agreement. As a result of such termination, the Company no
longer treats Wuge as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Wuge in the Company’s
consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.
Prior to June 26,
2023, Makesi WFOE had a series of contractual arrangement with Shanghai Yuanma Food and Beverage Management Co., Ltd. (“Yuan Ma”)
and its shareholders that established a VIE structure. For accounting purposes, Makesi WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Yuan Ma. Accordingly,
under U.S. GAAP, the Company treated Yuan Ma as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Yuan Ma’s financial results
in the Company’s consolidated financial statements prior to June 26, 2023. On June 26, 2023, the Company entered into a share purchase
agreement with a buyer unaffiliated with the Company. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company agreed to sell and the buyer agreed to purchase
all the issued and outstanding equity interest in TMSR Holdings Limited (“TMSR HK”), which owned 100% equity interest in
Makesi WFOE. The purchase price for the transaction contemplated by the Agreement was $100,000. The sale of TMSR HK did not have any
material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Prior to September
26, 2023, Highlight WFOE had a series of contractual arrangement with Highlight Media and its shareholders that established a VIE structure.
For accounting purposes, Highlight WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Highlight Media. Accordingly, under U.S. GAAP, the Company treated
Highlight Media as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Highlight Media’s financial results in the Company’s
financial statements prior to September 26, 2023. Highlight Media was an integrated marketing service agency, focusing on enterprise
brand management, crisis public relations, intelligent public opinion monitoring, media PR, financial and economic we-media operation,
digital face application, large-scale exhibition services and other businesses. On September 26, 2023, Highlight WFOE entered into a
termination agreement with Highlight Media and the shareholders of Highlight Media to terminate the VIE Agreements and sold the interest
in the VIE Agreements for a purchase price of $100,000. As a result of such termination, the Company no longer treats Highlight Media
as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Highlight Media in the Company’s
consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.
As of December 31,
2023 and as of the date of this prospectus, we do not have a VIE structure.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024,
there was no transfer of assets between GDC and its subsidiaries. No amounts owed under any previous VIE agreements were settled. There
were no cash transfers to or from the VIEs. GDC did not make any dividends or distributions to U.S. investors.
During the fiscal years ended December 31,
2023, GDC transferred a total of $2,100,000 to its subsidiary AI Catalysis Corp as capital contribution. No subsidiary made any dividends
or distributions to GDC. No amounts owed under any VIE agreements were settled. There were no cash transfers to or from the VIEs. GDC
did not make any dividends or distributions to U.S. investors.
During the fiscal years ended December 31,
2022, there was no transfer of assets between GDC and its subsidiaries. No earnings or other amount owed under any VIE agreements was
settled. There were no cash transfers to or from the VIEs. GDC did not make any dividends or distributions to U.S. investors.
As of the date of
this prospectus, we have no intention of distributing any earnings as dividends to our investors or to settle amounts owned under the
previous VIE agreements. If our subsidiary incurs debt on its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict
its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us.
See “Risk Factors — Risks
Related to Our Corporate Structure — We may rely on dividends paid by our subsidiaries for our cash needs. Any limitation on the
ability of our subsidiaries to make dividend payments to us, or any tax implications of making dividend payments to us, could limit our
ability to pay our parent company expenses or pay dividends to holders of our common stock” on page 22 of this prospectus, and
“Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business in China — “PRC regulation of loans to, and direct investments
in, PRC entities by offshore holding companies may delay or prevent us from using proceeds from future financing activities to make loans
or additional capital contributions to our PRC operating subsidiary” on page 24 of this prospectus. See also the “Item 1.
Business — Summary of Financial Position and Cash Flows of GD Culture Group Limited, its subsidiaries and the VIEs”
and the consolidated financial statements contained in our latest annual report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
Our Products and Services
GDC operates in the following distinct business
sectors through the Company and two subsidiaries, AI Catalysis Corp. and Shanghai Xianzhui: 1) AI-driven digital human creation and customization;
2) Live streaming and e-commerce and 3) Live streaming interactive game. The company has relentlessly been focusing on serving its customers
and creating value for them through the continual innovation and optimization of its products and services.
1. |
AI-Driven Digital Human |
- |
Digital Human Creation and Customization |
The Company uses AI algorithms and
software to generate realistic 3D or 2D digital human models. AI algorithms and machine learning models are used to simulate human characteristics,
such as facial expressions, body movements, and even speech patterns. These models can be customized to create and personalize lifelike
digital representations of humans. Customization may involve adjusting facial features, body proportions, skin textures, hair styles,
clothing, and more.
- |
Digital Human Technology Application |
Once created and customized, digital
humans find applications in a wide range of industries, including gaming, entertainment, advertising, education, and more. Depending on
the specific industry and the application scenario, the Company helps the customers to define the objectives to achieve with digital humans,
choose the technology for character customization, then create unique aviators and deploy in the chosen platform.
The Company currently plans to generate
lifelike digital humans for the following key business areas:
|
● |
Virtual Influencers and Social Media |
The Company aims to create digital
humans to gain popularity as virtual influencers on social media platforms. These virtual personalities can collaborate with brands and
engage with followers, blurring the line between fiction and reality.
A well-thought-out
narrative to create digital characters with diversified personal identity, appearance, storytelling, and actions can resonate with
its audience and influence them on notable social media platforms. It aims to attract a large following
on social media and has the ability to produce responsible content 24/7. The Company also uses open source AI tools to create unconventional
digital characters and videos.
|
● |
Online Marketing and Advertising |
Digital humans can be used in marketing
campaigns and advertisements to engage with consumers. They can serve as virtual brand ambassadors or spokespersons, providing a more
personal and interactive experience. The Company creates customized digital humans to support the clients’ marketing efforts.
2. |
E-Commerce and Live Streaming |
- |
Digital Human in E-Commerce and Live Streaming |
The Company applies digital human technology
in live streaming e-commerce businesses. Livestream usage is taking off globally. The integration
of cutting-edge AI digital human technologies and live streaming platforms will transform the way businesses, sellers and consumers engage
in online commerce. Digital anchors can offer long-duration intelligent live broadcasting. It also supports customized avatars
that perfectly adapt to different live streaming scenarios.
- |
E-Commerce on Social Media Platforms |
The company has introduced online e-commerce
businesses on TikTok. Our focus is on capturing TikTok’s popular trend by offering carefully selected product choices with smooth
delivery. We aim to redefine the online shopping experience by providing a diverse range of products with real-time interaction capabilities.
Currently, our product offerings include popular Asian snacks, small home appliances, gardening tools, 3C products, and more. We plan
to introduce additional product types, such as Asian branded beauty products, personal care, fashion, and more trending popular items
in Asia, to TikTok consumers.
- |
E-Commerce Live Streaming Businesses |
The Company intends to expand its e-commerce
offerings on the social media platform into live-streaming. We plan to diversify our livestream hosts by incorporating different styles
and personalities. In addition to the real-time improvisation by hosts during each live streaming session, our community interactions
generate another form of content. The variety of real-time interactions between viewers and hosts or among viewers creates viewer-generated
content, which becomes part of the overall entertainment and social experience offered on our platform. Such content enhances the sense
of involvement and makes it more enjoyable to watch live streaming while customers are shopping online.
3. |
Live Streaming Interactive Game |
The Company has launched a live-streamed
game called “Trible Light.” This game is owned by the company, and we independently operate it. Currently, the game is being
livestreamed on TikTok (TikTok account: almplify001). In addition to “Trible Light,” we have also introduced other licensed
games on the same TikTok account, providing a diverse gaming experience for the players.
These interactive live streaming games
on the TikTok platform are specifically designed for young game enthusiasts worldwide. They offer real-time and immersive gaming experiences,
where viewers can actively participate as players during the livestream. Our livestream hosts enhance the experience by providing commentary,
tips, and insights to engage and excite the players. Furthermore, this unique live streaming format allows viewers to gift virtual tokens
to their favorite hosts, fostering a sense of community among our gaming audience.
This innovative gaming style is already
popular in Asia which offers instant, thrill-packed experiences for TikTok enthusiasts. The game is user-friendly, entertaining, and available
whenever players decide to participate. We plan to continuously diversify our game offerings to provide more enjoyable options based on
viewers’ preferences. AI Catalysis intends to expand anchor personalities. Currently, the company has collaborated with two hosts
- one with a great sense of humor and another with keen gaming insights. The game has gained significant momentum and has captured the
attention of many TikTok users.
AI Catalysis plans to diversify its
game offerings and collaborate with various TikTok personalities. In both e-commerce and live streaming and live streaming interactive
game business sectors, AI Catalysis is committed to serving the TikTok audience 24/7. We also have plans to introduce digital hosts to
ensure continuous entertainment.
Revenue Model
We aim to generate revenue from: 1) Service revenue
and advertising revenue from digital human creation and customization; 2) Products’ sales revenue from social live streaming e-commerce
business; 3) Virtual paid gifts revenue from live streaming interactive gaming.
1. |
Digital Human Creation and Customization Services |
The Company will monetize our services through:
- |
Services fee for custom avatar creation: to provide customized services to our customers for designing and generating unique digital human avatars. Our target customers are mainly individuals or small and medium-sized businesses (“SMB”) in the consumer industry. For SMB customers, digital humans can be used in advertising and marketing campaigns to create engaging content, or engaging with consumers on social media platforms as a brand ambassador or spokespeople to increase brand visibility and loyalty. We can also provide ongoing maintenance, updates, and support for their digital humans. Based on the scope of work and complexity of the project, the company provides advice, project planning, and strategy development in exchange for consulting fees. |
- |
Advertising partnership fee: When the Company’s own virtual influencers gain a significant following or visibility on the social media platforms, we consider partnering with brands for sponsored content or advertising opportunities related to the digital human work. |
- |
Licensing fee: license the right to clients to use, deploy, or integrate digital human avatars or characters created by the company for a fee. Licensing agreements can vary based on usage, duration, and exclusivity. |
2. |
Social and Live Streaming E-Commerce Gross Merchandise Value |
- |
Product sales: Hosts or influencers showcase products, answer questions from viewers, and encourage viewers to make purchases of the products in real time during live streaming. |
- |
Virtual gifts and tipping: Viewers have the option to send virtual gifts or tips to hosts or influencers during live streams. These virtual gifts are purchased with real money, and the platform and the host/influencers share the revenue generated from virtual gifting. |
3. |
Live Streaming Interactive Gaming |
- |
Virtual paid gifts: Virtual paid gifts from viewers are the main revenue source for the live streaming gaming industry. Virtual gifting is a considerably successful business model that stimulates streamers’ content generation and viewer-streamer interactions. Live streaming platforms earn revenues from sales of paid gifts, and streamers earn a proportion of the received gifts or donations or tips from fans. |
Recent Development
The Establishment of the Joint Venture
On
August 10, 2023, Shanghai Highlight, an indirect subsidiary of the Company, Beijing Hehe
Property Management Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Hehe”), and Tianjing Yuese Jewelry Co.
Ltd. (“Tianjing Yuese”), established Shanghai Xianzhui under the laws of the
People’s Republic of China for social media marketing. Shanghai Highlight owned 60%
of the equity interest of Shanghai Xianzhui, Beijing Hehe owned 20% of the equity interest
of Shanghai Xianzhui and Tianjing Yuese owned the remaining 20% of the equity interest of
Shanghai Xianzhui.
Equity Purchase Agreement dated October 27,
2023 and the Amendment to the Equity Purchase Agreement dated November 10, 2023
On October 27, 2023, the Company entered into
an equity purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) with Shanghai Highlight and Beijing Hehe, pursuant to which the Shanghai Highlight
agreed to purchase the 20% equity interest in Shanghai Xianzhui from Beijing Hehe and the Company agreed to issue 600,000 shares of common
stock of the Company, valued at $2.7820 per share, the average closing bid price of the common stock of GDC as of the five trading days
immediately preceding the date of the Agreement, to Beijing Hehe or its assigns. The closing of the transaction shall take place within
thirty (30) days from the execution of the Agreement. The Agreement is effective for thirty (30) days from the date of the Agreement,
which can be extended for additional thirty (30) days upon all parties’ written agreement. The Company or Shanghai Highlight may
terminate the Agreement at any time with a three (3) day advance written notice to Beijing Hehe.
On November 10, 2023,
the Company entered into an amended and restated equity purchase agreement (the “Amended and Restated Agreement”) that amended
and replaced the Original Agreement. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Agreement, Shanghai Highlight agreed to purchase the 13.3333%
equity interest in Shanghai Xianzhui from Beijing Hehe and the Company agreed to issue 400,000 shares of common stock of the Company,
valued at the Per Share Price, to Beijing Hehe or its assigns.
Pursuant to the Amended
and Restated Agreement, the closing of the transaction shall take place within thirty (30) days from the execution of the Amended and
Restated Agreement. The Amended and Restated Agreement is effective for thirty (30) days from the date of the Amended and Restated Agreement,
which can be extended for additional thirty (30) days upon all parties’ written agreement. The Company or Shanghai Highlight may
terminate the Amended and Restated Agreement at any time with a three (3) day advance written notice to Beijing Hehe.
On
January 11, 2024, the Company issued the Shares and the transaction is completed. The Company
owns 73.3333% of the total equity interest of Shanghai Xianzhui.
Registered Direct
Offering (“March 2024 Offering”)
On March 22, 2024, the
Company entered into a placement agency agreement, with Univest Securities, LLC, as the placement agent. Pursuant to the placement agency
agreement, the placement agent agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to sell the Company’s common stock in a registered direct
offering. The placement agent has no obligation to buy any of the securities from us or to arrange for the purchase or sale of any specific
number or dollar amount of securities.
In the March 2024 Offering,
an aggregate of 810,277 shares of common stock were sold to certain purchasers, pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, dated March
22, 2024. The purchase price of each Common Share is $1.144.
The March 2024 Offering
was made pursuant to a shelf registration statement (No. 333-254366) on Form S-3, which was declared effective by
the SEC on March 26, 2021, and related prospectus supplement.
The net proceeds from
the March 2024 Offering, after deducting placement agent discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company,
were approximately $830,000. The Company used the net proceeds from the March 2024 Offering for working capital and general corporate
purposes.
Pursuant to the placement
agency agreement, the Company paid the placement agent a total cash fee equal to 4.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds received in the
March 2024 Offering.
Pursuant to the placement
agency agreement, the Company issued to the placement agent warrants to the placement agent to purchase up to 40,514 shares of Common
Stock (equal to 5.0% of the aggregate number of Common Shares) at an exercise price of $1.373 per share, which represents 120% of the
offering price.
Consulting Agreement
with IR Agency, LLC
On March 26, 2024, GDC
entered into a consulting agreement (the “IR Agency Consulting Agreement”) with IR Agency, LLC (“IR Agency”),
a provider of investor relations-related services. Pursuant to the IR Agency Consulting Agreement, GDC has engaged IR Agency, on a non-exclusive
basis, to provide marketing and advertising services (“Services”) to communicate information about the Company to the financial
community including, but not limited to, creating company profiles, media distribution and building a digital community with respect to
the Company.
As consideration for
its performance under the IR Agency Consulting Agreement, GDC paid IR Agency a non-refundable fee of $250,000 in cash. IR Agency is not
a registered broker-dealer or investment advisor and will not engage in any activities on behalf of GDC that would require it to be registered
as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. In addition, IR Agency was engaged by GDC as an independent contractor and not in an employer-employee
or joint venturer relationship.
The IR Agency Consulting
Agreement has a term of one (1) month and may be terminated by written notice, with or without cause, by either GDC or IR Agency at any
time.
Pursuant to the IR Agency
Consulting Agreement, both parties agree to hold each other’s Proprietary or Confidential Information in strict confidence. “Proprietary
or Confidential Information” shall include, but is not limited to, written or oral contracts, trade secrets, know-how, business
methods, business policies, memoranda, reports, records, computer retained information, notes, or financial information. Proprietary or
Confidential Information shall not include any information which: (i) is or becomes generally known to the public by any means other than
a breach of the obligations of the receiving party; (ii) was previously known to the receiving party or rightly received by the receiving
party from a third party; (iii) is independently developed by the receiving party; or (iv) is subject to disclosure under court order
or other lawful process. Both parties agree not to make each other’s Proprietary or Confidential Information available in any form
to any third party or to use each other’s Proprietary or Confidential Information for any purpose other than as specified in the
IR Agency Consulting Agreement. Each party’s Proprietary or Confidential Information shall remain the sole and exclusive property
of that party. Both parties agree that in the event of use or disclosure by the other party other than as specifically provided for in
the IR Agency Consulting Agreement, the non-disclosing party may be entitled to equitable relief. Notwithstanding termination or expiration
of the IR Agency Consulting Agreement, the parties acknowledge and agree that their obligations of confidentiality with respect to Proprietary
or Confidential Information shall continue in effect for a total period of three (3) years from the termination date.
Also, during the term
of the IR Agency Consulting Agreement, IR Agency acknowledges that in order to prepare appropriate advertising in a timely manner it may
be made aware of price sensitive or confidential information that has not been publicly disclosed yet. IR Agency confirms that it is fully
aware of its obligations in relation to such information and will ensure that the confidentiality of such information is maintained at
all times and that it, and its employees and contractors, are all fully aware of and comply with, all appropriate securities laws and
regulations in relation to insider trading and related matters.
The IR Agency Consulting
Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey.
Consulting Agreement
with Corbo Capital Inc.
On April 1, 2024, GDC
entered into a consulting services agreement (the “Corbo Consulting Agreement”) with Corbo Capital Inc. (“Corbo”),
pursuant to which the Company engaged Corbo to provide business consulting services in the e-commerce/technology sector.
More specifically, the
Corbo Consulting Agreement provides that Corbo will:
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meet with management to examine current activities and proposed plans, identify and discuss issues, market needs and expansionary goals, and to understand capital raising, investment and potential growth (acquisition) opportunities being considered (and timelines); |
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conduct research, undertake due diligence and analysis, and identify benefits and risks in relation to prospects and partnership affiliations under consideration, and thereafter advise on viability of plans for scaling activities (and the initiatives) that support reaching milestones and goals; |
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develop market messaging, growth and capital raising strategies that have the potential to deliver significant returns and attract investors; |
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outline investor and funding strategy for growth (retail and online activity) and suggest ways to minimize costs associated with technological platform improvements and marketing spend; and |
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prepare reports and present findings to senior management in relation to macro marketing plans and expansion viability, as well as select capital raising, investment and growth initiatives (and their structure). |
As consideration for
its performance under the Corbo Consulting Agreement, GDC paid Corbo an upfront fee of $265,000. The consulting fees were paid upon approval
by the Company in its sole discretion of a submitted invoice. The Corbo Consulting Agreement also provides that GDC will reimburse Corbo,
from time to time, for all out-of-pocket expenses, including travel costs, actually and properly incurred in connection with providing
the consulting engagement. Such expenses must be approved by the Company.
Corbo was engaged by
GDC as an independent contractor and not in an employer-employee, partner or joint venturer relationship.
The Corbo Consulting
Agreement has a term of twenty-four (24) months, starting from April 1, 2024.
The Corbo Consulting
Agreement includes a mutual indemnification provision whereby each of GDC and Corbo agree, except to the extent paid in settlement from
any applicable insurance policies, and to the extent permitted by applicable law, to indemnify and hold harmless the other party and its
affiliates, officers, agents, employees, and permitted successors and assigns against any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities,
penalties, punitive damages, expenses, reasonable legal fees and costs of any kind or amount, which result from or arise out of any act
or omission of the indemnifying party, its respective affiliates, officers, agents, employees, and permitted successors and assigns that
occurs in connection with the Corbo Consulting Agreement. The indemnification provision will survive the termination of the Corbo Consulting
Agreement.
Pursuant to the Corbo
Consulting Agreement, all documents, data and reports and other information generated by Corbo in performing the services herein shall
at all times be and remain the property of the Company and all such material is confidential and proprietary to the Company.
The Corbo Consulting
Agreement provides that, Corbo acknowledges that during the course of providing services to GDC, Corbo will have access to proprietary
information of GDC including, but not limited to, information relating to customer lists; financial costs and sales data; supply sources
and contracts; business opportunities for new and developing business; products, procedures, systems and techniques relating to the development,
marketing and sales of the Company’s products and services. Corbo acknowledges that all such proprietary information is a valuable,
special and unique asset of the Company. Corbo shall faithfully serve and use his best efforts to promote the interests of the Company
and shall not disclose proprietary information to others, other than in the course of Corbo’s responsibilities as a consultant advisor
to the Company, and shall not use such proprietary information for his own personal gain. Furthermore, Corbo specifically agrees that
this provision continues during and after the termination or expiration of the Corbo Consulting Agreement. In the event of a breach or
threatened breach by Corbo, the Company shall be entitled to an Injunction restraining Corbo from disclosing, in whole or in part, such
proprietary information or from rendering any services to any person, clients, the Company, association or other entity to whom such proprietary
information, in whole or in part, has been disclosed or is threatened to be disclosed. The Company can also pursue any other remedies
available to it for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of damages from Corbo.
The Corbo Consulting
Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Florida. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to the Corbo Consulting
Agreement or any breach of the Corbo Consulting Agreement will be settled by arbitration.
Change of Directors
On April 26, 2024,
Mr. Shuang Zhang tendered his resignation as a director of the Company, effective April 26, 2024. The resignation of Mr. Shuang Zhang
was not a result of any disagreement with the Company’s operations, policies or procedures.
On April 26, 2024, Mr.
Mingyue Cai tendered his resignation as a director, chair of the Compensation Committee, and member of the Audit Committee and Nominating
Committee of the Company, effective April 26, 2024. The resignation of Mr. Mingyue Cai was not a result of any disagreement with the Company’s
operations, policies or procedures.
On April 26, 2024, Mr.
Yi Zhong tendered his resignation as a director, chair of the Nominating Committee, and member of the Audit Committee and Compensation
Committee of the Company, effective April 26, 2024. The resignation of Mr. Yi Zhong was not a result of any disagreement with the Company’s
operations, policies or procedures.
On April 26, 2024, approved
by the Board of Directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee, Mr. Zihao Zhao,
the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, was appointed as a director of the Company, effective April 26, 2024, Mr. Lei Zhang was appointed
as a director, chair of the Compensation Committee, and member of the Audit Committee and Nominating Committee and Mr. Yun Zhang was appointed
as a director, chair of the Nominating Committee, and member of the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee of the Company, effective
April 26, 2024.
Each of Mr. Yun Zhang
and Mr. Lei Zhang is an independent director under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and rules of Nasdaq. Neither of Mr.
Yun Zhang or Mr. Lei Zhang has a family relationship with any director or executive officer of the Company. Neither of Mr. Yun
Zhang or Mr. Lei Zhang has been involved in any transaction with the Company during the past two years that would require disclosure
under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Environmental Matters
As of December 31, 2023, the Company, Shanghai
Xianzhui and Ai Catalysis were not subject to any fines or legal action involving non-compliance with any relevant environmental regulation,
nor are we aware of any threatened or pending action, including by any environmental regulatory authority.
Governmental Regulations in the PRC
As of the date of this prospectus, as confirmed
by our PRC counsel, Junjin Law Firm, our PRC operating subsidiaries have received all requisite permissions or approvals to operate the
business and no such permissions or approvals have been denied. As further confirmed by our PRC counsel, Junjin Law Firm, except for
the business license mentioned in “Regulations on Business License” on page 14 of this prospectus, our PRC operating subsidiaries
are not required to obtain any other permissions or approvals from any Chinese authorities to operate the business. As further confirmed
by our PRC counsel, Junjin Law Firm, no relevant PRC laws or regulations in effect require that we obtain permission from any PRC authorities
to issue securities to foreign investors, and we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, sanction, or any regulatory objection
from the CSRC, the CAC, or any other PRC authorities that have jurisdiction over our operations. See “Regulations on Mergers &
Acquisitions and Overseas Listings” on page 18 of this prospectus and “Regulations on Cybersecurity Review” on page
20 of this prospectus. However, applicable laws and regulations may be tightened, and new laws or regulations may be introduced to impose
additional government approval, license, and permit requirements. If (i) we or our subsidiaries do not receive or maintain all such required
permissions or approvals to operate our business, (ii) we or our subsidiaries inadvertently conclude that such permissions or approvals
are not required, or (iii) applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change and we are required to obtain such permissions or
approvals in the future, we may face sanctions, including fines and penalties, by the CAC, CSRC, or other PRC regulatory agencies, our
PRC subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends outside of the PRC could be limited, our operations could be adversely affected, directly
or indirectly, we could be required to restructure our operations to comply with such regulations or potentially cease operations in
the PRC entirely, our ability to offer, or continue to offer, securities to investors could be significantly limited or completely hindered
and the value of our securities might significantly decline or be worthless.
Regulations on Business license
Any company that conducts business in the
PRC must have a business license that covers a particular type of work. The business license is a permit issued by Market Supervision
and Administration that allows the company to conduct specific business within the government’s geographical jurisdiction. The
Company’s PRC operating company, Shanghai Xianzhui’s business license covers its present business of technology development
and consulting, and technical support for digital humans.
As of the date of this prospectus, as confirmed
by our PRC counsel, Junjin Law Firm, our PRC operating subsidiary has all material permissions and approvals required for our operations
in compliance with the relevant PRC laws and regulations in the PRC and no such permissions or approvals have been denied.
As of the date of this prospectus, as confirmed
by our PRC counsel, Junjin Law Firm, except for the business license mentioned here, we and our operating subsidiary are not required
to obtain any other permissions or approvals from any Chinese authorities to operate the business. However, applicable laws and regulations
may be tightened, and new laws or regulations may be introduced to impose additional government approval, license, and permit requirements.
If (i) we or our subsidiaries do not receive or maintain all such required permissions or approvals to operate our business, (ii) we
or our subsidiaries inadvertently conclude that such permissions or approvals are not required, or (iii) applicable laws, regulations,
or interpretations change and we are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, we may face sanctions, including
fines and penalties, by the CAC, CSRC, or other PRC regulatory agencies, our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends outside
of the PRC could be limited, our operations could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, we could be required to restructure
our operations to comply with such regulations or potentially cease operations in the PRC entirely, our ability to offer, or continue
to offer, securities to investors could be significantly limited or completely hindered and the value of our securities might significantly
decline or be worthless.
Regulations on Employment laws
Shanghai Xianzhui are subject to laws and regulations governing our relationship with our employees, including: wage and hour requirements, working and safety conditions, citizenship requirements, work permits and travel restrictions. These include local labor laws and regulations, which may require substantial resources for compliance. China's National Labor Law, which became effective on January 1, 1995, and amended on August 27, 2009, and China’s National Labor Contract Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008, and amended on December 28, 2012, permit workers in both state and private enterprises in China to bargain collectively. The National Labor Law and the National Labor Contract Law provide for collective contracts to be developed through collaboration between the labor union (or worker representatives in the absence of a union) and management that specify such matters as working conditions, wage scales, and hours of work. The laws also permit workers and employers in all types of enterprises to sign individual contracts, which are to be drawn up in accordance with the collective contract.
Regulations on Intellectual property
protection in China
Patent. The PRC has domestic laws for
the protection of copyrights, patents, trademarks and trade secrets. The PRC is also signatory to some of the world’s major intellectual
property conventions, including:
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Convention establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO Convention) (June 4, 1980); |
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Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (March 19, 1985); |
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Patent Cooperation Treaty (January 1, 1994); and |
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The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) (November 11, 2001). |
Patents in the PRC are governed by the China Patent
Law and its Implementing Regulations, each of which went into effect in 1985. Amended versions of the China Patent Law and its Implementing
Regulations came into effect in 1993, 2001 and 2009, respectively.
The PRC is signatory to the Paris Convention for
the Protection of Industrial Property, in accordance with which any person who has duly filed an application for a patent in one signatory
country shall enjoy, for the purposes of filing in the other countries, a right of priority during the period fixed in the convention
(12 months for inventions and utility models, and 6 months for industrial designs).
The Patent Law covers three kinds of patents —
patents for inventions, utility models and designs. The Chinese patent system adopts the principle of first to file, which means that
a patent may be granted only to the person who first files an application. Consistent with international practice, the PRC allows the
patenting of inventions or utility models that possess the characteristics of novelty, inventiveness and practical applicability only.
For a design to be patentable it cannot be identical with, or similar to, any design which, before the date of filing, has been publicly
disclosed in publications in the country or abroad or has been publicly used in the country, and should not be in conflict with any prior
right of another.
Copyright. Copyright in the PRC, including
copyrighted software, is principally protected under the Copyright Law of the PRC and related rules and regulations. Under the Copyright
Law, the term of protection for copyrighted software is 50 years.
Trademark. Registered trademarks are
protected under the Trademark Law of the PRC and related rules and regulations. Trademarks are registered with the Trademark Office of
the SAIC. Where registration is sought for a trademark that is identical or similar to another trademark which has already been registered
or given preliminary examination and approval for use in the same or similar category of commodities or services, the application for
registration of such trademark may be rejected. Trademark registrations are effective for a renewable ten-year period, unless otherwise
revoked. The duration of a trademark is 10 years from the date of registration.
Domain names. Domain name registrations
are handled through domain name service agencies established under the relevant regulations, and applicants become domain name holders
upon successful registration.
Regulations on Tax
PRC Corporate Income Tax
The PRC corporate income tax, or CIT, is calculated
based on the taxable income determined under the applicable CIT Law and its implementation rules, which became effective on January 1,
2008 and amended on February 24, 2017. The CIT Law imposes a uniform corporate income tax rate of 25% on all resident enterprises in China,
including foreign-invested enterprises.
Uncertainties exist with respect to how the CIT
Law applies to the tax residence status of The Company and our offshore subsidiaries. Under the CIT Law, an enterprise established outside
of China with a “de facto management body” within China is considered a “resident enterprise,” which means that
it is treated in a manner similar to a Chinese enterprise for corporate income tax purposes. Although the implementation rules of the
CIT Law define “de facto management body” as a managing body that exercises substantive and overall management and control
over the production and business, personnel, accounting books and assets of an enterprise, the only official guidance for this definition
currently available is set forth in Circular 82 issued by the State Administration of Taxation, which provides guidance on the determination
of the tax residence status of a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise, defined as an enterprise that is incorporated under
the laws of a foreign country or territory and that has a PRC enterprise or enterprise group as its primary controlling shareholder. Although
the Company does not have a PRC enterprise or enterprise group as our primary controlling shareholder and is therefore not a Chinese-controlled
offshore incorporated enterprise within the meaning of Circular 82, in the absence of guidance specifically applicable to us, we have
applied the guidance set forth in Circular 82 to evaluate the tax residence status of The Company and our subsidiaries organized outside
the PRC.
According to Circular 82, a Chinese-controlled
offshore incorporated enterprise will be regarded as a PRC tax resident by virtue of having a “de facto management body” in
China and will be subject to PRC corporate income tax on its worldwide income only if all of the following criteria are met:
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the primary location of the day-to-day operational management is in the PRC; |
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decisions relating to the enterprise’s financial and human resource matters are made or are subject to approval by organizations or personnel in the PRC; |
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the enterprise’s primary assets, accounting books and records, company seals, and board and shareholders meeting minutes are located or maintained in the PRC; and |
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50% or more of voting board members or senior executives habitually reside in the PRC. |
We do not believe that we meet any of the conditions
outlined in the immediately preceding paragraph.
We believe none of our entities outside of China
is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes. However, the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the
PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body.” As
all of our management members are based in China, it remains unclear how the tax residency rule will apply to our case. If the PRC tax
authorities determine that we or any of our subsidiaries outside of China is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes,
then we or such subsidiary could be subject to PRC tax at a rate of 25% on its world-wide income, which could materially reduce our net
income. In addition, we will also be subject to PRC enterprise income tax reporting obligations. Furthermore, if the PRC tax authorities
determine that we are a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes, gains realized on the sale or other disposition of
our common stock may be subject to PRC tax, at a rate of 10% in the case of non-PRC enterprises or 20% in the case of non-PRC individuals
(in each case, subject to the provisions of any applicable tax treaty), if such gains are deemed to be from PRC sources. It is unclear
whether non-PRC shareholders of our company would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence
and the PRC in the event that we are treated as a PRC resident enterprise. Any such tax may reduce the returns on your investment in our
common stock.
Value-Added Tax and Business Tax
In November 2011, the MOF and the State Administration
of Taxation promulgated the Pilot Plan for Imposition of Value-Added Tax to Replace Business Tax. In May and December 2013 and April
2014, the MOF and the State Administration of Taxation promulgated Circular 37, Circular 106 and Circular 43 to further expand the scope
of services which are to be subject to Value-Added Tax, or VAT, instead of business tax. Pursuant to these tax rules, from August 1,
2013, VAT will be imposed to replace the business tax in certain service industries, including technology services and advertising services,
on a nationwide basis. The VAT rate shall be 17% for sale or importation of goods by a taxpayer. But, unlike business tax, a taxpayer
is allowed to offset the qualified input VAT paid on taxable purchases against the output VAT chargeable on the revenue from services
provided.
Regulations Relating to Foreign Exchange
and Dividend Distribution
Foreign Exchange Regulation
The principal regulations governing foreign
currency exchange in China are the Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations. Under the PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments
of current account items, such as profit distributions and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, may be made in foreign
currencies without prior approval from State Administration of Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”) by complying with certain procedural
requirements. By contrast, approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required where RMB is to be converted
into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of foreign currency-denominated loans or
foreign currency is to be remitted into China under the capital account, such as a capital increase or foreign currency loans to our
PRC subsidiaries.
In November 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular
of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Foreign Direct Investment. Pursuant to this circular, the
opening of various special purpose foreign exchange accounts, such as pre-establishment expenses accounts, foreign exchange capital accounts
and guarantee accounts, the reinvestment of RMB proceeds by foreign investors in the PRC, and remittance of foreign exchange profits and
dividends by a foreign-invested enterprise to its foreign shareholders no longer require the approval or verification of SAFE, and multiple
capital accounts for the same entity may be opened in different provinces, which was not possible previously. In addition, SAFE promulgated
the Circular on Printing and Distributing the Provisions on Foreign Exchange Administration over Domestic Direct Investment by Foreign
Investors and the Supporting Documents in May 2013, which specifies that the administration by SAFE or its local branches over direct
investment by foreign investors in the PRC shall be conducted by way of registration and banks shall process foreign exchange business
relating to the direct investment in the PRC based on the registration information provided by SAFE and its branches.
We typically do not need to use our offshore foreign
currency to fund our PRC operations. In the event we need to do so, we will apply to obtain the relevant approvals of SAFE and other PRC
government authorities as necessary.
SAFE Circular 37
SAFE
promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic
Residents’ Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special
Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, on July 4, 2014, which replaced the former circular
commonly known as “SAFE Circular 75” promulgated by SAFE on October 21, 2005.
SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents to register with local branches of SAFE in connection
with their direct establishment or indirect control of an offshore entity, for the purpose
of overseas investment and financing, with such PRC residents’ legally owned assets
or equity interests in domestic enterprises or offshore assets or interests, referred to
in SAFE Circular 37 as a “special purpose vehicle.” SAFE Circular 37 further
requires amendment to the registration in the event of any significant changes with respect
to the special purpose vehicle, such as increase or decrease of capital contributed by PRC
individuals, share transfer or exchange, merger, division or other material event. In the
event that a PRC shareholder holding interests in a special purpose vehicle fails to fulfill
the required SAFE registration, the PRC subsidiaries of that special purpose vehicle may
be prohibited from making profit distributions to the offshore parent and from carrying out
subsequent cross-border foreign exchange activities, and the special purpose vehicle may
be restricted in its ability to contribute additional capital into its PRC subsidiaries.
Furthermore, failure to comply with the various SAFE registration requirements described
above could result in liability under PRC law for evasion of foreign exchange controls.
We have notified substantial beneficial owners
of common stock who we know are PRC residents of their filing obligation. However, we may not be aware of the identities of all our beneficial
owners who are PRC residents. In addition, we do not have control over our beneficial owners and cannot assure you that all of our PRC
resident beneficial owners will comply with SAFE Circular 37. The failure of our beneficial owners who are PRC residents to register
or amend their SAFE registrations in a timely manner pursuant to SAFE Circular 37 or the failure of future beneficial owners of our company
who are PRC residents to comply with the registration procedures set forth in SAFE Circular 37 may subject such beneficial owners or
our PRC subsidiaries to fines and legal sanctions. Failure to register or amend the registration may also limit our ability to contribute
additional capital to our PRC subsidiaries or receive dividends or other distributions from our PRC subsidiaries or other proceeds from
disposal of our PRC subsidiaries, or we may be penalized by SAFE.
Share Option Rules
Under the Administration Measures on Individual
Foreign Exchange Control issued by the PBOC on December 25, 2006, all foreign exchange matters involved in employee share ownership plans
and share option plans in which PRC citizens participate require approval from SAFE or its authorized branch. Pursuant to SAFE Circular
37, PRC residents who participate in share incentive plans in overseas non-publicly-listed companies may submit applications to SAFE or
its local branches for the foreign exchange registration with respect to offshore special purpose companies. In addition, under the Notices
on Issues concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Share Incentive Plans of Overseas Publicly-Listed
Companies, or the Share Option Rules, issued by SAFE on February 15, 2012, PRC residents who are granted shares or share options by companies
listed on overseas stock exchanges under share incentive plans are required to (i) register with SAFE or its local branches, (ii) retain
a qualified PRC agent, which may be a PRC subsidiary of the overseas listed company or another qualified institution selected by the PRC
subsidiary, to conduct the SAFE registration and other procedures with respect to the share incentive plans on behalf of the participants,
and (iii) retain an overseas institution to handle matters in connection with their exercise of share options, purchase and sale of shares
or interests and funds transfers.
Regulation of Dividend Distribution
The principal laws, rules and regulations governing
dividend distribution by foreign-invested enterprises in the PRC are the Company Law of the PRC, as amended, the Wholly Foreign-owned
Enterprise Law and its implementation regulations and the Chinese-foreign Equity Joint Venture Law and its implementation regulations.
Under these laws, rules and regulations, foreign-invested enterprises may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profit, if any,
as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Both PRC domestic companies and wholly-foreign owned PRC enterprises
are required to set aside as general reserves at least 10% of their after-tax profit, until the cumulative amount of such reserves reaches
50% of their registered capital. A PRC company is not permitted to distribute any profits until any losses from prior fiscal years have
been offset. Profits retained from prior fiscal years may be distributed together with distributable profits from the current fiscal year.
Regulations on Mergers & Acquisitions
and Overseas Listings
On August 8, 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies,
including the CSRC, MOFCOM, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, the SAT, the State Administration of Industry
and Commerce and SAFE, adopted the M&A Rules, which became effective on September 8, 2006, and were amended on June 22, 2009. Foreign
investors shall comply with the M&A Rules when they purchase equity interests of a domestic company or subscribe the increased capital
of a domestic company, and thus changing the nature of the domestic company into a foreign-invested enterprise, when the foreign investors
establish a foreign-invested enterprise in the PRC, purchase the assets of a domestic company and operate the assets, or when the foreign
investors purchase the assets of a domestic company, establish a foreign-invested enterprise by injecting such assets, and operate the
assets. As for merger and acquisition of a domestic company with a related party relationship by a domestic company, enterprise or natural
person in the name of an overseas company legitimately incorporated or controlled by the domestic company, enterprise of natural person,
such merger and acquisition shall be subject to examination and approval of MOFCOM. The parties involved shall not use domestic investment
by foreign investment enterprises or other methods to circumvent the requirement of examination and approval.
Pursuant to the Manual of Guidance on Administration
for Foreign Investment Access, which was issued and became effective on December 18, 2008 by MOFCOM, notwithstanding the fact that (i)
the domestic shareholder is connected with the foreign investor or not, or (ii) the foreign investor is the existing shareholder or the
new investor, the M&A Rules shall not apply to the transfer of an equity interest in an incorporated foreign-invested enterprise from
the domestic shareholder to the foreign investor.
On July 6, 2021, the General Office of the Central
Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the Opinions. The Opinions emphasized
the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on overseas listings by China-based companies.
The Opinions proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems, to deal with the
risks and incidents facing China-based overseas-listed companies and the demand for cybersecurity and data privacy protection.
On February 17, 2023,
the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, announced the Circular on the Administrative Arrangements for Filing of Securities
Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, or the Circular, and released a set of new regulations which consists of the Trial Administrative
Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, or the Trial Measures, and five supporting guidelines. On
the same date, the CSRC also released the Notice on the Arrangements for the Filing Management of Overseas Listing of Domestic Companies,
or the Notice. The Trial Measures came into effect on March 31, 2023. The Trial Measures refine the regulatory system by subjecting
both direct and indirect overseas offering and listing activities to the CSRC filing-based administration. Requirements for filing entities,
time points and procedures are specified. A PRC domestic company that seeks to offer and list securities in overseas markets shall fulfill
the filing procedure with the CSRC per the requirements of the Trial Measures. Where a PRC domestic company seeks to indirectly offer
and list securities in overseas markets, the issuer shall designate a major domestic operating entity, which shall, as the domestic responsible
entity, file with the CSRC. The Trial Measures also lay out requirements for the reporting of material events. Breaches of the Trial
Measures, such as offering and listing securities overseas without fulfilling the filing procedures, shall bear legal liabilities, including
a fine between RMB 1.0 million (approximately $150,000) and RMB 10.0 million (approximately $1.5 million), and the Trial
Measures increase the cost for offenders by enforcing accountability with administrative penalties and incorporating the compliance status
of relevant market participants into the Securities Market Integrity Archives.
According to the Circular, since the date
of effectiveness of the Trial Measures on March 31, 2023, PRC domestic enterprises falling within the scope of filing that have
been listed overseas or met the following circumstances are “existing enterprises”: before the effectiveness of the Trial
Measures on March 31, 2023, the application for indirect overseas issuance and listing has been approved by the overseas regulators
or overseas stock exchanges (such as the registration statement has become effective on the U.S. market), it is not required to
perform issuance and listing supervision procedures of the overseas regulators or overseas stock exchanges, and the overseas issuance
and listing will be completed by September 30, 2023. Existing enterprises are not required to file with the CSRC immediately, and
filings with the CSRC should be made as required if they involve refinancings and other filing matters. PRC domestic enterprises that
have submitted valid applications for overseas issuance and listing but have not been approved by overseas regulatory authorities or
overseas stock exchanges at the date of effectiveness of the Trial Measures on March 31, 2023 can reasonably arrange the timing
of filing applications with the CSRC and shall complete the filing with the CSRC before the overseas issuance and listing.
In addition, an overseas-listed company must
also submit the filing with respect to its follow-on offerings, issuance of convertible corporate bonds and exchangeable bonds, and other
equivalent offering activities, within the time frame specified by the Trial Measures.
As advised by Junjin Law Firm, because the
Company is not a company registered and formed in the territory of China, its continued listing on Nasdaq and future offerings are not
“direct overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises” as defined under the Trial Measures. Furthermore, according
to Article 2 of the Trial Measures, the “indirect overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises” refers to the overseas
offering and listing of enterprises whose main business activities are in China, in the name of enterprises registered overseas, which
offering and listing are based on the equity, assets, income or other similar rights and interests of the domestic enterprises. According
to Article 15 of the Trial Measures, if the issuer meets both of the following conditions, the overseas offerings and listings shall
be determined as an “indirect overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises”: (i) 50% or more of the issuer’s
operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most
recent accounting year is accounted for by domestic enterprises; and; (ii) its major operational activities are carried out in China
or its main places of business are located in China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operation and management are mostly
Chinese citizens or domiciled in China.
The Company does not meet both the requirements
under Article 15 of the Trial Measures and therefore its continued listing on Nasdaq and future offerings are not an “Indirect
overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises”, considering that (i) the operating income and total profit of the Company’s
subsidiaries that were established in China for the year ended December 31, 2023 do not account for more than 50% of the operating income
and total profit in our consolidated financial statements for the same period, (ii) our main business is not conducted within China,
and (iii) the majority of our senior management personnel are not Chinese citizens or reside in China on a regular basis. Therefore,
as advised by Junjin Law Firm, we are not required to complete the record filing requirement under the Trial Measures. However,
if we inadvertently conclude that such filing procedures are not required, or applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change
such that we are required to complete the filing procedures in the future, we may be subject to investigations by the regulators, fines
or penalties, ordered to suspend our relevant operations and rectify any non-compliance, prohibited from engaging in relevant business
or conducting any offering, and these risks could result in a material adverse change in our operations and/or the value of our common
stock, and could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, or cause
such securities to significantly decline in value or become worthless.
On February 24, 2023, the CSRC, together with
the MOF, National Administration of State Secrets Protection and National Archives Administration of China, revised the Provisions issued
by the CSRC and National Administration of State Secrets Protection and National Archives Administration of China in 2009. The revised
Provisions were issued under the title the “Provisions on Strengthening Confidentiality and Archives Administration of Overseas
Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies,” and came into effect on March 31, 2023 together with the Trial Measures.
One of the major revisions to the revised Provisions is expanding their application to cover indirect overseas offering and listing, as
is consistent with the Trial Measures. The revised Provisions require that, among other things, (a) a domestic company that plans to,
either directly or indirectly through its overseas listed entity, publicly disclose or provide to relevant individuals or entities, including
securities companies, securities service providers, and overseas regulators, any documents and materials that contain state secrets or
working secrets of government agencies, shall first obtain approval from competent authorities according to law, and file with the secrecy
administrative department at the same level; and (b) a domestic company that plans to, either directly or indirectly through its overseas
listed entity, publicly disclose or provide to relevant individuals and entities, including securities companies, securities service providers,
and overseas regulators, any other documents and materials that, if leaked, will be detrimental to national security or public interest,
shall strictly fulfill relevant procedures stipulated by applicable national regulations. Any failure or perceived failure by our Company
or our subsidiaries, to comply with the above confidentiality and archives administration requirements under the revised Provisions and
other PRC laws and regulations may result in the relevant entities being held legally liable by competent authorities, and referred to
the judicial organ to be investigated for criminal liability if suspected of committing a crime.
Regulations on Cybersecurity Review
On December 28, 2021, the CAC, the NDRC, and several other administrations
jointly issued the revised Measures for Cybersecurity Review, or the Revised Review Measures, which became effective and has replaced
the existing Measures for Cybersecurity Review on February 15, 2022. According to the Revised Review Measures, if an “online
platform operator” that is in possession of personal data of more than one million users intends to list in a foreign country, it
must apply for a cybersecurity review. Based on a set of Q&A published on the official website of the State Cipher Code Administration
in connection with the issuance of the Revised Review Measures, an official of the said administration indicated that an online platform
operator should apply for a cybersecurity review prior to the submission of its listing application with non-PRC securities regulators.
Given the recency of the issuance of the Revised Review Measures and their pending effectiveness, there is a general lack of guidance
and substantial uncertainties exist with respect to their interpretation and implementation. For example, it is unclear whether the requirement
of cybersecurity review applies to follow-on offerings by an “online platform operator” that is in possession of personal
data of more than one million users where the offshore holding company of such operator is already listed overseas. Furthermore, the CAC
released the draft of the Regulations on Network Data Security Management in November 2021 for public consultation, which among other
things, stipulates that a data processor listed overseas must conduct an annual data security review by itself or by engaging a data security
service provider and submit the annual data security review report for a given year to the municipal cybersecurity department before January 31
of the following year. If the draft Regulations on Network Data Security Management are enacted in the current form, we, as
an overseas listed company, will be required to carry out an annual data security review and comply with the relevant reporting obligations.
As advised by Junjin
Law Firm, we will not be subject to cybersecurity review with the CAC, given that: (i) Shanghai Xianzhui does not possess and does not
anticipate that it will possess a large amount of personal information in our business operations and (ii) data processed in Shanghai
Xianzhui’s business does not have a bearing on national security and thus may not be classified as core or important data by the
authorities. In addition, for the same reasons, we are not subject to network data security review by the CAC if the Draft Regulations
on the Network Data Security Administration are enacted as proposed. However, the definition of “network platform operator”
is unclear and it is also unclear on how it will be interpreted and implemented by the relevant PRC governmental authorities. See “Risk
factors — Risk Factors Related to Doing Business in China — Shanghai Xianzhui may become subject to a
variety of laws and regulations in the PRC regarding privacy, data security, cybersecurity, and data protection. Shanghai Xianzhui may
be required to suspend its business, be liable for improper use or appropriation of personal information provided by our customers or
face other penalties.”
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we may be involved in various
claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. None of our Company or our subsidiaries is currently a party
to any such claims or proceedings which, if decided adversely to the Company, would either, individually or in the aggregate, have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Summary of Risk Factors
Investing in our common stock involves a high
degree of risk. This summary does not address all of the risks that we face. Please refer to the information contained in and incorporated
by reference under the heading “Risk Factors” on page 22 of this prospectus.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
Risks related to doing business in China, beginning
on page 24 of this prospectus, include but are not limited to the following:
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We
may rely on dividends paid by our subsidiaries for our cash needs. Any limitation on the ability of our subsidiaries to make dividend
payments to us, or any tax implications of making dividend payments to us, could limit our ability to pay our parent company expenses
or pay dividends to holders of our common stock. To the extent cash or assets in the business is in the PRC/Hong Kong or a PRC/Hong
Kong entity, the funds or assets may not be available to fund operations or for other use outside of the PRC/Hong Kong due to interventions
in or the imposition of restrictions and limitations on the ability of us or our subsidiaries by the PRC government to transfer cash
or assets (see page 22 of this prospectus). |
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PRC regulation of loans to, and direct investments in, PRC entities by offshore
holding companies may delay or prevent us from using proceeds from future financing activities to make loans or additional capital
contributions to our PRC operating subsidiary (see page 24 of this prospectus). |
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Changes in China’s economic, political or social conditions or government
policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations (see page 25 of this prospectus). |
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Under the Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be classified as a “Resident
Enterprise” of China. Such classification will likely result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC stockholders
(see page 25 of this prospectus). |
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We must comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Chinese anti-corruption laws (see page
26 of this prospectus). |
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Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations and changes in
policies, rules, and regulations in China, which may be quick with little advance notice, could limit the legal protection available
to you and us (see page 27 of this prospectus). |
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Given the Chinese government’s significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of
the business of Shanghai Xianzhui, the Chinese government may intervene or influence its operations at any time, which could result
in a material change in the operations of Shanghai Xianzhui and/or the value of our common stock (see page 27 of this prospectus). |
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Our business may be materially and adversely affected if our PRC subsidiaries declare bankruptcy
or become subject to a dissolution or liquidation proceeding (see page 27 of this prospectus). |
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The
Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business activities. We are currently
not required to obtain approval from Chinese authorities to list on U.S exchanges, however, if Shanghai Xianzhui or GDC were required
to obtain approval in the future and were denied permission from Chinese authorities to list on U.S. exchanges, we will not be able
to continue listing on U.S. exchange and the value of our common stock may significantly decline or become worthless, which would
materially affect the interest of the investors (see page 28 of this prospectus). |
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Increases in labor costs in the PRC may adversely affect our business and results of operations (see page 29 of this prospectus). |
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PRC regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents may limit our PRC
subsidiaries’ ability to increase their registered capital or distribute profits to us or otherwise expose us or our PRC resident
beneficial owners to liability and penalties under PRC law (see page 30 of this prospectus). |
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Shanghai Xianzhui may become subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the PRC regarding
privacy, data security, cybersecurity, and data protection. Shanghai Xianzhui may be required to suspend its business, be liable
for improper use or appropriation of personal information provided by our customers and face other penalties (see page 30 of this
prospectus). |
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If we become directly subject to the recent scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity involving
U.S.-listed Chinese companies, we may have to expend significant resources to investigate and resolve the matter which could harm
our business operations, listing and future offerings and our reputation and could result in a loss of your investment in our common
stock, especially if such matter cannot be addressed and resolved favorably (see page 33 of this prospectus). |
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We conduct part of our operations in
China. As such, the PRC government may exercise significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of our operating subsidiaries’
business and may intervene in or influence their operations at any time, which could result in a material change in their operations
and/or the value of our ordinary shares. Changes in the policies, regulations, rules, and the enforcement of laws of the PRC government
may also be implemented quickly with little advance notice. Therefore, our assertions and beliefs of the risk imposed by the PRC
legal and regulatory system cannot be certain (see page 35 of
this prospectus). |
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If the PRC government chooses to exert
more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China based issuers, such action
may significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer ordinary shares to investors and cause the
value of our ordinary shares to significantly decline or be worthless (see page 36 of this prospectus). |
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The
CSRC has released the Trial Measures for Administration of Overseas Securities Offerings and Listings by Domestic Companies (the
“Trial Measures”). With such rules in effect, the Chinese government may exert more oversight and control over offerings
that are conducted overseas and foreign investment in China-based issuers, which could significantly limit or completely hinder our
ability to continue to offer our securities to investors and could cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or
become worthless (see page 32 of this prospectus). |
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The recent joint statement by the SEC and PCAOB, proposed rule changes submitted
by Nasdaq, and the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act all call for additional and more stringent criteria to be applied to
emerging market companies upon assessing the qualification of their auditors, especially the non-U.S. auditors who are not inspected
by the PCAOB. Although the audit report included in the annual report was issued by U.S. auditors who are currently inspected by
the PCAOB, if it is later determined that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate our auditor completely, investors would be
deprived of the benefits of such inspection and our common stock may be delisted or prohibited from trading (see
page 33 of this prospectus). |
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The M&A Rules and certain other PRC regulations establish complex procedures
for some acquisitions of Chinese companies by foreign investors, which could make it more difficult for us to pursue growth through
acquisitions in China (see page 34 of this prospectus). |
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The
unwinding and disposal of our previous VIE structure may not be liability-free and we may be seemed to be in violation of PRC laws
regulating our industry and operations (see page 36 of this prospectus). |
Implications of Being a Smaller Reporting Company
We qualify as a “smaller reporting company”
as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act and Item 10 of Regulation S-K. A smaller reporting company may take advantage of specified
reduced reporting and other burdens that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include:
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the ability to include only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations disclosure; |
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the reduced disclosure obligation regarding executive compensation under Item 402 of Regulation S-K; |
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an exemption from the auditor attestation requirement in the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
We may take advantage of these provisions for
so long as we remain a smaller reporting company. We may continue to be a smaller reporting company if either (i) the
market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250 million or (ii) our annual revenue was less than
$100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is
less than $700 million.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive office is located at 810
Seventh Avenue, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10019, and our telephone number is: +1-347-2590292. We do not incorporate the information on
our website into this prospectus and you should not consider any information on, or that can be accessed through, our website as part
of this prospectus.
The SEC maintains an internet site at http://www.sec.gov
that contains reports, information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves a high degree
of risk. You should carefully review the risks and uncertainties described in this section and under the heading “Risk Factors”
contained in any applicable prospectus supplement and under similar headings in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K as updated
by our subsequent filings, some of which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, before deciding whether to purchase any of
the securities being registered pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Each of the risk factors
could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, as well as adversely affect the value
of an investment in our securities, and the occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment. Additional
risks not presently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial may also significantly impair our business operations. For
more information, see “Where You Can Find Additional Information” and “Incorporation of Documents by Reference.”
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure
We may rely
on dividends paid by our subsidiaries for our cash needs. Any limitation on the ability of our subsidiaries to make dividend payments
to us, or any tax implications of making dividend payments to us, could limit our ability to pay our parent company expenses or pay dividends
to holders of our common stock.
GDC may rely on dividends
to be paid by our subsidiaries in Nevada and in the PRC, to fund our cash and financing requirements, including the funds necessary to
pay dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders, to service any debt we may incur and to pay our operating expenses.
Under the Nevada
Revised Statutes and the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of each of GDC and AI Catalysis (a direct subsidiary of GDC), dividends
may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting. No distribution may be made if, after giving it effect:
(a) such company would not be able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business; or (b) such company’s total
assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if such company were to be dissolved
immediately after the time of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon such dissolution of holders of shares of any
class or series of the capital stock of such company having preferential rights superior to those receiving the distribution.
Under the laws of
the British Virgin Islands, our BVI subsidiary and a direct subsidiary of GDC, Citi Profit, may pay a dividend to GDC out of profit,
provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in Citi Profit being unable to pay our debts due in the
ordinary course of business.
Under the laws of
Hong Kong, our Hong Kong subsidiary and a direct subsidiary of Citi Profit, Highlight HK, is permitted, to provide funding to Citi Profit
through dividends distribution out of its profits. Under the current practices of the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department, no tax is
payable in Hong Kong in respect of dividends paid to Citi Profit as a British Virgin Islands company.
Under PRC laws and
regulations, our PRC subsidiaries, Highlight WFOE (a direct subsidiary of Citi Profit), and Shanghai Xianzhui (a direct subsidiary of
Highlight WFOE), may pay dividends only out of its accumulated profits as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and
regulations. Further, our PRC subsidiaries are required to make appropriations to certain statutory reserve funds or may make appropriations
to certain discretionary funds, which are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of a solvent liquidation of the companies.
In addition, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise is required to set aside at least 10% of its accumulated after-tax profits each year,
if any, to fund a certain statutory reserve fund, until the aggregate amount of such fund reaches 50% of its registered capital. Remittance
of dividends by a wholly foreign-owned enterprise out of China is also subject to examination by the banks designated by the State Administration
of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE.
In addition, we expect
that revenue, if any, to be generated by our PRC operating subsidiary, Shanghai Xianzhui, will be in Renminbi, which is not freely convertible
into other currencies. As a result, any restriction on currency exchange may limit the ability of our PRC operating subsidiary to use
its Renminbi revenues to pay dividends to us. To the extent cash or assets in the business is in the PRC/Hong Kong or a PRC/Hong Kong
entity, the funds or assets may not be available to fund operations or for other use outside of the PRC/Hong Kong due to interventions
in or the imposition of restrictions and limitations on the ability of us or our subsidiaries by the PRC government to transfer cash
or assets. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may temporarily delay the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to remit sufficient
foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to us, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency denominated obligations. In view
of the foregoing, to the extent cash in our business is held in China or by a PRC entity, such cash may not be available to fund operations
or for other use outside of the PRC. The PRC government may continue to strengthen its capital controls, and more restrictions and substantial
vetting process may be put forward by SAFE for cross-border transactions falling under both the current account and the capital account.
In addition, the Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules provide that a withholding tax rate of up to 10% will be applicable
to dividends payable by Chinese companies to non-PRC-resident enterprises unless otherwise exempted or reduced according to treaties
or arrangements between the PRC central government and governments of other countries or regions where the non-PRC resident enterprises
are incorporated. Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other kinds of payments to us could
materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends,
or otherwise fund and conduct our business.
Under PRC law, Highlight
WFOE and Shanghai Xianzhui may be funded through capital contributions by its immediate parent company or loans, subject to satisfaction
of applicable government registration and approval requirements. Before providing loans to our PRC subsidiaries, we will be required
to make filings about details of the loans with the SAFE in accordance with relevant PRC laws and regulations.
Highlight HK is permitted
under the laws of Hong Kong to provide funding to Shanghai Xianzhui through capital contributions or to other companies within our corporate
structure through loans without restrictions on the amount of the funds and such funding is not subject to government registration or
filing requirements under the laws of Hong Kong.
Citi Profit is permitted
under the laws of the British Virgin Islands to provide funding to Highlight WFOE through capital contributions or to other companies
within our corporate structure through loans without restrictions on the amount of the funds and such funding is not subject to government
registration or filing requirements under the laws of the British Virgin Islands.
GDC is permitted
under the laws of Nevada to provide funding to Citi Profit through capital contributions or to other companies within our corporate structure
through loans without restrictions on the amount of the funds and such funding is not subject to government registration or filing requirements
under the laws of the Nevada.
AI Catalysis is permitted
under the laws of Nevada to provide funding to other companies within our corporate structure through loans without restrictions on the
amount of the funds and such funding is not subject to government registration or filing requirements under the laws of the Nevada.
GDC presently does not maintain any cash management policies which
dictate how funds are transferred, however, GDC continues to conduct regular review and management of all its subsidiaries’ cash
transfers and reports to board of directors.
Prior to September
28, 2022, Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a then indirect subsidiary of the Company (“Makesi WFOE”), had a series
of contractual arrangement with Sichuan Wuge Network Games Co., Ltd. (“Wuge”) and its shareholders that established a variable
interest entity (the “VIE”) structure. For accounting purposes, Makesi WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Wuge. Accordingly,
under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), the Company treated Wuge as
the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Wuge’s financial statements prior to September 28, 2022. Wuge focused its
business on research, development and application of Internet of Things (IoT) and electronic tokens Wuge digital door signs. On September
28, 2022, Makesi WFOE entered into a termination agreement with Wuge and the shareholders of Wuge to terminate the VIE Agreements and
to cancel the shares previously issued to the shareholders of Wuge, based on the average closing price of $0.237 per share of the Company
during the 30 trading days immediately prior to the date of the termination agreement. As a result of such termination, the Company no
longer treats Wuge as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Wuge in the Company’s
consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.
Prior to June 26,
2023, Makesi WFOE had a series of contractual arrangement with Shanghai Yuanma Food and Beverage Management Co., Ltd. (“Yuan Ma”)
and its shareholders that established a VIE structure. For accounting purposes, Makesi WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Yuan Ma. Accordingly,
under U.S. GAAP, the Company treated Yuan Ma as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Yuan Ma’s financial results
in the Company’s consolidated financial statements prior to June 26, 2023. On June 26, 2023, the Company entered into a share purchase
agreement with a buyer unaffiliated with the Company. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company agreed to sell and the buyer agreed to purchase
all the issued and outstanding equity interest in TMSR Holdings Limited (“TMSR HK”), which owned 100% equity interest in
Makesi WFOE. The purchase price for the transaction contemplated by the Agreement was $100,000. The sale of TMSR HK did not have any
material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Prior to September
26, 2023, Highlight WFOE had a series of contractual arrangement with Highlight Media and its shareholders that established a VIE structure.
For accounting purposes, Highlight WFOE was the primary beneficiary of Highlight Media. Accordingly, under U.S. GAAP, the Company treated
Highlight Media as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Highlight Media’s financial results in the Company’s
financial statements prior to September 26, 2023. Highlight Media was an integrated marketing service agency, focusing on enterprise
brand management, crisis public relations, intelligent public opinion monitoring, media PR, financial and economic we-media operation,
digital face application, large-scale exhibition services and other businesses. On September 26, 2023, Highlight WFOE entered into a
termination agreement with Highlight Media and the shareholders of Highlight Media to terminate the VIE Agreements and sold the interest
in the VIE Agreements for a purchase price of $100,000. As a result of such termination, the Company no longer treats Highlight Media
as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Highlight Media in the Company’s
consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP.
As of December 31,
2023 and as of the date of this prospectus, we do not have a VIE structure.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024,
there was no transfer of assets between GDC and its subsidiaries. No amounts owed under any previous VIE agreements were settled. There
were no cash transfers to or from the VIEs. GDC did not make any dividends or distributions to U.S. investors.
During the fiscal years ended December 31,
2023, GDC transferred a total of $2,100,000 to its subsidiary AI Catalysis Corp as capital contribution. No subsidiary made any dividends
or distributions to GDC. No amounts owed under any VIE agreements were settled. There were no cash transfers to or from the VIEs. GDC
did not make any dividends or distributions to U.S. investors.
During the fiscal years ended December 31,
2022, there was no transfer of assets between GDC and its subsidiaries. No earnings or other amount owed under any VIE agreements was
settled. There were no cash transfers to or from the VIEs. GDC did not make any dividends or distributions to U.S. investors.
As of the date of
this prospectus, we have no intention of distributing any earnings as dividends to our investors or to settle amounts owned under the
previous VIE agreements. If our subsidiary incurs debt on its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict
its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us. See “Prospectus Summary – Asset Transfer between our Company
and our Subsidiaries.” See also the “Item 1. Business — Summary of Financial Position and Cash Flows of GD
Culture Group Limited, its subsidiaries and the VIEs” and the consolidated financial statements contained in our latest annual
report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
PRC regulation
of loans to, and direct investments in, PRC entities by offshore holding companies may delay or prevent us from using proceeds from future
financing activities to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC operating subsidiary.
In July 2014, SAFE promulgated
the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Offshore Investment and Financing and
Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, which replaces the previous SAFE Circular 75. SAFE Circular
37 requires PRC residents, including PRC individuals and PRC corporate entities, to register with SAFE or its local branches in connection
with their direct or indirect offshore investment activities. SAFE Circular 37 is applicable to our shareholders who are PRC residents
and may be applicable to any offshore acquisitions that we may make in the future.
Under SAFE Circular
37, PRC residents who make, or have prior to the implementation of SAFE Circular 37 made, direct or indirect investments in offshore
special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, are required to register such investments with SAFE or its local branches. In addition, any PRC resident
who is a direct or indirect shareholder of an SPV, is required to update its registration with the local branch of SAFE with respect
to that SPV, to reflect any material change. Moreover, any subsidiary of such SPV in China is required to urge the PRC resident shareholders
to update their registration with the local branch of SAFE to reflect any material change. If any PRC resident shareholder of such SPV
fails to make the required registration or to update the registration, the subsidiary of such SPV in China may be prohibited from distributing
its profits or the proceeds from any capital reduction, share transfer or liquidation to the SPV, and the SPV may also be prohibited
from making additional capital contributions into its subsidiaries in China. In February, 2015, SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further
Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policy on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13. Under SAFE Notice 13, applications
for foreign exchange registration of inbound foreign direct investments and outbound direct investments, including those required under
SAFE Circular 37, must be filed with qualified banks instead of SAFE. Qualified banks should examine the applications and accept registrations
under the supervision of SAFE. We have used our best efforts to notify PRC residents or entities who directly or indirectly hold shares
in GD Culture Group Limited and who are known to us as being PRC residents to complete the foreign exchange registrations. However, we
may not be informed of the identities of all the PRC residents or entities holding direct or indirect interest in our company, nor can
we compel our beneficial owners to comply with SAFE registration requirements. We cannot assure you that all other shareholders or beneficial
owners of ours who are PRC residents or entities have complied with, and will in the future make, obtain or update any applicable registrations
or approvals required by, SAFE regulations. Failure by such shareholders or beneficial owners to comply with SAFE regulations, or failure
by us to amend the foreign exchange registrations of our PRC subsidiaries, could subject us to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our
overseas or cross-border investment activities, and limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions or pay dividends
to us or affect our ownership structure, which could adversely affect our business and prospects.
Furthermore, as these
foreign exchange and outbound investment related regulations are relatively new and their interpretation and implementation has been constantly
evolving, it is unclear how these regulations, and any future regulation concerning offshore or cross-border investments and transactions,
will be interpreted, amended and implemented by the relevant government authorities. For example, we may be subject to a more stringent
review and approval process with respect to our foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and foreign-currency-denominated
borrowings, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. We cannot assure you that we have complied or
will be able to comply with all applicable foreign exchange and outbound investment related regulations. In addition, if we decide to
acquire a PRC domestic company, we cannot assure you that we or the owners of such company, as the case may be, will be able to obtain
the necessary approvals or complete the necessary filings and registrations required by the foreign exchange regulations. This may restrict
our ability to implement our acquisition strategy and could adversely affect our business and prospects.
We may finance our
subsidiaries by means of loans or capital contributions. Any capital contributions or loans that we, as an offshore entity, make to our
Company’s PRC operating subsidiary, Shanghai Xianzhui, are subject to the above PRC regulations. We may not be able to obtain necessary
government registrations or approvals on a timely basis, if at all. If we fail to obtain such approvals or make such registration, our
ability to make equity contributions or provide loans to our Company’s PRC subsidiaries, including Shanghai Xianzhui, or to fund
their operations may be negatively affected, which may adversely affect their liquidity and ability to fund their working capital and
expansion projects and meet their obligations and commitments. As a result, our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business
may be negatively affected.
Changes in China’s
economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
While the majority
of the Company’s operation is in the United States, all of Shanghai Xianzhui’s operations and assets are located in China.
Accordingly, Shanghai Xianzhui’s business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be influenced to a significant
degree by political, economic and social conditions in China generally and by continued economic growth in China as a whole.
The Chinese economy differs
from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the amount of government involvement, level of development,
growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. Although the Chinese government has implemented measures emphasizing
the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets and the establishment of improved
corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in China is still owned by the government. In
addition, the Chinese government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development by imposing industrial policies.
The Chinese government also exercises significant control over China’s economic growth through allocating resources, controlling
payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy, and providing preferential treatment to particular industries
or companies.
While the Chinese economy
has experienced significant growth over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the
economy. The Chinese government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some
of these measures may benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition
and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations. In addition,
in the past the Chinese government has implemented certain measures, including interest rate increases, to control the pace of economic
growth. These measures may cause decreased economic activity in China, and since 2012, China’s economic growth has slowed down.
Any prolonged slowdown in the Chinese economy may reduce the demand for our products and services and materially and adversely affect
our business and results of operations.
Under the Enterprise
Income Tax Law, we may be classified as a “Resident Enterprise” of China. Such classification will likely result in unfavorable
tax consequences to us and our non-PRC stockholders.
China passed the Enterprise
Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, and its implementing rules, both of which became effective on January 1, 2008. Under the EIT Law, an enterprise
established outside of China with “de facto management bodies” within China is considered a “resident enterprise,”
meaning that it can be treated in a manner similar to a Chinese enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes. The implementing rules
of the EIT Law define de facto management as “substantial and overall management and control over the production and operations,
personnel, accounting, and properties” of the enterprise.
On April 22, 2009, the
State Administration of Taxation of China issued the Notice Concerning Relevant Issues Regarding Cognizance of Chinese Investment Controlled
Enterprises Incorporated Offshore as Resident Enterprises pursuant to Criteria of de facto Management Bodies, or the Notice, further interpreting
the application of the EIT Law and its implementation to offshore entities controlled by a Chinese enterprise or group. Pursuant to the
Notice, an enterprise incorporated in an offshore jurisdiction and controlled by a Chinese enterprise or group will be classified as a
“non-domestically incorporated resident enterprise” if (i) its senior management in charge of daily operations reside or perform
their duties mainly in China; (ii) its financial or personnel decisions are made or approved by bodies or persons in China; (iii) its
substantial assets and properties, accounting books, corporate stamps, board and stockholder minutes are kept in China; and (iv) all of
its directors with voting rights or senior management reside in China. A resident enterprise would be subject to an enterprise income
tax rate of 25% on its worldwide income and must pay a withholding tax at a rate of 10% when paying dividends to its non-PRC stockholders.
Because substantially all of our operations and senior management are located within the PRC and are expected to remain so for the foreseeable
future, we may be considered a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes and therefore subject to the PRC enterprise
income tax at the rate of 25% on its worldwide income. However, it remains unclear as to whether the Notice is applicable to an offshore
enterprise controlled by a Chinese natural person. Therefore, it is unclear how tax authorities will determine tax residency based on
the facts of each case.
If the PRC tax authorities
determine that we are a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a number of unfavorable PRC tax consequences
could follow. First, we may be subject to the enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% on our worldwide taxable income as well as PRC enterprise
income tax reporting obligations. In our case, this would mean that income such as non-China source income would be subject to PRC enterprise
income tax at a rate of 25%. Currently, we do not have any non-China source income, as we conduct our sales in China. However, under
the EIT Law and its implementing rules, dividends paid to us from our PRC subsidiaries would be deemed as “qualified investment
income between resident enterprises” and therefore qualify as “tax-exempt income” pursuant to clause 26 of the EIT
Law. Second, it is possible that future guidance issued with respect to the new “resident enterprise” classification could
result in a situation in which the dividends we pay with respect to our common stock, or the gain our non-PRC shareholders may realize
from the transfer of our common stock, may be treated as PRC-sourced income and may therefore be subject to a 10% PRC withholding tax.
The EIT Law and its implementing regulations are, however, relatively new and ambiguities exist with respect to the interpretation and
identification of PRC-sourced income, and the application and assessment of withholding taxes. If we are required under the EIT Law and
its implementing regulations to withhold PRC income tax on dividends payable to our non-PRC shareholders, or if non-PRC stockholders
are required to pay PRC income tax on gains on the transfer of their common stock, our business could be negatively impacted and the
value of your investment may be materially reduced. Further, if we were treated as a “resident enterprise” by PRC tax authorities,
we would be subject to taxation in both China and such countries in which we have taxable income, and our PRC tax may not be creditable
against such other taxes.
We must comply
with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Chinese anti-corruption laws.
We are required to comply
with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, which prohibits US companies from engaging in bribery or other prohibited
payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Foreign companies, including some of our competitors,
are not subject to these prohibitions. The PRC also strictly prohibits bribery of government officials. Certain of our suppliers are owned
by the PRC government and our dealings with them are likely to be considered to be with government officials for these purposes. Corruption,
extortion, bribery, pay-offs, theft and other fraudulent practices occur from time-to-time in China. It is our policy to prohibit our
employees, and to discourage our agents, representatives and consultants, from engaging in such practices. If our competitors engage in
these practices, they may receive preferential treatment from personnel of some companies, giving our competitors an advantage in securing
business or from government officials who might give them priority in obtaining new licenses, which would put us at a disadvantage. Our
employees, agents, representatives and consultants may not always be subject to our control. If any of them violates FCPA or other anti-corruption
law, we might be held responsible. We could suffer severe penalties in that event. In addition, the US government may seek to hold us
liable for successor liability FCPA violations committed by companies in which we invest or which we acquire.
Uncertainties in the interpretation and
enforcement of PRC laws and regulations and changes in policies, rules, and regulations in China, which may be quick with little advance
notice, could limit the legal protection available to you and us.
The PRC legal system
is based on written statutes. Unlike common law systems, it is a system in which legal cases have limited value as precedents. In the
late 1970s, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters in general.
The legislation over the past three decades has significantly increased the protection afforded to various forms of foreign or private-sector
investment in China. Shanghai Xianzhui is subject to various PRC laws and regulations generally applicable to companies in China. Since
these laws and regulations are relatively new and the PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve, however, the interpretations of many
laws, regulations, and rules are not always uniform and enforcement of these laws, regulations, and rules involve uncertainties.
From time to time, we
may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce our legal rights. Since PRC administrative and court authorities
have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, however, it may be more difficult to evaluate
the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy in the PRC legal system than in more developed
legal systems. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies, internal rules, and regulations that may have
retroactive effect and may change quickly with little advance notice. As a result, Shanghai Xianzhui may not be aware of its violation
of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. Such uncertainties, including uncertainties over the scope and effect
of the contractual, property (including intellectual property), and procedural rights, and any failure to respond to changes in the regulatory
environment in China could materially and adversely affect Shanghai Xianzhui’s business and impede Shanghai Xianzhui’s ability
to continue its operations.
Our business
may be materially and adversely affected if our PRC subsidiaries declare bankruptcy or become subject to a dissolution or liquidation
proceeding.
The Enterprise Bankruptcy
Law of the PRC, or the Bankruptcy Law, came into effect on June 1, 2007. The Bankruptcy Law provides that an enterprise will be liquidated
if the enterprise fails to settle its debts as and when they fall due and if the enterprise’s assets are, or are demonstrably, insufficient
to clear such debts.
Shanghai Xianzhui holds
certain assets that are important to our business operations. If Shanghai Xianzhui undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding,
unrelated third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of these assets, thereby hindering our ability to operate our business,
which could materially and adversely affect Shanghai Xianzhui’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
According to SAFE’s
Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies for
Direct Investment, effective on 17 December 2012, and the Provisions for Administration of Foreign Exchange Relating to Inbound Direct
Investment by Foreign Investors, effective May 13, 2013, if any of our PRC subsidiaries undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation
proceeding, prior approval from SAFE for remittance of foreign exchange to our shareholders abroad is no longer required, but we still
need to conduct a registration process with the SAFE local branch. It is not clear whether “registration” is a mere formality
or involves the kind of substantive review process undertaken by SAFE and its relevant branches in the past.
Given the Chinese
government’s significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of the business of Shanghai Xianzhui, the Chinese government
may intervene or influence its operations at any time, which could result in a material change in the operations of Shanghai Xianzhui
and/or the value of our common stock.
The Chinese government
has significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of Shanghai Xianzhui and may intervene or influence its operations at any time
as the government deems appropriate to further regulatory, political, and societal goals, which could result in a material change in the
operations of Shanghai Xianzhui and/or the value of our common stock.
The Chinese government
has recently published new policies that significantly affected certain industries such as the education and Internet industries, and
we cannot rule out the possibility that it will in the future release regulations or policies regarding our industry that could adversely
affect the business, financial condition, and results of operations of Shanghai Xianzhui. Furthermore, if China adopts more stringent
standards with respect to certain areas such as environmental protection or corporate social responsibilities, Shanghai Xianzhui may incur
increased compliance costs or become subject to additional restrictions in their operations. Certain areas of the law in China, including
intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections, may also not be as effective as in the United States or other countries.
In addition, we cannot predict the effects of future developments in the PRC legal system on the business operations of Shanghai Xianzhui,
including the promulgation of new laws, or changes to existing laws or the interpretation or enforcement thereof. These uncertainties
could limit the legal protections available to us and our investors, including you.
The Chinese government exerts substantial
influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business activities. We are currently not required to obtain approval
from Chinese authorities to list on U.S exchanges, however, if Shanghai Xianzhui or GDC were required to obtain approval in the future
and were denied permission from Chinese authorities to list on U.S. exchanges, we will not be able to continue listing on U.S. exchange
and the value of our common stock may significantly decline or become worthless, which would materially affect the interest of the investors.
The Chinese government
has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and
state ownership. Under the current government leadership, the government of the PRC has been pursuing reform policies which have adversely
affected China-based operating companies whose securities are listed in the United States, with significant policies changes being
made from time to time without notice. There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws and
regulations, including, but not limited to, the laws and regulations governing our business, or the enforcement and performance of our
contractual arrangements with borrowers in the event of the imposition of statutory liens, bankruptcy or criminal proceedings. Our ability
to operate in China may be harmed by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, environmental regulations,
land use rights, property and other matters. The central or local governments of these jurisdictions may impose new, stricter regulations
or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance
with such regulations or interpretations. Accordingly, government actions in the future, including any decision not to continue to support
recent economic reforms and to return to a more centrally planned economy or regional or local variations in the implementation of economic
policies, could have a significant effect on economic conditions in China or particular regions thereof, and could require us to divest
ourselves of any interest we then hold in Chinese properties.
Given recent statements
by the Chinese government indicating an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign
investment in China-based issuers, any such action could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to
offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or become worthless.
The General Office
of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the Opinions on Severely
Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities According to Law, or the Opinions, which was made available to the public on July 6,
2021. The Opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities, and the need to strengthen
the supervision over overseas listings by Chinese companies. Effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory
systems, will be taken to deal with the risks and incidents of China-concept overseas listed companies. As of the date of this prospectus,
we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, or sanctions from PRC government authorities in connection with the Opinions.
On June 10, 2021,
the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, or the SCNPC, promulgated the PRC Data Security Law, which took
effect in September 2021. The PRC Data Security Law imposes data security and privacy obligations on entities and individuals carrying
out data activities, and introduces a data classification and hierarchical protection system based on the importance of data in economic
and social development, and the degree of harm it will cause to national security, public interests, or legitimate rights and interests
of individuals or organizations when such data is tampered with, destroyed, leaked, illegally acquired or used. The PRC Data Security
Law also provides for a national security review procedure for data activities that may affect national security and imposes export restrictions
on certain data an information.
On August 17, 2021,
the State Council promulgated the Regulations on the Protection of the Security of Critical Information Infrastructure, or the Regulations,
which took effect on September 1, 2021. The Regulations supplement and specify the provisions on the security of critical information
infrastructure as stated in the Cybersecurity Review Measures. The Regulations provide, among others, that protection department of certain
industry or sector shall notify the operator of the critical information infrastructure in time after the identification of certain critical
information infrastructure.
On August 20, 2021,
the SCNPC promulgated the Personal Information Protection Law of the PRC, or the Personal Information Protection Law, which took effect
on November 1, 2021. As the first systematic and comprehensive law specifically for the protection of personal information in the
PRC, the Personal Information Protection Law provides, among others, that (i) an individual’s consent shall be obtained to
use sensitive personal information, such as biometric characteristics and individual location tracking, (ii) personal information
operators using sensitive personal information shall notify individuals of the necessity of such use and impact on the individual’s
rights, and (iii) where personal information operators reject an individual’s request to exercise his or her rights, the individual
may file a lawsuit with a People’s Court.
On February 17, 2023, the CSRC released
the Trial Measures and five supporting guidelines, which came into effect on March 31, 2023. Pursuant to the Trial Measures, domestic
companies that seek to offer or list securities overseas, both directly and indirectly, should fulfill the filing procedures and report
relevant information to the CSRC. If a domestic company fails to complete the filing procedures or conceals any material fact or
falsifies any major content in its filing documents, such domestic company may be subject to administrative penalties by the CSRC,
such as order to rectify, warnings, fines, and its controlling shareholders, actual controllers, the person directly in charge and other
directly liable persons may also be subject to administrative penalties, such as warnings and fines. As a listed company, we believe
that neither the Company not the PRC subsidiaries are required to fulfill filing procedures with the CSRC to continue to offer
our securities, or continue listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, considering that (i) the operating income and total profit of the Company’s
subsidiaries that were established in China for the year ended December 31, 2023 do not account for more than 50% of the operating income
and total profit in our consolidated financial statements for the same period, (ii) our main business is not conducted within China,
and (iii) the majority of our senior management personnel are not Chinese citizens or reside in China on a regular basis. Therefore,
as advised by Junjin Law Firm, we are not required to complete the record filing requirement under the Trial Measures. However, there
are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of the M&A Rules, other PRC Laws and future PRC laws and
regulations, and there can be no assurance that any governmental agency will not take a view that is contrary to or otherwise different
from our belief stated herein. See “Risk Factors - Risk Factors Relating to Doing Business in China - The CSRC has
released the Trial Measures for Administration of Overseas Securities Offerings and Listings by Domestic Companies (the “Trial
Measures”). With such rules in effect, the Chinese government may exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted
overseas and foreign investment in China-based issuers, which could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to continue
to offer our securities to investors and could cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or become worthless.”
As such, the Company’s
businesses may be subject to various government and regulatory interference in the provinces in which they operate. The Company could
be subject to regulation by various political and regulatory entities, including various local and municipal agencies and government sub-divisions.
The Company may incur increased costs necessary to comply with existing and newly adopted laws and regulations or penalties for any failure
to comply. The Chinese government may intervene or influence our operations at any time with little advance notice, which could result
in a material change in our operations and in the value of our common stock. Any actions by the Chinese government to exert more oversight
and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers could significantly limit or completely
hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline
or become worthless.
Furthermore, it is uncertain
when and whether the Company will be required to obtain permission from the PRC government to list on U.S. exchanges in the future,
and even when such permission is obtained, whether it will be denied or rescinded. Although the Company is currently not required to obtain
permission from any of the PRC federal or local government to obtain such permission and has not received any denial to list on the U.S. exchange,
our operations could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by existing or future laws and regulations relating to its business
or industry. As a result, our common stock may decline in value dramatically or even become worthless should we become subject to new
requirement to obtain permission from the PRC government to list on U.S. exchange in the future.
Fluctuations in
exchange rates could adversely affect our business and the value of our securities.
Changes in the value
of the RMB against the U.S. dollar are affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic conditions. Any
significant revaluation of the RMB may have a material adverse effect on our revenues and financial condition, and the value of, and any
dividends payable on our shares in U.S. dollar terms. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars we receive from
our public offering into RMB for our operations, appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on RMB amount
we would receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our RMB into U.S. dollars for the purpose of paying dividends
on our common stock or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the RMB would have a negative effect on the
U.S. dollar amount available to us. In addition, fluctuations of the RMB against other currencies may increase or decrease the cost of
imports and exports, and thus affect the price-competitiveness of our products against products of foreign manufacturers or products relying
on foreign inputs.
Since July 2005, the
RMB is no longer pegged to the U.S. dollar. Although the People’s Bank of China regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market
to prevent significant short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate, the RMB may appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against
the U.S. dollar in the medium to long term. Moreover, it is possible that in the future PRC authorities may lift restrictions on fluctuations
in the RMB exchange rate and lessen intervention in the foreign exchange market.
Increases in labor
costs in the PRC may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
The currently effective PRC
Labor Contract Law, or the Labor Contract Law was first adopted on June 29, 2007 and later amended on December 28, 2012. The PRC Labor
Contract Law has reinforced the protection of employees who, under the Labor Contract Law, have the right, among others, to have written
employment contracts, to enter into employment contracts with no fixed term under certain circumstances, to receive overtime wages and
to terminate or alter terms in labor contracts. Furthermore, the Labor Contract Law sets forth additional restrictions and increases the
costs involved with dismissing employees. To the extent that we need to significantly reduce our workforce, the Labor Contract Law could
adversely affect our ability to do so in a timely and cost-effective manner, and our results of operations could be adversely affected.
In addition, for employees whose employment contracts include noncompetition terms, the Labor Contract Law requires us to pay monthly
compensation after such employment is terminated, which will increase our operating expenses.
We expect that our labor
costs, including wages and employee benefits, will continue to increase. Unless we are able to pass on these increased labor costs to
our vehicle buyers by increasing the prices of our products and services, our financial condition and results of operations would be materially
and adversely affected.
PRC regulations
relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents may limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to increase their registered
capital or distribute profits to us or otherwise expose us or our PRC resident beneficial owners to liability and penalties under PRC
law.
In July 2014, SAFE promulgated
the Circular on Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration over the Overseas Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment
by Domestic Residents via Special Purpose Vehicles, or “Circular 37”. According to Circular 37, prior registration with the
local SAFE branch is required for Chinese residents to contribute domestic assets or interests to offshore companies, known as Special
Purpose Vehicles (“SPVs”). Circular 37 further requires amendment to a PRC resident’s registration in the event of any
significant changes with respect to the SPV, such as an increase or decrease in the capital contributed by PRC individuals, share transfer
or exchange, merger, division, or other material event. Further, foreign investment enterprises established by way of round-tripping
shall complete the relevant foreign exchange registration formalities pursuant to the prevailing foreign exchange control provisions for
direct investments by foreign investors, and disclose the relevant information such as actual controlling party of the shareholders truthfully.
We may not be informed
of the identities of all the PRC residents or entities holding direct or indirect interest in our company, nor can we compel our beneficial
owners to comply with SAFE registration requirements. As a result, we cannot assure you that all of our shareholders or beneficial owners
who are PRC residents or entities have complied with, and will in the future make or obtain any applicable registrations or approvals
required by, SAFE regulations. Failure by such shareholders or beneficial owners to comply with SAFE regulations, or failure by us to
amend the foreign exchange registrations of our PRC subsidiaries, could subject us to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas
or cross-border investment activities, limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions or pay dividends to us or affect
our ownership structure, which could adversely affect our business and prospects.
Shanghai Xianzhui
may become subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the PRC regarding privacy, data security, cybersecurity, and data protection.
Shanghai Xianzhui may be required to suspend its business, be liable for improper use or appropriation of personal information provided
by our customers and face other penalties.
Shanghai Xianzhui may
become subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the PRC regarding privacy, data security, cybersecurity, and data protection. These
laws and regulations are continuously evolving and developing. The scope and interpretation of the laws that are or may be applicable
to us are often uncertain and may be conflicting, particularly with respect to foreign laws. In particular, there are numerous laws and
regulations regarding privacy and the collection, sharing, use, processing, disclosure, and protection of personal information and other
user data. Such laws and regulations often vary in scope, may be subject to differing interpretations, and may be inconsistent among different
jurisdictions.
We expect to obtain information
about various aspects of our operations as well as regarding our employees and third parties. We also maintain information about various
aspects of our operations as well as regarding our employees. The integrity and protection of our customer, employee and company data
is critical to our business. Our customers and employees expect that we will adequately protect their personal information. We are required
by applicable laws to keep strictly confidential the personal information that we collect, and to take adequate security measures to safeguard
such information.
The PRC Criminal Law,
as amended by its Amendment 7 (effective on February 28, 2009) and Amendment 9 (effective on November 1, 2015), prohibits institutions,
companies and their employees from selling or otherwise illegally disclosing a citizen’s personal information obtained during the
course of performing duties or providing services or obtaining such information through theft or other illegal ways. On November 7, 2016,
the Standing Committee of the PRC National People’s Congress issued the Cyber Security Law of the PRC, or Cyber Security Law, which
became effective on June 1, 2017.
Pursuant to the Cyber
Security Law, network operators must not, without users’ consent, collect their personal information, and may only collect users’
personal information necessary to provide their services. Providers are also obliged to provide security maintenance for their products
and services and shall comply with provisions regarding the protection of personal information as stipulated under the relevant laws and
regulations.
The Civil Code of the
PRC (issued by the PRC National People’s Congress on May 28, 2020 and effective from January 1, 2021) provides main legal basis
for privacy and personal information infringement claims under the Chinese civil laws. PRC regulators, including the CAC, MIIT, and the
Ministry of Public Security have been increasingly focused on regulation in the areas of data security and data protection.
In April 2020, the
CAC and certain other PRC regulatory authorities promulgated the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which became effective in June 2020.
Pursuant to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, operators of critical information infrastructure must pass a cybersecurity review when
purchasing network products and services which do or may affect national security. On June 10, 2021, the Standing Committee of the NPC
promulgated the PRC Data Security Law, which took effect on September 1, 2021. The Data Security Law also sets forth the data security
protection obligations for entities and individuals handling personal data, including that no entity or individual may acquire such data
by stealing or other illegal means, and the collection and use of such data should not exceed the necessary limits The costs of compliance
with, and other burdens imposed by, CSL and any other cybersecurity and related laws may limit the use and adoption of our products and
services and could have an adverse impact on our business. On January 4, 2022, thirteen PRC regulatory agencies, namely, the CAC,
the NDRC, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of State Security, the MOF,
MOFCOM, SAMR, CSRC, the People’s Bank of China, the National Radio and Television Administration, National Administration of State
Secrets Protection and the National Cryptography Administration, jointly adopted and published the Measures for Cybersecurity Review
(2021), which became effective on February 15, 2022. The Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021) required that, among others, in
addition to “operator of critical information infrastructure” any “operator of network platform” holding personal
information of more than one million users which seeks to list in a foreign stock exchange should also be subject to cybersecurity review.
On July 10,
2021, the CAC issued a revised draft of the Measures for Cybersecurity Review for public comments (the “Review Measures”),
and on December 28, 2021, the CAC, the NDRC, and several other administrations jointly issued the revised Measures for Cybersecurity
Review, or the Revised Review Measures, which became effective and has replaced the existing Measures for Cybersecurity Review on February 15,
2022. According to the Revised Review Measures, if an “online platform operator” that is in possession of personal data of
more than one million users intends to list in a foreign country, it must apply for a cybersecurity review. Based on a set of Q&A
published on the official website of the State Cipher Code Administration in connection with the issuance of the Revised Review Measures,
an official of the said administration indicated that an online platform operator should apply for a cybersecurity review prior to the
submission of its listing application with non-PRC securities regulators. Given the recency of the issuance of the Revised Review Measures
and their pending effectiveness, there is a general lack of guidance and substantial uncertainties exist with respect to their interpretation
and implementation. For example, it is unclear whether the requirement of cybersecurity review applies to follow-on offerings by an “online
platform operator” that is in possession of personal data of more than one million users where the offshore holding company of
such operator is already listed overseas. Furthermore, the CAC released the draft of the Regulations on Network Data Security Management
in November 2021 for public consultation, which among other things, stipulates that a data processor listed overseas must conduct
an annual data security review by itself or by engaging a data security service provider and submit the annual data security review report
for a given year to the municipal cybersecurity department before January 31 of the following year. If the draft Regulations
on Network Data Security Management are enacted in the current form, we, as an overseas listed company, will be required to carry out
an annual data security review and comply with the relevant reporting obligations.
As advised by Junjin
Law Firm, we will not be subject to cybersecurity review with the CAC, given that: (i) Shanghai Xianzhui does not possess and does not
anticipate that it will possess a large amount of personal information in our business operations and (ii) data processed in Shanghai
Xianzhui’s business does not have a bearing on national security and thus may not be classified as core or important data by the
authorities. In addition, for the same reasons, we are not subject to network data security review by the CAC if the Draft Regulations
on the Network Data Security Administration are enacted as proposed. However, the definition of “network platform operator”
is unclear and it is also unclear on how it will be interpreted and implemented by the relevant PRC governmental authorities.
In addition, an overseas-listed company must
also submit the filing with respect to its follow-on offerings, issuance of convertible corporate bonds and exchangeable bonds, and other
equivalent offering activities, within the time frame specified by the Trial Measures.
As advised by Junjin Law Firm, because the
Company is not a company registered and formed in the territory of China, its continued listing on Nasdaq and future offerings are not
“direct overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises” as defined under the Trial Measures. Furthermore, according
to Article 2 of the Trial Measures, the “indirect overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises” refers to the overseas
offering and listing of enterprises whose main business activities are in China, in the name of enterprises registered overseas, which
offering and listing are based on the equity, assets, income or other similar rights and interests of the domestic enterprises. According
to Article 15 of the Trial Measures, if the issuer meets both of the following conditions, the overseas offerings and listings shall
be determined as an “indirect overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises”: (i) 50% or more of the issuer’s
operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most
recent accounting year is accounted for by domestic enterprises; and; (ii) its major operational activities are carried out in China
or its main places of business are located in China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operation and management are mostly
Chinese citizens or domiciled in China.
The Company does
not meet both the requirements under Article 15 of the Trial Measures and therefore its continued listing on Nasdaq and future offerings
are not an “Indirect overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises”, considering that (i) the operating income and
total profit of the Company’s subsidiaries that were established in China for the year ended December 31, 2023 do not account for
more than 50% of the operating income and total profit in our consolidated financial statements for the same period, (ii) our main business
is not conducted within China, and (iii) the majority of our senior management personnel are not Chinese citizens or reside in China
on a regular basis. Therefore, as advised by Junjin Law Firm, we are not required to complete the record filing requirement under the
Trial Measures. However, if we inadvertently conclude that such filing procedures are not required, or applicable laws, regulations,
or interpretations change such that we are required to complete the filing procedures in the future, we may be subject to investigations
by the regulators, fines or penalties, ordered to suspend our relevant operations and rectify any non-compliance, prohibited from engaging
in relevant business or conducting any offering, and these risks could result in a material adverse change in our operations and/or the
value of our common stock, and could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to
investors, or cause such securities to significantly decline in value or become worthless.
We cannot assure you
that PRC regulatory agencies, including the CAC, would take the same view as we do, and there is no assurance that we can fully or timely
comply with such laws. In the event that we are subject to any mandatory cybersecurity review and other specific actions required by the
CAC, we face uncertainty as to whether any clearance or other required actions can be timely completed, or at all. Given such uncertainty,
we may be further required to suspend our relevant business, shut down our website, or face other penalties, which could materially and
adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
As of the date of
this prospectus, as confirmed by our PRC counsel, Junjin Law Firm, our PRC operating subsidiaries have received all requisite permissions
or approvals to operate the business and no such permissions or approvals have been denied. As further confirmed by our PRC counsel,
Junjin Law Firm, except for the business license mentioned in “Prospectus Summary – Governmental Regulations in the
PRC – Regulations on Business License” on page 14 of this prospectus, our PRC operating subsidiaries are not required
to obtain any other permissions or approvals from any Chinese authorities to operate the business. As further confirmed by our PRC counsel,
Junjin Law Firm, no relevant PRC laws or regulations in effect require that we obtain permission from any PRC authorities to issue securities
to foreign investors, and we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, sanction, or any regulatory objection from the CSRC, the
CAC, or any other PRC authorities that have jurisdiction over our operations. See “Prospectus Summary – Governmental
Regulations in the PRC – Regulations on Mergers & Acquisitions and Overseas Listings” on page 18 of this prospectus
and “– Regulations on Cybersecurity Review” on page 20 of this prospectus. However, applicable laws and regulations
may be tightened, and new laws or regulations may be introduced to impose additional government approval, license, and permit requirements.
If (i) we or our subsidiaries do not receive or maintain all such required permissions or approvals to operate our business, (ii) we
or our subsidiaries inadvertently conclude that such permissions or approvals are not required, or (iii) applicable laws, regulations,
or interpretations change and we are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, we may face sanctions, including
fines and penalties, by the CAC, CSRC, or other PRC regulatory agencies, our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends outside
of the PRC could be limited, our operations could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, we could be required to restructure
our operations to comply with such regulations or potentially cease operations in the PRC entirely, our ability to offer, or continue
to offer, securities to investors could be significantly limited or completely hindered and the value of our securities might significantly
decline or be worthless.
The CSRC has
released the Trial Measures for Administration of Overseas Securities Offerings and Listings by Domestic Companies (the “Trial Measures”).
With such rules in effect, the Chinese government may exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and
foreign investment in China-based issuers, which could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to continue to offer our securities
to investors and could cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or become worthless.
On February 17, 2023, the China Securities
Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, announced the Circular on the Administrative Arrangements for Filing of Securities Offering and Listing
by Domestic Companies, or the Circular, and released a set of new regulations which consists of the Trial Administrative Measures of
Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, or the Trial Measures, and five supporting guidelines. On the same date,
the CSRC also released the Notice on the Arrangements for the Filing Management of Overseas Listing of Domestic Companies, or the Notice.
The Trial Measures came into effect on March 31, 2023. The Trial Measures refine the regulatory system by subjecting both direct
and indirect overseas offering and listing activities to the CSRC filing-based administration. Requirements for filing entities, time
points and procedures are specified. A PRC domestic company that seeks to offer and list securities in overseas markets shall fulfill
the filing procedure with the CSRC per the requirements of the Trial Measures. Where a PRC domestic company seeks to indirectly offer
and list securities in overseas markets, the issuer shall designate a major domestic operating entity, which shall, as the domestic responsible
entity, file with the CSRC. The Trial Measures also lay out requirements for the reporting of material events. Breaches of the Trial
Measures, such as offering and listing securities overseas without fulfilling the filing procedures, shall bear legal liabilities, including
a fine between RMB 1.0 million (approximately $150,000) and RMB 10.0 million (approximately $1.5 million), and the Trial
Measures increase the cost for offenders by enforcing accountability with administrative penalties and incorporating the compliance status
of relevant market participants into the Securities Market Integrity Archives.
According to the Circular, since the date
of effectiveness of the Trial Measures on March 31, 2023, PRC domestic enterprises falling within the scope of filing that have
been listed overseas or met the following circumstances are “existing enterprises”: before the effectiveness of the Trial
Measures on March 31, 2023, the application for indirect overseas issuance and listing has been approved by the overseas regulators
or overseas stock exchanges (such as the registration statement has become effective on the U.S. market), it is not required to
perform issuance and listing supervision procedures of the overseas regulators or overseas stock exchanges, and the overseas issuance
and listing will be completed by September 30, 2023. Existing enterprises are not required to file with the CSRC immediately, and
filings with the CSRC should be made as required if they involve refinancings and other filing matters. PRC domestic enterprises that
have submitted valid applications for overseas issuance and listing but have not been approved by overseas regulatory authorities or
overseas stock exchanges at the date of effectiveness of the Trial Measures on March 31, 2023 can reasonably arrange the timing
of filing applications with the CSRC and shall complete the filing with the CSRC before the overseas issuance and listing.
In addition, an overseas-listed company must
also submit the filing with respect to its follow-on offerings, issuance of convertible corporate bonds and exchangeable bonds, and other
equivalent offering activities, within the time frame specified by the Trial Measures.
As advised by Junjin Law Firm, because the
Company is not a company registered and formed in the territory of China, its continued listing on Nasdaq and future offerings are not
“direct overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises” as defined under the Trial Measures. Furthermore, according
to Article 2 of the Trial Measures, the “indirect overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises” refers to the overseas
offering and listing of enterprises whose main business activities are in China, in the name of enterprises registered overseas, which
offering and listing are based on the equity, assets, income or other similar rights and interests of the domestic enterprises. According
to Article 15 of the Trial Measures, if the issuer meets both of the following conditions, the overseas offerings and listings shall
be determined as an “indirect overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises”: (i) 50% or more of the issuer’s
operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most
recent accounting year is accounted for by domestic enterprises; and; (ii) its major operational activities are carried out in China
or its main places of business are located in China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operation and management are mostly
Chinese citizens or domiciled in China.
The Company does not meet both the requirements
under Article 15 of the Trial Measures and therefore its continued listing on Nasdaq and future offerings are not an “Indirect
overseas offering and listing of domestic enterprises”, considering that (i) the operating income and total profit of the Company’s
subsidiaries that were established in China for the year ended December 31, 2023 do not account for more than 50% of the operating income
and total profit in our consolidated financial statements for the same period, (ii) our main business is not conducted within China,
and (iii) the majority of our senior management personnel are not Chinese citizens or reside in China on a regular basis. Therefore,
as advised by Junjin Law Firm, we are not required to complete the record filing requirement under the Trial Measures. However,
if we inadvertently conclude that such filing procedures are not required, or applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change
such that we are required to complete the filing procedures in the future, we may be subject to investigations by the regulators, fines
or penalties, ordered to suspend our relevant operations and rectify any non-compliance, prohibited from engaging in relevant business
or conducting any offering, and these risks could result in a material adverse change in our operations and/or the value of our common
stock, and could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, or cause
such securities to significantly decline in value or become worthless.
If we become directly
subject to the recent scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity involving U.S.-listed Chinese companies, we may have to expend significant
resources to investigate and resolve the matter which could harm our business operations, listing and future offerings and our reputation
and could result in a loss of your investment in our common stock, especially if such matter cannot be addressed and resolved favorably.
Recently, U.S. public
companies that have substantially all of their operations in China, have been the subject of intense scrutiny, criticism and negative
publicity by investors, financial commentators and regulatory agencies, such as the SEC. Much of the scrutiny, criticism and negative
publicity has centered around financial and accounting irregularities, a lack of effective internal controls over financial accounting,
inadequate corporate governance policies or a lack of adherence thereto and, in many cases, allegations of fraud. As a result of the scrutiny,
criticism and negative publicity, the publicly traded stock of many U.S. listed Chinese companies has sharply decreased in value and,
in some cases, has become virtually worthless. Many of these companies are now subject to shareholder lawsuits and SEC enforcement actions
and are conducting internal and external investigations into the allegations. It is not clear what effect this sector-wide scrutiny, criticism
and negative publicity will have on our Company, our business and listing and future offerings. If we become the subject of any unfavorable
allegations, whether such allegations are proven to be true or untrue, we will have to expend significant resources to investigate such
allegations and/or defend the Company. This situation may be a major distraction to our management. If such allegations are not proven
to be groundless, our Company and business operations will be severely hampered and your investment in our common stock could be rendered
worthless.
The recent
joint statement by the SEC and PCAOB, proposed rule changes submitted by Nasdaq, and the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act all
call for additional and more stringent criteria to be applied to emerging market companies upon assessing the qualification of their
auditors, especially the non-U.S. auditors who are not inspected by the PCAOB. Although the audit report included in the annual report
was issued by U.S. auditors who are currently inspected by the PCAOB, if it is later determined that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or
investigate our auditor completely, investors would be deprived of the benefits of such inspection and our common stock may be delisted
or prohibited from trading.
On April 21, 2020, SEC
Chairman Jay Clayton and PCAOB Chairman William D. Duhnke III, along with other senior SEC staff, released a joint statement highlighting
the risks associated with investing in companies based in or have substantial operations in emerging markets including China. The joint
statement emphasized the risks associated with lack of access for the PCAOB to inspect auditors and audit work papers in China and higher
risks of fraud in emerging markets.
On May 18, 2020, Nasdaq
filed three proposals with the SEC to (i) apply minimum offering size requirement for companies primarily operating in “Restrictive
Market”, (ii) adopt a new requirement relating to the qualification of management or board of director for Restrictive Market companies,
and (iii) apply additional and more stringent criteria to an applicant or listed company based on the qualifications of the company’s
auditors.
On May 20, 2020, the
U.S. Senate passed the HFCAA requiring a foreign company to certify it is not owned or controlled by a foreign government if the PCAOB
is unable to audit specified reports because the company uses a foreign auditor not subject to PCAOB inspection. If the PCAOB is unable
to inspect the company’s auditors for three consecutive years, the issuer’s securities are prohibited to trade on a national
securities exchange or in the over the counter trading market in the U.S. On December 2, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives approved
the HFCAA. On December 18, 2020, the HFCAA was signed into law.
On March 24, 2021, the
SEC announced that it had adopted interim final amendments to implement congressionally mandated submission and disclosure requirements
of the Act. The interim final amendments will apply to registrants that the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report on Forms
10-K, 20-F, 40-F or N-CSR with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction
and that the PCAOB has determined it is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in that
jurisdiction. The SEC will implement a process for identifying such a registrant and any such identified registrant will be required to
submit documentation to the SEC establishing that it is not owned or controlled by a governmental entity in that foreign jurisdiction,
and will also require disclosure in the registrant’s annual report regarding the audit arrangements of, and governmental influence
on, such a registrant.
On June 22, 2021, the
U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, and on December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations
Act was signed into law by President Biden, which contained, among other things, an identical provision to the Accelerating Holding Foreign
Companies Accountable Act and amended the HFCAA by requiring the SEC to prohibit an issuer’s securities from trading on any U.S.
stock exchanges if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive years instead of three, thus reducing the time
period for triggering the prohibition on trading.
On December 2, 2021,
the SEC issued amendments to finalize rules implementing the submission and disclosure requirements in the HFCAA. The rules apply to registrants
that the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that is located
in a foreign jurisdiction and that PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in
foreign jurisdictions.
On December 16, 2021,
PCAOB announced the PCAOB Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act determinations (the “PCAOB determinations”) relating to
the PCAOB’s inability to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China of
the PRC or Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region and dependency of the PRC, because of a position taken by one or more authorities
in the PRC or Hong Kong.
On August 26, 2022, the
CSRC, the MOF, and the PCAOB signed a Statement of Protocol (the “Protocol”), governing inspections and investigations of
audit firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong, taking the first step toward opening access for the PCAOB to inspect and investigate
registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. Pursuant to the fact sheet with respect to the Protocol
disclosed by the SEC, the PCAOB shall have independent discretion to select any issuer audits for inspection or investigation and has
the unfettered ability to transfer information to the SEC.
On December 15, 2022,
the PCAOB determined that the PCAOB was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms
headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong and voted to vacate its previous determinations to the contrary. However, should PRC authorities
obstruct or otherwise fail to facilitate the PCAOB’s access in the future, the PCAOB will consider the need to issue a new determination. Our
previous auditor, Enrome LLP, with their headquarter at 143 Cecil St, #19-03/04 GB Building, Singapore 069542, has been inspected by
the PCAOB on a regular basis in the audit period. Our current auditor, HTL, with their headquarter at 12 Greenway Plaza Suite 1100, Houston,
Texas 77046, has been inspected by the PCAOB on a regular basis as well. If it is later determined that the PCAOB is unable to inspect
or investigate our auditor completely, investors may be deprived of the benefits of such inspection. Any audit reports not issued by
auditors that are completely inspected by the PCAOB, or a lack of PCAOB inspections of audit work undertaken in China that prevents the
PCAOB from regularly evaluating our auditors’ audits and their quality control procedures, could result in a lack of assurance
that our financial statements and disclosures are adequate and accurate. Moreover, if trading in our securities is prohibited under the
HFCAA in the future because the PCAOB determines that it cannot inspect or fully investigate our auditor at such future time, an exchange
may determine to delist our securities.
However, these recent
developments would add uncertainties to our listing and future offerings, and we cannot assure you whether Nasdaq or regulatory authorities
would apply additional and more stringent criteria to us after considering the effectiveness of our auditor’s audit procedures and
quality control procedures, adequacy of personnel and training, or sufficiency of resources, geographic reach or experience as it relates
to the audit of our financial statements. In the event it is later determined that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely
the Company’s auditor because of a position taken by an authority in a foreign jurisdiction, then such lack of inspection could
cause trading in the Company’s securities to be prohibited under the HFCAA, and ultimately result in a determination by a securities
exchange to delist the Company’s securities.
The M&A Rules
and certain other PRC regulations establish complex procedures for some acquisitions of Chinese companies by foreign investors, which
could make it more difficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions in China.
The Regulations on Mergers
and Acquisitions of Domestic Companies by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, adopted by six PRC regulatory agencies in August 2006
and amended in 2009, and some other regulations and rules concerning mergers and acquisitions established additional procedures and requirements
that could make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors more time consuming and complex, including requirements in some
instances that the MOC be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a PRC
domestic enterprise. For example, the M&A Rules require that MOFCOM be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in
which a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise, if (i) any important industry is concerned, (ii) such transaction
involves factors that impact or may impact national economic security, or (iii) such transaction will lead to a change in control of a
domestic enterprise which holds a famous trademark or PRC time-honored brand. Moreover, the Anti-Monopoly Law promulgated by the SCNPC
effective in 2008 requires that transactions which are deemed concentrations and involve parties with specified turnover thresholds (i.e.,
during the previous fiscal year, (i) the total global turnover of all operators participating in the transaction exceeds RMB10 billion
and at least two of these operators each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China, or (ii) the total turnover within China
of all the operators participating in the concentration exceeded RMB 2 billion, and at least two of these operators each had a turnover
of more than RMB 400 million within China) must be cleared by MOFCOM before they can be completed.
Moreover, the Anti-Monopoly
Law requires that the MOC shall be notified in advance of any concentration of undertaking if certain thresholds are triggered. In addition,
the security review rules issued by the MOC that became effective in September 2011 specify that mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors
that raise “national defense and security” concerns and mergers and acquisitions through which foreign investors may acquire
de facto control over domestic enterprises that raise “national security” concerns are subject to strict review by the MOC,
and the rules prohibit any activities attempting to bypass a security review, including by structuring the transaction through a proxy
or contractual control arrangement. In the future, we may grow our business by acquiring complementary businesses. Complying with the
requirements of the above-mentioned regulations and other relevant rules to complete such transactions could be time consuming, and any
required approval processes, including obtaining approval from the MOC or its local counterparts may delay or inhibit our ability to complete
such transactions, which could affect our ability to expand our business or maintain our market share.
If Shanghai Xianzhui
fails to maintain the requisite licenses and approvals required under PRC law, our business, financial condition and results of operations
may be materially and adversely affected.
As of the date of
this prospectus, as confirmed by our PRC counsel, Junjin Law Firm, our PRC operating subsidiaries have received all requisite permissions
or approvals to operate the business and no such permissions or approvals have been denied. As further confirmed by our PRC counsel,
Junjin Law Firm, except for the business license mentioned in “Prospectus Summary – Governmental Regulations in the
PRC – Regulations on Business License” on page 14 of this prospectus, our PRC operating subsidiaries are not required
to obtain any other permissions or approvals from any Chinese authorities to operate the business. As further confirmed by our PRC counsel,
Junjin Law Firm, no relevant PRC laws or regulations in effect require that we obtain permission from any PRC authorities to issue securities
to foreign investors, and we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, sanction, or any regulatory objection from the CSRC, the
CAC, or any other PRC authorities that have jurisdiction over our operations. See “Prospectus Summary – Governmental
Regulations in the PRC – Regulations on Mergers & Acquisitions and Overseas Listings” on page 18 of this prospectus
and “– Regulations on Cybersecurity Review” on page 20 of this prospectus. However, applicable laws and regulations
may be tightened, and new laws or regulations may be introduced to impose additional government approval, license, and permit requirements.
If (i) we or our subsidiaries do not receive or maintain all such required permissions or approvals to operate our business, (ii) we
or our subsidiaries inadvertently conclude that such permissions or approvals are not required, or (iii) applicable laws, regulations,
or interpretations change and we are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, we may face sanctions, including
fines and penalties, by the CAC, CSRC, or other PRC regulatory agencies, our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends outside
of the PRC could be limited, our operations could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, we could be required to restructure
our operations to comply with such regulations or potentially cease operations in the PRC entirely, our ability to offer, or continue
to offer, securities to investors could be significantly limited or completely hindered and the value of our securities might significantly
decline or be worthless.
We conduct
part of our operations in China. As such, the PRC government may exercise significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of our
operating subsidiaries’ business and may intervene in or influence their operations at any time, which could result in a material
change in their operations and/or the value of our ordinary shares. Changes in the policies, regulations, rules, and the enforcement
of laws of the PRC government may also be implemented quickly with little advance notice. Therefore, our assertions and beliefs of the
risk imposed by the PRC legal and regulatory system cannot be certain.
GDC conducts its operations and operates its
business in both United States and China by itself and through its subsidiaries, AI Catalysis Corp., a Nevada corporation, and Shanghai
Xianzhui Technology Co., Ltd., a company incorporated in China. The majority of the Company’s operation is in the United States.
As of the date of this prospectus, we are not materially affected by recent statements by the PRC government indicating an intention
to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers.
However, due to certain long arm provisions in the current PRC laws and regulations, there remains regulatory uncertainty with respect
to the implementation and interpretation of laws in the PRC. The PRC government may choose to exercise significant oversight and discretion,
and the regulations to which our operating subsidiaries are subject may change rapidly and with little notice to us and our operating
subsidiaries or our shareholders. As a result, the application, interpretation, and enforcement of new and existing laws and regulations
in the PRC are often uncertain. In addition, these laws and regulations may be interpreted and applied inconsistently by different agencies
or authorities, and inconsistently with our and our operating subsidiaries’ current policies and practices. New laws, regulations,
and other government directives in the PRC may also be costly to comply with, and such compliance or any associated inquiries or investigations
or any other government actions may:
| ● | delay or impede
our operating subsidiaries’ development; |
| ● | result in negative
publicity or increase our operating subsidiaries’ operating costs; |
| ● | require significant
management time and attention; and |
| ● | subject our
operating subsidiaries to remedies, administrative penalties and even criminal liabilities
that may harm our operating subsidiaries’ business, including fines assessed for our
operating subsidiaries’ current or historical operations, or demands or orders that
our operating subsidiaries modify or even cease our operating subsidiaries’ business
practices. |
We are aware that recently, the PRC government
initiated a series of regulatory actions and statements to regulate business operations in certain areas in the PRC with little advance
notice, including cracking down on illegal activities in the securities market, enhancing supervision over China-based companies
listed overseas, adopting new measures to extend the scope of cybersecurity reviews, and expanding the efforts in anti-monopoly enforcement.
Since these statements and regulatory actions
are new, it is highly uncertain how soon the PRC legislative or administrative regulation making bodies will respond or what existing
or new laws or regulations or detailed implementations and interpretations will be modified or promulgated, if any, or what the potential
impact that any such modified or new laws and regulations would have on our operating subsidiaries’ daily business operation, the
ability to accept foreign investments and list on an U.S. or other foreign exchange.
The PRC government
may intervene or influence our operating subsidiaries’ operations at any time and may exert more control over offerings conducted
overseas and foreign investment in China-based issuers, which may result in a material change in our operating subsidiaries’
operations and/or the value of our ordinary shares. Any legal or regulatory changes that restrict or otherwise unfavorably impact our
operating subsidiaries’ ability to conduct their business could decrease demand for their services, reduce revenues, increase costs,
require our operating subsidiaries to obtain more licenses, permits, approvals or certificates, or subject them to additional liabilities.
To the extent any new or more stringent measures are implemented, our operating subsidiaries’ business, financial condition and
results of operations could be adversely affected, and the value of our ordinary shares could decrease or become worthless.
If the PRC
government chooses to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China
based issuers, such action may significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer ordinary shares to
investors and cause the value of our ordinary shares to significantly decline or be worthless.
Recent statements by the PRC government have
indicated an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings conducted overseas and/or over foreign investments in China-based issuers.
On July 6, 2021, the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council
jointly issued a document to crack down on illegal activities in the securities market and promote the high-quality development
of the capital market, which, among other things, requires the relevant governmental authorities to strengthen cross-border oversight
of law-enforcement and judicial cooperation, to enhance supervision over China-based companies listed overseas, and to establish
and improve the system of extraterritorial application of the PRC securities laws.
On February 17, 2023, the CSRC issued
the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Enterprises, or the Trial Measures, which became
effective on March 31, 2023. See “—The CSRC has released the Trial Measures for Administration of Overseas
Securities Offerings and Listings by Domestic Companies (the “Trial Measures”). With such rules in effect, the Chinese government
may exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and foreign investment in China-based issuers, which
could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to continue to offer our securities to investors and could cause the value
of our securities to significantly decline or become worthless.”
On December 28, 2021, the CAC, the NDRC,
and several other administrations jointly adopted and published the new Measures for Cybersecurity Review (“New Measures”),
which came into effect on February 15, 2022. See “— Shanghai Xianzhui may become subject to a variety of laws and regulations
in the PRC regarding privacy, data security, cybersecurity, and data protection. Shanghai Xianzhui may be required to suspend its business,
be liable for improper use or appropriation of personal information provided by our customers and face other penalties.”
As of the date of this prospectus, as confirmed
by our PRC counsel, Junjin Law Firm, our PRC operating subsidiaries have received all requisite permissions or approvals to operate the
business and no such permissions or approvals have been denied. As further confirmed by our PRC counsel, Junjin Law Firm, except for
the business license mentioned in “Prospectus Summary – Governmental Regulations in the PRC – Regulations
on Business License” on page 14 of this prospectus, our PRC operating subsidiaries are not required to obtain any other permissions
or approvals from any Chinese authorities to operate the business. As further confirmed by our PRC counsel, Junjin Law Firm, no relevant
PRC laws or regulations in effect require that we obtain permission from any PRC authorities to issue securities to foreign investors,
and we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, sanction, or any regulatory objection from the CSRC, the CAC, or any other PRC
authorities that have jurisdiction over our operations. See “Prospectus Summary – Governmental Regulations in the
PRC – Regulations on Mergers & Acquisitions and Overseas Listings” on page 18 of this prospectus and “–
Regulations on Cybersecurity Review” on page 20 of this prospectus. However, applicable laws and regulations may be tightened,
and new laws or regulations may be introduced to impose additional government approval, license, and permit requirements. If (i) we or
our subsidiaries do not receive or maintain all such required permissions or approvals to operate our business, (ii) we or our subsidiaries
inadvertently conclude that such permissions or approvals are not required, or (iii) applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations
change and we are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, we may face sanctions, including fines and penalties,
by the CAC, CSRC, or other PRC regulatory agencies, our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends outside of the PRC could be
limited, our operations could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, we could be required to restructure our operations to comply
with such regulations or potentially cease operations in the PRC entirely, our ability to offer, or continue to offer, securities to
investors could be significantly limited or completely hindered and the value of our securities might significantly decline or be worthless.
The unwinding and disposal of our previous
VIE structure may not be liability-free and we may be seemed to be in violation of PRC laws regulating our industry and operations.
We cannot assure you that the unwinding and
disposal of the VIE structures in the PRC will not give rise to dispute or liability. We cannot guarantee that we will not continue
to be subject to PRC regulatory inspection and/or review, especially when there remains significant uncertainty as to the scope and manner
of the regulatory enforcement. If we become subject to regulatory inspection and/or review by the CSRC, the CAC or other PRC authorities,
or are required by them to take any specific actions, it could cause suspension or termination of the future offering of our securities,
disruptions to our operations, result in negative publicity regarding our company, and divert our managerial and financial resources.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
If we are unable to continuously entice
TikTok users to participate in our live streaming channels and increase their spending on our platforms, including e-commerce and gaming,
it could have significant consequences on our business and operational results.
The viability of our business largely depends
on TikTok users engaging with our live streaming channels, which includes our live streaming e-commerce and gaming platforms. Our revenue
is generated through product purchases, e-gift or token transactions with our live hosts, and purchase of the in-game items. To increase
user spending, we must diversify our e-commerce product catalog, expand the range of live streaming games, increase the frequency of live
streaming sessions, and collaborate with key opinion leaders (KOLs) to increase product sales. If we fail to attract new TikTok users
or increase their average spending, it could have a significant negative impact on our business, financial stability, and operational
performance.
The success of our business relies on the
brand recognition of our subsidiary, AI Catalysis. Failing to maintain and improve this recognition could have consequences for our business
prospects.
Our success heavily relies on the market recognition
of our brands and reputation. As our subsidiary, AI Catalysis, was recently incorporated in 2023, it lacks significant market familiarity.
Therefore, our ability to enhance and maintain brand recognition depends on various factors, some of which are beyond our control. Allocating
excessive resources to marketing and promotional efforts could have a significant and negative impact on our business and operational
results. Additionally, any negative publicity about our company, products, services, or content offerings could decrease customer and
user interest, which could adversely affect our business and operational performance.
If we are unable to effectively implement
our growth strategies, it could have a negative impact on our profitability and significantly harm our business and operational results.
Our current strategy for business growth involves
expanding our product and game offerings, as well as increasing the number of live streamers and their unique styles. This will allow
us to increase the frequency of live broadcasts, making it easier for TikTok users to discover our live streams at any time, whether during
peak or off-peak hours, and encourage them to make purchases or play games within our live streams.
However, adding new games and recruiting new live
streamers requires careful due diligence and numerous steps. This can be challenging, whether recruiting locally in the United States
or internationally, as we must ensure they meet our high live streaming standards and can work with our schedules. Similarly, introducing
new products on the e-commerce side requires research, quality control, international logistics, listing, video creation, and promotional
efforts, all of which take time. Both aspects of our business are subject to external factors that can extend our timelines. Prolonged
timelines can impede our business growth and potentially reduce our sales.
Competition in our business segments poses
a significant threat, and if we are unable to compete effectively, we risk losing our market share or failing to gain additional market
share, which could adversely affect our profitability.
Currently, the competition among users engaged
in live-streaming e-commerce and live-streaming games on TikTok is not particularly intense. This is because the TikTok e-commerce and
live-streaming gaming sectors have been operational for less than a year, making them relatively new markets. In comparison to many Asian
countries, competition on TikTok is not as fierce at this stage.
However, it is undeniable that more users and
capital will increasingly enter these two sectors in the future. We are not only contending with competition from similar ventures on
the TikTok platform but also facing competition from e-commerce and gaming platforms outside of TikTok, striving to capture market share.
Furthermore, many TikTok users have not yet developed
the habit of online shopping or mobile gaming on the TikTok platform. This factor adds complexity to our initial efforts in establishing
brand recognition.
We have engaged in collaborations with business
partners, and we may pursue further collaborations and strategic partnerships in the future. However, there is no guarantee that we will
realize the benefits of these collaborations or that they will be successful.
We are actively pursuing strategic partnerships
and collaborations with business entities that we believe will improve our competitiveness and promote business growth. However,
the expected revenue and cost synergies from both current and future collaborations and partnerships may not materialize as anticipated.
Additionally, our involvement in the emerging industry sector, characterized by developing technologies and nascent collaborative networks,
introduces greater uncertainties. If our business collaborations prove unsuccessful, it could have a negative impact on our business prospects
and operational results.
We may encounter infringement claims by
third parties for information on or linked to our platforms, which could disrupt our normal business operations, manage our reputation
and cause us to incur substantial legal costs.
When engaging in brand and product promotion on
TikTok, we often collaborate with other KOLs on the platform who feature our products or brand in their videos. However, during this process,
we cannot guarantee that they will not inadvertently misrepresent our products. Furthermore, if these KOLs engage in any form of misconduct
or infringement, it may indirectly impact our brand reputation, and the extent of this damage is difficult to quantify. Any significant
loss has the potential to harm our reputation, result in financial losses, or ultimately affect our operations.
Our reputation and operations may be adversely
impacted by employee misconduct.
There is a risk of employee misconduct, which
includes failure to comply with government regulations, engaging in unauthorized activities, misrepresenting our products in marketing
activities, and improper use of product/game information. Employee misconduct could damage our reputation, which could significantly impact
our business. We may not be able to prevent employee misconduct, and the measures we take to prevent and deter it may not be effective.
We do not have insurance coverage.
We do not have insurance coverage. We’ve
evaluated the risks associated with potential business disruptions, liabilities, loss or damage to our fixed assets (such as equipment
and office furniture), the associated insurance costs, and the challenges of obtaining such coverage on commercially reasonable terms.
Based on this assessment, it is not commercially practical for us to secure comprehensive insurance coverage for these risks. These circumstances
could adversely impact our financial results.
We may be unable to gain any significant
market acceptance for our products and services or be unable to establish a significant market presence.
Our growth strategy for is substantially dependent
upon our ability to market our intended products and services successfully to prospective clients. Our intended products and services
may not achieve significant market acceptance. If acceptance is achieved, it may not be sustained for any significant period of time.
Failure of our intended products and services to achieve or sustain market acceptance could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial conditions and the results of our operations.
The e-commerce market witnessed substantial
growth over the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the pandemic’s eventual resolution and the return to
normalcy, the rate of market expansion is expected to decelerate. It could have a negative impact on our profitability and significantly
harm our business and operational results.
The e-commerce market has experienced remarkable
growth and transformation over the last two years, driven primarily by the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic
reshaped consumer behavior, accelerating the adoption of online shopping, digital payments, and contactless transactions. This surge in
e-commerce activity was nothing short of remarkable, with businesses and consumers alike rapidly adapting to this new digital landscape.
During the height of the pandemic, e-commerce
became an essential lifeline for many, offering convenience and safety when traditional brick-and-mortar retail faced restrictions and
concerns. This growth wasn’t limited to any particular sector; it spanned across industries, from retail giants to small businesses,
and it showcased the resilience and adaptability of the e-commerce ecosystem. However, as the world gradually progresses toward a post-pandemic
era, the e-commerce landscape is poised for a shift. The exponential growth rates witnessed during the height of the pandemic are likely
to decelerate. It could then have a negative impact on our profitability and significantly harm our business and operational results.
There is risk of e-commerce fraud, and if
that occurs, it could have a negative impact on our profitability and significantly harm our business and operational results.
Online retailers are subject to risk of e-commerce
fraud in 2023. To mitigate this ongoing threat, prioritizing fraud prevention measures is crucial. These measures may include routine
security audits, the implementation of an Address Verification Service (AVS), and the use of Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS).
E-commerce fraud is evolving, with fraudsters employing more sophisticated methods. The growth in the e-commerce fraud detection and prevention
market reflects the increasing urgency in addressing this risk. The e-commerce fraud is a multifaceted risk that demands constant
attention. We may need to prevent and to mitigate this persistent threat, protecting our financial interests and the trust of their customers,
and if the fraud occurs, it could have a negative impact on our profitability and significantly harm our business and operational results.
Given our significant reliance on the TikTok
platform for various business functions, including inventory management, client services, and live streaming channels for both of our
e-commerce and livestreaming games, any downtime experienced by TikTok could significantly impact our operations.
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, where
businesses heavily depend on various online platforms, the risk of platform downtime looms as a substantial concern.
Our company have cultivated a significant reliance
on the TikTok platform, which serves as the backbone for a multitude of our critical business functions. These functions encompass inventory
management, client services, and the live streaming channels that underpin both our e-commerce activities and live streaming games. Consequently,
any downtime experienced by TikTok, whether due to planned maintenance or unforeseen technical issues, can significantly impact our operations.
AI technologies are constantly evolving.
Any flaws or inappropriate usage of AI Technologies could have negative impact on our business and reputation.
AI technologies are constantly evolving. Any flaws
or inappropriate usage of AI technologies, whether actual or perceived, whether intended or inadvertent, whether committed by us or by
other third parties, could have negative impact on our business, reputation and the general acceptance of AI solutions by society.
The industries in which we operate are characterized
by constant changes, including rapid technological evolution, frequent introductions of new solutions, continual shifts in users demands
and constant emergence of new industry standards and practices. Thus, our success will depend, in part, on our ability to respond to these
changes in a cost-effective and timely manner. We need to constantly anticipate the emergence of new technologies and assess their market
acceptance.
Our financial and operating performance
may be adversely affected by general economic conditions, natural catastrophic events, epidemics, and public health crises that impact
the virtual content production industry.
Our operating results will be subject to fluctuations
based on general economic conditions, in particular those conditions that impact the metaverse industry. Deterioration in economic conditions
could cause decreases in both volume and reduce and/or negatively impact our short-term ability to grow our revenues. Further, any
decreased collectability of accounts receivable or early termination of agreements due to deterioration in economic conditions could negatively
impact our results of operations.
Our business is subject to the impact of natural
catastrophic events such as earthquakes, floods or power outages, political crises such as terrorism or war, and public health crises,
such as disease outbreaks, epidemics, or pandemics in the U.S. and global economies, our markets and business locations.
Similarly, natural disasters, wars (including
the potential of war), terrorist activity (including threats of terrorist activity), social unrest and heightened travel security measures
instituted in response, and travel-related accidents, as well as geopolitical uncertainty and international conflict, will affect
travel volume and may in turn have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. In addition, we may not be adequately
prepared in contingency planning or recovery capability in relation to a major incident or crisis, and as a result, our operational continuity
may be adversely and materially affected, which in turn may harm our reputation.
As a “smaller
reporting company” under applicable law, we will be subject to lessened disclosure requirements. Such reduced disclosure may make
our common stock less attractive to investors.
For as long as we remain an “smaller reporting
company” as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act and Item 10 of the Regulation S-K, we will elect to take advantage of certain
exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “smaller reporting companies”,
including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and the ability to
include only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related management’s discussion and analysis
of financial condition and results of operations disclosure. Because of these lessened regulatory requirements, our stockholders would
be left without information or rights available to stockholders of more mature companies. If some investors find our common stock less
attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
Any cybersecurity-related attack, significant
data breach or disruption of the information technology systems, infrastructure, network, third-party processors or platforms on which
we rely could damage our reputation and adversely affect our business and financial results.
Our operations rely on information technology
systems for the use, storage and transmission of sensitive and confidential information with respect to our customers, our employees and
other third parties. A malicious cybersecurity-related attack, intrusion or disruption by either an internal or external source or other
breach of the systems on which our platform and products operate, and on which our employees conduct business, could lead to unauthorized
access to, use of, loss of or unauthorized disclosure of sensitive and confidential information, disruption of our services, viruses,
worms, spyware, or other malware being served from our platform, networks, or systems; and resulting regulatory enforcement actions, litigation,
indemnity obligations and other possible liabilities, as well as negative publicity, which could damage our reputation, impair sales and
harm our business. Cyberattacks and other malicious internet-based activity continue to increase, and cloud-based platform providers of
products and services have been and are expected to continue to be targeted. In addition to traditional computer “hackers,”
malicious code (such as viruses and worms), phishing, employee theft or misuse and denial-of-service attacks, sophisticated nation-state
and nation-state supported actors now engage in attacks (including advanced persistent threat intrusions). Cyberattacks may also gain
publishing access to our customers’ accounts on our platform, using that access to publish content without authorization.
As of December 31, 2023, we have not identified
any risks from known cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, that have materially affected
or are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. We plan
to develop and implement information securities policies and incident response plans to evaluate, identify, and handle material risks
associated with cybersecurity threats.
However, it is not feasible, as a practical matter,
for us to entirely mitigate these risks. If our security measures are compromised as a result of third-party action, employee, customer,
or user error, malfeasance, stolen or fraudulently obtained log-in credentials or otherwise, our reputation would be damaged, our data,
information or intellectual property, or those of our customers and our customers’ consumers, may be destroyed, stolen or otherwise
compromised, our business may be harmed and we could incur significant liability. We have not always been able in the past, and may be
unable in the future to anticipate or prevent techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to or compromise of our systems because they
change frequently and are generally not detected until after an incident has occurred. We also cannot be certain that we will be able
to prevent vulnerabilities in our software or address vulnerabilities that we may become aware of in the future.
Risks Related to Our Securities
The price of our common stock could be subject
to rapid and substantial volatility. Such volatility, including any stock run-ups, may be unrelated to our actual or expected operating
performance and financial condition or prospects, making it difficult for prospective investors to assess the rapidly changing value of
our common stock. Volatility in our common stock price may subject us to securities litigation.
The market for our common stock may have, when
compared to seasoned issuers, significant price volatility and we expect that the price of our shares of common stock may continue to
be more volatile than that of a seasoned issuer for the indefinite future. As a relatively small-capitalization company with a relatively
small public float, we may experience greater share price volatility, extreme price run-ups, lower trading volume, and less liquidity
than large-capitalization companies. In particular, our common stock may be subject to rapid and substantial price volatility, low volumes
of trades, and large spreads in bid and ask prices. Such volatility, including any stock run-ups, may be unrelated to our actual or expected
operating performance and financial condition or prospects, making it difficult for prospective investors to assess the rapidly changing
value of our common stock.
In addition, if the trading volumes of our common
stock are low, persons buying or selling in relatively small quantities may easily influence the price of our common stock. This low volume
of trades could also cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate greatly, with large percentage changes in price occurring in any
trading day session. Holders of our common stock may also not be able to readily liquidate their investment or may be forced to sell at
depressed prices due to low volume trading. Broad market fluctuations and general economic and political conditions may also adversely
affect the market price of our common stock. As a result of this volatility, investors may experience losses on their investment in our
common stock. A decline in the market price of our common stock also could adversely affect our ability to issue additional common stock
or other securities and our ability to obtain additional financing in the future. No assurance can be given that an active market in our
common stock will develop or be sustained. If an active market does not develop, holders of our common stock may be unable to readily
sell the shares they hold or may not be able to sell their shares at all.
In addition, in the past, plaintiffs have often
initiated securities class action litigation against a company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities.
We may, in the future, be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and liabilities to
the Company and could divert our management’s attention and resources.
We will need additional capital in the future.
If additional capital is not available, we may not be able to continue to operate our business pursuant to our business plan or we may
have to discontinue our operations entirely. Raising additional capital by issuing shares may cause dilution to existing shareholders.
We are currently authorized to issue 200,000,000
shares of common stock. As of July 18, 2024, we had 9,576,204 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
We will require additional capital in the future.
We have incurred losses in each year since our inception. If we continue to use cash at our historical rates of use we will need significant
additional financing, which we may seek through a combination of private and public equity offerings, debt financings and collaborations
and strategic and licensing arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt
securities, the ownership interest will be diluted, and the terms of any such offerings may include liquidation or other preferences that
may adversely affect the then existing shareholders rights. Debt financing, if available, would result in increased fixed payment obligations
and may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions such as incurring debt
or making capital expenditures. If we raise additional funds through collaboration, strategic alliance or licensing arrangements with
third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams or product candidates, or grant licenses
on terms that are not favorable to us.
Future sales of our common stock could reduce the market price
of the common stock.
Substantial sales of our common stock may cause
the market price of our common stock to decline. Sales by us or our security holders of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the
perception that these sales may occur in the future, could cause a reduction in the market price of our common stock.
The issuance of any additional shares of our common
stock or any securities that are exercisable for or convertible into our common stock, may have an adverse effect on the market price
of the common stock and will have a dilutive effect on our existing shareholders and holders of common stock.
We do not know whether a market for the
common stock will be sustained or what the trading price of the common stock will be and as a result it may be difficult for you to sell
your shares.
Although our common stock trade on Nasdaq, an
active trading market for the common stock may not be sustained. It may be difficult for you to sell your shares without depressing the
market price for the common stock. As a result of these and other factors, you may not be able to sell your shares. Further, an inactive
market may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling common stock, or may impair our ability to enter into strategic partnerships
or acquire companies or products by using our shares as consideration.
We have no plans to pay dividends on our
shares, and you may not receive funds without selling the shares.
We have not declared or paid any cash dividends
on our common stock, nor do we expect to pay any cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. We currently intend to
retain any additional future earnings to finance our operations and growth and, therefore, we have no plans to pay cash dividends on our
common stock at this time. Any future determination to pay cash dividends on our common stock will be at the discretion of our board of
directors and will be dependent on our earnings, financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, any contractual restrictions,
and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant. Accordingly, you may have to sell some or all of the shares in order to
generate cash from your investment. You may not receive a gain on your investment when you sell the shares and may lose the entire amount
of your investment.
A possible “short squeeze” due
to a sudden increase in demand of our common stock that largely exceeds supply may lead to additional price volatility.
Historically there has not been a large short
position in our common stock. However, in the future investors may purchase shares of our common stock to hedge existing exposure
or to speculate on the price of our common stock. Speculation on the price of our common stock may involve long and short exposures. To
the extent an aggregate short exposure in our common stock becomes significant, investors with short exposure may have to pay a premium
to purchase shares for delivery to share lenders at times if and when the price of our common stock increases significantly, particularly
over a short period of time. Those purchases may in turn, dramatically increase the price of our common stock. This is often referred
to as a “short squeeze.” A short squeeze could lead to volatile price movements in our common stock that are not
directly correlated to our business prospects, financial performance or other traditional measures of value for the Company or its common
stock.
In the event that
our common stocks are delisted from Nasdaq, U.S. broker-dealers may be discouraged from effecting transactions in our common stocks because
they may be considered penny stocks and thus be subject to the penny stock rules.
The SEC has adopted a
number of rules to regulate “penny stock” that restricts transactions involving stock which is deemed to be penny stock. Such
rules include Rules 3a51-1, 15g-1, 15g-2, 15g-3, 15g-4, 15g-5, 15g-6, 15g-7, and 15g-9 under the Exchange Act. These rules may have the
effect of reducing the liquidity of penny stocks. “Penny stocks” generally are equity securities with a price of less than
$5.00 per share (other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or quoted on Nasdaq if current price and volume
information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system). Our common stocks could be considered
to be a “penny stock” within the meaning of the rules. The additional sales practice and disclosure requirements imposed upon
U.S. broker-dealers may discourage such broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our common stocks, which could severely limit the
market liquidity of such common stocks and impede their sale in the secondary market.
A U.S. broker-dealer
selling a penny stock to anyone other than an established customer or “accredited investor” (generally, an individual with
a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or an annual income exceeding $200,000, or $300,000 together with his or her spouse) must make a special
suitability determination for the purchaser and must receive the purchaser’s written consent to the transaction prior to sale, unless
the broker-dealer or the transaction is otherwise exempt. In addition, the “penny stock” regulations require the U.S. broker-dealer
to deliver, prior to any transaction involving a “penny stock”, a disclosure schedule prepared in accordance with SEC standards
relating to the “penny stock” market, unless the broker-dealer or the transaction is otherwise exempt. A U.S. broker-dealer
is also required to disclose commissions payable to the U.S. broker-dealer and the registered representative and current quotations for
the securities. Finally, a U.S. broker-dealer is required to submit monthly statements disclosing recent price information with respect
to the “penny stock” held in a customer’s account and information with respect to the limited market in “penny
stocks”.
The market for “penny stocks” has
suffered in recent years from patterns of fraud and abuse. Such patterns include (i) control of the market for the security by one or
a few broker-dealers that are often related to the promoter or issuer; (ii) manipulation of prices through prearranged matching of purchases
and sales and false and misleading press releases; (iii) “boiler room” practices involving high-pressure sales tactics and
unrealistic price projections by inexperienced sales persons; (iv) excessive and undisclosed bid-ask differentials and markups by selling
broker-dealers; and (v) the wholesale dumping of the same securities by promoters and broker-dealers after prices have been manipulated
to a desired level, resulting in investor losses. Our management is aware of the abuses that have occurred historically in the penny
stock market. Although we do not expect to be in a position to dictate the behavior of the market or of broker-dealers who participate
in the market, management will strive within the confines of practical limitations to prevent the described patterns from being established
with respect to our securities.
CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTNESS
Our capitalization will
be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement or in a report on Form 8-K subsequently furnished to the SEC and specifically
incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
DILUTION
If required, we will
set forth in a prospectus supplement the following information regarding any material dilution of the equity interests of investors purchasing
securities in an offering under this prospectus:
| ● | the
net tangible book value per share of our equity securities before and after the offering; |
| ● | the
amount of the increase in such net tangible book value per share attributable to the cash payments made by purchasers in the offering;
and |
| ● | the
amount of the immediate dilution from the public offering price which will be absorbed by such purchasers. |
USE OF PROCEEDS
We intend
to use the net proceeds from the sale of securities we offer as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, information incorporated
by reference, or free writing prospectus.
DESCRIPTION CAPITAL STOCK
General
The following description of our capital stock
together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes the material terms and provisions
of the capital stock that we may offer under this prospectus but is not complete. For the complete terms of our capital stock, please
refer to our articles of incorporation and our bylaws, as amended from time to time. While the terms we have summarized below will apply
generally to any future capital stock that we may offer, we will describe the specific terms of any series of these securities in more
detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we so indicate in a prospectus supplement, the terms of any capital stock we offer
under that prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below.
As provided in the articles and bylaws, our authorized
capital stock consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par
value $0.0001 per share.
The authorized and unissued shares of capital
stock are available for issuance without further action by our shareholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules
of any stock exchange on which our securities may be listed. Unless approval of our shareholders is so required, our board of directors
will not seek shareholder approval for the issuance and sale of our capital stock.
Common Stock
Voting Rights. The holders
of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. Under our
articles and bylaws, any corporate action to be taken by vote of stockholders other than for election of directors or such actions requiring
a different number of votes by statute or our articles or bylaws, shall be authorized by the vote of the majority of the shares having
voting power of those present in person or represented by proxy at a meeting of stockholder, or by written consent signed by shareholders
holding a majority of the voting power, or by a different proportion of voting power if required for such corporate action. Directors
are elected by a plurality of votes. Stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights.
Dividend Rights. Subject to preferences
that may be applicable to any then-outstanding preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably those dividends,
if any, as may be declared from time to time by the board of directors out of legally available funds.
Liquidation Rights. In the event
of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of common stock will be entitled to share ratably in the net assets legally available
for distribution to stockholders after the payment of all of our debts and other liabilities and the satisfaction of any liquidation preference
granted to the holders of any then-outstanding shares of preferred stock.
Other Rights. Holders of common
stock have no preemptive, conversion or subscription rights and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common
stock. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights
of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock.
Preferred Stock
Our articles and bylaws authorize our board to
issue up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series, to determine the designations and the powers, preferences and
rights and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, including the dividend rights, conversion or exchange rights, voting
rights (including the number of votes per share), redemption rights and terms, liquidation preferences, sinking fund provisions and the
number of shares constituting the series. Our board of directors could, 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 common stock and which could have the
effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire, a majority
of our outstanding voting stock.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
Provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes, our
articles and bylaws could have the effect of delaying or preventing a third-party from acquiring us, even if the acquisition would benefit
our stockholders. Such provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes, our articles and bylaws are intended to enhance the likelihood
of continuity and stability in the composition of our board of directors and in the policies formulated by the board of directors and
to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened change of control of our company. These provisions
are designed to reduce our vulnerability to an unsolicited proposal for a takeover that does not contemplate the acquisition of all of
our outstanding shares, or an unsolicited proposal for the restructuring or sale of all or part of our company.
Our articles and bylaws may be adopted, amended
or repealed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of our outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote
for the election of directors, and except as provided by Nevada law, our board of directors shall have the power to adopt, amend
or repeal the articles and bylaws by a vote of not less than a majority of our directors. Any bylaw provision adopted by the board of
directors may be amended or repealed by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote for the
election of directors. Our articles and bylaws also contain limitations as to who may call special meetings as well as require advance
notice of stockholder matters to be brought at a meeting. Additionally, our articles and bylaws also provide that no director may be removed
by less than a two-thirds vote of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote on the removal. Our articles and bylaws also permit
the board of directors to establish the number of directors and fill any vacancies and newly created directorships. These provisions will
prevent a stockholder from increasing the size of our board of directors and gaining control of our board of directors by filling the
resulting vacancies with its own nominees.
Our articles and bylaws establish an advance notice
procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of our stockholders, including proposed nominations of persons
for election to the board of directors. Stockholders at an annual meeting will only be able to consider proposals or nominations specified
in the notice of meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the board of directors or by a stockholder who was a
stockholder of record on the record date for the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has given us timely written notice,
in proper form, of the stockholder’s intention to bring that business before the meeting. Although our articles and bylaws do not
give the board of directors the power to approve or disapprove stockholder nominations of candidates or proposals regarding other business
to be conducted at a special or annual meeting, our articles and bylaws may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business
at a meeting if the proper procedures are not followed or may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation
of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of our company.
Authorized but Unissued Shares
Our authorized but unissued shares of common stock
are available for our board of directors to issue without stockholder approval. We may use these additional shares for a variety of corporate
purposes, including raising additional capital, corporate acquisitions and employee stock plans. The existence of our authorized but unissued
shares of common stock could render it more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the company by means of a proxy context,
tender offer, merger or other transaction since our board of directors can issue large amounts of capital stock as part of a defense to
a take-over challenge. In addition, we have authorized in our articles and bylaws 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, none of which
are currently designated or outstanding. However, the board acting alone and without approval of our stockholders can designate and issue
one or more series of preferred stock containing super-voting provisions, enhanced economic rights, rights to elect directors, or other
dilutive features, that could be utilized as part of a defense to a take-over challenge.
Supermajority Voting Provisions
Nevada law provides generally that the affirmative
vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on any matter is required to amend a corporation’s articles of incorporation or
bylaws, unless a corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws, as the case may be, require a greater percentage. Although our
articles and bylaws do not currently provide for such a supermajority vote on any matters other than as required by Nevada law,
our board of directors can amend our bylaws and we can, with the approval of our stockholders, amend our articles and bylaws to provide
for such a supermajority voting provision.
Cumulative Voting
Furthermore, neither the holders of our common
stock nor the holders of our preferred stock have cumulative voting rights in the election of our directors. The combination of the present
ownership by a few stockholders of a significant portion of our issued and outstanding common stock and lack of cumulative voting makes
it more difficult for other stockholders to replace our board of directors or for a third party to obtain control of our company by replacing
its board of directors.
Listing
Our common stocks are listed and traded under
the symbols “GDC” on the Nasdaq Capital Market tier of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
We have appointed Continental Stock Transfer &
Trust Company, 1 State Street, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10004, as the transfer agent for our common stocks.
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
The following description, together with the additional
information we may include in any applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the warrants that
we may offer under this prospectus and any related warrant agreement and warrant certificate. While the terms summarized below will apply
generally to any warrants that we may offer, we will describe the specific terms of any series of warrants in more detail in the applicable
prospectus supplement. If we indicate in the prospectus supplement, the terms of any warrants offered under that prospectus supplement
may differ from the terms described below. Specific warrant agreements will contain additional important terms and provisions and will
be incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement which includes this prospectus.
General
We may issue warrants for the purchase of common
stock in one or more series. We may issue warrants independently or together with common stock, and the warrants may be attached to or
separate from common stock. We may issue the warrants under warrant agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company,
as warrant agent, all as described in the prospectus supplement. If we issue the warrants under warrant agreements, the warrant agent
will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for
or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants.
While the terms summarized below will apply generally
to any warrants that we may offer, we will describe the particular terms of any series of warrants in more detail in the applicable prospectus
supplement. The terms of any warrants offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below:
| ● | the
offering price and aggregate number of warrants offered; |
| ● | if
applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each
such security; |
| ● | if
applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable; |
| ● | in
the case of warrants to purchase common stock, the number or amount of shares of common stock purchasable upon the exercise of one warrant
and the price at which and currency in which these shares may be purchased upon such exercise; |
| ● | the
manner of exercise of the warrants, including any cashless exercise rights; |
| ● | the
warrant agreement under which the warrants will be issued; |
| ● | the
effect of any merger, consolidation, sale or other disposition of our business on the warrant agreement and the warrants; |
| ● | anti-dilution
provisions of the warrants, if any; |
| ● | the
terms of any rights to redeem or call the warrants; |
| ● | any
provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price or number of securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants; |
| ● | the
dates on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and expire or, if the warrants are not continuously exercisable during
that period, the specific date or dates on which the warrants will be exercisable; |
| ● | the
manner in which the warrant agreement and warrants may be modified; |
| ● | the
identities of the warrant agent and any calculation or other agent for the warrants; |
| ● | federal
income tax consequences of holding or exercising the warrants; |
| ● | the
terms of the securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants; |
| ● | any
securities exchange or quotation system on which the warrants or any securities deliverable upon exercise of the warrants may be listed
or quoted; and |
| ● | any
other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of or restrictions on the warrants. |
Before exercising their warrants, holders of warrants
will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon such exercise, including:
| ● | in
the case of warrants to purchase common stock the right to receive dividends, if any, or, payments upon our liquidation, dissolution
or winding up or to exercise voting rights, if any. |
Exercise of Warrants
Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase
the securities that we specify in the applicable prospectus supplement at the exercise price that we describe in the applicable prospectus
supplement. Holders of the warrants may exercise the warrants at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date that we set
forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.
Holders of the warrants may exercise the warrants
by delivering the warrant certificate representing the warrants to be exercised together with specified information, and paying the required
exercise price by the methods provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will set forth on the reverse side of the warrant certificate,
and in the applicable prospectus supplement, the information that the holder of the warrant will be required to deliver to the warrant
agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement.
Upon receipt of the required payment and the warrant
certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the
applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue and deliver the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If fewer than all of the warrants
represented by the warrant certificate are exercised, then we will issue a new warrant certificate for the remaining amount of warrants.
Enforceability of Rights By Holders of Warrants
Any warrant agent will act solely as our agent
under the applicable warrant agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any warrant.
A single bank or trust company may act as warrant agent for more than one issue of warrants. A warrant agent will have no duty or responsibility
in case of any default by us under the applicable warrant agreement or warrant, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings
at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon us. Any holder of a warrant may, without the consent of the related warrant agent or the
holder of any other warrant, enforce by appropriate legal action the holder’s right to exercise, and receive the securities purchasable
upon exercise of, its warrants in accordance with their terms.
Warrant Agreement Will Not Be Qualified Under Trust Indenture Act
No warrant agreement will be qualified as an indenture,
and no warrant agent will be required to qualify as a trustee, under the Trust Indenture Act. Therefore, holders of warrants issued under
a warrant agreement will not have the protection of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to their warrants.
Governing Law
Unless we provide otherwise in the applicable
prospectus supplement, each warrant agreement and any warrants issued under the warrant agreements will be governed by New York law.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
As used in this prospectus, debt securities mean
the debentures, notes, bonds and other evidences of indebtedness, which may or may not be converted into our ordinary shares, that we
may issue from time to time. The debt securities may be either secured or unsecured and will either be senior debt securities or subordinated
debt securities. The debt securities may be issued under one or more separate indentures between us and a trustee to be specified in an
accompanying prospectus supplement. Senior debt securities will be issued under a new senior indenture. Subordinated debt securities will
be issued under a subordinated indenture. Together, the senior indentures and the subordinated indentures are sometimes referred to in
this prospectus as the indentures. This prospectus, together with the applicable prospectus supplement, will describe the terms of a particular
series of debt securities.
The statements and descriptions in this prospectus
or in any prospectus supplement regarding provisions of the indentures and debt securities are summaries thereof, do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the indentures (and any amendments
or supplements we may enter into from time to time which are permitted under each indenture) and the debt securities, including the definitions
therein of certain terms.
General
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement,
the debt securities will be direct unsecured obligations of GD Culture Group Limited. The senior debt securities will rank equally with
any of our other senior and unsubordinated debt. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to
any senior indebtedness.
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement,
the indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of debt securities that we may issue and provide that we may issue debt securities
from time to time at par or at a discount, and in the case of the new indentures, if any, in one or more series, with the same or various
maturities. Unless indicated in a prospectus supplement, we may issue additional debt securities of a particular series without the consent
of the holders of the debt securities of such series outstanding at the time of the issuance. Any such additional debt securities, together
with all other outstanding debt securities of that series, will constitute a single series of debt securities under the applicable indenture.
Each prospectus supplement will describe the terms
relating to the specific series of debt securities being offered. These terms will include some or all of the following:
| ● | the
title of the debt securities and whether they are subordinated debt securities or senior debt securities; |
| ● | any
limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities; |
| ● | the
ability to issue additional debt securities of the same series; |
| ● | the
price or prices at which we will sell the debt securities; |
| ● | the
maturity date or dates of the debt securities on which principal will be payable; |
| ● | the
rate or rates of interest, if any, which may be fixed or variable, at which the debt securities will bear interest, or the method of
determining such rate or rates, if any; |
| ● | the
date or dates from which any interest will accrue or the method by which such date or dates will be determined; |
| ● | the
conversion price at which the debt securities may be converted; |
| ● | the
date on which the right to convert the debt securities will commence and the date on which the right will expire; |
| ● | if
applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of debt securities that may be converted at any one time; |
| ● | the
right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of any such deferral period, including the maximum consecutive
period during which interest payment periods may be extended; |
| ● | whether
the amount of payments of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the debt securities may be determined with reference to any
index, formula or other method, such as one or more currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices, and the manner of determining
the amount of such payments; |
| ● | the
dates on which we will pay interest on the debt securities and the regular record date for determining who is entitled to the interest
payable on any interest payment date; |
| ● | the
place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the debt securities will be payable, where any securities
may be surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange or conversion, as applicable, and notices and demands may be delivered to or
upon us pursuant to the indenture; |
| ● | if
we possess the option to do so, the periods within which and the prices at which we may redeem the debt securities, in whole or in part,
pursuant to optional redemption provisions, and the other terms and conditions of any such provisions; |
| ● | our
obligation, if any, to redeem, repay or purchase debt securities by making periodic payments to a sinking fund or through an analogous
provision or at the option of holders of the debt securities, and the period or periods within which and the price or prices at which
we will redeem, repay or purchase the debt securities, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation, and the other terms and conditions
of such obligation; |
| ● | the
denominations in which the debt securities will be issued, if other than denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000; |
| ● | the
portion, or methods of determining the portion, of the principal amount of the debt securities which we must pay upon the acceleration
of the maturity of the debt securities in connection with an event of default (as described below), if other than the full principal
amount; |
| ● | the
currency, currencies or currency unit in which we will pay the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the debt securities,
if not United States dollars; |
| ● | provisions,
if any, granting special rights to holders of the debt securities upon the occurrence of specified events; |
| ● | any
deletions from, modifications of or additions to the events of default or our covenants with respect to the applicable series of debt
securities, and whether or not such events of default or covenants are consistent with those contained in the applicable indenture; |
| ● | any
limitation on our ability to incur debt, redeem shares, sell our assets or other restrictions; |
| ● | the
application, if any, of the terms of the indenture relating to defeasance and covenant defeasance (which terms are described below) to
the debt securities; |
| ● | whether
the subordination provisions summarized below or different subordination provisions will apply to the debt securities; |
| ● | the
terms, if any, upon which the holders may convert or exchange the debt securities into or for our ordinary shares or other securities
or property; |
| ● | whether
any of the debt securities will be issued in global form and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which global debt securities may be
exchanged for certificated debt securities; |
| ● | any
change in the right of the trustee or the requisite holders of debt securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable
because of an event of default; |
| ● | the
depository for global or certificated debt securities; |
| ● | any
special tax implications of the debt securities; |
| ● | any
foreign tax consequences applicable to the debt securities, including any debt securities denominated and made payable, as described
in the prospectus supplements, in foreign currencies, or units based on or related to foreign currencies; |
| ● | any
trustees, authenticating or paying agents, transfer agents or registrars, or other agents with respect to the debt securities; |
| ● | any
other terms of the debt securities not inconsistent with the provisions of the indentures, as amended or supplemented; |
| ● | to
whom any interest on any debt security shall be payable, if other than the person in whose name the security is registered, on the record
date for such interest, the extent to which, or the manner in which, any interest payable on a temporary global debt security will be
paid if other than in the manner provided in the applicable indenture; |
| ● | if
the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt securities of the series is to be payable in one or more currencies or currency
units other than as stated, the currency, currencies or currency units in which it shall be paid and the periods within and terms and
conditions upon which such election is to be made and the amounts payable (or the manner in which such amount shall be determined); |
| ● | the
portion of the principal amount of any securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity
of the debt securities pursuant to the applicable indenture if other than the entire principal amount; and |
|
● |
if the principal amount payable at the stated maturity of any debt security of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to the stated maturity, the amount which shall be deemed to be the principal amount of such securities as of any such date for any purpose, including the principal amount thereof which shall be due and payable upon any maturity other than the stated maturity or which shall be deemed to be outstanding as of any date prior to the stated maturity (or, in any such case, the manner in which such amount deemed to be the principal amount shall be determined). |
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus
supplement, the debt securities will not be listed on any securities exchange and will be issued in fully-registered form without coupons.
Debt securities may be sold at a substantial discount
below their stated principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates. The
applicable prospectus supplement will describe the federal income tax consequences and special considerations applicable to any such debt
securities. The debt securities may also be issued as indexed securities or securities denominated in foreign currencies, currency units
or composite currencies, as described in more detail in the prospectus supplement relating to any of the particular debt securities. The
prospectus supplement relating to specific debt securities will also describe any special considerations and certain additional tax considerations
applicable to such debt securities.
Conversion of Debt Securities
The debt securities may entitle the holder to
purchase, in exchange for the extinguishment of debt, an amount of securities at a conversion price that will be stated in the debt securities.
If such debt securities are convertible, unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be convertible
at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the terms of such debt securities. After the close of business
on the expiration date, the debt securities not converted will be paid in accordance with their terms.
Subordination
The prospectus supplement relating to any offering
of subordinated debt securities will describe the specific subordination provisions. However, unless otherwise noted in the prospectus
supplement, subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to any existing senior indebtedness.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus
supplement, under the subordinated indenture, “senior indebtedness” means all amounts due on obligations in connection with
any of the following, whether outstanding at the date of execution of the subordinated indenture, or thereafter incurred or created:
| ● | the
principal of (and premium, if any) and interest due on our indebtedness for borrowed money and indebtedness evidenced by bonds, notes,
debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit (or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof); |
| ● | all
of our capital lease obligations or attributable debt (as defined in the indentures) in respect of sale and leaseback transactions; |
| ● | all
obligations representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property or services, which purchase price is due
more than six months after the date of placing such property in service or taking delivery and title thereto, except any such balance
that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable or any similar obligation to trade creditors; |
| ● | all
of our obligations in respect of interest rate swap agreements (whether from fixed to floating or from floating to fixed), interest rate
cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements; other agreements or arrangements designed to manage interest rates or interest rate
risk; and other agreements or arrangements designed to protect against fluctuations in currency exchange rates or commodity prices; |
| ● | all
obligations of the types referred to above of other persons for the payment of which we are responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor
or otherwise; and |
| ● | all
obligations of the types referred to above of other persons secured by any lien on any property or asset of ours (whether or not such
obligation is assumed by us). |
However, senior indebtedness does not include:
| ● | any
indebtedness which expressly provides that such indebtedness shall not be senior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities,
or that such indebtedness shall be subordinated to any other of our indebtedness, unless such indebtedness expressly provides that such
indebtedness shall be senior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities; |
| ● | any
of our obligations to our subsidiaries or of a subsidiary guarantor to us or any other of our other subsidiaries; |
| ● | any
liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by us or any subsidiary guarantor, |
|
● |
any accounts payable or other liability to trade creditors arising in the ordinary course of business (including guarantees thereof or instruments evidencing such liabilities); |
|
● |
any obligations with respect to any capital stock; |
|
● |
any indebtedness incurred in violation of the indenture, provided that indebtedness under our credit facilities will not cease to be senior indebtedness under this bullet point if the lenders of such indebtedness obtained an officer’s certificate as of the date of incurrence of such indebtedness to the effect that such indebtedness was permitted to be incurred by the indenture; and |
|
● |
any of our indebtedness in respect of the subordinated debt securities. |
Senior indebtedness shall continue to be senior
indebtedness and be entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions irrespective of any amendment, modification or waiver of
any term of such senior indebtedness.
Unless otherwise noted in an accompanying prospectus
supplement, if we default in the payment of any principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any senior indebtedness when it becomes
due and payable, whether at maturity or at a date fixed for prepayment or by declaration or otherwise, then, unless and until such default
is cured or waived or ceases to exist, we will make no direct or indirect payment (in cash, property, securities, by set-off or otherwise)
in respect of the principal of or interest on the subordinated debt securities or in respect of any redemption, retirement, purchase or
other requisition of any of the subordinated debt securities.
In the event of the acceleration of the maturity
of any subordinated debt securities, the holders of all senior debt securities outstanding at the time of such acceleration, subject to
any security interest, will first be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due on the senior debt securities before the holders
of the subordinated debt securities will be entitled to receive any payment of principal (and premium, if any) or interest on the subordinated
debt securities.
If any of the following events occurs, we will
pay in full all senior indebtedness before we make any payment or distribution under the subordinated debt securities, whether in cash,
securities or other property, to any holder of subordinated debt securities:
| ● | any
dissolution or winding-up or liquidation or reorganization of Lichen China Limited, whether voluntary or involuntary or in bankruptcy, |
| ● | insolvency
or receivership; |
| ● | any
general assignment by us for the benefit of creditors; or |
| ● | any
other marshaling of our assets or liabilities. |
In such event, any payment or distribution under
the subordinated debt securities, whether in cash, securities or other property, which would otherwise (but for the subordination provisions)
be payable or deliverable in respect of the subordinated debt securities, will be paid or delivered directly to the holders of senior
indebtedness in accordance with the priorities then existing among such holders until all senior indebtedness has been paid in full. If
any payment or distribution under the subordinated debt securities is received by the trustee of any subordinated debt securities in contravention
of any of the terms of the subordinated indenture and before all the senior indebtedness has been paid in full, such payment or distribution
will be received in trust for the benefit of, and paid over or delivered and transferred to, the holders of the senior indebtedness at
the time outstanding in accordance with the priorities then existing among such holders for application to the payment of all senior indebtedness
remaining unpaid to the extent necessary to pay all such senior indebtedness in full.
The subordinated indenture does not limit the
issuance of additional senior indebtedness.
Events of Default, Notice and Waiver
Unless an accompanying prospectus supplement states
otherwise, the following shall constitute “events of default” under the indentures with respect to each series of debt securities:
| ● | we
default for 30 consecutive days in the payment when due of interest on the debt securities; |
| ● | we
default in the payment when due (at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise) of the principal of, or premium, if any, on the debt securities; |
| ● | our
failure to observe or perform any other of our covenants or agreements with respect to such debt securities for 60 days after we receive
notice of such failure; |
| ● | certain
events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization Lichen China Limited; or |
| ● | any
other event of default provided with respect to securities of that series. |
Unless an accompanying prospectus supplement states
otherwise, if an event of default with respect to any debt securities of any series outstanding under either of the indentures shall occur
and be continuing, the trustee under such indenture or the holders of at least 25% (or at least 10%, in respect of a remedy (other than
acceleration) for certain events of default relating to the payment of dividends) in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities
of that series outstanding may declare, by notice as provided in the applicable indenture, the principal amount (or such lesser amount
as may be provided for in the debt securities of that series) of all the debt securities of that series outstanding to be due and payable
immediately; provided that, in the case of an event of default involving certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, acceleration
is automatic; and, provided further, that after such acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration, the holders
of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, under certain circumstances, rescind
and annul such acceleration if all events of default, other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal, have been cured or waived. Upon
the acceleration of the maturity of original issue discount securities, an amount less than the principal amount thereof will become due
and payable. Reference is made to the prospectus supplement relating to any original issue discount securities for the particular provisions
relating to acceleration of maturity thereof.
Any past default under either indenture with respect
to debt securities of any series, and any event of default arising therefrom, may be waived by the holders of a majority in principal
amount of all debt securities of such series outstanding under such indenture, except in the case of (1) default in the payment of the
principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any debt securities of such series or (2) certain events of default relating to the payment
of dividends.
The trustee is required within 90 days after the
occurrence of a default (which is known to the trustee and is continuing), with respect to the debt securities of any series (without
regard to any grace period or notice requirements), to give to the holders of the debt securities of such series notice of such default.
The trustee, subject to its duties during default
to act with the required standard of care, may require indemnification by the holders of the debt securities of any series with respect
to which a default has occurred before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the indentures at the request of the holders of
the debt securities of such series. Subject to such right of indemnification and to certain other limitations, the holders of a majority
in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series under either indenture may direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the
debt securities of such series, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with the applicable indenture
and the trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.
No holder of a debt security of any series may
institute any action against us under either of the indentures (except actions for payment of overdue principal of (and premium, if any)
or interest on such debt security or for the conversion or exchange of such debt security in accordance with its terms) unless (1) the
holder has given to the trustee written notice of an event of default and of the continuance thereof with respect to the debt securities
of such series specifying an event of default, as required under the applicable indenture, (2) the holders of at least 25% in aggregate
principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding under such indenture shall have requested the trustee to institute
such action and offered to the trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred
in compliance with such request; (3) the trustee shall not have instituted such action within 60 days of such request and (4) no direction
inconsistent with such written request has been given to the trustee during such 60-day period by the holders of a majority in principal
amount of the debt securities of that series. We are required to furnish annually to the trustee statements as to our compliance with
all conditions and covenants under each indenture.
Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
We may discharge or defease our obligations under
the indenture as set forth below, unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We may discharge certain obligations to holders
of any series of debt securities issued under either the senior indenture or the subordinated indenture which have not already been delivered
to the trustee for cancellation by irrevocably depositing with the trustee money in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire
indebtedness on such debt securities not previously delivered to the trustee for cancellation, for principal and any premium and interest
to the date of such deposit (in the case of debt securities which have become due and payable) or to the stated maturity or redemption
date, as the case may be, and we or, if applicable, any guarantor, have paid all other sums payable under the applicable indenture.
If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement,
we may elect either (1) to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to the debt securities of or within any
series (except in all cases as otherwise provided in the relevant indenture) (“legal defeasance”) or (2) to be released from
our obligations with respect to certain covenants applicable to the debt securities of or within any series (“covenant defeasance”),
upon the deposit with the relevant indenture trustee, in trust for such purpose, of money and/or government obligations which through
the payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of
(and premium, if any) or interest on such debt securities to maturity or redemption, as the case may be, and any mandatory sinking fund
or analogous payments thereon. As a condition to legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, we must deliver to the trustee an opinion of
counsel to the effect that the holders of such debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes
as a result of such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same
manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred. Such opinion
of counsel, in the case of legal defeasance under clause (i) above, must refer to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service
or a change in applicable federal income tax law occurring after the date of the relevant indenture. In addition, in the case of either
legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, we shall have delivered to the trustee (1) if applicable, an officer’s certificate to the
effect that the relevant debt securities exchange(s) have informed us that neither such debt securities nor any other debt securities
of the same series, if then listed on any securities exchange, will be delisted as a result of such deposit and (2) an officer’s
certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with respect to such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance
have been complied with.
We may exercise our defeasance option with respect
to such debt securities notwithstanding our prior exercise of our covenant defeasance option.
Modification and Waiver
Under the indentures, unless an accompanying prospectus
supplement states otherwise, we and the applicable trustee may supplement the indentures for certain purposes which would not materially
adversely affect the interests or rights of the holders of debt securities of a series without the consent of those holders. We and the
applicable trustee may also modify the indentures or any supplemental indenture in a manner that affects the interests or rights of the
holders of debt securities with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt
securities of each affected series issued under the indenture. However, the indentures require the consent of each holder of debt securities
that would be affected by any modification which would:
| ● | reduce
the principal amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver; |
| ● | reduce
the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any debt security or, except as provided in any prospectus supplement, alter or waive
any of the provisions with respect to the redemption of the debt securities; |
| ● | reduce
the rate of or change the time for payment of interest, including default interest, on any debt security; |
| ● | waive
a default or event of default in the payment of principal of or interest or premium, if any, on, the debt securities (except a rescission
of acceleration of the debt securities by the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding debt
securities and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration); |
| ● | make
any debt security payable in money other than that stated in the debt securities; |
| ● | make
any change in the provisions of the applicable indenture relating to waivers of past defaults or the rights of holders of the debt securities
to receive payments of principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on, the debt securities; |
| ● | waive
a redemption payment with respect to any debt security (except as otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement); |
| ● | except
in connection with an offer by us to purchase all debt securities, (1) waive certain events of default relating to the payment of dividends
or (2) amend certain covenants relating to the payment of dividends and the purchase or redemption of certain equity interests; |
| ● | make
any change to the subordination or ranking provisions of the indenture or the related definitions that adversely affect the rights of
any holder; or |
| ● | make
any change in the preceding amendment and waiver provisions. |
The indentures permit the holders of at least
a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series issued under the indenture which is affected
by the modification or amendment to waive our compliance with certain covenants contained in the indentures.
Payment and Paying Agents
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus
supplement, payment of interest on a debt security on any interest payment date will be made to the person in whose name a debt security
is registered at the close of business on the record date for the interest.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus
supplement, principal, interest and premium on the debt securities of a particular series will be payable at the office of such paying
agent or paying agents as we may designate for such purpose from time to time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at our option, payment of
any interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as such address appears in the security register.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus
supplement, a paying agent designated by us will act as paying agent for payments with respect to debt securities of each series. All
paying agents initially designated by us for the debt securities of a particular series will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent or approve a change in the office
through which any paying agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt
securities of a particular series.
All moneys paid by us to a paying agent for the
payment of the principal, interest or premium on any debt security which remain unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal,
interest or premium has become due and payable will be repaid to us upon request, and the holder of such debt security thereafter may
look only to us for payment thereof.
Denominations, Registrations and Transfer
Unless an accompanying prospectus supplement states
otherwise, debt securities will be represented by one or more global certificates registered in the name of a nominee for The Depository
Trust Company, or DTC. In such case, each holder’s beneficial interest in the global securities will be shown on the records of
DTC and transfers of beneficial interests will only be effected through DTC’s records.
A holder of debt securities may only exchange
a beneficial interest in a global security for certificated securities registered in the holder’s name if:
| ● | we
deliver to the trustee notice from DTC that it is unwilling or unable to continue to act as depository or that it is no longer a clearing
agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 120 days after the
date of such notice from DTC; |
| ● | we
in our sole discretion determine that the debt securities (in whole but not in part) should be exchanged for definitive debt securities
and deliver a written notice to such effect to the trustee; or |
| ● | there
has occurred and is continuing a default or event of default with respect to the debt securities. |
If debt securities are issued in certificated
form, they will only be issued in the minimum denomination specified in the accompanying prospectus supplement and integral multiples
of such denomination. Transfers and exchanges of such debt securities will only be permitted in such minimum denomination. Transfers of
debt securities in certificated form may be registered at the trustee’s corporate office or at the offices of any paying agent or
trustee appointed by us under the indentures. Exchanges of debt securities for an equal aggregate principal amount of debt securities
in different denominations may also be made at such locations.
Governing Law
The indentures and debt securities will be governed
by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its principles of conflicts of laws, except
to the extent the Trust Indenture Act is applicable or as otherwise agreed to by the parties thereto.
Trustee
The trustee or trustees under the indentures will
be named in any applicable prospectus supplement.
Conversion or Exchange Rights
The prospectus supplement will describe the terms,
if any, on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for our ordinary shares or other debt securities.
These terms will include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option. These
provisions may allow or require the number of shares of our ordinary shares or other securities to be received by the holders of such
series of debt securities to be adjusted. Any such conversion or exchange will comply with applicable Cayman Islands law and our amended
and restated memorandum and articles of association.
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS
We may issue units comprised of one or more of
the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also
the holder, with the rights and obligations of a holder, of each security included in the unit. The unit agreement under which a unit
is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before
a specified date or upon the occurrence of a specified event or occurrence.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe:
| ● | the
designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities
may be held or transferred separately; |
| ● | any
unit agreement under which the units will be issued; |
| ● | any
provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units; and |
| ● | whether
the units will be issued in fully registered or global form. |
DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS
We may issue rights to purchase our common stock
or preferred stock, in one or more series. Rights may be issued independently or together with any other offered security and may or may
not be transferable by the person purchasing or receiving the subscription rights. In connection with any rights offering to our stockholders,
we may enter into a standby underwriting arrangement with one or more underwriters pursuant to which such underwriters will purchase any
offered securities remaining unsubscribed after such rights offering. In connection with a rights offering to our stockholders, we will
distribute certificates evidencing the rights and a prospectus supplement to our stockholders on the record date that we set for receiving
rights in such rights offering. The applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus will describe the following terms of rights
in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:
| ● | the
title of such rights; |
| ● | the
securities for which such rights are exercisable; |
| ● | the
exercise price for such rights; |
| ● | the
date of determining the security holders entitled to the rights distribution; |
| ● | the
number of such rights issued to each security holder; |
| ● | the
extent to which such rights are transferable; |
| ● | if
applicable, a discussion of the material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the issuance or exercise of such
rights; |
| ● | the
date on which the right to exercise such rights shall commence, and the date on which such rights shall expire (subject to any extension); |
| ● | the
conditions to completion of the rights offering; |
| ● | any
provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price or number of securities issuable upon exercise of the rights; |
| ● | the
extent to which such rights include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities; |
| ● | if
applicable, the material terms of any standby underwriting or other purchase arrangement that we may enter into in connection with the
rights offering; and |
| ● | any
other terms of such rights, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such rights. |
Each right will entitle the holder thereof the
right to purchase for cash such amount of shares of common stock or preferred stock, or any combination thereof, at such exercise price
as shall in each case be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the prospectus supplement relating to the rights offered thereby.
Rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for such rights set forth in the prospectus supplement.
After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised rights will become void. Rights may be exercised as set forth in the
prospectus supplement relating to the rights offered thereby. Upon receipt of payment and the proper completion and due execution of the
rights certificate at the office of the rights agent, if any, or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will forward,
as soon as practicable, the shares of common stock and/or preferred stock purchasable upon such exercise. We may determine to offer any
unsubscribed offered securities directly to persons other than stockholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through
a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby underwriting arrangements, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
PLAN
OF DISTRIBUTION
We
may sell the securities described in this prospectus through underwriters or dealers, through agents, directly to one or more purchasers,
“at-the-market” offerings, negotiated transactions, block trades or through a combination of these methods. The applicable
prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including:
| ● | the
name or names of any underwriters, if any, and if required, any dealers or agents, and the
amount of securities underwritten or purchased by each of them, if any; |
| ● | the
public offering price or purchase price of the securities from us and the net proceeds to
us from the sale of the securities; |
| ● | any
underwriting discounts and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation; |
| ● | any
discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers; and |
| ● | any
securities exchange or market on which the securities may be listed. |
We
may distribute the securities from time to time in one or more transactions at:
| ● | a
fixed price or prices, which may be changed; |
| ● | market
prices prevailing at the time of sale; |
| ● | varying
prices determined at the time of sale related to such prevailing market prices; or |
Only
underwriters named in the prospectus supplement will be underwriters of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement.
If
we use underwriters in the sale, the underwriters will either acquire the securities for their own account and may resell the securities
from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or
sell the Shares on a “best efforts, minimum/maximum basis” when the underwriters agree to do their best to sell the securities
to the public. We may offer the securities to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or by underwriters
without a syndicate. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers may change from
time to time.
If
we use a dealer in the sale of the securities being offered pursuant to this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, the securities
will be sold directly to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined
by the dealer at the time of resale.
Our
common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Unless otherwise specified in the related prospectus supplement, all securities
we offer, other than common stock, will be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriter may make a market
in these securities, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We may apply
to list any series of warrants or other securities that we offer on an exchange, but we are not obligated to do so. Therefore, there
may not be liquidity or a trading market for any series of securities.
We
may sell the securities directly or through agents we designate from time to time. We will name any agent involved in the offering and
sale of securities and we will describe any commissions we may pay the agent in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We
may authorize agents or underwriters to solicit offers by institutional investors to purchase securities from us at the public offering
price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified
date in the future. We will describe the conditions to these contracts and the commissions we must pay for solicitation of these contracts
in the applicable prospectus supplement.
In
connection with the sale of the securities, underwriters, dealers or agents may receive compensation from us or from purchasers of the
securities for whom they act as agents in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell the securities to
or through dealers, and those dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters
or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution
of the securities, and any institutional investors or others that purchase securities directly and then resell the securities, may be
deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts or commissions received by them from us and any profit on the resale of the securities by
them may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.
LEGAL
MATTERS
The
validity of the issuance of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP. The current address of
Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP is 366 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10017.
If
legal matters in connection with offerings made pursuant to this prospectus are passed upon by counsel to underwriters, dealers, or agents,
such counsel will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to any such offering.
EXPERTS
The
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, incorporated by reference in this prospectus have been so included
in reliance on the report of HTL International, LLC, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on their authority as experts
in accounting and auditing. The office of HTL International, LLC is located at 12 Greenway Plaza Suite 1100, Houston, Texas 77046. The consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022,
incorporated by reference in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of Enrome LLP, an independent registered
public accounting firm, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. The office of Enrome LLP is located at 143 Cecil
St, #19-03/04 GB Building, Singapore 069542.
INTERESTS
OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
No
named expert of or counselor to us was employed on a contingent basis, or owns an amount of our shares (or those of our subsidiaries)
which is material to that person, or has a material, direct or indirect economic interest in us or that depends on the success of the
offering.
INCORPORATION
OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The
SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus the documents we file with, or furnish to, it, which means
that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to these documents. The information that we incorporate by reference
into this prospectus forms a part of this prospectus. When we update the information contained in documents that have been incorporated
by reference by making future filings with the SEC, the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus is considered to be
automatically updated and superseded. In other words, in the case of a conflict or inconsistency between information contained in this
prospectus and information incorporated by reference into this prospectus, you should rely on the information contained in the document
that was filed later.
We
incorporate by reference into this prospectus the documents listed below:
|
● |
our
Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on April 2, 2024; |
|
|
|
|
● |
our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31,
2024, filed with the SEC on May 20, 2024; |
|
|
|
● |
our
report on Form 8-K, furnished to the SEC on April
8, 2024, April 12,
2024, April 22, 2024, April
26, 2024, May 15,
2024 and June 6,
2024; |
|
|
|
|
● |
the
Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A,
filed with the SEC on January 17, 2024; |
|
|
|
|
● |
the
description of our common stock contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on July 23, 2015, and
any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description; |
|
|
|
|
● |
any
future annual reports on Form 10-K filed with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering
of the securities offered by this prospectus; and |
|
|
|
|
● |
any
future reports on Form 8-K that we furnish to the SEC after the date of this prospectus that are identified in such reports as being
incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. |
All
documents filed by us pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the initial filing date of this prospectus,
through the date declared effective, until the termination of the offering of securities contemplated by this prospectus shall be deemed
to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus. These documents that we file later with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus will automatically update information contained in this prospectus or that
was previously incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You will be deemed to have notice of all information incorporated by reference
in this prospectus as if that information was included in this prospectus.
We
will provide to any person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered, a copy of any or all of the information
that has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus but not delivered with this prospectus, at no cost to the requesting party,
upon request to us in writing or by telephone using the following information:
GD
Culture Group Limited
22F
- 810 Seventh Avenue,
New
York, NY 10019
+1-347-2590292
You
should rely only on the information that we incorporate by reference or provide in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to
provide you with different information. We are not making any offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale
is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained or incorporated in this prospectus by reference is accurate as
of any date other than the date of the document containing the information.
WHERE
YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
As
permitted by SEC rules, this prospectus omits certain information and exhibits that are included in the registration statement of which
this prospectus forms a part. Since this prospectus may not contain all of the information that you may find important, you should review
the full text of these documents. If we have filed a contract, agreement, or other document as an exhibit to the registration statement
of which this prospectus forms a part, you should read the exhibit for a more complete understanding of the document or matter involved.
Each statement in this prospectus, including statements incorporated by reference as discussed above, regarding a contract, agreement,
or other document is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual document.
We
are subject to periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act as applicable to foreign private
issuers. Accordingly, we are required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the SEC. All
information filed with the SEC can be inspected over the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of these documents,
upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC.
As
a foreign private issuer, we are exempt under the Exchange Act from, among other things, the rules prescribing the furnishing
and content of proxy statements, and our executive officers, directors, and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and
short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we will not be required under the Exchange
Act to file periodic or current reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose
securities are registered under the Exchange Act.
PROSPECTUS
GD
Culture Group Limited
$100,000,000
Common
Stock
Preferred
Stock
Debt
Securities
Warrants
Rights
Units
,
2024
PART
II
INFORMATION
NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14.
OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
The
estimated expenses payable by the Registrant in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered are
as follows:
SEC
Registration Fee | |
$ | 14,760 | |
Legal
Fees and Expenses* | |
| * | |
Accounting
Fees and Expenses* | |
| * | |
Printing
and miscellaneous Expenses* | |
| * | |
Total | |
$ | * | |
* |
Estimated expenses are
presently not known and cannot be estimated. |
ITEM 15.
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The
Nevada Revised Statutes permits our board of directors to indemnify any person against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments,
fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with any threatened, pending, or completed
action, suit, or proceeding in which such person is made a party by reason of his or her being or having been a director, officer, employee,
or agent of us, or serving or having served, at our request, as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, in terms sufficiently broad to permit such indemnification under certain circumstances for
liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act. The statute provides that indemnification
pursuant to its provisions is not exclusive of other rights of indemnification to which a person may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement,
vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.
We
have adopted provisions in our Articles of Incorporation, as amended from time to time that limit or eliminate the personal liability
of our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Nevada law, as it now exists or may in the future be amended, and against
all expenses and liabilities reasonably incurred in connection with their service for or on behalf of the company.
At
present, we are not aware of any pending or threatened litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officer, employees or
agents in which indemnification would be required or permitted. We believe provisions in our articles of incorporation are necessary
to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers.
In
any underwriting agreement we enter into in connection with the sale of common stock and warrants being registered hereby, the underwriters
will agree to indemnify, under certain conditions, us, our directors, our officers and persons who control us within the meaning of the
Securities Act, against certain liabilities.
Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Company has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
ITEM
16. EXHIBITS
The following
exhibits are attached hereto:
+ |
Previously filed |
|
|
++ |
Filed herewith |
|
|
* |
To be filed, if necessary, after effectiveness of this registration statement by an amendment to
the registration statement or incorporated by reference to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed in connection with an underwritten
offering of the shares offered hereunder. |
|
|
** |
To be filed in accordance with the requirements of Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as amended. |
ITEM
17. UNDERTAKINGS.
(a) The undersigned
registrant hereby undertakes:
(1)
To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i)
To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii)
To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective
amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration
statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities
offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range
may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume
and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration
Fee” table in the effective registration statement.
(iii)
To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
any material change to such information in the registration statement; provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii)
and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs
is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange
Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule
424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
(2)
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be
a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3)
To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(4)
That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:
(A)
Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the
date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in this Registration Statement; and
(B)
Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on
Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required
by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier
of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the
offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date
an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the
registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration
statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is
part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or
modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of this Registration Statement or made in
any such document immediately prior to such effective date.
(5)
That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution
of the securities: The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant
to this Registration Statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities
are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to
the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i)
Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule
424;
(ii)
Any free-writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by
the undersigned registrant;
(iii)
The portion of any other free-writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant
or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
(iv)
Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
(b)
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of
the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration
statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c)
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act, as amended, may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the
opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a
director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion
of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(d)
The undersigned registrant hereby further undertakes that:
(1)
For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part
of this Registration Statement in reliance under Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to
Rule 424(b)(1) or (4), or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this Registration Statement as of the time it
was declared effective.
(2)
For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at
that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form
S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in New
York, New York, on July 19, 2024.
|
GD Culture Group Limited |
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/
Xiao Jian Wang |
|
|
Xiao Jian Wang |
|
|
Chief
Executive Officer, President and
Chairman
of the Board
(Principal
Executive Officer) |
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name |
|
Position |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Xiao Jian Wang |
|
Chief Executive Officer,
President and |
|
July
19, 2024 |
Xiao Jian Wang |
|
Chairman of the Board
of Directors |
|
|
|
|
(Principal Executive
Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Zihao Zhao |
|
Chief Financial Officer
and Director |
|
July
19, 2024 |
Zihao Zhao |
|
(Principal Financial
Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Yun Zhang |
|
Director |
|
July
19, 2024 |
Yun Zhang |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Shuaiheng Zhang |
|
Director |
|
July
19, 2024 |
Shuaiheng Zhang |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Lei Zhang |
|
Director |
|
July
19, 2024 |
Lei Zhang |
|
|
|
|
II-5
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING
FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference
in the Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 of GD Culture Group Limited (the “Company”) of our report dated
April 2, 2024, relating to the consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2023 and the related
consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended,
and the related notes, included in GD Culture Group Limited’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with SEC on April 2, 2024.
We also consent to the reference of HTL International,
LLC, as an independent registered public accounting firm, as experts in matters of accounting and auditing.
/s/ HTL International, LLC |
|
|
HTL International, LLC |
|
Houston, Texas |
|
|
|
July 19, 2024 |
|
|
|
Exhibit 23.2
![](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1641398/000121390024063063/ex23-2_001.jpg)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-3 of GD Culture Group Limited. (the “Company”) of our report dated March 31, 2023, relating to the consolidated
balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2022, and the related consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss, changes
in shareholder’s equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the related notes, included in its Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
We also consent to the reference of Enrome LLP, as an independent registered
public accounting firm, as experts in matters of accounting and auditing.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Enrome LLP
Singapore
July 19, 2024
Enrome LLP |
143 Cecil Street #19-03/04
GB Building Singapore 069542 |
admin@enrome-group.com
www.enrome-group.com |
Exhibit 23.4
![](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1641398/000121390024063063/ex23-4_001.jpg)
Consent
We are a qualified law firm and lawyers in the
People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”) and we have been engaged by GD Culture Group Limited, a company incorporated
in Nevada (the “Company”), to advise on certain legal matters related to the PRC laws and regulations.
We hereby consent to the use of this consent as
an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-3, as amended (the “Registration Statement”) to be filed with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission. We further consent to the use of our name and to all references made to us in the Registration Statement
and in the prospectus forming a part thereof.
/s/ Jiangsu Junjin Law Firm
Jiangsu Junjin Law Firm
July 19, 2024
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